First off, I was crushed when Mira was killed off in the last episode of Season 2. In my mind, Mira deserved better, however I understand that in order to move Spartacus within the realm of the show, something had to be the catalyst. She is a great character and shows some of the struggles women face when choosing between love and your own destiny.
Therefore, I decided to write a short one-shot of what I imagine would have happened if Mira had lived into Season 3.
It seemed an eternity since they had escaped from Vesuvius and certain death. Battle after battle had raged against the Roman army sent after Spartacus and his slave army. Mira was among those that battled, bow in hand, commanding a contingent of archers who had swelled in number since Vesuvius. Spartacus had given the duty of training those without skill with sword or spear to Mira to teach them archery. Mira had shown great skill and patience with those that the other gladiators had not, and to much success. Most within the contingent of archers were women seeking a way command their own destiny, as well as a few younger men who did not have the stomach of hand-to-hand combat. Knowing this, battle plans were always drawn with the archers long from view and hidden. At times Mira and Spartacus sparred over the location, with Mira typically wishing to be closer to ensure greater accuracy with her group's deadly arrows. Spartacus, knowing most under Mira's charge her did not have the skills needed to defend themselves, did not what to place them in range of the army. Spartacus had no wish to see Mira fall in battle. In one instance, the Romans had out flanked the slave army, and located the less than adequately armed archers. Spartacus had thought Mira lost, but discovered Agron and his men had arrived before many had been killed. A number of narrow escapes such as this had increased the risk for the archers, so much so that it now made no matter where they were located. The archers deadly reputation, under the command of Mira, had given pause to the Roman army, causing whispers to be heard of the Roman's intention to destroy the archers. It now did not matter how far or close the archers were to the battle. The Roman army was intent on squashing this advantage.
However, a large battle had not occurred in several weeks. The capture of Roman city was a small respite from the constant battles the slave army had endured. Mira's archers were less effective in tight spaces of the walled Roman city; however, on the walls of the city they could be exceptionally accurate to repelling an attack. With security of the city under the command of Agron, Mira took on the role of supplies and provisions. Mira was a natural at coordinating these efforts. She had a stern will, but could command with a soft tongue and heart. It was Mira who brought forth to Spartacus' attention the fact that his people were starving.
After the sacking of the city, each leader had taken a home within the city as their own. Mira, while loved by many within her charge, did not see the need to take a whole villa for her own.
Mira stood in the middle of one of the smaller villas in the city, looking at the expansive rooms, the furnishings, the luxury. While these things were highly prized by others, the villa felt cold and lonely. She was alone in this place. Spartacus had turned from her after she had attempted to take Ilithyia's life. After that night, things were different. Spartacus sought her counsel on many things, but never more than that. Their relationship had evolved into one of partnership. One, Mira gladly accepted in order to remain at Spartacus' side. If she was not able to be receive his love, then she will have his respect. In that, Spartacus remained steadfast and honorable toward Mira. There were times when the pair would catch a playful jest, only for Mira to see it fade as Spartacus recognizes his error in making it. Watching those moments wither and die were the most heartbreaking for Mira. She prayed everyday she would not witness the moment Spartacus found a new lover.
Turning on her heel, Mira exited the villa. She walked through the chaotic streets, searching for her friend, Naevia. Naevia too had changed over the past few months. She was not the same as she was before, which was good in many respects, but it worried Mira. Months of battle had changed them all, but for Naevia it was to the point of obsession. Only when they were along, did Mira witness shades of the younger, kinder Naevia. Perhaps when Naevia was alone with Crixius she showed kindness and love, but never in public now.
Mira twisted and turned through the streets. Many people stopped to ask questions about where things were to be placed. Mira gave swift directions and kept moving. She heard Naevia's voice in the distance and moved toward it. Mira entered a much larger villa near where Spartacus had taken refuge. She paused in the doorway, watching her friend with Crixius. After a moment, Naevia noticed Mira in the doorway.
"Mira!" Naevia exclaimed. Mira was surprised by her reaction. Naevia pulled Mira swiftly into her embrace, Naevia's new strength evident.
"Apologies. I did not mean to disturb you." Mira stated, glancing at Crixius, who drifted away into the other room.
"You do not disturb. What brings you to our new home?" Naevia questioned as she raised her had to demonstrate her pleasure at the lodging they had procured. "Have you chosen a place for your own?"
"I did find a small villa on the main street," Mira paused nervously, "but it is too much for one person." Mira chewed her lip softly, and gently looked up Naevia. Naevia understood Mira.
"I do not wish to be alone in a grand house. I was hoping there would be space here, with you?" Mira asked expectantly. Naevia nodded, knowing Mira's heart too well.
"Of course. I fear there are so many rooms here, we would get lost amongst them. Please stay with here to fill the space in our new home, and in your heart." Mira nodded and embraced Naevia.
"I will return later with my things." Mira left without another word.
"She is to stay here. With us?" Crixius stood in the doorway across the room, looking fierce. "She does not wish to be alone. Her heart has not healed since Spartacus turned from her." Naevia walked towards Crixius, leaning along the wall as she watched the doorway as well.
"We should not involve ourselves." Crixius stated blandly.
"She is but to stay here until we move on." Naevia smiled. "Have compassion for your fellow commander, she had shown she is capable in battle. And she saved my life more than once in all of this. For that, she deserves better than what Spartacus has dealt her." The last comment forcefully coming out between Naevia's teeth. "And she has been friend to both of us."
Crixius nodded his agreement, placing a soft kiss on Naevia's lips.
As the days went by, many things had to be completed in order to make the city right. Spartacus walked through the streets, noticing the small pockets of organization, then parts that were in complete disarray. He knew Mira had taken on the job of supplies and logistics, he knew what she was up against. Perhaps she needed his assistance.
With the decision made, Spartacus sought out Mira within the city. He had not spoken with her since the city had fallen more than a few days ago. He had seen her about the city, but never spoken with her. He often wondered if she had found a new lover since they had parted ways. In many ways, that is what he wanted. Nevertheless, when he thought of another man touching Mira, it made his stomach clinch tightly in jealously. He pushed the thoughts aside as he walked swiftly though the city. Suddenly, an alarm was sounded regarding ships moving into the port of the city. His meeting with Mira would have to wait until another time.