S.A 2057
That night, Orneth found herself trapped in the clutches of haunting dreams once again. She was transported to a forest ablaze, where heavy mist hung in the air. Through the trees, she sprinted, her senses heightened and her heart pounding in her chest. She felt hunted, pursued relentlessly by a shadowy figure. Orneth knew she must keep running if she wanted to survive. She was the object of his insatiable hunger, a prey he would not cease pursuing until he caught her. She had to escape, to find any means to outrun the encroaching shadow. Every passing moment brought him closer, his breath hot on her neck, his hands resembling sharp claws reaching out for her. Terror consumed her, her heart racing faster than ever. In that instant, she even wished for death to spare her from being captured by this unknown predator. Suddenly, his cold touch gripped her, and his desire intensified. She collapsed to the ground like a helpless creature, utterly lost and defeated. Her scream pierced the silence, echoing through the haunting woods.
Abruptly, Orneth awoke, disoriented and confused, realizing the woods were real. Then, a worried voice called out to her. "Lady Orneth, are you alright?" As Orneth regained consciousness, she slowly surveyed her surroundings and found herself locking eyes with Ranyamo. There was a strange warmth emanating from him, touching Orneth in a way she couldn't quite explain. It was the complete opposite of the cold stranger in her dreams, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for this gentle soul. Instinctively, Orneth placed her hands around Ranyamo's neck. He responded by wrapping his arms around her, gently stroking her back. In a calm and tender voice, he asked, "Orneth, you just had a bad dream. Rest now," as he pulled back and met her tear-filled eyes with compassion. She said, "I'm truly sorry, Ranyamo. Recent events have taken a toll on me. This isn't how I usually behave." Ranyamo briefly looked away before responding, "Tomorrow at dawn, I'll escort you to the road. I'm sure you must be missing your daughter terribly, and there are likely unresolved matters causing these nightmares." As he stood up and tucked her in with a blanket, he added, "I'll keep watch and ensure your safety. Tomorrow, I promise, will be a better day." He walked away and settled on a stone further off. Orneth followed him with her eyes, and for a brief moment, she glimpsed traces of Falchon in Ranyamo. She knew it was a delusion, but he bore some resemblance to her lost love. The ache of missing him weighed heavily on her heart.
As the first rays of dawn pierced through the sky, Orneth savored the sensation of dewdrops tickling her skin and the moist blades of grass beneath her feet. Her eyes fixed on the horizon as she witnessed the sun's ascent, carrying the promise of a beautiful day. The sweet sound of her horse Tae's happy neigh caught her attention, and as she turned, she saw Raynamo tenderly brushing the horse. With the horses ready, Raynamo took the reins and approached Orneth. "I assume you're eager to depart. Fear not, I have prepared your horse, and I shall accompany you to the road." Before Orneth could respond, Raynamo effortlessly lifted her and placed her on Tae's back. Orneth embraced the unexpected gesture and eagerly anticipated her return home to her daughter and friends. Her mission at the havens had been accomplished. As Raynamo mounted his horse, he called out, "Lady Orneth, follow me. I will lead you down the Great West Road." Upon reaching their destination, Raynamo lingered by the roadside, observing Orneth as she prepared to leave. "I've packed some provisions for you, including your axes – your instruments of death," he teased, mischief glinting in his eyes. Orneth couldn't help but laugh. "Thank you once again, Raynamo. I hope you will remember me fondly. Yesterday's events are a little out of my nature." Raynamo replied, "Oh, I won't forget you, Lady Orneth. I will remember your madness, but above all, your beauty." Orneth looked away, feeling a hint of flustered delight.
As Orneth prepared to depart, Raynamo’s demeanor suddenly shifted. “Orneth, wait. Follow me, but do not look back.” He dismounted and motioned for her to do the same. After patting his horse, it galloped off, with Tae following closely behind. Orneth was confused by his sudden change in behavior, but before she could ask, Raynamo took her hands and quickly guided her behind a large stone. They crouched there, both watching the road in silence, their breaths held. Orneth followed his gaze and spotted a group of riders emerging in the distance. Their vibrant clothing stood out against the earthy tones of the landscape. “Brigands,” Raynamo whispered, his voice low and tense. “Robbers and thieves, I’d wager. Outlaws and lost souls. A gang of men. You find them everywhere in Eriador, especially in these parts.”
He handed Orneth a dagger with a blue haft and readied his bow, his sharp gaze fixed on the approaching riders. Orneth watched anxiously as the men drew nearer, their suspicious glances into the trees making her heart race with fear. Did they see us? She took in their rough, worn appearance and the tattered soldier’s clothing they wore. She couldn’t recall ever seeing men who looked so weary and ragged before. Raynamo motioned for her to follow as he shifted further behind the rock, keeping away from the road. After a moment, he turned back to her and gestured for her to stay put. “Wait here. I need to think,” he said quietly but firmly. A wave of unease washed over Orneth as she watched the brigands slowly fade into the distance.
He turned to her and spoke softly. "Other watchers and hunters will come to take over my watch soon. I'm heading westward anyway, so follow me. We'll stay off the road for now." Orneth tightly clutched the dagger; she didn't like the look of those brigands at all. It was pure luck that Raynamo had spotted them before they noticed him. As they made their way toward the camp, he turned to her. "I'm sorry, Lady Orneth. The roads and lands have become increasingly unsafe lately. There seem to be more disruptions and danger roaming freely. Fearless outlaws and bandits have no respect for those who own the lands. It's no wonder that both the armies of Gil-Galad and the King of Númenor, Tar-Atanamir, have become more active than ever. The mighty leaders and nobles in Eriador have also formed alliances for safety," he explained with sincerity in his voice. "There are towers used as outposts in the woods near the Havens. I will escort you there so you can continue your journey alone and stay safe," he continued. Orneth felt a deep sense of gratitude toward him.
"Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you," she insisted. Raynamo responded quickly, "Just don't kill me with your axe, that's all I ask." They shared a laugh, and Orneth felt a sense of relief at his playful nature. "You are gentle and kind, Lady Orneth. I hope those close to you treat you as you deserve," he said before they left in another direction.
Picture AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E
