Kitty
· 14 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
Ah, so that was how Nahar came to be? Had never even thought it could be a Maia; somehow I had thought it possible that the Valar have immortal horses. Though I was always wondering about the Elven horses - how long do they live?
Aulë was behaving rather odd - first looking seemingly worried for Yavanna, then being rather disinterested in the answer about her whereabouts. And as he was knowing where she was all along, it doesn't make much sense. Was that his way to tell the other Ayanumuz that they have to do more for the Outer Lands?
Anyway, it is good that Oromë and Yavanna at least try to do something for the world of the Children. Even if they don't know the exact time when they will appear, I don't like the idea to leave a world devastated by Melkor for them to come into being. Darkness is bad enough, but a destroyed world would be a bit much.
Author's reply
I think Aulë and Vána both knew what their respective spouses were up to and why and this was their way of alerting the othe Ayanumuz to the situation in Middle-earth and the need to address the situation with Melkor sooner rather than later.
I don't think the world was so much devestated as it was being corrupted. And certainly it would not have been good for the Elves to waken to corruption. Of course we know that some of the elves were taken by Melkor, so the Ayanumuz didn't protect them as they should have.
Radbooks
· 13 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
Why, oh, why did the Valar just leave the rest of the world for Melkor and his minions to take over and destroy? I know they must have been tired and stuff, but the cost was so dear in the end - for the Children and the land itself. sigh. I am glad that Orome and Yavanna were at least looking over the land, though I shudder to think what might have happened to them if they had been caught!
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
The cost was indeed dear, but we will never know if it would have been dearer still had they gone after Melkor sooner. Certainly there was a failure in trust in Atar by the Valar at one point and the Children especially suffered for it. We'll never know for sure if things would've been better rather than worse if they had done other than they did.
6336
· 13 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
'To everything there is a season and a time and purpose under heaven'! Just remember the bigger they are the harder they fall!
It is just not the right time to go after Morgoth, have patience, give Atar's plans time to come to fruition. He does know what he is doing!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, there are some who think they should have gone after Morgoth sooner rather than later, but certainly Námo and Manwë felt the time wasn't right. We'll never know for sure, will we?
Larner
· 13 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
This waiting must have been difficult, although it was not perhaps wise to allow Melkor so much leeway in those times.
Author's reply
I always thought the Valar allowed Melkor more leeway than they should have myself, but of course it's different when you're right there in the midst of things rather than looking back from our perspective.
Tari
· 13 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
Some dialogue may have been taken from the Silmarillion, but you have woven them into your tale beautifully. The Sil is my favorite of Tolkien's writings although I do have trouble reading it. There are parts that bring me to tears. I can't stand seeing elves hurt or worse yet, killed.
Tari
Author's reply
Thanks, Tari. I'm glad you liked how I wove them into this tale. The Sil is my favorite of Tolkien's writings too and it's always hard seeing elves (and humans) hurt or killed.
Kaylee
· 13 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
Tulukhedelgorus was coming into full bloom even as Tulukhedelgorus was fading when all the Ayanumuz met at the Mahananashkad.
I think that's a typo, meldonya. *wry grin* I don't see how the same tree can bloom and fade at the same time. *lol* Other than that, I thought the chapter was absolutely wonderful! My favorite part I think was Naehaerra's becoming Nahar, and his words to his lord:
*I find that I like this form better than my previous one. If thou wouldst allow it, lord, I would keep it and think me not as a beast of burden but rather thy boon companion as we hunt together the fell creatures that haunt the Outer Lands still.”
Of course Orome allowed it! Yay for Nahar ^_^ I love the idea of him being a Maia!
Oh, and by the way, why did my first thought when Aule asked where Yavanna and Orome went have to be that they were sneaking off together to talk some of the trees into becoming Ents? After all, Aule got his Dwarves, lol!
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I can't believe I or my beta missed that! *lol* Thanks for the heads-up... it's been corrected.
I'm glad you liked the part about Nahar. To me it just made sense that Nahar would have to be a Maia since any other horse born of Aman would necessarily be mortal if longer lived than usual.
Thalanee
· 13 November 2008
· Chapter 44: The Second Council of Manwë
Again, I very much enjoyed reading this chapter.
I was already wondering just when Vaire would take up her weaving.
The light of the trees being stored in wells like water is taken from Christopher Tolkiens History of Middle Earth, isn't it? Or from the Silmarillion? Sometimes I forget where I read certain details...
The idea of one of Orome's Maiar taking the form of a horse is a bit strange but endearing at the same time. And logical too if you stop to think about it.
I'm already looking forward to the next chapter!
Greetings, Thalanee
Author's reply
The description of the vats or wells of light is found in the Silmarillion.
