We were not to return to Minas Tirith for over a month yet and I could not spare the men to carry her, unless the need was great. For the moment, with Renil assured by how quickly her wound was healing, we gave our guest what we could; rest and food and time. We burned her rags that stank of Orc.

By the week's end, we were amazed to find her up and trying to walk. Restless with lying abed, the men would carry her to sit beside the Window on the Sunset. Often I would find her there, looking out the Window, towards the night sky. She was much taller than a woman of Gondor and lithe, her face not beautiful but stark and elegant in its long angles, a thin scar on her cheek.

"I crave the starlight." Kiriel said softly, one night as I joined her there, 'I am unused to caves.'

"I would let you walk a ways outside to see the sky unhindered lady, but it is not allowed, save you go blindfolded. I do not think you are steady enough for a such trip. No-one but we men of Gondor may see the passage'

"A wise law, Captain, in this land beset by many eyes"

Healing in body she was, but it seemed not yet in spirit. Many nights my sleep would be broken by images of dark and fire, fell creatures of the Enemy, and always the dark tower on the hill. I would arise and take her hand for a while, until her sleep quieted, thinking of stories told from the beginning of the age when the Witch-King held sway in Angmar. Many Eledhrim were taken by that accursed one, tortured and as shadows they came back or not at all. I thought of Renil's words and the marks upon her. For what purpose was she taken and whither were they bound, to the Black Land or away? For the moment there was no answer.

Our sorties resumed in earnest, keeping watch on the surrounding woods, but there were no more intruders. In the evening, we would take her blindfolded down to the forest floor for air and exercise and marvelled to see her gain back her weight and strength. Unused as the men were to having a woman in the refuge, Kiriel seemed at ease with them and they with her and her common speech improved quickly. Soon she could follow even their joking and asked often about the land around and all within it. At end of our days, we would return to find her helping Renil, seemingly used to the wounds and small hurts of living rough, as we did.

One evening, some weeks later, we returned to find her in the weapons store, longbow in hand, unstringing it for storage. Beside lay a practice butt, an arrow driven within. Our store master marvelled to see all the spare bows expertly oiled.

For sport that rainy night the men took up the newly treated bows and reset the target. They took turns and to our no great surprise, Madril, our veteran and my second, won the round. The stern and grisled Ranger then turned and extended his bow to our guest, doing her a courtesy. "Fair lady, a maid who knows such craft must be a soldier, for a soldier always keeps his kit."

Kiriel rose up, surprised, and taking the proffered bow and a quiver, bowed in return. With a movement of long ease, the quiver draped her shoulder and the bow was extended. She paused, looked down, and then, in a blur of black her head came up and she had fired. There on the target was an arrow exactly on the mark, faster than any man of the company could have done. A murmer ran through the throng. Mardil marvelled ' Lady, you have had practise indeed."

Suddenly, for a wonder, she smiled. "I am far older than you know, Mardil, a veteran such as you, though not so gray."

The Ranger grinned back "Nor was I ever so fair, even when my hair was dark"

Hefting the bow, she asked 'Of what is it made?" 'Lebrethin lady' "Mallorn we consider better" she explained and the two talked happily of bowcraft for a while as the floor was cleared.

Mablung then rose and asked 'How do you fare with a blade?' He offered his long dagger and though she smiled, she shook her head.

"Nay, a sword please, I am well enough" She took a practise steel, but paused. ''Have you some tie? I cannot fight like this" she explained, fingering the ragged hair that fell nigh to her knees.

Mardil, always quick in wit, took his chance. "Mayhap in the bought Mablung will barber it for you." Laughter echoed round the chamber. A scrap of leather was found and swiftly her fingers worked a plait.

They sparred lightly and tested their reach. Mablung found to his frustration that each time he swung she was not there. The Ranger, frustrated by her speed and style of movement, quickly found his blade on the floor.

'Here Mablung, let me try, you must be tired' joked Damrod, pushing his friend away. The heavier man fared even less well. Kiriel it seemed was greatly enjoying the dance, as she moved him around the floor. Almost she seemed to shine.

I stood back, let them have their game. Surely she is a soldier. How long has she been captive and uncared for?

'Captain..you are last'..Mardil called and broke my thoughts.

I walked to the centre of the throng. Leaner than most of my men but strong, I was usually faster and fancied my chances. Kiriel waited, panting a little from her exertions as I took up a sparring blade. I should go easy, she is recovering.

'Really, Captain?" an amused voice asked lightly my mind. In a flash she spun and wheeled and my sword was gone ringing from my grip. My arm held in a vice behind my back, I was down on my knees. She, a whirlwind, had trussed me in an instant. 'Do you yield?' she asked aloud.

The men roared with laughter to see me bested so fast and sure. "I yield.'

To great clapping and teasing, the Elf-maid released my arm and pulled me up from the floor. We stood for a moment face to face. "Forgive me. " she said low, looking anxious. "Have I have embarrassed you in front of your men?"

"No, my authority must surely survive this. Why? "

"You are blushing"

I let go her hand and stepped away and thought back, "In truth my lady, so are you"