Cats'Tales

Into the Woods by Linda Hoyland

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 09:19:33 GMT

B2MeM Prompt:.G57 Person vs Nature- Finding/ building a shelter Setting as Character- Strange plants/creatures Hurt Comfort 2- Grief.
Format: short story
Genre: drama,h/c,humour, mystery,angst
Rating:PG
Warnings:none
Characters:Aragorn, Arwen, OMCS, OFCS
Pairings:Aragorn/Arwen
Creators notes: Ragnar the Beorning is not to be confused with Ragnor the soldier. The OCS are introduced in my stories “The Revenger's Tragedy “ and “Of Bakers and Bears” but this story can be read on its own.
Summary; Aragorn hears of strange happenings in the woods.

Link to story on LJ

lindahoyland.livejournal.com/1104540.html

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The Crown Bearer - Linda Hoyland

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 04:42:17 GMT

B2MeM Prompt, Card and Number: 20.Archetypes -Knight -Blind Guardian Lyrics- I stand still in front of the crowd. Colour burst – blue – Freeze.Person vs Self- Overcoming my past. Hurt/comfort – permanent injury,

Format: Short story

Genre: Angst

Rating: PG

Warnings: none

Characters: Frodo, Aragorn

Pairings:

Creator’s Notes (optional): With grateful thanks to <lj user="hhimring" /> for the plot idea.

Summary: Frodo is ill at ease at the coronation.

“So I stand still in front of the crowd,” Frodo muttered to himself. He would rather that he were anywhere but here being stared at by what seemed like the entire population of Minas Tirith. Of course, he wanted to see Strider crowned, but why couldn't he have watched from some quiet corner? He had argued with Aragorn about being given a prominent place in the coronation procession, but the King was adamant that theHobbits were to be seen and honoured by all.

( Read more... )

The walk to the barrier had seemed endless and Frodo was certain that people were staring at him and trying to see his missing finger. He kept his hands clasped in front of him to try to conceal it, but he felt acutely self conscious. He mentally chided himself. He was not the only one to have been injured. What about Pippin, and Lord Faramir and Lady Éowyn, to name but a few ? Their wounds were healing or had healed, though. His injury was permanent, forever reminding him of his weakness in claiming the Ring for himself. How could he ever overcome his failure? Had it not been for Gollum, Sauron would now reign supreme and have crushed everything good and beautiful in Middle-earth.

Frodo forced himself back to the present. Faramir was giving a speech which seemed endless. Did he really have to list all of Strider's many names?

At last the speech was over and Faramir held up the Silver Crown which he had heard so much about. Frodo gazed at it in awe. It was a truly beautiful object, worthy of the man destined to wear it. He had asked Faramir about the lore surrounding a coronation and the Steward had told him that Kings were originally crowned with a war helmet but Atanatar II , who had reigned about two thousand years ago, had loved luxury and insisted on having a beautiful jewelled crown made.

Aragorn took the crown and spoke words Frodo had read were used by Elendil himself when he first came to Middle-earth. The Hobbit gave a sign of relief. It would soon be over now. Aragorn would put the crown on his head and they could all withdraw to somewhere more private.

Aragorn, though, spoke again, “‘By the labour and valour of many I have come into my inheritance. In token of this I would have the Ring-bearer bring the crown to me, and let Mithrandir set it upon my head, if he will; for he has been the mover of all that has been accomplished, and this is his victory.”

Frodo froze in horror. Whatever was Aragorn thinking of? If anyone deserved to carry the crown it was Sam. Or what of one of the noble Knights here, Faramir or Prince Imrahil or or one of Aragorn's Northern kinsmen? Being honoured at Cormallen was bad enough but this was far worse!

Faramir held out the crown towards him and gave him an encouraging smile. Slowly, Frodo walked towards him and took the crown. His maimed hand felt clumsy and awkward. The crown was heavy and he was afraid he would drop the precious heirloom. He clutched on to it as if his life depended on it and turned towards Gandalf. The Wizard looked into his eyes and somehow his gaze gave Frodo strength to carry the crown without stumbling or it wobbling in his hands.

