Kitty
· 27 February 2008
· Chapter 22: Diversions and Ambuscades
Would you be surprised that I'm with Irmo and Nienna in this? I don't care about time - it seems cruel to force Námo to remember this trauma too soon, and I think it is true that it will only drive him further away. Poor guy - I am glad he feels at least comfortable around Oromë, though it was heartbreaking when he asked what Orom&eml; planned to do with him.
Well, the new attack was to be expected *sigh* I am glad this time nothing too bad happened and rescue arrived so soon. And I am glad Námo took it rather well - or at least it seems so. But that he reacted not only with fear, but with anger as well, seems the first step to recovery to me.
Author's reply
Usually the first step in recovery of abuse of any kind is finally saying "No!" to the abuser. Námo is beginning to take charge of his own healing now and I think he will be able to face his memories of Melkor with less fear, as long as the other Ayanumuz remain supportive and don't push too hard.
Lindale
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 6: Interlude On a Nameless Planet
>>With a sigh he wondered if Manwë had ever felt this stupid with Varda.
I love the idea of the Aura surrounding the valar, it's a really good idea.
Not enough people write storys about the time before the Elves.
I really, really like the list of Maia at the end, it is very useful!
Thank You.
Lindale
Author's reply
Actually, I don't know of any stories written about the Valar before the Coming of the Elves, which is why I thought it was a story that should be told. I'm glad you are enjoying this tale. The idea of the aurae just seems logical to me seeing as how these are not corporeal beings but beings of pure energy, each resonating on a slightly different frequency which would be as unique a signature for them as fingerprints, voiceprints and retinae would be for us.
The Character list was requested by many of my readers in order to keep track of whose Máyar were whose. I find it helpful myself in keeping all the characters straight in my own mind as I'm writing this story (and others where the Valar and Maiar are major characters). *grin*
Kitty
· 20 February 2008
· Chapter 21: Disappointment
Poor Námo. That was another rather traumatic experience for him! But Oromë was very nice, and I hope this trust and friendship will be enough for Námo to get through this. He needs help just now, I think. Particularly after what he overheard ... :-(
Author's reply
Námo still has a ways to go before he's completely healed and Oromë has been with him every step of the way. I think the two of them are very good for one another.
Larner
· 18 February 2008
· Chapter 21: Disappointment
An interesting interlude as he begins facing the memories of Melkor's malice and treachery. And now he has a worthy distraction. I doubt that Orome is all that hapless, myself, but am glad he found a valid reason to involve Namo.
Author's reply
Occupational therapy for wayward Ayanuz as Rhyselle put it. *grin* I'm sure Oromë isn't that hapless either but at least he's gotten Námo out of his self-pity and that's all that matters.
Imhiriel
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 21: Disappointment
I like the fact that you showed us the end of the race only through recapitulation; somehow, it's seems more funny to imagine it from what we learn indirectly.
Námo being at last confronted with what happened - very tense and gripping and moving - his panic and the tumult of emotions and memories and sensations was evoked very well. I felt pity for him for having to endure it, and in my mind, I kept encouraging him, "You can do it, you are strong..." *g*
I find it very interesting that you develop such a strong bond between Námo and Oromë. I like it, also because their "domains" - and therefore, presumably, also their temperaments - seem so different from each other. Is there something in canon that gave you the idea for this? I'm really curious how this will play out in the further course of the story; and of course right now especially how and with what Oromë needs Nàmo's input.
Author's reply
There is nothing in canon about any of the Valar and their relationships to one another except in the vagues of terms. What I've developed between Námo and Oromë has come from my own imaginings and the dynampics of this tale. And you know what they say about opposites attract. Námo and Oromë are very different in character and tempermentand perhaps that's why they are creating such a close bond with one another.
I'm afraid that Námo will take some time to face the memories of his encounters with Melkor, but at least he will not have to face them alone.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
scarletdragon
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 21: Disappointment
Mae Govannen! I love this story. It's really interesting to see the Valar in their younger days, growing up and making mistakes. Please update soon. Also, Glorfindel and Finrod keep nagging me to ask you when you plan to write the sequel to 'Elf Interuppted'. Could you be kind and post the first chapter of the sequel, so-
Glorfindel'Yes. I like being in stories. Hurry up with the new one!'
