<b>Pegawen watched as Lotharn ushered everyone out of the room. The company had helped make her forget about the motion of the ship and the food eased the ache in her stomach. Still, she was glad for the silence and the chance to rest.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I am,” she replied and leaned into him. “I'd forgotten how hard the last trip on water was. Allassiel says it's because I've never been on ships before. I don't understand how our people came across the sea.” She sighed against him and closed her eyes. “It's like nothing is still. I can feel the floor move beneath me. At least it won't be a long trip.”</b><br/><br/><br/><b>Allassiel helped the hobbits to their room, smiling as they continued to talk in hushed tones about the story they'd heard. How innocent they were, she thought, so full of wonder for everything they experience. Had it been that way for her once? She thought back. Perhaps. It was so hard to remember after all the centuries past. Humans were fortunate. Too bad they scarce realized it. If they did, would they fight so much?</b><br/><br/>“<b>I bet you would run away if you saw one of those giant bucks,” Pippen said.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Would not. I'd go right up to it just like this,” Merry marched up to Pippen, head held high, “And I'd stare it right in the eye.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Ha! You wouldn't even. A talking deer? You'd be so scared you'd have to change your trousers.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Wasn't afraid of those orcs, was I?”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel shook her head and watched as the pair grew pale at the memory. “Both of you, in bed now. You need sleep, not excitement.” She helped each of them onto their beds. “And no more talk about who's afraid or not. You've both been very brave.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Really?” Two pairs of eyes fixed on her face.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Yes. Pegawen speaks stories, but even she would tell you this is truth.”</b><br/><br/><b>The two hobbits puffed out their chests and crawled beneath the thin blankets. “I'm glad you think so, miss Allassiel. It's not easy having an adventure, for all that our fathers said.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>There's not nearly enough food,” Merry muttered as his head hit the pillow.</b><br/><br/>“<b>And no pipeweed.” Pippen added with a yawn.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Sleep. There'll be much to do soon, I fear, and we'll all need our rest.”</b><br/><br/><b>Assured that the two would remain in bed, Allassiel turned to see Timberlane waiting by the door. She crossed the room and joined him. “What do you expect we'll find once we get there?” she asked.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I've traveled almost the width and breadth of these lands and never much the seas. I have an idea, from what I've read in the past. But there's time enough in the morning, and I've no desire to repeat myself.” He waited for her to leave the room and closed the door behind them. “And for all that elves require little in the way of sleep, I'd recommend it to you.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'm not ...” she started, but Timberlane's expression made her pause. What would it hurt to lay down? “Well, some meditation will be nice. Have you seen Thorgan?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>He was still watching the ocean when I came down. He'll be along before long.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>He'll need the sleep more than I. And you? Should you not sleep? Wizard or no, I imagine you need more rest than I.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'll get to it presently. For now, I wish to speak to Allasea.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Oh?” </b><br/><br/>“<b>Off with you. You elves are infuriatingly stubborn.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel snorted and muttered under her breath that wizards were an expert on stubborn, before heading to her room.</b>