**A Welcome Jewel**

And so the next morning they broke camp.    Miranda bid Izabel and the Sons of Elrond farewell, and then hugged Gandalf.

"Farewell, my teacher and friend," she said.  "I will never forget our first meeting by the moonlit pond so long ago."

Gandalf smiled, "Trust in yourself, Miranda," he said.  "You are the Lady of Wisdom."

Elrond, and his family, along with Gandalf and the hobbits departed for Rivendell.  Celeborn and Galadriel led their household eastward, past the Redhorn Gate and down the Dimrill Stair to the Silverlode and to their country.  The wood was even more beautiful than Miranda remembered, and she felt like she was truly coming home.  Haldir and his brothers said their farewells to Celeborn and Galadriel at the gates to Caras Galadhon, and brought Miranda to their house.  Rûmil and Orophin took the horses and discreetly left Haldir and Miranda alone for a while.

Haldir stood with Miranda at the base of a great Mallorn tree in font of the winding stair.  "Above is your home," he said.  "It is a long climb, and it is late…"

"Then lead on," Miranda said.

Haldir smiled at her and picked her up. 

Miranda gasped, "Hey, I can climb a few stairs."

"No, Miranda," he said firmly as he ascended with his wife cradled in his arms.  "A husband carries his bride to her new house, it is our custom."

"All the way?" Miranda said as she looked up into the canopy far above.  "You'll pass out."

Haldir laughed, "You are light as a swan's feather," he said. "Tonight you will fall asleep to the music of the Elves and rest in your own bed."

Miranda closed her eyes and listened to the voices already singing in welcome to the homecoming of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel.  As the sun set in the west, the lamps came to life with a warm bluish white glow, and the city took on a magical radiance.  When they reached Haldir's house, he set her down on the main landing. 

There was a large open platform before their doorway, and off to the right and left were bridges that led to other houses.  Miranda slowly turned to look at the city around her and smiled.

"It's beautiful here," she said.  "The last time I was here we stayed below, and I saw so little of the city."

Haldir smiled proudly and took her hand.  "Come into your house," he said as he led her through their doorway.  "I hope that it will please you."

There was no door here, and they stepped through an elaborate archway into a large room with a table and chairs.  There was already a meal on the table, and Miranda looked at Haldir questioningly. 

"We have been expected," he said.  "Elia would have prepared a welcome meal for us.  She has tended our house for many years."

"I thought she tended Lady Galadriel's house," Miranda said in confusion.  "When I was here before, she was the one who mended my clothes and gave me that gown."

Haldir laughed, "Lady Galadriel knew long ago that you belonged here," Haldir said.  "It took longer for you and me to realize it, but she already considered you the Mistress of my house."

"Did Elia know?" Miranda asked.

"She has tended this house since before my parents crossed the sea," Haldir said.  "I do not doubt that she knew."

Miranda would have to get used to living among Elves.  Though she had learned a great deal from Haldir, she still saw their ways as mysterious, and she felt impossibly young and foolish by comparison.  She looked around the room to the three doorways that branched off.  Haldir just led her to the center doorway, and they ascended another shorter stair.  There was still no door, but a shimmering silver-white curtain hung in the archway.  Haldir drew it aside and Miranda found herself in a beautiful bedchamber.  There was a large canopy bed draped in snowy white linens, and several intricately carved wardrobes.

"This is our room," he said.

"It's so big," she said in admiration, "And what of the other rooms?"

"To the left is Rûmil's chamber, and to the right is Orophin's," he said. 

"And Elia?" she asked.

"Her own house is on the next tree over," Haldir said.  "She just helps to keep house here.  We are often gone scouting the woods."

"Of course," Miranda said.  "You are the Guardian of the wood, and Captain here.  You have your duties to return to, and I will be able to tend house now."

Haldir took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.  He gazed down into her hauntingly beautiful eyes and whispered, "No, my love. She was my mother's maid, and now she will be yours.  You will have your own responsibilities soon." He placed a hand on her belly that was no longer flat. The evidence of their child was still slight, but he could see her body changing and he loved it.  "My beautiful wife, I cannot find the words to express my joy over this precious life you carry."

