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Chapter Text

Robert: Grand Maester, I want to know exactly what we will be watching today. Whose story and from what extraordinary world we will see. And keep it short, because I'm not in the mood for any patience today.

Pycelle: Your Grace, from what I know, let's see how the world of Middle-earth was created, about which we have previously only seen fragments of some events such as the War of the Last Alliance of Men and Elves, the journey of the Fellowship of the Ring through Moria, the ancient kingdom of the Dwarves, the Battle of Helm's Deep, the Battle of the Pelennor Fields or the Battle of the Black Gate and the fall of Sauron.

Robert: Yes, yes, I remember that. Gods, what a war it was. If I were younger, thinner and could move to the next world to crush the skulls of orcs, Uruks, Haradrim or Easterlings with my hammer. Wait, wait! You said we would see how that world was created?! So we'll see their gods, who apparently exist?!

Pycelle: Apparently yes, your grace, although according to this letter it all started with a single god called Eru Ilúvatar, who brought into existence the Ainur, beings born of his thoughts.

Ned: So that world was created by only one god and these Ainur are minor beings with divine power, although they are not gods like this Eru Ilúvatar. Quite different from the Old Gods or the Seven.

Catelyn: Which doesn't contradict what the Septons say about the nature of the Seven, that they are essentially one deity with seven aspects. This is also what I write in The Seven-Pointed Star.

Pycelle: Indeed, Lady Stark. However, most Smallfolk and some Lords do not understand this and believe that there are seven different gods, when in fact it is one god with seven aspects.

Ned: It doesn't sound complicated at all, just hard to understand. Growing up in the Valley with Robert, I had contact with the followers of the Seven, and they can also be found in the North in the White Port, but I had not heard before that the Seven are one God with seven aspects.

Tyrion: At least this Eru Ilúvatar really exists, which cannot be said about the New or Old Gods.

Ned: Don't underestimate the gods, Lord Tyrion. They may not show anything openly, but I believe they watch over people.

Tyrion: I didn't mean to offend you, Lord Stark. I just have a hard time believing in the existence of gods.

Ned: No hard feelings, Lord Tyrion. I can understand your position. Sometimes I wonder if the gods are even interested in the world and its inhabitants.

Tywin: I don't care much about gods myself, although seeing one that actually exists and in the process of creating the world can be an interesting experience.

Robert: Gods, I'd rather see a proper fight than some Eru Ilúvatar or whatever he creates the world for, but if we have to watch it, let's get it over with.

Cersei: Of course, dear husband, you don't find anything interesting to watch unless there is some fighting or fucking involved.

Robert: Pff, of course it is. There's nothing better in the world than fucking and fighting, woman.

Jaime: Sam would love to see a fight between two great warriors, but I'm curious as to how exactly this world was created. Maybe it will be some very funny way of creating the world.

Tyrion: Are you thinking the same thing as me, brother? That this Eru created the world from his gases.

Jaime: Ha, you read my mind, little brother. Maybe this way, or maybe some other, even more funny or even absurd way.

Robert: Ha, if you talk about it like that, I want to see how Eru created that world. Maybe he'll at least laugh.

Ned: But I guess Robert it won't be as fun as the Lannisters think.

Robert: Ned, can you please not ruin my dreams for once? Yes, thanks very much. I still hope that you will either laugh or find it interesting. Now let's get started, I don't have all day for this.

A wide and large mirror appeared in front of the gathered people, on which an image of timeless emptiness appeared, which quickly turned into the most dazzling palace they could imagine or even what they could not imagine, surrounded by an incredibly beautiful land that could not even be imagined. You can see blurred silhouettes of humanoid figures, as if made of smoke. From the mirror, a powerful, male voice with a pleasant sound rang out, telling about the creation of the world. You can also hear music.

There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were withhim before aught else was made. And he spoke to them, propounding to tchem themes of music; and they sang before him, and he was glad. 

But for a long while they sang only each alone, or but few together, while the rest hearkened; for each comprehended only that part of the mind of Ilúvatar from which he came, and in the understanding of their brethren they grew but slowly. Yet ever as they listened they came to deeper understanding, and increased in unison and harmony.

And it came to pass that Ilúvatar called together all the Ainur and declared to them a mighty theme, unfolding to them things greater and more wonderful than he had yet revealed; and the glory of its beginning and the splendour of its end amazed the Ainur, so that they bowed before Ilúvatar and were silent.

Ned: That agrees with what Grand Maester Pycelle read in that letter. There is Eru Ilúvatar, who created the Ainur from his thoughts. However, I wonder what singing has to do with creating the world.

Robert: Exactly, what the hell does singing have to do with creating the world? I like to sing to myself during a feast or on a war march, but I wouldn't create this world.

Jon: Singing can be magical, you grace. Maester Luwin told one of his lessons that the Children of the Forest called themselves Those Who Sing the Earth's Song and that many ancient spells existed in the form of song.

Pycelle: Indeed, Snow. Singing was often associated with magic and religion, where the faithful sing their prayers and songs to the gods.

Tyrion: I will especially wonder how much this topic that Eru Ilúvatar revealed to the Ainur, that they were so delighted with it that they even worshiped their god and creator.

Ned: Surely he must have been really great to dazzle them like that. It couldn't be just anything.

Robert: If you say so, I'm curious about this topic myself.

Tyrion: I assume, your grace, that this topic concerns their world, which does not yet exist. Perhaps they will form it with the help of the world, after all they are divine beings so they have the ability to do so.

Robert: Yes, that makes sense, Imp. I can't believe that this world was created from a simple song!

Jaime: Nothing is impossible for the gods, so it's probably not impossible for Eru and the Ainur either.

Then Ilúvatar said to them: 'Of the theme that I have declared to you, I will now that ye make in harmony together a Great Music. And since I have kindled you with the Flame Imperishable, ye shall show forth your powers in adorning this theme, each with his own thoughts and devices, if he will. But I will sit and hearken, and be glad that through you great beauty has been wakened into song.'

Then the voices of the Ainur, like unto harps and lutes, and pipes and trumpets, and viols and organs, and like unto countless choirs singing with words, began to fashion the theme of Ilúvatar to a great music; and a sound arose of endless interchanging melodies woven in harmony that passed beyond hearing into the depths and into the heights, and the places of the dwelling of Ilúvatar were filled to overflowing, and the music and the echo of the music went out into the Void, and it was not void. Never since have the Ainur made any music like to this music, though it has been said that a greater still shall be made before Ilúvatar by the choirs of the Ainur and the Children of Ilúvatar after the end of days. 

Then the themes of Ilúvatar shall be played aright, and take Being in the moment of their utterance, for all shall then understand fully his intent in their part, and each shall know the comprehension of each, and Ilúvatar shall give to their thoughts the secret fire, being well pleased.

Sansa: Gods, that sounds so beautiful. I have never heard more beautiful singing. I doubt any minstrel could do something like that. These Ainur have heavenly voices.

Arya: I can agree with that, Sansa. Not only do they sing, but they also imitate the voices of various musical instruments. Only the gods could do something like that.

Tyrion: Hmm.

Robb: Lord Tyrion, what are you thinking? You look thoughtful.

Jaime: Young Stark's right, you're too damn thoughtful, little brother.

Tyrion: I wonder, Jaime. I wonder what this Flame Imperishable is that Eru claims he ignited in the Ainur, revealing their power. I am also wondering about the mention that a similar wonderful choir will arise at the end of days, when the Ainur and the Children of Ilúvatar will sing before him and he will rejoice because everyone will understand his intentions. Not to mention that it is the most beautiful music I have ever heard and I doubt that any other music I will ever hear will move me as much as this.

Cersei: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Tyrion. No minstrel could sing as beautifully as this music these Ainur made. Only the gods could set such heavenly music.

Tyrion: Gods, I don't believe it. My sister agrees with me on something. It will be a memorable day for all of Westeros!

Tywin: Calm down, Tyrion, and don't act like a Summer Island monkey. You're still a Lannister, remember that.

Tyrion: Let me guess, even the music of the gods couldn't move the impassable Tywin Lannister, the Old Lion of Casterly Rock.

Tywin: I didn't say that, Tyrion. However, this does not mean that you will behave like a monkey.

Robert: Ned, I never thought I'd see the day when my mean wife and her brother Imp would ever agree on something. Then you have to celebrate it with a proper feast!

Ned: Robert, you always find a reason to make a feast. But admit that you too will like the song of the Ainur. I've never heard music like this.

Robert: You're welcome, Ned. I admit, it's the most beautiful music I've ever heard and it reminded me of Lyanna. If only she were alive, I wouldn't be married to that damn Cersei.

Cersei: (Gives Robert a hateful look)

Catelyn: I agree with Ned. It's the most beautiful music I've ever heard in my life. They must really be divine beings to be able to sing such wonderful music.

Tyrion: I wonder if the term "Children of Ilúvatar" refers to Elves, Men and Dwarves.

Pycelle: According to this letter, primarily to elves and men. The Dwarves were created by one of the Ainur called Aule, but were adopted by Eru Ilúvatar himself.

Cersei: It was obvious that the dwarves couldn't be the Children of Ilúvatar. This Aule must be crazy to create these disgusting creatures. Eru showed far too much mercy towards these unfortunate beings.

Tyrion: Not as unfortunate as a certain queen whose name begins with C.

Cersei: Shut up, Imp!

Tywin: Silence! Act like Lannisters, not fools.

Tyrion: As you wish, father.

Robb: Apart from the Queen's little quarrel with Lord Tyrion, don't you think, Jon, that the Music of the Ainur is truly beautiful?

Jon: Yes, I have never heard such beautiful music and I really doubt that I will hear anything like it again.

But now Ilúvatar sat and hearkened, and for a great while it seemed good to him, for in the music there were no flaws. But as the theme progressed, it came into the heart of Melkor to interweave matters of his own imagining that were not in accord with the theme of Ilúvatar; for he sought therein to increase the power and glory of the part assigned to himself. 

To Melkor among the Ainur had been given the greatest gifts of power and knowledge, and he had a share in all the gifts of his brethren. He had gone often alone into the void places seeking the Imperishable Flame; for desire grew hot within him to bring into Being things of his own, and it seemed to him that Ilúvatar took no thought for the Void, and he was impatient of its emptiness. 

Yet he found not the Fire, for it is with Ilúvatar. But being alone he had begun to conceive thoughts of his own unlike those of his brethren.

Some of these thoughts he now wove into his music, and straightway discord arose about him, and many that sang nigh him grew despondent, and their thought was disturbed and their music faltered; but some began to attune their music to his rather than to the thought which they had at first. 

Then the discord of Melkor spread ever wider, and the melodies which had been heard before foundered in a sea of turbulent sound. But Ilúvatar sat and hearkened until it seemed that about his throne there was a raging storm, as of dark waters that made war one upon another in an endless wrath that would not be assuaged.

Then Ilúvatar arose, and the Ainur perceived that he smiled; and he lifted up his left hand, and a new theme began amid the storm, like and yet unlike to the former theme, and it gathered power and had new beauty. 

But the discord of Melkor rose in uproar and contended with it, and again there was a war of sound more violent than before, until many of the Ainur were dismayed and sang no longer, and Melkor had the mastery. 

Then again Ilúvatar arose, and the Ainur perceived that his countenance was stern; and he lifted up his right hand, and behold! a third theme grew amid the confusion, and it was unlike the others. For it seemed at first soft and sweet, a mere rippling of gentle sounds in delicate melodies; but it could not be quenched, and it took to itself power and profundity. 

And it seemed at last that there were two musics progressing at one time before the seat of Ilúvatar, and they were utterly at variance. The one was deep and wide and beautiful, but slow and blended with an immeasurable sorrow, from which its beauty chiefly came. The other had now achieved a unity of its own; but it was loud, and vain, and endlessly repeated; and it had little harmony, but rather a clamorous unison as of many trumpets braying upon a few notes. 

And it essayed to drown the other music by the violence of its voice, but it seemed that its most triumphant notes were taken by the other and woven into its own solemn pattern.

In the midst of this strife, whereat the halls of Ilúvatar shook and a tremor ran out into the silences yet unmoved, Ilúvatar arose a third time, and his face was terrible to behold. Then he raised up both his hands, and in one chord, deeper than the Abyss, higher than the Firmament, piercing as the light of the eye of Ilúvatar, the Music Ceased.

Everyone in the Hall felt the piercing clamor of dissonance created by Melkor as the worst kind of music they could ever hear, something that was difficult to put into words, for it was so piercing. Everyone present covered their ears, but it didn't help much because Melkor's dissonance seemed to strike directly at the minds of those gathered. It seemed to go on forever when she was suddenly silenced by Eru Iluvatar and there was peace, nothing could be heard except the voice from the mirror.

Robert: Gods, this Melkor is a madman. What the fuck did he do with this beautiful music? It sounded like someone was torturing thousands of cats. I would love to hit him in the face with my hammer to silence him forever. It's good that Eru silenced this infernal clamor.

Ned: I don't know, Robert, but it was clear that Melkor, out of ambition, went against his creator's will and introduced his own threads into the music, turning it into this terrifyingly awful clamor.

Tywin: I agree with Lord Stark. From what I understand, this Melkor is an ambitious and self-confident being of great power. It was said that he had the greatest power and share in each of the gifts that Eru gave to his Ainur, that he searched for the Flame Imperishable but did not find it because Eru had it, that he had thoughts different from the rest of the Ainur, and that he had the desire to create the world according to his own. recognition, not to mention that he defied his creator by adding his own threads to the songs of the Ainur that went against Eru's will.

Robb: Shouldn't he be loyal to his creator? He is a god, but not so powerful as to oppose his own creation, this Eru Ilúvatar.

Tyrion: Ambition and the desire for power cause even a loyal man to betray if he feels he has an opportunity to gain more power. And this Melkor not only wants to be equal to Eru, he himself wants to be a creator god like Eru Ilúvatar himself. And honestly, he's doing shitty things. My ears still hurt from that hellish noise.

Cersei: At least Eru silenced the noise. Now he wants to see how he punishes this Melkor for his opposition to him. It will most likely destroy it completely.

Jaime: Maybe yes or maybe no, dear sister. We don't know how Eru sees this action, but we'll see what happens to Melkor. I hope they don't have to listen to that damned clamor again.

Cersei: Pfff, I had that Melkor's tongue cut out for something like that. The gods are not merciful and this Eru probably won't show him much mercy.

Jon: Gods, it's good that this noise is over. I thought my ears would fall off.

Robb: At least Eru quieted the noise because I thought my head would burst from it.

Arya: Damn Melkor, did he have to do such things?

Tyrion: Ambition, Lady Arya, an ambitious man will do the worst to fulfill his ambitions. And it seems to me that something similar will happen to Melkor, unless Eru destroys him or punishes him in some harsh way.

Catelyn: That music was so terrible! And this Melkor with his ambition is dangerous. He may be trying to usurp his creator (he looks at Jon nervously).

Then Ilúvatar spoke, and he said: 'Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that I am Ilúvatar, those things that ye have sung, I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done. And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.'

Then the Ainur were afraid, and they did not yet comprehend the words that were said to them; and Melkor was filled with shame, of which came secret anger. But Ilúvatar arose in splendour, and he went forth from the fair regions that he had made for the Ainur; and the Ainur followed him.

But when they were come into the Void, Ilúvatar said to them: 'Behold your Music!' And he showed to them a vision, giving to them sight where before was only hearing; and they saw a new World made visible before them, and it was globed amid the Void, and it was sustained therein, but was not of it. And as they looked and wondered this World began to unfold its history, and it seemed to them that it lived and grew. And when the Ainur had gazed for a while and were silent.

Ilúvatar said again: 'Behold your Music! This is your minstrelsy; and each of you shall find contained herein, amid the design that I set before you, all those things which it may seem that he himself devised or added. And thou, Melkor, wilt discover all the secret thoughts of thy mind, and wilt perceive that they are but a part of the whole and tributary to its glory.

Everyone gathered in the Hall saw in the mirror the creation of the world of Arda and its quickly passing history, and it was something they could not even imagine in their wildest dreams.

Robert: Wait, if I understand correctly that no matter what Melkor does, in the end it will not be his own invention, but coming from Eru Iluvatar himself. That or I don't understand what he meant at all.

Tyrion: I think this is what Eru Ilúvatar meant, no matter what Melkor does, it will come from the creator himself. And this view of the world and its history changing before our eyes is a beautiful sight. I would give all the gold of Casterly Rock to be able to see the history of our world from the beginning to the present day.

Pycelle: All maesters would give all the gold in the world to be able to observe the history of our world from its beginnings to this day. Many things that remain secret would cease to be so if the history of the world could be known in this way.

Tywin: Eru shamed Melkor, but a ashamed man may harbor resentment and anger in his heart. And you can see it here too. Melkor, despite what Eru said and showed him, may not abandon his intentions. He still lusts for power and may cause trouble for Eru and the other Ainur in the future.

Joffrey: Who cares, Grandpa! This Eru is a weakling, he should punish Melkor as an example to other Ainur who may have similar thoughts, even by cutting off his head and impaling it on a pike.

Cersei: (Smiling at her eldest son)

Jaime and Tyrion: (Roll their eyes at this)

Jon: Eru is righteous and did not see fit to kill Melkor. Maybe she hopes she can still serve him well.

Joffrey: Someone asked your opinion, bastard? No, so shut up.

Robert: Hush, Joffrey. Ned's boy doesn't talk stupid at all. Eru may have plans for Melkor and that's why he spared him, embarrassing him in front of the rest of the Ainur rather than killing him.

Ned: Yes, Eru may have plans for Melkor and this world is beautiful, you can't deny that.

Catelyn: And who would have thought that the world could be created through music.

And many other things Ilúvatar spoke to the Ainur at that time, and because of their memory of his words, and the knowledge that each has of the music that he himself made, the Ainur know much of what was, and is, and is to come, and few things are unseen by them. 

Yet some things there are that they cannot see, neither alone nor taking counsel together; for to none but himself has Ilúvatar revealed all that he has in store, and in every age there come forth things that are new and have no foretelling, for they do not proceed from the past. And so it was that as this vision of the World was played before them, the Ainur saw that it contained things which they had not thought. And they saw with amazement the coming of the Children of Ilúvatar, and the habitation that was prepared for them; and they perceived that they themselves in the labour of their music had been busy with the preparation of this dwelling, and yet knew not that it had any purpose beyond its own beauty. 

For the Children of Ilúvatar were conceived by him alone; and they came with the third theme, and were not in the theme whichIlúvatar propounded at the beginning, and none of the Ainur had part in their making. 

Therefore when they beheld them, the more did they love them, being things other than themselves, strange and free, wherein they saw the mind of Ilúvatar reflected anew, and learned yet a little more of his wisdom, which otherwise had been hidden even from the Ainur.

Now the Children of Ilúvatar are Elves and Men, the Firstborn and the Followers. And amid all the splendours of the World, its vast halls and spaces, and its wheeling fires, Ilúvatar chose a place for their habitation in the Deeps of Time and in the midst of the innumerable stars. 

And this habitation might seem a little thing to those who consider only the majesty of the Ainur, and not their terrible sharpness; as who should take the whole field of Arda for the foundation of a pillar and so raise it until the cone of its summit were more bitter than a needle; or who consider only the immeasurable vastness of the World, which still the Ainur are shaping, and not the minute precision to which they shape all things therein. 

But when the Ainur had beheld this habitation in a vision and had seen the Children of Ilúvatar arise therein, then many of the most mighty among them bent all their thought and their desire towards that place. 

And of these Melkor was the chief, even as he was in the beginning the greatest of the Ainur who took part in the Music. And he feigned, even to himself at first, that he desired to go thither and order all things for the good of the Children of Ilúvatar, controlling the turmoils of the heat and the cold that had come to pass through him. But he desired rather to subdue to his will both Elves and Men, envying the gifts with which Ilúvatar promised to endow them; and he wished himself to have subjects and servants, and to be called Lord, and to be a master over other wills.

But the other Ainur looked upon this habitation set within the vast spaces of the World, which the Elves call Arda, the Earth; and their hearts rejoiced in light, and their eyes beholding many colours were filled with gladness; but because of the roaring of the sea they felt a great unquiet. 

And they observed the winds and the air, and the matters of which Arda was made, of iron and stone and silver and gold and many substances: but of all these water they most greatly praised. And it is said by the Eldar that in water there lives yet the echo of the Music of the Ainur more than in any substance else that is in this Earth; and many of the Children of Ilúvatar hearken still unsated to the voices of the Sea, and yet know not for what they Listen.

Tyrion: Clever of Eru. By not revealing everything to my Ainur, I will retain all the knowledge, so he can basically manipulate the Ainur by taking advantage of the fact that he knows things they don't know. Really clever of him, I must admit.

Tywin: And Melkor, for his part, turned out to be a faithless and a traitor. This is seen as he plans not to help the Children of Ilúvatar but to turn them into his servants so that they worship him rather than their creator. That he would be their god and lord. Eru should have squashed him like a fly instead of humiliating him. He certainly wouldn't cause the trouble he might cause among humans and elves, since in his heart he desires not to help them, but to enslave and control them. Eru will regret his favor towards Melkor even more bitterly.

Cersei: As Joffrey said, Eru is weak to show such favor to Melkor, who plans to control his children and make them his servants and slaves.

Tyrion: Sweet sister, if Melkor interferes too much, Eru can be eliminated with a snap of his fingers. It's probably just that Eru, like a god, is under the illusion that Melkor can still be a decent deity, maybe he doesn't see evil in Melkor or maybe he just hopes that it can be eradicated from his heart. It's hard to say, because some of us may know how the gods, beings who are so different from us, ordinary mortals, think?  And the Ainur themselves still know more about the future of their world than any human, even if they do not know everything.

Cersei: (She snorted, looking at Tyrion with contempt)

Robert: Ha, well said, Imp. Now I hope that Eru and Melkor will fight each other or maybe he will order one of the other Ainur to fight.

Ned: As Lord Tyrion said, it would be more of a short fight where Eru simply erases Melkor from existence. Nothing that would satisfy you, Robert.

Robert: It's a pity, I really hoped to see a good fight.

Jon: So the echo of Music was preserved in the sea, which explains why people like to listen to the sound of the sea.

Arya: The sea has a beautiful sound, so our world was created from the Music of the Gods?

Jon: Who knows, little sister. If one world was created this way, it does not rule out that ours was created this way.

Ned: It may be so, but that doesn't mean it's for sure. We will probably never know how our world was created, my children.

Tyrion: The fact that the Ainur had no part in the creation of humans and elves and yet are fascinated by them and loved them is interesting in itself. Like Melkor, they might have wanted to rule over him, demanding obedience and honor, but only Melkor wanted power and honor over them.

Tywin: It's clear that all the rest of the Ainur have not an ounce of Melkor's ambition. It is basically a shapeless mass about which we know nothing, except that there were those who tried to match it to Melkor's grating melody.

Tyrion: Now I wonder if we'll recognize any other Ainur by name. At least we know that the world in which Middle-earth lay was called Arda, which also means Earth.

Robb: Lord Tyrion, do you think there may be some among them who would oppose Melkor's desire to enslave the Children of Ilúvatar?

Tyrion: It's hard to say, Lord Robb. We do not know any other Ainur, only that Melkor is the most powerful among them. This means that I have no chance against him alone, but if they attack in a group, then they can defeat him.

Robert: Let's hope they show their fight then. I want to see a really good fight between the gods or whoever they are.

Now to water had that Ainu whom the Elves call Ulmo turned his thought, and of all most deeply was he instructed by Ilúvatar in music. But of the airs and winds Manwë most had pondered, who is the noblest of the Ainur. 

Of the fabric of Earth had Aulë thought, to whom Ilúvatar had given skill and knowledg scarce less than to Melkor; but the delight and pride of Aulë is in the deed of making, and in the thing made, and neither in possession nor in his own mastery wherefore he gives and hoards not, and is free from care, passing ever on t some new work.

And Ilúvatar spoke to Ulmo, and said: 'Seest thou not how here in this littl realm in the Deeps of Time Melkor hath made war upon thy province? 

He hath bethought him of bitter cold immoderate, and yet hath not destroyed the beauty of thy fountains, nor of thy clear pools. Behold the snow, and the cunning work of frost! Melkor hath devised heats and fire without restraint, and hath not dried up thy desire nor utterly quelled the music of the sea. Behold rather the height and glory of the clouds, and the everchanging mists; and listen to the fall of rain upon the Earth! And in these clouds thou art drawn nearer to Manwë, thy friend, whom thou lovest.'

Then Ulmo answered: 'Truly, Water is become now fairer than my hear imagined, neither had my secret thought conceived the snowflake, nor in all my music was contained the falling of the rain. I will seek Manwë, that he and I ma make melodies for ever to thy delight!' And Manwë and Ulmo have from th beginning been allied, and in all things have served most faithfully the purpose of Ilúvatar.

But even as Ulmo spoke, and while the Ainur were yet gazing upon thi vision, it was taken away and hidden from their sight; and it seemed to them that in that moment they perceived a new thing, Darkness, which they had not known before except in thought. But they had become enamoured of the beauty of th vision and engrossed in the unfolding of the World which came there to being, and their minds were filled with it; for the history was incomplete and the circles of time not full-wrought when the vision was taken away. And some have said that the vision ceased ere the fulfilment of the Dominion of Men and the fading of the Firstborn; wherefore, though the Music is over all, the Valar have not seen as with sight the Later Ages or the ending of the World.

Then there was unrest among the Ainur; but Ilúvatar called to them, and said: 'I know the desire of your minds that what ye have seen should verily be, not only in your thought, but even as ye yourselves are, and yet other. Therefore I say: Eä! Let these things Be! And I will send forth into the Void the Flame Imperishable, and it shall be at the heart of the World, and the World shall Be; and those of you that will may go down into it.' And suddenly the Ainur saw afar off a light, as it were a cloud with a living heart of flame; and they knew that this was no vision only, but that Ilúvatar had made a new thing: Eä, the World that is.

Jon: We learn the names of three other Ainur. We have Ulmo, who is associated with water, Manwe, who is associated with the wind and considered the noblest of the Ainur, and Aule, who is associated with the earth. Didn't he create the dwarves?

Tyrion: Yes, it is intriguing that each of the three Ainur is associated with a specific element. And I can see that someone considered as noble as Manwë can oppose Melkor's desire to enslave the Children of Ilúvatar, with the support of Ulmo, who is a dear friend of Manwë, and Aule, who likes to create as much as to give away the fruits of his labor. And it is Manwë and Ulmo who are supposed to be most loyal to Ilúvatar, unlike the treacherous Melkor. But still, nothing surprised me more that Eru said Eä! Let these things be! And the world was created. Even for a god, that's impressive. No mage from Essos could do such a thing.

Ned: Don't forget, Lord Tyrion, that Eru sent the Flame Imperishable, which played a part in the creation of the world.

Tyrion: Yes, I have not forgotten that, Lord Stark. Indeed, Eru made sure that the Ainur did not see the time after humans dominated Arda or the end of the World, so that no one else knew about it. The question is, why did he do it?

Robb: Uh, so as not to terrify the Ainur? Maybe the end of the world is so terrible that it would terrify even someone like the mighty Ainur?

Tyrion: A good observation, Lord Robb. There may be something to it, but we will probably never know whether it is this or something completely different.

Sansa: Melkor invented cold and snow and heat and fire, and yet this did not scare Ulm, on the contrary, he liked the snow and the music created by the falling rain!

Jon: As you can see, despite such actions, it only added beauty to the water that Ulmo loved. After all, snowflakes are beautiful and rain makes music when it falls from the sky.

Ned: At least there are some named Ainur who can oppose Melkor if he wishes to enact his plans to enslave the Children of Ilúvatar. Manwe will certainly not allow this and can count on the support of Ulmo, perhaps also Aule. Together they can stop Melkor from fulfilling his plans.

Tywin: The only question is whether it will be enough. Melkor can convince many other Ainur to side with him, and in his own right he is the most powerful of the Ainur. It's hard to say how powerful Manwe, Ulmo and Aule are in comparison, but their power is certainly much smaller than Melkor's.

Tyrion: However, Manwë may be charismatic enough to gather enough support to defeat Melkor if he begins to work against Eru's will.

Ned: Especially when many Ainur see that Melkor is working against their creator and will not want to risk his wrath and will support Manwë against Melkor. It is still possible that Melkor will convince many Ainur to support his plan as they stand to gain from it.

Catelyn: It's scary to think that even divine beings can be so different from humans in such ways.

Tywin: It just shows that divine beings are governed by similar thoughts and actions as humans. Passion, ambition, the desire for power, integrity, honor are as evident among divine beings as among ordinary mortals.

Robert: It makes sense, everything that had a body and a mind must have the same features and desires as every human being!

Thus it came to pass that of the Ainur some abode still with Ilúvatar beyond the confines of the World; but others, and among them many of the greatest and most fair, took the leave of Ilúvatar and descended into it. But this conditio Ilúvatar made, or it is the necessity of their love, that their power should thenceforward be contained and bounded in the World, to be within it for ever, until it is complete, so that they are its life and it is theirs. 

And therefore they are named the Valar, the Powers of the World. But when the Valar entered into Eä they were at first astounded and at a loss, for it was as if naught was yet made which they had seen in vision, and all was but on point to begin and yet unshaped, and it was dark.

For the Great Music ha been but the growth and flowering of thought in the Timeless Halls, and th Vision only a foreshowing; but now they had entered in at the beginning of Time, and the Valar perceived that the World had been but foreshadowed and foresung, and they must achieve it. So began their great labours in wastes unmeasured and unexplored, and in ages uncounted and forgotten, until in the Deeps of Time and in the midst of the vast halls of Eä there came to be that hour and that place where was made the habitation of the Children of Ilúvatar.

And in this work the chief part was taken by Manwë and Aulë and Ulmo; but Melko too was there from the first, and he meddled in all that was done, turning it if h might to his own desires and purposes; and he kindled great fires. 

When therefore Earth was yet young and full of flame Melkor coveted it, and he said to the other Valar: 'This shall be my own kingdom; and I name it unto myself!'

But Manwë was the brother of Melkor in the mind of Ilúvatar, and he was the chief instrument of the second theme that Ilúvatar had raised up against th discord of Melkor; and he called unto himself many spirits both greater and less, and they came down into the fields of Arda and aided Manwë, lest Melkor should hinder the fulfilment of their labour for ever, and Earth should wither er it flowered. 

And Manwë said unto Melkor: 'This kingdom thou shalt not take fo thine own, wrongfully, for many others have laboured here no less than thou.' 

And there was strife between Melkor and the other Valar; and for that tim Melkor withdrew and departed to other regions and did there what he would; but he did not put the desire of the Kingdom of Arda from his heart.

Tyrion: That's a twist. So Ilúvatar created Melkor and Manwë as brothers! It must not have been easy for Manwe to bet against his own brother. At least there was no fighting with them, for Melkor retreated like a coward to other regions. However, I have the impression that this is not the last time we hear about Melkor.

Tywin: Certainly, Tyrion. Melkor withdrew mainly because he was in the minority. Manwë had behind him Ulmo, Aulë, many nameless Valar, and also some minor spirits that he summoned to Arda. Melkor, on the other hand, seems to have no one behind him, and although he may be the most powerful, even the most powerful must succumb to numerical superiority. His plan once he withdraws to other regions will be to gather forces, plan and strike when Manwe and his supporters least expect it. Maybe also get traitors in his brother's ranks so he knows when is the best time to attack. That's what I would do.

Pycelle: My lord, what is interesting is that the Ainur who decided to descend into this world were called the Valar, the Powers of the World, and that they found themselves at the very beginning of the existence of the world, which was nothing other than the void that they had been forming for countless eons. It's really fascinating.

Ned: Yes, Grand Maester. It is also visible that Manwe, Ulmo and Aule had the greatest share in the creation, but Melkor also took a large part in it, although mainly to adapt everything they did to his plans. I don't even want to think what Manwe went through, forced to oppose his own brother.

Catelyn: (Nervously looks at Jon and Robb, imagining Jon gathering his followers to overthrow Robb and take Winterfell for himself)

Jon: (He noticed Lady Catelyn's look but ignored it. He knew Lady Winterfell's feelings towards him well.)

Catelyn: Melkor's audacity to claim Arda for himself when he did not create it himself but with the other Ainur is outrageous. As if he thought he was entitled to it for some reason. Manwe is right, he doesn't get any of this because he didn't work on it himself. Damned bastard!

Jon: (He grimaced, thinking it was a remark aimed at him. After all, he and Robb are brothers like Melkor and Manwë, even if in their case only half-brothers)

Tyrion: A desire for power combined with the belief that because he is powerful, he deserves it. Daemon Blackfyre also believed that he was entitled to the Iron Throne and we all know how that ended.

Tywin: Manwe would do better to keep his eyes on Melkor. If he turned out to be too soft towards his traitorous brother, he would slit his throat or stab him in the back.

Ned: Lord Tywin, he's still his brother after all. Perhaps Melkor can still be persuaded to give up his ambitious plans, reconcile with his brother and the rest of the Valar, and remain obedient to the will of Ilúvatar.

Tywin: You're naive, Stark, and so is Manwe if he believes it. What's more, he will be a complete fool if he forgives his brother. Melkor will use this to betray Manwë at an opportune moment and seize power over Arda and the Valar. The only option he has is to fight his traitorous brother until victory and then execute Melkor if he does not die in battle.

Robert: I have to agree with Lannister, Ned. The best Manwë can do is smash Melkor's chest with his hammer, like I did to that damned Rhaegar. One like Melkor cannot be trusted not to betray when he least expects it.

Ned: Still, I hope Manwe manages to solve this in a way other than murdering his own brother. The Valar can be better than men, can't they.

Robb: Father may be right. Maybe there's a way to solve this other than being a kin killer.

Jon: We'll have to see what happens next and how this conflict between Manwë and Melkor plays out.

Now the Valar took to themselves shape and hue; and because they were drawn into the World by love of the Children of Ilúvatar, for whom they hoped, they took shape after that manner which they had beheld in the Vision of Ilúvatar, save only in majesty and splendour. Moreover their shape comes o their knowledge of the visible World, rather than of the World itself; and they need it not, save only as we use raiment, and yet we may be naked and suffer no loss of our being.

Therefore the Valar may walk, if they will, unclad, and then even the Eldar cannot clearly perceive them, though they be present. 

But when they desire to clothe themselves the Valar take upon them forms some as of male and some as of female; for that difference of temper they had even from their beginning, and it is but bodied forth in the choice of each, not made by the choice, even as with us male and female may be shown by the raiment but is not made thereby. 

But the shapes wherein the Great Ones array themselves are not at all times like to the shapes of the kings and queens of the Children of Ilúvatar; for at times they may clothe themselves in their own thought, made visible in forms of majesty and dread.

And the Valar drew unto them many companions, some less, some well nigh as great as themselves, and they laboured together in the ordering of the Earth and the curbing of its tumults. Then Melkor saw what was done, and that the Valar walked on Earth as powers visible, clad in the raiment of the World, and were lovely and glorious to see, and blissful, and that the Earth was becoming as a garden for their delight, for its turmoils were subdued. 

His envy grew then the greater within him; and he also took visible form, but because of his mood and the malice that burned in him that form was dark and terrible. 

And he descended upon Arda in power and majesty greater than any other of the Valar, as a mountain that wades in the sea and has its head above the clouds and is clad in ice and crowned with smoke and fire; and the light of the eyes of Melkor was like a flame that withers with heat and pierces with a deadly cold.

Thus began the first battle of the Valar with Melkor for the dominion of Arda; and of those tumults the Elves know but little. For what has here been declared is come from the Valar themselves, with whom the Eldalië spoke in the land o Valinor, and by whom they were instructed; but little would the Valar ever tell of the wars before the coming of the Elves. 

Yet it is told among the Eldar that the Valar endeavoured ever, in despite of Melkor, to rule the Earth and to prepare it for the coming of the Firstborn; and they built lands and Melkor destroyed them; valleys they delved and Melkor raised them up; mountains they carved and Melkor threw them down; seas they hollowed and Melkor spilled them; and naught might have peace or come to lasting growth, for as surely as the Valar began a labour so would Melkor undo it or corrupt it.

 And yet their labour was not all in vain; and though nowhere and in no work was their will and purpose wholly fulfilled, and all things were in hue and shape other than the Valar had at first intended, slowly nonetheless the Earth was fashioned and made firm. 

And thus was the habitation of the Children of Ilúvatar established at the last in the Deeps of Time and amidst the innumerable stars.

Robert: Why does it end at the best moment?! I wanted to see the Valar war with Melkor, who destroys everything they build in the World. Pycelle, do you know if this has a sequel?

A short note appears in Pycelle's hands, seemingly out of nowhere.

Pycelle: Hmm, I write here that the war lasted a long time until a certain Tulkas appeared from the halls of Ilúvatar, one of the Valar who chased away Melkor, although he did not kill him and the war with him lasted a very long time. And that there are other texts on this subject but today we only saw the beginning in Ainulindale, your grace.

Robert: (Snorted). And I was counting on seeing a decent fight in its entirety. It's hard, since it's over, we can get back to our duties.

Pycelle: The interesting thing is that the Valar could not transform into a gender other than that in which they were born from the thoughts of Eru Ilúvatar.

Jaime: In other words, male Valar could take the form of men and female Valar could only take the form of women. Very informative information, Pycelle (sarcasm).

Jon: I don't know if you've noticed, Ser Jaime, but the Valar can live without a corporeal form, they are simply invisible to others.

Jaime: I was more amused by the comparison of their physical appearances to clothes, emphasizing that a man who wore dresses would suddenly not be a woman, and similarly with a woman who would suddenly not be a man if she wore men's clothing.

Tyrion: Which reminds me of that story about you and Cersei changing clothes, which then confused many of you and allowed our sweet one to practice swordsmanship. This, however, does not change the fact that Jaime's masculine outfit did not make her a man.

Cersei: (Curses Tyrion under her breath)

Robert: What did you say to Imp? That your sister changed clothes with her twin to practice fencing?! Cersei, you should have told me about this. I'd love to train you.

Cersei: (She doesn't know what to say)

Tywin: (Ignoring his children's conversation) Melkor is a pathetic fool who bases his judgments on his emotions. Instead of gathering strength and waiting for the right moment to attack, he attacked because he felt jealous of the way Manwe and the rest of the Valar shaped Arda. He manages to destroy the works built by the Valar, distorting the world, but as Pycelle told us, he will still fail. His being guided by such stupid emotions as jealousy will contribute to his downfall.

Arya: But Melkor looks terrifying in his form!

Tyrion: Yes, Lady Arya, it is a terrifying figure, like a great mountain covered with ice and crowned with smoke and fire, and the light in its eyes is terribly piercing. It may have terrified the Valar themselves, though they say nothing about it.

Pycelle: Lord Tyrion, it is an interesting fact that both the memoirs of the first war of the Valar against Melkor and the entirety of Ainulindale were written by Elves who learned it from the Valar, who in turn were reluctant to talk about this war.

Tyrion: Which means, of course, that things in this war could have turned out differently than the Valar told us, and many of them we will never know more about. Who knows how much of this is an invention of the Valar to look better in front of the elves, while Melkor may even have been demonized.

Robert: So, as they say, history is written by the victors, Imp.

Tyrion: Indeed, your grace. It's also possible that none of this is a lie, especially if this Manwe is so noble and honorable. Unless he deeply hates his brother and therefore had reasons to defame him. Maybe if we get to see more materials about the Valar and Melkor, we will learn something more.

Jon: After all, this Melkor was driven away by this Tulkas. I wonder how powerful he is.

Jaime: He must be a mighty warrior to do what neither Manwe nor his followers could do.

Robert: I'd like to see him beat Melkor and send his ass into oblivion. Now let's go feast on the fact that my wife and her brother Imp have agreed on something for the first time!

Cersei: But Robert!

However, Robert no longer listened to his wife. He just left with Ned and the rest followed. Only Joffrey complained that he did not see the Valar kill or even torture Melkor.

Chapter Text

King Robert Baratheon arrives in the Great Hall with his wife, Queen Cersei Lannister, their three children, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Imp, Lord Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock, father of the Queen, the Kingslayer, and the Imp. Behind them came Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, their children including his bastard son Jon Snow at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle. Robert Baratheon isn't happy about this, he just had a good time with some of Petyr Bealish's whores.

Robert: Grandmaester, this call had better be justified, or the Citadel will have to elect a new Grandmaester. Now speak and you better not try to lie to your king, old man!

Pycelle (Sweats nervously) Y-your g-grace, we got a sequel to Ainulindale. It is called Valaquenta and according to the letter it is supposed to describe all the Valar who descended on Arda and also something about the Majar and Melkor and his servants.

Robert: Ha, you got away with it, Pycelle. At least you're not calling me for some stupid reason. Then there's nothing left to do but listen to it, although you probably can't count on seeing any interesting fights.

Ned: Robert, you don't mean to tell me you would kill poor Grandmaester Pycelle!

Robert: (Leans towards Ned's ear) Oh no, I just wanted to scare Pycelle a little. He's more boring than the Dornish desert and I'm having fun with the fact that he looks like he's about to piss his pants!

Ned: (Shakes his head, not very amused by this)

Robert: Now, everyone, sit down. Let's watch this and get it over with!

All those present took their seats in the Hall. Then came Lord Stannis and Lord Renly Baratheon, the king's brothers. Robert noticed them.

Robert: Stannis! What are you doing in King's Landing? I thought you were still sulking like the old lady on Dragonstone.

Stannis (grinds his teeth loudly) I don't know, your grace. Just a moment ago I was on Dragonstone when I suddenly appeared in the Red Keep. I came across Renly who told me to follow him. And that's how I ended up here.

Robert: Ha, probably this mysterious force wants you to watch Valaquenta with him. What are you doing here, Renly? Last time you didn't want to watch Ainulindale with us?

Renly: (Shrugs) I felt a strange pull towards this room and I thought, what's the harm in not coming. On the way I met Stannis, who came with me.

Robert: Okay, okay. Now sit down so it can finally begin. I don't have all day to see what that magic mirror shows.

Stannis and Renly took empty seats, and soon a magic mirror appeared in front of the gathered people, which not only showed images from other worlds, but also transmitted sounds and spoke in a powerful, male voice, telling stories from other worlds.

After a long moment of silence, the words VALAQUENTA appeared on the mirror.

Renly: By the gods, it's magic! So he doesn't just appear in nannies' stories, he really exists.

Stannis: It's just some sleight of hand, Renly. There is no point in assuming that this is real magic.

Robert: Stannis, you'll soon find out that this is real magic, although you have a stick up your ass, so you probably won't consider it magic.

Stannis: (Grinds his teeth loudly again, but does not respond to Robert's words)

Jon, Robb, Sansa and Arya stare at the magic mirror with bated breath. Catelyn tries to keep a straight face and Ned watches with as much real interest as his children.

Jaime: I get a kick out of the king's banter with Lord Stannis, especially since I happen to agree with his grace that Lord Stannis has a stick up his ass.

Tyrion: I couldn't agree with you more, brother. Lord Stannis always has the air of a soldier who goes into battle out of a sense of duty and loyalty to his leader. He probably looks like he can't take a shit even when he goes to his wife's bed.

Cersei: (Rolls her eyes at her brothers' behavior) Yes, yes, we all know that Lord Stannis is stiff, boring and dutiful and that his lady wife is an ugly hag who only gave him a daughter who is equally as ugly as her.

Stannis: (Glances contemptuously at the Queen, making no comment)

Robert: Everyone shut up! Let it finally begin, because I have no desire to sit and listen to your arguments.

The magic mirror spoke in a powerful, masculine voice, telling about Valaquenta.

Of the Valar

The Great among these spirits the Elves name the Valar, the Powers of Arda, and Men have often called them gods. The Lords of the Valar are seven; and the Valier, the Queens of the Valar, are seven also. These were their names in the Elvish tongue as it was spoken in Valinor, though they have other names in the speech of the Elves in Middle-earth, and their names among Men are manifold.

The names of the Lords in due order are: Manwë, Ulmo, Aulë, Oromë, Mandos, Lórien, and Tulkas; and the names of the Queens are: Varda, Yavanna, Nienna, Estë, Vairë, Vána, and Nessa. 

Melkor is counted no longer among the Valar, and his name is not spoken upon Earth.

Pycelle: Interesting, so there are seven Valar and seven Valier and we learn their names. Yet seven is a sacred number to the Faith of the Seven. Moreover, Melkor was excluded from this list and is not recognized as a Valar, which certainly has to do with his betrayal and desire to seize power for himself at the expense of his brother and the rest of the Valar.

Tyrion: Not to mention that the people of that world call the Valar gods, which I can understand. With the powers they have, the immortality typical of gods, and let's add to that the rise before the rise. If I were them, I would consider them gods too, especially if I knew nothing about Eru Ilúvatar.

Jon: It is mentioned that the names of the Valar and Valier come from the language of the Elves of Valinor, and among the Elves and Men of Middle-earth they were called quite differently, although we are not told what. This Valinor is less puzzling. Is this some kind of elf land?

Tyrion: If I had to guess, Jon Snow, he would say yes, although there is another possibility, although I could of course be wrong. Finally too much information about this Valinor.

Jon: And what is this possibility, Lord Tyrion?

Tyrion: It may be that Valinor is the land of the Valar, the land of the gods as we would say. And the Elves could dwell there with the consent of the Valar.

Cersei: Don't be ridiculous, Imp. Why would the Valar allow elves to live in their land? The Lords do not allow Smallfolk to live in their castles, and the Valar, as befits gods, will not allow any mob to live in their land.

Tyrion: Dear sister, I have the impression that you have a short memory. In case you forgot, the lords' castles are inhabited by Smallfolk who work as servants, grooms, laundresses or guards. So maybe the elves living in Valinor are servants of the Valar, following their every command, and for that they can live there, have a roof over their heads and have plenty of food and drink.

Cersei: (She hissed through clenched teeth) I haven't forgotten anything, Imp, and you better not forget that I'm the queen or I'll have your insolent tongue cut off.

Tywin: CALM! Stop acting like complete idiots. You are Lannisters and Lannisters don't act like fools.

Tyrion: (Quietly) At least some of us.

Cersei: What did you say!?

Tywin: One more word like that, Tyrion, and you'll have to leave the room. Understood?

Tyrion: Like the sun, father. I won't tease my sweet sister.

Robert: Gods, I thought they would never stop. Why do I have to put up with Cersei's moods and her quarrels with the Imp. At least Old Lion was of some use here.

Catelyn: I wonder that the Valiers are called "Queens of the Valar". Does this mean that each of the Valar is a king or is it just a poetic term that a bard might use?

Ned: Cat, I think that's a more poetic word for wife. Probably each of these Valiers married a Valar and is his "Queen". But surely among the Valar there must be one who is the king and leader for the rest and considering the role that Manwë had in Ainulindale, he may be the king of the Valar, so the Valiera who she will marry him, and she will be queen of the Valar.

Tyrion: I agree with you, Lord Stark. What's more, I'll bet you ten golden dragons that it turns out to be true and Manwë is the king of the Valar.

Renly: I make a bet with ten golden dragons that the king of the Valar will be someone other than Manwë.

Tyrion: Then the deal stands, Lord Renly.

Renly and Tyrion sealed the deal with a handshake.

Jon: Granted, I don't have ten golden dragons. He could make money from it.

Robb: Jon, do you remember what the Lord Father thinks about gambling?

Jon: (Sighs) Yes, I remember Robb. You don't have to remind me.

The magic mirror shows Manwe, dressed in blue robes, with blond hair blowing in the wind. On his shoulder sat the Great Eagle and a beautiful, noble face with blue eyes expresses admiration and respect for the work of Eru Ilúvatar.

Manwë and Melkor were brethren in the thought of Ilúvatar. The mightiest of those Ainur who came into the World was in his beginning Melkor; but Manwë is dearest to Ilúvatar and understands most clearly his purposes. 

He was appointed to be, in the fullness of time, the first of all Kings: lord of the realm o Arda and ruler of all that dwell therein. In Arda his delight is in the winds and the clouds, and in all the regions of the air, from the heights to the depths, from the utmost borders of the Veil of Arda to the breezes that blow in the grass.

Súlimo he is surnamed, Lord of the Breath of Arda. All swift birds, strong of wing, he loves, and they come and go at his bidding.

Tyrion: Ha, I won, Lord Renly. I deserve ten golden dragons, if you please.

Renly: (Reluctantly gives the ten golden dragons to Tyrion)

Pycelle: (Notes on parchment) Fascinating, so Manwë became king not only of the Valar but of all Arda, he controls the wind, as we already knew from Ainulindale, but he also loves all birds and is sometimes called Sulimo, Lord of the Breath of Arda.

Stannis: So Manwë and Melkor are brothers, but Manwë is dearer to Ilúvatar and better understands his designs. Could someone explain to me how the two brothers started fighting each other?

Ned: (Leans and quietly summarizes the events of Ainulindale to Stannis)

Stannis: Arrogant and entitled, who believed that everything was due to him and was ready to fight with his own blood, which he did not even respect. How do I know this?

Joffrey: Such a naive idiot became King of the Valar!? He doesn't even deserve it. Melkor should have ruled Arda, at least he had plans for the elves and men who should rightly serve their betters. He should win and then show the elves and men who is their master.

Robert: Joffrey, shut up if you don't have anything interesting to say. And if you say anything else about supporting someone who wants to enslave elves and humans, I will consider whether Tommen is more suitable than you to be my heir.

Joffrey: But father!

Cersei: Robert, how dare you speak to Joffrey like that!

Robert: Shut up, woman. If you weren't Tywin Lannister's daughter, he would consider sending you to the Silent Sisters. At least I wouldn't have to listen to your blathering anymore.

Cersei: (Looks at her father) Father, say something to that fat drunk!

Tywin: Be silent, Cersei. If you had taught Joffrey better about his duties as heir to the throne, this whole problem wouldn't have happened. Joffrey doesn't know when to speak up and when to stay silent, and his support for someone who wants to enslave humans and elves is quite... unhealthy.

Catelyn: I wonder which Valier caught the eye of Manwë, who married her and made her his queen.

Ned: Manwe certainly made a good choice, he seems to me to be someone who would choose the right lady to be his queen.

Robb: (Looks sideways at Prince Joffrey) And to think Sansa has a crush on him.

Jon: Yes, Robb. The prince must be mad to support someone like Melkor of all the Valar.

The image in the magic mirror changed, showing the most beautiful woman they had ever seen, whose beauty was difficult to describe in any language. An extraordinary radiance shone from her face, her dress seemed embroidered with stars, and the tiara in her twilight-dark hair seemed to be forged from the glow of distant stars. She radiated beauty, nobility and an attitude worthy of a noble lady.

With Manwë dwells Varda, Lady of the Stars, who knows all the regions of Eä. Too great is her beauty to be declared in the words of Men or of Elves; for the light of Ilúvatar lives still in her face. In light is her power and her joy. 

Out of the deeps of Eä she came to the aid of Manwë; for Melkor she knew from before the making of the Music and rejected him, and he hated her, and feared her mor than all others whom Eru made. Manwë and Varda are seldom parted, and they remain in Valinor.

Their halls are above the everlasting snow, upon Oiolossë, the uttermost tower of Taniquetil, tallest of all the mountains upon Earth. When Manwë there ascends his throne and looks forth, if Varda is beside him, he sees further than all other eyes, through mist, and through darkness, and over the leagues of the sea.

And if Manwë is with her, Varda hears more clearly than all other ears the sound of voices that cry from east to west, from the hills and the valleys, and from the dark places that Melkor has made upon Earth.

 Of all the Great Ones who dwell in this world the Elves hold Varda most in reverence and love. Elbereth they name her, and they call upon her name out of the shadows of Middle-earth, and uplift it in song at the rising of the stars.

All the men in the room (except Renly, but even he appreciates Varda's beauty) are enchanted by the beauty of Manwe's wife, and the women (except Arya) feel a pang of jealousy when they see her.

Robert: Gods, she's more beautiful than Lyanna! If only that damned dragon spawn hadn't taken her away from me!

Cersei: (Looking at Varda's beauty with anger and envy) Men, even those who are as powerful as gods, only think with what's between their legs.

Ned: (Varda's beauty reminds him of Ashara's beauty and her haunting purple eyes. He closes his eyes, lost in sad memories from before the Rebellion) If only all this could be avoided, if only...

Catelyn: (Looks at her husband, wondering about his behavior, but doesn't ask, as if afraid of what he will hear)

Tyrion: (Varda's beauty reminds him of his wife Tysha, who turned out to be nothing more than a hired whore) You stupid dwarf, as if any woman could love you.

Tywin: (Varda's beauty reminded him of his beloved Joanna, whom he had lost so long ago.) If only you had never given birth to that damned dwarf, Joanna.

Stannis: Yes, this Varda is beautiful. The only question is what her character is and whether Manwe really made the right choice by marrying her.

Robert: You envy him, Stannis, because your wife is so ugly you can't look at her.

Stannis: (grits his teeth tightly, but does not respond to the insult)

Robb and Jon: (They both blushed at Vard's beauty)

Robb: I love you, Manwe is a real lucky guy. I'm not surprised he chose Varda as his wife.

Jon: Yes, it's an understandable choice, although Manwe might not have chosen her for more than just her beauty. It is mentioned that when Varda accompanies Manwë, he sees farther through the fog and darkness, and Varda hears far to the east and west, among the mountains and valleys, and even in the dark places created by Melkor.

Robb: And the mention of Melkor being rejected by Varda, which made him hate her, sounds like a rejected lover who wants revenge.

Sansa: I love you, sounds like a sad story about Melkor's love for Varda, who rejected him for his brother!

Jon: (Whispering to Robb) More like she knew Melkor planned to enslave the Children of Ilúvatar and didn't want to be associated with someone who had such evil plans.

Pycelle: (Notes on parchment) Taniquetil, the highest mountain of Arda, the ability to continue the sight and hearing that Varda and Manwe share when together. The Elves calling Varda Elbereth and the great respect and honor she holds among the Elves.

Ned: And that makes me wonder. Why is Varda so respected by the elves that they call her by a different name? And that title, Lady of the Stars. Is it just a courtesy title or does it have something to do with the stars?

Tyrion: Considering that these Valar have shaped the world in the void, he would say that this title is more than a courtesy, Lord Stark. It is possible that Queen Varda created the stars that mean a lot to the elves, which is why they respect and worship her so much.

Joffrey: Pff, these Elves are really fools to respect this Varda just because she created the stars. As if these distant lights were even interesting.

Pycelle: My prince, Astronomy is a highly respected discipline in the Citadel, and a maester who masters it well has the right to forge a bronze link that represents this discipline. More than one sage sought wisdom in the stars and their arrangement.

Joffrey: Nobody asked your opinion, Grand Maester, so shut up!

Robert: These elves are strange, since they love stars so much that they respect Varda the most in the world. But this divine beauty cannot be denied. What I wouldn't give to have her in my bed for just one night.

Cersei: (Gives Robert the most venomous look she's ever had)

Arya: If Taniquetil is the highest mountain in Arda, what a view they must have there!

Jon: (Laughs at his sister's enthusiasm) Manwe and Varda certainly have a good view of the world from there. And they need not fear the winds, since Manwe has power over them.

The image in the magic mirror changed from Varda to the figure of a terrible Sea King in fish-scale armor and a long, dark green beard, with a gray cloak on his shoulders and a large white conch in his hands which he blows; from the waist down he is surrounded by raging waves and his blue eyes reflect the immeasurable depths of the sea.

Ulmo is the Lord of Waters. He is alone. He dwells nowhere long, but moves as he will in all the deep waters about the Earth or under the Earth. He is next in might to Manwë, and before Valinor was made he was closest to him in friendship; but thereafter he went seldom to the councils of the Valar, unless great mat ters were in debate.

For he kept all Arda in thought, and he has no need of any resting-place. Moreover he does not love to walk upon land, and will seldom clothe himself in a body after the manner of his peers.

If the Children of Eru beheld him they were filled with a great dread; for the arising of the King of the Sea was terrible, as a mounting wave that strides to the land, with dark helm foam-crested and raiment of mail shimmering from silver down into shadows of green.

The trumpets of Manwë are loud, but Ulmo's voice is deep as the deeps of the ocean which he only has seen. Nonetheless Ulmo loves both Elves and Men, and never abandoned them, not even when they lay under the wrath of the Valar. 

At times he will come unseen to the shores of Middle-earth, or pass far inland up firths of the sea, and there make music upon his great horns, the Ulumúri, that are wrought of white shell; and those to whom that music comes hear it ever after in their hearts, and longing for the sea never leaves them again. 

But mostly Ulmo speaks to those who dwell in Middle-earth with voices that are heard only as the music of water. For all seas, lakes, rivers, fountains and springs are in his government; so that the Elves say that the spirit of Ulmo runs in all the veins of the world.

 Thus news comes to Ulmo, even in the deeps, of all the needs and griefs of Arda, which otherwise would be hidden from Manwë.

Robert: Fuck, is this what a Drowned God of the Ironborn looks like? It's fucking terrifying.

Pycelle: He resembles the Drowned God, Your Grace, but under his rule are not only the seas but all the waters on Arda, as his title, Lord of Waters, implies. What's fascinating is how much Ulmo loves the Children of Ilúvatar, that he never let them go, and that thanks to his power over the waters of the world, news reaches Manwë that would never have reached him otherwise.

Ned: But I wonder why Ulmo doesn't have a wife and lives alone in the depths of the sea. He seems to be a loner, as it is mentioned that he rarely visits Valinor except for important matters.

Tyrion: And he confirms that Valinor is the land of the Valar. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to live among literal gods!

Cersei: Forget it, Imp. They wouldn't even let you in with your ugly appearance. And with this appearance, it's no wonder Ulmo is alone. None of the Valiers want such an ugly man as a husband.

Tyrion: I doubt they'll even let you in, sweet sister. They may not allow mortals in at all. Let me also disagree about Ulmo's beauty. He is Valar and they can change bodies like we can change clothes, so if he wanted to he could take on a much nicer appearance. He probably remained unmarried by choice.

Jon: If this Ulumuri horn makes those who hear it long for the sea forever, why can't we hear it now?

A short note suddenly appears in the hands of Grand Maester Pycelle.

Pycelle: The magic mirror muted the music of Ulumuri so that we wouldn't all be overcome with longing for the sea.

Jon: Ah, that explains a lot.

Robb: Too bad Theon isn't with us. He would certainly come to regard Ulmo as the Drowned God of the Ironborn.

Jon: And he talked about it the whole time. Maybe it's good that he's not with us.

Tywin: He's certainly terrifying to the Children of Ilúvatar who live on land, and seeing as he doesn't like to walk on the land, he doesn't care what he looks like, just to strike fear into the hearts of humans and elves. He probably has his own interest in helping the Children of Ilúvatar as well. He is second in power to Manwe, so the king of Arda himself must deal with him. They talk about friendship, but he knows how friendship between two people can turn into envy and jealousy over time.

Robert: Well, after all, apparently you were once friends with the Mad King, who deprived you of your heir, leaving you with the Imp.

Tywin: (He gave Robert a cold look)

Stannis: I admire this Ulma. He did not abandon the Children of Ilúvatar and continued to help them, even if they did not always understand him. He did more than our gods in our world.

The image in the magic mirror changes into a tall, red-haired man with a red beard, who holds a large blacksmith's hammer in his hand, working on an anvil, where he is forging a sword or other weapon.

Aulë has might little less than Ulmo. His lordship is over all the substances of which Arda is made. In the beginning he wrought much in fellowship with Manwë and Ulmo; and the fashioning of all lands was his labour. 

He is a smith and a master of all crafts, and he delights in works of skill, however small, as much as in the mighty building of old. His are the gems that lie deep in the Earth and the gold that is fair in the hand, no less than the walls of the mountains and the basins of the sea. 

The Noldor learned most of him, and he was ever their friend. Melkor was jealous of him, for Aulë was most like himself in thought and in powers; and there was long strife between them, in which Melkor ever marred or undid the works of Aulë, and Aulë grew weary in repairing the tumults and disorders of Melkor. 

Both, also, desired to make things of their own that should be new and unthought of by others, and delighted in the praise of their skill. 

But Aulë remained faithful to Eru and submitted all that he did to his will; and he did not envy the works of others, but sought and gave counsel. 

Whereas Melkor spent his spirit in envy and hate, until at last he could make nothing save in mockery of the thought of others, and all their works he destroyed if he could.

Catelyn: Aule reminds me a lot of Blacksmith. He, too, was a craftsman who would create armor for Hugh of the Hilltop. An incredible resemblance.

Tyrion: The Dwarven Maker also seems to be just behind Manwë and Ulmo in terms of power. And if the Valar had created our world, the Lannisters would have had something to thank Aule for, considering that it was he who created gold and gems, and probably also other metals such as iron and copper.

Pycelle: (Writing notes on parchment) Incredibly, Aule is therefore responsible not only for the lands but also for all the metals and gems hidden in them. He also taught the Noldor the arts of craftsmanship, and the similarities between him and Melkor are truly fascinating.

Tywin: Melkor envies Aule because he is most like him in both power and thought. But instead of trying to convince him to come to his side and use his capabilities as a great craftsman and blacksmith. Instead, he acted like a wayward brat who only knows how to destroy other people's things.

Tyrion: However, Aule remained loyal to Eru Ilúvatar and, by extension, to Manwë, so he would not have listened to Melkor anyway. Besides, seeing how he envied Aule, he couldn't bring himself to convince him to support his cause. And Aule was irritated by how Melkor was destroying his works, so he refused to convince Melkor even more.

Tywin: And that is Melkor's mistake. In politics, you cannot allow your feelings to dictate your actions. He allowed jealousy and envy to control him, which is why he was weak. He could have won Aule over to his cause, but he remained loyal to Manwe, which only weakened his cause. It just shows that he is not fit to be a ruler at all. He's just a power hungry moron.

Ned: The similarities and differences between Aule and Melkor are interesting to consider. They both wanted to create new things and liked to have their skills praised, but Aule envied no one and was happy to give advice, while Melkor could only envy and mock others' works until he knew nothing else. In a way it's even sad.

Arya: And who are these Noldor that Aule taught? Elves or maybe humans?

Tyrion: I think that might be another name for elves, Lady Arya. Perhaps the Valar do not treat elves as servants at all. Or Aule needed apprentices.

Cersei: Certainly the latter. The Valar certainly do not treat the Elves as equals. These Noldor may be a name for Aule's servants.

Stannis: (The sight of Aule and the fact that he was a blacksmith reminded him of Gendry, Tobho Mott's apprentice, who was one of Robert's bastards)

Robert: It reminded me of the day Donal Noye forged my warhammer for me. Gods, this man knew how to work with metal. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have had my hammer to kill fucking Rhaegar. Those were the times. I wonder what happened to the good Donal Noye.

Stannis: He joined the Night's Watch long ago, brother. He forges swords for the people of Castle Black.

Renly: Aule could certainly make the best and most beautiful armor for me.

Robert: Which you would only use for a tournament, Renly, where you let people better than you throw you off your horse. It would be better for you to take the hammer and fight in a collective fight.

Joffrey: He should forge armor and a sword for me. I demand this as heir to the throne!

Renly: You can demand it, nephew, but I doubt Aule will make you armor and a sword.

The image in the magic mirror changed into a beautiful woman with grain-colored hair in a green dress. All sorts of plants grow around it, from cereals to large trees.

The spouse of Aulë is Yavanna, the Giver of Fruits. She is the lover of all things that grow in the earth, and all their countless forms she holds in her mind, from the trees like towers in forests long ago to the moss upon stones or the small and secret things in the mould. 

 In reverence Yavanna is next to Varda among the Queens of the Valar. In the form of a woman she is tall, and robed in green; but at times she takes other shapes.

 Some there are who have seen her standing like a tree under heaven, crowned with the Sun; and from all its branches there spilled a golden dew upon the barren earth, and it grew green with corn; but the roots of the tree were in the waters of Ulmo, and the winds of Manwë spoke in its leaves.

 Kementári, Queen of the Earth, she is surnamed in the Eldarin tongue.

Tyrion: Aule is no less lucky than Manwë when it comes to choosing a wife. Not only is Yavanna beautiful, but she is responsible for the growth of all plants and the elves call her Kementari, Queen of the Earth. And no wonder, because even lords depend on the successful harvest of their smallfolk.

Pycelle: Its title is interesting, The Giver of Fruits. Probably coming from her domain regarding plants. Or that he gathers fruit from fruit trees and tells them to grow and ripen until they bear fruit. Many primitive cultures have a Great Mother Goddess cult regarding growth and fertility due to the dependence on the growth of plants and animals for survival.

Ned: It doesn't surprise me that he's respected just as much as Varda. For elves, who, like everyone else, must eat, the fact that their fields will produce a rich harvest is no less important than the fact that the smallfolk's fields will also produce a rich harvest on which our survival depends.

Robert: You must all be blind if you didn't notice Yavanna's tits. Gods, what he would have given to be able to bury his head in them. I wonder if between her legs she is green like grass or golden like grain.

Ned: (Rolls his eyes at Robert's comment)

Cersei: (Throws daggers at her husband)

Stannis: I doubt Aule would appreciate that comment about his wife, brother.

Tyrion: Although I have to agree about Yavanna's boobs. There's something to hide your head in.

Tywin: Be silent, Tyrion, and discredit the Lannister names to me.

Tyrion: (muttering under his breath) I've been doing this since I was born, father.

Robb: Yavanna's powers would be useful in the North, she could make the crops grow much more despite the cold than they do now.

Jon: She could certainly make the deserts of Dorne bloom.

The magic mirror changed the image to two men. One with long black hair, dressed in a black robe and his face expressing seriousness and gloominess, while the other with silver hair and a more kind look, was dressed in pristine white. The word Namo appeared above the head of the black-haired Valar, and the word Irmo appeared above the silver-haired Valar's head.

The Fëanturi, masters of spirits, are brethren, and they are called most often Mandos and Lórien. Yet these are rightly the names of the places of their dwelling, and their true names are Námo and Irmo.

Robert: Ha, this Namo reminds me of Stannis with his gloom. He just has more hair and wears black.

Stannis: (Grinds his teeth loudly)

Renly: Irmo, with her happier face, reminds me of me. Stannis, we would probably look like this if we existed as the Valar.

Pycelle: So Namo and Irmo are brothers, and are often named after their homes, Mandos and Lórien. I wonder what the title of masters of spirits means. Do they have some power over ghosts? And that name, The Fëanturi. (Notes quickly on parchment)

Tyrion: Maybe they have something to do with human souls? I assume one of them may be the Stranger's equivalent. The only question is what the other one would do and which of them is the equivalent.

Ned: I guess we'll find out soon, Lord Tyrion, and I think your observations may be quite accurate. You've guessed correctly more than once.

Tyrion: Thank you for your appreciation, Lord Stark.

Joffrey: Whoever it is, he certainly loves punishing the soul. Such power over dead people who can be tortured for eternity!

Jon: Maybe one of them judges the souls and the other takes the punishment if they deserve it.

Robb: Good point, brother.

The image in the magic mirror changed to show Namo/Mandos accompanied by a woman with silver hair and a dark dress who was weaving on a spinning wheel. Namo smiled at her with affection, which could indicate that she was either his wife or his sister.

Námo the elder dwells in Mandos, which is westward in Valinor. He is the keeper of the Houses of the Dead, and the summoner of the spirits of the slain.

He forgets nothing; and he knows all things that shall be, save only those that lie still in the freedom of Ilúvatar. He is the Doomsman of the Valar; but he pronounces his dooms and his judgements only at the bidding of Manwë.

Vairë the Weaver is his spouse, who weaves all things that have ever been in Time into her storied webs, and the halls of Mandos that ever widen as the ages pass are clothed with them.

Catelyn: So Namo is the Stranger's equivalent. And Mandos is his palace and the place where they find the souls of dead people. I am disturbed by these "Doomsdays" that he utters, even if only on Manwe's orders.

Ned: Though this Namo has a wife who weaves the fabrics of all that happened in the history of Arda, decorating her husband's abode, which the Stranger does not.

Robert: So the Imp was right that one of these brothers is the Stranger's counterpart. And there's this Namo who resembles Stannis!

Renly: (He laughed loudly at his brother) Gods, that fits Stannis so well! With your gloomy face, you could scare even the dead, brother.

Stannis: At least Namo fulfills his duties and, as has been said, only pronounces his judgments on the orders of his king.

Tyrion: What interests me most are those fabrics sewn by Namo's beautiful wife. Since they show everything that has happened over time, it must contain the entire history of Arda. I would give all the gold of Casterly Rock to even catch a glimpse of these tapestries.

Pycelle: Not only you, Lord Tyrion. Any self-respecting maester would give anything to see each of these tapestries. Their value is invaluable!

Jon: What scares me is that this Namo never forgets anything and knows everything that is going to happen except what only Ilúvatar himself knows. This is great knowledge.

Tywin: And despite all his knowledge and power over the dead, he remains obedient to his ruler, since he only issues his "Dooms" and sentences on Manwë's orders.