Frodo thankfully stood to the side once Gandalf took the Winged Crown from him and he watched as Aragorn knelt and the Wizard placed it on his head.

When Aragorn arose, it seemed to Frodo that he was somewhat changed ; a light shone around him and he seemed filled with glory and majesty. This might still be Strider, but he was no ordinary man.

The procession through the City was less of an ordeal for Frodo as all eyes were fixed on the new King. He stuck close beside the other Hobbits. Sam was wide eyed with the wonder of it all while Merry and Pippin concentrated on marching proudly as Knights of Rohan and Gondor.

Later that day during the festivities, Frodo found a quiet corner where he could sit unobserved. He became aware of someone nearby. He shuddered, suddenly feeling freezing cold as memories washed over him. He looked up to see Aragorn.

“I see the Ranger can still sneak up unobserved on his prey,” said Frodo.

“I did not mean to startle you,” said Aragorn. “You look frozen. Let me fetch you a cloak.”

“I am well enough,” said Frodo. “It is simply every time someone creeps up on me, I fear danger after months of trying evade Sauron's minions.”

“ I have come to apologise to you,” said Aragorn, kneeling before the hobbit so that they were at eye level with each other. “My impulsive action may have caused you distress. I simply wanted to honour you in front of all.”

“I hold no grudge,” said Frodo. “I deserve no honour though. I failed miserably.”

“You were far stronger than Isildur, “ said Aragorn. “You carried the cursed ring for many months before it overcame you. We are both changed ,you and I and we both have to overcome the past. I must learn to be a King and you must learn to live with being hailed a hero, whether you will it or not. In time, the memories of your ordeal should fail.”

“You wanted to be King thought.”

“It is what I was born to be. It does not mean it will always be easy, though. My past was filled with action and travels. Now I must sit on a throne and make decrees. Maybe you were born to be a hero? We cannot comprehend the ways of the One. We can only fulfil the tasks appointed to us as best we can.”

Frodo laughed. “Now you sound like Gandalf!”

“I am trying to be wise now I am a king.” Aragorn laughed too. “Now if you are not too weary come and join the knights and ladies. Today is like a scene out of the tales of old you have always loved.” He held out his hand. Frodo took it and let Aragorn lead him back to the feast.

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3 of My boys

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 19:22:36 GMT

Seeing if I can post a photo here.

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Reuben's Writing Challenge

Sat, 05 Aug 2017 22:24:08 GMT

Reuben is back with a double writing challenge for you and invites you to try either or both challenges.

Write a story of any length and include these 6 words

Blackberries

Ducks

Fairy

Pond

Butterfly

Bird

Post the story on your blog or favourite archive with a link to this post and this banner.

Or, write a story inspired by this image.

Please share and tell your friends about the challenge.

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Reuben's Writing Challenge Easter Special

Sun, 16 Apr 2017 03:54:12 GMT

A special writing challenge for Easter and Passover.

Write a story of any length on any topic(Family friendly, please in honour of the season).

Award yourself the banner and post the story on your journal and any archive you please with a link to this post.

https://flic.kr/p/SAp5kB

Please share the challenge with your friends

Include these 6 words in the story for the Easter challenge

Rabbit(or bunny)

Egg

Cross

Tomb

Resurrection (or resurrect)

Bun

Or if you prefer, use these six words for the Passover Challenge.

Lamb

Herbs

Slave

Quail

Cup

Question

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d<img src="http://dragcave.net/image/iO4bt.gif" styleragons

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:01:22 GMT

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The Awaited Hour

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:09:06 GMT

Title: The Awaited Hour

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn/Arwen
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Aragorn had often overlooked lunch in the past, or seen it as interruption when more pressing tasks called. He had been content with a few snatched mouthfuls of food while on the move. A warrior ate when and where he could.

Nowadays Aragorn often counted the hours until midday, though he was better fed than he had been for years. Though the food was often too rich for his taste and the portions too lavish, he always eagerly awaited noon.

