Ok, that wasn't too bad, though I'd like to kill Alcaris! She is rather creepy, and with good reason! Now I see a very interesting lean to Ungoliant, no? You write creepy well.
Now, I'm a little confused on one part... and a little embarrassed to ask. I think I'll email you that one privately. *blush*
Námo and the itch on the tip of his nose was PRICELESS! Oh how well you described this from a Vala's POV! I was chuckling instead of squeezing my stuffed doggie (who turns out I didn't really need). But then SHE showed up and EWWWWW!!!! Námo's annoyance at first reminds me of those jr high boys who are squicked early on by kissing. *grin*
What concerns me the most is Námo's inability to feel his Atar. Isn't that just like the devil? He can't actually separate us, but sure can make you feel alone and lost. Very nicely done.
Great chapter, Fiondil! I await eagerly for more!
NiRI
Author's reply
Thanks. I guess being told I write creepy very well is a compliment of a sorts. *grin*
Well, email privately if you need to. I'll answer your question(s) as well as I can.
Yes, Melkor is very good at applying negative psychology on his victim, separating him from all sources of comfort, or making the victim think he is. Námo will learn differently though it will not be apparent immediately.
Glad you liked the chapter even with icky Acairis and that you didn't need your stuffed doggies except perhaps to hang on to while laughing. *grin*
MJ
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
"I hope I NEVER have to write a scene from Melkor's POV. I would need serious counseling and a good exorcism afterwards if it ever came to that."
Oh, I doubt it would come to that. From experience, I've found that once in a while, writing from the villain's POV can be enlightening for both author and reader, because it makes you look the darkness square in the face, and attempt, somehow, to understand it, if only a little. Rather like learning to face one's fears, to find ways to deal with them, if not conquer them. Ultimately, that is what I see Namo needing to do in order to become the person we know he is destined to be. If he keeps running from Melkor and never faces him -- and his fear of the power he seems to have over him -- he will never be able to reject him with full confidence of what he is doing, and why. He needs to be free of doubt when it comes to his feelings toward Melkor, doubt of both Melkor and himself, and for that to happen... as you said, things will get darker before we, and Namo, see the light beyond.
Quite thought-provoking. Bravo, once again.
Author's reply
Well, just having Melkor in a scene makes my skin crawl, never mind writing from his POV. Námo, of course, needs to face the Darkness and Melkor eventually for the reasons you give, but he's not there yet. Even when he escapes from Melkor he will still need to deal with all that has happened to him. Vairë should be a help there. We'll see. Thanks for reviewing.
Calenlass
· 20 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
You do know that is was a bad place to end the chapter?
Ai Elbereth--what have you done to Námo now?
I think I shall wait most anxiously for the next chapter...and keep my fingers crossed.
-Calenlass
Author's reply
What can I say? Leaving Námo in the lurch is a good way to keep my readers coming back for more. *grin* The next chapter will be coming along soon, but don't think to find any comfort in it... it gets darker before it gets better for our intrepid Vala, but we do know it works out for the best in the end, don't we?
Rhyselle
· 19 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
The opening scene was really interesting to read. Seeing the dynamics between older and younger Ayanumuz as Namo argues his case for going after Vaire, despite knowing it was a trap for himself, really showed off the differing personalities of each of the Valar.
How like Irmo to want to be sure that Vana and the Mayar are safely out of danger. And how like Ulmo to go all "big brotherly" on them too. But Namo displays true courage, knowing that he is putting his own self into danger, he is adamant that Vaire and Therinde must be rescued and that he and Irmo are the ones to do it.
The oathtaking of Vaire's Mayar was exquisitely moving to me. The way that he comforted Ilsinor reminded me of Namo's role of comforter to the fear in his care in your other story, "Elf Interrupted." It's rather interesting to see that the Comforter role evolved prior to his role as Judge and Doomsman. I think this makes him far more effective in the latter roles later on in his career when he deals with elves and men.
Having had the privilege of a sneak preview of the butterfly scene did not prepare me for the finished version. It is the main mental image I will take along with me regardless of the events in the remainder of the chapter. Between the symbolic meaning of butterflies surrounding the Master of Spirits, and the sheer physical beauty of the image of the multi-coloured insects fluttering around him, I just sat there with a grin on my face, and my eyes closed, watching it in my mind. Lovely!