The image in the magic mirror changed to a silvery Irmo accompanied by a woman who, like Vaire, has silver hair, wearing a gray, shiny dress.

Irmo the younger is the master of visions and dreams. In Lórien are his gardens in the land of the Valar, and they are the fairest of all places in the world, filled with many spirits. 

Estë the gentle, healer of hurts and of weariness, is his spouse. Grey is her raiment; and rest is her gift. She walks not by day, but sleeps upon an island in the tree-shadowed lake of Lórellin.

 From the fountains of Irmo and Estë all those who dwell in Valinor draw refreshment; and often the Valar come themselves to Lórien and there find repose and easing of the burden of Arda.

Pycelle: So Irmo is the lord of visions and dreams. I assure you, he sends dreams to the inhabitants of Arda and his wife Este is a healer. And their garden of Lórien is the most beautiful place in that world that even other Valar seek rest and respite there. I have to write this down!

Tyrion: I would like to see the gardens of Irmo, since it is such a beautiful place and a good place to rest, since other Valar come there to find respite from their duties. I would go there with a good book, a bottle of wine, sit under a tree and enjoy the peace of this beautiful place.

Joffrey: As much as you deserve it Imp, he's just an ugly dwarf.

Cersei: (She smiled proudly at Joffrey)

Jaime: Prince, Tyrion is your uncle and deserves more respect.

Joffrey: Someone asked your opinion, Kingslayer? No, so shut up.

Robert: Joffrey, shut up or I swear I'll have you kicked out of the Hall so you can sulk somewhere else. Why do the gods make me such a terrible son!

Arya: I would love to take a walk in these gardens, they seem to be a really beautiful place.

Jon: Knowing you, sister, you'd find a secluded place to practice your fencing.

Arya: Yes!

Catelyn: (Childs youngest daughter to behave more like a noble lady)

Renly: (Smiles at this) Yes, Irmo suits me better as if he were a god. The most beautiful place in Arda deserves someone like me.

Tywin: There must be something to these gardens if even other Valar use them.

The image in the magic mirror changed to a beautiful but sad black-haired lady in a dark purple dress. You can see tears on her cheeks, which sprinkled the ground around her. Her beautiful face radiated great sadness.

Mightier than Estë is Nienna, sister of the Fëanturi; she dwells alone. She is acquainted with grief, and mourns for every wound that Arda has suffered in the marring of Melkor. 

So great was her sorrow, as the Music unfolded, that her song turned to lamentation long before its end, and the sound of mourning was woven into the themes of the World before it began. 

But she does not weep for herself; and those who hearken to her learn pity, and endurance in hope. 

Her halls are west of West, upon the borders of the world; and she comes seldom to the city of Valimar where all is glad. She goes rather to the halls of Mandos, which are near to her own; and all those who wait in Mandos cry to her, for she brings strength to the spirit and turns sorrow to wisdom. The windows of her house look outward from the walls of the world.

Robert: Gods, I really feel sorry for her. He must suffer great sorrow, especially since Melkor destroyed the works of the Valar during the first war in the dawn of time.

Ned: And yet he cries not for himself but for the world and its suffering. And from what has been said here, she often visits the halls of her brother Namo, where the spirits of the dead call to her, and she turns their sorrow into wisdom. Not to mention that those who listen to it learn mercy and perseverance. Many lords could use something from Lady Nienna.

Catelyn: (Smiles sadly at her husband) You're right, Ned. He grieves over Nienna's sadness, but she grieves not over herself but over the world. Too bad it doesn't exist in our world. She could have helped me better come to terms with my mother's death.

Tywin: In case you haven't noticed, Stark, Nienna is responsible for the sadness and misery that exists in her world. She herself bound him to the world even before he was created because of her sadness, turning her song into a lament. She has herself to blame for this.

Joffrey: I hate crying, moaning women! No wonder this Nienna lives on the edge of the world. Even her brothers hate her presence since no one visits her and she has to come to his palace herself. And the spirits of the dead don't care.

Ned: My prince, you don't appreciate that Nienna teaches others perseverance and faith in hope despite hostile circumstances. Her suffering is the suffering of the world, so it is understandable why she mourns it. Not to mention that the spirits call on her and she helps them, turning grief into wisdom. Sometimes I would like to have the opportunity to transform my own grief for my lost family into wisdom.

Joffrey: (He doesn't criticize Ned Stark for fear that his father will have him kicked out of the Hall)

Jaime: I wonder why her palace is located on the edge of the world with windows overlooking its walls. And why she never married. Maybe she decided that she wanted to experience her sadness over the world in solitude, at most helping the spirits of the dead who called her.

Robert: Nienna needs a real man. One night of fucking me and I would put a smile back on that pretty face.

Cersei: (Throws daggers at her husband)

Stannis: (He is reminded of the day his parents died, when the ship they were returning from Volantis sank within sight of Storm's End) If only you existed in our world, Lady Nienna. Maybe you helped me come to terms with the death of my parents and the insensitivity of the gods of this world.

Renly: (He hears Stannis' words. He walks up to him and shyly hugs his brother) You still have your brothers, as well as your wife and daughter, Stannis. You are not alone.

Stannis: (He looks surprised, but doesn't comment and allows his younger brother to hug him. Renly soon let go of him and returned to his seat)

The image in the magic mirror changes to a tall man with golden hair and a beard and a rosy face, accompanied by a lithe and agile woman in a green dress, golden hair, and a pair of deer.

Greatest in strength and deeds of prowess is Tulkas, who is surnamed Astaldo, the Valiant. He came last to Arda, to aid the Valar in the first battles with Melkor.

He delights in wrestling and in contests of strength; and he rides no steed, for he can outrun all things that go on feet, and he is tireless. His hair and beard are golden, and his flesh ruddy; his weapons are his hands. 

He has little heed for either the past or the future, and is of no avail as a counsellor, but is a hardy friend. 

His spouse is Nessa, the sister of Oromë, and she also is lithe and fleetfooted. Deer she loves, and they follow her train whenever she goes in the wild; but she can outrun them, swift as an arrow with the wind in her hair. 

In dancing she delights, and she dances in Valimar on lawns of never-fading green.

Robert: Ha, I love Tulkas already. That's me, an incomparable warrior who doesn't even need a weapon or a horse, only his own fists. Gods, as if he wanted to smash Rhaegar with his bare fists. Although he reminds me too much of Lannister for my taste with the golden hair and beard.

Jaime: He must surely be a great warrior to have driven Melkor away, he uses no weapons other than his fists and his nickname describes him as brave. So he seems to me like someone who will not leave the battlefield until the enemy dies or surrenders. And the words about being a faithful friend make me wish I had someone like Tulkas during the war.

Tyrion: The words that he cares neither about the past nor the future and that his miserable advisor reminds me of one ruler, brother.

Jaime: (Smiles knowingly) Are you thinking the same thing as me, little brother?

Tyrion: (He looked briefly at King Robert) Yes, I think so, big brother.

Jon: Tulkas' wife, Nessa, is the sister of an Orome. I wonder what this Valar does.

Robb: I guess we'll find out soon, Jon.

Arya: But this Nessa must be really fast if she can overtake a deer while running!

Sansa: And she's a great dancer. Oh, if she wanted to see dancing on the evergreen lawns of Valimar!

Pycelle: I wonder what Valimar is? Maybe regions in Valinor?

Tyrion: Very likely, Grandmaester. The Valar live in Valinor and Nessa dances in the fields of Valimar, so it may be some region in Valinor.

The image in the magic mirror changed to a tall, powerfully built man with dark hair and a beard, dressed in hunting clothes, with a large horn in his hand, riding an extremely beautiful, silvery horse. He was accompanied by a beautiful young woman with wheat-colored hair with colorful flowers braided into her hair.

Oromë is a mighty lord. If he is less strong than Tulkas, he is more dreadful in anger; whereas Tulkas laughs ever, in sport or in war, and even in the face of Melkor he laughed in battles before the Elves were born. 

Oromë loved the lands of Middle-earth, and he left them unwillingly and came last to Valinor; and often of old he passed back east over the mountains and returned with his host to the hills and the plains. 

He is a hunter of monsters and fell beasts, and he delights in horses and in hounds; and all trees he loves, for which reason he is called Aldaron, and by the Sindar Tauron, the Lord of Forests. Nahar is the name of his horse, white in the sun, and shining silver at night.

The Valaróma is the name of his great horn, the sound of which is like the upgoing of the Sun in scarlet, or the sheer lightning cleaving the clouds. Above all the horns of his host it was heard in the woods that Yavanna brought forth in Valinor; for there Oromë would train his folk and his beasts for the pursuit of the evil creatures of Melkor. 

The spouse of Oromë is Vána, the Ever-young; she is the younger sister of Yavanna. All flowers spring as she passes and open if she glances upon them; and all birds sing at her coming.

Robert: I like this Orome even more than Tulkas. Hunting, next to fighting and fucking, is an activity for a real man. And while he may seem weaker than Tulkas, he is more terrifying to his enemies. And the memory of Tulkas laughing in battle, even as he battled Melkor, reminded me of my ancestor Lyonel Baratheon, who was called the Laughing Storm.

Pycelle: Interesting, Orome is a hunter who hunts monsters, most likely bred by Melkor, who loves horses, hounds and also trees and is therefore called Aldaron or Tauron in Sindarin. It must be some other elven language. Interesting, really interesting.

Arya: His horse Nahar is really beautiful. I wish I had one.

Robb: It's not just you, sister. This Nahar looks truly majestic.

Jon: And he obviously doesn't hunt alone. It is said that he has his own people whom he trains in hunting in the forests created by Yavanne, who is also his good sister.

Tyrion: By the way, we found out that Yavanna has a sister and from what I can see, they have a native resemblance. Orome is certainly a lucky man. Vana makes all the flowers wake up and the birds sing in her honor. The only thing that makes me wonder is the title "the Ever-young". After all, all Valar and Valiers are immortal, so they can look eternally young.

Jon: Maybe she just took on a form that looks like the youngest of them all, Lord Tyrion.

Tyrion: Good point, Snow. You may be right about that.

Robert: What I wouldn't give to go hunting with Orome and his people. I would take my horse and spears and stay out of the forests of Yavanna for weeks, hunting wild boars and deer and, if I found one, Melkor's monsters as well. I would take my hammer on them and smash their heads.

Jaime: These monsters may not have heads, your grace.

Robert: Then I'll destroy them with something else, Kingslayer. They wouldn't stand a chance against me.

Robb: They mention that Orome loves the lands of Middle-earth and was reluctant to leave it as one of the last. Does this mean they lived in Middle Earth before moving to Valinor?

Pycelle: That's a possibility, Lord Robb. But someone or something could have forced them to retreat to Valinor. It's probably easier to defend than the vast lands of Middle-earth.

Stannis: Melkor, surely it was he who forced the Valar to withdraw from Middle-earth. However, Orome did not completely abandon these lands and returned there with his hunters to exterminate Melkor's monsters. I admire the courage and persistence of this Valar to continue to protect Middle-earth from Melkor's actions.

The image in the magic mirror changed, showing all the Valar and Valiera.

These are the names of the Valar and the Valier, and here is told in brief their likenesses, such as the Eldar beheld them in Aman. But fair and noble as were the forms in which they were manifest to the Children of Ilúvatar, they were but a veil upon their beauty and their power. 

And if little is here said of all that the Eldar once knew, that is as nothing compared with their true being, which goes back into regions and ages far beyond our thought.

Among them Nine were of chief power and reverence; but one is removed from their number, and Eight remain, the Aratar, the High Ones of Arda: Manwë and Varda, Ulmo, Yavanna and Aulë, Mandos, Nienna, and Oromë. Though Manwë is their King and holds their allegiance under Eru, in majesty they are peers, surpassing beyond compare all others, whether of the Valar and the Maiar, or of any other order that Ilúvatar has sent into Eä.

Robert: So these eight Valar are the most powerful, dwarfing any other Valar, Maiar, or any other beings on Arda. I also assume that the excluded one is Melkor.

Tyrion: Interestingly, only three of the seven Valier are classified as Aratar, and those were the ones that had the most extensive description of all the Valier. Wives of Manwe and Aule and sister of Namo and Irmo. She whom Joffrey disregarded is one of the mightiest among the Valar!

Cersei: It happened to her quite by accident. I find it hard to believe that a whiny woman like Nienna could be as powerful as her brother Mandos.

Joffrey: That's right, Mom! This pathetic Nienna shouldn't even be counted on this list of the most powerful Valar.

Tyrion: But it is, so deal with it, nephew.

Robert: Damn, now I noticed that Tulkas isn't considered one of the most powerful. Although Orome is counted among them.

Renly: These Majar make me wonder. They are mentioned and I wonder how they differ from the Valar.

Pycelle: I believe, Lord Renly, that they are lesser spirits, similar to the Valar but of less power and rank. They are probably also servants of the Valar. Orome's hunters may be such Maiars.

Renly: Hmm, yes, that makes sense.

Robert: Pycelle, is this the end or will we find out something else because we have been shown all the Valar and Valiera.

Pycelle: I think there will be something else, Your Grace.

Robert: Let them show it, because I don't have all day!

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing the words Of the Maiar

With the Valar came other spirits whose being also began before the World, of the same order as the Valar but of less degree. 

These are the Maiar, the people of the Valar, and their servants and helpers. Their number is not known to the Elves, and few have names in any of the tongues of the Children of Ilúvatar; for though it is otherwise in Aman, in Middle-earth the Maiar have seldom appeared in form visible to Elves and Men.

Robert: You were right, Grandmaester. Majar are lesser spirits and there are so many more of them than Majar that no one except probably Namo knows how many.

Jon: I wonder if they'll show us even a few Majar.

Ned: I guess so, Jon. Probably the most important among the Valar.

The image in the magic mirror changed to a tall, blond man in chain mail with a sword at his belt and a dark-haired woman in a blue dress.

Chief among the Maiar of Valinor whose names are remembered in the histories of the Elder Days are Ilmarë, the handmaid of Varda, and Eönwë, the banner-bearer and herald of Manwë, whose might in arms is surpassed by none in Arda. 

But of all the Maiar Ossë and Uinen are best known to the Children of Ilúvatar.

Robert: I already like this Eonwe. Herald and the banner-bearer of Manwe, who probably fought in many battles and led armies on behalf of his king. As if I wanted to face him. He showed him why they called me the Trident Demon!

Stannis: And you would die, brothers. Eonwe is described as someone whom no warrior can resist. This isn't Rhaegar Targaryen, Robert. He's a minor god who could easily defeat you and not even tire you out.

Robert: Stannis, fuck, you always have to destroy my dreams.

Stannis: I'm a realist, brother. Nothing more.

Cersei: Every queen needs handmaidens, and this Varda is no exception. Ilmare must serve her well since she is well known in history.

Arya: She's boring! Eonwe looks a lot interesting.

Sansa: Arya! Handmaidens are important too. Ilmare is certainly proud of her service to Queen Arda.

Tyrion: However, I am most interested in Osse and Uinen, because it was mentioned that they are most known to the Children of Ilúvatar. I wonder what they do that makes them so famous. Maybe they often show themselves to humans and elves.

Pycelle: I guess we'll find out soon, Lord Tyrion.

The image in the magic mirror changed to a man and a woman. The man has silver hair and sea-colored robes, while the woman has linen-colored hair that seemed endless in equally colorful robes. They are both standing almost waist-deep in sea water.

 Ossë is a vassal of Ulmo, and he is master of the seas that wash the shores of Middle-earth. He does not go in the deeps, but loves the coasts and the isles, and rejoices in the winds of Manwë; for in storm he delights, and laughs amid the roaring of the waves. 

His spouse is Uinen, the Lady of the Seas, whose hair lies spread through all waters under sky. All creatures she loves that live in the salt streams, and all weeds that grow there; to her mariners cry, for she can lay calm upon the waves, restraining the wildness of Ossë. The Númenóreans lived long in her protection, and held her in reverence equal to the Valar. 

Melkor hated the Sea, for he could not subdue it. It is said that in the making of Arda he endeavoured to draw Ossë to his allegiance, promising to him all the realm and power of Ulmo, if he would serve him. So it was that long ago there arose great tumults in the sea that wrought ruin to the lands. 

But Uinen, at the prayer of Aulë, restrained Ossë and brought him before Ulmo; and he was pardoned and returned to his allegiance, to which he has remained faithful. For the most part; for the delight in violence has never wholly departed from him, and at times he will rage in his wilfulness without any command from Ulmo his lord. Therefore those who dwell by the sea or go up in ships may love him, but they do not trust him.

Pycelle: Interesting, this Osse has a strange resemblance to the Storm God, who is responsible for storms that sink ships. The difference is that the Drowned God and the God of Storms are enemies of each other, and Osse is a vassal of Ulmo, although Melkor incited him to rebel against his lord.

Robert: Gods, this Osse likes to run wild at sea. At least his wife can placate him. If I lived in this world and a storm hit me, I would pray to Uiniena to calm her crazy husband.

Stannis: (He felt antipathy towards Osse, remembering how his parents died)

Arya: What problems must she have with that hair, if it reaches all over the water.

Sansa: She's a goddess, so she probably has her divine ways of dealing with this, sister.

Tywin: I will give credit to Melkor for his plan to draw Osse into his service, promising dominion over Ulmo's domain in return. However, the workmanship leaves much to be desired. He did not take into account the influence Uinena had on her husband. If he got rid of Uinieny quietly, Osse would never return to Ulmo's allegiance. And Ulmo himself played it smartly, forgiving him for his betrayal and allowing him to return to service, even if he never reached the end of his savagery. When your enemies respond with steel, do the same, but when they fall to their knees, help them rise. Otherwise, no one will ever recognize you as their ruler and will fight until the end.

Tyrion: I wonder who these Númenóreans are. It is mentioned that they lived under her care for a long time. They're probably some kind of sailor nation.

Ned: Uinena really knows how to influence her husband, since thanks to her efforts, he returned Ulmo to rule instead of continuing his rampage on the seas.

The image in the magic mirror changed to a tall, slender, dark-haired woman with a beautiful face and a tall, slender man who looked like an elf.

Melian was the name of a Maia who served both Vána and Estë; she dwelt long in Lórien, tending the trees that flower in the gardens of Irmo, ere she came to Middle-earth. Nightingales sang about her wherever she went.

Wisest of the Maiar was Olórin. He too dwelt in Lórien, but his ways took him often to the house of Nienna, and of her he learned pity and patience. 

Of Melian much is told in the Quenta Silmarillion. But of Olórin that tale does not speak; for though he loved the Elves, he walked among them unseen, or in form as one of them, and they did not know whence came the fair visions or the promptings of wisdom that he put into their hearts. In later days he was the friend of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and took pity on their sorrows; and those who listened to him awoke from despair and put away the imaginations of darkness.

Robert: So this Melian will appear later? Ha, I wonder what role he will play in them.

Pycelle: It is explained why this Olórin is depicted as an elf on the magic mirror. What puzzles me is the mention that in later days he was the friend of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and took pity on their sorrows; and those who listened to him awoke from despair and put away the imaginations of darkness. As if he would appear again, but not in the events that we will apparently learn about later.

Ned: And he often visited Nienna, from whom he learned mercy and patience. He obviously appreciated her very much and learned a lot from her.

Joffrey: Mercy is for the weak. The strong never show mercy or mercy to anyone.

Cersei: (She smiled brightly at her son)

Tywin: (He shook his head sadly at this. His grandson really isn't fit to be king)

Cersei: I don't understand how this Melian could serve both Valiers. You can't serve two ladies. It's impossible.

Tyrion: She's a Majar, sweet sister, she probably had her ways about it. So let's not judge her by human standards because it makes no sense.

The image on the magic mirror changed to impenetrable black. The fiery words Of the Enemies appeared and then the terrifying figure of Melkor appeared, as big as a mountain with a crown of flames and smoke and impenetrable fire burning in his eyes. His face was handsome but cruel, and his mouth seemed made for grimaces and curses.

Last of all is set the name of Melkor, He who arises in Might. But that name he has forfeited; and the Noldor, who among the Elves suffered most from his malice, will not utter it, and they name him Morgoth, the Dark Enemy of the World. 

Great might was given to him by Ilúvatar, and he was coëval with Manwë. In the powers and knowledge of all the other Valar he had part, but he turned them to evil purposes, and squandered his strength in violence and tyranny. For he coveted Arda and all that was in it, desiring the kingship of Manwë and dominion over the realms of his peers.

 From splendour he fell through arrogance to contempt for all things save himself, a spirit wasteful and pitiless. Understanding he turned to subtlety in perverting to his own will all that he would use, until he became a liar without shame.

 He began with the desire of Light, but when he could not possess it for himself alone, he descended through fire and wrath into a great burning, down into Darkness.  And darkness he used most in his evil works upon Arda, and filled it with fear for all living things.

 Yet so great was the power of his uprising that in ages forgotten he contended with Manwë and all the Valar, and through long years in Arda held dominion over most of the lands of the Earth. But he was not alone.

Robert: He really is a terrifying asshole who wants power over all of Arda, he wants light but since he can't have it, he uses darkness. Fuck, he's a really terrible person.

Tywin: And a pathetic loser at that. The fool squandered his power instead of acting wisely. Instead, he wasted power on fruitless attempts to gain power. His arrogance and contempt for everything around him will be the cause of his downfall. And since he is such a skillful liar, he could use intrigue to bring down Manwë and the other Valar, and then seize all power for himself. But his lack of patience became the cause of his defeats.

Tyrion: There is much truth in that, Father, but it was said that he was not alone. So he had to gather quite a lot of forces. I assure you, many majars were tempted and joined his troops. He failed once when Tulkas entered the game. Who knows, maybe he learns from his mistakes or maybe he is so arrogant and contemptuous that he doesn't, then he really is a complete fool with no authority.

Catelyn: (Looks briefly at Jon, as if seeing Melkor in him) This Melkor is a powerless bastard who wants to deprive his rightful brother of power. And his new name, Morgoth. Black Enemy of the World is not very optimistic. Not to mention that he is a liar, a power-hungry tyrant who will stop at nothing to get what doesn't belong to him.

Pycelle: It is curious that these Noldor gave him another name, which quickly caught on. I wonder what horrors he inflicted on these elves to make them change his name to something so terribly significant.

Tyrion: Certainly something really so terrible that they changed his name. And seeing as Melkor destroyed the works of the Valar at the beginning of time, it could have been anything.

Stannis: Morgoth should have subordinated his brother to power, instead he wanted power for himself, just like Daemon Blackfyre did to Daeron the Good. Manwë's duty is to fight his fallen brother, who has shown that nothing matters to him more than power over the world and domination over others.

Robert: I can't wait to see the wars of the Valar against Morgoth and Tulkas cheering on that bastard!

The image in the magic mirror changed, showing a terrifying demon covered in fire and surrounded by dark smoke. In one hand he held a flaming sword and in the other a flaming whip. In contrast, next to him stood a man with a beautiful appearance, silver hair and amber eyes, in expensive robes and with an intriguing smile on his face.

For of the Maiar many were drawn to his splendour in the days of his greatness, and remained in that allegiance down into his darkness; and others he corrupted afterwards to his service with lies and treacherous gifts.

Dreadful among these spirits were the Valaraukar, the scourges of fire that in Middle-earth were called the Balrogs, demons of terror.

Among those of his servants that have names the greatest was that spirit whom the Eldar called Sauron, or Gorthaur the Cruel. 

In his beginning he was of the Maiar of Aulë, and he remained mighty in the lore of that people. In all the deeds of Melkor the Morgoth upon Arda, in his vast works and in the deceits of his cunning, Sauron had a part, and was only less evil than his master in that for long he served another and not himself. 

But in after years he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.

HERE ENDS THE VALAQUENTA

After the last words, the magic mirror disappeared as if it had never been there.

Robert: Damn, what the devil! Damn Morgoth has demons from the Seven Hells at his service.

Catelyn: Seven, watch over us. This is one of the demons from the Seven Hells.

Ned: If such demons serve Morgoth, he must truly be an evil and fallen god who only desires power and domination.

Renly: Gods, save us! Good thing they don't live in our world because it would be a nightmare.

Sansa: This is terrifying. Good thing they don't exist in our world.

Joffrey: These demons should serve me. No one ever opposed the Iron Throne while the Balrogs served me!

Tyrion: Apart from how terrifying these Balrogs are, you have noticed that Sauron previously served Morgoth. The very same Sauron who fought against the Free Peoples of Middle-earth during the War of the Ring. This means that in the end Morgoth was finally defeated by the Valar and Sauron took his mantle as Dark Lord. Even the fact that he wasn't as bad as Morgoth before because he served someone and not just himself.

Jon: He originally served Aula as I understand it. So Sauron wasn't always evil. Morgoth probably promised him power and honors if he joined him.

Robb: And that explained why, even after his master's fall, he still wanted to rule the world. He still wanted power, and with Morgoth defeated, he could finally reach out for it.

Tyrion: Only in the end he followed the same path as Morgoth.

Tywin: It means that in the end Sauron was no less a fool than Morgoth. They both deserve each other. Even if he was more cunning than his master, in the end he followed the same path as him and failed.

Pycelle: (Notes on parchment) Many Maiar went into Melkor's service. Demon of fire and shadow called Valaraukar or Balrog, Sauron also called Gorthaur the Cruel.

Jaime: He must have been really cruel to be called that. Just like Maegor. It was not without reason that he was called Maegor the Cruel.

Ned: Sauron certainly deserves that nickname. He committed many cruel deeds in the Third Age of Middle-earth, and who knows what he did in the First Age, when he was merely a servant of Morgoth.

Robert: I can't wait to see it. And now that it's over, you can go your separate ways.

And without waiting for anyone, Robert Baratheon stood up and left the room.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred to watch and listen to the discussions of others rather than discuss them themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

Robert: Pycelle, I assume you summoned me because you wanted to watch the continuation of the history of Middle-earth or something else, otherwise I can't vouch for myself. I have no time for nonsense!

Pycelle: I would not summon the gracious king for nothing. I have received word that today we will receive the sequel. It will be the first chapter of Quenta Silmarillion, the Tale of the Silmarils.

Robert: The Silmarils? And what in the name of the gods are these Silmarils, Pycelle?

Pycelle: I do not know, your grace. In a short letter that appeared out of the blue in my chambers it said that today the sequel would appear, specifically the first chapter of Quenta Silmarilion, the Tale of the Silmarils, which is the core of the Silmarilion, the book from which the Ainulindale and Valaquenta also come. It did not explain anything about these Silmarils, except that it will be explained later, when some specific point in the story is reached.

Robert: Ah, if you say so, Pycelle. Now everyone sit down! Let's watch this and get it over with. Maybe they'll finally let us see Morgoth fight the Valar, or any fight at all.

Everyone who came sat down in their empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat a little apart from the rest, with only Grand Maester Pycelle sitting close to Lord Lannister.

Jon: I wonder what we'll see next. The Valar fight Morgoth until Tulkas comes and drives Morgoth away, or maybe something else entirely.

Robb: I guess we'll find out soon. Maybe they'll show us some details about the creation of the world.

Tyrion: Like the Sun and the Moon. There was no mention of them in the Ainulindalë, only that the Valar created the world and Morgoth destroyed everything the Valar built. Probably after Tulkas chased Morgoth away and the situation calmed down, the Valar decided that the world needed some light so they created the Sun and since night was needed for sleep, they created the Moon. I'm just curious how exactly they'll create the Sun and the Moon.

Jaime: Maybe now they'll come into being in some truly amusing way, something to laugh at.

Stannis: I doubt it, Ser Jaime. Nothing the Valar have done to the world has been amusing so far, so I doubt the creation of the Sun and Moon will be amusing. Logically, Manwe should have assigned their creation to Aulë, since he's basically their divine blacksmith, so it shouldn't be a problem for him.

Pycelle: Lord Stannis may have a point. It was mentioned that Aulë was a great blacksmith, a master of all crafts, so it made the most sense to assign something like this to him.

Tywin: It may be more complicated than it looks, though, and may require the help of other Valar, but I tend to agree with Lord Stannis and Grandmaester Pycelle. A proper tool for a proper task, and if this Manwe is as sensible as he is noble, he should have assigned the creation of the Sun and Moon to Aulë, who is basically their divine blacksmith. Ned: Aule is their blacksmith, but that doesn't mean that the Sun and Moon can be created like armor, swords, or any weapons. That may be beyond the capabilities of a divine blacksmith, even one as great as Aule.

Tyrion: But Aule has power over the earth, he also created gold, jewels, and probably other metals that are found underground, not to mention he is the creator of the dwarves! I doubt that creating the Sun and Moon is beyond his capabilities, though I don't rule out that he may need the help of other Valar, Lord Stark.

Ned: A fair point, Lord Tywin.

Joffrey: Aule created the dwarves?! What kind of fool would create such useless, ugly monsters as the dwarves. They are as useful as Uncle Imp!

Tyrion: You hurt my feelings, nephew. I always try to be useful to my family, to the Lannisters.

Tywin: You embarrass him more often with your drinking and whores, Tyrion. And I'd be better off if I didn't see another whore in Casterly Rock. The next one I catch in your bed, I'll hang.

Tyrion: (Through gritted teeth) Of course, Father. No more whores in Casterly Rock.

Jaime: (Looks worriedly at his beloved brother)

Cersei: (Looks triumphantly at his hated brother)

Joffrey: (Mocking Tyrion)

Robert: Joffrey, shut your mouth or I'll shut it myself. Now for some silence. Where's that fucking mirror, for gods' sake!

A large, magical mirror appears on the wall opposite those gathered in the Hall. The words QUENTA SILMARILION, THE HISTORY OF THE SILMARIL appear on its surface. The inscription disappeared, and after a while another CHAPTER 1 OF THE BEGINNING OF DAYS appeared, which also disappeared.

On the mirror appeared the image of primeval Arda, not yet fully formed, where nothing grew, there were no animals, men or elves. Only the Valar and the hosts of lesser Maiar who accompanied them, who stood opposite Morgoth, who, although alone, became towering over his enemies, unmoved by their attacks, surrounded by darkness, and the sky was covered with dark clouds. But then a loud laughter resounded from the sky, which filled the hearts of the Valar and Maiar with joy and hope, and filled Morgoth with doubts. And then a golden-haired warrior fell from the sky, scattering the clouds, Tulkas himself, who laughingly threw himself at Morgoth, who was terrified by his laughter and anger, and fled with his tail between his legs, while the Valar and the Maiar cheered Tulkas, rejoicing in the unexpected victory over the Enemy. At last Morgoth was seen, hiding in the great darkness, burning with a special hatred for Tulkas.

It is told among the wise that the First War began before Arda was full-shaped, and ere yet there was anything that grew or walked upon earth; and for long Melkor had the upper hand. 

But in the midst of the war a spirit of great strength and hardihood came to the aid of the Valar, hearing in the far heaven that there was battle in the Little Kingdom; and Arda was filled with the sound of his laughter. 

So came Tulkas the Strong, whose anger passes like a mighty wind, scattering cloud and darkness before it; and Melkor fled before his wrath and his laughter, and forsook Arda, and there was peace for a long age. 

And Tulkas remained and became one of the Valar of the Kingdom of Arda; but Melkor brooded in the outer darkness, and his hate was given to Tulkas for ever after.

Robert: WHAT!? INSTEAD OF FIGHTING TULKAS, THAT FUCKING COWARD JUST RUN AWAY WITH HIS TAIL BETWEEN HIS FEET! AND I WANTED A GOOD FIGHT.

Jaime: It's clear that Morgoth is a coward. He was dealing with the rest of the Valar and Maiar led by Manwë and as soon as Tulkas showed up with his laughter, he ran away like a coward. I don't know who will want to join him after this.

Tyrion: There's no shortage of fools in the world, brother. That's probably true there too, though I think you underestimated Morgoth. Even though he ran away like a coward, he has a great hatred for Tulkas, and he certainly plans revenge, although he may be more cautious and subtle because of him.

Pycelle: It's interesting to call Arda the Little Kingdom. As if the whole world could be so small to him that he calls it the Small Kingdom.

Ned: Perhaps because Tulkas came from Eru's seat. I don't know how vast it is, perhaps Arda is small in comparison.

Robb: Father may be right.

Pycell: Hmm, there may be something to that, Lord Stark. I will consider it.

Robert: Gods, how disappointed I am. Can't I really not see a proper fight?! At least Tulkas is true to his character. They should call him the Laughing Valar, it suits him. Maybe they will show him punching Morgoth in the face with his godly fists. But his arrival in Arda was honorable.

Stannis: At least there was no more destruction to this world. That is more important than your dissatisfaction with the lack of fighting that you so desire. It is a pity that Morgoth escaped them. If they had caught him then, they would not have had to worry that he might harm them in the future. Even so, although he has left Arda, he may do them harm with his intrigues in the future.

Renly: Tulkas looks like he's having a good time. He could go after Morgoth. At least for now, the Valar have peace from him.

Catelyn: At least for now, Arda is free from that bastard. Perhaps Tulkas has taught him not to covet what is not his. Manwe is the rightful king, not Morgoth, that cursed bastard!

Tywin: If Morgoth has any sense, he'll approach this coolly and carefully plan his next move, including Tulkas in his calculations, though he'll probably attack out of jealousy, pride, or some other emotion that blinds him to pragmatic action. I expect nothing better from him.

Ned: Better for me. Morgoth is an enemy who wants to rule the world and enslave Men and Elves, better for all that he is defeated by the Valar than triumph and rule the world as an eternal tyrant, worse than the Mad King ever was.

Robert: I agree with Ned. The Mad King was a dangerous madman but still a man who can be killed, which the Kingslayer did. This Morgoth is an immortal creature like the gods, with ambitions for world domination and enslavement of Men. Let Manwe and Tulkas and the rest deal with him once and for all, no mercy for him.

The image on the magic mirror changed and the Valar could be seen calming the lands and seas, bringing peace and order. Yavanna sowed the seed in all the lands, and Aulë her husband made two great lanterns, and Varda filled them, and Manwë sanctified them, and the rest of the Valar set the two lanterns on the highest peaks, higher than any mountains that were in Arda. One in the far north, the other in the far south, and both of them lighted the whole world, so that there was no night there, and day reigned unchangeably.

In that time the Valar brought order to the seas and the lands and the mountains, and Yavanna planted at last the seeds that she had long devised. And since, when the fires were subdued or buried beneath the primeval hills, there was need of light, Aulë at the prayer of Yavanna wrought two mighty lamps for the lighting of the Middle-earth which he had built amid the encircling seas.

 Then Varda filled the lamps and Manwë hallowed them, and the Valar set them upon high pillars, more lofty far than are any mountains of the later days. 

One lamp they raised near to the north of Middle-earth, and it was named Illuin; and the other was raised in the south, and it was named Ormal; and the light of the Lamps of the Valar flowed out over the Earth, so that all was lit as it were in a changeless day .

Robert: What?! They were supposed to create the Sun and the Moon, but instead they created some fucking lanterns. Gods, they're bigger than the tall tower of the Hightowers in Oldtown.

Jaime: I didn't expect that. I doubt even you, little brother, would have thought of creating two lanterns that would light the entire world non-stop. You probably wouldn't have time to sleep.

Tyrion: Alas, I could forget about sleep in such a world. And you're right, the idea of creating two lanterns to light the world wasn't something I had considered. However, I was right that Aule had a hand in creating the light source, even though it was Queen Varda who filled it and King Manwe who sanctified it. Interesting that they placed them at opposite ends of the world, probably thanks to their glow the entire world is covered.

Pycelle: Interesting, who could have guessed. So after Morgoth fled Arda, the Valar calmed the seas and lands, and Yavanna sowed the seeds that would grow into the world. And the problem of the lack of light was solved by forging two lamps, one called Illuin and the other Ormal, placed far enough north and south of the world. And it was all a team effort, not just Aulë working on it.

Ned: Well, I didn't expect that. After all, we saw The Lord of the Rings and the sun shone over Middle-earth and the moon was visible at night. So something must have happened to those lamps.

Jon: I know, father. Morgoth must have destroyed them. After all, he had already destroyed everything the Valar had built in the world, shaping it for the Children of Ilúvatar.

Robb: Brother, you may be right about that. That suits him.

Renly: I hate to think of the destruction that would come if Morgoth destroyed the Two Lanterns. This fire could consume the whole world!

Stannis: The Valar won't want to allow it, but since in later times there is the Sun and the Moon, Morgoth managed to destroy the Two Lanterns in some way, but surely they will control the fire to limit the destruction they will cause.

Catelyn: Let it not be irreversible destruction. This world looks beautiful and it would be a shame if such a scoundrel as Morgoth destroyed it.

Cersei: These Valar are strange. Lanterns! As if they couldn't invent the Sun and the Moon right away, they just invent such wonders.

Tyrion: Dear sister, these Valar needed light so they will invent these Two Lanterns, but since the Sun and the Moon appeared later, Morgoth probably destroyed them as Jon Snow said and the Valar built the Sun and the Moon then.

Arya: But these lanterns are huge! It's strange to see how something like this can illuminate the whole world.

The image in the magic mirror changes again, showing in rapid time how the seeds Yavanna had sown blossomed, and before the eyes of those gathered they grew from moss to tall trees. Soon also in the forests and meadows wild beasts abounded, and in the lakes and rivers fish teemed. But there were no flowers that had not yet blossomed, nor birds that flew in the sky and sang. The image moved to the great Isle of Almaren on the Great Lake, where the magnificent halls of the Valar could be seen. This was indeed their first dwelling in Arda.

Then the seeds that Yavanna had sown began swiftly to sprout and to burgeon, and there arose a multitude of growing things great and small, mosses and grasses and great ferns, and trees whose tops were crowned with cloud as they were living mountains, but whose feet were wrapped in a green twilight. 

And beasts came forth and dwelt in the grassy plains, or in the rivers and the lakes, or walked in the shadows of the woods. As yet no flower had bloomed nor any bird had sung, for these things waited still their time in the bosom of Yavanna; but wealth there was of her imagining, and nowhere more rich than in the midmost parts of the Earth, where the light of both the Lamps met and blended. 

And there upon the Isle of Almaren in the Great Lake was the first dwelling of the Valar when all things were young, and new-made green was yet a marvel in the eyes of the makers; and they were long content.

Sansa: How beautiful. The world blossoming under the light of the Two Lanterns and these palaces of the Valar! Like from the ballads of the bards. I would like to walk through them or through the meadows and forests of this virgin world.

Jon: So the first seat of the Valar was the island of Almaren. So they probably move to Valinor because of Morgoth's actions. Maybe it's because of what will happen to the Two Lanterns.

Tyrion: If I had to guess, when Morgoth destroyed them, they caused such destruction that their palaces on the island of Almaren were destroyed, so Manwë decided to move them to Valinor.

Pycella: It is interesting that it is not said who created the animals. And while the plants grew from seeds sown by Yavanna, the animals simply appeared in the forests, meadows, and also in the lakes and rivers. And that there were no flowers or birds yet.

Ned: Maybe they will just appear later. It is strange that it is not said which Valar created the animals, but perhaps Yavanna had a hand in this too? Perhaps we will never know.

Catelyn: This world is beautiful, though. It would be a pity if Morgoth's greed led to irreparable destruction.

Tywin: The Valar's complacency will be their undoing. Have these fools forgotten that Morgoth was not defeated, but merely fled? Sooner or later he will attack, catching them by surprise, which may cost them dearly. Bloody fools, they learn nothing. If Morgoth has any more cunning than the gods give to turnips, he will spy on them, make friends and followers among the Valar, and when the time is right, attack.

Tyrion: Father, as always, sees everything in black. Perhaps the fact that Tulkas is with them will discourage Morgoth from attacking.

Tywin: Then you are a fool yourself, Tyrion, and you should wear a clown's dress. Morgoth may take care to eliminate Tulkas from the game before he attacks, if he is not a complete fool.

Robert: Ha, this place is beautiful, but if Lord Tywin is right it may soon cease to exist if Morgoth attacks them by surprise.

Stannis: The Valar are making a mistake. Morgoth is not their prisoner in chains, he is still free and plotting. They should be careful.

The Magic Mirror showed Manwë organizing a great feast, to which all the Valar came with a large host of Maiar, and on that fateful day Tulkas wed Nesse, who to the delight of the Valar and Maiar danced on the green grass of Almaren. However, Morgoth was not idle and thanks to his spies among the Maiar he knew everything that was happening on Almaren. He saw the beauty of Arda and hated that world even more. So he descended upon it with a great host of his evil spirits, and his evil shadow fell upon the far north of the world, but the Valar took no notice of it.

Now it came to pass that while the Valar rested from their labours, and watched the growth and unfolding of the things that they had devised and begun, Manwë ordained a great feast; and the Valar and all their host came at his bidding. 

But Aulë and Tulkas were weary; for the craft of Aulë and the strength of Tulkas had been at the service of all without ceasing in the days of their labour.

And Melkor knew of all that was done, for even then he had secret friends and spies among the Maiar whom he had converted to his cause; and far off in the darkness he was filled with hatred, being jealous of the work of his peers, whom he desired to make subject to himself. 

Therefore he gathered to himself spirits out of the halls of Eä that he had perverted to his service, and he deemed himself strong. And seeing now his time he drew near again to Arda, and looked down upon it, and the beauty of the Earth in its Spring filled him the more with hate.

Now therefore the Valar were gathered upon Almaren, fearing no evil, and because of the light of Illuin they did not perceive the shadow in the north that was cast from afar by Melkor; for he was grown dark as the Night of the Void. 

And it is sung that in that feast of the Spring of Arda Tulkas espoused Nessa the sister of Oromë, and she danced before the Valar upon the green grass of Almaren.

Tyrion: Father was right. Morgoth had spies among the Maiar while he was on Almaren. And what better opportunity for a surprise attack than the wedding of his greatest enemy. You could say it's a wedding present for Tulkas.

Tywin: Manwe is a shortsighted fool. Instead of being pleased with himself and confident that his brother will not threaten him, he should be keeping watch to see if Morgoth enters Arda at the head of an army, he's simply feasting and celebrating the marriage of his greatest warrior to Oromë's sister. He truly deserves to lose his crown if he can't foresee that his brother will not give up until he wins or dies trying.

Tyrion: He's just too sure of himself, Father. It has ruined many a king, so it may ruin Manwe too.

Sansa: But Nessa dances beautifully! I wish I could dance as beautifully as she does!

Arya: Stupid, Morgoth will attack Arde soon and all you care about is some stupid dance of stupid Nessa.

Sansa: She's stupid herself, Arya. And an idiot on top of that.

Arya: Oh you, I'll tell you right away (and threw herself at her sister)

Ned: (Approaches and separates the fighting sisters) She won't fight, you're both sisters, you have the blood of the Starks of Winterfell in you. You have to stop arguing. If you do it again, you'll leave the hall. Understood?

Sansa: Yes, father.

Arya: Yes, father.

Ned: Okay, now be good and apologize.

Sansa and Arya: (Reluctantly excuse themselves)

Ned: (Returns to her seat)

Catelyn: (Looks at her daughters worriedly)

Renly: (Laughs loudly at this)

Robert: I sense a fight coming. It's a shame Tulkas is getting married now, but the man deserves it. But I hope to see him fight bloody Morgoth again.

Stannis: Morgoth is certainly not as foolish as some people think. Timing his attack on Arda during Tulkas and Nessa's wedding will allow him to strike the first blow before the Valar realizes what has happened. Especially when he attacks the Two Lanterns. And all thanks to having spies in his brother's court.

Renly: He's certainly no master of intrigue, but the attack may succeed since Morgoth knows what's going on in his brother's court through his spies.

Tyrion: And the fact that Aulë and Tulkas are tired may be all the more to Morgoth's advantage, for they may not have the strength to fight him if he attacks unexpectedly.

The magic mirror showed Tulkas sleeping, who fell asleep, content and happy. Then Morgoth was seen, as great as a mountain, descending to Arda at the head of his armies, crossing the Walls of Night. He descended to the far north of the world and there, through laborious work, built a great and mighty fortress, terrifying in its vastness and the evil that radiated from there. This was Utummo, the first stronghold of the Dark Lord. The evil that spread from there soon corrupted the world.

The picture changed to the sight of forests that became dark and hostile, among which dangerous animals roamed, wading the land with blood, the appearance of stinking marshes full of mosquitoes and other insects, and rivers that were poisoned and devastated. But then the Valar became aware of Morgoth's appearance, and began to search for him. Morgoth, however, did not wait to find him. On the contrary, confident in his own power and army, he attacked first. He threw down the Lamps, destroying the pillars that held them, and the Lamps themselves were shattered. The fire from the Lamps destroyed the lands and stirred up the seas, leading to great chaos, submerging the world.

Then Tulkas slept, being weary and content, and Melkor deemed that his hour had come. 

And he passed therefore over the Walls of the Night with his host, and came to Middle-earth far in the north; and the Valar were not aware of him. Now Melkor began the delving and building of a vast fortress, deep under Earth, beneath dark mountains where the beams of Illuin were cold and dim.

That stronghold was named Utumno. And though the Valar knew naught of it as yet, nonetheless the evil of Melkor and the blight of his hatred flowed out thence, and the Spring of Arda was marred.

Green things fell sick and rotted, andrivers were choked with weeds and slime, and fens were made, rank and poisonous, the breeding place of flies; and forests grew dark and perilous, the haunts of fear; and beasts became monsters of horn and ivory and dyed the earth with blood. 

Then the Valar knew indeed that Melkor was at work again, and they sought for his hiding place. But Melkor, trusting in the strength of Utumno and the might of his servants, came forth suddenly to war, and struck the first blow, ere the Valar were prepared; and he assailed the lights of Illuin and Ormal, and cast down their pillars and broke their lamps. In the overthrow of the mighty pillars lands were broken and seas arose in tumult; and when the lamps were spilled destroying flame was poured out over the Earth. 

And the shape of Arda and the symmetry of its waters and its lands was marred in that time, so that the first designs of the Valar were never after restored.

Robert: Gods, that was powerful. Crazy the destruction Morgoth wrought, toppling both Lanterns and destroying them, releasing their fire.

Catelyn: That was awful! That bloody Morgoth really doesn't know when to give up. If he can't rule Arda, he destroys it.

Tyrion: Worst of all, after all that destruction the Valar couldn't recreate the world as it was before the Two Lanterns fell. That's a greater tragedy than the Two Lanterns being destroyed. At last Aulë, with the help of the other Valar, can create a new source of light for the world.

Pycelle: By all the gods! The Keep of Utummo is so large that Harrenhal seems like a child's plaything by comparison. Who knows what horrors it might hold in its bowels.

Tywin: Certainly his army and everything he needs to wage a long war. Morgoth took advantage of the fact that the Valar were celebrating Tulkas and Ness's wedding, and that their greatest warrior fell asleep shortly afterward. However, his corruption of Arda from his stronghold brought him to the attention of the Valar too soon. He still managed to destroy the Two Lanterns, though the Valar would surely seek revenge on him. (He did not admit how horrified he was by the destruction Morgoth had caused.)

Joffrey: Ha, fine. It was due to that arrogant Valar king. The fool had ignored the threat of his brother, and now he was paying for it.

Sansa: That was horrifying! Morgoth corrupted the world and then overthrew the two Lanterns, leading to great fires and destruction. I hope the Valar will make amends and punish Morgoth for his wickedness.

Ned: They certainly will, Sansa. They will not allow Morgoth to do more of these cruel things that harm the world. Now, however, they must somehow control the destruction.

Stannis: I agree with Lord Stark. Before they can get to Morgoth, they must control the fire and destruction. The world in its current state is unfit for human and elven habitation.

Renly: Morgoth is truly mad to destroy the world. If he wants to rule the world, why does he destroy it? He will have nothing to rule if he destroys it entirely.

Jaime: To me, Lord Renly, Morgoth is simply doing this out of envy and jealousy that Manwë is the King of Arda, not him. And if he cannot rule the world, then none will rule it, except the ashes.

Cersei: Pathetic of Morgoth. Does he want to be the King of the ashes? If so, he is well on his way to it.

Joffrey: If he destroys the world, the Valar will leave and he will build it as he sees fit and be lord of elves and men forever!

Jon: (Whispering into Robb's ear) When Prince Joffrey says something, it's always in recognition of Morgoth's mad actions. I wonder if he's mad himself.

Robb: There might be something to it. He acts like it's normal. I don't know what Sansa sees in him.

Jon: And Utumno is terrifying and bigger than Harrenhal!

Robb: I got chills when I first saw it. Morgoth really knows how to make everything he does terrifying.

Joffrey: I should have a stronghold like Utumno to inspire fear and respect among the lords of Westeros!

On the magic mirror was seen how Morgoth fled amidst the chaos that had seized the world from Tulkas, who pursued him fiercely, but managed to escape to Utummo, closing the gates against him. In the meantime the Valar could not attack Morgoth's stronghold, for they were using all their power to control the chaos that Morgoth had caused and to save all that they could of their work.

In the confusion and the darkness Melkor escaped, though fear fell upon him; for above the roaring of the seas he heard the voice of Manwë as a mighty wind, and the earth trembled beneath the feet of Tulkas. But he came to Utumno ere Tulkas could overtake him; and there he lay hid. 

And the Valar could not at that time overcome him, for the greater part of their strength was needed to restrain the tumults of the Earth, and to save from ruin all that could be saved of their labour; and afterwards they feared to rend the Earth again, until they knew where the Children of Ilúvatar were dwelling, who were yet to come in a time that was hidden from the Valar.

Robert: Damn it, that was so close! Bloody Morgoth, he managed to flee like a coward to his stronghold before Tulkas could catch him. And I wanted to see the bastard get punched in the face by the Champion of the Valar!

Jaime: And you can see that Morgoth is a coward. He didn't want to face Tulkas like a man, but fled to his stronghold where he couldn't reach him.

Tywin: The Valar couldn't even attack him now, forced to appease the destruction wrought by Morgoth and save what they could. This would allow Morgoth to strengthen Utumno, which would certainly be a problem in the future, and the siege itself could be long and arduous.

Tyrion: And once again the Valar's concern for the Children of Ilúvatar is evident. After all, they didn't want to completely change the world, because they could lead to a situation where elves and men appear inside some mountain, from which they will never be free and die from lack of food and water.

Stannis: For which they deserve respect. They have the power that would allow them to reshape the world, but they don't want to risk killing the Children of Ilúvatar before the time comes for them to appear in the world. And this Morgoth...sooner or later justice will catch up with him. He can't hide behind the walls of his fortress forever like a rat.

Jon: Probably now the Valar will move to Valinor, since the island of Almaren was destroyed during the fall of the Two Lanterns.

Ned: If that's the case, we'll see what this new home of the Valar will look like.

Catelyn: It's a pity that because of Morgoth's actions that world will never be as beautiful as it could be.

The image in the magic mirror showed how the Valar left Middle-earth after the chaos and destruction caused by Morgoth had been overcome and moved to the farthest west of Aman. There they settled, bringing with them all that remained of the original home of the Valar, and raised the Pelóri Mountains, the highest in Arda, and built many beautiful dwellings, and there they dwelt, far from Middle-earth and Morgoth, who lurked in Utumno. Those assembled had a good view of the wondrous beauty of Aman, with which nothing in their world could compete.

Thus ended the Spring of Arda. The dwelling of the Valar upon Almaren was utterly destroyed, and they had no abiding place upon the face of the Earth.

Therefore they departed from Middle-earth and went to the Land of Aman, the westernmost of all lands upon the borders of the world; for its west shores looked upon the Outer Sea, that is called by the Elves Ekkaia, encircling the Kingdom of Arda. How wide is that sea none know but the Valar; and beyond it are the Walls of the Night. But the east shores of Aman were the uttermost end of Belegaer, the Great Sea of the West; and since Melkor was returned to Middle-earth and they could not yet overcome him, the Valar fortified their dwelling, and upon the shores of the sea they raised the Pelóri, the Mountains of Aman, highest upon Earth. And above all the mountains of the Pelóri was that height upon whose summit Manwë set his throne. 

Taniquetil the Elves name that holy mountain, and Oiolossë Everlasting Whiteness, and Elerrína Crowned with Stars, and many names beside; but the Sindar spoke of it in their later tongue as Amon Uilos. From their halls upon Taniquetil Manwë and Varda could look out across the Earth even into the furthest East.

Behind the walls of the Pelóri the Valar established their domain in that region which is called Valinor; and there were their houses, their gardens, and their towers. In that guarded land the Valar gathered great store of light and all the fairest things that were saved from the ruin; and many others yet fairer they made anew, and Valinor became more beautiful even than Middle-earth in the Spring of Arda; and it was blessed, for the Deathless dwelt there, and there naught faded nor withered, neither was there any stain upon flower or leaf in that land, nor any corruption or sickness in anything that lived; for the very stones and waters were hallowed.

Jon: So Valinor is just a region and Aman is the land where the Valar settled. Gods, what a beautiful land it is.

Tyrion: Indeed, and since there is no decay, stain or disease there, it is even more magnificent. It is truly a divine land. What I would give to live in one.

Cersei: If anyone would let you in, Imp. You would only disfigure this wonderful land. They should let me in, I would be a jewel in the beauty of Aman, admired by its inhabitants.

Tyrion: (He refrained from mocking his sister, knowing that it would lead to another argument and he did not want that.)

Robert: (Leans towards Ned) The Valar would throw her out quickly as soon as they learned of her nature. A hag like her will not stay there long.

Pycelle: It is amazing how much information is contained in this. So this period with the Two Lanterns before they were destroyed was called the Spring of Arda. Aman lies to the west, separated from the west by the outer sea called Ekkai, and from the east by the great western sea called Belegaer. And those Walls of Night, mentioned earlier, apparently separate Arda from the void. Valinor as a region of Aman and the Pelóri Mountains, the highest in the world, raised by the Valar I will provide as a natural defense of the new home against the designs of Morgoth. It is also interesting that we learn other names for Taniquetil, the highest mountain in the world where Manwë built his palace and where he settled with his wife Varda.

Tywin: It seems that even Manwë learns from his mistakes and will no longer be self-satisfied. He does not want Aman to suffer the same fate as their first seat on the isle of Almaren.

Robb: I wonder if they'll do the Sun and Moon now that the Two Lanterns are gone and the world is dark again.

Tyrion: That seems most logical, but who knows. They could create some strange light sources instead of the Sun and Moon again, but I think it's more likely the Sun and Moon's turn.

Jaime: I doubt they could create a stranger light source than the Two Lanterns. It's certainly time for the Sun and Moon.

Stannis: It worries me that they still haven't defeated Morgoth, although it's good to know that this time the Valar have secured their new home with a vast sea and the highest mountain ranges in the world. They should march to war sooner or later, for it is their duty to stop Morgoth from devastating the world and to protect the Children of Ilúvatar from his influence when they finally appear.

Renly: Manwe certainly has his eye on his brother, literally. After all, from the top of his mountain he has a view to the farthest east, so he probably watches Utumno to see if Morgoth plans to attack Aman.

Tywin: Such an attack would be costly for him, he would need a large fleet to cross the sea, while Ulmo could order Osse to sink it. And even if he succeeded, he would have to defeat the Pelóri, which would be very difficult to cross over such mountains, especially since the Valar would not only watch, but attack from above. Without treachery from within, such an attack is doomed to failure.

Jon: Lord Lannister, Morgoth has divine power, so he could simply fly with his entire army.

Tywin: He would still have to cross the Pelóri to reach Aman, and since Manwë controls the wind, he can prevent his brother from doing so. Not to mention the fact that the Valar would not allow an enemy army to land in the heart of their home.

Jaime: I agree with my father. Attacking Aman would be basically suicide for Morgoth and his army. On the other hand, if Manwe attacks Utumno, they can completely besiege it and eventually force him to fight in person to break the siege.

Robert: I'm waiting for Manwe to announce that they're going to war. I want to see the army march and what the Valar King fights with and how they besiege Utumno and kill Morgoth or chain him and drag him to the dungeons in Aman.

Cersei: The fools are wasting their time sitting in their safe land. Let them go and crush Morgoth while he sits in Utumno.

Tyrion: They must first gather an army and if they can, infiltrate Morgoth's stronghold. It's best not to blindly go into an enemy stronghold, for you don't know what he'll surprise you with, sweet sister.

Cersei: And what might this fool surprise them with?

Tyrion: Horrors we have never dreamed of.

Joffrey: I want to see Manwe cut off Morgoth's head. Or Morgoth cut off Manwe's head and impale it on a pike.

The magic mirror showed the Valar raising the great city of many bells, Valmar. Then they were shown sitting on thrones around Máhanaxar, while Yavanna and Nienna sat on a green mound called Ezellohar, where Yavanna sang a magic song and Nienna watered the earth with her tears. And thus before the eyes of both the Valar and those in the Hall sprouted from the mound two young trees, which grew quickly before their eyes. Around these Two Trees was woven the story of the Elder Days.

And when Valinor was full-wrought and the mansions of the Valar were established, in the midst of the plain beyond the mountains they built their city, Valmar of many bells. 

 Before its western gate there was a green mound, Ezellohar, that is named also Corollairë; and Yavanna hallowed it, and she sat there long upon the green grass and sang a song of power, in which was set all her thought of things that grow in the earth. 

 But Nienna thought in silence, and watered the mould with tears. In that time the Valar were gathered together to hear the song of Yavanna, and they sat silent upon their thrones of council in the Máhanaxar, the Ring of Doom near to the golden gates of Valmar; and Yavanna Kementári sang before them and they watched.

 And as they watched, upon the mound there came forth two slender shoots; and silence was over all the world in that hour, nor was there any other sound save the chanting of Yavanna. Under her song the saplings grew and became fair and tall, and came to flower; and thus there awoke in the world the Two Trees of Valinor. Of all things which Yavanna made they have most renown, and about their fate all the tales of the Elder Days are woven.

Robert: Wait, WHAT?! Instead of the Sun and Moon, the Valar created fucking trees. FUCKING TREES!?

Tyrion: They certainly have no lack of imagination, Your Grace. A tree is the last thing on my mind when it comes to a source of light for the world. But it is worth noting that Yavanna, with her magical singing, and Nienna, watering the earth with her tears, grew the Two Trees that will now illuminate the world.

Catelyn: The question is whether such Trees can illuminate the entire world. They must have been gigantic, like no other tree.

Tyrion: It is possible that the Two Trees only illuminate Aman, and the rest of the world lives in darkness. That would be strange, though.

Pycelle: Apart from the strangeness of the birth of the Two Trees, which will be the new source of light for the world, we have learned new things. Valmar is a city of many bells built by the Valar, the green mound Ezellohar west of the city gate, where the Two Trees grew, and also the Máhanaxar, the Ring of Doom, where I believe the Valar meet in council.

Tyrion: And don't forget to note that the gates of Valmar are of gold. Truly a city worthy of the gods.

Ned: The weirwoods are sacred to the Old Gods, but no one in the North ever thought that trees could be a source of light for the world.

Arya: But those trees are huge. Interesting that they make lanterns, then trees. So when will they make the Sun and Moon?

Sansa: They are beautiful to me. And gods, this city is wonderful. I would like to walk its streets.

Jon: Sooner or later we will find out. But I assume that the Two Trees will be destroyed by Morgoth. But how will he do that, since attacking Aman would be suicide.

Robb: Perhaps this time it will not be Morgoth who destroys the Two Trees. Perhaps some new enemy will arise in Aman itself.

Tyrion: Agent of Morgoth, eh, Lord Robb. It is also possible that Morgoth will destroy the Two Trees by the hands of his servant, to spite the Valar once again.

Tywin: The Valar certainly have strange ideas for creating a source of light for the world, but if it is Morgoth who destroyed it, it shows that Manwe is a fool who allowed his brother to enter the heart of his domains and destroy another source of light.

Joffrey: These Valar are mad. Trees as a source of light, perhaps next time they will make glowing dwarves!

Tyrion: Anything is possible, royal nephew.

The magic mirror showed the Two Trees in full growth. One had dark green leaves that were silver underneath, from each of its countless blossoms a dew of silver light fell. The other had young, green leaves with golden edges, and the flowers were as colorful as fire; from which poured a golden shower of light. Both Trees radiated a bright light.

The one had leaves of dark green that beneath were as shining silver, and from each of his countless flowers a dew of silver light was ever falling, and the earth beneath was dappled with the shadows of his fluttering leaves. 

The other bore leaves of a young green like the new-opened beech; their edges were of glittering gold. Flowers swung upon her branches in clusters of yellow flame, formed each to a glowing horn that spilled a golden rain upon the ground; and from the blossom of that tree there came forth warmth and a great light.

Telperion the one was called in Valinor, and Silpion, and Ninquelótë, and many other names; but Laurelin the other was, and Malinalda, and Culúrien, and many names in song beside. In seven hours the glory of each tree waxed to full and waned again to naught; and each awoke once more to life an hour before the other ceased to shine.

Thus in Valinor twice every day there came a gentle hour of softer light when both trees were faint and their gold and silver beams were mingled. Telperion was the elder of the trees and came first to full stature and to bloom; and that first hour in which he shone, the white glimmer of a silver dawn, the Valar reckoned not into the tale of hours, but named it the Opening Hour, and counted from it the ages of their reign in Valinor. 

Therefore at the sixth hour of the First Day, and of all the joyful days thereafter, until the Darkening of Valinor, Telperion ceased his time of flower; and at the twelfth hour Laurelin her blossoming.

And each day of the Valar in Aman contained twelve hours, and ended with the second mingling of the lights, in which Laurelin was waning but Telperion was waxing. 

But the light that was spilled from the trees endured long, ere it was taken up into the airs or sank down into the earth; and the dews of Telperion and the rain that fell from Laurelin Varda hoarded in great vats like shining lakes, that were to all the land of the Valar as wells of water and of light. Thus began the Days of the Bliss of Valinor; and thus began also the Count of Time.

Pycelle: This gives us a great idea of how time worked when the Two Trees appeared, because time was clearly not counted before when the Two Lanterns existed. Interestingly, the day was half as long as ours, lasting only twelve hours. Not to mention that Telperion matured faster out of the two trees, and the hour he shone was not counted as the beginning of the counting of time by the Valar, but called it the Opening Hour.

Robert: Boring, what do I care how they counted time with Telperion and Laurelin. I want some action, not talk about time. It reminds me too much of counting coppers.

Stannis: Brother, this is important information, because it gives us an idea of how time was counted, quite different from ours.

Robert: As I said, Stannis, BORING!

Renly: (Laughs at this) I agree with Robert, it is boring, as is naming a dozen or so trees. Who in their right mind names a tree? These Valar are strange gods.

Pycelle: (Notes down on parchment all the names of the Two Trees and how time passes)

Robb: I am not comfortable with this term "Darkness of Valinor". So somehow Morgoth managed to destroy the Two Trees in the future.

Tywin: So Manwe is just proving to me that he is a complete fool to allow another source of light to be destroyed under his nose.

Tyrion: We do not yet know the circumstances under which he managed to do so, so perhaps do not be so harsh in your judgment, father.

Jaime: I may agree with the king that it is boring, but the trees themselves are beautiful. And bloody gigantic, they must be taller than the Wall and High Tower of Hightower.

Cersei: Manwe and the rest of the Valar are complete fools to allow Telperion and Laurelin to be destroyed. I want to see how badly they screwed this up.

Catelyn: They are beautiful trees and the passage of time is strange, but if it is Morgoth who destroys another source of light, it will only show how petty and greedy that bastard is.

The painting showed Morgoth wandering through Arda in many terrible forms to bring to Aman, showing Aulë at work, creating the most wondrous objects, while Yavanna sowed seeds throughout Aman, and wherever she sowed, plants of all sizes and kinds flourished.

But as the ages drew on to the hour appointed by Ilúvatar for the coming of the Firstborn, Middle-earth lay in a twilight beneath the stars that Varda had wrought in the ages forgotten of her labours in Eä. 

And in the darkness Melkor dwelt, and still often walked abroad, in many shapes of power and fear, and he wielded cold and fire, from the tops of the mountains to the deep furnaces that are beneath them; and whatsoever was cruel or violent or deadly in those days is laid to his charge.

From the beauty and bliss of Valinor the Valar came seldom over the mountains to Middle-earth, but gave to the land beyond the Pelóri their care and their love. And in the midst of the Blessed Realm were the mansions of Aulë, and there he laboured long. For in the making of all things in that land he had the chief part, and he wrought there many beautiful and shapely works both openly and in secret. 

 Of him comes the lore and knowledge of the Earth and of all things that it contains: whether the lore of those that make not, but seek only for the understanding of what is, or the lore of all craftsmen: the weaver, the shaper of wood, and the worker in metals; and the tiller and husbandman also, though these last and all that deal with things that grow and bear fruit must look also to the spouse of Aulë, Yavanna Kementári. 

 Aulë it is who is named the Friend of the Noldor, for of him they learned much in after days, and they are the most skilled of the Elves; and in their own fashion, according to the gifts which Ilúvatar gave to them, they added much to his teaching, delighting in tongues and in scripts, and in the figures of broidery, of drawing, and of carving.

 The Noldor also it was who first achieved the making of gems; and the fairest of all gems were the Silmarils, and they are lost.

Robert: So the Silmarils are jewels. The whole story revolves around some fucking gems?!

Tyrion: It sounds absurd, but those gems must be incredibly valuable or maybe magical. And they say they're lost. The question is how could they be lost.

Jon: Aulë is called the friend of the Noldor, which are terms for the most talented among the elves. Elves can be divided into tribes like the First Men, Andals, Rhoynar or Valyrians.

Tyrion: You're perceptive, Snow. I lean towards your opinion. The Noldor may be one of the tribes of the elves. It also seems that the Noldor are not servants since Aulë is called the Friend of the Noldor. I already respect Aulë for creating the dwarves, and the fact that all knowledge comes from him makes my respect double.

Stannis: It's just a shame that the Valar have apparently stopped caring about Middle-earth, only caring about their Aman, while Morgoth can walk freely in Arda.

Tywin: A stupidity that they will pay for one day. They let Morgoth do whatever he wants, happy that their home is safe from him. Manwë only cares about Aman and nothing more, a weak king if he doesn't care about them beyond Aman.

Ned: It's understandable that those who grow and cultivate plants would turn to Yavanna, since she cares about all the plants that grow in the earth.

Robert: I still don't understand how history can revolve around fucking gems. They're just a few pretty, but valuable stones, nothing more.

Renly: (Jokingly) Someone will probably steal those Silmarils and the whole story will focus on getting them back, which probably won't work, since they're lost in the end.

Arya: I don't understand the whole storyline around the Silmarils either. They're stupid jewels, after all.

Ned: I don't understand either, Arya. I'm sure it'll clear up in time.

Robb: I wonder who the Firstborn refers to? Elves or Men? Which one will appear first?

Jon: I don't know, brothers, but I guess we'll find out in time, as always.

Pycelle: (Writing down information about Aulë on parchment)

The image in the magic mirror showed Manwë, sitting in all his majesty on his throne atop Taniquetil, still keeping an eye on the Outer Lands. He was accompanied by his wife Varda, whose beauty was hard to describe in the language of Elves or Men. Spirits in the form of eagles and hawks came to the King of Arda, bringing messages from Middle-earth. In his hand he held a beautiful sceptre.

But Manwë Súlimo, highest and holiest of the Valar, sat upon the borders of Aman, forsaking not in his thought the Outer Lands. For his throne was set in majesty upon the pinnacle of Taniquetil, the highest of the mountains of the world, standing upon the margin of the sea. Spirits in the shape of hawks and eagles flew ever to and from his halls; and their eyes could see to the depths of the seas, and pierce the hidden caverns beneath the world. 

 Thus they brought word to him of well nigh all that passed in Arda; yet some things were hidden even from the eyes of Manwë and the servants of Manwë, for where Melkor sat in his dark thought impenetrable shadows lay.

 Manwë has no thought for his own honour, and is not jealous of his power, but rules all to peace. The Vanyar he loved best of all the Elves, and of him they received song and poetry; for poetry is the delight of Manwë, and the song of words is his music. 

 His raiment is blue, and blue is the fire of his eyes, and his sceptre is of sapphire, which the Noldor wrought for him; and he was appointed to be the vicegerent of Ilúvatar, King of the world of Valar and Elves and Men, and the chief defence against the evil of Melkor. 

 With Manwë dwelt Varda the most beautiful, she who in the Sindarin tongue is named Elbereth, Queen of the Valar, maker of the stars; and with them were a great host of spirits in blessedness.

Stannis: I take back my last words. However, the Valar have not completely forgotten about Middle-earth. Manwe still has an eye on it and his traitorous brother.

Tyrion: It has been mentioned that he is some kind of viceregent of Ilúvatar, from whom he received the rule of the world. So could we say that he is something like the Hand of the King, but he is basically a king, because the real king, Ilúvatar, lives outside of Arda?

Tywin: Not really, after all, Ilúvatar does not care much about the world, since he made Manwe its king. It is possible that he still exerts some influence on the world through his servant.

Jon: It has been mentioned that there is another tribe of elves, the Vanyar, to whom Manwe granted poetry and song. Apparently the king of Arda loves poetry and music and all words.

