S.A 100 Harvest time
Orneth gazed at the elegant handwriting on the page, marveling at its beauty, before beginning to read the text.
Verily, these be naught but mere scribbles and musings, penned by my hand... Manyamë. Of late, a great many events hath come to pass, and so it hath behooved me to set them down in ink. Forsooth, since my memory loss, I have found it imperative to transcribe all that transpires, lest it fade from mine mind come the morrow.
Mine first encounter with Naerchanar was at the Havens of Sirion. In those days, we grew exceedingly close. Later, at the base of Ered Luin, he sought me out upon hearing my father was in the vicinity with his family. Though it was a joyous reunion, he kept his profile quite low. In his company was another elf called Falquando, whose eyes were as sheer as the greyest mist. He claimed to have fought alongside my father in the defence of the gates of Gondolin. Yet, somehow, he spoke naught of the past, and I sensed a certain unease between him and my father. When I inquired as to why he lurked like an outlaw, he remained reticent. Often did he don his blue cloak and circle about me, as did Naerchanar. Orneth, too, was most curious about this enigmatic figure. She is a bright and caring soul, but I did not reveal to her with whom I conversed.
Truly, I was captivated by Falquando's mysterious ways. I was drawn to him, and the more I was in his company, the more I yearned to know the reason for his concealment. Naerchanar, on the other hand, kept me safe, and I felt at ease in his presence.
S.A 150 Harvest time
Verily, I wot not what hath befallen me of late, but Naerchanar hath made a proposal of marriage to me. He knoweth of my nature, my fierce and untamed disposition. What he expecteth of me or whether he truly believeth I shall make a good wife, I knoweth not. We have ever been so unlike one another. Falquando, I could perceive, grew envious. He had other designs for me. He told me that we were of the same kind and ought to be together.
Naerchanar harbored a single dream. He yearned to depart from this place and journey eastward. He aspired to behold new lands, far and remote. He fought valiantly at the Havens of Sirion, where the camps of refugees were assailed by our own kind. It was evident that he bore a degree of fortitude against these events and his views were only strengthened when he discerned the depth of Falquando's jealousy.
I held a lengthy discussion with my mother, yet she comprehended not my yearning to depart from Mithlond. I am resolved, for I am weary of all the gloom and seriousness that encompasseth me. The eldar around me, who comprehendeth not my disposition, exhausteth me. My brethren seemeth to do as my father willeth. Nevertheless, I shall miss Orneth. She is an exception, different and lovely.
I now find myself in the far east, nigh unto the foot of the mountain Khazad Dum. We have joined a company of eldar, journeying eastward. The land encompassing the mountain is verdant and picturesque. Many of the eldar have resolved to settle in the midst of the valley. Buildings and encampments have already been erected. The Sindar hath stationed themselves by the mountain, awaiting permission to pass.
S.A 200 Harvest time
Verily, Falquando hath oft regaled me with tales of yore concerning the ancient and lost city of Gondolin, the very hearthstone of our kin, and the grand fortress that stood in its midst. The fair Princess Idril and the valiant King Turgon, they who were the very embodiment of nobility and prowess, did he speak of with great reverence.
As we conversed, Falquando did observe that we shared a common bond in the loss of our childhood homes and the dear friends whom we once held close. He opined that it was only natural that we should remain united in this shared experience. Yet, he did ask me to forsake my promises to Naerchanar and instead, remain by his side.
Thrice now hath I refused Falquando's entreaties. How could I abandon the pledge I made to Naerchanar, the one whom I love with all my heart? Nay, I cannot betray his trust and affection. Though Falquando's words do hold sway over my heart, my loyalty to my beloved must remain steadfast.
Forsooth, the memory of the lost city of Gondolin and the valor of its people may be a balm to soothe our wounded souls, but I cannot allow it to come at the cost of my honor and the sanctity of my word. Naerchanar is my true love, and I shall remain true to him until the end of my days.
S.A 250 Harvest time
Upon a gentle evening, he inquired whether I desired to traverse through the lofty mountains and venture further east. His vocation required some aid, and he perceived that having a comely maiden at his side would facilitate his trade with the naurgrims. I did assent to accompany him, but under one sole condition - that he abandon his pursuit of me. I refrained from divulging this to Naerchanar, for I knew full well that he would never permit me to travel with his adversary. It seemed a gracious gesture to bestow upon Falquando, and I believed that he would forever remain grateful for honoring my wishes. Thus, I departed when Naerchanar was absent. The length of our journey now escapes my memory, but I am certain that it lasted for a week. We followed the trade path through the mountains, which was sanctioned by the naugrim. Falquando yearned to exhibit some of the ancient ruins that were crafted by the first healers of Nandor. Although it was not originally part of our task, I acquiesced to his proposal, solely to ensure that he would keep his word. Through verdant meadows adorned with windmills and luscious farmlands we travelled, and also through dense, shadowy woods where autumnal leaves blazed like fire.
As we journeyed further eastward, I perceived that Falquando's shape had somehow become distorted and his countenance altered. Something inexplicable was afoot, and I implored that we turn back as I was overcome with fatigue. Yet, he insisted that we were nearly there, and I resigned myself to the notion that it was merely my imagination running amok. Upon arriving at his intended destination, an odd weariness overcame me, and before I could discern what was transpiring, all was consumed in darkness and obscurity. I heard him murmuring unfamiliar words and he appeared to be entranced, a sight I had never before witnessed. I felt a deep disquiet, for he no longer resembled the Falquando I had come to know. In my apprehension,
I fled into the woods. The darkness was all-encompassing, and I could scarce see the trees before me. The sound of galloping hooves echoed ominously behind me, a harbinger of Falquando's pursuit. I was filled with dread and despair, yet glimpsed a glimmer of hope as I neared the edge of the forest and spied a windmill in the distance. Mayhap there, I could find succour and aid.
Orneth looked up from the diary and thought, "How familiar." The visions of the burning woods and the windmill gave her chills down her spine as she kept reading.
Verily, I doth not wish to recount all that hath transpired, for the memory doth bring me much pain. The brute did overpower me, leaving me sorely wounded, both within and without. Falquando, my assailant, was nowhere to be seen, and I was left to mine own devices.
As I journeyed towards the mountain's base, I encountered some kind-hearted naugrims who showed me much compassion and guided me safely through the treacherous terrain. Upon reaching the other side, I was met by Naerchanar, whose eyes burned with an all-consuming fury. I had failed him, and my betrayal had wrought much damage. Yet, 'twas not my lord who was angered with me, but rather Falquando who was the object of his genuine hatred. Naerchanar held me close and bid me not to fret, for Falquando shall answer for his crimes.
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