S.A 750
The absence of Manyamë had taken its toll on the entire family. Orneth, being the caring soul that she was, did all that she could to reassure everyone that their beloved sister had probably lost track of time or was simply enjoying the company of new friends in the settlements to the east. Lady Lanyarë, who was particularly close to Orneth, found great comfort in her words and kept herself occupied with work at the shop.
Lord Mannamo, on the other hand, was more concerned than ever. Manyamë was his youngest child and only daughter, so he had a significant soft spot for her. He was deeply worried about her whereabouts and prepared himself for another journey to the east to search for her. His love for Manyamë knew no bounds, and he was ready to move mountains to bring her back home safely.
In the year 700, Mantaro, the eldest brother, took a monumental step and married Lady Alcarinien. They welcomed their daughter, Mistamë, into the world. From the moment of her birth, Mistamë's beauty left everyone in awe. Her dark hair was speckled with silver strands that made it seem to glow, and though she was quiet and reserved, her curiosity was boundless. She had a habit of hiding away, much to her mother's frustration, and watching the world with an intense gaze. Lady Alcarinien had an unbreakable bond with the Nandor in Lindon, the Laiquendi, and so the family settled in the enchanting southern reaches of Harlond in Lindon.
Mannamo, on the other hand, hoped his sons would find partners of their own kind, preferably in Valinor. He was not in favor of seeing his family's lineage blended with that of the Nandor. While he did not like it and did not approve, he did not prohibit his son from taking Lady Alcarinien as his wife. Over the years, Lord Mannamo had grown softer and regained a lot of respect for the Nandor and the Sindar. He was particularly impressed by the remarkable work Lady Alcarinien had done at the end of the first age. She had tirelessly cared for the injured and hurting soldiers in the War. Though he never told her, he held her in high esteem.
Amidst all this, Orneth sought solace in Lady Lanyarë's words. "I will never restrict my children in these matters, but their father can be a little conservative when it comes to his bloodline," Lady Lanyarë comforted her. "Do you think I am not worth marrying a Noldor?" Orneth inquired. Lady Lanyarë responded promptly, "What nonsense do I hear? The question is: are they worth you? Our bloodline is known to be fierce and stubborn, and we have done way too much damage to this world that you are aware of." At this, Orneth blushed. Lady Lanyarë examined her with a curious eye. "Did you have someone in mind, Lady Orneth?" she asked. Orneth replied, "Not at all. I was simply curious about your opinion on these matters."
Lanyarë's smile radiated warmth and comfort as she grasped Orneth's hand. "Do not fret, my dear. Though my husband holds fast to old customs and views, he loves you dearly. Even if you were to marry a Noldor, he would still love you just the same. You are too gentle to handle our kind, but he has grown incredibly fond of you over the years. He may not show it in the best way, but he counts you as family."
Despite her affection for Mannamo, Orneth could never fully comprehend his rigidity and inability to see beyond his traditional beliefs. Why not accept things for what they truly were? In her heart, she knew that he possessed a kind and loving spirit, but she often felt as though she had to prove her worth to him more than his own children did. Her own father, on the other hand, had been a calming presence in her life. Soft and sweet as the breeze, he had loved Orneth unconditionally and expressed it to her every day, even when she broke the rules. Her father had instilled in her the true meaning of love without conditions.
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