Renly: But I find it hard to believe that Manwe is simply not jealous of his power, or even afraid that someone will try to take it away from him.

Ned: I too wish to rule Winterfell in peace and desire nothing more. I fully understand Manwe's aspiration to rule in peace.

Tywin: No king can rest on his laurels. Even if he defeats his brother, there may be those among his Valar who will challenge his rule and challenge him. A king should always fear that someone may plot against him.

Tyrion: But none but Morgoth desires Manwe's rule, it is clear that the rest of the Valar are loyal to him. And personally I doubt anyone would plot to depose him.

Cersei: A fool he is, no king ever sits safely on a throne and he is a double fool if he is not jealous of his power. At least these Noldor know their place, since they made a scepter for their king.

Joffrey: These Noldor should make a crown for me when I sit on the Iron Throne in the future.

Robert: Take your time burying your father, Joffrey. He is still well and I intend to live for many years. Oh, I had forgotten how beautiful Varda is. Manwe is lucky, for she does not seem like a cold bitch like Cersei.

Cersei: (Looks at Robert with hatred.)

Pycella: Varda's title in Valaquenta has also been explained. Varda created the stars, and the Elves must hold them in high regard, since they honor Varda so and call her Elbereth.

Jaime: Manwe is content with what he has, which I can understand. What I have is enough for me.

Arya: Spirits in the form of eagles and hawks serve Manwe! And yet even with that he cannot see.

Robb. Morgoth's darkness seems impenetrable even to the spirits who serve Manwe.

Pycelle: (Wrote all this on parchment)

The Magic Mirror showed Ulmo, who was at the bottom of the sea, ruling all the waters of Arda. He was joined by Salmar, Osse, and Uinen.

But Ulmo was alone, and he abode not in Valinor, nor ever came thither unless there were need for a great council; he dwelt from the beginning of Arda in the Outer Ocean, and still he dwells there.

 Thence he governs the flowing of all waters, and the ebbing, the courses of all rivers and the replenishment of springs, the distilling of all dews and rain in every land beneath the sky. 

 In the deep places he gives thought to music great and terrible; and the echo of that music runs through all the veins of the world in sorrow and in joy; for if joyful is the fountain that rises in the sun, its springs are in the wells of sorrow unfathomed at the foundations of the Earth. The Teleri learned much of Ulmo, and for this reason their music has both sadness and enchantment. 

 Salmar came with him to Arda, he who made the horns of Ulmo that none may ever forget who once has heard them; and Ossë and Uinen also, to whom he gave the government of the waves and the movements of the Inner Seas, and many other spirits beside.

 And thus it was by the power of Ulmo that even under the darkness of Melkor life coursed still through many secret lodes, and the Earth did not die; and to all who were lost in that darkness or wandered far from the light of the Valar the ear of Ulmo was ever open; nor has he ever forsaken Middle-earth, and whatsoever may since have befallen of ruin or of change he has not ceased to take thought for it, and will not until the end of days.

Tyrion: Ulmo is not plotting against Manwë. He spends most of his time alone and that way he will not gain support to overthrow his friend. It is also clear that like Manwë he did not abandon Middle-earth and still watched over it with his power over water.

Pycelle: In addition another Maiar appeared. This Salmar who apparently created the horn for Ulm, there are of course Osse and Uinen and many other unnamed water spirits.

Jon: And another tribe of elves. These Teleri must love the sea, who learned much from Ulm, including music.

Ned: Good Jon, I see you are very attentive. So we have three tribes of elves. Do you have it written down, Grand Maester?

Pycelle: Yes, Lord Stark. The Noldor, skillful craftsmen, the Vanyar who love music and poetry, and the Teleri who love the sea and can be good sailors and shipwrights. Three different tribes of elves who apparently live in Aman, though they haven't appeared yet because we haven't seen any.

Robert: I won't say it's nice to see this strange version of the Drowned God again, though it's good to know that Manwë isn't the only one keeping an eye on Middle-earth.

Stannis: And kudos to him for that, he's finally doing his duty. If only they'd finally strike at Morgoth and his stronghold.

Renly: They'll do it sooner or later, brothers. We'll have to be patient.

Sansa: That Ulmo looks awful.

Arya: But he's good, Sansa. Not like Morgoth, who destroys everything because he doesn't like what the Valar are doing.

The Magic Mirror showed Yavanna going to Middle-earth, tending to the wounds inflicted by Morgoth, then returning to Aman, where she urges the Valar to go to war with Morgoth at meetings. Then Oromë was shown riding on his horse Nahar, and the sound of his horn frightened the servants of Morgoth. But as he rode through the dark forests and mountain valleys, the servants of Morgoth came out of their hiding places.

And in that time of dark Yavanna also was unwilling utterly to forsake the Outer Lands; for all things that grow are dear to her, and she mourned for the works that she had begun in Middle-earth but Melkor had marred. 

 Therefore leaving the house of Aulë and the flowering meads of Valinor she would come at times and heal the hurts of Melkor; and returning she would ever urge the Valar to that war with his evil dominion that they must surely wage ere the coming of the Firstborn. 

 And Oromë tamer of beasts would ride too at whiles in the darkness of the unlit forests; as a mighty hunter he came with spear and bow, pursuing to the death the monsters and fell creatures of the kingdom of Melkor, and his white horse Nahar shone like silver in the shadows. 

 Then the sleeping earth trembled at the beat of his golden hooves, and in the twilight of the world Oromë would sound the Valaróma his great horn upon the plains of Arda; whereat the mountains echoed, and the shadows of evil fled away, and Melkor himself quailed in Utumno, foreboding the wrath to come. But even as Oromë passed the servants of Melkor would gather again; and the lands were filled with shadows and deceit.

Stannis: I agree with Yavanna. These Firstborn will most likely appear somewhere in Middle-earth, it is unlikely they will appear in Aman right away. And if they do not make war with Morgoth, Elves and Men will fall under his rule. And that cannot be allowed.

Robert: I agree with you, Stannis. Let Manwe gather an army and march on Utumno. Especially since Oromë cannot catch those cowardly servants of Morgoth who flee at the sound of his horn. And I wanted to see him kill his servants.

Tywin: But they should organize it properly. They must have enough forces to completely cut off the fortress of Utumno from any supplies, then besiege the fortress until Morgoth has no choice but to abandon it and attack it, and then they will crush him. It would be best if they had a spy in Utumno, which is certainly impossible for them.

Ned: War should always be the last resort, never the only choice. But with Morgoth there can be no peace. He will seek dominion over the world, or he will wage war with his brother to the bitter end.

Robert: Let him be crushed, as I crushed Rhaegar at the Trident. With one well-placed swing of my hammer I crushed his chest and took the Iron Throne. So let Manwe take the hammer and do the same to Morgoth!

Ned: Morgoth and Manwe are still brothers, and I think Manwe does not want to become a kinslayer.

Tywin: Sometimes we must turn our hands for the greater good. If Manwe does not understand this, he has already lost the war to Morgoth.

Pycelle: (Noting meticulously on parchment) Yavanna calls for war with Morgoth, Oromë hunts the wilds of Middle-earth for the servants of Morgoth.

The image on the magic mirror changed, moving from Arda to the ancient abodes of Eru Ilúvatar and a view of Eru himself, who sat on his throne and brooded over his children, the Elves and Men.

Now all is said concerning the manner of the Earth and its rulers in the beginning of days, and ere the world became such as the Children of Ilúvatar have known it. For Elves and Men are the Children of Ilúvatar; and since they understood not fully that theme by which the Children entered into the Music, none of the Ainur dared to add anything to their fashion. 

 For which reason the Valar are to these kindreds rather their elders and their chieftains than their masters; and if ever in their dealings with Elves and Men the Ainur have endeavoured to force them when they would not be guided, seldom has this turned to good, howsoever good the intent.

 The dealings of the Ainur have indeed been mostly with the Elves, for Ilúvatar made them more like in nature to the Ainur, though less in might and stature; whereas to Men he gave strange gifts. For it is said that after the departure of the Valar there was silence, and for an age Ilúvatar sat alone in thought.

 Then he spoke and said: 'Behold I love the Earth, which shall be a mansion for the Quendi and the Atani! But the Quendi shall be the fairest of all earthly creatures, and they shall have and shall conceive and bring forth more beauty than all my Children; and they shall have the greater bliss in this world. But to the Atani I will give a new gift.' 

 Therefore he willed that the hearts of Men should seek beyond the world and should find no rest therein; but they should have a virtue to shape their life, amid the powers and chances of the world, beyond the Music of the Ainur, which is as fate to all things else; and of their operation everything should be, in form and deed, completed, and the world fulfilled unto the last and smallest.

Joffrey: What?! The Valar didn't impose their rule on the Elves and Men?! They're pathetic fools!

Cersei: (Smiling at her eldest son) You're absolutely right, Joff. Manwe and the rest of the Valar are fools.

Tyrion: Do you hear yourself Cersei? Your bloody son thinks the Valar should enslave the Children of Iluvatar. They'd be no better than Morgoth if they did.

Cersei: Shut up, Imp! Your sentiments are pathetic. Power is power, if she had the power of Manwe, I would impose my own rule and obedience on them.

Tyrion: I'd rather have loyal subjects, not slaves, Cersei.

Robert: SHUT UP IN THE NAME OF YOUR KING! I won't listen to your argument, you shut up or I'll lock you up. Besides, I agree with Tyrion. I would not have slaves who fear me, only loyal subjects.

Ned: If I understand correctly, elves share nature with Valaramia, meaning they are immortal. Gods….

Robert: Fuck, I wish I was immortal. I could fight, drink, hunt and fuck forever!

Tyrion: If I were immortal, I could read every book in the Citadel, fuck every whore from Dorne to the Wall, not to mention the gallons of wine I could drink. I already envy those elves.

Tywin: (mumbles under his breath) If I were immortal, I would not have to put up with the incompetence of my children.

Catelyn: It's amazing that elves are immortal and according to Eru they will be the most beautiful and will give the world the most beauty, but it is humans who can shape their fate in spite of fate and the powers that be the Valar (however, the thought that Ned's bastard would be immortal and would be an eternal threat to her children sobers her from her dreams of immortality for her family)

Ned: Immortality is tempting, but the thought of never seeing his father, Brandon and Lyanna again does not appeal to me. However, humans are destined for a short time in this world.

Robb: It is a bit disturbing that Eru has breathed into the hearts of humans a longing that exceeds this world. As if he did not want them to experience happiness in the world he created for them.

Tyrion: In my opinion, this longing gives humans dreams and ambitions to achieve something more in life before this life ends. Maybe the gods have breathed something similar into our hearts. Who knows?

Stannis: The Valar's failure to understand the children of Ilúvatar meant that they gave them nothing of themselves. Nor did they impose their rule on them. Noble and dutiful, that's how I like it.

Renly: Stannis would feel at home with the Valar, especially Manwë, who seems as dutiful as Stannis.

Robert: Ha, I imagined Manwë stiff as if someone had stuck a stick up his arse!

Pycelle: Interesting, Quendi and Atani as terms for elves and humans.

The image remained on Ilúvatar, who was thinking about his children.

But Ilúvatar knew that Men, being set amid the turmoils of the powers of the world, would stray often, and would not use their gifts in harmony; and he said,

'These too in their time shall find that all that they do redounds at the end only to the glory of my work.' 

Yet the Elves believe that Men are often a grief to Manwë, who knows most of the mind of Ilúvatar; for it seems to the Elves that Men resemble Melkor most of all the Ainur, although he has ever feared and hated them, even those that served him.

 It is one with this gift of freedom that the children of Men dwell only a short space in the world alive, and are not bound to it, and depart soon whither the Elves know not. Whereas the Elves remain until the end of days, and their love of the Earth and all the world is more single and more poignant therefore, and as the years lengthen ever more sorrowful. 

For the Elves die not till the world dies, unless they are slain or waste in grief (and to both these seeming deaths they are subject); neither does age subdue their strength, unless one grow weary of ten thousand centuries; and dying they are gathered to the halls of Mandos in Valinor, whence they may in time return. 

But the sons of Men die indeed, and leave the world; wherefore they are called the Guests, or the Strangers. Death is their fate, the gift of Ilúvatar, which as Time wears even the Powers shall envy. 

But Melkor has cast his shadow upon it, and confounded it with darkness, and brought forth evil out of good, and fear out of hope. Yet of old the Valar declared to the Elves in Valinor that Men shall join in the Second Music of the Ainur; whereas Ilúvatar has not revealed what he purposes for the Elves after the World's end, and Melkor has not discovered it.

Then the magic mirror disappeared, which meant that the first chapter was over.

Robert: Bloody gods, those fucking elves have it too good. Not only are they immortal, but even if they died, they can come back to life from the Hall of Mandos, while we, poor humans, die and never come back. And how can death be considered a gift?! That Iluvatar is crazy.

Robb: How can the Valar be jealous of the fact that humans die? They are immortal!

Tyrion: I guess even immortals can get tired of eternal life, and humans, when they die, leave the cares of the world and go to another, better place.

Jon: It's a bit offensive how the elves think humans are similar to Morgoth.

Stannis: Humans are complicated, some are good and righteous, others evil, vile and cruel. I guess the elves have met the bad ones more often, that's why they have such a low opinion of our race.

Renly: I didn't know I'd say this, but I agree with Stannis. Men can and do be cruel, perverse, and power-hungry. These Elves must think themselves incredibly righteous to think so little of us.

Catelyn: Death is the natural order of things, and the fact that Morgoth corrupted it may explain why many fear death. Perhaps some fallen god did the same here?

Ned: Since death is a gift from Ilúvatar, the people of the other world should not fear it, but because of Morgoth they fear death. This is yet another evil done by this wicked man.

Joffrey: It's not fair! Why can the cursed Elves live forever and even come back to life when they die? We should too. Cursed Ilúvatar, he should grant us eternal life and return from death.

Tywin: Life is not fair, grandson. Never forget that, and don't just make demands.

Arya: But how can grief kill elves? I don't understand that.

Tyrion: I honestly don't understand that, Lady Arya. Perhaps later they will explain how grief can kill elves.

Pycelle: It is extraordinary how different the fates of elves and men are. But it does explain why elves live in Aman. After all, they share immortality with the Valar. I must write this down.

Robert: Discuss this as much as you like. I have had enough. They must drink wine.

Robert Baratheon rose from his seat and left the hall without waiting for anyone.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat somewhat apart from the rest, only Grand Maester Pycelle sitting close to Lord Lannister.

Robert: Grand Maester Pycelle, I hope you're calling us here because you've received word that we'll be watching the sequels to The Silmarillion or something else.

Pycelle: Of course, your grace. I've received word that we'll be watching the next chapter of The Silmarillion today and to gather in the Hall. The magic mirror should be up soon.

Robert: Great, I can't wait to see Manwe finally get his ass off his highest mountain, gather an army and go smash Utumno to dust and Morgoth ends up in chains or better yet, his head separated from his body and impaled on a pike.

Stannis: I do not share my royal brother's fascination with war and fighting, but I will agree on this one, that Morgoth must be defeated. While he is free, he is a threat to Arda, and we know that Manwe, Ulmo, Yavanna, and Oromë have not abandoned the rest of the world, and Yavanna herself encouraged the rest of the Valar to march on Utumno and end Morgoth's threat. He may be Manwe's brother, but Manwe is also his king and owes him loyalty. He betrayed his brother and his creator, against the will of Ilúvatar, and for that he must be punished. No traitor should walk free, it would contradict the very idea of justice.

Renly: I did not expect you to have any ideas, brother. Perhaps with such changing positions in the Small Council, you will become Master of the Laws, while I will be Master of Ships. With you at the helm, we will surely rid King's Landing of crime.

Stannis: (He looked at his younger brother in disbelief) You're not fit for this position. You have no idea how to run a royal fleet. You'd probably get seasick if you tried to sail on my Fury. Sometimes I wonder why Robert gave you this position. All you know how to do is joke with Littlefinger and dress up nicely, spending more on clothes than half the ladies of the court.

Renly: (He shrugged, smiling) You could always lend me your smuggler, what was his name? Oh yes, Ser Davos. He certainly knows his way around ships. Besides, I always look stylish and stunning at court. If you wanted, he could give you some advice on how to look as stunning as I do.

Robert: Will you shut up? I don't feel like listening to your bickering, and if you want to switch places on the Small Council, then go ahead. Just Stannis, don't try to shut down the brothels in King's Landing.

Stannis: (Grinds teeth loudly at this)

Jaime: What do you think, Tyrion. What will we see now?

Tyrion: I don't know, it may be as the king says. We will see Manwe finally go to battle with his brother to ensure that the Elves who will sooner or later awaken in Middle-earth will not be exposed to Morgoth and his schemes. He could try to negatively affect the Elves towards Manwe and the rest of the Valar and most importantly, to acknowledge him as king, not his brother. Or maybe they will show something completely different, who knows.

Tywin: Manwe would do well to prepare well for the war with Morgoth. If the latter is not the complete fool he seems, he will be vigilant, watching for a potential attack from Aman, while at the same time consolidating his position in Utumno. Manwë should send scouts and spies to penetrate Morgoth's stronghold and report his doings, while gathering a host to march to war. Morgoth would not abandon his stronghold, where a long siege awaited the Valar. Having a spy in Utumno itself would allow the gates to be opened and the interior to be entered without the risk of a long siege.

Robb: But since the Valar have divine power, couldn't they just destroy the walls? They wouldn't have to besiege it for years.

Tywin: If that were the case, Stark, Morgoth wouldn't have wasted time and resources building Utumno. He'll certainly use his power to strengthen the walls against such attacks. So they'll face a long siege, unless they have a spy inside the walls of Utumno who can open the gates and let the Valar army in. And Morgoth could still escape if he built secret tunnels in the bowels of his stronghold like Maegor did with the Red Keep, especially since he's not the bravest of the Valar and might wisely decide to flee and fight on in the future rather than stay and die or be taken prisoner.

Ned: Either way, the war between Morgoth and Manwë and the rest means destruction for the world. I shudder to think what scars they'll leave on Arda when they finally come to blows.

Catelyn: If only Manwe had been more severe towards his brother and had not become complacent after his first victory over him, but had relentlessly pursued him until he finally defeated him, the Two Lamps would not have been destroyed and the world would not have suffered such losses.

Jon: Let Morgoth be defeated this time, so that he can no longer threaten this world and its people.

Robert: Where is that bloody mirror! Let it finally appear, because I want to see what happens next!

As if by the king's will, a large, magical mirror appeared on the opposite wall.

Robert: Great, let it begin, because I don't have all day to sit and watch.

Stannis: Lately, what we've been doing, brother, is watching events from another world. Besides, you have nothing to do, because you don't even come to the meetings of the Small Council.

Robert: Which doesn't mean I have nothing to do at all, because I do.

A large, magical mirror appeared with the words CHAPTER 2, OF AULE AND YAVANNA, which disappeared immediately. After a while, the image takes on color and you can see Aule's workshop. It looks like a cross between a forge and a workshop. You can see a fire built into one of the walls of the workshop, a large iron anvil with an impressive blacksmith's hammer on it. On the walls hang a lot of tools, not only blacksmith's tools but also for many other crafts, while on the tables there are numerous plans for new items and other unusual things that Aule creates. He himself can be seen with his back to the viewers, apparently working on something, but you can't see what.

Tyrion: So a chapter about the divine blacksmith and his wife, the goddess of nature. Maybe something about the creation of the dwarves. I'd like to see Aulé create them.

Joffrey: He's definitely creating armor and a sword for me. Something created by a god would be worthy of me.

Jaime: Err, why would Aulé create armor and a sword if you don't exist for him, my prince? A more reasonable explanation would be that Aulé creates dwarves or some other project of his.

Tyrion: True, brother. I doubt Aulé has ever heard of such a demanding prince as you, nephew.

Joffrey: (Looks hostilely at his dwarven uncle. He hates his insolence towards him. He'll get revenge on his bloody uncle someday)

Robert: And I was hoping to see the Valar fight Morgoth. I hope it's something interesting that Aulé creates. If they are dwarves, they will probably be as skilled craftsmen as their creator. I remember that Gimli fighting orcs in Moria, Amon Hen, and Helm's Deep, so dwarves are also fierce warriors. I can't wait to see them in action.

Ned: I wonder what role Yavanna will play here, since she appears with Aulë in the chapter title. Maybe she had a hand in creating the dwarves?

Pycelle: I guess we'll find out soon, Lord Stark. It's unusual for me to see a divine blacksmith at work.

It is told that in their beginning the Dwarves were made by Aulë in the darkness of Middle-earth; for so greatly did Aulë desire the coming of the Children, to have learners to whom he could teach his lore and his crafts, that he was unwilling to await the fulfilment of the designs of Ilúvatar. 

 And Aulë made the Dwarves even as they still are, because the forms of the Children who were to come were unclear to his mind, and because the power of Melkor was yet over the Earth; and he wished therefore that they should be strong and unyielding. 

 But fearing that the other Valar might blame his work, he wrought in secret: and he made first the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves in a hall under the mountains in Middle-earth.

Tyrion: Ha, so we'll see how Aule creates the dwarves. (He stretches out in his chair to get a better look, though Aule is still blocking everything with his back.)

Robert: Ha, I didn't think Aule had anything of a rebel in him. He didn't want to wait for the elves and men to awaken, so he created the dwarves to have assistants to pass on the secrets of his craft. And the best part is that he does it in secret so that the other Valar won't criticize him for his actions.

Ned: It also explains why the dwarves look the way they do. Aule doesn't know what the elves and men will look like, and Morgoth is still free, sitting in Utumno where he can terrorize the rest of Arda except Aman.

Tyrion: I wonder where he got the idea that a short, stocky guy with a long beard would do well in Arda, and not a tall, slender one.

Joffrey: Why must we watch Aule create ugly, filthy dwarves! These pathetic creatures do not deserve to exist.

Tyrion: Nephew, you are lucky none of the dwarves hear you because looking at how Gimli approached Legolas in The Lord of the Rings, they would most likely kill you for such an insult.

Joffrey: They would not stand a chance against me!

Jon and Arya: (They laugh under their breath, remembering that Joffrey was no match for Robb in a spar, let alone Gimli, who was adept at killing orcs.)

Jaime: (Looks pityingly at his secret son. He might have a good chance against a dwarf, but Joffrey had none.)

Cersei: (Looks proudly at his eldest son, believing that an ugly dwarf would have no chance against him.)

Robert: (Wonders how Joffrey is his son.)

Pycelle: Intriguing, Aulë created the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves and placed them beneath the mountains of Middle-earth. From what we know from The Lord of the Rings, the dwarves built their dwellings inside mountains such as Moria, which they called Khazad-dum. Surely they were created to live well underground.

Tywin: Aulë fears the Valar's reaction to his creation, the dwarves. I bet he fears that if Manwë finds out, he will punish him and order him to destroy his "creation". In his place I would do the same, to remind Aulë of his place and that he cannot act behind his king's back.

Tyrion: (mumbles under his breath) Cruelty is your middle name, father. You have always been far too brutal to your enemies, as the Reyns, Tarbecks and Targaryens have shown.

Robert: Gimli was a good warrior and how he wielded that axe! I hope they will show us other dwarves and their capabilities in battle.

The magic mirror showed Aulë's work finished, revealing to the beholders seven Dwarves, naked except for their loincloths, with long beards, over whom he leaned and taught the language he had devised for them. But then the voice of Ilúvatar spoke as if from afar.

Now Ilúvatar knew what was done, and in the very hour that Aulë's work was complete, and he was pleased, and began to instruct the Dwarves in the speech that he had devised for them, Ilúvatar spoke to him; and Aulë heard his voice and was silent. 

 And the voice of Ilúvatar said to him: 'Why hast thou done this? Why dost thou attempt a thing which thou knowest is beyond thy power and thy authority? For thou hast from me as a gift thy own being only, and no more; and therefore the creatures of thy hand and mind can live only by that being, moving when thou thinkest to move them, and if thy thought be elsewhere, standing idle. Is that thy desire?'

Ned: Did Iluvatar know about everything and only now did he speak up, when Aulë had finished creating the Fathers of the Dwarves? But he is outside Arda and it seemed to me that he was no longer interested in it, leaving it to Manwë and the rest of the Valar.

Tyrion: He is still a god and creator of the Valar, so he has power that none of us have ever dreamed of. Maybe he was curious about how far Aulë would go in his work and only after he finished did he decide to intervene. However, I am saddened by the fact that the dwarves can only live when he thinks about them, and when he stops thinking about them, they stand still. Apparently these Valar cannot create new life like Eru did. This makes me wonder how Gimli moved, talked, ate, drank and did everything that every human does. After all, Aulë could not constantly think about him, he also had his own activities. I hope this will be explained.

Pycelle: Eru Ilúvatar said that Valar like Aulë have the gift of their own existence and nothing else, which explains why life they create can live when they think of them. I think they simply share the gift of existence with their creator and cannot act without his thoughts. Only Eru could give the gift of existence to the dwarves, so that they can think and act independently of their creator. Perhaps this explains why Gimli could act like any other man.

Tywin: I doubt Ilúvatar would punish him in any way. He did nothing against Morgoth, who did so much evil in the world, so what he did is no worse than what Manwë's brother did. Aulë will come out of this unscathed.

Tyrion: Well, father, Morgoth devastated the world while Aulë created a new race. The latter may be viewed more poorly by Eru, perhaps enough to actually punish him. After all, Aulë had no bad reasons for creating the dwarves, so perhaps Ilúvatar will show him mercy.

Joffrey: Ilúvatar should destroy them! Those ugly, filthy mongrels do not deserve to exist. He should destroy them.

Cersei: You're right, Joff. Those wretched creatures do not deserve to exist. Ilúvatar should destroy them and punish Aulë severely.

Arya: But he did nothing wrong! He only wanted helpers to pass on his knowledge to, they do not deserve to be destroyed!

Cersei: (Looking at Arya with contempt) Don't interfere, little savage. I have not forgotten what you did to my son.

Robert: Calm down, Cersei. You will not speak to Ned's daughter like that. If Joffrey were not such a cunt, he would not have been defeated by a nine-year-old girl. Gods, I wonder how Joffrey can be my son. At his age I was not such a cunt.

The magic mirror showed Aulë talking to Eru until he pulled out a heavy blacksmith's hammer, swinging it at the dwarves and weeping as he did so, but Ilúvatar took pity on Aulë and stayed his hand, while giving them the gift of existence.

Then Aulë answered: 'I did not desire such lordship. I desired things other than I am, to love and to teach them, so that they too might perceive the beauty of Eä, which thou hast caused to be. For it seemed to me that there is great room in Arda for many things that might rejoice in it, yet it is for the most part empty still, and dumb. And in my impatience I have fallen into folly. Yet the making of things is in my heart from my own making by thee; and the child of little understanding that makes a play of the deeds of his father may do so without thought of mockery, but because he is the son of his father. But what shall I do now, so that thou be not angry with me for ever? As a child to his father, I offer to thee these things, the work of the hands which thou hast made. Do with them what thou wilt. But should I not rather destroy the work of my presumption?'

Then Aulë took up a great hammer to smite the Dwarves; and he wept. But Ilúvatar had compassion upon Aulë and his desire, because of his humility; and the Dwarves shrank from the hammer and were afraid, and they bowed down their heads and begged for mercy. 

And the voice of Ilúvatar said to Aulë: 'Thy offer I accepted even as it was made. Dost thou not see that these things have now a life of their own, and speak with their own voices? Else they would not have flinched from thy blow, nor from any command of thy will.'

Joffrey: NOOO, WHY DID THAT FOOL ILUVATAR SPARE THESE FUCKING DWARVES. YOU BLOODY, PATHETIC FOOL. YOU SHALL DESTROY THEM, DO YOU HEAR, YOU SHALL DESTROY!

At that moment the entire hall shook as if an earthquake had struck, but after a long moment it calmed down and a letter appeared out of nowhere and fell into Pycelle's hands.

Robert: What do you have written there, Pycelle? Speak quickly!

Pycelle: Here I write that if Prince Joffrey or anyone else insults Eru like that again, they will stand before him and face the consequences.

Everyone was struck with fear and Cersei hugged her son tightly.

Robert: Joffrey, if you do not want to die, hold your tongue and do not insult Eru.

Joffrey: Y-yes, f-father.

Ned: (Looks askance at Joffrey) I pity Aulë. He only wanted apprentices to teach his craft and enjoy Arda, but he was willing. It is good that Ilúvatar not only spared the dwarves but allowed them to exist without Aulë having to think about them.

Stannis: Even though he created the dwarves behind Manwë's back, he was willing to destroy them, showing that he was loyal to his creator, even if it hurt him. I can appreciate that, as well as the great mercy he showed Aulë and his dwarves, even if he could have let them be destroyed.

Renly: Eru Ilúvatar is indeed merciful and gracious to his Valar. And he gave the dwarves the gift of existence, so they were not Aulë's puppets.

Stannis: You say that so as not to anger Ilúvatar, brother?

Renly: (Sigh) Yes, though I think Ilúvatar is truly benevolent and merciful, since he could be harsh with the Valar.

Tywin: (Mumbles under his breath) My grandson is truly a fool, for only a fool would offend the all-powerful creator god. He is not fit to be a king.

Robb: From what I understand, Aulë basically imitated his creator, who created the Elves and Men. He could not wait for them to awaken and thought the world was large enough for another intelligent race, yet he was willing to give his creation to Ilúvatar and even destroy it to please him. Gods, he is truly devoted to his creator.

Jon: I think Eru put the will to create in Aulë's heart, and that is why he did this. And it explains why Gimli acted like a man and not like a puppet.

Tyrion: Praise be to Eru Ilúvatar and his mercy and compassion towards Aulë and the Dwarves. If it weren't for that, we wouldn't have the likes of Gimli. And I'm glad that it's because of him that the Dwarves are living beings and not puppets or puppets.

Jaime: Don't you go too far with your worship of Ilúvatar, brother.

Tyrion: Maybe, but I don't want to offend him like our foolish nephew. May the gods protect us when he takes the throne, for knowing him, he can even get us into war.

The magic mirror showed them how Ilúvatar instructed Aulë, and finally transported the Dwarves to Middle-earth, where he placed them under its mountains to await the time when they would awaken.

Then Aulë cast down his hammer and was glad, and he gave thanks to Ilúvatar, saying: 'May Eru bless my work and amend it!'

But Ilúvatar spoke again and said: 'Even as I gave being to the thoughts of the Ainur at the beginning of the World, so now I have taken up thy desire and given to it a place therein; but in no other way will I amend thy handiwork, and as thou hast made it, so shall it be. But I will not suffer this: that these should come before the Firstborn of my design, nor that thy impatience should be rewarded. They shall sleep now in the darkness under stone, and shall not come forth until the Firstborn have awakened upon Earth; and until that time thou and they shall wait, though long it seem. But when the time comes I will awaken them, and they shall be to thee as children; and often strife shall arise between thine and mine, the children of my adoption and the children of my choice.'

Then Aulë took the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves, and laid them to rest in farsundered places; and he returned to Valinor, and waited while the long years lengthened.

Tywin: Hmm in his strange way Ilúvatar did punish Aulë for his audacity in creating the Dwarves. He did not improve them in any way, they will awaken only after the Elves and will quarrel with them. It is a strange punishment, though I will not question what the creator of that world did.

Tyrion: Better such a punishment than being erased from existence, father.

Joffrey: (He wanted to say. that Eru should destroy them to punish Aulë's audacity, but fear of punishment from him stopped him)

Ned: Even such a punishment is not terrible. True, Aulë will probably have to wait a long time for his "children" to awaken in Middle-earth and apparently quarrel with the Elves, but it is still a better punishment than simply destroying the Dwarves. It is certainly a mercy from the god of that world.

Catelyn: Although I am surprised that he allowed the dwarves to exist, he must have been moved by Aulë's confession and the fact that he offered him his creation, the dwarves.

Stannis: After all, Aulë's deed was against the will of Ilúvatar, and although he spared the dwarves and even gave them the gift of existence and adopted them as his children, he did not reward Aulë's actions. Which is right, although Ilúvatar's actions may seem strange to us, at least I can understand that.

Renly: If they dressed richly and colorfully and shaved their beards, I think they would look much better.

Jon: Eventually, the dwarves will awaken and live in Middle-earth, even if they awaken the elves before them, with whom they will quarrel.

Cersei: No wonder. Elves are inhumanly beautiful, while the dwarves are ugly and probably stink as nicely as they look, which is to say awful. The elves probably mock the appearance of the dwarves, those unfortunate creatures who only miraculously survived and gained existence. Iluvatar is too kind to Aulë.

Robert: And all we can do is wait for the dwarves to appear in this story. I want to see their warriors in action, it must be a wonderful sight, hundreds, maybe thousands of short, bearded warriors in chainmail with axes, charging at their enemies.

Ned: A sight that will touch your heart, eh, Robert?

Robert: Oh yes, the sight of such an army would touch many hearts, especially mine.

The magic mirror showed the dwarves and their role after the Last Battle and the end of the world.

Since they were to come in the days of the power of Melkor, Aulë made the Dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffer toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not for ever. 

Aforetime it was held among the Elves in Middle-earth that dying the Dwarves returned to the earth and the stone of which they were made; yet that is not their own belief. For they say that Aulë the Maker, whom they call Mahal, cares for them, and gathers them to Mandos in halls set apart; and that he declared to their Fathers of old that Ilúvatar will hallow them and give them a place among the Children in the End. 

 Then their part shall be to serve Aulë and to aid him in the remaking of Arda after the Last Battle. They say also that the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves return to live again in their own kin and to bear once more their ancient names: of whom Durin was the most renowned in after ages, father of that kindred most friendly to the Elves, whose mansions were at Khazad-dûm.

Pycelle: That's really remarkable. Dwarves are much more resilient than humans, and they also live longer than humans. And that they call Aulé Mahal. I wonder if it's a fact or just tradition that Dwarven fathers are reborn into their lineage every so often. And that name Durin, wasn't there any mention of the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings, which led to Moria?

Tyrion: Indeed, Grand Maester. Durin must be one of the Seven Dwarven Fathers. It's a shame the other six Dwarven Fathers aren't named. Khazad-dum is mentioned, and that's another name for Moria. So Durin must be from there.

Joffrey: It's unfair that such filthy, lousy dwarves have longer lives than humans! We're the ones who should have very long lives, not such freaks.

Tywin: I've already told you, grandson, that life isn't fair. You'd better remember that.

Sansa: Do the dwarves really turn into dirt and stone after death? That's strange.

Arya: No, only the elves think that way, sister. They themselves say that they have their own halls in Mandos, where their creator takes them after death.

Sansa: Or maybe the elves are right and turn into dirt and stone.

Robb: I wonder if the dwarves are really supposed to help Aulé shape the world after the Last Battle. And what is this Last Battle? Some kind of end of the world or what?

Jon: That's what it looks like to me, after all he mentions that they are supposed to shape the world after the Last Battle. It's some kind of end of the world after which the Valar will shape the world anew. I just wonder if it's true or if it's just the dwarves who believe it.

Robert: If it's true, the dwarves will take part in a really important and momentous event. As far as I'm concerned, those tough bastards deserve it.

Cersei: (Snorts) As if those poor creatures deserve anything.

Jaime: Say what you will about them, Cersei, but I think they're really good and fierce warriors, and those connected to Durin are the most friendly to the elves. It seems even the beautiful elves can appreciate the dwarves. I'd gladly face Gimli and see who wins.

Tyrion: I'd bet money on you, brother. Gimli may be a dwarf, but I'm only betting on my family.

Jaime: That's good to hear, brother.

Catelyn: Those dwarves will play a strangely important role, if it's true that they help their creator fix the world after its end.

The next scene they saw was a conversation between Aulë and Yavanna; Aulë revealed to his wife the matter of the dwarves and Eru. She worried about her plants, especially trees, because she valued them highly.

Now when Aulë laboured in the making of the Dwarves he kept this work hidden from the other Valar; but at last he opened his mind to Yavanna and told her of all that had come to pass. 

 Then Yavanna said to him: 'Eru is merciful. Now I see that thy heart rejoiceth, as indeed it may; for thou hast received not only forgiveness but bounty. Yet because thou hiddest this thought from me until its achievement, thy children will have little love for the things of my love. They will love first the things made by their own hands, as doth their father. They will delve in the earth, and the things that grow and live upon the earth they will not heed. Many a tree shall feel the bite of their iron without pity.'

 But Aulë answered: 'That shall also be true of the Children of Ilúvatar; for they will eat and they will build. And though the things of thy realm have worth in themselves, and would have worth if no Children were to come, yet Eru will give them dominion, and they shall use all that they find in Arda: though not, by the purpose of Eru, without respect or without gratitude.'

 'Not unless Melkor darken their hearts,' said Yavanna.

Robert: Even Aule did not keep anything hidden from his own wife for long. Was it only because Aule had not told his wife earlier that the dwarves would not love her works? To me, she has some obsession with plants.

Tyrion: In case you forgot, Your Grace, Yavanna is responsible for all plants, for she was the one who sowed their seeds throughout the world. I understand that she is worried that the children of Iluvarat, including the dwarves, may devastate them, but I agree with Aule that wood will be needed as building material and fuel for elves, men and dwarves, although she may not like that.

Pycelle: Sons take after their fathers. The dwarves will clearly appreciate the works of their hands more than Aule does, and trees will be nothing more to them than building material and fuel for their future forges.

Catelyn: To me, Lady Yavanna simply loves nature, the work of her own hands, and simply fears that neither the dwarves, the work of her husband, nor the children of Ilúvatar will spare a single one. And she fears that Melkor will corrupt their hearts to do so.

Ned: But Men, Elves, and Dwarf will need fuel and timber for houses and furniture, that cannot be avoided. But it is clear that this is what hurts Yavanna. That her beloved trees will be cut down without restraint until there is nothing left. But if, after thousands of years since the arrival of the First Men, there are still pockets of ancient forests, all the more so that not all the trees in Arda will be cut down.

Tywin: This is absurd, but Yavanna is crazy about her precious plants and does not think rationally. She must understand that all the goods in the world, including her precious trees, will be used by Men, Elves, and Dwarfs. She should accept that.

Renly: I feel sorry for her, she simply loves her plants and does not want to see them destroyed by the children of Ilúvatar.

Stannis: It is inevitable though. Wood is very necessary for people, without it they would not be able to develop and would be no better than wild animals.

Jon: Despite this, she does not like it. Maybe she simply does not want to reconcile her beloved trees with such a fate.

Arya: Surely she will do something to protect them.

Robb: What? Maybe she will make some trees walk and defend themselves and the rest of the trees.

This aroused laughter among the gathered, to which Arya snorted.

Jon: Do not be afraid, little sister. Maybe Robb's mockery will turn out to be not far from the truth.

Sansa: But trees do not walk and defend themselves.

Jon: It is a different world, which means that anything may be possible there.

The magic mirror showed how after the conversation with Aulë, Yavanna went to talk to Manwë.

And she was not appeased, but grieved in heart, fearing what might be done upon Middle-earth in days to come. 

Therefore she went before Manwë, and she did not betray the counsel of Aulë, but she said: 'King of Arda, is it true, as Aulë hath said to me, that the Children when they come shall have dominion over all the things of my labour, to do as they will therewith?'

'It is true,' said Manwë. 'But why dost thou ask, for thou hadst no need of the teaching of Aulë?'

Then Yavanna was silent and looked into her own thought. And she answered: 'Because my heart is anxious, thinking of the days to come. All my works are dear to me. Is it not enough that Melkor should have marred so many? Shall nothing that I have devised be free from the dominion of others?'

 'If thou hadst thy will what wouldst thou reserve?' said Manwë. 'Of all thy realm what dost thou hold dearest?'

 'All have their worth,' said Yavanna, 'and each contributes to the worth of the others. But the kelvar can flee or defend themselves, whereas the olvar that grow cannot. And among these I hold trees dear. Long in the growing, swift shall they be in the felling, and unless they pay toll with fruit upon bough little mourned in their passing. So I see in my thought. Would that the trees might speak on behalf of all things that have roots, and punish those that wrong them!'

'This is a strange thought,'said Manwë.

'Yet it was in the Song,' said Yavanna. 'For while thou wert in the heavens and with Ulmo built the clouds and poured out the rains, I lifted up the branches of great trees to receive them, and some sang to Ilúvatar amid the wind and the rain.'

Jaime: I have to agree with Manwë. The idea of trees speaking and punishing others for destroying them sounds so absurd to me that it's laughable.

Tyrion: Brother, the Valar have done stranger things, like with sources of light for the world, that it's absurd to think they can't make some trees walk and defend others. Although I admit the idea of walking trees sounds laughable.

Robert: I can't imagine plants singing the praises of Ilúvatar just like that. It sounds absurd, as does the idea of walking trees speaking in defense of other trees.

Ned: Robert, we've seen so many strange things in this world that talking, walking trees wouldn't be the most absurd thing in this world.

Robert: Yes, tell me something more absurd than Yavanna.

Ned: The Two Lamps as a source of light for the world.

Robert: Yes, that's actually stranger.

Tywin: Yavanna's idea is not only strange but problematic, as these walking trees can attack anyone who tries to cut them down, making them a nuisance to the children of Ilúvatar.

Jaime: I doubt they will, after all we know the Valar cannot create sentient life without Ilúvatar. These walking trees could not function without Yavanna constantly thinking about them, and Ilúvatar certainly would not allow them to be a problem for his children.

Joffrey: This is foolish, walking trees are so absurd that Manwë should laugh at her and leave rather than listen.

Jon: Manwë is the King of Arda, so it is his duty to listen to Yavanna's request, my prince.

Joffrey: No one asked for your opinion, bastard.

Pycelle: The terms for plants and animals are puzzling. Kelvary must refer to animals, while olvary refers to plants. Fascinating.

The magic mirror showed the conversation of Yavanna and Manwë, including the creation of the Ents, the shepherds of the trees, as the spirits descended into the trees and took up residence in some, while from afar came giant eagles who would be the messengers of Manwë, King of Arda.

Then Manwë sat silent, and the thought of Yavanna that she had put into his heart grew and unfolded; and it was beheld by Ilúvatar. Then it seemed to Manwë that the Song rose once more about him, and he heeded now many things therein that though he had heard them he had not heeded before.

And at last the Vision was renewed, but it was not now remote, for he was himself within it, and yet he saw that all was upheld by the hand of Ilúvatar; and the hand entered in, and from it came forth many wonders that had until then been hidden from him in the hearts of the Ainur.

 Then Manwë awoke, and he went down to Yavanna upon Ezellohar, and he sat beside her beneath the Two Trees.

 And Manwë said: 'O Kementári, Eru hath spoken, saying: "Do then any of the Valar suppose that I did not hear all the Song, even the least sound of the least voice? Behold! When the Children awake, then the thought of Yavanna will awake also, and it will summon spirits from afar, and they will go among the kelvar and the olvar, and some will dwell therein, and be held in reverence, and their just anger shall be feared. For a time: while the Firstborn are in their power, and while the Secondborn are young." 

 But dost thou not now remember, Kementári, that thy thought sang not always alone? Did not thy thought and mine meet also, so that we took wing together like great birds that soar above the clouds? That also shall come to be by the heed of Ilúvatar, and before the Children awake there shall go forth with wings like the wind the Eagles of the Lords of the West.'

Jaime: So those walking, talking trees will appear, and if that wasn't enough, some giant eagles of the Lords of the West will appear.

Tyrion: In case you missed it, those trees will only be there for a while, until they finally disappear. Since there is an entire race of short, bearded warriors like Gimli, the existence of a race of walking, talking trees doesn't seem so strange and impossible to me.

Jaime: You know what, brother? It's still hard to believe that in some world there could be trees that walk, talk, and even protect other trees from being cut down. If someone said something like that here, they'd be considered a lunatic from the get-go.

Robert: So Yavanna's absurd request will be fulfilled, oh she really does have some obsession with plants.

Ned: After all, she is a GODDESS OF NATURE, Robert. It would be strange if she didn't give a damn.

Stannis: I agree with Lord Stark. It's her domain and plants are dear to her, probably more so than other creatures.

Robert: Yes, understandable but still strange to me. Maybe it's her domain, but she could limit herself.

Joffrey: Besides the stupid talking trees, there'll be stupid giant eagles? Those Valar are crazy!

Robb: No, they just look after their domains, my prince.

Tyrion: Indeed. And besides the trees or as we should call them Shepherds of Trees, there'll be giant eagles. And again, those trees will only exist for a time, not forever as Manwe said.

Pycelle: Interesting. The Shepherds of Trees and Great Eagles came into being during that time. I'll write that down.

The magic mirror continued to show the rest of Yavanna's conversation with Manwe, and then she returned to her husband in his workshop.

Then Yavanna was glad, and she stood up, reaching her arms towards the heavens, and she said: 'High shall climb the trees of Kementári, that the Eagles of the King may house therein!'

 But Manwë rose also, and it seemed that he stood to such a height that his voice came down to Yavanna as from the paths of the winds.

 'Nay,' he said, 'only the trees of Aulë will be tall enough. In the mountains the Eagles shall house, and hear the voices of those who call upon us. But in the forests shall walk the Shepherds of the Trees.'

 Then Manwë and Yavanna parted for that time, and Yavanna returned to Aulë; and he was in his smithy, pouring molten metal into a mould. 'Eru is bountiful,' she said. 'Now let thy children beware! For there shall walk a power in the forests whose wrath they will arouse at their peril.'

 'Nonetheless they will have need of wood,'said Aulë, and he went on with his smith-work.

After that the magic mirror turned black and disappeared.

Robert: Is this the end of the chapter? It was shorter than the previous ones.

Tyrion: I like Aulë's practical approach. I'll need wood, so even the Tree Shepherds won't be a problem for the Children of Ilúvatar.

Tywin: They could still be a problem, especially if they want to make it harder to cut down the trees.

Arya: And what could Aulë's trees be?

Pycelle: It's probably the mountains, Lady Arya. That makes sense, some species of birds don't nest in trees, but in mountains.

Ned: I think unless he goes into the forest where the Tree Shepherds live to cut down the trees, they probably won't do anything.

Robert: They could try me, I wouldn't be killed easily by a talking tree. I'd have him shoot it with flaming arrows, after dousing it in pitch. It'll burn like a torch.

Renly: Risky move, but it could pay off. I think wildfire would be more profitable to use against the Tree Shepherds.

Stannis: Fighting them could be difficult. You would have to use fire, because fire burns wood, which is what the Tree Shepherds make. I think they could be defeated, though the battle with them was not easy.

Catelyn: Yavanna and Aulë have their reasons, I think. The Children of Ilúvatar will fear the wrath of the Tree Shepherds, but they will still need wood for fuel and building.

Robert: If the Tree Shepherds do not willingly allow it, they will take it by force. I foresee a conflict between them and the Children of Ilúvatar.

Sansa: But those eagles are beautiful and so majestic.

Robert: Eagles are eagles, nothing special even if they are several times larger than ordinary eagles. And now I am leaving, I need a stronger drink.

Robert Baratheon stood up and left the hall without waiting for anyone.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat side by side, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, with only Grand Maester Pycelle sitting close to Lord Lannister.

Pycelle: Your Grace, I have received word that we will be receiving another chapter of the Silmarillion.

Robert: Excellent, I cannot wait to see the Valar attack Morgoth and destroy his stronghold of Utumno. Surely they will either kill or enslave Morgoth.

Tywin: Assuming Morgoth does not escape through the secret tunnels beneath Utumno. If he is not a complete fool, he has certainly built them in case the worst should happen and the Valar break through his defenses and enter the stronghold.

Stannis: This is something Manwe should consider when I march my army to Utumno. Morgoth cannot be allowed to escape, for in the future he may harm the world again.

Ned: It is a risk, Lord Stannis, but there is a high probability that Morgoth did not escape and the Valar will capture him. His pride may not allow him to escape from his own stronghold.

Renly: What pride, Lord Stark? Morgoth escaped Tulkas once before after he destroyed the Two Lamps, preferring to hide within the walls of his stronghold rather than face him in the open field. It may be that he will build himself another stronghold, which will serve as a second hiding place if Utumno falls to the Valar.

Tyrion: That is a possibility, Lord Renly. We do not know how much time has passed since the Valar moved to Aman to the time they attack, but I assume it must have been centuries. Time enough to build another stronghold, which could serve as a defense against attack from the west and a place of refuge if Utumno falls.

Robb: Even if it is as you say, Lord Tyrion, the Valar will not allow Morgoth to remain free. They will surely march on this other stronghold of the enemy.

Jon: Then he can flee beyond Arda again, where he will lie in wait for a better opportunity to strike again and strike at Manwë and the rest of the Valar.

Jaime: Whatever he does, it will probably be fueled by his pride and jealousy of the works of the Valar. He is not thinking rationally then, which is good, for it helps Manwë and the rest of the Valar to defeat this destroyer. If Morgoth were a calculating and calculating enemy, driven by pragmatism, he would be a hundred times more dangerous than he is now.

Catelyn: May the Valar finally restrain Morgoth so that he can do no more damage to Arda. He is much more cruel than the demons of the Seven Hells as written in the Seven Pointed Star.

Joffrey: Manwe is too weak to be king of the world. They should have someone who is strong, decisive and ruthless. The actions of this bastard Morgoth must be finally put to an end.

Robert: Where is that bloody mirror?! Let it finally appear and start, because I don't have all day to sit and watch another world.

Ned: Calm down, Robert. I'm sure it will appear soon and then we'll watch this next chapter.

Cersei: Let it finally appear. I don't have all day to watch another world. I am the queen of the Seven Kingdoms!

As if on cue, a large, magical mirror appeared on the opposite wall, and on its surface appeared the words CHAPTER 3, OF THE COMING OF THE ELVES AND THE CAPTIVITY OF MELKOR. Then the words disappeared, and for a long moment nothing could be seen. Then the mirror showed the whole of Arda, plunged into darkness, illuminated only by the light of distant stars. Only Aman enjoyed the light that Telperion and Laurelin gave.

Through long ages the Valar dwelt in bliss in the light of the Trees beyond the Mountains of Aman, but all Middle-earth lay in a twilight under the stars. While the Lamps had shone, growth began there which now was checked, because all was again dark. 

But already the oldest living things had arisen: in the seas the great weeds, and on earth the shadow of great trees; and in the valleys of the night-clad hills there were dark creatures old and strong. To those lands and forests the Valar seldom came, save only Yavanna and Oromë; and Yavanna would walk there in the shadows, grieving because the growth and promise of the Spring of Arda was stayed.

And she set a sleep upon many things that had arisen in the Spring, so that they should not age, but should wait for a time of awakening that yet should be.

Robert: Ha, so they'll defeat Morgoth, since they're talking about his "captivity." And we'll see those pointy-eared elves appear. I remember Haldir and his elves fighting at Helm's Deep, and gods, that was a fight. I hope they show us those elves fighting in the future. I'd love to see that.

Ned: So the light of the Two Trees didn't reach beyond Aman. The rest of the world was in an endless night. Nothing could grow in such conditions.

Tyrion: No wonder Yavanna put the plants of Middle-earth to sleep. In such conditions, plants would have a hard time growing without sunlight. Animals can manage somehow, but I don't see how plants could thrive in such darkness.

Renly: The world there is truly bleak in such darkness. And only Orome and Yavanna visited Middle-earth from time to time.

Stannis: Because it is clear that they still love the world, but I do not understand the creation of a new source of light that illuminates only Aman. And what of the rest of the world? Will it always exist in darkness, illuminated by the faint glow of distant stars?

Jon: In one of the previous chapters it was mentioned that the Two Trees shone until the Darkness came to Valinor. I assure you Morgoth somehow managed to get there and destroy them, and the Valar eventually created the Sun and Moon, which will illuminate the whole world, not just their land.

Ned: You think right Jon. Surely the Valar will not limit this light to their land when they create the Sun and Moon.

Robb: But how did Morgoth manage to get to Aman? This land is so strongly defended against his attack.

Tywin: I suspect, judging by the chapter title, that Morgoth will escape the Valar's prison, destroy Telperion and Laurelin, and then flee Aman, fleeing to Middle-earth. If so, then they truly are incompetent fools who allow their dangerous prisoner to escape.

Tyrion: As always, Father is so optimistic (sarcasm)

Tywin: I am merely stating the obvious, Tyrion. Nothing more.

Pycelle: Interesting. So Yavanna put the plants of Middle-earth to sleep, because without light they cannot grow. So it is only when the Sun appears that they will awaken from their sleep to grow in its light.

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing a view of Utumno. After a moment, it moved closer, delving into the interior of the dark fortress, showing the throne room where Morgoth sat on the throne, surrounded by fearsome Balrogs. Sauron is seen approaching the throne and Morgoth giving him the keys to Angband.

But in the north Melkor built his strength, and he slept not, but watched, and laboured; and the evil things that he had perverted walked abroad, and the dark and slumbering woods were haunted by monsters and shapes of dread. 

And in Utumno he gathered his demons about him, those spirits who first adhered to him in the days of his splendour, and became most like him in his corruption: their hearts were of fire, but they were cloaked in darkness, and terror went before them; they had whips of flame. 

Balrogs they were named in Middle-earth in later days. And in that dark time Melkor bred many other monsters of divers shapes and kinds that long troubled the world; and his realm spread now ever southward over Middle-earth.

And Melkor made also a fortress and armoury not far from the north-western shores of the sea, to resist any assault that might come from Aman. 

That stronghold was commanded by Sauron, lieutenant of Melkor; and it was named Angband.

Robert: Not bad Renly, you predicted that Morgoth would indeed build himself a second stronghold, this Angband, and put it under the command of this Sauron.

Renly: (Smiles) It was simply predictable, brother.

Stannis: The Valar should have finally moved. Their sluggishness allowed Morgoth to strengthen himself in Middle-earth. Now he has a second stronghold, which Sauron commands. Now it will be harder for the Valar to uproot him. Bloody Manwë with his sluggishness.

Catelyn: Gods, these Balrogs again. They look like cursed demons from the Seven Hells.

Ned: Yes, they are terrifying and that is what Morgoth can use. To terrify his enemies with the appearance of these Balrogs and they are probably dangerous opponents in battle.

Jaime: There is no man in Westeros I would not cross swords with if he challenged me to a duel, but these Balrogs….they are not an opponent I would want to face, even if it were a one-on-one duel.

Tyrion: He could joke that even my bold and brave brother is a coward, but against such an opponent, even the Mountain That Rides would probably flee at the sight of him rather than fight. Even a mad dog would not attack a demon, which would be certain death.

Tywin: Morgoth is acting sensibly. He has built a second stronghold in a place that will allow him to repel any attack from the Valar, or so he thinks. Besides, he can retreat to Angband if Utumno falls, and entrusting it to someone trusted like Sauron is also sensible. If Sauron is competent, Angband could be a difficult place to take, and could clear the Valar's advance on Utumno, giving Morgoth time to implement his plans for the enemy.

Tyrion: There is always the possibility that the Valar will bypass Angband and attack Utumno.

Tywin: That would be a mistake, as they would be opening themselves up to attack from Angband. While they are besieging Utumno, Sauron could lead his forces out of the stronghold and attack the Valar, while Morgoth could raid from the stronghold. Manwë's forces would be caught between a rock and a hard place. It would be wiser to take Angband first and then tackle Utumno.

Arya: I wonder what other monsters Morgoth has bred in Utumno.

Jon: Something as terrifying as the Balrogs, surely. Some twisted demons and monsters you can't imagine.

Robb: That gives me the creeps. Especially since his creatures haunted the forests of Arda.

Tyrion: I don't even want to think about what monsters he bred in the dungeons of Utumno. And honestly, I'd rather not see them. The sight of the Balrogs, those demons of fire and shadow, is enough for me to live. I don't need to see the rest at all.

Joffrey: (Shudders at the thought of the demonic Balrogs) They should serve the Iron Throne.

Jaime: If those demons served the Targaryens, even without dragons they could dominate Westeros and they would never be overthrown. Aerys could send them to war and they would crush entire armies and kill all the rebels.

Ned: (Shudders at the thought of the Balrogs serving Aerys Targaryen) It's a good thing they didn't have them. That would be terrifying.

The image on the magic mirror changed, moving from the dungeons of Utumno to the glowing Two Trees of Aman, showing a meeting of the council of the Valar. Yavanna and Tulkas were seen urging Manwë to war with Morgoth before the Elves awoke.

It came to pass that the Valar held council, for they became troubled by the tidings that Yavanna and Oromë brought from the Outer Lands;   and Yavanna spoke before the Valar, saying: 'Ye mighty of Arda, the Vision of Ilúvatar was brief and soon taken away, so that maybe we cannot guess within a narrow count of days the hour appointed. Yet be sure of this: the hour approaches, and within this age our hope shall be revealed, and the Children shall awake. Shall we then leave the lands of their dwelling desolate and full of evil? Shall they walk in darkness while we have light? Shall they call Melkor lord while Manwë sits upon Taniquetil?'

And Tulkas cried: 'Nay! Let us make war swiftly! Have we not rested from strife overlong, and is not our strength now renewed? Shall one alone contest with us for ever?'

But at the bidding of Manwë Mandos spoke, and he said: 'In this age the Children of Ilúvatar shall come indeed, but they come not yet. Moreover it is doom that the Firstborn shall come in the darkness, and shall look first upon the stars. Great light shall be for their waning. To Varda ever shall they call at need.'

Robert: Ha, Tulkas is always talking the talk. Enough of this sitting around, grab your weapons, gather an army and go to Utumno, crush Morgoth!

Pycelle: From what Mandos has said, I gather that the Elves will awaken when most of the world is night, illuminated only by the glow of distant stars. And if Varda has a connection to the stars, that might explain why the Elves will call upon her name rather than her husband.

Renly: It is clever to try to get Manwë to war with Morgoth by saying that the Elves may look upon Morgoth as their lord, rather than Manwë. It will certainly spur him into action.

Tywin: Manwë may not care about his own glory, but he certainly does not want to allow a situation in which the Elves will look upon his treacherous brother as their lord and king, rather than him. Even one such as he must have his pride that will not allow it.

Cersei: Of course he will, father. Even one as pathetic as Manwe would not allow his traitorous brother to receive homage from the elves, for there can be only one king of the world.

Robb: Yavanna speaks well of that. The Valar cannot allow the evil and darkness of Morgoth to rule over them. I hope Manwe does something about it.

Jon: Certainly, brother. I will be surprised if Manwe does not do something about it. We know he has not abandoned Middle-earth, and he certainly will not allow Morgoth to rule over the rest of the world when the elves come.

Ned: Certainly, son. Manwe cannot allow Morgoth to rule over the elves. It would undermine his authority as King of Arda. He certainly will not allow it.

Cersei: Unless he is a pathetic fool who indulges his traitorous brother.

Tyrion: I wonder what you would have done in Manwe's place with Melkor/Morgoth and his ambition to rule the world, sweet sister?

Cersei: Simple, I would have him captured and beheaded, and his stronghold razed to the ground so that no one would even guess that his stronghold had ever been there. And the same with Angband. And his servants like Sauron and those Balrogs met the same fate as their master. I ordered all of them to be beheaded and impaled as a warning to fools who might think they could rebel against my rule.

Robert: So you are ready to become a kinslayer? Although seeing how you hate your brother Imp, I shouldn't be surprised.

Ned: And isn't it possible that instead of leaving him a kinslayer, Manwe could have Morgoth taken alive and then seek advice from Eru Ilúvatar on what to do with him?

Tyrion: I think it is possible, because if Ilúvatar allowed the dwarves to exist, then Manwë could consult his creator about what to do with his rebellious brother. The best I can think of is that Morgoth was locked in a dungeon beyond time and space, from which he could not escape. After all, Ilúvatar is an almighty god, so it is not beyond his power.

Tywin: Or make sure that Morgoth dies at the hand of Tulkas, Oromë, or any other Valar. Then Manwë's hands would be clean, and none would look upon him as a slayer of kin.

The image in the magic mirror changed, and the viewer saw Varda leave the council, and then draw dew from the vat at Telperion's feet, and from that dew she created a multitude of different stars, which shone brighter than the old stars. Finally, the scene showed the lake of Cuiviénen and its shores; there they saw hundreds of Elves who lay asleep, but in the hour when Varda had finished her work they awoke, and the first thing they saw was the glow of the stars, new and old. From that time on they loved the stars and their creator, the Queen of Arda, most of all.

Then Varda went forth from the council, and she looked out from the height of Taniquetil, and beheld the darkness of Middle-earth beneath the innumerable stars, faint and far. Then she began a great labour, greatest of all the works of the Valar since their coming into Arda.

She took the silver dews from the vats of Telperion, and therewith she made new stars and brighter against the coming of the Firstborn; wherefore she whose name out of the deeps of time and the labours of Eä was Tintallë, the Kindler, was called after by the Elves Elentári, Queen of the Stars. 

Carnil and Luinil, Nénar and Lumbar, Alcarinquë and Elemmírë she wrought in that time, and many other of the ancient stars she gathered together and set as signs in the heavens of Arda: Wilwarin, Telumendil, Soronúmë, and Anarríma; and Menelmacar with his shining belt, that forebodes the Last Battle that shall be at the end of days. And high in the north as a challenge to Melkor she set the crown of seven mighty stars to swing, Valacirca, the Sickle of the Valar and sign of doom.

It is told that even as Varda ended her labours, and they were long, when first Menelmacar strode up the sky and the blue fire of Helluin flickered in the mists above the borders of the world, in that hour the Children of the Earth awoke, the Firstborn of Ilúvatar. 

By the starlit mere of Cuiviénen, Water of Awakening, they rose from the sleep of Ilúvatar; and while they dwelt yet silent by Cuiviénen their eyes beheld first of all things the stars of heaven. Therefore they have ever loved the starlight, and have revered Varda Elentári above all the Valar.

Tyrion: Varda has certainly earned her title of Lady of the Stars and now Queen of the Stars. Using the dew of Telperion, she has created a multitude of new stars, the glow of which has caught the attention of the newly awakened elves.

Pycelle: Gods, so many new names! Carnil, Luinil, Nenar, Lumbar, Alcarinque, Wilwarin, Telumendil, Soronúmë and Anarríma, Valacirca and Menelmacar, which is supposed to be a prelude to the end of times, which will be the Last Battle. The elves awakening at Lake Cuivienien and Varda's new title, Elentari, which means Queen of the Stars. So much new information.

Tyrion: They could be connected to the alignment of the stars in our world, Grand Maester.

Pycelle: Perhaps, Lord Tyrion. I would need more information on this.

Robert: Varda certainly has a lot of momentum, since she has created so many stars. I'm really curious about this Last Battle at the end of time. I'd like to see how this Last Battle plays out.

Ned: If it happens at the end of the world, we probably won't see it, Robert. The Silmarilion showed us its beginnings and ancient history. We probably won't see that far into the future of that world.

Renly: I agree with Lord Stark. We won't see an event as far into the future as this Last Battle, brother.

Stannis: And honestly, I'd rather not see the world end, especially if that world ends in the heat of battle. And so we get to see Manwë finally march to war with Morgoth.

Catelyn: The crown of seven stars, this Valacirca reminds me of those stories about the battle between the Andals and the First Men in the Vale, where there were seven stars in the sky, which the Andal chieftains took as a sign of the gods' favor to their cause.

Pycelle: What's interesting about the approach is that the number seven comes up a lot. Maybe it has something to do with our world or maybe it's just a coincidence.

Sansa: Oh my, what beautiful stars and those elves! They look like the Valar, only smaller.

Arya: If the elves have awakened, it remains to be seen how the Valar will find them and finally march on Morgoth!

Robb: The Valar do not know about the awakening of the elves yet. I assume that either Yavanna or Orome will find them, because they are the only ones who visit Middle-earth outside of Ulmo, but he uses the waters to communicate with the children of Ilúvatar.

Jon: Yavanna tending to the plants in Middle-earth or Orome hunting Morgoth's monsters seem to me to be the only candidates who could find the elves at Lake Cuiviénen, with Orome being the most likely in my opinion because as a hunter he probably goes much further into Middle-earth than Yavanna, who may not go very deep.

Tyrion: I think young Snow may have a point here. Orome, as a ranger, can travel far from Aman to hunt Morgoth's monsters, so a chance encounter with elves is very possible.

Joffrey: And what could some northern bastard possibly know about this?

Tyrion: By deduction, nephew. You could learn a lot from him.

Joffrey: (Snorts under his breath)

Cersei: My son will learn nothing from that stinking northern bastard.

Jon: I've washed recently, so I don't stink, my queen.

Jaime: (Laughs at this) I can't smell any of Jon Snow's stench, so he certainly isn't stinking, dear sister.

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing Lake Cuiviénen from a much greater distance, revealing that the lake was merely an inlet of the much larger, inland sea of Helcar. Then the image changed again, showing Oromë riding a horse, who had ventured into those distant regions of Middle-earth, as Nahar stood and slew, and then Oromë heard someone singing in the distance.

In the changes of the world the shapes of lands and of seas have been broken and remade; rivers have not kept their courses, neither have mountains remained steadfast; and to Cuiviénen there is no returning. But it is said among the Elves that it lay far off in the east of Middle-earth, and northward, and it was a bay in the Inland Sea of Helcar; and that sea stood where aforetime the roots of the mountain of Illuin had been before Melkor overthrew it. 

Many waters flowed down thither from heights in the east, and the first sound that was heard by the Elves was the sound of water flowing, and the sound of water falling over stone.

Long they dwelt in their first home by the water under stars, and they walked the Earth in wonder; and they began to make speech and to give names to all things that they perceived. Themselves they named the Quendi, signifying those that speak with voices; for as yet they had met no other living things that spoke or sang.

And on a time it chanced that Oromë rode eastward in his hunting, and he turned north by the shores of Helcar and passed under the shadows of the Orocarni, the Mountains of the East. Then on a sudden Nahar set up a great neighing, and stood still. And Oromë wondered and sat silent, and it seemed to him that in the quiet of the land under the stars he heard afar off many voices singing

Pycelle: So the lake is merely a bay of a larger sea, rather than a lake in its own right. And that the Sea of Helcar was formed where one of the two Lamps was, and that the Orocarni Mountains are near that sea. It also explains that the name Quendi was invented by the Elves to name themselves.

Tyrion: Because they have not met any other sentient beings. The Dwarves may still be sleeping under the roots of the mountains, though they may wake up any minute, and the Men are probably still fast asleep. I do not blame them for calling themselves that.

Robert: Ha, Ned's son was right. It was Oromë of all the Valar who found the Elves. He will probably bring them to Aman to serve them. There they will be safer from Morgoth's influence.

Neda: Surely it will give the Valar the impetus to march against Morgoth. But is it wise not to let the elves live in Middle-earth, rather than drag them to Aman after they have dealt with Morgoth?

Cersei: Why let them live in Middle-earth, when they can make useful servants of the elves in Aman. Surely even the Valar saw use in them in such a way.

Robb: (Pat Jon on the shoulder) Well done, brother, you had a nose for it.

Jon: (Smiling at Robb) It just seemed the most sensible, considering what we have already learned.

Tyrion: Yes, only the Valar who visited Middle-earth had a chance of finding the awakened elves. Wise of you, Jon Snow.

Joffrey: Fool's luck. Even a bastard can guess right sometimes.

Jaime: No fool's luck has anything to do with it, nephew. Snow simply used what we learned to guess correctly. Anyone halfway competent would have put the pieces together and guessed correctly.

Joffrey: (Snorts under his breath at his uncle's words)

Catelyn: The Elves will certainly welcome Oromë, especially when they hear who he is. After all, the Valar want to help them.

Tywin: But they have heard nothing of the Valar before. It is also possible that Morgoth, who lives in Middle-earth, has not heard of them before. He may have already begun to turn them against Oromë and the rest of the Valar.

Robert: Damned cowardice on Morgoth's part. He cannot fight like a man, but prefers to turn others against his brother.

Renly: I would expect nothing less from him. We have been shown that Morgoth is a coward who would rather run than face the Valar.

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing Oromë coming to the Elves, and some of them fled at the sight of him. Then the image changed again, showing the dark rider that terrified the elves, chasing them and taking some to Utumno. After that, most of the elves were seen welcoming Oromë, impressed by his appearance.

Thus it was that the Valar found at last, as it were by chance, those whom they had so long awaited. And Oromë looking upon the Elves was filled with wonder, as though they were beings sudden and marvellous and unforeseen; for so it shall ever be with the Valar. 

From without the World, though all things may be forethought in music or foreshown in vision from afar, to those who enter verily into Eä each in its time shall be met at unawares as something new and unforetold.

In the beginning the Elder Children of Ilúvatar were stronger and greater than they have since become; but not more fair, for though the beauty of the Quendi in the days of their youth was beyond all other beauty that Ilúvatar has caused to be, it has not perished, but lives in the West, and sorrow and wisdom have enriched it. 

And Oromë loved the Quendi, and named them in their own tongue Eldar, the people of the stars; but that name was after borne only by those who followed him upon the westward road.

