Larner
· 12 December 2007
· Chapter 16: Námo's Homecoming
The healing continues; and he is realizing being left ALONE isn't the best thing--certainly isn't all that comfortable.
Glad he can play, and love the search for the perfect star for a bed. Excellent.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Yes, being ALONE is not a good thing for Námo right now, hence Manwë's ultimatum. Námo's emotional state is at this moment pretty iffy, serious one minute, playful the next and no one know's which way he'll jump. T thought him jumping from one star to the next looking for a good place to bed down rather funny, myself. I can just see the looks of exasperation and bemusement on the faces of the Máyar. *grin*
Edlyn
· 12 December 2007
· Chapter 16: Námo's Homecoming
Good morning, meldonya!
This was a wonderful chapter! Everything was so very right with it, especially the way we got to see the other Ayanumuz and Máyar's reactions to the changes in Námo's personality. And I couldn't help but smile at Varda telling himthat she missed him, for himself and for his advice and counsel.
I applauded Maranwë's kneeling and welcoming Námo back. It was the perfect response. I could tell how hard this was for everyone, Námo in having to take the step to come back, his family nnd the Máyar, wanting to welcome him home but not certain of how to do so without traumtizing him further and the confusion of the Máyar when they saw the results of someone being so horribly abused and violated for the first time.
It's ovious that not only is Námo learning (in the hardest way) what will be needed when the Eldar come to Mandos for healing (having experience as your teacher really sucks sometimes) but now Irmo is learning how to deal with a soul who is putting himself back together which will be the foundation of his work in Lórien.
Why do I get the mental image of a five-year old black-haired elfling waffling between which toy to sleep with when I read the last part? (grin).
Seriously, I know from sad experience that sometimes regression is the easiest coping mechanism to use when a person is hurt. Sometimes the responsibilities of life get to be too much to deal with along with the trauma and going back to a time (even temporarily) when one had far fewer, if any, responsibilities make it easier to get through each day. Even making a simple decision can be almost impossible at those times.
I know that Námo will eventually recover but it will take time. I look forward to seeing how he handles things. I am also wondering how long it will take before he can refer to Melkor by anything other than "he". I'm suspecting that once he can actually say he name (even with anger and disgust) he will be mostly healed.
A wonderful job as always. Take care!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. I'm glad you think I did everything right in the chapter. *grin* Yes, the reactions of the Máyar especially would be very confused and disbelieving at how this Máhanaz could act like the very least of them. Not having had the experience of dealing with someone who's been traumatized, they have no idea what to do or not do. Námo's Máyar don't know it but Námo is their first patient and learning to deal with him will help them to deal with the tormented fëar of the elves and mortals who make their way to Mandos.
>>Why do I get the mental image of a five-year old black-haired elfling waffling between which toy to sleep with when I read the last part? (grin).<<
Because that's just about what he is! And definitely too cute for words, though Irmo probably doesn't think so. LOL
Námo did refer to Melkor by name in the last chapter, but he stumbled over the name, so it's rather hard for him to say it. Easier to just say "he" for now.
Thanks for your review.
Nikara
· 11 December 2007
· Chapter 16: Námo's Homecoming
Awww... Namo is rather adorable right now! I liked this chapter, although Manwe's threat was rather harsh. At least it got Namo out of that dimension!
Author's reply
Sometimes an ultimatum is the only thing that will work in getting someone to do what you know they need to do and however harsh the threat, it did serve it's purpose. *grin* And Námo is *always* adorable. LOL
Agape4Gondor
· 10 December 2007
· Chapter 15: Convincing Námo
I found this a very difficult chapter to read... it was dark and very sad. Though there was healing - it still was difficult to read of Namo's hurt and what it had done to him.....
Author's reply
It is a very difficult chapter to read and it was very difficult to write, but there is healing and there is hope, so not all is dark.
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Melyanna
Love these insights into Námo’s character. This young Námo, sometimes so unsure of himself, is truly quite a difference to the sometimes rather intimidating Lord of Mandos, but it will be interesting to see a bit of his development.
Just consulted my lexicon and realised who Aulendil is – or will become. Didn't know this one name, even if I had the feeling to have seen it somewhere. Oh yes, no doubt he’s working for Melkor and trying to corrupt poor Melyanna. I am glad the others realised soon enough and Námo was able to help her.
Author's reply
We see glimpses of not only what Námo will eventually become, but all the Valar in this tale. They are all "young" at this point in time and have much to learn about themselves and each other.