And then the events in the caverns.... Ick! Ick! Ick! Ick! I thought that I needed a brain scrub when I had a scene in one of my fics that simply HAD to be from Sauron's POV... but just reading about Melkor makes my skin crawl, and my muscles tense and I just want to run and hide with a cuddly toy and a HUGE mug of hot chocolate to get the horror of him out of my mind. I really feel for you having to WRITE him.
And Acairis makes me shudder too. I saw that another reviewer associated her with Ungoliant and that makes a lot of sense... in any case, I just want to rip her to pieces and swoop in and take Namo out of there and reunite him with Vaire before any more dark things are afflicted upon him.
A very engrossing chapter--I'm on the third re-read and it is still as powerful now as the first time I read it. Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Thanks for your review. At this point in time, of course, Námo has no reason to act as Judge and Doomsman and the role of Comforter is the one he enjoys best of all the "hats" he must wear, probably because it was his first "job" among the Ayanumuz as we see when Irmo goes to him to help with the problem he and Estë were having with Melyanna.
The image of the butterflies is what sustains me when I have to write Melkor into a scene (or Acairis, for that matter; she creeps me out almost as much as Melkor does). Hopefully Námo will also remember them and that will help him in his time of darkness.
I hope I NEVER have to write a scene from Melkor's POV. I would need serious counseling and a good exorcism afterwards if it ever came to that. *grin*
Larner
· 19 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
Ah--Vaire and her Maia servant now saved, and Namo now a captive. Morgoth, the original rapist! Ghastly fool! Now, who saves the savior? And why are these stuck on this planet?
Love, love, love the butterflies, of course, as you know if you've read many of my stories they keep turning up....
Aule now has the other fetter; and one day Morgoth himself will be bound in such things. To think that they originated with him is somehow satisfying.
Author's reply
Love the butterflies too which is why I had to put them into the story somehow.
And Melkor being Chained by his own invention is poetic justice, don't you think? And Námo gets to be his gaoler. Very satisfying indeed.
Nieriel Raina
· 18 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
*stares horrified at screen* *blink blink blink* *insert colorful creative dwarven cursing here*
Oh Fiondil! I never thought I'd fall for another one of 'these' tales, after nearly being sick reading TPD by Lamiel. I almost had to stop reading her story, but somehow made it through... but... *gulps* I dont' know if I can handle it right now with Námo. Can you email me privately and just tell me if the absolute worst happens? If so, I may have to back out of this one. I...I have a hard time with rape. Allusions, ok, but actual graphic detail... *wipes eyes* Maybe after the stress of moving has passed and I have time to be thoroughly horrifed and sob myself to sleep. Or maybe just knowing will help me get through it.
I love this story, however, and your writing. This chapter was wonderfully done, though I am confused why Namo became corporal out of surprise. That just seemed... odd. Or has he been incarnating so much it is second nature now? *grin* Oh please, Fiondil! Don't... not to Námo! Please bring him out of this unsullied and pure. You are breaking my heart here! 'That' should be a beautiful thing between he and Vaire. *breath hitches* "Sometimes being good and noble really sucks!" Oh, I really don't like that line now!
The part with the butterflies was lovely! and Irmo is charming. Vaire has such spunk... Oh, you better let her kick her ex chief Maya's butt! Now THAT would be something to see! And where is Manwe? Please call him home! I have a REALLY bad feeling about all this.
Ok, I'm going to go cry myself to sleep now.
NiRi
Author's reply
I said "dark" not "gross". You may rest assured that *that* doesn't happen, and I have no intention of writing anything graphic. But there is more than one kind of "rape" and they don't all have to do with sexual contact. There is also "rape" of the soul and even "rape" of one's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. How many children even now are being "raped" by an adult with words of disdain and hate meant to crush the child's spirit even if that person never lays a physical hand on the child? Námo has some tough times ahead, but he does get through them and with Vairë's help.
I think Námo going corporeal was merely out of shock at the suddenness of the attack. His attention wavered and he probably didn't even think about it consciously.
Hildigrim
· 18 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
I think overall this is a very good action chapter, but I wonder if you might consider an "Are you an adult?" yes/no preface query, given the last five paragraphs? Please feel free to delete this note whichever way you decide, as I don't consider it a true review.
