Chasing Mirages by Russandol

A new chapter! A little less ovrwhelmed this time, due to not reading the entire story at once. :P Somehow I keep hoping Elrond at least starts suspecting something about "Erestor" not really being an Elf after all ( though I suppos he kind of is - at the momnt), but that would be unlikely. I like how Elrond is not some grand lord already, and though I never really gave a thought to the fact that his being raised by Feanorians could work as a disadventage, politically, that makes sense. 

I'm quite indignant on Eönwë's behalf.  What an appalling thing for Manwë and Námo to do, on so many counts.  As always, I'm glad to see the inevitable shortcomings of the supposed "good guys" brought to light; yet there's also just enough of a hint of sympathy in Námo that we can believe that the Valar thing they're doing the right thing (perhaps it's more refusal to expand their minds and think about things any way other than their own, than outright malice, that we can accuse them of). 

As a general comment, one of the reasons I'm so fond of this story is the themes you address--predestination, the relationship of an incorporeal being to a corporeal manifestation--of which this chapter is an exemplar.

And on another note, assuming one can post URLs here, there's a song I'm obsessed with lately which reminds me of many of the darker characters and situations in Tolkien's world; but it struck me as particularly suited to this story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OblUbO_6MRg

Of your writings I have first and foremost the utmost praise and apreciation for in them is the echoing truth of the song of the Ainur as it was and is felt in the body of the works of Tolkien. Here is the radient candle of a dawn ere its fading and the fading of said dawn born aloft the wings and terbulations of an era profoundly reached in a style and mode which is fluid and refreshing, a noble and noted piece of literature which ought by any reader of such works to be reviewed time and time again. Hail noble elf friend, this is your Silmaril.

Have just reread your work, I had to, I just had to. There is little doubt in my mind that this indeed is a wonderful tale and worthy of song. Hail

Of course I love it, you already knew that.  I like the expansion that you did to the meeting with Makalaure, it adds to the entire story.  I will admit that I will be sorry to see this long tale come to an end.  You reeled me in many months ago and I never wanted to leave the hook.  

- Erulisse (one L)

Awesomely creative resolution of Eönwë's new identity in Middle-Earth. 

I very much enjoyed your descriptions of Gil-galad's court.  And you've portrayed Elrond so well!

I practically facepalmed at how close Eönwë came to being on his way, only to be foiled yet again by rather strange means..

(I finally got myself up to date on this story a week or so ago, but I've been remiss about reviewing lately...barrage-o-reviews ahoy!)

"Mairon would certainly enjoy meeting this man..." 
Oh no you di'n't!  <--- Yes, I actually said something to that effect when I read that tragically funny bit of foreshadowing.

I'm really enjoying the complex political situations this story touches on, especially Elrond's thoughts at the end of the chapter.  You interweave and balance the personal and political drama quite well. 

I found the section about Eönwë's wanderings to be particularly effective.

"I had come into being outside and before Time, free as thought, fast as light; now I lived as one of the Children, a mere speck bound to the surface of Arda. The endless leagues on the paths of Endórë had taught me to open my eyes again to the beauty of the world and the care I owed its people since the days I saw it sung into existence. My resentment at Manwë’s injustice had made me blind to this joyous duty."

I think I've mentioned already that the concept of beings like the Ainur coming to experience the benefits and drawbacks of containment within a fixed form is of particular fascination to me, so I have to love this paragraph on that account.  Then there's the wisdom it conveys of letting go of grudges and attachments which are keeping one from living...been there, done that, still doing that!

Anyway, I love your Elrond, he's always easy to picture vividly.  His generosity and his crankiness are charmingly proportioned.  Your descriptions of the wine's influence on him are inspired.  "...on wings powered by the potency of the Harlindon white."  LOL.  Not that I've been there or done that...no indeed..*hem*

"I had briefly considered whether this bold leader could be Mairon, but I had swiftly discarded the idea."  Meep.  It is rather anxiety-provoking (and I mean that in a good way, in that it's effective) that Eönwë isn't seeing what's afoot here.  And I do like the detail of him coining the name Mordor.  Mm, delicious bitter irony.

You've evoked Ost-in-Edhil quite well, too, though by the time the story got us there I was mainly craning my neck and looking around for Mairon.  =D  I must admit I was happy to see him again, although we all know this can't ultimately be going anywhere too good...

Hi Russa, I'm reposting my 2011 MEFA review for this fic.  I didn't think you'd mind. *g*  Congrats on winning First Place.

Although Sauron is a prime mover of events in Middle-earth’s Second and Third Ages, Tolkien rarely gives us a glimpse into his character or motivations beyond his all consuming desire for power and control. For the most part, he is merely the personification of Evil, dark and fathomless. Surely, there’s more to Sauron’s story.

