**Chronicle of the Fourth Age, Part 9**
After returning home from her ordeal, Miranda became withdrawn. She spent a lot of time in solitude an rarely ate. Haldir confronted her, and they argued for the first time since they were married. Haldir was growing more and more concerned as she completely shut him out. He spent more time on the borders keeping watch and less time at home. He was at his wits' end, angry and frustrated. It had been several months since the kidnapping, but their lives had not returned to normal.
Eldarion, now betrothed to Miiriel, visited their home often, and rarely saw Miranda. Miiriel told him there was no reason to worry, but Eldarion decided it was time to tell his father. He bade Miiriel farewell and boarded the ship that would carry him home to Minas Tirith. Upon his return, he went to his father's study to speak with him. Aragorn sat in his chair at a large table, looking over some papers.
"Ah, I see you have returned early this time," Aragorn said brightly. "Welcome home, son." Aragorn returned his attention to his reading, but Eldarion interrupted his work.
"I returned early to speak to you about the Hiri Nolwe," Eldarion said. "I fear that she is not well."
Aragorn's head shot up and his face was full of concern. "Come sit down and tell me what is wrong," he said quickly.
Eldarion sat across from him and explained how Lady Miranda was rarely seen by even her own family. Haldir refused to talk about it and Miiriel insisted that nothing was wrong. Aragorn furrowed his brow thoughtfully. Perhaps it was time for him to pay Miranda a visit.
*****
Miranda rose early, as was her custom of late, and dressed. Haldir was already gone to the watch and would not return until noon. She silently slipped out of the house and went to the stream to watch the sunrise. She sat under the trees and hugged her knees. Few were about at this hour, save those who guarded the borders, as Haldir did. She liked this time alone, and found herself craving her solitude more and more. She started avoiding people and rarely spoke to anyone. Even Haldir was unable to get her to talk much anymore these days. A tear suddenly fell down her cheek. She didn't know how to talk to him anymore. Sitting in that black pit for days had been a horrifying experience. Haldir wanted to offer comfort, but all she wanted was to get away. She'd driven him away, unable to accept comfort for feelings she didn't even understand. She felt lost and completely unsure of herself. Everyone expected her to be wise and strong, but she felt weak and foolish.
Aragorn did not need her, nor would he again. In fact, none of her friends would have another need for her wisdom, if indeed they ever had. She was restless and longed for something… but didn't know what. Her children were grown, and had their own lives. The twins had become great hunters and scouts, content to guard Ithilien the way Elladan and Elrohir had guarded Rivendell, and Haldir and his brothers guarded Lorien. She had no reason to stay in Ithilien, except perhaps to see Miiriel's wedding feast. There was no real reason to stay in Middle Earth at all…
As the early morning sun peeked through the leaves, she heard footsteps approaching. Elves were very quiet, so she was surprised she'd heard them. She turned to see who was coming, and saw Legolas and Aragorn emerge from the wood. Legolas gave her a smile and a nod and then left. Aragorn just stood staring at her with a worried expression n his face. When she turned back to the stream without a word, he walked over and sat beside her.
"I spoke to Haldir this morning," he said. "He is very worried about you."
"I am well," she said softly.
Aragorn studied her a moment and then said, "What troubles you?"
"I am no longer needed here," she said softly. "It is time for me to go, and I am restless."
"Haldir didn't tell me that," Aragorn said. He didn't like the way she said it was time for her to go. It sounded too final. "You want to return to Lorien?"
"There is nothing for me there," she said.
"Rivendell?" he pressed.
"Galadriel told me I would know when it was time to leave…" she started to say.
"No, Miranda, please," Aragorn pleaded. He knew what she was going to say, that she was leaving Middle Earth. The thought of losing her was as disturbing as watching the Elves depart. She had become part of his family, and she was the mother of his future daughter-in-law. "Return to Lorien for a while, but don't leave…"
"You have no need of me," Miranda said. "Your reign will be long, and Eldarion will have Miiriel to help him just as you have Arwen."
"It is not your sight I care about, Miranda," Aragorn said quickly. "I would miss you."
Miranda smiled. "I will miss you, too."
Aragorn sighed. Her mind was already made up. "When?"
"After Miiriel weds."
"Then promise me this," Aragorn said. "Stop hiding yourself away as though you were already gone. Come and visit Minas Tirith until you leave."
Miranda hung her head. Was that what she was doing? Hiding? "I will speak to Haldir," she said.