Author's reply
Thanks Hildigrim. I appreciate your concern. I think the preface query a waste of bits as there's no way the computer can tell if you are lying if you answer "yes". I have, however, added a warning to the Author's Note at the beginning of the chapter, letting people know that the next few chapters are rather dark and may prove disturbing to some readers. That, I think, is all the warning anyone really needs. If they do find the story too disturbing at this point they are always free to stop reading. I look forward to reading a proper review from you when you get the chance.
Tira
· 18 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
oooooh, poor Námo! how does he get out of this one? Oh, I know...wait and see. "Sometimes being good and noble really sucks."
Author's reply
Poor Námo, indeed... and yes, you just have to wait and see. *grin*
Edlyn
· 18 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Rescue Run
Meldonya, how am I supposed to coherently review this chapter? It is so emotionally powerful that I'm still shaking even a quarter hour after reading it. Well, I 'll try. Perhaps trying to put things in words will help me sort out the feelings it engendered.
The oathtaking of Ilinsor and Vairë's other Máyar (coomplete with Eönwë witnessing! I think this is the earliest chronological appearance of the Máya in that particular capacity that you've shown us) made me feel the way I did the first time I swore fealty to the King of the Middle Kingdom. I am still feeling like I am ready to burst into tears from a surfeit of emotion and have a lump in my throat that makes it difficult to speak, just thinking about it.
Námo's comforting of Ilsinor was wonderful to see. I can see hints of who and what he will become in this chapter. Being Manwë's deputy has given him more confidence but as you showed us he still has doubts about his ability to make the right decision. Actually, I think he made the right decisions throughout the chapter, even if they weren't necessarily the "smart" decisions. He managed to rescue Vairë and Therindë which was his intent.
"Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for another." Well, greater love hath no Ayanuz than to put his soul at risk of corruption to save another. I completely understand Vairë's being upset that Námo came to rescue her. She knows exactly why she's been captured and was willing to stay Melkor's prisoner if it meant her love wouldn't come into his hands. It wouldn't surprise me a bit to find that she is suffering the effects of guilt and anger at herself once she is back with the others knowing that she is safe at the price of her love being in horrible danger.
I reluctantly have to say that Melkor's plan was clever and a total surprise. And I have to say that Acairis just totally creeps me out. Shudder! And Melkor... well, there are no words to describe how much more exponentially even reading about him disquiets me.
Oh, when Námo was overwhelmed and Melkor kissed him I was on the brink of being very ill. The entire scene was written in such a way it felt as if I were the one being held and violated along with Námo. And then the follow on scene where he was left to Acairis' attentions... Shudder!
I hate to have to say that Námo's feelings of confusion over just who the feelings of loathing were aimed at was spot on. Self-loathing is an immediate result of belief that society has forced on us that we can control everything in our lives and if we are raped, beaten up or otherwise assaulted and abused that it's due to an inherent flaw in ourselves. It's not a rational response but it's the way it works. Námo can't help the physical reactions of his incarnate body (they are hardwired in after all) but he feels that he should, hence his mixed feelings.
Even if he manages to escape or gets rescued before anything else happens to him he will have a lot of healing to do. I hope that Vairë and he can help to heal each other when this is over. And I hope that he doesn't end up automatically connecting the sight of butterflies with the horrors of this time.
I am feeling emotionally exhausted now. Working through what this chapter did to me was hard work. But that is a good thing. Far too often fan-fiction is bubble gum for the brain and requires less energy to process than blinking an eye. Good fiction makes one think about things, sometimes things one doesn't *want* to think about, other times things that one wouldn't have even considered thinking about. This fic has done both for me. I am still looking forward to finding out what happens next, and am metaphorically perched on the edge of my seat, my soda and popcorn forgotten as I wait for hte next scene to unfold.
Edlyn
Author's reply
Not quite as long as the chapter, but nearly there. *grin*
As emotionally draining as it was for you to read this chapter you can multiply that by a factor of 100 to get an idea how I felt after writing it. Melkor creeps me out too and I dread the scenes where he shows up and I have to steel myself not to react to him the same way Námo does. Sometimes, even in the middle of writing a Melkor-Námo scene, I have to go away and cuddle with a couple of stuffed toys that I have for comfort before I can return to finish writing.
When Námo is finally freed, however that happens, he and Vairë will indeed have much healing to accomplish between them and I think the memory of the butterflies will be one of the things that will sustain him during this time.
