<i><b>Why the ocean?</b></i><br/><br/><b>Pegawen lay back on the cot in Allassiel's room, a wet cloth on her forehead. The men, she was certain, were up top enjoying the breeze and the view. She'd managed to make an excuse of needing to look over some tomes and come below before anyone noticed how pale she'd grown. At least she'd thought no one noticed.</b><br/><br/>“<b>You managed to go a full hour more than the first time.” Allassiel checked the cloth before lifting it and returning it to the bowl of water. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Hannon le,” Pegawen croaked, rolling her eyes back.</b><br/><br/>“<b>It it something that requires getting accustomed to. You'll be fine. You were on the trip away from our homeland.” She pushed the hair away from Pegawen's face and placed the freshly dampened cloth back on her forehead.</b><br/><br/><i><b>After several days, </b></i><b>Pegawen thought. Still, it wouldn't be long on the boat this time, a couple of days by the captain's accounting. She could survive it. Allassiel was right.</b><br/><br/><b>A loud knock startled both of them and Allassiel gave a quizzical look before standing and heading to answer it. <br/>
<br/>
Allasea stood outside, a tray in her hands. The scent of mild tea rose from the steam of an old mug.</b><br/><br/>“<b>How did you --” Allassiel started.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I've seen seasickness before. She was turning pale even before we left port.” Allasea slipped past Allassiel and headed towards the bed. “Besides, I used to suffer the same before I learned how to control it. Here,” she set the tray down and sat on the edge of the bed. “Flower tea and lembas. Tiny sips only, but it'll sooth your stomach.”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen tried to smile as she sat up. “It smells lovely. I just hope I can keep it down.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>You will.” Allasea patted the top of Pegawen's head. “Now, come, tell me about your travels here before I joined you.”<br/>
</b><br/><br/><b>The day passed into evening, as the crew steered the ship over calm waters. Men yelled back and forth to each other as they worked, adjusting the sails at the orders of Ellyah. Allassiel leaned against the rail, watching the sun fade behind the vast sea. Allasea had remained below with Pegawen, who'd finally fallen asleep after spending the afternoon together laughing over old tales with her mother.</b><br/><br/><i><b>Allasea, </b></i><b>she thought, <i>is indeed as wise as the stories about her. <br/>
</i></b><br/>“<b>Lass, they're serving supper in the galley now. You going to join us?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>No, Flagdon, I think I'd rather stay here for awhile. It's pretty, isn't it?”</b><br/><br/><b>Flagdon stared out at the water before shrugging. “No more so than the caves I grew up in, I reckon. Suit yourself. What about the others?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Allasea is down below tending Pegawen. I doubt either of them would eat much right now, but perhaps someone could bring a plate down to them”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'll see what I can do for them.” Flagdon shuffled his feet. “You sure you won't join us? You're barely eaten in days.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>No. I'm fine Master Dwarf, but thank you. Besides, I'm sure the hobbits will more than make up for my lack of eating.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Indeed.” He snorted and turned away. “Suit yourself but I'll have them save something aside for you all the same.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Hannon le,” she muttered, listening to the dwarf's footsteps recede before resuming her watch of the sunset. </b>