Aragorn smiled and stood up. He offered his hand to help her up and then hugged her. "I would postpone the wedding if I thought it would keep you here longer," he said with a chuckle as he released her.
Miranda laughed as they headed back to her house. "You would not do that to them," she said.
Aragorn smiled, "No. I wouldn't."
They emerged from the woods in front of her house where Haldir was waiting on the steps. He stood and went to meet them. He saw his wife smiling and hugged her. He was annoyed that it had taken Aragorn to put the smile back on her face. He glanced at the king, whose expression was sad.
"What did you find to talk about?" Haldir asked Miranda.
"Aragorn, why don't you go inside, we'll be there in a moment," Miranda said.
Aragorn nodded and went inside so they could talk.
"All right, he's gone. Let's hear it," Haldir said, trying to cover his annoyance.
"You have a right to be angry," she said. "I should have talked to you about this, but I didn't know how. I think it is time for me to go."
Haldir let out a breath he'd been holding and sighed. "Is that all? We are quite used to that by now…"
"No, Haldir. I mean LEAVE."
Haldir had not expected that. He expected to be here much longer before they made their voyage to the undying lands. Now her silence made a little more sense. "You are sure?"
"I only wonder if that is what you want. Our children will remain here with their families, and I am torn," she admitted. "I would stay for them, except for this overwhelming feeling that I must go…" She started to cry, and Haldir just pulled her close and held her.
"Shhh," he whispered. "I have wanted to sail for some time, but our children needed us."
"But you said nothing," she said in surprise.
"You had enough to worry about…Hiri Nolwe," he said with a smile.
"What are we going to do?" she asked.
"Our children don't need us any longer," Haldir said meaningfully. He bent down and kissed the top of the head.
Miranda hugged him tighter. "Aragorn asked us to stay in Minas Tirith until the wedding. I thought we could leave after…"
"Then that is what we shall do," Haldir agreed.
They headed in to breakfast where Miiriel, Aragorn and Eldarion were already waiting. With her worries settled and Haldir's approval, Miranda finally relaxed. She was starting to act like her old self again, and Miiriel noticed the change immediately.
"Mother?" she asked in surprise when she saw the smile on her face. "Are you well?"
Miranda smiled, but there was the slightest hint of sadness in her eyes. "Yes, daughter, I am well. Let's eat."
Aragorn had not told them what he'd learned from Miranda. He figured it was not his place to break such news to them. He knew that he and the remaining fellowship would miss her, but her children would be devastated.
*****
Haldir and Miranda passed the rest of the summer months in Minas Tirith. It was a relaxing time for her and Haldir who were inseparable again. After two months of brooding from Miranda, it was like they were getting reacquainted. They spent all their time together and Haldir wooed her with gentle touches and sweet words as he had so long ago.
Aragorn could see them falling in love again. The pair seemed to grow closer daily, and it brought back memories of their journey together, all the good memories. He sat back in his chair by the fire one evening and smiled when he saw them enter. Miranda looked just the same, though her hair was longer. But her eyes were different. Gone was the timid innocence he remembered seeing the day he'd found her. She was wise and bold and sure of herself. As Haldir and Miranda headed up to their room, Arwen joined him by the fire.
"What are you smiling about, Elessar?" she asked her husband.
"I was just lost in a memory," he said, turning back to the fire. "I was remembering how different Miranda was when I found her in the forest of Rivendell."
Arwen smiled. "Yes, I still remember the look of wonder in her eyes, and the strange clothes she was wearing."
Aragorn cocked a brow and looked at Arwen. "What ever happened to those?"
"I still have them," Arwen admitted. "I had forgotten about them, but they are among my things."
Aragorn suddenly smiled. "Retrieve them," he said. "I have an idea."
*****
Haldir lay with his arms around Miranda. He had been hurt deeply when Miranda had shut him out after her kidnapping. They had sworn to each other that they would not keep secrets, and yet she'd been silent for two months. He'd tried to be patient with her, but it had been difficult. He'd been angry and actually quarreled with her for the first time since they'd been married. It had driven a wedge between them, but now they had this time to get to know each other again. He was pleased with their progress. He'd taken her riding, swimming, and picnicking… anything to get her alone, away from distractions. He felt as though he was courting her again and it was just as exciting as it had been the first time around. At night, when they returned to their room, he would make love to her with all the gentleness and devotion he had their wedding night. He worshipped her with his body, and she opened her heart to him again.
