**The King's Bride**
Miranda stood before the door to Gandalf's house. She was trying to get up the courage to knock when the door opened.
"It is about time you came to visit," Frodo said brightly. "Come inside and rest!"
Miranda smiled and followed him in. Everyone in the fellowship was there, lingering around the table and talking.
"We heard you had a little adventure and didn't even invite us," Pippin accused.
"Sorry, it was an unplanned adventure," Miranda said as she took a seat by Legolas.
"That is by far the best kind of adventure to have," Merry said with authority. "Tell us all about it."
"I think Miranda came by for another reason," Gandalf said.
"It can wait," Miranda said quickly. "I would like to tell the story."
"Excellent," Gimli said. "Her last story was most delightful."
Miranda told them about her vision of the tree, and her clumsy fall while trying to retrieve it. Gandalf sat quietly and listened, making no comments. After eating a light meal at the insistence of the Hobbits, the fellowship dispersed and Miranda had chance to talk to Gandalf alone.
"I am having trouble controlling my sight," Miranda admitted. "I hoped you could help me."
"Wizards and seers are different," Gandalf said. "You will have to learn control on your own."
Miranda frowned, "I thought as much, but perhaps you can help with something else."
"What?" Gandalf asked as he took a puff from his pipe.
"Before I came here, I lived with a family," she began. "There was a boy there, and I want to know what happened to him, but I can't see him."
"Your sight is focused here, for this is your home," Gandalf said. "You must refocus, and then you will be able to see him."
Miranda nodded, and closed her eyes. Gandalf spoke softly and evenly, reminding her of landmarks and places from her past. She pictured San Francisco on a sunny day, and the house she had once occupied.
Legolas was about to head out the front door when he saw Gandalf and Miranda, and he paused in the doorway and watched.
"Can you see it?" Gandalf asked.
Miranda smiled, "Yes, the house is there and …yuck, the school…"
"Good, now think of your friend, and you should be able to see him," Gandalf instructed.
Miranda thought of the sweet little boy she'd fought so hard to protect. He had been four when she'd left, so he should be about nine now. She saw a house with a dog playing in the backyard, and then she saw Kevin. He was playing in the yard with the dog, and then a woman walked out.
"Kevin, leave Chip alone and come eat your lunch," she said with a smile. "You can play when you're finished.
"Aw, mom," Kevin whined.
"Sorry, champ, those are the rules," she said.
Miranda smiled, "I can see him, he's okay," she said as a tear fell down her cheek. "I was so worried, but he's okay." She opened her eyes and looked up at Gandalf. "Thank you, Gandalf." She stood and hugged him, and Gandalf smiled.
"Any time, Miranda," he said warmly.
Legolas felt a knot in his chest. All that trouble just to check on an old friend. He smiled and quietly left. For just a moment, he felt jealous of Haldir.
*****
And the few days passed, and one morning a rider galloped into the city to announce a great company of fair folk were approaching. Haldir and the fellowship were visiting with Aragorn when the news was delivered.
"Let's go down to meet them," Aragorn said.
And so on the eve of Midsummer, they rode down from the northern road to the gates of Minas Tirith. Elladan and Elrohir led them, carrying a silver banner. Behind them was the household of Rivendell, followed by Celeborn and Galadriel and their house along with many fair folk of Lorien. Haldir's brothers were among them, and they searched the crowd for their long lost kinsman. And last in the procession rode Master Elrond, mighty among Elves and men, carrying the scepter of Annuminas, and beside him rode his daughter Arwen, Evenstar of her people.
Then Aragorn greeted his guests and Elrond surrendered the scepter and placed his daughter's hand in the hand of the King. They went up into the citadel, and on Midsummer's day, just as Miranda had foretold, King Elassar married Arwen Undomiel and the tale of their long waiting and labors was come to fulfillment.
*****
Haldir greeted his brothers when they arrived, but Miranda was conspicuously absent. She wanted them to have their reunion without the awkwardness of her presence. They embraced each other, and Rûmil was the first to speak.
"Lle holma ve' edan," he said to Haldir bitterly. "Or should I use the common speech so you will understand? You smell like a human."
Orophin punched Rûmil in the arm. "Enough! He is our brother, and she is his wife. Do you think just anyone could win his heart?"
"No," Rûmil admitted quietly. "But a human wench?"
"Take care with your temper, brother," Haldir warned. "You will go too far."
"Well, where is she?" Rûmil challenged. "Show her to us."
Orophin elbowed Rûmil and politely said, "I would like to meet my new sister-in-law."
Haldir sighed. This was not the introduction he'd hoped for, or expected. Miranda had known this was going to happen, that is why she found a reason to be elsewhere. He might as well get this over with.
