**Chronicle of the Fourth Age, Part 1**
It was the year 3021, in the reckoning of Gondor, and 1421 in Shire reckoning. With the anniversary of the fall of Sauron on March 25th, Aragorn declared the beginning of the Fourth Age, and the calendar was reset to one, (But in the Shire, though it was the beginning of the Fourth Age, their calendar continued).
Upon Aragorn's return to his home, Arwen was indeed in the last days of pregnancy. She gave birth to a daughter in April, just as Miranda had predicted and they named her Allassante, which means bringer of joy.
*****
Back in Rivendell, as September approached, Galadriel and Gandalf arrived at the house of Elrond. Elia was with them, and had brought with her many of the things that they had left in Lorien. She planned to stay with Haldir's family and help with the coming child.
Miranda spent long hours visiting with Gandalf and Galadriel for they only planned to stay a few days before continuing on to the Gray Havens.
"I will not be here for the birth of your son," Galadriel said, "But do not worry, for all will be well."
"I know," Miranda said. "But I will miss having you here."
"And I will miss you, but I will see you again when you make your journey," Galadriel said.
"How will I know when it is time?" Miranda asked.
Galadriel smiled, "You will know when your labors are finished and you are no longer needed here."
Miranda took what council she could from the wise Keepers who had taught her so much, but the day came when they departed Rivendell. Many Elves went with them from both Lorien and Rivendell. Elrond left his household to his sons, and they remained behind.
Miiriel, Izabel and Dairwen were inseparable companions, and late November, Miranda added another playmate to their group, Nárello which means Fire, for he had fiery red hair like his mother's and her green eyes as well. Haldir was proud of his fine son, who resembled him in face and had his elvish ears.
Miranda and her family remained in Rivendell for several years. During that time, she bore Haldir several more children. The list of their children is as follows:
1420 S.R., (3020 G.R.) their daughter, Miiriel, meaning Glittering Jewel, was born in Lorien. She had strawberry blonde hair, green eyes and elvish ears.
1421/1 -a son, Nárello, meaning Fire is born in Rivendell at the household of Elrond.
1423/3 -a son called Failon, meaning Generous and Just was born. He had reddish blonde hair, similar to Miiriel's, and his father's grey eyes and ears.
1425/5 -a daughter, Lalaith meaning Laughter was born. Lalaith was a bubbly child with hair so fair it was almost white, her father's ears and her mother's green eyes.
1426/6 -twin sons, Alcon meaning Ray of Light, and Thelyn meaning Hero were born. The boys were identical, flaming red hair with grey eyes and elvish ears. They were the last of Haldir and Miranda's children for a total of six, four boys and two girls.
Other births during this time were as follows:
1423/3 -Aragorn and Arwen's son Eldarion (Of the Eldar Race) is born.
1424/4 -Faramir and Ẻowyn's daughter, Silivren (Glittering Silver) is born.
1427/5 -Faramir and Ẻowyn's son, Polodrin (Mighty) is born.
1428/8 -Peregrin's son Faramir is born.
1429/9 -Aragorn and Arwen's daughter, Anvanime (Most Beautiful) is born. Sam's daughter Goldilocks is born.
1430/10 -Ẻomer and Lothiriel's son, Elfwine is born.
1431/11 -Ẻomer and Lothiriel's daughter Gloorion (Golden) is born.
*****
In 1435 S.R., Miranda felt the urge to travel again. Miiriel was now thirteen and the twins were seven, so she no longer had fears of traveling with her children. They traveled to Rohan, where they stayed for several years to the great joy of King Ẻomer. Miranda's sons grew in strength, skill and wisdom and her daughters were growing in grace and beauty daily.
In 1438 S.R., Miranda and her family returned to Lorien, for Aragorn and his family had gone to stay for a time in Arnor, so there was no reason to go to Gondor. With Galadriel gone, Celeborn and most of the Elves had left the Golden wood to dwell in Rivendell, so it was now quiet in the wood. They settled into their house again, and Haldir was happy to be home despite how empty the city now felt. He taught his sons all his skills with bow and sword, and Miranda and Elia trained all the children in languages, writing and history. The children were very close, and the boys were naturally quite protective of their mother and sisters. Haldir commanded deep respect from his children and Miranda was revered for her wisdom and love.
In 1440 S.R., or 20 in Gondor reckoning, as the few remaining Elves departed for Rivendell, including Elia, leaving Miranda's family alone in the Golden wood, she started having dreams about Aragorn. She had promised to visit Gondor, and had not done so. She felt an overwhelming need to leave Lorien and go see him, so she spoke to Haldir.
"The King needs me," she said. "We must go to Gondor with all haste."
"I have wondered when you would return to your chosen country," Haldir said with a warm smile. "My own country is empty and quiet, and I feel no regret in leaving it this time. I will have the boys prepare for our journey."
Nárello was now eighteen, and considered an adult among elves. Haldir placed the business of preparing the horses in his hands, and sent Failon and the twins hunting. Miranda, Miiriel and Lalaith packed what was needed and Haldir secured their house on the off chance they might return someday. They loaded a large swan boat that had been left behind by the sailing master when he also went to Rivendell. They sailed down the Silverlode and then down the Anduin until they reached the Great Falls of Rauros, where Boromir met his end. Haldir, Alcon and Thelyn secured the ship while Failon and Nárello unloaded the horses and supplies. Tempest had passed several years ago, but during their stay in Rohan, Ẻomer gifted each member of the family with their choice of horses from his herds. Miranda had chosen another gray that she named Mithrandir after her friend the Gandalf, Gray Pilgrim himself. They camped on the shore in the same place she had camped that fateful day that saw the breaking of the Fellowship. Miranda was silent that evening, and finally, unable to remain by the fire another minute without crying, she went into the woods for privacy.
