<b>The ride was fast, more so than Pegawen had become accustomed to in recent years, and by mid-day she was sore. To take her mind off of her aches she studied the landscape as it past. Most was a blur, but now and then they slowed enough for her to see the various plants that inhabited the area. She was pleasantly surprised to note that she even recognized a couple of them. At one point, Allassiel pointed one in particular out, one that reminded her of athelas, a powerful healing herb that had all but died out she thought. <br/>
At least she couldn't recall the last time she had held it in her hands, nor smelled it as, for her, it brought to mind the sweet scent of niphredil and elanor, warmed by the sun rising high over Cerin Amroth. She made plans to check for some when they stopped. If it truly was what she thought, then she'd make sure to harvest some. <br/>
<br/>
They rode further out, pausing only briefly near a small stream beneath the trees to allow the horses to rest and water, before continuing. No one spoke much, there was no need. The sense of urgency increased as the sun arced its way across the sky. Pegawen looked to the horizon as the day lengthened, wondering how close they were now to these ruins that Timberlane spoke. <br/>
<br/>
They came across a small pond formed by the stream and paused once more for the horses to rest. Pegawen turned to Timberlane, hiding her discomfort with a brief smile. “How much further to these ruins?” she asked.</b>