<b>While Lotharn took position behind the door, Allassiel pushed Pegawen back towards the corner. The splintering of wood resounded through the room and, pulling her dagger from its sheath, she turned to shield her cousin even as the hooded figures demanded the stone. <i>Stone? They think we have the stone? <br/>
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There wasn't time to dwell on it, however, as Lotharn slammed the hilt of his sword against one of the figures. The shock disrupted what spell he'd begun to cast, the resulting energy scorching the bed beside the hiril. Behind her, Pegawen hissed, but Allassiel didn't have time to find out if she was hurt, as the other figure started to approach. “The stone,” he repeated.</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel raised her blade, readying herself. She couldn't see a weapon, but she wasn't taking any chances, the air still tinged with the scent of burnt wool. As Lotharn and the second figure scuffled, the first paused and turned, leaving Allassiel an opening. She sprung, grabbing the intruder's arm and attempted to bring her blade up to his neck.</b><br/><br/><b>The next moment, she felt a sharp sting across her cheek and found herself on the floor. Shaking her head, she jumped back to her feet and faced off with the hooded figure, a string of Sindarin curses rolling off her tongue. <br/>
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In the corner, Pegawen stared at the fight as she pressed up against the wall. Fumbling in her robes, she pulled out a small grey rune no bigger than her palm and began chanting. For a moment, nothing happened, then the stone began to glow pale yellow as sparks emitted from the air around it. Panting from the exertion of using the old magic, she uttered a single word, sending the small ball of energy at Allassiel's attacker. It wasn't much, but she hoped it would be enough to distract him, giving her cousin the advantage. </b>