He hungered not for food, but for a precious hour spent in the company of his beloved wife and Queen!

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Elevenses - Taking a Break

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 01:07:14 GMT

Title: Taking a break

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir, Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

“The documents, you wanted, my lord.” The Steward entered the King’s study and stared in surprise at the tray on the desk. It was too early for the midday meal and breakfast had been served three hours ago.

“Come and join me for elevenses, Faramir,” said Aragorn, gesturing towards a heaped plate of cakes and sandwiches.

“Elevenses, sire?” Faramir sounded puzzled.

“A most excellent custom I learned from the Hobbits of the Shire, which I have decided to introduce to Gondor.”

“Thank you, sire.” Faramir smiled and took a cake. It seemed that the new King was full of surprises.

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Flash Forward - Back to the Future

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 01:04:51 GMT

Title: Back to the Future

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir, Denethor, Finduilas
Rating: G
Warnings: None

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

“Faramir is crying again,” Finduilas fretted.

“Let me try to comfort him; you are weary, dearest.” Denethor rocked the babe in his arms. Boromir had never been so fretful as this little one, but then Boromir was the perfect son and heir.

Suddenly a flash of foresight came upon him. Faramir, now a man, kneeling and surrendering the Steward’s Rod to that rascally scoundrel, Thorongil, now being hailed by the crowd as king!

The baby screamed more loudly.

“Take him, Finduilas.”

Denethor shuddered at what the vision might portend. Where was Boromir? Boromir would never yield to some northern upstart.

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Breakfast - The First Meal

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 04:19:58 GMT

Title: The First Meal

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Faramir
Rating: G
Warnings: None

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain

The night before he had only wanted to drink long and deep. Come morning Faramir awoke with a ravenous hunger.

They brought him a simple breakfast of crusty bread, with freshly churned butter and cream cheese.

Faramir devoured the food eagerly down to the last crumb. It was the best breakfast that he had ever tasted.

It was a marvel indeed that the Houses had such fresh fare in these dark days. Far greater the marvel, though, that he was alive to taste it, brought back from the very brink of death by the hands of the long awaited King.

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Pathfinder - Following the Star

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:51:07 GMT

Title: Following the Star
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
With thanks to Raksha

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain

Even a Ranger alone in the wilderness can sometimes lose his way. Sometimes the path is hard to find, or the ground too treacherous for even the surest footed.

Then there are times when loneliness, dread, or loss of hope can loose a man’s direction. As if in a fog, he stumbles confused when darkness threatens to enshroud him.

Then Aragorn remembers Elrond’s counsel and looks upwards, keen grey eyes searching the night sky until he see it: the Star of Eärendil, beacon of Hope when all other light fails.

With such a pathfinder Aragorn is never truly lost.

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World's End - Faithful Follower

Mon, 31 May 2010 11:57:15 GMT

Title: Faithful Follower
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Halbarad, Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

At first Halbarad had followed reluctantly, loth to trust a raw youth who knew little of his own people. Trust had grown through battles fought together, nights spent in the freezing wilderness beneath cold stars, wounds healed with the power that only Elendil’s true heir could wield.

He had left his northern homeland to follow his lord, even though the road through the dread Paths of the Dead, holding aloft the royal banner.

Yes, Halbarad would follow Aragorn even to the end of the world. But now he must go on ahead to where his lord could not yet follow.

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Flight of the Phoenix - Restoration

Mon, 17 May 2010 01:39:34 GMT

Title: Restoration

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, Faramir, Imrahil

Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

The Prince of Ithilien, his smiling lady at his side, moved confidently amongst the guests, celebrating a peace treaty he had negotiated on his King’s behalf.

Imrahil turned to the King. “It is good to see Faramir prosper after all he suffered, “ he said.

Aragorn smiled. “My Steward reminds me of a strange tale told in the East concerning the phoenix, a golden bird that burns itself on a pyre, then emerges from the flames reborn to soar aloft,” he said. “Faramir’s trials have given him a unique strength and wisdom that no other in my kingdom could match.”

