I've been enjoying these last few chapters very much even if I haven't been reviewing them! I wasn't too surprised to find out that Manwe knew about the Children already... it just seems like he would have known something like that. It'll be interesting to see what the others have to say about it. :) I'm anxiously awaiting the meeting between the Valar and the Children, that ought to be interesting. Although, now that I say that I can't remember if they all go to meet them or if just Orome does. Well, I guess I'll have to wait and see! Thanks again!
Author's reply
Hi Radbooks. I'm glad you've been enjoying these chapters. I don't think too many people were surprised that Manwë knew about the Children already. According to the Silmarillion, only Oromë makes direct contact with the Elves at Cuiviénen. The others remain in Aman and await for their arrival. That is not to say of course that none of them took a peek, just that they never made their presence known to the Children. Thanks for taking the time to review. I really appreciate it.
Ooh, awesome! 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' is a stirring piece if music and poetry--though you have me trying to imagine a fitting musical setting for the Maiar's song now. Hmm...Namo and Vaire greeting Manwe and Varda in the midst of a battlefield--where have I seen something like that before? Ah yes, Aragorn and Eomer at the Pelennor Fields. This scene echoes that one remarkably. :D Was that planned?
And oh, Manwe and Varda knew! They knew! The question is: Did he know just after Namo did, or before him? I think after Namo found out right?
Author's reply
I think there is an echo of the scene of Aragorn and Éomer meeting at the Pelennor Fields, but it wasn't planned, I just knew they would so meet when the two armies came together.
I suspect Manwë and Varda knew after Námo did but how long afterwards or even how they knew at all, I do not know.
Though I hope they don't act on it, I can understand so well how Námo's Mayar feel. I'd feel the same, and in the end I was glad they got to play along as well ;)
Good to see the host of the Valar in action! Indeed, it must have been quite a spectacle! But really, Melkor is such a coward, running away and leaving his people to fend for themselves. Typical tyrann - as soon as their precious self is threatened, they hide and leave others to do the dirty work. Though I find it interesting that one look at Námo was enough to have him fleeing from the battlefield.
Such a pity that they didn't catch Melkor and Aulendil in time. But I hope at least the Children are safe, surrounded by Mayar as they are.
Manwë had the battle plan well thought out, but admittedly I felt rather smug when Námo, Vairë and Oromë and their people joined the fight. He should have known better than to try and keep them away. And I see he actually knew about the Children in Námo's Halls, as I had suspected.
Can't wait for the next chapter, as usual!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, Manwë did know about the Children in Námo's Halls, and he wanted to protect Námo and Vairë from having to face Melkor. The fact that Melkor quailed at the sight of N±mo's expression when Námo joined in the battle is the reason why Manwë wanted him out of the battle in the first place, fearing the younger Ayanuz would succumb to wanting to take revenge against Melkor. At any rate, Manwë's fears were unfounded. Námo was beyond a need for vengeance and was all about seeking justice for the Children.
Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know. The next one will be up sometime next week.
So, Manwe was not precisely ignorant of what was happening in the outer lands? Atar does like to play things close to the chest, doesn't he? Heh!
And why was I not surprised to see the Battle Hymn of the Republic here?
Author's reply
Manwë isn't the Elder King for nothing and I doubt too much gets by him. When I wanted to have Námo, Vairë and Oromë's Máyar singing a battle song, this one just naturally came to mind.
I would love to see someone paint a picture of Manwe's throne room/war room with the Valar about the model of Arda, with the lights and Ulmo tracing his green line along the proposed route of travel. (Ironic to think that this is also the same route that the rebel Noldor will take an Age later.)
Atar makes long plans, and we are always surprised when the preparations he made come to fruition. Although the idea of Melyanna skulking around Utumno and Angamando as a spy gave me a mental double take.
