Ces
· 2 June 2008
· Chapter 29: Meneldë, Tambë Cemendë
Hmmmmm, "pure nuclear fire," a precursor to the balrogs I'm wondering?
It's always hard just waiting to see what the other side is going to do, isn't it? Although, as Manwe obviously knows, sometimes that's the smarter option. It makes both sides nervous and one is bound to make a mistake.
A great big, "AWWWWWWWW," to Námo and Vairë - they are so cute together and you are showing us a softer side of the future big bad doomsayer!
Ok, back to work for me!
Ces
Author's reply
We'll find out about these "super-balrogs" as some reviewers are calling them in the next chapter.
War is usually mostly waiting around to see what the other side will do next. A very nerve-wracking experience from what I've been told (never having been in a war zone myself).
Glad you like the ongoing Námo-Vairë romance. Maybe we'll actually see them espoused one of these days. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Poor Lotesse. But I'm glad that she was able to give the first warning, and I loved how Orome and Vana reassured her.
It's interesting to visualize Manwe's plan of defense, and to see the other Ayanamuz's reactions to it.
In particular, though, I loved the interaction between Namo and Vaire.
"You and I have been through too much with Melkor," she told Namo. "I don't want to lose you."
"You will not," he assured her, giving her a quick embrace and a kiss. "You're stuck with me for all the Ages of Ea and beyond."
That is so tender and romantic!
I liked the three-dimensional battle. Living in a planet's gravitational field with a horizon, it's easy to forget that in space you have not just the plane of the elliptic but all the space above and below as well to worry about. And thanks to for the physical reality that in a vacuum, battle is soundless. :)
BTW, did you sketch out the orbits of the worlds when you conceived of this battle?
The council on Olympus Mons just held me enthralled, and I got a shiver at the way the voices of the Valar sounded in my mind as they discussed the situation and worked on making their decisions on what to do next. When Manwe said that he feared that the viciousness of the attack would only get worse and could possibly destroy Atharaphelun, I just shuddered and went cold all over.
Varda is so wise: "It will be as it will be," Varda intoned calmly, her expression hardening to resolve. "Our task is to preserve what we may. If only Ambarhíni survives this war it will be enough. The other worlds, dear to us in their own way as they are, are not the focus of this conflict."
Of course the younger ones would prefer to take the battle to the enemy instead of fighting a defensive line. I like how here we see Namo's continuing maturity as he agrees that following Manwe's lead is best.
I chuckled at Namo and Vaire each assigning Mayar to protect the other, and to try to keep the origin of the orders secret from the one they love. I enjoyed reading the Mayar's responses to their respective Lord and Lady.
Erunaro and Manveru have become favorites of mine from your other stories, and it is good to see them in action here.
The ending scene, with the "super-balrogs" (well, that's what my mind came up with when I read about the three of Melkor's people) racing towards them, is probably the most nerve-wracking cliffie you've written so far!
I'm really looking forward to the next chapter! I'm very glad that you update so quickly. :)
Author's reply
Actually, I never did plot out the solar system for this battle, but maybe I should have. *grin*
I'm glad that my descriptions of the battle, especially the three-dimensional aspect of it worked for you and you were able to visualize it without too much trouble. Like you said, living on a planet we tend to forget that a space battle would be three-dimensional and that there really is no sound in space.
Anyway, you're not the only person to think 'super-balrogs'. *grin* We will see what happens to them in the next chapter. I actually was inspired by an ancient Chinese legend I came across while living here. I think you'll find it interesting. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing.
Ooh! Melkor!!!Just has to spoil everything dosen't he!Nasty little squirt! Let's hope they can figure out how to stop the Super Balrogs before they do too much damage!