Yet many of the Quendi were filled with dread at his coming; and this was the doing of Melkor. For by after-knowledge the wise declare that Melkor, ever watchful, was first aware of the awakening of the Quendi, and sent shadows and evil spirits to spy upon them and waylay them. 

So it came to pass, some years ere the coming of Oromë, that if any of the Elves strayed far abroad, alone or few together, they would often vanish, and never return; and the Quendi said that the Hunter had caught them, and they were afraid. 

And indeed the most ancient songs of the Elves, of which echoes are remembered still in the West, tell of the shadow-shapes that walked in the hills above Cuiviénen, or would pass suddenly over the stars; and of the dark Rider upon his wild horse that pursued those that wandered to take them and devour them. 

Now Melkor greatly hated and feared the riding of Oromë, and either he sent indeed his dark servants as riders, or he set lying whispers abroad, for the purpose that the Quendi should shun Oromë, if ever they should meet.

Robert: Bloody Morgoth. Of course he had to turn the elves against Oromë, using lies and his servants. He will never be satisfied with spreading hatred and chaos, as if it were some kind of fun.

Ned: I expect nothing less from this evil Valar. We were shown how he destroyed the world shaped by the Valar and then how he destroyed the Two Lamps. So the negative attitude of the elves towards Valar like Oromë does not surprise me.

Pycelle: So Oromë gave the elves the name Eldar. Interesting, it will certainly be important. Let's write it down.

Tywin: If I were Morgoth I would go among the elves myself, to show myself to them with smooth words as their benevolent and wise ruler, while at the same time showing the Valar as their enemies, who want to enslave the elves. However, he limited himself to their negative attitude towards Oromë. Now, however, Oromë can show himself in a positive light and destroy Morgoth's plans.

Sansa: Orome will surely convince the elves that he is not evil as Morgoth showed him.

Arya: He is certainly not a dark rider, seeing as he shines in the darkness of the night. The elves will certainly notice the difference.

Jon: Which does not mean that they will trust him right away. Morgoth sent his servants in the form of riders, which has sown fear in their hearts and they may not be too trusting of Orome. Of course, he can still convince the elves, especially since we know that he is not evil, although they do not.

Robb: If the elves believe him, which is not at all obvious.

Tyrion: He will probably convince them somehow. Orome who shines in the dark of the night cannot be the Dark Rider that the Eldar have seen before. This may give them something to think about.

Tywin: As long as they are not consumed by fear and despite the fact that he is not a Dark Rider, they will reject Orome anyway.

Cersei: If these elves aren't complete fools, they'll believe Orome. But I don't think they're the brightest creatures in the world.

Tyrion: As usual, when someone is prettier or smarter than you, you'll criticize them.

Jaime: Brother, can you please not start another fight?

Cersei: Shut up, you bloody fool. The gods have punished me with a dwarf brother like you, Imp!

Tywin: Calm down, or the three of you will be leaving soon.

Jaime: But...

Tywin: No buts, Jaime. I don't want any fights here. You are Lannisters, so act like Lannisters.

The image on the magic mirror showed Orome winning over the elves, who, seeing the glow emanating from his face, bravely approached the Valar Hunter. Then the image changed to show what Morgoth did to the captured elves. Through torture and foul magic, he transformed the once beautiful elves into cruel, filthy orcs who took pleasure in bringing death and torturing their enemies for their own amusement.

Thus it was that when Nahar neighed and Oromë indeed came among them, some of the Quendi hid themselves, and some fled and were lost. But those that had courage, and stayed, perceived swiftly that the Great Rider was no shape out of darkness; for the light of Aman was in his face, and all the noblest of the Elves were drawn towards it. But of those unhappy ones who were ensnared by Melkor little is known of a certainty. 

For who of the living has descended into the pits of Utumno, or has explored the darkness of the counsels of Melkor? Yet this is held true by the wise of Eressëa, that all those of the Quendi who came into the hands of Melkor, ere Utumno was broken, were put there in prison, and by slow arts of cruelty were corrupted and enslaved; and thus did Melkor breed the hideous race of the Orcs in envy and mockery of the Elves, of whom they were afterwards the bitterest foes. 

For the Orcs had life and multiplied after the manner of the Children of Ilúvatar; and naught that had life of its own, nor the semblance of life, could ever Melkor make since his rebellion in the Ainulindalë before the Beginning: so say the wise. 

And deep in their dark hearts the Orcs loathed the Master whom they served in fear, the maker only of their misery. This it may be was the vilest deed of Melkor, and the most hateful to Ilúvatar.

Everyone (or at least most of them) were shocked and disgusted by what Morgoth had done to the captured elves.

Robert: Gods, what kind of monster would do this to someone. With his cruelty, torture and black magic he had turned beautiful elves into these… these disgusting creatures. Now she really wants to see Manwe smash the head of that fucking monster.

Catelyn: (prayed) Mother, watch over us. This Morgoth is just a monster, a brute unworthy of being called one of the gods.

Ned: This… this is horrible. Who could do such a beastly thing to another being. Those elves did not deserve such a fate.

Renly: By the Seven, Morgoth is a monster, a brute and a beast. Those elves did not deserve such a cruel fate. Better death than such a lousy fate.

Stannis: This is indeed a cruel thing, and it is no wonder that to Ilúvatar it was the worst thing Morgoth could do. He corrupted the captives of his eldest children, turning them into these creatures. These Orcs. Note also that it is not certain that the wise men of these Elves say so. After all, none of them were in Utumno to witness what Morgoth did to the captured Elves. So perhaps it is not true, and Morgoth only tortured these unfortunates to death. I prefer to believe that than that Morgoth, in his hatred and contempt for life, turned these Elves into loathsome Orcs.

Tywin: I agree with Lord Stannis. According to the voice in the mirror, none of these wise men who say that Orcs were bred from Elves have ever been to Utumno to witness what Morgoth did to the captives. It is possible that these elves were transformed into orcs by dark magic and torture, but it is also possible that this is not true and none of Morgoth's prisoners survived the torment he inflicted on them. (He did not reveal how disgusted he was by what Morgoth did to the unfortunate elves.)

Tyrion: At least these orcs hate their lord who created them. It is a pity that because of their fear of Morgoth they will neither abandon him nor rebel against him.

Jaime: Fear of the chieftain can only keep an army in check for a while. If such fear disappears, nothing will keep these orcs in check. They will either abandon him or rebel against him if fear of him disappears.

Sansa: This is terrible! Morgoth is a monster who wronged those elves so cruelly, turning them into orcs. They did not deserve this.

Arya: Fucking Morgoth, let the Valar finally defeat and kill him!

Ned: Language, Arya. You won't curse me here, little lady.

Arya: Sorry, father. I'm just pissed off at what Morgoth did to those poor elves. They didn't deserve it!

Ned: Yes, no one deserves such a lousy fate. He wouldn't even wish it on the Mad King.

Robert: I do. If Rhaegar suffered like those elves, he'd be pleased. Especially if he could watch that bastard suffer.

Ned: (looked at Jon for a moment, glad he wasn't drawing too much attention from Robert)

Robb: Gods, that Morgoth is crazy. Is there no limit to his cruelty? Those elves didn't deserve such a fate. No one does.

Jon: I doubt it would. It's a pity that Ilúvatar didn't punish Morgoth. After all, he did harm to one of his children.

Cersei. He probably doesn't care much. He should punish Morgoth for such cruelty.

Joffrey: (Fascinated by what Morgoth did to the captured elves)

Stannis: Hopefully this will finally convince Manwë to war with Morgoth.

Tyrion: The only good thing about this is that the elves convinced Oromë. That's always a success.

Pycelle: It's terrifying and fascinating. So Morgoth bred the elves into orcs, fearsome creatures who serve him only out of betrayal and hate him with all their hearts.

The image on the magic mirror showed Oromë riding Nahar and returning to Aman in an incredibly short time, where he told the Valar everything. Then he quickly returned to the elves, dwelling among them. Manwe then sought counsel from Ilúvatar, and when he had it, he summoned all the Valar to the Ring of Doom, and even Ulmo appeared, where, on the advice of their creator, he resolved to regain dominion over the rest of Arda and free the Elves from the shadow of Morgoth. Manwe gathered with the rest of the Valar a large army of Maiar, ready to march upon Utumno and free the world from its shadow.

Oromë tarried a while among the Quendi, and then swiftly he rode back over land and sea to Valinor and brought the tidings to Valmar; and he spoke of the shadows that troubled Cuiviénen. 

Then the Valar rejoiced, and yet they were in doubt amid their joy; and they debated long what counsel it were best to take for the guarding of the Quendi from the shadow of Melkor. But Oromë returned at once to Middle-earth and abode with the Elves.

Manwë sat long in thought upon Taniquetil, and he sought the counsel of Ilúvatar. And coming then down to Valmar he summoned the Valar to the Ring of Doom, and thither came even Ulmo from the Outer Sea.

Then Manwë said to the Valar: 'This is the counsel of Ilúvatar in my heart: that we should take up again the mastery of Arda, at whatsoever cost, and deliver the Quendi from the shadow of Melkor.' Then Tulkas was glad; but Aulë was grieved, foreboding the hurts of the world that must come of that strife. But the Valar made ready and came forth from Aman in strength of war, resolving to assault the fortresses of Melkor and make an end. 

Never did Melkor forget that this war was made for the sake of the Elves, and that they were the cause of his downfall. Yet they had no part in those deeds, and they know little of the riding of the might of the West against the North in the beginning of their days.

Robert: Great, finally the Valar have moved to defeat that son of a bitch Morgoth. And Orome living among the elves will scare away the servants of the enemy, because I doubt such a coward would personally fight a Valar Hunter.

Tywin: We will see if Angband fulfills its role. Morgoth built it to defend against attacks from the Valar. We will see if Sauron, who commands it, will resist or succumb to the attack from Aman.

Ned: It would be better for the whole world if Sauron and Morgoth were defeated. It would be better because his victory would be the greatest disaster for all of Arda. And the title of the chapter itself suggests that Morgoth will be imprisoned by the Valar.

Tyrion: The Valar are so determined that I do not see a situation in which Morgoth will be able to win. If the worst happens, Ilúvatar may decide to intervene and get rid of the nuisance that is Morgoth. Manwe will not surrender, however, while he lives and Morgoth is not defeated.

Arya: Yes, let the Valar give Morgoth a hard time! This monster cannot win against the good Valar!

Joffrey: Only the strongest will win, Stark. The weak will be consumed, and that is all that matters.

Catelyn: Let Manwe defeat Morgoth and break his power in the world. He cannot be allowed to win.

Robb: There is much going on now. The Valar are finally going to war with Morgoth, and who knows how it will end?

Ned: Let us believe in victory for the Valar and defeat for Morgoth, my son. That is the only good that can be for the world beyond.

Stannis: Manwe finally fulfills his duty to the world. Better late than never. Let it not be too late. Morgoth has done terrible things before, like what he did to the captured elves.

Renly: And you, as always, only duty and duty, brother. As if nothing else in the world mattered.

Stannis: Duty is an important thing, without it the world would be in chaos.

Pycelle: Morgoth has not forgotten why the Valar made war against it. It may reflect badly on the elves in the future. And the fact that they know little about the war of the Valar with Morgoth means that the descriptions of these battles are scanty.

Robert: Szlak, and I wanted to see exactly how this war went.

Ned: There is still a possibility that they will show us in more detail, because the author could have talked about this war with the Valar.

The image on the magic mirror showed how the Valar army wins a victory over the army sent from Utumno, and its remnants fled to Utumno, how they left guard at Lake Cuiviénen; then the many years of siege of Morgoth's stronghold, showing the countless battles that took place before its gate. At last the Valar were victorious, breaking the gates of Utumno, and the fortress itself was destroyed. Tulkas slew Morgoth, who was bound in the chains of Angainor and dragged to Aman. Changes were also seen in the world.

Melkor met the onset of the Valar in the North-west of Middle-earth, and all that region was much broken. But the first victory of the hosts of the West was swift, and the servants of Melkor fled before them to Utumno. Then the Valar passed over Middle-earth, and they set a guard over Cuiviénen; and thereafter the Quendi knew nothing of the great Battle of the Powers, save that the Earth shook and groaned beneath them, and the waters were moved, and in the north there were lights as of mighty fires.

 Long and grievous was the siege of Utumno, and many battles were fought before its gates of which naught but the rumour is known to the Elves. In that time the shape of Middle-earth was changed, and the Great Sea that sundered it from Aman grew wide and deep; and it broke in upon the coasts and made a deep gulf to the southward. Many lesser bays were made between the Great Gulf and Helcaraxë far in the north, where Middle-earth and Aman came nigh together. 

 Of these the Bay of Balar was the chief; and into it the mighty river Sirion flowed down from the new-raised highlands northwards: Dorthonion, and the mountains about Hithlum. The lands of the far north were all made desolate in those days; for there Utumno was delved exceeding deep, and its pits were filled with fires and with great hosts of the servants of Melkor.

 But at the last the gates of Utumno were broken and the halls unroofed, and Melkor took refuge in the uttermost pit. Then Tulkas stood forth as champion of the Valar and wrestled with him, and cast him upon his face; and he was bound with the chain Angainor that Aulë had wrought, and led captive; and the world had peace for a long age.

Robert: Ha, great Tulkas. That bastard was defeated and chained. And his stronghold was destroyed.

Tywin: Angband was supposed to protect Morgoth from attacks from Aman. And now we're shown that the Valar bypassed it and besieged Morgoth's main stronghold, eventually taking it and defeating him. And finally destroying the whole stronghold. But it makes the victory incomplete, because Angband wasn't taken and destroyed and Sauron wasn't captured by the Valar.

Tyrion: It may be a problem in the future, but Sauron, who is probably a Maiar, is basically a minnow next to his master. He'll probably hide so everyone forgets about him and only then act.

Jaime: Has anyone noticed the changes in the world caused by this war between the Valar and Morgoth? It's crazy!

Stannis: Given that they have almost god-like power, it's not all that surprising that when they go to war, the world suffers. It makes sense why the Valar are so reluctant to go to war.

Ned: It makes sense that they're reluctant to go to war, because then the world suffers. But Manwë had no choice but to defeat his brother to bring peace to Middle-earth. And the Elves will be safe thanks to the guards the Valar have left.

Renly: It's funny that the chain that Aulë forged and used to bind Morgoth has a name.

Tyrion: If it weren't for the circumstances of its use, he'd think it was funny that they even gave a name to a bloody chain.

Joffrey: Who in their right mind names a chain? It's not a bloody weapon, it's a sword!

Robb: Yes, it's one of those weird but harmless things.

Robert: Apart from the collateral damage of the Valar-Morgoth war, that bastard was finally defeated. Now he is at the mercy of his brother, who can punish him severely.

Cersei: It would be best if he cut off Morgoth's head. That would end the threat from him once and for all.

Tyrion: It may be hard for Manwë, after all he is his brother / But it is best for the world to end the problem with Morgoth by killing him or imprisoning him in the dungeons.

The image on the magic mirror showed the victorious Valar dragging Morgoth to Aman, where he was thrown on the Ring of Doom. He begged for mercy, but Manwë refused to grant it to Morgoth, who was thrown into the dungeons of Mandos' stronghold, from which no creature can escape. And there he would remain for three centuries, after which he would be able to ask for mercy again.

Nonetheless the Valar did not discover all the mighty vaults and caverns hidden with deceit far under the fortresses of Angband and Utumno. Many evil things still lingered there, and others were dispersed and fled into the dark and roamed in the waste places of the world, awaiting a more evil hour; and Sauron they did not find.

 But when the Battle was ended and from the ruin of the North great clouds arose and hid the stars, the Valar drew Melkor back to Valinor, bound hand and foot, and blindfold; and he was brought to the Ring of Doom. There he lay upon his face before the feet of Manwë and sued for pardon; but his prayer was denied, and he was cast into prison in the fastness of Mandos, whence none can escape, neither Vala, nor Elf, nor mortal Man. 

 Vast and strong are those halls, and they were built in the west of the land of Aman. There was Melkor doomed to abide for three ages long, before his cause should be tried anew, or he should plead again for pardon.

Cersei: Only three centuries, after which he can ask for mercy again?! This Manwe is pathetic. If he would not sentence his brother to death, he should never let Morgoth out of the dungeons of Mandos again.

Ned: I think, my queen, that Manwe hopes that after three centuries Morgoth will repent and change his wicked ways.

Tywin: That is a fool's hope. Surely such as Morgoth will not change. He will only bear hatred and enmity for his brother and the rest of the Valar. Nor will he love the Elves, for he remembers that it was for their sake that they went to war. If he will not sentence his brother to death, let him rot for eternity. He will not die of old age, but since none can escape from the stronghold of Mandos, he will no longer be a threat to anyone. Moreover, the victory is not complete. They have not captured Morgoth, nor have they searched all the dungeons of Utumno and Angband. Sauron can be a threat, especially if he is not stupid and incompetent but cunning and clever.

Jon: Morgoth begged for mercy then, but I think he did it only because he was at the mercy of the Valar and did not want to be imprisoned. It was not sincere.

Robb: It is rather obvious, brother. Morgoth was defeated, so he hoped that his brother would spare him, but at this point he had done too much evil to forgive him. At least for another three hundred years there will be peace with him.

Suddenly a note appeared, which fell into the hands of Grand Maester Pycelle.

Robert: What do I write there, Pycelle?

Pycelle: Only that one Valar year is equal to ten of our years, your grace. That means that the three hundred Valar years that Morgoth will spend in the dungeons of Mandos will be three thousand of our years.

Renly: My Gods, that is longer than the Iron Throne has existed. Many houses exist for less than the time Morgoth was imprisoned in Aman.

Catelyn: Three thousand years in the dungeons of Mandos, maybe that will change Morgoth, who will realize that he did evil things.

Stannis: I suspect that these are the laws that govern the kingdom of Arda. Manwe, as king, maintains order because if he does not maintain it, the whole kingdom will fall into chaos. I assume that the law requires that the prisoner spends those three centuries, after which he can appeal for pardon again. The king must uphold the law and obey it. Besides, everyone here forgets that they are not people but beings in principle divine. They can judge things differently than we do.

Robert: And the king can change the law. So why doesn't Manwe change the law to keep his evil brother in the dungeons of Mandos for eternity? Besides, I agree, we forget that these are not fucking people but gods, so maybe they think that after such a long time Melkor/Morgoth will become a good boy.

Stannis: I do not know Manwë's thoughts, brother. Perhaps he has his reasons, which we do not know, such as that they are gods and think in different categories than we do.

Joffrey: The fool wants to release Morgoth after three centuries. Because he is a fool.

Ned: Rather, because he is merciful. There is no guarantee that he will release Morgoth after three centuries of imprisonment. He may decide to let him stay there forever, so that he is no threat to the world. And as your uncle and father said, they are gods in principle. They do not think as we do, we simply judge them by the way we think and act.

The image in the magic mirror showed a gathering of Valar, who were discussing what to do with the Elves. Some, like Ulmo, wanted them to remain in Middle-earth, where they would develop on their own, without any influence, while others favored bringing the Elves to Aman, where they would live. Ultimately, it was decided to bring the Elves to the land of the Gods. Oromë brought three Elven messengers: Ingwë, Finwë and Elwë, who liked Aman and, after returning to their countrymen, persuaded them to journey to the land of the Valar.

Then again the Valar were gathered in council, and they were divided in debate. For some, and of those Ulmo was the chief, held that the Quendi should be left free to walk as they would in Middle-earth, and with their gifts of skill to order all the lands and heal their hurts. But the most part feared for the Quendi in the dangerous world amid the deceits of the starlit dusk; and they were filled moreover with the love of the beauty of the Elves and desired their fellowship.

 At the last, therefore, the Valar summoned the Quendi to Valinor, there to be gathered at the knees of the Powers in the light of the Trees for ever; and Mandos broke his silence, saying: 'So it is doomed.' From this summons came many woes that afterwards befell.

But the Elves were at first unwilling to hearken to the summons, for they had as yet seen the Valar only in their wrath as they went to war, save Oromë alone; and they were filled with dread. Therefore Oromë was sent again to them, and he chose from among them ambassadors who should go to Valinor and speak for their people; and these were Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë, who afterwards were kings. 

And coming they were filled with awe by the glory and majesty of the Valar, and desired greatly the light and splendour of the Trees. Then Oromë brought them back to Cuiviénen, and they spoke before their people, and counselled them to heed the summons of the Valar and remove into the West.

Tywin: Hmm, interesting. The Valar were not in agreement on what to do with the Elves. Ulmo wanted to remain in Middle-earth, where they would rule it and heal the lands from the wounds inflicted by Morgoth, but most favored bringing them to Aman.

Cersei: Of course, to make them servants, that much is clear and obvious.

Tyrion: Cersei, sister. You really ignore the fact that the reason they advocated bringing them to Aman was for their safety, as well as for their beauty and companionship. It doesn't sound like someone who wants to bring them just to make them servants.

Jaime: Tyrion is right. The Valar simply want the Elves to be safe and well, not slaves or servants.

Robert: I agree with Imp. These Valar want to ensure the Elves have a good life in Aman and Manwë has no problem with them having their own kings and lords.

Pycelle: Ingwe, Finwe, and Elwe, their names are worth recording, especially since they will become kings later. They will probably appear in history.

Cersei: How can these three be kings when Manwe is king? It's absurd!

Tyrion: They'll probably be kings in their tribe. The Valar probably won't mind having their own kings. Of course, these kings recognize the authority of the supreme king, Manwe. Something like the lords of Westeros recognizing the authority of the king sitting on the Iron Throne.

Ned: I'm not surprised that future kings encourage their brethren. If I saw the beauty and power of the kingdom of the gods myself, I would encourage my people to travel to this wonderful land.

Jon: However, it was mentioned that much evil came of this summons. I wonder if Ulmo was wrong and it was better for the elves to remain in Middle-earth.

Robb: However, we don't know what led to the evil that this summons contributed to. Maybe the elves rebelled against the Valar and there was a war?

Ned: I don't think so. If the Elves wanted to leave Aman, Manwe would probably let them go. Nor would I be surprised that the Elves were terrified by the rest of the Valar. They had only seen them marching to war and causing great destruction. It is not easy to trust such.

Catelyn: But they will be safe in Aman. Though Morgoth has been defeated, Sauron has not been captured, and his monsters still lurk in the deep dungeons of the ruins of Utumno and Angband. The Elves would not be safe in Middle-earth as they are in Aman.

Tywin: Not all the Elves may wish to go to Aman. I wonder what they will do with the unwilling ones then? Will they let them go? Will they force them to go? Or maybe kill them?

Jaime: I think, Father, that all this is voluntary, and they will not force anyone who does not want to go.

Joffrey: They should force the unwilling ones! The invitation of the King cannot be refused!

Jon: (Mumbles under his breath) If they don't want to, they won't go and that's that.

Robb: (Laughs at this under his breath)

The magic mirror showed an image of some of the elves separating from the majority; this minority known as the Avari decided to remain in Middle-earth. They split into three more tribes, the first they meet are the Vanyar.

Then befell the first sundering of the Elves. For the kindred of Ingwë, and the most part of the kindreds of Finwë and Elwë, were swayed by the words of their lords, and were willing to depart and follow Oromë: and these were known ever after as the Eldar, by the name that Oromë gave to the Elves in the beginning, in their own tongue. 

 But many refused the summons, preferring the starlight and the wide spaces of Middle-earth to the rumour of the Trees; and these are the Avari, the Unwilling, and they were sundered in that time from the Eldar, and met never again until many ages were past.

 The Eldar prepared now a great march from their first homes in the east; and they were arrayed in three hosts. The smallest host and the first to set forth was led by Ingwë, the most high lord of all the Elvish race. He entered into Valinor and sits at the feet of the Powers, and all Elves revere his name; but he came never back, nor looked again upon Middle-earth. The Vanyar were his people; they are the Fair Elves, the beloved of Manwë and Varda, and few among Men have spoken with them.

Pycelle: Intriguing. So some of the Elves refused to march to Aman and stayed in Middle-earth, these were called the Avari. There is also mention of the Vanyar, who were mentioned earlier in another chapter as being beloved by Manwë, who gave them the gift of music and poetry. Their king is Ingwë, previously mentioned as one of the Elven ambassadors to Aman. I wonder what he did to be so famous that his name is so respected among the Elves, even though he never returned to Middle-earth. And that he is the high lord of the entire race.

Robert: He must have been famous for his singing, maybe he was a minstrel king or something. These Vanyar sound boring to me. A bunch of minstrels and musicians! They probably don't even know how to fight. At least they really deserve to be called the Fair Elves.

Tyrion: I get the impression that nothing that doesn't involve fighting or hunting is interesting to your grace. However, it is mentioned that Ingwe is the supreme lord of all elves, not just the Vanyar, so he must be respected and valued for more than poetry and music.

Robert: I would see this Ingwe fight Morgoth's beasts. Maybe then I will change my mind about him, because for now he seems like a minstrel king to me rather than a king who can fight.

Jon: It is a bit sad that all these awakened elves have no parents or childhood. They exist from the beginning as adult men and women.

Robb: Honestly, I would not want to be an adult man right away. I would miss out on so many things that children have.

Arya: If I existed from the beginning, horror, I would be such a perfect lady like Sansa.

Sansa: Hey!

Ned: (Smiling at the children) Calm down, just no arguing, Arya, Sansa.

Sansa and Arya: Yes, father. We will not quarrel with each other.

Catelyn: Well, this Ingwe is quite a handsome man. I would even say divinely handsome.

Cersei: At least one can give the Vanyar credit for that, that they fully deserve their name. They are indeed beautiful, almost unearthly in appearance.

Jaime: All he lacks is a beard. I cannot imagine a noble king without a proud beard. He will probably grow one in time.

Pycelle: From what I know, Ser Jaime, few elves have ever had beards. They must be very old. They do not grow any hair on their faces for many centuries, except the hair on their heads.

Robert: Ha, all these elves looking like beardless green boys make me laugh.

Ned: Surely that is another thing that sets them apart from their younger brothers, the humans.

Tyrion: That and the fact that they are stunningly handsome or beautiful, if we are talking about women.

The image on the magic mirror showed both the Noldor and the Teleri, revealing the figures of their leaders: Finwë for the Noldor, and Elwë and Olwë for the Teleri.

Next came the Noldor, a name of wisdom, the people of Finwë. They are the Deep Elves, the friends of Aulë; and they are renowned in song, for they fought and laboured long and grievously in the northern lands of old.

The greatest host came last, and they are named the Teleri, for they tarried on the road, and were not wholly of a mind to pass from the dusk to the light of Valinor. In water they had great delight, and those that came at last to the western shores were enamoured of the sea. The Sea-elves therefore they became in the land of Aman, the Falmari, for they made music beside the breaking waves. Two lords they had, for their numbers were great: Elwë Singollo (which signifies Greymantle) and Olwë his brother.

These were the three kindreds of the Eldalië, who passing at length into the uttermost West in the days of the Trees are called the Calaquendi, Elves of the Light. But others of the Eldar there were who set out indeed upon the westward march, but became lost upon the long road, or turned aside, or lingered on the shores of Middle-earth; and these were for the most part of the kindred of the Teleri, as is told hereafter. They dwelt by the sea, or wandered in the woods and mountains of the world, yet their hearts were turned towards the West.

Those Elves the Calaquendi call the Úmanyar, since they came never to the land of Aman and the Blessed Realm; but the Úmanyar and the Avari alike they call the Moriquendi, Elves of the Darkness, for they never beheld the Light that was before the Sun and Moon.

Robert: Gods, what on earth will he come up with so many different divisions among the elves. It's giving me a headache.

Ned: (smiles at this) I remember you complaining so much in the lessons of the maester at the Eyrie when he gave so many different names when we were discussing the history of Westeros.

Robert: Don't remind me of that, Ned. My head still hurts when I think about it.

Renly: That Teleri host must be really big to have two lords who are brothers. It would be like sharing power over the Stormlands with Stannis. And why do they call Elwe Greycloak? Because he often wears a greycloak or is there some other reason?

Stannis: Apparently Elwe and Olwe share their duties fairly and neither is jealous of the other outshining them. I respect them for being able to share power over the Teleri tribe without any disputes.

Pycelle: That Elwe and Olwe are brothers, though fatherless and motherless, being of the Elves who awakened by this lake, reminds me that Manwe and Melkor are brothers, born of the mind of Ilúvatar. It is possible, however, that so many years passed between their awakening and their finding by Oromë that Elwe and Olwe may have been born by Cuivienen.

Jon: That does not rule out either possibility, Grand Maester. Either way, they became lords of their tribe, which the two brothers rule together, apparently without quarrel or dispute.

Robb: We too may rule as Elwe and Olwe, Jon.

Catelyn: (Frowns at her son's words. She doesn't like the idea of Robb and Jon ruling together)

Pycelle: (Notes the names Calaquendi, Umanyar, and Moriquendi) In the case of the Teleri, many wandered off the path and never reached Aman, unless in the distant future, dwelling by the sea or wandering the forests and mountains of the world. The Noldor are mentioned as friends of Aulë, as great craftsmen and wordsmiths. And the Teleri love the sea and its music above all else. We also learn that Elwë, one of the three Elven messengers, has a brother, Olwë, and that they rule the Teleri together.

Robert: I can't imagine that the two don't quarrel over power. There can't be two lords ruling one people.

Ned: And yet somehow Elwë and Olwë rule the Teleri together. Perhaps the Elves are better at ruling than Men.

Robert: Yes, that's the only reasonable explanation for it.

Tywin: (Thinks that if I were to share power with one of my brothers, it would be Kevan, even if Tygett and Geryon were alive)

Jaime: (He would certainly share power with Tyrion, if he were still heir to Casterly Rock. He can't rely on anyone as much as his younger brother)

Joffrey: Elwe is naive. Olwe will sooner or later try to usurp him, probably even murder him in his sleep and seize power over the tribe.

The image on the magic mirror showed Orome leading a great host of Eldar from all three tribes west toward Aman. On the way, as they rounded the Helcar Sea, a thick, dark smoke could be seen obscuring the sky. This terrified many of the Elves, who abandoned the host and were forgotten. The journey lasted many years, and at one point they came to a great river, larger than any they had seen on their journey. Beyond it was a great, massive mountain range that particularly terrified the Teleri.

It is told that when the hosts of the Eldalië departed from Cuiviénen Oromë rode at their head upon Nahar, his white horse shod with gold; and passing northward about the Sea of Helcar they turned towards the west. Before them great clouds hung still black in the North above the ruins of war, and the stars in that region were hidden. 

Then not a few grew afraid and repented, and turned back, and are forgotten. Long and slow was the march of the Eldar into the west, for the leagues of Middle-earth were uncounted, and weary and pathless. Nor did the Eldar desire to hasten, for they were filled with wonder at all that they saw, and by many lands and rivers they wished to abide; and though all were yet willing to wander, many feared rather their journey's end than hoped for it. 

Therefore whenever Oromë departed, having at times other matters to heed, they halted and went forward no more, until he returned to guide them. And it came to pass after many years of journeying in this manner that the Eldar took their course through a forest, and they came to a great river, wider than any they had yet seen; and beyond it were mountains whose sharp horns seemed to pierce the realm of the stars. This river, it is said, was even the river which was after called Anduin the Great, and was ever the frontier of the west-lands of Middle-earth. 

But the mountains were the Hithaeglir, the Towers of Mist upon the borders of Eriador; yet they were taller and more terrible in those days, and were reared by Melkor to hinder the riding of Oromë. Now the Teleri abode long on the east bank of that river and wished to remain there, but the Vanyar and the Noldor passed over it, and Oromë led them into the passes of the mountains. And when Oromë was gone forward the Teleri looked upon the shadowy heights and were afraid.

Tyrion: Another example of Morgoth's pettiness and spite. He raised the Hithaeglir Mountains just to make it harder for Oromë to travel. But the mountains are not enough to stop the Valar, who is practically a god.

Jaime: I am not surprised that the Teleri were frightened by this. Those mountains look like they could not be crossed. But they have Oromë with them, who probably knows the passes through which they can be crossed, and if the Vanyar and the Noldor managed it, the Teleri should be able to do it.

Joffrey: Cowards will not reach Aman. Those who are frightened by the smoke or the high mountains do not deserve to live in the land of the gods. Let them stay, and everyone will forget about them.

Robert: The Elves act as if they are more interested in the world around them than in seeing the wonders of the Valar.

Ned: They have not yet ventured beyond the lake where they awoke. No wonder they are so curious about the world around them, and of all the elves only Ingwe, Finwe and Elwe have seen the wonders of Aman. The rest only know them from their stories, so no wonder they may have doubts about the place they are going to.

Robert: Perhaps your bastard was right after all, Ned. The Valar should have left the elves in Middle-earth. Morgoth was defeated, Utumno and Angband shattered into dust, and although they did not capture Sauron, I doubt that without the support of their master and his forces he could in any way harm the elves and the rest of the world.

Catelyn: However, the Valar loved the eldest of Ilúvatar's children, so they invited them to live in Aman. It was also voluntary, seeing that nothing was done to those who refused the journey and remained on the shores of the lake.

Jon: I wonder how many years they wandered from Lake Cuivienen to Aman? I assume at least decades, but it's hard to say whether it's twenty, thirty or even fifty lars.

Ned: It's possible, son. It hasn't been specified how long it took or how far to Aman, because we don't have a map of this world to tell where the Hithaeglir Mountains are or how far from them to the western shores of Middle-earth, especially since they'll still have to somehow cross the sea that separates Middle-earth from Aman.

Tywin: I doubt it would be a problem for someone like the Valar. They could create a great fleet that would carry the elves to Aman or raise an island from the sea that would carry the elves from Middle-earth to Aman.

Tyrion: Father says it right, the Valar have almost godlike power, so they could easily transport thousands of elves to their land. However, it probably won't be easy, because they didn't use magic to transport the elves to Aman, Orome simply led them west, so they have their own limitations in moving.

Robb: What do you think, Jon?

Jon: It is possible, honestly, what Lord Tywin said. They will either build a great fleet to carry the Elves to Aman, or they will use an island raised from the water.

The image in the magic mirror changed, showing one of the Teleri tribe who had left his brethren with many others, marching south along the river; these became known as the Nandor, and it was Lenwë's son Denethor who led them to Beleriand.

Then one arose in the host of Olwë, which was ever the hindmost on the road; Lenwë he was called. He forsook the westward march, and led away a numerous people, southwards down the great river, and they passed out of the knowledge of their kin until long years were past. 

Those were the Nandor; and they became a people apart, unlike their kin, save that they loved water, and dwelt most beside falls and running streams. Greater knowledge they had of living things, tree and herb, bird and beast, than all other Elves. In after years Denethor, son of Lenwë, turned again west at last, and led a part of that people over the mountains into Beleriand ere the rising of the Moon.

Robert: I wonder why neither Elwe nor Olwe did anything about it. He'll just let this Lenwe take many of their kin and march them south along the Anduin? That's strange.

Joffrey: They're so weak that he'll let some random peasant take many of their people and leave without their consent.

Ned: Maybe the elves have a different view of power? After all, they're immortal by nature, and if those who went with Lenwe did so willingly, they couldn't force them.

Tywin: We don't know much about the elves, so it's hard to say why Elwe and his brother didn't do anything about it. Or maybe they're just incompetent fools.

Stannis: Or maybe Lenwe stirred up many of the elves against his brothers, then left with the rebels and marched south. Or maybe that's how this schism came about. It was mentioned that there was a host that Lenwe led was always the last, so I suspect that the brothers appointed elves to lead individual groups and when Lenwe had enough of the long journey and had power over his group, he had no problem convincing them to abandon their journey and led them south.

Renly: That makes a lot of sense. Lenwe simply used his power to completely abandon the journey to the west. Probably by the time Elwe and Olwe realized that Lenwe and his group had disappeared, they were already far to the south. It was not worth pursuing him, especially since they had to go after the rest of the elves. I wonder what could have happened to Lenwe, that it took his son Denethor to reach Beleriand.

Tyrion: Potentially, he could have died for some reason at that time and Denethor took over the rule of the Nandor.

Jon: Yes, that makes sense. Even if Morgoth is no longer a threat, his beasts still live in Middle-earth, not forgetting Sauron, who is probably hiding somewhere.

Tywin: It only shows the weakness of both brothers if they would allow some lesser elf to escape with the whole group. Although they share the duties, they somehow did not notice that the whole group had escaped.

Cersei: Incompetent fools, because only such would allow such a thing. I would not allow such a thing.

Tyrion: (Mumbles under his breath) Because knowing you, Cersei, you probably did not even notice the whole group had escaped until someone kindly told you so.

Jaime: (Laughs at this under his breath, so as not to draw Cersei's attention)

The image on the magic mirror shows the Vanyar and Noldor crossing the Blue Mountains and reaching Beleriand. Oromë had left them by this time, returning to Aman for the counsel of Manwë. Meanwhile the Teleri also reached Beleriand.

At length the Vanyar and the Noldor came over Ered Luin, the Blue Mountains, between Eriador and the westernmost land of Middle-earth, which the Elves after named Beleriand; and the foremost companies passed over the Vale of Sirion and came down to the shores of the Great Sea between Drengist and the Bay of Balar. 

But when they beheld it great fear came upon them, and many withdrew into the woods and highlands of Beleriand. Then Oromë departed, and returned to Valinor to seek the counsel of Manwë, and left them. 

And the host of the Teleri passed over the Misty Mountains, and crossed the wide lands of Eriador, being urged on by Elwë Singollo, for he was eager to return to Valinor and the Light that he had beheld; and he wished not to be sundered from the Noldor, for he had great friendship with Finwë their lord. 

Thus after many years the Teleri also came at last over Ered Luin into the eastern regions of Beleriand. There they halted, and dwelt a while beyond the River Gelion.

After that the magic mirror disappeared.

Robert: So that's the end of this chapter. We can finish and have some wine, I'm dying of thirst!

Pycelle: (Noting down all the important information on parchment) Interesting, more lands like Eriador and Beleriand. The Vale of Sirion, the river Gelion, the headland of Drengist and the bay of Balar.

Ned: So the elves have reached Beleriand, which is the westernmost land of Middle-earth. The Valar must now figure out a way to transport all the elves to Aman.

Tyrion: And that's probably why Orome returned to Aman. We'll need the help of the rest of the Valar in this endeavor.

Tywin: Because ultimately it's the king who will decide how they transport the elves to Aman, because I doubt he'll suddenly change his mind. He can be king of Arda, but he doesn't want to risk the wrath of the rest of the Valar.

Catelyn: They don't move the elves to Aman without their king's consent. They'll probably figure out exactly how to move all the elves to their land.

Jon: A large fleet or an island seems like the best solution for that.

Arya: Maybe you're right, big brother.

Robb: We'll definitely see it in the next chapter when they move the elves to Aman.

Robert: Unless they give us some side story like that chapter about the dwarves and the Shepherds of the Trees.

Ned: If we're lucky, we'll see it in the next chapter.

Robert: Hopefully, I don't have the patience for side stories, although I liked the story of Helm Hammerhand. We're done for today, you may go your ways.

Robert Baratheon stood up and, without waiting for anyone, left the Hall.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, only Grand Maester Pycelle sat close to Lord Lannister.

Robert: Grand Maester, you summoned us because you supposedly received a message that today we would be listening to another chapter from the Silmarillion.

Pycelle: Yes, your grace. The message mentioned that it would also be the shortest chapter in the entire Silmarillion, so it wouldn't take us too long.

Robert: Really? So probably some side story. Gods, and I wanted to see what happens with the elves and how exactly the Valar move their three tribes to Aman.

Ned: We'll definitely see it next time, and since it's short, we'll get through it quickly.

Robert: Sure, since it's so short it's probably boring and nothing interesting.

Cersei: At least we won't be bored for long, since it's supposed to be quite short, as Grand Maester Pycelle said.

Robert: Woman, every once in a while you'll say something smart. When we're done watching, we'll have to celebrate it with a proper feast.

Joffrey: Why should I watch this, since it's probably boring since it's short. I'd rather leave than watch this.

Robert: If you want to leave, go ahead. You're free to go, Joffrey.

Joffrey gets up and leaves the Hall.

Tyrion: (whispers to Jaime) Well, that'll be some peace. I don't like listening to his complaints and nonsense all the time.

Jaime: And do you think I like it? Joffrey says something stupid more often than something smart, and if he does say something smart, it's more likely by accident.

Tywin: (Shakes his head, watching his grandson leave. He's not paying much attention to his sons' conversation)

Robb: I wonder what this chapter might be about. Since it's so short, they'll probably show us something other than the Valar bringing the elves to Aman.

Jon: Or it'll be a chapter about the elves coming to Aman, but it's very short. In any case, we'll soon find out what this short chapter is about.

Arya: Maybe some important female character will appear in this chapter. Women are important too!

Jon: (Smiling at his younger sister) Who knows, maybe some important female character will appear here.

A large, magical mirror has appeared on the wall opposite the audience.

Robert: Finally! Let it begin, because I don't have all day to look at it.

Ned: Since it's a short chapter, it won't take us long anyway. So don't worry about it, Robert.

Robert: Maybe so, Ned, but that doesn't mean I'll sit here all day waiting for this magical mirror to appear.

On the magic mirror appeared a large inscription CHAPTER 4, OF THINGOL AND MELIAN, then the inscription disappeared. After a long while, a beautiful raven-haired woman in a gray dress appeared on the mirror, who sang in the forests and the birds gathered to listen to her. Soon she left the gardens of Lórien and moved to Middle-earth, to the forests of Beleriand, to be precise, where she settled shortly after the awakening of the Elves.

Melian was a Maia, of the race of the Valar. She dwelt in the gardens of Lórien, and among all his people there were none more beautiful than Melian, nor more wise, nor more skilled in songs of enchantment. It is told that the Valar would leave their works, and the birds of Valinor their mirth, that the bells of Valmar were silent and the fountains ceased to flow, when at the mingling of the lights Melian sang in Lórien.

Nightingales went always with her, and she taught them their song; and she loved the deep shadows of the great trees. She was akin before the World was made to Yavanna herself; and in that time when the Quendi awoke beside the waters of Cuiviénen she departed from Valinor and came to the Hither Lands, and there she filled the silence of Middle-earth before the dawn with her voice and the voices of her birds.

 

Robert: Melian? Wasn't she mentioned before?

Pycelle: Yes, your grace. She was mentioned in Valaquenta when they briefly told about the Maiar and that she would play a role in the story. Apparently this chapter is about Melian, which is even mentioned in the chapter title.

Jon: So who is Thingol? We haven't heard of him before and he is somehow connected to Melian. Could he be her husband who wasn't mentioned before?

Tyrion: Possibly, seeing as we had a chapter about Aulë and Yavanna, who are also married. I suspect this Thingol is Melian's husband. Maybe he wasn't mentioned because he's not important?

Stannis: However, both Osse and Uinen are mentioned, who are married. I suspect this Thingol is Melian's brother or other relative. It's probably not important that he wasn't mentioned by name earlier, but here he did something that caused him to be noted.

Renly: That might even make a lot of sense, brother. And is it possible that it's someone who was mentioned earlier but the name Thingol is another name for him?

Robb: That's possible, actually. We know that Melkor was later called Morgoth, and although in conversations about this world we call him Morgoth, in the chapters he's still called Melkor, which means he hasn't been given the name Morgoth yet.

Tyrion: That's also a possibility, Lord Robb. It seems that in that world one person can have several names. It can be troublesome, because one can get confused.

Cersei: (sarcastic) Someone as wise and cunning as you, brother, surely won't have a problem with that.

Tyrion: I feel honored that you appreciate me so much, sister, but even for someone as clever as you it's not easy to remember all those names. Luckily, our good Grand Maester Pycelle keeps a record of all the important information, including names, so you can always ask him.

Pycelle: Indeed, Lord Tyrion. I'm happy to help if anyone wants to use my notes on the subject.

Robert: If this Thingol is Melian's husband, then he's one lucky man. She's as beautiful as a goddess.

Ned: Given that he's a Maiar, it makes sense that she looks like a goddess, Robert.

Sansa: But Melian sings beautifully. And does she really know magic?

Tyrion: From what I understand, her magic is limited to magical songs, and given that this is how the world was created, it's no surprise to me that this is what their magic looks like.

Arya: Ha, I was right that a female character would be important here. Maybe Melian can conjure something extraordinary with her singing.

Pycelle: I wonder how exactly she was related to Yavanna. I'll write that down. Melian is the wisest and most skilled in magic of Irmo's subjects. This too is worth recording.

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing the lands of Beleriand, where the Teleri dwelt, waiting for a transport from the Valar to take them to Aman. At that time Elwe, one of the Teleri lords, was wandering through the woods, searching for his friend Finwe, when he once entered a forest called Nan Elmoth, where he heard Melian singing. Following him, he came to a clearing where Melian was singing, and Elwe noticed her beauty and the light of Aman shining from her face.

Now when their journey was near its end, as has been told, the people of the Teleri rested long in East Beleriand, beyond the River Gelion; and at that time many of the Noldor still lay to the westward, in those forests that were afterwards named Neldoreth and Region. Elwë, lord of the Teleri, went often through the great woods to seek out Finwë his friend in the dwellings of the Noldor; and it chanced on a time that he came alone to the starlit wood of Nan Elmoth, and there suddenly he heard the song of nightingales.

Then an enchantment fell on him, and he stood still; and afar off beyond the voices of the lómelindi he heard the voice of Melian, and it filled all his heart with wonder and desire. He forgot then utterly all his people and all the purposes of his mind, and following the birds under the shadow of the trees he passed deep into Nan Elmoth and was lost. But he came at last to a glade open to the stars, and there Melian stood; and out of the darkness he looked at her, and the light of Aman was in her face.

 

Robert: In his place I would be dazzled by Melian's beauty too, not to mention the light of Aman on her face. Elwe would certainly be tempted to sleep with Melian, no man would refuse something like that with such beauty. But why does he have to have hair like fucking Targaryens!

Cersei: (She glares at her husband, who ignores it as always)

Ned: Elwe came across Melian quite by accident, he wasn't even looking for her. After all, he wanted to meet his friend Finwe.

Tyrion: I have a suspicion that Elwe will be our Thingol. It could be the name he takes to celebrate sleeping with or marrying Melian. Personally, I think he will marry her. After all, no elven lord has a Maiar wife.

Pycelle: Yes, it could give him prestige and respect among other lords if he marries the beautiful Melian from the Maiar tribe.

Stannis: If Melian wants to marry Elwe, of course, which is not so obvious. It is also unknown whether an elf can have carnal intercourse with a Maiar, which may be impossible, considering that for them bodies are clothes.

Robert: It's about fucking, Stannis. Call a spade a spade. And I don't believe that elves can't fuck Maiar. Certainly in their corporeal form they have pussies and cocks, depending on gender. And if these elves are not built differently from humans, Elwe certainly has a cock that he will fuck Melian with.

Renly: (Laughs at this) He will have to ask Melian for permission first. If he tries to force himself on her, she may curse him or even kill him with one word, since she knows magic.

Ned: Elwe doesn't look like a rapist. Certainly he will ask Melian to marry him first and sleep with her when they are husband and wife.

Robert: Fucking Rhaegar Targaryen didn't look like a rapist either, and yet he kidnapped and raped my Lyanna gods only know how many times!

Tywin: It wouldn't do Elwe any good to try to rape Melian, especially since he's a Maiar and knows magic, he could easily kill him. And his brother could use it against him to strip him of power in the tribe and be the only one in power. It's just not worth it for Elwe, even if he wasn't killed by Melian, he was stripped of power by his brother.

Sansa: He looks so in love with Melian. Elwe fell in love with Melian at first sight. Just like in the ballads!|

Arya: That's boring, let him turn Elwe into a frog or something.

Jon and Robb: (laughed at Arya's idea)

Sansa: (She looked offended at her younger sister)

Catelyn: Calm down, girls. You are not to argue with me here.

The image showed Elwe silently approaching Melian and taking her hands; the spell fell upon them and many years passed as they stood in silence in a clearing in dark Nan Elmoth.

Robert: They stood there FOR YEARS?! How is it possible that this Elwe didn't die of hunger and thirst. HOW!?

Ned: It was mentioned that Melian cast a spell on him. It probably kept him alive and since she is a Maiar, she doesn't need food or drink. I don't see any other explanation here.

Stannis: Elwe is completely irresponsible. He prefers to stand there for years with Melian, instead of taking care of his people. If it weren't for Olwe, the Teleri would have descended into chaos, because they would have no one to lead them. It would have ended in a power struggle between them, and it's possible that Finwe or Ingwe would have exploited the Teleri's weakness to forcibly incorporate them into their tribe.

Renly: In case you missed it, brother, Melian cast a spell on him. He couldn't break free from it, and if anyone is to blame, it's Melian, not Elwe.

Sansa: How sweet. Elwe loved Melian so much that he let her cast a spell on him and stayed with her for many years.

Arya: To me, it's awful! Elwe only wanted to meet his friend Finwe and now because of Melian he won't see him for many years. And his brother Olwe is certainly worried about him.

Jon: When Arya puts it that way, it really does sound awful.

Catelyn: I agree with my younger daughter. What Melian did is awful! Poor Elwe, and he only wanted to meet his friend and not be trapped under the spell for many years.

Robert: Even sex is not worth it if I have to stand still for many years. Elwe really is bloody unlucky. And he wanted to see his friend Finwe, the leader of the Noldor.

Robb: Finally he has to release him from the spell.

Jon: Before he does that, the rest of the elves can leave Middle-earth for Aman. I feel sorry for Olwe and Finwe. One may never see his brother and the other his friend.

Robb: The Valar would certainly bring him back in such a case.

Tyrion: If they would do so much for just one Elf, even the chieftain of the Teleri. They may decide it is not worth it.

Cersei: It certainly did not worth it for me. Let him rot with that Melian in Middle-earth!

Jaime: If Olwe and Finwe plead to find Elwe, it may force the Valar to act. They are two of the three chieftains of the Elven tribes that went to Aman. They could not ignore it.

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing Elwe awakening from Melian's spell. He married her shortly thereafter and gathered all the Teleri who had not sailed to Aman, founding the kingdom of Doriath.

Thus Elwë's folk who sought him found him not, and Olwë took the kingship of the Teleri and departed, as is told hereafter. Elwë Singollo came never again across the sea to Valinor so long as he lived, and Melian returned not thither while their realm together lasted; but of her there came among both Elves and Men a strain of the Ainur who were with Ilúvatar before Eä.

In after days he became a king renowned, and his people were all the Eldar of Beleriand; the Sindar they were named, the Grey-elves, the Elves of the Twilight, and King Greymantle was he, Elu Thingol in the tongue of that land.

And Melian was his Queen, wiser than any child of Middle-earth; and their hidden halls were in Menegroth, the Thousand Caves, in Doriath. Great power Melian lent toThingol, who was himself great among the Eldar; for he alone of all the Sindar had seen with his own eyes the Trees in the day of their flowering, and king though he was of Úmanyar, he was not accounted among the Moriquendi, but with the Elves of the Light, mighty upon Middle-earth. And of the love of Thingol and Melian there came into the world the fairest of all the Children of Ilúvatar that was or shall ever be.

Click to shrink...

After that, the image on the magic mirror disappeared, and the mirror itself disappeared as well.

Robert: Ha, so Renly and Ned's son were right. Thingol is Elwë.

Pycelle: Fascinating. Thingol was a name from the Sindar, who in turn are a branch of the Teleri who for some reason stayed in Beleriand instead of sailing with the rest of the Elves to Aman. And then there's Menegroth, the Thousand Caves, the capital of Doriath. I wonder what that name refers to. Yes, it has to be written down.

Ned: I pity Olwë and Finwë. Both went to Aman, and neither of them saw their brother and friend again, unless they died and went to the Halls of Mandos, which would be no comfort to either of them.

Jaime: At least Elwe Thingol and his newlywed wife Melian founded the kingdom of Doriath, whose capital is this mysterious Menegroth, gathering around themselves all those who did not go to Aman and from them the most beautiful of Ilúvatar's children is to come.

Tyrion: I wonder if this child will truly be the most beautiful of Ilúvatar's children or if it is just Elwe's propaganda. After all, he could boast of being the father of the most beautiful of the children of the god-creator of his world.

Tywin: It is probably just Elwe Thingol's propaganda, as if he wanted to tell everyone that from him came the most beautiful of Ilúvatar's children that ever existed. I also see ambition in him, because he could ask his wife to appeal to the Valar to return for him and those who remained in Beleriand, to reunite with his brother and the rest of the people and also meet his friend. Instead, he decided to establish a kingdom in Beleriand and rule as an independent king. He clearly dislikes being Manwe's subject.

Tyrion: Manwe is king of all Arda, so Elwe is his subject anyway.

Tywin: But Manwe is more focused on Aman than he is in Middle-earth, which will be even more noticeable now that Morgoth has been defeated and thrown into the dungeons of Mandos. So unless Manwe sends the Valar or Maiar to remind Elwe that he is king of all Arda, he will be an independent king.

Tyrion: And did you notice how tall this Elwe is? Gods, he is taller than the Mountain!

Robert: Impressive for someone who is not a Valar, because they can be as tall as mountains. He can certainly look down on others.

Sansa: This sounds like a ballad of bards and minstrels. A handsome king fell in love with a beautiful maiden and their daughter will be the most beautiful in the whole kingdom.

Arya: And how do you know they'll have a daughter and not a son?

Sansa: Because it fits the ballads, Arya.

Arya: Phew, I don't like these stupid ballads about foolish knights and foolish ladies.

Jon: Their son might as well be the most handsome in all of Arda. Or they might have the most beautiful daughter. Or both are possible.

Robb: As you say, both are very possible, although I think Sansa might be right and Thingol and Melian will have a beautiful daughter.

Robert: That was short indeed. So now that we're done, let's go and have a feast and eat and drink for all time!

Stannis: Can you for once in your life not eat like you're going to starve or drink like you haven't had a drop of wine in a year, brother?

Robert: No, because I like to eat well and drink fine wine or strong ale.

Renly: You're the life of the party, brother. No, what Stannis is. He'd sit and sulk in the corner like it was funny.

Ned: I'll make sure we see how the elves got to Aman in the next chapter, because that confirms that Olwe left with most of his subjects for the Valar.

Robert: I hope so, because I don't have the patience for another side story, and this one is lucky it's short enough and didn't take up much of my time. Now let's finish and go make a proper feast!

Then he stood up from his seat, grabbed Ned Stark by the hand, and pulled him along to help him make a great feast.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, only Grand Maester Pycelle sat close to Lord Lannister.

Pycelle: Your Grace, this morning a message appeared in my chambers that we will get another chapter from the Silmarillion, with the assurance that it will not be another side story, but rather we will see the Valar move most of the elves to Aman and how they settled their lives there.

Robert: Great, really great. I would like to finally see how the Valar decided to move most of the elves from Beleriand to Aman. I doubt they would build a whole fleet of ships, it is too trivial for beings who are basically gods. It will certainly be something spectacular.

Stannis: Or maybe the Valar don't want to bring the elves in a spectacular way, but in a way that's more understandable to them, using a fleet of ships that can hold thousands of elves. After all, they don't want to be considered gods in the eyes of the elves, but rather elder brothers and chieftains, not lords and gods.

Robert: Stannis, you always have to spoil the fun for me. As far as I'm concerned, they'll use something much more impressive than a huge fleet of ships that will transport the elves to Aman. Something that will allow such a large number of people to be transported in a much shorter time.

Ned: Surely the Valar will think of the best possible way to transport all the elves who want to go to Aman. Building a large fleet of ships that will hold that many people may simply take too long.

Tywin: I agree with Lord Stark and the King, building a large fleet would take too much time and resources, while these Valar have basically godlike power and I could at least create a large island that would allow them to transport all or most of them at once. That seems like the most logical move to me.

Tyrion: Yes, I think most people are leaning towards using some large island that they can carry across the water with the Elves on board to Aman. Building a fleet is simply too time-consuming and, in my opinion, too mundane for someone like the Valar. The Elves, if they waited that long, could have given up on leaving Beleriand altogether, and we know that Olwe and his people have gone to Aman, which probably includes Ingwe, Finwe and their people.

Robb: What do you think about that, brother?

Jon: I can agree with most that instead of building a large fleet, the Valar could simply build an island, put the Elves on it and then drag them across the sea to Aman. They have such possibilities after all.

Joffrey: And what was in the last chapter?

Cersei: I'll tell you briefly, son (tells quietly everything that was in the last chapter)

Joffrey: Good thing I left. This sounds too boring for me.

Arya: (mumbles under her breath) Prince Joffrey is boring himself.

Suddenly, a large, magical mirror appears on the wall as usual.

Robert: Fine, let it begin because I don't have all day to look at another world. I am a king after all, by the gods!

Renly: We shall see who was right. My older, grumpy and stiff brother or the majority of those gathered in the Hall on how the Valar will transport the elves to Aman.

A large, white inscription appeared on the magic mirror CHAPTER 5, OF ELDAMAR AND THE PRINCES OF THE ELDALIE. After a long moment it disappeared and for a short time the mirror was black as an abyss. But soon afterwards the image gradually appeared of numerous camps of elves, which they had settled for some time on the shores of Beleriand, waiting for the Valar to transport them to blessed Aman. Most of the elves seen were of the Vanyar or Noldor tribe.

In time the hosts of the Vanyar and the Noldor came to the last western shores of the Hither Lands. In the north these shores, in the ancient days after the Battle of the Powers, bent ever westward, until in the northernmost parts of Arda only a narrow sea divided Aman, upon which Valinor was built, from the Hither Lands; but this narrow sea was filled with grinding ice, because of the violence of the frosts of Melkor.

Therefore Oromë did not lead the hosts of the Eldalië into the far north, but brought them to the fair lands about the River Sirion, that afterwards were named Beleriand; and from those shores whence first the Eldar looked in fear and wonder on the Sea there stretched an ocean, wide and dark and deep, between them and the Mountains of Aman.

 

Pycelle: Hmm, so there is a place where the sea is very narrow and from which it would be easier to get from Beleriand to Aman, but because of the floating ice it is too dangerous to lead the Eldar there. And this name, the Hither Lands, is certainly another name for Middle-earth. It is worth writing it down, maybe this other path will appear in history, who knows.

Robert: Boring, let them finally show how the Valar moved the elves to Aman, because such constant delays are starting to tire and piss me off.

Ned: Patience, Robert. I'm sure they will soon show us exactly how the elves were moved to Aman. We just have to be patient.

Renly: Exactly, as Lord Stark said. My former squire, Loras Tyrell, told me that in the Reach they have a popular saying that patience is a virtue. And the king should have the most of it.

Robert: You better shut up Renly because I have no patience for your wisdom today. I am a king and I want to see how the Valar brought those fucking elves to fucking Aman. And I would most like to talk face to face with whoever wrote this whole Silmarilion and explain that I really don't like this delay.

Cersei: Of course, a great warrior like you has no patience for free action. Who would have guessed.

Robert: Shut up, woman. I don't have the strength for that today either.

Joffrey: These elves are cowards if the sea scares them.

Robb: After all, this is the first time they've seen it, my prince. More than one man has been overwhelmed by the vastness and darkness of the sea, especially what might lie deep beneath the water.

Jon: The only water they've seen before was first Lake Cuivienen, the shores of the Helcar Sea, which was squeezed into the land so they might not be so terrible for them, and rivers like Anduin. This sea is open, vast and dark, so it could have terrified the Elves.

Joffrey: They are cowards anyway!

Jon: (mumbles in a whisper to Robb and Arya) I can already see how brave he would be in the Elves' place, if he had seen the sea for the first time in his life.

Robb and Arya: (laughing under their breath)

The magic mirror showed Ulmo visiting the Elves in Beleriand, and thanks to his teachings, the Elves' fear of the sea changes to love. Soon, with the help of his servants, he uproots a lonely island, which he transported to the Bay of Balar. There the Vanyar and Noldor boarded it and were transported to the shores of Aman, where they disembarked and were welcomed by the Valar. And the eastern corner of the island broke off, giving rise to the Isle of Balar.

Now Ulmo, by the counsel of the Valar, came to the shores of Middle-earth and spoke with the Eldar who waited there, gazing on the dark waves; and because of his words and the music which he made for them on his horns of shell their fear of the sea was turned rather to desire.

Therefore Ulmo uprooted an island which long had stood alone amid the sea, far from either shore, since the tumults of the fall of Illuin; and with the aid of his servants he moved it, as it were a mighty ship, and anchored it in the Bay of Balar, into which Sirion poured his water.

Then the Vanyar and the Noldor embarked upon that isle, and were drawn over the sea, and came at last to the long shores beneath the Mountains of Aman; and they entered Valinor and were welcomed to its bliss. But the eastern horn of the island, which was deep-grounded in the shoals off the mouths of Sirion, was broken asunder and remained behind; and that, it is said, was the Isle of Balar, to which afterwards Ossë often came.

 

Robert: Ha, so the Valar used the island to transport the elves. You see Stannis, you were wrong and I was!

Stannis: Notice that for some reason the Teleri were not transported, only the Vanyar and Noldor. I wonder why.

Renly: Stannis is right. There is nothing about the Teleri being transported with the other elven tribes.

Ned: We will certainly find out what happened to the Teleri in the next chapter. We just have to wait for the magic mirror to show it to us and tell us.

Robert: Yes, you are right. It is strange, but as I know life, they were too late or were still looking for Olwë's brother.

Tyrion: Strange, as if they were forgotten. Or maybe they gave up and did not want to live in Aman? But after all, in the previous chapter it was mentioned that Olwë left with his people to Aman except for those who were still looking for his brother. Maybe they just didn't make it and the Valar moved the island back to move the latecomers.

Pycelle: Strange and mysterious, but Lord Tyrion's guesses may be true. Most likely Olwe and his men searched for Elwe for a long time, but they didn't find him, and in the meantime Ulmo dragged the island to the shores of Beleriand, where the Vanyar and Noldor embarked, but they didn't wait for the Teleri, who didn't arrive and simply Ulmo dragged the island to the shores of Aman, where the elves disembarked and settled in the land of the Valar.

Jaime: Yes, Tyrion with his sharp mind certainly hit the nail on the head. He's shown us more than once that he correctly guessed what would happen next.

Tyrion: Thanks for the compliment, brother. I'm just choosing the most logical and fitting to what we know from what the magic mirror tells us.

Jon: At least two of the three elven tribes are already in the land of the Valar. And they should be fine in Aman, even if it would have been wiser to let them stay in Middle-earth.

Ned: And why do you think it would have been wiser to stay in Middle-earth, my son?

Arya: Yes, why should they stay in Middle-earth, Jon?

Jon: If Ilúvatar had wanted the Elves to live in Aman, they would have woken there, wouldn't they? Perhaps they were destined to end up in Aman anyway, despite Ulmo's urgings to leave the Elves to their fate.

Robb: And the Elves stopped fearing the sea, and that was thanks to Ulmo.

Joffrey: Phew, without the help of one of the Valar, those cowardly Elves still feared the stupid sea.

Arya: I wonder why Osse often spent time on that Isle of Balar.

Jon: He probably just liked the place. It's like I especially like the Godswood in Winterfell. A good place to rest.

The image on the magic mirror changed to show how the Teleri, who mostly lived in eastern Beleriand, far from the sea, had finally arrived at the Bay of Balar, but too late. They chose Olwë as their king, for Elwë was still missing, and Osse and Uinen had visited them often, and Osse himself had taught them much of the sea and its music, sitting on a rock and telling the Teleri.

But the Teleri remained still in Middle-earth, for they dwelt in East Beleriand far from the sea, and they heard not the summons of Ulmo until too late; and many searched still for Elwë their lord, and without him they were unwilling to depart. But when they learned that Ingwë and Finwë and their peoples were gone, then many of the Teleri pressed on to the shores of Beleriand, and dwelt thereafter near the Mouths of Sirion, in longing for their friends that had departed; and they took Olwë, Elwë's brother, to be their king.

Long they remained by the coasts of the western sea, and Ossë and Uinen came to them and befriended them; and Ossë instructed them, sitting upon a rock near to the margin of the land, and of him they learned all manner of sea-lore and seamusic. Thus it came to be that the Teleri, who were from the beginning lovers of water, and the fairest singers of all the Elves, were after enamoured of the seas, and their songs were filled with the sound of waves upon the shore.

 

Tyrion: That explains exactly why the Teleri weren't on the island. They lived far from the sea and many were still searching for Elwe. At least they had the care of Osse and his wife.

Sansa: I'd love to hear their music. It must be beautiful, containing the beauty of the sea itself.

Arya: I wonder what knowledge of the sea Osse gave them. He must have told them of the amazing creatures that live in the deep depths of the sea.

Ned: You can't say that Olwe usurped the power he shared with his brother, since their people themselves chose him as their king, since Elwe was lost and no one found him.

Tywin: Surely it's better than the bloody power struggles that the Dothraki would have when their khal dies. Or between the ambitious sons of a dead king or lord. And the fact that they enjoyed the care of two majar like Osse and Uinen only helped Olwe, because the elves could feel that they owed it to their king. Even if Elwe had been found, they could have rejected him entirely in favor of his brother.

Tyrion: This is all just guesswork, seeing as from what we know from the previous chapter Elwe never set foot in Aman again, except perhaps his spirit in the halls of Mandos. Maybe they would have rejected him, or maybe because of his immortality they decided that Elwe should be their king after all, since he returned and Olwe had left, loyal to his brother.

Tywin: Immortality or not, ambition still exists and Olwe might not want to give up power to his brother. But that's a pointless discussion, since Elwe never met his brother again and founded his own kingdom in Beleriand.

Robert: At least we now know clearly why those damned Teleri didn't go to the island. Sooner or later they'll come back for them.

Renly: If they haven't forgotten that they're missing one of the Elven tribes.

Stannis: They are rather good at counting, and when they learn the reason why the Teleri were not on the Isle, they will send Ulmo to bring them back, as he did with the Vanyar and the Noldor. Especially since it is mentioned that they miss them and want to reach Aman.

Pycelle: (Writing on parchment) The Teleri reach the Beleriand coast, elect Olwe, brother of Elwe, as king. They are under the care of Osse and Uiniena, and Osse teaches the Teleri much about the sea.

Joffrey: Their sea-songs will not help much if the enemy attacks them.

Jaime: Perhaps not, but they still have support from Osse and Uiniena, and they can be dangerous, especially Osse with his violence.

The magic mirror showed Ulmo eventually arriving with an isle to take the belated Teleri to Aman, though Ossë persuaded some to remain on the shores of Beleriand, with Círdan the Shipwright as their lord.

When many years had passed, Ulmo hearkened to the prayers of the Noldor and of Finwë their king, who grieved at their long sundering from the Teleri, and besought him to bring them to Aman, if they would come. And most of them proved now willing indeed; but great was the grief of Ossë when Ulmo returned to the coasts of Beleriand, to bear them away to Valinor; for his care was for the seas of Middle-earth and the shores of the Hither Lands, and he was ill-pleased that the voices of the Teleri should be heard no more in his domain.

Some he persuaded to remain; and those were the Falathrim, the Elves of the Falas, who in after days had dwellings at the havens of Brithombar and Eglarest, the first mariners in Middle-earth and the first makers of ships. Círdan the Shipwright was their lord.

 

Robert: It took years and pleas from Finwë and his people to finally get their asses in for the Teleri, and that Ossë somehow convinced some of them to stay in Beleriand under that Cirdan. And why in the name of the gods did they have to come up with another name for another faction of those fucking Teleri!

Ned: It certainly helps to differentiate them, though I can see it's only giving you a headache, my friend.

Pycelle: I'll have to write that down. The Falathrim, the havens of Brithombar and Eglarest, Cirdan the Shipwright as their lord. Fascinating, especially since they were the first shipwrights and sailors in Middle-earth!

Robert: Yes, yes, we know they built ships and sailed them, but who cares. It's boring, I'd like a proper fight or something, not information that these were the first shipwrights and sailors or that they called these things anyway.

Tyrion: I doubt we'll see any fighting, not while Morgoth is locked in the dungeons of Mandos, your grace.

Robert: I hope we see some more notable fights and duels in the future.

Sansa: You see that Cirdan has a beard? The other elves didn't!

Jon: Maybe that means he's really old or something? Maybe they're immortal, but really long-lived elves grow beards.

Robb: That makes sense. This Cirdan could be one of the elves who woke up at that lake, which is why he already has a beard.

Cersei: It must have been an opportunity for Cirdan to be his own man rather than serve Olwe, since he so willingly agreed to stay in Beleriand rather than go to Aman.

Tyrion: Or maybe he was simply convinced by Osse, not out of a desire for power.

Cersei: No sane person would reject power if it was offered to them. So don't be a fool and believe that it was about persuading this Maiar.

Jaime: Or maybe Cirdan simply loves the sea and building ships, after all they call him the Shipwright, that's why he stayed in Beleriand and the other Teleri chose him as their lord.

Tyrion: I wouldn't be surprised if that was it, brother.

