**Chronicle of the Fourth Age, Part 10**
The next morning came late as most guests had left the feast in the early hours of morning. Miranda and Haldir sat down at a table with Gimli and Legolas to eat breakfast. They were soon joined by Thelyn and Alcon, Failon and his family, and Nárello and his family. Miranda waited for the whole family to gather before she spoke of their plans. Dairwen and Lalaith walked in with the sons of Elrond, and Aragorn and Ẻomer followed on their heels. Miranda's family nearly filled a table, and they were not all present yet. Haldir looked at her and gave her a gentle nudge with his elbow.
"Don't wait for the others," he whispered. "Go ahead and tell them."
"Tell us what?" Nárello asked brightly, expecting some happy news.
"I have something to tell you all, and I want you to wait until I've finished before you say anything," Miranda said, eyeing the twins skeptically. "Haldir and I have decided it is time for us to leave Middle Earth. We do not make the decision lightly, nor do we expect any of you to go with us. My time here is finished, and I need rest."
Everyone stared at Miranda dumbstruck. Aragorn stood off to the side with his arms crossed and his jaw set. He'd known for months, and ignored the reality of her decision until today. He knew he couldn't change Miranda's mind, but he had to ask anyway.
"Would you stay if I asked you?" he asked quietly.
"I cannot," she said sadly. "Not even for the love of my brother and King."
Her children were all silent for a moment until Thelyn finally spoke up. "Mother, are you ill?"
Haldir's expression grew hard, for he hadn't expected them to know. Thelyn had surprised him with the question. Miranda's sight had been overwhelming her these past months. The strain of shutting it out had been exhausting, though she never complained to anyone, not even him. But he knew. He'd always known when she was struggling. He waited to see what she was going to say.
"I am well," she said slowly. "But I am weary." She suddenly stopped and bit her lip. Haldir came to her rescue.
"The Hiri Nolwe's hour has passed," Haldir said bluntly, eyeing each of his protesting children. "Miranda's gift has become unbearably heavy. Do not make this decision any harder on her than it already is."
Ẻomer was the first to speak up, "Cousin, you leave a void that cannot be filled. Will I never see your light in Edoras again?"
Haldir answered for her. "We will journey to the Gray Havens, and Rohan is on our way," he said with a warm smile. "Perhaps we can travel together for a while and take rest in Edoras, if the Horse Lord wishes."
Gimli's face was unreadable, but Legolas could see he was upset. Legolas wasn't at all surprised. He'd suspected this was coming soon. He could see Miranda was unhappy in Ithilien. He understood her need to leave. The desire to cross the sea was great in his heart, but he would stay a while longer. There yet remained one friend he refused to leave. His home in the north was as quiet and empty as Lorien. His father, Thandruil, was gone and few elves remained in Ithilien. With Miranda's departure, Legolas was sure to lose a few more.
Dairwen looked at Lalaith and could see the tears in her eyes. He didn't want to leave, but if she asked him, he would consider it. Nárello just sat brooding. He had nothing pleasant to say. He was too angry to wish them well and too hurt to beg them to stay. Why was this the first time they'd heard of it?
"When?" Failon asked.
"We will leave with the wedding guests within the week," Haldir said. "Tomorrow I will return to Ithilien to pack. I am leaving the house to the twins, who will probably never settle down…" he added with a smirk.
His children all chuckled at the truth to that, despite the sobering announcement they'd just received. Haldir stood and put his arm around Miranda and gave the assembled group a nod before escorting her outside. She needed to collect herself, and they would want to talk without them standing there to hear it.
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged thoughtful looks, but said nothing.
Aragorn and Ẻomer finally took a seat as Eldarion and Miiriel walked in with big smiles on their faces. They strode up to the table and greeted everyone brightly.
"Good morning," Miiriel said to everyone with a smile.
"Good morning, father," Eldarion said cheerfully. "Isn't it a glorious day?"
Gimli cringed and Nárello just spoke up bitterly. "Mother and father are leaving, Miiriel."
Miiriel went white and sat down. "I thought it was just a dream," she said quietly. "I saw them sailing away, and I thought it was just a dream…"
Aragorn cocked a brow and glanced at his new daughter-in-law with interest. "Do you… dream like that often?"
Eldarion sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. She was still in shock, but quickly recovering. "It was just a dream," she said quickly, brushing their interest aside. "When?"
"They will travel with us part way, at the end of the week," Ẻomer said.
"Why didn't she say something sooner?" Miiriel asked angrily.
Aragorn answered that question, "She didn't want to spoil your wedding."
"How thoughtful," Miiriel said under her breath as she got up and stormed out of the hall with Eldarion on her heels.
