Eldarion surveyed the gathering mass of men. All of them wore shiny mailcoats and helms and had swords by their sides. Most were on foot and others were with horses, checking their girths, caressing their horses, talking amongst themselves and looking nervously northward. Many of the men were middle-aged, a few older and some younger. He saw one, who looked no more than twenty at most, sitting astride a horse. He did not speak with anyone.

Beside Eldarion stood his father, mother, the two Rangers, Aderyn and Hafwen. Both Eldarion and his family were upset at the fact that Ariel had refused to come and see the company off. Aragorn soon turned to his son. "It is time," He said and raising his voice he spoke to the company. "You are all setting out to fight a battle," He began.

"Such a battle has not been fought since the Third Age and I send you now to Ithilien to aid in the destruction of this new enemy of the Free People. My son shall led you," Aragorn placed his hand on Eldarion's shoulder. "Respect his decisions as if they were my own." He turned to face Eldarion. "They're all yours son," He said, Eldarion nodded and stepped forward. "We shall ride together, fight together and together we shall prevail." Cheers came from the soldiers and he drew his sword. "For Gondor!"

Sheathing his sword and before he and the two Rangers headed over to where their horses waited Eldarion said goodbye to his family. He hugged his two sisters and mother and at last stood in front of his father. "I hope to make you proud," He told him. "I am already proud of you," Aragorn said and they embraced. "Please tell Ariel that I shall miss her," Eldarion whispered as he turned and walked to his horse and mounted. "To victory!"
Aragorn watched the company ride out through the Great Gates as the rising sun shone on their helms and mail, making them glitter. Long he watched them and with a heavy heart. "I wished that this day would never come to our children," He said to Arwen who stood beside him. "No one should ever have to see war."
Ariel rode beside another young soldier. He had brown hair and blue eyes and couldn't have been much older than her. They had not gone far when he turned to her. "Hello my name is Amren," He introduced himself and they rode on. "What's your name?" He asked and Ariel was silent for a short moment. "My name? My name is Bergren," She told him.