**To the Keep**
When Miranda walked through the door of the hall, it was obvious that everyone was preparing to leave for Helm's Deep. Gandalf, Aragorn and Gimli were gone, and servants and guards were busy packing. Ẻowyn saw Miranda enter and greeted her.
"There you are, Miranda, I was looking for you," Ẻowyn said. "The men are preparing to leave, so we have a little time for instruction."
Ẻowyn had changed out of her formal gown in favor of a more rugged looking travel gown. She opened a large chest and grabbed a sword. She unsheathed the weapon with grace and skill, and Miranda was excited to learn more swordsmanship from her new friend.
"Great," Miranda said enthusiastically. "I'll change and grab my sword." Miranda left to change back into her travel clothes and gather her things. She knew the need for haste and was dressed in no time. When she retrieved her weapons and travel bag, she found the gown that Galadriel had given her sitting amongst her things. She couldn't help wondering who had carried it during that long pursuit. It was the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for her, and she just couldn't believe it. A sudden smile crossed her face. It didn't really matter who it was, she was deeply touched. Miranda carefully wrapped the dress in a scrap of cloth and tucked it back into her pouch. She put on her weapons and headed for the hall.
*****
While Miranda was changing, Ẻowyn was going over a few basic moves. Swing, thrust, parry and turn…Clank! Ẻowyn's sword struck Aragorn's and he gave her a curious look.
"You've some skill with a blade," he commented in surprise.
"The women of this country learned long ago that those without swords can still die upon them," she said bitterly as she stepped back and lowered her blade. "I fear neither death nor pain."
"What do you fear, my lady?"
"A cage," she said sadly. "To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them, and all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire."
"You're a daughter of kings," Aragorn said in confusion, "A shield maiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate." He bowed and then walked away. He could not understand why she was so bitter. Caring for Théoden during the spell that bewitched him was difficult for her, but he was well now. She should be able to move on.
Ẻowyn was lost in thought when Miranda returned. "I am ready, Lady Ẻowyn," Miranda said breaking into her thoughts.
"Good, draw your sword and show me what the master elf has taught you," Ẻowyn said.
The two women sparred while the guards and servants gathered the weapons and supplies they would need for the journey to Helm's Deep. Ẻowyn was impressed with the speed at which Miranda picked up the basic moves, and her instincts for sword fighting.
"You learn quickly, Lady Miranda," Ẻowyn said.
"That is good, because I don't have much time," Miranda said.
"You are not obligated to fight when we get there," Ẻowyn said. "I doubt that Théoden will permit it," she added bitterly.
"I respect your uncle, Ẻowyn, but he is not my king," Miranda said firmly. "I go with my friends, until the end."
"Why?" Ẻowyn asked. She was intrigued by Miranda's determination.
"I made a promise to remain with the fellowship," Miranda said. "I never really had friends before, and I won't run out on them just because it's dangerous. Don't get me wrong, I'm scared, but I have to stay."
"You are very brave for one so young," Ẻowyn said. She looked across the hall and saw Legolas and Gimli waiting for Miranda. "Your friends are waiting for you."
Miranda turned around and smiled at the pair, but they just looked t her like she had two heads. "What?" she asked as she walked over to them.
"You are full of surprises, little seer," Gimli said. "I thought you had no training in the use of a sword."
"Well, I spent most of my time in Lothlorien training," Miranda admitted.
"That's why you disappeared every day!" Legolas exclaimed in surprise. "Who was your instructor?"
"Haldir," Miranda said.
"Then that explains your quick study," Legolas said. "Haldir is a master swordsman, and bowman."
"Well, I spent all my time on the sword," Miranda said. "I can learn the bow from you."
Legolas smiled. "You only need to work on speed and consistency. You just need more practice," Legolas said.
"Perhaps I should teach the lady the use of a good battle ax," Gimli said. "Our seer is a natural warrior, and deserves to use a noble weapon."
Aragorn walked in just in time to hear Gimli's offer of instruction and laughed. "I think Miranda has enough weapons to carry as it is, master dwarf," he said. "Let her master one at a time."
Miranda just glanced at Ẻowyn who was stifling a laugh, and then headed out the door. The blush didn't hit until she heard the laughter behind her. She was embarrassed, but it was funny. Unfortunately, the need for skill in weapons was too serious for her to really enjoy the humor. Even now she could feel the shadow of the enemy pressing in on her. It was a suffocating feeling, and she didn't like it.
*****
On the journey to Helm's Deep, Miranda was given the use of a horse for a while, and was invited to keep Théoden company. She glanced around, and realized that it was a great honor to ride beside the king.
"Gandalf has told me that you are a seer," Théoden said. "What do you see today?"
Miranda smiled at him and decided to keep the conversation light. "I see a bright sun in the sky, my friends around me, and the company of a noble king," she said. "I think it is a good day."
Théoden laughed at her compliment, but knew it for what it was, and evasive answer. "Gandalf said that you keep your own council on your sight," the king said. "Perhaps I should ask one of your friends."
"Nay, your majesty," Gimli said. "The lady keeps her secrets from us as well."
"Then what is the purpose of having a seer in your midst?" Théoden asked.
Miranda blushed and didn't say a word. He had a point with that question and she realized she really hadn't been that much help.
"Miranda has earned her place in our company with or without her sight," Gimli roared angrily.
Legolas held up a hand to quiet Gimli's angry outburst, and offered a more civilized response. "Miranda's gift makes her a wise council, if any would ask it of her," Legolas said quickly in her defense. "She is also rather handy in a battle with trolls and orcs."
"My apologies, my lady," Théoden said, bewildered by the quick retort by her companions. "I did not mean to give offense. I see your honor is well defended in this company."
