S.A 1350
As the warm autumn sun began to set, Orneth made the decision to stay at the harvest festival and take one final look around. The festival was in full swing and was being held at one of the sprawling farmlands outside of the settlement.
While walking around, Orneth spotted a nearby construction site where wood and stone buildings were being built. She also noticed larger buildings, resembling a hall, in the works. The sight of the construction made her ponder if Caranhoth could be more than just a settlement with tents and become a future small village. Her curiosity led her to take a little detour around the festival area to get a closer look at the buildings that were in progress.
Orneth wondered what plans Naerchanar had for Caranhoth and if they intended it to be a permanent haven for those who wanted to travel further east to the woodland realms or west toward Lindon. As she walked around, she noticed constant movement in front of a larger stone house located at the very back of the construction site. The house was covered by trees and fences, making it difficult to see what was going on inside. Although curious, Orneth decided not to investigate further and made her way back to the festival area.
The air was filled with the sound of music, laughter and chatter, and the eldar were attired in their finest clothes. Orneth was immediately drawn towards the colorful food stands that were brimming with a wide variety of food. She had not felt hunger for days, but seeing all the sumptuous fare made her suppress her desire no longer. She indulged in everything from wine, cheese, fruit, bread, and whipped cream to small cakes, which were served on silver-plates and in transparent flasks. The music was unlike anything she had ever heard before, and its upbeat rhythm was held up by drums and trampling, influenced by the naugrim's music. The crowd was in high spirits, and many were dancing with abandon. However, Orneth did not know how to dance, so she stood next to the food stands where maidens were serving food. She did not want to be seen; she merely wanted to observe the festivities. Yet, at the back of her mind, she kept thinking about Manyamë.
Suddenly, a group of ellons dressed in red velvet robes made their entrance, making their way towards the tables of wine and liqueur. Among them was Naerchanar, tall and straight with his silver hair gleaming in the sun. The attenders, especially the females, turned their heads in unison, gathering around him. Orneth could hardly blame them; he was indeed a sight to behold. As she watched the scene unfold, she was reminded of Marilo, and her stomach twisted in pain for a brief moment. She loved Marilo, but it seemed he was focused on Simawen. The last thing she saw when she left was them holding hands. She knew deep down that he would never be hers. Naerchanar reminded her of the unattainable, something she could only dream of but never have. Orneth was surprised by how quickly she had become attached to him again. Of course, it helped that they had been best friends for years in the past. He was no stranger to her, but he had become a reminder of what could never be.
As Orneth stood between the two small stands, she couldn't help admiring the colorful and sweet-smelling delicacies on display. It was then that she heard a voice break through the lively chatter and music. "Do you want to taste?" She turned to see a red-haired lady holding up a plate of fruit and cream with a warm smile. Despite feeling hesitant, Orneth couldn't resist the temptation any longer. "I do not have any coins, I'm afraid," she confessed, feeling embarrassed. But to her surprise, the lady laughed, "It is free, my dear! Here, take it and enjoy." Grateful for the unexpected kindness, Orneth bowed politely and said, "Thank you so much. That is very kind of you." The lady's laughter filled the air, "No need to be polite around here. We are celebrating Yavanna, the Valar who created the trees of Valinor! It's a day for being happy." She noticed Orneth's thoughtful expression and asked, "Is there anything troubling you? You look a little distressed." Orneth smiled, feeling touched by her concern. "Ahh, I was just lost in thought for a moment. My name is Orneth, by the way." The red-haired lady introduced herself, "Beautiful name. My name is Giril." Orneth couldn't help but admire Giril's stunning appearance, from the intricate braids adorned with pearls to the perfect green silk dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. She felt self-conscious in her own worn dress and couldn't help feeling out of place at the grand event. However, Giril didn't seem to mind and even complimented Orneth's flowers woven into her hair. "You should not hide between the stands. Come, let us have some wine!" she exclaimed, taking Orneth's hand and leading her towards the lively crowd gathered by the wine tables.
