"I mean it," he promises, steady and warm. He smiles at her, sweet, and drops his head to gently kiss her sore fingers. "It's not like the clearing. Reep and I have both been there and back again, haven't we, Reepicheep?"

"Yes, Sire," the Mouse replies, swiftly. "You'd love it there, Daughter of Eve. You've never seen a place so lovely."