<b>Ellyah was an apt storyteller, the only sounds other than his voice were the crackling fire and faint noises from the world beyond the walls of their camp. The enthusiasm in his voice mesmerized and by the end of his tale, even the forest seemed to hold its breath. <br/>
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Pegawen glanced over at her cousin and frowned. What was she thinking? It was often hard to tell, Allassiel had seen much in her long life. Peace, war … death. And an evil that transcended it, that took what was once loved and twisted him into their worst nightmare. Yet she'd managed to survive through it, growing stronger. <br/>
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With a sigh, Pegawen stood and motioned for Lotharn to join her before pointing to the hobbits. “We should get them to their bedrolls,” she mouthed, noticing their sleepy expressions. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>That was a fine tale, master elf,” Flagdon said with a long stretch. “And now I shall take myself to my sleep.” <br/>
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At his pronouncement, the group broke up and started towards their own bedrolls for the night. Timberlane headed towards the wall, pipe in hand, and a brief flash of light announced his intent to stay up a while longer. <br/>
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Only Allassiel remained next to the fire, staring into it even as the others left. The firelight cast shadows along her face, hiding her expression. Her shoulders slumped and she leaned forward to stir the embers with a stick, sending sparks of light into the darkness. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>You are deep in your thoughts, elf.”</b><br/><br/><b>Turning to look up at Timberlane, Allassiel shrugged. “There is much to consider in this new world.”</b><br/><br/><b>Timberlane grunted and puffed on his pipe, waiting for her to continue. When she didn't he tapped the bowl out. “Consider or not, we must rest. Even one such as yourself,” he added, “for the lands here are unfamiliar and treacherous.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'll be fine resting here.” She glanced across the way at where Thorgan stood with Ellyah, talking. “Perhaps you should heed your own advice, wizard.”</b><br/><br/><b>After he'd wandered off, she glanced around at the others who were preparing for sleep or to keep watch over the camp. Satisfied that everyone was secure, she returned to her examination of the fire, glancing occasionally through the light and shadows at the conversation in the distance.</b>