The news seemed to spread around the camp almost like wildfire - the King's daughter had been riding with them in disguise and now would still ride and fight with them. When some heard they were reminded of the story of the Lady Éowyn while others disapproved, openly or inwardly.

When Mardon heard the news he wanted to find her, for that woman intrigued him. He walked through the camp, passing many soldiers who were packing up their things, looking for Ariel. He walked for a little while before finding her, standing by the dead campfire, speaking with Elfwine and Elboron.

He recognised her as the younger soldier he had seen that morning and although her hair was short and she was dressed as a male she still looked beautiful to him. He wished to speak with her but she was deep in conversation with both men. Reluctantly, he headed back to his booth.

Soon the camp had been cleared and packed up. The companies of Ithilien, Gondor and Rohan rode together with their leaders near the head of the column. Ariel rode behind her brother and beside Legolas and Gimli, who once again rode behind his elf friend. The elf and dwarf very easily kept the conversation going by telling her about the different members of the fellowship.

Mardon was only a little further behind Ariel, Legolas and Gimli but could hear none of their conversation. He had not spoken with her since they had been in the stables back in Minas Tirith. Suddenly as her laughter rang out, a large contrast to the near silence, he hoped that he would be able to speak with her again.
Mardon got his chance later in the day when the large army stopped for a break. He dismounted and after watering his horse he walked over to where she was resting near Legolas. Her eyes were closed but she opened them as his shadow fell over her.

"I suppose you have heard then?" She asked as she sat up, and Mardon nodded and sat down beside her. "It is quite hard not to, the whole army has been discussing it," He told Ariel. "I guess it was a shock, though I was hoping that I would not be found out," Ariel said and opened her pack. She took a drink of water and offered him some of the dried fruit that she had left.

"You are full of surprises," Mardon said as he accepted a little of the dried fruit. "Shall I take that as a compliment?" Ariel asked, with half a smile on her face. "If you wish," Mardon looked up as Eldarion walked over. "It is time that we moved on," He said.