She laughs and nods.

To Agon: "How far are we actually?"

Agon hums. "The point where I'll want to split off is soon, a few minutes - though I'll be keeping an eye on you two, to make sure you get in the gates."

"At least we sort of have a backup plan if we can't, now."

"That is one advantage."

"Slender as it is."

"Eh, I like to take what I can get, and then reach for more."

"Some people would call that greedy."

"Some people have no ambition."

"Fair."

She laughs, and - "I should probably split off here. Any last goodbyes?"

"Thanks for taking us this far."

"Yeah. Meeting you was fun."

"Same, and welcome." She gives a jaunty salute. "Gate's straight down the road. I won't wander off until you're both in."

Off they go, then.

The path goes down a small ridge, along a lake - and up to the Western Gate of Moria. The doors are stone, with silver filigree trees and scrolling designs and letters in a language the two girls can't read. They're propped open, and two short, burly guards stand outside them.

"Hello."

"Hail traveler. What is your business in Khazad-dûm?"

"We got- lost in the wilderness. We're looking for a place to stay."

"How long do you plan to stay?"

"We don't have any definite plans yet."

"There are inns sized for humans in the middle level. The main legal code is in the grand pillar in the first plaza. We have no tolerance for law breakers nor servants of the Dark."

"Knowing that - welcome to Khazad-dûm. You both may enter."

"Thank you."

In they go.

There's an entry auditorium, faced by guard stations, and a long corridor just wide enough for a wagon behind it. Beyond - an open plaza, beginning to fill with a few people. An enormous pillar, its faces inscribed with the promised legal code, sits in the center, fountains around its base.

"Think we should read the rule first?" she asks Bellona.

"Helps to get a to-do list!" she says, teasingly.