Title – The Holly bears the Crown
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Arathorn, Gilraen, Ivorwen
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien estate. This drabble is written for pleasure, not profit.
Custom decreed that the maidens present evergreens to the Chieftain’s heir each Mettarë, that the line of Elendil might be as evergreen as the holly, or ivy or pine.
Arathorn smilingly took a sprig of greenery from each girl before the Midwinter feast began. One maid seemed fairer than the rest. She carried a branch of holly, scarlet berries adorning the glossy leaves.
“My little girl has grown into a fine lass since you saw her last, has she not?” chuckled Ivorwen; her husband remained sombre.
Arathorn’s heart stirred as the girl handed him the branch. Gilraen was indeed fair.
