The Wars of the Valar by Fiondil
Larner · 24 September 2008 · Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
Well--at last Aulendil begins to display his true colors and nature. When at last he is encountered again, it will be with a true appreciation of where his loyalties lie. Excellent.
Author's reply
All too true as we will see in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
6336 · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
Oops, I seem to be repeating myself, sorry about that, but it is apt! Lynda
Author's reply
no problem.
Radbooks · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
Oh, very nice chapter here. I love the 'commissioning' of Eonwe into his place as Oathkeeper. What a huge responsibility that would be and it would seem so overwhelming, especially the part about not letting anyone see the oaths of the Valar and Maiar... that would be a very tough thing to do! How do you say no to the lord you've sworn allegiance to? The way the whole planet is changing is just creepy all the way around... makes me shudder to imagine it and now Sauron has disappeared so that can't be good. I liked meeting Oshosai and Uinen... they are an interesting couple! Oshosai is never quite... tamed, is he? *grin* He does like to stir things up around the waters of the world!
Author's reply
Hi Radbooks. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I sort of relate Eönwë's position as Oatheeper to something similar to that of a priest and the 'seal of confession' which is inviolate. And of course at this point of time none of the Valar and Maiar are aware that their own oaths are being recorded, only Námo knows about that but then his position is unique. According to the Silmarillion Oshosai/Ossë is never quite tame, which is why Uinen keeps a tight leash on her husband. *grin* Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
eiluj · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
So now Eönwë -- or someone -- needs to invent writing, paper, pen and ink, and book-binding! Luckily there's plenty of time available.... Presumably Eönwë records the oaths in the same language they're uttered in. He would have begun recording oaths in the Elvish languages long before the elves invented their own systems of writing, so it would make sense for him to continue using the symbols he originally began using (rather than switch to the elves' alphabets when recording oaths in their languages). Yet the elves developed their own alphabets rather than use the Ainur's -- which leads me to assume they didn't ever encounter the Ainur's writing (or not until after they developed their own). Interesting. I'm wondering if Eönwë is responsible for recording the oaths of Melkor's people, and/or the oaths of those who are currently concealing their true allegiance. If so, that rather puts him in the same category as Námo, though with different knowledge. [Mental picture of all the Ainur attending classes to learn how to read and write.] "Cipher" seems an odd word to use re. Fionwë. I don't think you're using it in the sense of "nonentity." Of course, it can also mean "code," but that doesn't seem to have the connotation (or denotation) of "mystery," which is the best I can interpret that sentence.
Author's reply
Tolkien says that once the Valar encountered the Eldar and learned their language which we now call Quenya they abandoned their own language and adopted Quenya completely. As for writing systems, I suspect that Eönwë may have developed a written system to record the oaths of the Valar and Maiar which were made originally in Valarin but once everyone (even Morgoth and Sauron seemingly) made the switch to the Elvish languages and writing was invented, then he recorded everything in those languages. I think he might have even inspired Rumil to come up with a writing system and Melian would have encouraged the elves of Doriath to devise their own system as well. As to whether Eönwë is responsible for recording the oaths of Melkor's people... read my Tapestry story "Secret and Silent: the Oathkeeper" to find out the answer to your question. As for cipher... I guess I was using it to mean "mystery" since usually a code is initially a mystery. I was unaware that when referring to a person it means someone who is a nonentity. Thanks for pointing it out to me. I've since changed the word to "enigma" which is what I was aiming for.
Kaylee · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
AULENDIL is going to regret it when Namo catches up with him! *scowls* Or he had better. I never thought I'd say this, but poor Curumo...at least, for now. It seems he is genuinely upset about being shoved aside from his duties. Osse, Osse, Osse...*shakes head* He's going to catch it from Aule, isn't he? *laughs to herself* Rhyselle will know why I think that's funny, Unca' Fiondil. *chuckles* Anyway. I know Namo will have to watch him closely. "Eonwe of the People of Manwe..." Vindicated by Atar, no less! Yay Eonwe! And here we see where he began his office of Oathkeeper...both the good and the bad. *hugs him* I hope Fionwe will work off his temper hunting with Orome. Orome's going to be good for him, I'm sure. ~Kaylee!! *whose computer is pretty much dead and therefore has to use pitya nesanya's computer*
Author's reply
Well of course we know that Námo does not 'catch up' with Aulendil/Sauron at all, but that, as they say, is another story. *grin* Curumo of course is still loyal to Aulë and the other Valar and is indeed genuinely distressed by the attack. We must remember that three ages of the sun will pass before he turns traitor. Eönwë of course is coming into his own and Fionwë will eventually find his way back to where he belongs as well with Oromë's help.