I do like how Namo and Vaire are taking care of each other, I think their Maya are enjoying them selves doing it as well!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
We will see what happens with the 'Super Balrogs' in the next chapter as well as how Námo and Vairë react to learning the other has set guards on them. And the Máyar are definitely enjoying themselves doing so. *grin*
Love Námo and Vairë together here. Námo looked at her and smiled and it was as if a hundred stars had gone nova all at the same time. Nice image *grin* I think it is good for him to be so much in love; it’s distracting him from his bad experiences. And it was sweet that both sent two of their Máyar to guard the other. Can't wait for them to realise :D
Melkor, OTOH ... what can I say, save that he’s awakening my worst site? I could think of a few things to do to him, and I would have a few fitting names for him, but I doubt Nilmandra would appreciate to find them here ;-(
Author's reply
Námo and Vairë are becoming an interesting pair to write about now that they have finally professed their love for one another. Melkor, however, is not interesting at all, but then I never found Evil quite as interesting as others seem to find it. Anyway, I can just imagine what names you would like to call him, because I call him those names, too, though only to myself. *grin*
Oh, meldonya, this chapter was brilliant and beautiful...the attack made me cry but I'm sure Manwe's got things under control with Atar's help...But of course my VERY favorite part of the chapter was THIS...
Then Námo took two of his younger Máyar aside, holding a private conversation. *Elemmartamirë, thou and Morinehtar have a task that I wish ye to perform, though I doubt not that ye will resent me for it."
The two Máyar exchanged looks, then Elemmartamirë turned to Námo. *Á quetë, héru, núrolyar lastëar,* she said simply and Morinehtar nodded.
*I would have ye guard the Lady Vairë for me,* Námo told them, humbled that they would be so willing to do his bidding though they knew not what it was.
*Doth not thy lady have her own guards, lord?* Morinehtar asked, sounding puzzled at the request.
*Yea, she doth,* Námo conceded, *but I would have ye beside her for my own sake. I trust ye to protect her.*
Elemmartamirë gave her lord a shrewd look, then smiled wickedly. *Thou meanest, lord, that thou wishest for us to keep thy lady out of trouble.*
Námo had the grace to blush at being caught out. *That, too,* was all he said.
For a moment the two Máyar did not respond, bespeaking one to the other in ósanwë while Námo waited patiently for their answer.
*Thou dost not command us to this task, lord?* Morinehtar asked.
*Nay, I do not,* Námo stated, but would not elaborate.
*Then, lord,* Morinehtar said, *rest assured that Elemmartamirë and I will do all in our power to protect the Lady Vairë and to keep her out of harm’s way.*
*And may Atar have mercy on any who seek to prevent us from fulfilling thy wishes, lord,* Elemmartamirë added, her aura going from its placid green to a deep purple as she spoke her vow, her demeanor cold and purposeful.
*That is well, my children,* Námo said, *but be mindful of your own safety. I would not lose either of ye.*
*What should we say to thy lady if she asks why we are guarding her?* Elemmartamirë asked, ever practical about such things.
Námo smirked. *Tell her anything you want, just don’t mention my name in the telling.*
Both Máyar laughed aloud at that. *We will do our best to keep thy identity a secret, lord,* Morinehtar said with a smirk of his own.
Námo nodded. *I thank ye, my children. My heart will be the lighter knowing that two whom I trust implicitly will be watching over my lady.*
*The honor is ours, lord,* Morinehtar said with a bow, which Elemmartamirë echoed. *Our joy is in serving thee in all ways.*
Unbeknown to Námo, Vairë was having a similar conversation with two of her own Máyar, Ancalequirindë and Ardalanyamo. "Ye understand what I ask of ye, my children?"
The two Máyar nodded in acquiescence. "Aye, lady, we do," Ardalanyamo said. "We are to make sure thy lord comes to no harm."
"But what should we say if he questions why we are always beside him during the conflict?" Ancalequirindë enquired.
Vairë merely shrugged. "Whatever ye wish, so long as my name is not mentioned." She gave them both a meaningful stare and the two Máyar grinned, giving their lady a bow before going off to carry out their duty.