Finrod' I agree with Glorfi! Also, you left us in the middle of nowhere at the end of the last story, and we want to know what's going on!'
SHUT UP YOU TWO! Sorry about that Fiondil, see what I have to put up with? Back to what I was saying before I was so rudely interupp-
Glorfindel and Finrod' FIONDIL HURRY UP WITH THE NEXT STORY!'
I have now gone scarlet with embarassment(thanks very much you two, now I'm too embarassed to continue this review) Fiondil, please show some pity for me and do as they ask so they'll leave me alone! If not, may the Valar have mercy on my soul, and I'll see you in Mandos-
Glorfindel'Yes because if you don't write my new story I will lock you in a room with Tinwetariel and Ingoldo for a century, and they will bore you to death!'
Finrod' Or they will drive you to insanity and you will abandon your hroa and flee to Namo, whichever happens first!'
ARRGH! I'm going to flee to Namo in a minute! Fiondil I'm begging you. Help. Please. Namarie mellon nin.
Author's reply
Well, as it happens the first chapters have been written but nothing will be posted until later in March as I need to finish up some other things first, so you just need to be patient. Tell Finda and Glorfy to put a sock in it or I'll leave them in limbo indefintely. That should shut them up. *grin*
Edlyn
· 14 February 2008
· Chapter 21: Disappointment
Oh, my. Poor Námo.
I should have more to say about this chapter in my review than I do but I'm having a very hard time finding the words that say everything I want to say. The closest I can come is that I can (unfortunately) commiserate/sympathise with our favourite Vala and thank goodness Oromë was there with love and hugs. Námo's reaction to facing the memory was so much like the reactions of Glorfindel and Finrod when they were Judged in the Mahanaxar in your "Elf, Interrupted" story that it really shook me. Seeing Námo like this after seeing him in the other story has been interesting and sometimes adorable but this time it was very frightening--especially with the reactions of his family. It read like an intervention gone bad. I hate to say it, but many of his family sounded downright callous (though that might well have been due to panic at his unexpected reaction) when he freaked out. You made me actually cry though, when Oromë told Námo that he already had Námo's fealty because he'd given him his trust (and if that isn't what fealty is, I don't know what is!).
And there's nothing like a little occupational therapy after an emotional overload to help bring you back to some sense of equilibrium. I always choose to play music or painting, Námo and Oromë work on planets--perfectly understandable in my opinion.
I look forward to what your muse sends you next on this story, meldonya.
Edlyn
Author's reply
You made me actually cry though, when Oromë told Námo that he already had Námo's fealty because he'd given him his trust (and if that isn't what fealty is, I don't know what is!).
My beta said the same thing about fealty and trust. *grin*
Setbacks are inevitable and unfortunately many of the Ayanumuz don't quite get it, which is understandable because none of them have ever had to deal with this sort of situation before. I suspect that some, if not all, of them expected Námo to remember what he was supposed to remember and then go on his merry way. Oromë seems to have caught on to the fact that Atar never expected Námo to remember immediately but that this was just the first step towards Námo's full recovery of his memories concerning his confrontations with Melkor. Hopefully, the next time won't be such a shock for him.
Occupational Therapy for Ayanumuz... forget basketweaving... go make a planet or two. LOL Thanks for reviewing.
Nieriel Raina
· 13 February 2008
· Chapter 21: Disappointment
Ah, time to start facing the memories. Setbacks were inevitable, I'd say. Poor Namo. I hope he will soon begin to heal more and draw strength from those who would help him. Oromë really shone in this chapter. I really enjoyed seeing him in this and the ending had me grinning.
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, NiRi. Setbacks are indeed inevitable, as is true with any type of healing. Námo thinks that this setback means that he's failed everyone including Atar somehow, but that's not really true, as Oromë points out. I am liking Oromë more and more and am enjoying seeing where his and Námo's deep friendship, beyond being fellow Ayanumuz and Máhanumaz, got it's start.
