As they went out of the armory, they were greeted by something none of them expected. A host of about 200 elven warriors stood there in perfect order. Each was holding a bow similar to Legolas. Their commander was at that moment talking to king Theoden. He noticed Aragorn's presence and smiled at him as he said to the king "We come to honor that allegiance" Aragorn approached him, fallowed by Legolas, while Findulias, Luthien and Gimli stood behind, their presence still unnoticed "Mae govannen, Haldir!" (Welcome, Haldir!)" Aragorn greeted the elf in the elven custom, but then he hugged the elf as he said "You are most welcome" then Legolas approached him and they both grabbed each other shoulder. Haldir then turned his attention again to the king, just as all the elven soldiers stood waiting for orders, and he said "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more"
He was about to turn around to address his troops, but then he caught a glimpse of both Findulias and Luthien, and for a moment he thought that two of the valar had come to help them. His troops had been silent and disciplined until that moment, but as the soldiers also saw them, murmurs and whispers could be heard among them. If the elves were impressed, among the rohirrim the reaction was greater.
Theoden stared with his mouth wide open at them. Until now he hadn't paid to much attention to his two guests, as his mind was occupied with all the events happening, but now he took a really good look at them. The other elves possessed a beauty beyond any human measure; however these two were simply divine. Until that moment both of them had used hoods that covered their faces most of the time, but now the magnificent armor they wore revealed their true beauty. He remembered the first time he saw them in Edoras, and the strange conversation they had with Gandalf, mentioning names and events of which he had no idea about.
He didn't know that much about the history of middle earth, but he always considered that the elves didn't have that much importance since they lived in far away woods, isolated from the rest of the world. But now, as he saw them, he had the strange sensation that Rohan, and all the others kingdoms of man were insignificant. Apparently Aragorn guessed what was on the king's mind, because he approached him and said "You are a lucky man Theoden king. Very few mortal men witnessed the glory of the old days. And let me tell you that not even the great kings of old numenor had the pleasure of such high friends" Theoden stared back at him and said "I already know their names, but you still haven't told me who they really are.. Their history". Luthien read the king's mind and she approached him smiling "All you need to know is that we are your friends, and that your kingdom and your people are not insignificant" she laughed as she saw the king's surprise and added "I promise I will tell you about me after we defeat our enemies".
Haldir approached her and bowed "What does the daughter of Thingol command?" Luthien asked truly surprised "You know who I am?" Haldir smiled and said "My lady, even we, The Elves from the forests beyond the misty mountains know who you are" then he turned to Findulias and said "Or you my lady. I can see the light of the trees of valinor in your face, the same light that the lady of Lorien has" Luthien turned her attention to Aragorn, and to his surprise, she said with a smile "We wait for your orders". Aragorn stared at her for a moment and blushed "My orders? But my lady" he lowered his face, but she lifted his chin gently and looked directly into the sad blue eyes, and suddenly Aragorn heard her speak directly to his mind "Don't think so low of yourself, Aragorn son of Arathorn. I see greatness in you, but you fear your own destiny" She now spoke with words. "Our own time is over, this is now the time of mortal man.. It's your destiny to lead the war against the forces of darkness, just as my kin did thousands of years ago"