**The Journey Home**

And so the feast ended, and the next morning the guests made ready to depart.  Ẻomer and Ẻowyn took Miranda aside and made their farewells in private.

"I am grieved to see you go, cousin," Ẻomer said.  "This will always be your home, and we look forward to a visit soon."

"And you are welcome to visit us as well," she said, "When your duties permit."  Miranda hugged her cousins and then rejoined Haldir and the Elves.  She was sad to leave, but anxious to begin her new life in Lorien. 

Aragorn and the Dunedain were also riding with them along with the parties from Rivendell, Lorien and the Fellowship.  Arwen remained in Edoras after final parting words with her father.  With her choice made, she would not again return to her homeland.

Their journey brought them at length to Helm's Deep where they rested for the night.  Miranda was feeling horrible, and with Théoden's funeral over, she was no longer desperate to hide it.  Haldir and his brothers were visiting with the household of Elrond, so Miranda excused herself to go to bed.  Galadriel rose from the table to walk with her.  She noticed Miranda's obvious discomfort and decided to confront her.

"Miranda, when are you going to tell your husband that you are with child?" she asked.

Miranda stopped in her tracks and looked at Lady Galadriel in surprise.  "I'm …pregnant? So soon? I thought I had the flu."

Galadriel smiled at Miranda's naiveté.   "Nay, child, you do not fall prey to illness as mortals do, you are feeling the first effects of motherhood."  Galadriel laid a hand on Miranda's stomach and smiled.  "A girl," she said.  "Early next spring."

Miranda put both hands against her belly and closed her eyes.  She could picture her, green eyes, the ears of her father, and hair a strawberry blonde.  She smiled and then looked at Galadriel, "I can see her."

"She will be strong and wise," Galadriel said.  "But now you must rest." 

Galadriel sent Miranda to bed and rejoined Elrond and Celeborn at the table.  Haldir had already left, and Galadriel smiled and spoke to Elrond.

"Haldir did not stay long," she observed.

"No," Elrond said.  "He knew Miranda didn't feel well and quickly followed."

Rûmil's head shot up and he quickly asked, "Is she all right?"

Orophin smirked at his brother's concern.  He'd been so angry with Haldir's choice at first, but now he was very protective of his new sister-in-law.

Galadriel just smiled, "She is fine."

*****

"Wife," Haldir said softly as he entered their chamber.  He didn't want to wake her if she was sleeping, but he was worried about her.

"I'm awake," she said.

Haldir walked over to the bed and sat down.  "Are you well?"

Miranda looked at him and smiled, "I feel horrible," she said, "And it's wonderful."

Haldir frowned and looked at her in confusion, "You will have to explain that."

"I'm pregnant," she said.

Haldir's eyes doubled in size, and he looked at her in shock, and then excitement.  "Are you sure?" he asked as he placed a hand on her still flat stomach.

 "I am definitely pregnant, Galadriel told me," she said.

Haldir closed his eyes and smiled, "I'm going to be a father!"  He opened his eyes and looked at her and he was certain she looked green.  "Uh, …Miranda?  Are you feeling all right?"

"I don't know why they call it morning sickness," she said.  "I feel like this all day long."

Haldir brushed a lock of hair from her face.  "It is common in the beginning, and should pass in a few days," he said.  He bent down and kissed her. "Sleep, now."

Miranda had no trouble with that.  Sleeping was one thing that didn't make her want to puke.  Haldir lay beside his wife and just watched her rest.  She was ill, and yet she never looked more beautiful.  He was so happy he couldn't sleep. 

*****

The next morning, everyone was ready to depart.  Legolas and Gimli joined them after visiting the caves, and Legolas said that only Gimli could find fit words to describe them. 

Haldir helped Miranda on her horse and remained close to her.  Rûmil rode over to Haldir and spoke to him.

"Is she all right?" he asked with concern.

Miranda answered for him, "I am quite well, thank you."

