Part 8

Outside The Two Ways tavern, the market was already bustling.

Eowyn took Melannen by the hand and the trio spent a few moments walking up and down the rows of stalls, buying bread and cheese, some rosy apples, and—as a special treat—three slices of spiced yule cake.

The stalls were hung with garlands of spruce and holly and decorated with strings of glass baubles and with stars of woven straw, and many were selling seasonal gifts—scented salves and beeswax candles, boxes of sweetmeats, nuts, and exotic fruits.

Whilst Legolas and Eowyn were carefully stowing a bag of peppered almonds in Melannen’s basket (which Legolas had volunteered to carry), the elfling wandered over to the next stall.

“Good morning to you, young sir,” said trader, hanging a toy bear from a hook in the stall’s pitched roof.

Melannen studied the wooden creature—smartly dressed in a blue shirt, a flowered waistcoat, and grey leggings—and frowned. “He looks like a man,” he said.

“Watch,” said the trader and, unseen by the elfling, he pulled a cord, and the bear suddenly leaped up and down, waving its arms and legs.

“Oh! Gwanur Eowyn,” cried Melannen, in amazement, “Gwanur Legolas! Look! Look!”

Legolas and Eowyn hurried to his side.

“It jumps!” said the boy, pointing excitedly.

Laughing, Eowyn gave him a little hug. “Would you like one of your own, Melannen?” she asked. “Then your Gwanur Legolas can show you how it works.” The boy smiled up at her. “Which would you like?”

Besides the bear, there were several men, an oliphaunt, and a big striped cat to choose from.

“The bear,” said Melannen. “The bear with clothes on.”