[Mithadan]

Rose worked long that night, hurriedly preparing clothing for all. The next morning, a messenger arrived bearing a note inviting the crew to an audience before the King Elessar. Rose, clad in a purple dress adorned with white lace, knocked on Mithadan's door. She handed him a parcel with a smile. "Not purple, I hope," he said with a dubious look at the package. "No, silly," replied Rose. "That wouldn't match your eyes." Mithadan blinked in surprise as he rarely considered his eyes when selecting clothing.

Rose had prepared for him a white shirt, a royal blue tunic trimmed with silver, grey breeches and a matching grey cloak. He put these on (how is it that women always have a sense for size and fit) and climbed to the deck, where he was greeted by Angara. "Very pretty," she said. "And what shall I wear? Perhaps a bandana round my throat?"

"Your skin would be beautiful enough," replied Mithadan. "But I am still unsure of your welcome. It would be best, I think, if you remained here. Besides, who would be left to rescue us if the sole purpose of the invitation were to arrest the lunatic 'time travellers'?"

"I doubt that we shall be arrested," laughed Rose who had come up behind him. "But, dear Angara, I fear Mithadan is right. Due to the acts of your 'cousins', dragons tend to have a poor reputation."

Angara blew an annoyed stream of smoke. "They were not my cousins. Those corrupted by the Enemy were disowned long ago. But I suppose you are correct. I will stay here while you have all the fun."