And now here he was, resting in sated bliss after an intimate hour with his beautiful wife. She lay, draped peacefully upon his chest and he closed his eyes and relished the feel of her soft skin against his. It was in moments like this he felt closest to her. He felt her stir and she wrapped her arm around him and sighed softly.
"Haldir, I'm sorry," she whispered. "I broke my promise to you."
Haldir squeezed her tight and kissed the top of her head. He knew exactly what she was talking about. "Well, just don't let it happen again."
He felt her eyelashes flutter against his chest, and then she kissed him. Just a simple, soft little kiss in the middle of his chest… Haldir closed his eyes and groaned with pleasure at the intimacy of that kiss.
"I love you," she whispered softly.
The feel of her breath on his skin was more than he could bear and he instantly became aroused. He rolled her to her back and covered her. He kissed her passionately and raked his hands through her glorious red hair. Miranda clung to him, digging her nails in his back as he gently tilted her head back and kissed her neck. He needed this, needed her… and she surrendered to him. Her breathing was labored and she writhed beneath him. His member instantly grew hard and he tried desperately to maintain control of his passion. He didn't want to rush their intimacy. In his eyes, Miranda would always be the innocent girl he met in Lorien so long ago.
"Oh, Haldir…" she gasped. "Please… yes."
Haldir heard her plea and he sheathed himself within her in one firm thrust. Miranda returned his passion, kissing him desperately as her hands delved into his hair. Miranda's ardor drove him wild and he made love to her feverishly. It had been a long time since they had given themselves to each other with such reckless abandon. Haldir felt the tight pulse of her climax even as the violent waves of pleasure crashed down upon him. His body shuddered in exhaustion and ecstasy as he collapsed in her arms. They lay together, covered in sweat and catching their breath.
"Woman, you have conquered me again," Haldir said breathlessly. "There are no words to describe…"
"No need to describe it, just show me… often," Miranda said huskily.
Haldir kissed her neck. "Very often," he agreed.
*****
The leaves fell as winter drew near and the wedding feast of Eldarion and Miiriel was prepared. Ẻomer and his family arrived the day before the feast, and he was pleased to see Miranda again.
"You look well cousin," Ẻomer said. "The circumstances of this visit are far more pleasant than the last."
"Indeed," Miranda said with a smile. She watched Ẻomer's son Elfwine greet Anvanime and she smiled. "You will be preparing your own wedding feast soon," she added.
"Well I know it," Ẻomer said with a smile. "Already I have lost Gloorion to the bold Captain Gilver this past summer. My house will be empty soon."
"As is mine," Miranda said.
"What of your rowdy twins? Are there no maids in Ithilien to tempt them?" Ẻomer asked as he observed them enter the hall together.
"Those two are too carefree to settle down. They are devoted uncles, but have no desire for families of their own," Miranda admitted. "I fear I have seen all my children's weddings."
*****
The feast was grand, with guests from far and wide. Aragorn and Eldarion stood on the dais and greeted the crowd.
"Welcome guests," Aragorn said. "It is a joyous occasion that brings us together. My son and Heir, Eldarion has chosen a bride, the fair lady Miiriel, Daughter of Captain Haldir and the Hiri Nolwe."
Haldir led Miiriel to the dais and placed her hand in Eldarion's. "Prince Eldarion of Gondor, I give you my daughter, Miiriel, the treasure of my heart, with my blessing." Haldir said.
Eldarion bowed to Haldir respectfully. And the crowd cheered. Eldarion and Miiriel sat together and the feast began. As the festivities wore into the night, Miranda looked out over the guests and suddenly felt sad to be leaving. She knew she would miss all of her friends and family, but it could not be helped. Middle Earth was changing, and the age of magic was passed. The Elves were now few and scattered. Soon those few that remained would also depart. She needed to leave, and Haldir needed to leave. He had family waiting for him, and she looked forward to meeting his parents, especially his mother.
Eldarion and Miiriel quietly stood to leave, trying to slip out unnoticed as Miranda and Haldir had so many years ago. Miranda bit her lip and held her breath, waiting to see if they'd make it to the door before someone noticed. Suddenly she heard a familiar voice roar out.
"And there they go!" Gimli shouted, laughing.
Everyone cheered, and Miiriel blushed darkly as Eldarion waved on their way out the door.
Arwen leaned over to Aragorn and said, "He does that at every wedding feast."
Aragorn chuckled and kissed her on the cheek. "Gimli is a romantic."
