The Wars of the Valar by Fiondil
Larner · 26 July 2008 · Chapter 34: Trials and (Atar’s) Tribulations
One of Eru's little surprises, then"? Heh! A bit headstrong, then? And come at just the right moment. And love that what motivated him most was the idea of countering Melkor's dissonance.
Author's reply
Apparently. You know how Atar likes his surprises. *lol* You gotta love Tulkas... what you see is what you get. Thanks for reading.
Beruthiels Cat · 26 July 2008 · Chapter 34: Trials and (Atar’s) Tribulations
Once again rendered almost speechless with the many layers of meaning here... Hopeful, sad, serious with appropriate splashes of humor, altogether beautiful. Painted with the entire palette of emotions, this is one of your best yet. Hope readers will take time to see beneath the surface... Cat
Author's reply
Hi Cat. Rendered speechless, you? I find that hard to believe. *lol* There are a lot of emotions packed into this one chapter I grant you. Thanks for thinking this is my best yet. And I hope people take time to see beneath the surface too. They'll have three or more weeks in which to do so before I am able to update again. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kitty · 26 July 2008 · Chapter 34: Trials and (Atar’s) Tribulations
Well, it is not easy for these three Mayar who defied Námo out of love to Manwë to have to serve Námo instead for a while, but all in all, I think the punishment isn’t too harsh. And he will treat them gentle, no doubt. Obviously at least Olórin continued to serve him at least from time to time until he departed for Endorë. *ROFL* Varda and Oromë arguing about the (non-)rescue like children blaming each other for breaking their mother’s favourite vase was hilarious! As for Tulkas ... well, he was quite the prankster in the Timeless Halls, no doubt. But I can see why things there were becoming too sedate for his taste and why he wanted to go to Eä. I was touched how upset he was that Melkor didn’t play fair and that he at once rushed to Atar and wanted him to take action and finally did it himself. He may be a prankster, but he has a heart of gold, no doubt. Have a good and save journey – I look forward to hearing from you again. And thank you for *not* ending this with a cliffhanger!
Author's reply
Thanks, Kitty. I'm glad you liked this chapter. The three Máyar will do well enough with Námo and his Máyar and Olórin I think will benefit the most. I thought Varda and Oromë's argument over who was doing the rescuing was fun. Varda is not the staid Star-Queen here. She's very independent and let's everyone know about it. Tulkas I see as someone who's heart is in the right place but definitely needs an outlet for his enthusiasms. Arda will give him that especially with the Elves. *grin* As it turns out none of me stories end with a cliffhanger this time so people need not be hanging by their fingernails waiting for the next update. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
eiluj · 26 July 2008 · Chapter 34: Trials and (Atar’s) Tribulations
Scary to think what the history of Eä would have been without Eönwë and Olórin on the right side. "He had a sudden vision of himself sitting amidst a ring of thrones and Manwë asking the same question" -- Melkor's trial, perhaps? I loved the glimpse into the Timeless Halls. Young Tulkas was entirely believable in terms of his later development. Though he still seems *very* young.... Psst: in the previous chapter, Phanainithil's name had an accent.
Author's reply
Thanks for the head's up on Phanaínithil's name. I didn't see the accent. *grin* I have no idea whose trial Námo was seeing. It could very well have been Melkor's or Fëanor's or who knows. I think Tulkas was much younger than the other Ayanumuz who entered into Eä and of course he did not have the 'growing up' experiences they had in combatting Melkor. However, keep in mind that when we meet him in, say, "Elf, Interrupted", over 33,000 solar years have passed since he first arrived in Eä -- more than enough time for even Tulkas to mature. *grin*
6336 · 25 July 2008 · Chapter 34: Trials and (Atar’s) Tribulations
It is hard to keep a high spirited child gainfully occupied, Atar has tried to keep Tulkas busy but he just has too much energy! (Wish I had some of it!) Maybe helping to defend the Little Kingdom is what he needs! Namo and Vaire will take good care of Manwe's Mair and return them when they have learned their lessons. That's a long train ride hope you have plenty to keep you occupied, do they have internet connection on board? More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Tulkas is definitely high-spirited and I think the Timeless Halls were just too staid for him. He'll do better in Eä and I don't think he will ever regret coming. While I won't have internet connection on the train, I'll have plenty of time for writing out new chapters for all my stories while watching the scenery go by. I will most likely have internet connection at my hotels but I will only be answering emails and such. I won't be posting new chapters until I get to Germany, my ultimate destination.