Somewhere in the Silmarillion, it states that Melian never trusted Sauron, and I figured this was the seed of that distruct here, and, of course, Sauron wasn't called Sauron in the beginning, so I had to use one of his other names. I figured Aulendil would be more appropriate for this time period than any of the other names he used during the Second Age.
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 6: Interlude On a Nameless Planet
Well, the beginning of the chapter doesn’t sound good. I wonder what will happen with these stars ... :-(
But it was a comfort to watch Námo and Vairë together. At least Námo now knows how much she loves him, even if he doesn’t believe yet that he is deserving her.
Author's reply
Yeah, the stars are troubling and we will eventually find out what Melkor was up to. On the other hand, Námo's little interlude with Vairë probably went a long way towards healing him from his encounter with Melkor.
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 5: Collision Course
Uh oh, that was what Melkor did? Setting two galaxies up to collide? You know, compared with the Valar using whole stars and even galaxies, even the wars in our modern times seem rather petty in comparison.
I’m sure Vairë will be the best comfort available to Námo ;-)
Author's reply
The phrase "cosmic" takes on a whole different meaning, doesn't it, when describing the wars of the Valar against Melkor? And Vairë will be very good for Námo... she does, after all, marry him in the end. *grin*
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 4: Hunting Through the Cosmos
Rather disturbing for Námo to know Melkor is spying on him, particularly as he’s still lacking the confidence we know he has gained in later ages. And this new encounter between them was frightening. Thank godness Oromë was able to prevent any further harm! And what did Melkor do with Varda’s stars? I'm rather worried now.
Author's reply
I'm sure Námo was less than pleased to realize that Melkor was targeting him specifically. Oromë is a handy Ayanuz to have in a sticky situation and I'm sure Námo was glad to have him by him at the time considering how frightening the enocunter with Melkor was.
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 3: The Máhanumaz
It’s fun to watch Námo behaving like a teenager in love for the first time. It makes the Valar so much more human (for lack of a better word).
The task Manwë has set him and Oromë promises trouble, of that I am sure. How sad they had to be so cautious about Melkor even so far back in time!
Author's reply
Young love, there's nothing like it, even among the Valar! *grin* The mission is fraught with danger and we will see just how dangerous it will prove to Námo and Oromë. Yes, it is sad that from the beginning, the other Valar had to be cautious about Melkor.
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 2: Beacons Lit
Good to know they’re trusting Námo so much, in spite of Melkor’s attempts to drag him on his side. It’s quite a honour for Námo to be the one to be trusted with this knowledge, even if the initial idea was from him. I look forward to know more of their plan.
Author's reply
Námo needs the boost in self-esteem, and as Manwë does point out, it *was* his idea, so he should be the one to hold the key.
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 1: Riding the Fireball
Melkor was a nasty piece of work from the very beginning, I see. How dares he to try and lead Námo astray *growls* But Námo’s discovery sounds hopeful for the Valar, even if I fear Manwë is right about the loyalties of some Máyar.
Author's reply
Melkor was indeed a nast piece of work but Námo is stronger than he thinks he is and will not fall to Melkor's blandishments so easily. Unfortunately, as history proves, there were indeed some Máyar who did indeed side with Melkor eventually.
Kitty
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 0: An Explanation
Sorry, I started this once, then had so little time I abandoned it. But I hope now to catch up.
I’m truly impressed that you dare to write this story – I’d never be able to think of enough details, and even if I’d start, I am sure I would become hopelessly stuck very soon. It sounds truly interesting - can't remember any other fic even remotely similar in theme.
Author's reply
Hi Kitty! Glad you're reading this story again. Now that I've finished with Elf, Interrupted for a time, I can concentrate more fully on this story and Stirrings of Shadow.
I know taking on this subject is very risky, but I felt it was a story that needed and should be told. I've been enjoying filling in the gaps of the Silmarillion in this way. it's a good exercise of imagination.
Imhiriel
· 6 December 2007
· Chapter 15: Convincing Námo
I may be wildly wrong here, but the way Námo speaks of the Tenth Dimension, and warns that the Mayar are never to be told of it, somehow sounds as if it Eä *after* the end of Time, when the Fourth Song of the Ainulindalë is to be sung and everything is peace and harmony. Somewhere where Melkor's Evil can not mar the very substance of it...
... unaware that the object of their hunt was hiding in the same star he’d thrown Irmo in, snickering softly.
Lol! Sneaky!
I would never have thought that wallowing in fine red dust (which, doubtless, would find its way into, ahem, everything...) could sound so appealing, but indeed it does *g*.