"Well, Aragorn, nice party," Gimli said sarcastically. "Any more pleasant surprises planned?"
*****
"Miiriel, wait," Eldarion said as he caught up to her in the hall. She stopped and waited and he just wrapped her in his arms. "I'm so sorry."
"I can't believe they're leaving," she sobbed. "Don't they know we still need them?"
"Shhh," he said as he gently stroked her hair. He didn't know what to say that would comfort her. Her revelation of her dream had shocked him and he couldn't brush it aside as she had. "Have you been having many dreams?"
She drew back a little to look in his eyes, and couldn't lie to him. "Yes," she admitted. "I'm the firstborn. I believe the gift was passed to me."
"But she doesn't know?" Eldarion asked.
"I didn't know," Miiriel said in frustration. "This is the first dream to come true."
"Go tell your mother," he said. "Perhaps she will stay to help you."
"No," Miiriel said firmly as she pulled away and headed back to their room. "It is not my place to ask her to stay. She has been in pain for a long time. I will not ask her to suffer for me."
Eldarion fell into step beside her. "What do you mean?"
"She gets headaches, and it is a strain for her to concentrate on the present," Miiriel said. "One night I heard her wake, screaming in horror and grief that the King was dead. It took hours for father to convince her it was just a dream of the distant future."
"How long has it been like that?" Eldarion asked.
"Since the kidnapping," she said. "I have noticed, but no one else knows except father. She didn't want anyone to know."
"It is obvious that father knew she was leaving, but I don't think he knows why," Eldarion said thoughtfully. "He was upset, and hurt. I think he should know the full truth."
"No, Eldarion," she said firmly. "I can't do that to mother. I told you because you're my husband. Don't share my confidence, I beg you."
Eldarion hugged her. "I won't, I promise. But you should talk to her. She needs to tell him the truth."
*****
Outside in the courtyard, Miranda and Haldir sat beneath the white tree to talk.
"This is going to hurt them, Miranda," Haldir said. "Why don't you tell them you've been ill?"
"You said more than enough already," she said softly as she laid her head on his shoulder. "We are their parents, and should be remembered as being strong."
"You are strong," he said. "You have carried this burden for a long time. There is no shame in admitting the gift is heavy."
"I lost my grip on reality, Haldir. That's not heavy, it's unbearable," she said.
"That was one time," Haldir insisted. "It hasn't happened before or since."
Miranda sighed and closed her eyes. She tried to shut out the world and just listen to Haldir's heartbeat, strong and steady. But everything across the world flooded her mind at once as it had for months. Aragorn sat in his study, brooding. Samwise was in his yard at Bag End, playing with his children. Gloorion and her Captain were having a picnic in the fields of Edoras. Celeborn was surveying the quiet streets of Rivendell with sorrow and grief. Miranda pushed those thoughts aside and concentrated on her husband. He had more than the average Elf's share of patience.
"Haldir, I love you," she said wistfully. "I know it hasn't been easy for you to put up with me all these years."
"I wouldn't trade a single moment," Haldir said. "The only moments that were hard were those I spent waiting outside our room while you bore me six children. Every time terrified me."
"Why? Childbirth is natural," she said.
"Your mother died in childbirth, I always remembered that," he admitted, "And Izabel. I still see the grief on Elladan's face. It surprises me that he stayed. If I had lost you, I would have faded from grief long ago."
"No, you would have stayed and taken care of the children as he had," Miranda said.
"Perhaps," he said lightly. "But one thing I know for certain. You must tell Aragorn the truth."
"No."
"I saw his face, he thinks you are deserting him," Haldir said. "Don't do that to him."
"Legolas wasn't hurt," Miranda said. "Aragorn will get over it."
"Legolas knows you better," Haldir said. "Aragorn is just a man, and sensitive."
"Very well," Miranda said with a sigh. "I will talk to him."
"Good," Haldir said in satisfaction. "It will give you something to do while I pack up in Ithilien."
Miranda frowned. She wasn't good at talking about such things. But Haldir was right; Aragorn should know why she was leaving. It wasn't because she didn't care about her friends. It just hurt too much to stay.
*****
The next morning, Haldir boarded the ship to return to Ithilien. Nárello, Failon the twins and Dairwen went with him, along with the son's of Elrond and Legolas. The boat ride was quiet, but finally Elladan went to talk to Haldir.
"My brother and I will be going with you, at least as far as Rivendell," he said.
Haldir cocked a brow at him, "Missing home?"
"It is time to go home," Elladan said. "Dairwen and Lalaith are also going, and Nárello and Izabel as well."
"That is well," Haldir said. "Your children will be close."
Elladan frowned. "And what of your children?"
