Part 12
It was a long, weary tramp back to the town.
As soon as they left the Forest, Eowyn asked Legolas to carry
Melannen and, within moments, the child had fallen into fitful
reverie, his little head resting upon the elfs shoulder.
What do you think happened in that house, Lassui?
asked Eowyn, softly.
An Orc attack, replied Legolas.
Melannen sighed, and shifted into a more comfortable position.
Eowyn waited until the elfling had settled again before continuing.
That makes senseif his parents knew that it was
coming, they would have tried to send him to safety. But there
have been no Orcs reported in this region, Lassui. Not recently.
The damage was old, melmenya.
That is what I thought, too. But Melannen cannot
have been wandering the countryside forhow long? Months?
Years, said Legolas. The beams were well-weathered.
How can that be?
Legolas shook his head.
Well, there was nothing to suggest that the parents did
not survive, said Eowyn, thinking aloud, so I
think
I think that we must take Melannen home with us,
now, and send someone back to investigate more thoroughlyOrodreth,
perhaps, and Camthalion. Yes, if Melannens parents are
still alive they will be looking for him, and Orodreth and Camthalion
will find them.
By the time they reached the town darkness had fallen and the
market square was filled with excited merry makers. Some of
the stall holders had lit braziers, and were selling mulled
wine and yuletide pies, or were roasting chestnuts.
Legolas and Eowyn, making straight for the tavern, worked their
way through the milling crowd.
Suddenly, there was a wooooosh, and a sharp crack,
and a burst of coloured stars filled the sky before twinkling
down to earth.
Melannen raised his head. Fireworks, he said.
Would you like to watch them? asked Eowyn.
The child nodded, but his eyes were bright with tears.
Oh, do not be afraid, Melannen, said Eowyn, gently
rubbing his back, your Gwanur Legolas and Iwe are
going to take care of you.
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