**Truth or Consequences**
Two days had passed since the host marched east from Minas Tirith. Before dawn on the third day, Aragorn led the Vanguard northward along the road. It was some hundred miles to the Morannon by that way, and all the men were apprehensive as to what might happen along the way. They sent out mounted scouts ahead and others on their flanks to warn them of any signs of the enemy. But their journey was strangely quiet, with fair weather and a gentle breeze from the west.
And Gandalf had the trumpeters blow their fanfares at various intervals and the heralds shouted: 'The Lords of Gondor are come! Let all leave this land or yield them up!'
But Prince Imrahil said, "Say not the Lords of Gondor. Say instead The King Elessar. For that is true, even if he has yet to claim it; and it will give the Enemy pause if the heralds use that name."
And thereafter, three times each day the horns blew and the heralds cried out that the King Elessar had come. But the hills were silent and there was no answer to the challenge. Despite the seeming peace of their journey, the men in the army felt foreboding of evil with every passing step northward. Each mile added weight to their dread, but naught was seen of the enemy all that day, and they camped that night with a double watch.
*****
While the army journeyed northward, Miranda spent her days with Merry, learning what she could about Middle Earth. She cleverly drew stories from him with little more than short hints and phrases. The company was a great distraction from the ominous dreams that terrified her and robbed her of sleep. Miranda knew her time was short and she needed to learn what she could.
"Why so many questions?" Merry asked. "I think it is your turn to tell a story."
"I need to learn about the land of my birth," Miranda said. "I'd love to see a map. It would make it easier to picture where everything is."
"Sorry, I don't have one," Merry said. "Maybe you could ask Lord Faramir."
Miranda blushed. "It's hard enough to admit to my friends that I don't know anything about Middle Earth. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of strangers."
Merry laughed. "Well then," he said. "Leave it to me then. I'll get us a map, and tomorrow I'll teach you what I can."
Miranda smiled broadly, "Thanks Merry."
"How could I refuse my sister?" he said with a grin.
Miranda left Merry to rest, and went to bed early. She'd just settled in when Izabel slipped into her room carrying a bundle.
"Lady Miranda I have your clothes," she said quietly. "It wasn't easy to get them, and Ioreth doesn't know."
Miranda took the offered bundle and opened it. Her gray Elven cloak was there along with the brooch, her green jacket, tan pants and a new white linen shirt. Miranda smiled, "Thank you, Izabel."
Izabel smiled shyly, "I found you another shirt, yours was ruined beyond repair."
"I appreciate it," Miranda said. "I hope you won't get into trouble."
"No," Izabel said. "You're not going to wear them are you?"
"No," Miranda said as her face grew serious, "Not yet." She wrapped the clothes back up and hid the bundle in her wardrobe. She paused and took her sword out to look at it. As she unsheathed the blade, Izabel watched in fascination.
"Your sword," Izabel said in admiration. "Some of the soldiers spoke of it."
"It was a gift from Lady Galadriel of Lorien," Miranda said as she sheathed the blade and replaced it in the wardrobe. She turned to Izabel and smiled. "How about a cup of tea?"
"Yes my lady," Izabel said as she headed for the door.
"Bring two cups, so you can join me," Miranda said.
"Oh. No my lady," Izabel said in shock. "Servants do not eat with ladies."
Miranda frowned. "I'll eat with whoever I want," Miranda said firmly. "And you're no servant, you're my friend."
Slowly Izabel smiled and she said, "I'll return in a few minutes with our tea, Miranda." She left Miranda's room and sang brightly all the way to the kitchen.
Miranda laughed. She was glad to see Izabel's true personality, not just a meek little servant. It was good to have another friend.
When Izabel returned she not only had tea, but a small plate full of sweet bread. She and Miranda spent an hour sharing tea and good company. That night Miranda slept soundly, and without any frightening dreams. It was the best night's sleep she'd had in a long time.