"They have their families to care for," Haldir said. "They will sail in their own time."
"Do you care nothing for them?" Elladan gasped.
Haldir turned to Elladan with a fierce expression and indignantly said, "You know me better than that."
Legolas had listened to enough of the conversation and interrupted. "Why don't you just tell them Miranda isn't well?"
Everyone heard and quickly gathered around Haldir for an explanation. Nárello stared down his father angrily, "You lied."
"She didn't want anyone to know," Haldir said. "Her sight has become nearly uncontrollable. She's exhausted and suffering."
His son's were horrified, and Elladan quickly spoke up, "I'm sorry. I should have known…"
"Forget it," Haldir said as he turned back to the railing and stared at the passing shore.
Elrohir waved his arm to get the boys to leave and joined Haldir at the railing. "How long?"
"Months," Haldir said. "Knowing her, probably much longer."
"I saw her every day, and never knew," Elrohir said. "But it makes sense."
"Why?" Haldir asked suddenly.
"Malbeth the Seer went blind, and Israfel went mad," Elrohir said. "Miranda is strong, but the gift of sight is a hard one to bear."
"When I met her she was trying to use it, trying to help Aragorn. Now she cannot block it out," Haldir said.
"Malbeth poked his own eyes out, trying to get relief from it," Elrohir said. "Tragically for him, the sight had nothing to do with his eyes."
"Thanks for the comforting words," Haldir said dryly.
Elrohir smiled playfully, "Anytime."
The ship arrived, and they spent the rest of the day packing. Dairwen packed up his household and Nárello packed up his. The sons of Elrond packed fairly light, not having women's things to worry about.
Haldir packed his things and then opened Miranda's wardrobe. There, in front, was that green gown that Galadriel had given her. He'd known she was beautiful before, but the sight of her in that gown had taken his breath away. He carefully put it in the trunk along with the rest of her clothes. In the bottom of the wardrobe was a box and he opened it. In it were her sword, dagger and quiver. Her bow stood in the corner, and he packed them up as well. When he reached for her sword, it was strangely cold to the touch. He unsheathed it, and the blade was frosty. His face twisted angrily at the memory of the battle that nearly took her from him. She'd looked dead, and that was the longest day of his life. He quickly sheathed the sword and put it in the trunk. He looked around one last time and smiled when his eyes noticed the bed. There were a lot of pleasant memories associated with that piece of furniture. His lips curled up briefly in a wicked grin, but he quickly shook those thoughts from his mind. It wasn't the bed, it was the woman. The sooner he got this trunk to the boat, the sooner he'd see her again.
*****
After Haldir left, Miranda went to breakfast. Lalaith, Silivren and Izabel were there along with Miiriel. Miranda sat down and looked at her daughters and grandchildren. She bit her lip and tried to think of a way to tell them. Lalaith just looked over at her and smiled.
"It's all right, mother," Lalaith said. "We understand. It is your time to go, just as Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel left when it was their time."
Miiriel just looked at Miranda and scowled. "You leave just when I need you most."
Miranda furrowed her brows and looked at Miiriel thoughtfully. "You don't need me to understand your gift, Miiriel. I learned mine alone, with the love of Haldir to help me. You will do the same. Eldarion looks at you the way Haldir still looks at me. You will do fine. Your sight will offer him good counsel when he is king someday."
"And will I become ill like you?" Miiriel asked.
The girls all looked at Miranda in surprise, and she just sighed and tried to explain. "I am not sick. I am too tired to keep my sight under control. I get headaches sometimes…"
"All the time," Miiriel corrected.
Miranda waved the comment aside. "You are stronger than I am. If one day it becomes difficult, you can sail to Valinor and take your rest."
"I will not leave Eldarion," she said quickly.
"No," Miranda said sadly. "But one day he will leave you."
Miiriel fell silent, and Miranda left her with one last thought. "Live like every day with him is the last, and when the last day finally comes, you will have no regrets." Miranda stood and went in search of Aragorn. Before she got out of the hall, she nearly tripped over Gimli.
"Tried to sneak away quietly, did you?" Gimli asked.
Miranda gave him a confused frown and he just stood with his arms crossed. "Never lie to a dwarf, Miranda. I knew you were sick before I overheard you telling the ladies."
"Master Dwarf, I am not sick," she insisted.
"Call it whatever you like," Gimli said roughly. "But go tell the lad. He's all tore up about you going. If he knew you were sick…"
Miranda cringed and closed her eyes, "Where is he?"
"In that library of his," Gimli said pointing. "He hasn't talked to anyone save Arwen since yesterday."