****
*laughs* Well, well, well...I wonder what will come of *that*...*chuckles*
~Kaylee!!!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter especially Námo and Vairë both trying to protect the other. We'll see how that all works out soon.
*Billiards* on a galactic scale...a bit tough to wrap the mind around, but immensely entertaining. Loyalties seem to be coming in for the full test here.
LOL at Námo and Vairë sneaking around to protect each other! This is going to be such fun when they each realize...(You'll need to pick up a typo where Morinehtar is speaking... "ot of harm's way".)
Melkor's three beings coming in at the last sends chills...shades of Ungoliant!
Hope the next chapter isn't long in the works, *grin* What a cliffhanger!
Cat
Author's reply
Thanks, Cat. I've made the correction on the typo.
I tried to keep the battle scenes believable and clear enough so most people would be able to follow what was going on. One has to remember that a 'space battle' would be three-dimensional in scope rather than two-dimensional. At any rate, I hope I don't lose too many readers with this.
As for Námo and Vairë... they're going to be rather embarrassed when they find out what each has been up to. LOL
He is a tricksy one, isn't he, our Melkor? Nasty soul, he is; and intent on full destruction. Ah, but the damage will be fairly minor, we know; yet it may cost many much.
Author's reply
The damage will be extensive enough that the Ayanumuz will have to spend much time reparing the damage. How extensive the damage will be will be revealed in the next chapter.
Larner
· 25 May 2008
· Chapter 28: The Naming of Worlds
And when he struck, it was primarily against the world Varie and Namo had built between them (Or so I must suppose by the names given)? Typical act of a sadistic bully, to which he'd sunk. Alas for one intended to be great amongst his brethren.
Author's reply
Definitely. Much of Melkor's actiona are pure spite, but that's Evil for you.
Kitty
· 25 May 2008
· Chapter 28: The Naming of Worlds
It was such a peaceful chapter - until the last sentence ... *sigh* What has Melkor done this time?
But I fear I will *never* be able to remember all these names :-(
Author's reply
Which is why I gave you the list to refer to. I really wasn't going to refer to the planets by our own names for them, that would have thrown everyone out of the story.
As to what Melkor had done this time, we'll find out in the next chapter.
Beruthiels Cat
· 24 May 2008
· Chapter 28: The Naming of Worlds
Love the names...so elegant and descriptive! Iam wondering since Námo and Vairë's world ends up being an asteroid, how their young Maiar will feel about it. (unless I'm misunderstanding something?) They'd have to feel as if they had failed...
Just like Melkor to show up, although it's a given. He's as welcome (to quote a friend, lol)as a T*** in a punchbowl, isn't he? *grin*
Cat
Author's reply
Yeah, what's a party without Melkor? LOL Anyway, I'm glad you liked the names. It took me a while to come up with ones that made sense (both in Quenya and Valarin and we only have a handful of words from Valarin so it makes it even more difficult). As to how the Máyar willl react to having their lord and lady's world be destroyed.... we'll find out in a subsequent chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
6336
· 24 May 2008
· Chapter 28: The Naming of Worlds
Arrgh! More tongue twisters! How does one treat sprained tonsils? I am going to have to write these out and keep them by me as I read so I can keep things straight!
And, of course Melkor has to poke his nose in, dratted Anti-Valar!(Well he's not 'ex' yet!)
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Sorry for the tongue twisters. I promise not to over-do it. That's why I gave the list at the beginning of the chapter rather than at the end just so people would know what to expect. *grin*
Nieriel Raina
· 24 May 2008
· Chapter 28: The Naming of Worlds
For a minute there, I felt like I was reading the begats in the Old Testament. *grin*
Lots of information I'm sure we'll need in the next chapter, but I was highly disappointed the chapter was so very short.
Author's reply
I thought it might be longer myself, but the muse said 'Nay' to that and I've learned to listen to my muse, for dire things are threatened otherwise. *grin* The next chapter will make up for this one, I hope.
