Deleted Scenes
Author's note: Since this fiction was never originally intended to be a Romance, I never planned out the Haldir/Miranda thing. It was an inspired after thought. So, naturally, after rereading it a bit, I am disappointed at the lack of description of their first meeting and subsequent days of training in Lothlorien. I decided to add a few details to… chapter 7. Here are the deleted scenes that should have made it into the story.
The day was warm and Miranda went in search of Galadriel to ask her more about her dreams. She finally found her by a spring lost in elvish conversation with some of her court.
"Ah, Miranda," Galadriel said. "I was hoping you would visit me today. I am sure you have many questions."
"Yes, Ma'am," Miranda said. "I need to know what to do about these dreams."
"Your dreams are for you. You will have to keep your own council," Galadriel said.
"I was hoping…" Miranda began.
"Yes, child, that is your gift," Galadriel said. "Your heart is ever heavy with sorrow, but you never lose hope. You carry within you hope enough for the whole fellowship."
"I am no hero, Lady Galadriel," Miranda said. "But I think I understand my dreams now, at least in part."
"You are determined to meet this enemy when it comes?" Galadriel asked.
"Yes," Miranda said. "But I do not know how."
"I will help you prepare while you are here," Galadriel said. "You will need some instruction in the use of a sword."
Miranda's eyes got big for a moment at the very thought. "But I'm so…little," Miranda said. She was just five foot six inches, and petit. "I had thought to use my bow."
"You do not need great strength to wield an elvish blade," Galadriel said with a smile. "Come, let us get you ready and find Haldir. He can teach you much and in a short time."
"Um, Galadriel?" Miranda asked.
Galadriel smiled at her knowingly.
"Can we not mention this to the others?" Miranda asked. "I don't want to worry them."
"You don't want them to take notice of you. You are quiet and shy, and lack confidence in yourself," Galadriel said. "But it is too late to hide from your companions, Miranda, they have already seen you."
Wow, Miranda thought. Galadriel would make a great psychologist. She could have her own show just like Dr. Phil.
Galadriel led Miranda through the woods to an open space hidden in the trees. The ground was covered by a soft carpet of grass, and several of the elves that had led them to the city were seated at the far end laughing and talking together. When they saw Galadriel, they stood and walked over to her.
"Haldir, I need your help with something," she said.
"You have only to name it my lady," Haldir said to Galadriel.
Galadriel dismissed the other elves and then continued. "The lady Miranda needs to be trained in the use of a sword. The time is short and the need most urgent."
Haldir looked at Miranda a little skeptically, but would not refuse the wishes of Galadriel. "I will do what I can."
"Then I will let you get started," Galadriel said and then she left.
Haldir stared at Miranda for a few moments and then he said, "Come with me."
Miranda followed without question, but watched him closely. He was a little gruff with her, but managed to remain polite. He led her to a sword smith's and spoke to him in Elvish. The smith looked at her and then motioned for her to hold out her hands. He frowned briefly and then went to the back of his shop and returned with a small sword. He gave it to Haldir and they spoke again for a few more moments. Then Haldir started to lead her away, but she stopped and turned back to the sword smith.
"Thank you," she said, though she didn't know if he would understand her.
The smith glanced at Haldir and then looked back at Miranda and smiled. He said something in Elvish and gave her a nod. Haldir sighed and led Miranda away. They walked in silence for a while, and then Haldir just said, "He said you're welcome."
"I'm sorry you have to do this," Miranda said quietly. "I'm sure you have better things to do than teach me swordsmanship."
Haldir frowned to himself, realizing how rude he'd been to his student. He looked over at her, scarcely more than a child, but there was something in her eyes. He stopped and grabbed her hand.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"A member of the fellowship you led to the city yesterday," she said.
"I remember, but who are you?" he pressed.
"My name is Miranda," she said in confusion. "What do you want to know?"
"What is your part in this journey? Why are you here?" Haldir asked. It was most unusual to find a woman on such an urgent quest.
"I am a seer," Miranda said. "Gandalf let me come along."