Radbooks
· 12 February 2008
· Chapter 21: Disappointment
Are you trying to make me cry? Well, it worked. Poor Namo, he's in such pain and doesn't see any way out of it. He has to face it, but it's such a scary thing even when surrounded by those who love you. I'm sure forcing him to face it will be a good thing in the long run, even if the others don't think so right now. Atar is never wrong! :)
Author's reply
Sorry to make you cry... that wasn't my intent, though I had a few tears myself as I was writing this chapter. *grin*
Námo does have a lot of pain to deal with and more healing, but I think Oromë especially will help him there. And, you're right... Atar is never wrong *grin*.
Radbooks
· 6 February 2008
· Chapter 20: Designing Worlds
Very enjoyable chapter. It's interesting how the relationships... the most important things of all, are the last things Namo remembers clearly. I suppose it's because that's where the wounds are the deepest and thus take the longest to heal. Vaire is so very patient! Of course if she wasn't, she wouldn't be the right woman, er, Vala for him. :)
I loved the two of them sitting around idly talking about what they wanted their planet to look like. And Vaire's question was so perfect... what reflects their own joy about the coming of the children. That is a neat way to think of the planet and how it should look.
It was also interesting that Orome didn't incarnate very often... I hadn't picked that up before, but I suppose there wasn't really much reason for him to do so in the past.
I hope you're enjoying yourself... I think I read that the Lunar New Year is tomorrow, so I'm sure everyone is really celebrating over there! :)
Author's reply
Yes, I imagine the very personal things dealing with relationships would be the hardest to recall and the last simply because of the threat of wounding that defines any relationship. I think Vairë is showing herself the Valië that she will become as Námo's helpmeet and support. Being the Lord of Mandos will be difficut however joyfully he embraces the role and her presence, patience and understanding will be important to him (though right now he doesn't realize this).
I don't think any of the Valar at this point incarnate all that often and not for very long. Námo would be the only one to have been in hröa for any length of time and that was forced upon him. That's why Oromë is so surprised that Námo incarnates on that particular planet. That he is able to do so for a positive reason speaks much to the extent of his healing.
The fireworks are loud and nearly constant. The stores and restaurants are closing early today and I've stocked up as much as I can because they will all be closed for much of the rest of the week. Hopefully, I won't starve before some of them reopen. Frankly, the whole thing is a drag, but at least I've got my writing to keep me occupied and plenty of munchies. *grin* Thanks for reviewing.
Kitty
· 3 February 2008
· Chapter 20: Designing Worlds
Varda complaining about Manwë’s star core collection left me snickering. Rather an unique collection, as it are *real* stars! And the Ayanumuz playing with snowballs the size of mountains ... it is nearly unimaginable, but it makes one remember how powerful they truly are.
Glad the nermir left a good enough impression on Námo that he now wants to revisit this world to meet them. To me it seems a step more in the direction of healing.
And of course, I love him planning the star with Vairë ;-)
And now I finally have catched up! :-)
Author's reply
Actually it was Yavanna comnplaining about Aule's star core collection. *grin*
I think the nermir will play an important role in Namo's healing, though to what degree or in what manner I have yet to discover.
And now that you've caught up... don't fall behind. LOL Thanks for reviewing. Glad you're enjoying this story.
Kitty
· 3 February 2008
· Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun
Loved Námo’s reaction to the flat model *grin* Though I felt sorry for Vána and Nessa!
Hm, setting up sort of a Discworld to distract Melkor and to get the time and peace to construct another one? Not a bad idea. I hope it works.
The planning for this new world was interesting, even if the technical details go rather over my head. It’s fascinating to see them playing with whole stars and planets and black holes!
Author's reply
I tried to keep the technical stuff as low-key as possible without insulting my eaders' intelligence (some of whom have way more knowledge about these things than I do). Hopefully, though, I've not made it so technical as to lose readers either. An uneasy balacing act when writing this kind of story.
As to how or if the flat Atharaphelun works as a diversion... we'll find out soon enough.
