Thalanee
· 2 December 2008
· Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers
I think this chapter will be one of my favourite ones!
It seems that Namo has finally overcome his insecurities, or at least he's well on his way.
"Namo's hide-away from Vaire": in case I never told you, your sense of humor is great!
I'm already looking forward to more.
Thalanee
Author's reply
Thanks, Thalanee. I'm glad you liked this chapter so much. It's perhaps one of my favorites as well. And thanks for thinking I have such a great sense of humor. I appreciate you telling me.
Larner
· 2 December 2008
· Chapter 47: Brothers’ Keepers
And compassion is such a great gift! He has received it so strongly, and uses it so well. And we have seen that statue, have we not, being climbed by certain recovering fear? Heh!
Author's reply
Indeed it is. And as for the statue... not just recovering fëar but sometimes the odd Maia. *grin*
Sunny
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
I just noticed something in this chapter. I was doodling a little map of the placement of the mansions of the Valar around the street: Manwë and Varda's mansion on one end and Námo and Vaire's on the other. On Manwë's end we find what I might call the "hard sciences" department, on Námo's end we find psychology, psychiatry and general medicine. Oh, and history.
In the middle we find Tulkas and Nessa's mansion on one side of the street, on the other side is Oromë and Vána - military science and Art?
Did you plan this out, or did it just happen?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Wow! That's very astute. I actually didn't realize this myself until you pointed it out. I didn't consciously plan it this way but obviously the muse had something else in mind. I modeled the city on the Aztec ceremonial city of Teotihucan. Because Manwë (as Calamando) and Námo (as Morimando) are the chief Judges of the Valar, I placed them on opposite ends of the Avenue connecting the mansions. It simply made sense that Nienna and Irmo would have their mansions next to Námo's and that Aulë and Ulmo as the chief scientists among the Valar (according to Tolkien) would naturally be grouped with Manwë. Tulkas and Oromë would then fall somewhere in between, not necessarily belonging to either the 'hard sciences' or the 'soft sciences' but perhaps belonging to both depending on circumstances. The thrones at the Máhanaxar are set up in the same pattern, though I doubt if the Elves of Aman understand the significance.
Kitty
· 30 November 2008
· Chapter 46: Yána Elenion
Manwë shouldn’t feel guilty about Melkor’s treachery; I doubt anything he could have said or done would have made a difference. It was *not* his fault. But I feel sorry for him; it must be hard to miss his brother and to know what has become of him.
If I have to move the conservatory one more time to fit this room of Atar’s in, he thought darkly to himself, I think I’ll scream. *snicker* That’s more like Manwë again ;-)
Fascinating to watch how the Chapel of Stars was created; and I liked Námo’s visit to the valley we just got to know in EI and the following interlude with the deer. But the end left me wanting to cuddle Námo; it is so sad he feels so inadequate and insecure after seeing the Chapel, instead of being proud of the Halls he just sang into being. And that he felt that he’s being the least of the Ayanumuz and believed the others barely tolerate him and his Mayar are only cleaving to him because no one else does want them makes me really sad. *sniff*
Author's reply
We will see in the next chapter how Manwë helps Námo with his insecurities and how Námo helps Manwë with his sense of loss.
Earlinde
· 26 November 2008
· Chapter 46: Yána Elenion
Wow! It has been waaaaayyy too long since I last reviwed. As usual your chapter(s) are amazing. I love the insight into the other Ayanumuz that you are giving with the chapters on their different issuse. I thought The Light Challenges was great, especially Varda's little quip about Melkor! Go ahead girl! And FINALLY Vairë said yes! 'Bout time they got their act together *grins* I can't wait for the wedding. Poor Manwë!I just want to give him a huge cuddle. Blood is blood no matter what they do to you. And poor Námo he is just so sweet and cute with his insecurities! Great Work!
P.S. Even though I ADORE reading about other Ayanumuz, Namo is still number one for me!