This is the first time that Eönwë formally acts as a Recorder of Oaths, though in the previous chapter he demonstrates his ability to recall all oaths when he repeats Námo's curses directed toward Manwë verbatim. *grin*
"Bubble-gum-for-the-brain" fan-fiction does have it's place and uses, but even when writing "light" pieces, I prefer to leave my readers thinking, whether it's simply seeing something in a new light or learning something new about themselves. If I don't come away from reading a story with a new perspective on some aspect of my reality, the story has failed in its purpose, whether the author ever intended the story to have a purpose or not. That's why Tolkien's writings are so amazing: no matter how many times I may read LoTR or any of his other works, I always come away with a new perspective and being able to write stories set in the LoTR universe allows me to share those insights with others.
eiluj
· 13 September 2007
· Chapter 6: Interlude On a Nameless Planet
It never occurred to me, reading the Silmarillion, that Ilmarë, as Varda’s chief Máya, would be an expert in stellar dynamics!
Wondering what’s going to become of those twelve stars -- and what Melkor thinks he can accomplish by it. (Well, I guess he knows he’s going to upset Varda! That might be all the goal he needs.) I don’t know enough about astronomy to know what kind of star they’ll turn out to be. It was an awfully large distraction Melkor organized (not that he doesn’t enjoy destruction for its own sake), so the disaster potential of those stars should be high....
"I think about Atar and wonder if he misses us and I think about the Children to come and wonder if they’ll like us" -- I definitely like her. But then, she does fiber arts, so why shouldn’t I like her?
The two of them are indeed well suited, and I look forward to seeing more of the relationship. No worries -- Vairë’s got everything under control.
Author's reply
There is very little information other than her name about Ilmarë, but I figure any Máya of Varda's better know something about stars and stellar dynamics or they'll be looking for another Ayanuz to work for. *grin*
What Melkor has plans for those 12 particular stars will become apparent eventually but not immediately.
I like Vairë too. She's definitely a good infuence on Námo and whether he realizes it or not, she has her eyes on him and will not be letting him go.
eiluj
· 11 September 2007
· Chapter 5: Collision Course
A lovely description of how they do these things.
I liked the changing and refining of their view of the situation: it will disrupt the Children’s galaxy beyond repair; “we let the galaxies collide;” “we will let the galaxies collide, but not the way Melkor intends;” “the galaxies will collide whatever we do to prevent it;” “their collision is inevitable, but not to Atháraphelun’s detriment.”
Aulë in particular had to clamp down hard on Aulendil and one or two others. Even Irmo had something of a struggle with one of his Máyar -- Sneaky Author! to put that here, lending credulity to the doubts about Melyanna a couple of chapters later.
... the darkness that they all sensed resided within him. It was not the darkness that surrounded Melkor, but it was unnerving to many nonetheless -- Poor Námo: easy to have self-doubts under these circumstances.
A day or two before you first posted this chapter, I followed a link to an article about the collision of the Milky Way and the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy. I saved the link to send to you, but then you posted this chapter and I decided you already knew about that galaxy! [The article turned out not to be so scientific -- more of a blog commenting on a scientific article -- the theory was that our solar system may have originated as part of the colliding galaxy. In which case, Melkor’s making trouble turned into good that he definitely didn’t intend, as with the star that he blew up in the earlier chapter. (Apparently the original article *didn’t* mention this theory: it was the blogger’s idea.)]
Another astronomy article for you: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/15aug_mira.htm?list213022 (a variable red giant -- with a tail! -- travelling through space with a white dwarf companion). Much featured on various sites, so you’ve probably already seen it.
Author's reply
Actually I haven't seen that particular article but I will look it up, thanks. I did read several articles and such describing what happens when two galaxies collide and have seen photos of galaxies that have suffered a collision in the past and I used that information for this particular chapter. As I am trying to make the physics true to our universe as we know it yet not get bogged down with unnecessary details I have to do a lot of research before I write certain chapters. The one about brown dwarfs, for instance. I knew sort of what they were from my own astronomy classes in college, but I didn't remember the details and had to look them up and see if they were appropriate to the story. Luckily they were so it was fun to put them in as another of Varda's "mistakes".
Originally I was going to have the Ayanumuz set another galaxy on a collision course with the first galaxy to divert its path, but decided on the solution they came up with instead. Hopefully most people found it believeable.
And Námo's "darkness" would be disturbing to many even among some of the Ayanumuz, never mind the Máyar. It makes it difficult for him to accept himself, but obviously he had to have grown into his role as we see in Elf Interrupted.
