S.A 2035 Summertime
Orneth and Falchon departed from the docks at midnight, just as the newlywed couple had done. Despite Orneth's protests that she knew the way home and the tension she still felt, Falchon insisted on escorting her back. As he walked a little ahead, Orneth watched him surveying their surroundings and felt a new sensation stirring within her. For so many years and decades of her life, love had been a strange and elusive journey. She had been committed to Marilo, even though he never reciprocated her feelings. But tonight, as she bid farewell to her past, she felt free of him and a sense of closure. This emotional night compelled her to speak her truth to Falchon. It wasn't because she needed to pour out her heart for her own sake. She was an expert at hiding her feelings, and Falchon was yet another person she couldn't have. But deep in her heart, she felt that he needed to hear that someone truly cared deeply for him. She believed she loved him, and perhaps she had loved him ever since their days in Caranoth, locked inside one of the cells. His gentle touch on her hand, his whispering voice, and the gemstone he had given her - all these things had helped her emerge from that traumatic experience relatively unscathed.
Orneth felt an unusual sense of comfort and safety in Falchon's presence, something she had never experienced before. Waves of warm, dizzy sensations enveloped her, both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. As they walked side by side, Falchon remained mostly silent, but Orneth sensed his gaze upon her, causing her cheeks to flush crimson. She could swear he smiled at her awkwardness, but he said nothing. As they strolled by a lush meadow adorned with a vibrant array of windflowers, Orneth let out a small sigh. Without a word, Falchon took her hand and led her into the meadow. The windflowers swayed gently in the breeze, and even though it was late, the summer night cast a silver glow over the meadow. Orneth's eyes roved over the stunning vista, and she exclaimed, "It's a sea of white flowers!" She spun around in her dress, laughing with sheer joy.
Falchon settled on the soft grass, his gaze fixed on Orneth in amazement. "Does it remind you of the fields outside Doriath?" he inquired. Orneth joined him on the ground, nodding in agreement. "Yes, it does, in a way. It was a beautiful place where gardens, fields, and woods held great importance. Nature has always wielded immense power among the Sindar," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. Falchon then spoke softly, "I am sorry about what happened to your family." Orneth met his gaze, feeling a sense of wonder. "It was a long time ago," she said. "I do think of them often, but I cannot allow myself to be consumed by the pain. It's too much to bear." With a gentle touch, Falchon grasped her hands, sending a thrill of excitement through her. His captivating smile had stolen her heart, and she found herself utterly entranced. "What a fate for a Princess from Doriath," he remarked, his voice infused with admiration. Orneth's breath caught in her throat as she sensed his penetrating gaze fixed upon her, causing a sudden unease to wash over her. "I am no Princess," she murmured, trying to divert his attention away from her. But he shook his head, the mischievous twinkle in his eye revealing a playful nature. "You are. You look absolutely stunning tonight," he teased. Orneth couldn't help but chuckle at his flirtatious remark. "Well, I had a bit of assistance," she quipped. But before she could continue, Falchon interrupted with an outburst of unbridled adoration. "Orneth, do not belittle yourself. You are breathtakingly beautiful. Embrace it," he declared, his eyes never straying from hers.
Orneth was taken aback by Falchon's sudden display of affection, causing her mind to become clouded with confusion. However, as he lifted her chin, she felt an overwhelming surge of emotions that left her breathless with anticipation. The tension in the air was palpable as Falchon whispered, "Orneth, you are remarkable." Her cheeks flushed as she gazed into his enchanting eyes and confessed, "I love you, Falchon." Unexpectedly, Falchon looked down and withdrew his hands, causing Orneth to feel a pang of rejection. She quickly spoke up, "I had to tell you. I know what you said earlier tonight. As I said before, I'm not afraid." He looked puzzled and asked, "But why?" Orneth shook her head in frustration. "Falchon, you have saved my life in so many ways. You possess a kind soul, even if you don't see it. Your incredible values and unwavering commitment to keeping your word make you truly remarkable. Yes, you are devoted to your duties and oaths in the army, but your integrity is what sets you apart. If anyone can overcome the shadows you carry or your challenging ties to your father and mother, it is you. I believe in you, Falchon. I can help you." Falchon looked away, pressing his lips together, and answered curtly, "No, Orneth." Her heart sank as she realized he might not love her back. She regretted her words and looked down, wondering if there was any point in convincing him with words and commitments if the feelings were not mutual. Suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes, and she quickly added, "I hope this won't change anything between us. I care for you deeply as a dear friend. I'm sorry if I overstepped some of your boundaries." He took her hand and looked at her warmly, "Orneth, I just don't know what to say."
The peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted by the sound of branches cracking, emanating from the group of trees that separated the road from the field. Falchon promptly stood up, placing a finger to his lips, gesturing for Orneth to remain silent. Disappointment and apprehension washed over Orneth as she gazed at the shadowy trees. She felt an ominous chill down her spine as she sensed someone or something watching them. Was it just her imagination, or was there really someone or something lurking in the shadows? She remained motionless, afraid to make a sound or move the slightest muscle. What if it was a person, an animal, or something far more sinister? The shadow slowly crept closer, and a small opening appeared, allowing the pale moonlight to seep through. Orneth's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the figure. It was a person, and she was sure she had seen that face before. Falchon signaled for her to stay put and walked purposefully towards the towering figure, a low growl escaping his lips. "You!" he snarled. Orneth's eyes widened in shock as she realized who it was. "Naerchanar! What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, her voice quivering with unease. "We need to talk," he replied cryptically.
They followed Naerchanar down a narrow path that branched off the main road, leading to one of the isolated storage cabins scattered across the area. These cabins were usually abandoned, used only as temporary storage for supplies and equipment. Naerchanar kept his cloak wrapped tightly around him, trying to hide his features. Orneth glanced at Falchon, noticing his furrowed brow and the flash of hatred in his eyes. She shivered as she watched his expression change, his presence growing darker and more intimidating with each passing moment. Naerchanar pushed the door open, revealing a small, bare room. Inside, there were broken shelves and two worn bedrolls on the floor. But he wasn’t alone.
Orneth’s attention shifted back to Naerchanar as her senses returned. He was sitting on the floor, staring at her and Falchon with a mix of fear and unease. The years since the settlement's destruction had taken their toll on him. He looked gaunt and aged far beyond his years, his hair now silvery white and his skin marked with scars and burns. Even so, his bright blue eyes caught Orneth’s attention for a moment, though any fascination she had once felt for him was long gone. He drew a deep breath, his expression torn between regret and nervous anticipation, before he began to speak. "I was forced to flee from Eregion," he said bitterly. "I didn’t know they locked you in the stonehouse in Caranoth. If only I had known."
He paused for a moment, his gaze drifting away, lost in thought. "Falchon, you were a danger to yourself and to your mother. I had no choice but to keep you both safe. Your father, Falquando, was searching for you, and I needed to keep you hidden from him. But it wasn't just you I needed to protect. I also had to keep Manyamë out of his reach. He's obsessed with finding her, and he's very dangerous." Falchon's eyes widened in disbelief, and he leaned forward. "Where is she?" he demanded. Naerchanar met his gaze steadily. "I had to release Manyamë from Caranoth, when I learned that Falquando had found out where she was. He had somehow reached her through her mind, and I couldn't risk him getting his hands on her. But during the confusion of these events, a prison guard locked Orneth inside the cell instead. By the time I realized what had happened, I was long gone and couldn't prevent the mistake." Falchon's eyes narrowed as he processed this information. "That's not an answer to my question. Where is she?" Orneth looked just as confused as Falchon. "Yes, I want to know too. Where is Manyamë?"
Picture AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E