Agape4Gondor
· 2 February 2008
· Chapter 18: Redeeming the Oath
Somehow I've missed the last few chapters... but at the moment am battling another interminable cold! Drat... therefore I will just say here that I am glad that healing is really beginnning - for all. Great last chapters.
Author's reply
Well, at least you found them eventually and I'm glad you enjoyed them. I hope your cold gets better soon.
Rhyselle
· 1 February 2008
· Chapter 20: Designing Worlds
I really enjoyed this chapter. The description of the snowball game that Namo was playing with Irmo and Orome was fun. And I enjoyed Vaire's stammering when she got up the nerve to ask Namo if he'd like to work on a world with her.
The whole bit about Namo remembering his relationships with the other Ayanumuz was heartbreaking. He's slowly healing but there's so much that still needs to be repaired. Irmo and Orome were the first ones to play with him when they found him, if I recall correctly, so I can see why he'd be more comfortable with them. I look forward to the time when he's able to regain the closeness he had with Manwe. I rather liked the mental image of Namo blushing when he realized that he'd gotten distracted by Vaire. :)
The description of the different worlds that the different Ayanumuz are creating was interesting, and I was amused at Vaire and Namo's reactions to the varied ideas. Their conversation gave us more insight as to the personalities of each of the Valar as well.
When they started talking about the world they would build, a thought popped into my head that seems so obvious in hindsight, although it surprised me while I was reading. Namo and Vaire are going to make the fifth planet--and Morgoth is going to target it and destroy it--making the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. While Morgoth hates Manwe, I think that he really wants revenge on Namo for escaping him, and wants to hurt the future Lord of Mandos for rejecting him.
When Namo disappeared after talking to Vaire about the nermir, I thought "oops!" I was more surprised by Orome's reaction to being in hroa than I was about where Namo went and that he was in bodily form. That Orome would pick up on the scents of the distant forest even over the sensory input of where he was physically located really intrigued me--and seemed so appropriate given one of his future titles. :)
[Oromë stood there stunned for a moment. "Wait," he called to the retreating Námo, "I thought we were going to disincarnate first."
Námo turned around and stopped, hands on hips, his expression one of amazement. "Well, what’s the fun of that?"]
I just loved this little sequence. We see a bit of regression--he's definitely reacting in a more childlike manner here, but, thankfully, there's no traumatic reaction to being where all the horrible stuff began.
And there it happened again, Namo falling asleep in his tracks like a toddler who had worn himself out in play. *grin* Obviously, Atar has His reasons for these things, even if we readers don't really have an explanation for why it happens to him. I like it that he fell asleep with a smile this time.
Gosh, I've used the words "I like" so much this time around! LOL! I'll summarize and say that I loved the whole thing and each chapter is better than the last. Looking forward to what happens next!
Author's reply
Namo and Vaire are going to make the fifth planet--and Morgoth is going to target it and destroy it--making the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Ah... you've given away the plot! LOL Well, maybe not entirely. Don't be too complacent... things aren't always what they seem.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter, though. A lot of stuff going on in it, but the important thing is that Námo is indeed healing, though he's not there yet. Thanks for reviewing. You know how much I love long reviews. LOL
I really enjoyed this chapter. I look forward to seeing more of Namo and Vaire together, though I'm dreading the eventual confrontation Namo needs to have with Melkor before he will ever find complete healing.
Sorry this is such a short review. Real Life is not cooperative at the moment.
NiRi
Author's reply
That's okay, NiRi, I know there's a lot going on with you. I'm glad you were able to take the time to let me know how much you enjoyed this chapter. The inevitable confrontation with Melkor will be coming soon (but not too soon). I think we're all dreading it, but it will be necessary.
lyncarol333
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 20: Designing Worlds
Hi
I just so love this fic, and the way you write the Valar.
Especially Námo, and his wicked sense of humor.