Kaylee
· 24 May 2008
· Chapter 28: The Naming of Worlds
Oh, meldonya! I like this chapter so, so much! The names are just lovely ^_^ so descriptive, and YAY that the younger Mayar get a chance to shine!!! *Grin* Orome and Vana presenting theirs together, too...Hm, wonder how long it'll take them to become espoused...*chuckle*
I just love the whole chapter *giggle* Your saying that Eonwe and Ilmare were brother and sister reminded me of something in another one of your stories, though...Arafinwe, I think, said something like "You're not even espoused, lord" to Eonwe, and Eonwe gave him an answer along the lines of "how do you know?" so I'm just wondering...Is he or isn't he? I have to know :D
~Kaylee!!! *most excited, as Thursday is her birthday and it's getting closer and closer! turning 23 is exciting, at least when my own sibling is turning 20 lsyrt this year and leaving adolescence behind...though I'm not really ever sure she experienced it.*
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm glad you liked this chapter. I have no idea if Eönwë is espoused or not. He may simply have said what he did to Arafinwë to keep the king off balanced. *grin* Perhaps some day we'll find out, but these Maiar can be rather close-mouthed about their personal life, you know.
If I don't get a chance to do so on Thursday, I wish you a happy birthday and many happy returns.
Imhiriel
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
The exploration of the planets and their qualities was very enjoyable. As was the banter between the characters (especially Maranwë's quick repartee).
I'm glad about Maranwë's uneasiness about Námo's violence against Rushirithir - I confess I was uneasy about it myself, at the same time as I was guility cheering him on. (And do I rightly detect a bonding between Maranwë and Therindë?)
Further release of poison. It's good of the two survivors to speak of their ordeal, even if they couldn't bear to speak long of it. Tears are good.
I like the description of all the surroundings, in this chapter they really complemented the plot particularly well (although they often do so in other chapters as well).
but why dost thou thinkest that what thou didst to Rushirithir be right and what he did to thee be wrong?
This is a truly powerful statement. It made me think of so many things in the real world, eye-for-an-eye, vigilantes, death penalty, etc. I suspect it will resonate with me for a long while.
Author's reply
This chapter, I hope, answered many readers concerns about the rightness of what Námo did to Rushirithir, even while they were cheering our hero on. There is indeed a fine line between Justice and Revenge and Námo crossed it, or at least, stuck his toe across it.
I'm glad you enjoyed the descriptions of the surroundings and Maranwë's banter. As for whether there's anything happening between him and Therindë, only time will tell.
Thanks for catching up on all your reviews. It was a nice little gift with which to end the week.
Imhiriel
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 26: Atháraphelun Rising
I was touched and impressed by Námo's courage and calm in facing Melkor. Yes, he was afraid, but he never let it show, instead using his wits and Melkor's arrogance and blindness to true character against him.
How Melkor tries to force Námo into submission, his taint and corruption, the struggle and temptation etc. are all evoked extraordinarily effective. A powerful, tense, chilling scene.
I loved the description of the Song and what it sang into Being; the connection between music, mathematics and astronomy; the details of the different planets of the solar system and the emotions it evoked, the triumph and glory. I found it intriguing who you chose as "creator" of each planet, and would be very interested in your reasoning for your choices.
In another review you wrote that Vairë's and Námo's planet doesn't exist anymore in our time: will we be given more information or an explanation about this in future chapters? I find it such a pity that the planet of our hero, of all people, should not exist any longer...
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter so much. The beginning with Námo and Melkor and Melkor's attempt to suborn Námo is indeed chilling, but the good news is that once Atháraphelun is created, Melkor loses all interest in Námo. Before the creation of the Children's World, to have Námo at this side would have been a boon, but now, there's no point. All of Melkor's focus will now be on dominating and ultimately destroying Arda.
As far as the Song goes, Tolkien started it, and I just figured to continue it. There is certainly a correlation between music, mathematics and astronomy and I wanted to evoke that here.
