38. Two lost maidens



S.A 2050 Wintertime

After the wedding, the Eldars in Gil-Galad's army were once again summoned. The news of the present king of Numenor's passing had reached their lands, and the Numenorians felt the need to secure their alliance with the Eldars once more. Mantaro, Marilo, Carvedir, Haldanáre, and Falchon were all deeply dedicated to the army, and for a few months, they were out in the fields, fighting alongside their fellow soldiers. Meanwhile, Simawen had given birth to two beautiful children: Marillindië and Matharo, born only a year apart. They were her light in life, bringing her immense joy and happiness. However, Marilo's duties in the army kept him away from home for extended periods, leaving Simawen to raise their children and manage their grand home all on her own. Matharo, her soulful child, was creative and tender, unlike anyone in Mannamo's or Simawen's family. Marillindië, on the other hand, was nearly identical to Manyamë, both in personality and looks, and it was no surprise that she quickly became a favorite of Lady Lanyarë and Lord Mannamo.

Picture AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E

In the same year, Mistamë and Carvedir also had their own joyous ceremony and became husband and wife. Soon after, they welcomed a little child into the world, whom they named Carvator. He was the spitting image of his father, with his mother's warm humor. Orneth, though not Carvator's aunt by blood, loved him dearly and spent much of her time with him. She even carved out small wooden toys for him to play with, and he often called her "Aunt Orneth." Giril and Haldanáre's engagement was a joyous occasion, filled with love and promise. But fate had other plans, and the news of Haldanáre's tragic death left a deep and sorrowful mark on everyone in Forlindon. As the army traveled through Eriador, they were confronted by a band of ruthless and lawless men who ambushed Haldanáre with a fatal blow from an axe. Despite their best efforts, his life slipped away, leaving Giril devastated and heartbroken.

Her grief was fatal, consuming her every waking moment and robbing her of any sense of peace or comfort. Orneth, her closest confidant and friend, struggled to find the right words to console her in her time of need. Instead, she walked with Giril along the shore, holding her tightly in her embrace and listening to the echoes of her cries that were carried away on the salty sea breeze.

Picture AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E

The looming threat from the east had become an ominous presence in Middle-Earth, casting a shadow of uncertainty over all who dared to venture too far from their homes. Powerful displays, unpredictable moods, and the emergence of unnatural creatures had become all too common, prompting many to abandon their once-beloved land. Even Lord Mannamo and his wife, once stalwart defenders of Middle-Earth, now contemplated leaving, having lost all hope of finding their beloved Manyamë. But Orneth, who knew in her heart that her dear friend was still alive, refused to abandon her quest. She could not offer false hope, but she could not let go of the possibility of a reunion. Her journey would not be easy, for the memories of the visions that had haunted her for years filled her with dread. Still, Orneth knew that the only way to put her fears to rest was to set sail for Forlindon and Côf Lingwimo. As she pondered the decision, she wondered if it was finally time to reunite with Manyamë and follow Naerchanar's wishes. She knew the road ahead would be fraught with peril, but she had never been one to shy away from a challenge.

Amidst her thoughts of Manyamë, Orneth could not help but think of Falchon. The bond they had formed was one of mutual respect and affection, but she couldn't help but wonder if he truly cared for her as she did for him. She feared that their relationship might be one-sided and that she might be deluding herself into thinking otherwise. But in the end, her duty to her friends and her homeland could not be ignored. She knew that Lord Mannamo and his family would soon depart, leaving Harlond vulnerable to the growing threat from the east. Orneth could not bear the thought of her home falling into darkness, and so she set out, determined to find Manyamë and do what must be done to protect all that she held dear.

Picture AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E

With resolve in her heart, Orneth gathered her belongings and set out from her home in Mithlond, determined to make the journey across the gulf to Forlindon. She knew that the road ahead would be treacherous, but she could not let fear hold her back. And to her delight, she was joined by her trusted friend Giril, who had her own reasons for making the journey.