 Miranda blushed and then timidly kissed him.  Haldir was still moved by her shyness even after months of marriage.  He lifted her into his arms and carried her to their bed.  He made love to her slowly and gently, as though it were the first time.  Miranda's first hours in her new home were full of tenderness and passion.

"That was wonderful," Miranda said breathlessly.

"Every night will be wonderful," Haldir promised. 

Late that evening, after they had bathed and dressed, Haldir and Miranda emerged from their room to find Rûmil and Orophin seated at the table eating.  Rûmil looked at Miranda who was now wearing a fine elvish gown of pale blue and he smiled.

"You look at home here," Orophin said.  "Elia said she had been making gowns for you since you left."

"They are beautiful, but soon they will not fit," she said.

Elia entered through the main doorway with a bundle in her arms.  "These will," she said.  "And I will begin making clothes for your baby soon."

 Rûmil just looked at Elia with a smirk, "For a boy or a girl?"

Miranda just said, "Girl," and everyone turned just in time to see her eyes get big and her face turn red.  She had not meant to spoil the surprise, but no one seemed offended by the revelation.  On the contrary, Rûmil and Orophin both started grinning.

"A niece," Rûmil said brightly.  "What will you name her?"

Haldir looked at Miranda expectantly, but she just shook her head, "I haven't given it much thought.  I don't know Sindarin well enough to pick a suitable name."

"You have time," Haldir said quickly.  "Now have a seat and eat something."

"Yes," Elia said firmly.  "You must take better care of yourself, my Lady.  I will be here to see that you do."

Miranda frowned and was about to refute the statement when Rûmil just said, "Do not deny it, sister.  Haldir has told us of your journey together."  He pulled out her chair and then set a plate in front of her.

Miranda knew when she was beaten.  She sat and ate with her new family, and realized that she truly felt at home here.  It was as though she had been searching for this all along and did not know it until now.  After the meal, everyone went to bed, and Miranda slept peacefully.

*****

In the months that followed, Miranda adjusted to life in Lorien.  She became fluent in the language, and made many friends.  The war had touched the forest, but the Elves had defended it fiercely.  There were places, especially near its borders, where the ground was scorched and bear.  Haldir had returned from several scouting missions utterly heartbroken at the destruction the orcs had caused.

"So many trees," he said to Miranda sadly.  "Those that are not dead are damaged beyond hope of recovery, and the earth is parched and bear."

Miranda could feel his sorrow, and wished she could do something to help, but all she could do was offer comfort.  It was late winter now, and she was in her eighth month of pregnancy.  Haldir insisted she be restricted to the canopy, for the long stair would be too much for her.  Her home was beautiful, but she was developing cabin fever, and wanted desperately to get out of the house.  The days passed slowly, and as spring drew near she longed for a change of scenery.

Haldir saw her standing by the railing, gazing down at the ground below.  He silently walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, placing both hands on her swollen belly.  She leaned her head against his chest and sighed.

"I want to walk on the grass, and sit by the fountain," she said. 

"Galadriel said you will deliver very soon," he said.  "The climb is too long."  He was anxious for her to have the child, but he also relished these days with her.  She was a beautiful mother, positively glowing.  He bent down and kissed her neck, and then he gasped.

"She kicked," he said.

"Oh, she does that all the time," Miranda said with a laugh.  "She is anxious to see the world."

Haldir turned her to face him and then kissed her.  Any day now he would be a father, but right now he was happy to just hold his wife.  He hugged her close, and suddenly her body went rigid in his arms and she held her breath.  Haldir released her and looked into her eyes. Her face was calm, but he knew she was in pain.  After a moment, she relaxed, and Haldir knew it was time.  He picked her up and carried her to their room.  Along the way he saw Orophin.

Orophin took one look at Haldir's worried face and Miranda's flushed face and just said, "I'll get Elia."

*****

Haldir was pacing on the landing with a worried scowl on his face.  Rûmil watched him with sympathy mixed with amusement.  Miranda was in good hands.  Elia was an experienced midwife, and Lady Galadriel was with her too. 

"She's fine, Haldir," Orophin said.  "Why don't you sit down and eat something."

