**A Question of Title**
As the evening came, and the people returned to their homes, Aragorn made arrangements for the fellowship to stay in a fair house near his own. Gandalf showed the hobbits the way, leaving Aragorn in the main hall of the citadel sitting by the fire relaxing. Ẻomer entered and joined him there and the friends sat in silence for a while.
"Well, my friend," Ẻomer finally said, "You have earned the celebration."
"Only with the help of many do I now sit on this throne," Aragorn said. "Others have earned their own celebrations, but they quickly hide when it comes."
"Yes, I noticed Miranda was not here all day," Ẻomer said thoughtfully. "She does not seem to care for large crowds."
"She does not like too much attention," Aragorn said. "She prefers to remain hidden in the background while others are honored, but she has earned her place in the sun."
"What do you suggest?" Ẻomer asked.
"I think there can be no greater witness to the hope of our future than a wedding," Aragorn said.
"Hmmmm," Ẻomer said thoughtfully. "I had hoped to present Miranda at Meduseld as Théoden's granddaughter."
"She need not be a maid to be presented to your people," Aragorn said. "Are not the majority of your knights and captains here?"
"Yes," Ẻomer admitted, "But we will be returning to Edoras soon."
"Then let the wedding take place here before you depart," Aragorn suggested.
"I had planned on leaving seven days hence," Ẻomer said.
"Then the wedding will be six nights hence," Aragorn said.
Ẻomer sat back in his chair and pondered the fire for a moment. "How well do you know this Haldir?"
Aragorn could see the concern in Ẻomer's face and quickly put him at ease. "Miranda is the sister of my heart, and I am protective of her too," he said. "He loves her very much, and I approve."
Ẻomer sighed, but seemed satisfied, "Then plan the wedding."
They had just finished the discussion, when Miranda and Haldir were escorted into the hall. A nervous young guard announced them when they entered.
"Lord Haldir of Lorien and Lady Miranda," the guard said. The guard glanced around for the king and saw him by the fire. Aragorn gave him a smile and waved him out.
"Come in and sit by the fire," he said.
"A moment of quiet at last," Miranda said with a smile.
Aragorn brought over a couple more chairs and offered one to Miranda first. "Yes, a most busy day," he admitted.
Haldir stood behind Miranda's chair and greeted Aragorn, "The crown seems to fit," he said with a smile.
Aragorn immediately recognized the compliment offered in elvish style, much meant by few words. He smiled, "Yes, but its heavy."
"You can handle it," Miranda said seriously. "And you as well, cousin."
Ẻomer laughed, "That remains to be seen."
Faramir entered and greeted them, "Good evening to all," he said, and then he saw Miranda and smiled, "And especially to you, my lady." He was thankful she had returned after such a dangerous adventure in Mordor.
"Thank you, and congratulations to you, my lord Steward," Miranda said.
Faramir blushed briefly and then said, "Thank you."
"Two of Rohan's greatest treasures are given to Gondor and Lorien," Ẻomer said.
Miranda brushed the compliment aside. "Well, this treasure is tired."
"Of course," Faramir said. "I was just coming to tell Aragorn that your room was ready. Izabel is directing the unpacking now."
"I would like you to stay here," Aragorn said to Miranda. "Haldir can remain with the fellowship until …"
"Yes," Haldir interrupted. "That would be proper. Goodnight Miranda." Haldir watched Miranda stand and bid the company goodnight. Faramir had a maid show Miranda the way, and when she was gone, the conversation continued.
"Haldir, won't you sit down?" Aragorn asked.
Haldir was suddenly aware of being the center of attention. He sat in the chair Miranda vacated and Faramir took the fourth chair. Two kings and a Steward were looking at him expectantly until Aragorn finally spoke.
Ẻomer and I were talking, and we agree, that it is time you two stopped waiting for everyone else's needs and just got married," Aragorn said.
"Who said we were waiting?" Haldir asked quickly.
"It is obvious," Ẻomer said bluntly.
Haldir was suddenly interested, "What do you propose?"
"We will plan the wedding for May 7th," Aragorn said. "All will be made ready for a celebration…"
Haldir had a bad feeling about this, "I think Miranda would prefer something simple, like just family and close friends."
"Did she tell you that?" Ẻomer asked in surprise.
"We have discussed the wedding before," Haldir said. "Where she is from they do things a little differently. She said family and friends…"
"I don't think so," Aragorn said. "Already I have heard talk of the Seer of Gondor and her Elf Captain. The people are anxious for a wedding."
"Can't they wait for yours?" Haldir asked with a smirk.
"No," Aragorn said firmly. "Miranda isn't getting her way this time. She deserves to be recognized," he paused and then added. "And don't think I didn't notice her hiding during the coronation festivities."
"I must apologize for her absence," Haldir said seriously. "She shies away from crowds, but I should not have allowed it today."
"I understood," Aragorn said. "But this time I will plan a wedding fitting for…" Aragorn paused. He was usually good at choosing titles for people, but Miranda had already turned down his first choice. He couldn't blame her for it after she'd told him why, but now he was stumped.
"The Light of Rohan," Ẻomer offered.
"Yes," Aragorn agreed and then started rattling off ideas, "Seer of Gondor is out, Shadow slayer?"
"She should not have taken offense at such a fitting title," Ẻomer said.
"How about the Wife of Haldir?" Haldir asked with a smile.
"Calm down Elf," Ẻomer said with a smirk. "Why not ask Gandalf?"
"Ask Gandalf what?" Gandalf inquired as he entered the hall.
"Miranda's title," Aragorn said in frustration.