The magic mirror showed Elwe's relatives and friends who remained in Beleriand, though they would gladly have left for Aman. Eventually, however, Elwe revealed himself with his wife Melian, uniting the Teleri who remained in Beleriand around him and creating the kingdom of Doriath. Elwe himself shone with light, beauty and height, as if he were one of the Maiar, not elves.

The kinsfolk and friends of Elwë Singollo also remained in the Hither Lands, seeking him yet, though they would fain have departed to Valinor and the light of the Trees, if Ulmo and Olwë had been willing to tarry longer. But Olwë would be gone; and at last the main host of the Teleri embarked upon the isle, and Ulmo drew them far away. Then the friends of Elwë were left behind; and they called themselves Eglath, the Forsaken People. They dwelt in the woods and hills of Beleriand, rather than by the sea, which filled them with sorrow; but the desire of Aman was ever in their hearts.

But when Elwë awoke from his long trance, he came forth from Nan Elmoth with Melian, and they dwelt thereafter in the woods in the midst of the land. Greatly though he had desired to see again the light of the Trees, in the face of Melian he beheld the light of Aman as in an unclouded mirror, and in that light he was content.

His people gathered about him in joy, and they were amazed; for fair and noble as he had been, now he appeared as it were a lord of the Maiar, his hair as grey silver, tallest of all the Children of Ilúvatar; and a high doom was before him.

 

Robert: Gods, they do it on purpose. Another branch of the Teleri that they had to come up with a name for, as if anyone cares. At least I can understand Elwe, if I had Lyanna with me I wouldn't need to see some stupid glowing trees. But why the hell does he have to have hair like a fucking Targaryen.

Jaime: What the hell does his silver hair do. He's taller than bloody Ser Gregor Clegane. Even the Mountain that Rides looks like a dwarf compared to him.

Tyrion: I never thought I'd hear that the Mountain could be compared to someone as a dwarf. But really, not only does Elwe look like a Maiar, with beauty that outshines even the Targaryens, he's taller than Gregor Clegane. If he's as strong, even our brave king wouldn't stand a chance against him.

Robert: Wow, I'd kill him with my hammer. He might be bigger than the Mountain, but I'd kill him just as well as I would kill bloody Rhaegar Targaryen. I wouldn't stand a chance against me!

Stannis: You forget that this Elwe is immortal. He has centuries to train in battle and gather experience. He could have a great chance of defeating you. And your underestimating him could be your undoing, brother.

Renly: I agree with Stannis on that. He could be more dangerous than the Mountain, and not just because of his size.

Robert: He could be ten thousand years old and older than the Wall. I would still crush his chest with my warhammer. No silver-haired cunt could defeat me!

Sansa: How romantic, Elwe was satisfied with the beauty and glow of Melian and did not miss the glow of the Two Trees. And their children must be beautiful indeed.

Arya: The most beautiful of all the Children of Ilúvatar as stated in the previous chapter. I hope beauty will not be the only thing that defines them.

Robb: He certainly looks like a king. A king taller than Gregor Clegane with beauty that the Targaryens would envy.

Cersei: (mumbles under her breath) That whore Melian got a silver-haired king and I'm done with that drunkard and whoremonger.

Pycelle: (Writes on parchment) Eglath, the Forsaken People, who stayed in Middle-earth longing for Elwe. Then they joined him, creating the foundations of the kingdom of Doriath.

Jon: They still missed Aman, though they stayed in Beleriand and then joined Elwe, becoming his subjects.

The image in the magic mirror showed the Teleri traveling on the island to Aman, but when they found Eldamar in the bay, they heard the voice of Osse asking Ulmo to stop. He did so and attached the roots of the island to the bottom of the sea, then returned to Aman. This did not please the Valar much, and many of the Elves longed for the Teleri. Soon the Valar made a pass into the Pelóri Mountains, called Calacirya, from where the light of distant stars reached them.

Now Ossë followed after the host of Olwë, and when they were come to the Bay of Eldamar (which is Elvenhome) he called to them; and they knew his voice, and begged Ulmo to stay their voyage. And Ulmo granted their request, and at his bidding Ossë made fast the island and rooted it to the foundations of the sea. Ulmo did this the more readily, for he understood the hearts of the Teleri, and in the council of the Valar he had spoken against the summons, thinking that it were better for the Quendi to remain in Middle-earth.

The Valar were little pleased to learn what he had done; and Finwë grieved when the Teleri came not, and yet more when he learned that Elwë was forsaken, and knew that he should not see him again, unless it were in the halls of Mandos. But the island was not moved again, and stood there alone in the Bay of Eldamar; and it was called Tol Eressëa, the Lonely Isle. There the Teleri abode as they wished under the stars of heaven, and yet within sight of Aman and the deathless shore; and by that long sojourn apart in the Lonely Isle was caused the sundering of their speech from that of the Vanyar and the Noldor.

To these the Valar had given a land and a dwelling-place. Even among the radiant flowers of the Tree-lit gardens of Valinor they longed still at times to see the stars; and therefore a gap was made in the great walls of the Pelóri, and there in a deep valley that ran down to the sea the Eldar raised a high green hill: Túna it was called. From the west the light of the Trees fell upon it, and its shadow lay ever eastward; and to the east it looked towards the Bay of Elvenhome, and the Lonely Isle, and the Shadowy Seas.

Then through the Calacirya, the Pass of Light, the radiance of the Blessed Realm streamed forth, kindling the dark waves to silver and gold, and it touched the Lonely Isle, and its western shore grew green and fair. There bloomed the first flowers that ever were east of the Mountains of Aman.

 

Robert: Good, I didn't expect that the Teleri would want to stop their journey to Aman because they would hear Osse's voice and Ulmo would agree to it and settle the island permanently.

Tyrion: Maybe it's not so strange, since Osse befriended them and Ulmo was already against the idea of settling elves in Aman. And we know that the island is called Tol Eressea.

Jon: The Lonely Island, a fairly appropriate name, since there are no other islands nearby because Aman itself is a continent like Westeros or Essos. I feel sorry for Finwe the most, because he will never see his friend again, unless the other one dies and his spirit goes to the halls of Mandos.

Robb: It must be hard for him. It would be for me if he could never see you or Theon. It's hard for the king of the Noldor, that his friend remained in Beleriand and he won't see him, unless the other one dies and his spirit goes to the halls of Mandos.

Tywin: That was to be expected. The Teleri had become close friends with Osse, who taught them, and Ulmo had previously opposed the idea of bringing the Elves to Aman. Ulmo saw no reason to refuse the Teleri's request and allow them to live near the shores of Aman. Manwe disliked it, but he would not punish Ulmo, because their coming to Aman was voluntary.

Tyrion: It is also clear that the Valar care for the Elves, since they made a breach in the Pelóri Mountains so that they could gaze at the stars, and in that place the Elves built a green hill called Tuna.

Pycelle: Oh yes, Lord Tyrion. We have received much interesting information. The Bay of Eldamar, Tol Eressea, the Lonely Island, the Tuna Hills, and the Calacirya Pass, the Pass of Light. It gives some idea of the geography of Aman. Not much, but still something.

Joffrey: Ulmo should have dragged him to Aman, not given in to the requests of the foolish Teleri.

Cersei: Ulmo has a soft heart and before he opposed the elves living in Aman and I agree with him. Only the best deserve to live in such a place, certainly not those bloody elves.

Sansa: These flowers look so beautiful. And these are the first flowers to bloom in that world.

Arya: Flowers are boring, I wonder if the Teleri will build ships and sail to visit their friends in Aman.

Catelyn: Girls, please don't argue with me. They will probably visit their friends in Aman in the future.

Ned: Certainly. Probably not only Finwë and the Noldor miss them, but also the Teleri themselves on the island miss their friends in Aman. At least the Teleri have flowers, the first in Arda, on their beautiful island.

Sansa: And they are so beautiful, father.

Ned: Yes, indeed, beautiful flowers, first blooming in Arda.

Robert: Nothing interesting, these flowers. Good for women, but not for me.

Cersei: (Snorts under her breath, looking at her husband)

The painting showed the elves building a city of Tirion on the top of Tuna, where they would settle, and the tower of Mindon Eldaliéva loomed over the entire city. Yavanna could be seen creating a smaller version of Telperion, though not with its own light, which she gave to the elves living in Aman.

Upon the crown of Túna the city of the Elves was built, the white walls and terraces of Tirion; and the highest of the towers of that city was the Tower of Ingwë, Mindon Eldaliéva, whose silver lamp shone far out into the mists of the sea. Few are the ships of mortal Men that have seen its slender beam. In Tirion upon Túna the Vanyar and the Noldor dwelt long in fellowship.

And since of all things in Valinor they loved most the White Tree, Yavanna made for them a tree like to a lesser image of Telperion, save that it did not give light of its own being; Galathilion it was named in the Sindarin tongue. This tree was planted in the courts beneath the Mindon and there flourished, and its seedlings were many in Eldamar. Of these one was afterwards planted in Tol Eressëa, and it prospered there, and was named Celeborn; thence came in the fullness of time, as is elsewhere told, Nimloth, the White Tree of Númenor.

 

Robert: They really are crazy about naming trees. Galathilion, Celeborn, and Nimloth. It's like they're bored and have to name trees as if they were people, animals, or swords. It was enough that those two glowing trees have names, but that's going too far.

Ned: It's probably just a habit of theirs, Robert. The elves must have a great attachment to the wild, since they name trees.

Tyrion: I personally find it amusing that the name of their city is very similar to my name. I can feel proud of that.

Cersei: (Snorts) It's just a strange coincidence that their city is called Tirion, Imp. So don't be so happy, because if they met you, they'd quickly change the name of the city to something else.

Tyrion: (Ironically) You hurt my feelings, little sister. I'm not as horrible as people say I am.

Jaime: You can be annoying and your sharp retorts have pissed off many a nobleman, little brother, but you are not as awful as people say.

Tyrion: Thanks, brother. You are always helpful to me.

Joffrey: You are ugly and spiteful, Imp.

Tyrion: Because you are the most handsome prince in the realm, nephew.

Joffrey: (Beams up)

Pycelle: The Tower of Ingwë, Mindon Eldaliéva reminds me of the Hightowers in Oldtown. It also serves as both a home and a beacon for ships. Apparently, human ships rarely reached Aman, probably because the Valar for some reason did not allow them. And again, Numenor was mentioned, which received Galathilion's offspring.

Robert: Pycelle, do you know anything about this Numenor?

Pycelle: Not much, but I know the story will come after we finish Quenta Silmarilion.

Robert: That means it'll be a hell of a long time before we get to that.

Ned: We'll get to that eventually, Robert.

Robb: One tree in Tirion, another in Tol Eressëa, and a third in Numenor. Apparently those elves valued that tree very much.

Jon: Given that Yavanna created a tree for them in the likeness of Telperion, that doesn't surprise me.

Tyrion: You have to admit that Ingwe was respected, since the tallest tower in Tirion was called Ingwe's Tower.

The magic mirror showed the lives of the Vanyar and the Noldor, and how the Noldor were the first to discover gems, which they used to work them, not hoard them, but give them to the other inhabitants of Aman.

Manwë and Varda loved most the Vanyar, the Fair Elves; but the Noldor were beloved of Aulë, and he and his people came often among them. Great became their knowledge and their skill; yet even greater was their thirst for more knowledge, and in many things they soon surpassed their teachers. They were changeful in speech, for they had great love of words, and sought ever to find names more fit for all things that they knew or imagined.

And it came to pass that the masons of the house of Finwë, quarrying in the hills after stone (for they delighted in the building of high towers), first discovered the earth-gems, and brought them forth in countless myriads; and they devised tools for the cutting and shaping of gems, and carved them in many forms. They hoarded them not, but gave them freely, and by their labour enriched all Valinor. The Noldor afterwards came back to Middle-earth, and this tale tells mostly of their deeds; therefore the names and kinship of their princes may here be told, in that form which these names later bore in the tongue of the Elves of Beleriand.

 

Pycelle: The Noldor were not only skilled craftsmen, stonemasons and builders, but also skilled in speech. Fascinating and reminiscent of the fact that the Teleri who live on Tol Eressea have a language different from the language of the elves living in Aman.

Robert: Boring, what interests me is that the Noldor are skilled craftsmen and builders and were the first to discover gemstones. I would have liked to see them do something more interesting, like fight, drink or hunt.

Tyrion: It shows us that the Noldor were a capable tribe. Not only did they discover gemstones, but they invented the tools to mine and work them themselves, and they were friends with Aulë, which is always a plus for me. After all, the creator of the dwarves taught the Noldor the techniques of his craft, which they put to good use.

Joffrey: These Noldor are mad. How can they just give away such wealth like it was nothing? They should be hoarding these precious gems for themselves and their king, not giving them away to everyone.

Cersei: You're right, Joff. The Noldor are simple commoners who would give away all their wealth and get nothing in return. They're only good for hard work, they certainly don't deserve a king of their own.

Jaime: Just because they don't hoard wealth doesn't mean they're simple, sweet sister.

Tywin: The Elves are immortal, so they might look at something like wealth in gold and gems differently. But to me it's still foolish to just give away these precious gems like it was nothing. Wealth is also one of the signs of power.

Robb: I wonder what made the Noldor return to Middle-earth.

Jon: I assume Morgoth is behind this. I just don't know what he would have to do to convince the Noldor to return to Middle-earth. Probably something horrible, but at least we'll learn the names of their princes. I'm sure they play just as important a role in the story.

Robert: Ha, maybe there will be great warriors among them. I hope we'll see them in battle.

Stannis: I hope that at least their princes and kings do their duty and don't think only about fighting, drinking and fucking.

Robert: That's the best part of being a king, Stannis. Don't keep that damn stick up your ass. I hope that at least the princes of the Noldor aren't as stiff as you.

Renly: (He laughed at this) I guess we'll see what their princes, brothers, are like.

Ned: Personally, I hope they're honorable and honest, caring above all for the good of their people.

The magic mirror showed King Finwë and Queen Indis accompanied by three sons, Feanor, Fingolfin, and Finarfin. Feanor was accompanied by seven sons, Fingolfin by two sons and a daughter, and Finarfin by four sons and a daughter, whose beauty dazzled those gathered in the Hall.

 

Finwë was King of the Noldor. The sons of Finwë were Fëanor, and Fingolfin, and Finarfin; but the mother of Fëanor was Míriel Serindë, whereas the mother of Fingolfin and Finarfin was Indis of the Vanyar.

Fëanor was the mightiest in skill of word and of hand, more learned than his brothers; his spirit burned as a flame. Fingolfin was the strongest, the most steadfast, and the most valiant. Finarfin was the fairest, and the most wise of heart; and afterwards he was a friend of the sons of Olwë, lord of the Teleri, and had to wife Eärwen, the swan-maiden of Alqualondë, Olwë's daughter.

The seven sons of Fëanor were Maedhros the tall; Maglor the mighty singer, whose voice was heard far over land and sea; Celegorm the fair, and Caranthir the dark; Curufin the crafty, who inherited most his father's skill of hand; and the youngest Amrod and Amras, who were twin brothers, alike in mood and face. In later days they were great hunters in the woods of Middle-earth; and a hunter also was Celegorm, who in Valinor was a friend of Oromë, and often followed the Vala's horn.

The sons of Fingolfin were Fingon, who was afterwards King of the Noldor in the north of the world, and Turgon, lord of Gondolin; their sister was Aredhel the White. She was younger in the years of the Eldar than her brothers; and when she was grown to full stature and beauty she was tall and strong, and loved much to ride and hunt in the forests. There she was often in the company of the sons of Fëanor, her kin; but to none was her heart's love given. Ar-Feiniel she was called, the White Lady of the Noldor, for she was pale, though her hair was dark, and she was never arrayed but in silver and white.

The sons of Finarfin were Finrod the faithful (who was afterwards named Felagund, Lord of Caves), Orodreth, Angrod, and Aegnor; these four were as close in friendship with the sons of Fingolfin as though they were all brothers. A sister they had, Galadriel, most beautiful of all the house of Finwë; her hair was lit with gold as though it had caught in a mesh the radiance of Laurelin.

Robert: Gods, that's quite a large royal family. Maybe not as large as the descendants of that old Walder Frey, but it's impressive. Although that Galadriel and Aredhel, really beautiful. Especially Fingolfin's daughter reminds me of my Lyanna.

Tyrion: Yes, really quite a large family, mostly male, considering that King Finwe has three sons and thirteen grandsons for two granddaughters and zero daughters. And that Galadriel, really the most beautiful elf I've ever seen. I wonder if the hair between her legs is as golden as the hair on her head.

Ned: It's interesting that Prince Feanor's mother is a certain Miriel Serinde, and his brothers have a different mother. Queen Miriel probably died, so Finwe then married Indis as his second wife.

Tyrion: I would bet that Finwe, like Aegon the Conqueror, had two wives, but the fact that he is only seen with one, who must be Queen Indis, means that the previous queen must have died. The only question is how, since elves are immortal.

Cersei: It's too obvious, Imp. Even elven women are probably not immune to death in the birthing bed. I assure you, Queen Miriel died giving birth to Prince Feanor, and then King Finwe remarried so that he would have someone to warm his bed. All men think with their dicks, not their heads.

Sansa: How many of these princes do they have and they are all so handsome. I would like to meet them, especially Prince Finrod. He seems like such a handsome and charming prince. And Prince Maglor is a great singer, I would like to hear his songs.

Robb: This Maedhros is taller than Gregor Clegane and shorter than Elwe, and yet they call him Maedhros the Tall.

Jon: And he's got auburn hair, just like you, Robb. Maybe that's what you'd look like if you were born an elf, brother.

Robb: (Smiling at his half-brother)

Robert: I like that Celegorm and the twins. Great hunters, why was that Celegorm friends with Oromë puts him high on my list. Too bad he also has bloody Targaryen silver hair.

Jaime: Any of you wonder why Finrod's other name, Felagund, means Lord of the Caves? Because I wonder, especially since they live in Tirion, not a cave.

Tyrion: I assume it probably comes from the time when the Noldor returned to Middle-earth. Maybe Finrod built his seat in a cave then?

Cersei: Like some wildling beyond the Wall. And I expect more from these elves.

Tyrion: Looking at their city, I'd assume the cave was so developed that it looks like an underground city. Something like Khazad-dum in The Lord of the Rings. So he didn't judge them so low, sweet sister.

Pycelle: The princesses Aredhel and Galadriel have something else besides their captivating beauty. At least in the case of Aredhel, who is called Ar-Feiniel, which means White Lady of the Noldor because she dresses in white and silver, and Galadriel is the most beautiful in her family with golden hair like the glow of Laurelin. Interestingly, only Prince Finarfin's wife, Princess Earwen, who is the daughter of King Olwë, is mentioned here. The name Alqualondë is also mentioned here, I assume that's the name of the Teleri city built on Tol Eressea, I believe.

Tyrion: Interesting, perhaps the names of Feanor's and Fingolfin's wives will be given later. They list here what each of the king's sons prided themselves on. Fëanor was the mightiest in skill of word and hand, more learned than his brothers; his spirit burned as a flame. Fingolfin was the strongest, the most steadfast, and the most valiant. Finarfin was the fairest, and the most wise of heart, not to mention that he was friends with the sons of Olwë. I assume Feanor was good at creating new words, having more knowledge than his brothers. Fingolfin has the qualities of a true warrior, and Finarfin is the most beautiful and gentle of the king's sons. Pycelle, write down all these names so we don't get lost in it later.

Pycelle: I've already taken care of it, Lord Tyrion. Finwë is the king of the Noldor. His first wife was Miriel Serinde, with whom he had a son, Feanor. He had seven sons with an unnamed wife: Maedhros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin, and twins Amrod and Amras. Finwë's second wife was Indis of the Vanyar tribe. With her he had two sons: Fingolfin and Finarfin. Fingolfin had two sons with an unnamed wife: Fingon and Turgon, and a daughter, Aredhel. Finarfin had four sons with his wife Earwen, daughter of Olwë: Finrod, Orodreth, Aegnor, and Angrod, and a daughter, Galadriel.

Jaime: I wonder that Fingon became king in the North of the world and Turgon was lord of Gondolin. I assume that was around the time the Noldor returned to Middle-earth. So I wonder what happened to Finwë, Feanor and his sons, and Fingolfin. And what was this Gondolin?

Tyrion: I suspect that they all had to die since Fingon became King in the North, but I'm not certain. I'm sure we'll get answers to all these questions in time. And Gondolin is most likely some castle or city that Gondolin took over. I'm curious that Aredhel clearly didn't fall in love with any of her cousins.

Jon: Fingon being King in the North makes me think that the Starks were once Kings of the North.

Robb: It made me think of that too. I wonder what North of the world you're talking about.

Jon: I assume you mean the North of Beleriand, brother.

Renly: Finarfin's sons were friends with their cousins, the sons of Fingolfin, like they were their own brothers. They really must be close.

Ned: (Thinks about how Aredhel is strangely similar to Lyanna)

Robert: Galadriel may be more beautiful, but I prefer Aredhel. Much of her screams Lyanna to me.

Ned: It's only a superficial resemblance, Robert. Lyanna wasn't the only woman who loved to ride and had an indomitable spirit.

Robert: I know that, but it's hard not to see something of Lyanna in her, Ned.

Cersei: (Pressing her lips together, looking contemptuously at her fat husband)

The image on the magic mirror showed how, after a long, long time, the Teleri finally wanted to join the Vanyar and Noldor in Aman. Ulmo, at the urging of the other Valar, sent Ossë to them, who taught them shipbuilding and gave them a flock of strong-winged swans as a parting gift. With their help they easily reached the shores of Aman in their ships, where they settled, and with the help of the Noldor built for themselves a dwelling called Alqualondë.

Here must be told how the Teleri came at last to the land of Aman. Through a long age they dwelt in Tol Eressëa; but slowly their hearts were changed, and were drawn towards the light that flowed out over the sea to the Lonely Isle. They were torn between the love of the music of the waves upon their shores, and the desire to see again their kindred and to look upon the splendour of Valinor; but in the end desire of the light was the stronger. Therefore Ulmo, submitting to the will of the Valar, sent to them Ossë, their friend, and he though grieving taught them the craft of ship-building; and when their ships were built he brought them as his parting gift many strong-winged swans. Then the swans drew the white ships of the Teleri over the windless sea; and thus at last and latest they came to Aman and the shores of Eldamar.

There they dwelt, and if they wished they could see the light of the Trees, and could tread the golden streets of Valmar and the crystal stairs of Tirion upon Túna, the green hill; but most of all they sailed in their swift ships on the waters of the Bay of Elvenhome, or walked in the waves upon the shore with their hair gleaming in the light beyond the hill. Many jewels the Noldor gave them, opals and diamonds and pale crystals, which they strewed upon the shores and scattered in the pools; marvellous were the beaches of Elendë in those days.

 

And many pearls they won for themselves from the sea, and their halls were of pearl, and of pearl were the mansions of Olwë at Alqualondë, the Haven of the Swans, lit with many lamps. For that was their city, and the haven of their ships; and those were made in the likeness of swans, with beaks of gold and eyes of gold and jet. The gate of that harbour was an arch of living rock sea-carved; and it lay upon the confines of Eldamar, north of the Calacirya, where the light of the stars was bright and clear.

 

Robert: You could say that now all three tribes of elves are finally in Aman. And those swans must be damned strong to have managed to pull the Teleri ships to the shores of Aman.

Sansa: Those swans are beautiful and strong, your grace.

Robert: (He laughed at that) You're right, Lady Sansa. The swans are indeed strong and probably just as beautiful, though I don't like swans.

Jaime: It would take a century for Olwe and the rest of his people to miss the rest of the elves living in Aman. But I didn't expect them to send Ossé to teach them how to build ships and even give them swans to pull them to the shores of Aman.

Joffrey: I need swans like that. They'll pull my flagship when the wind's not blowing!

Renly: I don't want to spoil your dreams, nephew, but there are no swans strong enough to pull a ship in the whole world, not to mention that this flagship belongs to your father.

Joffrey: You can find swans like that!

Robb: (Whispering to Jon) Assuming that such swans don't exist in our world?

Jon: (Also whispering) Not at all, for that is a fool's wager. Of course, such swans don't exist that can pull any ship.

Pycelle: (Writing on parchment) Osse teaches the Teleri to build ships and gives them a flock of swans. They build a city on the shores of Alqualondë, the Haven of the Swans, where King Olwë settles.

Tywin: The generosity of the Noldor may not be astonishing, but that the Teleri should have thrown all those precious stones on the shore and into the pools as if they were worthless stones surprises me. And most thought it was madness. King Olwë should be filling his treasury with them, not allowing such waste.

Ned: All those precious gems could feed the North for many years. These Elves must have a very different understanding of what wealth is, to treat it so lightly.

Cersei: These Elves are mad to treat such wealth as if it meant nothing!

Catelyn: And their ships are beautiful and look richly decorated.

Stannis: Ships built in the likeness of swans with beaks of gold and eyes of gold and jet. Yes, they are certainly richly decorated, but they look as if they sailed well. He himself was eager to see how they fared in stormy waters.

Renly: And the seat of King Olwë also looks rich, seeing that it is made of pearls. Pearls! I have never heard of anyone making such a residence.

Sansa: I would gladly walk the streets of Alqualonde and see all the splendors of this Teleri city.

Arya: I agree with you, Sister. I would gladly see their city and their swan ships myself.

Robert: Swan ships! How apt a name, given by the younger of Ned's daughters. That is what I shall call them, they will be swan ships.

The image on the magic mirror showed how Ingwë and his people left Tirion, settling all over Aman, although most lived at the foot of Taniquetil. Meanwhile, the Noldor lived in Tirion, and the Teleri in Alqualonde, although they visited each other, living in great neighborly friendship in the land of the Valar.

As the ages passed the Vanyar grew to love the land of the Valar and the full light of the Trees, and they forsook the city of Tirion upon Túna, and dwelt thereafter upon the mountain of Manwë, or about the plains and woods of Valinor, and became sundered from the Noldor.

But the memory of Middle-earth under the stars remained in the hearts of the Noldor, and they abode in the Calacirya, and in the hills and valleys within sound of the western sea; and though many of them went often about the land of the Valar, making far journeys in search of the secrets of land and water and all living things, yet the peoples of Túna and Alqualondë drew together in those days.

Finwë was king in Tirion and Olwë in Alqualondë; but Ingwë was ever held the High King of all the Elves. He abode thereafter at the feet of Manwë upon Taniquetil.

 

Tyrion: It is clear that the Vanyar did not want to limit themselves to Tirion, so they spread throughout Aman. And that Ingwe is a big toadies to Manwe, since he lived at his feet.

Tywin: There are toadies in every court, some of them shamelessly sucking up to the king to gain his favor, honors and titles. Ingwe is no different from other toadies, seeing that he is not only the king of the Vanyar but of all the elves, and Finwe and Olwe even accept it.

Tyrion: The only thing that can be argued is whether it is because he sucks up to Manwe or he is simply so highly respected by all the elves living in Aman.

Robert: I have seen enough toadies to say that this Ingwe probably is one too. Maybe they should finish this chapter, because I'm not so stupid as not to understand that the Noldor and Teleri lived in their cities, while the Vanyar scattered throughout Valinor. Besides, I'm hungry and want something decent to eat.

Pycelle: I think there's not much left, your grace.

Robert: I hope so, because I really am hungry and I could eat something.

Catelyn: Valinor is so beautiful, so I don't blame the Vanyar for scattering throughout it.

Ned: The Noldor clearly traveled a lot in Aman, even though they lived primarily in Tirion. Of course, they're curious about the land of the Valar.

Robert: And who wouldn't be curious about a land inhabited by almost divine beings, Ned. I'd wander there myself for weeks, feasting on roasts and drinking ale, with one or two elves maidens warming my bed. Oh, that would be a life.

Ned: I would be happy to accompany you on your journeys across Aman, my friend.

Robert: And I understand that. Just you and me, and before us the vast miles of the Valar land, waiting to be discovered in all its secrets! And of course we had fair women elves to warm our beds. Perhaps you should take your sons to enjoy life in the land of the gods as well.

The image on the magic mirror showed Feanor and his seven sons traveling throughout Aman to its western borders, visiting the house of Aulë, and Celegorm visiting the house of Oromë.

Fëanor and his sons abode seldom in one place for long, but travelled far and wide upon the confines of Valinor, going even to the borders of the Dark and the cold shores of the Outer Sea, seeking the unknown. Often they were guests in the halls of Aulë; but Celegorm went rather to the house of Oromë, and there he got great knowledge of birds and beasts, and all their tongues he knew.

For all living things that are or have been in the Kingdom of Arda, save only the fell and evil creatures of Melkor, lived then in the land of Aman; and there also were many other creatures that have not been seen upon Middle-earth, and perhaps never now shall be, since the fashion of the world was changed.

After that the image disappeared and the mirror turned black, then magically disappeared.

Robert: That's it, so we can go and eat a good meal. I'm starving!

Jon: But I would like to learn the languages of all animals from Orome. He could talk to my horse and direwolf.

Robb: Not just you, brother. I would also like to know the languages of animals so I could talk to them.

Arya: Me too, Jon, me too. I would like to talk to cats, dogs, horses and other animals. I'm sure they could tell me a lot about what they've seen in their lives.

Joffrey: As heir to the Iron Throne, I believe that I alone deserve to learn the languages of all animals and everything he knows about them!

Tyrion: (Quietly to Jaime) Jaime, you bet Orome would laugh at Joffrey's request and if he insulted Valar, Orome would quickly show his anger.

Jaime: There's no doubt about it. Joffrey has already pissed off the god-creator of that world. I can see him pissing off Orome, who is giving him a hard time.

Robert: The gods must really hate me to punish me for being such an idiot for a son and heir to the throne.

Cersei: How dare you call our son that, Robert!

Robert: Shut up, woman, I'll call him whatever I like. Joffrey has shown me more than once what a fool he is. I'm starting to think that Tomnen would be a better heir to the Iron Throne than Joffrey.

Cersei: (She wanted to get back at her husband, but her father's stern and scolding gaze stopped her)

Sansa: I wonder what animals might live in Aman that don't live in Middle-earth. Unicorns, maybe?

Jon: Who knows, sister. Maybe they'll say more about it later. I assume they definitely have elephants. I once heard that the Golden Company uses them in combat.

Arya: Maybe they have direwolves? It's possible that they live in their world and are as gentle as lambs.

Robb: Maybe not as gentle as lambs, but probably harmless to elves. But I doubt they have direwolves at all. Probably other, more fantastic creatures like a gryphon.

Robert: They definitely don't have dragons, they are after all foul beasts.

Ned: Dragons may be Morgoth's foul beasts in this world, if they exist at all. It's possible that they never existed in Arda, but we'll probably convince them in the future.

Tyrion: It seems that Feanor and his sons liked to visit Aulë. He probably showed them more than one of his works. I wonder what else this Valar blacksmith created in his workshop.

Tywin: Or commission him some work. Feanor and his sons are princes, so they must have had some work for him to do.

Joffrey: And he still owes me armor and a sword. I need royal equipment made by the Valar blacksmith himself!

Tyrion: (Mumbling under his breath) As if Aulë owes you anything, you little brat.

Robert: I'm sick of listening to Joffrey complain. I'm going to eat. And Pycelle, don't call me to the Hall unless it's an invitation to watch another chapter of The Silmarillion or something.

Pycelle: Of course, your grace. As you wish.

Renly: I'll go with you, brother. I'm hungry too.

Robert: And I understand that. If only to eat well, Renly.

Stannis: (Shakes his head at this)

And so King Robert and Lord Renly left the Hall to eat something good.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw).

They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council. All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, only Grand Maester Pycelle sat close to Lord Lannister.

Robert: Grand Maester, I hope this is a summons to continue watching The Silmarilion or something else and not because you're bored and summoning me, the King of the Seven Kingdoms, for no reason?

Pycelle: Your Grace, I can assure you this is a summons to watch another chapter of The Silmarilion. According to the letter I received, this chapter will bring us closer to Prince Feanor, son of King Finwë and his first wife Miriel Serinde.

Ned: So we'll get to know the eldest son of King Finwë, who had seven sons. Maybe they'll tell us the name of his wife while we're at it. She's a brave woman, since she managed to give birth to seven sons.

Catelyn: Birth is almost always a dangerous thing for every woman. I know something about it, after all I gave birth to five children. And this wife of Feanor did well, since she gave birth to seven sons and even better if she didn't die giving birth to twins.

Tyrion: Elves are immortal so maybe their births are gentler and less deadly to mothers.

Cersei: I doubt it, little brother. Birth is always painful for mothers, regardless of race. And Miriel Serinde is dead, so she probably died giving birth to Feanor. Feanor's wife simply managed better than her deceased good mother.

Jaime: I wonder who Feanor's wife was and also Fingolfin's wife, because in the previous chapter only Finarfin's wife was given, who is the daughter of King Olwe, Princess Earwen, who gave her husband four sons and a daughter, the most beautiful in the whole family of King Finwe.

Tywin: Maybe they'll give the name of Feanor's wife, unless whoever wrote it thought she was too unimportant to be named. Or maybe the prince married someone beneath his station and that's why the author didn't want to write about it.

Tyrion: I doubt, father, that Feanor was their version of Prince Duncan, who married his Jenny. Especially since there's no mention of him being stripped of his position as King Finwë's heir. Besides, to become king, his father would have to be killed, because elves are immortal, so he probably won't die of old age.

Tywin: Immortal or not, it can't be that a prince of the Noldor married some lowly woman. That would be madness and stupidity that no king can allow, not even this King Finwë.

Tyrion: Father ignores the fact that elves are immortal, so none would want to be stuck with someone they don't love for eternity, and besides, the three kings live in peace under Manwë's rule. I doubt they would necessarily need political marriages.

Ned: I can agree with Lord Tyrion on that. Elves may differ from us in many ways. After all, they even consort with beings who are basically gods.

Stannis: But duty is duty, so Feanor had better not run away from it by marrying a lowborn peasant girl. After all, his youngest brother married the king's daughter.

Renly: And I find it funny that Finwe has three sons, even if by two different wives, whose number matches ours. Although it seems that they are very, very different from us. Although if Fingolfin were as gloomy as Stannis, it would be a great irony.

Robb: I wonder what they will show us of Prince Feanor's life.

Jon: I assume his childhood, youth, and adulthood, how he marries his wife and has seven sons with her. Maybe something else. There is a wide range of what they can show us of Prince Feanor's life.

Arya: Maybe we'll learn something about Feanor's wife. What was her name, who was she. After all, we knew nothing about King Helm's daughter.

Robert: Let that magic mirror appear at last, so that we can get this over with.

Then, as if on cue, a large, magical mirror with a dark surface appears on the wall. A large, white inscription appears on its surface CHAPTER 6, OF FEANOR AND THE UNCHAINING OF MELKOR and after a moment the inscription disappeared, leaving only darkness. Soon, an image appeared on the surface of the mirror showing how three tribes of elves prosper and one of them, named Rumil, will develop a writing for his people.

Now the Three Kindreds of the Eldar were gathered at last in Valinor, and Melkor was chained. This was the Noontide of the Blessed Realm, the fullness of its glory and its bliss, long in tale of years, but in memory too brief. In those days the Eldar became full-grown in stature of body and of mind, and the Noldor advanced ever in skill and knowledge; and the long years were filled with their joyful labours, in which many new things fair and wonderful were devised.

Then it was that the Noldor first bethought them of letters, and Rúmil of Tirion was the name of the loremaster who first achieved fitting signs for the recording of speech and song, some for graving upon metal or in stone, others for drawing with brush or with pen

Robert: WHAT!? Why would bloody Morgoth be freed?

Ned: Apparently in this chapter Morgoth's three hundred years of imprisonment will end and Manwe will meet him again. Most likely Morgoth will beg for mercy and Manwe will release him, maybe some kind of penance to show that he is not evil.

Robert: This is a really bad idea. That bastard will probably plot behind their backs until he can harm the world again. And in Aman he can surprise most by either destroying the Two Trees or murdering all the elves. Manwe should not have let him go at all.

Tywin: I agree with the king. This is a really bad idea. Even if Manwe thinks that Morgoth has thought about his actions after three centuries and decided to improve himself, I find it hard to believe. Someone like Morgoth does not change easily. He can pretend and deceive everyone that he has changed, but it will only be a lie so that he can secretly plot against Manwe and the rest of the Valar. I don't know how it turned out though, so I won't pass judgement.

Tyrion: I guess Manwe decided that after three hundred years of captivity, which to us counted as three thousand years as a prisoner in the halls of Mandos, Morgoth had thought about his actions and decided to atone for it by serving the Valar and the elves or something like that.

Cersei: Manwe is naive to think that Morgoth simply changed after such a long time. More like he would harbor hatred and anger towards his brother and only pretend to change so he could secretly plot his downfall or do some great damage to Aman.

Jaime: Yes, it's not the best thing Manwe did, but we don't know exactly how it looked yet. Maybe we'll just wait until we get to the point where Morgoth was freed from his chains.

Stannis: I agree with that. We don't know all the details about Morgoth's release from the dungeons of Mandos, or what Manwë thought about it, or whether Morgoth truly changed or not. So let's wait to pass judgment until we know the details of this event.

Renly: I agree with Stannis and Ser Jaime. We don't know everything, so it was unfair to judge Manwë's actions without more context. Also, did anyone notice that we were given the name of the Elf who created the script?

Pycelle: I noticed that, Lord Renly. It's fascinating, especially since many maesters in the Citadel still argue about who first created the script. Some say Old Ghis, others Yi Ti, and still others that it was for the achievements of Qarth. Here we are given the name of the one who created the script, which was later used by the Elves and probably not limited to the Noldor. Rumil of Tirion was the first to develop signs that could be used to carve into stone or metal, as well as write on parchment and paper. It's really fascinating.

Joffrey: Boring, who cares who invented writing? It's not interesting.

Tyrion: Without writing, a civilization like ours would never have come into being. You wouldn't be a prince and heir to the throne, because there would be no civilization. And maesters and learned lords might be very interested in that.

Joffrey: (Snorts at Imp's words).

Jon: I think it's even interesting that we get information about who invented writing among the elves. Rumil must be respected by his brethren for that.

Robb: And his title of loremaster, he probably knows a lot of history and knowledge about the elves and probably the Valar as well.

Tyrion: I'd love to talk to him about these topics over a glass of wine or two. He probably knows a lot of stories about the Valar and the Elves that I would like to hear.

The image on the magic mirror showed the birth of Feanor in Finwë's palace in Tirion.

In that time was born in Eldamar, in the house of the King in Tirion upon the crown of Túna, the eldest of the sons of Finwë, and the most beloved. Curufinwë was his name, but by his mother he was called Fëanor, Spirit of Fire; and thus he is remembered in all the tales of the Noldor.

Robert: So Feanor is the name his mother gave him, and Curufinwe is the name his father gave him. But why is he known by his mother's name?

Ned: Maybe he preferred to use the name his mother gave him? Since Miriel died, Feanor must miss her and therefore prefers to use the name Miriel gave him, and that is why he is so famous in the Noldor stories.

Tyrion: (Thinking of his mother, Joanna whom he never met) I can understand him, if my mother had given me a different name, I would have used it to honor her memory.

Tywin: (Thinking of his dead wife, looking at Tyrion with distaste)

Cersei: If you had never been born, our mother would still be alive. It is your fault, Imp!

Jaime: Calm down, Cersei. It is not Tyrion's fault that our mother died. This is not the first time a woman has died during childbirth. It is a risk every mother in the world takes.

Cersei: Of course, what else could he expect from you, Jaime. You'll defend that little, disgusting...

Tywin: Calm down, stop arguing, or you'll leave the Hall. Understood?

Jaime: Of course, father.

Cersei: (bites lip) Yes, father.

Catelyn: Feanor must have loved his mother very much, to prefer the name she gave him.

Stannis: (Thinking of his mother Cassandra Baratheon) Yes, Feanor certainly loved his mother.

Renly: Someone pointed out that Feanor's name means Spirit of Fire. He must have a fiery temper or something.

Ned: (Thinking of his brother Brandon) I hope not like my brother Brandon. His fiery temper led to his untimely death.

Jaime: I wouldn't be surprised if Feanor's temperament also led to his early death.

Tyrion: Given that he has seven sons, I'd say if he dies it won't be premature.

Jaime: True, brother.

The image on the magic mirror showed Finwë talking to his wife, the silver-haired Miriel, as she lay on a bed after the difficult labor of Feanor.

Míriel was the name of his mother, who was called Serindë, because of her surpassing skill in weaving and needlework; for her hands were more skilled to fineness than any hands even among the Noldor. The love of Finwë and Míriel was great and glad, for it began in the Blessed Realm in the Days of Bliss. But in the bearing of her son Míriel was consumed in spirit and body; and after his birth she yearned for release from the labour of living.

And when she had named him, she said to Finwë: 'Never again shall I bear child; for strength that would have nourished the life of many has gone forth into Fëanor.'

Tyrion: This explains why Miriel was called Serinde. Not a surname, just a nickname given to her because of her extraordinary skills in sewing and embroidery.

Robert: I don't quite see how giving birth to Feanor would drain Miriel's strength of body and spirit. After all, it's just the birth of a child.

Pycelle: I suspect, Your Grace, from what I understand, that for elves giving birth to a child can drain some of their vitality, and that giving birth to Feanor cost Miriel too much. Perhaps that's what led to Miriel Serinde's death. She says so herself.

Ned: Yes, that makes sense. Strange, but these elves are immortal and live in the land of the Valar, who are basically gods. So nothing should surprise or surprise us, no matter how much.

Catelyn: Poor Miriel. Not only will she not have any more children, but she will die without spending time with her son, whom she raised with her husband in other circumstances. I feel sorry for Finwe for losing his beloved wife and Feanor for losing his mother. It must have been hard for him. I only wonder if she was really that good at sewing and embroidery.

Cersei: I don't understand this Miriel. She may not bear any more children, but that doesn't mean she has to die, because clearly the birth itself didn't kill her. Does she really want to orphan her son?

Jaime: Women are strange, but maybe in this case Miriel has no choice and giving birth to Feanor used up so much of her life force that she won't live long.

Jon: It's strange, but looking at it all, maybe it's not the strangest thing.

Robb: Maybe it's nothing strange to them, or rather something they encounter every day. After all, elves are immortal, which means they can approach many things differently than humans.

Sansa: Poor Finwe and Feanor. They'll lose their beloved wife and mother. It's not easy for the handsome king of the Noldor and his young son.

Arya: At least Feanor honored his mother by bearing the name she gave him at birth. She deserved it.

The image on the magic mirror showed Finwe calling upon Manwe for help, and Manwe placing Miriel in Irmo's care. In Lórien, where Miriel's spirit dwelt, she left her body and went to the Halls of Mandos, while Finwe visited his wife's body, which had been preserved by the care of Este's handmaidens. And Finwe called upon his wife, but there was no answer. Finally he ceased to come to her.

Then Finwë was grieved, for the Noldor were in the youth of their days, and he desired to bring forth many children into the bliss of Aman; and he said: 'Surely there is healing in Aman? Here all weariness can find rest.' But when Míriel languished still, Finwë sought the counsel of Manwë, and Manwë delivered her to the care of Irmo in Lórien.

At their parting (for a little while as he thought) Finwë was sad, for it seemed an unhappy chance that the mother should depart and miss the beginning at least of the childhood days of her son.

'It is indeed unhappy,' said Míriel, 'and I would weep, if I were not so weary. But hold me blameless in this, and in all that may come after.' She went then to the gardens of Lórien and lay down to sleep; but though she seemed to sleep, her spirit indeed departed from her body, and passed in silence to the halls of Mandos. The maidens of Estë tended the body of Míriel, and it remained unwithered; but she did not return.

Then Finwë lived in sorrow; and he went often to the gardens of Lórien, and sitting beneath the silver willows beside the body of his wife he called her by her names. But it was unavailing; and alone in all the Blessed Realm he was deprived of joy. After a while he went to Lórien no more.

 

Robert: Gods, I really feel sorry for Finwe. He wanted to save his wife, turning to Manwe for help, but despite everything, her spirit left for Mandos and he was left alone with his son Feanor.

Ned: It's very sad, you can see how Feanor suffers after losing his beloved wife and that Feanor will have to raise him without a mother. And Miriel would cry if she didn't suffer like that. It's a great tragedy for this family.

Stannis: I feel sorry for Finwe, the noble king wanted to save his beloved wife, but there was little he could do. That's why he turned to Manwe, who gave her Irmo under her care. It didn't help much, except that Este's handmaidens made sure that Miriel's body never decomposed. However, it only reminded us of the loss, so I'm not surprised that Finwe stopped coming to Lórien. Because who would want to visit the body of a dead wife, who only reminds us of the loss?

Tyrion: I wonder why she didn't come back to life, because elves can be reborn in their old bodies because of death. Maybe she just gave up on this life.

Jaime: It sounds like one of those mysteries that we'll never get an answer to. But like the others, I feel sorry for Finwe. Losing his wife, who was the love of his life. It's a great loss for him and his son.

Tywin: (Mumbles under his breath) I understand you well, Finwe. I, too, have lost someone I loved most in the world.

Sansa: Poor Finwe, he lost his beloved wife and was deprived of all joy in the Blessed Realm. I feel so sorry for him.

Pycelle: (Writing everything down on parchment) I wonder what it meant that her spirit never returned to her body. Could elven spirits do something like that?

Renly: Yes, I think they can do something like that, though I assume that once they get to the halls of Mandos, they can't leave.

Robert: Considering that he later married Indis, it means that he found happiness in life and fathered two sons with her. Even he didn't want to live forever alone without a beautiful woman by his side.

Tyrion: Few of us could, although he could name a few people here (looks briefly at Renly)

Ned: He probably finally got over that loss and fell in love with Indis. Besides, Feanor needed someone to be a motherly figure to him. Because I doubt Feanor would be treated badly by his stepmother. Finwe wouldn't allow that.

Tywin: And marrying a widowed king, even one who already has a son, would be profitable. Inheritance is only valid if the king is killed by someone, otherwise he can rule for eternity.

Jon: I feel sorry for Finwe. Despite everything he did to save his beloved wife, he lost her and Feanor lost his mother. His joy left him, making him a shell of his former self.

Robb: But since he later married Indis, he found happiness in life.

Jon: Yes, although the sadness for his dead wife probably never left him. For the lost Miriel and for raising Feanor without a mother.

The image on the magic mirror seemed to show in fast forward how Feanor grew to manhood, becoming one of the most talented Noldor in the history of Arda. You could see how he improved the writing of Rumil, created gems larger and brighter than those on Earth, and many other works.

All his love he gave thereafter to his son; and Fëanor grew swiftly, as if a secret fire were kindled within him. He was tall, and fair of face, and masterful, his eyes piercingly bright and his hair raven-dark; in the pursuit of all his purposes eager and steadfast. Few ever changed his courses by counsel, none by force.

He became of all the Noldor, then or after, the most subtle in mind and the most skilled in hand. In his youth, bettering the work of Rúmil, he devised those letters which bear his name, and which the Eldar used ever after; and he it was who, first of the Noldor, discovered how gems greater and brighter than those of the Earth might be made with skill.

The first gems that Fëanor made were white and colourless, but being set under starlight they would blaze with blue and silver fires brighter than Helluin; and other crystals he made also, wherein things far away could be seen small but clear, as with the eyes of the eagles of Manwë. Seldom were the hands and mind of Fëanor at rest.

 

Ned: Steadfast in his pursuit and rarely changing his mind based on advice. A dangerous combination, for he may ignore wise counsel, choosing only what he wants.

Tywin: A fool, a gifted fool, that is true, but that does not make him any less of a fool. His temperament, combined with his reluctance to listen to advice, even wise and sensible advice, will one day kill him. Now that peace reigns and Morgoth is imprisoned, his temperament is no threat to him, but the future may bring a change of circumstances, and then it may prove to be the undoing of him and his loved ones.

Pycelle: (Writing on parchment) That is interesting. Feanor has done many things, but what interests me is that he perfected the writing of Rumil, and so well that it was named after him. He must be a true genius, the sharpest mind among the Noldor.

Cersei: Apart from his irresistible beauty, I don't understand why a Noldor prince would pursue a craft as if he were a commoner?

Tyrion: Well, they're immortal, so he probably got bored with the entertainments of the nobles, and he did a lot of good for the Noldor, like improving their writing. And honestly, I don't know of any prince who improved the writing.

Joffrey: Phew, I could have accomplished more than this Feanor if he wanted to.

Tyrion: Dear nephew, I doubt you've accomplished even a tenth of what Prince Feanor has accomplished.

Jaime: I agree with Tyrion on that. Feanor has accomplished things that few have. After all, who among us could improve the writing?

Catelyn: It's clear that Finwë loves his son. He poured all his love into him, and apparently didn't marry again until his son was grown.

Renly: And now that I think about it, I think he might not like his father remarrying.

Robert: You're right, Renly. Feanor might not like his father finding another wife at all, and might be jealous of his love and attention.

Jon: I wonder about those crystals that allowed you to see distant things but through the eyes of Manwë's eagles.

Tyrion: Okay, now that you put it that way, Snow, I think it's an even bigger invention than improved writing. Having crystals that allowed you to see distant things in a smaller way would be incredibly helpful, especially in war.

Robert: Right, Imp is right. With crystals like that, you could see enemy troop movements and plan your next moves. It would give the possessor an advantage. It's a shame we didn't have crystals like that during the Rebellion.

Ned: Maybe that's for the best, because they could have been in the possession of the Targaryens, Robert.

Robert: Right, Ned. It would be bad if those silver-haired cunts had such crystals. They could surprise us and defeat us, although I would rather die than be killed by fucking Rhaegar Targaryen.

Tywin: (Thinking about the benefits of having such crystals)

Cersei: (Also thinking about the benefits of having such crystals)

Joffrey: Such crystals should be mine!

Robb: Such crystals would certainly be extremely valuable in Westeros.

Ned: Certainly, Robb. In times of war, they would allow you to observe the movements of the enemy's forces, which would allow you to adapt and win.

The painting showed Feanor meeting Nerdanel, the daughter of the blacksmith Mahtan, whom he married and who bore him seven sons. It was clear that they were close, although they later became estranged.

While still in his early youth he wedded Nerdanel, the daughter of a great smith named Mahtan, among those of the Noldor most dear to Aulë; and of Mahtan he learned much of the making of things in metal and in stone.

Nerdanel also was firm of will, but more patient than Fëanor, desiring to understand minds rather than to master them, and at first she restrained him when the fire of his heart grew too hot; but his later deeds grieved her, and they became estranged. Seven sons she bore to Fëanor; her mood she bequeathed in part to some of them, but not to all.

 

Sansa: She has the same auburn hair as her mother!

Catelyn: I am not the only woman with auburn hair, Sansa.

Cersei: Seriously, Feanor could have had any woman as his wife and he chose a blacksmith's daughter!? He's obviously not only brilliant but also crazy to do something like that.

Tyrion: It's a good deal for him though. His good father is friends with Aulë, who taught him his craft, and now Feanor is learning it from Mahtan. Besides, I like Nerdanel, since she was able to control Feanor, even if only for a while. It's better than nothing.

Ned: I wonder what Feanor did that upset Nerdanel, that led to them becoming estranged?

Stannis: Probably something particularly awful or stupid. I don't understand how Finwë agreed to his heir marrying a simple blacksmith's daughter. He should have married someone of his own standing, not a blacksmith's daughter, even if that blacksmith is favored by one of the Valar.

Jon: Elves are immortal, and they live in the safe land of the Valar. They probably don't treat marriage the way we do, even among the high elves. Feanor certainly benefited from the teachings of his good father.

Pycelle: Judging by his earlier works, he certainly did. It's interesting that even the high elves practice crafts. That's not even seen in the distant lands of Essos. And I'll note about Nerdanel. Yes, the daughter of Mahtan, Aulë's friend, and Feanor's wife and mother of his seven sons.

Renly: Elves are strange to me, but maybe that's the result of being immortal, living next to literal gods, and having a completely different mindset. Personally, it doesn't bother me that Feanor married Nerdanel, he might as well have married a swineherd's daughter and I don't care.

Tywin: Yes, it's strange and incomprehensible why Finwë allowed it. King Aegon V threatened his heir with disinheritance if he didn't give up his marriage to Jenny, but Finwe apparently did nothing of the sort, and none of the Noldor had a problem with it.

Tyrion: As I said, elves are quite different from men, so it doesn't bother them at all.

Catelyn: Nerdanel is unusual for dealing with someone like Feanor, considering how stubborn he must be. And she has more patience than her husband, and some of her sons have inherited that from her.

Ned: That may serve them better than their father's stubbornness. Or so I think.

The image on the mirror showed Finwe marrying Indis the Fair, and they had two sons, but Feanor stood aside, having no love or even affection for his stepmother and half-brothers, preferring to spend his time away from home, traveling in Aman or pursuing knowledge and crafts.

Now it came to pass that Finwë took as his second wife Indis the Fair. She was a Vanya, close kin of Ingwë the High King, golden-haired and tall, and in all ways unlike Míriel. Finwë loved her greatly, and was glad again. But the shadow of Míriel did not depart from the house of Finwë, nor from his heart; and of all whom he loved Fëanor had ever the chief share of his thought.

The wedding of his father was not pleasing to Fëanor; and he had no great love for Indis, nor for Fingolfin and Finarfin, her sons. He lived apart from them, exploring the land of Aman, or busying himself with the knowledge and the crafts in which he delighted.

In those unhappy things which later came to pass, and in which Fëanor was the leader, many saw the effect of this breach within the house of Finwë, judging that if Finwë had endured his loss and been content with the fathering of his mighty son, the courses of Fëanor would have been otherwise, and great evil might have been prevented; for the sorrow and the strife in the house of Finwë is graven in the memory of the Noldorin Elves.

But the children of Indis were great and glorious, and their children also; and if they had not lived the history of the Eldar would have been diminished.

.

Tyrion: So it's more than just a dislike for his stepmother and half-brothers, it clearly led to a rift in the family and the great evil that Feanor supposedly led to. I wonder what it was?

Tywin: I suspect Feanor is consumed by great ambitions. He hated Indis because she took his mother's place and he could only see Fingolfin and Finarfin as rivals for his place as heir to King Finwë. It's interesting that Queen Indis is somehow closely related to High King Ingwë. Not a daughter, because that would be stated directly, so probably a niece or cousin. Feanor will probably eventually dethrone his father and then murder his half-brothers, but if he has any sense he will spare Indis so as not to go to war with Ingwë.

Tyrion: That's all well and good, father, but I doubt it's such a great evil. The Valar would quickly catch up with him and punish him. I doubt that Manwe would do nothing about Feanor, who murdered his own brothers, even half-brothers, and deprived his father of the throne. This great evil must have been so great that even the author wonders how history would have changed if Finwe had never remarried and contented himself with his firstborn son, although he notes that without them and their descendants, the history of the elves would be poorer.

Jon: Well, Feanor doesn't have much love for his stepmother. To him, it seems like his father is replacing his dead mother with another woman. But I don't understand why he doesn't like his half-brothers? They didn't do anything to him.

Tyrion: I think he's jealous of the attention his father gives them. After all, he enjoyed that attention for years and now his father has a new family and may feel threatened. Besides, he may see them as rivals and that's why he doesn't like them.

Catelyn: Maybe he's just afraid that Fingolfin or Finarfin will try to usurp his position someday?

Ned: They are still second and third sons, respectively. Fingolfin would have to kill Feanor and then seven sons before he could become heir and then his father as well to become king. I doubt Fingolfin was a kinslayer. Nothing in the way they described him earlier in the chapter suggests that. Nor does Finarfin.

Jaime: It is worth noting that Finwe, for his part, never forgot Miriel and her shadow never left his home or heart.

Robert: Yes, even though he has a beautiful wife he cannot forget his dead love. How I understand him! I cannot forget my Lyanna either. Bloody Rhaegar, may he suffer in the Seven Hells for what he did!

Cersei: (mumbles under his breath) Bloody wolf female dog. Rhaegar should be mine, she is the one who came out better, not me. She has her prince and I am done with that drunkard and whoremonger.

Sansa: Perhaps in the future he will warm to his stepmother and half-brothers and treat them kindly.

Tyrion: I do not wish to disappoint you, Lady Sansa, but somehow I doubt it.

The image in the magic mirror showed how Melkor's captivity ended and how he was brought before Manwë near the Gates of Valmar, where he fell to his knees before his brother and begged for forgiveness, but in his heart he longed for revenge, which he had to put aside for now.

Now even while Fëanor and the craftsmen of the Noldor worked with delight, foreseeing no end to their labours, and while the sons of Indis grew to their full stature, the Noontide of Valinor was drawing to its close. For it came to pass that Melkor, as the Valar had decreed, completed the term of his bondage, dwelling for three ages in the duress of Mandos, alone.

At length, as Manwë had promised, he was brought again before the thrones of the Valar. Then he looked upon their glory and their bliss, and envy was in his heart; he looked upon the Children of Ilúvatar that sat at the feet of the Mighty, and hatred filled him; he looked upon the wealth of bright gems, and he lusted for them; but he hid his thoughts, and postponed his vengeance.

Before the gates of Valmar Melkor abased himself at the feet of Manwë and sued for pardon, vowing that if he might be made only the least of the free people of Valinor he would aid the Valar in all their works, and most of all in the healing of the many hurts that he had done to the world. And Nienna aided his prayer; but Mandos was silent.

 

Robert: Gods, how I hate that Morgoth. He has changed nothing in those three hundred years in the dungeons of Mandos. Even now he lies, so as not to return to the dungeons and continue to harm the world, even though he promises to help heal it.

Pycelle: (Writes this on parchment) Morgoth is a good liar and therefore all the more dangerous.

Catelyn: It makes me sick to look at him. Morgoth is a hypocritical monster who has learned nothing and still wants to harm the world. Now he only hides it, waiting for a better opportunity to act. Manwe should throw him back into the dungeons of Mandos, this time for good. I don't understand how Nienna can pray for someone so evil?

Ned: She simply believes that Morgoth has changed and so prays for him. If the Valar can't read minds, or they can and Morgoth is good at hiding his thoughts from them, then it's no wonder Nienna believes he has changed. I don't know what Manwe thinks either. Maybe hope that his brother has returned to the good path.

Stannis: If so, Manwe is lying to himself. There is no hope for Morgoth, only damnation and an eternity in the dungeons of Mandos. May Manwe see through Morgoth's lies and reveal them to the gathered, and then sentence Morgoth to an eternity of imprisonment.

Renly: Knowing life, however, Manwe will not succeed and Morgoth will fool everyone that he has changed and decide to let him go. Let them at least keep an eye on him, maybe he will betray himself and be punished by his brother.

Jon: Morgoth really can't help but envy and hate others? The sight of the power of the Valar, the Elves and their wealth has angered him so much that he must want revenge on them? Can't he simply mend his ways and turn from the evil path he is on?

Ned: Alas, my son. Some men will follow the evil path, even if they know it is evil. Their stubbornness forces them to do so. And Morgoth refuses to give up his ways. It is both sad and terrible.

Joffrey: Kill this Morgoth, Manwe. Don't be a weak fool and punish this traitor!

Cersei: You are right, Joff. Let Manwe punish this traitor and not fall for his lies.

Tyrion: If Morgoth is a good liar and the Valar do not get into his head, he may deceive them. Manwe may want his brother to return to the good side and forgive him.

Jaime: No matter what great evil Morgoth has done, he is still Manwe's brother and he probably never gave up on his brother.

Tywin: At least Morgoth has the sense to pretend humility and a desire to right his wrongs, hiding his vengeance in his heart. If Manwe believes it, I will not hold it against him. After all, he does not know what is going on in his brother's head. I am only surprised by his tolerance for his treacherous brother.

Robert: I only hope that Morgoth will betray himself in some way, for which Manwe can punish him by imprisoning him again in the dungeons of Mandos.

The image on the mirror showed Manwe forgiving his brother, but Morgoth could not leave Valmar. In time, however, through his words and actions, he was allowed to wander freely throughout Aman, although neither Ulmo nor Tulkas ever trusted Morgoth.

Then Manwë granted him pardon; but the Valar would not yet suffer him to depart beyond their sight and vigilance, and he was constrained to dwell within the gates of Valmar. But fair-seeming were all the words and deeds of Melkor in that time, and both the Valar and the Eldar had profit from his aid and counsel, if they sought it; and therefore in a while he was given leave to go freely about the land, and it seemed to Manwë that the evil of Melkor was cured.

For Manwë was free from evil and could not comprehend it, and he knew that in the beginning, in the thought of Ilúvatar, Melkor had been even as he; and he saw not to the depths of Melkor's heart, and did not perceive that all love had departed from him for ever. But Ulmo was not deceived, and Tulkas clenched his hands whenever he saw Melkor his foe go by; for if Tulkas is slow to wrath he is slow also to forget. But they obeyed the judgement of Manwë; for those who will defend authority against rebellion must not themselves rebel.

 

Tyrion: At least Ulmo and Tulkas didn't trust Morgoth's word, but they can't do anything to him unless he does something wrong first. After all, they are loyal to their king's judgment.

Stannis: Yes, they respect their king's judgment as any of the ruler's subjects should. And even though it's explained that Manwe was free from evil and didn't understand it, I still don't like the fact that Morgoth is free, manipulating most people except Ulmo and Tulkas, who don't trust him at all.

Robert: Too bad, because I wanted to see Tulkas beat the shit out of that bastard. But he respects his king's judgment and won't do anything to Morgoth unless he finally gives himself away.

Tywin: At least Manwe had the sense not to let him wander all over Aman in the first place, but to keep him within Valmar. Morgoth showed us that he is a good manipulator and his actions made him finally let him wander the land and plot behind his brother's back. He would have done better if he had spies who would spy on Morgoth and if he did something bad, he would immediately capture him and throw him back into Mandos' dungeons.

Ned: Manwe is free from evil and believes that his brother is no longer evil. So why would I spy on Morgoth, since there is no reason not to trust him, seeing that everything he did and did did not cause evil or harm to anyone.

Catelyn: After all, he should not trust his brother so easily, especially since Ulmo and Tulkas do not trust him. He should be more careful in dealing with this vile bastard.

Sansa: He did not see evil in him, mother. And he probably loves his brother, so seeing that he does good, he believes that he is already a good person.

Tyrion: For which he will certainly pay in the future. It would have been better for all if Morgoth had never left the dungeons of Mandos. Now he is a threat to all of Aman.

Joffrey: Manwe is weak, for allowing this traitor to walk Aman as if nothing had happened.

Ned: Mercy is never weakness, my prince. And Manwe hoped his brother would be good.

Renly: It is a pity that the elves will most likely pay for Manwe's naivety. And the Two Trees as well, for they are to be destroyed in the future. Morgoth will probably destroy them as he did the Two Lamps before.

Stannis: Manwe will probably regret it, but at the time Morgoth has not betrayed anything that he has not changed. That everything he has done has been a farce to deceive Manwe and the Valar, although it did not work with Ulmo and Tulkas, who simply do not trust him.

Jaime: All that remains is to hope that Morgoth will betray himself in some way and Manwe will punish him severely and he will not be a threat to Arda.

Tyrion: It is a pity that his betrayal will most likely reveal how he will do something truly terrible, such as destroying Telperion and Laurelin. That will hurt both the Valar and the elves the most.

Ned: And that is what hurts me the most, that Morgoth's betrayal will only come out when it is already able to cause painful harm to the world again.

Jon: The Sun and Moon must still be created, so maybe something good will come of it.

Robb: We do not know whether destroying the second source of light in the history of Arda can be called a good thing, Jon.

Jon: It is good that we will see the Sun and Moon so well known to us, brother.

Pycelle: (Writing down everything important on parchment)

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing Morgoth speaking to the gathered Noldor, and they listen to him eagerly. Then he was seen spreading lies that he had taught Feanor much, which of course was a lie, for Finwë's eldest son hated Morgoth most of all the Elves.

Now in his heart Melkor most hated the Eldar, both because they were fair and joyful and because in them he saw the reason for the arising of the Valar, and his own downfall. Therefore all the more did he feign love for them and seek their friendship, and he offered them the service of his lore and labour in any great deed that they would do.

The Vanyar indeed held him in suspicion, for they dwelt in the light of the Trees and were content; and to the Teleri he gave small heed, thinking them of little worth, tools too weak for his designs. But the Noldor took delight in the hidden knowledge that he could reveal to them; and some hearkened to words that it would have been better for them never to have heard.

Melkor indeed declared afterwards that Fëanor had learned much art from him in secret, and had been instructed by him in the greatest of all his works; but he lied in his lust and his envy, for none of the Eldalië ever hated Melkor more than Fëanor son of Finwë, who first named him Morgoth; and snared though he was in the webs of Melkor's malice against the Valar he held no converse with him and took no counsel from him.

For Fëanor was driven by the fire of his own heart only, working ever swiftly and alone; and he asked the aid and sought the counsel of none that dwelt in Aman, great or small, save only and for a little while of Nerdanel the wise, his wife.

 

After that the image on the magic mirror went out, and then disappeared.

Robert: Morgoth is a fool if he thought that lying about how he taught and helped Feanor would not come to light. Feanor himself could say that it was a lie and he never accepted help or advice from him. Good thing it's over, we can catch our breath and have a drink after this.

Tyrion: And he's not mistaken that the elves were one of the reasons they went to war with him, which ended with his defeat and three hundred years of imprisonment in the dungeons of Mandos. And I'm sick of how hypocritical and deceitful Morgoth is. He hates the elves, but he still does everything to get close to them. He even considered the Teleri too weak to be used as a tool for his revenge.

Tywin: This may be a mistake he will pay for in the future. The Vanyar are distrustful of him, the Teleri too worthless to use in his mysterious plan. Only the Noldor remain, who are willing to listen to what he says.

Pycelle: At least it is clear who called Melkor Morgoth. Feanor must have had a good reason to hate Manwë's brother so much that he would call him Morgoth. I will write that on parchment.

Ned: The only person he took advice from was his wife. Nerdanel had some influence over her husband, and even she could not always influence the stubborn Feanor with her advice.

Catelyn: Morgoth is disgusting. He hates both the Valar and the Elves, but for his own purposes he is willing to help them, give them advice and assistance. I do not understand how one can be such a vile and hypocritical liar as that cursed Morgoth.

Stannis: He clearly plans to use the Noldor in some way in his evil plan, although the question is what evil plan is Morgoth hatching?

Renly: Whatever it is, it certainly isn't good. All this pretense of goodness and willingness to help the Valar and the elves is just a comedic farce that serves his actions, which are unlikely to be good.

Jon: Nerdanel must have something in her, if she could influence someone as stubborn as Feanor.

Robb: It's a pity that even she couldn't ultimately influence Feanor. Because if Feanor is involved in some great evil, then Nerdanel probably couldn't influence her husband to delay it.

Robert: Yes, Morgoth is a spiteful and hateful bastard who acts like some court kisser, hoping that no one notices how deceitful he is.

Tywin: For now, it serves him because apart from Ulmo, Tulkas, Feanor and the Vanyar, everyone else believes he has returned to the good path and doesn't suspect that he is deceiving everyone at every turn.

Jaime: But sooner or later the Valar will discover it? After all, you can't deceive someone forever.

Tywin: If he betrays himself, it will most likely be after he does something devastating and harmful to the world. But by then it may be too late to repair the damage.

Robert: Let them finally discover that Morgoth is a liar and a cheat, waiting for an opportunity to fulfill his treacherous plans. And now that we have finished watching this chapter, we leave the Hall. I need a good drink.

Ned: Isn't that a bit too much, Robert? You shouldn't drink so much.

Robert: Come on, Ned. I have few good things left in this life.

Ned: What do you think, my friend?

With that, Robert Baratheon stood up and left the Hall.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat side by side, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, only Grand Maester Pycelle sitting close to Lord Lannister.

Robert: Pycelle, I assume this is another chapter of The Silmarillion? Because I don't have time for any nonsense like counting coppers.

Stannis: Brother, if you were to pay attention to your royal duties, the Iron Throne would not be so indebted and you would not feel trapped by the Lannisters who prey on your inaction.

Robert: Stannis, I do not have the strength to listen to your complaints. If you want to serve the Iron Throne and your family so much, then return to King's Landing instead of sitting on Dragonstone sulking.

Renly: You know, brother. Your voice would be valuable at the meetings of the Small Council. It's always good to laugh at how you clash with Littlefinger.

Stannis: As if you do anything useful at the meetings of the Small Council. All you can do is trade jokes with Littlefinger and at the tournaments you let men better than you beat you.

Renly: (Sighs dramatically, placing a hand on his chest) You hurt me, elder brother. I'm just not a great rider or tourney knight. And Littlefinger has quite a few funny jokes and anecdotes.

Pycelle: Forgive me for interrupting you, my lords, but I must answer King Robert's question.

Stannis: Of course, the answer to my brother's question, even if it's obvious you always call us to watch the history of the other world.

Renly: I'll shut up now, lest Robert get angry and tell me to leave.

Pycelle: To answer your grace's question, yes, we will be watching another chapter, which according to the letter will tell us more about the Silmarils.

