Reviews (559)

Kitty · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 11: For Beauty Is Nothing But the Beginning of Terror

How disgusting to be kissed by Melkor! *shudder* Poor Námo, this has to be not only horrible, but humilating as well! I was *so* glad when the others showed up to finally rescue him. Though it may not have been the best reaction to change into a butterfly and to flee, I think it is understandable after all he went through that he only wanted to be as far away as possible. Poor guy.

Kitty · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 10: Pá Morilattar

Hm ... am I wrong to have a very bad feeling about Acairis wanting to know more about black holes and the like? Maybe Námo should not have told her anything ... And even more important, this b**** has to keep her hands off Námo! Grrrrr!

Kitty · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Rescue Run

Eönwë turning up to witness the oaths makes me smile every time, because it brings memories back of certain events in EI :-) It’s disturbing to think Melkor did take Vairë in the hope to set a trap for Námo. Somehow I have a bad feeling about this ... The picture of Námo surrounded by the nermir is lovely! Though Irmo is right, he should come back another time. And the rest was rather disturbing. They got into the cave way too easy – I knew it *had* to be a trap! And I was right *sigh* Well, at least Vairë and Therindë are free; but I can’t say I am happy to know now Nàmo is the captive ... As for Acairis, I have a few very fitting names for her, but none of them is very flattering!

Kitty · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 8: Mápaina

Sorry, somehow I did not get around to continue my reviews here for quite a while. Fascinating insight into the relationship between the Valar at this early time. This story makes Námo even more loveable (is that a word?), as he’s not the intimidating Lord of Mandos, but a rather vulnerable, uncertain young Ayanuz. It leaves me wanting to hug him – rather unusual, I suppose ;-) Interesting that it was Námo who kept so calm during the crisis after hearing Vairë screaming, and who took control of the situation.

Larner · 16 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

Hughes drove me crazy yesterday, and refused to allow me to do a review. Love the idea of the flat Aman and Namo's shock at the idea! (/Me thinks of the Diskworld, Captain Carrot, and Granny Weatherwax, and the pre-Diskworld novel I enjoyed so much, complete with false fossils and the equivalent of a "Kilroy was here" sign I remember so well.) The poor ladies--to have their work so disparaged. And to have to make do with a small black hole until the Sun is to arise, and an empty place until Earendil takes to the vaults of Heaven to sail the Vingilot there! Loved this!

Edlyn · 16 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

"It's FLAT!!!" ROFL! I think I startled my co-workers when I laughed at Námo's reaction to the initial model of Atháraphelun (my Latin class was cancelled for today and the office is very quiet so I'm reading). The idea of using the "flat-Earth" as a decoy is most excellent. But will Melkor fall for it? Nine planets besides Atháraphelun? I suspect that Melkor had something to do with the destruction of the planet between our Mars and Jupiter. Of course, we know what is going to happen to fill the void between the first planet and the home of the Eruhini. I'm enjoying seeing how Námo is healing and growing (though it's obvious he is far from completely healed). Poor Varda, she doesn't think she'll ever live down her "failures", does she? Well, her "failures" certainly make the universe a more interesting place to reside. And if she hadn't accidentally created black holes, then building Atháraphelun would certainly have been much more difficult given Eru Illuvatar's decision that the Firstborn would wake to only starlight. But it seems that she is starting to be not so sensitive to references to her "mistakes". Besides, given that they are necessary to fulfil Illuvatar's design, are they really mistakes? This was a wonderful chapter, meldonya! I'm sorry it took me till now to read and review it. I'm definitely looking forward to the next chapter! hugs, Edlyn

Radbooks · 15 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

I really enjoyed this chapter and how Namo is really becoming himself again... the healing is not complete yet - and won't be until he confronts Melkor, I suspect - but it's very close now. I laughed at the flat earth image, but it will be a perfect decoy for them. It would drive everyone crazy to be making all of these plans and then to have Namo interrupting and saying, no, wait we can't do that because this is going to happen in the future... but I can't tell you exactly why or when! I'm really enjoying this story and I keep looking for the last of the Valar to show up. I know Tulkas comes as some point to fight against Melkor, but I don't know when that is or if it even says in the books. Anyway, I'm looking forward to his arrival on the scene. :) Thanks again!