Kaylee · 25 July 2008 · Chapter 34: Trials and (Atar’s) Tribulations
Ah, so that's how Tulkas got to leave the Timeless Halls! *snicker* He got into so much trouble that not a few Mayar were glad to see him go, I expect. Well...you know what I mean, meldonya. And as for Eonwe, Fionwe and Olorin...well, I know Namo and Maranwe will treat them gently. I just hope the others do too! *huggles them* But they did deserve it, for disobeying Namo. Happy travels, meldonya! I'll miss you!! ~Kaylee! *praying for your safe trip and safe return to us*
Author's reply
Tulkas needed an outlet for his energy and I think the Timeless Halls were too staid for him. I think he will do better in Eä. As for the Máyar... well we know that they were returned to Manwë in good order and they obviously learned their lesson. Thanks for your prayers. I appreciate them.
Sunny · 18 July 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
I wonder what would be the Ayanuz version of putting frogs in one’s sister’s bed? Teleporting stuff across dimensions? Reducing (or increasing) gravity in selected areas? Reversing the second law of thermodynamics in a selected area? Putting up a trigger which, when an Ayanuz or Máya triggered it with her/his presence (s)he would be doused with the Ayanuz version of a bucket of, oh, icy water? Plaster? Tar and feathers? Fish guts? I can just see the other Ayanumuz scurrying to keep Tulkas from getting bored…
Author's reply
LOL! So can I, although I can also see one or two of the younger Ayanumuz egging Tulkas on and giving him ideas. I'll have to keep these in mind for the future. *grin*
Sunny · 17 July 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
I now sort of wonder if the reason Tulkas was permitted to enter Eã was that he is as big a prankster (in his own way) as are the Elrondionnath and Glorfindel (in certain fics, that is). It shall be interesting to read about the reasons - although the bit about Tulkas getting bored seems to be a sort of a sort of an indicator...
Author's reply
I can see Tulkas being something of a prankster if he gets bored enough and decides to 'liven things up'. *grin* As to what reason he gave Atar for leaving the Timeless Halls... that will be revealed in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Kitty · 17 July 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
Ah, so Atar did sent Tulkas – or so ... ;-) And he gave quite the show, didn’t he? Throwing the Urushigasaz around like toys and deciding the battle more or less all by himself – wow! And obviously enjoying himself immensely. Very quick-witted of Námo to use the short distraction Tulkas’ appearance caused among Melkor’s troops to free Manwë. And he pulled quite a ‚Wrath of Mandos’ on Eönwë, Fionwë and Olórin. Impressing. Well, he was right to stop them from succumbing to this dark temptation, but I have to admit that I thought it was understandable and even honourable that these three Mayar wanted to hunt down the ones who had hurt their Master. Though if at all, it should not been done in this mood. "You should have let me finish him off!" she screamed at the younger Ayanuz, who appeared equally outraged. "I was rescuing you, you ungrateful...." "Oromë!" Ulmo shouted and the other Ayanuz stuttered to a halt, though it was obvious that he was still angry. "I don’t need rescuing you interfering little...." "Varda, that’s enough!" ROOOFL! That was hilarious! Poor kidnapped Varda wasn’t very grateful to poor Oromë, wasn’t she? Anyway, I look forward to know how Tulkas ... um ... convinced Atar to allow him to go and play, and how Varda was rescued against her will ;)
Author's reply
Tulkas reminds me of an oversized puppy who doesn't know its own strength playing. *grin* Námo, of course, knew full-well that for the Máyar to go after the enemy in the mood they were in would not have been a good thing, hence the "Wrath-of-Mandos" bit (even before Mandos was built). The interplay between Varda and Oromë, of course, was too funny not to include and hopefully we'll get the full story out of them in the next chapter along with Tulkas' story. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Nieriel Raina · 16 July 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
Perfect!!!
