Kaylee
· 28 October 2008
· Chapter 42: The Sin of Aulë
Meldonya!
Well, as soon as I read this chapter's title, I knew what was going to be revealed. *grin* Poor Aule...impatient Aule, more like. I'm glad Atar allowed him to keep his Children and even adopted them Himself. *grin* I also like that Namo was there even though in the Sil, he wasn't. I get the feeling someone needed to be there to keep Aule from going over the edge...and if our wonderful Tiutalero can't do it, who can? *beams* And I keep remembering the name "brown dwarfs" from earlier in Wars, and wondering why it wasn't brought up here, lol.
~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Since this story is told primarily from Namo's POV I felt it necessary for him to be present when Aule and Atar spoke. Just because it's not specifically stated that he wasn't there doesn't mean that he couldn't reasonably have been present. I'm sure Namo was tempted to bring up the subject of 'brown dwarfs' but decided that it might not be a good idea considering Aule's erratic behavior. *grin*
Tari
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 37: Veryanwë Meren
This was a nice respite from all the battles. They sorely needed some fun time although I fear it willl not last long.
Author's reply
We all need a respite every now and again. Unfortunately it never lasts as long as we would wish.
Larner
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 41: Trees and Thrones
So we see three of the early features known by the Firstborn take shape in Aman. And Eonwe gets his room!
Author's reply
Definitely. The time of the awakening of the Firstborn is fast approaching.
Kitty
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 41: Trees and Thrones
Now more of the things are built that remain through the ages. Somehow good to know not everything they're about to build will be destroyed again soon. It is interesting to watch how they erected Eönwë's chamber, the Trees, the Máhanaxar ...
The gifts to Yavanna were lovely, no matter if real things or not. I like the idea that Tulkas, Námo and Vairë trusted Yavanna with these stories. And the description of the making of the Trees was beautiful.
Ah, I see - now they have a lot to celebrate! Only Námo and Vairë are left - I wonder how long they will wait before following the other's example?
Author's reply
The Aman that the Elves will come to know is beginning to take shape. As for how long we have to wait for Namo and Vaire to marry... only time will tell. *grin*
Rhyselle
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 41: Trees and Thrones
I only have time for a short note, but I think this is the best chapter of this fic so far. I'm sitting here with a tremulous smile on my face and my eyes hot with unshed tears and my heart lifted.
"...a feat equally bold." How lovely! And a double wedding!
(I would not be surprised to find that Namo and Vaire being able to release even some of the pain they've suffered thanks to Melkor has brought them closer to the moment of their own espousal. I look forward to reading about it.
Well done, as always!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I'm glad you liked this chapter and found it uplifting. I found it rather uplifting to write it myself. Thanks for lettting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter (and short notes are just as fine as long ones *grin*).
Thalanee
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
I love that story!
after reading the first chapter I just couldn´t stop and kept on reading until i reached the last chapter (this one). There are many scenes I´ve read again and again since the first time, but one of my favourites is the appearance of Tulkas.
I really enjoyed reading your story and I´m looking forward to the next chapter!
Greetings from a fan! ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Thalanee. I think the appearance of Tulkas is many people's favorite scene. THanks for letting me kmow how much you enjoye reading the story. I will be updating regularly so you won't have to wait long for the next chapter.
Earlinde
· 19 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
I am quite possible one of the worst fans of this story that you have. I have read this chapter so many times and kept putting off reviewing! I'm really sorry! I loved how you portrayed the conflict within Manwë with "Sometimes I do, too,." It made me realize what a difficult position he's in. He is fighiting his elder brother. Like you brought out he is charged with protecting what he can and leaving what he can't. Truly a painful and difficult job.
My question to you however is, Manwe's nature is a forgiving one because we all know from Tolkien that he cannot fully understand evil and hatred. But in one chapter you said that Melkor embrace Namo with a dark desire that was nameless even to him. Do you think that Melkor feels nothing but hatred for his brethern or is there some underlying dissapointment or pain or sorrow for his actions?
Author's reply
Writing this chapter was not easy. I'm glad you saw that Manwe's position is almost untenable but he has no choice but to lead and to make the hard decisions for the benefit of all. Not an easy task, and often thankless.
