**The Year of Plenty**
In the Shire reckoning, 1420 was called the year of plenty, and was a time of great healing throughout Middle earth. Miranda bore Haldir a daughter in March, and in the next few months as summer wore on, Miiriel grew and started crawling. Messengers brought gifts and letters from Gondor and Rohan, and Miranda used her sight to keep track of all of her distant friends. Frodo was ill often, still suffering from Shelob's poison. Samwise Gamgee married a lovely girl named Rose. Legolas and Gimli had returned to the north and their families for a while to help rebuild what was destroyed in the war. Ẻomer and Lothireil were officially betrothed with the blessings of Gondor and her father. Ẻowyn and Faramir were finally wed and settled in Ithilien. Aragron and Arwen had begun rebuilding Minas Tirith and restoring much that was lost during the long years of war with Mordor. As fall approached, Miranda discovered that her sight was becoming second nature, and required more effort to ignore than to use. At times she felt overwhelmed by the intensity of her visions. One day, as the chill of autumn advanced on the borders of Lorien, Miranda woke and felt an overwhelming need to see Galadriel.
"Haldir," she said as she sat up.
"What's wrong?" he asked, seeing her distressed expression.
"I need to go and speak with Galadriel," she said.
It was hard for him to watch her struggle, knowing there was little he could do to help her with it. He finally had an understanding of what it was like for Celeborn to be married to Galadriel who wielded so much power. Haldir rose from the bed and opened her wardrobe.
"Take your cloak," he said. "The morning will be chill."
Miranda went to him and put her arms around him and he closed his eyes. Sometimes he just didn't know what to say, but this time she spoke first.
"I need her guidance," Miranda said. "My visions come unbidden now, and I see the Keepers departing very soon. I'm not sure of what is expected of me."
"Then go and take council with the Lady," Haldir said as he turned and kissed her brow. "I will look after Miiriel until you return."
*****
Galadriel received Miranda at her home, and knew why she had come. "You feel the responsibility of your future now, and you are troubled," Galadriel said.
"I can sit by the fountain and gaze at any place in Middle Earth, but what am I to do about what I see from here?" she asked.
"Nothing," Galadriel said. "Soon I will depart, but you know this. Not long after, most of our people will follow, and Lorien will be still and silent. Your time to leave this wood is already upon you, but you will not cross the sea for many years."
"But this is our home," Miranda said. "Haldir loves it here."
Galadriel smiled, "And so do you, but already you grow restless. You want to see your family and the fellowship again, and offer guidance to a king who misses you."
"I cannot uproot my family," Miranda said. "Miiriel is not even a year old yet."
"You know he needs you," Galadriel said. "You have wanted to leave for days, but now there is urgency in your eyes. Go speak to your husband."
Miranda hung her head and sighed. Galadriel was right. Her conscience told her she needed to leave, and soon if she was to arrive in time to help. She had to speak to Haldir.
Before returning to her house, Miranda walked alone in the wood and wrestled with her fears. Traveling in winter was hard, but even harder with a baby. She sighed and just kept walking. She was aware that several elves that patrolled the borders had noticed her, and were following at a distance, but she ignored them. She must be reaching the edge of the woods, and as she stepped around a large tree she gasped in horror. Haldir had said the forest had been attacked, but she had not seen the damage for herself. She looked at the trees, charred from fire, and the barren scorched ground and silently cried. She stumbled ahead as in a bad dream and wept over the destruction.
Farther back on the trail, Rûmil and his patrol followed to make sure that she was safe. One of the elves with him became concerned when he saw her venture out of the protective canopy of the wood.
"She goes too far," he said. "She's your sister-in-law, go get her."
Rûmil raised a hand to silence him and weaved through the brush to get a better view of her. He could feel her sorrow from here, and he understood. She had been told of the destruction, but it doesn't compare to actually seeing it. She sat under a charred tree, covered her face and wept.
The other Elves stood with him, and waited. They could not bear to watch her grief, for their own grief was still heavy on them. Only Rûmil saw the beginning of the strange miracle in the clearing. The tree she leaned on seemed to take on a new life, and the soot on the ground was quickly covered by soft green grass. He nudged the Elf beside him, and they all quickly turned and watched as new life blossomed out of the devastation. Miranda didn't seem to notice the transformation, but around her the Nephredil and Elanor blossomed. The Elves all cried with joy, and Rûmil stepped out of the bushes and went to her.
"Miranda, sister," he said softly. "Stop grieving, now and open your eyes, Hiri Nolwe. Your tears have healed the land."
Miranda looked up and couldn't believe her eyes. "How?"