Nieriel Raina · 15 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

LOL! Love Namo's response to a flat world! And Orome's as well. Felt bad for the ladies though after all that work. Glad it will still find a use. Love Atar's sense of humor and how you fit in the mythology of the flat world! I am glad Namo was able to see he is not ready to speak of his experiences yet and get over his being miffed. But I also hope he will continue healing. I am still fearing his imminent confrontation with Melkor. I so loved seeing the Valar coming up with how all this would work without a star. Fascinating! Been wondering how that would work. Love the black hole idea. And holding off on the creation of Venus. *grin* Am a bit worried about Namo hanging out by himself. Loved this chapter! Can hardly wait for more. NiRi

MJ · 15 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

How nice to come back after a spell of infection fighting to find not only so much to read, but answers to some puzzles! While it was lovely to see Namo appreciating the beauty of a total eclipse on a world other than Earth, I found the answer to the "flat earth" matter quite inventive, and entertaining. Now, who would've expected it to be amusing? It is refreshing to find that you dismissed neither the science nor the mythology, a rare and difficult task, to be sure. I laughed out loud at Namo's... what would one call it? Confusion? Outrage? ...at the sight of a flat world. Now comes the question as to how the Children wound up there rather than on the nice round world. One does have to wonder why Eru would have insisted the first of the Children must awaken under starlight alone, but it is His creation and He can do what He wants with it. The black hole as a placeholder for the sun is a novel solution, as is the matter of leaving Venus absent until Earendil comes along (so one presumes). Nice to see that Namo's fascination with the dangerous things was not without positive benefit. Bravo!

Misty · 14 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

Yes, this works just fine. lol I do like this chapter, especially Namo's 'It's flat.' And the black hole works so well with Namo's fascination with them, that I think that solution was meant to be the one chosen. I'm glad I could help. :) I truly do look forward to seeing more of this story.

Imhiriel · 14 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

Interesting research project for Irmo, Vairë and Estë! It's not one I hadn't thought about before, but as soon as you mentioned it, it seemed so logical and important. I haven't "osanwë kenta" myself, but I think I have read that there are some things in there that might be relevant to this, too. If you know the essay, can you confirm this? I have only read 1, 2 of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, but for some reason, that model and Námo's behaviour let me think immediately of it and made me laugh out loud - and I wouldn't have been surprised to see if Námo looking at the underside had discovered he was looking at a turtle... *g*! Námo's repeated "But it's flat!" was too funny! And the discussion afterwards where they are seriously contemplating the possibility of it! Just a little bit of poking fun at some of Tolkien's concepts? Very fitting in the context of this story, I find. And to then find such a neat solution to reconcile it and make it make sense - chapeau! I wish we could somehow know whether Melkor finds out someday how all his destruction has been taken into account and all he does is destroy some deliberate diversions and play right into the others' (and Eru's) hands... I would never have thought (before I began following this story) that I could be so highly entertained by a chapter where there was so much technical discussion about matters that generally go over my head *g*!

eiluj · 13 January 2008 · Chapter 19: On Constructing Atháraphelun

Oh, this was fun! "But it’s FLAT! " Námo practically screamed -- I attended quite a few library meetings like that.... Vána looked uncertain. "Were we supposed to design the entire system?" -- She was at some of those meetings also. I’d been wondering for quite awhile how you were going to account for the flat Atháraphelun and the lack of the Sun and Moon. I hadn’t really thought about Venus. Aulë frowned, obviously intrigued by Irmo’s questions. "Well, it would require a major overhaul of the laws of physics as we have set them up," he admitted, "but it could be done, just not very easily" -- So does that mean they have to change the laws of physics for all of Eä, or just in Atháraphelun’s vicinity? It sounds like the round Atháraphelun is going to meet with an accident. And the Tenth Planet too (unless they’re counting one of the worlds beyond Pluto). I’m imagining the disbelieving hilarity of Melkor and his followers when they receive the first report of the flat world. And more astronomical oddities for you: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7104558.stm “Earth’s Moon a Cosmic Rarity” -- Formed in a catastrophic collision: sounds like Melkor et al were involved.... http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/071025-cosmic-defect.html “Defect Suspected In Fabric of Space-Time” http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/spitzer/news/spitzer-20071025.html “Missing Black Hole Report: Hundreds Found!” -- I’m not sure whether to blame Melkor for having hidden them or congratulate him for having found (hoarded?) that many, or whether I should worry because there are apparently so many more in existance than we knew about, or what. “Their discovery implies there were *hundreds of millions* of additional black holes growing in our young universe” -- and I was worried about the mere *hundreds* in the title? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7181927.stm “Rogue Black Holes Prowl Milky Way” -- It just gets worse and worse. http://space.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7564 A ring around the star Fomalhaut, which does indeed look like the Eye of Sauron.

