**Light Keeper**
Faramir stepped out into the garden and smiled at the sunshine. It had been many days since he had seen blue sky and the sight of it breathed new hope into his heart. He glanced around the garden and saw what he was looking for seated under a large tree at the far end. As he walked toward her he could see that she wore a fine gown of white and her arm was bandaged and resting in a sling. With every step her features came into focus: golden hair, fair skin, and sad blue eyes.
"Good afternoon, my Lady," Faramir said.
Ẻowyn was startled for she had not heard him approach. She looked up and saw the handsome face of a young warrior. He smiled at her and his eyes were bright as he gazed down at her. She realized that he had greeted her so she made an attempt at courtesy.
"Good afternoon," she said shyly.
"I am Lord Faramir the Steward of Gondor," he began. "I have been in bed for days and thought a walk in the garden would be a nice change. Would you walk with me fair lady of Rohan?"
"You know me, sir?" Ẻowyn asked.
"You are Lady Ẻowyn of Rohan, the brave and beautiful sister of King Ẻomer who slays Nazgul at my gates."
Ẻowyn blushed briefly at his praise, but her sadness quickly returned. "I am a prisoner, my lord Steward," she said. "The kindness of your healers will suffocate me. I cannot lie in sloth, idle, caged. I looked for death in battle, but I did not die, and the battle goes on."
Faramir sat beside her and regarded her with tenderness. He could see within the depths of her eyes a heavy sorrow and he was moved. "My lady, what would you have me do? I am also a prisoner of the healers."
"Order the Warden to let me go," she said, but her resolve was faltering and she found herself in doubt. She steeled herself and held on to her determination. The man before her was great in his country, and she could see that he could easily outmatch the skills of any warrior of Rohan. He gazed at her with eyes both stern and gentle and she did not want to appear foolish.
"I am also in the Warden's keeping, and have not yet taken up the duties of my office. But even so, I would listen to his counsel and should not cross his will in matters of his craft."
"But I do not desire healing," Ẻowyn said. "I wish to ride in battle like my brother, or better yet, like Théoden for he has won both honor and peace."
Faramir's heart was heavy as he listened to her words. One so young and beautiful should not wish to run to her death. "It is too late now to follow the captains," he said. "But death in battle may come to us all yet, willing or unwilling. You would be better prepared to face it in your own manner if you do as the healer commanded while there is still time. You and I must endure in patience the hours of waiting."
Ẻowyn was silent and Faramir thought that something within her softened. It was as though the bitter morning frost was retreating before the morning sun. A single tear sprang in her eye and slid down her cheek like a glistening raindrop.
"But they would have me lie in bed seven days yet," she said softly, more to herself than to him. "And my window does not face east."
Faramir smiled, though his heart was filled with pity. "That can be amended, and if you will yield to the healers in all else, I will command the Warden in this: You will walk in the garden in the sun, at your will, and you will look east where all our hopes have gone."
Ẻowyn looked at Faramir and slowly a smile brightened her face.
Faramir's breath caught in his throat but he quickly recovered. "And here you will find me, walking and waiting, also looking east. It would ease my care if you would speak to me and walk with me."
Ẻowyn fell silent at this offered hand of friendship. She was not yet ready to let go of her sorrow, "I thank you, my lord, that I have gained the freedom from my chamber, and that I may walk abroad in the grace of the Steward of the City."
Faramir's heart sank as Ẻowyn stood, accepting no assistance from him. He watched her return to the house of healing without another word. He remained in the garden until sunset, walking along the battlement. His eyes strayed not to the east but to the house where the fair lady dwelt.
*****
Izabel came to Miranda's room with a tray late that evening. She was surprised to see that Miranda was lying on the bed facing the wall.
"Lady Miranda, are you well?" Izabel asked. "Should I send for the Healer?"
"No, Izabel, I am not sick," Miranda said quietly. "I am only sick in heart."
Izabel sighed and brought the tray over. "Your betrothed has marched to war today."
"All of my friends have gone with him," Miranda said desolately. "I am alone again."
"My lady has new friends here," Izabel said brightly. "Even the Steward has inquired about your health."
"Yes, Lord Faramir is a good man like his brother," Miranda said. "It was nice to meet him."
