<b>They discussed plans long after the sun went down, stopping only when the humans could no longer hide their yawns and drooping eyelids. Not only Horn, but several other leaders had promised men to the cause – both to the group and to Ellawynne. <br/>
<br/>
When everyone had returned to their respective tents, Pegawen helped Allassiel with her hair as they readied themselves for the next leg of their journey. As she braided it, she mused. “We've two of these stones now, and now we know the third could be most anywhere south. It makes me wonder what their ancestors were thinking.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>It's hard to say,” Allassiel responded as she watched outside the tent flap as people moved about. “It would, of course, be easier if they lived so long as we did. Then we could ask them. Since we can't, the question is of little import.”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen made a non-committal noise and sat back to study the long, flaxen braid. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>One way or the other, we'll find what we need,” Allasea added from the corner where she'd lain to rest. “There must be tales of the dwarf it was given to. Instead of trying to figure out why it was given to him ---”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Or her.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Or her – we should focus on who this dwarf was. Where did they come from? What were their people like? These things will guide us more in the long run.”</b><br/><br/><b>They talked though the night. Their current situation. The new land they found themselves in. Old stories from the past. Even as the first rays of light chased across the sky and they dressed for the travels ahead, they continued. <br/>
<br/>
When the men arrived to let them know it was time to go, they'd find them dressed and packed, huddled together laughing and whispering like young hiril.</b>