The next morning, Miril awoke in her comfy bed and didn't want to get up. The sheets were warm and the blankets comfortable. She spent several minutes just staring up at the stone ceiling, counting the bumps. But at last there came a knock at the door and she sat up, calling for whoever it was to enter.

It was a castle servant. She was a young girl with shiny dark hair and blue eyes. She wore a nice grey dress and her hair was in pigtails. The girl bowed upon entering.

"My Lady," she said, "The King requests your presence in his room."

Miril nodded. "Thank you. Tell him I'm on my way."

The girl bowed and turned to leave.

"What is your name," Miril asked her. "How old are you?"

"I am Elumeril," the servant girl answered. "I am nine years old, my Lady."

Miril smiled. "Thank you, Elumeril. Please tell Lord Aragorn that I will be in shortly."

The girl smiled and nodded before leaving the room. Elumeril was a very pretty name, elvish for Light Blue Flower. Probably a reference to the girl's pale blue eyes. Miril was pleased to have her as a maidservant. Though it would take some getting used to, that was for certain.

Miril got out of bed and went to the closet where Faramir had transferred the dresses that fit. Miril put on a grey dress and grey sandals before brushing and braiding her hair and placing her circlet on her head. That took some getting used to as well.

She left the room soon after and went up the stairs to where the king's chambers were. She knocked and heard a voice tell her to enter. She did as such. Inside she found Aragorn, Éomer, and the Sons of Elrond. They were standing around talking.

"Ah, Miril. Good," Aragorn nodded. "Éomer and the Twins are riding for Rohan tomorrow morning and I'd like you to go as well. A rider reached Minas Tirith this morning with word that a company of elves is approaching Édoras."

Elrohir nodded. "Most likely it is a combined host from Rivendell and Lothlorien."

Aragorn agreed. "As such I want the three of you to go with Éomer and accompany them back here."

Miril smiled and nodded in understanding, "Of course."

Aragorn dismissed the others but told Miril to stay. The Twins left after telling her good morning, and Éomer smiled as he passed her.

"Is there something the matter, Aragorn?" Miril asked him.

Aragorn sighed and went to the window where bright morning light was streaming through. The breeze ruffled his hair from where he'd opened the glass panes. Then he turned back to face her.

"The Ring had been destroyed, Mordor has been eradicated. But this means you are one step closer to your Doom, according to the Mirror. Or have you forgotten?"

Miril remained silent for a moment and closed her eyes. Images from her dreams and her experience at the Mirror of Galadriel flooded into her mind. Images of blood and darkness. Of evil coming out of the South. Images of a Haradrim girl, a giant spider, and two blue wizards. They all sped into her mind and overwhelmed her.

"Nay, Aragorn. I had not forgotten. Never in all this time has it slipped my mind." She sighed. "But for now I must help you here until a day comes when I understand better the prophecy and the Mirror's message."

Aragorn nodded. "I figured you had not. And I suppose what you say I true. Perhaps the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, or Lord Elrond will be able to give you some assistance."

They were both silent for awhile, Miril lost in thought and Aragorn looking from the window out over his kingdom. The two Dunedain wondered what to do next. At last Aragorn turned to face her again.

"Go out to the camp of the Dunedain," he instructed. "Find me three of your most trusted allies. Bring them up here."

Miril nodded and left the room. She wondered why he needed them. She knew already who she would choose. Althea, Morwen, and Idril were certainly the three she trusted most. All three had survived the battle, though Althea had lost her left hand when a troll sword caught her. Fortunately she knew how to fight with her right arm as well.

Wandering down the streets of the city, people stopped and stared as she passed, noticing her circlet and recognizing her as the King's ward and friend. A few children ran up to her and she gave them hugs. The boys were especially curious about Galmegil which was strapped to her belt. She allowed them to touch the black and silver scabbard and try the mithril hilt. They were in awe.

Eventually she passed through the broken gates and out onto the Pelennor Fields. There she found the various hosts of the Free Peoples. Éomer's éored, Imrahil's Knights, and the Grey Company were all arrayed there. She found the small company of Dunedain quickly enough.

"Althea," Miril smiled as she embraced the woman warmly. "Aragorn has need of three of my trusted friends. That means you. Where are Idril and Morwen?"

Althea gestured with her handless arm towards the right. She got up and followed Miril after strapping on her sword and cloak. They found Morwen and Idril having a meal together.

"Morwen, Idril," Miril smiled. "Get up and follow me! The King has need of you."

Instantly the two women leapt to their feet and grabbed their weapons. Their King had summoned them. All three women followed Miril back to Minas Tirith and if Miril had thought the stares on the way out were bad, the stares coming in were even worse. The four women, three clad in travel clothes and one in a dress with a circlet, wandered up through the streets until they reached the throne room. There they found Aragorn, Gandalf, Faramir, and Imrahil.

Aragorn smiled when he saw whom Miril had chosen. The three women knelt before Aragorn and Miril smiled back at him.

"You requested my most trusted companions, Lord. I have brought them to you."

"Rise, friends," Aragorn nodded. "Althea, Morwen, Idril. Your King has need of you here."

"Whatever you request, Lord," Althea nodded as they rose to their feet. "Your wish is as a command to us."

"Althea, daughter of Daeron," Aragorn nodded. "You are wise. You learned the ways of the Dunedain alongside Miril. I have need of someone on the Council of Gondor from the Northern kingdom. Would you be willing to serve me here in Minas Tirith as an advisor?"

Althea nodded in shock. "Of course, My Lord. I would be honored."

Aragorn smiled and turned to Morwen. "Morwen, student of my greatest friend Halbarad. You are perhaps the greatest swordswoman I have ever met. I have need of a new Captain of the Guard as the previous perished in the war. Will you serve me here in Minas Tirith as well?"

Morwen was stunned but nodded, bowing deeply to him. "It would be with great pleasure, Lord."

Aragorn finally turned to Idril. The bright woman was barely able to hold Aragorn's eye contact, she was so in awe.

"Idril, daughter of Eärnur," Aragorn smiled. "Prince Imrahil had requested a new Captain for his guard. Your prowess in bowmanship and fleetfootedness, and your incredible ability to teach others, would serve him well in Dol Amroth. Will you accept this new position in the south of Gondor?"

"Of course, Lord. But," she hesitated. "May my beloved come as well?"

Aragorn chuckled. "Yes. Of course."

Idril grinned widely and bowed to her king. Truly Lord Aragorn was a wonderful ruler and it had been but a day since his official coronation.

"Miril, do you think these women will be able to fulfill their duties?" Aragorn asked her.

Miril nodded immediately. "I trust them with my life."

"Then it is settled. You will begin your new positions as soon as you can. Idril, speak to Prince Imrahil after this. Morwen, I will send you to the guards. And Althea, come with me for instructions. That is all.'