Author's reply
Glad you agree.
Larner · 16 July 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
Ah, so this missing Vala has finally arrived, eh? About bloody time! And it was just the right time, too, for our laughing wrestler to arrive. Welcome!
Author's reply
Well, what Gandalf says about wizards is probably true about the Valar: they're never early or late but always on time. lol
Edlyn · 16 July 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
Hurrah! Tulkas has finally showed up! The Laughing Vala indeed! I loved the imagery of him juggling the two Úmáyar and the asteroid. And oh my, Namo in all his Wrath (shiver)... Not something I want ot even think too much about actually... Eönwë, Fionwë and Olórin were really upset weren't they? I wouldn't have thought of Eönwë losing it like that given the way he acts in Elf: Interrupted but then again he is still fairly young at this point in time isn't he? The three Máyar remind me of certain elves--Glorfindel, Finrod and Laurendil immediatey came ot mind. A wonderfully exciting chapter. I look forward to seeing how Manwë deals with the errant Máyar and hearing Tulkas' story (if the Ayanumuz decide to let us simple mortals know what happened, that is). Bravo, meldonya! Eru bless, Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, Eönwë and the other two Máyar are still young as such things go and so they are reacting appropriately I think. And of course they have the dubious honor of being the very first to experience a "Wrath-of-Mandos" lecture from Námo. lol We'll see in the next chapter what song-and-dance routine Tulkas pulled on Atar to convince Him to let him go play. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kaylee · 16 July 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
TULKAS!!!!!!!!!! Of course, I should have thought of Tulkas, but I tended to forget he wasn't there from the start, lol. It's good to see Tulkas join in the...ah, 'fun', as he calls it, meldonya. *wry grin* Now to hear Orome and Varda's tale, and Tulkas'...I admit I am most interested to hear the story of the "Laughing Vala" (the Vala, not the inn whose story you already told *GRIN*) and what took him so long! In fact...I don't know if this is going to make sense. But... He strikes me almost as a mirror of Melkor...or his "good" counterpart. They seem to both like 'playing' with their enemies *wry look* I wish I could have seen Tulkas *juggling* those Umayar and that asteroid. In fact, that was one of the funniest things in the chapter to me. Indeed he was presently juggling two of the Úmáyar along with a minor asteroid that had strayed too close to the planet, flinging them one at a time towards the black hole sitting in the center of the system. One of the Úmáyar managed to think himself away in time; the other was not so lucky. Neither was the asteroid. The poor asteroid. Namarie, Kaylee!
Author's reply
Yes, poor asteroid indeed! lol! Anyway, I think your analysis of Tulkas is very interesting. Tulkas is "innocence and courage" combined and so has no fear, certainly not of Melkor. And of course evil hates to be laughed at, which is why Melkor finally flees. We'll find out how he convinced Atar (as if Atar actually needs any convincing *grin*) to let him leave the Timeless Halls in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Tari · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 9: Rescue Run
With the Valar, etc. being in different places, how does Eönwë know where to appear with his book of oaths? He makes me chuckle. Namo got himself into a real mess this time. It will be interesting to see who rescues him and how. Melkor is the kings of snakes. He must have really done a number on Acairis. She has no idea how doomed she is.
