S.A 2035 Summertime
As Falchon sparred with a training dummy on one of the smaller training fields in Harlond, Orneth approached him with a sense of urgency. "I think you should read this," she said, handing him a diary. Falchon looked puzzled at the small leather-bound book, setting down his sword to open it up. Immediately, he nodded as his eyes scanned the pages. "A diary?" Orneth waited for a moment before adding, "It's your mother's diary. I think it will explain why she became sick." Falchon's expression grew more serious as he continued to read. "Why do you want me to read it? I already knew I wasn't wanted. I don't need to have it confirmed." Orneth paused before answering, looking intently at Falchon. "She was very sick, Falchon. Naerchanar was just trying to help her. Your mother loved you, but there were things beyond her control. Please, read the diary and understand." Orneth gazed at Falchon with a mixture of empathy and admiration as she stroked his shoulder in comfort. "I understand it's not easy, Falchon. It's hard to know what the best thing to do is. But I truly believe that reading the diary will give you some answers," she said in a soft voice. "Your mother wrote that she slowly grew fond of you, Falchon. Perhaps that will bring you some comfort. And it will also give you insight into what actually happened to her. I won't lie, it's not easy reading. I hesitated to give it to you. But I believe it's important to know the truth, even if the truth hurts sometimes."
Orneth watched as Falchon set the diary down on a nearby rock and continued his training. He was truly remarkable, she thought, with his stoic and strong demeanor. His Noldor heritage gave him a fierce and striking appearance, but it could also be intimidating at times. As Orneth turned to leave, she cast one last glance at Falchon. She felt a twinge of discomfort, as though she were meddling in something that wasn't her business. But she couldn't help feeling that it was the right thing to do, for Falchon's sake. Suddenly, Orneth was consumed with regret for having handed over the diary to Falchon. She felt complicit in causing him pain and this weighed heavily on her. As she walked back towards him, she spoke softly, "I am sorry, Falchon. I only intended to show you that your mother did not disregard you. I also hoped to reveal to you that there was a reason behind her distant behavior. It had nothing to do with you. It was never about you."
Falchon halted his training and turned to face Orneth. His response was laced with aggression, "It was always about me, Orneth. I am still the offspring of the man she despises so much. I can never be anything else to her." Orneth's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at him. "Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive her?" she implored. But Falchon shook his head and retorted, "Orneth, please stop. This is not your family, nor has it ever been. Let us resolve our own issues. Whether I forgive her or not is up to me. Why does it concern you so much?" Orneth felt a deep ache inside when he spoke about family. "While we may not be related by blood, I feel a sense of belonging. Perhaps I shouldn't have interfered so much. I just loved Manyamë dearly." Falchon picked up his sword once again and continued, "You may love Manyamë, but did she truly love you? Why else would she have shared such a disturbing memory with you? It has caused you so much anguish and torment." He looked at Orneth, his annoyance palpable, and swung his sword. "Is there anything else you wish to say?" Orneth was taken aback by Falchon's cold and hostile demeanor. She struggled to contain her emotions as she looked down at the ground. "I shall take my leave," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As Orneth lay in her bed that night, she gazed at the daisy she had pressed inside her diary. It no longer held the same significance for her, yet she couldn't bear to part with it. The flower symbolized a bittersweet time in her life, marked by heartache but also by deep, enduring friendships. Meanwhile, the beryl stone that Falchon had given her remained an enigma. Why would he bestow such a precious gem upon her if he harbored no fondness for her?