Haldir looked into her eyes and was intrigued. He'd never seen eyes like hers before, crisp green and discerning far beyond her years. Her hair was like a cascade of flames around her shoulders, and her face was breathtaking.
"Very well," he said casually. "Here then is your sword, and our lessons begin with how you will hold it."
Haldir stepped around behind her and seemingly wrapped his strong arms around her as he put the sword in her hands. She blushed, but took the hilt of the sword and held it firmly. His hands gently closed over hers and he spoke softly. "No, do not choke it, hold it gently or you will lose it." He showed her what he meant and then released her.
Miranda looked up at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable as he drew his sword and stood facing her. He regarded her stance with annoyance and began instructing her in how to balance her weight and where to put her arms. He was a meticulous teacher, making her copy his movements over and over until she got it right, and then he'd make her do it again. It was well after lunch when he finally let her rest. He led her to a clearing where there were a few flowers scattered around, and a stairway led up to a house.
"This is my home," he said. "I will retrieve some lunch for you, rest here."
Haldir took the steps quickly, gliding gracefully up the long winding stair as if he were out for a stroll. A few minutes passed and he descended again with a small tray. He placed it before her and leaned against the tree eating an apple while she ate. He'd been teaching before, observing her movements, but now he just watched her with interest. Her manners were elegant and polite, and she spoke very little, even to question his instruction. In truth, he hadn't heard her speak other than to answer his questions. It wasn't often that he dealt with humans unless they came too near the borders, and he'd never spoken to any of their women. This woman had him most intrigued.
"Lady Miranda…" he started to say but she just frowned and interrupted.
"Just Miranda," she said.
Haldir frowned, but addressed her as she wished, "Miranda, why must you learn the use of a sword? You are no warrior."
"I have a reason," she said vaguely. "Already I have been confronted with orcs and trolls on this journey. I cannot leave all the fighting up to the others, I have the responsibility too."
Haldir could see in her eyes that she held her true purpose back. He didn't like her answer at all, nor did he believe it. "Then it was they who asked you to train?"
Miranda's eyes suddenly grew wide and she bit her lip nervously, "Not exactly."
"If I am to teach you, I must have your trust and the truth. I must know what it is you will fight in order to help you. Now, answer my question," Haldir ordered firmly.
"I have dreams sometimes," she said quietly. "I have seen battles where I will require the skill. Please, this is important."
Haldir sighed. She was obviously still holding back what he wanted to know. "Would your companions not teach this skill to you?"
"They do not know of this, and I don't want them to," Miranda said as she stood and looked at him seriously.
Haldir looked into her crisp green eyes and felt a surge of warmth in his chest. He didn't know why, but he felt drawn to her. Her face, full of youth and innocence also held mysterious strength of will. He could not define what he saw, only that he wanted to lose himself in those eyes.
"What is it that you ask of me?" he asked her softly.
"Teach me what you can, and please don't tell anyone else what I am doing," Miranda said.
Haldir looked away from her as he considered her plea. He'd already agreed to teach her at the request of Galadriel, but the secrecy had him concerned. This child shouldn't even be on this quest. He put aside his thoughts on the matter and decided he was already committed. He could do nothing but agree.
"I will not speak of it," Haldir said. "If the need is so great, then there is little time to lose. You have the basic movements down, now you will fight me. I will not go easy on you, can you handle that?"
Miranda's face went pale, but she gulped and nodded.
Haldir frowned at her gown and then grabbed her wrist and pulled her along behind him. Miranda didn't protest, but she practically had to run to keep up. He brought her to another tree where Elia happened to be waiting by the steps. Miranda smiled and Haldir released her to speak to Elia.
"She needs riding attire," Haldir said and then just stopped short when he saw Elia hold up an appropriate outfit. Haldir frowned, but Miranda stepped forward and smiled.
"My clothes," she said with a smile. "Thank you for washing them."
"Lady Galadriel thought you could use them," Elia said as she handed them to Miranda. "Go up and change."
