**All in the Family**

Izabel stood on the shore and waited for one of the men to retrieve the small trunk she had brought.  She was excited to see Lady Miranda again and tell her the good news.  When the young man finally brought the trunk out, she heard a voice behind her.

"I have seen you before," a man said.

Izabel turned and came face to face with a tall elf.  He gave her a friendly smile and continued, "In the house of healing, did you not tend to lady Miranda?"

"Yes," Izabel said.  "I have been released from my duties there and sent to serve the lady here."

"What's your name?" he asked her.

"Izabel," she said shyly.

"I am Elladan, her friend," he said.  "Is that your luggage?"

"Mostly things that Ioreth sent for Lady Miranda," she said.

Elladan took the trunk and started heading toward camp.  "Follow me," he said.  "Your lady has a tent on the other side of camp."

Izabel followed the elf and tried not to stare.  He was very handsome, and she had always been intrigued by elves.  When they reached the tent, Izabel entered and then reemerged.

"She's not here," she said.

"She's out somewhere with Haldir," Elladan said lightly.  "I'll put this inside for you."  He put the trunk inside and then gave her a smile.  "You're very young for a lady in waiting."

"I'm not much younger than Miranda," Izabel said defensively with a cocked brow.  "How old do I need to be?"

Elladan smiled at this spark of temper within her.  She was a pretty girl with long brown hair and deep blue eyes.  He gave her a bow and said, "Izabel, I am glad that Miranda will have a lady to talk to here.  She was starting to feel outnumbered by all these men."

"I don't believe Miranda would be intimidated by a few soldiers," Izabel said, "And certainly not by a few elves."

"And what about you, Lady Izabel?" Elladan asked with a playful smirk on his face as he stepped closer to her.  "Do I intimidate you?"

Izabel stood as tall as she could, which was only to his shoulders, and lifted her chin proudly.  "You, sir, don't scare me a bit."

There was a fire in her eyes, and yet she was unsure of herself.  Elladan was utterly charmed by her.  He smiled and stepped back.  "Perhaps you will change your mind about that after you get to know me better," he said.  He gave her a slight bow and left.

Izabel let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding.  She suddenly felt warm, and she needed to collect herself before her Lady returned.  She went into the tent to take care of the luggage.

*****

Haldir sat by the stream where Miranda had left him and waited.  He forced himself to remain calm and not jump to ridiculous conclusions but it was an effort.  Finally he heard laughter coming from the woods behind him and he stood and turned to see Ẻomer with his hand around Miranda's shoulder.  Haldir crossed his arms and stepped forward but Ẻomer spoke up before he could speak.

"I have news for you, Elf Captain," Ẻomer said formally.  "It pleases me to tell you that Lady Miranda is a member of the House of Théngel, and is therefore my cousin."

Haldir dropped his hands to his side and looked at Miranda in utter shock.  "Explain," he said quietly.

"My mother was Théoden's daughter by a maid at Meduseld," Miranda said. 

"My uncle never claimed her," Ẻomer said seriously.  "He did not wish to hurt Théodred, and later the spell of Isengard took all reason from him."

"How long have you known?" Haldir asked.

"I only just found out," Ẻomer said.  "Your lady would have said nothing if it weren't for my sister."

"Then you have the right of guardianship over her as the head of her house," Haldir said.

"In truth, I had not even thought of that," Ẻomer said with a sly smile.  "Be at ease, my lord Elf, you have my blessing."

Haldir smiled.  "It seems that soon I shall be related to half of Middle Earth," he said with a chuckle.

"Not really," Miranda said.  "How binding is that adoption anyway?  I always just thought of it as close friendship." 

Both men looked at her in surprise.  "You go ask Aragorn how seriously he takes it," Ẻomer said.  "Apparently you have not learned the value we place on family here.  If he calls you sister, he means it as strongly as I when I call you cousin."

Miranda blushed, and Haldir took her hand.  "We'll see you at dinner, Ẻomer," Haldir said.

"Yes, you two should talk," Ẻomer agreed and then he left.

Miranda bit her lip and stared at the ground but Haldir lifted her chin to look into her eyes.