As Orneth heard a knock at her door, she assumed it was Lady Lanyarë and opened it in naught but a light dress. However, as she recognized the person on the other side, her heart quickened with apprehension. He looked utterly pale and fragile, his eyes red and sore, his entire frame shaking like a leaf. She knew without a doubt that he had read the diary. "Please come in," she said gently, taking his hand and guiding him to sit on her bed beside her. As he buried his head in his hands, faltering out words of despair, Orneth stroked his back, offering him comfort. "I knew Manyamë a long time ago," she said softly. "She was a remarkable lady, full of love and compassion for all living beings. That's why we all went searching for her. What happened to her is what has happened to so many others. Was she a victim or was it her own will?" Falchon looked up at Orneth, his face fraught with anguish. "I don't know," he replied, his voice trembling. "All I know is that my life has been a painful and drawn-out process thus far. I thought I had finally found a purpose when I joined the army and met Lord Mannamo. He doesn't care about my past. He sees me for who I am, and that's the truth. He's always been righteous and fair to me." Orneth gazed at Falchon with compassion, sensing the depth of his pain. "Lord Mannamo is wise," she said. "Let us close this chapter on Manyamë. Her fate is her own, and there's nothing we can do to bring the old Manyamë back. She's changed, and who knows where she is now." Falchon chuckled softly, "I doubted that you would be able to let it go. Perhaps you will keep it hidden and not tell me, but you will continue to act on it." Orneth's lips curved into a smile, but she remained silent. He returned the smile and remarked, "It's a quality in you that I find very admirable. You are loyal and persistent."
Orneth met his gaze and replied, "Yes, but it has come at a cost. I can let it go now. I believe I have done my part. I will miss her, but there's nothing more I can do to bring her back at this point." Falchon smiled again and let out a small sigh, "Lady Orneth, you are a kind soul. I have missed you all these years." She looked at him with slight confusion, "You distanced yourself from me." He nodded, "I needed to find my own path, Lady Orneth. It was a simple decision. Either succumb to fear and hatred or pick myself up and find a reason to live. Lord Mannamo helped me in so many ways. I devoted myself to the army and learned a great deal. I found camaraderie and respect. I felt valued and appreciated. Among my fellow soldiers, I felt safe and secure. I don't believe anyone will come after me anymore." Orneth lowered her gaze, "It all makes sense now. I thought for years that you no longer considered me a friend." He shook his head, "During our time in the barracks, you held great importance to me. But it was a dark period. When we gained our freedom, it was best for us to heal individually. It would have been easy to fall back into our old patterns if we had remained close. I needed some time alone, Lady Orneth. I hope you can understand." She smiled warmly, "I do now." Falchon then took her hand and said, "I have thought about you often." Orneth's pulse quickened as Falchon took her hand, sending a shiver down her spine. She was acutely aware of his presence and felt weak in his grasp. Blushing, she looked down, her cheeks hot as she spoke in a stuttering voice. "I have thought of you often."
His piercing grey eyes bore into hers, and she felt a dangerous allure in his gaze. Closing her eyes, she felt herself drawn closer to him. He asked in a warm tone, "Are you scared of me?" Orneth responded quickly, her lips curving into a smile. "No." But as he leaned in closer, she felt her breath catch in her throat, and she admitted in a whisper, "Perhaps a little." Falchon's smile deepened, his presence overwhelming her as she felt her palms start to sweat. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her face, and her heart raced with anticipation. Suddenly, a firm knock interrupted them, jolting Orneth back to reality. She jumped in alarm, and Falchon straightened his hauberk, preparing to leave. Orneth hurried to the door, opening it to reveal Lady Lanyarë. "Oh, I am truly sorry. I did not know you had a visitor. Lord Falchon, my grandson, I am glad to see you. I just wanted to ask if you wanted supper?" Orneth blushed and her eyes sparkled. "No, thank you. I am fine." Falchon smiled, "Lady Lanyarë, I was just about to take my leave." With a bow, he turned and left. Lady Lanyarë looked at Orneth, concern etched on her face. "Are you alright, my dear?" Orneth laughed, "Yes, sweet Lanyarë. I am fine. He was about to leave anyway." Lady Lanyarë winked, "Very well. I'll see you tomorrow." She closed the door carefully, leaving Orneth standing by the window, her heart pounding wildly at the thought of Falchon walking away.
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