**Lunch at the Hornburg**
The company rode swiftly, with Gimli riding behind Legolas, and Merry riding in front of Aragorn. They had barely passed the Fords of Isen when one of the riders from the rear of the column rode up to the King.
"My lord, there are riders following us," he said. "They are riding hard and will soon overtake us."
Théoden halted the riders and everyone turned to face their pursuers. Miranda could hear the approaching riders as the sound of pounding hooves grew to a thunder. When the riders were about twenty yards off, Ẻomer shouted to them.
"Halt, halt!" Ẻomer ordered. "Who rides in Rohan?"
The approaching riders stopped suddenly and a silence hung in the air between the two companies. Then one rider dismounted and slowly approached until he was only a few feet away.
"Rohan? That is good news to us, for we have ridden fast and far to get here," he said.
"You have found it," Ẻomer said. "But this is the realm of Théoden the King, and none ride here but by his leave. Who are you and what is your errand?"
"Halbarad Dủnadan, Ranger of the North," he said. "We seek one Aragorn of Arathorn, and we heard he was in Rohan."
"And you have found him!" Aragorn said, as he gave his reigns to Merry and went to greet his friend. He gave him a hug and said, "Halbarad! You are a welcome, if unexpected sight!"
Aragorn turned back to the King and his company and said, "All is well, these are some of my kin from far off."
"I have some thirty with me," Halbarad said. "That is all that could be gathered in haste, but the brothers Elladan and Elrohir have come with us, wishing to go to the war. We came as fast as we could when your summons came."
Miranda sat up straight in her saddle when she heard the newcomer mention the brothers. She tried to search the faces of the riders for a glimpse of her friends, but it was too dark.
"I sent no summons, except perhaps in wish, but that matters little. Come, we ride in haste as well. Ride with us, if the King will give his leave," Aragorn said, looking back at the king.
"Yes," Théoden said with a smile. "If these men be anything like you, they will add strength to our ranks that cannot be counted by heads!"
The riders set out again, and Aragorn rode with the Rangers, exchanging news and catching up. After the urgent messages were given, Elrohir said to him, "I have a message for you from my father, He said, the days are short, if you are in haste remember the paths of the dead."
Aragorn pondered the message thoughtfully and nodded to the elf. He noticed Halbarad carrying a tall staff, wrapped tightly in black cloth and had to ask about it, "What is that you carry?"
"It is a gift I bring you from the lady of Rivendell," Halbarad said. "She made it is secret, and sent you a message, the days now are short. Either our hope comes, or all hopes end. Farewell, Elfstone."
"Then I know what you are carrying," Aragorn said. "Carry it for me a little longer." Aragorn's expression grew wistful and he absentmindedly reached up and touched the stone on the necklace Arwen had given him.
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks, and Elladan broke into his thoughts with another question, "And how fares Miranda?"
"Yes," Elrohir said, "is she still with you?"
Aragorn smiled, "She is still in our company, and fares well, though I think seeing you both will raise her spirits."
"So she is in poor spirits?" Elladan asked.
Aragorn's face grew serious and thoughtful for a moment while he chose his words. "Miranda has seen many unpleasant things," he said carefully. "She is not as light hearted as she was when first we found her in the forest of Rivendell."
The brothers contemplated his words, and the company continued on in silence until they reached Helm's Deep.
*****
It was in the grey of morning when they finally rode up the long ramp to the Hornburg. Miranda could see the repairs on the deeping wall were well underway, and the fallen had all been buried. It was obvious that a great battle had taken place here, but it was nowhere near the grisly appearance they had left only a few short days ago.
Haldir had insisted that Miranda go and take her rest, and it was some hours later before anyone came to wake her.
"Miranda, get up, they are serving food in the great hall," Legolas said. "I cannot remember the last time you had a decent meal."
Miranda yawned and sat up, catching sight of Legolas and Gimli's expectant faces.
"Were you able to sleep?" Gimli asked.
"Yes, this time, thanks," Miranda said. She rose and followed her friends down to the hall. She looked around for the brothers but did not see them. "I would like to find someplace to wash first," Miranda said thoughtfully.