Robert: These jewels that this whole story is about. I wondered what was so special about them that the whole story of that world would revolve around them.

Tyrion: And sooner or later we will see how they went missing.

Jaime: I bet that Morgoth will probably want them and steal them, then flee Aman, doing some terrible evil before doing so.

Tyrion: Your assumptions may be quite correct, brother. We know that he hates and envies the wealth and majesty of the Valar and the Elves. If these jewels are extremely valuable, Morgoth may want to steal them out of his greed and desire to possess such wealth.

Ned: Perhaps he will even go so far as to kill the possessor of these jewels. If they belong to any of the Elves, Morgoth will not hesitate to kill him if he does not give him the Silmarils willingly. For if they are in the possession of any of the Valar, even Manwë, I would have to break into his hall and steal them, and here it is much more dangerous. Perhaps it will be a great evil for the Elves, which will be the theft of these precious jewels.

Jon: I think, father, that this great evil may be the destruction of the Two Trees. After all, the first chapter mentions that Telperion and Laurelin shone until the Darkness of Valinor. I assume that Morgoth will somehow destroy them and that this darkness will come, which he will then use to steal the Silmarils and escape from Aman before the Valar realize and send pursuit to capture him and throw him into the dungeons of Mandos.

Robert: I just hope that Manwe sees that his brother is a lying bastard who is just waiting for an opportunity to harm Aman and then get the hell out of there and back to Middle-earth and then they'll throw him in the dungeons of Mandos for eternity or even better, they'll smash his traitorous face in and finally be done with him.

Cersei: As if Manwe wanted his brother dead at all. In case you forgot, he is free from evil and doesn't understand it at all, so he'll probably just end up sitting in chains in the dungeons of Mandos for another three years, giving him another chance to atone for the evil he's done to the world. These Valar don't learn anything.

Tywin: I doubt even Manwe would be such a fool. When, not even if, but when Morgoth has done great harm to Arda again and is captured again, Manwe won't make such a generous offer to Morgoth. He may as well never leave the dungeons of Mandos again. The Valar won't trust a word he says at all, now that he's proven to be a liar and a hypocrite.

Robert: Now I want that damned magic mirror to appear, because I want to see what they'll show us in this next chapter of the Silmarillion.

Ned: Patience, Robert. The mirror always appears, you just have to be patient.

As if on cue, the magic mirror appeared in front of the gathered, hanging on the wall.

Robert: Finally! Let's not waste time and let the next chapter begin.

A large, white inscription appeared on the surface of the magic mirror CHAPTER 7, OF THE SILMARILS AND THE UNREST OF THE NOLDOR, and then the inscription disappeared. After a long moment, an image appeared showing an adult Feanor, sitting in his private study in Tirion, where he was working on his greatest work, which was to be the Silmarils. A strong, masculine voice resounded from the mirror, telling the story of this chapter.

In that time were made those things that afterwards were most renowned of all the works of the Elves. For Fëanor, being come to his full might, was filled with a new thought, or it may be that some shadow of foreknowledge came to him of the doom that drew near; and he pondered how the light of the Trees, the glory of the Blessed Realm, might be preserved imperishable.

Then he began a long and secret labour, and he summoned all his lore, and his power, and his subtle skill; and at the end of all he made the Silmarils.

Robert: So it was Feanor of all people who created the Silmarils. Not surprising, considering that he created the crystals that allowed one to see distant lands as if with the eyes of an eagle, and the other gems from the previous chapter.

Tyrion: This sounds like the greatest work Feanor has ever undertaken. The whole thing about him summoning all his lore, and his power, and his subtle skill is that he used everything he knew and could to create them. I just wonder how he would have trapped the light of the Two Trees in the gems, because it was clearly the desire to preserve their light that inspired Feanor to create them.

Cersei: It is impossible that even someone like Feanor with all his knowledge and skill could create gems that would preserve something as fleeting as the light that shines from the Two Trees.

Ned: My queen, with all due respect, in the previous chapter we saw and heard how Feanor created the crystals that allowed one to see distant lands as if with the eyes of an eagle, and improved the writing of his people. So I doubt that such a thing would be beyond the capabilities of someone like Feanor, who was trained by his good father, who himself was trained by Aulë himself.

Jaime: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Lord Stark. We've seen the wonders the Valar have created, and what Feanor has done before. So while no craftsman could create gems that could hold the light of the sun, it's undeniable that an immortal Elven prince who practices his craft couldn't do such a thing.

Joffrey: Why does King Finwë allow his son to practice something like craft in the first place? It's beneath the dignity of a highborn, and certainly a prince. These Noldor are quite mad!

Pycelle: Elves are immortal, my prince, so their approach to what a prince or any highborn noble can or cannot do is fundamentally different from our way of thinking.

Stannis: Yes, while it would be unheard of for us for a prince or lord to engage in crafts like a commoner, for the elves it is nothing strange and they probably find our values and way of thinking strange, maybe even our entire race strange to them.

Renly: Stannis speaks exceptionally wisely. Elves are elves, they are immortal so what is strange to us is nothing strange to them. And the fact that he trapped the light of the Two Trees in them was enough to make it the most famous work of the elves.

Robb: Jon and do you think that Feanor really managed to trap the light of the Two Trees in the Silmarils?

Jon: I don't know, Robb but it cannot be ruled out.

The image on the magic mirror showed three Silmarils in all their glory, which shimmered with the light of the Two Lights trapped in them and there was light that took in a different light, absorbed and gave off in colors more wonderful than before.

As three great jewels they were in form. But not until the End, when Fëanor shall return who perished ere the Sun was made, and sits now in the Halls of Awaiting and comes no more among his kin; not until the Sun passes and the Moon falls, shall it be known of what substance they were made. Like the crystal of diamonds it appeared, and yet was more strong than adamant, so that no violence could mar it or break it within the Kingdom of Arda.

Yet that crystal was to the Silmarils but as is the body to the Children of Ilúvatar: the house of its inner fire, that is within it and yet in all parts of it, and is its life. And the inner fire of the Silmarils Fëanor made of the blended light of the Trees of Valinor, which lives in them yet, though the Trees have long withered and shine no more.

Therefore even in the darkness of the deepest treasury the Silmarils of their own radiance shone like the stars of Varda; and yet, as were they indeed living things, they rejoiced in light and received it and gave it back in hues more marvellous than before.

 

Everyone (or at least most of the audience) is stunned by the beauty of the Silmarils.

Pycelle: By all the gods! How beautiful these Silmarils are. And that light, oh I would give anything to hold it for a moment.

Catelyn: What beautiful jewels. And that light! They would be a magnificent decoration for Winterfell, the most precious jewel in all the North.

Cersei: Mine, mine alone. These jewels must be mine. As Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, the Silmarils are mine. They are mine, I have rights to them.

Joffrey: No, mother. They are mine. These Silmarils should adorn the Iron Throne, and their brilliance blind all who come to meet the king, me, under the throne.

Tywin: Magnificent jewels. They would crown all the wealth of Casterl Rock, if they were mine.

Sansa: The most beautiful jewels I have ever seen! It's a pity I don't have them, all the ladies in Westeros would envy me for them.

Arya: But they are just jewels that shine with the light of the Two Trees, nothing more.

Ned: But look how their light shines, making everything look much more beautiful. The Silmarils could illuminate Winterfell even in the worst winter and the darkest night.

Robert: It's all well and good, but maybe someone else noticed that Feanor will die in the future and will reside in the halls of Mandos, and not just admire the beautiful trio of jewels.

Tyrion: I noticed and it didn't surprise me at all. Very much. Because Feanor has such a character that sooner or later it will lead to this. The only question is what led to Feanor's death.

Jaime: Maybe the great evil in which Feanor had a hand as mentioned in the previous chapter. Maybe there was some war because of Morgoth and Feanor died in it or something like that. He also confirms that eventually the Two Trees will indeed be destroyed and the only light from them will be preserved in the Silmarils.

Pycelle: (Shakes off her first impression) Oh, it is a pity that we do not know from what substance Feanor created the Silmarils, which are merely shells for the mixed light of Telperion and Laurelin. It is known that it is similar in appearance to diamonds but practically indestructible, since nothing could destroy them. Truly, Feanor is an unrivaled craftsman!

Robert: I hope Feanor dies as a warrior, in battle and not be killed by someone, because that would be disappointing.

Catelyn: I would rather not see the Two Trees destroyed, but I am sure they will show us anyway. Bloody Morgoth!

Jon: It is amazing what Feanor has created. The greatest craftsman of him indeed.

The image showed how Varda sanctified the Silmarils, and Mandos foretold that the fate of Arda was locked within them.

All who dwelt in Aman were filled with wonder and delight at the work of Fëanor. And Varda hallowed the Silmarils, so that thereafter no mortal flesh, nor hands unclean, nor anything of evil will might touch them, but it was scorched and withered; and Mandos foretold that the fates of Arda, earth, sea, and air, lay locked within them. The heart of Fëanor was fast bound to these things that he himself had made.

Tyrion: Well, at least Morgoth won't be able to touch them. Or half the people in this Hall.

Cersei: Are you suggesting something, Imp?

Tyrion: Except your delicate white hands would probably be fried like bacon if you tried to touch the Silmarils.

Robert: (Laughs at that) Good one, Imp. I like your thinking. I doubt my dear wife could hold the Silmarils without burning her hands.

Cersei: (Gazing murderously at Tyrion)

Jaime: Tyrion, can you be a little mean to our sister sometimes?

Tyrion: You could, but I like watching her get angry. It's funny.

Jaime: Brother, sometimes I feel like you're against us.

Tyrion: You hurt me, brother. You know how I love our family.

Stannis: Sounds like a good protection for the Silmars, especially since Morgoth will probably want them and steal them from Feanor, and if he gets in his way, he will die. And so will Finwë's son, killed by Morgoth, who took his priceless jewels.

Renly: I am more interested in Mandos' words, that the fate of Arda and the fate of land, sea and air are locked in those jewels. I wonder what that means.

Jon: Perhaps the light of the Two Trees, which he finds in the Silmarils, may be used in some future time after Telperion and Laurelin are destroyed, Lord Renly. Perhaps the Valar will use their light to make the Sun and Moon?
Tyrion: The hole in this theory is that the Silmarils are indestructible, so I don't know how the Valar would extract that light from the jewels.

Jon: Perhaps they will ask Ilúvatar for help? After all, he is the creator god who created both the Ainur and Arda. The Valar only shaped him to be fit for life.

Tyrion: You know, Jon Snow, that's not a bad idea. After all, Manwë looked to him for advice and adopted the dwarves, giving them a way to exist without their creator Aulë having to think about them.

Robb: I have a feeling that Feanor's attachment to the Silmarils may have played a part in his death. And why didn't he return from the Halls of Mandos, since elves can be given their old bodies after they die and live among other elves again?

Jaime: Maybe Mandos didn't let him go because he contributed to that great evil that made him not want to let him return to the living.

Tyrion: And that makes a lot of sense, because clearly Feanor did something really awful in his life before he died.

The magic mirror showed how Morgoth desired the Silmarils, and how he planned to destroy Feanor and the friendship of the Valar and the Elves, spreading the lie that was spread by the Noldor who listened to what Morgoth told them.

Then Melkor lusted for the Silmarils, and the very memory of their radiance was a gnawing fire in his heart. From that time forth, inflamed by this desire, he sought ever more eagerly how he should destroy Fëanor and end the friendship of the Valar and the Elves; but he dissembled his purposes with cunning, and nothing of his malice could yet be seen in the semblance that he wore. Long was he at work, and slow at first and barren was his labour.

But he that sows lies in the end shall not lack of a harvest, and soon he may rest from toil indeed while others reap and sow in his stead. Ever Melkor found some ears that would heed him, and some tongues that would enlarge what they had heard; and his lies passed from friend to friend, as secrets of which the knowledge proves the teller wise. Bitterly did the Noldor atone for the folly of their open ears in the days that followed after.

 

Robert: Why won't that bloody Morgoth leave the Elves alone?! Now he wants the Silmarils, so he's spreading lies among the Noldor. And what lies can he direct at Feanor himself.

Tywin: Surely nothing good, since the Noldor were to bitterly regret that many of them believed his lies in the first place and continued to spread them. It shows that Morgoth is a cunning liar, who can tell believable lies without getting caught or having anyone think he's lying.

Tyrion: There's all the malice in him, and it's only to get his hands on the Silmarils. He clearly won't let up until he gets his way.

Joffrey: Understandably. He wants the Silmarils himself, and you're to bring them to me immediately!

Jaime: Sorry nephew, but the Silmarils are lost, so you won't get them anyway, not to mention they're not even in our world but in the other one, which you can't get to. So you'll have to get over it.

Joffrey: (Curses under his breath)

Catelyn: Morgoth really is a pathetic monster who is willing to lie and deceive the unwitting Noldor to achieve his goals. Let the Valar do something about it!

Ned: It's difficult, because Morgoth doesn't reveal his nefarious plans and without clear evidence Manwe can't do anything to Morgoth, because he'll come across as a tyrant.

Stannis: Unfortunately I have to agree with Lord Stark. Without convincing evidence Morgoth's imprisonment could be seen as tyranny and the elves may think that since Morgoth was imprisoned without evidence it could happen to anyone. Chaos would reign and that can't be allowed.

Robert: Therefore, all that remains is to hope that sooner or later Morgoth will make a mistake and then Manwe will have him imprisoned for his vile actions.

Renly: Until then, anything bad can happen, but no one can influence that.

Arya: Morgoth is terrible. A monster, a liar and a cheater who wants to cause a war between the Valar and the elves.

Jon: And there is nothing we can do about it except watch as Morgoth spreads lies among the Noldor and hope that the Valar will discover it before it is too late and blood is shed. Because that is probably what Morgoth is striving for. Blood and death.

Robb: But can it be stopped at all, since Morgoth is so cleverly hiding it from the Valar? No one even suspects that Morgoth is lying.

Jon: All that remains is to hope that the worst will not happen. Because that would be the greatest tragedy, brother.

Sansa: Surely the Valar will discover it and expose the evil Morgoth!

The image on the magic mirror changed and showed Morgoth conjuring visions of various lands in Middle-earth before the listening Noldor, where they could establish their own kingdoms, free from any Valar control. He also revealed that in an unknown future a completely different race would arise - Men, who would replace the Elves, becoming the new masters of the world, manipulated by the Valar.

When he saw that many leaned towards him, Melkor would often walk among them, and amid his fair words others were woven, so subtly that many who heard them believed in recollection that they arose from their own thought. Visions he would conjure in their hearts of the mighty realms that they could have ruled at their own will, in power and freedom in the East; and then whispers went abroad that the Valar had brought the Eldar to Aman because of their jealousy, fearing that the beauty of the Quendi and the makers' power that Ilúvatar had bequeathed to them would grow too great for the Valar to govern, as the Elves waxed and spread over the wide lands of the world.

In those days, moreover, though the Valar knew indeed of the coming of Men that were to be, the Elves as yet knew naught of it; for Manwë had not revealed it to them. But Melkor spoke to them in secret of Mortal Men, seeing how the silence of the Valar might be twisted to evil. Little he knew yet concerning Men, for engrossed with his own thought in the Music he had paid small heed to the Third Theme of Ilúvatar; but now the whisper went among the Elves that Manwë held them captive, so that Men might come and supplant them in the kingdoms of Middle-earth, for the Valar saw that they might more easily sway this shortlived and weaker race, defrauding the Elves of the inheritance of Ilúvatar.

Small truth was there in this, and little have the Valar ever prevailed to sway the wills of Men; but many of the Noldor believed, or half believed, the evil words.

 

Robert: Fuck, Morgoth knows how to influence them, suggesting that they might have multiple kingdoms in Middle-earth and that the Valar dragged them to Aman to control them because Men would be easier to control than Elves. I just wonder why Manwe didn't tell the Elves anything about the Men who would come?

Tyrion: Maybe he thought they weren't ready for such information? Maybe he was afraid they might start acting irrationally and think they were basically slaves of the Valar, which they weren't. After all, they have their kings and the slaves have no kings and live in chains.

Tywin: As has been said, Morgoth saw an opportunity in the Valar's silence about Men to forgive it for evil. He cleverly exploited the fact that Manwe or any other Valar didn't tell the Elves that another race would be born. I'll admit that Morgoth is not lacking in cunning or cunning. He knows how to manipulate his listeners, playing on their fears and ambitions, turning them against the Valar, who have helped the Elves so much. First he tells them how powerful kingdoms they could establish in the East and rule as they pleased, which arouses their ambitions. Then he tells them that the Valar brought them to Aman to control them, because otherwise they would grow too big for them and become the true masters of the world, and the Valar would be powerless to do anything about it. And to strengthen their belief, he tells them of the Men who would awaken in the future, telling them that the Valar made room for Men, because they would be easier to control than the immortal Elves. If Morgoth were not such a vile villain, he would have great respect for him in his plot.

Renly: Ironically, even though Morgoth knows little about Men, because he did not listen carefully to what was said at the beginning of time, he still used it to try to turn the Noldor away from the Valar.

Jon: In this way he can only return this Elven tribe, because neither the Vanyar nor the Teleri listened to his lies. This could lead to a war of the Noldor not only with the Valar (if such a war happens) but with the other Elven tribes as well. This is not a war they can win, no matter how brave or warlike they are.

Ned: There is no guarantee that war will break out. It is possible that the Noldor may want to leave Aman and return to Middle-earth. It would not be easy, considering that Aman is separated from Middle-earth by a sea that will be impossible to cross without ships, and only the Teleri have ships and they may refuse to give them to the Noldor. Blood may be shed, especially since Feanor is not known for his patience.

Pycelle: Only Finwë is king, so I doubt that he would do anything against his son's willful actions.

Ned: True, Grand Maester Pycelle is right about that. Finwe may also be the one who, apart from Nerdanel, has influence over Feanor.

Cersei: Morgoth is masterfully manipulating those stupid Noldor to rebel against the Valar. They will crush them like ants, which they are. The Noldor have no chance against the Valar and they won't escape from Aman either, because they have no ships. Only the Teleri have them and they certainly won't oppose the Valar and won't help the Noldor.

Tyrion: I admit that my sweet sister is very right about leaving out the part about crushing the elves like ants. Manwe and the rest of the Valar won't kill the elves, at most they will punish the ringleaders in some way and in the process they can find out who motivated them to do it and hunt down Morgoth.

Joffrey: Manwe, you have to crush those fucking Noldor if they dare to rebel against their betters!

Jon and Robb: (Rolling their eyes at Joffrey Baratheon's declarations)

Catelyn: I hope the Valar finally discover what Morgoth is doing. He cannot be allowed to spread lies and turn the Noldor against the Valar. And now Manwë has not told the Elves about Men, which Morgoth uses to incite the Elves.

Jon: Even though it is all a lie, it has been confirmed that the Valar would not impose their will on Men anyway. However, many of the Noldor have believed his lies in one way or another, which may cause trouble in the future.

The image on the magic mirror showed the Noldor grumbling to the Valar, and the more courageous ones loudly talking about leaving Aman and going to Middle-earth to establish many, powerful lies. In the background, Morgoth was happy about this, and his target was Feanor, who hated the Elves above all, and wanted the Silmarils.

Thus ere the Valar were aware, the peace of Valinor was poisoned. The Noldor began to murmur against them, and many became filled with pride, forgetting how much of what they had and knew came to them in gift from the Valar. Fiercest burned the new flame of desire for freedom and wider realms in the eager heart of Fëanor; and Melkor laughed in his secrecy, for to that mark his lies had been addressed, hating Fëanor above all, and lusting ever for the Silmarils.

But these he was not suffered to approach; for though at great feasts Fëanor would wear them, blazing on his brow, at other times they were guarded close, locked in the deep chambers of his hoard in Tirion. For Fëanor began to love the Silmarils with a greedy love, and grudged the sight of them to all save to his father and his seven sons; he seldom remembered now that the light within them was not his own.

 

Tyrion: In other words, the Noldor have been terribly ungrateful. They probably couldn't do half of what they do if they had stayed in Middle-earth instead of following Oromë to Aman.

Robert: Don't forget Morgoth's hatred of Feanor and his lust for the Silmarils. I have a feeling he may be plotting some lie that could antagonize King Finwë's family.

Ned: I am concerned about Feanor's growing attachment to the Silmarils, who has increasingly restricted their view to others besides his sons and father. Perhaps his wife as well, though that is not mentioned.

Tywin: Feanor is becoming increasingly possessive of his work, forgetting that without the Two Trees he would not have his work, for he used their light, which he trapped in that jewel. I am beginning to think that the Silmarils were the cause of Feanor's downfall and eventual death.

Renly: Honestly, that doesn't sound too silly, Lord Tywin. The over attachment to the Silmarils could be a problem for Feanor, especially since Morgoth also desires them and will sooner or later try to get them and Feanor will not give them up. Then he will most likely murder Feanor and flee with the Silmarils.

Cersei: Feanor is right to withhold the sight of these jewels from others. This rabble is not worthy to even look upon these magnificent jewels from afar. If only I had the Silmarils, I would treat them as the most magnificent jewels, only for me and my children.

Catelyn: Morgoth cannot be allowed to get his hands on the Silmarils. It would be a great tragedy.

Stannis: I doubt he will hold them for long, Lady Stark. Varda has sanctified them and anyone who is unworthy and evil will be burned by these extraordinary jewels. Morgoth would pay dearly for holding them in his hands.

Robert: Ha, his hands would turn black, which is very fitting for what a scoundrel and villain he is. At least then everyone would see how wicked and perverse Morgoth is, and no one, absolutely no one but fools would listen to him.

Jon: But it is doubtful that Feanor, who hates Morgoth as much as Morgoth hates Feanor, would let him hold his precious Silmarils, your grace.

Robert: I know, if he were Feanor he wouldn't let him hold them, even for a moment. But he wants to see that bastard burn his hands on those Silmarils he so desires.

The picture changed to show how Morgoth's various lies reach the sons of Finwë - Feanor hears that Fingolfin is plotting to usurp Tirion with the consent of the Valar, who wanted the Silmarils, and Fingolfin and Finarfin hear that their half-brother hates them and will soon drive them from Tuna. Soon the Noldor began to arm themselves, forging for themselves weapons of all kinds, and shields with the sigils of their houses and clans, but they showed only their swords to others. And Feanor had a secret forge, where he forged swords, shields, and plumed helms for himself and his sons. Dark clouds were gathering over Tirion, and soon it might turn into war, especially since Feanor openly called for the abandonment of Aman and the liberation of the Noldor from their "slavery."

High princes were Fëanor and Fingolfin, the elder sons of Finwë, honoured by all in Aman; but now they grew proud and jealous each of his rights and his possessions. Then Melkor set new lies abroad in Eldamar, and whispers came to Fëanor that Fingolfin and his sons were plotting to usurp the leadership of Finwë and of the elder line of Fëanor, and to supplant them by the leave of the Valar; for the Valar were ill-pleased that the Silmarils lay in Tirion and were not committed to their keeping. But to Fingolfin and Finarfin it was said: 'Beware! Small love has the proud son of Míriel ever had for the children of Indis. Now he has become great, and he has his father in his hand. It will not be long before he drives you forth from Túna!'

And when Melkor saw that these lies were smouldering, and that pride and anger were awake among the Noldor, he spoke to them concerning weapons; and in that time the Noldor began the smithying of swords and axes and spears. Shields also they made displaying the tokens of many houses and kindreds that vied one with another; and these only they wore abroad, and of other weapons they did not speak, for each believed that he alone had received the warning.

And Fëanor made a secret forge, of which not even Melkor was aware; and there he tempered fell swords for himself and for his sons, and made tall helms with plumes of red. Bitterly did Mahtan rue the day when he taught to the husband of Nerdanel all the lore of metalwork that he had learned of Aulë.

Thus with lies and evil whisperings and false counsel Melkor kindled the hearts of the Noldor to strife; and of their quarrels came at length the end of the high days of Valinor and the evening of its ancient glory. For Fëanor now began openly to speak words of rebellion against the Valar, crying aloud that he would depart from Valinor back to the world without, and would deliver the Noldor from thraldom, if they would follow him.

 

Tyrion: In this case, being a blacksmith prince has its advantages. He doesn't have to commission all of his weapons from strangers, but he can do it himself and in secret from others. It will certainly surprise others, although it's hard to believe that no one would be tempted to show off their weapons. They really do take it very seriously.

Ned: Lord Tyrion, this is not funny. This threatens open war, especially with Prince Feanor's temperament! He might think that his half-brothers really want to take over their father's throne and deprive him of his position as Finwë's heir, and instead of talking, he might just try to kill them or, worse, cause an open civil war! Especially since Fingolfin and Finarfin won't sit on their hands, afraid that Feanor will really drive them out of Tirion.

Robert: Fucking Morgoth! With all these shitty lies, the Noldor are facing civil war at worst and at best they'll just try to leave Aman somehow. Not to mention that Feanor might go to war with his half-brothers. And that bastard probably finds it funny.

Tywin: Morgoth played it masterfully. Feanor got another lie from his half-brothers, and this one hit him the hardest. It was known that he had no love for Fingolfin and Finarfin, and now that they had become proud and jealous, it was even easier to convince him that his half-brother was plotting against him. The icing on the proverbial cake was the mention that the Valar allowed it because they wanted the Silmarils, and everyone knew how possessive Feanor was becoming over them. And Fingolfin and Finarfin would not allow their hostile half-brother to drive them out of Tirion. It is also no secret that Finwë loves Feanor the most, so they can believe that he has basically become Feanor's puppet, who will do whatever he tells him to, which may not be far from the truth.

Robb: But Finwe won't let his sons kill each other!

Tywin: You're naive, Robb Stark, if you think Finwe has anything more to say. Yes, he's the king and has the ear of the Noldor, but his three sons are probably very popular with his subjects and lords, if there are any. He also loves Feanor the most, and Feanor will probably use that to manipulate his father and force his half-brothers out of Tirion if he doesn't want to become a kinslayer. Finwe will basically find Feanor's conflict with Fingolfin and Finarfin in the middle, and no matter who he supports, the others won't like it.

Renly: I wonder how none of the Noldor were tempted to show their weapons and only flaunted their shields? I understand that because everyone believed they were the only ones who had been warned, but none were really tempted to show their weapons, whether it was a sword, axe, or other weapon?

Stannis: Apparently the elves are really careful about such things. And it's no surprise that Feanor built himself a secret forge where he made weapons for himself and his sons. He probably plans to attack first, to forestall his brothers' actions. Let the Valar finally do something about it, because this is a recipe for disaster known as civil war, unless Feanor goes and murders his brothers by slitting their throats in their sleep, but Feanor doesn't strike me as the type to stoop to assassination.

Catelyn: Gods, can't the Valar stop this madness? Surely such a tragedy cannot be allowed to occur, where three princes are at each other's throats. If I were their mother, I would take their heads, bash them together, and lock them in their bedchamber until they remember that they are brothers, even if only half-brothers.

Jaime: Quite bold, Lady Catelyn, but in this case you would only make it easier for Feanor, who could murder his brothers and then probably flee the room anyway.

Tyrion: But I think that openly calling for the departure from Aman and the liberation of the Noldor from "slavery" might attract the attention of the Valar. The problem is that they might think that Feanor is the cause of all this trouble with the Noldor rebelling. Morgoth has done a great job with his lies and there is nothing left to do but watch those he hates destroy themselves.

Jon: It does not look good, although perhaps Feanor's words will attract the attention of the Valar, who will discover Morgoth's hateful actions in all this and stop him before it is too late.

The image on the magic mirror showed how Finwë, concerned about the unrest among the Noldor, called a council in his palace, which many lords attended. Fingolfin also came and spoke to his father, but before he had finished Feanor appeared in his armor and threatened his half-brother. Fingolfin would have gone out, but Feanor threatened him with death if he should ever again attempt to take his place and his father's love, and Fingolfin pressed through the crowd, seeking his brother Finarfin.

Then there was great unrest in Tirion, and Finwë was troubled; and he summoned all his lords to council.

But Fingolfin hastened to his halls and stood before him, saying: 'King and father, wilt thou not restrain the pride of our brother, Curufinwë, who is called the Spirit of Fire, all too truly? By what right does he speak for all our people, as if he were King? Thou it was who long ago spoke before the Quendi, bidding them accept the summons of the Valar to Aman. Thou it was that led the Noldor upon the long road through the perils of Middle-earth to the light of Eldamar. If thou dost not now repent of it, two sons at least thou hast to honour thy words.'

But even as Fingolfin spoke, Fëanor strode into the chamber, and he was fully armed: his high helm upon his head, and at his side a mighty sword. 'So it is, even as I guessed,' he said. 'My half-brother would be before me with my father, in this as in all other matters.' Then turning upon Fingolfin he drew his sword, crying: 'Get thee gone, and take thy due place!'

Fingolfin bowed before Finwë, and without word or glance to Fëanor he went from the chamber. But Fëanor followed him, and at the door of the king's house he stayed him; and the point of his bright sword he set against Fingolfin's breast.

'See, half-brother!' he said. 'This is sharper than thy tongue. Try but once more to usurp my place and the love of my father, and maybe it will rid the Noldor of one who seeks to be the master of thralls.'

These words were heard by many, for the house of Finwë was in the great square beneath the Mindon; but again Fingolfin made no answer, and passing through the throng in silence he went to seek Finarfin his brother.

 

Robert: Damn, Feanor really did threaten to kill his half-brother the next time he tries to take his place and their father's love. After all, even though they don't share the same mother, they are still brothers. Is he really willing to become a kinslayer because he thinks Fingolfin wants to deprive him of his position as Finwë's heir?

Ned: It's awful and terrifying how much Morgoth's lies have affected the Noldor. Feanor was willing to kill Fingolfin, even though he didn't even come to Finwë to take his position, only to point out that Feanor is only a crown prince, not a king, so he has no right to speak for Finwë and the Noldor, unless he is a regent, which he is not. It's a good thing Feanor stopped at threats and didn't kill Fingolfin on the spot.

Tywin: Feanor acted like a fool, letting his pride get the better of him. This will surely get the attention of the Valar. Calling people to leave Aman is one thing, but threatening your own brother, even a half-brother, is a much more serious matter, especially with so many witnesses, lords and smallfolk hanging around the market. Manwe will surely consider him the ringleader of all this, unless he discovers Morgoth's lies.

Robb: It's awful how Feanor treated Fingolfin. He only wanted to point out how, because of his pride, he acts like a king, even though he is not one, and as soon as Fingolfin sees him, he only thinks that Fingolfin wants to take his place, which is a lie, and then threatens to kill him if he tries it again. Jon, I will never do that to you. You are my brother, no matter if it is a half-brother.

Jon: Thank you, Robb. I will always be loyal to you and House Stark. After all, you are my family.

Sansa: Why does Feanor threaten Fingolfin like that? He didn't want to take his place, he only wanted to warn against Feanor's behavior!

Tyrion: Feanor simply believed the lies Morgoth told him and his pride and fiery temperament did the rest. Fingolfin came first to his royal father and explained how Feanor was proud and spoke to the people as if he were a king, even though he wasn't, recalled his father's past, who led the Noldor to Aman and finally said that he at least respected his father and his will. Feanor, who appeared a moment later, interpreted this as an attempt to take his place, so he threatened his brother and reminded him of his place as the second son of the king. Only that many people heard this, not only the lords present in Finwë's hall but also the elves present in the square. And this would certainly draw the attention of the Valar to him.

Catelyn: This has definitely gone too far. Feanor literally threatened his half-brother that he would kill him if he saw him again with their father first. The Valar should finally do something about it.

Jaime: And they will, though it will probably mostly go to Feanor, after all he threatened to kill his half-brother.

Pycelle: (Writes everything down on parchment)

Joffrey: Good, very good, Feanor. Remind Fingolfin of his place. Let him remember that he is only a worthless second son.

Ned: Who knows, my prince. Sometimes a second son can surprise those who think he is worthless, though we know little about Fingolfin himself beyond what was said two chapters ago, if memory serves.

Jon: Let us hope the Valar deal with Morgoth and reconcile the sons of Finwë, or things could get even worse.

The image on the magic mirror showed the Valar summoning Feanor and all witnesses to the Ring of Fate. Questions and answers were asked until all the lies and malice of Morgoth were revealed, and Tulkas left the place of judgment, seeking to hunt down the villain. Mandos nevertheless punished Feanor with twelve years of banishment from Tirion. Fingolfin forgave his half-brother, but Feanor answered nothing, and left Valmar, going into exile.

Now the unrest of the Noldor was not indeed hidden from the Valar, but its seed had been sown in the dark; and therefore, since Fëanor first spoke openly against them, they judged that he was the mover of discontent, being eminent in self-will and arrogance, though all the Noldor had become proud. And Manwë was grieved, but he watched and said no word. The Valar had brought the Eldar to their land freely, to dwell or to depart; and though they might judge departure to be folly, they might not restrain them from it.

But now the deeds of Fëanor could not be passed over, and the Valar were angered and dismayed; and he was summoned to appear before them at the gates of Valmar, to answer for all his words and deeds. There also were summoned all others who had any part in this matter, or any knowledge of it; and Fëanor standing before Mandos in the Ring of Doom was commanded to answer all that was asked of him.

Then at last the root was laid bare, and the malice of Melkor revealed; and straightway Tulkas left the council to lay hands upon him and bring him again to judgement. But Fëanor was not held guiltless, for he it was that had broken the peace of Valinor and drawn his sword upon his kinsman; and Mandos said to him:

'Thou speakest of thraldom. If thraldom it be, thou canst not escape it: for Manwë is King of Arda, and not of Aman only. And this deed was unlawful, whether in Aman or not in Aman. Therefore this doom is now made: for twelve years thou shalt leave Tirion where this threat was uttered. In that time take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art. But after that time this matter shall be set in peace and held redressed, if others will release thee.'

Then Fingolfin said: 'I will release my brother.' But Fëanor spoke no word in answer, standing silent before the Valar. Then he turned and left the council, and departed from Valmar.

 

Robert: Great! That son of a bitch has been exposed for all his lies and the brave, courageous Tulkas is coming to get him. Hit him Tulkas for me. Give that son of a bitch a hard time for me and all those he has deceived with his venomous words!

Tyrion: And as we all suspected, Feanor got it first. Good for us that Morgoth's lies have been exposed and his schemes are over. All that's left for him now is to escape Aman, or he'll be back in the dungeons of Mandos. Of course, I hope he's caught and thrown back where he belongs. And Feanor got it too. He has to leave Tirion for twelve years. It could have been worse, he could have been imprisoned for so many years. Better exile than a cold cell.

Jaime: Feanor, you asshole. He found out that all of this was Morgoth's lies and Fingolfin even forgave him, even though he didn't have to, and Fingolfin didn't even thank him. He just left, as if nothing had happened.

Tyrion: He still doesn't have much love for his half-brother, Jaime. And nothing will change that, not even Fingolfin forgiving him. In that respect, he's definitely an ass to his half-brothers.

Jon: Seriously, why didn't Fëanor even thank Fingolfin for forgiving him, even though he didn't have to. He's really ungrateful.

Catelyn: At least the Valar finally discovered the truth about Morgoth's lies and that bastard and monster won't stay free for long. And Fëanor got the punishment he deserved, after all, he threatened to kill his half-brother. I have a lot of respect for Fingolfin for forgiving his half-brother. It's Fëanor who behaves like a spoiled child.

Ned: Yes, Feanor can't even thank his brother for forgiving him for threatening to kill him. He just went away like nothing had happened. And Morgoth will no longer spread lies and turn the Noldor against the Valar. Peace will soon be restored.

Tywin: In case you haven't noticed, Morgoth's lies have ironically come true. For Feanor has been exiled for twelve years, and Fingolfin has remained in Tirion. Now, at public gatherings like feasts and councils, he will be seen at his father's side. In his own way, he has been dethroned by Fingolfin, if only for twelve years.

Tyrion: And Feanor won't like it, though he can do nothing about it. He's only to blame. And the Valar consider leaving to be foolish, which I agree with you, because here they have the light of the Two Trees and the protection of the Valar, and in Middle-earth they would have to cope without their protection, having only the distant light of distant stars for light. So yes, it would be the height of foolishness to return to Middle-earth now.

Arya: That Feanor really is an ass to his half-brother. Fingolfin forgave him, and he didn't even thank him and left.

Sansa: Yes, Feanor is awful. That's no way to treat family. (Remembers how she treated Jon and blushes) Forgive me, Jon, for how I treated you.

Jon: Nothing happened, Sansa.

Ned: (Smiles proudly at this)

Joffrey: And what do I have to thank Feanor for? For the gracious forgiveness his half-brother gave him? Fingolfin should remember his place. He did well not to thank him, because he doesn't have to.

Jon: (Whispering to Robb) I think Fingolfin deserves some thanks. He forgave his half-brother, and he could have not done so at all.

Robb: And here we must give credit to Fingolfin for forgiving his brother and not holding a grudge as many would have done in his place.

The image on the magic mirror showed Feanor going into exile with his sons and father, building the fortress of Formenos in the north, where a great many weapons and jewels were placed, and the Silmarils were kept in an iron vault. Fingolfin ruled Tirion in his father's name. In fact, Morgoth's lies turned out to be true in their own way.

With him into banishment went his seven sons, and northward in Valinor they made a strong place and treasury in the hills; and there at Formenos a multitude of gems were laid in hoard, and weapons also, and the Silmarils were shut in a chamber of iron.

Thither also came Finwë the King, because of the love that he bore to Fëanor; and Fingolfin ruled the Noldor in Tirion. Thus the lies of Melkor were made true in seeming, though Fëanor by his own deeds had brought this thing to pass; and the bitterness that Melkor had sown endured, and lived still long afterwards between the sons of Fingolfin and Fëanor.

Tyrion: Morgoth's lies came true in a more ironic way than his father had imagined. Finwë followed Feanor into exile, and Fingolfin ruled in his name. He was essentially king in all but name. That would have been a blow to Feanor's ego if it weren't for the fact that he was in exile, which led to the whole situation.

Ned: And it's clear that Feanor's sons are loyal to him. The only odd thing is that Nerdanel didn't follow her husband into exile.

Robert: She probably thought her husband's actions were foolish, and stayed in Feanor's palace in Tirion, or returned to her father. A wise woman, she didn't get into all the trouble her sons and good father did.

Tywin: Indeed, Morgoth's lies were, at that point, the truth. Feanor in twelve year exile, his father followed him as if he was a loyal servant and not a king and Fingolfin rules Tirion in his name, being king in all but name. This only shows Feanor's stupidity not in believing the lies but in how he reacted to them. If I had approached this with distance and a cooler head, he would not have been banished from Tirion by the Valar. He brewed his own ale and must drink it himself, even if he has his sons and father in tow.

Jaime: At least Morgoth won't get his hands on the Silmarils. They are safe in Feanor's iron vault and he is pursued by Tulkas and Oromë will probably join him. If he attacked Formenos now, the Valar would catch up with him quickly. He wouldn't be able to get far with his loot.

Robb: But doesn't that leave him open to attack from them? After all, it's just him, his seven sons, his father and probably various servants. Not enough, especially against one of the godlike beings.

Jon: Only such an attack would immediately attract the attention of the Valar. They would have caught him quickly before he could escape with the loot, especially since Feanor could have delayed him in some way.

Renly: Ha, so the second son is effectively king while his father and older half-brother are in exile. This is getting funnier and funnier.

Stannis: You have a strange sense of humor, brother. Feanor and Fingolfin do their duty, one fulfilling the decree of the Valar, the other keeping order in Tirion so that the Noldor do not feel the absence of their king. It is Finwë who fails in his duty, blinded by love for his eldest son, instead of fulfilling his duties as king, instead shifting them to the second son.

Ned: Finwë loves his son so much that he was willing to go into exile with him. It would have been wiser to remain in Tirion, but love is rarely wise.

Catelyn: Well, that's good, Morgoth won't harm the Noldor with his lies any more.

Arya: I wonder where Morgoth has gone, for we don't know where he might be in Aman. He might be anywhere at this moment.

Jon: Surely we'll find out soon enough, little sister.

The image on the magic mirror showed Morgoth fleeing in the form of a cloud until he appeared at Formenos, outside the door of Feanor's house, and tried to persuade him to come with him, for he could lead him out of Aman.

Now Melkor, knowing that his devices had been revealed, hid himself and passed from place to place as a cloud in the hills; and Tulkas sought for him in vain. Then it seemed to the people of Valinor that the light of the Trees was dimmed, and the shadows of all standing things grew longer and darker in that time.

It is told that for a time Melkor was not seen again in Valinor, nor was any rumour heard of him, until suddenly he came to Formenos, and spoke with Fëanor before his doors. Friendship he feigned with cunning argument, urging him to his former thought of flight from the trammels of the Valar; and he said:

'Behold the truth of all that I have spoken, and how thou art banished unjustly. But if the heart of Fëanor is yet free and bold as were his words in Tirion, then I will aid him, and bring him far from this narrow land. For am I not Vala also? Yea, and more than those who sit in pride in Valimar; and I have ever been a friend to the Noldor, most skilled and most valiant of the people of Arda.'

 

Robert: Gods, this Morgoth is shameless. He lied so much about Feanor before and now he's trying to use lies to convince him to go with him to Aman. Only a fool would agree to that.

Ned: I hope Feanor sees through Morgoth's lies. He'll surely kill him as soon as they leave Aman.

Jaime: Yes, he'll probably convince him to take the Silmarils with him and once they leave Aman, he'll cut his throat, take the Silmarils and flee, probably to the ruins of one of his strongholds to rebuild it.

Catelyn: Does this Morgoth really think that Feanor, who threatened his brother and believed his lies, will simply believe him and go with him? I'd have to be crazy!

Cersei: Unless Feanor is a temperamental fool, he won't believe a word Morgoth says and go with him, because that bastard will surely murder him. I would do the same in his place.

Tyrion: Only a fool and an idiot would believe anything Morgoth says at this point. He got Feanor into trouble with his lies and now he probably expects her to go with him, as if he had reason to trust him, especially with the Valar pursuing him.

Tywin: No one would believe a word Morgoth says now. If Feanor believes it and goes with him, he will prove that he really is a complete fool and the Noldor are better off with Fingolfin as their crown prince. He wants to use Feanor's ambitions against him, to make him believe his lies.

Stannis: Feanor would have to be a complete fool to trust the words of this liar. Morgoth will deceive him and kill him as soon as they find him outside Aman and maybe even before he leaves.

Renly: No one in this Hall believes a single word Morgoth says at this point. Feanor will show the extent of his folly if he goes with him.

Joffrey: Does Morgoth really think that Feanor is so naive and foolish? Or maybe he is, so he will prove himself unworthy of being a Prince of the Noldor!

Jon: We can only hope that he will not trust Morgoth and will remain in Formenos and hope that he will not murder him and steal the Silmarils.

Pycelle: No one in his right mind would trust the lying words of Morgoth, but Feanor has a fiery temper, which the enemy can use against him, as well as his ambition and love for the Silmarils.

Robb: And that is possible. If he does not convince him, he can kill him and steal the Silmarils and then escape.

The painting showed Morgoth trying to convince Feanor to go with him, taking the Silmarils with him, but his words hurt Feanor too much, and he drove Morgoth from his doorstep.

Now Fëanor's heart was still bitter at his humiliation before Mandos, and he looked at Melkor in silence, pondering if indeed he might yet trust him so far as to aid him in his flight.

And Melkor, seeing that Fëanor wavered, and knowing that the Silmarils held his heart in thrall, said at the last: 'Here is a strong place, and well guarded; but think not that the Silmarils will lie safe in any treasury within the realm of the Valar!'

But his cunning overreached his aim; his words touched too deep, and awoke a fire more fierce than he designed; and Fëanor looked upon Melkor with eyes that burned through his fair semblance and pierced the cloaks of his mind, perceiving there his fierce lust for the Silmarils. Then hate overcame Fëanor's fear, and he cursed Melkor and bade him be gone, saying: 'Get thee gone from my gate, thou jail-crow of Mandos!' And he shut the doors of his house in the face of the mightiest of all the dwellers in Eä.

 

Robert: Feanor has balls of Valyrian steel! He threw him out from his home as if he were an unwanted guest and not one of the most powerful beings in Arda. If he were here with us, he would have a feast in his honor!

Tywin: Brave, yes, brave, but foolish. Morgoth in anger could kill him as if he were an insignificant fly, which may still come. Even with the help of his father, sons, and a handful of servants, he cannot hope to survive when Morgoth attacks Formenos. A brave fool, that is all I will say of him.

Tyrion: A brave fool, yes, but a fool with the biggest balls I have ever seen. And Morgoth is now the most wanted man in all of Aman. He cannot waste time, unless he wants the Valar to hunt him down. So perhaps Feanor will survive the insult of Morgoth, brother of Manwë.

Stannis: Or die a brave fool. Morgoth is a bloody liar, but he's also one of the most dangerous men in Arda. Feanor should play it safe.

Renly: Well, at least he'll die the bravest fool I've ever known. He'll gladly drink to that later. To the brave Feanor and his words to the sly bastard Morgoth!

Ned: He'll kill him. Someone like Morgoth won't take such words lightly. They may be the last words Feanor says before he dies. And with him his father and sons. His temper will kill not only him but his loved ones.

Jaime: And then Fingolfin will legally take over as King of the Noldor, since his father, half-brother and all his sons are dead, unless Feanor has a grandson who isn't in Formenos.

Cersei: Feanor has shown himself to be a fool by insulting Morgoth. He won't live long to enjoy it, unless Morgoth flees, fearing capture by the Valar.

Jon: Feanor might have accepted his offer of help, had it not been for Morgoth's touch on the Noldor prince's soft spot. Perhaps he was indeed willing to trust his words, though he is a liar and a scoundrel.

Joffrey: Feanor will die soon. No one will allow such an insult, especially Morgoth. He has condemned his entire pathetic family to death.

Catelyn: The Seven protect Prince Feanor, his sons, and his father. Morgoth will kill them, unless a miracle happens.

Tyrion: Miracles do happen in this world, Lady Stark. One can only hope that it will happen here, or Feanor is a dead man. A brave dead man, but a dead man.

Cersei: Don't be as naive as Lady Stark, brother. No miracle will save Feanor from death at Morgoth's hands. She will kill him before the Valar arrive to capture Morgoth.

Tyrion: Never say never, sweet sister. Especially in Arda.

Joffrey: Feanor will not survive this, Imp. I am certain of it.

Pycelle: Feanor may not survive this, after insulting the mighty Valar that Morgoth was.

The image on the mirror showed Morgoth leaving Formenos in anger, and Finwë in horror sent messengers to Valmar. Upon hearing of what had happened at Formenos, Manwë sent Tulkas and Oromë to capture Morgoth, but other messengers came from Eldamar, telling how Morgoth had been seen fleeing like a storm cloud through the Calacirya Pass, and the Teleri of Alqualondë had seen him turn toward Araman.

Then Melkor departed in shame, for he was himself in peril, and he saw not his time yet for revenge; but his heart was black with anger. And Finwë was filled with great fear, and in haste he sent messengers to Manwë in Valmar. Now the Valar were sitting in council before their gates, fearing the lengthening of the shadows, when the messengers came from Formenos.

At once Oromë and Tulkas sprang up, but even as they set out in pursuit messengers came from Eldamar, telling that Melkor had fled through the Calacirya, and from the hill of Túna the Elves had seen him pass in wrath as a thundercloud. And they said that thence he had turned northward, for the Teleri in Alqualondë had seen his shadow going by their haven towards Araman.

Thus Melkor departed from Valinor, and for a while the Two Trees shone again unshadowed, and the land was filled with light. But the Valar sought in vain for tidings of their enemy; and as a cloud far off that looms ever higher, borne upon a slow cold wind, a doubt now marred the joy of all the dwellers in Aman, dreading they knew not what evil that yet might come.

 

After that, the image on the magic mirror disappeared, and after a moment, the magic mirror itself disappeared. That was the end of this chapter.

Robert: Ha, Feanor not only insulted Morgoth but survived it, and Morgoth ran away with his tail between his legs, before the brave Tulkas and the fearsome Orome managed to catch him. And I was counting on seeing them beat his face and drag him to Mandos' dungeon.

Stannis: It's not good that Morgoth escaped. He can still do evil, and since he failed to destroy the Two Trees now, he can do it later.

Pycelle: I wonder what Araman is. Probably some land, the only question is, which one?

Tyrion: We'll probably find out in the next chapter, Grand Maester. We'll certainly hear more about Morgoth and his schemes.

Ned: Finwë was wise to send messengers and warn the Valar. The gods know what Morgoth would have done if he hadn't been pursued.

Tywin: Morgoth was clearly going to escape Aman anyway. That only sped things up. I'm surprised he didn't even kill Feanor.

Renly: He must have been in a hurry and in danger, being chased by the Valar. That at least saved Feanor's skin.

Cersei: Feanor was lucky, that's all. If Morgoth hadn't fled Aman, he probably would have murdered Feanor and anyone else who got in his way and then stolen the Silmarils.

Jon: Phew, Feanor is lucky after all. Morgoth escaped without killing him. And Finwë did well to warn the Valar. They could have at least reacted to that, even if he had managed to escape.

Robb: I wonder why Tulkas wasn't looking for Morgoth at the time, even though he had gone after him earlier at Feanor's trial.

Jon: Maybe he was called away by Manwë, who wanted to plan with the rest of the Valar how to find and capture his brother? Because honestly I don't know why Tulkas was with the rest of the Valar instead of searching all over Aman for Morgoth.

Arya: Damn it, Morgoth's escaped again and the Valar don't know where he's hiding. And who knows what he'll do now that he's out of their reach?

Jon: Surely nothing good, little sister.

Tywin: Sooner or later he'll attack, you can be sure of that. We just don't know when or how.

Ned: We'll see for sure in the next chapter, Lord Tywin. Surely nothing good, but to the detriment of Aman and its people.

Robert: But that's in the next chapter and since we're done now let's go have a drink. We must honor Feanor and his big Valyrian steel balls who stood up to Morgoth and lived to tell the tale.

Renly: I'll join you, brother.

Ned: And I'll go with you, Robert. Someone needs to keep an eye on you.

Tyrion: As for the wine, I'll join in too, your grace.

Robert: Ha, I see, then come, let's drink to Feanor and his balls, as big as this is from here to the Wall.

And so Robert Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Eddard Stark, and Tyrion Lannister left the Hall to drink to Prince Feanor and his big Valyrian balls.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, with only Grand Maester Pycelle sitting close to Lord Lannister.

Pycelle: Your Grace, I have received word that today we will be watching another chapter of The Silmarillion.

Robert: Great, I wonder where Morgoth has fled to and if the Valar will catch him before he does some more great evil in Arda.

Ned: We know that the Two Trees will eventually be destroyed, so it is safe to assume that Morgoth was behind this. He eventually destroyed the Two Lamps, causing chaos and destruction in the world of that time, which required the Valar to use all their power to put an end to it.

Stannis: Yes, I will assure you that before the Valar capture Morgoth, he will have destroyed the Two Trees, depriving the world of its light source for the second time, although these trees only illuminate Aman, leaving the rest of the world in darkness.

Renly: But wasn't it mentioned that the Noldor went to Middle-earth? Perhaps they were pursuing Morgoth, who was not caught, to take revenge for the destruction of the Two Trees?

Tyrion: It was indeed mentioned, but even if it was revenge for the destruction of the Two Trees. The Elves would have no chance against one of the most powerful beings in Ea. Feanor survived Morgoth's insult only because he had to flee Aman before the Valar found him and chained him back to the dungeons of Mandos.

Jaime: Perhaps something else led to the Noldor. After all, many of them, led by Feanor, had already called for leaving Aman and returning to Middle-earth. Morgoth's destruction of the Two Trees may have been the final straw, and they decided to leave Aman and return to Middle-earth.

Cersei: Do these fools really think they'll be better off in Middle-earth? They won't last long without the protection of the Valar, not when they start fighting each other for power. For they will surely fight for it.

Joffrey: The Elves should leave Aman. Why should they serve Manwë when they can be their own masters and answer to no one else. If Finwë has as much sense as the gods gave a turnip, he'll leave Aman and go to Middle-earth to rule as an independent king of the Noldor!

Robb: I doubt it would be good or safe. The Noldor have no ships, so it will be difficult for them to get to Middle-earth, which is separated from Aman by a wide sea. The only ones who do are the Teleri, and they may not want to give their ships to the Noldor.

Joffrey: Then they'll make them! Such a rabble cannot refuse a mighty king.

Jon: (whispering to Robb) I doubt it will end well for either the Noldor or the Teleri then.

Pycelle: Surely sooner or later we will learn what led to the destruction of the Two Trees and the Noldor leaving Aman.

Robert: (Impatiently) Let that magic mirror appear at last! I don't have all day to look at another world!

Ned: (Laughing) And so what we've been doing lately, Robert.

Robert: Ha, you're right, old friend!

A large, magic mirror appears on the wall. The black surface seems to reflect nothing.

Robert: Well, it has finally appeared. Let it begin to show and tell, by the gods!

On the magic mirror appeared the great white inscriptions CHAPTER 8, OF THE DARKENING OF VALINOR. After a long while the inscriptions disappeared as suddenly as they had appeared. For a long time the surface of the mirror was black as night, but after a while the image of Oromë and Tulkas pursuing Morgoth appeared, but they found no trace of him. Then it was shown how Morgoth had previously secretly turned far south in Aman, to the land of Avathar.

When Manwë heard of the ways that Melkor had taken, it seemed plain to him that he purposed to escape to his old strongholds in the north of Middle-earth; and Oromë and Tulkas went with all speed northward, seeking to overtake him if they might, but they found no trace or rumour of him beyond the shores of the Teleri, in the unpeopled wastes that drew near to the Ice.

Thereafter the watch was redoubled along the northern fences of Aman; but to no purpose, for ere ever the pursuit set out Melkor had turned back, and in secrecy passed away far to the south. For he was yet as one of the Valar, and could change his form, or walk unclad, as could his brethren; though that power he was soon to lose for ever.

Robert: Damn, so Morgoth managed to confuse the pursuers and escape south to this land. But why did he escape there and not to one of his ruined fortresses to rebuild and sow chaos in Middle-earth?

Pycelle: That's an intriguing question, your grace. It seems so far that there is nothing in this southern land that would be of use to Morgoth. No ruins of his fortresses, no allies, nothing that could help him in his plans for revenge against the Valar and the elves. I guess we'll see later why he came to this empty land.

Cersei: Morgoth probably has his reasons for fleeing to this land. He probably just hopes that no one will think he would flee to this empty land where there is nothing worth his attention. I think he came here just to distract the Valar, who are focused on the north, neglecting the south. And from there Morgoth will strike at Aman, destroy the Two Trees and then flee north to the ruins of his fortresses.

Tyrion: I admit that this is one of the few sensible things you've said, sweet sister. It even makes sense, because I don't see any other reason why Morgoth fled south and not north. But isn't it a big risk to attack alone? They can easily catch him.

Jaime: What I find more interesting is that it was said that he would soon lose his shapeshifting power. Which means that he would be weakened in some way, which makes this whole plan even crazier, because he wouldn't even be able to shapeshift to escape as smoke or a storm cloud.

Tywin: Apparently Morgoth has weakened for some reason, which the Valar will surely exploit, since he won't be able to shapeshift or even walk without it. I can't say whether it's Morgoth's fault or if he lost it for some other reason. Because if it was his own fault that he lost those abilities, it only shows what a fool Morgoth is to allow his powers to be lost.

Jon: Perhaps this is some punishment from Eru? After all, he could punish Morgoth for all the evil he did in this way?

Tywin: If so, why didn't he punish Morgoth earlier by stripping him of his powers? No, I think it's another reason he lost his shapeshifting power. I'm sure they'll tell us why later.

Tyrion: There may be some truth to that. We don't know yet how Morgoth lost his shapeshifting power. I'm sure they'll tell us.

Catelyn: A weakened Morgoth is a good thing. Then the Valar will more easily catch this monster and trap him back in the dungeons of Mandos. It's just a shame he lost his pursuers. Who knows what other evil he can do now that he's out of the Valar's reach?

Ned: He's far south now. He may be planning an attack that will harm the Valar, especially if his goal is to destroy the Two Trees. It remains to be seen what happens next.

Jon: I still wonder why he chose the far south of Aman, except that no one expects him to go there and not to the ruins of the strongholds in the south. Perhaps he has some plan to destroy the Two Trees?

Robb: Whatever he does, it may or may not surprise us. All we can do is watch, Jon.

The image on the magic mirror changed, showing a dark cave, where an unknown creature with many eyes that shone like stars in the sky was lurking. After a moment, it emerged, revealing itself to be a giant spider. It fed on light and produced black webs.

Thus unseen he came at last to the dark region of Avathar. That narrow land lay south of the Bay of Eldamar, beneath the eastern feet of the Pelóri, and its long and mournful shores stretched away into the south, lightless and unexplored. There, beneath the sheer walls of the mountains and the cold dark sea, the shadows were deepest and thickest in the world; and there in Avathar, secret and unknown, Ungoliant had made her abode. The Eldar knew not whence she came; but some have said that in ages long before she descended from the darkness that lies about Arda, when Melkor first looked down in envy upon the Kingdom of Manwë, and that in the beginning she was one of those that he corrupted to his service.

But she had disowned her Master, desiring to be mistress of her own lust, taking all things to herself to feed her emptiness; and she fled to the south, escaping the assaults of the Valar and the hunters of Oromë, for their vigilance had ever been to the north, and the south was long unheeded. Thence she had crept towards the light of the Blessed Realm; for she hungered for light and hated it.

In a ravine she lived, and took shape as a spider of monstrous form, weaving her black webs in a cleft of the mountains. There she sucked up all light that she could find, and spun it forth again in dark nets of strangling gloom, until no light more could come to her abode; and she was famished.

 

Robert: Gods, that's a fucking giant spider. It explains why Morgoth came to this corner of Aman forgotten by the gods and Valar, but who in their right mind would want to ally with something like that.

Ned: Well, it's her, Robert. It's a spider named Ungoliant, but yes, she's bloody terrifying, but someone as evil as Morgoth would probably find a way to get along with her, especially since she served him before, even if she did drive out her former master and serve herself.

Catelyn: Seven, watch over us. Mother, protect your sons and daughters from the demons who would devour us. May the Valar stop Morgoth and Ungoliant from devouring or destroying the Two Trees.

Pycelle: Aside from what a terrifying and disgusting creature Ungoliant is, we get some interesting information about her here. The Elves knew little about her, including where she came from. But at first she served Morgoth and then she disowned him and served herself, escaping to the far south of Aman, weakly guarded by the Valar, where she feeds on light, creating her black webs from them, which absorb light until the light could not reach her lair, and she starved.

Arya: But how could Ungoliant eat light? Surely you can't eat that?

Sansa: But she's disgusting. I hate spiders, it's a good thing we don't have big ones here.

Jon: I remember Old Nan's stories about the Long Night. And there the Others rode dead horses or ice spiders. And the Last Hero was surrounded by a whole bunch of ice spiders the size of hounds, but Ungoliant's is bigger than dragons!

Robb: I don't know, Arya. Maybe she can somehow feed on the light from the Two Trees, but it was her own fault that she began to starve because of her own webs that blocked the light from her lair.

Tywin: The Valar made a mistake by not keeping an eye on the southern borders, and now they'll probably pay for it when Morgoth allies with that monster and destroys the Two Trees together. After all, she used to serve Morgoth, and he probably knows how to approach her.

Tyrion: Gods, and I've always considered spiders such useful creatures. After watching this today, I'll never look at them the same way. The only consolation is that we don't have such monstrous spiders as Ungoliant's, which feeds on light instead of flies. Quite a light diet.

Jaime: (Laughs at this) I see your wit has sharpened, little brother. But I personally am disgusted by this Ungoliant. A giant spider who feeds on light and now she's starving and Morgoth shows up there. It won't end well for anyone.

Tyrion: Certainly. Morgoth will surely convince Ungoliant to go with him to destroy the Two Trees. I doubt he'd go after her just to recruit her and go after the ruins of his strongholds. First he wants revenge on the Valar and the elves and he still wants the Silmarils. He'll probably want to kill two birds with one stone. Destroy the Two Trees and steal the Silmarils and if he kills Feanor in the process it'll be even better.

Cersei: Abomination, Morgoth has fallen low to want to ally with such an abomination. A giant spider that feeds on light, Morgoth has gone mad.

Tyrion: Yes, she's definitely uglier than you, Cersei. Because in case you forgot, Ungoliant is a woman, so she's a female spider, not a male spider.

Cersei: She's a monster, an Imp, so I don't care if she's a man or a woman.

Joffrey: I hate spiders, but I'm sure she'd be the perfect ally for Morgoth. After all, he's a bloody fool who didn't even kill Feanor when he insulted him.

Renly: Gods, I would have expected anything but a giant spider. Morgoth must be desperate if he plans on allying with that thing.

Stannis: With Ungoliant, brother. Sure, it's probably desperation that drives him into an alliance with that repulsive creature. But since she once served Morgoth, he probably knows how to approach her.

Robert: I need my hammer to crush that fucking Ungoliant.

Ned: I suspect she'd eat you before you crushed her, Robert.

Robert: Fuck, you're right, Ned. A giant fucking spider.

The image on the magic mirror showed Morgoth taking the form he would forever be: a tall, dark lord with a hatred for all existence. In the cave, he convinced Ungoliant to help him with his plan, promising to feed her with both hands if she helped him. This broke Ungoliant's fear of the terrible Valar.

Now Melkor came to Avathar and sought her out; and he put on again the form that he had worn as the tyrant of Utumno: a dark Lord, tall and terrible. In that form he remained ever after. There in the black shadows, beyond the sight even of Manwë in his highest halls, Melkor with Ungoliant plotted his revenge.

But when Ungoliant understood the purpose of Melkor, she was torn between lust and great fear; for she was loath to dare the perils of Aman and the power of the dreadful Lords, and she would not stir from her hiding.

Therefore Melkor said to her: 'Do as I bid; and if thou hunger still when all is done, then I will give thee whatsoever thy lust may demand. Yea, with both hands.' Lightly he made this vow, as he ever did; and he laughed in his heart. Thus did the great thief set his lure for the lesser.

Tyrion: So Ungoliant is not a mindless beast driven only by the desire to fill its belly with light, but a sentient being that can be reasoned with and is feared by the Valar, since she hesitated before Morgoth's false promise convinced Ungoliant to go with him to fulfill his plan.

Jaime: At the same time, she is still largely driven by the desire to fill her belly with light, since she was torn between her desire for light and her fear of the mighty Valar. She followed Morgoth's plan because she wanted to eat, not for any higher reason.

Tyrion: It still makes her more terrifying than if she were a beast driven by instinct. A human could probably try to reason with her, with a small chance of getting along but still with a chance of saving his life.

Robert: Morgoth even deceives his allies, which doesn't surprise me. She promises to feed Ungoliant with both hands, but once she helps him realize his plans, she'll find a way to break her promise and trick Ungoliant.

Tywin: Which he may regret, especially since he's lost the ability to take other forms in the process. We don't know how powerful Ungoliant is, but she could cause some trouble for Morgoth if he tries to trick her. She clearly takes such oaths too lightly.

Renly: She'll probably try to eat him as punishment. After all, she seems insatiable for light, but she'd probably not mind eating one of the Valar if he tried to trick her.

Robert: It sounds so absurd it's laughable. I'd like to see Morgoth of all people get eaten by a giant spider.

Stannis: The thought of it sounds so absurd I doubt it'll happen. Morgoth may be weakened, but he is still one of the most powerful beings in Arda, while Ungoliant is a sentient giant spider. I don't see how such a being could defeat and devour Morgoth.

Jon: And honestly, that sounds awful. For a being like Ungoliant to devour Valar, she might as well devour the entire world. Fortunately, she is only interested in light.

Ned: Yes, that is a terrible and absurd vision of how Ungoliant could devour Morgoth. Nevertheless, it seems that Morgoth will later try to trick Ungoliant. He has no honour or decency, and his oaths mean nothing to him, but what else could you expect from him.

Catelyn: Seven, watch over Aman. Morgoth and Ungoliant can do great damage before someone stops them.

Tywin: Certainly, especially since Morgoth has been in Aman for a long time and knows their ways. He could attack from Ungoliant while everyone is feasting on some festival. I would certainly attack when the enemy is most vulnerable.

Jaime: Attack when the enemy least expects it. And the Valar certainly do not expect Morgoth to attack from the south. Certainly not on some festival. I suppose he has fled to Middle-earth, though at least they have the good sense to keep watch in case he remains somewhere in Aman, hiding. It is a pity they do not even suspect that he might attack from the south, which they do not guard.

Tyrion: And Morgoth will use this to attack with Ungoliant from this unprotected side and destroy the Two Trees before the Valar know what has happened.

The painting showed Ungoliant covering herself and Morgoth in an impenetrable cloak of darkness. Then, thanks to the nets she had made, she managed to reach the top of Hyarmentir. There Ungoliant made a ladder and threw it down. After this Morgoth climbed to the very top of Hyarmentir, from where he had a view of all Valinor. Morgoth laughed loudly at the sight, and ran down the slope, with Ungoliant following him, covering them with darkness.

A cloak of darkness she wove about them when Melkor and Ungoliant set forth: an Unlight, in which things seemed to be no more, and which eyes could not pierce, for it was void. Then slowly she wrought her webs: rope by rope from cleft to cleft, from jutting rock to pinnacle of stone, ever climbing upwards, crawling and clinging, until at last she reached the very summit of Hyarmentir, the highest mountain in that region of the world, far south of great Taniquetil.

There the Valar were not vigilant; for west of the Pelóri was an empty land in twilight, and eastward the mountains looked out, save for forgotten Avathar, only upon the dim waters of the pathless sea.

But now upon the mountain-top dark Ungoliant lay; and she made a ladder of woven ropes and cast it down, and Melkor climbed upon it and came to that high place, and stood beside her, looking down upon the Guarded Realm. Below them lay the woods of Oromë, and westward shimmered the fields and pastures of Yavanna, gold beneath the tall wheat of the gods.

But Melkor looked north, and saw afar the shining plain, and the silver domes of Valmar gleaming in the mingling of the lights of Telperion and Laurelin. Then Melkor laughed aloud, and leapt swiftly down the long western slopes; and Ungoliant was at his side, and her darkness covered them.

 

Robert: Damn, with this Unlight Morgoth and Ungoliant will be able to reach the Two Trees unnoticed.

Ned: I wonder how it is possible that no eyes can pierce this Unlight. It's like looking at emptiness. It sends shivers down my spine.

Pycelle: (Notes on another page of parchment) The Unlight, created by Ungoliant, is impossible for anyone to pierce, Hyarmentir, the highest mountain in this part of Aman.

Catelyn: Gods, help the Valar protect the Two Trees from Morgoth and his spider demon.

Stannis: The Seven will not help them, Lady Catelyn. This is not our world. Only Eru can help them and they themselves can also hinder the work of destruction, but he probably struck when the Valar are busy or celebrating, so all that remains is to hope that Eru will not allow such destruction. I doubt he'll do anything but watch the world.

Tywin: A clever way of using the spiders' webs to get to the highest mountain in the whole area, and then making a ladder for the less agile Morgoth to join. And a good view of Valinor from there. The Valar must be busy now that he dared to go after Ungoliant, even if it's hiding all that Unlight from view. Something like that would be useful if a man wanted to remain unseen.

Tyrion: Now I really fear for Telperion and Laurelin. Morgoth and Ungoliant are invisible because of that, and can approach the Two Trees unseen. They should have guards on them, so Morgoth can't destroy them.

Jaime: They probably didn't plan for Morgoth to risk returning to Aman, where he could be arrested and thrown into the dungeons of Mandos. After all, he wouldn't risk being caught, sensibly.

Stannis: And that's the problem. They did not foresee how deep is Morgoth's envy and malice towards them and all of Aman. If he has the ability to deal the most grievous blow to the Valar, he will do it, and that is a fact, seeing as he destroyed the Two Lamps out of hatred for them. They did not expect it to come from the south, because according to them there were uninhabited wastes there, where even someone like Morgoth would not seek anything. And now they will pay for it, although it is probably some necessity for the creation of the Sun and the Moon.

Arya: The Valar will finally catch this evil Morgoth and punish him and destroy this disgusting Ungoliant. I hope so, by the way.

Jon: We will see, little sister. Morgoth is devilishly clever and Ungoliant can create this Unlight, which hides them from the sight of the Valar and the Elves.

Joffrey: The Valar are weak and pathetic, since they cannot defend their realm. They get what they deserve.

The scene changed, moving to the palace of Manwë on the summit of Taniquetil, where the King of Arda had organized a great feast in honor of Eru, to reconcile the Noldor, who had been quarreled by the lies of the Morgoth. Not only the Noldor came to the feast, but also the Vanyar and many Maiar, singing before Manwë and Varda, or dancing on the green slopes of Taniquetil. Only the Teleri did not come to the feast. Valmar and Tirion were deserted that day.

