<b>Despite the heaviness of the air near the building, there was no threat around them. Rather, it felt more like a sense of curiosity, as though those that watched wanted to see the strangers for themselves. <br/>
<br/>
Jax attempted to follow the hobbits and growled his aggravation as they drew further away. “I'll remain here,” Allasea said. “There's enough already to go inside.” The words seemed to soothe the animal for he dropped down with a groan and proceeded to groom himself. The lynxes, seeing this, turned and began tumbling with each other. <br/>
<br/>
Allassiel arched an eyebrow at the antics before asking “Are you sure?” <br/>
<br/>
Allasea motioned to Ellyah and his men. “I'll be safe enough. And someone should remain behind to keep watch.” <br/>
<br/>
With a nod, Allassiel turned and motioned to Pegawen. “We should catch up with the others.”</b><br/><br/><b>Together, everyone headed up the stairs towards the massive doors, sun highlighting the surface and them seemingly soaking in as if the very metal breathed it in. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>There's no handles or knobs,” Pegawen said.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I've noticed. The whole building is closed off.” Allassiel motioned up where the outlines of windows could be seen. There appeared to be no glass or way to open them, yet from a distance they would fool the casual observer into thinking they were real. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Then how are we going to --”</b><br/><br/><b>A low groan filled the air, causing everyone to jump and face the doors. Within the outline, a smaller door opened, the interior beyond it obscured by darkness. Allassiel tilted her head to listen, concentrating even as the two hobbits drew closer and peered inside. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>It's awful dark in there,” Merry said.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I don't see anything,” said Pippen.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Don't hear anything, either.” <br/>
<br/>
Allassiel could hear the captain call down from the bottom of the steps but the words seemed to be carried away before they could make their way to the group. “What did he say?” she asked Pegawen.</b>“<b>I'm not sure.” She looked back at the group of elves waiting and called back to him, but the response remained unintelligible. “There's other ways to gain light,” she muttered and muttered a few words. A sphere of light appeared, small but enough to chase off the nearby shadows. <br/>
<br/>
In response to the light, there was a flicker within the building and then a bright light in return. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Bright.” Both hobbits covered their eyes.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Bright or not, we should make haste. My grandsire's bones can move faster than this.” Flagdon stomped up to the doors and looked over their shoulders then stepped inside. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Wait,” Pegawen called out.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Too late.” Allassiel approached the door, watching as the dwarf stood and stared around him. “We should stick together,” she said and stepped through the door to join Flagdon.</b>