As for Melkor... I think whatever underlying disappointment, pain or sorrow he might have felt was buried under his hatred and self-loathing, for evil ever and always hates itself even as it hates others.
Tari
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 33: The Last Ayanuz
I loved Tulkas’ grand entrance into the fray. He certainly seemed to be enjoying himself. I hadn’t even realized he was missing. Isn’t that awful of me? Melkor seems to be a bit afraid of him. I wonder why.
Things should get even more interesting now that Tulkas around. He may even add a bit of levity to the situation.
Tari
Author's reply
Yes, Tulkas is quite a character. If I were Melkor I wuuld be very afraid of him too.
Tari
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 31: The Death of Hope
Atar is always aware and involved in what happens to his children. I think Melkor's taking Ambarhini was part of his plan though the Valar are unaware of this. He is always, always in control. Melkor seriously underestamates him as he will eventually learn.
Tari
Author's reply
Everything is in Atar's hand... even the Valar need to remember that and of course Melkor will eventually learn it though he may never admit it.
Edlyn
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
Meldonya, this was a very sad, moving and thought-provoking chapter and it has taken me several days since reading it to find what I wanted to say about it. As usual, you excelled in your wordcraft and style and kept me glued to the computer screen until I reached the end of the chapter (despite the attack of a hungry and irritated cat on my ankles). I was walking back to the office after Latin class today and I finally figured out what has stayed in my head since first reading this. We are beginning to translate passages from the Vulgate Bible and today I was working on the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden so the concept of original sin was in my head (please be patient whilst I try to explain where I'm going --or coming from-- with this).
In a way the incidents and acts in the last couple of chapters could be seen as leading to a rough equivalent of the Expulsion form Eden, as the Ayanumuz and Máyar were forced from the paradise of Almaren by Melkor's actions. I am not saying that events in Arda are perfectly following the events in Genesis but that I see parallels. The loss of Almaren and the Lamps hit me inside in the same way that the loss of Eden did when I read Genesis and was old enough to really comprehend the magnitude of the consequences of Adam and Eve's actions. The difference of course is that Adam and Eve were the ones acting and having to pay the penalty, while here Melkor was the one acting and the the Ayanumuz and Máyar were suffering the consequences.
Also, the following paragraph has been nagging at me:
"Even with the mountains raised, I doubt Melkor’s taint will be kept out of Amanaphelun," he opined. "I saw him briefly during the war, though he was too far away for me to capture him. He has changed, Námo. I hardly recognized him yet I could tell that in hröa he was weaker than he once was."
"What do you think it means?" Námo asked, intrigued in spite of himself.
Oromë shrugged. "I am not sure but it seemed as if...as if he had allowed some of his native power to leave him."
Námo gave his fellow Ayanuz a surprised look. "Why would he do that?"
Again Oromë shrugged. "Did you not notice how the earth answered to his commands during the fighting? We were hard put to keep the worst of the damage under control. I think perhaps he has imbued some of his power into the very earth itself."
Those paragraphs instigated the following idea:
Melkor putting a portion of himself into the very fabric of Arda (what I see as the second of the three parts of the Marring of Arda--the first being his Marring of the Song and the Third being his attack on the Trees/Theft of the Silmarils) seems to parallel Satan's acts of manipulation that brought "original sin" into our world. A portion of Melkor’s power and evil are now imbued in the environment. Over time as the continents shift and mountains rise and fall, I can see "pockets" of his evil lingering, creating places that provide shelter and eventual sustenance to evil creatures both mortal and immortal. Just as nuclear fallout, chemical spills, and other pollution change our environment and the way living creatures respond to it, these pockets of evil will encourage bad decisions and actions in the beings that live in or encounter them (hence the "fact" that Angband and its environs are still considered unclean and evil places even into the Fourth Age, and Mordor as well).
I hope this isn't just a babble of utterly incomprehensible rubbish, meldonya. I probably should have waited to review until I could be truly coherent in my explanation but , I was afraid that if I waited that long, you'd never see another review from me. The main thing is that I'm making connections between what you are writing, what Tolkien wrote and ideas and beliefs outside of the fic and novels.