Now it was a time of festival, as Melkor knew well. Though all tides and seasons were at the will of the Valar, and in Valinor there was no winter of death, nonetheless they dwelt then in the Kingdom of Arda, and that was but a small realm in the halls of Eä, whose life is Time, which flows ever from the first note to the last chord of Eru. And even as it was then the delight of the Valar (as is told in the Ainulindalë) to clothe themselves as in a vesture in the forms of the Children of Ilúvatar, so also did they eat and drink, and gather the fruits of Yavanna from the Earth, which under Eru they had made.

Therefore Yavanna set times for the flowering and the ripening of all things that grew in Valinor; and at each first gathering of fruits Manwë made a high feast for the praising of Eru, when all the peoples of Valinor poured forth their joy in music and song upon Taniquetil. This now was the hour, and Manwë decreed a feast more glorious than any that had been held since the coming of the Eldar to Aman.

For though the escape of Melkor portended toils and sorrows to come, and indeed none could tell what further hurts would be done to Arda ere he could be subdued again, at this time Manwë designed to heal the evil that had arisen among the Noldor; and all were bidden to come to his halls upon Taniquetil, there to put aside the griefs that lay between their princes, and forget utterly the lies of their Enemy.

There came the Vanyar, and there came the Noldor of Tirion, and the Maiar were gathered together, and the Valar were arrayed in their beauty and majesty; and they sang before Manwë and Varda in their lofty halls, or danced upon the green slopes of the Mountain that looked west towards the Trees. In that day the streets of Valmar were empty, and the stairs of Tirion were silent; and all the land lay sleeping in peace.

Only the Teleri beyond the mountains still sang upon the shores of the sea; for they recked little of seasons or times, and gave no thought to the cares of the Rulers of Arda, or the shadow that had fallen on Valinor, for it had not touched them, as yet.

 

Pycelle: (Writing it all down on parchment) Fascinating, so much interesting information concerning Valinor.

Robert: Bloody Morgoth. He'll take advantage of his brother's great feast in honor of their creator god, inviting all the elves. No one will stand in the way of his nefarious plan.

Tywin: Manwe is wise to reconcile the Noldor, who have been set at odds by Morgoth's foul lies. He didn't consider that his brother could use this time to invade Valinor and destroy the Two Trees. He should have kept watch around them as well, even if he didn't suspect he was coming from the south, because he might have tried to bypass it in other ways.

Tyrion: A dark storm cloud heading toward the Two Trees would tell everyone it's Morgoth who wants to destroy them. I doubt Morgoth could have gotten through the northern border unnoticed. The Valar made a mistake by not policing the southern border, and they will pay for it.

Jon: Yavanna must have considerable power in Aman, since she controls the plants, after all she determines the flowering and ripening times of everything that grows there.

Robb: And Manwe feasts lavishly in Eru's honor. He also seems to want to reconcile the Noldor after all of Morgoth's lies.

Arya: But Feanor is still an ass to Fingolfin. They are brothers, even if only half-brothers.

Jon: Perhaps they will finally reconcile at this feast, little sister.

Cersei: Instead of hunting Morgoth, Manwe prefers to feast. It may be good for reconciling the feuding Noldor, but now Morgoth will use it to strike while they are feasting in his brother's palace.

Jaime: Because hunting Morgoth these days is like searching for a needle in a haystack. They probably also think he left Aman long ago. They cannot know what we do, dear sister.

Renly: It is clear that Manwe knows what a good feast is. The Noldor should appreciate that. That, and that none but Feanor have been punished for their insolence to the Valar. Manwe is very gracious.

Stannis: I can understand Manwe honoring his father and creator, but while Morgoth is still free, he should postpone it until Morgoth is in the dungeons of Mandos, chained. This is no time for feasting.

Robert: Damn it, Stannis, there is always time for feasting. Manwe does well, it will allow for reconciliation with the Noldor. Who doesn't like feasts with good food and fine wine? Ha, none but you, Stannis.

Stannis: (Grinds teeth at this)

Ned: Manwe now wants to cure the evil that has arisen among the Noldor, especially since Morgoth's whereabouts are unknown. First reconcile the Noldor, then worry about his fallen brother.

Robert: Ned is right. First reconcile the Noldor, then worry about Morgoth, whose whereabouts are unknown. After all, they don't know that he entered Valinor with Ungoliant.

Stannis: And when they discover it, it will be too late. The Two Trees will be destroyed because they didn't find bloody Morgoth before it was too late.

Renly: You don't have to keep reminding us, brother. The destruction of the Two Trees is inevitable anyway.

Tyrion: Apart from the Teleri, everyone has come, including the Maiar whom we forgot.

Sansa: How beautifully they dance! And when they sing, surely Manwe and Varda like their songs and dance.

Renly: Only the Teleri seem to care. They don't care that Morgoth might harm Aman by destroying the Two Trees and depriving them of their only source of light, except for the distant stars, which give little.

Stannis: Apparently they think that these problems are Valar problems and it is the Valar's duty to solve them. They are not wrong, after all this is the land of the Valar and they must above all else take care of the safety of Aman and its inhabitants. Besides, what can the Teleri do to Morgoth, one of the most powerful beings in Arda, and Ungoliand, a giant spider that feeds on light? Nothing, so they leave it in the hands of those who can.

Tyrion: One can only envy them for how little they care about such troubles. Well, one would assume that the Vanyar wouldn't care either, but unlike the Teleri they decided to come to the feast.

Cersei: It is not acceptable for such simpletons as the Teleri to disrespect the Valar. They should come to the feast, since the king invited them.

The image on the magic mirror showed Feanor, without the Silmarils or finery, standing before the throne of Manwë alongside his half-brother, where they were also reconciled and Fingolfin swore that he would always follow the leadership of his brother Feanor.

One thing only marred the design of Manwë.Fëanor came indeed, for him alone Manwë had commanded to come; but Finwë came not, nor any others of the Noldor of Formenos. For said Finwë: 'While the ban lasts upon Fëanor my son, that he may not go to Tirion, I hold myself unkinged, and I will not meet my people.'

And Fëanor came not in raiment of festival, and he wore no ornament, neither silver nor gold nor any gem; and he denied the sight of the Silmarils to the Valar and the Eldar, and left them locked in Formenos in their chamber of iron. Nevertheless he met Fingolfin before the throne of Manwë, and was reconciled, in word; and Fingolfin set at naught the unsheathing of the sword.

For Fingolfin held forth his hand, saying: 'As I promised, I do now. I release thee, and remember no grievance.'

Then Fëanor took his hand in silence; but Fingolfin said: 'Half-brother in blood, full brother in heart will I be. Thou shalt lead and I will follow. May no new grief divide us.' 'I hear thee,' said Fëanor. 'So be it.' But they did not know the meaning that their words would bear.

Robert: This Fingolfin is a truly noble man. Not only did he forgive his half-brother, but he promised to always follow his lead.

Ned: A man of honor, I mean an elf of honor. Not everyone would be able to forgive their full brother, let alone their half-brother. Fingolfin really wants to show that he doesn't hold a grudge against how Feanor treated him, and wrongly so, because he didn't conspire to deprive him of his inheritance as Finwë's heir.

Tywin: Fingolfin and Feanor are one thing, but in my opinion Finwë is a weak ruler. Because of his love for his firstborn son, he doesn't want to return to Tirion and rule the Noldor, instead leaving it on the shoulders of his second son, who is king in all but name. Let's hope Fingolfin is at least competent at ruling.

Tyrion: If he were incompetent, the author would have said something about it. And Finwe is simply so blinded by his love for his eldest son that he doesn't want to return to Tirion while Feanor is under banishment. Somehow I doubt any lord in Westeros would prefer to be in voluntary exile with his son, no matter how much they loved him. Maybe it's because he's the son of his beloved first wife, or maybe it's something more typical for elves, for their child to be exiled.

Sansa: Finwe clearly loves Feanor very much, and it's nice of Fingolfin to forgive his half-brother. Even though Feanor doesn't have much love for his half-brothers, Fingolfin still loves his brother, and Feanor finally appreciated that.

Jon: That last statement chilled me. They don't know what it means to them, and seeing as Feanor is supposed to be involved in some big bad, I have a feeling it will force Fingolfin to either participate or disobey his brother's orders and consequently break his promise. So bad, so wrong.

Robb: You know Jon, that got me thinking and in my heart you will always be my full brother, even if you are really half-brother. I hope Feanor appreciates what Fingolfin does for him.

Jaime: But I have a feeling that this could be Fingolfin's downfall, especially since we know Feanor is dead. And there is a chance that Fingolfin himself will die in the process, as he will want to keep his word to his half-brother.

Joffrey: If he breaks it, Feanor can punish him as he deserves!

Renly: And did you notice that Feanor was the only one who HAD to come to Manwë's feast? Probably because of what happened between him and his half-brother in their father's palace in Tirion.

Stannis: Manwe wanted to make sure that Feanor and Fingolfin would reconcile, because indirectly thanks to this incident, Morgoth's lies were exposed, which caused him to flee Aman.

Robert: And since none of the Noldor from Formenos came, his seven sons probably did not come either. Probably Nerdanel came and witnessed the reconciliation of her husband and his half-brother.

Catelyn: She must have been relieved that they had reconciled. It was dangerous, this quarrel of half-brothers, especially with Morgoth, who operated in Aman.

Pycelle: (Noting diligently on another page of parchment) Finwe does not come to the feast, and Feanor and Fingolfin reconcile with each other, ending their quarrel.

At that moment the image changed to show Telperion and Laurelin, and then the viewers saw Morgoth and Ungoliant approaching them. Ungoliant threw the Unlight away, and Morgoth pierced both trees with his spear, and Ungoliant attached herself to both with her beak, sucking their sap and pouring her poison until they died. Then she drank all of Varda's well, swelling to monstrous proportions.

It is told that even as Fëanor and Fingolfin stood before Manwë there came the mingling of the lights, when both Trees were shining, and the silent city of Valmar was filled with a radiance of silver and gold. And in that very hour Melkor and Ungoliant came hastening over the fields of Valinor, as the shadow of a black cloud upon the wind fleets over the sunlit earth; and they came before the green mound Ezellohar.

Then the Unlight of Ungoliant rose up even to the roots of the Trees, and Melkor sprang upon the mound; and with his black spear he smote each Tree to its core, wounded them deep, and their sap poured forth as it were their blood, and was spilled upon the ground. But Ungoliant sucked it up, and going then from Tree to Tree she set her black beak to their wounds, till they were drained; and the poison of Death that was in her went into their tissues and withered them, root, branch, and leaf; and they died.

And still she thirsted, and going to the Wells of Varda she drank them dry; but Ungoliant belched forth black vapours as she drank, and swelled to a shape so vast and hideous that Melkor was afraid.

 

Everyone in the Hall shuddered at the sight of the swollen Ungoliant.

Robert: By all the gods! I don't blame Morgoth for being scared. She's grown so damn big from the juice of the Two Trees and what she drank from Varda's well. They look so damn disgusting.

Tyrion: I feel like I'm going to throw up that second breakfast I ate today. I really need a jug or two of wine after this, because I can't stand it.

Catelyn: Gods above! Morgoth has destroyed the light sources again and allowed this abomination to grow to such enormous proportions. And how disgusting it is! I feel sick just looking at it.

Sansa: Gods, how disgusting it is. Will it ever end, because I can't stand to look at it for long.

Arya: Disgusting, truly disgusting. How could someone as horrible as Morgoth ally with something like this?

Ned: It only shows what Morgoth is capable of to achieve his evil ends, since he has allied himself with such a loathsome and disgusting beast as Ungoliant. And the extent of the tragedy when the Two Trees faded.

Stannis: Ah, so after all Morgoth did what he wanted. He destroyed Telperion and Laurelin with the help of that loathsome creature. Now he must flee or soon he will face the wrath and fury of the Valar.

Renly: Ours is the fury, brother. I hope that Morgoth and Ungoliant will not be able to escape from Aman and that they will be caught and punished for their crimes in destroying the Two Trees.

Jaime: He could not have done it without her help. For all Morgoth did was pierce both Trees with his spear, but that would not have been enough, unless he decided to poison them afterwards. You could say that he destroyed the Trees in partnership with Ungoliant. The fallen Valar and the great spider, a ghastly pair if I'm being honest.

Cersei: Morgoth was very lucky and that the Valar acted like fools not keeping watch on the southern borders. He took advantage of this and with the help of that disgusting beast destroyed the Two Trees. Now all that's left is to catch them before they escape Aman.

Jon: And unfortunately, Morgoth achieved his goal and destroyed the Two Trees. It was predictable after all it was mentioned earlier that Telperion and Laurelin would eventually fade.

Robb: And that's a bloody tragedy. Because the world has been deprived of light again. The Valar should have created something that wouldn't be easy for Morgoth to destroy.

Pycelle: Now the Valar will surely create the Sun and the Moon.

Robert: Given that they've created something that wasn't the Sun and the Moon every time, they'll probably create something that's neither. Maybe now they'll make glowing mountains or something.

Renly: As they say, third time's a charm. Maybe third time's a charm, though.

Robert: Ha, let's see if that works, Renly.

The image on the mirror showed how Darkness came into being after the death of the Two Trees, and how night came to Aman when there was no light.

So the great darkness fell upon Valinor. Of the deeds of that day much is told in the Aldudénië, that Elemmírë of the Vanyar made and is known to all the Eldar. Yet no song or tale could contain all the grief and terror that then befell. The Light failed; but the Darkness that followed was more than loss of light. In that hour was made a Darkness that seemed not lack but a thing with being of its own: for it was indeed made by malice out of Light, and it had power to pierce the eye, and to enter heart and mind, and strangle the very will.

Varda looked down from Taniquetil, and beheld the Shadow soaring up in sudden towers of gloom; Valmar had foundered in a deep sea of night. Soon the Holy Mountain stood alone, a last island in a world that was drowned. All song ceased. There was silence in Valinor, and no sound could be heard, save only from afar there came on the wind through the pass of the mountains the wailing of the Teleri like the cold cry of gulls. For it blew chill from the East in that hour, and the vast shadows of the sea were rolled against the walls of the shore.

 

Tyrion: I'm not surprised that someone composed a song about it. I'd be more surprised if no one composed a song about how Morgoth and Ungoliant destroyed them.

Jon: It must be a sad song. After all, the destruction of Telperion and Laurelin was a great tragedy for everyone in Aman. And that Elemmira of the Vanyar tribe must have composed a really good song, since all the elves of Aman know it.

Joffrey: Phew, it's a tragedy for me too. The Valar can grow new trees. What's so hard about that?

Renly: I have a feeling, nephew, that it won't be easy. It's not known whether Yavanna and Nienna will be able to create more Two Trees.

Stannis: Yes, Renly is right. It may turn out that they can't create new Two Trees, so they'll make the Sun and the Moon.

Robert: They'll probably create something else than the Sun and the Moon. However, this Darkness is something terrible and terrifying, although in a slightly different way than Ungoliant.

Catelyn: The wailing of the Teleri, even they are saddened by what that bastard Morgoth has done with the help of that spider demon, destroying the Two Trees forever and depriving Aman of light.

Ned: It is sad, but the predictions have already told us that they will not last long. One can only hope that the Valar will do something about it soon, otherwise it could be worse, especially since there could be unrest among the Elves.

Robb: Father, do you think that Manwë can fix what Morgoth and Ungoliant did?

Ned: I do not know, son. Surely the Valar will think of creating another source of light for the world, and one that Morgoth will not be able to destroy easily, as was the case with the Two Lamps or the Two Trees.

Tywin: The question is whether the Valar learn from their mistakes and eventually create something that Morgoth will not destroy after some time. Again. For now they have darkness without any light to illuminate it.

Jaime: They can always light torches and lamps, but without such a source of light that allows plants to grow they may not last long.

Cersei: And so it is all the fault of the Valar and Manwë's stupidity to trust Morgoth. If he had not believed that he had changed, this whole disaster would not have happened.

Tyrion: And again you forgot that Manwë was free from evil and did not understand it, so that allowed Morgoth to easily deceive his brother. And despite what he did, he was still his brother who wanted Morgoth to return to the good side.

Cersei: The hope of fools, Imp. Morgoth has fallen low and will never be "good". That was just a pipe dream of that fool Manwë.

Robert: Fool or not, now all that remains is to hope that that bastard Morgoth and his monster will not escape the justice of the Valar far.

Pycelle: (Writes all that is important on parchment)

The image changed to show Manwë, his gaze piercing the darkness and seeing Morgoth fleeing. He sent Oromë and Tulkas, but it was of no avail. With the help of Ungoliant, Morgoth escaped the pursuit of the Valar, blinded and terrified.

But Manwë from his high seat looked out, and his eyes alone pierced through the night, until they saw a Darkness beyond dark which they could not penetrate, huge but far away, moving now northward with great speed; and he knew that Melkor had come and gone. Then the pursuit was begun; and the earth shook beneath the horses of the host of Oromë, and the fire that was stricken from the hooves of Nahar was the first light that returned to Valinor.

But so soon as any came up with the Cloud of Ungoliant the riders of the Valar were blinded and dismayed, and they were scattered, and went they knew not whither; and the sound of the Valaróma faltered and failed. And Tulkas was as one caught in a black net at night, and he stood powerless and beat the air in vain. But when the Darkness had passed, it was too late: Melkor had gone whither he would, and his vengeance was achieved.

 

After that, the image on the magic mirror went out and after a moment the mirror itself disappeared from the Hall. Which meant that the chapter was over.

Robert: And another chapter is over. Bloody Morgoth, thanks to the help of his monster, escaped from the pursuit of Orome and Tulkas. And it was so close.

Stannis: If not for Ungoliant's help, the escape might not have succeeded. He was very lucky. Thanks to that, he will plot the destruction of the world and its inhabitants for a long time.

Renly: At least now he will definitely leave Aman and flee to Middle-earth with the help of his new, disgusting ally. I wonder how he will try to trick her with his promise to feed her with both hands and what he actually wants to feed her with.

Ned: Whatever it is, it will certainly be something material. I fear that they may not escape Aman. Yet.

Tyrion: What do you propose, Lord Stark?

Ned: Formenos. It is known that Morgoth desires the Silmarils, and Feanor did not take them with him to Manwë's feast. Morgoth will surely intend to take these jewels before he leaves Aman.

Catelyn: Gods, you may be right, Ned. He desires those damned Silmarils, the last surviving light of the Two Trees.

Robb: Wait, mother. What if these jewels can be used to bring the Two Trees to life?

Tyrion: Absolutely not, the Silmarils are indestructible, so even the Valar cannot damage them. They are so valuable now because nothing but them has preserved the light of Telperion and Laurelin.

Jon: Lord Tyrion is right. Their value to all the Elves, and even the Valar, would be priceless. And Morgoth will probably steal them, killing Finwë and anyone who gets in his way.

Jaime: Finwe will probably flee at the mere sight of Morgoth's monstrous companion, as will every other Elf in Formenos. There is nothing to stop him from obtaining the coveted Silmarils and then fleeing Aman.

Cersei: The Silmarils, the beautiful jewels. They should be mine and not some conceited Elf's like that fool Feanor, who was ready to become a kinslayer.

Joffrey: The jewels are mine! They will fit perfectly into my crown when I am king.

Robert: I am not dead yet, Joffrey. Take your time, you foolish boy. Do not forget who is king!

Tywin: Morgoth will probably go to Formenos to obtain the Silmarils. He is so petty and covetous of those jewels that he will not let it go, especially since he will not have a second chance at them. That is almost certain.

Jon: Which is dangerous for Finwë, his seven sons, and every elf who lives in Formenos. Morgoth can kill them!

Tywin: And he certainly will, unless they don't play heroes and just run away when they see him coming with that monster.

Robert: I'm no coward, but even I would run away at the sight of that monstrosity. Well, but we'll talk about that later. I'm in the mood for a drink. Anyone coming with me?

Tyrion: I'd love to, your grace. I need to get really drunk after seeing that filthy Ungoliant.

Renly: And I need a drink too, I'd rather forget I ever saw anything as horrible as that Ungoliant.

Ned: And I can go with you. For company, of course.

Robert: Well, I understand. Let's go for a drink!

Then Robert, Ned, Renly, and Tyrion rose and left the hall to drink good wine and forget the sight of the terrible Ungoliant.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, only Grand Maester Pycelle sitting close to Lord Lannister.

Robert: Pycelle, I received a message that we will be watching the next chapter of The Silmaril. Is that true?

Pycelle: Yes, Your Grace. Not much was said in the letter about the chapter itself, only that there will be many interesting events and that it takes place right after Morgoth and Ungoliant escaped Oromo and Tulkas.

Robert: Great, I want to know what happened next, not hear some side stories. Now all we have to do is wait for that magic mirror to appear and we can continue watching what happens in the other world.

Tyrion: Morgoth and Ungoliant will most likely go to Formenos to collect the Silmarils before leaving Aman. Since it was said earlier that the Silmarils were lost and the Noldor returned to Middle-earth, it is likely that Morgoth took them and Feanor either convinced his father to leave Aman, if Finwë survived, or if Finwë is killed, Feanor will take the throne and lead the Noldor to Aman. Either way, Morgoth returns to Middle-earth and the Noldor follow him, although first they have to figure out how to get there since they have no ships.

Ned: The Teleri have ships, they could ask them to lend them to them, or Feanor could simply buy them from them.

Jaime: That is certainly possible. The question is whether the Teleri will even sell them to them, especially if the Valar, which is possible, may not approve of the Noldor leaving Aman.

Jon: However, it is said that the Elves came here of their own free will and the Valar will not stop them. So I guess Manwe will just send someone to try and convince them to stay and if that doesn't work then they probably won't do anything else.

Cersei: Which shows their weakness. If the Elves have come to live in the lands ruled by the Valar then they should listen to them without fail and not just let them go.

Tyrion: We don't know yet if they will actually let them go just like that. They can and probably will try to talk them out of leaving Aman but they probably won't listen anyway. We'll have to wait and see what actually happens with the Noldor leaving Aman and the Valar's reaction to that.

Stannis: The wise thing to do would be to tell them to stay in Aman. Here they have the protection and safety of the Valar. Yes, Morgoth destroyed the Two Trees with the help of that monster. But once he leaves Aman he won't be able to surprise the Valar as easily as he did then. They will certainly strengthen the guards and any other defenses against his attack even more. It would be madness to go to Middle-earth, especially when the enemy is there first.

Renly: Do not notice one thing, brother. Morgoth has already been telling them with his lies the vast lands of Middle-earth, where they could establish their own kingdoms, free from the overarching rule of Manwë, who may be king of the whole world, but he focuses his attention on Aman. Many an ambitious man would take advantage of it, seeing the opportunity to be king and not just one of the many subjects of the rulers of Aman.

Tywin: I agree with Lord Renly. Ambition is a powerful force, for it can drive men to actions they would not otherwise undertake. There is no shortage of ambitious lords and even knights in Westeros. And there is even less shortage of them among the Elves, who, though different from Men, are not so different in other respects.

Pycelle: Whatever causes the Noldor to leave Aman, one thing is certain. It will certainly happen and it changes the history of this world in a way that it would have changed if they had simply stayed in Aman.

At that moment a large, magical mirror appeared in front of them.

Robert: Great, it has finally appeared. Let it begin, because I am curious how it will all unfold.

Ned: Certainly full of interesting events, if we are to believe what Grand Maester Pycelle said in the letter he received.

On the great, magical mirror appeared large, white inscriptions CHAPTER 9, OF THE FLIGHT OF THE NOLDOR, which after a long time disappeared. For a short time the mirror went dark, but soon an image appeared, which showed the Valar and a great crowd of Elves and Maiar who had gathered around the Ring of Destiny. Yavanna could be seen approaching the dead Two Trees and touching them, but they were dead.

After a time a great concourse gathered about the Ring of Doom; and the Valar sat in shadow, for it was night. But the stars of Varda now glimmered overhead, and the air was clear; for the winds of Manwë had driven away the vapours of death and rolled back the shadows of the sea.

Then Yavanna arose and stood upon Ezellohar, the Green Mound, but it was bare now and black; and she laid her hands upon the Trees, but they were dead and dark, and each branch that she touched broke and fell lifeless at her feet. Then many voices were lifted in lamentation; and it seemed to those that mourned that they had drained to the dregs the cup of woe that Melkor had filled for them. But it was not so.

 

Cersei: Despair will do them no good. If they had guarded their kingdom's borders better, Morgoth would not have surprised them and destroyed the Two Trees with the help of that creature. I have only myself to blame for that.

Tyrion: They could not have expected that Morgoth would not have fled to one of the ruins of his fortresses in Middle-earth, but would have fled to the south, where they thought there was nothing. They probably did not know that Ungoliant was there. The Elves are not even sure where Ungoliant actually came from. Whether she was one of the Ainur or perhaps she was created from Morgoth's falsehood during the singing or however she could have been created. Only that she once served Morgoth and then rejected him and fled to this godforsaken corner of the world. More empathy, sweet sister.

Jaime: None of them expected that Morgoth would hide her in the far southern region of Aman. If anyone is to blame for the current situation, it's Morgoth, his hatred of the Valar and the Elves, and his wicked accomplice, Ungoliant. The Valar have strengthened their defenses wherever they themselves suspected Morgoth would strike if he wanted revenge on the Valar. It's just that none of them suspected he would strike from the south, where to their knowledge there was nothing that would interest Morgoth or anything that could harm them in any way, and from what we've heard, Ungoliant feared the Valar, and only the promise of Morgoth to feed her with both hands made her act and follow him.

Stannis: Ser Jaime is right. The Valar acted according to their own knowledge of Manwë's fallen brother. And that's why I disagree with Queen Cersei's statement that the Valar have only themselves to blame. They did everything they had to to defend their land from Morgoth, they simply didn't anticipate that he would attack from the south. Their mistake was to organize a feast, when they should have focused on capturing Morgoth before they celebrated anything.

Robert: It is sad to see these trees destroyed by Morgoth and Ungoliant. Perhaps now they will show us how they are making another source of light for the world. Something that Morgoth will not come and destroy after some time. Something that will be beyond his reach.

Ned: Perhaps the Sun and the Moon, Robert. They must come into being eventually, and as the old proverb says, third time's the charm.

Robb: So now the Valar will create the Sun and the Moon, or will it be another strange source of light like the Two Trees and the Two Lamps before.

Tyrion: I rather hope that now it will truly be the Sun and the Moon, and not an even stranger source of light for the world.

Catelyn: Perhaps it will be the Sun and the Moon as Ned and Lord Tyrion say, my son.

The image in the magic mirror changed, showing the Valar talking to Feanor; Yavanna said that if she had a little light from the Two Trees she would heal them and bring them back to life, but Fëanor refused to give them up, for it was the greatest and most precious treasure he had ever created and he had made no like it, so he refused to give them to the Valar.

Yavanna spoke before the Valar, saying: 'The Light of the Trees has passed away, and lives now only in the Silmarils of Fëanor. Foresighted was he! Even for those who are mightiest under Ilúvatar there is some work that they may accomplish once, and once only. The Light of the Trees I brought into being, and within Eä I can do so never again. Yet had I but a little of that light I could recall life to the Trees, ere their roots decay; and then our hurt should be healed, and the malice of Melkor be confounded.'

Then Manwë spoke and said: 'Hearest thou, Fëanor son of Finwë, the words of Yavanna? Wilt thou grant what she would ask?'

There was long silence, but Fëanor answered no word. Then Tulkas cried: 'Speak, O Noldo, yea or nay! But who shall deny Yavanna? And did not the light of the Silmarils come from her work in the beginning?'

But Aulë the Maker said: 'Be not hasty! We ask a greater thing than thou knowest. Let him have peace yet awhile.'

But Fëanor spoke then, and cried bitterly: 'For the less even as for the greater there is some deed that he may accomplish but once only; and in that deed his heart shall rest. It may be that I can unlock my jewels, but never again shall I make their like; and if I must break them, I shall break my heart, and I shall be slain; first of all the Eldar in Aman.'

'Not the first,' said Mandos, but they did not understand his word; and again there was silence, while Fëanor brooded in the dark. It seemed to him that he was beset in a ring of enemies, and the words of Melkor returned to him, saying that the Silmarils were not safe, if the Valar would possess them. 'And is he not Vala as are they,'said his thought, 'and does he not understand their hearts? Yea, a thief shall reveal thieves!'

Then he cried aloud: 'This thing I will not do of free will. But if the Valar will constrain me, then shall I know indeed that Melkor is of their kindred.'

Then Mandos said: 'Thou hast spoken.' And Nienna arose and went up onto Ezellohar, and cast back her grey hood, and with her tears washed away the defilements of Ungoliant; and she sang in mourning for the bitterness of the world and the Marring of Arda.

 

Tyrion: Wait, wasn't it said that they couldn't be destroyed at all? So how would they open them to reach the light of the Two Trees?

Pycelle: I suspect, Lord Tyrion, that Feanor, as their creator, knows full well what material he made them from, including its weaknesses. He could certainly destroy them to release the light of the Two Trees, but he won't.

Tyrion: Yes, he certainly won't. You can see how attached he is to them, and he's also recalled Morgoth's lying words, which convinced him that the Valar would want to take the Silmarils from him. At least Aulë understands him, he's a craftsman himself.

Catelyn: But that's selfish of Feanor! Yavanna needs them to bring the Two Trees to life, and he won't agree to that, just because he's attached to those jewels! He should listen to Manwë's words and give the Silmarils to the Valar so they can revive the Two Trees.

Stannis: Not that I understand Feanor's attachment to the Silmarils, any craftsman who has spent weeks creating some extraordinary work would, but I think that for Feanor the Silmarils are his greatest work, to which he has put all his knowledge and skill, and that is why he values them so much, and that is also why he does not want to sacrifice them, although it is a selfish approach, because at the price of their sacrifice, the Two Trees will live again and light the world, or at least Aman.

Renly: I am concerned that Mandos mentioned that Feanor will not be the first Elf to be killed. I have the impression that these words refer to Finwë. After all, he remained in Formenos. And if not him, then one of Feanor's sons or whoever lives there.

Robert: Damn it, Feanor, don't be such a selfish ass. We know how much you value your Silmarils, but without light the Two Trees will die forever. Get a grip and give the Silmarils to the Valar so Yavanna can revive the Two Trees, not because you love them so much, no, fuck it, you won't have my stones because it will kill me.

Ned: The Silmarils are his greatest work, Robert, and while his attitude seems selfish, he does it because he will never make such gems again.

Robert: Bullshit, Feanor would certainly have no problem using all his skills and knowledge to create more Silmarils. He's just acting like a selfish ass who thinks he can because he created those fucking stones.

Joffrey: The Silmarils should be mine. After all, he deserves them the most!

Jon: Of all the Valar, only Aulë seems to understand what it would mean for Feanor to sacrifice the Silmarils, and in the end he refuses to do what is right. I may not understand what Feanor is going through, after all I did not create such a great work as he did, but I understand that sometimes you have to sacrifice something for the greater good. This is not just about a few precious gems, this is about the light that previously illuminated all of Aman and allowed plants to grow. Without it, all plants will die and Feanor will sentence all the elves to death, unless the Valar develop a different kind of light source for the world first.

Robb: But would it help if Feanor agreed to anything, since Morgoth will probably steal them?

Jon: It probably wouldn't change much, although one can only guess what would have changed if Feanor had acted more sensibly and agreed to give the Silmarils instead of refusing to do so to the Valar.

The image changed again in the mirror and the viewers saw how the Noldor arrived at the Ring of Destiny, and among them were the former sons of Feanor. They brought terrible news. And as they told, the picture changed and showed Morgoth and Ungoliant in a cloak of darkness coming to Formenos, and all the Noldor who lived there fled in fear. All except King Finwë, who stood on the threshold and would not let Morgoth pass, but Morgoth pierced him with a spear and killed him, and plundered the treasury of Formenos, taking all the jewels and treasures, including the priceless Silmarils, and then he rode Ungoliant and fled from Aman, this time for good. The picture returned again to the Valar and the Elves gathered before the Ring of Destiny. Feanor cursed Melkor, calling him Morgoth, and left the assembly.

But even as Nienna mourned, there came messengers from Formenos, and they were Noldor and bore new tidings of evil. For they told how a blind Darkness came northward, and in the midst walked some power for which there was no name, and the Darkness issued from it. But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark. And they told that Melkor had broken the stronghold of Formenos, and taken all the jewels of the Noldor that were hoarded in that place; and the Silmarils were gone.

Then Fëanor rose, and lifting up his hand before Manwë he cursed Melkor, naming him Morgoth, the Black Foe of the World; and by that name only was he known to the Eldar ever after. And he cursed also the summons of Manwë and the hour in which he came to Taniquetil, thinking in the madness of his rage and grief that had he been at Formenos his strength would have availed more than to be slain also, as Melkor had purposed. Then Fëanor ran from the Ring of Doom, and fled into the night; for his father was dearer to him than the Light of Valinor or the peerless works of his hands; and who among sons, of Elves or of Men, have held their fathers of greater worth?

Many there grieved for the anguish of Fëanor, but his loss was not his alone; and Yavanna wept by the mound, in fear that the Darkness should swallow the last rays of the Light of Valinor for ever. For though the Valar did not yet understand fully what had befallen, they perceived that Melkor had called upon some aid that came from beyond Arda.

The Silmarils had passed away, and all one it may seem whether Fëanor had said yea or nay to Yavanna; yet had he said yea at the first, before the tidings came from Formenos, it may be that his after deeds would have been other than they were. But now the doom of the Noldor drew near.

 

Tyrion: Well, at least we know the circumstances in which Feanor named Melkor Morgoth, and they're not exactly happy circumstances.

Robert: Bloody shit. Morgoth kills Finwe and plunders the treasury of Formenos, then runs away. Why in the name of the gods did Finwe not run away with the others, but stay and get himself killed. Bloody fool, brave fool, but a fool nonetheless.

Tywin: Finwe acted like a complete fool. Didn't he realize he had no chance against someone like Morgoth? Brother of Manwe and one of the most powerful of the Ainur. Even in his weakened state he had no trouble killing Finwe. And now he's condemned the Noldor to the rule of his temperamental son Feanor.

Ned: (thinking of his dead father Rickard) It's been mentioned that no one loved his father as much as Feanor. So he probably speculates that the Noldor's return to Middle-earth may be more about avenging their father than reclaiming the Silmarils. That will be a side effect of returning to Middle-earth.

Renly: And certainly a sufficient reason for Feanor to call Melkor Morgoth. After all, he lost his father, who loved him very much, considering he went into exile with him, leaving his younger son to rule.

Stannis: Either way, whether Feanor would say yes instead of no seems to matter, since Morgoth stole the Silmarils. Maybe he just didn't commit all the great evil he supposedly had a hand in. But now the Silmarils have been stolen, Finwë has been murdered, and Feanor is burning with vengeance, and the fact that he has a fiery temper certainly doesn't help.

Jaime: Finwë didn't deserve to die at the hands of that cursed Morgoth. He seemed like a pretty good king, except that he clearly favored his eldest son to the point of following him into exile in Formenos. Besides, Feanor truly believes that if he had been, he would not have died at Morgoth's hands. He would have gladly killed him, so I doubt even his support would have made any difference, except that Maedhros would have become King of the Noldor, not Feanor who would have died at Morgoth's hands with his father. Only the presence of Tulkas or another Valar would have made any difference.

Tyrion: Anger and grief blind Feanor to this, as they say. When it has passed, he will realize that he himself would have died if it had been there. If only Feanor had taken the Silmarils to that feast! Morgoth was furious, but at least he would have escaped with nothing. Unfortunately, his pride and love for the Silmarils caused him to leave them at Formenos instead, allowing Morgoth to claim them.

Cersei: And now Morgoth will probably let Ungoliant eat them. Such great jewels, lost to the world forever. Bloody Feanor, he should have taken them with him, not left them in Formenos.

Robb: Feanor must have loved his father truly, for it was said that none of Elves or Men loved their father as much as Feanor.

Jon: Yes, and that might drive Feanor to action. To leave Aman and avenge his father by avenging Morgoth.

Pycelle: (He wrote all this down on the pages of parchment.)

Most agreed that Feanor would avenge his father, and so he would set out for Middle-earth, taking with him. The image on the magic mirror then changes, showing Morgoth and Ungoliant in Araman in the north of Aman, before crossing the straits of Helcaraxë and reaching the northern lands of Middle-earth near the ruins of Angband.

Meanwhile Morgoth escaping from the pursuit of the Valar came to the wastes of Araman. This land lay northward between the Mountains of the Pelóri and the Great Sea, as Avathar lay to the south; but Araman was a wider land, and between the shores and the mountains were barren plains, ever colder as the Ice drew nearer.

Through this region Morgoth and Ungoliant passed in haste, and so came through the great mists of Oiomúrë to the Helcaraxë, where the strait between Araman and Middle-earth was filled with grinding ice; and he crossed over, and came back at last to the north of the Outer Lands. Together they went on, for Morgoth could not elude Ungoliant, and her cloud was still about him, and all her eyes were upon him; and they came to those lands that lay north of the Firth of Drengist.

 

Robert: So now we see what's up with that bastard and his monstrous associate. At least we'll see what happens with the Silmarils and whether Morgoth will truly break his promise to Ungoliant.

Ned: It's almost certain, Robert. Morgoth spread lies among the Noldor and made that promise so lightly that Ungoliant would help him, he'll surely try to deceive her when he starts demanding payment for her help.

Catelyn: (She shuddered at the sight of Ungoliant again) A disgusting monstrosity. Morgoth stooped low to cooperate with such a thing, but what can you expect from one as evil, cruel and depraved as Morgoth.

Tywin: Morgoth chose a dangerous path, though dangerous for the Elves. He and Ungoliant managed to get to Middle-earth without difficulty. Now that Ungoliant has helped him exact his revenge, he'll probably try to deceive her. I wonder how he plans to trick her.

Stannis: However he plans to do it, it may come back to bite him. Ungoliant may even try to attack him, which would be fair enough. They both deserve each other and if they finished each other off, Arda would be a better place to live.

Renly: I hate to disappoint you, Stannis, but Ungoliant is just a giant spider and Morgoth is one of the most powerful beings in that world. Ungoliant will probably be crushed, so it's better for that nasty creature to run away as far as possible rather than fight Morgoth.

Robert: Finwë, the Noldor king, had no chance against Morgoth, but Ungoliant may prove to be much more dangerous, even if she looks like a giant spider obsessed with feeding on light.

Jaime: However, I tend to agree with Lord Renly that Ungoliant, as a giant spider, has no chance in a direct fight. She's out of her league, she'd even have a slim chance against Morgoth. She'll end up like Finwë, killed by him if she tries to fight him when he realizes he's trying to trick her, if he even does.

Tyrion: I can't speak to Ungoliant's intelligence, but aren't we underestimating her a bit? Yes, she's a nasty creature who helped Morgoth destroy the Two Trees for base purposes. But what do we really know about her? Not much, except that she was a spirit who came from beyond Arda and took the form she did. So I don't know how powerful she is or how much Morgoth has weakened, other than the fact that he can no longer change his form freely. He's been trapped in corporeal form. We don't know if he still has any limitations because of that.

Ned: Lord Tyrion speaks wisely. We don't know much about Ungoliant, so it would be unwise to underestimate her. She's a giant spider, yes, but she's also a sentient being, not a mindless animal driven by instinct. We don't know what else she's capable of.

Joffrey: She's just a giant spider, Lord Stark. She may be sentient, but she's certainly stupid, and Morgoth can easily trick her, leaving her with nothing. And if she tries to attack him, Morgoth will crush her like a bug.

Pycelle: Interesting, some information. Araman, the northern region of Amamn, Oiomure, a region known for its mists, and this Firth of Drengist. I wonder what region in Middle-earth that is.

Jon: We'll certainly find out in time, Grand Maester.

The image then showed a conversation between Morgoth and Ungoliant, where she demands the treasures she's stolen from Formenos. Morgoth reluctantly feeds her the jewels, but when she demands the treasure he holds in his right hand, he refuses. These were the Silmarils, which, despite being kept in a crystal casket, burned Morgoth's right hand.

Now Morgoth was drawing near to the ruins of Angband, where his great western stronghold had been; and Ungoliant perceived his hope, and knew that here he would seek to escape from her, and she stayed him, demanding that he fulfil his promise.

'Blackheart!'she said. 'I have done thy bidding. But I hunger still.'

'What wouldst thou have more?'said Morgoth. 'Dost thou desire all the world for thy belly? I did not vow to give thee that. I am its Lord.'

'Not so much,'said Ungoliant. 'But thou hast a great treasure from Formenos; I will have all that. Yea, with both hands thou shalt give it.'

Then perforce Morgoth surrendered to her the gems that he bore with him, one by one and grudgingly; and she devoured them, and their beauty perished from the world. Huger and darker yet grew Ungoliant, but her lust was unsated. 'With one hand thou givest,'she said; 'with the left only. Open thy right hand.'

In his right hand Morgoth held close the Silmarils, and though they were locked in a crystal casket, they had begun to burn him, and his hand was clenched in pain; but he would not open it. 'Nay!' he said. 'Thou hast had thy due. For with my power that I put into thee thy work was accomplished. I need thee no more. These things thou shalt not have, nor see. I name them unto myself for ever.'

 

Robert: Ha, and good for Morgoth. For all he's done, he deserves this pain. By the way, Varda's blessing is really strong, since it burns Morgoth's hand, even though he doesn't even hold the Silmarils directly in his hand, but in a crystal box.

Tyrion: Now I'm worried that at any moment the Silmarils will share the fate of those jewels and be devoured by Ungoliant.

Ned: There is still hope for the survival of the Silmarils, considering that Morgoth refused to give them to Ungoliant. He can banish her at any time, especially since he considered that he had fulfilled his part of the agreement with Ungoliant as she had fulfilled it with him.

Tywin: Morgoth foolishly shared his power with her. It only weakened him, making Ungoliant strong. He may regret it bitterly, especially since he will not take it lightly to be denied her "meal"

Tyrion: Morgoth states that without this power Ungoliant could not have accomplished the task of destroying the Two Trees. So he would have had no choice but to weaken himself in order to lend her his power.

Tywin: Someone so cunning would have found another idea, but it is clear that his skill ends with spreading lies and fails completely when it comes to implementing his own plan of action. But what can you expect from someone as petty and vindictive as Morgoth. Yes, he is a clever liar, but he lacked the cunning to destroy the Two Trees without involving Ungoliant and sharing his power with her.

Tyrion: In short, Morgoth is not as clever as he thinks, especially in action.

Joffrey: Gods, so much wealth wasted in the belly of this horrible beast. Morgoth is a fool who cannot deceive this creature.

Jaime: It seems that Ungoliant can cause problems, as Lord Renly and I suspected. I wonder how Morgoth will get out of this and whether the Silmarils will not be lost forever.

Jon: The Silmarils have been lost, which means a big risk that Ungoliant may eat them. That would be a great tragedy for that world.

Robb: Especially since their light could revive the Two Trees. And now it is impossible, seeing as they are in Morgoth's hands and could be lost completely at any moment.

Arya: Will no one and nothing stop Ungoliant from eating the Silmarils? Probably only Morgoth and that is not good for the rest of the world.

Renly: Well, it is clear that Varda's blessing is strong, since even through the crystal box it burns his hand.

Pycelle: Interesting, so Morgoth has approached the ruins of Angband. He probably intends to rebuild them and make his fortress instead of Utumno.

Stannis: That doesn't sound right. Sauron used to command this stronghold, and we know the Valar didn't capture him, but we haven't heard from him since.

Robert: That's true, maybe he's been hiding deep in the ruins of Angband all this time, waiting for his master to return.

Ned: He certainly had to wait a long time, but he finally did.

Jaime: And did anyone notice that Ungoliant called Morgoth "Blackheart"? I think that's fitting for Morgoth.

The image on the magic mirror showed Ungoliant growing and wrapping him in a tight web to strangle him. Morgoth then screamed in a most terrifying way, and the Balrogs lurking underground came to their master's aid, tearing apart Ungoliant's webs, and she fled far to the south, never to be seen again.

But Ungoliant had grown great, and he less by the power that had gone out of im; and she rose against him, and her cloud closed about him, and she enmeshed him in a web of clinging thongs to strangle him. Then Morgoth sent forth a terrible cry, that echoed in the mountains. Therefore that region was called Lammoth; for the echoes of his voice dwelt there ever after, so that any who cried aloud in that land awoke them, and all the waste between the hills and the sea was filled with a clamour as of voices in anguish.

The cry of Morgoth in that hour was the greatest and most dreadful that was ever heard in the northern world; the mountains shook, and the earth trembled, and rocks were riven asunder. Deep in forgotten places that cry was heard. Far beneath the ruined halls of Angband, in vaults to which the Valar in the haste of their assault had not descended, Balrogs lurked still, awaiting ever the return of their Lord; and now swiftly they arose, and passing over Hithlum they came to Lammoth as a tempest of fire.

With their whips of flame they smote asunder the webs of Ungoliant, and she quailed, and turned to flight, belching black vapours to cover her; and fleeing from the north she went down into Beleriand, and dwelt beneath Ered Gorgoroth, in that dark valley that was after called Nan Dungortheb, the Valley of Dreadful Death, because of the horror that she bred there.

For other foul creatures of spider form had dwelt there since the days of the delving of Angband, and she mated with them, and devoured them; and even after Ungoliant herself departed, and went whither she would into the forgotten south of the world, her offspring abode there and wove their hideous webs. Of the fate of Ungoliant no tale tells. Yet some have said that she ended long ago, when in her uttermost famine she devoured herself at last.

 

Morgoth's scream echoed through the Hall, shaking it and everyone present covered their ears so as not to hear it. However, it quickly disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Robert: By the gods, what a horrible scream. And it still seems to me that someone is screaming in my ear!

Tyrion: What a scream, if it weren't for the Balrogs, Ungoliant would have defeated Morgoth and taken the Silmarils from him.

Robert: Fuck, I forgot about those fire demons shrouded in shadow. That they also managed to help that bastard. At least Ungoliant would have freed the world from Morgoth.

Renly: What are you talking about, brother, because I can't hear. I think I've gone deaf from that scream. But I take back my opinion, it may look like a spider, but it gave Morgoth a hard time. And to be honest, I wouldn't have chosen the valley of Nan Dungortheb as a place to rest. From the name alone I can tell that I will not find rest there, but a violent and painful death.

Ned: After the offspring she left there? Sure, they may not be as large as their mother, but no less dangerous. And the end that Ungoliant was to meet fits her eternal appetite so well.

Tywin: It sounds like a minstrel's tale. No creature, not even one as twisted and hideous as Ungoliant, could have devoured itself. Physically it is impossible, which is why he himself treats it as a minstrel's tale by the campfire. The author does not confirm this conclusion, but that some people think so.

Jaime: I can agree with that, father, and thank the gods or the magic mirror that it interrupted that damned scream of Morgoth. I felt as if it was drilling through my head. And those Balrogs, as soon as they heard their master's screams, immediately jumped out and rushed to their master's aid. Now that's what you call faithful servants!

Tywin: If the Valar had thoroughly combed the ruins of his fortresses after defeating Morgoth, he would not have been able to count on such help.

Tyrion: And not just you, brother. One can only thank fate that it ended quickly. I would not have lasted much longer, no matter what others might say about it.

Pycelle: Apart from that horrible scream, we have some news about other regions. Lammoth, where the echoes of Morgoth's scream remain, Hithlum, Ered Gorgoroth, which must be the name of the mountains, and Nan Dungortheb, where Ungoliant lived for a while and where only her offspring remained.

Robb: I would never want to visit Nan Dungortheb. It must be a nasty place with all those big spiders.

Jon: And dangerous, certainly very dangerous, where it is easy to end up as a fly in a spider's web.

Cersei: At least the Silmarils survived and we will not have to see this monster again. Devouring oneself, a fitting death for that wretched Ungoliant. And may the Seven Hells swallow her for her greed.

Catelyn: And Morgoth was so close to paying for his crimes in this way. It's a pity the Balrogs didn't catch Ungoliant after she killed Morgoth.

Ned: Then the Silmarils would probably have been lost, my love. It was necessary for their survival.

Arya: They are still lost, father, so they will probably be lost in some other way.

Ned: We will probably find out in the future, daughter.

Renly: I feel a little sorry for those poor spiders that mated with her. They ended up as her meal, which is not healthy.

Robert: Renly, being eaten is never healthy. It's a good thing our women don't eat men. That would be awful.

Tyrion: And very much so, your grace. No one would use the services of whores if he was to be their meal.

Stannis: Moving on to that unsavory subject and that awful scream, Morgoth just regretted giving her some of his power, because Ungoliant threw it at him and tried to kill him, if the Balrogs hadn't come to his aid and chased Ungoliant away.

Robb: I'd see if you could really summon Morgoth's scream at Lammoth if you screamed there.

Tyrion: Morgoth's original scream will last me a lifetime. I don't feel like listening to its echoing version, so to speak.

Jaime: I doubt anyone but a young Stark would want to hear his scream again, even as an echo in some backwater valley in the north of the world.

Jon: Robb was just curious if it really worked or if it was just talk without any confirmation.

Joffrey: Still a stupid idea. Who wants to hear that horrible scream of fucking Morgoth again.

The image on the magic mirror showed how Morgoth after driving Ungoliant away returned with Balrogs to the ruins of Angband, which he rebuilt and with that began gathering a host of monsters and demons, including orcs, who multiplied greatly during that time. Morgoth forged an iron crown, placed the Silmarils in it and declared himself King of the World. Although his hands remained forever black from the burns, and the pain from it never went away.

And thus the fear of Yavanna that the Silmarils would be swallowed up and fall into nothingness did not come to pass; but they remained in the power of Morgoth. And he being freed gathered again all his servants that he could find, and came to the ruins of Angband. There he delved anew his vast vaults and dungeons, and above their gates he reared the threefold peaks of Thangorodrim, and a great reek of dark smoke was ever wreathed about them. There countless became the hosts of his beasts and his demons, and the race of the Orcs, bred long before, grew and multiplied in the bowels of the earth. Dark now fell the shadow on Beleriand, as is told hereafter; but in Angband Morgoth forged for himself a great crown of iron, and he called himself King of the World. In token of this he set the Silmarils in his crown.

His hands were burned black by the touch of those hallowed jewels, and black they remained ever after; nor was he ever free from the pain of the burning, and the anger of the pain. That crown he never took from his head, though its weight became a deadly weariness. Never but once only did he depart for a while secretly from his domain in the North; seldom indeed did he leave the deep places of his fortress, but governed his armies from his northern throne. And once only also did he himself wield weapon, while his realm lasted.

For now, more than in the days of Utumno ere his pride was humbled, his hatred devoured him, and in the domination of his servants and the inspiring of them with lust of evil he spent his spirit. Nonetheless his majesty as one of the Valar long remained, though turned to terror, and before his face all save the mightiest sank into a dark pit of fear.

 

Robert: And good for him, at least the bastard will suffer the pain of burnt hands for eternity!

Tywin: It is clear that Morgoth has already officially challenged his brother for the rule of Arda. He has forged a crown, placed the Silmarils there, declaring himself King of the World. He truly shows that he is nothing more than a usurper. But until he defeats Manwë and the rest of the Valar, it is just an empty title and the coronation an empty gesture.

Cersei: And how simple. An iron crown, iron! It should be gold at least, not iron. It only shows Morgoth's vulgarity, since he made such a simple crown. The only mitigation is that he placed the Silmarils there.

Tyrion: In case you didn't know, Aegon the Conqueror used a crown forged of Valyrian steel, decorated with rubies. It is not far from Morgoth's iron crown, except that his decorations are much more valuable. Much more so. Ned: Heavy clouds are coming for Beleriand. I remember that Elwe and Melian founded the kingdom of Doriath there. It may be threatened by Morgoth when he turns his attention to southern Doriath.

Stannis: Wanting to stay in Middle-earth and establish a kingdom in Beleriand now may cost Elwe, Melian and their subjects dearly. They may not survive the onslaught of Morgoth's forces when he finally turns his attention there.

Renly: But Melian is a majar and has some magic. He will probably find a way to protect Doriath so that the orcs and other creatures of Morgoth do not get there.

Jaime: Lord Renly may be right. Melian is neither man nor elf but a being that existed before the world was made. And seeing as she could easily keep Elwe alive without food or water for years, it should be no problem to protect the kingdom. She probably has some ace up her sleeve.

Robert: Morgoth is a coward, having only once gone out to fight. Instead of leading armies himself, he hides away in Angband like a coward, letting others fight for him.

Tywin: Morgoth cleverly avoids fighting, leaving the leadership to his trusted servants, probably Sauron and the Balrogs.

Jon: They say only the mightiest could bear his face. I doubt any of us could bear his gaze and not flee in fear.

Robert: I think I could do quite well. I would not be frightened by Morgoth. Especially not by him.

Jaime: I would not be frightened by Morgoth either, though I would not want to fight him. It is certain death for anyone who is not Tulkas or another Valar. Or Ungoliant.

Catelyn: Seven, help. Now Morgoth will be hard pressed to move from his rebuilt stronghold of Angband without an army of the Valar.

Ned: I think Manwë will sooner or later deal with his treacherous brother. It is only a matter of time.

Tywin: By then Morgoth may have conquered most of Beleriand, unless Melian has a real ace up his sleeve or the arrival of the Noldor changes that, though I doubt it.

The image in the magic mirror showed the Valar sitting in silence in the Ring of Doom surrounded by the Maiar and Vanyar, while the Noldor returned to Tirion when Feanor appeared unexpectedly with his sons, making a speech that drove the Noldor mad, though much of it was Morgoth's lies.

Now when it was known that Morgoth had escaped from Valinor and pursuit was unavailing, the Valar remained long seated in darkness in the Ring of Doom, and the Maiar and the Vanyar stood beside them and wept; but the Noldor for the most part returned to Tirion and mourned for the darkening of their fair city.

Through the dim ravine of the Calacirya fogs drifted in from the shadowy seas and mantled its towers, and the lamp of the Mindon burned pale in the gloom. Then suddenly Fëanor appeared in the city and called on all to come to the high court of the King upon the summit of Túna; but the doom of banishment that had been laid upon him was not yet lifted, and he rebelled against the Valar.

A great multitude gathered swiftly, therefore, to hear what he would say; and the hill and all the stairs and streets that climbed upon it were lit with the light of many torches that each one bore in hand. Fëanor was a master of words, and his tongue had great power over hearts when he would use it; and that night he made a speech before the Noldor which they ever remembered. Fierce and fell were his words, and filled with anger and pride; and hearing them the Noldor were stirred to madness.

His wrath and his hate were given most to Morgoth, and yet well nigh all that he said came from the very lies of Morgoth himself; but he was distraught with grief for the slaying of his father, and with anguish for the rape of the Silmarils. He claimed now the kingship of all the Noldor, since Finwë was dead, and he scorned the decrees of the Valar.

 

Tyrion: Why does it not surprise me that Feanor would ignore the banishment they imposed on him in order to come to Tirion and take power as the new King of the Noldor.

Jaime: Well, they had to do something about it anyway, because with Finwë dead, Feanor is now King and he did not remain in Formenos, the place where his father was murdered. But Manwë may not like that.

Tywin: They certainly will not like that. The Valar seem to be fidgeting, but they do mete out justice. And Feanor, though he stirred up the Noldor with a fiery speech, the words of which are not recorded, is diminished by the fact that he benefited from Morgoth's lies. As if he conveniently forgot. Let us not forget that Fingolfin ruled Tirion Fingolfin for a while and could have gained the support of the Noldor.

Cersei: And Feanor will not like that. There may be conflict. He'll probably make good on his threats this time and kill his half-brother.

Robert: Woman, have you forgotten that Feanor promised to follow Feanor? He may not like Feanor's idea, but he'll fulfill his promise and follow him.

Renly: Feanor will act quickly, before the Valar realizes that he's broken their banishment. In Westeros, any lord who broke it would lose his head. But somehow I doubt Manwe would order Feanor's execution. Not after what happened to his father.

Ned: That would only make the Noldor even more angry and there might even be bloodshed. They can't afford that.

Catelyn: Can Feanor not act like a hot-blooded fool? It's madness to act against the laws of the Valar!

Tywin; Feanor may have intended that since the Valar are unable to defend their own land, life in Middle-earth will be just as difficult as life under the protection of the Valar. A fool, though I can admire his ambition or perhaps his revenge. Either way, I don't see him ruling for long or living to regret his decision.

Stannis: Feanor wants to avenge his father, of course, but being guided in his speech by Morgoth's lies doesn't bode well for the whole action, especially since he broke the laws of the Valar by breaking the sentence of banishment. He should have first approached Manwë about this.

Robert: Brother, he doesn't trust the Valar anyway. Which is probably why he didn't bother to approach them about this.

Stannis: A mistake that I have a feeling will come back to haunt him someday.

Jon: Things are getting dangerous. Feanor broke the sentence of banishment imposed on him and is stirring up the Noldor. He will probably lead them to escape from Aman to Middle-earth, where Morgoth awaits them.

Robb: This is Feanor's business. He wants revenge on his father's murderer, he wants the Silmarils back. The establishment of a kingdom in Beleriand will be a side effect of these actions.

Arya: But Morgoth will kill him. He will not get the Silmarils!

Jon: Yes, without the help of the Valar this whole expedition will end in failure. But Feanor clearly does not care. He wants his revenge.

Arya: But this will not end well!

Jon: Well, Feanor does not care much anyway, but we will see later.

The image showed Feanor addressing the gathered Noldor in the square in Tirion.

'Why, O people of the Noldor,' he cried, 'why should we longer serve the jealous Valar, who cannot keep us nor even their own realm secure from their Enemy? And though he be now their foe, are not they and he of one kin? Vengeance calls me hence, but even were it otherwise I would not dwell longer in the same land with the kin of my father's slayer and of the thief of my treasure. Yet I am not the only valiant in this valiant people. And have ye not all lost your King? And what else have ye not lost, cooped here in a narrow land between the mountains and the sea?

'Here once was light, that the Valar begrudged to Middle-earth, but now dark levels all. Shall we mourn here deedless for ever, a shadow-folk, mist-haunting, dropping vain tears in the thankless sea? Or shall we return to our home? In Cuiviénen sweet ran the waters under unclouded stars, and wide lands lay about, where a free people might walk. There they lie still and await us who in our folly forsook them. Come away! Let the cowards keep this city!'

Long he spoke, and ever he urged the Noldor to follow him and by their own prowess to win freedom and great realms in the lands of the East, before it was too late; for he echoed the lies of Melkor, that the Valar had cozened them and would hold them captive so that Men might rule in Middle-earth. Many of the Eldar heard then for the first time of the Aftercomers. 'Fair shall the end be,' he cried, 'though long and hard shall be the road! Say farewell to bondage! But say farewell also to ease! Say farewell to the weak! Say farewell to your treasures!

More still shall we make. Journey light: but bring with you your swords! For we will go further than Oromë, endure longer than Tulkas: we will never turn back from pursuit. After Morgoth to the ends of the Earth! War shall he have and hatred undying. But when we have conquered and have regained the Silmarils, then we and we alone shall be lords of the unsullied Light, and masters of the bliss and beauty of Arda. No other race shall oust us!'

 

Tyrion: Eeee if you look at it all, Feanor is right, even if he was drawing on Morgoth's lies. True, the Valar will not protect their land from Morgoth's evil and will allow Finwë's death. The rest sounds like the words of someone who is driven by great ambition and desires undivided power and does not like having to serve the Valar. Not to mention the lies about the Valar wanting to enslave them so that Men can take over Middle-earth.

Ned: Unfortunately, Feanor puts too much faith in Morgoth's lies. As if he forgot that he heard them from his lying lips. He talks about how the Valar cannot protect them and Aman, while mentioning the kinship that connects him with the Valar, specifically with Manwë. He talks about revenge, about recovering the treasure and then spins visions of the possibilities that life in distant Middle-earth gives. Yet for some reason he repeats the lies that the Valar wanted to enslave them in Aman, so that the people who have yet to appear in Middle-earth will be able to do so.

Tywin: Feanor believes that he has defeated Morgoth and reclaimed the Silmarils, becoming the undisputed ruler somewhere in the vast lands of Middle-earth. He lures his subjects with the vision of vast lands where they can rule as they please without the supervision or control of Manwë, who is, after all, the king of the world, although Morgoth has now openly challenged his brother's rule. Despite Feanor's supposed hatred of Morgoth, and especially since Morgoth murdered his father, he uses Morgoth's lies to justify why he and his people want to leave Aman. Because it's not just about avenging his father and reclaiming the Silmarils. Feanor dreams of much greater power than he would have in Aman under Manwë's rule. I can appreciate the ambition and the desire to achieve it. If I were in a situation similar to Feanor, I would use it to gain more power.

Jaime: If Feanor does not have power similar to the Valar, then he is deceiving himself when he says he will defeat Morgoth and reclaim the Silmarils. More likely, he will die trying to reclaim the Silmarils. Morgoth will literally crush him like an ant if he somehow manages to get into Beleriand and marches on Angband. Morgoth will not be defenseless from what we have already learned.

Cersei: The mad fool thinks too much of himself. As if being one of the greatest craftsmen in the history of Arda gives him reason to believe that he can defeat Morgoth, reclaim the Silmarils, and become the undisputed ruler of the world. And he clearly hates us humans!

Renly: I would say that he has an interesting choice of words. He does not say I, but you, as if to suggest that he will not be the only one involved if he defeats Morgoth. In this way he suggests that this will be the fate of any Noldor who decides to abandon Tirion and follow him. Clever, really clever.

Stannis: Feanor is simply manipulating the Noldor. He promises them "freedom" and great kingdoms in the East, and at the same time scares them that the Valar will keep them in slavery in their own country, to let the Men who come rule the rest of the world. Although he does not deceive them that they will face difficulties and inconveniences, great rewards await them in the end. He promises them that when they defeat Morgoth and recover the Silmarils, that they will be the masters of the world and no one, not even Men, will drive them from these lands. Meanwhile, these are just dreams. Everyone in this Hall realizes that this is a futile effort, because without the help of the Valar the Noldor will not defeat Morgoth, even in his weakened form he killed Finwë and besides, he is not alone. He has large armies that would make it impossible to easily capture the Silmarils, which they would first have to remove from Morgoth's head. This is an expedition of fools and madmen.

Robert: But Morgoth is a coward who would rather hide in his fortress than fight. And only that one crappy time he went out to fight. I wonder if they'll show us him leaving Angband to take up arms.

Jon: I suspect they will. The author said for a reason that Morgoth fought only once in person during these events. It must have been something big.

Robb: Do you think Feanor will challenge Morgoth to a duel and the new king of the Noldor will die?

Jon: It's possible, Robb. We know Feanor will die. We just don't know under what circumstances. Perhaps the Noldor will somehow besiege Angband and Feanor will challenge Morgoth, he will rise up and a duel will take place in which Feanor will die.

Joffrey: Feanor is a temperamental fool. Morgoth will crush him like a worm if he challenges him.

Catelyn: Perhaps all of them, Feanor and the Noldor, have a chance against Morgoth and his armies?

Ned: Perhaps they do, but not much. Not without the support of one of the Valar like Ulmo, Oromë or Tulkas, who had already given Morgoth a hard time before he weakened.

The painting showed Feanor and his seven sons drawing their swords and, in the glow of torches, swearing a terrible oath that became known as the Oath of Feanor, and its words echoed throughout the Hall.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72BCkEjxL2Q

Be he foe or friend, be he foul or clean,
brood of Morgoth or bright Vala,
Elda or Maia or Aftercomer,
Man yet unborn upon Middle-earth,
neither law, nor love, nor league of swords,
dread nor danger, not Doom itself,
shall defend him from Fëanor, and Fëanor's kin,
whoso hideth or hoardeth, or in hand taketh,
finding keepeth or afar casteth
a Silmaril. This swear we all:
death we will deal him ere Day's ending,
woe unto world's end! Our word hear thou,
Eru Allfather! To the everlasting
Darkness doom us if our deed faileth.
On the holy mountain hear in witness
and our vow remember, Manwë and Varda!

 

 

Then Fëanor swore a terrible oath. His seven sons leapt straightway to his side and took the selfsame vow together, and red as blood shone their drawn swords in the glare of the torches.

They swore an oath which none shall break, and none should take, by the name even of Ilúvatar, calling the Everlasting Dark upon them if they kept it not; and Manwë they named in witness, and Varda, and the hallowed mountain of Taniquetil, vowing to pursue with vengeance and hatred to the ends of the World Vala, Demon, Elf or Man as yet unborn, or any creature, great or small, good or evil, that time should bring forth unto the end of days, whoso should hold or take or keep a Silmaril from their possession.

Thus spoke Maedhros and Maglor and Celegorm, Curufin and Caranthir, Amrod and Amras, princes of the Noldor; and many quailed to hear the dread words. For so sworn, good or evil, an oath may not be broken, and it shall pursue oathkeeper and oathbreaker to the world's end.

Robert: Gods, Feanor is mad. Who in their right mind would make such an oath? After all, if he fails, eternal darkness awaits everyone!

Ned: Feanor has truly fallen into madness. After all, if he does not recover those cursed Silmarils with his sons, eternal darkness will consume them, especially since he made it in the name of their god-creator, Ilúvatar, and called the king and queen of Arda as witnesses, and that they will basically hunt down and most likely kill anyone who takes their Silmarils and does not return them. This is madness!

Catelyn: Gods, why did Feanor make such an oath and how did he convince his sons to follow him in this madness. After all, if they do not recover the Silmarils, this darkness will consume them. It is even mentioned that this oath cannot be broken and will pursue both those who break it and those who keep it until the end of the world.

Jaime: Feanor, what have you done, you mad fool. You've just brought a fate worse than death upon your own head and the heads of your sons. Because if it really is impossible to break that oath without consequences, especially as the author believes.

Tyrion: If someone here made such an oath and then broke it, nothing would happen. But where their gods really exist, it might be completely different. I think that if someone invokes Ilúvatar in an oath, then such an oath is impossible to break because Ilúvatar can punish severely. But you have to admit, it sounds really strong. If I had been there, I would have fainted from the shock or fear.

Cersei: Feanor is not only a temperamental fool, he is a mad, temperamental fool. In fact, he has brought upon himself and his sons a fate worse than death. The Noldor should have chosen another king, because this one has shown that he is a mad fool.

Tywin: Feanor has only shown that he is not fit to be king. To swear such a terrible oath, in a foolish way I believe that he can defeat Morgoth and regain the Silmaril, not even counting the possibility that he or his sons may succeed. He has doomed his line to extinction, but he will have only himself to blame for this, the damned fool.

Stannis: Feanor's fiery temperament has shown itself again. I don't know if it was regret or anger that made him take such a stupid step as swearing this cursed oath. As if he believed so much that he would easily defeat Morgoth and regain the Silmarils. How much he believed in his own strength, that nothing would stand in his way. And if they fail and do not fulfill their oath, then what? He will condemn himself and his sons to eternal darkness.

Renly: The oath sounds dangerous, but in the end, aren't they just words that could be broken without any consequences? I don't know what all the fuss is about with this oath.

Tyrion: Lord Renly, in any other case the oath would end with words that can be broken and that's it. In the case where the name of Ilúvatar is invoked, the matter becomes serious. Besides, it was mentioned that such an oath would not be allowed to be broken anyway.

Robb: Gods, why did Feanor make such a foolish decision. Does he really want to condemn himself and his sons to eternal darkness if they fail?

Jon: Feanor is proud and, as you can see, overconfident in his own strength. I doubt that the thought that he might fail even entered his mind.

Arya: But they are his sons, why does he want to put them in such danger?

Jon: I think they will decide to make this oath willingly and Feanor did not force them to do anything.

Joffrey: Oh yes, get yourselves killed, after all you are all fools.

The image on the mirror showed Fingolfin and his son Turgon with Finrod's support speaking against Feanor, while Finarfin and one of his sons, Orodreth spoke quietly, trying. Galadriel, Fingon, and also Aegnor and Angrod liked Feanor's words, although Galadriel wanted to rule her own kingdom as she saw fit, while Fingon, Aegnor and Angrod kept their peace and did not speak against their fathers.

Fingolfin and Turgon his son therefore spoke against Fëanor, and fierce words awoke, so that once again wrath came near to the edge of swords. But Finarfin spoke softly, as was his wont, and sought to calm the Noldor, persuading them to pause and ponder ere deeds were done that could not be undone: and Orodreth, alone of his sons, spoke in like manner. Finrod was with Turgon, his friend; but Galadriel, the only woman of the Noldor to stand that day tall and valiant among the contending princes, was eager to be gone.

No oaths she swore, but the words of Fëanor concerning Middle-earth had kindled in her heart, for she yearned to see the wide unguarded lands and to rule there a realm at her own will. Of like mind with Galadriel was Fingon Fingolfin's son, being moved also by Fëanor's words, though he loved him little; and with Fingon stood as they ever did Angrod and Aegnor, sons of Finarfin. But these held their peace and spoke not against their fathers.

 

Robert: and that's all that was said about Fingolfin always following his half-brother. Although they can't blame him in this situation.

