S.A 2035 Summertime
The morning sun filtered through the delicate curtains, gently waking Orneth from her sleep. But peace eluded her. Her body ached, and something felt wrong. As she pushed the fog of sleep from her mind, memories of the previous night rushed back, leaving her unsettled. The wedding, her meeting with Naerchanar, and the news of Manyamë all seemed insignificant compared to the thoughts consuming her—Falchon and his troubles. While Orneth sat lost in thought, Lady Lanyarë, the mistress of the garden, emerged gracefully from her blooming flowers. “What a night it was yesterday,” she said with a smile. “The wedding was simply enchanting, wasn’t it?” Orneth managed a faint smile. “Yes, it was a splendid affair, and the weather was perfect.” Lady Lanyarë put down her watering can and gave Orneth a thoughtful look. “I saw Lord Falchon leaving your chamber this morning. He seemed troubled. What brought him to your doorstep?” Orneth’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced around nervously, trying to gather her thoughts. “We spoke. There are still unresolved matters from our time in Eregion that need addressing,” she said, doing her best to stay composed. Lady Lanyarë’s expression softened with concern. “Please be careful, Lady Orneth. Lord Falchon carries a troubled spirit. I fear there’s more to his pain than memories of the past.” Orneth sighed, weary but resolute. “I know. But he is a kind soul.” Lady Lanyarë took a sip of tea and looked thoughtfully at the sky. “He may seem gentle, but his eyes reveal his suffering. I worry he is still fighting his demons.” Orneth nodded slowly. “I promise to be careful.”
As Orneth walked away, her mind was a tempest of emotions and events from the previous night. She felt adrift, unsure of which way her heart was pointing. Her feelings for Falchon had caught her completely off guard, and she was unsure if she was ready to follow them. She slowly realized that she cared for him more deeply than she had ever cared for Marilo. This new affection felt more authentic and genuine, and she sensed that Falchon reciprocated her feelings. However, he was cautious and still struggled to deal with his past. As she approached the docks, she recognized a few familiar faces who were ready to travel home. Among them was her friend Giril and Lord Haldanáre. The tension between them was palpable, and Orneth could sense their chemistry. Haldanáre was clearly captivated by Giril's demeanor, and in return, Giril seemed flustered yet happy to be in his presence.
Her heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of Falchon once again. Instinctively, she paused, not wanting to appear as though she were following him. She considered turning away when Mistamë's voice called out to her. "Orneth, we are leaving now. Bid us farewell." Orneth noticed Carvedir standing beside her, and memories of their time together yesterday flooded her mind. Despite her desire to be alone, she smiled and approached them with a slight sense of resignation. Alcarinien and Mantaro were among the group bidding her farewell. They embraced Orneth and offered their goodbyes. A little further away, she saw Simawen and Marilo saying their goodbyes to Simawen's sisters. Orneth's eyes were drawn once again to Falchon, who was now speaking with Siryawen, the beautiful eldest sister of Simawen. Orneth's heart was in turmoil as she cursed herself for feeling insecure. Falchon appeared surprisingly happy, and his smile was more frequent than Orneth could remember. She felt hurt as she gazed at them with sadness, and then, suddenly, Falchon's gaze turned to her. Orneth looked away in embarrassment, fearing that she was making him uncomfortable by being there. She was certain that he would think she was following him. To avoid any further misunderstandings, she decided to leave.
As Orneth strolled along the docks, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching her from behind. When she recognized Falchon's voice, she closed her eyes in recognition. "Orneth!" he called out, causing her to halt in her tracks and swallow hard. "I didn't follow you, Falchon," she said, turning to face him. "I came here by accident. I didn't realize it was a family gathering." Falchon smiled gently at her. "It's not in your nature to be intense, Orneth. Don't worry," he reassured her. As she looked down, still feeling uneasy after yesterday's events, Falchon took her hand and led her to a secluded bench behind some trees that overlooked the harbor. Orneth couldn't help feeling a sense of unease as she observed Falchon's apprehension.
Finally, Falchon spoke. "I'm leaving tonight, too. I know it's sooner than I thought, but my division has certain routines we have to maintain before we head out into the field." Orneth nodded, feeling shattered. Though she knew this was coming, the lack of resolution between them made it harder to bear. As they had grown closer, he was suddenly ripped away from her life yet again. It was harsh and felt profoundly unfair. "I was prepared for it," she responded, trying to appear strong. But in truth, she was in agony. Falchon pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead as he brushed his lips over her skin. Orneth struggled to breathe, the pain of their separation nearly overwhelming her. Desperately, she grasped his head and pleaded, "Falchon, please don't forget me." He stroked her hair as he responded, "How could I, Princess?"
