<b>The day's travel was uneventful and the group developed a quick, steady pace towards the plains that left little room for talking. That was fine by Pegawen, who spent most of the time either staring at the passing vista or with her eyes closed as she worked through the thoughts still swirling in her mind. So many questions she had for Allasea – who was she, what were they, how did Araw's blood affect their own abilities? It was something that she'd mulled over long after her night with Lotharn. She'd have to pull her mother aside and ask her – if there was time. <br/>
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But it was late in the day when they finally stopped to rest and all Pegawen could think of was how sore her legs were from riding. As she slid down for her horse and wobbled, she felt an arm around her waist. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Careful.” Allassiel grinned behind her, making sure she was steady before letting go. “Don't want you falling on your face.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Thanks.” Pegawen turned and headed towards where the men were setting up camp, Allassiel close behind. “How many more days did Thorgan say it'd be?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>A few. If the path remains clear.” Allassiel kept her hand near her sword sheath as they arrived by the fire. “We'll stay long enough to rest, but start again as soon as the sun shows.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>We should start sooner,” Haldir replied as he scanned the area much as Allassiel did. “They'd expect us to leave at dawn. I believe it's to our advantage to only stay until the moon starts to set.”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen shook her head, remaining silent as she listened to her cousin and Haldir argue the best tactics. Flagdon, enjoying the banter between the two, joined in and soon there was a lively discussion about various battles that she knew little about and strategies that she knew even less about. “How do they keep this all straight in their heads?” she muttered aloud. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Maybe,” Pippen started, coming up behind Pegawen, “they remember it like my ma remembers a recipe or my da just knows how to whittle a bit of wood into a toy.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Maybe so.” Pegawen nodded at the young hobbit. “You are very wise young Pippen.” <br/>
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The young hobbit stuttered and blushed before they both returned to watching, in rapt fascination, the lively discussion going on between the warriors at the fire.</b>