“<b>We'll be remaining to assist ...”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'm sure Allasea has other matters to tend ...”</b><br/><br/><b>Allasea and Allassiel spoke at once, stopping to stare at each other. Silence reigned during the wordless exchange until Allassiel finally lowered her eyes and nodded. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Of course she'll stay to help, and a boon it will be to us.” Pegawen spoke up, moving between both of them and falling into step with Allassiel. “Allasea taught me much of what I know of magic, so I'm certain she'll be a great use. And Haldir was one of Lorien's best marchwardens, he knows much about fighting and war.” <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>This is truth,” Allassiel muttered, flinching as Jax came up behind her before reaching back to stroke along the bear's shoulder. “Yes,” she repeated with more conviction, “I do have to agree with <i>my</i> cousin.” <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Of course we'll remain. It would be an honor to be here with so many heroes of old.” Allasea nodded in deference to Egland before turning her attentions to the path as they approached the tower doors Reaching them first, she opened them for the others. Two small shadows slinked inside and faded into the hallway. “Ani, Ari … stay close,” she ordered the pair before turning to Pegawen. “Your mate, Lotharn, do you wish me to be there when you speak to him?”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen opened her mouth to reply, then shut it. Do I? She was worried that what she had to tell him would change how he felt, but would it sound any better coming from her … mother? She shook her head. “No, I should be alone with him,” she stated. “That way I can … he can have time to take it in.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Detholalle. N'dela no'ta.” Allassiel reached over to tussle Pegawen's hair. “It'll be fine.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Hannon le,” Pegawen responded, and reached up to attempt to return Allassiel's gesture.</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel laughed and stepped away. “No, little one, you still don't get to do that. I'm the ...” she stopped speaking as she saw the others approach.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Haldir, mellon, what have you found there?” Allasea spoke up, heading towards him and the hobbits. “And I surely didn't expect to see such as these here. Do they live in these lands as well? And … mae g'ovannen master dwarf,” she greet Flagdon with a quick bow. “I hadn't known that the dwarves dwelled here as well.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Aye, we've been here as long as the mountains.” Flagdon returned the greeting, his dark eyes taking in the crowd. “Well then, we'll have a proper group to go out tomorrow.”</b>