A/N: sorry mates... didn't know that Greenwood was the old name for Mirkwood. It was the first name that came to mind. Thanks to:

DreamingCrow

Rana Ninque

MordeMe (for shedding some light on me)

Queen of Gambitia Minion

For reviewing! Please continue to review.

II

My head was spinning. The ground felt cold under me. My nose was stuffy and my eyes ached from crying. What a nightmare. I sat up and saw that I was still in the cave. Henneth Annun, Boromir told me. He was a nice guy. After my outburst yesterday, I was sobbing like crazy. He gave me a drink and ordered another Ranger to find me a place to sleep. If all guys could be this nice. I wiped my eyes. It felt sticky with dried tears.

The cloth that served as a door was brushed away. Boromir entered and set down a tray infront of me. I looked at my watch. Six in the morning. There was a slice of bread, an apple, and a mug of water. My face must have shown something like, that's it? I wanted my cinammon toast, my half a grapefruit, and my glass of orange juice.

"Sorry," Boromir explained. "Our rations tend to be a little... skimpy."

Oh.

"We are riding for the White City today," Boromir said. "My father has required my company's presence in Minas Tirith. You are not allowed to ride on your horse, according to regulations. You can ride behind my brother, Faramir. He is a good rider, but sensitive about people astride." Boromir let out a soft snigger.

Great. You know, most of my friends would be jealous of me because they say, "Ohhh, Faramir is so cute! He is so good looking!" and on and on.

"You must excuse his behavior though," Boromir said. "He is only seventeen and has yet to learn the courtesies of a true gentleman. Besides," Boromir lowered his voice, "my father is very hard on him. Faramir is wary of strangers..." Boromir smiled. "But he has a soft heart. Aye... he has a soft heart."

I stood up. Boromir placed a hand on my back and pushed me out. All the Rangers were all willy-nilly. Boromir led me to a young man about six feet tall, an inch taller than me. He was bending over a basket, helping another man tie up a bundle. They were using the basket as a table.

"Faramir," Boromir said softly. Faramir turned around. He scowled when he saw me. "Faramir," Boromir said. "This is Carrie. She will be thy burdern 'til we arrive in Minas Tirith." Faramir muttered something under his breath. "Mind thy language, Faramir," Boromir said sharply. "You know the rules. Go, go, go."

Faramir muttered something again and marched off. I followed him. I had to practically run to keep up with him. Faramir had red-gold hair and stern pale blue eyes.

His horse was saddled for him. I swung up first and he swung up behind me. He placed his arms around me, grabbed the reins and kicked his horse. The horse was a good horse, riding at a steady pace.

And then it began to run, following the huge crowd of Rangers on their horses. My hair blew out behind me and Faramir said over the roaring wind, "Watch your hair!"

"I'm sorry," I said. I didn't want a row. I heard Faramir swear again.

The White City rose up from behind hills. Some White City. It should be Grey City. But as soon as I thought that, the sun hit the Tower of Ecthelion and then the city became a glimmering white. I have not seen anything more beautiful. I could sense Faramir feeling the same awe as me, though he must have seen this scenario many times.

We rode into the gates. "Mithrandir!" Faramir cried happily. Gandalf? I turned and saw an old man in a grey robe with a pointy felt hat on a horse. Gandalf looked up and smiled. His smile lit his whole face. Gandalf rode up to Faramir.

"Mithrandir!" Faramir said. "When did thee arrive?"

"About three minutes ago, lad. And who is the lass with thee?" Gandalf asked. I was sure getting tired of thee and thy and blah blah blah. It made it sound like I was stuck in some Middle Age town. I think Faramir's face fell when Gandalf mentioned me.

"We found her wandering in Ithilien yesterday. She says her name is Carrie," Faramir said. "Boromir said she cameout ofGreenwood. I think the wench is lying," Faramir added to get my goat. I could have strangled him. Gandalf looked at me with interest.

"Greenwood, doth thou say?" he said softly. Faramir sucked his breath in rapidly. "Faramir," Gandalf said excitedly. "I want to see you--" Finally some normal language! I thought"--in the Hall of Records later. I have a feeling this wench's presence may yet be of some significance."

I got off the horse, accidently bumping Faramir on the way. He didn't notice, thankfully.Boromir walked up to me. "Carrie," he said. "My father has heard of your coming. He wants to see thee."