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04/04/2020
Chapter 2 – Prologue
It is said that there are circles within circles. The Valar were no exception to this observation. The eight greatest were known as the Aratar, meaning the "Exalted". Their majesty surpassed that of even the other Valar. But that majesty did not include omniscience.
Manwë, Varda, Yavanna, Aulë, Oromë, and Mandos were currently standing in a circle within the Ring of Doom. They were discussing the two Aratar who were not part of their gathering. The pair's absence was result of the Snap that had taken place just hours before.
"Nienna won't leave her chambers," Varda told the others. "She's inconsolable."
"Does she know we share her grief?" Yavanna said about the trillions killed. "That we wish to comfort her?"
Varda nodded. "Unfortunately, our sister also blames herself for failing to persuade Thanos on Titan."
Manwë quietly sighed. Eä had many paradoxes that made no sense even to him. One was how good-hearted individuals tended to blame themselves for even minor events beyond their control. By contrast, evil ones seemed to have little problem absolving themselves of even their worst crimes.
"What about Brother Ulmo?" Aulë interrupted his thoughts.
"He remains at the bottom of the Great Sea," Manwë had been in contact with him.
"Because of Thanos's vortex?" Oromë could not believe it. "Surely Ulmo hasn't forgotten the paths around it?"
"It's a major reason that he remains in Ulmonan," Manwë spoke the name of Ulmo's underwater stronghold. "Using those paths risks alerting Thanos to their existence."
"The Enemy won't hesitate to use them," Aulë referred to Morgoth. "It's inevitable their war will spread to Arda."
"Yes," Yavanna supported her spouse. "The Enemy has obtained the Mind Stone. If he gets the remaining stones it will be the end of all things."
"No," Mandos broke his silence.
A pause fell over Máhanaxar. The other Aratar waited upon him to enlighten them but Mandos said nothing. He could be an enigma even to them. Mandos's closest ally broke the silence.
"No, brother?" Manwë prodded.
The Doomsman of the Valar made his third prophecy about the Infinity War. The Ilúvatar had servants vastly more powerful than the Aratar combined.
"It ends with the Tribunal," Mandos stated.
I think we all know the deleted Endgame concept that Mandos is referring to. By the same token, his prophecy does not necessarily mean "happy ending".
Ulmonan was originally at the bottom of the Outer Ocean prior to the Changing of the World. The change of location certainly has something to do with this crossover's plot.
In Tolkien's cosmology, power isn't the same as being skilled in physical combat. Though I don't imagine Tulkas sulking over not being one of the Aratar.