<b>The group gathered at the stables, where their horses were already prepared for departure. Allassiel greeted the men, nodding at Flagdon and shaking her head at the sleepy grumbles of the hobbits, before approaching Lotharn. "You've already spoken to Allasea, I assume?" She asked, motioning towards where the hiril stood with Haldir. "She does not frighten easy, so whatever we are riding into must be dire. I should take point, with you, to guard the others. Haldir and Thorgan  can take the rear."<br/>
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She paused, then added, "I shall also have Allasea send her cats ahead to scout. If there are enemies, they'll as likely spot us as we would them, but would pay no mind to a pair of mere animals."</b><br/><br/><b>"A sensible course of action indeed, lassie." Flagdon approached them, his axe dangling from his back. "Though I grow tired of all this sneaking about. Dwarves face battle head-on."</b><br/><br/><b>"After this is over, Master Dwarf, remind me and I shall tell you the tale of Lord Balin of the Lonely Mountain."</b><br/><br/><b>"Oh?  I've not heard of this lord. Where is this mountain you speak? " </b><br/><br/><b>"The time for tales isn't now." She heard rushed steps behind her and turned in time to see Pegawen come to a sliding halt, her bag haphazardly packed and a horn slung over her shoulder. "Sorry. Horn came by as I was packing to offer his wishes and say should we have need to simply blow this and his men will come."</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel took the horn that her cousin slid from her shoulder and studied it. "I'll pack it with your steed." Satisfied that all were present, she headed to the steeds. </b><br/><br/><b>They kept a steady pace for the first part of the day, the beauty of the plains ignored as they spurred their horses on. Allasea had sent the lynxes ahead, the two cats fading into the landscape as they raced ahead, but they'd not yet returned. </b><br/><br/><b>As the group stopped briefly to refill their waterskins, Allassiel turned to one of the women that accompanied them. "How much further until we arrive?"</b>