He may not force Námo to return but he will perhaps make returning seem more desirable than staying.
This is indeed a good strategy!
I don't think I had really realised that Námo has forgotten - or rather suppressed - his memories of his former life.
It was very moving to see that Námo is recovered now to that level that he can allow others to touch him.
It's a good idea that the others now know of Námo's doubts regarding his small following. The thought that it doesn't depend on quantitiy but quality should take root when he finally begins believing their assurances.
And Aulë and Ulmo as the super geeks - ha!
I just *love* the description of Námo's laughter!
Author's reply
Your supposition about the tenth dimension and why Námo feels the Máyar should not be told about it are quite interesting and probably on one leve even true though not necessarily the entire truth.
For Námo all physical sensations are wondrous, however annoying we might find them to be, so find red dust getting into, ahem, everywhere would be a source of wonder and delight instead of woe. *grin*
Námo's experiences of amnesia during his healing will no doubt inspire him to offer that same amnesia to the fëar under his care until they are ready for re-embodiment.
Hopefully Námo will see that quantity is more important than quality where it concerns the number of Máyar in his service. As Manwë says, those Máyat who have taken oath to Námo exhibit a level of loyalty towards him that is not seen in any of the Mayar of the other Ayanumuz. That has to tell you something right there and hopefully Námo will eventually see the truth of it.
>>And Aulë and Ulmo as the super geeks - ha!<<
Hey! The geeks of the universe have to have gotten their inspration from somewhere! LOL
I'm glad you love the description of Námo's laughter. It is one I've used in other writings about him. Thanks for reviewing Imhiriel. I really appreciate it.
Larner
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 15: Convincing Námo
"Vice-gerent"? (Giggle!) At least I'm not the only one to find myself writing parallel to my actual thought! Heh!
But there is the need for the balance Namo gives to all of Ea--that is definitely true. At least now he will come, and his is again sufficiently comfortable with touch to allow the embrace of his brother. And it is good to see him playing once more.
Author's reply
Well, "vice-gerent" is an actual word and ysed by Tolkien himself in one of his post-LOTR writings ["Ósanwë-kanta: Enquiry into the Communication of Thought", Vinyar Tengwar, No. 39] when describing Manwë's relationship to Eru:
"If Manwë had broken this promise [to release Melkor from Mandos after a set period of time] for his own purposes, even though still intending 'good', he would have taken a step upon the paths of Melkor. That is a perilous step. In that hour and act he would have ceased to be the vice-gerent of the One, becoming but a king who takes advantage over a rival whom he has conquered by force. Would we then have the sorrows that indeed befell; or would we have the Elder King lose his honour, and so pass, maybe, to a world rent between two proud lords striving for the throne? Of this we may be sure, we children of small strength: any one of the Valar might have taken the paths of Melkor and becomoe like him: one was enöugh."
To which we may all say, "Násië!" [Amen!].
And yes, Námo provides a necessary balance to all of Eä, and while he has come a long way in his healing he still has a long road ahead as we will see in subsequent chapters. Yet, now, at least, there is hope for him.
Rhyselle
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 15: Convincing Námo
Sorry to be so late in getting this review posted... too much to do and not enough hours to do it in... par for the course for this time of year.
I enjoyed Ulmo being frustrated by what he doesn't know. Most of the scientists that I know are like that. Irmo might feel superfluous, but I think that it is often those individuals who aren't "experts" who frequently ask the questions that end up triggering those "Eureka!" moments and give the researchers new paths to explore to find their answers. And Aule goes and coins a new word... "patient." I think there is irony in his choice because I don't know of too many patients that have patience! LOL!
The thought of Namo fighting with Eru is an interesting one. At first it seems that arguing or fighting against God is a sin in some people's eyes--but then I got to thinking about it. When my youngsters argue with me and push their limits, sometimes it irritates me, but other times it makes me feel good, because they are thinking on their own (even if their conclusions are mistaken) and they care enough about what they think and want to fight for it. That indicates to me that I'm doing a good job as a parent, for my child is developing as he/she ought. And sometimes their justifications for wanting their own way are just plain amusing!
The change in Namo's attitudes when they talk about whether the Mayar should ever be allowed to know of the 10th dimension is fascinating. He goes from the child to the authoritarian in no time at all, not suggesting the rule but emphatically stating it as a directive. And then, afterwards, when he hears that Manwe is coming to visit Namo, to talk privately with him and with Atar, we see our future Lord of Mandos slide back into the childlike behaviors once more.
