<b>As the men felt along the wall for another entrance, Allasea studied the markings carved into the stone. Though the language was similar to rohir, it was different enough that she paused multiple times to put together what she was reading. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>I never did understand the humans' fascination with building structures to their dead.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allasea glanced over at Allassiel, whose nose brushed the wall as she studied a word. She slid over to see what had her enthralled. “That's because we rarely have to deal with it ourselves. I think that's a name. Perhaps a person, or a place. Hard to tell. Either way, they've found another passage.” She pointed towards the men who were peering into the newly opened door before leaning down to whisper a few words. A pair of purring forms detached themselves from the shadows, one slinking along the passage going down, while the other darted through the new passage and went up. “If there's anything to be concerned about Ari and Ani will tell us.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>How?” Allassiel shook her head. “The cats can't possibly know if something is a trap. Can they?” she added at Allasea's amused expression. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>They can't tell such things, no. But they can sense subtle changes. Such things carry scent. We may not notice, but they will.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Hmph.” Allassiel, done attempting to read the wall, moved to where the men stood and peered over Lotharn's shoulder. <br/>
</b><br/><br/>“<b>Leave me out here, like I'm some manner of child.” <br/>
<br/>
Pegawen kicked a stone, watching it roll towards the hobbits who stood near the doorway. Had she been in a better mood, she'd have been amused by their intent concentration, each of them standing guard with their small swords drawn. “What are you doing?” she snapped.</b><br/><br/>“<b>We're watching for enemies.” Pippen stated.</b><br/><br/>“<b>They'll not surprise us from this end,” Merry added, puffing his chest out. <br/>
<br/>
Pegawen frowned at the low rumbling laugh from behind her. “Does something about all this amuse you, master dwarf?” <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>M'lady, I meant no disrespect,” he replied, his voice filled with mirth. “But the young'uns there, well they believe they're protecting you.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'm well aware of that.” She shook her head and kicked another stone, sending it skittering across the ground to Jax. The bear merely stared at it for a moment before heaving a long sigh and resuming his watch of the distance.</b>