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Flight of the phoenix - Seeking the Lost

Mon, 17 May 2010 01:32:35 GMT

Title: Seeking The Lost
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, Faramir
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Aragorn had seen many dark acts in his life and heard of many more. But Gandalf’s tidings held a horror quite unique. Denethor had perished on a pyre and sought to immolate his son.

Faramir’s body was unscathed by flame, but his spirit was enmeshed in darkness, a gloom, which Aragorn feared might now be too thick to penetrate.

Determinedly he sought the young man, reaching out to him in the smouldering ruins of his world, seeking to overcome the fever that threatened to consume him.

Then Faramir awoke and smiled at him. The Phoenix had risen from the ashes.

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You've got to be carefully taught 2 -Two sides to every Question

Sat, 08 May 2010 16:57:43 GMT

The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate. No profit has been, nor will be made from this story.

With grateful thanks to Raksha and Virtuella.

Protagoras asserted that there were two sides to every question, exactly opposite to each other. - Diogenes Laërtius

( Read more... )

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The Hardest Choice - Noble House

Thu, 06 May 2010 19:54:33 GMT

Title: The Hardest Choice

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain

“Hail Captain Thorongil, conqueror of the corsairs!” The celebrations and cheering lasted long into the night.

Thorongil, through, after sharing a single draught with his men, sought solitude.

He could return now to Minas Tirith to claim his inheritance and win Arwen’s hand.

Many would welcome their King; others though, loyal to Denethor, would not. Two choices lay before him. He knew he would break old Ecthelion’s heart whatever path he took.

Thorongil knew what he must do. He would not cause the ruin of a noble house even if it cost him his heart’s desire. Tomorrow he would leave.

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Coastal Tales Chapter 8

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:45:59 GMT

A clear call that may not be denied - John Masefield

The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate. No profit has been, nor will be made from this story.

With grateful thanks to Raksha and Virtuella.

( Read more... )

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The Long and Winding Road

Sat, 01 May 2010 13:48:30 GMT

Title: The Long and Winding Road
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, Arwen
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain

It had been a long road strewn with sharp stones and rocky boulders. Each step was fraught with peril. He had kept resolutely to his path, knowing all would be lost if he stumbled.

Today a few slow steps sufficed to claim his inheritance. He seized neither rod nor crown. In Faramir he recognised a fellow traveller over rough terrain. Aragorn knelt in humility to receive the crown of his forefathers.

Aragorn was King. His heart, though, still wandered along rough highways seeking his treasure. Not until Arwen were his Queen would the stones beneath his feet become green pastures.

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Far Side of the World - A Father's Farewell

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 06:57:53 GMT

Title: A Father’s Farewell

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Elrond,Arwen
Rating: PG
Warnings: None

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

“Must you leave so soon?” Arwen’s voice trembled. “Stay at least until I have my first child!”

Elrond regarded his daughter sadly. “The longer I delay the harder our parting will be. If I saw your first child, I would yearn to see the second and the third. Thus, I would linger until the doom you have chosen befell you. Do not ask this. My time here is over. Your future with Estel is just beginning.

“Adar!” Arwen’s tears flowed freely now.

“Always remember, although I journey to the far side of the world, in my heart I remain here.”

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A Game of Thrones - Rightful Heir

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 06:54:20 GMT

Game of Thrones

Title: Rightful Heir
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, Boromir, OFC
Rating: G
Warnings: None

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain

“Master Boromir, come back!”

The laughing toddler ignored the pursuing nursemaid. He scampered up the stone steps. Then seeing how high he was began to cry.

“Easy now, lad. Let me take you back to your nurse.” Captain Thorongil nimbly sprinted towards the child and scooped him up in his arms.

“Don’t want to!” Boromir kicked out, almost causing Thorongil to lose his footing. He sat down heavily on the throne, soothing the child.

The nursemaid gasped at such sacrilege then stared. Why the fellow almost looked as if he belonged there on the long vacant ancient seat of kings!

