S.A 2057
As they journeyed onward, the pace was rather slow. Orneth couldn't help but conclude that Raynamo was cautious and highly aware of their surroundings. Despite this, she didn't question him at all. She felt deeply grateful that he had offered to accompany her to safety, even though she knew she could have easily outmaneuvered the brigands on her horse, Tae. A part of her delighted in his company; he was a gentle soul who treated her with immense respect. This was something she was not accustomed to, as many had forgotten how to honor elven women properly. Raynamo carried an air of chivalry about him, much like Lord Mannamo, who treated Lady Lanyarë like a precious gem.
Suddenly, Raynamo turned to Orneth and explained, "You may be wondering why I am riding so slowly. I am simply being cautious and vigilant. I promise to pick up the pace soon." Orneth smiled, feeling as if Raynamo had read her mind. "Do not worry. I rather enjoy exploring the surroundings. I have never been here before." Raynamo returned her smile and said, "This is part of the Lone-Lands realm, but we will soon approach more familiar lands, or at least lands that should be familiar to you." He looked up at the sky and suggested, "Perhaps we should set up camp and rest our horses. We can complete the final leg of the journey tomorrow." Orneth glanced at Raynamo, not entirely certain why they needed to camp when they were so close to the outpost. However, Raynamo reassured her, saying, "We are very close, Lady Orneth. I simply want to ensure our complete safety."
Eventually, they settled down along the coastline. Orneth could see the outpost in the distance, shaped like a tall grey tower atop a hill. Beyond it, the great west road stretched out into the Lindon realm. Raynamo prepared the fire and cooked some food, while Orneth spread out the blankets on the ground. As she gazed out at the sea, it seemed to blend seamlessly with the yellow evening sky, evoking a profound sense of tranquility within her. She longed to see Falchiel soon, but her thoughts couldn't help but wander to Demdor and Giril. She knew they wouldn't be worried yet, despite taking a slight detour.
As they settled down to eat, Raynamo fixed his gaze upon Orneth with a gentle smile. "I must confess something," he began, capturing her attention. "I have truly enjoyed your company, Orneth. You not only interest me, but you also seem to be fearless, yet someone who seeks answers."
Orneth warmly returned his smile, sensing his sincerity. "Perhaps being a little lost is a better way to describe who I am. It is true that I'm always seeking answers and the truth. For years, I have searched for friends. For years, I have wondered what truly happened to my family. For years, I have pondered why I'm drawn to those who carry the heaviest burdens. I have lost many people in my life, and there are numerous questions that surround their circumstances. All of this has made me feel a little lost, and I tend to find myself in difficult situations. When it comes to being fearless, I don't know if I am. I simply follow my heart, which has led me to solitude in the woods. Perhaps I don't feel much fear in the woods. I am accustomed to being alone, and nature has always been a close companion. Seeking solace in the woods has brought me great comfort," she replied. "I lost my entire family in Doriath. Since then, I have been alone, except for the kindness of Lord Mannamo's family, who embraced me as one of their own during my time by Sirion. However, most of them have journeyed to Aman by now."
Raynamo regarded Orneth thoughtfully. "Is your greatest fear to be alone?" he asked, genuinely curious. After a moment of reflection, Orneth answered uncertainly, "I'm not sure. I have Falchiel and friends who care for me in Côf Lingwimo." Raynamo's expression revealed his surprise. "Côf Lingwimo?" he repeated, "Isn't that a secluded haven of reclusive old Noldorians who prefer solitude? A place known for its fishermen and traders, located far north in Forlindon? What on earth is a lady of your kind doing there?!" Orneth couldn't help but laugh at the shock on his face. "Well," she explained, "I was searching for my best friend who had been gone for a long time. I finally found her there, just before she left Middle-earth."