"You knew the Lord Boromir as well?" Izabel asked in wonder.
Miranda sat up and looked at the impressionable young woman. "Izabel, how old are you?"
"Fourteen, my lady," she answered. "I lost my parents in one of the raids, so I was brought here to learn the ways of a healer from the Warden and Ioreth. But now I have great honor, tending the mighty Seer who saved the King."
Miranda smiled at her, but brushed aside the compliment. "I am only a girl, not much older than you," she said. "I have a gift but that is not who I am."
"But the battle," Izabel stammered.
"I'm not mighty, I was terrified," Miranda said. "Stories do not always tell the full truth. Anyway, what's done is done. I do not wish to dwell on that day, it was unpleasant."
"But it was so amazing that not one but two women won such renown on the field of battle for Gondor," Izabel insisted. "It made me feel that I could be great someday too."
"War does not make you great," Miranda said. "And you already have honor."
"What have I done?" Izabel asked.
"You have lost everything that was dear to you but you are still sweet and kind," Miranda said seriously. "You will make an excellent healer if that is your wish."
"Thank you my lady," Izabel said as a tear fell from her eye.
"Miranda," Miranda reminded her.
"Thank you Miranda," Izabel said with a smile. "Now you should eat, and Ioreth insist that you drink all of her tea."
"That woman means to kill me I know it," Miranda said playfully with a smirk on her face.
"Ioreth means to see you well, and she wants to see you fill out your dress again," Izabel said.
"Is that why you always follow me around with food?" Miranda laughed.
"You are sickly thin, my lady," Izabel said in all seriousness.
Miranda looked down at herself and sighed. "You are right," she admitted. "But already I feel my strength returning under your care. Stop worrying over me."
"Very well," Izabel said. "Is there anything you need?"
Miranda thought for a minute and then smiled. "As a matter of fact there is. I need someone to teach me about Middle Earth."
"What?" Izabel said in shock.
"I need a tutor," Miranda repeated, "Someone to teach me the geography and history."
"I will see what I can do," Izabel said.
"And I don't want anyone to know about this," Miranda added.
"Of course," Izabel agreed. "Anything else?"
"My travel clothes," Miranda said. "I want them back."
"But you won't be traveling," the maid insisted.
"Just get them," Miranda ordered, and then her expression softened. "Please."
"Yes, my lady," Izabel said.
"Goodnight Izabel," Miranda said.
"Goodnight Lady Miranda."
The maid left her to her meal and Miranda smiled to herself. Izabel was a nice girl, but the quiet was nice. Miranda had a lot on her mind. She was anxious to learn more about this world she found herself in, and also to get her riding clothes back. Gowns were nice, but she had one last battle coming and she didn't want to face it worrying about her skirt flying up.
*****
Early the next morning, the troops roused and the main force marched to the crossroads where Aragorn and the riders were waiting. They set up a heavy guard on the crossroads to make a strong defense against any men to come down the Morgul pass or up from the south. They chose for that guard mostly archers, skilled in the ways of Ithilien who would keep hidden in the trees and slopes around the meeting of the ways. Haldir and the twins oversaw the appointing and placement of the guard while Gandalf and Aragorn rode with the Vanguard up to the entrance to the Morgul vale and looked at the vile city.
It was desolate and lifeless, for the orcs that dwelt there had been destroyed in battle. The air was thick and heavy with enmity in the valley and the Nazgul were abroad. Aragorn's stomach turned at the sight of it.
"Once it was a great city of Gondor," Aragorn said bitterly. "Look what has been done to it."
"One day it may be again," Gandalf said. "But today we may have to destroy a little more."
Aragorn gave Gandalf a nod, glanced at the city one last time and then turned to Halbarad. "Destroy the bridge, and burn the fields."
After they carried out Aragorn's orders, they rode back to the crossroads for the night. They would continue northward along the road the next morning. As the men set up camp, Aragorn sat alone by one of the campfires, deep in thought.
"Where are you?" Gandalf asked as he sat down across from Aragorn.
Aragorn looked up and smiled. "I am here," he said, "Though my thoughts do wander into the arms of a fair lady back in Rivendell from time to time."