6336 · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
So, it begins, again!(That sounds familiar?)Aulendil is gone, Coroumo has been chased off and Oshosai and Uinen are fighting, again, yes, as if Melkor would have given him control of the oceans, back stabbing, lieing S.O.B.(with apologies to Atar) that he is! So now Eonwe is official Oath Keeper, an honorable position and one he will do well in, who comes up with the idea of the 'Book'? I do wish Tolkien has used easier names for his people and would stick to one language, you just get used to them in Quenya and then you have to start all over again in Sindarin or Sylvan or Nandor or some obscure dialect! Arrgh!!! More please, (I'm a glutton for punishment! Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, I don't know... I rather like the different languages and rendition of people's names. I decided to use "Oshosai" rather than "Ossë" here because I liked the sound of it. *grin* Anyway, more will be forthcoming, never fear.
Larner · 20 September 2008 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
Aulendil? Talk about setting the fox to guard the henhouse! And Curumo sought to watch the other! Hmm.
Author's reply
Just keep in mind that Curumo remained faithful to the Valar for many long ages. He only betrayed their trust and his oaths to them at the end, corrupted by the Ring though he never saw it or wore it. Try not to read into his character what isn't there yet. He may be a bit arrogant but that's not a crime, merely a failing and we all have those to one degree or another. Aulendil, of course, is another matter, since Tolkien himself states that he was long secretly in league with Melkor.
Kitty · 20 September 2008 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
Nice to see how much Nessa's Maiar cared for her and how pleased they are about her binding to Tulkas. Otherwise, that chapter wasn't so nice :( What a horrible view that must have been! It's really time they take care of Melkor ... Uh. Aulendil guarding one of the lamps? That can't go well, no, it can't ... *sigh* Somehow I dread the next chapter ...
Author's reply
Unfortunately the next chapter isn't much better... but then that's how it goes when you are in war.
Tari · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 25: The Changing of the Variable
“For a long moment, no one spoke while the Máyar digested that bit of news. Maranwë, Námo noted with approval, even raised himself to his feet to face his lord. "Thou’rt most devious, lord," he said emotionlessly. Vairë actually snorted at that. "You think?" she asked with an innocent look on her face and several of the Máyar actually snickered. Námo flashed her a smile and a mental kiss before turning his attention back to his People.” This is one of my favorite parts. I chuckled when Vairë snorted. Námo’s attack on the Dark Ones was great. How sweet revenge can be, at least in this case. As a rule I don’t believe in revenge. Oh, No!!!! Melkor is back and just when Námo started becoming the Valar I know him to be. I love this chapter. Tari
Author's reply
A lot of people like this part of the chapter. *grin* Námo was crossing a line though, seeking revenge instead of justice and the ramifications of it will play themsevles out in subsequent chapters. We'll see how Námo handles Melkor in the next chapter.
Edlyn · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
Brrrr! Very scary and upsetting and absolutely brilliantly written, meldonya. When the monsters showed up I immediately flashed on the idea of dinosaurs because it was hte only thing my mind could come up with given the vagueness of your descriptions (and I had the same thing happen when I first read The Silmarilion BTW). I wanted to give everyone a hug and make it all better, especially Yavanna. The scene where Námo and Eönwë join her and she's weeping just broke my heart. I'm very proud of how Eönwë behaved and I loved it that Námo took the time to reassure him when the horribleness got to be too much. And of course, poor Talmavar is really traumatized by his experience. I hope he heals eventually. As usual, you did a great job with this chapter. Take care! Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi, Edlyn. I'm glad you found this such a brilliant chapter. As I mentioned in another review, I kept the description vague simply because Tolkien did as well but like you I always thought of dinosaurs right from the very first time I read the Silmarillion. I'm sure Talmavar will recover soon; Estë and Irmo are very good at what they do. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Earlinde · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
Man! Melkor rears his ugly head again! The descriptions were amazing I actually gaged when reading this, and what was the animal that Oromë was chasing? Anyways great job as usual, and thanks for leaving us hanging screaming for more. *grins*
Author's reply
Hi, Earlinde. I'm glad you found the descriptions realistic though I didn't mean for anyone to actually gag while reading them. *grin* I couldn't tell you what kind of animal Oromë was chasing. Tolkien's description of this part of the Silmarillion is very vague (and rightly so) but I always saw in it a nod towards the age of dinosaurs which preceded the age of primates myself. I have left the description vague enough to let the readers come up with their own ideas about it. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Tari · 17 September 2008 · Chapter 24: Feint and Counterfeint
