<b>Flagdon stood and addressed the king. “Morgan isn't going to stop looking for the stones, simply by us deciding not to do anything.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Nor will the orcs stop,” Allassiel added, “either seeking the stones or attacking anything the free peoples hold dear. Would you rather cower in your mountain, thinking it protects you from what's coming, or go forth and face the battle like dwarves?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Allassiel,” Pegawen whispered.</b><br/><br/>“<b>You dare to come into my home and call my people cowards, elf?” Brommus stood, glaring down at Allassiel.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Dear,” Opal reached out to tug at his tunic and pull him back into his chair.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I called your people nothing. If that is what you took away, then perhaps you should look within yourself as to why.”</b><br/><br/><b>Brommus blustered, his face turning red as a few nearby dwarves chuckled. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Dwarves,” Haldir muttered with a shake of his head, before speaking up. “You listen to none save your own council, but heed this. You believe you're capable of fending off the orcs. Balin, too, thought the same, yet he and his company of dwarves were slaughtered in their attempt to regain their home of Khazad Dum.” He continued, giving a brief description of tale discovered by dwarves many years later in a journal found deep within the old dwarven empire. As he spoke, Brommus sat down, tugging his beard until Opal reached over and stilled his hand. <br/>
<br/>
As the last words of Haldir's tale faded, silence reigned in the room, and several dwarves lowered their heads in respect for those who'd been lost.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Selkier, Ormr.”</b><br/><br/><b>Two dwarves came forward from the group that had laughed earlier and bowed before Brommus.</b><br/><br/>“<b>These,” Brommus said, motioning to the dwarves before him, “are my best guardsmen and guides. I'll send them, and what supplies you may need, as you travel towards the sea. I say it's folly to release the Farmer. Yet, as you say, it will be done regardless if it is by your hand or that of the enemy seeking to release Morgan.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>You are wise.” Haldir inclined his head. “And before we go, we'll share with you what tactics we've learned for dealing with the orcs and wights. Allassiel, Lotharn, and myself know much about the former, and I believe the wizard can assist best with the latter. “</b><br/><br/>“<b>Pegawen, come. We'll assist with the preparation. You two, as well,” Allasea added, motioning for the hobbits.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'll show you the way.” Opal stood and laid a hand on her husband's arm before stepping down and sweeping her way across the room to an entrance off to the side. “Follow me.</b><br/><br/><b>When the rest of the group joined them some time later, Allasea was inspecting the three goats that had been produced for their guides and supplies, while Pegawen sat next to the pair of hobbits sleeping on a reclining Jax. She pressed her finger to her lips. “They fell asleep a short time ago. We should all take a short time to do the same.”</b>