Chapter 17: Nehtartúra's trial

Máhanaxar. A few days later.

The fourteen Valar looked down at the glowering Maia kneeling in from of them. Nehtartúra glared up at them all, his orange eyes burning with pure hate and rage.

"I hate him! He stole my brother from me! He deserves everything that happened to him!"

"No one deserves to be targeted and attacked like Mairon was." Manwë looked at the Maia with disapproval and disappointment. "Especially not when he has already repented of any wrongdoing. Not only that, we have shown him mercy, and taken him under our protection."

That set the Maia off again.

"Sauron doesn't deserve protection!" He spat the words out with such venom, several of the lesser Valar had to supress flinches. "None of them do! Punish me how you will, but know I will find a way to avenge my brother! Sauron will not get away with this!"

Ulmo spoke calmly, though there was an undercurrent of steel in his words that would have sent chills down anyone else's spine.

"Who is your brother? What does he have to do with your attacks on your fellow Maia?"

Nehtartúra glared at the Lord of Waters.

"Sauron is no kin of mine! He never was! I am not associated with that traitor!"

Manwë's eyes hardened when he heard that, and he used his power to turn the Maia around to face him.

"What about Marilwë? Olórin? Ilmarë? Eönwë? They were also affected by your actions towards Mairon, as were many more, too many to name. What defence do you have to explain that? Not to mention those you pressured into carrying out your will…"

Nehtartúra's face actually turned purple, he was so mad. If he hadn't been bound, and held in place by the Vala's power, Manwë suspected he would have tried physically attacking them.

He had never seen a Maia so mad before. It was highly disconcerting and worrying.

"None of those traitors who choose to associate with Sauron are my kin!"

Ulmo eyed the Maia with an expression of bored disinterest. He somehow seemed to be more unaffected by Nehtartúra's outburst than anyone else.

"Interesting reasoning. But you have yet to answer my original question regarding who your brother is, and how that relates to your attack on Mairon."

Manwë did not release his hold on the Maia, watching with mixed concern and fascination as the face of his fana grew even more purple.

"I don't have to answer to you! You are not my lord; and have no authority over me or my actions! None of you do!"

"Actually, he does."

Oromë's soft voice stunned the Maia into silence. Manwë released his hold over him, allowing Nehtartúra to look at his lord. Seeing he had his Maia's attention, Oromë spoke. While his tone was soft, the resolve in his words were like steel.

"You might have sworn oath to me, but that does not make you above the authority of any of the Valar. All it means is you obey and respect me first. However, by your own actions, you have illustrated you have no respect for either me, or anyone else. Therefore, in the presence of all the Valar with Eru as my witness, let it be known I, Oromë, the Hunter of Arda and one of the Aratar, do formally and voluntarily renounce any previous authority I may have had over you as your sworn lord. I thereby hand you over to the power and authority of all the Valar, especially that of Manwë Súlimo, High King of all Arda and Eru Ilúvatar's vice-gerent, and Námo Mandos, Doomsman and Judge of Arda, to be judged and receive sentence for your crimes."

At his words, the Maia's face went stark white. Even Manwë was stunned into silence at Oromë's words. For a Valar to completely renounce their authority over a Maia like this, was unheard of. Once he got over his initial shock, the King realised the Hunter was out of his depth. He had no idea what to do about this Maia, and so, in a last act of love (though doubtlessly Nehtartúra would not see it that way), had delivered him up to the complete authority of them all. Only the combined might and authority of all the Valar had a hope of redeeming him from his darkness and hatred.

Námo, who'd been silent up to now, suddenly spoke.

"Gothmog. He is your brother."

The Maia flinched, before baring his teeth. His expression showed nothing but contempt and loathing.

"Don't you DARE compare that monster with my brother! Kosomot was nothing like him! That monster stole my brother from me!"

"Yet, if your account is to make sense, they are one and the same." Manwë looked impassively at the Maia, not letting on how Námo's words had surprised him. Nehtartúra's rage was so great, the King wouldn't have been surprised if he'd suddenly burst into flames, despite the fact he wasn't a fire Maia. Manwë hesitated, not sure what else to say, but was saved from having to say anything by Námo.

"Kosomot was your brother, who became Gothmog after joining Melkor. From all accounts, none forced him to join our fallen brethren. In fact," Námo gave the Maia a considering look, "I happen to know your brother went with him willingly."

Nehtartúra paled once more, though his anger did not subside in the least.

"You lie! Kosomot would never join Him willingly!"

Námo gave the Maia an impassive look.

"I don't lie. None of us do. Only one Valar ever lied, and he is no longer with us. Nor is he counted among our number."

Nehtartúra actually gaped at Námo's words. However, his anger ensured he did not stay silent for long.

