<b>After the oceanic display, Allassiel turned to Thorgan. “I should go down and check on Pegawen. Then some rest. We don't know yet what we'll face when we get to our destination.” Not waiting for a reply, she hugged him and walked away. “And where are the hobbits? Have you seen them?” <br/>
<br/>
Near the galley, Timberlane was in deep discussion with Flagdon and Haldir, his head bowed down to hear what the dwarf was saying. As Allassiel passed them, she slowed. “Have any of you seen the Merry and Pippen?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I believe I saw them dragging down a bag half again as big as them. Knowing those two, it was a light snack for later.” Flagdon let out a loud laugh. <br/>
<br/>
Haldir shook his head. “Allasea still below with Pegawen?” <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>She said she'd stay with her. Pegawen doesn't like the sea. She'd have greatly disliked the return to Valinor. Shall I send Allasea up?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>No, allow them their time together. They had precious little of it when Pegawen was growing up. I'll come down once I've seen to Allasea's animals.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel gave him a nod, and waved to the others before resuming her trip back to the rooms. <br/>
<br/>
Below, she found a small party going, the hobbits in the center, their arms waving wildly in the air as their captive audience gasped.</b><br/><br/>“ …<b>it was as big as the ship.” Pippen declared.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Bigger,” added Merry, “and it had 50 arm! I thought it was going to eat the ship whole.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>The captain and his men stood near the edge, spears ready. It was scarier than those dead people we faced.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allasea raised an eyebrow and looked up. Spotting Allassiel in the door, she motioned her inside. “Our little friends were telling us of the excitement up top. Some sort of giant monster?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>A sea creature of some sort. I believe Ellyah called it Octa. It didn't come close enough to put the ship in danger, though his men were ready should it happen. Another creature kept it busy.” She sat down and leaned over the spread of food to feel Pegawen's forehead. “You're looking better. The tea must have done you good.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>The distraction did her just as well.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel nodded. “And that's a boon to us. But now, I think we should clean up and leave her to her rest.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>NO!”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Pegawen promised to tell us a story from her home!”</b><br/><br/>“<b>You did promise. Please?” Merry gazed at Pegawen, his eyes wide.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Children,” Allasea started.</b><br/><br/>“<b>No, that's alright, I don't mind. And I did promise.” Pegawen leaned back and closed her eyes, memories of home making her smile. “Well, what shall I tell? Oh, I know. Would you like to hear about when hobbits visited the fair kingdom of Lothlorien?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>YES!”</b><br/><br/>“<b>YES!”</b><br/><br/><b>The two spoke in chorus, plopping down in the middle of the floor and leaning forward, their eyes intent on Pegawen.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I can see there'll be no stopping her now,” Allassiel muttered and crossed the room to sit on the floor next to Allasea. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>No, and it'll be good to hear of home.” Allasea added.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Yes, it will.”</b>