As they walked, Orneth couldn't help but feel grateful for Giril's warmth and kindness. She finally felt like she belonged, even if just for a moment. However, the sight of the prominent guards and leaders made her feel nervous and small in comparison. They glimmered in their velvet attire, and Orneth couldn't help but feel underdressed. It was then that she realized she had misjudged the event, thinking it to be a more casual affair. But despite her insecurity, she felt content and happy to be in the company of her new friend. Giril gracefully poured some wine into a goblet before offering it to Lady Orneth with a kind gesture. "Here! Do not look distressed and sad, Lady Orneth," she said in a soothing voice. "You do have a beautiful smile. Be happy tonight. One never knows what tomorrow brings. It is better to cherish the moment with a glad heart." Orneth took a sip of the wine and quickly glanced over her shoulder, catching sight of the guards and Naerchanar. A blush crept up her cheeks as she met Naerchanar's gaze. She took another sip of wine to calm herself before returning her attention to Giril. The latter chuckled at Orneth's shyness, clearly amused by the scene. "I did not know Lord Naerchanar would be present tonight. He is usually very busy," Giril said with a hint of curiosity. "Hmm, are you smitten with our great leader?" Giril's teasing tone made Orneth shake her head in denial. "Not at all," she replied with a smile. "I do know him from way back when we lived in Beleriand." Giril looked puzzled. "Oh really? He never mentions the time he lived there. Not that I know him personally, but I heard rumors about him experiencing tremendous loss." Orneth smiled gently at Giril's curiosity. "Well, it was many years ago," she said, trying to brush off the subject. Giril laughed heartily and took another sip of wine. "Let us dance!" she exclaimed, grabbing Orneth's hand in excitement. Orneth hesitated at first, admitting that she did not know how to dance. But Giril encouraged her with a warm smile. "Everyone can dance. Just follow me and move to the music."
As Orneth and Giril moved to the lively rhythm of the music, Orneth felt a sense of joy and lightness overcome her. Despite her initial self-consciousness, she realized that the atmosphere was relaxed and that no one seemed to care if she made a misstep or two. Suddenly, an ellon discreetly took Giril's hand and continued the dance, leaving Orneth standing alone. Feeling a pang of disappointment, she stepped out of the circle, ready to retreat to the stands where fruits and cakes were served.
Just as she was about to leave, however, she heard a deep voice calling her name. "Orneth!" Turning around, she found herself face to face with Naerchanar, whose warm smile and sparkling eyes made her heart skip a beat. Was it possible that he was calling her? "You look like a flower meadow!" Naerchanar exclaimed, causing Orneth to wonder if he was mocking her. She knew she was not dressed as lavishly as the silk-clad maidens at the festival, but she couldn't help but laugh at his words. "This?" she said, lifting a corner of her simple dress. "I didn't have anything else to wear." But Naerchanar's smile only grew wider as he offered his arm to her. "I quite like it," he said, "you look natural, like the very spirit of Yavanna's soul. You've brought the beauty of nature with you." As he gently corrected her flower circlet, Orneth felt her heart race as she looked up into his warm gaze.
"Let's go for a walk," Naerchanar suggested, leading the way towards a small lake nestled within a circle of trees at the foot of the mountain. Orneth couldn't help but notice the curious eyes that followed them as they departed, but for a moment, she felt special, as if nothing else in the world mattered. Deep down, she knew that Naerchanar's reputation as a troublemaker had preceded him among the eldar in Eregion. But as they strolled towards the serene lake, she wondered if there was more to this enigmatic leader than meets the eye. The tranquil waters of the lake were adorned with floating waterlilies, their delicate petals swaying in the gentle breeze. Orneth looked around, taking in the serene beauty of their surroundings, and exclaimed, "How lovely!" Naerchanar gestured for her to sit, and said, "Why don't we talk for a while? I wanted to have a conversation with you before you depart tomorrow." Orneth smiled, remembering their past conversations, and teasingly asked, "Do you remember all the roleplay we did?" He chuckled and replied, "Yes, I remember. But I must confess, I was a willing participant." Orneth laughed, "I knew it! You just couldn't resist being around us all the time." Despite feeling a slight unease in his presence, Orneth found Naerchanar's reassurance comforting as he took her hand and said, "You are special, Orneth. You have shared with me the sorrow of losing loved ones, just as I have. Seeing you again after all this time was a shock."
Orneth smiled warmly, feeling the same way about seeing Naerchanar again, and replied, "I am equally impressed by how much you have achieved." He laughed, dismissing her compliments, "I am nothing more than an outlaw around these lands. I do not know how honorable that is." Orneth gazed at the lake, contemplating his words, and responded, "It all depends on the company you keep. I can understand your motives for doing what you do. There are many who have lost loved ones in Beleriand and the kin-slaying. It is understandable that there is still animosity lingering. You have given them a home, and for that, you are a hero to many." Naerchanar nodded in agreement, "I have saved a few lost souls indeed." Orneth beamed with admiration, "My statements still stand. I am impressed." He then reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, taking her breath away. "Orneth..." he whispered, his gaze mesmerizing her. She was at a loss for words, her heart racing as he leaned in and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. Orneth let out a sigh and took a deep breath, her cheeks flushed with warmth. As the words left Naerchanar's lips, Orneth felt a pang of sadness in her chest. "You are like my sister. I do care a lot for you." His declaration echoed in her mind, stirring memories of a time long gone. She smiled, but it was a smile of resignation, one that hid the disappointment she felt inside. Those words she had heard someplace before...
All pictures are AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E
