F.A. 570
The Great Sea is known by many names, each evoking a different sense of wonder and awe. For countless years, it served as a sanctuary for the Eldar, offering them safety and protection from the dangers that lurked beyond its shores. However, that sense of security had been shattered, and the once peaceful coastline had become a portent of doom.
Disturbing news of a new war had spread like wildfire, striking fear into the hearts of all who heard it. The sea was not immune to the turmoil, and rumors of a massive tsunami had begun to circulate, terrifying those who lived along the western shores of Beleriand. To defeat the dark ruler of the north, many brave souls had perished in the kinslaying at Doriath and Sirion, leaving only a handful of Eldar remaining in Beleriand. Those who were still alive were either missing or had fallen in battle, sacrificing their lives in the pursuit of victory.
Amidst all the chaos and destruction, Orneth struggled to maintain hope. She and Feawing, along with their companions, were traveling eastward. Orneth wondered if she had been chosen as an emissary of a higher power, endowed with knowledge beyond that of mortal beings. However, she knew that Feawing's act of courage in convincing Mannamo and his followers to flee had saved countless lives. This had inspired others to follow suit, and soon many caravans were on the move, seeking to escape the horrors of war.
As Orneth searched the valley beneath Belegost, she encountered a steady stream of refugees, each seeking safety and sanctuary in the mountains. Noldor, Sindar, and Nandor alike had been driven from their homes by the ravages of war and were now looking to the mountains as a beacon of hope in a dark and uncertain world. Orneth was not alone in her search for her family. Along her journey, she encountered many individuals with eyes filled with grief, sorrow, and hope.
One group that caught her attention was a gathering of women dressed in white robes. They walked the same paths as Orneth, seemingly undeterred by the turmoil around them, singing beautiful songs that offered a moment of peace amidst the screams of agony and cries for lost loved ones.These women were healers who had come to aid the refugees from Beleriand. They had established settlements in Ered Luin, where they helped newcomers.
Orneth watched their work with great interest, and one day, a lady named Alcarinien approached her."Do you speak Sindar? Do you want to help us? Do you know the different types of trees?" the lady asked. Orneth replied, "Yes, I do. I am familiar with the woods and the trees. I would be happy to help." Together, they worked to gather barks from Holly, Ash, and Apple trees to make tea and help stop fevers and infections.
Alcarinien was grateful and left to gather supplies while Orneth tended to a newly arrived wounded scout. The scout's face was bandaged, but Orneth couldn't help but notice the vivid blue of his eyes. Orneth felt a strange bond of empathy with the wounded scout. They did not talk, but Orneth felt committed to help him as her first important task. Orneth found a new sense of family among these healers, and together, they continued to aid those in need, providing hope and healing to those who had lost so much. Despite the darkness that had descended upon Beleriand, Orneth and er companions had found a glimmer of light in the kindness and compassion of strangers.
Orneth and Marilo had always enjoyed friendly races, but lately, their competitions were tinged with solemnity. The weight of their past hardships and pains made it difficult for them to fully relish the moment. Despite this, Marilo held firm in his belief in the power of positivity and lighthearted fun, recognizing that maintaining a clear mind would help them face fear and pain with greater ease. While Orneth shared this belief, her tendency to collect bark and leaves along the way slowed her down, causing her to lag behind in their races. As Marilo watched her stop to collect yet again, he gently asked if there might be time for a break. "I know, Marilo, but I can't just leave it," Orneth replied, explaining that Lady Alcarinien, one of the Nandor healers, needed her help that night. As Orneth gazed up at Marilo, she suddenly saw him as taller and older than she remembered, his Noldor heritage calling to mind Mannamo and his people's resistance against the Sindar. She felt as though she had to be useful, just as her mother had been when they first arrived in the Havens of Sirion. As Marilo embraced her, Orneth was taken aback by the rush of emotions she felt. His warmth and safety enveloped her, and she realized that her feelings for him had grown beyond a brotherly bond. Sensing the change in her, Marilo said, "Sister, you look exhausted. Please take a break." Though she felt comforted by his embrace, Orneth couldn't help but notice that he referred to her as his sister, and she wasn't quite sure how she felt about that.
As day turned to night and the sun and moon switched places, Feawing and her husband reunited. But instead of being overjoyed, they just stood together quietly, holding hands and whispering to each other. Orneth was fascinated by Feawing's calm demeanor. Feawing seemed to lack emotions, but she was actually very compassionate and kind to Orneth and many others. She was wise and everyone loved her. When she was reunited with her husband, they were left alone and watched from a distance as they talked all night.
Meanwhile, Manyamë was busy helping with the construction of a settlement on the hills overlooking the mountains. She loved being around the horses that needed care. Orneth watched her from afar and felt sad that they had grown apart. She missed their playful banter and roleplaying. But Manyamë seemed more focused on making new connections and acquaintances. Orneth noticed Manyamë talking to someone wearing a blue hooded cloak near the stables. She couldn't see his face, but it made her think that he was a Noldor, perhaps someone she knew from Gondolin. Perhaps this was the reason why Manyamë seemed so distant lately.
As everyone settled into their new home, they organized their belongings from Beleriand and set up areas for crafting and farming. The citizens of Belegost were a big help, offering assistance whenever they could. The new settlement quickly became an important trading spot, connecting the refugees with the eldar who had already lived there for ages. This brought hope for the future, even though they had no idea about the danger approaching from the west.
At night, Orneth would take out a small cloth from her pocket and reveal a dried flower. Although it was delicate and fragile, it reminded her that there was beauty and resilience to be found, even in uncertain times.
All pictuures are AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E