Gandalf smiled. "Your day is coming."
"I have been told as much," Aragorn said as he looked back into the fire.
"Then Miranda tells you more than she tells me," Gandalf said. "I have pressed her for answers to important questions, but she refuses to speak."
"It was when I stopped asking," Aragorn said wistfully. "When I most needed to be encouraged, that is when she spoke to me."
"You have seen it then, haven't you," Gandalf said.
Aragorn met his eyes and knew exactly what he meant. "Yes, Gandalf, I have seen it," he said. In that moment on the bow of his ship he wondered how he had not seen it before. "When Miranda finds that light within herself, then you will have your hands full."
"Yes," Gandalf said. "And I am glad she remained behind. If the dark lord found her, he would surely kill her."
Aragorn furrowed his brows and looked at Gandalf. "Why?"
"Until he possesses the ring he is vulnerable," Gandalf said.
"The light on the hill," Aragorn said softly.
"Miranda is the last Seer, Aragorn," Gandalf said. "She is a light keeper."
"Yes, she said the ghosts called her that," Aragorn said. "What does it mean?"
"She has a power over dark forces," Gandalf said. "When she learns to use it, she will be a great power for good."
Aragorn could see the deep concern on Gandalf's face so he pressed him. "However?" Aragorn asked.
"If Sauron captured her, she could suffer Israfel's fate," Gandalf said.
"Torture and death," Aragorn said with a nod.
"No," Gandalf said quietly. "Israfel is not dead; he is one of Sauron's most wicked servants."
Aragorn's face grew pale at the thought. "Does she know?"
Gandalf looked at Aragorn with a grave expression, "No."
It was more than Aragorn ever wanted to know. "Why did you tell me this?"
"Because you will meet him at the gate, and I want you to be prepared," Gandalf said.
Aragorn scowled as he stood to leave. He looked at Gandalf as if he would say something more, but remained silent. He turned and left, leaving Gandalf alone with his thoughts.
Across the camp, the elves and Gimli sat together laughing and telling stories. Ẻomer happened to walk by and Gimli greeted him.
"Good evening horse Lord," Gimli said.
Ẻomer smiled at the Dwarf, "Good evening to all."
Everyone around the fire answered his greeting, but Haldir was silent. Ẻomer noticed the obvious snub but said nothing.
"Join us," Elrohir said.
Ẻomer glanced at Haldir briefly and then answered, "No thank you, I should check on my men." He took his leave of the group and headed back to where the men of Rohan camped.
Haldir felt a tinge of guilt at his rudeness to the king so he stood and followed him. He caught up to him quickly so he could speak to him in private.
"King of Rohan," Haldir said quietly as he came up beside him.
Ẻomer turned and looked at the Elf questioningly. Most elves were rather lithe and tall, but the Captain before him was as broad as any great warrior he had ever seen. It was obvious that Haldir of Lorien would be a formidable enemy.
"I am sorry for my rudeness," Haldir said sincerely.
"No apology is needed," Ẻomer said. "I understand."
Haldir looked at Ẻomer and said, "No, you do not. I should not carry a grudge against an ally."
"In matters of the heart, it is difficult not to," Ẻomer admitted.
"That matter is behind us," Haldir said. "You once offered me friendship; I now offer it to you." Haldir held out his hand and waited.
Ẻomer looked at the Elf in surprise. Then he smiled and took his hand. "I never withdrew my hand from you, Guardian of Lorien. I am honored to call you friend."
Haldir gave him a nod and then left to go to bed. He felt better now that he had truly made peace with the horse lord. He lay down and gazed up at the stars and smiled. Perhaps Miranda was looking at the same stars.
"Oh gentle lady," Haldir whispered. "How I miss you." He closed his eyes and fell asleep with memories of Miranda in his thoughts.
Elladan, who stood by a tree not far from where Haldir lay, heard his whispered confession. His own heart echoed the sentiment, but the look of love on the face of Haldir knotted his stomach. He walked in silence until he found a quiet spot to sit. He looked at the stars and remembered how excited Miranda was when Haldir asked for her hand. She glowed with joy. As tears filled his eyes Elladan realized he never had a chance.