The Seven Stars and Crown

[Envin]

"Methink perhaps we should go to mine, for if I neglect it long, the folk hereabouts will lose the knowledge that it is my table of custom." He smiled, and taking her arm in his he escorted her to the table, and offered her a seat. When they were comfortable, he waited to continue his meal until her food arrived, and to that end he called a boy over, who stood patiently waiting for Idrial's order.

[Idrial]

Idrial allowed him to help her from her chair, laughing softly in amusement at his comments. "Indeed, the gods forbid that the King's table go to another." She slid into her seat gracefully and leaned forward. Despite the display of manners she'd made earlier, she rested her elbows upon the table absentmindedly. She glanced up as the boy came over. "I'll...I'll just have the same." Idrial nodded toward Aragorn's plate and the boy scooted away. "So how have things been going for you as of late, Thorongil." She smirked slightly at the intentional use of the name he'd given her when they'd first met.

[Envin]

"They have been going quite well, thank you, m'lady," he smiled, recalling easily the name. "Life in Gondor passeth much as it has this past age, and if my design is achieved, that will not change for another age to come. Though I thrive in combat, and have emerged nearly every struggle unscathed and with my battle-lust sated, I enjoy the quiet life of a peaceful king, and covet it, for when one's kingdom is at peace, then are its folk their happiest. But what of thee, fair Idrial? Where hast thy path led thee over these months gone by?"

The boy brought her food over, and stood gazing at Idrial for some few seconds, her beauty quite stunning, until he caught the reproving glance of his king, and skittered away affrighted.

[Idrial]

Idrial arched a brow in confusion at the silent exchange between the king and the boy, but gave a mental shrug and looked down at her plate as it was placed before her. "Thank you," she murmured softly to the boy before he disappeared into the crowd. Lifting her dark gaze to Aragorn's face she smiled, shrugging outwardly this time. "My path has not been all that exciting of one. I've merely wandered about...not having much of a destination in mind. It is good to see a friendly face after so much time. Though, I can't see how you would be so eager to recieve me after what a burden I was to you and your companions." Idrial glanced once more down toward her plate, realizing that she had not yet touched her food. She wasn't all that hungry...but she'd best eat something anyway.

[Envin]

Aragorn chuckled, taking a drink of his ale. "A great ordeal Idrial was, to be sure. As I am certain Thorongil was a goodly trial, eh? Worry thyself not - merely made for happy times did the strife. I have not heard from our comrade in these many days - hast thou heard aught of him lately?"

[Idrial]

Idrial lifted her utensil, glancing up as she took a bite of her meal. She paused long enough to chew and swallow before she sipped from her glass. "The elf?" She shook her head, "No, I have not heard from him any more than yourself. In fact, I am sure I've heard less of him than you." The maiden ate a bit more, finally deciding that she was hungry after all. "Was there not another? A strange, skinny man...I do not recall his name," she placed a hand casually before her mouth as she swallowed again before letting it come to rest on the table beside her plate.

[Envin]

"Ah, yes! Our Elven companion - I was actually speaking of the other. The Elf is well - I see him often, or at least as often as the miles will allow. Didst though not e'er learn his name? I cannot recall if we told ye."

[Idrial]

Idrial leaned forward a bit, propping her chin up on her fist casually as she watched him. "Well...I do not recall the name that I was told...but no doubt it was not his true name anyway, so I suppose it matters not." She pushed her plate to the side, even though she'd eaten little and lifted her plain goblet to her lips. After sipping from it, she placed its base back over the wet ring it had left on the wooden tabletop. Idrial laughed softly at the thought of the elf and shook her head. Then she glanced up again. "You were asking me of the strange, skinny fellow then?"

[Envin]

"Indeed, in sooth I cannot recall what outlandish name he gave ye, but his true self would be recognized in Lothlorien, for he was Lord Ashuron Leafbow, the King of that realm. Ever and anon he cometh to my City, though I have not seen him in some few weeks." He downed another swill from his mug. "BUt, aye - the skinny fellow - an interesting one, I must say!"

[Idrial]

Idrial nodded her head, the smallest of smirks rising to her lips as she slowly rotated the cup on the table. "Very interesting indeed," she said with a soft laugh. Then her brow furrowed as she pondered the elf. "The lord of Lothlorien, is he? It has been some time since I have been to that wood...it is no wonder that I did not recognize him for who he was. But no name could disguise the king of Gondor," she added with a grin as she turned her dark gaze toward his face.

[Envin]

"Indeed?" asked Aragorn, smiling but intrigued. "Then thou had thy suspicions of my true name ere ever I told thee?"