Of course Melkor would never be able to resist coming out to prove he's better than his younger siblings in Atar's thought. (You know, I wonder how much younger Manwe is than Melkor... it's a terrible thought that the malice and evil of Melkor could have their roots in the jealousy of a formerly only child having to share Atar's attention with another, younger child... It could explain Melkor's going off into the Void the way he did. "If you aren't going to spend the time me instead of him, I'm going to go someplace else, so THERE!" Okay, I'm getting a bit off track...)
Namo and Vaire's conversation with Maranwe and the rest of their Mayar was excellent. I can understand Maranwe and Calimo wishing vengeance, but they are wrong to let this dark emotion control them. I love how Namo protects them from that darkness by his decision. Yes, it is all about seeking justice.
Orome joining Namo and Vaire was good... although I wonder if Orome himself had a doubled motive for choosing to be among those who protected the Children. He certainly doesn't see to be that reluctant to participate in a sneak attack! *grin*
The description of the main host and their banners was stunning. I liked the subterfuge of Namo, Vaire, and Orome's banners being carried with the main host as well. I can see Maranwe warning Tuitilion as he hands over the standard to him, "Don't drop it, brother." *grin* Hmmm. Would Tuitilion and Ingil be wearing tabards bearing Namo's and Vaire's respective colours to continue the ruse? And the mention of Tilion carrying Orome's banner so that he wouldn't mope in the mountains made me laugh!
I'm guessing that Vaire wove the standard of the Two Trees? :)
"For Atar and the Children!" What a perfect battle cry for this particular portion of the Army of Light. It applies to all of the Valar and their forces, of course, but has special meaning for Namo and Vaire.
The new variant of the Battle Hymn of the Republic is gorgeous! I hate to think how long it took you to get the words worked out. It was wonderful!
And how like Melkor to skulk in the rear like the coward he really is. When he quailed before Namo, that must have been satisfying for part of Namo's psyche--I know that at least part of me would have been gloating a bit at Melkor's flight.
Ah... I had wondered if Manwe knew more than he ever let on. Namo's "You knew," was just... I don't have an adequate descriptor as to how perfect the description of this scene was. It just rang so right.
Eonwe must have been the slightest bit peeved that he hadn't snaffled Aulendil at the last moment. And now for the seige.
I was wondering just how many more Elven fea would be coming to Mandos while the War was being prosecuted against Melkor. I like to think that the guardian Mayar would be able to "shoo" wandering youngsters away from danger and back to their Ammes and Attos.
Terrific chapter of my favorite fic! Thank you! :)
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. Actually it took me the better part of a day to work out the Quenya for the battle song. I'm glad you like it. I had fun working on it, trying to match words and phrases from the original to something equivalent to Middle-earth's cosmology and theology (not always an easy task).
If you remember the war room in "Star Wars IV: A New Hope": I sort of based this war room on that one, though without the dim lighting and droids. *grin* I think it would make a pretty neat painting as well.
I think Oromë had more than one motive in joining Námo and Vairë, one being to keep these two out of trouble, but not willing to try too hard at it. *grin*
At this point in time, the Ayanumuz and Máyar have still not adopted clothing to cover themselves. They won't do that until the Children come to them. So this battle was fought 'au naturale', so to speak. *grin*
The Children at Cuiviénen are safe enough from depredation now that the Máyar are there to guard them, but there are still some elves (now orcs) who are being forced to fight for Melkor who will find themselves in Mandos. That situation will actually be addressed in the next chapter.
Thanks for your review, Rhyselle. I'm glad this is your favorite fic. It's probably mine as well (for the moment). *grin*
Yay!!! Finally Melkor gets his butt kicked and like all bullies, when the going gets tough, he runs away! I also noticed that he was leading from the rear, shakes head, typical, typical and so like him to get some one else to do his dirty work for him! Hay he could not even get out of Aman with out Ungoliants help! Sneaky you know what!
Very pleased to see that Namo and Vaire got to lead the southern attack, I can see why Manwe would not want them in the vanguard of the main attack but he could not leave them out of it entirely. Did Orome go along to keep an eye on them or to aide in the assault?