*****
Ẻowyn and Faramir also filled the hours of waiting in each other's company. Ẻowyn kept her word and went to the Hall for breakfast where she found Faramir waiting. They spent the whole day together, walking in the garden. Sometimes they were lost in conversation, but other times they just sat together under the great tree in silence, content to enjoy the sunshine. Once again they watched the sunset together and Faramir walked her to her room.
"My lady, your company has been a great comfort to me," he said. "I look forward to tomorrow when I can see you again."
Ẻowyn made no comment, but politely bid him goodnight and closed her door. She would not let go of her sorrow, not even for this gentle Steward.
Faramir hung his head and sighed. Ẻowyn was beautiful beyond description, but her heart was cold. For a while he thought he had seen a change in her, but the shadow of sadness hung upon her still. Perhaps tomorrow he could draw her into the sunshine. He wanted to see her smiling, and he wanted her smiles to be for him.
*****
It was on the second day's march from the crossroads, the fourth from Minas Tirith, that the vanguard saw resistance. Near the end of the day a strong force of Orcs and Easterlings attempted to take their leading companies in an ambush. But the captains of the west were warned by their scouts so the ambush itself was trapped. They sent riders westward and they came up to the enemy's flank and from behind. The Orcs were destroyed or driven east into the hills. But the victory did little to hearten the captains.
"It is but a feint," Elrohir said.
Aragorn agreed. "Its chief purpose was to draw us on by false guess of our enemy's weakness rather than do us much harm, yet."
And from that evening on the Nazgul came and shadowed every move the army made. They still flew high, out of sight of all save the Elves, but their presence could be felt. Though they were silent and made no aggressive moves, the dread of the Ringwraiths presence could not be shaken off.
*****
Miranda once again spent the day with Merry studying maps. It put a new perspective on her journey from Rivendell to see it on paper. But she was most interested in the layout of Mordor for she had seen the black tower in her dreams. She was careful not to let Merry know her true purpose in studying the maps, but he knew she was not being completely honest. She retired very early that day, and Merry was concerned so he went to find Lord Faramir.
Faramir also found himself alone early that day for Ẻowyn had not waited to watch the sunset. He was grateful for the distraction when Merry found him in the garden.
"Good evening," Faramir said.
"Good evening, Lord Faramir," Merry said. "I thought I might speak to you, if it is a good time."
"Of course," Faramir said, suddenly interested.
"It is Lady Miranda," Merry said nervously. "I am concerned for her."
Faramir could see the worry on the young man's face and it was contagious. "Is she well?"
"She seems to be in perfect health, but I think she is up to something," Merry said.
Faramir cocked a brow and smirked. "You will have to explain."
"She has been asking lots of questions about geography," Merry said. "At first I thought nothing of it, but now I wonder if she has a reason."
"Perhaps she just wants to understand the lay of the land better," Faramir suggested. "She has said that she grew up far from here."
Merry couldn't shake his suspicions. "No," he said firmly. "She knows something, it's her sight. I think she's preparing."
The Hobbit before him was gravely serious and it gave him pause. "Preparing for what?" Faramir asked with concern.
"I do not know," he admitted sadly. "But she is definitely keeping something from me."
"I will speak with her," Faramir said.
"Don't tell her I told you," Merry said quickly. "I don't want her to be mad at me."
Faramir chuckled, "Don't worry; I'll keep your secret."
*****
Faramir stood in front of Miranda's door trying to think of what he was going to say when he heard Izabel singing. She was heading this way, so he stepped back into the shadows and waited for her to pass. He didn't know why, but he wanted to see what she was up to. She carried a bundle, and entered Miranda's room without knocking. He smiled when he saw she'd forgotten to close the door and he quietly walked over to look.
Miranda was sitting on the bed, polishing her weapons. Izabel set down the bundle and started fidgeting.
"Tell me again why you need all this?" Izabel asked.
"If you don't know about it, you can't get into trouble for it," Miranda said. "I just have a feeling I will need it."
"When will you need it?" Izabel pressed.
"What moon is there tonight? Is it full yet?" Miranda asked.