Rûmil smiled at her and just shook his head, "You're the wise one. Come, I'll take you home."
The Elves stepped out of the woods and looked at Miranda in awe. They had been told who she was, and heard the stories from Gondor of her bravery. But seeing this display of power had surprised them all. Rûmil helped her to her feet, and when she turned, everyone bowed.
"No please, stop that," she said quickly.
"Nay lady, for now we see the truth that we have only heard in stories," one of the Elves said.
"Your presence blesses and restores our land, Hiri Nolwe," another said.
Miranda followed them back to Caras Galadhon in silence. How was she going to tell Haldir that she needed to leave?
*****
Haldir was seated in the main room of the house playing with Miiriel when a messenger came. He bowed and asked to enter.
"Enter and welcome," Haldir said brightly as he bounced his daughter on his lap. "You bring news?"
"Aye, Captain Haldir," he said nervously. "Your lady wife is returning from the border with Rûmil and the patrol. She has healed the torched earth! All is renewed as if touched by spring!"
Haldir had seen that miracle before and wasn't surprised, but what was she doing there? "Thank you," he said. "How soon will they arrive?"
"Within the hour," he answered. "Rûmil sent me ahead so you would not worry."
"Thank you," Haldir said.
The young elf bowed and was about to depart, but Haldir stopped him. "It was a long run, stay and refresh yourself."
"Nay, Captain, I go now to the Lord and Lady of the Wood," he said. "The Hiri Nolwe healed our land, and they must be given the news."
Haldir nodded and the messenger departed. Haldir had a feeling that there were about to be changes in his life. It had been too quiet here in Lorien since their return, but recently the messengers from distant lands had been coming more frequently. Miranda's dreams came more often and were more urgent. He lifted Miiriel up high and she giggled, eliciting a proud smile from her father. He sent for Elia to prepare a meal, and he waited for Miranda's return.
When she arrived, he hugged her and she just said softly, "I need to go to the Shire, Frodo is not well."
"How long do we have?" he asked as he mentally calculated the distance and travel time needed.
"We need to leave tomorrow," she said. "I'm sorry."
"I promised to follow you anywhere," he said as he looked into her worried eyes. "I cannot fault you for wanting to comfort a sick friend."
They sat and ate in silence for a while until finally Haldir questioned her about her day. "You went to the borders?"
"I went for a walk to consider Galadriel's words," she said. "I just sort of ended up there."
Haldir gave a nod and thought about it a little longer. "News of the Hiri Nolwe healing the land will spread quickly."
"I don't know how it happened," she said. "It just happened."
"It has happened before," Haldir said, reminding her of her mother's grave.
Miranda was silent and thoughtful, and Haldir just sighed. "Arrangements for our departure will not take long," he said. "I will miss it here, but you have responsibilities."
"My own family comes first," Miranda said seriously. "I worry about traveling with Miiriel. She's still so young."
"Do not worry," Haldir said. "I have been expecting for some time that you would need to leave here. I understand that we may not return, and I accept that as well. The Golden wood will not be the same after our people depart. It will matter little where we live then."
Miranda could not believe how understanding he was. She loved him more every day, but today he showed her how much he truly loved her too.
*****
The next morning, Haldir and his brothers brought Miranda and Miiriel down the Silverlode to a beautiful swan boat. It was much larger than those given to the fellowship so long ago, and had full sails. It had already been prepared for their journey, loaded with supplies, and four horses, including Tempest. Many had come to the banks of the river to see them off, including Galadriel and Celeborn. Miranda waved to her, and knew that they would meet one last time before she passed over the sea with the Keepers.
The sailing master made sure all was secure, and then threw off the lines. They sailed down to where the Silverlode joined the Anduin, and then sailed north. The Elven ship was fast, and the autumn wind was with them. Miranda was lost in thought as she watched the forest passing by then on their right.
"That is Mirkwood, isn't it?" Miranda asked Haldir.
"Yes, though Thranduil has renamed it since the war, now it is called the Wood of Greenleaves," Haldir said. He watched his wife as she studied the shore, and he smiled. "You are thinking of Legolas?"
"And Gimli, and Aragorn," she said. "I miss them all."
"This journey is to the Shire," Haldir said with a smile, "Unless you want to set a different course."
"No time for a detour," Miranda said, "Another time perhaps."
Late that evening, the ship was brought to rest at a dock on the western shore. The sailing master supervised the off loading of horses and supplies, and Haldir bid him farewell and led his family to a quiet place to camp. Directly in front of them were the three great peaks of the Misty Mountains, and a pass that they would navigate to get to Rivendell. It wasn't the easiest road, but it was the quickest. They traveled for several days until they came to the borders of Rivendell where they were quickly greeted by a border patrol.