Rûmil looked at her skeptically and then looked at his brother.  Haldir opened his mouth to speak, but Miranda glared at him.  "Not now," she said firmly.

Haldir frowned.  He was dying to share his news, but they were ready to ride, and Miranda might have a point.  Such news was too important to simply mention in passing. 

So the company set out from the Deeping Wall and headed to Isengard.  About halfway, they made camp, and Miranda was grateful to get off her horse.  Haldir found her a place to rest while he helped set up camp, and Aragorn decided to keep her company.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Miranda," he said.  "But you look terrible."

"Thank you," she said sarcastically, "How very kind of you to point that out."

Aragorn frowned, and Miranda laughed.  "I am a little queasy," she said.  "But it will pass."

Galadriel joined them and filled in the reason for her.  "Miranda is with child."

Aragorn suddenly smiled and looked at Miranda, "Congratulations," he said and then looked at her thoughtfully.  "I know an herb that will help settle your stomach.  Rest here and I'll return."

Miranda watched him go, and noticed that the rest of the camp had overheard the news.  Haldir was receiving words of congratulations from everyone, and the fellowship quickly gathered around Miranda.

Izabel brought her a cup of tea and sat with her.  "The King said you should drink this tea morning and evening to settle your stomach," Izzy said.

"Oh, thanks," Miranda said appreciatively.  "You are a lifesaver."

"What wonderful news," Frodo said.  "You are positively glowing."

Miranda blushed, and thanked everyone.  Haldir returned and bid everyone goodnight for her.  He sat down and put his arm around her.

"Can you eat something?" he asked.

"I think so," she said.  "Aragorn's tea is helping."

"Good," he said and then nodded to his brothers who brought her a plate.

"Galadriel suggested you stay away from fruit for a couple days," Orophin said as he sat down.  "The bread and cheese should be kinder to your stomach."

Rûmil sat down and looked at Miranda.  "You will make a wonderful mother," he said sincerely.  "I am pleased to have you in our family."

Haldir cocked a brow and looked at him skeptically a moment, and then smiled.  "All right, let Miranda rest.  We have a long ride tomorrow."

That night, Miranda slept deeply, and woke rested.  She no longer felt ill, but Aragorn insisted she drink his tea before they left.  The company reached Isengard that afternoon, and it was obvious that the Ents had been busy repairing the damage that Saruman had done.  They removed the stone circle and planted a garden around the tower with orchards and flowers with the stream running through it. 

Treebeard greeted them and gave an account of their labors.  He bowed low in greeting of Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond.  Gandalf questioned him as to the comfort of Saruman, and he had to inform him that Saruman had departed.

"Hoom-hum, seven days he has been gone," Treebeard said.  "And his Worm with him."

Gandalf was not thrilled with the news, but there was little to be said about it after the fact.  So all made ready to depart, either south or west; except Legolas and Gimli, who planned to visit Fangorn Forest. 

"Here then at last comes an end to the Fellowship of the Ring," Aragorn said to the pair.  "I hope you will return to my land soon."

"We will if our own lords allow it," Gimli said. He bid farewell to the hobbits, and then looked at Miranda.  "Lady I will miss your smile.  Take good care of your wife, Master Elf, and your new child."

"I will," Haldir said.

Legolas bid farewell to the Fellowship, and he and Gimli departed.  The rest of the company continued on to the Gap of Rohan.  Aragorn and the Dunedain took their leave near the very place where Pippin had looked into the Orthanc stone.

For the Hobbits, this was a difficult parting, for Aragorn had been with them from the very beginning, leading them through many perils.  Aragorn spoke to each one in turn, and reminded them that his realm also extended to the north of the Shire, and he would visit there one day.  Then he spoke to Miranda, and she hugged him.

"You have followed me through many dangers," Aragorn said.  "No words can fully express my gratitude and no gift is there to equal those you have given me."

"You gave me the greatest gift when you claimed me as your family and offered me your home.  No words are needed between us, my brother and King," Miranda said.

"What wisdom do you have for me, lady?" Aragorn asked her.