"You're having a hard time with this family thing, aren't you?" he asked.

"It's a new concept," she admitted. 

"You'll get used to it," he said.  "I look forward to starting a family of our own."

Miranda blushed and smiled sheepishly.  "What is your family like?" she asked.

"My parents have returned to the undying lands, but my brothers, Rûmil and Orophin are guardians on the forests of Lorien.  We have kept watch together for the better part of the third age," he said.  "You saw them briefly the day Lady Galadriel brought you to me."

"I remember them," she said.  "They looked down their noses at me," she added with a frown.

Haldir sighed, "For many years we did not have much trust for outsiders, especially humans."

"Maybe we shouldn't live in Lorien," Miranda said thoughtfully.  "I would be completely out of place, even unwanted there."

Haldir hugged her, "You don't have to decide today where we will live.  As long as we are together, I will be content."

"Really?"

"Yes, but you are wrong about being out of place," he said.  "As the last Seer, you will be revered wherever you go.  Rulers throughout Middle Earth will seek your wisdom."

Miranda laughed, "What wisdom?"

Haldir pondered that a moment and then he said, "Let me ask you this; what future do you see for Gondor and Rohan?"

Miranda closed her eyes and said, "A time of healing the hurts of war, and then long years of prosperity and friendship," she said confidently.  "Ẻomer will marry Prince Imrahil's youngest daughter, Aragorn and Arwen will restore Minas Tirith to its former glory…" she suddenly stopped and opened her eyes and said, "Oh!"

"What wisdom?" Haldir repeated with a chuckle.  "Not so difficult for you anymore, is it?"

Miranda was silent, and Haldir bent down to kiss her.  Then he took her hand and headed back to camp.  They were both lost in thought, but it was Haldir who finally spoke.

"We should wed at Meduseld," he said.  "It is only fitting that we take our oaths in the house of your mother."

Miranda blushed and Haldir smiled.  "You are blushing," he said softly.  "It never ceases to affect me."  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately until he heard a loud…

"Ahem!" Gimli growled.

Haldir quickly released her and Miranda's blush darkened.  "Uh, hi Gimli, what's up?" Miranda stammered.

Gimli looked at Haldir through narrowed eyes and calmly said, "Your cousin told us the news, and we are gathering by the fire to celebrate.  You can bring your elf if you want."

"Thanks," Haldir said dryly.

Miranda stifled a laugh and Gimli smirked and gave her a quick wink and the trio went off to join the company by the fire.  Aragorn and Ẻomer, Legolas, the sons of Elrond, Merry, Pippin and Gandalf were already gathered.  Miranda and her escorts sat down, and they had supper together laughing and telling stories.  As the evening wore on, Izabel walked over to them carrying a cloak for Miranda.

"My lady, the night grows chill," Izabel said from behind her.

Miranda quickly stood and gave Izabel a big hug, "Izzy!"

Izabel blushed, suddenly realizing she was the center of attention.  Miranda released her and put on the cloak, "They let you come out here to keep me company?"

"Nay my lady, I am here as your maid," Izabel said, "If that is alright with you?"  Izabel tried not to look at all the men around the fire who were watching their reunion, but she couldn't help it.  The King was there, and all his friends, and …that obnoxious Elf, Elladan.

Miranda was about to speak when she hear Gimli clear his throat again.  She turned to look at him and said, "Really Gimli, you should do something about that frog in your throat."

Everyone around the fire roared with laughter, including Gimli.  When they finally quieted down, Miranda introduced Izzy to them.

"This is my friend Izabel," Miranda said.  "She came to keep me company," she added looking at Izabel, "Not wait on me."

"Then have a seat and join us, lady Izabel," Elladan said.  "It's crowded over there, but there's room by me and Elrohir," he added with a mischievous smile.

Izabel's eyes got huge, and Miranda thought for a moment she looked like a deer caught in headlights.  Izabel quickly recovered though, and just graciously turned him down.

"I've eaten already, thank you," Izzy said.  "I'll let you visit."  She turned back to Miranda and whispered, "Goodnight, Miranda."