Russandol’s marvelous WIP "Chasing Mirages," told from the point of view of Manwë’s herald Eönwë, fills in the gaps of Sauron’s motivations and makes sense of a number of his choices. It opens with the Valar chastising Eönwë for permitting Sauron to escape after the War of Wrath. Although a hero of the war, Eönwë is unfairly blamed, sentenced to take on an elvish hröa and exiled to Middle-earth with the mission of finding his former friend and convincing him to return to face the Valar’s judgement. After much searching, Eönwë finds Sauron (who calls himself Mairon) among mortal men in the author’s invented far eastern land Kiinlúum, modeled after the ancient Mayans. Unexpectedly, Mairon seems reformed, living in harmony with his hosts as a wealthy adviser to their King. It doesn’t take long for Eönwë to fall for Mairon’s beauty, his beguiling and powerful personality, and compelling arguments. ‘Light it is, not darkness, that casts shadows to lead one astray. Light can unveil truth or mask lies’ Mairon entices Eönwë into a dance of dominance and submission, pleasure and pain that challenges Eönwë's loyalties and world-view as he and Mairon become lovers. This is something the Valar cannot tolerate and, ironically, their interference sows the seeds for Mairon's fall back into darkness.

Ambitious and epic in scope, Mirages covers the main events of the Second and Third Ages. Russa has meticulously researched the canon and seamlessly enfolds it into her story. Eönwë and Mairon's relationship explains some events not covered in the books. For example, what happened to Sauron in the long period between his disappearance after the War of Wrath and his reappearance as an adviser to the Gwaith i Mírdain at Ost-in-Edhil? The story imagines an answer. Still in progress, Mirages promises to take us all the way to Sauron's final defeat when Frodo destroys the Ring, and beyond.

I really love the characterizations. Eönwë is rather naive and strait-laced at first, but valiant and honorable. He always tries to do the right thing and is justifiably hurt and angered by the Valar’s actions. As a lonely outcast, he falls hard for Mairon, gives him his all, and eventually suffers a terrible conflict of love and loyalty. Yet he is no push-over and comes across as a strong and admirable individual who grows in character over time. You'll love Eönwë’s disguise as he becomes part of Gil-galad’s court and later is witness to the disaster in Ost-in-Edhil. Russa’s characterization of Sauron is spot on. He’s brilliant, charismatic, sensual, but also autocratic, ruthless, and controlling. Above all controlling. The BDSM nature of Mairon’s relationships is not at all gratuitous, but rather essential to his characterization. Eönwë and Mairon’s relationship is rife with betrayal and trust issues. Mairon’s love for Eönwë becomes both his possibility for redemption and his weakness. This helps humanize him and makes his and Eönwë's story all the more tragic. Russa does not sugar-coat Mairon’s misdeeds — this is a not a story for the faint-hearted — yet I appreciate her painting Sauron in shades of grey rather than all black. It's a tribute to Russa's characterizations and the compelling nature of her story that I am on the edge of my seat, rooting for Eönwë and Mairon’s relationship to succeed, even though, given what we know of Sauron, that is unlikely.

Russa’s colorful descriptions of Kiinlúum, her marvelous re-imagining of Lindon and Ost-in-Edhil, and her depiction of minor characters have enriched my experience of Middle-Earth. Her prose is clean and lyrical with a formal quality that is reminiscent of the Silm. Here is her gorgeous opening in which Eönwë introduces himself:
"I am one of the Ainur, a Maia of Manwë, a creature of Ilúvatar since before Time began and Eä was brought into existence and kindled with the flame of the Imperishable Fire.
I weave my being into light, I soar amongst the stars, dive into the core of suns and dance in the luminescent pulse of the Song, that chimes from every speck and spark. I rejoice in the beauty of Arda, marred but still glorious.
There are Children, those who know me little, who whisper of my betrayal, of having unleashed evil back onto the world through my deeds. They fear and avoid me.
To those I say, once I was one of you. I touched, felt, bled, and wept; I laughed, loved and hated, not clad in a fana but bound to a hröa. I learnt of the gifts from the One to his Children, beautiful and bittersweet."

Thus begins a truly epic tale in which both Eönwë and Mairon chase the mirages of love and in the process shape the lives of all those on Middle-earth. Their story is complex, brilliant, and moving and has joined my list of all-time favorite fanfiction stories. I urge you to give this gem a try.

I worry about Eönwë’s oath and how it could clash with his desires once he’s reunited with Mairon…

Interesting to see the Herald of Manwë through Elrond’s eyes, and compare it with this Eönwë. He really has changed and I can’t help thinking that maybe would have been better if the all the Valar had spent time among the Children as one of them.

I like this Elrond, though I don’t know yet what to make of him. Is it something he saw in his vision, that makes him so reluctant to accept Eönwë’s allegiance, or something else? I enjoyed his banter with Celebrimbor about his past (every mention of Elrond’s time with Maedhros and Maglor makes me happy).

Our nest had been ruthlessly stamped on. I prayed to Eru that the scorpion would not attempt to sting his enemy in retaliation

Really liked that image, it’s very fitting.  

Like how Elrond and Eönwë are getting closer. If Eönwë can’t leave at least he deserves serving someone he cares about, without feeling  as though life in Lindon were no more than a period of servitude to be endured, without joy or pleasure to be found in being alive, like he put it.