"Where is mother going, father?" Lalaith asked.
"This place holds sad memories for her," Haldir said. "She seeks solitude for a little while. She will return soon."
"What sad memories?" Alcon asked.
"Here is where Lord Boromir gave his life to protect Merriadoc and Peregrin before they were taken prisoner and Frodo and Sam departed alone into Mordor," Haldir said.
"That was here?" Thelyn asked in surprise. "Should we have found another place to camp?"
"Nay, son, your mother does not fear memories no matter how painful," Haldir said.
"Should she walk alone here? Is it safe?" Miiriel asked.
"Nárello is already following her, do not worry," Haldir said. "Now all of you get to bed. Tomorrow will be a difficult ride and I want you all rested."
There was only minor grumbling among them, for none would disrespect their father. Haldir kept silent watch over his household while he waited for his wife to return. She had never admitted to loving Boromir, but he knew she had. He was not jealous of a memory, for he knew that nothing had ever happened between them. For her it had merely been a childhood fancy.
In the wood, Nárello was careful to stay out of his mother's sight while he kept watch. He had learned at an early age that she saw things that no one else saw, and he respected and loved her deeply. It was sometimes strange to see her among their people, for she was not an Elf. She was quite short and small of frame with round ears, but she was beautiful. She did not age as men, but seemed to grow in grace and wisdom. He watched as she sat under a large tree and wept. It broke his heart to see his mother cry and he could not wait in silence any longer. He silently went to her and she quickly dried her tears and stood.
"Nárello," she said in surprise. "You followed me?"
"These woods are not known to me," he said. "I would keep you from harm. I did not mean to intrude, but I could not abide your tears. Why do you cry?"
"I lost a friend here, many years ago and seeing this place again has reminded me of how I miss him," she said.
"Did father know him?" Nárello asked as he walked with her back to camp.
"They met once, but that was before your father and I fell in love. Truthfully, he and I had only just met," Miranda said.
"He told me he loved you long before you two were betrothed," Nárello said with a smile. "Perhaps he saw this friend as a rival."
"No, son, your father never had a rival," Miranda said.
What of cousin Ẻomer? Did he not petition for your affections before you discovered you were related?" he asked.
"I turned him down before I knew, for I loved your father," Miranda said firmly as they approached the campfire. "Now, enough questions. "Get some rest so you can relieve your father from the watch later."
Nárello bowed to his mother, "Yes, my lady mother," he said with a smirk before he left for his bed.
Miranda stifled the laugh his sarcasm provoked and went to Haldir. He reached for her hand and pulled her into his lap. "All better now?"
"Yes, I am fine. It has just been a long time since I thought of that day," she said.
They sat in silence for a while and Haldir toyed with a strand of her hair. "I know that you loved him, and I understand." Haldir said.
"I was fond of him; I love you, but thank you for being understanding," Miranda said.
Haldir kissed her and sent her to bed.
*****
The rest of their journey was quiet and uneventful as they followed the river south, turning west to go around the Entwash and then turning East into Anorien. They traveled in fine elvish attire, hooded and cloaked in gray cloaks. As they journeyed through the countryside, men who saw them marveled to see Elves abroad. Some men even greeted them on the road and offered them the hospitality of the nearest village. But Miranda shied away from the settlements, knowing that once word got out that the Hiri Nolwe was traveling, they would run into crowds of people. It was early spring when Miranda and her family approached the walls of the Pelennor. Guards from Minas Tirith greeted them upon their approach.
"Hail travelers," the guard said. "What is your business in Minas Tirith?"
Haldir rode forward and removed his hood. One of the older guards recognized him and immediately sent a rider to the King with the news. Then he spoke to their leader quietly. The captain turned back to Haldir with a look of astonishment and spoke with deep respect.
"Greetings Captain of Lorien, you and your family honor us with your visit; please allow us to lead you to the King."
The guards parted to allow their guests to ride first, and as Miranda rode by they removed their helm's and bowed. Miiriel and Lalaith seemed impressed by their respect, but the boys weren't. These guards were just like the Rohirrim. With the exception of meeting their Mother's King, the boys thought Gondor was going to be a dull place to visit.
By the time they reached the gates, Aragorn had ridden down from the Citadel and was waiting for them. The gates were open wide in welcome, and he stood waiting. Haldir dismounted before the gate and then helped Miranda down. He led her to Aragorn who quickly bowed on one knee before her.
"You honor me with this visit, Hiri Nolwe. Long have I wished to see you, but more now than in years past. Much has happened here these past months and I have need of your wisdom."
Miranda could see that he was close to tears at the sight of her, and she reached for his arm. "Do not bow to me great King, for I am but your servant who swore to serve you long ago."
Aragorn stood and hugged her. Haldir had been right at their last parting. She came when least expected and greatest need. For him it was a great gift to see her again. He greeted Haldir, and then they went up into the city.
Nárello looked at Failon with a cocked brow, "What do you think?"
"I like him," Failon said.
Nárello nodded, and the twins turned back to look at their older brothers. "That's our uncle?"
Miiriel just smiled and wrinkled her nose at them, "That's uncle Aragorn, all right. I'd know him anywhere."