Lastly,the final section was a wonderful addition. You could have ended the chapter with Námo’s considering Oromë's observations and it would still have been a great chapter but I liked the reiteration that each of Atar's creations is a being of free will and has the right to do as they wish (and also have the right to face the consequences of their choices). The argument between Manwë and Tulkas and the making up afterwards was very positive and reassuring after the stress and fear of the earlier events.
Excellent job! Take care and Atar bless!
Edlyn
P.S. Yes, I know this is almost as long as the chapter! I hope it makes up for the short reviews I been doing recently.
Author's reply
I think you're right about the parallels although I never consciously thought of it that way. They were in a paradisical situation. The Silmarillion even says that the Valar never again achieved such symmetry and perfection as they did in creating Almaren.
I thought the ending was a necessary part of the whole and that the chapter would be incomplete (in message if not in action) without it. I'm glad you approve of it.
Thanks for such a lovely review. You know how much I enjoy them. I am glad that my words give you food for thought.
Radbooks
· 8 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
It's so sad to see the destruction of the world. I know it happened... I've read about it in Tolkien's books of course, but it has much more of an impact now because I know and love these characters so well. Deep sigh. It would have been so hard to go on when all that you had put your hand to has failed... well, not totally, but certainly is not what you had imagined for the children you are expecting.
I especially liked the little side discussions going on - both with Namo and Orome with their concerns about not tracking down Melkor and then the one between Manwe and Tulkas. It's always good for people to see that leaders can't always do what they'd like to do, that there is a bigger picture that they have to consider.
A most enjoyable chapter!
Author's reply
It is very sad to see such destruction and wonder what it might have been like if it had not been destroyed. Certainly the Valar grew weary of it all.
I think it is important (at least in this story) to show that all the Valar are suffering a 'learning curve' as they begin to fit into their respective roles and at the same time they have to realize the awesome responsibility they all have undertaken but Manwe especially, so the aside between Manwe and Tulkas I felt was too important not to include.
Glad you liked the chapter, Radbooks. Thanks for letting me know.
And so it begins. Again!
Where can I find Tolkien's translation of The Lord's Prayer into Quenya?
Author's reply
Tolkien's translation of the Lord's Prayer was published in Vinyar Tengwar. It can be ordered online. The best way is to google it and you should find it. He also did an incomplete version of the prayer in Sindarin.
Larner
· 5 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
A wonderful way to include the thoughts behind "Morgoth's Ring." I need to get that volume, along with the Letters and The People of ME.
Alas, Melkor has weakened himself at the expense of the very earth itself; and at last Aulendil has shown himself the traitor he became. I find myself wondering what blandishments and promises were used in drawing him away from his proper place and fealty? No--ain't goin' there myself, as it's been all I can do to get a few more sentences at a time added to Stirring Rings--and I've not yet gotten Curumo into Orthanc! Heh!
And we see Osse's own difficulties and wildness used to attempt to seduce him and now invoked as reasons to keep him on a tight leash. Interesting.
Author's reply
Hi, Larner. I wanted to make sure that the thoughts behind "Morgoth's Ring" made it into the story somehow and this seemed like a good place to put it.
I really don't want to know what Melkor told Aulendil to lead him astray... enough to know that it worked.
Of course Osse will always be a bit wild due to Melkor's influence on him so a tight leash is a good idea.
Thanks for your review. I appreciate it.
Nieriel Raina
· 5 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
I'm still really enjoying how you are tying in so much canon and yet making it so much richer and colorful! While it's sad to again see Melkor cause havoc, it's so interesting to see your version of the Valar and how they handle the battle and the changes in Arda. And what an intriguing thought that Melkor was diminished due to possibly pouring some of himself into Arda itself and that is the marring.
Eagerly awaiting more. :)
Author's reply
Hi NiRi. Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this. The idea of Melkor being diminished is of course Tolkien's which he explains in "Morgoth's Ring".
eiluj
· 4 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
"Everyone instinctively went incorporeal" -- There aren't many stories where that sentence could appear....
Wise words from Námo to the recuperating Máyar.
Despite all I've read, I think this is the first time I've really *understood* how Beleriand came to be destroyed.
A question: if the Valar had mansions, what about the Máyar? [Years ago, I read a series of fics (the last I knew, the final story was still unfinished) partly set in Valinor, where many (maybe all) of the Maiar lived in houses (of a marvelous variety of types and styles) in scattered communities.] IIRC, all we've seen of Maiar dwellings in your stories is Melian's pavilion in Lórien.