Radbooks
· 11 September 2007
· Chapter 8: Mápaina
Finally, a moment to review this!
An exciting chapter and I'm anxiously waiting to see what has happened to poor Vairë and Therindë. I was shocked when Manwe left and that he left Varda and Namo in charge, though he is doing exactly the right things to bring Namo's gifts out. Namo needs to be in those situations - well, not necessarily what happened, but in positions of responsibility so that he can grow as a person... Vala. :)
I am amazed to see how Varda has changed over the years from one story to the other, she seems so young here; it's a good thing she learned to control her temper before the children showed up! :)
I liked seeing Nienna dealing with the life on the planet when she was working with Namo and how she encouraged him. I don't quite 'get' her and so it was good to see a glimpse of her there and I liked how she grabbed him and made him calm down a bit so they could go to where they needed to be. Then later with Irmo planning to go with Namo for the rescue was neat too.
It is interesting to me that some of the Valar are brothers and sisters in the thought of Illuvatar... I wonder why Tolkien did that.
Anyway, really enjoyed the chapter and I'm looking forward to the next. I hope things are going well for you. It's crazy for me right now with school. :)
Author's reply
Often we show our true colors when thrust in positions of responsibilty we did not expect to have. Manwë is giving Námo that chance and even Varda, for she needs to grow up a bit as well. Varda is indeed young here, as are they all, so it stands to reason that over the eons that separate this story from even the first chapter of the Silmarillion, she would have matured and grown in wisdom and degree, as they say.
Nienna is a hard Valië to pin down. Tolkien's portrayal of her is less than insightful and frankly I can't see her spending every minute of every day weeping. As she is mentioned first before Námo and Irmo in the Valaquenta I have decided she must be the older and so I am showing her in "older sister" mode here.
I don't know why Tolkien made some of the Valar brothers and sisters in the Thought of Ilúvatar, but I'm glad he did... makes exploring the relationships between the various Valar more interesting as a writer. *grin*
Things are going very well for me and not at all crazy. I like my classes (so far) and am making friends, both among the other foreign teachers as well as with some of the Chinese teachers who speak English. I certainly have many more firends here than I did in Manzhouli.
eiluj
· 8 September 2007
· Chapter 4: Hunting Through the Cosmos
Vardium is a hoot! And Aulë’s collection is perfect for him.
“I think he wants to set a trap of some kind to expose those who are sympathizers of Melkor” -- That’ll be interesting.
Good for Oromë, pointing out that Melkor’s after all of them, not just Námo.
Very clever about how Melkor’s aura changed.
For all that the words sounded light and amusing there was an undercurrent of power that neither of the younger Ayanumuz could fully resist -- Ick.
Author's reply
I had a lot of fun coming up with "Vardium" as a plausible name for what we now call plutonium and what self-respecting smith isn't interested in collecting different kinds of ores for smithying? *grin*
As another reviewer pointed out, the young are self-centered enough to think that they're the only ones suffering. Oromë pointing out that Melkor's after them all, not just Námo, is a necessary wake-up-call for the younger Ayanuz to realize that his situation is not as unique as he thinks. All are tempted, if not in the same mode or degree, and none are free of doubts.
With regards to the change in Melkor's aura... we know that at some point his ïncarnate shape is "frozen" into one of horror, as is true with many of his servants, such as the balrogs. This is the beginning of the process, though it will take eons before it is complete. And Melkor's greatest power, I think, was in his voice. It is how he lured so many of the Ainur to him.
eiluj
· 8 September 2007
· Chapter 3: The Máhanumaz
Finally getting back to trying to review this story after all the poison ivy (originally some innocent woodland plant warped by Melkor).
I love all the trial and error of creation. But poor Varda! Her mistakes are colossal in size and terribly visible.
Ah, young love! They’re so *cute.*
I’m wondering if that tenth dimension has to do with the later separation of Valinor from Middle-earth. [I can more-or-less follow the astronomical stuff, but physics is totally foreign to me.]
Oromë had to hunt *something* before there were kelvar and monsters. It’s interesting to see what you’ve come up with for all the Valar to do at this point, when so much of it is so different from what we think of as their proper spheres. But it all *works.*
Melkor “may have powers of which even [Manwë is] not aware.” That’s scary to contemplate. [Repeating my assertion about Melkor and poison ivy. Adding theories about Melkor and mosquitos, black flies, and biting gnats.]
