Mardon sat beside Galimir at the long table in the King's dining hall. It was lavishly spread with platters of good food and a vase of flowers sat in the middle. Also at the table sat King Elessar, Queen Arwen, a young man with a close semblance to the king and two women. The two women were close in womanhood to the king and Mardon thought that one of the women looked slightly familiar. There was also an empty chair directly opposite from Mardon.

"These are three of our four children," Aragorn said. "Our son Eldarion and heir to the throne, and our two eldest daughters Aderyn and Hafwen," He introduced them to the Rangers. "My youngest daughter should be here soon," He said and even as he did so another voice was heard.

"I am sorry that I am late," Ariel apologised as she entered through the doorway and made her way to the table. Mardon looked up in wonder and amazement. He recognised her instantly as the woman he had seen earlier in the day in the city though now she wore a pale blue robe girt with gold and upon her brow sat a circlet of gold.

"This is Ariel, our youngest," Aragorn said as she took her place at the table across from Mardon. She smiled briefly at him but Mardon could see the curiosity in her eyes. "And these two Rangers here are Mardon and Galimir," Aragorn told his family. "They are, for the time being, our guests here," He turned to the two Rangers. "I hope that you feel more than welcome."
Ariel had also recognised the Ranger from earlier in the day and wondered why they had come. Rangers had not come to the city very often and when they did it was often to bring news of some kind. She knew by looking at their faces that were grim as one who bears ill news something was wrong.

"What is it that brings two Rangers here - surely this is not a social visit?" Ariel asked not long after the meal had begun, looking directly across the table at Mardon. He glanced at Aragorn and cleared his throat. "I do not think that this business should be discussed here at this time," He said.

Ariel was silent for a moment and felt slightly frustrated, no one told her anything. She attempted another question but again the answer was evasive. This frustrated her more and seeing that no matter how hard she pressed she would not get a clear answer she fell silent for the rest of the meal, only to speak when she was spoken to. But she could tell that something important was going to happen.