Early the next morning Mardon went to the stables to see how his and Galimir's horses had been housed. He found that they had been well tended to and their mangers were full. "Rest while you can, for soon we may ride to war," He said and caressed the horse's face. As he did so he heard a thundering of hooves behind him.

Turning he saw a younger rider sitting astride a great bay stallion, though he did not recognise the rider until she dismounted. "You ride?" He asked in astonishment. "You sound surprised," Ariel replied as she tied her horse up and glanced over her shoulder, her face flushed slightly from the ride. "Well, it is not common for women to ride, in fact I have only heard of one."

"The Lady Éowyn," Ariel said as she undid the girth. Mardon moved to help her remove the saddle. "Do you think that because I am a woman that I am helpless?" Ariel asked as she removed the saddle with ease and the ostler took it from her to put away. "It is just that I am unaccustomed to this sort of situation," He said.

"Then it would also shock you to know that I am also skilled with the blade?" Ariel took a brush from the ostler and began brushing her horse. "It would indeed," Mardon said and paused for a moment. "Perhaps that is why you asked so many questions last night?" Ariel turned to face him. "I know that something is wrong," She said.

Mardon drew a deep breath. "You are right that this is not a social visit. Orcs have been spotted massing in the north and Galimir and I were sent here to bring word to your father. It is now up to him whether he will send men to join the ever growing number of the remaining elves and men in Ithilien." He told her. "And what of the Rohirrim?" Ariel asked.

"Two other Rangers were sent to the King Éomer with the same message and we hope that he can also send some men to assist us," He said. Ariel put her horse into its stall and the two of them walked outside. In the sunlight Mardon noticed that Ariel's face was a little dirty but to him she still looked beautiful. Her face was grim however, as she assessed the situation in her head.

"Has my father decided anything yet?" She asked, looking up at his face and Mardon shook his head. "He is to be holding a council today to decide if Gondor will send aid," He told Ariel as a messenger approached them. "Are you the Ranger Mardon?" He asked and Mardon nodded. "The king wishes to see you now, follow me."