"You never needed my wisdom, Aragorn," she said with a smile.  "But if a day comes when you need me, think of me, and I will come to you."

Aragorn bowed before her, for he knew well the position she would hold in the coming age. He then bid farewell to Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond.  As the sun set, he rode west with his men, and raised the Elfstone in farewell.  Its light winked with a green flame in his hand and his white mantle looked like fire in the final glow of sunset.

"I miss him already," Miranda said to Haldir as they returned to the campfire.

"You will see him again," he reassured her.  "Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm just tired," she said as she headed for their tent.

Haldir was going to follow, but Gandalf stopped him.

"I'll keep an eye on her for you," Gandalf said.  "Go ahead and eat something."

Haldir could see that Gandalf wanted to talk to Miranda so he nodded and went to the campfire.  Gandalf caught up with Miranda and she just stopped and looked at him in annoyance.

"I already know," she said.  "Galadriel told me, since you failed to mention it on the numerous occasions you had to bring up the fact that I'm immortal!"

Gandalf visibly cringed. "You weren't ready to know before," he said defensively.  "I thought it would make you reckless if you thought you could not be hurt."

 Miranda sighed, no longer angry about it.  "Is there any other secret I should be aware of?" she asked him.

"No," Gandalf said with a smile.  "I think you know all, now."

Miranda shook her head and laughed, "I should tell my husband, I suppose."

"No need," Gandalf said.  "I told him already."

Miranda glared at him and just asked, "How long has he known?"

Gandalf furrowed his brow in thought, "Oh, not long."

"Wizards!" she said in mock annoyance.  "Go away and let me sleep, now."

Gandalf laughed as he headed back to the fire.  He was very proud of Miranda and knew she would easily fulfill her role as the guiding light of the coming age.  There was but one thing that remained before his duty as her guardian was complete, and he was not looking forward to it.  He sat by the fire with Elrond and Galadriel and lit his pipe.  He stared into the fire thoughtfully until Elrond broke into his thoughts.

"Tell me truthfully," Elrond said.  "It was you who brought her here."

Gandalf looked at Elrond and told him firmly, "No, it was not."

They both looked at Galadriel and she simply shook her head.  "I never interfered," she said and then looked across the camp to where Haldir sat with his brothers and the sons of Elrond.  She suddenly realized a possibility that no one considered.  "Orosiel," she suddenly said.

"Who?" Gandalf asked.

"Haldir's mother," Elrond said, "Yes, that would explain much."

Gandalf suddenly laughed.  "So she came here not to slay demons or rescue kings, but to marry?"

Galadriel smiled as she watched the joyful elf who had endured many years of loneliness as Guardian of the Golden Wood.  The more she considered it, the more certain she became.  "I have never seen him so full of bliss," she said.

Gandalf wasn't entirely convinced, but Galadriel would not be swayed, so he agreed.  How she returned was a moot point anyway.  She had completed her tasks in aid to the King, and was ready to take over her role as Hiri Nolwe.  He could leave Middle Earth with peace of mind knowing that she was here to help guide Aragorn and his descendents.

*****

In the days that followed, the dwindling company followed the Isen, passed through the gap and into the wastelands beyond.  They turned northwards until they reached a wood at the foot of the Misty Mountains that now lay on their right side.  As they emerged from the wood, they overtook an old man in dingy rags leaning on a staff with another beggar at his heels.

"Well, Saruman," Gandalf said brightly.  "Where are you going?"

"What is that to you?" Saruman asked bitterly.  "Will you still order my goings?  Are you not content with my ruin?"

Gandalf sighed, "You already know the answers, no and no.  My labors draw to an end, and the King has taken on the burden.  If you would have waited at Orthanc, you would have seen him, and he would have shown you wisdom and mercy."

"Then I am glad I left, for I desire neither from him," Saruman said bitterly.  "Indeed, I am seeking a way out of his realm."