Author's reply
Hi Earlinde. I'm glad you have been enjoying these chapters, especially "The Light Challenges". Both Manwë and Námo have some issues that need to be resolved, and they will actually end up helping each other. We'll see how in the next chapter.
And like you, Námo is number one for me, too. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing (whenever you get around to doing so). I really appreciate it.
Independence1776
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 46: Yána Elenion
I absolutely adore the first paragraph!
"If I have to move the conservatory one more time to fit this room of Atar’s in, he thought darkly to himself, I think I’ll scream." I don't blame him in the slightest!
Oh, the Chapel of the Stars. Yes, they certainly will need it.
“'Thou’rt a great help, Atar,' Manwë said with a smile.
*I try,* Atar said laughingly" I am quite glad that Atar has a sense of humor.
Oh... I love seeing the places that you've mentioned in other fics. It shows just how much work and care you put into them.
*blinks* Just how close are his Halls to the Veil? And he doesn't yet realize they aren't just for the Secondborn. :(
"But it did matter, it mattered greatly. He knew he was the least of the Ayanumuz, barely tolerated by the others. Were not the Máyar who cleaved to him fewer than those who took oath elsewhere? Were they not the weakest of them, accepting his lordship because no one else wanted them? He saw the looks of disbelief when he spoke of his visions, though they had all learned to accept them, however grudgingly. He always cringed a bit whenever he had to speak them, knowing that they would most likely be resented. He felt a soft caress across his brow, a balm to his fëa, but he still was not happy."
No, no, oh no. Námo, you are far from the least and certainly not just tolerated. Your Máyar want you to be their lord. As for the disbelief, that will change.
That passage is heart-breaking and nearly brought me to tears. He is certainly far from healed, and not the self-confident Lord of Mandos we love. *wants to hug him but think Vairë would do a better job*
Wonderful chapter and a nice piece to head off with for five days without Internet.
~ Indy
Author's reply
Thanks, Indy. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. The Veil of Tears is not that far from Mandos. It's just northeast of it, lying between Mandos and Lórien.
As for Námo's lack of self-confidence, I suspect both Manwë and Vairë will have a hand in helping him there.
Five days without Internet! The horror... *lol*
Oh how fun to see such familiar places from EI being made! Wonderful! I hope Manwe can assure Namo his own works are in no way less beautiful or worthy.
Author's reply
We'll see in the next chapter how Manwë helps Námo to appreciate himself and his own works more than he does.
eiluj
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 46: Yána Elenion
"If I have to move the conservatory one more time" -- But he loves her....
"Elsewhen" is a good idea, as it allows for simultaneous use.
"Námo, looking unaccountably tired" -- And so he should -- it's not as if he'd spent the afternoon drilling a hole in a gourd to make a birdhouse. (Mental picture of the Valar making birdhouses.... Oh dear, now I've got a whole series of mental pictures of various EI elves making birdhouses. Now hobbits....)
"He now had a purpose beyond being the harbinger of Doom" -- What would we do without angsty characters?
"He was looking forward to tending to them and comforting them, for he had no doubt that they would be grieved at their leaving Atháraphelun" -- Oh, little does he imagine ... and that's probably a good thing.
I'm looking forward to seeing Manwë's reaction to the Halls of Mandos. Which I expect will have a first use that does not involve the Secondborn.
Author's reply
While Atar hasn't actually lied to Námo about the purpose of his Halls, for the Secondborn will indeed come to them, he hasn't told him the full truth, a truth he will learn of his own. Manwë's reaction (and those of the other Ayanumuz) will be seen in the next chapter.
Larner
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 46: Yána Elenion
Ah, inadequacy--our bane! Poor lad--he must learn to appreciate what he has done on its own merits, and his halls will be more than enough!
Author's reply
I think eventually he'll appreciate his own worth; Manwë won't let him get away with self-pity for too long.
Tari
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 46: Yána Elenion
This was a very touching chapter. I can understand how Namo feels, but am sure his efforts will turn out to be much better than he thinks. Atar always knows what he is doing. He never makes mistakes.