As for my reasoning about who created which planet: that would take longer than the chapter to explain. LOL It was essentially a combination of borrowing from classical/medieval mythology and the characteristics of the Ayanumuz themselves. Some are obvious (Aule needing a forge; Manwë and Varda creating the planet named after the King of the Gods in classical mythology) and some are less so (Oromë as the Hunter, and the closest thing to a warrior among them until Tulkas shows up, creating the world(s) which stand sentinel to the rest of the solar system).
Námo and Vairë's world is, of course, the Asteroid Belt today. I will definitely tell the story behind that. The War against Melkor is definitely not over.
Imhiriel
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 25: The Changing of the Variable
How it must gall to be ignored, when you are so mighty a villain. And then to be roobed of your toys. I could almost pity them. Or not.
What I most liked in this chapter was the calm certainty of Námo, who through all the danger finds himself secure enough to banter with Vairë and to kiss her, while simultaneously dealing with his enemies in perfect ease.
Isn't it odd that even such powerful beings resort to such primitive weapons as stones and fists when anger overcomes reasoning?
Author's reply
Being ignored is not fun, but when you are Evil and you are ignored, or worse, belittled, it's even less fun when you are so used to being the center of attention just because you're Evil.
Námo is beginning to take ownership of himself and so his level of confidence has risen.
Well, weapons as such had not been invented and most of these Beings were as yet unused to being incarnate so they were forced to resort to primitive weapons such as stones and fists for lack of anything else at hand.
Imhiriel
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Feint and Counterfeint
Heh, heh, what a devious plan...
I was laughing so hard through this whole chapter...
Vairë’s shrieks, quite genuine, wer cut off[...] "That last wasn’t in the plan." Do I suspect a little fondling of his beloved, hm?
And amongst the hilarious bickering we get a truly moving scene of Námo's acknowledgement of his love for Vairë - niiiice!
"My brethren and I could see you two... um... glowing from three star systems away with a dust cloud in between." Lol!
Arien was guiding the star around the world with great intent, which saddened Vána, for she hated to have had to deceive the Child. She vowed to herself that somehow she would make it up to her Máya.
Oh, I like this. And she will make it up to her, as we all know. I like the idea that it will be more a reward and a joy for Arien than "just" a duty later to steer the sun.
What I also like is that you show the Ayamunuz as deliberately losing to Melkor. It has always irked me - and struck me as difficult to believe - that Melkor should be so much stronger than all the others combined.
And thank you (and Misty) verrrry much for explaining what a colure is!
Author's reply
I (and Námo) had a lot of fun with this chapter! LOL Especially with Námo doing the unexpected, keeping everyone on their toes, so to speak.
I thought it would be interesting to give the backstory of why Arien was so eager and willing to divest herself of her incarnate form and steer the sun for all time.
Misty has been a great help with the astronomy. I know a lot but she knows way much more and has all the resources at hand, which helps.
Imhiriel
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 23: The First Council of Manwë
taken ownership of your own healing Well put!
And how typical of Varda, being brisk about finally having time for other tasks. I have a "warmer" image of her, but I like how your characterisation is just a bit different, more the focus on the "regal" qualities of the Star Queen.
Important subject matter: Námo's free will, the others' (and his!) uncertainty thereof so effectively remedied, and now a firm, unequivocal base from which to work towards healing.
And I can understand why it may take some time to really sink in: the sudden relief of this burden (however unconscious it partly was) must have him reeling, before he finds his new balance.
I have every intention of making it a spectacle and one thing I know about my brother is that he loves spectacles.
Isn't that too true? Isn't it often so that Evil is flashing, flamboyant, obvious; whereas Good is unobtrusive and subtle, and sometimes easily overlooked therefore?
