<b>The ladies followed Thorgan deeper into the fortress, until he stopped at a large chamber. After setting their clothes down, Pegawen followed the others into the room to be greeted by the hot, moist air inside. “This is different,” she mused, studying the different amenities. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>It is,” Allassiel agreed, impressed – though not surprised – by the dwarven construct. “Dwarves build things well, and to last. Remind me to tell you of the great kingdom of Khazad Dum one day. There were such mechanical wonders there that would be hard for any others to build.”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen shuddered at the name, only remembering the place as Moria. Moria that had been claimed by the orcs after the dwarves had been forced to abandon it. “That's for another time,” she announced, urging Allassiel forward. “For now, we should wash, and you need the water to help recover.” She thanked Thorgan and watched him leave, before turning back to her cousin. “Come, let's get you into the water first.”</b><br/><br/><b>Together, despite Allassiel's protests, they got her into the water and settled. “This does feel much better,” she admitted, closing her eyes and sitting back. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>This is nice,” Pegawen agreed as she joined Allassiel. “I think this might be almost as nice as the pond in that little grotto near Caras Galadhon.” She fell silent, listening to the the water lap against the sides of the tub.</b><br/><br/><b>The corner of Allassiel's mouth curled up in a smile at Pegawen's memories of her homeland. She closed her eyes, imagining the path through the golden woods and the sheer beauty of it. The orcs had attempted to encroach on the haven of elves – from both Mirkwood and Moria – but Hiril Galadriel's strength had kept them at bay. It was little wonder that the hiril's granddaughter, Arwen, had made a good queen for the reunited kingdoms. Even if she'd had to give up her immortality to do it.</b><br/><br/><b>Could she do that too? Allassiel didn't dwell on it long before deciding she would. It wasn't something that needed thought. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>I wonder what the elves back home will think when we return.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>What?” Allassiel's eyes flew open and she stared at Pegawen.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Well, those that remain, at any rate. What will they think when we tell them of this place, and those we've met here?”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel shook her head. “Let's concern ourselves with surviving first, then we can talk about traveling back.”</b><br/><br/><b>After washing off, they stepped out of the tub, heading to the benches to lay out and dry. Allassiel had to admit that the warmth and water had done much to relieve the aches, though she could still feel the lingering effects of the poison slowing her movements. Even the fragrant oils that Pegawen rubbed into her skin before she put on her robe didn't seem to help. “How long is this going to take?” she groused.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Patience. Another day, perhaps two, and you'll not even know,” Pegawen assured her. “But in the meantime, you need to rest. And I should go check on the wounded.” <br/>
<br/>
As they left the baths, a dwarf hurried past them to clean up and prepare it for any others that needed to use it. “You should rest too,” Allassiel pointed out, looking at Pegawen's face in the light. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>I'm fine. Besides, this is light work compared to Helm's Deep.”</b><br/><br/><b>Since Pegawen was right, Allassiel bit her tongue and followed her back to the rooms.</b>