Author's reply
I agree Tari and I'm glad you found this such a touching chapter. Thanks for letting me know.
6336
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 46: Yána Elenion
Darn! No jeans and tee shirt, just a Song?! I should have remembered they could Sing things into being, after all that's what started the whole thing!
Poor Namo, he is still so insecure about a lot a things, partly from his trials with Melkor and partly from his own feelings. Still got a ways to go to being the Namo we all know and love!
Wish they could hurry up and 'Void' Melkor! But that is still a ways in the future!Just shows you can love someone, but not like them!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Námo's insecurities will eventually resolve themselves and he will become the Vala he was meant to be, though it will still take some time to affect. Melkor's fate is assured even though it is still far off in the future. At least we can take solace in that fact.
Kitty
· 23 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
No more so than the next male of the species? *snicker* And here I thought it were the females usually accused of that! Even more so considering the behaviour of Varda and Vána.
Somehow I feel sorry for Varda for her feeling not to be able to create this great light. But I am tickled pink by her hope Melkor is *not* pleased with her work.
It’s sad that some of the Mayar left, but as one of them is Melyanna/Melian, I see the necessity.
And Námo FINALLY asked Vairë! YAY! That was about time! And so sweet, Námo calling out to Atar and to imagine them dancing on the beach!
Author's reply
Well, I think both males and females find the other enigmas at times. *grin*
In the Silmarillion it states that all the Valar (not just Varda) had a hand in creating the Sun and Moon. In fact, it appears that much of the work was done by Yavanna whose creation the Trees were.
I think that Melian was not the only Maia to leave Aman for Middle-earth, but she's the only one we read about in the Silmarillion. I like to think that the few others who left did so because they were needed in Middle-earth rather than just because they felt like going there.
I'm glad you liked the ending with Námo proposing to Vairë. The wedding, I promise, will not be too far off.
Thanks, Kitty, for your review. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave one.
Larner
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
They might not have back their innocence, but they have in its place much wisdom and compassion--and willpower they would not have known had they not experienced Melkor's betrayal.
Author's reply
Exactly. I couldn't have said it better. Thanks, Larner.
Tari
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
Námo speaks in riddles? Sounds like Gandalf had a teacher. The way Námo proposed to Vairë was so sweet.
It is hard for me to understand why any Maia would want to leave and go to the Outer Lands. I know I would definitely not go. I would want to be as far away form Melkor as possible. I hope they do not regret their decision.
Author's reply
We know of course that at least one named Maia, Melian, did leave Aman for Middle-earth. I think there might have been others as well. Why, we'll never know. Perhaps Atar inspired them to leave to work in the various lands of Middle-earth to heal them and protect them. They may indeed be the genesis of "guardian spirits" known in every culture down through the ages. I'm sure some if not all returned to Aman on occasion, just as Melian did.
Rhyselle
· 20 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
While I enjoyed reading about Varda's actions and the creation of the constellations (and all the little humorous bits, like Orome obeying Vana's injunction to "Go hunting" *grin*), my very favorite part was the the last.
As I read and envisioned Namo and Vaire on that beach, though, I was taken back in time myself, to the night that my husband asked me to spend eternity with him. And I knew exactly how Vaire felt when she said "Yes" because I felt the same way. *happy sigh*
And Namo's crowing to Atar about Vaire's answer was perfect! :) Thanks for such a beautiful chapter!
*going back to work with images of Namo and Vaire swirling about each other on the beach in the starlight dancing in my brain*
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I'm glad this chapter was such a delight for you, especially Námo's proposal to Vairë. Thanks for letting me know.
Independence1776
· 19 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
Oh, I love this chapter. Varda creating the stars is one of my favorite parts of the Silm.
And if she's creating them, that means the Quendi aren't far away. And that's even more certain with Melyanna leaving.
Slightly humorous story about the Big Dipper- I was out in the early morning walking my dog a couple days ago, and looked up to see said constellation. My first thought was not Big Dipper or Ursa Major. Instead, it was Valacirca. (Sometimes, I think I'm a *little* too obsessed with Tolkien.)