"And whose fault is that?" The orange-eyed Maia turned around to glare at Manwë with absolute and utter hatred. "Yours. You failed him, turning him into what he was. Making him take Kosomot with him, out of spite. I –"

"Silence. You have said quite enough."

Manwë did not raise his voice, but the tone alone shut the Maia up. Not releasing his mental hold on the Maia in the slightest, Manwë spoke with his fellow Valar via ósanwe.

*I think we have heard enough. I know we were hoping to be able to talk some reason with him, but it's clear that will not happen. He is too full of anger, bitterness, darkness and rage. Until he lets go of some of that, there is not a lot we can do. If we try and punish him for that now, it will just make him more bitter, and make us seem more unfair in his eyes. I…have been unfair to enough people in my life. I don't want to continue the trend.*

Manwë trailed off, not having anything more to say. The silence was broken by Aulë.

*Oromë. That was a big thing you did, renouncing your lordship over Nehtartúra. I just hope it doesn't back fire.*

The Hunter did the mental equivalent of burying his face in his hands, though physically his fana did not move.

*I know. But I couldn't think of anything else to do. What happened…this is beyond anything I have the authority to deal with.*

Vána spoke.

*I think this is beyond most of our authorities. Except perhaps the Aratar.* The Valië looked around at them. *I am so glad I don't have your job. Whatever you decide to do, know I support you and give you my full blessing.*

*I do as well.* Tulkas added. He was looking rather lost by everything that had happened. *Whatever you feel you must do, do it. This is too confusing by half for me.*

Nessa mentally rolled her eyes, but agreed to hand authority for Nehtartúra's punishment over to the Aratar. All the lesser Valar did, rather too quickly, Manwë felt, but it did make it somewhat easier with just seven of them to decide what to do. (Oromë, despite being an Aratar, refused to be involved with this decision, pointing out he was biased and it was for the best they did this without any input from him). Once that was decided, Manwë opened a private line of communication with his six fellow Valar.

*Well, this is it. What do we do from here?*

Having already discussed all their possibilities multiple times before, it didn't take them long to decide what actions to take. Once they decided on the punishment, Manwë looked at the Doomsman.

*Alright. Tell him, Námo. It must be you whom pronounces his Doom.*

Námo mentally nodded, before standing, regarding the Maia with a gaze so cold and impassive, Nehtartúra actually cowered. Though the look of murderous hate did not leave his face, he clearly was intimidated by the Doomsman.

Which was a positive sign, Manwë felt. You were either too far gone or very, very stupid to not be scared by Námo in this role, and the Maia did not strike him as the latter.

"Nehtartúra. It has been decided, in order for you to be able to let go of your anger and hate, you will be placed in the custody of the Lady Nienna until further notice."

The Maia had paled yet again when Námo started talking, his voice as cold as a glacial and as foreboding as a stormy night. As soon as he heard his sentence, however, the Maia laughed scornfully, some colour returning to his features.

"Really? That's all you're going to do? Put me with the Weeping Widow? I would have thought…"

What he thought, no one ever knew. Nienna, who hadn't said much during the proceedings, suddenly rose from her throne. Her voice, while calm, shook the very foundations of the Máhanaxar, as she spoke with all the power and authority of one of the Aratar.

"You misunderstand, my son. You are coming to me to learn how to let go of your anger and hatred. Once that is achieved, you will be summoned back here, and your ultimate punishment for what you've done will be decided."

Nienna looked at the now cowering Maia, her silver eyes glowing with innate power.

"I see I will have my work cut out. Now, this can go one of two ways. You can consent to serving me, take a temporary oath of allegiance, and accept this is for your own good. Or, should you refuse to come voluntarily, you will still be taken into my custody, even if we must use force. Either way, I will work on correcting your attitude…"

She got no further. His anger and hate overcoming any sense he might have had, Nehtartúra lashed out at them in a blind rage.

"I hate you! I hate you all! Curse you all to the Void! I…"

"SILENCE."

Upon hearing the power contained in Nienna's voice, the Maia did indeed fall silent. Though the rage in his eyes did not abate, for the first time since the beginning of his trial, there was fear there as well, Námo noted. Fear which only increased when he saw the aura of pure, raw power that now surrounded Nienna. While the Doomsman hated it when those whom they were responsible for protecting feared them, in this case, he couldn't help feel the fear was a good thing.

Nehtartúra had obviously lost whatever respect he might once have had for them and their authority. Showing him why that type of attitude was a bad idea could only be a good thing, the Judge felt.

Though he seriously felt sorry for Nienna. He knew she was stronger and more powerful than most realised (despite her protests every time he mentioned it, the Doomsman knew she was inherently more powerful than he was), but this would not be easy at all. It was for the best she show Nehtartúra from the start that she expected certain behaviours from him, and would not hesitate to punish him if he continued in his present attitude.

