<b>The silence stretched between then, comforting Pegawen as much as being in Lotharn's arms. She wasn't one to question peace when it came to her, simply enjoyed its presence. Thus, she did the same as she meditated on what to say next. <br/>
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After what could have been minutes, or even hours – for who understood what happened inside an elf's mind when she meditated, she began to speak again. “When I was studying magic, one of my teachers was Allasea. She would take us out into the forests, sometimes for weeks, where we'd learn how to recognize every plant and animal – what energies they possessed and how we could use them. She was always a strict teacher, though she never once yelled at anyone. She didn't have to; one stare from her could make any of the students aware of her displeasure.”</b><br/><br/><b>She lifted her head and turned so she stared out the window, using Lotharn as a chair rest. “As often as not, that stare seemed to find me. I felt inept around her, like she somehow expected more of me. I asked my parents ...” she choked on the word, pausing to catch her breath before continuing, “parents once. But they avoided answering me. I always thought it was because I wasn't good enough. Today I learned it was the opposite. She did expect more of me but not because I wasn't good. She knew I was. She knew … because I was just like her. She said I am my mother's daughter; told me that one day she would continue my studies.”</b><br/><br/><br/><b>The question caused Allassiel to lift an eyebrow as she studied him, before turning to the bed and staring at it. “It is large enough for four to sleep in it, I see no reason why …” She paused, then grinned with a shake of her head. “You worry about matters that concern humans. Elves do not consider such things the same. And recall you, I'm not just a hiril, I'm a swordmaiden … a warrior. I'm accustomed to sleeping in a variety of settings – including having to share a bedroll with others – both male and female. “ <br/>
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Determining the argument settled, she drew away and grabbed his hand to pull him to the bed. “Now, come. You need rest before tomorrow.”</b>