"Ah, you need not worry too much. It would take something of great urgency for him to do that, you know. For all his grumbling, he's understanding and kind." Hythlodaeus shook his head slightly.

"Why would what steals your thoughts not matter, hmm? I know some of the observers here might not think of that with a 'familiar,' but I have the feeling that what troubles you is never a trifling matter."

Azem's heart was ever as large as the sky. All he met fit in it, and if it was troubled, then comfort truly might be the best idea. Though the reaction made Hythlodaeus's heart tighten slightly. This shy hiding away, what must he have been through, to be aching so?