Ned: And Finarfin and Orodreth are doing well. Let them think carefully, for if they leave Aman, they may never return. Haste is bad counsel and they may do things that cannot be undone. It may be that the Valar will not let those who leave Aman in again.

Jaime: Galadriel is an ambitious woman. Not only is she so bold and brave as to stand so proudly, but she has ambitions to rule her own kingdom in Middle-earth. At least she was wise enough not to swear the oaths her uncle and cousins swore. She is not stupid.

Cersei: (envious of Galadriel) I can understand her. Why be anything but a broodmare when you can be a queen in your own right. And her husband will be her pawn, if she marries at all, because being immortal gives so many possibilities.

Tywin: If anyone would like to serve under a woman among the Noldor. There was almost bloodshed when Fingolfin and Turgon opposed Feanor's words, and Finarfin and Orodreth tried to calm the Noldor. If Fingolfin is popular with the Noldor, it could end in a fight between the two brothers. Especially since Feanor has already shown himself to be mad and vengeful, once threatening his half-brother with death. He won't like that. The rest have behaved sensibly, respecting their fathers. This is a feud between Feanor and his half-brothers, after all.

Renly: Well, this is getting heated. Feanor and Fingolfin almost came to blows, and Finarfin is trying to convince the Noldor to reconsider their actions. That could be difficult with a crazy half-brother who wants to leave Aman.

Stannis: Fingolfin has a point in opposing his half-brother. While he should do his duty and follow Feanor's guidance, his recent actions have cast doubt on his fitness to be king. At least Finarfin is trying to calm the Noldor and give them something to think about. He should also remind his daughter of her place, because her ambitions are not good.

Arya: But Galadriel only wants to rule. What's wrong with that?

Stannis: That she has no right to do so. She's only the third son of a dead Noldor king, so she should do as her father bids, if she's still an unmarried maiden.

Jon: But I have a feeling she won't care. Galadriel wants to be a queen in her own right, and Feanor's idea gives her the opportunity to do so.

Stannis: It's madness to flee Aman. They have no chance of defeating Morgoth and Feanor has only shown himself to be mad by making such an absurd oath with his sons. Finarfin had better find her a husband and end this absurdity.

Robb: I have a strange feeling that despite Finarfin's attempts to calm the Noldor, this will not end well at all.

Jon: After all, we know that the Noldor have returned to Middle-earth. It is an inevitable event.

The image on the magic mirror showed that after a long debate Feanor had won and the Noldor had begun to prepare to leave Tirion in an undue haste, while Manwë remained silent, merely observing.

At length after long debate Fëanor prevailed, and the greater part of the Noldor there assembled he set aflame with the desire of new things and strange countries. Therefore when Finarfin spoke yet again for heed and delay, a great shout went up: 'Nay, let us be gone!' And straightway Fëanor and his sons began to prepare for the marching forth. Little foresight could there be for those who dared to take so dark a road.

Yet all was done in over-haste; for Fëanor drove them on, fearing lest in the cooling of their hearts his words should wane and other counsels yet prevail; and for all his proud words he did not forget the power of the Valar. But from Valmar no message came, and Manwë was silent. He would not yet either forbid or hinder Fëanor's purpose; for the Valar were aggrieved that they were charged with evil intent to the Eldar, or that any were held captive by them against their will. Now they watched and waited, for they did not yet believe that Fëanor could hold the host of the Noldor to his will.

 

Tywin: Of course, Feanor doesn't want to risk the Noldor reconsidering the matter and deciding to stay. All this urgency could cause problems later, because the Noldor won't be prepared to cross the sea to Middle-earth. Manwe, on the other hand, is wisely observing for now. After all, he doesn't want Morgoth's lies to be proven false, and he doesn't even believe he can keep the entire host of Noldor on his side.

Tyrion: For a while, Fingolfin ruled in Tirion in Finwë's name. He could gain wide support and recognition among the Noldor by doing so. Yes, it will certainly lead to conflict between the half-brothers. And Finarfin has simply been outshone by the rest.

Ned: They really should have listened to Finarfin's advice. It's madness to take such a route, especially since they have no means of getting to Beleriand.

Cersei: Manwe wants you to be generous and show everyone that everything Morgoth said is a lie. Except that by doing nothing he just gives them permission to leave if they don't like it in Aman.

Jaime: Cersei, the Valar gave the Elves the choice to come to Aman or not, and they won't force them to stay either. But going to Aman is madness, considering Morgoth is no small threat. But the Noldor's journey to Beleriand is already decided. We can only watch.

Robert: Rushing won't do the Noldor any good, but it's clear that bloody Feanor is only interested in his revenge. In other circumstances he might understand that, but he wants to fight an enemy worse than anything I've ever met. Compared to Morgoth, the Mad King, his cursed son, and Balon Greyjoy were nothing more than a minor nuisance. This is an enemy older than the fucking world. And Feanor is so certain that he will defeat him that nothing will make him back down or reconsider.

Renly: And that will most likely kill him, brother. Feanor is walking towards his own death, since nothing and no one will deter him from his plans.

Stannis: Yes, his lust for vengeance will lead him to his death. As if he had forgotten that his father died at the hand of Morgoth and he is not one of the Valar to deal with such a threat. He will die as his father did.

Sansa: Will nothing convince Feanor to stop this mad plan?

Jon: Perhaps his wife, but I think there is little that even Nerdanel can do in this case.

Pycelle: (He was writing everything down on parchment)

Robb: If the Noldor are going to leave anyway, then nothing has stopped Feanor from carrying out his plans.

The image showed the gathered Noldor divided into two hosts, with the host led by Feanor going first and being smaller in numbers than the greater host of Fingolfin. Not all the Noldor departed from Tirion, however.

And indeed when Fëanor began the marshalling of the Noldor for their setting-out, then at once dissension arose. For though he had brought the assembly in a mind to depart, by no means all were of a mind to take Fëanor as King. Greater love was given to Fingolfin and his sons, and his household and the most part of the dwellers in Tirion refused to renounce him, if he would go with them; and thus at the last as two divided hosts the Noldor set forth upon their bitter road.

Fëanor and his following were in the van, but the greater host came behind under Fingolfin; and he marched against his wisdom, because Fingon his son so urged him, and because he would not be sundered from his people that were eager to go, nor leave them to the rash counsels of Fëanor. Nor did he forget his words before the throne of Manwë.

With Fingolfin went Finarfin also and for like reasons; but most loath was he to depart. And of all the Noldor in Valinor, who were grown now to a great people, but one tithe refused to take the road: some for the love that they bore to the Valar (and to Aulë not least), some for the love of Tirion and the many things that they had made; none for fear of peril by the way.

 

Renly: Those who stayed were the most sensible ones. They will not risk their lives on this apostate quest.

Cersei: More like cowards who chose to stay rather than go with their king or his brother.

Tyrion: I don't know about you, but I've heard that none of them were motivated by fear of the road. They stayed out of love for the Valar, or Tirion, or the things they made. Understandable enough. And Aulë is certainly held in high regard by the Noldor.

Jaime: I can see that, though it's not shown, Feanor must resent the fact that his half-brother is held in such high regard that his host outnumbers his own.

Tywin: He certainly resents it, but he must tolerate it if he wants to have the majority of the Noldor at his disposal and not just his own smaller host. If he has any hope, of victory against Morgoth, although without the help of the Valar I do not see them winning the war against him.

Robert: Ha, Feanor must be cursing his brother in his thoughts. And yet Fingolfin kept his word to his brother and even though he did not agree with leaving Aman earlier, he followed his half-brother.

Stannis: Partly he did it because he did not want to leave his people at the mercy of the reckless Feanor. I appreciate that Fingolfin stayed true to the words he spoke before the throne of Manwë, even if he did not agree with leaving Aman. Finarfin also went for similar reasons, but it is clear that he is the least willing to leave.

Ned: Interesting, maybe he will play a role or maybe not. Now Feanor has to count on his brother's opinion more than before, seeing as he has more men than him.

Cersei: At least Fingolfin remembers his place. Well, it's better for him to listen to his king, after all, that's his place as the second son of the dead king and half-brother of the new one.

Tyrion: Feanor didn't forge a crown for himself. He probably doesn't care much about such a thing or will do it when they establish a new kingdom in Middle-earth.

Jon: So nothing will keep Feanor from leaving. We'll see the departure of the Noldor and their return to Middle-earth with our own eyes. Morgoth will soon have a rather unpleasant surprise.

Robb: And will it make a difference to him when the Noldor come?

Jon: I doubt it, but they will still be an unpleasant surprise for the self-proclaimed King of the World. I also want to know what the Valar are planning, after all they can't let Morgoth terrorize the world again.

Tyrion: I would give the gold of Casterly Rock to see what the Valar think about all this and what Manwe will do about Morgoth.

Tywin: Probably the usual, which is not much until the other Valar force him to act. He would not have gone to war with Morgoth the first time without the other Valar urging him to do so. Now they will probably force him to act again.

Robert: Let them kill him at last, not enslave him. At least there will be peace with Morgoth and his schemes.

Ned: He is still Manwë's brother, but they may punish him much more severely than last time. Perhaps they will give him to Ilúvatar to judge his fate when they defeat him again.

Stannis: That is only a guess. For now, Morgoth is free, sitting in his rebuilt stronghold, and sooner or later he will attack Beleriand if nothing is done.

The image in the magic mirror showed Feanor entering the gates of Tirion with his host when a messenger from Manwë arrived. They spoke to each other, but nothing changed their attitude. At last they left Tirion for the shores of Aman, but the least willing were the greater host of Fingolfin and Finarfin, and many of the Elves looked back.

But even as the trumpet sang and Fëanor issued from the gates of Tirion a messenger came at last from Manwë, saying: 'Against the folly of Fëanor shall be set my counsel only. Go not forth! For the hour is evil, and your road leads to sorrow that ye do not foresee. No aid will the Valar lend you in this quest; but neither will they hinder you; for this ye shall know: as ye came hither freely, freely shall ye depart. But thou Fëanor Finwë's son, by thine oath art exiled. The lies of Melkor thou shalt unlearn in bitterness. Vala he is, thou saist. Then thou hast sworn in vain, for none of the Valar canst thou overcome now or ever within the halls of Eä, not though Eru whom thou namest had made thee thrice greater than thou art.'

But Fëanor laughed, and spoke not to the herald, but to the Noldor, saying: 'So! Then will this valiant people send forth the heir of their King alone into banishment with his sons only, and return to their bondage? But if any will come with me, I say to them: Is sorrow foreboded to you? But in Aman we have seen it. In Aman we have come through bliss to woe. The other now we will try: through sorrow to find joy; or freedom, at the least.'

Then turning to the herald he cried: 'Say this to Manwë Súlimo, High King of Arda: if Fëanor cannot overthrow Morgoth, at least he delays not to assail him, and sits not idle in grief. And it may be that Eru has set in me a fire greater than thou knowest. Such hurt at the least will I do to the Foe of the Valar that even the mighty in the Ring of Doom shall wonder to hear it. Yea, in the end they shall follow me. Farewell!'

In that hour the voice of Fëanor grew so great and so potent that even the herald of the Valar bowed before him as one full-answered, and departed; and the Noldor were over-ruled. Therefore they continued their march; and the House of Fëanor hastened before them along the coasts of Elendë: not once did they turn their eyes back to Tirion on the green hill of Túna. Slower and less eagerly came the host of Fingolfin after them.

Of those Fingon was the foremost; but at the rear went Finarfin and Finrod, and many of the noblest and wisest of the Noldor; and often they looked behind them to see their fair city, until the lamp of the Mindon Eldaliéva was lost in the night. More than any others of the Exiles they carried thence memories of the bliss they had forsaken, and some even of the things that they had made there they took with them: a solace and a burden on the road.

 

Tyrion: Now you can truly say that Feanor is mad. If even if Ilúvatar made him thrice what he is, he could not defeat Morgoth, then this whole quest is pure madness born of revenge, anger, and sorrow.

Robert: Imp is right. Feanor has gone mad and his actions will lead to death rather than victory. I don't know why they listen to him at all.

Jaime: He is still king, though perhaps they should call him the Mad King. Yes, he does not slaughter innocents by burning them at the stake or rape his wife every night, but his mad quest will lead to the end of the Noldor. Especially since he believes that he can harm and perhaps even defeat Morgoth so that even the Valar will go with him.

Ned: The Valar do not stop them from coming willingly and going willingly, but they will not help them and without that help they will not defeat Morgoth. Feanor should think about it and not go to his own and his people's ruin.

Tywin: Feanor is mad, so consumed with his lust for revenge and to recover the Silmarils that he does not heed any words from the mouth of the Valar's envoy. A wise lord does not go to a war he will not win, but Feanor counts that if he does not defeat Morgoth, he will deal him such a blow that will attract the attention of the Valar, who will eventually go to him with another war. And he keeps talking about being slaves, how the Valar do not oppose their departure with anything but wise counsel. Because returning to Middle-earth is madness, especially since they have no ships and certainly do not have the time or resources to build ships in all this haste.

Jon: They could try to go through the Helcaraxe, although it is a dangerous path. However, if Morgoth and Ungoliant managed it, so should the Elves.

Pycelle: Helcaraxe is a dangerous passage and the elves are neither Valar nor other powerful beings. I think many will pay with their lives for something like this. Above all, they need ships if they want to return to Beleriand.

Catelyn: By the Seven! Feanor has lost his mind, after all, the Valar's envoy tells him straight to his face that he will not defeat Morgoth, even if Ilúvatar makes him stronger than he is, and he laughs and thinks that even if he dies, he will strike Morgoth. This is pure madness!

Joffrey: At least we will watch Feanor die a painful death at Morgoth's hand, since he is such a conceited fool.

Robb: I would rather not see that. After all, Feanor is not so bad, apart from this madness with the oath and the desire for revenge on an enemy that is beyond his capabilities.

Jon: Feanor was exiled by the Valar, so even if he wanted to resign he would still have to go. But he doesn't intend to leave with just his sons. He will drag the rest of the Noldor with him in his desire to deal the greatest blow to his hated enemy.

Renly: As I understand it, Feanor has gone completely mad and decided that despite the Valar's warnings that he will not defeat any of them, let alone Morgoth, he still wants to go and fight him. Madness, just pure madness.

Stannis: As if Feanor wants to embarrass the Valar by saying that he is doing something about Morgoth, when all they do is sit and debate instead of acting.

Robert: As if Feanor believes he can defeat him. We don't even know if he managed to hurt him, let alone defeat him. I think he will end up like his father, killed by fucking Morgoth.

Tyrion: And I honestly don't have much hope that Feanor will succeed in any of this. Reach Middle-earth? Probably. Kill Morgoth? Definitely not.

Cersei: I see you think little of him, Imp. If Finarfin and his sons want to return to Tirion, then let them stay; after all, he could even aspire to become King of the Noldor in Aman when his brothers and their sons depart.

Tyrion: I am realistic, sweet sister. Feanor doesn't stand much of a chance against Morgoth. Not without the support of the Valar, which they will not give him.

The image in the magic mirror changed and showed Feanor leading his host from Tirion to Alqualondë, for the Noldor had neither skill, nor means, nor time to build a fleet, and the only Elves who had ships were the Teleri, but they would not help them, trusting that Ulmo and the rest of the Valar would right the wrongs of Morgoth, so nothing Feanor said would persuade them to change their minds.

Now Fëanor led the Noldor northward, because his first purpose was to follow Morgoth. Moreover Túna beneath Taniquetil was set nigh to the girdle of Arda, and there the Great Sea was immeasurably wide, whereas ever northward the sundering seas grew narrower, as the wasteland of Araman and the coasts of Middle-earth drew together.

But as the mind of Fëanor cooled and took counsel he perceived over-late that all these great companies would never overcome the long leagues to the north, nor cross the seas at the last, save with the aid of ships; yet it would need long time and toil to build so great a fleet, even were there any among the Noldor skilled in that craft. He resolved now therefore to persuade the Teleri, ever friends to the Noldor, to join with them; and in his rebellion he thought that thus the bliss of Valinor might be further diminished and his power for war upon Morgoth be increased. He hastened then to Alqualondë, and spoke to the Teleri as he had spoken before in Tirion.

But the Teleri were unmoved by aught that he could say. They were grieved indeed at the going of their kinsfolk and long friends, but would rather dissuade them than aid them; and no ship would they lend, nor help in the building, against the will of the Valar. As for themselves, they desired now no other home but the strands of Eldamar, and no other lord than Olwë, prince of Alqualondë. And he had never lent ear to Morgoth, nor welcomed him to his land, and he trusted still that Ulmo and the other great among the Valar would redress the hurts of Morgoth, and that the night would pass yet to a new dawn.

 

Robert: It is clear that not everyone can be convinced by his smooth speech. He convinced the Noldor to this mad expedition but not the Teleri, who refused to lend him their ships.

Tywin: Feanor has only just realized that without ships he will not reach Beleriand and now neither Olwe nor any of his subjects will lend him their ships. I wonder what he will do now, since the Teleri refuse to give him ships. He will not build ships for the reasons mentioned above and nothing he has said will convince them. They will not sell him these ships, so all he has to do is take them by force or return with his tail between his legs to the Valar.

Tyrion: Which will certainly end in a fight, because I do not see the Teleri giving the ships to the Noldor. Blood will be shed, which can only piss off the Valar that Feanor has led to another tragedy with his stubbornness and madness.

Jon: Is it possible that the conflict with the Teleri will be the "great evil" mentioned in one of the earlier chapters? After all, Feanor, having no other choice, may decide to attack the Teleri to steal their ships.

Robert: Ned's son is right. It would even fit Feanor's fiery temperament, especially since Olwe and the rest of the Teleri seem reluctant to give them their ships, trusting the Valar.

Stannis: If that is the case, then Feanor's actions will lead to another tragedy in Aman. It is not enough that the Two Trees are dead, he will also shed blood, because he wants revenge on Morgoth. It would be better if he gave up this idea and begged for mercy from the Valar.

Renly: Feanor is too stubborn to give up this idea. If the Teleri do not give him the ships, they will take them by force. The question is whether Fingolfin will take part in this or refuse.

Joffrey: He will help him, otherwise he will show that he does not care about the oath he made to his half-brother. Fingolfin's duty is to serve his king.

Ned: Which does not mean that he will participate in the murder of other elves just because they do not want to give him ships. Olwe is right to place his hope in the Valar, after all they are the ones who look after the world and protect Aman. Fingolfin would have a moral obligation to refuse to participate in such an unworthy thing as murdering the innocent inhabitants of Alqualonde.

Tywin: He may have no choice if Olwe continues to refuse to give him his ships. This whole expedition is madness in my opinion and Feanor will pay for it with his own life. He expected the Teleri to join him, but they showed great loyalty to the Valar and distrust of Morgoth's lie.

Jaime: Considering that Morgoth had previously disregarded them and did not take them seriously in his plans, this does not surprise me.

Robb: There is still hope that even Feanor with his temperament will not murder innocent Teleri just because they do not want to give him ships. Let him think of another way to get to Beleriand instead of shedding blood.

Jon: Only they have no other options and crossing the Helcaraxe is suicide. It is too dangerous a path unless you are someone like Valar.

Pycelle: (Writing information on parchment about the geography of Aman)

The image showed Feanor meeting Olwe in front of the gate of Alqualondë, where they talked to each other, but he did not convince the Teleri king to do so.

Then Fëanor grew wrathful, for he still feared delay; and hotly he spoke to Olwë. 'You renounce your friendship, even in the hour of our need,' he said. 'Yet you were glad indeed to receive our aid when you came at last to these shores, fainthearted loiterers, and wellnigh emptyhanded. In huts on the beaches would you be dwelling still, had not the Noldor carved out your haven and toiled upon your walls.'

But Olwë answered: 'We renounce no friendship. But it may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend's folly. And when the Noldor welcomed us and gave us aid, otherwise then you spoke: in the land of Aman we were to dwell for ever, as brothers whose houses stand side by side. But as for our white ships: those you gave us not. We learned not that craft from the Noldor, but from the Lords of the Sea; and the white timbers we wrought with our own hands, and the white sails were woven by our wives and our daughters. Therefore we will neither give them nor sell them for any league or friendship. For I say to you, Fëanor son of Finwë, these are to us as are the gems of the Noldor: the work of our hearts, whose like we shall not make again.'

 

Robert: So to the Teleri their ships are as valuable as the Silmarils are to Feanor. I have never heard such nonsense. If they want, they can build new ships, but that cannot be done with the Silmarils, especially since the Two Trees died.

Tyrion: I think, Your Grace, that they simply put so much of their heart and skill into their ships that for them it would be as if they could not repeat such a miracle. Strange, that is true, but the Elves are strange, after all they are immortal, so they approach it differently than Men.

Cersei: As if their ships could be compared to the magnificent Silmarils. Olwe has a decidedly too high opinion of his ships and who built them.

Jaime: The men built the ships and their wives and daughters sewed the sails that the wind blows in, as Olwe explains, so to these Teleri the ships are as priceless as jewels are to the Noldor. It is clear that Feanor was trying to accuse them of selfishness, because the Noldor helped them when they finally came to Aman and now they in turn refuse to help, although Olwe deftly explains it. They were all to remain in Aman and the art of shipbuilding was taught to them by Ossé, not the Noldor.

Tyrion: Who probably learned that from Ulmo, but that's right brother. Feanor would be wise to listen to Olwe's advice. But knowing him, he will be deaf to the voice of reason anyway. But they still have no way of getting to Beleriand without the Teleri ships.

Ned: (Thinking about what everyone's fate would be if Arthur Dayne, instead of so eagerly helping Rhaegar, had spoken to him as friend to friend) Feanor will not give up his revenge. If necessary, he will kill the Teleri to get their ships. The only question is whether Fingolfin will take part in it or stand aside.

Stannis: The Valar don't want to stop them by force, so if bloodshed comes, they won't do anything to stop it. They'll just let it happen. But I hope so.

Renly: Manwe is good at doing nothing, unless the rest of the Valar push him to. And I don't think they'll want to do anything to stop the Noldor, lest they come across as wanting to keep them as slaves.

Jon: I don't like that. Feanor will be desperate, and desperate men are especially dangerous.

Robb: So blood will be shed. Gods, I hope it doesn't come to that.

Catelyn: (Praying silently to the Seven to dissuade Feanor from such a terrible idea)

The image showed Feanor sitting outside the walls of Alqualondë, lost in dark thoughts. When his followers gathered around him. Then he decided to take the ships by force. They entered the Havens of the Swan, where the Noldor began to man the ships. But then the Teleri attacked the Noldor, and a bloody fight for the ships began. Three times Feanor and his men were repelled, but when Fingolfin's host came the balance of power changed and the Noldor won a bloody victory. But the seas rose and many ships were lost. More than one Noldor lost their lives, and more Teleri still.

Thereupon Fëanor left him, and sat in dark thought beyond the walls of Alqualondë, until his host was assembled. When he judged that his strength was enough, he went to the Haven of the Swans and began to man the ships that were anchored there and to take them away by force. But the Teleri withstood him, and cast many of the Noldor into the sea. Then swords were drawn, and a bitter fight was fought upon the ships, and about the lamplit quays and piers of the Haven, and even upon the great arch of its gate.

Thrice the people of Fëanor were driven back, and many were slain upon either side; but the vanguard of the Noldor were succoured by Fingon with the foremost of the host of Fingolfin, who coming up found a battle joined and their own kin falling, and rushed in before they knew rightly the cause of the quarrel; some thought indeed that the Teleri had sought to waylay the march of the Noldor at the bidding of the Valar. Thus at last the Teleri were overcome, and a great part of their mariners that dwelt in Alqualondë were wickedly slain. For the Noldor were become fierce and desperate, and the Teleri had less strength, and were armed for the most part but with slender bows. Then the Noldor drew away their white ships and manned their oars as best they might, and rowed them north along the coast.

And Olwë called upon Ossë, but he came not, for it was not permitted by the Valar that the flight of the Noldor should be hindered by force. But Uinen wept for the mariners of the Teleri; and the sea rose in wrath against the slayers, so that many of the ships were wrecked and those in them drowned. Of the Kinslaying at Alqualondë more is told in that lament which is named Noldolantë, the Fall of the Noldor, that Maglor made ere he was lost.

 

Robert: Gods, fight! It's a pity that it's not Orcs and Elves who are shedding blood between them, but Noldor and Teleri. Those sailors are fools, they thought that they would kill the Noldor, armed with swords, axes and spears, with their bows alone. However, they paid dearly for this victory, Feanor lost men in the fight as well as the sinking of ships when the sea rose.

Pycelle: But why did they call it the Kinslaying at Alqualondë? After all, they weren't murdering their own kin, they were killing Elves from another tribe. That's quite strange.

Tyrion: As well as the fact that Feanor's second son wrote a song about it, and he probably took part in it like all those who marched in Feanor's host. Maybe he saw it as a kind of penance or something like that. I also think that since the Elves are immortal, the Noldor and the Teleri may know each other very well, and I wouldn't be surprised if they intermarried. Either way, it's a pretty tragic situation.

Tywin: I expected that. Since Feanor didn't get the ships willingly, he took them by force. The Teleri could have avoided this fate if he had let them take their ships. They were fewer in number and poorly armed. They might have won if they had fought only Feanor's host, but when Fingolfin's host came, that was the end. Maybe if he had known who started it all, he would have refused to help his brother, or maybe not, wanting to keep his word. And since Maglor wants to write about the dead Teleri, let him write. Maybe it will be a warning to Feanor's enemies not to mess with him.

Ned: The Teleri loved those ships as much as Feanor loved his Silmarils. They couldn't just let them take them. It would have been better if he had let them take the ships. At least they wouldn't have lost their lives. And the Valar did nothing about it. They'll just let it happen so they don't have to stop the Noldor by force. They could protect the Teleri, by the gods!

Stannis: (Grinding teeth) Bloody Feanor, bloody Manwë, and the bloody Valar. They're bloody gods and they did nothing about it! And it happened right under their noses and all because they wouldn't stop the Noldor from leaving by force. What kind of defenders are they to let this happen!? They're no better than the Seven, who never do anything when such evil happens.

Renly: Take it easy, brother. The Noldor probably won't get away with it anyway. They'll do something eventually, instead of just sitting on their thrones. I guess.

Jon: Whatever they do, it won't fix the fact that so many Teleri died. Even if they come back to life like the elves do, they probably won't forget who killed them or that the Valar did nothing about it.

Catelyn: Gods, so Feanor did it and the Valar did nothing about it. So many poor Teleri died. It would have been better if they had given their ships to Feanor. At least then no one would have died.

Sansa: Feanor is horrible. He killed so many innocent Teleri and Noldor in his desire for revenge on Morgoth.

Arya: Feanor is a crazy ass, what else would you expect from someone like that.

Robb: I hope the Teleri are avenged. And would Fingolfin have acted differently if he had known what his half-brother had done.

Jon: It follows that they were supported by Fingolfin's vanguard, led by his eldest son, and many of them thought that the Teleri were trying to stop them on the orders of the Valar, although if they had known what was at stake, they might have refrained.

Joffrey: The Teleri could have yielded, but they didn't, and they got what they deserved.

Jaime: I doubt they deserved it, nephew. They were simply defending their ships, but they stood no chance against the Noldor. At least Uinen avenged them in some indirect way.

Sansa: I wonder what happened to Maglor, since he disappeared. And what that song, that Noldolantë, must have sounded like.

Tyrion: The Fall of the Noldor is a very fitting title, considering the lengths the Noldor went to to get their ships and how they paid for it.

The image on the magic mirror showed that most of the ships had survived, and that the Noldor, either in ships or on land, had travelled to the northern region of Aman called Araman, where they met the herald of Manwë, perhaps even Mandos himself, who proclaimed the Doom of the Noldor.

Nonetheless the greater part of the Noldor escaped, and when the storm was past they held on their course, some by ship and some by land; but the way was long and ever more evil as they went forward. After they had marched for a great while in the unmeasured night, they came at length to the northern confines of the Guarded Realm, upon the borders of the empty waste of Araman which were mountainous and cold. There they beheld suddenly a dark figure standing high upon a rock that looked down upon the shore.

Some say that it was Mandos himself, and no lesser herald of Manwë. And they heard a loud voice, solemn and terrible, that bade them stand and give ear. Then all halted and stood still, and from end to end of the hosts of the Noldor the voice was heard speaking the curse and prophecy which is called the Prophecy of the North, and the Doom of the Noldor. Much it foretold in dark words, which the Noldor understood not until the woes indeed after befell them; but all heard the curse that was uttered upon those that would not stay nor seek the doom and pardon of the Valar.

'Tears unnumbered ye shall shed; and the Valar will fence Valinor against you, and shut you out, so that not even the echo of your lamentation shall pass over the mountains. On the House of Fëanor the wrath of the Valar lieth from the West unto the uttermost East, and upon all that will follow them it shall be laid also. Their Oath shall drive them, and yet betray them, and ever snatch away the very treasures that they have sworn to pursue. To evil end shall all things turn that they begin well; and by treason of kin unto kin, and the fear of treason, shall this come to pass. The Dispossessed shall they be for ever.

'Ye have spilled the blood of your kindred unrighteously and have stained the land of Aman. For blood ye shall render blood, and beyond Aman ye shall dwell in Death's shadow. For though Eru appointed to you to die not in Eä, and no sickness may assail you, yet slain ye may be, and slain ye shall be: by weapon and by torment and by grief; and your houseless spirits shall come then to Mandos. There long shall ye abide and yearn for your bodies, and find little pity though all whom ye have slain should entreat for you. And those that endure in Middle-earth and come not to Mandos shall grow weary of the world as with a great burden, and shall wane, and become as shadows of regret before the younger race that cometh after. The Valar have spoken.'

All are shocked by the Doom of the Noldor and the Prophecy of the North. Pycelle writes them down on parchment for reference.

Robert: Gods, now anyone who follows Feanor will be a bloody fool in my eyes. Fingolfin and Finarfin should leave Feanor at this point and return with their men to Aman, beg forgiveness from the Valar.

Ned: Gods, this all sounds so awful. The House of Feanor is cursed, the Silmarils never regained, treachery will haunt the Noldor, those who die cannot hope to leave the halls of Mandos soon to live again with new bodies, and those who remain in Middle-earth will eventually weaken when Men come.

Tywin: Feanor's madness seems to know no bounds. And now the Valar have cursed him and his sons. No one will blame Fingolfin if he turns away from his half-brother at this point and returns with Finarfin to Tirion.

Pycelle: This must be the punishment the Valar have laid on Feanor, his kin, and the Noldor for the blood spilled at Alqualondë. And surely this is the "great evil" that Feanor has done.

Tyrion: No, rather, otherwise the Valar would not have cursed him with that dire prophecy that has befallen all the Noldor. If any of Feanor's brothers have any sense in their heads, they would simply retract this and return to Tirion, begging the Valar for forgiveness.

Tywin: Pride may not allow them to, though it is increasingly mad, especially since the Valar have cursed both the House of Feanor and all the Noldor who would follow it. They will never defeat Morgoth, they will never take the Silmarils, and treachery will plague their ranks. Nothing good awaits them in Beleriand. Nothing but death. So let no one count on any happy ending.

Stannis: You could almost call it justice. Feanor and his sons will regret it. Soon, when they sail to Beleriand in hopes of a victory that will not come. For there is no hope for them in victory. Maybe there was a small chance before, but now there is none. Nothing awaits them but pain and suffering.

Renly: Okay, I understand that Feanor screwed up completely, but despite that terrifying prophecy, does he have any chance of defeating Morgoth and reclaiming the Silmarils?

Robert: Renly, don't make me laugh. Feanor is in deep shit. He has no chance of defeating Morgoth, and everyone in this Hall knows it. Only you seem to think that he has any chance.

Jon: Or maybe they have a chance after all? Who am I kidding, Feanor and the rest of the Noldor are screwed if they don't turn back to Tirion.

Robb: Or maybe they do have a chance? A small one, but still. Or maybe they don't and everyone will be pissed if they ignore it and sail to Beleriand.

Catelyn: Even Feanor isn't so crazy that you'll ignore it. Maybe he'll finally come to his senses and beg the Valar for forgiveness.

Tyrion: And the elves are supposed to be bored anyway, if they survive the war with Morgoth.

Jaime: Well, they're screwed. Fingolfin and Finarfin might come to their senses and back out of this madness.

Cersei: Men are proud, and these elves are no less than anyone else. I doubt any of them would chicken out now, unless they see an advantage in it.

The image in the magic mirror showed Feanor refusing to return to Aman, as did Fingolfin, his sons, and Finarfin's children. However, Finarfin himself resigned and returned to Tirion, where he was forgiven and made King of the Noldor in Aman.

Then many quailed; but Fëanor hardened his heart and said: 'We have sworn, and not lightly. This oath we will keep. We are threatened with many evils, and treason not least; but one thing is not said: that we shall suffer from cowardice, from cravens or the fear of cravens. Therefore I say that we will go on, and this doom I add: the deeds that we shall do shall be the matter of song until the last days of Arda.'

But in that hour Finarfin forsook the march, and turned back, being filled with grief, and with bitterness against the House of Fëanor, because of his kinship with Olwë of Alqualondë; and many of his people went with him, retracing their steps in sorrow, until they beheld once more the far beam of the Mindon upon Túna still shining in the night, and so came at last to Valinor.

There they received the pardon of the Valar, and Finarfin was set to rule the remnant of the Noldor in the Blessed Realm. But his sons were not with him, for they would not forsake the sons of Fingolfin; and all Fingolfin's folk went forward still, feeling the constraint of their kinship and the will of Fëanor, and fearing to face the doom of the Valar, since not all of them had been guiltless of the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. Moreover Fingon and Turgon were bold and fiery of heart, and loath to abandon any task to which they had put their hands until the bitter end, if bitter it must be. So the main host held on, and swiftly the evil that was foretold began its work.

 

Robert: In any other situation I would say that Finarfin is a coward who prefers to live under the rule of Manwë, but in this case Finarfin acted very wisely.

Cersei: He certainly benefited from it. After all, it is not every day that a third son becomes king of the Noldor, although he probably does not have many subjects, considering how many have left Tirion. Besides, he does not control his children, since none of them returned with him. Even his daughter does not listen to him.

Tywin: Apparently Finarfin allowed her too much and here are the results. Galadriel dreamed of a kingdom in Middle-earth. She will probably regret that she so eagerly set off on this fatal expedition. And Feanor indicates that none of them will cover themselves with cowardice and fear betrayal. I am surprised at Fingolfin's stupidity, though. He seemed a sensible elf to me, and now, instead of returning with Finarfin, he decided to stay. He could have been king in Aman, but he chose to die in Middle-earth. The sons of Finwë are worthy of each other. And the sons of Fingolfin, Fingon and Turgon, are not much better either. Do they all really want to die in this impossible task? If so, then men truly cannot understand the elves.

Sansa: Feanor wants his deeds to be remembered in song.

Tyrion: And they will be, although I am sure many of them will cast him as a villain, Lady Sansa. And if he seeks a heroic death, why does he drag his sons and people into it? If he so desires to die at the hands of Morgoth like his father, fine, but why should the innocent pay for it? I find it hard to understand Feanor, after all my father was not killed, but I doubt the honorable Lord Stark would do such a thing, considering he himself lost his father.

Ned: I wanted to avenge the deaths of my father and brother, Lord Tyrion. I also wanted to survive, but I certainly wouldn't do anything that Feanor did. He's mad and capable of anything.

Jon: Do you think he'd betray Fingolfin? After all, he doesn't like him much, but he can't do without his army. He has more men than Feanor, after all.

Ned: I don't know, son. Maybe he will, or maybe there's some sense left in him and he'll decide that he needs at least his brother's strength, if not his own.

Robb: So he can betray his own brother after all? Then the words of the Valar about treachery among the Noldor will come true.

Jaime: Whether he does or not, I don't see Feanor and Fingolfin winning anything in Middle-earth with Morgoth. Not as the Valar cursed them, especially Feanor and his family.

Renly: Well, Finarfin backed down and came out on top, while Fingolfin stubbornly sticks by his mad brother. In short, this family is mad. Surely all of them will die anyway, after all according to everyone in the Hall their expedition has no chance of success.

Stannis: Some did not want to return because they fear punishment, but Fingon and Turgon are ready to continue this until the bitter end, which I have a feeling is not far off. Both will die sooner or later. They really are stubborn to continue this, only Finarfin proved sensible and returned to Aman, it is a pity that his children do not share this sense. They themselves are heading towards their own destruction.

The image in the magic mirror showed how many Noldor curse Feanor, calling him the cause of all the misfortunes that befell the Noldor. Feanor then consulted with his sons and decided to sneak away on ships to Beleriand, leaving Fingolfin and his host in Araman. There were not enough ships to bring everyone and the fear of betrayal had already manifested itself among the Noldor. Therefore Feanor, whose ships were manned only by men loyal to him, slipped away quietly and made their way to Beleriand.

Therefore Fëanor halted and the Noldor debated what course they should now take. But they began to suffer anguish from the cold, and the clinging mists through which no gleam of star could pierce; and many repented of the road and began to murmur, especially those that followed Fingolfin, cursing Fëanor, and naming him as the cause of all the woes of the Eldar. But Fëanor, knowing all that was said, took counsel with his sons; and two courses only they saw to escape from Araman and come into Endor: by the straits or by ship.

But the Helcaraxë they deemed impassable, whereas the ships were too few. Many had been lost upon their long journey, and there remained now not enough to bear across all the great host together; yet none were willing to abide upon the western coast while others were ferried first: already the fear of treachery was awake among the Noldor.

Therefore it came into the hearts of Fëanor and his sons to seize all the ships and depart suddenly; for they had retained the mastery of the fleet since the battle of the Haven, and it was manned only by those who had fought there and were bound to Fëanor. And as though it came at his call, there sprang up a wind from the north-west, and Fëanor slipped away secretly with all whom he deemed true to him, and went aboard, and put out to sea, and left Fingolfin in Araman.

And since the sea was there narrow, steering east and somewhat south he passed over without loss, and first of all the Noldor set foot once more upon the shores of Middle-earth; and the landing of Fëanor was at the mouth of the firth which was called Drengist and ran into Dor-lómin.

 

Tyrion: Does anyone here doubt that Feanor has just betrayed his half-brother? I bet I won't send the ships back for Fingolfin. He'll abandon him in Aman, and make it to Middle-earth himself.

Jaime: That's a fool's bet, brother. It's too obvious that Feanor has betrayed his own brother right now, and they're not even in Middle-earth yet! Mandos' prophecy is coming true, and Feanor is in more trouble than I thought because of his stupidity. With these smaller forces, there's no chance of winning against Morgoth at all.

Robert: Gods, if Stannis or Renly betrayed me, I'd bash their heads in with a hammer, even if they called me a kinslayer. Fucking Feanor, he really deserves to be killed by Morgoth.

Renly: I've always been loyal to you, brother. And Fingolfin didn't deserve that, he stayed loyal to Feanor, and this is how he paid him back. Fingolfin will be furious.

Stannis: What did you expect from someone like Feanor? He has gone completely mad and is only weakening himself with such moves. He would probably attack Angband himself if he believed he would win. That mad fool will not live long.

Tywin: I would expect nothing less from him. They spoke of treason and now Feanor betrayed his half-brother who remained loyal to him. He will regret it bitterly. Fingolfin will most likely return to Tirion, but Feanor will have to face Morgoth's forces with a much smaller army. His fiery temperament will kill them all. Is there no one sensible among his sons, or do they all stiffly agree with what Feanor is doing?

Tyrion: It would suit my father if he had seven obedient sons like our dear, mad Feanor.

Tywin: Forget about the jokes, Tyrion, because they don't impress me.

Tyrion: As you wish, father.

Cersei: Fingolfin will regret swearing to follow his half-brother when his half-brother betrayed him and abandoned him like unnecessary ballast.

Joffrey: Serves him right. Feanor has shown Fingolfin his place!

Tyrion: That's bad, nephew, because he's changed from "slim chances" to "shitty chances". Feanor has just made his biggest mistake, one that may cost him dearly in the near future.

Jon: Robb, why do I get the impression that Feanor has made the biggest mistake of his life? Why is he so afraid of Fingolfin's betrayal, when he's been loyal to him like no one else except his own sons?

Robb: I don't know, Jon, but Feanor may regret it bitterly. After all, he's only weakened himself by this action.

Arya: Feanor is such an ass and an idiot. How could he abandon his half-brother?!

Sansa: Feanor is horrible, Fingolfin is loyal to him. How could he do that?!

Jon: This can only be explained by the fact that Feanor feared Fingolfin's betrayal (unreasonably, by the way) and betrayed him himself.

Catelyn: Feanor is truly mad if he thought his loyal half-brother would abandon him. He has remained faithful to him so far and has shown no signs of betraying him.

Ned: Unfortunately, Feanor has fallen into madness and fear of betrayal, so he did what he did.

Stannis: And now it will cost him dearly. I won't be surprised if Fingolfin turns away from his traitorous brother and returns to Aman.

Tyrion: Now I wonder what our brave, noble Fingolfin will do in this case.

The image changed to show how, upon landing in Beleriand, Maedhros turned to his father, asking who I would send for the rest, mentioning the name of Fingon the Valiant. But Feanor only laughed and said he would send no ships for anyone, and ordered the ships to be burned.

But when they were landed, Maedhros the eldest of his sons, and on a time the friend of Fingon ere Morgoth's lies came between, spoke to Fëanor, saying:

'Now what ships and rowers will you spare to return, and whom shall they bear hither first? Fingon the valiant?'

Then Fëanor laughed as one fey, and he cried: 'None and none! What I have left behind I count now no loss; needless baggage on the road it has proved. Let those that cursed my name, curse me still, and whine their way back to the cages of the Valar! Let the ships burn!'

Then Maedhros alone stood aside, but Fëanor caused fire to be set to the white ships of the Teleri. So in that place which was called Losgar at the outlet of the Firth of Drengist ended the fairest vessels that ever sailed the sea, in a great burning, bright and terrible. And Fingolfin and his people saw the light afar off, red beneath the clouds; and they knew that they were betrayed. This was the firstfruits of the Kinslaying and the Doom of the Noldor.

 

Robert: That treacherous bastard of Feanor! I expected him to betray his brother, but not to order the ships burned! May the Seven Hells consume him.

Jaime: I wonder why Maedhros gave his cousin's name. They must be good friends if Maedhros wanted him to board the ships first, if Feanor hadn't been such a treacherous ass and sent men after his half-brother and his followers.

Tyrion: Ironic, considering their fathers don't like each other, especially Feanor's treatment of Fingolfin, including threatening him with death.

Tywin: Sheer waste, to be honest. Those ships could have been put to some future use, but because of his pettiness and irritation that the other Noldor cursed his stupidity, they all burned. And Fingolfin and his followers will have little love for Feanor and his men if they somehow manage to get to Middle-earth.

Ned: But how, since Feanor burned the ships and the Helcaraxe is too dangerous to travel through? Besides, it reminded me of how one of my ancestors burned ships after his father never returned from across the sea, and of course the whole story about Nymeria of the Rhoyne burning ships when she landed in Dorne.

Tywin: Fingolfin now has two options: Either return with his tail between his legs to Tirion and beg the Valar for forgiveness, or try to cross the Helcaraxe, which may involve great losses. However, I have a feeling that Fingolfin will not give up easily and will not turn back. Of course, it would be foolish to risk his life to cross the straits.

Renly: Given what Feanor has done, I don't think that this will be the only height of stupidity we will see. And Fingolfin is probably as proud as Feanor and will not give up the idea of going to Middle-earth.

Stannis: (Thinking about how Robert has treated him since the Rebellion) Fingolfin is rightly resentful of his brother, despite being loyal to him, for which he has been met with such ingratitude. The best thing he can do now is return to Tirion. The Valar will forgive him and Finarfin can give him back his crown.

Pycelle: (Writes down some interesting information on parchment) This gives us an additional insight into the geography of Beleriand. Fascinating.

Catelyn: Bloody Feanor, he treated his half-brother terribly, leaving him and the Noldor who accompanied him to their fate.

Robb: And at this point Feanor weakened, with fewer men under his command than Fingolfin, which is unlikely to help him win the war with Morgoth, avenge his father's death, and recover the Silmarils.

Jon: Interestingly, Maedhros had no part in this. He was probably ashamed of what his mad father had done. And he was probably close friends with his cousin Fingon.

Arya: Bloody Feanor, he betrayed his brother in one of the worst ways and then burned the ships. He's awful!

Sansa: Fingolfin really didn't deserve this. Feanor should be ashamed of it!

Tyrion: I doubt he would be ashamed of it. I think he was more glad to be free of his unloved half-brother. Well, that's probably going to backfire on him.

The image in the magic mirror showed Fingolfin, instead of turning back to Tirion, leading his host through the Helcaraxe straits. It was a difficult crossing, amidst snowstorms and ice that could crack under the feet of the Noldor at any moment. More than one of them died, including Elenwë, Turgon's wife. At last, however, the host of Fingolfin came to the shores of Beleriand when the Moon first appeared in the night sky.

Then Fingolfin seeing that Fëanor had left him to perish in Araman or return in shame to Valinor was filled with bitterness; but he desired now as never before to come by some way to Middle-earth, and meet Fëanor again. And he and his host wandered long in misery, but their valour and endurance grew with hardship; for they were a mighty people, the elder children undying of Eru Ilúvatar, but new-come from the Blessed Realm, and not yet weary with the weariness of Earth.

The fire of their hearts was young, and led by Fingolfin and his sons, and by Finrod and Galadriel, they dared to pass into the bitterest North; and finding no other way they endured at last the terror of the Helcaraxë and the cruel hills of ice. Few of the deeds of the Noldor thereafter surpassed that desperate crossing in hardihood or woe. There Elenwë the wife of Turgon was lost, and many others perished also; and it was with a lessened host that Fingolfin set foot at last upon the Outer Lands. Small love for Fëanor or his sons had those that marched at last behind him, and blew their trumpets in Middle-earth at the first rising of the Moon.

After that the image disappeared and shortly after that the magic mirror itself disappeared too.

Robert: Well, that's it. It was a long chapter and I'm thirsty. Let's go and have a strong drink. Wait, did they say about the first moonrise?! Where did the bloody moon come from?

Tyrion: Honestly, that puzzles me more than the fact that Fingolfin risked crossing the Helcaraxe, even though it cost the lives of many Noldor, including his good daughter. Turgon will probably murder Feanor for that if he meets him again.

Ned: I feel sorry for Turgon, he lost his wife in a way he wouldn't have lost if Feanor hadn't betrayed his half-brother in such a shameful way. And I wonder how exactly the Valar created the Moon. And since it already exists, that means the Sun already exists and will appear in the sky.

Renly: Ha, I was right, that they will eventually create the Sun and the Moon. Hopefully Morgoth won't destroy them after some time like the Two Trees.

Tyrion: I'd have to reach them first, which wouldn't be easy. And Fingolfin and his host would be pissed at Feanor for what he did.

Jon: And who wouldn't be pissed at such obvious betrayal. Feanor is a fucking asshole who exposed his loyal half-brother. And considering what the Noldor have been through now, it's no wonder Fingolfin wouldn't be in love with Feanor.

Robb: And Turgon already has reason to hate Feanor. He lost his wife during the crossing. If Fingolfin and Feanor ever meet, I wouldn't be surprised if he punched him in the face.

Jaime: That vision made me laugh, Star. I'd love to see Fingolfin punch Feanor's asshole in the face.

Cersei: That would be a sweet sight, seeing Feanor get punched in the face for what he did. He is a fool and a madman, weakening himself in such a way and causing his loyal half-brother to no longer be loyal to him, since he betrayed him.

Stannis: Feanor is his own fault. His paranoia that he might be betrayed caused him to betray Fingolfin himself, and Fingolfin has every reason to hate Fingolfin, seeing as he lost many men in the crossing and one of his sons his wife. They will not be too kind to them.

Robert: In short, Feanor is a fucking asshole, and Fingolfin has balls of Valyrian steel as well, since he dared to go down this very dangerous path. I hope they show us exactly how the Sun and Moon were created, because I am very curious about it.

Ned: I guess in some future chapter they will show us how the Valar created the Sun and Moon.

Robert: Ha, so the saying is true, third time's the charm. The Valar created the Sun and Moon properly on the third try.

Tyrion: Maybe there'll be a funny story to this.

Jaime: I don't know if doing Sun and Moon will have a funny story.

Tyrion: Maybe don't ruin my dreams, brother.

Robert: Now that we're done watching this hellish chapter, I'm going for a drink.

Tyrion: I'll go with your grace. I need some wine to moisten my throat.

Robert: Well, let's go, Imp!

Robert Baratheon and Tyrion Lannister stood up and left the hall.

Chapter Text

King Robert I Baratheon arrives with his brothers, Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon, his close friend Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who arrives with his wife Catelyn Tully Stark, his children Robb, Sansa, and Arya, and his bastard son, Jon Snow. After them came Queen Cersei Lannister, accompanied by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, commonly known as the Kingslayer for killing King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, her other, younger brother, Tyrion Lannister, often called the Dwarf or Imp because of his dwarfism, her father, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, and the royal children, Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen (the latter two preferred watching and listening to the discussions of others rather than discussing themselves, intimidated by what they saw). They all gathered in the Hall at the call of Grand Maester Pycelle, a member of King Robert's Small Council.

All who had arrived sat down in the empty seats. The Starks kept to themselves. Cersei sat surrounded by her children, Jaime and Tyrion sat next to each other, Stannis and Renly sat on either side of their older brother, and Tywin Lannister sat at a distance from the rest, only Grand Maester Pycelle sat close to Lord Lannister.

Pycelle: Your Grace, I got a letter that we will be watching another chapter of The Silmarillion. However, it will not be a continuation of what happens next with Feanor, Fingolfin, their relatives and followers, but it will tell what happened in Beleriand while Morgoth was in the dungeons of Mandos and when he returned to Beleriand and rebuilt Angband.

Robert: Damn, I was hoping for either a continuation of what happens with the sons of Finwë or how the Sun and Moon were created, if instead we are watching a side story. But if there is no other way, then so be it Beleriand. We'll probably learn more about the kingdom of Doriath and consequently about Elwe and Melian.

Tyrion: That could be interesting. We might see how the elven kingdom fared when it wasn't in Aman and didn't have the protection or care of the Valar. That's what Feanor inspired. A power that wasn't subject to any control or restrictions from the Valar, although we didn't see Finwe's power being subject to any restrictions or controls from the Valar, so it was more Morgoth's pride, ambition and lies that made Feanor want to establish an independent kingdom in Middle-earth.

Ned: I wonder how the kingdom of Doriath fared. Let's not forget that Melian is not an elf but one of the Maiar. She may have the power to help defend Doriath from external threats, which will certainly come in handy when Morgoth returns to Beleriand.

Stannis: Lord Stark has made an important point. Melian is no ordinary woman, she is one of the beings that existed before the world was created. We do not know how much power she has, although we know that the Maiar are not as powerful as the Valar and Melian would certainly not stand a chance against Morgoth, even a weakened one, or at least that is what I think.

Renly: I will not be surprised if Melian turns out to be the true ruler of Doriath, not her husband because of his power and knowledge. After all, someone who lived before the world was created must have extensive knowledge. Elwe may be more of a figurehead than a true ruler.

Tywin: Possibly, but I doubt it. The Elves might not accept it, especially since Elwe was chosen to be their king, not Melian. We do not even know if he has such ambitions, these Ainur are strange in these respects, although perhaps because they are immortal beings with almost divine power. Melian as a queen may have no more power than most queens in Westerosi history, with the notable exceptions of Aegon the Conqueror's wives or Good Queen Alysanne.

Cersei: Surely Elwe must treat her well if he does not wish to earn her wrath. After all, Melian is a powerful being who could destroy her husband with a single finger. She may even be the one ruling behind her husband's back, while he is her puppet.

Robert: Don't make me laugh, Cersei! Melian may be one of the Maiar with great power, but she is also a woman. And a woman obeys her husband, in this case Elwe. And the Elves would not accept her usurping the power that belonged to her husband. After all, he was the one they chose as their king, not Melian.

Jaime: I must agree with his grace. The Elves chose Elwe as their king, and he is the only one they obey. But it is possible that Melian, as his wife and Queen of Doriath, has his ear, after all she can advise him on matters and have influence among the nobles of Doriath through their wives, daughters and sisters, many of whom may be her maids and ladies-in-waiting.

Catelyn: Queen Melian certainly behaves like a noble lady, despite being an immortal being older than time. She could teach Arya how to be a true lady.

Arya: Mother! I don't want to be just a lady. I want to be a warrior lady like Queen Visenya or Nymeria!

Catelyn: No, you can't be that. In the future, you will be the wife of a lord and the mother of his children. You must know how to manage his castle and fulfill the duties of a noble lady.

Sansa: Exactly, little sister. It is our duty as noble ladies.

Jon: Moving on from that, I wonder what he will see of Beleriand during the period when Morgoth was imprisoned in the dungeons of Mandos.

Robb: Me too, Jon. Many interesting things could have happened during that time when the elves prospered in Aman and Morgoth could not harass the world.

Tyrion: I personally wonder if the dwarves will appear. We haven't heard of them since Aulë created them and hid them under the mountains of Middle-earth.

Joffrey: I don't care about stupid, ugly dwarves. I won't cry if they don't show up again, Imp.

Robert: Calm down! I don't have the patience for your bickering. And let that magic mirror appear, because it'll take me all day.

Ned: I feel like you say that every time we're supposed to watch another chapter, Robert.

Robert: What can I do about it, since it's true. I don't have all day to look at another world that I won't feel on my own skin anyway, because it's impossible to get there and experience it, although looking at it, I'd rather not fight a fucking Morgoth in a duel.

Suddenly, a large, magic mirror appeared on the wall opposite the gathered people.

Robert: Finally, let it finally begin, for the gods' sake!

Ned: Be patient, Robert. It's about to begin.

Large, white letters CHAPTER 10, OF THE SINDAR appear on the surface of the magic mirror, which disappear after a short while. Shortly after this, Thingol of Melian appears in a magic mirror, holding in her arms their newborn daughter, Lúthien.

Now as has been told the power of Elwë and Melian increased in Middle-earth, and all the Elves of Beleriand, from the mariners of Círdan to the wandering hunters of the Blue Mountains beyond the River Gelion, owned Elwë as their lord; Elu Thingol he was called, King Greymantle, in the tongue of his people. They are called the Sindar, the Grey-elves of starlit Beleriand; and although they were Moriquendi, under the lordship of Thingol and the teaching of Melian they became the fairest and the most wise and skilful of all the Elves of Middle-earth.

And at the end of the first age of the Chaining of Melkor, when all the Earth had peace and the glory of Valinor was at its noon, there came into the world Lúthien, the only child of Thingol and Melian. Though Middle-earth lay for the most part in the Sleep of Yavanna, in Beleriand under the power of Melian there was life and joy, and the bright stars shone as silver fires; and there in the forest of Neldoreth Lúthien was born, and the white flowers of niphredil came forth to greet her as stars from the earth.

 

Robert: So Thingol and Melian have a daughter named Luthien. I wonder if she will truly grow up to be the most beautiful woman in all of Arda.

Ned: I wonder why Luthien is their only daughter. After all, they could have many children, even if immortal elves don't have to worry about who to pass on their inheritance to, they do have many children. Finwë had three sons and Feanor had seven. So why wouldn't Thingol have any more children besides Luthien?

Tyrion: It's hard to say, after all, these elves can be strange in many ways, probably because they are immortal and immune to all diseases. Although I would bet it's because Melian is one of the Maiar. After all, we never see the Valar themselves have children. Manwë and Varda, Aulë and Yavanna, Mandos and Vaire, and so on. Almost all the Valar are married except for Ulmo and Nienna, but none of them have children. Likewise, Osse and Uinen, who are Maiar, also have no children. Maybe they can only have children if they are married to Elves, because they cannot have children between themselves? Maybe Ilúvatar decided so, but we don't have much to say whether that's true or something else entirely.

Jaime: You forgot to mention that Morgoth is also unmarried. Yes, that's odd, but maybe it was some design by Eru Ilúvatar that the Valar and Maiar would not have children between them, unless they married Elves like Melian and Thingol.

Tywin: You point out that Thingol and Melian only had a daughter. I noticed that they ruled all the elves in Beleriand, no matter where they lived, and also that thanks to Melian's knowledge they became the most beautiful, wisest and most skillful elves in Middle-earth, and that although there was no other light but the stars, Beleriand flourished thanks to her. This shows that Melian must have enjoyed great respect for this and had power similar to Queens Rhaenys and Visenya or Good Queen Alysanne. It may be strange that they only had a daughter and Thingol did not try for a son, but since he is immortal he does not have to fear that if he dies, the elves will not recognize his daughter's rule. And he can only die if someone kills him, which will not be easy because he probably has his own kingsguard.

Sansa: It is wonderful that these white flowers, niphredil appeared with the birth of Princess Luthien. She will certainly be an exceptional child.

Catelyn: And certainly a well-mannered, noble lady, especially with her mother, who is a Maiar and has contributed much to the people of Doriath.

Arya: It sounds boring at the moment. Maybe she'll be a warrior princess who wields magic? After all, her mother is a Maiar and has magical powers!

Cersei: I still don't believe that this little princess will ever become the most beautiful woman in all of Arda. This is just propaganda by the author of the Silmarillion. There's no way she could be that beautiful.

Tyrion: (Sarcastic) It pains you that someone could be more beautiful than you, sweet sister.

Cersei: Shut up, Imp!

Stannis: Thingol became the most powerful Elf in Beleriand, and thanks to Melian's teachings, his people are becoming almost as powerful as the Elves living in Aman. It seems that Melian's power somehow made Beleriand lively and joyful. And the fact that he has only a daughter is of no consequence to me.

Renly: (Mumbles under his breath) How else, since you have only a daughter yourself, brother.

Robb: I wonder if it will matter that Thingol has only a daughter and no other children.

Jon: I suspect it will. Perhaps Thingol will somehow be killed and Luthien will become the ruling queen of Doriath.

The image in the magic mirror showed the dwarves in their stone halls in the Blue Mountains, then showed dwarven merchants traveling through Beleriand.

It came to pass during the second age of the captivity of Melkor that Dwarves came over the Blue Mountains of Ered Luin into Beleriand. Themselves they named Khazâd, but the Sindar called them Naugrim, the Stunted People, and Gonnhirrim, Masters of Stone. Far to the east were the most ancient dwellings of the Naugrim, but they had delved for themselves great halls and mansions, after the manner of their kind, in the eastern side of Ered Luin; and those cities were named in their own tongue Gabilgathol and Tumunzahar.

To the north of the great height of Mount Dolmed was Gabilgathol, which the Elves interpreted in their tongue Belegost, that is Mickleburg; and southward was delved Tumunzahar, by the Elves named Nogrod, the Hollowbold. Greatest of all the mansions of the Dwarves was Khazad-dûm, the Dwarrowdelf, Hadhodrond in the Elvish tongue, that was afterwards in the days of its darkness called Moria; but it was far off in the Mountains of Mist beyond the wide leagues of Eriador, and to the Eldar came but as a name and a rumour from the words of the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains.

 

Tyrion: Great, so the dwarves are going to show up and we'll learn more about them. So they called themselves Khazad, although the Sindar called them Naugrim or Gonnhirrim. They have two strongholds in the Blue Mountains but the greatest is of course Khazad-dum.

Pycelle: Fascinating. I'll have to write all this down on parchment. Let's see, so the dwarves call themselves Khazad, although the Sindar have terms for them that translate to The Stunted People and Masters of the Stone. They have two strongholds in the Blue Mountains, which in their language they call Gabilgathol and Tumunzahar, which the Sindar call Belegost and Nogrod. They also give a few names that refer to Moria, which we've seen before. And both are an indeterminate distance from Mount Dolmed.

Joffrey: Do we have to hear about stupid, ugly dwarves. It's so boring and stupid. These dwarves have nothing interesting to show.

Robert: Khazad-dum contradicts your claims, son. I think it will be interesting to see something about the dwarves in Beleriand.

Ned: The dwarves have two strongholds in the Blue Mountains and Khazad-dum is mentioned, which is in the Misty Mountains, far from Beleriand. I wonder how the ruler of Khazad-dum has control over them.

Renly: Maybe there isn't any at all. These dwarven strongholds can act like the free cities in Essos except that each city can have its own king.

Pycelle: Lord Renly may be right. It is possible that the dwarves are much more divided than the elves, after all Aulë created seven fathers of the dwarves, which means that there are dwarven tribes and even within the same tribe there can be divisions between dwarves.

Jaime: The divided dwarves don't sound so scary. I wonder if one of the names the Sindar, the Masters of the Stone, gave them refers to their skill in building, as we saw in Khazad-dum.

Jon: I suggest using these elvish names, because the dwarven ones are tongue-twisting.

Stannis: I agree with Jon Snow. The names the Sindar gave the dwarven strongholds are easier to pronounce than the dwarven ones.

Tyrion: Gabilgathol and Tumunzahar versus Belegost and Nogrod. I won't argue with that, because the elvish ones are indeed easier to pronounce and remember than the dwarven ones.

Robb: Father, do you think the dwarves will play a bigger role in Beleriand, beyond their eastern bases in the Blue Mountains?

Ned: It can't be ruled out, son. We'll just have to wait and see. The Dwarves have a role to play.

Cersei: How could these ugly, dwarfish creatures possibly play any important role in Beleriand? Only as merchants and mercenaries, for they are no good for anything else.

Tyrion: I see you truly underestimate the Dwarves, sweet sister.

Tywin: The Dwarves are not as powerful as Thingol, and if Lord Renly is right, both cities have their own kings, making them even weaker than the kingdom of Doriath.

The image in the magic mirror showed the first encounters between the Dwarves and the Elves, and the Dwarves building a road to Beleriand.

From Nogrod and Belegost the Naugrim came forth into Beleriand; and the Elves were filled with amazement, for they had believed themselves to be the only living things in Middle-earth that spoke with words or wrought with hands, and that all others were but birds and beasts. But they could understand no word of the tongue of the Naugrim, which to their ears was cumbrous and unlovely; and few ever of the Eldar have achieved the mastery of it. But the Dwarves were swift to learn and indeed were more willing to learn the Elven-tongue than to teach their own to those of alien race. Few of the Eldar went ever to Nogrod and Belegost, save Eöl of Nan Elmoth and Maeglin his son; but the Dwarves trafficked into Beleriand, and they made a great road that passed under the shoulders of Mount Dolmed and followed the course of the River Ascar, crossing Gelion at Sarn Athrad, the Ford of Stones, where battle after befell.

Ever cool was the friendship between the Naugrim and the Eldar, though much profit they had one of the other; but at that time those griefs that lay between them had not yet come to pass, and King Thingol welcomed them. But the Naugrim gave their friendship more readily to the Noldor in after days than to any others of Elves and Men, because of their love and reverence for Aulë; and the gems of the Noldor they praised above all other wealth. In the darkness of Arda already the Dwarves wrought great works, for even from the first days of their Fathers they had marvellous skill with metals and with stone; but in that ancient time iron and copper they loved to work, rather than silver or gold.

 

Cersei: What else would you expect from the dwarves? Even their language is so hard to understand that they had to teach the elven language to understand each other.

Tyrion: It probably has something to do with the fact that their language was invented by Aulë from the beginning, while the elven languages developed naturally. And don't judge them so harshly, Cersei. It is said that even in ancient times they had extraordinary skills in working stone and metals, although at that time they preferred copper and iron to silver and gold.

Robert: And I wonder what bloody battle was fought at Sarn Athrad. I hope they show us more or I will be disappointed.

Stannis: Brother, you always feel disappointed if you can't see a fight or battle.

Robert: Ha, because I am a man of action and I like to see a good fight or battle.

Tyrion: I try to imagine the elves' faces when they first met the dwarves, surprised that there were other intelligent beings than themselves. That must have been a funny meeting!

Jaime: The question is, for whom. Maybe for the elves, or maybe for the dwarves, or maybe for no one at all. But the elves were certainly surprised that there were any intelligent beings besides themselves.

Pycelle: I wonder when it's mentioned that few have ever visited Belegost or Nogrod except Eol and his son Maeglin. This is the first we've heard of them.

Jon: They'll probably show up again. Interesting that Eol came from Nan Elmoth. It was there that Thingol met Melian, who later became his wife and Queen of Doriath. Which means that Eol must be a subject of King Thingol. Maybe a nobleman or a blacksmith.

Ned: You're perceptive, Jon. That may be the case, though for now we can only speculate whether or not it's true. We may learn more about Eol and Maeglin in the future.

Joffrey: Who cares about some stupid elf and his son who visited the bloody dwarves. They may be great craftsmen and builders, but they are still ugly, stunted creatures who should not exist.

Robb: Ours does, Prince Joffrey. That could be an interesting story to tell.

Joffrey: As if Eol and Maeglin visiting Belegost and Nogrost were interesting. A boring story about two elves visiting a dwarf.

Tywin: The dwarves may not be as powerful as the Sindar, but their building and crafting skills are still admirable. A wise and cunning king could use those skills to expand his own headquarters and profit from it.

Renly: The Dwarves must have appreciated the Noldor because of their love and respect for Aulë. Probably also because the Noldor have many excellent craftsmen who could be a match for the Dwarves, like that bloody Feanor. He abandoned his brother, but he's still a very excellent craftsman.

Tyrion: Both sides certainly benefited from the friendship, and Thingol certainly did, though I wonder how much he benefited from it.

Ned: I suppose we'll find out soon enough, Lord Tyrion.

Tyrion: I hope so, Lord Stark. I wonder how King Thingol benefited from it.

The image in the magic mirror showed how Thingol, on Melian's advice, decided to build a stronghold and hired the Dwarves of Belegost for the job, paying them in pearls and the knowledge of Melian, who taught the Dwarves much. Particularly valuable was a pearl the size of a pigeon's egg called Nimphelos.

Now Melian had much foresight, after the manner of the Maiar; and when the second age of the captivity of Melkor had passed, she counselled Thingol that the Peace of Arda would not last for ever. He took thought therefore how he should make for himself a kingly dwelling, and a place that should be strong, if evil were to awake again in Middle-earth; and he sought aid and counsel of the Dwarves of Belegost. They gave it willingly, for they were unwearied in those days and eager for new works; and though the Dwarves ever demanded a price for all that they did, whether with delight or with toil, at this time they held themselves paid.

 

For Melian taught them much that they were eager to learn, and Thingol rewarded them with many fair pearls. These Círdan gave to him, for they were got in great number in the shallow waters about the Isle of Balar; but the Naugrim had not before seen their like, and they held them dear. One there was as great as a dove's egg, and its sheen was as starlight on the foam of the sea; Nimphelos it was named, and the chieftain of the Dwarves of Belegost prized it above a mountain of wealth.

 

Robert: Wait, so where did they live before if it was only in the second century of Morgoth's captivity that he decided to build a home for himself on the advice of his wife? In a hut or maybe in a cave.

Ned: It is possible that he had a modest home before, but now he needs something better and stronger, when Morgoth returns to Beleriand.

Cersei: I wouldn't be surprised if Thingol and Melian didn't live better than those barbaric savages, the Dothraki. Probably in tents woven from grass or wooden huts.

Tyrion: Now we can only guess how Thingol and Melian lived before, although I think they lived at least a little better than their subjects. After all, the king and queen of Doriath must stand out, not that they didn't stand out before as the highest elf in Arda and a woman of the Maiar. I like that Thingol had no problem asking the dwarves for help. And he paid them handsomely. This Nimphelos looks like a beautiful and valuable pearl indeed.

Joffrey: Why do those bloody elves give everything names! I wouldn't be surprised if even the toilet had a name!

Robb and Jon: (They laughed at Prince Joffrey's remark, imagining that even a toilet could have a name)

Tyrion: They must like to name things, nephew. I've seen a lot of pearls in my time, but never one as large as Nimphelos. It must be truly valuable, if the dwarven chieftain values it above a mountain of riches.

Robert: Ha, that was quite good, son. I wonder why they should be surprised that they demand a wage for their work. It's normal to pay builders to build a building.

Stannis: As you can see, the dwarves were pleased with the payment from the King and Queen of Doriath. A mass of pearls and the teachings of one of the Maiar are more than enough payment for them.

Renly: I wonder what Thingol's stronghold will look like. Probably no worse than Khazad-dum or other dwarven cities.

Arya: With the dwarves' help, Thingol will probably build a magnificent stronghold, after all, Khazad-dum was magnificent, even when abandoned by the dwarves.

Jon: I assume it will be a pretty decent place to live, certainly beautiful, because the elves clearly value the beauty of their works.

Robb: And he got the pearls from Cirdan, who caught them near the island of Balar. And for some reason he recognizes Thingol's authority over him.

Jaime: He probably decided it was better to recognize his authority than to go to a war he couldn't win. A wise move on his part.

Tywin: Apparently Cirdan is no fool. Better to recognize the authority of a powerful king who allowed him to keep his titles and positions than to risk a war he couldn't win anyway.