Author's reply
And four years later, I finally answer this, Tari. Sorry about that. I'm not sure why I missed this the first time and I bet you're going to be surprised to see this response and go "huh?" *grin* Anyway, to answer your question about Eönwë (a good one, btw), he apparently 'knows' when an oath is about to be given, so that is why he appears here as he does. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Tari · 9 July 2008 · Chapter 7: Melyanna
So Námo likes to make order out of chaos does he. I should have him straighten out my house for me. I have too much to do and not enough time to do it in. So, there really is such a thing as Brown Dwarves. At first I thought it was just a take on Aule’s dwarves, but of course they hadn’t been created yet so that would be impossible. Tari
Author's reply
I don't think Námo makes housecalls. *lol* I have tried to keep the science (or at least the astronomy) as accurate as possible, so yes, brown dwarves do indeed exist.
Tari · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 6: Interlude On a Nameless Planet
Námo is able to see beauty in anything, even a desert. I like that. And then there is Vairë. It seems she is beginning to openly weave her web around Námo. Given the fact that they can send thoughts to each other, I find myself wondering if she knows what he is thinking. He seems to be just as insecure as the Second Born males. Tari P.S. Where can I find the Wordlists and dictionary you mentioned in your previous reply?
Author's reply
The Ayanumuz are still 'young' yet... more like precocious teenagers, so naturally Námo is going to be as insecure as any male of that age. *grin* You can find the Wordlists by going to "Resources" here on SoA. Don't click on the Ardalambion link as that's a dead link. Instead, click on the elvish/gwaith link (the first one) and go to Ardalambion that way. DragonFlame you can just google for.
Nieriel Raina · 3 July 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
My dogs think I'm nuts for shouting "YES" aloud there at the end. WOOHOO and so comes Tulkas, I'm supposing. *big doofey grin* Not that that means rescue would be simple or easy. *bites fingernails* Between you and Le Rouret, I'm destined to have ragged nails! What an exciting and horrifying chapter! I had a bad feeling from the start, and I'm not sure if Orome and Namo's private councils are all that good. It just 'feels' wrong somehow. Maybe I'm paranoid. I anxiously await what happens next! *looks concerned, yet still smiling*
Author's reply
This was a pivotal chapter in the story. The Silmarillion does state that Melkor did get the upperhand over the Valar at this point and I thought about how that might have happened since Tolkien offers us no specific details. Figuured losing both Manwë and Varda would be a devasting blow to the other Ayanumuz. Glad you found the chapter both exciting and horrifying. That's the reaction I was hoping for. I think Manwë underestimated Melkor's ability to smell a trap; he was a bit flashy about it. And I don't think even Námo and Oromë expected Varda to be kidnapped. That thre everyone for a loop and made it possible for Melkor to capture Manwë instead of the other way around. And we'll see what happens to everyone in the next chapter. Thankd for reviewing. I really appreciate it, but I refuse to accept responsibility for your fingernails. lol
eiluj · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
I was expecting an Evil Cliffie, but instead you left us with a Puzzle! I spose Radbooks is right about its being Tulkas ... scrambling the balance of power and introducing the unexpected quality that the Good Guys obviously didn't have enough of. Of course, I'm sure it was difficult for the Good Guys to surprise Melkor as often as they needed to (in order to defeat him), given the Maiar who were spying on them from inside their ranks. I'd always assumed Tulkas arrived much later, but clearly this immediate situation is such a disaster Atar felt the need to do something to tip the balance before the situation became irreversible....
