**Chronicle of the Fourth Age, Part 5**
In Arnor, in 1449/29, Eldarion had grown into a strong and wise young man. He was now twenty-six, and rode throughout the north with the Rangers. The years of training in the wilderness had made him strong like his father. One day, after scouting the borders of the Shire, he and three other Rangers went to Bree for a mug of Ale at the Prancing Pony. It was late evening, and many of the patrons had gone to their rooms or gone home. But there was one rowdy group having a drunken discussion that piqued Eldarion's interest.
"There were travelers on the road yesterday that brought news from Gondor," one fat smelly man said.
Another man belched loudly and prompted him to continue, "What news?"
"Oh, weddings and such. Some lord's daughter married an Elf," the fat man said.
"Really?" the other man said.
"I thought they all left," a third man said in passing.
"No, some still live in Rivendell, and near Gondor," the fat man said. "But they are steadily leaving. I saw another party on the road to the Havens only days ago."
Eldarion took another drink of ale and shut them out. The Hiri Nolwe would not leave, he was sure of that. He was curious as to the news from home, and he missed his family. But even more he longed to see Miiriel again. He hoped she had not found love in his absence.
*****
1449/29 was a busy year in Ithilien. Nárello and Izabel were betrothed in 1448 and were wed in 1449. Failon and Silivren were blessed with their first daughter, Cálale which means shining one. Faramir was a proud grandfather and showered the new arrival with gifts. Ẻomer sent gifts as well, and planned a visit for later that year.
Miranda and Haldir were blessed with yet another grandchild in the fall. Lalaith gave birth to a daughter, Illisse meaning All Sweetness. It was a remarkable year for their family, and they were happy, but Miranda longed for the woods of Lorien, and she knew that Haldir needed to see his home again. Haldir and Miranda made ready to journey to the Golden Wood. Thelyn and Alcon were twenty-three now, and chose to stay in Ithilien with their brothers and sisters. Miranda suspected that they both had found Elf maids that they were fond of, but she said nothing.
Miiriel had grown quiet and thoughtful of late, and she decided to go with her parents. She was the oldest, but she was still alone, and it sometimes hurt to see those around her married and happy. She had not met anyone who stirred her heart except perhaps a prince she met in passing long ago. He had been too young, but already he had the air of greatness upon him. But he was not arrogant despite his heritage and seemed to be uncertain of himself. She often wondered where he was and what he was doing now.
Miranda knew her daughter was troubled, for Miiriel was most like her among the children. Often Miranda speculated as to whether any of her children had inherited her sight. Watching them closely as they grew up, Miranda felt that Miiriel was the most likely to show the gift. But her daughter had not spoken to her of such things, and Miranda chose to wait and see.
Haldir and Miranda bid farewell to their children and kissed their grandchildren. Miiriel hugged her brothers and sisters and then Nárello pulled her aside a moment.
"What are you searching for, sister?" he asked in concern.
"I did not know I was searching for anything," Miiriel said. "Do you still feel the need to guard me, Nárello?"
Nárello sighed, "Won't you stay here with us? The Lord Tirno has been inquiring about you. Perhaps you would like him?"
Miiriel frowned at him. "Do not play matchmaker, brother. Tirno is nice, but he is not for me."
Nárello hugged his sister and whispered to her, "Then I hope you find your happiness on this journey, for there is nothing left in Lorien but memories."
"Namarie, children," Miranda said as she mounted up.
Haldir looked at Nárello, "You are the head of the family in my absence. Keep the twins out of trouble."
Nárello smiled, "I will father. Return soon."
Haldir led his family to the moorings of Ithilien on the Great River Anduin. There he loaded their horses and supplies and the sailing master sailed north. It was a relatively easy trip this way. They would dock on the western shore before the falls of Rauros, and then follow the trails into the mountains to the shores of the lake above. If the Swan ship was still there, it would be a leisurely sail back to Lorien.
*****
Eldarion passed the summer months engrossed in his duties, but Halbarad, who was now an older man and much respected for his wisdom, called for Eldarion to speak with him.
"Your father left you in my care, but there is nothing more for us to teach you here," Halbarad said. "It is time for you to return to Gondor to learn the duties you will inherit there."
Eldarion knew the time to leave had come, but he was hesitant to leave the northern lands he had grown to love. "I am ready to go home," he said.
"Good, for your father misses you," Halbarad said. "But I will miss you when you are gone, Eldarion, for you are so like your father it is as if he were here too."
