<b>Immense. That's the only way Pegawen could imagine the cavern they were traveling through. The lantern lights attached to their goats fell into the darkness around them, and even the sounds of their hooves disappeared. She gave a whispered thanks to Elbereth that the king had sent guides with them, for even Flagdon seemed lost and stuck close to his brethren. <br/>
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Timberlane had attempted to use his staff to provide extra light, but had only succeeded in startling the goats who were far more accustomed to the dim lantern light than the brilliance of magical flame. Still, it'd been enough of a glimpse for the group to inch their way over to the wall. <br/>
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The hobbits, having found the ride uncomfortable, switched to riding on Jax's back. The bear didn't mind. He didn't even seem to notice their weight, merely trudged along behind his mistress. Pegawen could hear them whispering to each other, all but the stray word here and there lost. What little she heard, however, made her chuckle as she realized they were telling stories from around the shire about their grandfathers. <br/>
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The pair received similar grins from the other elves as they made their arduous way towards the entrance. At least, that's what their guides assured them. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>You hear that?” Allassiel said, nudging closer to Pegawen.</b><br/><br/>“<b>What?” Pegawen brushed her hair back and lifted her head. “I don't hear … oh. Is that water?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Yes. Ocean. Waterfall. It's hard to tell in this darkness. IF there was sunlight, moonlight even.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Is it day even?” Pegawen pursed her lips.</b><br/><br/>“<b>If we are close to the entrance, and that's the sea we hear, then it must be night. Else we'd see light by now.”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen nodded to herself at Allasea's words, even as Timberlane spoke up. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>It would seem you're right, dear elf. For even the darkness cannot hide the stars shining ahead. Near the water we are.” <br/>
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Even the goats sped up, as if the lure of fresh air and the outdoors outweighed their natural habitat. </b>