'"My husband is a fool," she told Aulë' -- I spose that's only obvious, but it seems weird to call a Maia a fool -- but then the Úmáyar -- and really, it would be difficult to accuse Osse of having much wisdom! Wondering if Uinen and Melian ever got together and discussed husbands....
Author's reply
I have always thought that the Maiar would also live in the mansions of the Valar to whom they have given oath when not engaged in their duties elsewhere in Aman. After all why would even one Valar need ALL that room just for him- or herself?
With regards to the destruction of Beleriand.... you can see why the Valar were reluctant to pursue Melkor until they had no other choice in the matter. When the 'gods' go to war... nothing and no one is safe.
6336
· 4 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
Here we go again, doom and destruction! Aulendil has finally revealed himself as the traitor he is. Poor Aule!
Poor Eonwe, it is bad enough to have to listen to all the oaths, but to have to remember them as well, I think I would have a bit of a problem with that!
Good to see that Oshoasi is have second thoughts about joining Melkor, he will always be a bit of a wild child, there is always one in every family, but Uinen will keep an eye on him, she loves him in spite of himself and he loves her.
Looks like the Ayunez have their work cut out for them, again! They must be getting really tired of having to keep remaking Arda! It is for Atar and the Children though, so they will keep plugging away!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Tolkien does say that with the destruction of Almaren and having to rebuild Arda, the Valar grew weary of their labors, which is why they built the Pelóri mountains -- they wanted to forget the rest of Arda for awhile and just concentrate on beautifying Valinor. It wasn't until much later when people like Oromë and Yavanna began to think again about Middle-earth and the need to tend to it for the coming Children that the Valar began to think once again outside themselves. The incessant warfare I think was too much after awhile and the Valar just needed a 'time out'.
Kitty
· 4 October 2008
· Chapter 40: Loss of Innocence
*sigh* Usually I’m not so bloodthirsty, but right now I could think of a few very nasty punishments for Melkor. And I can understand *so* well why Tulkas is frustrated that he didn’t get to lay hands on this ‚miserable piece of slime’.
The only comfort is to know that the new home for the Valar will not be destroyed again.
Glad Námo could send the three Mayar back to Manwë; they’re surely all happy about that. And I felt sorry for Eönwë; no wonder he felt overwelmed with oaths under these circumstances. This responsibility is pretty new for him, after all.
Hm, Ossë got away very easy; I hope he has learned his lesson! Uinen will have her hands full with him, I suspect ;)
Author's reply
Of course, we know what eventually happenes to Melkor, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating to see him getting away at this point.
Obviously, from "Elf, Interrupted" we see that Eönwë does indeed grow into his role as Oathkeeper. Perhaps having the Book helps. *grin*
The Silmarillion does not give much detail about Ossë, only that he repented his momentary lapse and Ulmo forgave him.
Nieriel Raina
· 2 October 2008
· Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
I want to thank you for bringing the Silm to such life with your musings. Watching it all play out through the eyes of the Valar has been so moving and exciting! Even though we know the main gist of the plot, you give it such color and richness! Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, NiRi. Now that we are definitely within canon in this part of the story I am trying to make it as interesting and as moving as possible without going outside canon too much. Glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Aiwen
· 27 September 2008
· Chapter 4: Hunting Through the Cosmos
I am enjoying this very much. Thank you.
Author's reply
You're welcome. I'm glad you are enjoying this. I appreciate you telling me.
Aiwen
· 27 September 2008
· Chapter 1: Riding the Fireball
I am glad that someone other than me finds themself winding up with modern scientific concepts trying to get into their stories in the Tolkein universe. I guess it means I'm not crazy after all... This story looks like it will be fascinating.
Author's reply
Hi Aiwen. Tolkien himself was an avid amateur astronomer. I don't think he would have found this story too out of place. I'm merely giving a 'scientific' explanation of the mythical concepts found in the Silmarillion. I hope you continue to enjoy this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Earlinde
· 26 September 2008
· Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
So Aulendil or should I say Sauron's betrayal is near at hand! I was wondering how long he could keep up the charade. Looks like the leopards spots are showing.