I think The Battle Hymn of the Republic would have worked with out the translation to Quenya, such a stirring tune!
Looking forward to the companion piece in Tapestry.
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Melkor is indeed a coward and a bully and like all cowards and bullies he prefers to save his own hide and let others do his dirty work for him.
I think Oromë went along to keep an eye on them but not on Manwë's orders. He went for friendship's sake. That's why he didn't object when Námo indicated he and Vairë were going to join in the battle.
Well, the song might have worked just as well without the translation to Quenya, but it wouldn't have been as much fun to compose as far as I'm concerned. *grin*
The Tapestry companion piece will be up tomorrow (New Year's Day).
Ces
· 30 December 2008
· Chapter 51: Tulwi Ainuron Etelelyar
Namo kicking butt and taking names! Melkor doesn't stand a chance. Sometimes you can be too smart for your own good.
Love your version of 'Battle Hymn of The Republic.' Got me tapping my feet.
"For Atar and the Children!" reminded me of Aragorn's call of, "For Frodo," from the movie. Everything does come full circle, doesn't it?
This story is just getting more and more exciting. Looking forward to the next installment.
Ces
Author's reply
I like your description of Námo here. *grin*
I'm glad you're finding this story so exciting. Nest installment will be up soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 29 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
Fascinating to see the awareness of the awakened Elves begin spreading amongst the Valar as they begin their relationship with the Firstborn. And we see the protection offered them against Melkor and the war to come as well! Too bad it didn't permanently solve the problem, of course.
Author's reply
True... it would have been nice if this war had permanently solved the problem, but then there wouldn't have been much of a story afterwards, would there?
Larner
· 29 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
Ai! The first of those Melkor intended to twist to orcs? Alas! But better this than that loss of self.
And he begins to know one of his main tasks from now on.
Author's reply
Yes, better that than the alternative. And of course Námo begins to come into his own at this point.
Tari
· 29 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
Every time I read anything about the horrors Melkor reeked upon the elves my heart breaks a little more. Because of this, I have only been able to read the Silmarillion twice thus far. It had to be extremely hard for the Valar to see how consumed with evil their brother was and what he was doing to the Firstborn. I’m sure the desire to kill him lurked deep in their hearts though they could not act on it.
Author's reply
It is difficult to read about what horrors Melkor perpetrated on the elves (and later men). I'm sure the Valar would have loved to just destroy Melkor and all his evil forever, but of course that could never be. Arda was marred from the beginning and only Ilúvatar would be able to bring about healing from all evils.
Edlyn
· 28 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
Ah, meldonya, the children were found by Oromë at last. THe bit about hte tunic and Vána's commented regarding jealousy made me smile but my heart was torn when I read of Námo telling Vairë that he found he had to judge the fëar of the Children. I know Manwë has a difficult job being Atar's vice-gerent but I have come to feel over the course of this story that Námo's job is much harder, especially now when he is still relatively young and "learning the ropes."
And war will now be taken to Melkor and it will dfinitely be ugly. I know th Valar win in the end but I can't help a feeling of dread as I consider what the Ayanumuz, Máyar, and the Children will be facing.
Most excellently written, meldonya. Eru bless and keep thee.
Edlyn
Author's reply
Yes, Námo's job is much harder, and while he's still relatively young and 'learning the ropes', his past experiences will help him more than he realizes. Námo is finally coming into his own here, though he won't understand this for some time.
War is always ugly and yet in this case necessary. A pity it didn't solve everything but at least he provided the elves a chance to grow and develop in peace afterwards.
Glad you enjoyed this chapter, Edlyn. Thanks for letting me know.
Kitty
· 28 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
Ah, that was about time that Oromë found the Children! Loved Vairë’s reaction to his elf-made tunic *grin* No doubt, she’s the weaver among the Valar!