Haldir leaned close to Miranda and whispered, "Our obligations to our family are ended. What is your wish?"
"My wish is to resign my titles and follow the will of my husband," she said.
"Tomorrow we will tell the children," Haldir said. "You will want to tell Ẻomer and Ẻowyn as well."
"Then you want to leave? It's not just because of me?" Miranda asked.
"No, it's not just for you," Haldir said. "I too want to leave. It is time." He stood and led her from the hall and to their room. The wedding feast put him in the mood to relive their wedding night again. He stopped at the base of the stairs and picked Miranda up, cradling her against his chest. As he started the long climb to their tower room, Miranda smiled and kissed his cheek.
"You carry me, sir," she said with a smirk. "Do you think I cannot walk?"
"Nay lady," Haldir said with a wicked smile. "I would have you conserve your strength. I intend to keep you up late tonight."
*****
Eldarion and Miiriel finally closed the door to their room and sighed with relief. At last they were alone, and Eldarion stared at her with all the wonder he had the first moment he saw her in the hills. He removed his cloak and tossed it aside but never took his eyes off her. He removed his belt, coat, and shirt as he watched her release her beautiful hair from its pins.
Miiriel was nervous despite her love and trust in this man. As he undressed, she timidly reached up and pulled the pins from her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders. He gazed at her with unmasked desire as he slowly stepped toward her. He stood close enough to breathe in the sweet scent of her hair, but didn't touch her yet. She stood motionless, waiting and he reached out hooked his fingers under the straps on her elvish gown. With one gentle tug, the gown fell from her shoulders and hit the floor, bearing her body to his eyes for the first time. He fought the urge to look down at her right away and held her gaze. She blushed, but never looked away.
"I love you, Miiriel," he said softly. "Long have I desired to see you disrobed before me, but now I find myself lost in your eyes."
Miiriel was moved by his confession and didn't know what to say. Long had she loved him, even before she knew who he was. Her shyness suddenly fled and she stood on her toes to timidly kiss him. As their lips met, she closed her eyes, and he pulled her close, crushing her against him. She wrapped her arms around him, and relished the feel of his skin against hers. His broad chest was covered in soft curly hair, and she found it captivating. Eldarion broke their kiss and picked her up in his arms. Miiriel shyly reached up and ran her fingers through his chest hair and he groaned with pleasure. He crossed the room quickly and laid her on the bed. She stared up at him dreamily with a smile on her face, and he took in the sight of her. She was more beautiful than he could have imagined, milk white skin and voluptuous breasts. He kicked off his boots and sat beside her, admiring her body.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered in wonder as he bent down and kissed her. His hands explored her body, timidly at first, but as she responded to his touches he grew bolder. Miiriel reached for the ties on his trousers, and he broke their kiss to remove them for her. She gazed at him, noting that Men must be hairier than Elves. He was handsome, strong and muscular, and obviously aroused. She held her arms open to him.
"We have waited a long time for this night," she whispered. "Let's not wait any more."
He joined her on the bed, gently covering her. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and he kissed her passionately. The stirring in his loins would be denied no longer, and he carefully entered her. Her body arched toward him to accept his loving invasion and he felt the tearing of her maiden's barrier. His own mouth caught her gasp of pain, and he broke the kiss to look into her eyes.
She smiled at him, "Husband, I am well."
The love in her eyes was overwhelming, and Eldarion was moved to tears. "Oh, beloved wife, my heart will burst it is so full of joy."
He kissed her tenderly and made love to her slowly, savoring every sensation, every moment of their first joining. Miiriel clung to him as his movements became more hasty and firm. She followed his tempo, meeting every thrust with the same desperate longing and need. The soft wet flesh was warm and tight around his manhood and the sensations were indescribably pleasurable. He felt a strange giddy excitement building inside him as his pace increased. Her nails dug into his back and suddenly he felt her body tighten around him, pulsing in an erratic rhythm that pushed him over the edge. He was suddenly drowning in a flood of pure ecstacy as he violently climaxed. His manhood throbbed with pleasure, and he finally collapsed in her arms, desperate to catch his breath. The aftershocks continued as their bodies gradually relaxed. The waves of pleasure slowly subsided and Eldarion sighed heavily. Miiriel turned her head and gently kissed his cheek.
"There are no words…" Miiriel whispered in wonder.
Eldarion looked into her eyes, and understood what she meant. "No words are needed," he agreed. "No words other than… I love you."