Aragorn had spent a lot of time in his study. Things he'd always counted on were suddenly changing. His son was married, his youngest daughter was next, and Miranda was leaving. He'd just assumed she'd always be there. She was one friend he knew he wouldn't have to bury. The guiding light of the fourth age was leaving… just like that. He hadn't realized how much it hurt until he heard her tell her children. He felt as betrayed as they did.
There was a knock at the door and Aragorn just frowned and closed his book. "Yes?"
The door opened, and Miranda poked her head inside. "Can I talk to you?"
Aragorn dropped his book and stood. "Yes, of course, come in."
He quickly offered her a seat and then took his. She looked nervous… pale even. He patiently waited and she finally spoke.
"I want you to know that I would have preferred to stay, but I can't," she began. "I wasn't entirely truthful with you. I am leaving because I haven't been well."
"But you're immortal," Aragorn said in surprise. "You shouldn't get sick."
"I'm not sick," Miranda said. She really hated that word and she was frustrated. "I can't control it anymore. It's near killing me to keep my eyes open, but closing them is worse. I'm tired, Aragorn. Bone weary from this blessed gift I was cursed with!"
Aragorn looked at her in disbelief, but he could see the strain on her face. "How long?"
"A long time now," she admitted. "It got much worse after my visit to the pit, but I have been struggling for some time now."
"And you would keep this from me? From your children?" Aragorn asked, truly hurt by her silence.
"I didn't want to worry anyone about something that could not be helped," she said. "And it matters little if I stay, Miiriel has inherited the gift."
"You think I care about that?" Aragorn asked angrily as he stood. He opened his mouth to say something more, but quickly shut it and started pacing. He glanced over at her again and stopped dead. Her eyes were closed and she was cringing in pain. He dropped to his knees beside her chair.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "You're in a lot of pain…"
Miranda opened her eyes and smiled. She forced the hurricane of pictures aside and focused on the King. She didn't want to talk about her problem any more so she changed the subject. "I should let you get back to work."
"I am still a healer, Miranda," he said seriously. "Tell me what it is."
"It's more than a sprig of Athelas can cure," she said. "It is like a thousand dwarves mining Miithril in my head."
Aragorn smirked at the imagery. "There is a tea that might ease the pain. I'll have the herb master gather enough for your trip."
Miranda smiled. "Thanks brother."
Aragorn smiled. She hadn't called him brother in a long time. Then he remembered he had something for her. "Wait here, I'll be right back."
Aragorn ran out of his study and up to his room. He found the bundle he was looking for and then headed back down the stairs. He had a kitchen maid prepare the tea he'd mentioned and then returned to the study.
"Here, I believe this is yours," he said with a smile.
Miranda opened it and her eyes grew huge at the sight of her old clothes, blouse, vest, jeans, boots and coat, just like she remembered them. She lifted her blouse up and looked at it.
"You must have thought I was very strange that day you found me wearing this," she said with a smile.
"Yes, I did," he admitted. "But when you said you knew Gandalf, I figured there was magic at work."
"You thought I was a spy, admit it," Miranda said with a chuckle as she looked at her vest.
Aragorn's face grew serious a moment and he said, "No, I thought you were lost, just as you said. From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were telling the truth."
"Really?" she asked in surprise. "How?"
"You were sincerely terrified," he said. "You should try them on."
"Oh, no," she said. "They're not appropriate here. Besides, I've had six children. I doubt they will fit."
Aragorn laughed. And was going to make a comment, but the maid brought the tea.
"Oh good, here Miranda, drink this," he said, giving her the cup. He took her clothes and bundled them up again while she sipped it.
"It's not bad tasting, whether it helps or not," she said with a smile. "Thank you."
Aragorn smiled at her little lie. He knew the herb was bitter, but it would help her feel better. About ten minutes later, Miranda was indeed feeling a little better. The tea made her drowsy, and Aragorn insisted she go and rest. He was feeling a lot better himself, except for his concern about her health. He didn't feel betrayed, he felt stupid. He should have known something was wrong. He'd seen her every day and never noticed her discomfort. Now that he knew it seemed so obvious.
*****
Miranda slept all day and never came to dinner. Arwen went to her room to bring her a tray and check on her but Miranda was out cold. Arwen tucked her in and left her to her rest. The next morning, Haldir returned early to find his wife just waking. He sat beside her on the bed and kissed her forehead.
"Were you able to get any rest?" he asked.
Miranda smiled. "Yes, thanks to Aragorn's tea. I swear that man has a tea for everything," she added with a chuckle.
"So you told him?"
"Yes, they all know, and I'm quite embarrassed, but at least they aren't angry anymore," Miranda said. "Have you had breakfast?"
"Not yet," Haldir admitted. "I missed you."
Miranda sat up and hugged him. "I missed you too."