S.A 2050
Orneth's eyes widened in astonishment as she gazed at Manyamë standing before her. For a moment, she was rendered speechless, unable to fathom that she had finally found her. Orneth stood frozen, feeling the weight of Manyamë's penetrating gaze. She had never anticipated being greeted by Manyamë in person, and the surprise left her momentarily stunned. It was Giril who broke the tense silence by stepping forward. "Lady Manyamë, is it truly you?" Giril asked, her voice tinged with wonder. "I have heard so much about you. It is an honor to finally meet you face to face. My name is Giril." Manyamë's eyes flickered as she looked at Giril. She then turned her attention back to Orneth, her expression inscrutable as she lowered her head in acknowledgment. "Orneth," she murmured softly, her voice laden with unspoken emotions. Orneth nodded and said, "I hope you were aware of our arrival." Manyamë's hesitancy was palpable, and Orneth could sense her unease. "Please, Manyamë," she implored gently. "Take your time. We are here with nothing but good intentions, and we only wish to talk." She paused for a moment, locking eyes with Manyamë. "We are here because we miss you. Despite everything, you are still loved by many."
Manyamë regarded Orneth with a sad glance, asking hesitantly, "Whom have you brought with you?" Her gaze fixed on Giril, with a trace of curiosity. Orneth cast a tender smile at Giril before turning back to Manyamë. "This is my friend, Giril. Her partner and betrothed was Haldanáre. Do you remember him? She is here because his home used to be Himring." Manyamë's complexion slightly paled, and her expression grew more guarded. Her voice barely a whisper, she spoke, "You speak as if he is no longer with us." Orneth paused, her eyes filled with sorrow as they lowered. "He perished in an assault," she said quietly. Manyamë's eyes widened with pain. Orneth took a moment before she offered softly, "We don't have to dwell on the past. We don't even need to talk at all. I simply wanted to let you know that I have missed you, Manyamë. And there are many in your family who still hold love for you, regardless of everything. If you feel uncomfortable, we will not intrude upon your home." Manyamë looked at Orneth tenderly, a smile forming on her lips. "How could I possibly refuse you, Orneth? Your kind heart does not burden me." Orneth returned Manyamë's smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I understand what you have endured, Manyamë. I have read your diaries and spoken with Naerchanar."
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Naerchanar suddenly appeared behind them, holding a bow and a fishing rod. He was accompanied by his friend, whom they had already met, the skilled hunter Oldaer. A young child stood beside them, casting curious glances and occasionally seeking refuge behind Oldaer's cloak. Naerchanar called out, "Lady Orneth?" Orneth turned towards him, responding with a smile. "It seems we have arrived sooner than expected. I should have given you better notice." Naerchanar's gaze briefly lingered on Orneth before shifting to Manyamë, who still appeared pale and withdrawn. With a graceful gesture, Naerchanar approached Manyamë, his eyes filled with concern. "My dearest, are you feeling alright?" Manyamë looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Yes, I'm fine," she whispered. "It's just overwhelming." Meanwhile, the young child waved at Orneth. Orneth smiled at him and said, "Allow me to introduce ourselves. This is Lady Giril, with her fiery red hair, and I am Lady Orneth, with my golden locks." Oldaer quickly responded, "And this is Thandir, my nephew. His parents are no longer with us." Thandir bowed deeply, his eyes sparkling with admiration, and said, "It's an honor to meet you both. You're both so beautiful!" Giril chuckled at Thandir's innocent compliment, while Oldaer spoke up in a soft, embarrassed tone. "Thandir, perhaps you should tend to the lambs?" With a grin, Thandir scampered off, leaving the elven women behind.
Naerchanar regarded the two maidens with a pensive gaze, pausing to collect his thoughts before speaking. "Though Lady Manyamë may find your arrival a bit daunting, please know that you are most welcome here," he expressed with a warm and reassuring tone. "Perhaps we can converse more in the light of the morning, when the sun has risen. We do have a guestroom in the house and a small room in the small storagehouse next to the lighthouse." Orneth nodded gratefully, her eyes surveying the frosty surroundings. The frigid air penetrated her bones, and she couldn't help but notice Giril's shivering form and bluish lips. Orneth said, "You go inside the house Giril. I can go to the small storagehouse. Naerchanar also observed Giril's condition and reached for a key to offer to Orneth. "This key unlocks the small house. You will find a bed and blankets there awaiting your arrival." Orneth's gaze shifted toward the towering beacon, and her weariness was palpable. Her cheeks had turned numb from the cold, and she yearned for the comforting warmth of a fire. "Thank you kindly, Naerchanar," she expressed with gratitude. Then Manyamë took Orneth's hand, her expression softening. "You are always welcome here, Orneth," she spoke with gentleness. "It's just that…it's just that it was difficult to see you again." Orneth's heart clenched as she met Manyamë's deep grey eyes. Suddenly, she saw Falchon through Manyamë's eyes, and the flood of emotions was overwhelming. then Manyamë turned her gaze to Giril and reached for her hand, "Haldanáre was a remarkable soul, when the sea has calmed once more, we can journey out on the boat and approach Himring as close as possible. You will see the lands where he grew up," she shared with a glint of compassion in her eyes. Giril was overcome with emotion, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Lady Manyamë," she murmured softly.
After a small conversation and breaking the ice, the group broke up and Orneth then walked towards the storagehouse by the lighthouse.
All pictures are AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E