Author's reply
Hi Eiluj. Sorry to hear about the poison ivy. Yes, Melkor's taint is evident even today. Glad though that you are finally recovered enough to review.
Yes, Varda's "mistakes" are quite... er... visible isn't quite the right word, but we know they're there. *lol*
We will learn more about the tenth dimension in later chapters but you're very much on the mark about it.
I've tried to assign the various Valar (and some of the Maiar) "jobs" that would be compatible with what we know of them from later times, yet still allow them the freedom of exploration. Oromë is a natural seeker of things, whether it's monsters or errant stars.
We know that Melkor was considered the most powerful of the Ainur even more so than Manwë, but I think what made him powerful was his inability to accept limits for himself. I think some of his power may have been "stolen" from his servants. We will be exploring this idea in subsequent chapters.
Agape4Gondor
· 6 September 2007
· Chapter 8: Mápaina
Ugly things - jealousy and treachery. I remember that Gandalf said that treachery had always been their biggest foe...
I hope that our friends can be found and brought back.
My personal favorite part of this whole chapter was Manwe's wisdom. He thrills me - when I see him stand up and command as he must. And to place Varda and Namo as co-conspirators (LOL) was brilliant. Hopefully, this will prepare them for the role they will play later on.
As for Manwe - I hope he hears (perhaps he even knew this would happen?) and comes in time to 'back' Namo when he must make whatever decision is needed - once they find the captives.
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you liked this chapter.
Yes, treachery has always been their biggest foe, from the very beginning.
Manwë is starting to claim ownership of his role as the Elder King. I think of him as being somewhat laid-back and easy-going about a lot of things, but when he don's the Elder King's crown, he's all business and nobody's fool. I'm sure he had hopes that Varda would come to recognize Námo's worth by making them, as you say, co-conspirators, and that Námo would gain a little more confidence in himself at the same time.
I doubt, though, that Manwë knew or even suspected that something like this would happen, otherwise I'm sure he would not have gone off when he did. He, would, however, have devised some other means of throwing Varda and Námo together. *grin*
Rhyselle
· 6 September 2007
· Chapter 8: Mápaina
Pink stars! *chuckle* I liked it that Namo lost his temper with Varda, but I also like it that he immediately apologized for his outburst. In any case it had the desired outcome--Varda took him more seriously and he gained a bit more confidence in himself.
I don't think that Varda really intended to put Namo down in the way she praised Orome, but it was clear to me that despite her intentions, she really did see him as lesser value and skill. Obviously that is going to continue to change...
I liked Nienna's experimental world and her promise to restore the planet to one capable of sustaining life once their salinity experiments were done with. You gave us a lot of snapshots of several different characters in this chapter and it was good to see more of their personalities and characters revealed.
Ah ha! When you and I discussed whether to use Quenya or English in titling the chapter, I had my suspicions as to who was taken... and I was partly right. By taking Vaire, Melkor pinpointed who he was aiming the act at--for I'm certain that he very likely could have taken Varda captive instead if he'd wished. But it is Namo that he wants. It's frightening how Melkor knows the things that make one vulnerable to him--He must have been fully aware of Namo's feelings for Vaire. And I can see him happily taking advantage of the way the Máyar have fallen into a heirarchal organization based on seniority of age in the Thought of Illuvatar to foment jealousy and other negative emotions.
I love Atar's words to Namo... our various gifts really do have multiple purposes and uses, although it can be difficult to see them as applicable to other things than we first realized they could be.
I really look forward to seeing how our future Lord of Mandos deals with the situation and how he grows and changes as he does so. I have a feeling that Manwe will be very proud of Namo when he returns.
Excellent chapter! I just wish it had more readers/reveiwers... we need to go out a recruit more Valar fans! *grin*
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle! Thanks for reviewing.
Yes, pink stars would be an interesting sight, wouldn't it? *snicker* It's obvious that Varda was goading Námo into exploding, but the end result was that they came to respect one another on a deeper level. Varda's turn around only made it possible for the others (especially the Máyar) to see Námo in a different light.
Whether Melkor could have taken Varda is problematic, but Vairë would have been an easier target, especially with her chief Máya helping in the kidnapping. Melkor is quick to take advantage of the situation with the Máyar and exploit it for his own purposes. I think that over time this hierarchical organization among the Máyar will break down and become more democratic in the sense that the Ayanumuz already practice it, seeing themselves as peers of one another even though all acknowledge Manwë as their leader.
