S.A 2035 Summertime
As they walked towards Lord Mannamo and Lady Lanyarë's guesthouse, Orneth and Falchon strode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Orneth's mind was filled with worry, especially for Falchon. She had no idea of the depths of his father Falquando's madness or how deeply he had fallen into the darkness. With Falquando now on the hunt for his own son, Orneth knew that anyone close to him was at risk. "I've warned you many times, Orneth. I'm not someone you want to be close to," Falchon's voice shattered the silence, cutting through Orneth's thoughts like a sharp blade. She averted her gaze. "Yes, you have warned me, but I still want to stand by your side. I want you to know that you're not alone." Falchon paused, considering her words before responding, "I am alone in this. This is my battle, not yours." Orneth's frustration mounted. "It costs nothing to seek help, Falchon. I may not be of any use on the battlefield, but I can be a confidant you can rely on." Falchon paused in front of the door and whispered, "Yes, but that is the problem. The closer I get to you, the more worries and problems I will have. You may now understand why I kept my distance from you for so many years. I knew I was being pursued, and I still am. Naerchanar has a point! My father, Falquando, will not know of your existence as long as I keep myself away from you. I think you should accompany them to Forlindon. I will return to the army soon."
Orneth rushed into her room, her heart pounding with anxiety, and Falchon followed closely behind. "How could he know?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear. "We've only started spending time together recently. You're always with Lord Mannamo and his sons. You've been in the army for decades, but you never mentioned this to me." Falchon shook his head in response. "You don't understand, Orneth," he said, his voice gentle but urgent. Irritation began to build within her. "Obviously not," she retorted. As Orneth felt the intensity of Falchon's gaze on the back of her neck, a small quarrel began to simmer, and she refused to back down. "So you're suggesting I abandon everything?" she asked, her voice quivering with emotion. "My friends, my family, my home, and my work? Just as a precaution?" Falchon's response was firm and unyielding. "I thought you wanted to help me." Orneth looked at him dejectedly. "What good can I do by moving thousands of miles away from you?" she asked. Despite her calm demeanor, her hands shook with apprehension. Falchon's eyes filled with fury as he replied, "More than you realize. I want you to be safe." Orneth's heart ached at his words, and she collapsed into a nearby chair. "It doesn't make sense!" she protested. "Naerchanar himself said he would come after you first, not me or my family." Falchon's retort was harsh and unyielding. "Do as you please. I won't force you. We're just acquaintances, after all. You're not obligated to me, and I'm not beholden to you. Why would he target you?"
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Orneth gazed at herself in the mirror and spoke softly, "I agree that we haven't made a full commitment to each other. However, after tonight, I thought we had progressed beyond being mere acquaintances. Falchon, my heart is in turmoil. Though I may not be able to express my feelings or meet your expectations, please understand that I empathize with your pain and want to be close to you." Falchon nodded thoughtfully, his eyes revealing a deep melancholy. He approached Orneth slowly, taking measured and deliberate steps before kneeling before her. He tenderly took her hands in his and pressed his lips against them, causing Orneth to tremble a little. Despite her own sadness, she felt great compassion for Falchon. His childhood had been marked by sorrow and difficulty, and now, as he embarked on a perilous journey with the army, he carried the weight of a broken relationship with his father. Orneth ran her fingers through his hair, trying to comfort him. "Falchon, I may not understand everything, but I am trying. I wish things were different between us." Falchon's eyes, now dark and tinged with a strange red gleam, bore into hers, causing Orneth's heart to skip a beat. He drew her close, brushed his lips against her forehead, and she felt her resolve weaken. "Me too," he whispered.
A rush of electric warmth coursed through Orneth's body, and she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the impact Falchon had on her, no matter the circumstances. As the first rays of morning light streamed through the window, Falchon stood up, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I should take my leave before Lady Lanyarë comes knocking again," he said, turning back to Orneth. She chuckled softly. "I doubt she will come at this hour, but it has been a long day and night. So much has happened." Falchon's eyes sparkled with amusement as he regarded her. "You should rest, Princess of Doriath." Orneth looked down, then took his hand. "Falchon, every word I have shared with you tonight has been true. I fear nothing except the thought of losing you." Falchon nodded and stroked her cheek. "Rest, Orneth. Do not let your heart cloud your wisdom. We both know the oaths I have given to the army. I do not fear my own downfall, but I fear yours. That is why I will do my part to protect your surroundings by aiding the army the best I can."
He took a step back and released her hand before turning to face the door. "I will soon depart, Orneth. My division is being called for. Perhaps you should heed Naerchanar's advice and go for three reasons. Firstly, I will be miles away soon anyway, so it would not matter where you are. Secondly, there is a good chance you will finally find your friend and my mother, Manyamë. And lastly, which makes me very uneasy, there is a chance my father knows of your existence." Falchon paused before he continued. "It is strange, but somehow he always knows my next move, and I often feel his presence. It could be my imagination, but I think Naerchanar is right. If he can't reach me, he will torment those who are closest to me. My mother… and I am afraid he will find you." Orneth paused, her body trembling with fear. "I will consider it, Falchon. I love you, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to ease your mind. You have already sacrificed so much, and your oath to the army only confirms that." Falchon stood still, examining her with a frozen gaze. "I am sorry, Princess. I told you that you should never be close to me. I have caused you much pain already. My family has done nothing but cause you agony and longing. I believe it will be good for you to go to Côf Lingwimo in Forlindon and be with Eldars that are similar to your kind. Naerchanar, Demdor, and maybe others from their kind. When Carvedir, Mantaro, Marilo, Haldanáre, and I leave with the army, there will be grey days again, and there will be nothing for you here."
Orneth's heart ached with a profound sadness, as she grappled with the unresolved tension between herself and Falchon. Once again, she felt incomplete, as if she was never quite enough. Although he seemed to deeply care for her and offered his advice on the best course of action, she couldn't shake the feeling that he found it convenient for her to leave, making it easier for him to keep his distance. Despite her overwhelming love for him, she knew it was an impossible love that could never be reciprocated. Her previous affection for Marilo had been quickly replaced by a strange, darker passion for Falchon. His strange comments, piercing gaze, and tender touches left her wondering if he felt the same way. Despite her uncertainty, she knew she had to express her feelings to him. She was certain he needed to hear the depth of her emotions, and she refused to hide them away again. Yet, despite feeling a deep connection with her, Falchon remained an enigma, struggling with his inner battles and acting strangely towards her. Amidst these complicated feelings, she considered the other problems that had arisen that night. The request for her to leave Mithlond weighed heavily on her heart. Leaving behind Lady Lanyarë, who was the only person she felt truly cared for her, as well as Mistamë, Alcarian, and Giril, felt like leaving her family. However, the prospect of finally reuniting with Lady Manyamë was tempting, and she was willing to ponder the decision carefully.
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