Author's reply
When there are spies in the ranks, and the Silmarillion specifically states this, then it is difficult to surprise your enemy. How much later do you think it should be before Tulkas arrives? According to Tolkien's timeline found in some of his other writings which form the background for the Silmarillion, the Valar fought against Melkor for 1500 Valian Years (14,370 solar years) once Arda ittself was created before Tulkas made his entrance. I would think that would be late enough. *grin*
Kitty · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
Námo is right, I think – Manwë underestimated Melkor. And in my opinion, he was much too obvious. To call for Melkor in this way seems stupid to me; smells too much of what it was – a diversion to set up a trap. No wonder Melkor didn’t fall for that and attacked Varda instead ... Is Atar now about to intervene now, I wonder? But honestly, Fiondil – did anyone ever tell you that you don’t need so many cliffhangers to keep your fans reading? I think I’m developing a cliffhanger allergy O:-)
Author's reply
Manwë is a bit flashy here and a bit too obvious, but then, he's not as sneaky as Námo and Oromë are. *grin* So, obviously, Melkor doesn't fall for it and, as you say, goes after Varda when all eyes (so to speak) are on Manwë. Well, this really isn't a cliffhanger so much as it's a little puzzle for you to figure out before I post the next chapter where we will find out who is doing the laughing. But I'm glad you're enjoying it anyway. *grin*
Larner · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
And does Atar himself at last intervene? Oh, but Melkor wishes to be what he constitutionally cannot achieve, and Manwe is not precisely sacrificing himself so much as being the bait so that one greater than his brothers and sisters can deal with the situation. Ah, Sauron--already they begin to recognize you for what you truly are and will be.
Author's reply
As to who is intervening... that will be revealed in the next chapter which will be coming along fairly soon. Yes, Sauron is already beginning to show his true colors though it will be some time (according to the Silmarillion) before he defects for real.
Radbooks · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
Oh, yay, Tulkas to the rescue! :) All of the Valar are going to be in for quite the shock when he shows up - I'm not sure they're prepared for anything quite like him. I knew he had to be coming along pretty soon. I just hope that he's able to save Varda before she's hurt too badly. Looking forward to see how he 'introduces' himself to everyone.
Author's reply
I'm sure they knew Tulkas when they were all in the Timeless Halls together, but then, maybe not. *grin* Anyway, we'll find out next chapter who's doing the laughing and why.
Kaylee · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
Oh, no...no, no...Meldonya!!! Manwë! and Varda!!!!! especially Varda...*hugs her* What's going to happen to them now???? And where's that laughter coming from????? ~Kaylee!!
Author's reply
Well, as to where the laughter is coming from... we'll learn soon enough.
Ces · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
Ohhhh, you're as bad as Melkor leaving us hanging that way! And Melkor's over confidence will be his downfall, as it usually is with most baddies. And I don't think he's yet learned one very important lesson. Never underestimate women in battle! I hope the next chapter is being written so as not to keep us in suspense too long?! Ces
Author's reply
*Grin* Oh... I'm not THAT bad, am I? Melkor's overconfidence will indeed by his downfall eventually. The next chapter will be along soon enough, never fear. Thanks for reviewing.
Tari · 25 June 2008 · Chapter 5: Collision Course
Somehow I don’t think Ilúvatar will allow Melkor to destroy the home he has planned for his other children. Melkor should know better. The Valar have been given the knowledge necessary to thwart any evil he tries to foist upon them. This was an absolutely fascinating chapter. It boggled my mind
Author's reply
Naturally not, but that is not to say that Atar won't allow the Valar to be tested by Melkor's machinations. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. It is rather mind boggling, isn't it? *grin*
Imhiriel · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 29: Meneldë, Tambë Cemendë
Do I understand this correctly that you draw a connection between the course of the battle (and how it effects the nine planets) and the actual facts and properties of our solar system? Unbeknown to Námo, Vairë was having a similar conversation with two of her own Máyar, While I was reading about Námo's request to his Máyar, I was thinking to myself, "I can even imagine that Vairë has the same idea..." - and lo and behold! I am proved right. Had me laughing out loud! Although, like the other reviewers, I also immediately thought "balrogs" at reading "beings of pure nuclear fire", I wonder if it could not also be dragons, especially in light of your revelation of the Chinese tale you were thinking of.
Author's reply
Yes, I tried to come up with a reason why the solar system looks the way it does today based on the war between Melkor and the Valar when Earth is just being formed. Hmm... never thought about the dragons... now I have to come up with how they came into being. *goes back to list of things to write about in 'Wars' *grin**