<b>Though she didn't look convinced, Allassiel bit her tongue. There were greater matters to consider, after all. Things like these stones. Rakothûrz. Right now wasn't the time to argue the wisdom of the eldar. She rubbed at her forehead, watching as Lotharn assisted Pegawen onto her steed, then turned and easily swung up into her own saddle. <br/>
<br/>
Pegawen gave Lotharn a smile of thanks, then moved closer to Allassiel's side and leaned over to speak quietly to her. “I heard, what the human said. Is it true that the orc leading is Rakothûrz?” <br/>
<br/>
Allassiel glanced over and nodded once. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>I was hoping it wasn't so,” Pegawen started, her eyes seeking the brightest star. “May the stars of Elbereth shine upon us, for we will need their aid.” Looking back, she saw Allassiel's expression grow more pensive and leaned in closer. “You're blaming yourself. Don't.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>How can I not? If I had only --”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Only what? Like you, I had hoped Hadron could be restored to us. The both of you, you practically raised me. Do you recall the time he tried to teach me to use a sword?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>How could I forget?” Allassiel replied wryly, watching as the others made ready to leave. “You almost took the arm off of Hir Celeborn's favorite statue. If Hadron had been slower with his block ...”</b><br/><br/>“<b>He wasn't though,” Pegawen gave Allassiel a crooked smile and placed a hand on her shoulder. “You must let go of the blame. What he does, what Rakothûrz does, it isn't yours.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Each life he's taken since I spared his, that is mine. And even if I must die to do it, I will make up for that.” <br/>
<br/>
Before Pegawen could utter a reply, Allassiel nudged the steed forward, moving ahead of the others. <br/>
<br/>
Pegawen shook her head, her hands tightening on the reins as she watched Allassiel's steed paw impatiently, much as its rider. “Not if I can help it,” she vowed.</b>