<b>Everyone blinked as the strange woman disappeared the way she had appeared. Silence stretched, broken only by the sounds of wildlife in the trees around them. Pegawen took the opportunity to study the elf blocking their way. He was dressed as a wizard, in the traditional robes and beneath them was the outline of armour. His staff was simply, the only adornment carved leaves and vine near the top. But it was the expression of bafflement on his face that fascinated her. He didn't seem to know how to respond to the announcement that their group was allowed free movement through the lands. <br/>
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As she studied him, his returned the examination, looking them each over in turn. “As the lady has spoken,” he said, finally breaking the silence, “So it shall be.” He motioned for them to follow then began walking towards the mountains. “You'll follow me there. I'll not have her angry with me for allowing any of you to get lost or hurt as you seek … what is it that you seek?” <br/>
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Pegawen looked to Allassiel who, in turn, looked to Lotharn, but it was Timberlane that spoke first. “We seek a item, a stone, that the dwarf before kept in safekeeping until the time which it was again needed. That time is now and we must recover it before agents of the enemy can cause any more harm to the peoples of the land.”</b><br/><br/><b>The elf 's dark eyes were intent as he took in the information. “I recall the dwarf speaking of something valuable to him, when we demanded that he leave the way he came. He never showed me of what it was he held in such regard. Had he ...” He shook his head. “It would have mattered little without the ladies' leave. But perhaps we could have offered him a place to rest. As it is, I can only show you where we found the last signs of him after tracking him.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Even that would be of help.” Haldir moved to walk beside the elf before asking. “What is your name?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I am called Aidadir to those who come here.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>When you stopped us, before your hiril gave permission for us to go, you said something about guardians within a chamber. What manner of creatures will be up there when we arrive?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>They are beings left behind from the time of the old ones, placed in the mountain chamber to protect the final rest of those who had gone before.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Their barrows?” Merry asked and shivered.</b><br/><br/><b>Aidadir pursed his lips, his face furrowed in thought before shaking his head. “Not in the sense that most races call the resting place of their ancestors, no. There are no bodies. They become … as the mist.” He waved his hand through the air in demonstration.</b><br/><br/>“<b>They fade, as elves do?” Pegawen asked.</b><br/><br/><b>Aidadir nodded. “Much in the same way, yes. It is a choice they made many ages ago and one they are happy with.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>So why then a chamber to remember them? And why guard it if there is nothing to guard?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>You will see, m'lady. In due course.”</b><br/><br/><b>They climbed for the rest of the day, pausing only long enough to eat and drink. In turn, they asked Aidadir questions about the island, his life there, and the strange creatures he called the old ones. He answered, some directly, but most with vague responses. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Elves.” Flagdon muttered. “Never give a straight answer to anything important.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I hope that doesn't extend to us, Master Dwarf.” Allassiel tugged his helm back so he could see in front of him.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Not you lot, no.” He tugged the helm back down. “But you must know your people are very close-mouthed when it comes to many things.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel's shrug was all the answer he needed and he nodded in response. “Now dwarves. We'll speak our mind, all of it, and nevermind what comes out.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Our prince knew that very well,” Allasea muttered, switching to Sindarin. Allassiel snorted in response and Pegawen shook her head. “We may have different ways of speaking,” Pegawen offered, “but, in the end, we are allies and that is what speaks loudest.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Well said,” Timberlane said. “Well said, indeed.”</b>