Part 15

Legolas ran back to the others.

Eowyn was waiting for him at the mouth of the pass. “Lassui! Oh, Lassui,” she cried, wringing her hands—and little Melannen, standing behind her holding on to the skirts of her jerkin, looked just as worried.

“Sweet Eru, what is it?” asked Legolas

“Our wedding!” She grabbed his outstretched arms. “We have forgotten our own wedding!”

…

Legolas swung Melannen up onto his shoulders and they hurried back—across the stone bridge, along the frozen stream, through the Pine Forest—to where they had first found the elfling.

“There is still time, melmenya,” said Legolas, trying to sound reassuring. “It has only been two nights, which makes today the twentieth. Aragorn and Eomer are not arriving until late this afternoon, and the ceremony is not until tomorrow evening…” He whistled for the horses.

“But how could we have forgotten?”

Arod and Brightstar emerged from the trees, looking none the worse for their two days of freedom.

“That is not the only strange thing, melmenya.” As Legolas lifted Melannen onto Arod’s back, he told Eowyn about the town.

“But how could it disappear?”

“I have no i—”

“Oh gods!” Eowyn’s hands flew up to her mouth. “My gown!”

Legolas laughed. “That is the least of your worries, melmenya,” he said, giving her a little hug. “If there is one person in Middle-earth you can rely on, it is Valaina. She will have everything in hand.” He helped her mount Brightstar.

“Yes… Yes, of course, you are right.” She gathered up the reins. Then, “Your father!”

“Now he will take some soothing,” Legolas admitted. “But leave him to me, melmenya.”

…

They galloped down the Doro Lanthron road, reaching the city by mid afternoon and, leaving the horses in the care of the stable-elves, they quickly climbed the main staircase.

Melannen’s eyes were as big as saucers. “Do you really live here, Gwanur Legolas?” he asked, as the elf set him down on the walkway. He ran to the wall and, standing on tip-toe, peered out across the city, pointing excitedly at the guard house, the market flet, and the new public gardens. “Elves!” he cried. “Gwanur Eowyn! Look! Lots and lots of elves!”