"Catch me!" *grin* I love the idea of Namo hiding where he'd tossed Irmo... I admit to having done something like that before playing hide and seek. Lots of fun to see Namo laughing for real instead of hysteria.
Namo's falling asleep in the middle of the game reminds us that fear are fear no matter whether Vala or Elda or Man... and that healing requires rest and respite.
His uncertainty as to whether or not he really wanted to get better was so telling. You are well aware of how hard it can be to reintegrate oneself into the "real world" after having been convalescent after a long illness. It can be scary to do so. His reluctance is understandable... but as Namo had told Ingwion in Elf Interrupted, what we want is trumped by what we need--and Namo needs to go home.
Ulmo's smile makes me wonder if Atar gave him a bit of foresight or insight. I've used "the alternative is a lot worse than the thing you are grumbling about" method to get my kids to do what I need them to do before...
The conversation between Namo, Manwe and Atar was wonderful. The range of emotions that Manwe was feeling as the interaction progressed were realistic and I liked how Atar pretty much made Manwe decide how to respond to Namo's issues and fears. While Namo still has a way to go before he is fully healed, we can see that he has made sigificant progress thus far, even if his level of self-esteem is still extremely reduced from what it was before he was captured.
I don't think he's going to have any success in convincing the Mayar that he didn't "sacrifice" himself for Vaire, though... *grin*
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Oh, there are many people who probably are in the same boat as you are this time of year, Rhyselle, so I'm just glad you were able to find the time to write at all, never mind such a nice long review. *grin*
Frustration, I think, is the normal state of most scientists, wanting to understand everything, yet out of that frustration is born the great concepts of science that have spurred our own civilization over the millennia. Irmo may feel bored about all that 'science-speak' between Aulë and Ulmo, but he's a scientist in his own right, a scientist of the mind and spirit, and I'm sure Aulé and Ulmo would feel equally bored to listen to Irmo, Estë and Nienna 'talk shop'. *grin*
I think that the fact that Námo is able to joke about his fighting with Atar is telling as well as how he shifts from child to adult and child again when discussing the tenth dimension and the need to keep it a secret even from their own Máyar. We are seeing a glimpse of the Doomsman and Singer of What Will Be at this moment.
And Námo is still Námo, so naturally he has to play. *grin* If nothing else, it gives his older brothers an excuse to stop being serious for a while and have some fun, which is what I suspect is the true purpose of younger siblings with respect to their elders.
So besides having to deal with his own insecurities, Námo will also have to put up with some 'hero-worshipping' from the Máyar....poor Vala *snicker*
Don't hurt me! I'm here! I'm reviewing! Call off these Maiar please? *gulps and tries not to prick self on sword points*
Aule and Ulmo are such great scientists! I love it when they talk and I love Aule's search for the perfect word. LOL! And Irmo's lack of interest is adorable. *grin*
--"More than I did," he finally said. "I always lost." --
Ain't it the truth? Good call on keeping the 10th dimension from the maiar. The Valar's own private retreat. ... Why does Namo feel safer around Orome than the others, btw? Is it because he was there during one of Melkor's attacks?
--"Catch me!" he cried and then was gone. --
Namo, Namo, Namo... too cute.
--The four Ayanumuz exchanged amused glances and with a single thought went after their charge unaware that the object of their hunt was hiding in the same star he’d thrown Irmo in, snickering softly. --
LOL! Oh I just love him!
--"There’s nothing back there for me, except Melkor waiting for his chance to take me again. At least here he can’t find me or... or touch me." --
That is so telling. My heart just breaks for what Melkor has done to this precious soul. So much pain and damage done. I look forward to seeing this hurting Namo become the mighty Vala worthy of the 'Wrath of Mandos' look of EI. I am so glad Manwe reminded him of just how much he is needed and how special he is. Reminded him of his talents.
--"No, child. No one can make you do anything you do not wish to do, not even Atar." --
This story has had so many lines that pierce me through the heart. This is one of them. The spiritual parallels are just stunningly vivid for those who dare to look.
--"Atar won’t allow him that luxury. He may not force Námo to return but he will perhaps make returning seem more desirable than staying." --
*shakes head* There's another one of THOSE lines.
--You are the key.*--
Does this mean because he has the coordinates to where it will come to be, or is it deeper than that? Oh it was so nice to see him finally allow himself to be comforted by one of his own.
--"Sacrifice! I’ll ‘sacrifice’ them," he said darkly and Manwë could not help but laugh.--
LOL! Oh, he is such a kindred spirit. *grin*
I LOVED this chapter. More please?