We often limit ourselves needlessly with respect to our gifts and talents, thinking they're only good for some situations but not for others, or even worse, not recognizing that we even have a gift or believing that it's not as "good" as someone else's gift.
How Námo deals with the situation, of course, remains to be seen.... and the only way to recruit new Valar fans is to tell them about it. *grin*
Nieriel Raina
· 6 September 2007
· Chapter 8: Mápaina
ACK! What a terrible thing to do! But I think Melkor's schemes will only help Námo come into his own. And taking Vairë is a scheme to lure in Námo, isn't it? Oh dear. Now I'm afraid and what a cliffie you have left us with!
I love Námo's interest in Black Holes, and Irmo's comment of keeping Námo from doing something stupid was priceless! I'm glad Varda has finally become nicer to Námo and is appreciating his gifts.
Fantastic chapter! I would say more but I have to get off of this thing!
Have a wonderful day!
NiRi
Author's reply
Melkor obviously is targeting Námo in taking Vairë, but Námo is a little wiser now and hopefully realizes this, though Irmo probably understands his brother better than Námo does himself, which is why he's coming along in the rescue attempt.
Varda isn't being consciously mean to Námo, she's really at a loss as to how to relate to him. He isn't like the other Ayanumuz, and she's not sure how to deal with that, hence, her sometimes antagonistic attitudes towards Námo. However, having to deal with him on a more regular basis with Manwë away has helped her to see him in a different light.
Larner
· 6 September 2007
· Chapter 8: Mápaina
It's wonderful to see how constellations were begun, and the early experiments with forms of life. And now they shall all see Namo begin coming into his own. Go, Namo--find where Ungoliant and Morgoth have taken your beloved.
Author's reply
Acairis as Ungoliant.... hmmm.... that's a rather big assumption... but you never know, you may be right. At any rate, while we are only told the names of a few of Melkor's followers, it stands to reason that there were many more and Acairis would be just one of them.
Nieriel Raina
· 2 September 2007
· Chapter 7: Melyanna
This was a fantastic chapter! I just love seeing Námo grow, and it was nice to see him learn this about himself! It was good to see Irmo as well, and the young love in the form of an understanding. *grin* One question though, is Melyanna, Melian? I loved Námo's handling of the situation. Very nice!
NiRi
Author's reply
Yes, Melyanna is the Quenya version of Melian. The name means "beloved gift". I'm glad you liked this chapter. Námo is slowly taking ownership of his role in Eru's plans for Arda, though probably it's a case of 2 steps forward and 1 step back at the moment.
Agape4Gondor
· 29 August 2007
· Chapter 7: Melyanna
I thought I'd try to read this at work during a break, but found it too full, as usual!
Another excellent chapter. I love the foreshadowing of Namo's 'real' job... I liked his relationship with Irmo... I love his relationship with Iluvatar!
I very much enjoyed the 'brown dwarves'.... poor Varda!
Author's reply
Hi Agape! Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Poor Varda indeed, but there's a learning curve with all the Ayanumuz (and Máyar). I'm sure they didn't just "know" how do to everything right the first time. As created beings, they would have had to learn and grow (we see that in the Ainulindalë where Eru Ilúvatar allows them to explore and experiment with the Song before bringing them all together for the Great Music).
I think Námo and Irmo's relationship is somewhat unique among the Ayanumuz and hope to explore it further in this story, as well as Námo's relationship with Ilúvatar.
Elentarri
· 29 August 2007
· Chapter 7: Melyanna
Hi.
This is a really original and amazing concept / idea. I really love it. Well done. Your writing style and characterisation is also very good. A well written story. Please continue with this and your other Thorongil story :-)
Best wishes
Author's reply
Hi Elentarri! Thanks or your good wishes. I'm glad you are enjoying this story as well as the THorongil one. I have every intention of continuing this story. It certainly isn't anywhere near completion so you should have a nice long time to enjoy it.
Larner
· 28 August 2007
· Chapter 7: Melyanna
I love that Aule named the "brown dwarfs"--he who in time created the Dwarves of Arda and who cherished them so. And that the Ainur and Valar had to be ordered from time to time to go off and take rest and play that their work not destroy them is wonderful. And we see more of the early days of Melian and Sauron--Sauron was such a--an unprintable word! Jerk!
