b2mem | Tales for Mettare (Winter in Arnor) 16/24?, by Kaylee Arafinwiel

B2MeM Challenge: Winter Wonderland – G50
Format: Drabble – triple drabble and a half
Genre: family
Rating: Gen
Warnings: n/a
Characters: Aragorn, OCs
Pairings: n/a
Creators' Notes (optional): Takes place during "Winter in Arnor", during Aragorn's first winter with the Dúnedain.
Summary: The tale of Lord Frost continues. For G50, "Hypothermia"

That last was spoken by a tearful Silivren, as Gilwen wept in her arms. Amdir and Fanuilos comforted their children as best they could, but their girls were only seven and five winters, after all.

Master Rúmil waited patiently. “Now then, little maids, it is a story,” he reminded them gently. “If you wish, you may retire to your beds; you do not have to hear how it ends.”

“We’re brave,” Silivren said, seven-year-old dignity wounded.

“I have no doubt of that,” Master Rúmil replied, smiling faintly. Fanuilos took Silivren in her lap. Amdir was holding their son, Curunthor, so that left Gilwen for a bemused Aragorn.

“Pray go on, Master,” Aragorn said when all was settled. Rúmil nodded and continued his tale.

“Well, then. Melyanna was left quite alone, and soon she began hearing the wailing of the wind and crackling made by Lord Frost as he jumped from tree to tree. “Are you warm, little maid?” Lord Frost called out to her. “Are you warm, little red-cheeks?”

Melyanna was faint and felt herself quite frozen. Though she was shivering so her teeth rattled, she called back, “Warm, Lord Frost, I am quite warm,” for she did not wish to complain.

Lord Frost came. He felt pity on Melyanna, and wrapped her in soft furs, showering her with gold, jewels and other rich presents, until she looked like a princess. Her shaking stilled, and she went to sleep. When she woke, her father was there, relieved to have found her alive and well. He took her home, where her aunt and cousin were shocked to see her alive.”

“I knew they wanted to kill her,” Meril muttered.

“Well, then,” Master Rúmil said, “the aunt and cousin – Acairis, the girl’s name was – they were very jealous of Melyanna. So, the aunt looked at Acairis, and looked at her niece, and said, “If Lord Frost likes you so well, he will like my own dear daughter even better.” She made ready all that day to send Acairis to the wood. When the time came, she wrapped Acairis in her warmest blanket.”