As for the Maiar, and the Valar, remember that they are, in their normal state, incorporeal. Therefore, bodies are to them like clothes to us. Just something that they put on to make themselves visible to the rest of us. The type of body matters not to them. They could just as easily take the form of a tree or animal and it would not make much difference to them. Bodies are a mere convenience to them though over time they become habitual, but in the end, they are still and foremost spirits.
Thalanee
· 10 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
I just Love Namo (all your fault), he's my favourite among all the Valar as is Eonwe among the Mayar. I think i already told you, but I love how you portrait them all.
"only Aule's trees will be tall enough", now thats a picture...
when are Namo and Vaire finally going to marry?
Author's reply
Thanks, Thalanee. I'm glad you like Námo and Eönwë. They're my favorites too. *grin*
We will see Námo and Vairë married soon enough... though he still has to officially propose to her. *grin* Just be patient.
Aiwen
· 9 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
I am very much enjoying this story. I like your take on the characters. They seemed very fresh - I had never really thought about how the valar might seem to one another.
Author's reply
Hello Aiwen. I'm glad you're enjoying this story and my chatacters. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kitty
· 8 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
Námo is really the comforter here, and I love it how he’s involved in everything, and be it only to hold the hand of someone during a though time. That may not be exactly canon, but it’s so nice to have him around. He’s already my favourite Vala, and that’s entirely your fault :-)
It must have been very frustrating for Yavanna to know that not only Melkor did destroy so much of her work, but that the children would do the same. It makes sense that the concept of the Ents was conceived just then.
Author's reply
Since this tale is primarily from Námo's POV I've tried to figure out ways in which he could legitimately be present in certain scenes described in the Silmarillion even if he's not explicitly mentioned. Hopefully I haven't done too much damage to canon in the meantime. *grin*
Yavanna is the one who will suffer the most because of Melkor's taint upon Arda so having the Ents to speak for the trees and the rest of the vegetable kingdom will at least make up for the pain of seeing her creations suffer in the hands of Melkor and the Children.
Tari
· 7 November 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
I always found it fascinating that Aulë was able to make beings of any kind; that he came up with the dwarves is amazing. But, he could not give them life; only Atar could do that. Had Atar not allowed them to exist, we would have missed out on Gimli among others. That would have been a real shame. I love Gimli and the dwarves in the Hobbit.
Tari
Author's reply
This section of the Silmarillion always intrigued me as well and I'm glad that Atar decided to give Aulë's 'children' life because I like Gimli and the other Dwarves as well. *grin*
Independence1776
· 6 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
I feel sorry for Yavanna here- she really can't win. The Ents turned treeish at the end, though Aulë's people fared little better with the passing time.
~ Indy
Author's reply
Well, Yavanna gets what she wanted, at least for a time, and as for Aulë's children... well, I suppose that's another story for another time.
Larner
· 6 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
Ah, well done!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Sunny
· 5 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
*Ticks another item off the list.* Now, next in the Silmarillion is Varda making the stars. OK, I know that in this story she already _has_. But I suppose you will be able to squeeze it in somehow.
At this point Arda sort of looks like Discworld (but without the elephants and the turtle). And I suppose something has been done to keep the atmosphere from escaping - some sort of force field, and then perhaps hang the new stars on the inside? (just speculating....)
And then Oromë will go hunting...
BTW, I suppose Námo will also get instructions to build his halls. I am rereading Glorfindel Redux at the moment and was reminded of Sador's remark when he said, "I wonder if he wept as the Halls were being built?"
Oh and speaking of Námo - are you going to have him and Vairë get married soon, ore are you planning to have them elope? ;-)
Author's reply
You haven't been reading this tale closely enough or perhaps you are still stuck on the Silmarillion 'mythos' of a flat Arda, but from the beginning I have had Arda as an actual world, though I did incorporate the flatworld version into the tale. And if you re-read the section about Varda creating the stars it says she created 'new' stars to supplement the light of the older stars.
As for Námo and his Halls and his relationship with Vairë... all that will be coming up soon, never fear. *grin*
Tari
· 5 November 2008
· Chapter 41: Trees and Thrones
So, the Ring of Doom has been made. Their seats sound absolutely beautiful.
I love your interpretation as to how Telperin and Laurelin came into being.
(I know someone named Laurelin, but with a different spelling.)
Tari
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked my interpretation of the creation of the Two Trees and that you found the thrones absolutely beautiful. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Kaylee
· 5 November 2008
· Chapter 43: Ents and Eagles
And so the Ents and Eagles shall come into being! Yay! Hehe, only Aule's trees are tall enough...that must be a real blow, after Aule going behind her back to make Children Yavanna feels she ought to have had a hand in creating. As always, I love Namo, and his being added to the tale of Aule and Yavanna makes so much sense. *beams* I love it, meldonya!