NiRi
Author's reply
Hi NiRi! I'm pleased that you enjoyed this chapter so much. Yes, Aulë and Ulmo are great scientists... they were after all instrumental in creating Arda. And Irmo... well, any brother of Námo... *grin*
As for why Námo feels safer around Oromë than around the others, even his own brother, I suspect that in part it is due to their "adventure" together and perhaps he is seeing Oromë as his "otorno" [sworn brother].
And I am happy that you find lines in the story that pierce your heart. I am purposely writing this story with a blatant spiritual component to it, for one of the major characters is the Creator Himself, and so it's difficult not to incorporate a spiritual dimension into the story. Those who wish to ignore these spiritual parallels, though, will lose half the story.
Thanks for reviewing. More will come soon, I promise.
Edlyn
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 15: Convincing Námo
Oh, I loved this chapter, meldonya. I haven't time to say more than that as my break time is about up and I haveto go back to work. I'll let hte chapter sit in the back of my mind ths afternoon and provide a longer and (hopefully) coherent review when I get home.
Hugs,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Glad you loved the chapter, Edlyn. I look forward to reading your thoughts in more detail later.
Tira
· 3 December 2007
· Chapter 15: Convincing Námo
*sigh* poor Namo. oy, and I know regnant is a word (means reigning, che?) but...what did you mean by vice-regnant?
*huggles Fiondil* great chapter though! me ish loving this story. (forgive me, tis almost 2 am, I'm loopy)
Author's reply
Hi Tira. The word should be "vice-gerent" (Tolkien uses the word in describing Manwë's relationship with Ilúvatar as the Elder King). I guess I wasn't paying attention. Thanks for point it out. Thanks also for the huggles.*grin* I certainly need it.
Nieriel Raina
· 24 October 2007
· Chapter 14: Deep Structures of Pain and Terror
Oh dear! I got no alert for this! ARGH!
I loved this chapter, Fiondil. I find it interesting to see Namo dealing with so many things he will find later in the Children. I am seeing just how deep his compassion goes, for those who have experienced the darkness feel more deeply for those in it. Namo's childishness with Vaire had me chuckling. I was glad to see Vaire sent home to do some healing of her own. She just isn't ready to really help Namo yet, is she? I mean, no fault of hers, just she has some things that need to heal as well. I finally felt for her here.
I was worried with Namo's playing with temptation with the black hole. Do you think he was thinking he might find some relief or oblivion there from his memories and pain? I think I broke into a sweat there.
I am enjoying seeing a more immature Manwe learn to deal with everything too. He is still more mature than the others, but so far from the Manwe we know in EI. Orome also makes me chuckle. Loved Irmo's interest in dreams and was great to see, too.
I wonder why Namo sleepwalks? Will we find out?
okay I'm off to read EI update. Great chapter, Fiondil!
NiRi
Author's reply
Glad you loved this chapter, NiRi. All of the Valar are still "young" in comparison to what we see in EI or in the Silmarillion, so even Manwë has things to learn about being the "Elder King". We are also seeing incipient aspects of their ultimate interests and "job descriptions", like Irmo being interested in Námo's dreams and Oromë's hunting skills, etc.
As to why Námo sleepwalks... it may be a consequence of his nightmares and the trauma he's experienced, it may be something else entirely. Too early to tell.
Aglarendis
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 999999: Character List
Wow, thank you Fiondil! This character list really helps. I appreciate the number and variety of characters, but sometimes it gets interesting trying to remember who is who. It will be good to have this as a reference when and if I get confused.
Author's reply
Thanks Aglarendis. I'm gald this will be helpful to you as you read the story.
Beruthiels Cat
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 14: Deep Structures of Pain and Terror
Enjoying this tale immensely, Fiondil! Námo's "sleepwalking" is a charming touch, and opens the door (along with his nightmares) for further grooming of the others in the roles we have become so accustomed to seeing them.
Laughing at Oromë's assignment as bodyguard, lol...and looking forward to Tulkas' eventual appearance.
The Biblical references were a wonderful touch; well done! I think we forget at times that the divine has a capacity for humor as well as joy- I digress a little there, but I knew you'd understand my rather fragmented train of thought...
Interesting to see how you're setting this up, especially in regards to Námo's personal future... as he will have the most difficult role of all (The Valar) I'm speculating his experiences will be "specifically" tailored to deeply understanding those with whom he will be charged-and how he will react to those lessons...
