<b>Pegawen was up before anyone else, rushing over to where Allassiel lay and dragging her towards the stream to perform her morning rituals. “I wasn't expecting that,” she whispered, although they were out of earshot. “Not that I'm not relieved, but what happened?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I thought things over,” Allassiel started, cupping her hands into the stream to wash her face. “I'll always know our time will be brief, but I'd rather spend what time he has with him than not.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>And after ...”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel paused and glanced over at Pegawen shaking her head. They both knew what would happen after, it needed no explanation. Allassiel smiled at her cousin and motioned back towards the camp. “Come, the others may be up now and we should make ready to leave.”</b><br/><br/><b>Breakfast was quick and simple, everyone being eager to move on. The hobbits were tasked with helping to cook, something their people generally excelled at, and once everyone had eaten the camp was packed up and they were on their way.</b><br/><br/><b>The next few days and nights blended together, and by the third day after the attack they'd made considerable progress – but they'd not seen any other warbands. In the meantime, Allassiel spent much of her time on horseback pestering Thorgan for words in the common tongue of man, with Pegawen's gentle teasing about her pronunciation, when she'd join them for the evening meals. <br/>
<br/>
Allassiel even tried to teach Thorgan a few Sindarin words in return, though she wasn't sure how well she was doing so far. Still, the activities couldn't take her mind off the disquieting feeling that something was amiss. Even Merry and Pippen noticed it, for they'd become quieter, not laughing nearly as much as they had to start. Though, perhaps that was the lack of steady meals. <br/>
<br/>
As they left the safety of the woods, Allassiel could see that he was right. Vigilance would be required. “We should find a place to make camp, and hunt before we continue,” she suggested. Lothran's small game kills had helped to extend their food, but with the addition of the two hobbits, they would run low much faster now.</b>