"Hail, Kindred," one of the Elves said in greeting. "Who are you and what is your errand?"
"I am Haldir of Lorien," Haldir said. "I travel with my brothers Rûmil and Orophin, and my wife and child. We would visit with the Lord Elrond ere we continue our journey."
The Elves immediately recognized their names and looked at Miranda who sat on Tempest holding a sleeping Miiriel. They bowed in greeting to all, and especially Miranda.
"Your names are known to us," the Elf said. "You are most welcome. We are honored by a visit from the Hiri Nolwe and her family. We will lead you to Lord Elrond's house for he will be most pleased to receive you."
By dusk they arrived at the home of Lord Elrond, and were received warmly. Miranda was greeted by a very excited Izabel who appeared to be ready to deliver her own child any day. Elladan was most proud of his wife's condition, and excited to hold his child. He quickly relieved Miranda of her burden and raised Miiriel up to gaze at her.
"She is a beautiful girl," he said with a smile as he passed her to Elrohir.
Elrohir just gazed into Miiriel's eyes and smiled. "This one will be wise and graceful like her mother," he said.
Lord Elrond interrupted them and took the child and smiled. "It has been long since we had an infant in this house, and soon we will have two."
Miranda suddenly felt uncomfortable, realizing that Lord Elrond was expecting a long visit. She wished she could stay, but she knew she had to continue on to the Shire soon. Elrond already seemed to be aware of her plans. "Stay and visit with us and attend Bilbo's birthday celebration in two days," he said. "Then you can continue on to the Shire."
Miranda agreed, and they had a pleasant visit. Bilbo was showing the signs of age, dozing often, but still a great story teller. The morning of his birthday celebration, Izabel went into labor. Miranda stayed with her as the midwives helped deliver a healthy baby boy. Izabel was exhausted, and thankful it was over until one of the midwives said, "And now for the other one."
Miranda and Izabel both looked at her and simultaneously said, "What?"
"My lady carries twins," she said. "Now, push."
*****
Outside her chamber, the elves paced worriedly. Elladan looked sick with worry until he heard the cry of a baby. Elrond looked at his son, and was overwhelmed by the joy on his face.
"Father… I hear my child," he said in wonder. He waited for the announcement, but no one came, and he heard Izabel cry out in pain. His face went white, and Haldir and Elrohir caught him before he could run inside.
"I know what you're going through, believe me," Haldir said. "Just wait."
After a few more agonizing moments, one of the midwives emerged with a baby boy. "Here is your son, but I must return, for your wife labors for your second child, and it does not go well."
Elladan held his son, and tears fell down his cheeks as he looked to his father. "Not well? Oh, Izabel," he whispered.
Several hours passed, and finally he heard another baby cry from within. Everyone held their breath as they waited for the news. Miranda emerged with tears streaming down her cheeks, holding another baby, and she gave it to Elrond. "Your granddaughter, Lord Elrond." She turned to Elladan and he just knew the news was bad. Her stomach was knotted and all she could say was "Go to her."
Elladan ran to his wife who was pale and fragile looking. The midwives looked at him in sympathy and at his questioning look, they both shook their heads. One of them lifted a bundle of blood soaked linens and they both left.
"Izabel?" he asked as he fell to his knees beside her. "Sweet?"
She opened her eyes and looked at her husband, "Aren't our children beautiful?"
"Yes, they are very beautiful," he said as tears streamed down his face. "Oh, Izabel, please don't leave me."
"I'm afraid I must leave you sooner than expected," she said. "I think that you were not meant to be mortal, my love. You must promise me that you will choose to return to the land of your people one day."
"No, Izabel," he said as he kissed her, "I can't go on without you."
"Our children need a father," she said. "Promise me."
Elladan hung his head and hugged his wife, "I promise." He stayed with her until she passed, peacefully falling asleep and breathing her last.
Elladan emerged from his chamber where his father was waiting holding his grandson. "My son, I would take this grief from you if I could."
Miranda stepped forward and handed Elladan his daughter. With eyes full of tears he said, "You my little beauty will be called Izabel after your mother."
"And what of your son?" Elrond asked.
"I will call him Dairwen, for he brings me joy out of grief," Elladan said.
*****
Bilbo's Birthday party was no longer a joyous occasion, but the elves attended anyway. The next day, Izabel was laid to rest in a quiet glen in the forest, and a mound was raised to honor her. Though she was not of their people, she had quickly become loved and respected in Rivendell. With heavy heart, Miranda and her family left Rivendell to continue their journey to the Shire.