I can't wait to find out what Melkor's reaction is when he reallizes what has happened. I have always consider him to be so intelligent as to be stupid. Turning away from Iluvatar was definetly stupid. He can't outsmart the Vala either. Namo and Vaire together again, how sweet. I may get caught of with my reading of this tale yet. Tari
Author's reply
Melkor is indeed too intelligent for his own good and his arrogance leads him into stupidity. Luckily, we know how it all ends. *grin*
Kaylee · 17 September 2008 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
So Melkor's causing more trouble, is he? And oh...oh, with Sauron and Saruman guarding the Lamps, we know they're not safe for very long! *shudders* This is terrible! :( I know the Lamps are going to be destroyed but I hope Yavanna will be all right...She's going to need a lot of strength to be able to create the Two Trees I'm sure. And Aule will support her...but he'll need a lot of support himself, seeing as it's his Mayar that are going to betray them. *frowns slightly* Although Aule must not know that his Mayar betrayed him, as he *does* suggest Curumo later as the head of the Heren Istarion (I hope I spelled that right)...Oh, now I'm confusing myself. *sigh* Stupid numbing stuff from getting my wisdom tooth out is messing with my head. And now I've lost *all* my wisdom. *Wry grin* Excellent chapter meldonya...very scary and worrying though brilliant as usual! ~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Saruman doesn't betray the Valar and all until the Third Age. At this point in time he is still loyal to Aulë, if a bit arrogant. Sauron, of course, was always secretly in league with Melkor but only now is declaring himself. Still, I always felt sorry for Aulë to have two of his People betray their oaths. It had to be very embarrassing for him but hopefully the other Valar did not make his life miserable because of it. *grin* I hope you recover from having your wisdom teeth pulled. Thanks for reviewing even under those conditions.
6336 · 17 September 2008 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
So now it begins, again, and it will keep on doing it until Arda is remade. It is very upsetting when something you have created is wantonly distroyed, Melkor is very good at that. More please, Lynda
Author's reply
You're right about Melkor, Lynda. It's very disheartening but too true even in our own world. The only bright spot is that some day it will all be remade and evil will be banished forever.
Ces · 17 September 2008 · Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
What an aptly named chapter. I was horrifed as I was reading. It immediately made me think of WWII and all that happened. You almost want to feel sorry for Melkor for all the love and all the good that he could have been enjoying and instead he's totally corrupted by evil. Definitely a chapter to make one think. Ces
Author's reply
Hi, Ces. I think you're right about Melkor... he missed so much and in the end he had nothing. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Ces · 9 September 2008 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
I had a smile on my face the entire way through! I have to admit though I almost expected Melkor to make an appearance - thank goodness he left them alone. As usual the descriptions were beautiful and so realistic. Now we only need to see Namo and Vaire espouse - I'm sure that will be just as happy a day for them! Ces
Author's reply
Hi Ces. Well, according to the Silmarillion the wedding went off without a hitch. *grin*. I'm glad you liked the descriptions. I did try to make them as realistic as possible. And I promise that we will see Námo and Vairë married, though not yet. Thanks for reviewing.
6336 · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
Well that's 6 down and 8 to go, or should that be 6 to go as Ulmo and Nienna don't marry? Your Muse seems to be in fluff mode at the moment, not that there is any thing wrong with fluff. Very sweet and loving. More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, Ulmo and Nienna never espouse, so there are three more couples yet to wed. As for fluff... even my Muse needs a holiday from angst every once in a while. *grin*
Larner · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
A lovely feast and wedding! Very nice! And like the teasing toward Aule and Yavanna. And one day Namo will be sufficiently recovered to wed Vaire. "Let he who would be greatest among you be as the servant of all."
Author's reply
Yes, it was a lovely feast and wedding and someday we will see Námo and Vairë espouse, I promise.
Earlinde · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
Another amazing chapter from the fabulous Fiondil! This chapter had me smiling from begining to end especially Aule and Yavanna's courtship story *grins*! Two thumbs up and if I had more they'd be up too!
Author's reply
Hi, Earlindë. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter so much, especially Aulë and Yavanna's courtship story. *grin* Thanks for letting me know.
Kaylee · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
Namarie meldonya! So, Tulkas and Nessa are now espoused *grin* Although it looks like no one beat out Aule and Yavanna at being the fastest to do so. *chuckles* They even surprised Atar? I didn't think anyone could surprise Atar! ~Kaylee! *who's waiting for Namo and Vaire's wedding to happen* *grin*
Author's reply
Oh, I think Atar can be surprised once in a while. That's why he gave us all free will, so he could be surprised. *grin* Námo and Vairë's wedding will come eventually, I promise.
