S.A 2053
As late spring approached, Falchon received a summons to return to the army. Orneth had expected this news, yet a deep sadness still settled in her heart. On the day of his departure, they walked side by side, the silence between them heavy with unspoken emotions. In a quiet show of support, Orneth carried one of Falchon’s bags. “Falchon, promise me you’ll take care,” she pleaded, her voice laced with worry. Falchon turned to her with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, my dear. I won’t falter just yet.” Gathering her courage, Orneth looked up at the trees surrounding them, trying to find the right words for the question that had been weighing on her mind. “When you return, will you come back here?” she asked softly, her voice filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Falchon stopped and turned to her, his gaze warm and steady. “Of course, Orneth. This place brings me peace. It feels like a home to me now—though I still struggle to connect with my mother. She tries, but some wounds from the past never fully heal. Still, my feelings for her run deep, just as they do for you.” A spark of joy blossomed in Orneth’s heart at his candid words, a rare and treasured moment of openness. Encouraged by his honesty, she pressed on, her voice uncertain but determined. “We haven’t really talked about us—our relationship. These past months have brought us closer, but I can also feel a growing distance between us. I suppose I just need to know where you stand.” Her words lingered in the air, raw with vulnerability and a longing for clarity.
Falchon’s smile softened, and he paused to gather his thoughts. “It’s hard for me to find the right words, Orneth. I do care for you deeply, but as we’ve discussed, my obligations keep me from getting too close. My duty to the fields and the oath I swore make things complicated.” Orneth nodded quietly, her gaze dropping to the ground as she felt Falchon’s eyes studying her. In a softer voice, he added, “You mean so much to me, Orneth. The nights we’ve spent together are some of the most beautiful moments of my life.”
Emotion swelled within Orneth, and tears pricked her eyes. She understood that their time together was fleeting, and the weight of his impending departure pressed heavily on her heart. Yet she held tightly to the precious memories they had shared, knowing how rare they were—and how final they might feel.
As she lifted her gaze to meet his, a sorrowful expression shadowed her face. Falchon noticed the sadness in her eyes, and after a moment, he gently reached out, brushing her cheek with his hand in a comforting gesture. “Don’t lose hope, Orneth. We will meet again,” he said softly, his voice calm and his smile filled with tender reassurance.
As the realization sank in, Orneth was overcome with the thought that this could potentially be their final encounter. Being a soldier came at a price, despite the honor and nobility associated with it. She averted her gaze, her body trembling with a mixture of emotions. "I wish circumstances were different, Falchon. As much as I respect your chosen path and the oath you have sworn, my heart and soul yearn for you to stay by my side," she confessed, her voice quivering with raw sentiment. Falchon's eyes filled with sorrow as he addressed Orneth's plea. "I once pledged my loyalty to Gil-Galad," he explained. "My commitment lies with the army, regardless of the challenges. I am proud to bear the emblem of the King of Noldor, and I will fight for our lands and the well-being of this world, offering aid wherever I am needed. My place is on the front lines, and there is always the possibility that I may not return. But if I should fall, I will do so with a sense of pride, knowing that I made a difference for the free people of Middle-Earth." He looked deeply into Orneth's eyes and gently took her hand. "I do not have much of a life beyond this," he confessed. "My father still pursues me, and I am grappling with old emotions and haunting memories from the past." His voice carried a weight of solemnity.
