Three weeks ago

“It must match this,” said Legolas. He laid a bundle on Seamstress Valaina’s work table.

Reverently, the elleth opened the plain black cover and examined the precious garment inside—the soft sheen of its fabric, the delicate stitching, the intricate knotting of its silken fringe. “It is exquisite…”

“Lady Eowyn will wear it to greet the dawn,” Legolas continued, “but I want my gift to be a surprise. So, if she should ask you—anything—you must say nothing.”

Valaina bowed. “I will not lie to my Lady, my Lord, but I shall do my best to keep your secret.”