And Namo and Irmo working together to help others come back to Eru is wonderful! Two of healing here.
Author's reply
Well, even the best of us need a break now and then, and the Valar and Maiar are no different. *grin*
Somewhere in Tolkien's writings he mentions that Melian never trusted Sauron even before he became Sauron and so we see the beginnings of that mistrust here. And yes, he is an unprintable jerk
Aulë naming the brown dwarfs just seeemed natural, though there was no pun intended. *grin*
We'll see more of how Námo and Irmo work together for healing in later chapters.
Raksha The Demon
· 28 August 2007
· Chapter 7: Melyanna
I can't remember exactly who Aulendil is - Sauron, or Saruman?
I assume that Melyanna will also be one day known as Melian.
Good chapter; this is such an original piece in Tolkien fanfic.
Author's reply
Aulendil will one day become Sauron. Saruman was known as Curumo before he came to Middle-earth. Melyanna is merely the Quenya form of the Sindarin Melian.
Glad you liked the chapter.
Radbooks
· 28 August 2007
· Chapter 7: Melyanna
Ah, Namo love! :) What a wonderful chapter. I love the image of Namo and Irmo 'casually' moving stars and planets as they have a serious discussion about Melyanna. And then going off for a 'swim' in a star!
I enjoyed the flashback scene because while I've of course always known that Irmo and Namo are close, it's nice to see some of the reasons behind that closeness and how they complement each other.
It must have been a little bit scary for Namo to open himself up to Ilúvatar and then to discover that gift he'd been given would have been shocking. Also, was that the first any of the Valar had heard of the Mortal children? His compassion and love for Melyanna was so wonderful. I know that so often people in this life have been given wonderful gifts and they are discouraged from using them because they aren't considered 'practical'. Evidently we need Namo around to set them straight! :) Well, we need people that can see the truth like you've written and encourage people not to set aside the gifts they have! Anyway, I was so glad that he was able to help her see the truth. It's not only going to help her, but it's also going to help him because it's going to let him see his gifts in a true light.
Thanks for sharing this and I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
I modeled this chapter, or at least the beginning part of it with Námo and Irmo, on "workmen" the world over, who carry out their jobs while discussing wife and kids and the latest football scores, except these "workmen" are shifting stars and dark matter and "fixing" the universe rather than doing maintenance on a computer or cleaning the floors and then stopping for a pint afterwards. *lol*
I think the Valar knew about both the elves and mortals before this though theír knowledge of them would necessarily be sketchy at this point in time. They really only know that they are charged with creating Arda for their habitation and that the elves will be immortal and reside within the bounds of Arda while the Secondborn will be mortal and leave the Circles of the World in due time.
Not only gifts can be deemed "impractical" but dreams and ambitions as well. We are often told that we can't do this or that because of these particular reasons (usually having to do with money). As a collge student exploring new vistas and possibilities for my future I was actively discouraged by my family from pursuing certain fields of interest because they were deemed (by them) as not "practical", i.e., I wouldn't make a lot of money, as if money was the only thing that was important. Unfortunately, I didn't have someone like Námo to encourage me to follow my dreams however impractical they might have seemed and so many opportunities for a fulfilling life were lost.
That being said, I have of course managed to pursue something of my earlier dreams, living here in China and teaching English, but I often wonder what my life would have been like had I been allowed to pursue my dreams at that time. I often wonder if it would have been better or at least more interesting than what my life as been. I'll never know, of course. At least I've been given the opportunity (however late in the day it might be) to "follow my bliss" as Joseph Campbell would say and that has to count for somethig. But still, I do wonder....
Anyway, enough about me... I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. We will be seeing Námo and Irmo working more closely together in subsequent chapters.
Beruthiels Cat
· 13 August 2007
· Chapter 6: Interlude On a Nameless Planet
It's a joy to see Námo and Vairë appearing as young and innocent as your characters in EI....adorable courtship! I was just looking in on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive for their slant on the Perseids and saw a Star Factory link-guess who it made me think of,lol...I had to wonder if you ever use their site for visualizing your descriptions?
BC
Author's reply
I use another of "astronomy" sites for information and inspiration, including NASA's. And sometimes I just make it up based on my own memories of Astronomy 101 classes in college, as well as Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" series.