Yes! They're finally engaged! *joins the couple in dancing*
~ Indy
Author's reply
Thanks, Indy. I'm glad you liked this chapter. As you say, with Varda creating the new stars and all, the Quendi cannot be too far away from awakening, thouogh of course the Ayanumuz don't know this and won't for some time.
I think it's cool when people translate everyday experiences into Tolkien's world. When I was in China last year I climbed Mt. Tai at night, which is the most popular way to do it). Anyway, we were all making our way to the lookout point to watch the sunrise. At 1540 meters (.93 miles) up we were above the clouds which spread out like an ocean around us so the lower slopes of the mountain couldn't be seen. High above was Ithil at full and directly east was Eärendil. In fact, I was so tempted to say, "Aiya Eärendil, ancalima elenion!" but I just pointed and said to my companions, "Oh, look! There's Venus". *LOL* So you see, you're not the only one. *grin*
Elena Tiriel
· 19 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
Hi Fiondil,
Really enjoying how your story embellishes the bits of canon (whether detailed or sparse) that Tolkien gives us. You give real personalities to the Valar and Maiar that makes them much more personal and interesting than the sketchy details from the Silm. And you give them an emotional range, including humor, that doesn't necessarily show in Tolkien's writings. ;-)
I especially liked reading this chapter, since it expands upon one of the most beautiful and moving passages of the Silmarillion. Very nicely done!
And then I was astonished to see the reference to my WIP drabble series in Eiluj's comment to this chapter! The story is titled "Fell and Fair" (at henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?stid=5160); it is about the sons of Elrond. The notes Eiluj refers to are about a drabble from the night before the Battle of the Field of Celebrant, when a Balchoth (Easterling) seer consults the stars, searching for favorable omens.... As a stargazer, I noticed from Tolkien's own description that Borgil had to be Aldebaran in Taurus, rather than Betelguese... but I was pleased to find the essay Eiluj mentions, by an astronomy professor that confirms my opinion. LOL!
Anyway, congratulations on the remarkable amount of research that goes into your story, which makes it especially inviting to a canon fan like me.
Fine work, Fiondil!
- Barbara
Author's reply
Hi Barbara. I'm so pleased that you are enjoying my story. I've done my best to stay in canon while offering my own take on things. Tolkien merely sketches the Valar and their doings and there's little enough information even in HoME with which to work, so I'm glad that you think the embellishments work, especially for this chapter which appears to be a favorite with a lot of people, myself included.
I will have to go and look at your story and check out the astronomer's essay. As a lover of astronomy myself I'm always interested in reading such things, especially as they relate to Middle-earth.
And thanks for letting me know how much you appreciate my research efforts. I really appreciatge it. Of all the stories I've written to date, this one has involved a great deal of research and consultation to make the story believable while still staying within canon.
Nieriel Raina
· 19 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
Oh, how sweet! Been waiting for this. :)
Author's reply
Thanks NiRi. I hope the wait was worth it. *grin*
eiluj
· 19 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
Oh dear. I'm speculating on the possible effects if Varda *had* bathed in the Tree's light.
"rearranging the universe to suit herself" -- *snicker*
And now the elves are awake! Yay! So is the wedding (another Yay!) before or after Oromë finds them? [It's an interesting question as to whether Oromë or Námo knew about the elves first. I guess I assume Námo: another sad experience for him.]
Speaking of Tolkien's constellations, are you familiar with this essay about Borgil? The E of A says it's Betelgeuse, but a footnote by Elena Tiriel in her story "Fair and Foul" says:
"The Elves gave the name Borgil to Aldebaran. (Borgil is sometimes mistakenly identified as Betelgeuse in Orion, but that theory is effectively refuted by the astronomy professor Dr. Kristine Larsen in an essay here [“A Definitive Identification of Tolkien’s Borgil: An Astronomical and Literary Approach,” at http://www.physics.ccsu.edu/larsen/borgil1.pdf], which is continued here [www.physics.ccsu.edu/larsen/borgil2.pdf].)"
