Isolde, having changed out of her sparring equipment and into a more suitable gown, started wandering the halls of Gondor in search of her father. She found him leaving his chambers and kissed his cheek in greeting. Faramir smiled cordially.
"I was just going to send someone to find you. I'm glad you showed up. Just in time really, I wanted to show you something."
"Yes, Eldarion reminded me that I was to meet you. Where are we going?" Isolde asked, gazing curiously at her father's secretive grin.
"We are going to the great hall. King Ellesar has sent news of some old friends that have traveled far. I would like you to meet them…I think you will be pleasantly surprised," He replied, leading her through the long corridors. As they entered though a side door to the great hall, she saw the familiar faces of the king and queen of Gondor, as well as their son. They sat around the large stone fireplace. Four more tall cushioned chairs faced away from Isolde and Faramir. She assumed that two were for herself and her father, the other two for the mystery guests, although she could see no one. She greeted the royal family with the customary curtsey before turning to sit.
She gasped in surprise as she saw for the first time that the two extra chairs were indeed occupied with two small men. They both had a pint of ale that looked too large for them in their hands and matching grins. Curly hair covered both their heads and their rather large feet. It took her a second to realize that they were in fact, hobbits.
"I beg your pardon sirs. I did not see you," She said quickly, her hands covering her heart.
"We beg your pardon milady," one replied nodding respectfully, "for not making ourselves known. I am Meriadoc Brandybuck, but you may call me Merry. And this is Peregrin Took," he said, motioning to the other, "though, we call him Pippin."
"Then you must be the two that my father and King Ellesar told me stories about. It is truly a pleasure to meet you. I simply must hear about all your great tales," She replied excitedly as she knelt before them in anticipation. Faramir and Ellesar chuckled.
"Perhaps after a decent nights rest Isolde," Faramir said gently, "They have been traveling for a while and are probably quite tired," He placed a hand on her shoulder and she blushed. Embarrassed, she gave the two hobbits a sheepish smile.
"But of course. My apologies," Isolde replied. She stood and seated herself besides her father. A few servants brought them all food and drink. As they ate and made small talk, Isolde stared into the fire, trying to remember all the stories of her parents and King Ellesar and their adventures with the Shire folk. She never noticed all the inquisitive glances she received from the rest of the group. A short while later she excused herself and went to her chambers.