S.A 2057
That fateful night, Orneth slept soundly, undisturbed by troubling dreams. As the first light of dawn crept over the hills, she awoke feeling content and at peace. When she turned her gaze to Raynamo, she couldn't help but regard him with deep affection. Raynamo's eyes radiated warmth as he spoke, "It is time for us to part ways, fair maiden. You have been a delightful companion. However, duty calls, and I must continue on my path." Orneth smiled wistfully, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she would likely never see him again. He had been a source of comfort and kindness. As Orneth and Raynamo traversed the hills, making their way towards the towering structure of the Tower Hills, a sense of wonder and amazement filled her. The imposing structure loomed above them, casting a vast shadow over the expansive land below. In an unexpected moment, Orneth experienced a vision of several white towers replacing the current structure, their spires reaching towards the heavens. Perplexed by the sudden vision, she turned to Raynamo and asked in a hushed voice, "Were there ever white towers here?" Her voice barely above a whisper. Raynamo looked at her thoughtfully, his gaze softening as he replied, "No, fair maiden. The Tower Hills have always stood as you see them now." Orneth nodded, understanding that her vision likely held significance for the future. However, she chose not to dwell on it further, keeping her thoughts to herself.
As they reached the road that led to the Havens, Raynamo gracefully dismounted his horse. Orneth followed suit, and he immediately took her hands with a warm smile. Orneth felt immense gratitude towards him, knowing he had left an indelible impression on her. "I cannot express how thankful I am, Raynamo. I wish you all the best," Orneth spoke sincerely, her voice barely above a whisper. Raynamo gently pulled her closer, embracing her while whispering in her ear. "You owe me nothing, my fair lady. Your well wishes are more than enough." The resemblance between Raynamo and Falchon intensified Orneth's feelings of vulnerability, leading her to imagine things that were beyond her grasp. She pressed her lips to his cheek before stepping back and mounting her horse. Surprisingly, Raynamo's expression reflected a sense of happiness as he bid her farewell. "Stay safe, Lady Orneth," he said with a nod and a wink before turning and trotting away. Orneth watched him ride until he became a mere speck on the horizon.
The journey back to Mithlond was peaceful, and Orneth's heart swelled with excitement as she caught sight of the boats lined up by the pier. Although there were no white ships in sight, she was greeted by familiar faces of many Eldar bustling about their daily tasks. Orneth quickly found a helpful hand to assist her and boarded another fisherboat. As the vessel prepared to set sail, Orneth sat at the front, gazing back at the road she had traveled. She narrowed her eyes, allowing the chill wind to play with her golden hair. In the distance, she caught sight of the Tower Hills and the gray tower standing tall among them. Was that a black spot in the distance? Could it be Raynamo, watching her from afar?
As the gentle sea carried Orneth into the pier at Côf Lingwimo, she couldn't help but take in the beauty of her surroundings. Yet, something felt off - darker and gloomier than usual. Even the hard-working shipworkers and fishermen seemed to have a sadness lurking in their eyes. As she walked, some of them bowed their heads politely, recognizing Orneth and acknowledging her presence. She took the small road home, leading to the lighthouse. As she walked, her excitement grew, eager to embrace Falchiel in her arms and spin around, just as she loved. As she approached the fields and lightdown, her eyes scanned the entire landscape from east to west, taking in the beauty of her home. The sky was a dull grey and rain had just begun to pour as Orneth ran up the small hill towards Naerchanar and Manyamë's old house. It was now hers, and she was glad to have a normal house instead of the lighthouse. She looked inside, half-expecting to see Demdor and Falchiel, but they were not there. She quickly prepared the fireplace, needing warmth and light to chase away the cold and darkness. Suddenly, she heard the door open, and an overwhelming love filled her to the core. It was Falchiel and Demdor!
"Mother!" Falchiel cried out in joy and ran towards Orneth. Orneth laughed as tears of joy filled her eyes. "My little princess," she embraced Falchiel tightly, "I will never leave you again, never again!" Demdor, standing in the background, spoke up, "Lady Orneth, we expected you sooner. We were a little worried." Orneth looked up, gazing into his beautiful eyes, "Dearest Demdor, I will explain later. Some events caused a slight delay. I have missed you so much, and I did everything I could to come back as quickly as possible. Has Falchiel been good?" Demdor smiled, "Very much so. She has been assisting me with my work, and mind you, she wanted to. She is very clever and remembers all the flowers and plants in the area." Orneth smiled and stroked Falchiel's back as she laughed and played. "I don't know what I would have done without you, Demdor," Orneth whispered. He smiled, "She is my goddaughter. It's my responsibility to take care of her when you're not around." She felt a deep tenderness towards him, realizing how much she cared for him. He wasn't her father, yet he sought to be one. He laughed, "Actually, Lady Giril and I have had a few arguments. She wanted to take care of her as well." Orneth was touched by their kindness. There was no doubt that Falchiel was loved and cherished by all who knew her.
Falchiel then exclaimed, "Mother, Demdor and I encountered a peculiar stranger earlier." Orneth's eyes widened with curiosity. "A stranger? How intriguing!" Falchiel chuckled and reassured her, "Don't worry, Mother. He was quite kind. He even gifted me a beautiful bracelet." Orneth glanced at Demdor and then back to Falchiel, her interest piqued. "A bracelet? From whom?" Falchiel extended her small hand, revealing a stunning golden bracelet adorned with green beryl stones.
Demdor interjected, "She's referring to Falchon." Orneth's heart skipped a beat, and she stared at Demdor in disbelief. "What are you saying? Is he truly here?" Demdor confirmed her suspicions, "He arrived three days after you departed. He's taking a break from his duties." Orneth felt her stomach churn, and it felt as if her lungs were deprived of air. Demdor quickly knelt down and directed his attention to Falchiel, "It's time for bed, little princess. You and your mother can catch up tomorrow." Orneth embraced Falchiel tightly before she ran towards Demdor, who scooped her up in his arms and spun her around. She giggled with delight. Demdor then turned to Orneth, his gaze steady. "He is in the lighthouse, Orneth. He has been asking for you."
Picture AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E