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Star Daughter

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:33:34 GMT

Title: Star Daughter

Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Arwen, Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

With thanks to Raksha.

The stars twinkled against a cloudless blue-black sky.

Singing Elbereth’s praises, Arwen danced, her head thrown back in ecstasy, intoxicated by the sheer beauty of the spring night. Gems glistened in her unbound hair, while her unshod feet seemed hardly to touch the ground.

Hardly of Arda she seemed, too ethereal to be a creature of flesh and blood, but rather that she were made of stardust, her song sweeter than the nightingale’s.

Aragorn watched entranced. His heart soared at such beauty and grace, but how could he ever hope to win this star daughter?

Overhead, Gil-Estel seemed to smile.

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Stealing Beauty - Unshed Tears

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:02:19 GMT

Title: Unshed Tears
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, OCs
Rating: PG
Warnings: Character death

Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain

“Help us, please! They say you are a great healer!” The woman thrust the tiny bundle in her arms towards the dusty traveller. He took it, examined it carefully and shook his head sadly.

“I am sorry, the babe emerged from the womb too soon to live.”

“We are young, we shall have more children.” The young man sought to console his wife.

“I want my son! Why must the Higher Powers steal my beautiful baby?”

Thorongil blinked back tears. His healing arts had saved many, but it was the ones he was powerless to help who haunted his dreams.

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Everything is Illuminated - Midsummer Nights

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:07:23 GMT

Title: Midsummer Magic
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn/Arwen
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
With grateful thanks to Raksha
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

Midsummer nights held a special magic for Aragorn. He had plighted his troth to Arwen at Midsummer. They had later sealed their wedding vows on Midsummer Night.

He would walk with Arwen in the gardens under a full moon, though his Queen preferred the nights when the moon hid and brilliant stars blazed unrivalled in the dark heavens.

Tonight they strolled in the court of the Fountain. The White Tree shone silver, illuminated in the moonlight. Surely even Nimloth herself could not have gleamed with more lustre? Here lay Gondor’s heart, a reminder both of past glories and future hopes.

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Torrent - Keeping Watch

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:30:43 GMT

Title: Keeping Watch
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse

They would relieve him at sundown. The dark clouds overhead blotted out the sun, making it impossible to tell whether the sun would set one hour or two from hence.

Suddenly the heavens opened and rain began to fall; the first heavy droplets rapidly becoming a torrent.

Caught under the rain curtain Aragorn sought some shelter, but the hedgerow provided scant respite. Rapidly it soaked through his clothing and dripped down his neck; he winced as the icy droplets ran down his spine.

Aragorn thought longingly of shelter and warm fires. Only through the Rangers’ watches could any enjoy them.

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Happy Valentine's Day! - Love at First Sight.

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:56:56 GMT

Title: Love at First Sight
Author: Linda Hoyland
Characters/Pairing: Aragorn, others
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Book/Source: LOTR book-verse
Summary – Aragorn thinks about love. A double drabble as a Valentine’s Day gift for all my readers.
Disclaimer - These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial gain.

It was love at first sight again, Aragorn thought. He tenderly contemplated the babe he held in his arms. The poets were wrong when they claimed this happened but once in a lifetime.

Indeed, it was so when he had met his beloved Arwen, but there were other kinds of love too, less exciting and overwhelming, but no less deep and true.

He had loved all his children, his son and daughters, from the moment they had first been placed in his arms.

Friends as well, he had had loved from the beginning, as well the faithful steed, Roheryn, his lady’s gift. Éomer who could so easily have slain him and his companions, the fair Éowyn, and Faramir, the possible rival whom he had snatched back from the Shadow. Faramir had become the son of his heart.

This little one sprang from so many he loved, from Arwen, from their son, from Faramir and Éowyn and their daughter.

Aragorn smiled as he handed the babe back to his mother. He had been blessed to know so much love throughout his long life; from the moment of his birth until today. Love was the greatest gift, worth more than any crown.

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