Raynamo gazed at Orneth with fondness and uttered words that made her heart flutter, "You are extraordinary, Orneth." The compliment sent a tingle down her spine as she felt his charm enveloping her. Despite her vulnerability, she trusted him completely. His eyes conveyed kindness and gentleness, making her feel safe in his company. She responded softly, "Thank you. But I assure you, there is nothing extraordinary about me. I was simply there for my friend Manyamë." She cast her eyes dreamily towards the vast expanse of the sea, lost in thought. Raynamo's eyes sparkled with interest. "Manyamë, a beautiful name. It means 'elleth who blesses,' doesn't it? She is a Noldor, I assume?" Orneth nodded, "Yes, she was the daughter of the family I lived with for many years. She has departed this world and is on her way to the Undying Lands." Raynamo mused and appeared thoughtful. "I understand."
Orneth sensed that there was something more Raynamo wanted to share. She probed, "How about you, Raynamo? I have a feeling that you're also searching for someone. You mentioned not wanting to leave loved ones behind." Raynamo's gaze shifted towards the sea, and his voice softened, "Yes, that's correct. I have a son whom I haven't spoken to in years. I don't even know where he is, let alone where to begin looking for him." His eyes betrayed deep sadness and longing. Orneth's heart ached for him, and she asked, "And what about his mother?" Raynamo's eyes dimmed, "She's gone. She passed away years ago." His voice trailed off, consumed by grief. Orneth's heart reached out to him, and she felt an irresistible urge to hold him close. She moved closer and tenderly touched his hand. He leaned in, burying his head on her neck, gasping for air. The depth of his sadness was palpable. "I don't want to burden you," he whispered. Orneth reassured him, "It's not a burden, Raynamo. I'm here for you." He shook his head, his gaze drifting away from her. "Someone took her away from me." Orneth's heart sank, and a lump formed in her throat. She asked gently, "Was she killed?"
Raynamo's eyes radiated pure anguish, and Orneth felt a pang of hurt in her chest. He replied quietly, "Let us not dwell on sad matters, shall we?" Orneth nodded, understanding the depth of his pain and respecting his need for privacy. She agreed with a gentle expression, her eyes filled with understanding. He looked at her, defeated and downtrodden. Taking her hand, he spoke in a soft voice, "Lady Orneth, I trust you. Despite the troubles that have befallen you, there is a loveliness and purity about you that I cannot help but admire. Even when your screams and the glint of your axe startle me, you remain a vision of grace." Orneth met his gaze, feeling a sense of shame for her past behavior. "I apologize for my actions," she said softly. "It is not in my character to behave in such a manner." He nodded sympathetically, "I understand. But please, tell me about your dreams. What troubles you?"
Orneth took a deep breath and began to speak, "Sometimes I have visions. I do not always understand their meaning. Once, when I finally found Manyamë after years of searching, I had visions that were later confirmed in her diary. She had been assaulted. Strangely, I now keep dreaming about the same events, but instead of her, it is me who is being chased." Raynamo looked at her with a serious expression, "Sharing a vision can be dangerous. It is not an easy thing to reverse." Orneth looked at him, puzzled. "Sharing a vision? Do you believe that is possible?" He nodded and replied, "It is indeed possible. We carry the light of the Eldar within us. We are born with insights, and some of us can see events that we have never been a part of or never will be. Sometimes, we glimpse things when we connect deeply with another soul. In your case, you saw certain events through your friend's eyes," he continued, "but it can cause more harm than good. It can blur the lines between reality and memory, making it feel as if you have experienced those events or will experience them. However, this is not entirely true." He looked away, lost in thought. "Regardless, there are those who seek to forget such memories, regardless of the cost. I have aided them in the past." Orneth's curiosity piqued, "How do you help them?"
"It is a matter of suppressing them. I have the tools to help, but it is up to the person to do the work. It requires strength and a strong mind." She watched him as he spoke, imagining that he could help heal the pain she carried within her. She was afraid of falling asleep, dreading the nightmares that would surely follow. She looked at him, silently pleading for his help. He seemed to sense her thoughts and looked out at the ocean before speaking. "Lady Orneth, I would like to help you. But know that there is no guarantee that you will be healed. Sometimes nothing changes, and the visions and memories will still be there." He looked at her, his eyes filled with warmth and kindness. "Trust is necessary, and it requires time. We don't have that privilege now."
All pictures are AI-generated from Microsoft Bing DALL·E
