<b>Following the directions given them by Flagdon, the group made their way towards the dwarven lands. They'd pass near his home to get to the seas, and he assured them they'd be well-received on their arrival. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>If we have to go to the sea, why not simply go there?” Allassiel asked.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Elves. Always so direct in their thought, even if not always in their words. We could simply go straight there, aye. But we travel fast if we travel lighter, and a visit to my people will give us the chance to gather more supplies for our journey.” He tugged his beard, thoughtful. “Besides, should the need arise, we'll need all the help we can get.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Your people's strength and wisdom would come most handy indeed, master dwarf,” Timberlane responded. “Very few know the ways of building and crafting as they do.”</b><br/><br/><b>Flagdon beamed at the compliment. “The king will be pleased to see you, wizard. You've not been to our lands in some time.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Little reason to go. But I shall be glad to see him as well. And how does his eldest fare of late?”</b><br/><br/><b>The two talked, pausing their conversation to answer questions from the others. By nightfall, when they stopped to rest the horses and eat, Allassiel knew more about Flagdon's king than she had the king of Khazad Dum. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>It's rather comforting,” she stated as they set out bedrolls, “to know that dwarves are the same, no matter where they are. If you wish, I could tell you stories from my land. Lord Balin, King Durin VI, Thror, Thorin Oakenshield ...” she paused, recalling the stories she'd heard.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Dwarves from your lands?” Flagdon's face lit up. “You'll be most welcome in our kingdom then, as we've a love of storytelling. Were there many battles? Did these dwarves do great things?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Oh, indeed.” Pegawen piped up before her cousin could respond. “Why Thror attempted to regain their home seat of Khazad Dum only to have his head chopped --”</b><br/><br/>“<b>We'll tell stories another time.” Allasea shook her head at Pegawen. “For now, we should rest while we can. We have a long trip ahead and not much time to make it in.” <br/>
<br/>
Pegawen pursed her lips and nodded, then headed over to Lotharn to help him unpack the rations for everyone. <br/>
<br/>
After everyone had eaten, they broke up into small groups to rest. Allassiel had agreed to take the first watch, and Thorgan volunteered to stay up with her. The hobbits, despite their protests that they were fine and could do it, were quickly asleep. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Don't forge to wake me when my turn comes round,” Flagdon called out to them.</b><br/><br/>“<b>And I will be ready,” Haldir added, turning to grin at Allasea's mumbled complaints. “Don't fear, I'll take the bear as I promised.”</b><br/><br/><b>Somewhat mollified, she settled back to stare up at the sky, Jax grooming himself nearby.</b>