And FINALLY Aule has a new Chief Maya...it's about time! Hopefully Auros will be a good choice. *smiles*
~Kaylee, eagerly anticipating more!
P.S. I know it'll probably be a while yet before we hear about Arien and Tilion, but that's something I'm eagerly anticipating. *grin*
Author's reply
I'm sure Auros will be a good choice as Aulë's Chief Máya... at least I've not heard any complaints from that direction. *grin*
Arien and Tilion will be a very long time in coming for they will not appear in this tale but will appear in another one that describes what was happening in Aman during the Darkening before the Sun and Moon were created.
Tari
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
Poor Eönwë. This was definitely not the time to have to worry about writing down oaths. He must have felt like a split personality being pulled in all directions.
Miserable piece of slime? That is much to kind. There are no words to describe how despicable Melkor/Satan is. Manwe couldn’t ask for a better ally then Tulkas. I feel the strength of the Valar is growing though they may not see it.
Tari
Author's reply
Well, we know that Eönwë grows into his job and learns to handle things better and the Valar are growing in strength to where we see them in the Silmarillion though they may not see it as yet. After all, when did any of us realized we were truly adults? Certainly not immediately or perhaps even because of a particular event; we simply were there and the same is happening with the Valar as the time of the Children nears.
Kitty
· 2 November 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
That was lovely, Fiondil. I really felt sorry for Aulë; what he did was wrong, but he had no evil intent, and it touched me that he was willing to destroy his work when he realised what he had done. But I am glad Atar and Námo kept him from doing it. I love Gimli, you know ;-)
Author's reply
Thanks, Kitty. I tried to make Námo's participation in the entire episode believable seeing as he's not there in canon, but I decided his presence would work as a commentary to everything that happens between Aulë and Atar.
Alquawende
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
I feel so guilty for not reviewing for so long. I've really enjoyed this story so far, Fiondil! I like how you told the event when Aule's creations were discovered and how the emotions were shown. And Yavanna's worry is more understandable now, than how it was told in The Silm, because of what you added. Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
No problem. I'm glad you've been enjoying the story and that this chapter helped make the Silm more understandable for you. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Tari
· 29 October 2008
· Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
I wondered if this was the same Eönwë as in Elf Interrupted. I’m glad to see it is and to find out how he was chosen for that particular job. He was an excellent choice.
Tari
Author's reply
As far as I know, there's only one Eonwe. *grin* He was an excellent choice indeed.
Independence1776
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
I've always found this passage hard to read in the Silm, and your reworking was no exception. I don't know why, probably because this was a rather large grievance. But Námo's presence helped a little, even though it's somewhat AU.
Still, Aulë's action serves to remind us the Valar aren't perfect, and mess up in rather large ways on their own account rather than others'.
Author's reply
Grievance perhaps, but Aule truly was not planning rebellion. He merely jumped the gun. Unlike Melkor, he acknowledges his error and seeks for forgiveness. That is the major difference between his 'sin' and Melkor's. And yes, it does point out the fact that as created beings they are not infallible and can make errors of judgment like the rest of us.
Larner
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
Ah, am so glad to see this creation and interaction between Atar and Aule, and the acceptance of the Dwarves by Eru and their receipt of independent life!
And there beneath the Misty Mountains sleeps Durin, waiting until the proper time to waken and found Moria!
Author's reply
Glad you liked this Larner. I like to think (though I never specified in the chapter) that Durin was the Dwarf who went to Aule's embrace first.
6336
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
Ah, so this is where Aule created the dwarves! I am glad Namo was with him when he faced Atar, Namo has a questionable sense of humor, but he is a good brother!
I know Aule created the Fathers of Dwarves but who created the Mothers?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, of course the Silm only says that he created them in a cave of the Pelori, not necessarily in another dimension. *grin* But if you want to do something in secret, doing it in a different dimension would help. I have no idea about the Mothers of Dwarves. Hopefully Atar supplied them with suitable mates.
Radbooks
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
Oh, nice chapter. I liked seeing this episode in the context of your story. It made it moving to think about how Aule must have been feeling after the loss of Aulendil and it gives you a whole new idea about a possible reason he made the dwarves. Very enjoyable as always!
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Since this episode follows after the defection of the Maia we know as Sauron, it stands to reason that Aule would not be thinking straight about a lot of things, the Dwarves included.
Tari
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 38: The Corruption of Beauty
Namo has a good sixth sense. I would be willing to bet Aulendil and Curumo are in league with Melkor. They were too quick in volunteering to guard the lights.
Very suspicious as far as I am concerned.
Author's reply
Well Aulendil we know for sure was secretly in league with Melkor, but Curumo was loyal to the Valar until he was corrupted by the One Ring three ages later. Best not to read into things that aren't there.