"Then you are going the wrong way," Gandalf said.  "And I see no hope in your journey.  But will you scorn our help, for we offer it to you?"

Miranda watched the haggard man who once frightened her and all she felt was pity.  He would accept nothing from them and angrily told them to leave him alone.  He cursed them, but his words were empty, for they no longer held any power.  He kicked Wormtongue, who still followed him, and then turned to leave.  He walked by the four hobbits, and stopped to look at them.  There was pure hatred in his eyes, and he sneered as he addressed them.

"Come to gloat, my little urchins?  It would serve you all right if things were less good in the Southfarthing than when you left it," he said cryptically. 

He kicked wormtongue again and swore at him, and then he saw Miranda and shrieked in horror.  "Witch!  Witch!  What is this evil witch doing here?"

Haldir and his brothers quickly surrounded Saruman as they blocked Miranda from his view. Haldir rested his hand on his sword hilt warningly and had a fire in his eyes that gave Saruman pause.

"Haldir!" Gandalf said quickly.  "Let him pass."

"Yes," Saruman mocked.  "Let me pass."  He looked over at Miranda with a strange mix of fear and hatred as he walked by, and Miranda couldn't stand it anymore.  She turned to him and spoke in a firm and commanding voice.

"Your hatred and cruelty will destroy you, Saruman.  Leave Middle Earth, and do no more harm," she said as a fire burned in her green eyes. "If you set one foot in the Shire, you will not live to regret it."

Saruman's face went pale at the ominous prediction, but he kept moving, mumbling as he went.  Miranda watched him until he was completely out of sight, and then finally relaxed.  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before returning her attention to the road ahead. 

Gandalf looked at her with a cocked brow.  That was the voice of the Hiri Nolwe, and her hour had finally come.  He and Elrond exchanged knowing looks, and then continued their journey. 

So the travelers followed the road leisurely until they neared the Mountains of Moria, and there they halted and made camp.  It was early September, and they tarried there for seven days.  It was time for another parting they were reluctant to make.  Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn spent many hours together in deep discussion.  Miranda spent most of her time with Izabel, for soon they would part and she would miss her. 

"You are beginning to show," Izabel said with a smile.

Miranda rolled her eyes, "I know, I have loosened the ties on my bodice," she admitted.

"I wish I could be there with you," Izabel said. 

"I'm sure I will be fine," Miranda said.  "You may find yourself in the same predicament before long."

Izabel blushed, "That would be nice," she said.  "It would please Lord Elrond to see a grandchild."

Miranda smiled, but said no more about it.  Elrond would leave soon, as would Gandalf and Galadriel.  It was probably right that they go, but Miranda would miss them.  She did not want to be some mystic guide or bear the responsibility of dispensing wisdom she didn't believe she had.  

*****

On the last day before they departed, Gandalf took Miranda into the woods alone.  He said not a word, but Miranda knew where he was taking her.  They walked deep into the woods and halted before a great tree.  There was nothing growing in this barren patch of ground save the tree, but Miranda recognized it instantly.  Gandalf hung his head, and Miranda fell to her knees and wept on the grave of Théodrea, her mother.  Gandalf could not stay, for he bore the guilt of her death.  He waited nearby until Miranda finished grieving.  When she emerged, she hugged Gandalf.

"It wasn't your fault that she died," she said. "Thank you for saving me."

Gandalf cried too, not expecting Miranda to pardon him.  He looked back at Théodrea's grave and gasped.  The ground beneath the tree was covered in flowers.  He could actually see new ones pushing up and blooming as he watched.  In a matter of minutes, a barren grave had blossomed into a beautiful garden. 

"Now you are ready to go home," Gandalf said. 

They emerged from the woods late that evening, and neither would speak of where they had gone, but Haldir knew for he had followed them.  When Miranda entered their tent, he gave her a flower he'd plucked from beneath the tree and just held her.  It was all the comfort she needed.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you," she said. "Let's go home."

"Tomorrow we will go," he said as he kissed her.  

Miranda smiled, "Tomorrow."