Then he pulled a drawing from his pocket, and Orneth's heart stopped when she saw it. She remembered the drawing they had found in the guesthouse in Golden Hope in Eregion - the beautiful drawing of his mother. It was done in the same style. Falchon smiled at her, saying, "This is how you are to me." Tears filled Orneth's eyes as she smiled back. "It's me?" she asked in disbelief. Falchon nodded, taking her hand and gazing at her with melancholy in his eyes. "I need to leave now, Orneth. Please take care of yourself and consider Naerchanar's offer. Find my mother, Manyamë," he urged her. Orneth smiled through her tears. "I will," she promised. As they parted, Falchon kissed her once more, this time lingering. Unable to resist his affection, Orneth held him close, unwilling to let him go. Finally, Falchon gently pushed her away and smiled warmly. "My Orneth. We will meet again. Farewell for now," he said, before hastening away.
Orneth swallowed hard, feeling tears well up in her eyes. As she turned to run away, she collided with Giril, who took hold of her arm. "Wait, Orneth. What's wrong? You're acting so strange," Giril said, leading Orneth to a small rock in the sun-drenched area. Giril's expression grew somber as she asked, "What's going on with Falchon and you? I just saw you two together. Please, tell me what's happening." Orneth met Giril's gaze and returned her serious demeanor. "Oh, Giril. I don't know where to begin. It's so complicated." Concern creased Giril's face as she probed further, "He seemed troubled. Is everything alright?" Orneth hesitated, considering her words carefully before responding, "There's so much I wish to confide in you, Giril, but now isn't the time or place." Giril took her hand and reassured her, "I understand. I know how highly you regard him." Orneth straightened up and took a deep breath. "It's not just that, Giril. I'm in love with him. It hurts more than I can bear. And now he's leaving for his army training. I don't know if I'll ever see him again." Giril's eyes widened in surprise. "Have you told him how you feel?" Orneth nodded. "Yes, I did yesterday. I felt like I had to." Giril raised her eyebrows. "So, what did he say in response?" Orneth let out a sigh. "I believe he holds me in high regard too. But his past and demons make it all impossible." Giril furrowed her brows and responded, "Well, Falchon seems troubled. Neither he nor Marilo has shown you what you deserve, Orneth. Perhaps it's time to leave this place and distance yourself from them. Maybe it's time to find a new path?"
Orneth grasped Giril's hand and replied, "It's quite amusing that you suggest leaving, as I have been considering traveling north to Forlindon, beyond the Noldor residence and into the woods and coastlines, to a place called Côf Lingwimo."
She chose not to disclose Falchon's father's involvement and his determination to make her journey there. Giril nodded and inquired, "Do you know anyone in Côf Lingwimo?" Orneth nodded, "Yes, it's a long story, but I met with Lord Naerchanar yesterday, and he informed me that Manyamë may be there." Giril gasped in shock and disbelief, "You met with Naerchanar? And Manyamë may still be alive?" Orneth nodded, "Yes, and his tale was dark and unsettling. I will share it with you later, but I believe he is trustworthy despite having many followers who were unhappy about the settlement's destruction. His reasons for his actions were compelling and changed my perspective on the matter." Giril shook her head in amazement and inquired, "But why is he in Côf Lingwimo?" Orneth responded, "It's a long story, but the place is remote, and they sought refuge there. And Lord Demdor is there as well." Giril's eyes widened in surprise, "Lord Demdor? But I saw him at the wedding yesterday." Orneth shook her head, "I didn't see him at all." Giril took a deep breath and said, "He was only there briefly to pay his respects to Lord Marilo, but he did inquire about you."
Orneth was taken aback, "About me?" Giril nodded, "Yes, Lord Demdor is a fine gentleman, and he's always had a deep concern for you. He regrets not being able to assist you when you were trapped inside the stonehouse in Caranoth." Orneth let out a sigh, "I forgave him a long time ago, but I haven't seen him in decades." Giril nodded and said, "I know, but some burdens can never be erased. They may become easier to bear, but they'll always linger as a reminder. I believe Lord Demdor will always be troubled by this." Orneth gazed out at the breathtaking scenery, lost in deep thoughts.
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