"I'll see you in a little while," Miranda said quietly, "We'll talk," she added in a whisper.

Izabel nodded and turned to go, but Elladan quickly stood and headed over to her.  "I'll walk you back, my lady," he said brightly as he fell into step beside her.

"I know the way," she said with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"A lady should not walk about after dark unescorted," Elladan said.

Izabel stopped in her tracks and looked at him.  He waited expectantly for her to speak, and smiled at her with an odd sort of boyish charm.  It was almost disarming, but she remained firm.  "I am but a servant," she said to him.  "It is only the lady Miranda who treats me as her equal."

Elladan's face grew serious and he looked into her eyes.  "When I look at you, I do not see a servant," he said.  "I see a lady."  He held out his arm and waited for her to take it.  She blushed, bit her lip, and then timidly took his offered arm.

"Good," he said.  "Now we understand each other, and I will escort you to your tent."

They crossed the camp in silence with Izabel staring at the ground, and Elladan staring at her.  He liked her instantly, and didn't know why.  He planned on keeping an eye on her.  Maybe he would figure it out.

*****

Back at the campfire, they all stared after the pair as they left.  Legolas and Elrohir exchanged glances, but no one commented.  Miranda just sighed and closed her eyes briefly.  Then she smiled knowingly and opened them again.  Only Haldir noticed.  Finally they all went to bed, and Haldir walked Miranda to her tent.

"So, Elladan and Izabel…" he ventured.

"You don't have to be a seer to figure that out," Miranda said.  "But he's got his work cut out for him; she's shyer than I am."

"It's enjoyable work," Haldir said.  "It's good to see his eyes light up for someone other than you."

"What?" Miranda asked in surprise.

"For a seer, you can be very blind," Haldir said. "He has never professed to be more than your friend, but his eyes would have told you the truth if you had looked."

"I was too busy looking at yours," Miranda said. 

"Good," Haldir said as they reached her tent.  "Now, quel esta, rest well."

"Quel esta," Miranda repeated.  "I have a lot to learn."

"And we will have lots of time," he said and he gave her a quick kiss on the cheeks.

"That's not much of a goodnight kiss," Miranda said.

"We'll have time for that too," Haldir said with a wicked smile, "But you are not my wife yet."  He gave her a bow and then left.  Miranda sighed and went inside where Izzy was waiting.

"So, how was your journey up the river?" Miranda asked.

Izabel stood to help Miranda out of her gown and said, "Dull."

"Hmmm," Miranda said.  "What do you think of Elladan?"

Izabel's face twisted with annoyance and she went off.  "He's the most arrogant, egotistical, obnoxious…"

"Handsome, charming…" Miranda threw in with a smile.

"Oh, stop," Izabel said.

"You like him," Miranda said.

Izabel blushed, "He treats me like a lady. I tried to tell him who I was, but he didn't care."

"As I understand it," Miranda said.  "They don't let just anyone tend to ladies of the court."

Izabel furrowed her brow thoughtfully.  "No, they don't."

"Don't belittle yourself, Izzy," Miranda said.  "Station matters very little to elves, or me.  What's important is the kind of person you are."

Izzy put away the gown and gave Miranda a night gown to wear.  "Wow, I haven't had real pajamas in a long time," Miranda said in appreciation.

"Ioreth and I gathered a few things for you," she said. "The king said that you should dress appropriately, as the sister of a king would."

Miranda blushed.  "I am still getting used to that, and now I have two kings in my family."

"Yes, I heard," Izabel said.  "I will not be calling you Randi anymore."

"Why not?" Miranda asked.  "We're friends no matter what title they want to give me."

"I'm glad," Izabel said.  "I never really had a friend like you before."

"Well get used to it, Izzy," Miranda said.  "I haven't either, and you just can't have good girl talk with soldiers, kings and elves."

The two laughed and settled down for sleep, but Izabel had one last question.

"Do you think Elladan likes me?" Izabel asked.

"Do you want him to like you?" Miranda asked. 

"I don't know yet," she said quietly.

"Good answer," Miranda said with a smile.  "Goodnight Izzy."

"Goodnight, Randi."