Eldarion bowed to his mentor and made ready to leave. It was winter, a harsh time to travel, but he had learned how to handle bad weather. He no longer traveled with an escort, for he had become a formidable warrior. It was nearly December when he set out from Fornost with only the barest of supplies that his horse could carry. The journey would be long, but he planned one important detour along the way. He would walk in the golden woods of Lorien, though they be deserted. He wanted to see the birthplace of the fair lady who had stolen his heart with one look, lady Miiriel.
*****
Haldir stood looking at the ship they had left, and it was obviously useless. Elves build fine boats, strong and enduring, but this one had been torched. There was little left save the ribs and a few charred beams. He looked at Miranda for answers.
Miranda closed her eyes and just said, "Orcs, long since gone."
Haldir sighed. There were none around to slay for the wanton destruction of the fine craft. He looked at Miranda and Miiriel and said, "It will be a long ride, then. Let's get going."
It was a long journey along the banks of the Anduin. Haldir guided his wife and daughter through lands he had only passed by ship. It was nearly spring when they finally returned to their house in Lorien. It was dusty, but just how they had left it. Miiriel felt as though she belonged here, at least for now, and was quite content walking among the trees she loved.
Haldir and Miranda spent all their time together. It was like a vacation to find themselves alone without the children. Miiriel preferred solitude, so it gave them time to ride through the woods and enjoy each other's company.
One day, when Miranda and Haldir rode to the far end of the wood, Miiriel took the opportunity to go for a swim. She brought a blanket to lay her things on and some linens for drying off. The morning was warm and quiet, so she carried her things down to the banks of the Silverlode and laid out her blanket. It was a well hidden place, heavily wooded and quiet. None traveled here for the Elves had long since departed. She removed her gown and chemise and neatly laid them on her blanket and then she dove in. The water was deep here and perfect for swimming. She swam out to where the sun was peeking through the trees and enjoyed the quiet of the morning.
After a few minutes, she saw a group of birds suddenly fly from a tree not far from where her clothes were. She got a sudden knot in her stomach. She was not dressed to meet a foe, and she had not brought her bow with her. She dove under the water and swam to a place on the shore overgrown with bushes where she could hide.
*****
Eldarion was weary of traveling by the time he reached the edge of the wood. He dismounted and led his horse into the wood. As he walked beneath the boughs of the great Mallorn's he felt new life inside. He followed trails that were already overgrown with grass and mosses from years of no use. But his keen eye spotted them, and soon he found himself looking up at the great city of Caras Galadhon. It was quiet and deserted, but still beautiful. He walked beneath the city and noticed fresh tracks beneath one tree. He looked up, and there was a long winding stair leading up to a large dwelling. His heart leapt in his chest, and he examined the tracks. A pair of tracks went one way, and a single set of tracks went another. He followed the single trail, and soon heard the sounds of water. He tied his horse to a tree and silently ventured closer. He heard a splash and a musical laugh and he stood motionless and held his breath. There was quiet for a few moments so he continued, but suddenly he startled a group of birds, and he heard a gasp and a splash.
He swore under his breath, "Stupid!" And then boldly walked into the clearing by the banks. He stopped dead at the sight of women's clothes neatly laid on a blanket. He was stalking a bather, and he suddenly blushed. He shifted from foot to foot nervously and then turned away from the water.
"I did not mean to frighten you," he said. "I did not know someone was swimming here. I will not embarrass you, I give you my word."
"Be gone then stranger," a sweet voice said.
Eldarion knew it instantly and suddenly turned in shock, "Lady Miiriel?"
He heard a rustle in the bushes and a frustrated gasp, "Who calls that name?"
"It is Eldarion, son of Elessar. We met in Gondor," he said as he turned away again. His heart was racing. He never expected her to be here. There was nothing but silence behind him and he tried to put her at ease. "I will not turn around until you say, it is safe to get out of the water."
He heard her soft footsteps and the splashing of water around her feet as she stepped onto the shore. He closed his eyes and tried not to picture her. She was the highborn daughter of her father's adopted sister, the Hiri Nolwe. She deserved more respect than his fantasies.
"I am covered," she said.
He slowly turned, and she stood there, wrapped in her blanket and holding her gown. Her long hair was wet and stringy and she looked at him in annoyance, but she was never more beautiful. She had not changed at all from the day he'd first seen her, but he had. His hair was longer and he now had a well trimmed beard. He bowed to her and said, "Forgive me."
Miiriel rolled her eyes at him and said, "What are you doing here?"
"I was on my way home, but I wanted to see the golden wood on the way," he said. "Seeing you is a most welcome surprise."
"I am not exactly at my best," Miiriel said humorously as she brushed past him. "Guests are not usually received by the river while swimming."
He followed her and tried desperately to think of something charming to say. Unfortunately he failed miserably. "You have never looked more fair in a gown than you do in a blanket."