I found it convincing, but what do I know? [Elena Tiriel's story is at HASA. And no, I don't know *which* footnote -- I saved this quotation long ago, converting the links to addresses -- but most of them are worth reading, as is the story.]
Author's reply
No, I am not familiar with the essay or even with the story by Elena Tiriel. Thanks though for pointing them out to me. I'll have to go and read them sometime.
The elves may or may not be awake at this point though the Valar will not know of their existence for some time yet. Their discovery by Oromë will in fact take place after the wedding. *grin* As to who learns of the elves first... that remains to be seen.
Thalanee
· 19 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
Yay!! It has happened! She said yes!
That was such an incredibly sweet scene! It's wonderful.
Thank you ;-) I can hardly wait for the wedding- chapter.
I really loved Vana's "Go hunt something" and Orome returining a year later (of course time doesn't really mean much to the Valar...)
More please!
Greetings, Thalanee
Author's reply
Hi Thalanee. You're welcome. I'm sure many readers can't wait for the wedding either.
And one needs to keep in mind that a "year" for the Valar at that time was equivalent to almost ten years as we know them today. But when one is immortal that hardly matters. *grin*
Anonymous
· 19 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
this started out interesting but has turned into just a rephrase of silmarillion. earlier chapters kind of cool, latest ones not so much.
Author's reply
Well, this tale takes place within the framework of the Silmarillion, though admittedly, the earlier parts are extrapolated from what little detail Tolkien offers us about the construction of Eä and Arda. Now, however, we are coming near to the time in which the Elves awake and so there is more rephrasing of events mentioned in the Silmarillion though I have attempted to add my own details and twists of plots. Sorry this displeases you but I always planned this story to be this way. There will still be some chapters that are more original to me (Námo and Vairë's wedding, for instance); you just have to be patient.
6336
· 19 November 2008
· Chapter 45: The Light Challenges
Yes, she said yes!!! Yay!!! When is the wedding and where are they registered?
Hm, I think Varda had fun rearranging things and sticking her tongue out at Melkor via the Valacirca!
One small thing in the second section, forth paragraph you need a space between of and Ibrinithilpathanizel.
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
The wedding won't be immediate but we'll see it in a few chapters down the road. Thanks for pointing out the typo; it's been corrected.
Tari
· 17 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
So that is how the lord of horses came into being.
The Valar and the Maiar should know better than to let their guard down when Melkor is in the picture. Evil never sleeps.
It seems Oromë and Yavanna had enough foresight to wander through the outer lands keeping their eyes on Melkor and his minions while trying to undo some of the damage he had done. The time of the Elves approaches. I can't wait.
Author's reply
I think the Valar were just so weary of the fighting and having to restore the world that they couldn't face Melkor again as soon as they should have. At least some of them were willing to brave the outer darkness of Middle-earth and do what they could to heal the wounds.
Jancy
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 0: An Explanation
I'm just begiing this story but so far what I've read is itnersting. I don't think anyone had ever written alot about the Valar.
You have alot of great and intresting ideas!
Author's reply
Hi Jancy. I'm glad you found this tale. I hope you enjoy reading it. I think I'm the only person who's devoted an entire story just to the Valar or at least that was the case when I first started writing it. *grin*
Independence1776
· 14 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
Your explanation of why Oromë’s horse is immortal makes sense. I'd've never thought of it that way.
“'He means watch where you tread,' Námo said with a straight face. 'We don’t want you accidently stepping on any of the Children in your haste to pursue Melkor’s get.'” *snorts* I love your Námo.
~ Indy
Author's reply
I'm sure many people haven't really thought about Nahar being as immortal as Oromë when even though the animals in Aman would live longer they would necessarily die eventually. It just made sense to me that one of the Maiar chose that physical form for himself.
T'm delighted that you like *my* Námo. *grin* Thanks for letting me know.