Haldir crossed his arms and waited impatiently for his student to return. He glared at Elia who just regarded him with humor in her eyes.
"What?" he asked her harshly.
"You like her," Elia said.
Haldir looked up at the tree and then stared off into the woods. "I was ordered to do this."
Elia smiled at his protest. "Train her well, Haldir. She has Galadriel's favor."
"Why?"
"Open your eyes, and you will see why. Here she comes, I will take my leave now," Elia said, and then turned to Miranda as she stepped onto the grass. "Listen well to his instruction. There is no finer teacher in the wood."
Miranda smiled, "Thank you for everything," she paused. "The gown you gave me… well, thank you." Miranda didn't know how to tell her how nice it felt to be seen as a woman among her friends. She'd treasure the compliments, though it would be a while before she wore it again.
Elia smiled, "You're most welcome," and then left.
Haldir took her back to their training area and continued her instruction as promised. He was indeed hard on her, demanding she comply with every command. By dusk, he was satisfied with her progress for a first day.
"On the morrow I will await you here. Come early, there is much to learn," Haldir said, and then pointed to the path across the clearing. "There lies your way."
Miranda nodded and then looked at her sword. "Can you keep this for me?"
Haldir took the weapon from her and watched as she slowly walked down the path. He saw her stretch muscles she had never used so much before and he smiled. She never complained once, and he knew she was struggling. He followed her, just to make sure she didn't get lost. He remained hidden, and observed her reunion with her companions. Lord Boromir gave her his full attention and Haldir frowned at his greeting.
"Randi, where have you been all day?" Boromir asked.
Miranda blushed and shrugged, "I had to talk to Lady Galadriel and then I went for a long walk. It's really very beautiful here, and I've had a lot on my mind."
Legolas nodded thoughtfully, understanding her need for solitude. "Have you eaten?"
Miranda shook her head, "No, but I'm not hungry, just really tired." She bid everyone goodnight and went to her tent to rest.
The rest of the fellowship watched with obvious concern, but Aragorn urged them to leave her a little space. Haldir frowned at the scene before him and left. She was a mysterious woman. He looked forward to the morning when he could learn a little more about her. If she picked up tomorrow's lessons as quickly as today's she'd do just fine in her next battle.
The fellowship remained in Lothlorien for several days, resting and preparing to continue on their quest. Miranda snuck off everyday for fencing lessons with Haldir. Her second day was similar to the first, save the difficulty which was much greater. Haldir had been waiting for her as he'd promised, and when she came into sight he just held her sword out to her and then attacked. She quickly learned to defend herself against the various approaches and he made her do the same moves repeatedly until it came as reflex to her. They took a brief break for lunch, which he had prepared this time. They sat under a tree and ate in relative quiet until his curiosity drove him to speak.
"Where do you come from?" Haldir asked, "The west?"
"Not from anywhere you would know," she said. "It was a place that Gandalf knew."
Haldir cocked a brow at her, "Mithrander?"
"I heard Legolas call him that," she said softly. "It matters little now, he is gone."
"He will be missed," Haldir agreed, not having wanted to upset her. "If you are finished, we should continue. I must teach you to attack."
"Oh, finally! I was wondering when I'd get to go on the offensive," Miranda said with a laugh.
"We'll see if you are still this happy when the lesson is concluded," Haldir said dryly.
Miranda noted his smugness and inwardly cringed. She was going to regret this, she knew it. It was after dark this time when he decided she'd learned enough. He took her sword from her and offered her his arm.
"Come, it is late," Haldir said. "I will take you back to your camp."
Miranda put her hand in the crook of his arm and followed wordlessly. Haldir put his hand over hers as he walked her down the dark path. His expression was flat, and Miranda wondered if elves were all so stern. He took her to within sight of the fire and released his hold on her hand. Miranda stepped away and looked up at him. In the darkness, she couldn't see his face, but she gave him a smile.
"Thank you," she said. "Tomorrow?"
"I will expect you early. Eat a good meal before you rest. You will need your strength for your lessons," Haldir said and then turned and left.