Miiriel stopped in her tracks and Eldarion just cringed. She turned to look at him and then burst into laughter. "Go back to charm school, prince. You haven't got it right yet." She turned back to the trail and kept walking.
"I'm sorry," he called after her. He looked t his horse and frowned. This was not going well. He led his horse back to the base of their tree, where she had no doubt gone, and he waited. Almost an hour later, he heard her call down to him.
"Are you going to sit down there and brood all day, or are you going to come up and visit?"
He made the long climb and stepped onto a large platform before an elaborate doorway. Miiriel stood there and invited him inside. She had dressed, and dried her hair, and she led him to a table to sit.
"You have been traveling, I will bring you something to eat," she said and then disappeared through another doorway.
She returned quickly with a pitcher of wine and a try of food. As she laid out the meal for him, she looked him over a little. He was still quite handsome, though more mature than when she'd seen him last. The beard was quite becoming, and she realized how strongly he resembled his father. He gazed at her with keen interest, and finally spoke.
"Where is your family?" he asked.
"Mother and father went out riding early this morning. The rest of my brothers and sisters have settled in Ithilien among the Wood Elves of the north."
Eldarion took a sip of wine and considered her words carefully. "I heard a rumor that the daughter of a lord of Gondor married an Elf."
"My brother Failon wed Silivren, Lord Faramir's daughter," she said. "Nárello and Lalaith are both married as well."
"And what of you, have you found no one to love?" he asked seriously.
"There were several Elves in Ithilien, but I did not share their feelings," she admitted.
"What would it take to win your heart, fair Miiriel?" he asked as he took her hand.
She closed her eyes at the contact and whispered, "The love of the right man…"
Eldarion latched onto the word man and felt new hope in his quest for her love. "I am a man who has loved you from our first meeting in the hills of Gondor," he said seriously as he stood to face her. "I am not a boy anymore, but a man."
"I can see that you are," she said breathlessly.
"No, I do not think you can," he said, and then he bent down to kiss her.
He had waited long for this moment, and he did not rush it, but kissed her tentatively. He felt her arms reach around him and he deepened his kiss. She seemed to thrive on his passion and return it. When her fingers gently plunged into his hair, he forced himself to break the kiss.
His breathing was ragged and his eyes burned with passion. "Now do you see me as a man, my lady," he said breathlessly.
Miiriel stepped back from him and blushed crimson, for her secret was out. She loved him too, and he knew it. She turned back to the door and said, "My parents are home."
Eldarion sat down and collected himself. He continued his meal while he waited for her parents to ascend. Miiriel sat across from him and stared at her own plate silently.
Eldarion looked at her and whispered, "Marry me, Miiriel."
Her eyes flew to his and she just said, "Yes. But I wouldn't tell my father just yet."
Eldarion knew wisdom when he heard it, so he simply gave her hand a squeeze and turned to the door where Miranda and Haldir entered. Haldir was not pleased to see a stranger in his house alone with his daughter.
"Who is this man you bring into our house?" he asked Miiriel quickly.
But Miranda knew him and welcomed him in the common speech. "Welcome, Lord Eldarion of Gondor. You honor our house with your visit," she said brightly.
Haldir just looked at his wife in surprise.
Eldarion stood and bowed to her, "In truth Lady Miranda, I was merely passing through and did not expect to find your family at home. Your fair daughter saw me in the wood and was kind enough to offer me a meal."
Miiriel bit her lip to keep from laughing. She discovered him? A likely story…
Haldir got over his surprise and offered the young prince his hand in welcome. "Well, be seated then, Eldarion. Never scorn the hospitality of a lady."
Eldarion took his seat, and Miranda and Miiriel disappeared into the kitchen. Miranda knew something had happened between the prince and Miiriel and she confronted her about it.
"You found him… a Ranger?" Miranda asked suspiciously.
"Quite accidental, really. He thought the wood was deserted and we ended up on the same trail," Miiriel said. Her spin on the truth was not inaccurate, just lacking in details.
"He has been pining for you since you met," Miranda said. "It was clearly in his eyes in Gondor, and I see it there still. What did he say to you?"
"His words to me were private," Miiriel said defensively.
"You love him?" Miranda asked in surprise. Then she pondered it a moment and it was suddenly clear. "That is why you rejected three suitors. You had your heart set on him already."
"Oh, mother, don't tell father just yet. I don't think he's ready for such news," Miiriel pleaded.
"Don't sell your father short, Miiriel. He's smart enough to figure it out, and he's very understanding. But let's wait a few days. I can't see him being happy about the prince proposing to you in the first five minutes," Miranda agreed.