<b>Allassiel stared between Thorgan and Timberlane, frustration and fear warring for control of her expression. She attempted to pull away from Thorgan's grasp only to feel his fingers tighten their grip. Amazed at the human's strength, she gaped at his hand briefly before ceasing her struggle. “Neither of you understands. You do not know Rakothûrz. He will not be … glad in only having of the stone. His master makes little concern to him. If he finds the elves here …” She paused, her voice breaking. “I have seen what he does. And if he find me here, those things will be … more. He will not rest until he has destroyed all, until he has broken me … as he was broken ...” <br/>
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She stared up at Thorgan, pleading with her eyes. “I must do this. It is my fault he is here. I didn't kill him … I couldn't bring myself to … I should have. He is gone to me for all time now. I cannot let him do the same to any of you.”</b><br/><br/><br/><b>Pegawen curled up against Lotharn, her body starting to feel the soreness as the sensations of their love-making subsided. She didn't mind, however, though she whispered a simple healing spell – one of the first she'd ever learned – and felt the energy from the rune-stone seep into her chest in search of the source. She wondered how they would spend time alone together on the journey, then crinkled her nose. <i>Impossible. Especially once Allassiel finds out. </i>She huffed against his chest at the thought. If she knew her cousin, as soon as she found out she would see that Pegawen had no time to even be close to Lotharn, much less be alone with him. <br/>
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But that was something to deal with later. For now, she gave his chest a kiss, reveling in the feel of his hard body pressed against hers, and closed her eyes. </b>