"It's been hours," Haldir said.  "Shouldn't the baby have come by now?"

"Miranda is not an Elf," Rûmil said lightly.  "Perhaps it is different for her."

Haldir's face went pale.  He had not considered that.  Perhaps bearing children would be harder for her.  He felt sick to his stomach just thinking about all the things that could go wrong with a human birth.  "I'm going in there," he finally said and headed straight for the door.

His brothers ran to stop him and it took both of them to hold him.  "Be patient, brother," Orophin said.  "She'll be fine, you'll see."

Just as Haldir was about to wrestle free, they all heard the distinct sound of a baby crying.  Haldir stopped and stared at the doorway to his house.  His brothers released him and stood with him as they waited.  All around them, the Elves gathered and waited in silence for the announcement.  Lady Galadriel came to the door and smiled at Haldir.  She glanced around at the well wishers that gathered and raised her voice so all could hear.

"Winter's frost still lingers, but spring comes early this year.  It is my joy to announce the arrival of a healthy baby girl, on this fifth day of March, to the household of Haldir and Miranda," she said.  "Mother and child are resting from their labor."

Haldir closed his eyes in relief.  He released the breath he had not realized he was holding.  Somewhere on a neighboring tree a voice called, "What name is the child given?"

Galadriel smiled and looked at Haldir and said, "Her mother has called her Miiriel, for she is the precious jewel of her heart."

All around them, the Elves raised their voices in a song of welcome to Miiriel.  Galadriel turned and bid Haldir to follow.  He was quickly bubbling with questions.

"Is Miranda all right?  Was it a difficult delivery?  Is Miiriel…?" but Galadriel raised a hand to hush him.

"Miranda is quite exhausted, but just fine," she said with a smile.  "Go to her and your questions will be answered."

Haldir took the stairs three at a time and then halted in the doorway when he saw Elia glare at him.  She raised a hand to her lips to quiet him, and then brushed past him and down the stairs.  He slowly walked to the bed and gazed down at his sleeping wife and baby.  The child was beautiful, and he smiled at the thick hair that was reddish blonde.  Her little ears were pointed like his, and he wondered if her eyes would be gray or green.  Miranda softly sighed in her sleep and then stirred.  She was pale, and her hair was soaked with sweat, but she had never looked more beautiful.  Haldir sat beside her and she smiled up at him.

"Miiriel is beautiful, like her mother," he said.  "I am so proud of you."

"I can't take all the credit," Miranda said softly.  "She is your daughter too."

Haldir could see that she was tired.  "Can you hear the singing, my love?"

Miranda smiled, "Yes, it is beautiful."

"It has been a long time since they sang the song of welcome," he said.  He brushed a lock of hair from her brow and bent down and kissed her.  "Sleep now, I will be near."

Miranda quickly dozed, and Haldir kept watch as the voices of the Elves sang through the night.

*****

In the days that followed, Haldir received many visitors who brought gifts for the new baby.  Celeborn and Galadriel brought a beautiful cradle intricately carved with stars and Mallorn leaves.  Elia brought a trunk full of baby clothes ranging in sizes, and a bundle of diapers.  Orophin and Rûmil had made toys for Miiriel, and a book for Miranda to write all the little milestones in.  After three days, Miranda was allowed to receive guests, and she was surprised to find Gandalf seated in the main room.

"Motherhood agrees with you," he said as he stood to greet her.

Miranda hugged him and he laughed.  "Surprised to see me?"

Miranda smirked, "Not really."

Haldir entered the room carrying Miiriel, and Gandalf smiled.  "Look at you," he said to Haldir with a chuckle.  "It is good to see you carrying a child, rather than a sword."

Haldir bowed, and gave Miiriel to Gandalf who suddenly became quite serious as he held her.  He spoke a few words in a language Miranda had never heard, and then kissed the baby on the forehead.  Then he smiled and handed her to Miranda.  "A beautiful girl."

Miranda was touched that he would visit, just to bless her new baby.  Gandalf stayed with them for a few days before he departed.  Miranda was sad to see him go, for she knew that the next time she saw him would be the last.