<b>In the early morning light, the small group prepared for their continued journey. The dwarves had seen to restocking their supplies, adding a pair of large gems – for passage payment, they said. Allassiel studied one of them as the others made ready to leave. It was a pale yellow, finely cut and polished, and nearly as big as her fist. Who would use something like this? She thought. Dwarves. She set it back in the bag next to the other, a deep green that seemed to breathe. Or dragons? The thought gave her pause. Despite the fact that dragons were supposed to be allies here, she couldn't help but shudder. They'd been Sauron's pets, the few that had been in the west, and no friend of the free people at all. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>We'll be leaving soon. Are you sure you'll be alright?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Yes. I'll have to be.” Allassiel turned to study Pegawen and smiled at the worried expression on her cousin's face. “Besides, you'll be there. I've little to fear. Now, stop fussing over me. You haven't even eaten yet, already you tend to the sick. Tend to yourself, dear one.”</b><br/><br/><b>She listened to Pegawen mutter something and wander off, chuckling at the irritation in her voice, before looking around for Thorgan. She saw him, off talking to his men, and wondered if any of them would come along or follow behind them. She'd find out soon enough.</b><br/><br/><b>Timberlane was also nearby, tending the two hobbits who were both excited and scared to be going again. She couldn't blame them, everything was new for them – the land, the battle, even the lack of regular meals. They were holding up well, and she could tell that Lotharn enjoyed having them along. Even if it did mean they had to be extra vigilant and keep the pair safe. <br/>
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Satisfied that everyone was there, she went looking for something to eat and drink before they departed.</b>