I loved the section about the Mayar. I admit there was much leafing back and forth between this chapter and the character list, but it was a joy to (re)discover who belongs to whom, which Mayar had been selected, and to find a few familiar (and a few very familiar *g*) names among them. (And I can just see Sauron and Saruman fuming at having been not invited *g*...)
Wonderful interplay between Eonwë and Námo at the end, and very appropriate.
Author's reply
Well, I think Varda mellows a bit over the Ages. You're seeing her at a very young stage in her existence. *grin*
Not knowing what Melkor did or tried to do to Námo there would be that uncertainty until something like this happens and they can see that Námo's free will hasn't been suborned. Now there's a base on which trust may grow again.
I've never understood why Evil has to flaunt itself and tell everyone exactly what it's going to do to you. It's like, "Yeah, whatever, can we get on with it?" LOL Luckily, Manwë knows his brother well enough to figure out how to keep Melkor occupied.
I had a lot of fun deciding which of the Máyar the Ayanumuz would bring to the Council and thought to have some unexpected choices just for fun. And yes, Sauron, especially, as Aulë's Chief Máya, would certainly be fuming and Saruman would of course remember this slight (as he would see it) agasint him when he and Radagast are both chosen to become Istari.
Imhiriel
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 22: Diversions and Ambuscades
I find it a beautiful concept that it might be the thought of his Mayar that gives Námo the final push into accepting his strength and his place back. The loyalty, the bond between them. His responsibility for them. If he is too humble to see himself as strong as he truly is, having the surety that his Mayar look to him as their lord is an important acknowledgement of his position as lord.
The juxtaposition of the wandering and working among the stars and the discussion about the "women", and the appearance of Melkor's minions was very well played. I really started in my chair when they appeared! And then Melkor, too - *shiver*!
And yeah - put to flight *oof*! All exciting and tense and then a great relief.
Poor Námo; but perhaps now the wound is lanced, and the poison can trickle out for good, bit by bit.
The play of colours in the auras of the different Ayanumuz was especially effective in this chapter, I found.
Author's reply
Hi, Imhiriel. I'm glad you found this chapter to your liking. Námo has a ways to go before he is fully heal but this is the start of it, especially in his ability to deny Melkor what he wanted. A major step in the right direction.
And I'm glad you found the play of colors in the aurae effective. It's rather hard to describe non-corporeal spiritual beings when you yourself are not. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing. I much appreciate it.
Kitty
· 4 May 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
Of course Maranwë couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Why do I get the feeling Námo and Vairë will be teased about this kiss for a very long time?
As for Rushirithir ... that’s something I have mixed feelings about myself. Námo shouldn’t have done what he did – but to be honest, I can’t with a good conscience say that I’d not done the same after all that happened earlier.
At least the matter seems to be settled now, and I am glad for it. And I hope poor Námo will have a bit of a reprieve now. You’re putting him through a lot – could you please go and torture another of the Ayanumuz for a change? ;-)
Author's reply
But I'm having so much fun torturing Námo! LOL
Seriously, this chapter will be the turning point of the story. We are now definitely within canon and The Silmarillion as far as the plot goes, although there is still a lot of 'gap-filling' that will go on, but the focus is going to be more on the establishment of Arda and Melkor's attempts to destroy all that the Ayanumuz try to create.
Radbooks
· 3 May 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
I loved this chapter! I am so glad that Namo was finally able to release his pent up emotions and then talk to Atar. It seems like he (and Vaire) has finally gotten the healing he needs to go on. And, also to be reconciled with the rest of the Valar and his own people needed to be done before that healing could be totally completed.
The talk with Atar was so powerful and moving... you did that very, very well, Fiondil.
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks. Just as the confrontation with Melkor was a long time coming, so was this little "chat" with Atar. *grin* Healing is indeed almost complete and we will be seeing both Námo and Vairë maturing into the Valar they were meant to be and whom we meet in later stories.
Agape4Gondor
· 2 May 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
A lovely chapter. I was spellbound by the beauty of the planets, but moreso - by the beauty of Atar....