But my heart went out to Námo and Vairë and to the elves who ran away when Oromë turned up; we all know where they ended up :(
Agree with Tulkas completely. They should have acted long ago, and it is about time to finally hunt Melkor down instead of waiting for his next strike.
And how fitting that Námo and Vairë offered their Maiar for the protection of the Children! They will be most diligent in that task, no doubt, as they already know what happens otherwise. Though I am beginning to wonder how much – or less – Manwë knows.
Can’t wait for more!
Author's reply
The question of what does Manwë know and when did he know it will be answered in the next chapter. Námo and Vairë of course know better than the others what is at stake here so offering their Máyar for the protection of the Children makes sense.
6336
· 26 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
Hi, sorry did not get a chance to review this earlier, having to be at work by 5-45a.m. rather puts a kink in your reviewing!
I was trying to come up with a better discription of what Namo does with the fea then judging, though some do need to be judged, and thought maybe reconcile might be a better word. Helping them to examimne their lives and reconciling what they did do with what they should have done. Some how Dread Reconciler of Arda does not have the same ring as Dread Doomsman!
So Orome finally 'found' the Children and the first thing they did after accepting that he was not the Hunter was give him a shirt! Loved the remark about making the men jealous!
I am glad that the Mair that were injured in the last Battle will be able to help protect the Children, it will go a long way to restoring their self esteem.
Finally Namo gets to kick some Melkor butt!
Does Manwe know more than he is letting on, he always seems to be one step ahead?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I think 'reconcile' is a good word too and in one sense that *is* what Námo does when he sits in judgment of the fëar who come to him, but ultimately we know from later ages that 'judging' is what is actually happening. Of course, neither Námo nor the other Valar actually judge the elves so much as they provide them with the means to judge themselves, to see with absolute clarity what their lives (and deaths) were all about and to help them come to terms with the decisions, both good and bad, that were made. So 'reconciliation' is indeed one aspect of the entire process.
I have written a side story to "Wars" that will be found in my "Tapestry" series, describing what happens at Cuiviénen during the war against Melkor and the effects of the war on the Children. That story will be posted in tandem with the next "Wars" chapter which describes the Ayanumuz actually going to war. I will probably post them a day or two apart sometime next week.
As to the question of what did Manwë know and when did he know it... that too will be addressed in the next chapter.
Independence1776
· 26 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
Like the previous chapter, this one is heartbreaking.
"The price one pays for falling into Melkor’s grasp." Nothing is ever easy, especially that.
Now the others know about the Children! It's about time!
"I wish to return to them, offer them my protection. They are unsafe in the dark under the stars. Melkor has already found them. We need to protect them from further depredations by our Fallen Brother." But it won't be enough... Too much has been done already.
"At last! At last we take the fight to Melkor. It was something we should have done long before this." Yes! Yes, you really should have.
"Manwë gave them both a shrewd look but then nodded." I have the feeling Manwë knows (or guesses) more than he's telling.
"'At last these Little Ones will be avenged,' Maranwë said with great feeling." I agree completely.
"Námo could only nod in agreement, the dark flame of battle already smoldering in his eyes in anticipation." Melkor truly has no idea of the enemy he has made in Námo, both by his previous actions and his current ones.
Wonderful chapter! I am gleefully anticipating Melkor getting the thrasing he deserves.
~ Indy
Author's reply
This chapter is rather bittersweet, at least for two of the Ayanumuz and their Máyar with the knowledge that whatever protection Oromë can offer the Children now is too little and too late. Tulkas, of course, has the right of it: they should have taken the war to Melkor long before this instead of always allowing Melkor to take the opening move.
This particular war won't be covered in one chapter, though, so you won't see Melkor getting the thrashing he deserves as soon as you might wish, but it will come eventually, I promise.