Legolas nodded. "That's a good idea," Legolas said. "Perhaps you would like to wear that gown lady Galadriel gave you."
"Yes," Gimli agreed. "You'll have plenty of time to change again before we need to leave."
Legolas and Gimli led Miranda to a room where she could wash, and Gimli stood guard at the door to insure she had privacy. About twenty minutes later, Miranda shyly immerged from the room wearing the gown. She had let her hair down, and Gimli noticed that it had grown some since the last time she had worn it loose. Gimli gave her a smile.
"Here is a sight that will brighten everyone's day," Gimli said to Legolas.
The trio continued down to the main hall, Legolas realized that only the fellowship had ever seen Miranda dressed in a gown before. He wondered how Ẻomer and Haldir would react.
"Ẻomer was asking about you this morning," Legolas said.
Miranda suddenly stopped, and Gimli and Legolas turned back to see her confused expression. "What did he ask?"
Legolas just smiled broadly and said, "He was just asking where you were from."
"And if you would be joining us for the meal," Gimli added with a wink.
Miranda rolled her eyes and started walking again. "I do not understand men," she said quietly. "I simply don't understand."
"He likes you," Legolas said. "What's to understand?"
"Why?" Miranda asked. "I hardly know him. I usually look like a mess, and I keep to myself."
"It's the eyes," Gimli said with conviction, gaining a quick look from Legolas. Gimli glanced at him and said, "What?"
"All right, that's enough," Miranda said. "I'm hungry, and I don't want to talk about it anymore."
"Why not?" Legolas asked. "Don't you like him?"
Miranda didn't answer. She just brushed past them and entered the hall with a blush on her face, leaving the pair laughing in her wake. She was quickly halted by two familiar voices.
"Miranda!" Elladan and Elrohir said when they saw her.
Miranda spotted them coming towards her and she smiled broadly. "Brothers!" she exclaimed. "It is so good to see you both."
Elladan caught her in a big hug and nearly lifted her off the floor, and then Elrohir did the same.
"We have missed you, little friend," Elladan said. "You look well, but a bit thinner than last we saw you."
"Come, sit with us," said Elrohir as he grabbed her hand and led her to the table.
Théoden was already seated, with Merry at his side. Ẻomer and the riders were also gathering, and then he noticed Miranda. She was taking a seat near the far end of the table between Elladan and Elrohir, with Legolas and Gimli seated across from them. Ẻomer gave a bow to the king.
"If you'll excuse me uncle," Ẻomer said softly, he turned and took a seat by Legolas across from Miranda.
Théoden glanced at Merry and they exchanged knowing smiles.
Miranda's ears were buzzing with the news from Rivendell. The brothers filled her in on their journey to meet Aragorn, and Miranda told them a little of their own journey.
"You missed a great victory here," Miranda said. "Legolas and Gimli here were keeping count, and finished the night with only one orc head separating their scores."
"And Miranda scored a respectable number herself before the dawn," Gimli said.
Ẻomer watched Miranda in silence. He had not heard much of her involvement in the battle, and was surprised. He noted the attention she was getting from the two elves, and tried to ignore it. Miranda seemed to treat them only as good friends, so he was not concerned, until Haldir walked in the hall.
Miranda saw Haldir and smiled brightly. "Haldir," she said. "I wondered where you were, won't you join us?"
"Yes," Elladan said. "Here's a free chair."
Ẻomer's heart sank. It is as he feared, she likes the elf.
As the meal concluded, Ẻomer excused himself and went to speak to Théoden. "It is near the hour you appointed for our departure, and we have yet to see Aragorn. Shall I bid men sound the horns?"
"We will get ready to ride," Théoden said. "Send word to Aragorn that it is nearly time to depart. Merry here will ride with me as my squire. Have one of the men prepare a pony for him."
Ẻomer nodded, and the hall quickly emptied as the King and his men prepared to leave. Miranda rose from the table to go change, but Ẻomer caught up to her before she left.
"My lady," Ẻomer said. "Will you ride with me today?"
"Your place is by your King," Miranda said. "My place is with my friends, the fellowship."
"Am I not also your friend, Miranda?" Ẻomer asked.
"I count all in this company my friends, sir," Miranda said carefully.