"Is that all?" Gandalf asked. "It is quite simple, Aragorn. Miranda is the Last Seer, the Keeper of the Light of Illuin and Ormal, the Light of Rohan, Slayer of Shadows, Destroyer of Darkness, Bringer of Compassion and Wisdom, and Counselor of Kings."
Aragorn, Ẻomer, Faramir and Haldir just stared at Gandalf, who then added, "And the Wife of the Guardian of Lorien…soon."
There was a long pause in the conversation. None of them had heard it said quite like that before. Haldir had always known there was much more to her gift than a few dreams and he suddenly felt unworthy of her.
Finally Aragorn said, "Gandalf, why didn't you mention this sooner?"
"Mention what sooner?" Gandalf asked innocently.
"In Rivendell you said she was A Seer, not The Seer spoken of by Malbeth himself! All this time I was traveling with Hiri Nolwe and you said nothing," Aragorn said.
"You never asked," Gandalf said. "And she is only now realizing the full strength of her gift. It was her journey that awakened her full potential."
"Hiri Nolwe?" Faramir asked with a cocked brow.
"Lady of Wisdom," Gandalf said lightly.
"Plan your big wedding," Haldir said quietly to Aragorn. "But keep it quiet for a couple of days."
"That will not be an easy secret to keep, especially from a Seer," Ẻomer said. "But what fun a surprise wedding will be."
It was agreed upon, and they parted for the night. Gandalf walked Haldir back to the house where they were staying. They spoke little, for Haldir was deep in thought. Gandalf sighed and stopped their progress to talk to him.
"You are troubled about Miranda," Gandalf said. "Ask your questions, I will answer."
"What was her life like before?" Haldir asked. "She speaks little of it, except to say it was unpleasant."
"It was," Gandalf said bitterly. "She was mistreated as a child, cruelly. I chose poorly when I hid her away."
"She told me of a school," Haldir pressed.
"Yes," Gandalf said, "A school for girls, with all the warmth of Barad-Dur. It was a disappointment to me, but I was unable to interfere at that time."
Haldir nodded and then asked, "Why is she afraid of crowds and attention?"
"When I first met Miranda, I saw a timid, broken girl that was terrified of the world," Gandalf began thoughtfully, "But she was not afraid of me, not even at first. We became friends quickly, and with only a little encouragement I saw her grow in confidence, at least a little. In truth, it was her heart that always surprised me. Miranda's heart has an endless capacity for love, despite the cruelty of her childhood. That is where her courage comes from. She would have faced Sauron all by herself to save even one of her friends. And she has lavished all that love on you, master Elf."
"I fell unworthy of her," Haldir said softly. "I did not know I would be marrying the legend foretold in the days of Arvedui."
"Do not feel unworthy, Haldir. It was your love that gave her the strength to fulfill her destiny in this war," Gandalf said. "Be at peace and rejoice, for within you is a heart to match hers. Your lives will be long and happy."
Gandalf resumed their stroll across the courtyard to the house. Haldir looked at the white tree, the symbol of Gondor. It was ancient and withered, with no chance for life again. But the kingdom it represented was reborn with a bright future. Miranda had helped to make that possible, and Haldir was proud. He could not wait to marry her, only six days from now.
*****
Miranda opened the door to her room and gasped in awe. It was gigantic! There was a comfortable sitting area by the fireplace, and a bed, at least a king size, with a canopy and curtains. On the other side of the room was a full length mirror of polished silver, and a large wardrobe next to what looked like a dresser. Behind the wardrobe was another door, but Miranda's attention went to Izabel who was arranging the gowns in the wardrobe. She looked up when Miranda came in.
"Like it?" Izzy asked.
"It's huge," Miranda said.
"Actually it's smaller than the first room that Lord Faramir chose," Izabel said. "I thought he was overdoing it, and asked for this one instead."
"Thank you," Miranda said. "But you could have gone smaller."
"Oh, no," Izabel said. "Lord Faramir wouldn't let me; he insisted that King Elessar wanted you to have a fine room, with a good view. Go look out the window."
Miranda went to the window and looked down on the courtyard. It was beautiful, even in the light of the waning moon. She smiled at the tree she recognized from Aragorn's banner. So many things she'd seen were revealed to her in reality in this place. She felt more confident in her skills as a seer now, and it helped her to relax.
"Well, I guess this room isn't that big," Miranda conceded.
Izabel laughed. "It suits you, and you deserve it after camping under the stars on the hard ground for months."
"The bed looks soft," Miranda said as she walked over and plopped down. "Oh, a girl could get used to this."
They both giggled.
"Tomorrow, the dressmaker is going to come by and measure you for a few more gowns," Izabel said. "And I asked Elladan to make sure your trunk was brought up right away. I didn't want anything to happen to your weapons."
"Thank you Izabel," Miranda said. "Are you staying here with me, I think there's room."
"I have the room next door," Izabel said. "It's almost as big as yours, and there's a shortcut through here."
Miranda rose and followed Izabel through a private dressing area, with a cushioned seat and a table with a lamp, to another door that led to Izabel's room. It looked a lot like Miranda's, minus the large sitting area.
"I love it," Izzy said.
"Me too, you're still close," Miranda said. "You look as tired as I feel. Why don't we get some sleep and worry about unpacking tomorrow."
"Sounds good," Izzy said. "I'll wake you in time for breakfast in the hall."
"Not too early I hope," Miranda said.
"No," Izabel said. "It'll be well after sun up."
"I can sleep in," Miranda said with a grin. "I like palace life."
"Get some rest, my lady," Izabel said.
"Goodnight, Izzy," Miranda said.