A friend possessing a brave heart will relieve things (5)

I believe the answer is:

allay

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'relieve things' is the definition.
'allay' can be an answer for 'relieve' (synonyms). I'm unsure of the 'things' bit.

'a friend possessing a brave heart' is the wordplay.
'a friend' becomes 'ally' (an ally is a friend or supporter).
'possessing' indicates putting letters inside.
'heart' means to look at the middle letters.
The centre of 'brave' is 'a'.
'ally' going around 'a' is 'ALLAY'.

'will' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for allay that I've seen before include "Marks of blows" , "Lessen" , "Calm, put at rest" , "Diminish or end (fears)" , "Alleviate (hunger)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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