Nieriel Raina · 6 January 2008 · Chapter 18: Redeeming the Oath

YAY! Another chapter! -- the "Red Star Incident". -- LOL! I love the occasional phrases that are almost reminiscent of Star Trek or Star Wars. *grin* As sad as it was to see Námo relive those memories and strike out against his own, and to see him so downhearted, here we begin to see him mature again. -- The thought of ever hating their lord was so alien to Námo’s Máyar that none of them could respond adequately to Manwë’s words. -- I just love the loyalty and faithfulness of these Mayar! -- "I fear that our younger brother must eventually face Melkor again or he will never be free of our Fallen Brother’s hold on him." -- Yea, I’ve known this for some time, and am dreading it, but also preparing to cheer! For only in another confrontation, this time victorious, can we see the future confident Námo begin to emerge. I suppose I’ll keep my blankey and my new wolfie (gift from Nina) close by. *pats wolf* His name is Tulkas. *smile* Fitting, no? I can’t help but wonder at the significance of the eclipse here. And I do wonder how you will marry your portrayal of the universe here (complete with solar systems) with Arda under the stars only and the sun and moon only coming later. So glad to see Námo finally remember Vairë, and see her return and redeem her people. These two still have a long way to go, but maybe now, they can find some healing in each other. Another fabulous chapter! I really am enjoying this story greatly. Thank you! NiRi

Nieriel Raina · 6 January 2008 · Chapter 17: Adjustments

Better late than never right? I hope this lets me review this time! --*He will never be the same as before, child,* he felt Manwë bespeak him with compassion, *but he will still be your lord and you and your brethren must take comfort in that thought.* -- I found this very sad, and yet....I can’t help but think of myself and my own personal hell of the past years. Like Námo, I will never be the same as before, but that doesn’t have to be just a bad thing. Without pain, growth never comes, and I wouldn’t go back if it were offered to me. The lessons learned, the character developed, far outweigh the innocence lost. Or perhaps not so much innocence as naivete? If that makes sense? -- "What about Vairë? She knows nothing of quantum mechanics or interdimensional physics." – Other than weaving, what are Vairë’s gifts? Seriously. Other than putting up with Námo, I mean. *GRIN* -- "And you are just as beautiful, brother," he said firmly, "else the nermir would not have accepted you amongst them, for they are Beauty personified and will not suffer anything that is not beautiful in their midst." -- Oh, this was so moving. I am so glad Irmo was sensitive to his brother and reassured him of his own beauty! -- "What you feel and what you are are not always the same thing, child." -- This is one of those statements that pierced me. -- "Remember what I told you, Námo," Manwë said firmly, attempting to stave off the coming storm, "about placing you among the Máyar." -- Yikes! What an attention grabber! And in front of Námo’s people too! Worked though. Loved Maranwe’s response though. I really feel for he and the read of Námo’s Mayar here. Great bonding time to rest with him. I thought it great fun that they eventually got into the spirit of Námo’s play! LOL! But throughout this chapter, while Námo is healing, it is still hard to see him so lost and confused at times. His hesitancy is so out of character, yet not all considered. When he struck out at his people and Irmo... wow. There is just so much foreshadowing through all of this of Námo’s role later as the comforter of spirits. Again, it’s amazing how circumstances we go through shape us, and only through them, do we come to be empathetic to others going through such things. Six or seven years ago, I could not comprehend why some people acted in certain ways when in severe emotional pain. Now, I understand all too well. And I can see it in Námo too, which makes this fic hit so very close to home at times. But that isn’t a bad thing. Námo’s realization of what he had done was especially heartbreaking. And also, again, such foreshadowing. I’m thinking especially of the Reborn and their memories showing up unexpectedly during the Tournament in Elf, Interrupted. I can understand his response to them so much better for this story. Kudos to you for fleshing this all out so well! -- Varda smiled, then her eyes glinted with mischief and before Manwë could avoid it, she was pushing him into the surf. He came up sputtering and laughing and went to grab her. When he finally did catch up with her on one of the beaches of a small island in the middle of the ocean, it was because she wanted to be caught. After that, all thoughts of Námo and their concerns for him fled as they enjoyed each other’s company. -- Have I told you how well you write this subtle romance stuff? *happy sigh* Great chapter! NiRi

Imhiriel · 6 January 2008 · Chapter 18: Redeeming the Oath

I think you described the gradual development (both progress and setbacks) of Námo's recovery very well. "And he must begin to guard himself," Varda added. "I fear that our younger brother must eventually face Melkor again or he will never be free of our Fallen Brother’s hold on him." Biting fingernails in anticipation and sympathy... And more incentive for my "fangurling" of Maranwë *g*... I enjoyed the ceremony of transfering the allegiance of the Máyar back to Vairë, especially that mix of formality, endearing awkwardness on all sides, and the confidence shining underneath it despite it all.

Radbooks · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 18: Redeeming the Oath

Oh, so finally Namo remembers Vaire! Hopefully, some of the other memories will follow soon. Well, I suppose those won't be pleasant but I know it has to happen for full healing to take place. Though I shuddered when Varda mentioned that he'll have to face Melkor again. Of course he will, but oh, I dread that scene. (Good lord, you'd think these were real people! :) I liked the ceremony where the Mayar were returned to Vaire. That Namo had to come up with it himself was good because it seemed like it would make him more Lordly in the eyes of the Mayar who might have been wondering about him - not his own people who seem to love him without question, but I just wondered about the others. It was moving, especially where the one knelt before Namo one last time and everyone else followed and then it opened up more memories. Thanks for sharing!

