<b>Pegawen had found Lotharn first, standing with Timberlane as they waited for the women to join them. Upon seeing his new clothes, Pegawen smiled and bowed. “You look very handsome.” From behind her, someone cleared their throat and she turned to see Allassiel standing there, the dark green of her new dress making her pale skin appear almost luminescent. She'd taken the time to braid her hair, adding a simple circlet to complete her attire. “It sounds like a faire in there,” Allassiel stated, motioning towards the direction of the room. <br/>
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Indeed, when they arrived at the meeting and entered the room, it was both as packed and as colorful as one, with each of the races having settled in on part of the circular space. Pegawen was unaccustomed to so many staring at her, and she clenched her hands within the folds of her dress as she listened to the assembly greet them. <br/>
<br/>
The arguments started almost immediately after it was announced that Lotharn had the stone, with each group having a different idea of what to do with it. Pegawen blinked, amazed once more at the similarities between this place and the home they'd come from. <i>Can they not get along, even here? <br/>
</i><br/>
Yet, as the assembly grew more animated and argumentative, she stood by Lotharn's side. Allassiel, similarly, stood on his other side, nodding her head in agreement as he spoke. When he asked who was brave enough to go with him, she stepped forward immediately. “I will go with you,” she replied, lifting her chin, her gaze going from one group to another, as though challenging them.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I will go,” Pegawen responded, also stepping forward. When Allassiel opened her mouth to argue, Pegawen shook her head. “I can … and I will, for my skills as healer will likely be needed.” <br/>
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The assembly murmured amongst themselves once more as the two hiril stood by Lotharn, giving him their support. They waited, wondering if fear would breed inactivity from the citizens of this land. Surely the evil that held sway would be counting on it.</b><br/><br/><b>Finally, from the dwarves, one of them rose and raised his axe. “I will go then,” he announced. Allassiel raised an eyebrow at this. <i>Young, from the looks of his beard, </i>she thought. <i>I hope he knows how to swing that weapon. </i>His call started a chain of similar cries from all three races, and soon Lotharn had several volunteers to choose from. <br/>
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<i>May the Valar guide us</i>.</b><br/><br/><b>With the meeting over, Pegawen let Lotharn know where they would be before hurrying towards the dining hall.</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel followed close behind, holding the skirt over her calves so she could move faster. “I can't help but recall how our own war went,” she commented, as they entered the building and went to find a table. “It was not one I would wish on these people, and perhaps one we could avoid them having all together if we find these stones and destroy them.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Let's speak more about this once Lotharn arrives,” Pegawen responded, as she settled in her chair and ordered a platter of bread and cheese for them. </b>