“A little to the left,” said Legolas.

Balancing precariously on a chair, Eowyn tugged at the garland of evergreens. “Better?”

“Perfect, melmenya—oh! Careful!” He bounded forward and, catching her around the waist, lowered her safely to the floor.

There was a short pause in the work. Then Eowyn, slightly breathless, said, “We had better get on.”

“Candles,” said Legolas. “In the hearth.”

“At Edoras,” said Eowyn, selecting two slim, berry-red tapers, “I had servants to do this.” She fitted the candles into the candelabra, straightening them carefully.

“Was it this much fun?” asked Legolas.

“No,” she admitted, grinning.