"Some, I think, more than others," Ẻomer said, glancing at Haldir who was obviously waiting for Miranda by the door. "You light up when you are with the others, and you are quiet and distant with me. Why?"
"Lord Ẻomer," Miranda started, but Ẻomer interrupted.
"Ẻomer," he corrected.
"Ẻomer, I have an obligation that I must fulfill," Miranda said softly. "Truthfully, I don't know how I feel. I'm not used to…your kind of attention, and I just don't have the time to think of anyone as more than a friend."
"Then please, Miranda, think of me as your friend," Ẻomer said as he bowed and lifted her hand to his lips. He looked into her eyes for a moment, noting the blush on her cheeks, and then released her hand. "I look forward to seeing you later. If you will excuse me, I must make ready to leave."
Miranda gave him a shy smile and watched him leave. She turned back to the door, where Haldir and the brothers were waiting. They stood with their arms crossed and all three of the elves had expectant expressions on their faces.
"What?" Miranda asked defensively as her face turned three shades of red.
"Please, Miranda, think of me as a friend…" Elrohir said with a smirk on his face.
Miranda quickly brushed past them and headed for the stairs. "I have to change," she said, ignoring the comment.
"Miranda wait," Elladan said as he caught up to her. "Ignore my brother."
"I did," Miranda said dryly.
"You must understand," Elladan said. "The horse lord is not the only one who cares for you."
Miranda looked at each one of the elves standing there, and noted how Haldir would not make eye contact with her. She finally understood.
"Well, you all heard what I told him, and the same goes for anyone else," Miranda said. "I can't think like that right now." She turned back to the stairs and left.
When she was out of sight, Haldir punched Elladan in the arm. "When I want your help I'll ask for it," he said, and left.
Elladan rubbed his arm and looked at his brother. "Who was talking about him?"
Elrohir just shrugged.
*****
The riders were assembling in front of the keep, and Théoden, Ẻomer, and Merry rode down from the gate to join them. There were five hundred Rohirrim joining the King's small company, leaving only a small garrison at the Keep.
The Rangers were already mounted, and waited in an ordered formation a little apart from the other riders. They were wearing dark grey cloaks over their armor, and their hoods were drawn up over their helms. Miranda thought they looked rather intimidating, and wasn't sure where in the column she would rather ride. She stood aside from both companies and waited for Aragorn, who was just coming through the gate to join them.
He walked with Halbarad, Eomer, and the brothers, with Legolas and Gimli following. Aragorn went to speak to Théoden, and Miranda just waited. After a few moments, it was obvious that they were parting company. Miranda mounted Tempest as Aragorn mounted his own horse. Ẻomer, Aragorn, and Halbarad rode over to her.
"Théoden and his men will ride to Edoras for the muster of Rohan," Aragorn said. "We will take another more dangerous road, and I cannot ask you to come."
"You are most welcome to ride with us, Miranda," Ẻomer said. "Théoden himself offers the invitation."
"I am sorry, Ẻomer, but I must go with Aragorn," Miranda said to Ẻomer. "Though I will miss your company on the road," she added with a smile.
"It will not be an easy road," Aragorn said. "We are taking the Paths of the Dead."
"Aragorn," Miranda said sternly. "You should know by now that you cannot change my mind, so you might as well save your breath."
Ẻomer sighed, and looked at Miranda. "Our obligations lie with different captains, so here we must part. I will miss your smile, my lady," he said, and then added to Aragorn. "Look after her well until we meet again." He turned his horse and rode over to the king. A moment later, he gave the order to leave, and Théoden, along with Merry and the riders were off.
"There goes three that I love," Aragorn said, "and the smallest not the least."
"A little people, but of great worth are the Shire folk," Halbarad agreed.
Aragorn looked at Miranda a moment and then asked, "What has passed between you and Lord Ẻomer?"
"Nothing," Miranda said quickly. "Are we ready to leave?"
"No," Aragorn said. "I have been up all night, and need to eat. We'll leave in an hour."
Miranda gave him a nod, and rode back up the ramp and through the gate without another word.
"Interesting lady," Halbarad said.
"You have no idea," Aragorn said.