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you found this such a beautiful chapter. It's one of my favorites for a number of reasons, but Atar has to be the top one.
Edlyn
· 2 May 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
This was an amazingly powerful and most excellent chapter, meldonya. There is definitely a very fine line between justice and revenge, something that many people end up crossing. I'm glad I wasn't on the receiving end of Atar's discussion with Námo. I'm sure that he wishes he hadn't been either but it was so necessary for the completion of his healing.
The scene between Námo and Atar gave me shivers. It was terrifying to read it in a way and I had to stop reading for a bit at the end of the scene to absorb the emotions--strong ones!--it generated. Then all at once it struck me that THIS was the pattern that the Valar would use when rendering Judgment on the fëar of the Firstborn.
It also occurs to me that it was necessary for Námo to undergo the trials Melkor put him through as well as the difficult path of healing (detours and all) in order for him to become the Valar we know from EI1:GR and your other fics. Having experienced the pain of rape, physical and psychic assault, the ensuing shock, fear, grief and anger, the longing to hurt the one who hurt him back in the same way and finally, letting go of it, allowing it to remain in the past without carrying the weight of hate and rage and revenge on his shoulders, and eventually even forgiving his attackers means that he can sympathise, even commiserate with the fëar that come to Mandos. That sympathy and shared experience are a definite asset in healing his future charges.
I finished reading this chapter with tears in my eyes and feeling perfectly suspended between joy and sorrow. Joy that at last Námo was healed and sorrow that he had been hurt so badly that it took the ultimate of interventions to sort him out. Perhaps that's because I have had experiences in my life that mirror in a (very) minor way the trauma and hurt that Námo and Vairë have gone through. Perhaps now that Námo is sorted out Vairë can finish her own healing.
Of course, the test as to whether the healing of these two is complete will be their reactions the next time Melkor or any of his minions show up. We shall have to see.
I was so glad to find out that Maranwë had stayed behind in spite of Námo's orders. It had to be tearing him up inside being caught between his love and loyalty to his Lord. And Therindë, though she didn't disobey the order to depart, still worries about her Lady. I hope someone takes the time to comfort the two Máyar.
WARNING! Grammar nit-pick squad on duty! I found one sentence that you might want to revise: "He still felt that he and Vairë had done nothing wrong in their encounter with Rushirithir, but now tendrils of doubt began to encroach upon his sense of rightness and for the first time he wondered if perhaps he hadn’t erred." -- I think that what Námo was actually wondering if "he HAD erred." The way it is currently written it sounds as if he thinks that he didn't make a mistake. END Nit-pick session.
AS I said at the beginning this is a wonderful chapter and has made my Friday. Take care and Eru bless!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi, Edlyn. Thanks for a wonder review, it made my Saturday. LOL Everything you say about Námo is correct and it's what I've been trying to convey, in my own stumbling way, trying to get behind the cold exterior that we see of him through the eyes of the Rebel Noldor, who have a good reason to fear him, and see the real Vala that he is and always has been.
While Therindë wasn't there with Námo's Máyar, she was told what happened by Maranwë so naturally she would be concerned about her mistress's actions and would want to help.
And thanks for the grammar alert. I don't know how Mari missed that one (or I for that matter).
Larner
· 2 May 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
A most appropriate place for him to be to speak with the Father.
Author's reply
I thought so, too.
6336
· 2 May 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
Poor Namo, he still has some growing to do, but he is getting there with Atar's help. It is so easy to step over the line between justice and vengence. I am sure his Maier(sp?) appreciated his apology as did his brothers and sisters and Vaire. When's the wedding?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
There is indeed a thin line between Justice and Vengeance and Námo still has to learn where that line is drawn, but he's getting there and we know he learned his lesson since we see him dispensing Justice rather than Vengeance much later on.
As for the wedding... I'm still waiting for my invitation to show up in the mail. LOL As soon as I know, everyone else will, too.