"She is celebrating with the rest of the fellowship in the King's hall," Haldir said as he led them in that direction. They walked through the courtyard in silence, until finally Rûmil spoke up.
"She is the woman that traveled with the Ring bearer?" he asked.
"Yes," Haldir answered simply.
"The seer, with red hair, whom you taught swordsmanship?" Orophin clarified.
Haldir rolled his eyes and repeated, "Yes."
"Hmm," Orophin said thoughtfully. "She was quite fair for a human."
Haldir frowned at that comment, but smiled again when they entered the hall and he saw his wife. She was greeting the newly arrived guests, and Haldir led his brothers to her. She turned and smiled, and her beauty nearly took his breath away. She wore a fine gown of rich green, and her hair was pulled back with dozens of tiny white flowers weaved in it.
"Here is Miranda, my wife," he said proudly to his brothers. And then he turned to Miranda, "And these are my brothers, Rûmil and Orophin."
Miranda smiled to them, "It is so good to finally meet you. Haldir speaks of you often."
Orophin stepped forward and hugged her, "Welcome to the family."
Rûmil just observed her a moment, lost in thought. She was not what he'd expected, but he needed a little time to get used to the idea. Orophin released her and Miranda looked at Rûmil expectantly. He gave her a half smile and a nod, and so Miranda returned his reserved greeting.
Elrohir interrupted them, "Sorry to interrupt," he said. "Miranda, Aragorn wants to introduce the Hiri Nolwe to the other guests."
Miranda cringed, and Rûmil watched her response carefully. "Must he insist on using that title? My name is Miranda."
"You must get used to it," Haldir said.
"If I have to have a title, I'd much rather be known as Haldir's wife than some legend," she said more to herself than anyone else as she followed Elrohir over to the King.
Rûmil cocked a brow and looked at Haldir intently, "Hiri Nolwe?"
"Gandalf has confirmed it," Haldir said.
"Well, that is a different matter entirely," Rûmil said.
Haldir lost his patience with his brother and was angry, "Accept her because she is my wife," he said firmly. "I love her, not her titles or her gifts, but her."
Rûmil knew he had crossed the line, and Haldir put him in his place. He looked at his older brother and could see the fire in his eyes. "She is your wife," he finally said, "My sister-in-law and kin. I will treat her as a sister."
Haldir nodded, satisfied that the matter was settled. He looked back at Miranda who was speaking with Gandalf, Galadriel and Elrond. It was strange to see her in such grand company, yet she belonged there. They were the keepers of the rings, and she was the Guiding Light of the Fourth Age. All her shyness was gone, and she stood among the greats of Middle Earth with confidence. He was so proud of her.
"You have grown into yourself," Galadriel said. "I am pleased with your accomplishments."
"I merely do what seems right and sometimes it works out," Miranda said with a smile. "I am only human, after all."
Galadriel's eyebrows shot up, and Gandalf cleared his throat.
"You are the Seer of the Fourth Age," Elrond said. "You are only half human."
"Gandalf, did you not tell her about Israfel's heritage?" Galadriel asked.
"I thought she needed time…" Gandalf started to say.
Galadriel rolled her eyes at Gandalf and looked at Miranda. "Come, child. There is much to tell you." She and Miranda left the hall and went to the courtyard.
"There goes your wife," Orophin said to Haldir.
"That is not a surprise, I expected her to be busy when you arrived," Haldir said.
"I think I will like her," Orophin said thoughtfully.
Haldir chuckled, "And what of ruthear over there?" he nodded to where Rûmil stood alone, brooding.
"Oh, he's not angry, he just hates to be proven wrong," Orophin said. "He'll come around."
Out in the courtyard, Galadriel explained to Miranda the full truth of her heritage.
"Israfel was not human," she explained. "He was not a wizard like Gandalf or Saruman, but he was of the same race, old beyond reckoning and wise."
"Not at the end," Miranda said sadly. "He was broken and lost."
"Yes, that was his fate," Galadriel said. "You are the child of an ancient and powerful race. You are more like elves than men, but you are neither and will be alone here. Soon the Keepers will be leaving these shores, and you will be the one that men will come to for guidance and wisdom."
"I do not want that responsibility," Miranda said in horror. "No one told me about that, I'm not like you!"
Galadriel smiled, "That is precisely the answer I would have expected. Your reluctance belies the statement, Miranda. You are wise enough to know you do not have all the answers. When wisdom is required of you, you will have it."
"All I wanted was a quiet life with my husband," Miranda said softly.
"And you shall have that," Galadriel said. "I am glad to see you two together, for long has he waited for you."
