They sat there in silence for a time. Fáinu stared in almost astonishment into Cree's eyes, he did not know what to say to her. She showed so much courage and faithfulness. the time he had spent alone had made him forget how much he longed for a companion, even his horse had run away on many occasions.
"For many years," he said, "my future has been dark to me, all I know is what Elrond told me. Ever since that black day, I have been alone. You have found a companion in your crow. Ask yourself this; would you have survived on your own without her? Would you have kept you mind?" he sighed and looked down at the table, "My only problem is that I do not know what I would do if I led you to death, I would ever blame myself. For Elrond said that one would be lead by me to death, and then I would again wander alone."
He looked up at Cree and saw that a tear was rolling down her cheek, Fáinu could do nothing. Nothing could he find to say to cheer her. All that came to mind were cold words that would perhaps harm their friendship.
"But If this is our fate," he said profoundly, "Then let us go to it unafraid. Even if all evil ever spawned comes for us, even if the fire of Hell scorched me, never shall I let thee be alone. Lest it is beyond my power."
|