fabulous ! what an insidious monster you portray, the shadowy cobra-hood and the delicate eyebrows... so many questions raised; for me, being thought-provoking is just about the best thing in a story, nice one ! 

really, all that animal stuff, it works really well, but animals arent evil... i suppose its seeing the animal where there ought to be the 'rational' person... the civilized person. 

did the Elves rebel because they felt the reality of the end of Arda when the Trees fell ? 'rage, rage, against the dying of the light ' ? the ultimate bucket list... 

sorry. your writing was both smooth and gripping, and your story was convincing and intriguing, it must have been just like that, kelp mosaics and all. you should be proud. :)

Dramatic encounters, before the council and even more so when he speaks to Sauron alone! And what a last line you give Amandil!

I felt for Amandil and his vision of the true Numenor, which he now seeks outside the seats of power, while fearing it may be a thing of the past, even there.

Beautiful language! Really gives a chilling and creepy pictures of those days. Suspenseful also. I really love these lines:

The Zigûr lifted a brow, and his delicate mouth turned down, and in his golden eyes was primordial fury. “You shall see your downfall soon enough, elf-friend. Very well. Though I pledge myself to the Darkness, ordered perfection is my lord, and chaos is the sword with which I wage my crusade. None shall be spared.”

"ordered perfection is my lord, and chaos is the sword with which I wage my crusade."

I really enjoyed your vivid turns of phrase, and the sense of menace overtaking Amandil.

Excellent writing! I love the confrontation between the Zigûr and Amandil at the end.