Thanks for the update
Lyn
(Who was never really interested in the Valar until she started reading Fiondil's fics)
Author's reply
Thanks Lyn. I'm glad you are enjoying this story and that you are finding the Valar really interesting, especially Námo. *grin*
Kitty
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 18: Redeeming the Oath
"I fear that our younger brother must eventually face Melkor again or he will never be free of our Fallen Brother’s hold on him." I fear Varda is right, though I don’t like it much *sigh*
Ah, good. Now everyone has his own Mayar back, and the ceremony itself helped Námo to remember a bit more about his past. He’s truly on the way to recovery. And I think it helps to know that Vairë’s Mayar loved him, too. It was very nicely done, btw.
Author's reply
Another confrontation between Melkor and Námo is inevitable and it's debatable how Námo will handle it.
The ceremony of redemption has gone a long way to helping Námo to heal. And thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it.
Kitty
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 17: Adjustments
Manwë’s way to deal with Námo is bordering on blackmailing, and I can’t say I am happy with that. And the threat to put him among the Mayar in front of his own people seemed rather humilating *glares at the Eldest* The reaction of Námo’s Mayar was nicer! (Why do I feel so protective of Námo just now, I wonder?)
That was a nasty setback for Námo *sigh* The way the memory was triggered and the consequences reminds me of the Reborn and their problems. Another similarity. And now he will feel terribly bad for hurting his brother and Mayar.
Author's reply
Manwë's way of dealing with Námo does border on emotional blackmail, but sometimes that sort of wake-up call is needed and the fact that it happens in front of witnesses (Námo's Máyar) makes it even more potent. I don't think Manwë is very happy with his role as the "bad guy" here, but sometimes a leader has to play that role to ensure everyone toes the line.
Setbacks are to be expected, but even setbacks are a form of healing because in this case it forced Námo to confront memories he doesn't want to face or think he cannot face. Setbacks, while no fun, do force the issue and help him to move forward.
Larner
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 20: Designing Worlds
So nice to see that this time the reason for going to the planet was to again be part of beauty rather than to flee the horrible memories. Now the good memories are drawing him.
Now, to remember that he loves Varie!
And I wonder if I'll ever master Sindarin, Quenya, and so on. At times it appears I do well to converse in English! Heh!
Author's reply
Námo may not yet associate the butterfly planet (for lack of a better name) as the place of his torment, remembering only the butterflies and how he felt being amongst them. That being said, the good memories are beginning to surface, so hopefully it won't be too long before he remembers his feelings for Vairë. *grin*
Kitty
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Námo's Homecoming
Manwë’s way to convince Námo to return with him was not the gentlest one, wasn’t it?
Well, it worked, and Námo’s first meeting with the others went rather well, considering how he still feels. And the playing seems to help to relieve the stress, too. I was glad the others gave the Mayar an idea what had happened, so they will be more understanding.
Oh, and thank you for clearing up the regent/gerent question. Another new word learned – I had never seen it before, and the dictionary was useless.
Author's reply
Sometimes tough love is the only way to go.
And you're welcome. I know that the word Tolkien uses is not commonly known and people get confused. I would normally just use regent myself, but I thought it more appropriate to use the term that Tolkien himself uses in referring to Manwë.
Imhiriel
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 20: Designing Worlds
Námo shrugged as he threw a dirty snowball the size of a small mountain at Irmo.
Hee! Just imagine, if they were a little more "ambitious", and would throw something like the Mount Everest among the group - the mind reels...
"And any that do," Manwë had said once the barriers had been set, "we will know to keep a closer eye on them."
A question, because I'm often unsure about this grammatical construction: Could you also delete "them", and the sentence would still make sense?
even going so far as to create a crystal sphere in which to encase the false star system.
Yippieh! Celestial spheres!
"Perhaps when it comes time for the Children’s star to be brought forth Vána will let Arien assist you,"
Oh, that's a lovely idea, that Arien being allowed to guide the sun will partly be an apology for deceiving her now. She has always struck me as very conscientious, and it must have hurt her that her diligence had been used in this way.
A wonderful description how Oromë is entranced by the scents of nature.
A good sign that Námo can now return to the planet of his torture, and concentrate on the beautiful things he's seen there. I do hope that should they not find the butterflies again, he will not experience a setback out of disappointment...