"It waxes for two nights yet," Izabel said.
"Then I will need it two nights hence," Miranda said. "I will not need any more help from you until then."
"Miranda, please," Izabel said.
"I promise you that I am not doing anything wrong," Miranda said softly. "I made a promise to stay here, but I cannot keep it. I will be summoned and I have to go."
Izabel's eyes filled with tears, "Where?"
"To help Aragorn," Miranda said. "Where else?" Miranda looked at Izabel and her expression softened. "Don't worry about me, Izabel, just keep it a secret. I don't think the Warden would let me go."
Faramir couldn't believe what he was hearing. The look on Miranda's face was confident and unwavering. He backed away from the door and considered what he'd heard. How would she be summoned? Two days from now the army would already be nearing the gate, how could she help Lord Aragorn then?
Izabel was heading to the door, so Faramir stepped back out of sight. When she was gone he went to his room. He knew that he could stop her, but should he? Faramir paced the floor by his bed as he recounted what he'd overheard. Cryptic. He had two days to decide. He gave a snort and went to bed. Two days.
*****
Faramir rose early but did not go to the hall to meet with Ẻowyn, he sought out Izabel instead. He found her carrying a breakfast tray down the hall.
"Is your lady within?" he asked, pointing at Miranda's door.
"Yes, my lord," Izabel said nervously.
"Is she ready to receive a visitor?" Faramir pressed.
"Yes, she is dressed," Izabel said. "We were going to the garden early today."
"Then give me the tray," Faramir said. "And find other duties for a while."
Izabel handed him the tray, curtseyed and disappeared down the hall.
Faramir knocked and heard Miranda's call.
"It's open Izzy," Miranda said.
Faramir opened the door, and saw Miranda seated on the bed which was already made. She was stitching something in her lap so she didn't notice him enter.
"Sewing is really not my talent," Miranda said as she turned, and then she gasped.
"Yes, not Izzy," Faramir said sarcastically.
"Good morning, Lord Faramir," Miranda said as she set her sewing aside and stood. "What are you doing here?"
"We need to talk," Faramir said.
Miranda's heart sank into her stomach and she knew that she was in trouble. Faramir's eyes told the whole story, he knew. Her heart raced and she tried to think of what she was going to say, but nothing came to mind.
Faramir smiled at her obvious panic. "How about breakfast in the garden? We could watch the sunrise and have a chat."
"I'll get my cloak," Miranda said in utter defeat. She put it on and pinned it and Faramir led her to the garden. He handed her the tray and laid his cloak out on the frosty grass.
"Have a seat," he said sternly.
When she was seated, he sat down beside her. They ate in silence for a few minutes while he collected his thoughts. Miranda was grateful for the pause, but she knew it wouldn't last.
"Are you an ally or a spy?" Faramir asked bluntly. He had not made up his own mind yet, so he waited for her response.
"An ally," Miranda said quietly.
Faramir studied her for a moment and then continued. "Your behavior says otherwise."
"It must seem very suspicious," Miranda said. "I am sorry."
"I could just lock you in your room until the king returns," Faramir said. "Or you could give me the truth, all of it."
Miranda drew her knees up to her chest and hugged them. She hung her head in defeat, too tired to protest. "What do you want to know?"
"Who are you?" Faramir asked.
"Oh, well, start with the easy questions," Miranda said sarcastically.
Faramir's patience was wearing thin. "Do not jest, lady, it would be easier to just lock you up."
Miranda looked at him and his expression was firm. It was truth or consequences time. She bit her lip and turned away. She would have to start from the beginning if she was going to have any chance of convincing him.
"I am just a girl," she began, "An orphan from a world very far from here. I lived at a school for girls where the teachers were cold and often cruel. I had no one, so I was very quiet and shy, and spoke very little. One night, when I was feeling desperately lonely, I snuck out of the school and went to the garden to sit by the pond and look at the stars. That was the first time I met Gandalf." She told him about how Gandalf would visit every full moon, and how, with his encouragement, she began to come out of her shell at her school.