Sunny
· 26 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
So Oromë has found the Children. And there will be _action_ *glares fiercly at poor, unoffending screen*
And there was rejoicing everywhere in Aman. Except for Námo's Halls, where yet _another_ damaged fëa has arrived. *sniffles*
I get the impression that Námo and Vairë's Maiar almost come to blows over which of them would get to go to Cuivienen to protect the Children. Drawing lots is a reasonable way to settle the question of who goes where. But doesen't Námo also need someone to mind the store at home while the rest of them go to war? I don't suppose the Halls can be left unattended now that they actually are in use!
Maranwë seems ever so eager to go to war again. Those feelings are certainly comprehensible, but I _do_ hope he is able to control himself!
It was fun seeing Vairë going over to Oromë to look at the garment he was wearing. I can relate to that. There have been times I have scrutinized a garment someone was wearing with the question in my mind, "How can I duplicate _that_?", with most of my attention on whatever detail of that garment had caught my eye. I also have some very well used links to various websites showing historical costumes... :-)
Author's reply
I suspect you are correct about the Máyar almost coming to blows over who gets to protect the Children at Cuiviénen. I am sure that Námo will not leave his Halls empty of Máyar though. The ones assigned to guard the individual fëar would, of course, remain behind and would most likely not wish to leave their charges anyway.
Having been in the SCA myself (oh! a looong time ago), I can relate to Vairë's need to know as well. *lol* I would often see someone else's garb or a particular detail of the garb and wonder how they did it and if I could duplicate it (or get someone else to do it for me *grin*).
ArianneG
· 26 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
Yess!!! Finally! After that last chapter and frankly after every chapter with Melkor being a *&*&^^ in it) I couldn't help but rage at The Dark Tosser--harming innocents (poor Namo and Vaire)--and the elves are only children. Practically babes in arms! That's absolutely unforgiveable, what he did to them. I was calling down some heavy duty curses on his head when I was reading, that's for sure.
So Orome finally found the Elves! And oh dear---Maranwe is getting some rather dangerous thoughts in his head isn't he? But I'm glad that Melkor is going to be handed a major @$$kicking soon (well as Valar, Maiar and Quendi account it). Can't wait for it--I enjoyed your earlier battle scenes.
Author's reply
I'm sure you're not the only one to rain curses on Melkor's head for what he's done, Arianne. *grin* It's nice to know you enjoyed my earlier battle scenes and are looking forward to this next one. I hope I don't disappoint. Thanks for your review. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me how you feel about this chapter and the story as a whole.
Rhyselle
· 26 December 2008
· Chapter 50: The Third Council of Manwë
A lovely Boxing Day gift to awaken to, Fiondil.
I really love how you dealt with the apparent discrepancy that elves were "lost" to Melkor and death before Orome found them at Cuivienen. How sad and difficult for Namo and Vaire to have to know about them and be unable to tell the others. Yet, I can see Atar's wisdom in this. The finding of the Children was a thing of joy and, had all of the Valar known about the deaths, all of them would have suffered grief from it, and, perhaps have made ill-considered decisions in anger and rage at Melkor, going to war for revenge instead of succor. (Maranwe using the term "avenged" in reference going to War as Namo's Herald worries me a bit....) This way, the advent of this knowledge, while still tainted with concerns about Melkor, is a reason for positive action instead of negative reactions.
It is sad that Namo and Vaire must bear the burden of silence this way, but Orome's joy is palpable.
The bit about the tunic that Orome comes back wearing was quite amusing, particularly Vaire going up to him and "inspecting" the weave. Reminds me of me at an SCA event or costume competition when I am looking at a particularly interesting technique or material on a fellow costumer! LOL!
Vana's comment made me laugh out loud as well.
I can see, when it comes out that Namo and Vaire and their Maiar have known about the Children already, there might be some interesting conversations and, perhaps, confrontations between the Valar because of it. Of course, it can all be settled by a simple, "This is what Atar told me to do." It would make for an interesting scene though....