Miranda was left to wonder what had brought on that comment. She complied with his wishes and ate, brushing aside everyone's inquiries as to her day. She went to bed and slept deeply without dreaming. She was exhausted.
The next day was the same, and yet, it was different. He seemed to smile at her more, and she found herself blushing in his company. She was thankful to be able to blame it on the exercise. When they parted again, he gave her a bow.
"You have learned the basics," Haldir said. "Remember all I have said and you will do fine."
"But surely there is more," Miranda said. "Tomorrow…"
"Your time has run out," Haldir said with sadness in his eyes. "I cannot help you any more, you leave on the morrow."
"But…"
"Namarii, Miranda," Haldir said. "I believe I will miss my first human student."
Miranda realized this was their final parting and she was sorry it was over. He looked down at her with those grey eyes of his and she felt a knot in her stomach. He was so handsome, and so strong and powerful. She still couldn't believe he had wasted his days helping a novice learn to fight.
"Thank you, for everything," she said.
Haldir put a hand on her shoulder and smiled warmly, "You're welcome."
Miranda returned to camp and spoke to no one. She just went to bed and curled up, hugging herself. That was the first night in days she dreamed again, and she woke crying. Her vacation was over, it was back to business from here on out.
Finally the day of their departure had arrived and Miranda was sad to leave the peaceful forest and her new friends, especially Haldir. As they packed, she kept looking around for him, but he never appeared. When they walked through the wood to the river, Haldir was not among the escort. She was disappointed at not having the chance to say goodbye.
At the time of their parting, on the banks of the Silverlode, Galadriel gave each member of the fellowship hooded cloaks of fine elven cloth. It seemed to change color in the light and blended into the surroundings. It reminded her of a chameleon, sometimes green, brown or grey. They also came with a green and silver leaf shaped brooch to fasten them. They were also given three boats, seemingly small, but sturdy and steady in even rough water.
Then to each in turn, Lady Galadriel gave a parting gift. To Aragorn, she gave a sheath crafted especially for his sword Andủril. Boromir was given a fine gold belt, and Merry and Pippin received silver belts. Legolas was given a new bow, sturdier than his own, and a quiver full of arrows. Sam received a fine wood box full of soil from Lorien. Apparently it works like miracle grow.
Gimli was granted a request for his gift. He paid Lady Galadriel a compliment and asked for a strand of her hair. It was obvious she was impressed, and she gave him three strands. And then it was Miranda's turn.
"Young seer, your courage has not gone unnoticed here," Galadriel said. "I give you this sword, which in the common tongue would be called the 'Shadow Killer.' May it serve you well."
Miranda had a huge lump in her throat, but still managed to croak out a very sincere thank you.
"And to you Ring-bearer, I come to you last who are not last in my thoughts, I have this." She held out a crystal phial that glittered and glowed. "In this phial is caught the light of Earendil's star. May it be a light for you in dark places when all other lights go out."
And then, after final thanks and goodbyes, the fellowship loaded the boats and headed downstream. Aragorn was in the first boat with Sam and Frodo. The second boat was Boromir's with Merry and Pippin as passengers. The last boat carried Legolas, Gimli, and Miranda. The luggage and provisions were divided up amongst the boats. Miranda's attention was focused on the shore, still searching for Haldir. Her face was sad and she was about to turn away when she saw him standing among the flowering bushes on the shore. Her face lit up brightly and she gave him a dazzling smile.
Haldir straightened up and just gave her half a smile and a nod. The others were watching him, and he didn't want to give away her secret. He sighed as he watched her pass down around the bend and out of sight. He'd said his farewell last night, but couldn't stay away from the shore today. He would miss her.
It was going to be a long trek downstream, first on the Silverlode, and then the great river Anduin. Miranda thought of it as a white water rafting trip like people do on the Snake River not far from where she grew up. Trips like that took days, but camping on the banks of a river was half the fun of the trip. She hoped this leg of the journey would be as uneventful as a tourist jaunt on an inflatable raft. Only time would tell.