Imhiriel · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 34: Trials and (Atar’s) Tribulations
I appreciated it that there was a thorough exploration of why the three Máyar went off, but also of Námo's reasoning. And I do hope they quickly get over their grief at being temporarily seconded to him - it's not as if this is a dire punishment. Tulkas suspected (wrongly) they were meant to fill the gaps left by those Máyar who had followed the Great Ayanumuz into Eä. Atar assured him that that was not the case. "I bring forth life out of love, Child," the One told him, "and for no other reason." I loved this brief scene, and the thought behind it. I liked the glimpse (despite being not-quite-serious) of the Timeless Halls. There is a well-known tale in Germany (by Ludwig Thoma) of a morose Bavarian coming into into Heaven and being thoroughly bored by the daily "routine": "from 8-12: rejoicing, from 12-8: singing "Hosianna!". This doesn't please the cantankerous Bavarian and he does his best to disturb the routine (and then it goes downhill from there). Anyway, your Tulkas reminded me a little bit of this story...
Author's reply
I'm sure the three Máyar will benefit from Námo's guidance, but more importantly, they will benefit from his love and compassion. I'm not familiar with the Bavarian in heaven story, though I can certainly sympathize. *grin* I would find it boring, too. I think the Timeless Halls were just a little too staid for our Tulkas but it took him awhile to figure that out. Atar, of course, knew from the first but allowed Tulkas to find his own way into Eä where he truly belonged.
Kitty · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
They were beginning to bet quite early, didn't they? *grin* Whirlwind romance is a good description - Tulkas and Nessa didn't take much time to get to know each other. Námo and Vairë, on the other hand, certainly take their time! Well, they *have* to marry one day! Nice, relaxing chapter, Fiondil. And Eönwë's wish to serve Manwë and Varda again was touching. I was glad Námo understood.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this chapter Kitty. I thought it was time we had a nice, relaxing chapter after all that had happened earlier. Námo is nothing if not understanding and his sense of compassion is what makes him so effective as the Lord of Mandos.
Nieriel Raina · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
Hmmm... for some reason I automatically assumed Tulkas and Nessa were the last espoused, but I suppose they didn't have to be. I like it! And love love love Aule and Yavanna's story. *snickers* Nice chapter!
Author's reply
I suspect that most people have that impression based on the Silmarillion and of course you may be right, but for my purposes, I decided that that was not the case. And this way, we will see more weddings to come and that can't be a bad thing, can it? *grin*
Imhiriel · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
Tulkas! I had completely forgotten him! And he came just in the nick of time... Well-played, Fiondil! The way he is described here, with his laughter and boisterous manner of fighting, is very endearing (odd as it may sound) and uplifting. "Ye shall not pass," Námo said with a coldness that rivaled the frigidity of the methane snows that blew across the face of Ashkadphelun’s largest satellite. Ouuuh! I admit I was ducking myself at Námo's presence of command. I wonder if Olórin - in a time far far away from this moment - remembered back to this scene and took it as an example to emulate when standing on a certain bridge *g*... "Well, it was fun while it lasted, but they’re not very sporting, leaving like that," he said to no one in particular. Heh-heh! I can see him pouting, and balling his fists in frustrated challenge... Oh, he is fun! I admit I had a rather dismissive opinion of Tulkas, but here you show us just how important his boisterous, unafraid, fight-loving nature is. "That was Varda," Námo finally said. "I’d recognize that shriek anywhere." I don't know if that was supposed to come out this way, but it made me laugh out loud at Námo's dead-pan cheekiness.
Author's reply
I think a lot of people forgot about Tulkas, which is what I was hoping for. *grin* Námo shows himself as the Ayanuz that he really is and I'm sure Olórin remembered this incident very well when confronting the balrog in Moria. Tulkas is a lot of fun to write about and there are depths to him that most people I think ignore based solely on his description in the Silmarillion. I have tried to show there is more to this particular Vala in my other Valar-verse stories as well.
Imhiriel · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 32: The Final Gamble
I was glad for the PoV for this chapter: although it still described the horrendous battles taking place, it did so from a less immediate perspective, and also was less of a blow-by-blow account of every action. On the other hand, in this way, it again showed the immense scope - place- and time-wise, and so conveyed the seriousness of it by another means. And onwards again to find out more about this so very, very welcome laughter!
Author's reply
Sometimes changing the POV to something less immediate makes what is being read even more horrific simply because the emotional impact is no longer there. It's like watching CNN's telecast of a war or something. I wanted also to convey the sheer depth of time and place in which this war was situated. It went on for thousands of years (as we humans measure time). I don't think people really appreciate the scope of these battles against Melkor when simply reading the Silmarillion. The Annals of Aman found in HoME give a better glimpse of the enormity of the stituation and that is what I have tried to convey.