"There is no apology necessary," Miranda said with a smile. She glanced back at Legolas and Gimli who had so quickly defended her and gave them a genuine smile. It was really nice to have friends.
*****
Théoden led his people at an urgent pace, marching them well after dark. He was mindful of the elderly, and the children, but he knew the enemy would be attacking soon. The hour was late when he finally stopped to make camp. The soldiers set up a perimeter and organized the night watch, and Ẻowyn and Miranda walked through the camp and checked on the needs of the people. It was nearly midnight when they finally returned to the front of the ranks where her friends were. Ẻowyn went to speak to the king, and Miranda rejoined her comrades.
"Come sit and rest, Miranda," Gimli said. "I'll retrieve some food for you."
"Since when do warriors serve dinner?" Miranda asked humorously.
"Since I have been sitting here relaxing while you have spent the last two hours tending the people," Gimli said seriously. He rose and retrieved the promised plate of food while Miranda sat down by Legolas and Aragorn.
Miranda removed her weapons, but kept them close, and took off her leather bag. She pulled her blanket out of her bag, and noticed the gown packed in the bottom. When Gimli handed her a plate, she eyed the trio suspiciously.
"I don't suppose any of you would know how this gown managed to find its way to Rohan when I distinctly remember leaving it behind…" Miranda said.
All three of them gave her innocent looks, but it was Aragorn who was first to speak. "I'm sure that none of us knows what you're talking about," he said firmly.
"What gown?" Gimli said.
Legolas just gave her noncommittal a questioning look.
She studied at each one, and could not read from their expressions which one had done it. Perhaps they all knew, and decided not to tell. She was suddenly very embarrassed and turned away using her dinner as a convenient distraction. She couldn't help the blush that crept up her cheeks, and almost cringed.
"Well…thanks," she said quietly and ate her dinner in silence.
The three men exchanged smiles while her back was turned, and left her to her privacy.
*****
Miranda found her self in the midst of an enormous battle. It was out in the open, so she didn't think it was this Helm's Deep they were going to. She recognized the setting from previous dreams, and knew she needed to watch for her dark enemy. She looked across the fray and recognized Legolas and Gimli fighting near each other. They were giving each other good cover as they tore through the hordes of orcs. She looked the other way and spotted Aragorn, and the horse lord Ẻomer fighting side by side. And then she saw the shadow on the horizon. It was like a great giant, shrouded in a black cloud, and marching toward them with evil purpose burning in its fiery eyes. She called to the soldiers around her…
"Forget these orcs, you must stop that creature!" she cried as she pointed.
They looked at her like she was crazy and it was then that she realized… she was the only one who could see it. She turned back to it and could see the shadow staring at its chosen target. She got a knot in her stomach. This was why she was here, to stop that evil creature. She drew her sword and ran to intercept it. She prayed she would be in time…
Miranda gasped as she woke from her ominous dream. It was nearly dawn, and already the camp was preparing to leave. She rose and packed her bag and put on her weapons. She was lost in thought, and didn't hear Legolas speaking to her.
"Miranda," Legolas said a little louder to get her attention.
"Oh, sorry," she said. "I was a little out of it there."
"You look pale," Legolas said. "You had another dream." It was almost an accusation, like he was daring her to deny it. Or maybe he was daring her to finally confide in him.
"It has become a common occurrence," Miranda said lightly. "Don't worry about it."
"It's not common for elves to worry, Miranda," Legolas said. "But your dreams have me concerned for you."
"I am quite well, thank you," Miranda said indignantly.
"You are tired," Legolas said. "The responsibility of your sight is very heavy."
It was at that moment that Aragorn and Gimli walked up and greeted them. "Good morning!" Gimli said brightly.
"Sleep well?" Aragorn asked.
Miranda and Legolas didn't answer right away, and the tension was suddenly very obvious.
"Good morning," Miranda said quietly and stalked away.
Legolas just turned to Aragorn and spoke to him in elvish, "Your timing is horrible this morning."
"Sorry," Aragorn said. "What was that all about?"
"I almost convinced her to talk to me," Legolas said.
Aragorn laughed. "Miranda has a strong will. She won't talk unless she wants to."
Legolas frowned and walked away. Miranda was making herself sick, and he was the only one who seemed to notice. She needed someone to keep an eye on her. Legolas wished Gandalf was here.
"What was that all about?" Gimli asked Aragorn.
"Miranda won't talk to Legolas about her visions," Aragorn said.
"Ah, leave the girl alone," Gimli said casually. "She'll talk when it's necessary."
Aragorn cocked an eyebrow at the dwarf. "You wouldn't, by any chance, have been the one who carried an elvish gown across the wilderness, would you?" Aragorn asked.
Gimli cleared his throat noisily and coughed a bit. "Why would a dwarf concern himself with a forgotten bit of fabric?"
"Of course," Aragorn said humorously as he mounted his horse. "How thoughtless of me."
*****
It was mid afternoon when Miranda got the feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong. She looked around for Legolas, but he was far ahead, scouting the road. She turned to see who was close, but Aragorn was busy talking to Ẻowyn. She gave her horse a gentle kick and rode up to where the King was.
"I hate to interrupt your discussion, your majesty, but I feel that we are about to run into some kind of trouble," Miranda said seriously.
Théoden looked at her and saw the grave expression on her face. He didn't know why, but he believed her. He gave her a quick nod of acknowledgement, and spoke to the soldier beside him to pass the word that everyone should keep their eyes open for trouble.
Miranda was satisfied by his response, and hoped that she was just being paranoid. There weren't that many soldiers here, and too many women, children, and elderly to try to protect out here in the open. Unfortunately, she was soon proven to be worried for good reason. She heard the screams of an orc and the growls of a great animal just over the rise.
Aragorn ran ahead to investigate, and everyone heard the answer.
"A scout!" Legolas shouted.