Faramir watched her closely, and he could see that he was getting the full tale. At last he was hearing the truth.
"Then he stopped coming, and I began having dreams. They were terrifying, full of dark creatures, and places I had never seen. I saw Gandalf and his friends were in trouble. "
"What did you do?" Faramir asked.
"I went to the pond to see Gandalf, and I fell asleep," she said. "I woke up in Rivendell."
"And then you joined my brother and the others on their journey," Faramir said.
"Yes," Miranda said.
"And what do you see now?" Faramir asked.
"A battle at the gates," Miranda said with a catch in her throat. "I will be there, but it will not be easy to explain how."
"Try me," Faramir said sternly. He would not let her waver now; he wanted to know what she was planning.
"For several nights now a Nazgul has been watching the city," Miranda said. "He is looking for me."
"Why?" Faramir asked.
"I killed the Dark lord's pet," Miranda said with a smirk. "The creature is not easy to slay, for none should have been able to even see it."
"Except you," Faramir said as he began to understand. "Go on."
"He is afraid of me," Miranda said, "At least until he gets his jewelry back."
Faramir considered just what it was she was saying. She offered no explanation, but it was suddenly clear. "You are going to let him find you," he said.
"Yes."
"Why?" Faramir asked.
"Two reasons," Miranda said, and she turned to face him. Her expression was serious and angry. "To cause a distraction that will help Aragorn."
"And?" Faramir prompted.
"Vengeance for my parents," she said coldly.
"Anger and vengeance I understand," Faramir said. "But those who seek vengeance often dig two graves."
"If it were only vengeance, I don't think I would have the courage to go," Miranda said. "But I want to help Aragorn, and I am afraid for Haldir. I need to be there."
Faramir turned to the sky as the sun peeked over the wall. It was a difficult story to swallow, but he knew she was telling the truth. He came to a decision. "How will it happen?"
"Under the full moon he will see me in the garden and I will be taken," she said.
"You risk much," Faramir said. "He could just kill you."
"No," Miranda said with a smile. "They will want to take me to the gates to use me to taunt Gandalf. I have a plan."
"My lady I believe you are a much more formidable woman than I thought," Faramir said in surprise. "Are you sure you are not of Numenorean blood?"
Miranda blushed. "I am the daughter of the wandering Seer and an unwanted maid he took as wife. I have no true ties but those that were offered to me out of kindness. Aragorn is the king I chose. He called me sister and his country he did offer to me to call my own."
Faramir could see the sadness in her eyes and he finally understood her loneliness. "And then he left you behind."
"He promised me he would never do that," Miranda said. "Though he did so out of love, it is still a broken promise."
"You are no spy," Faramir said. "I will not hold you."
"Then on the full moon, will you let me walk in the garden?" Miranda asked.
Faramir was silent for a moment, wrestling with his conscience. It felt wrong to let her go, but he remembered a day not so long ago that he was faced with a similar choice. He closed his eyes and saw the face of Frodo pleading with him to let him go. "I will not stop you," he finally said.
A single tear fell down her cheek and Miranda said, "Thank you."
"Thank me when you return," Faramir said harshly, already regretting the decision.
"I'll thank you now, and I'll tell you this," she said with a smile as she turned to him. "Ẻowyn will get over her grief, and you two will get married."
"Do not toy with my heart," Faramir said quickly.
"I never joke about love," Miranda said. "It will take time, and it will not be easy, but it will happen, and you'll both be happy."
Faramir considered that a moment as Miranda stood to leave. "Then answer me this, if your sight is so clear," he said before she could go. "What is your fate?"
"My own is never mine to see," Miranda said and then she turned and went inside.
Faramir was left with much to think about, but around noon he found lady Ẻowyn and spent the afternoon with her. He was hopeful now, and yet he was worried about his decision. He kept it to himself, and tried to enjoy his time with Ẻowyn. He would not have to face his decision until tomorrow night.