BC
P.S. I think I have an idea about where those missing Rohirrim went (and how) but that's another story...*winks*
Author's reply
Hi Cat! Thanks for your review and I'm glad you're still enjoying this tale. Yes, Námo's experiences, difficult and as traumatic as they may be, will stand him in good stead when faced with the fëar of Elves and Mortals under similar conditions. and of course we are beginning to see each of the Valar begin to take on the roles for which they are known to us through the Silmarillion. Tulkas, of course, is a late-comer on the scene, but he will show up, I promise. *grin*
And if you have an idea where the missing Rohirrim went, send me a private email... I'm curious to know, because I have no clue myself what happened to them. *LOL*
Imhiriel
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 14: Deep Structures of Pain and Terror
I found it sad yet very realistic that Námo would soon "come down" from the childish elation of the last chapter - I guess there had been a good lacing of pent-up hysterics responsible for the giddiness, no true and lasting recovery yet. But it was good to see that even then part of his wicked sense of humour shone through (even if Vairë was the "victim"). And was that a tiny allusion to *whisper*Voldemort*whisper*?
The discussion about the "strange" phenomena of sleep and dreaming was very interesting, and I had to smile at Irmo's eagerness to learn all he can about them: the master of dreams and visions gets his first glimpse of his future area of responsibility.
A right and good suggestion to Vairë regarding her Máyar and her need for time to recover from her own ordeal. I wager she had been so concerned about Námo that she had had no time to dwell on it until now, but that now he is found, there is the real danger that it is all going to come crashing to the fore.
And again the charming sight of an Ayanuz playing with the features of the universe - niiiiice!
For some reason, Irmo's shouts of joy, "My brother has been found" reminded me of the story of the Prodigal son. I don't think there is any direct parallel to your story - I think it was the very contrast between Irmo's joyful and relieved reaction to Námo's return, and the sullen, grudging reaction of the Biblical brother at the return of his brother and the glad reception of his father.
Author's reply
Well, maybe there was a very tiny allusion to HP *grin*. It was really too good to pass up, especially the way Námo and Vairë were going on like a couple of pre-teens. I half expected Námo to stick his tongue out at one point! LOL
Yes, Námo's recovery I think is going to be a case of "one step forward, two steps back" for some time to come and he's not the only one in need of healing, of course. Vairë and her Máyar need healing and there are Námo's Máyar as well, bereft of their lord and in terror of what has happened to him. I'm sure Nienna and Estë have their hands full.
There are obviously a number of biblical parallels in this chapter, though nothing explicit nor direct. Larner found one parallel, others have mentioned the Prodigal Son, as well, not for the older brother or even for the younger one, but for the joy of the father in having one he thought lost returned to him.
Larner
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 14: Deep Structures of Pain and Terror
"And who, having a hundred sheep and one strayed, will not leave the ninety and nine to seek the one lost; and having found it will lay it upon his shoulders as he carries it home again, calling out to his fellows, 'Come, rejoice with me, for the lost has been found again!'"?
Yes, they have reason to be glad indeed.
Author's reply
Indeed they do. I'm sure many readers will recognize the biblical allusions, not only to the passage you just quoted, but to the Parable of the Prodigal Son where the father rejoices in one he thought lost. Not that I wrote this chapter with that conscious intent, but it's hard not to find biblical parallels when dealing with Tolkien's "Archangels". *grin*
Agape4Gondor
· 22 October 2007
· Chapter 14: Deep Structures of Pain and Terror
Wow - great chapter - and as I was reading it, I remembered the many Elves that Namo has helped through the screaming terrors that they have been assailed with. I wonder how often he remembered the arms of his Atar... and offered his own.
Great chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks Agape. I'm glad you liked this chapter. I'm sure Námo's own experiences here will help him with dealing with the terrors suffered by the Elves (and perhaps even some Mortals) and help them through them, just as Atar is helping him through his.
Alquawende
· 22 October 2007
· Chapter 14: Deep Structures of Pain and Terror
This is a treat! Thanks for working on this! I loved the part where Namo annoys Vaire with him chanting 'Acairis...' I wonder what other things that they shall discover other than the ability to dream and sleep when in their hroa too much... Is this to prepare them for the coming of the Eldar and Atani?
Author's reply
You're welcome. I don't intend to abandon this story any time soon, so don't worry. *grin* Yes, Námo is definitely in "wee!Námo" mode here, isn't he? LOL I'm sure that the experiences they have while in their hróar will help them to understand where the Eldar and the Atani are coming from. This will be especially true of Námo who will have the most direct contact with the Eruhíni when they die.