Fionwë, man is he throwing me for a loop! I was thinking it would have been Eönwë to put up the most resistance, after all he had the most to loose. But he is taking it all in good stride.
And why do I get the feeling that Ossë is going to rue the day he ever even listened to Melkor. Especially if Ulmo and Uinen team up. Almost makes you feel sorry for him. Almost! *grins*
Great work as usual!
P.S. You have officially turned me into an Eönwë fanatic!
Author's reply
Hi Eärlindë! I'm glad you've become another Eönwë fan Welcome to the club! As Námo pointed out, Eönwë is older in Atar's Thought than Fionwë and so he's more mature and able to deal with the situation more easily, but Fionwë will find his way, never fear.
As for Ossë... we'll see in the next chapter what happens to him.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kitty
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
How terrible it must be for the Valar and Maiar to watch how their lovely world is ruined by Melkor!
Eöneë and Olórin are making good progress, I see. Fionwë, however, seems to be another matter entirely. Hopefully it will help him to hunt these beasts down; this might be a good idea to allow him to put his anger and need/wish to fight to good use.
Hm, so that was how and when Ossë erred? I wonder which punishment awaits him ... and I’d like to be a fly on the wall while Uinen deals with him ;) Not to mention Aulë and the other Valar.
Eönwë was intriguing here, knowing so instinctively that Ossë was lying. And it’s a great idea to tie this to Atar giving him his job as oathkeeper. Not we only need to find out who invented the infamous book ;)
Really, I wish Námo would have talked to Aulë or Manwë about his uneasiness concerning Aulendil, even if he had no proof back then *sigh* And I have to remind myself firmly *every* time I see the name Curumo that he’s not a traitor yet! At the moment I could nearly feel sorry for him, as much as I despise him.
Author's reply
I'm sure it was devastating which is why they 'retreated' behind the Pelóri once Valinor was built. They just couldn't handle the heartache of seeing all that they had worked so hard to accomplish be destroyed.
Eönwë and Olórin are somewhat older than Fionwë and perhaps that makes the difference in their reactions to things. I'm sure Oromë straightens him out.
As for the infamous Book... perhaps one day we'll find out.
I'm sure Námo regretted not telling Manwë and Aulë of his suspicions but that's how things go and everyone has to live with it.
Tari
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 27: Repercussions
And isn't Atar the source of all our healing? His love and mercy far exceeds anything we can possibly imagine, even though we don't deserve it.
Your wisdom and insight continues to amaze me.
Tari
Author's reply
Very true, he is indeed the source of all our healing if we just let him be. And thank you for your sentiment. Believe me I'm far from as wise and as insightful as I would like to be but I do my best.
Tari
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 26: Atháraphelun Rising
The first battle is won, but knowing Melkor it is far from the last.
Good for Námo and Vairë. They grow stronger every day. Things will not be as easy for Melkor as he thinks (thank goodness).
Tari
Author's reply
No, this is not the last battle unfortunately. Námo and Vairë are indeed getting stronger. Melkor won't find it so easy the next time he and Námo meet.
Ces
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 39: Behests and Betrayals
Eönwë has quickly become quite a favorite with me. I'd love to see you do some little ficlets with him recording some oaths of certain elflings (Legolas, Elladan/Elrohir, Arwen, etc.)
Until then I will enjoy his appearances in this story. He was just so awed and honored with what Atar bestowed on him, wasn't he? How much free time does he get anyway with all the oaths to be recorded?!
And we see that Aulendil has shown his true colors. Poor Aulë.
Do you realize that whenever Atar shows up in your stories it puts me at peace? I can feel myself relaxing and it always brings a smile to my face. Thanks for that!
Ces
Author's reply
Hi Ces. I'm glad you like Eönwë so much. From the moment he showed up in "Elf, Interrupted: Book One" he was an instant hit with everyone, including me. *grin* Perhaps some day he'll let me get a peek at his Book and then I can write about some of those oaths. *grin*
I'm sure as a Maia he is able to multi-task and has as much free time as needed.
Poor Aulë indeed, especially when he loses a second Maia (Saruman) later on.
I'm glad that Atar's appearance in my stories puts you in peace. That's great.
Thanks for reviewing and letting me know what you think about this tale. I really appreciate it.