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07. Longing



S.A 500

Orneth's charming little shop brought immense joy to children who adored her exquisite, handcrafted wooden figures. Lady Lanyarë's natural grace and kind aura were like a magnet that drew the children to her. Lady Alcarinien's expertise in tea-leaves, tree-barks, and herbs made the trio a formidable team. They were a tight-knit group of elleth who cared for each other and contributed to their modest income.

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As the sun began to set, the trio closed the shop for the day. Orneth, in particular, relished this time of day. She would venture to the docks, where she sat captivated by the enchanting sunset before her. The warm and vibrant hues of the sky reflected like a pristine mirror on the still waters. Orneth meditated, seeking to discover her inner voice and her true purpose in life. This ritual was Orneth's way of training her willpower to gain clarity about herself, her needs, and her inherent value.

With each passing day, Orneth's thoughts drifted to the vast and fabled history of the eldar. She thought about Beleriand, the ancient land lost and buried beneath the great sea. Her thoughts turned to her mother, father, and Naerchanar, offering a prayer for their peaceful souls. The sunset and the waters held secrets and memories of an entire civilization, and Orneth could feel their weight and significance.

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Orneth was lost in thought, thinking of Marilo. As time passed, she finally understood that she was in love with him. The words of Feawing woke her up from a long trance, which had lasted for many years. Orneth had kept her feelings for Marilo hidden, despite feeling overwhelmed with emotions she couldn't express. But why had she held back for so long? Orneth knew the answer to that question all too well. The situation was impossible. Marilo saw her as a sister, and even if that wasn't the case, Mannamo would never approve of a union between a Sindar and Marilo.

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Her mind then turned to Mantaro and the Alcarinien, a Healer who hailed from the Nandor. Yet again, Mannamo's disapproval was a roadblock, and Orneth was convinced that Mantaro had kept their relationship a secret for that very reason. The thought of hiding such a wonderful, respected lady was a travesty, and it made Orneth's heart ache.

She continued to ponder, trying to fathom why Mannamo was so resistant to the idea of his family mingling with other races. Perhaps it was fear of the unknown, or maybe he simply wanted to keep his own bloodline pure and undiluted. Whatever the reason, Orneth could feel the frustration bubbling inside her. Why should love be confined by race or ethnicity? Wasn't it the most powerful force in the universe, capable of breaking down barriers and bringing people together?

 

Her thoughts wandered to Manyamë, her dearest friend and sister, who had disappeared without a word. Orneth couldn't help but wonder where she had gone and what she was searching for. Who had captured her attention so completely, drawing her away from the safety of their home in Mithlond? As Orneth pondered, a mysterious figure cloaked in shadow came to mind. She had seen them lurking about Manyamë, always hidden in the shadows of their hood. Orneth couldn't help but wonder who this stranger was and what their intentions were. Her heart raced at the thought of uncovering the truth, even as her mind warned her of the dangers that may lie ahead.

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Suddenly, as Orneth delved deeper into her thoughts and the effects of the meditation took more control, a strange flash of images appeared. Orneth found herself in a scene where she could see herself before her, with someone standing in front of her: the same figure she had seen before, dressed in a blue cloak. Somehow, Orneth saw herself in a boathouse, trying to escape from him. Fear filled her heart as she watched herself fall into the darkness. Orneth took a deep breath to come to her senses again. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she wondered why this vision had appeared when she thought about the mysterious stranger. Was it a warning, or just her imagination? Orneth had never had such vivid visions before, and she was left wondering why they had appeared now and what they could mean.

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