I share Eönwë’s indignation on behalf of the people of Kiinlúum, and I too dread what Mairon could do. Because whatever he does would be the Valar’s fault and yet they would use it as proof of how unredeemable evil Mairon was. And really, I can’t believe how worried I am when I know what happens with Sauron. The thing is, what we read in LotR and the Silmarillion would be only half of the tale…

You know, at the end by the tower, where you like to sulk.

Heh, I like your Elrond.

Elrond placed his hand over his heart, as though to mark the source of his intuition, and I briefly wondered whether Melyanna’s blood helped him sense a glimmer of my true nature under the wraps of my hröa.

I always wondered if his gift of foresight or his healer skills were a result of Melian’s blood. If the blood of Númenor was said to be strong in Aragorn and Faramir, so many generations later, then having a Maia as a great-great-grandmother must have left some mark in Elrond. Anyway, I’m glad that later he could make peace with his brother’s death, and to see the birth of his decision to help Elros’ descendants.

How could I ask him to trust the Valar’s promise of justice after what Námo had said, after what they had done?

Good question. It’s nice to read about a Maglor who has found some contentment.

‘I found patience,’ I said.

I’m happy for him. He has time, after all.

Finally! XD

Reading this story is a bit like watching a train wreck...

What a bittersweet reunion. Mairon is happy Eönwë hasn’t betrayed him, but the damage caused by the Valar was too great and seems during all that time they were separated increased Mairon’s hatred. There were the first glimpses of Sauron here, which makes their time together more touching.

[Random thing -- I was a little worried I put my foot in my mouth in one of my prior reviews.  I called something "unfortunate," but I in no way meant that it was unfortunately worded.  I meant it was unfortunate for, well, all the characters involved. =D]

Anyway, I love the conversation the protagonists have with Elrond and Celebrimbor here.  How delightfully awkward for them.  Also, I usually have trouble reconciling graphic sex scenes with characters' out-of-the-bedroom behavior (naught to do with prudishness really), and evidently I've been following the escapades of these two long enough that these scenes are starting to integrate smoothly into my reading experience.  That's pretty rare for me, as usually I have a strong sense of being jarred from the plot, so kudos on that too.

OMG!

*has melted and gone to heaven*

Finally Marion relents. 

I have no nails left, my friend.  It's all your fault!

Oh, what a beautiful chapter, Russa!

I don't even know where to begin.  I love Eonwë's regard for Nikteháa and I loved how richly and detailedly you have described their rituals.  I could taste his sorrow, feel his pain. 

This is marvelous. 

And of course, Mairon's words... so beautiful.

"Gorthaur!"

Ouch.  Ack.  I admire Mairon's restraint.  I think I'd completely lose it, in his place.

The terms on which they part are rather wrenching.  I really liked the hidden meanings in their letters, and now of course the cliffhanger has me wringing my hands.  Just read Hospitality, too; interesting to see Eönwë at a point in his timeline which this tale hasn't yet reached!

Wow, this has been a ride, Russa. Amazing, and a wonderfully created realm of your own imaginings. There are so many layers within layers here. Needless to say, after the machinations of Namo and Manwë, I am fully on the side of Eonwë and Mairon. 

Oh wow! Although I did know this was coming, it took me completely by surprise!

I can see why Elrond and the Lindon Elves would be rather suspicious of Eonwë, since he would tell them nothing, but was obviously more than he appeared.

I'm really impressed with the way you built up to this and the use of Erestor's name. I didn't know that in the early drafts he was supposed to be a hlaf-Elf, but love the way you worked it into your plot!

(Oh, no knowing about Erestor beforehand, didn't spoil a thing for me; it's  the way these things are written that is important. I never mind spoilers.)

Wow - this was a chapter replete with...everything. So Eonwë named Mordor! (Loved the descriotions of it that 'Erestor' saw on his journeys. It has a grim, stark granduer to it. ) I like that idea a great deal, and the descriptions of the mysterious chieftain there -- it gives a sensation as of far-off thunder.

The meeting of Eonwë and Mairon, though, that is pure sexual electricity, just wonderfully portrayed. I am like to swoon!

Really grand job, Russa!

Oh no, I have come to the end, so far. :( I am really engrossed, Russa. I am so fascinated by Eonwë and Mairon's relationship, since it's both beautiful and disfunctional. I am looking forward to the next chapter!!

Don't be worried about the end. Seriously, you have crafted something brilliant here; you're not suddenly going to use brass instead of mithril.

Wow, I am so pleased to see this up, but I very much fear what will happen now.

Or like a banished Maia who has walked in the desert chasing a mirage, an enticing promise of cool water and shade under luscious trees, and instead he has found the dry white bones of his dead lover in a sea of barren sand.

That's so beautiful and so sad!

The tension continues to build. This story is beyond spectacular. I cannot wait for the next chapter, but I will be very sad to see it end. It has been a wonderful journey. I will definitely return to the beginning and start over in order to read it all together as one piece.

The last line of this chapter chilled me to my bones!