I awakened feeling under the weather and still feel rather uncomfortable physically. But seeing this chapter's update notice in my inbox really helped my fea even though my hroa is still grumbling at me. Thanks very, very much!
Author's reply
Hi, Rhyselle. Your assumptions about the reason for Atar's enjoining Námo and Vairë and their Máyar to silence so that the actual finding of the Quendi by Oromë becomes an occasion of untainted joy is most profound and no doubt correct. We will see how Námo deals with his Máyar's thirst for vengeance in the next chapter. So for Námo and Vairë, Oromë's news is bittersweet, yet having been victims of Melkor themselves, they are able to handle the burden of silence better than the others, trusting that Atar knows what He is about.
I hope you are feeling better soon. I'm glad this chapter was a bright spot in an otherwise yucky day. *grin*
Tari
· 22 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
So, the first elf has arrived and poor Namo wasn't quite ready. I like the idea of the elves and humans going to the same place. I believe that to be the case in heaven.
I thought Eonwe would be there to record the oaths of the Maiar, but I don't think that would have been necessary. They will do what they are created to do, and with great joy.
Author's reply
Well the elves and mortals start out in the Halls of Mandos but mortals then leave the Circles of Arda completely while the fëar of the elves remain in Arda to eventually be re-embodied and returned to Life. That is the real difference, but I hope that when the End comes both Children will be reunited. Heaven won't be Heaven without elves as far as I'm concerned. *grin*
As for Eönwë, he doesn't need to be physically present to record an oath, so I think in this instance Atar merely told him to record the oath. And since this oath was strictly between Námo and his Máyar it would never be revealed to any of the others... a sort of "Seal of the Confessional" type of thing.
Kitty
· 21 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
Seems the Mayar designed the Gardens of the Reborn here? Sounds like these groves where they lived after being released from Mandos.
Oh Fiondil, what a way to introduce Námo to the arrival of the Firstborn! Poor guy! It must have been such a huge shock to be confronted with this frightened fëa and to realise who and what that was! Not to mention the fact that his Halls were destined for the Firstborn, too. But he held himself admirable, and his own experience with Melkor might really help him to understand how these new arrivals feel.
"Nay, lord," Maranwë said. "Thou dost deserve all our love and devotion, for thou’rt the only lord we desire to serve now and for all the ages of Atháraphelun and beyond." That was lovely - and I think Námo needed to hear that, considering the insecurity he sometimes shows.
Author's reply
Yes, these are the Gardens of the Reborn. And now you know how they came to be. *grin*
Yes, it was indeed a shock for our poor Ayanuz, but as you say, he held himself well and he was able to call on his own experiences to help with the new arrivals.
Maranwë and the other Máyar are just what Námo needs. They are loyal to a fault and will never let him down. They may be few in number compared to the Máyar of the other Ayanumuz, but in this instance 'quality' not 'quantity' counts for everything.
lilandriel
· 20 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
oh, damnit. this is so bitter and painful. you had me practically in tears, which i rather suspect was your intent. superbly written, if everso difficult to read. why oh why is he not allowed to tell Manwe? what a weight to have to carry
Author's reply
Essentially yes, my intent was to present you with a real tear-jerker of a chapter. *grin* Thank you for letting me know how this affected you. It was difficult to write, as well. And as to why he is not allowed to tell Manwë, well, in the Silmarillion he didn't. That news was left for Oromë to give.
Sunny
· 20 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
The first fëa has arrived in the halls, and he is just an _elfling_!!!! *wails*
Now if Oromë can just hurry up and get itchy feet, so that the Elves can be discovered, and the Valar can go off and pry Melkor's sorry a** out of Utumno and all the rest....
Now that Christmas is coming, I hope you will have lots of time for writing :-)
*sends author virtual box of homemade cookies*
Author's reply
Well, it will still be a while before Oromë does discover the elves, but once he does...
