"Yes, we'd better not keep them waiting much longer." Ria got up, gripped Ardin's arm again and walked into the Tower with him and Talia.
As they walked through the maze of corridors inside the Tower, Ria reflected on what had happened. It appeared she would be travelling to Elsweyr with the two of them, and she was glad of the company. Especially Ardin's company. So far, Talia seemed as though she would be a strong friend. And Ardin, well... she obviously had feelings for him, and by the looks of it, the same was true for him, so it looked as though Ardin could end up being... more than a friend. And she was happy about it.
The trio finally reached the Council's chambers, right at the summit of the spire.
"Well, here we are." All three seemed nervous, doubtful. Ria decided someone had to get them inside, so it might as well be her. "Come on," she said, tugging on Ardin's arm and jerking her head in the direction of the door. "We'd better go in." So the three of them walked into the Council room, and stood in a line in front of the eight members of the council; one from each region of Tamriel, excluding the Summerset Isles. Ria let go of Ardin's arm, and put her hands behind her back, straightening herself up.
"Greetings, friends. You must be Rianele Ashsmith," the Imperial Councillor said. "It appears you've brought some friends."
The Dunmer Councillor looked over Ardin and Talia, who were standing either side of Ria. "You two; why are you here? Unless I am mistaken, you were not summoned."