"I don't understand," Miranda said.
"Haldir's mother looked into my mirror before she departed over the sea. Her wish was for the happiness of the sons who remained in Lorien. For Haldir she saw a bride, and that bride was you. Do you think there were not other Elves that could have taught you the use of a blade?"
Miranda smiled at Galadriel's sneaky matchmaking. "Your people are a mystery to me," Miranda said. "How will Middle Earth continue when you have taken your wisdom across the sea?"
"There will be a new line of Kings, which you helped establish," Galadriel said. "And they will have your guidance."
"What must I do?" Miranda asked.
"Choose your home and raise your family. When you are needed, you will know," Galadriel said. "Now come, let us rejoin the King."
"So, Haldir won't give up his immortality for me?" Miranda asked finally.
"No, you will both endure the ages for as long as you choose to remain on these shores," Galadriel said. They entered the hall, and Miranda went to Haldir.
"I have something to tell you later," she said cryptically.
Haldir smiled. He could only imagine what she might have learned from Lady Galadriel.
*****
The next day, at the wedding feast, Elladan brought Izabel to Elrond. She was afraid to meet him, but Elladan assured her that his father approved. Elrond looked at her with kindness in his eyes, and after a moment he smiled.
"You have won the heart of my son," he said to her. "Now that I see you, I can understand his choice."
Izabel blushed, but could not find her voice in the presence of Lord Elrond.
Elladan bowed to his father and led Izabel away. Elrond sighed and took his seat by Galadriel. "She is a mouse," he said.
"And she thinks you are a cat," Galadriel said with a hint of humor.
"I was polite," Elrond said defensively.
"Accept it," Celeborn said seriously.
"I have another son," Elrond said. "Perhaps he will join me when we sail." He gazed across the room to where his sons sat with Miranda, Haldir, and Elladan's betrothed. He knew when he left Middle Earth it would be alone.
His sons had been inseparable from birth. If Elladan chose to remain here, then Elrohir would choose the same, with or without a human bride of his own. He took comfort in the thought that his children would be here for each other, even if he could not. There would be grandchildren, and he would not see them. His children would die, and be parted from him forever. In the midst of his daughter's joy, Elrond's heart was desolate. But he would not deprive his son of his celebration. When the King's rejoicing was concluded, Elrond would arrange a gathering for Elladan and Izabel. If that was his son's choice, then so be it.
Miranda watched the formalities of the feast with a smile. It was very similar to her wedding day, but the titles were much more impressive. Aragorn was practically beaming, he was so happy, and Arwen was a flawless beauty, easily the most beautiful bride ever. Aragorn and Arwen took their leave of the feast and the celebration wore on. Poor Izabel looked sick, so Miranda tried to put her at ease.
"He is always like that," Miranda said.
"What?" Izzy asked.
"Lord Elrond," Miranda clarified. "A very intimidating Elf, but very kind. Don't let him scare you."
"He hates me for taking his son away," Izabel said, "I can see it in his eyes."
"No," Miranda said seriously. "The world is changing, and not all the changes are to his liking. He loves his children, and does not want to give them up."
"As I said…" Izabel started to say.
"The choice was his, you did not even know about it," Miranda said.
"I know now," Izabel said.
Elladan tried not to look like he was listening, but it was hard. Miranda was helping, but his father had not made a very good impression.
"Forget about it for now and enjoy the celebration," Miranda said. "Everything will work itself out, you'll see."
Izabel nodded, and tried to enjoy the evening. Just having Elladan back was wonderful, but she worried about what would happen next. She did not want to be the cause of trouble in his family.
Izabel sighed and whispered to Elladan in Sindarin, "It is late and I'm tired. Would you like to walk me to my room?"
Elladan's eyebrows shot up and he looked at Izabel in shock, "You speak Sindarin and never told me?"
Miranda laughed and answered for her, "Haldir taught us while you were away," she said. "Izabel has picked it up faster than I, but there is still much to learn."
Elladan looked into Izabel's eyes with admiration and smiled.
"It was supposed to be a surprise," Izabel said.
"I'll walk you to your room," Elladan said formally. He led her out of the hall and they stood in front of her door a moment before he finally spoke. "I love you, Izabel, and I am pleased that you would learn my language."
"I hope I didn't make any mistakes," she said. "I'm still learning."
"You speak well," Elladan said. He gave her a kiss and hugged her. "I have missed you."
"And I have missed you," she admitted.
"Soon we will have our own wedding," he said. "But now I must bid you goodnight."
Izabel watched him go before she entered her room. She smiled, pleased with herself for having surprised him with her new language skills. She couldn't wait to see him again.