Orneth gazed up at Falchon, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know, Falchon. I have witnessed your nightmares and observed the change in your demeanor when in the presence of your mother. I can see the pain that still resides within you. I can sense the lingering hatred you carry for your father. I have delved into your past through your mother's diaries and our quest to find Manyamë. And despite all of that, I believe you have chosen the right path, one that may gradually heal you and keep you safe, even if it means the possibility of falling in battle." As they ventured deeper into the forest, Orneth noticed the flickering rays of sunlight breaking through the dense canopy, indicating their proximity to the small harbor village and the awaiting boats. She continued, "I made a conscious effort to keep my distance from you, Falchon, although I know you may not appreciate hearing it. There is something truly remarkable about you. You possess a steadfast loyalty to the army, and your character exudes righteousness and kindness. You have taken care of me, and I have felt your presence even in your absence. I understand what you are trying to accomplish." Suddenly, Orneth pulled Falchon closer to her and looked into his eyes. "I've tried to resist my feelings for you every day, but I cannot deny it any longer. I love you deeply. Perhaps you may not see it within yourself, but it is true. My truth is my truth, and what I feel is real," she confessed with unwavering honesty and sincerity.
Falchon's expression grew solemn and he spoke with a pale countenance, "Orneth, I now understand. Your purity and sincerity shine through in all your actions." Orneth met his gaze and offered a comforting smile, "There's no need for you to say anything, Falchon. I am sharing my feelings with you not because I expect anything in return, but because it's important for you to know how deeply you are loved before you face the perils of battle. The thought of loneliness can be daunting, and I hope this knowledge brings you solace during challenging times." Falchon lowered his head, lost in contemplation. Unfortunately, his response did not match Orneth's hopes. It became evident that he did not share the same feelings for her. He had never expressed his love for her, leaving her uncertain about where his heart truly belonged. Although it pained her, she accepted this truth. Resolving to remain strong, she decided to change the topic. Reaching out to hold his hand once more, she said, "Before you depart, I have a small gift for you." Falchon's eyes held a hint of sadness, but Orneth summoned her brightest smile, knowing it would lift his spirits. With a slight tension in her demeanor, she handed him a piece of paper wrapped in white cloth and tied with a delicate silk lace. "Here you go," she said gently.
Falchon glanced down at the paper in his hands, a perplexed expression crossing his face. "What is this?" Orneth chuckled softly, her voice filled with warmth. "Remember when I mentioned writing down all my dreams about you? Well, I took those pages out of my diary. You can read them whenever you find yourself alone, miles away from here. Perhaps they will bring you some comfort." Falchon's attempt to conceal a smile was noticeable, and Orneth couldn't help but notice it. "Is that so?" he replied, his curiosity piqued. Orneth nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction in changing the subject. "Indeed, it is." There was a moment of silence as Falchon stood there, his gaze fixed upon Orneth with a tender intensity. She could feel the depth of his emotions through his eyes and knew that he was touched by her gesture. "There are so many things I wish to express to you, Orneth," he spoke softly, his words tinged with a sense of urgency. "But time is short, and the ship will soon depart." Orneth offered him a gentle smile, doing her best to maintain her composure despite the overwhelming rush of emotions within her. His presence had a way of stirring her like no other. "It's alright, Falchon. Go and fulfill your mission to save the world," she reassured him. "I am immensely proud of you." Falchon's expression turned desperate, his words faltering as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. In response, Orneth reached out to him, enveloping him in a warm embrace and whispered softly into his ear. "Don't worry, Falchon. You don't owe me anything. Just promise to write to me from time to time, wherever you may be. That's all I ask."
He then embraced her tightly and kissed her cheek. His arms were tense around her as he struggled to let go of her. He then sighed and pulled away, Falchon gently plucked a few strands of Orneth's golden hair, his eyes fixed upon her with a pained expression. "My Orneth. I need a memory of you," he murmured. Orneth blushed, feeling her heart flutter at his words. He smiled, clearly affected by the intensity of the moment. He then took out his journal and quickly peeked over some pages, before he ripped out some papers. "Well. It is just some scribblings. Look at it later. Farewell, beautiful," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "Farewell, soldier," Orneth replied, her eyes fixed upon him as he lingered for a moment, taking in every detail of her appearance.
She felt a rush of heat spread through her body as he looked at her with such intensity, before turning to walk away in haste. Orneth watched him go, her vision blurred with tears as she struggled to come to terms with the weight of her own emotions.
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