Larner · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 18: Redeeming the Oath

Ah, it's good to see the memories returning, and indeed the families restored. Now, to see him remembering his attraction to Vaire.

Alquawende · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 18: Redeeming the Oath

I loved the ceremony part. It's very creative and it shows perfectly how Namo felt during it. The part where Vaire embraces her people is just such a perfect scene to end the chapter. This chapter though shows that you are very good at showing the emotions of characters, specifically Namo. His fears are perfectly shown, not told. Thanks for writing!

Alquawende · 22 December 2007 · Chapter 17: Adjustments

Enjoyed! Can't wait for more. The part where it was told that Este gave Namo's mayar lectures was funny. Thanks for writing! Alquawende

Larner · 22 December 2007 · Chapter 17: Adjustments

Melkor was a royal pain in the patoot! Poor Namo, with a flashback near the red dwarf. Now, to find healing again.

Tira · 22 December 2007 · Chapter 17: Adjustments

*g* ypu write our favourite vala with such....life. really makes you feel for his predicament.

MJ · 22 December 2007 · Chapter 17: Adjustments

Ah, very good! As you well know, I've felt that in order to truly grow into his role among the Children, Namo would need to experience for himself as much as it was possible for him to experience of death, loss, violation, etc., and this you have done (or are doing, as we now see). It parallels quite nicely the progress of rebirth and it pains and problems that you are showing in "Elf, Interrupted" -- in some ways, they make excellent companion pieces. The growth and development of Namo provides insights into the motivations of the Valar as regards the reborn, and I look forward to seeing more of this process. It also makes me smile to see how Eru's words to Melkor -- telling him how in the end, all would be shown to be but a part of His greater Music -- are being played out (though I'm quite sure Melkor is completely blind to it). One can also see in this the roots of Manwe's future remark, that evil will be good to have been (and yet remain evil, as Namo will so appropriately point out). Without Melkor, Namo would not be the Namo we know. An excellent interpretation!

Imhiriel · 21 December 2007 · Chapter 17: Adjustments

Is Námo aware that his Máyar can hear his conversation with Irmo? A la: I can't bear speaking with them myself, but they can hear what has been happening to me... "And you are just as beautiful, brother," he said firmly, "else the nermir would not have accepted you amongst them, for they are Beauty personified and will not suffer anything that is not beautiful in their midst." Oooooh, I love it! If at all possible, I'd like to have more scenes with the butterflies... "We are that glad of thy return, Lord, for none of us wished to be on the receiving end of one of Lady Estë’s lectures." This is very funny, especially when taking in conjunction with the archaic forms of address. Irmo gently rocked the core to help his brother relax while Námo’s Máyar stood around and sang him to sleep. So, now they even have stars functioning as rocking cradles? Is Vairë still recovering with her Máyar and with Nienna? If so, I suspect that it would not be good for either her or Námo to meet yet.

Nikara · 21 December 2007 · Chapter 17: Adjustments

It is so cool to see everyone eventually learning their roles. The Mair are certainly learning to deal with damaged souls, and are especially relearning the importance of play. Nice chapter!

Imhiriel · 12 December 2007 · Chapter 16: Námo's Homecoming

I'm uncertain how to "judge" Manwë's threat to get Námo to leave - on the one hand, I find a rather harsh case of (emotional) blackmail, on the other, I hope it was just a wake-up call to get Námo's undivided attention and to make him realise that he doesn't really want to be all alone, and that Manwë wouldn't really have gone through with his threats. I love that Námo's first feeling on returning is his joy at the life in the "normal" dimension. My respect to Varda! It was very gracious and wise of her to be the first to welcome him back (especially in light of their former disagreements), and to emphasise that he is needed. "Why don’t you go with your Máyar and let them tell you what they’ve been up to while you were gone?" For some reason, this line seemed very important to me, or rather the way Manwë phrased his suggestion. It is somehow a mix between reminding Námo that he is the master of his Máyar, and at the same time, "what they've been up to" sounds like he is describing children's mischief, in keeping with Námo's still evident regression. I find a very wise, gentle, and insightful "tactic". The end of the chapter had me giggling out loud: Námo hopping between the two dwarf stars seems like a kid in a candy store with just enough pocket money for one of the two treats he is eyeing with longing... while one had a more comfortable core (whatever that meant) That's what I'm wondering, as well *g*... I've always had a soft spot for Maranwë from your other stories, and his behaviour here especially in this chapter has only increased it; both his steadfast and caring loyalty, and his jest at the end that shows some affinity with his lord.