Author's reply
Well, I'm sure if they wanted to they could play with an Everest-sized mountain, but I suspect they just grabbed the first likely snowball they could find to play with. *grin*
As for your question about the grammar, I suspect you're right though my beta, who is very good with grammar, didn't call me on it. I've gone back and forth on the question myself, but I think technically "them" isn't needed as you could rephrase the sentence: "We will know to keep a closer eye on any that do." So I think I will edit this sentence. Thanks for point this out.
Celestial spheres!
Well, of course! What's a flat world without one? LOL
I had to go back and double-check to whom Arien belongs. My first instinct is to say she belongs to the People of Varda, but according to the Silmarillion she actually belongs to Vána, so I had to comme up with a reason why she might have been associated with the Sun.
Whether they find the butterflies or not, I'm sure Námo will not suffer too much disappointment or suffer a setback... but then, they haven't finished their race, so we'll have to wait and see. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing.
Kitty
· 29 January 2008
· Chapter 15: Convincing Námo
Ah, I’m glad Námo is able to laugh again! And he’s right, they should keep this new dimension to themselves to keep Melkor away. I don’t even want to think about what he would do.
Now I am beginning to see how this experience is influencing Námo so many years later as the Lord of Mandos and his care for the ones who have died. He’s learning first-hand how to deal with these traumatised fëas.
On a side note: and my vice-gerent did confuse me, as I couldn’t find any translation. Should that be ‚vice-regent’?
Author's reply
Yes, Námo is beginning to learn what his role as Lord of Mandos will entail first hand, having been a traumatized fëa, himself. This will help him be more effective as Lord of the Dead.
vice-gerent has the same meaning as vice-regent. I used this particular variant because that is the word Tolkien himself uses in reference to Manwë in one of his late essays, Ósanwë-kenta.
Author Reply: Check my response to Larner's comments below to see the quotation from which this word is taken.
Kitty
· 29 January 2008
· Chapter 14: Deep Structures of Pain and Terror
I’m supposed to refer to her as She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named from now on? *lol* Reminds me of Voldemort. Oh, as I said before, I’d have some rather fitting names for her. Though I’m not sure Námo could translate them correctly ;-)
Now I don’t know if I should be amused or better feel sorry for all of them – Námo for still being so confused and traumatised, the others for having to put up with his rather unpredictable behaviour.
Author's reply
When Vairë insisted no one mention Acairis' name in her presence, I just couldn't resist and I definitely had the Harry Potter series in mind when I wrote Námo's response. LOL
This is a trying time for them all, Námo trying to recover from his trauma, and the others trying to come to terms with what happened and trying to understand why Námo is acting the way he is. It's both amusing and sad, so both reactions are appropriate.
Kitty
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 13: Playing in the Tenth Dimension
Now I have a better idea why Námo is so understanding when one of the Children runs away in later times. He did the same, after all, while he was so distressed.
And it was fun to watch Vairë, first when they searched for Námo and then when he decided to play with her!
Author's reply
None of them, Námo especially, realize that this is all "rehearsal" for the real thing when the Children finally show up. *LOL* Námo of course has regressed as a coping mechanism and the other Ayanumuz are learning to deal with it, though I'm sure most of them are feeliing a bit bemused by it all.
Kitty
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 12: Finding Námo
Why do I get the feeling I know where you got the chapter title from? *grin*
Very fitting!
This has to be very distressing for Irmo; it’s difficult for him to understand why Námo fled even from his rescuers, particularly as he doesn’t know what Námo went through.
‚Totally pissed off’? Well, that’s not an expression I’d expected from the Valar, but it seems rather fitting here!
I’m so glad Eru took care of Námo; I don’t want to think about how this would turn out otherwise. Somehow I doubt Manwë and the others would have been able to calm him down so fast.
Author's reply
I just couldn't resist the title, though I never saw the movie. *grin* I think it was very distressing for them all, not understanding why Námo fled from them when they were trying to rescue him. They little understand that they would not have been able to help Námo, they would have done everything wrong, not knowing what they should be doing. Námo going to Atar was the only real solution. From Atar Námo will learn how best to deal with the damaged fëar under his care once he becomes the Lord of Mandos in truth.