<b>As Thorgan spoke, Allasea sat back and closed her eyes. The only sign that she was listening was the tapping of her fingers against the armrest of her chair, in time with Thorgan's words. Behind her, Haldir paced, the impatient noise making the corner of her lip curve up. He rarely stayed still, even in his sleep, something she'd had to grow used to over the years. And when he was agitated, as he was now … well, she'd deal with that later. <br/>
<br/>
She listened as Haldir interjected now and then with questions to clarify or expand the story. By the time Thorgan had brought them up to the current events, she was frowning. Whoever Morgan was, he was at least as dangerous as Sauron, and equally determined to reform the world's inhabitants in his own image. <br/>
<br/>
Thinking over what she'd learned, she studied each of them in turn, pausing to stare long at Pegawen. Out of all the students I've had, she thought, none have surpassed her, as well it should be. She glanced over at Lotharn and studied him briefly before turning her attentions back to the hiril that wasn't much bigger than she. <br/>
<br/>
Pegawen glanced up from her book into the disquieting gaze. It'd been over 400 years since she'd last studied under Allasea, but she'd not forgotten those lessons – or the grueling work that had come with them! Weeks on in they'd spent in the thickest woods of the Greenwood with nothing but the bare essentials and whatever they could forage from the lands. Her lessons had always been harder than that of the others, more complex. When she'd returned to the vineyard, she'd asked her parents why Allasea was so hard on her. <br/>
<br/>
“She knows what's best for you,” had been the only reply she'd gotten from her father. Her mother had quickly changed the subject. <br/>
<br/>
Haldir spoke up first, pausing his pacing to rest a hand on Allasea's shoulder. “So this Morgan, he's close? What do his fortifications look like? And how many fight for you?” The last he directed at both Thorgan and Lotharn, though he watched Pegawen for a moment before leaning to whisper into Allasea's ear. <br/>
<br/>
Allasea shook her head, opening her mouth to speak, but Haldir pressed a finger over her lips. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Uuma dela, kwentra i'nam melamin.” <br/>
<br/>
The look she gave him could have blasted an army of orcs in their tracks, but he simply smiled and helped her up. “The ladies should take Allasea to see some of the grounds here while we speak,” he commanded.</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen closed her book and stood, while Allassiel shook her head. “No, I shall stay here if you don't object. I've had my fill of gardens and walks for the day. Besides, you need someone that knows how to run a campaign.” She gave Haldir a cheeky grin which he returned. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>I look forward to sparring with you again.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Oh? Still trying to recover from the last time when I bested you?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>You won't again.”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen watched them, shaking her head. They acted like brother and sister at times, despite their differences, and it was good to see Allassiel opening back up. Thorgan was to thank for that. I wonder what I could do to thank him? Perhaps …</b><br/><br/>“<b>Shall we?” Allasea asked. “You've yet to meet my newest pair of lynxes. You'll like them.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Oh. Right. We could go out to the gardens. If I can remember the way there.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>You'll remember. And we'll enjoy finding them.” Allasea motioned to the door and Pegawen followed her out of the room.</b>