The trumpets announced another arrival.

The Lord and Lady of Eryn Carantaur, wearing robes of state, descended the staircase to welcome their guests, the King and Queen of Gondor.

“Aragorn,” cried Legolas, embracing his old friend, “welcome! Arwen,”—he grasped her hands—“how was your journey?”

“Tedious, for some of us,” said Arwen, smiling—and gently coaxing her small son from behind her skirts. “Say hello to Uncle Legolas.”

The boy mumbled, shyly.

“Hello,” said Legolas, crouching to the child’s height. “Would you like to come and play in my garden?”

The boy nodded.

Rising, Legolas held out his hand.