Anyway, thanks for the cookies. I appreciate them and the review. *grin*
Beruthiels Cat
· 20 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
I knew there would be a part of this I would want to review, but miss mentioning...Namo's vision of the Elf cowering before him would have been so terribly saddening for someone so compassionate...heartbreaking, because he wouldn't understand what he was seeing until it happened. It truly brings to attention how Namo has the most difficult task of all...he's been literally tried by fire. He will bend without breaking, but at such a cost...the ages will be terribly long for him.
Author's reply
I suspect you're correct, Cat, about Námo and what he has had to endure and continues to endure. The vision he had while still Melkor's prisoner apparently had remained suppressed all this time, which is just as well. I don't think he would have been able to handle it quite as well as he did otherwise. Once he had Vairë to lean on, though, then the vision and the reality were able to become one. Heartbreaking, to say the least, but at least we know there's a happy ending at the last.
eiluj
· 20 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
Well done. And sad, oh indeed!
I suppose some of the poor elf's fear was because it sensed Námo was obviously of the same class of being as Melkor.... *shudder*
I've read, I think, two other fics that mention the rebirth of elves who'd died in Valinor from mischance before the First Age; neither fic addressed the many elves that must have died -- and so much earlier! -- in Middle-earth due to Melkor. For there must have been so many of them -- or at least that has always been my impression from the Sil and other things I've read.
Author's reply
Most likely you are correct about that, eiluj. I'm sure most writers are not sure how to handle the topic of elves dying in Middle-earth because of Melkor. Even Tolkien did not delve too deeply into the subject. Still, I knew that it had to addressed in the story and this is the way I chose to do so.
Independence1776
· 19 December 2008
· Chapter 49: The Uninvited
*weeps* Yes, I do mean that literally. It is a rare writer who can make me cry.
I am very, very glad for Námo's sake that this happened *after* his wedding, for he needs Vairë's support.
"He was not sure what was happening, only that he had a great need to call out what he instinctively knew was a Word of Power in a language he did not know. Even so, he realized that his actions were a summons. He mulled the Word over in his mind and realized that it was a Name." And so it begins.
I think it's wonderful that you didn't have Námo or the Maiar recognize the fëa as an Elf. It truly makes sense that they wouldn't know.
A child. The first Elf to die is a child. Melkor, I fail to understand how Manwë could believe you had repented, especially with this.
"'Others?' Námo whispered in dread. 'There are others?'" As much as I know what Morgoth is doing, reading this reaction just brings the horror back in full force.
*For now it is enough that thou dost succor those who come, for they will be in sore need of thy healing compassion, a compassion born of pain wrought by the same hands that murdered this Child." *nods* Now Námo starts to understand that while he may not and cannot like everything that happened to him, it all serves a purpose in the end. (And the quotation mark at the end of the quote should be an asterisk.)
"Thou dost deserve all our love and devotion, for thou’rt the only lord we desire to serve now and for all the ages of Atháraphelun and beyond." And those are some of the words that their lord needs to hear right now. (Of course, that loyalty will last, even though Finrod and Glorfindel will "test" it.)
"Then he dismissed the Máyar to resume their duties while he sought out Vairë. When he found her in one of her workshops weaving, he dismissed her maidens who were in attendance and then quietly, tearfully, told her what had happened. Before he was through with his narrative she was wrapping her arms around him while he wept." Absolutely beautiful.
This was a hard chapter to read, and probably to write. You did a superb job on it.
~ Indy
Author's reply
Thanks, Indy, for your review. Yes, it was a hard chapter to write, never mind read. In many ways, I dreaded having to write it, though I knew it needed to be written. I think that it would take time for Námo to come to the realization that this was one of the Firstborn, since in his mind he was all set for the Secondborn to come to Mandos, having forgotten his vision when he was still held captive by Melkor (one of those memories that did not surface until a situation called for it, as happens with the Reborn).
And thanks for pointing out the typo... while correcting that I found another instance where there should have been an asterisk rather than a closing quotation mark. *grin*