Looking around at the other Valar, the Doomsman noted they had all seen the fear as well. Their expressions clearly showed the mixed feelings they had on the situation. Not that the Maia could see that. Nienna's command had not only shut him up, but had also succeeded in bringing him to his knees. His eyes were focussed on the ground, and he was taking quick, shallow breaths. He was going into shock, Námo realised with not a little bit of sadness, as his eyes met Nienna's. The look his sister gave him told him she understood what was happening all too well.

All these observations took a few seconds to make. Before the Maia even had time to process the power that had driven him to his knees, Nienna sighed sadly. Pity was etched onto her features, even as she regarded the Maia impassively.

"Force it is then. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this."

Before Nehtartúra could react, Nienna exerted the full force of her will over him. If what she'd done before had seemed bad when she'd shut him up, it was nothing to the power she displayed now. The Maia was helpless to resist, even as his physical bounds fell away, the Valië holding him in place with a single thought. This time, his fear was tangible, and more than one of the younger Valar winced.

The Aratar, however, remained impassive. Even as Nienna spoke again, her voice was free of emotion, radiating power and authority, though in a much softer tone that somehow managed to be all the more unsettling for what she said.

"You know not the folly of which you speak, child, so I will forgive you that profanity this once. Never let it be said we are not merciful. Yet, showing mercy does not mean punishment isn't deserved; nor should mercy ever be taken lightly. Look upon your sentence with me as you will, but know you shall not leave my service until you have learnt what I have to teach you to my satisfaction."

Nienna looked around at the other Valar, but her words were addressed to Manwë.

"With your permission, my King, I will be back shortly."

Manwë gave a single nod. Nienna thought herself, and the hapless Maia caught in her power, away. Left alone, the other Valar sat in silence for a moment. Finally, Oromë broke it. Now the Valar were alone, the Hunter looked devastated.

"How could this happen? I never dreamt one of my people harboured so much hate, that they would go this far…"

Manwë sighed wearily, allowing himself the luxury of massaging his forehead.

"It is not your fault, my brother. Morgoth's influence is still strong, even here in Aman. We have seen that among the Eldar often enough; Fëanor being an extreme example. Though, even I never imagine one of our Maiar would become so tainted they would go this far. You are not to blame for any of this."

Oromë sighed.

"But, I feel if I'd kept a closer eye on them, this wouldn't have happened. I was so conceited as to think those who hunted down darkness and evil couldn't themselves be corrupted by it. I was very wrong, and innocents suffering because of my arrogance."

Varda spoke softly.

"I think we are still learning none of us are immune when it comes to evil influencing us. Melkor's discourse is part of the very fabric by which this world is made. The fact so many of the Maiar joined him, even before the discourse, should have told us that. The source of Nehtartúra's hate is the very fact his brother was among those whom was swayed. Though, I must admit, I did not know Gothmog was his brother before he told us just now. Did anyone know that?"

All the Valar, but Námo, shook their heads. Varda looked at the Doomsman, whose expression was masked.

"You knew."

Námo's tone gave nothing away.

"Yes. I also happen to know they were twins, if anyone is interested in that information."

"Did you also know Nehtartúra was behind these attacks?" Varda's voice came out a lot sharper then she'd intended, causing Manwë to look at her with all the authority of a King.

"That's enough, Varda."

Realising what she'd said, the Valië mumbled an apology to Námo, before looking away. She was on edge; Nehtartúra's words and actions having upset her greatly. No one knew quite what to say; they were all still processing what had just happened.

Eventually, Yavanna braved the silence to speak up.

"That's one sorted. But we still have his sister to deal with. Who, while not directly involved, apparently knew all about what her brother was doing, and did nothing to stop him, or alert us until it was almost too late. I wonder what her defence will be to the charges we will lay on her?"

She gave her brother-in-law a questioning look. Oromë just shook his head.

"I have no idea. Roimewen has never had much to say. At least around me. She was always the quiet one, and seemed to balance out her more quick-tempered brother. I now realise this was not the case. Irmo. I am very sorry your young one got dragged into this mess. And that yours did as well, Aulë."

Aulë just nodded, his expression carefully blank. The Vala of Dreams, however, sighed.

"Believe me, I am sorrier. Sámotára hasn't been with me for long. He was with you for much longer." Irmo nodded at Manwë. "And the War apparently left more of a scar on his fëa then we realised." Irmo studied his hands, before looking at his King. "Don't be too harsh on him, Manwë. Please. He just needs love and guidance. While I understand his involvement will need to be punished; I will ensure he learns what he needs to so this never happens again."

Manwë acknowledged him with a nod.

"While I do not yet know what his punishment will be; it will be fair, and fit his crime. Have no worries about that, my brother. Fear often clouds the judgement, and is a stronger motivator then pain, as we have learnt. Aulë, your young one will also be dealt with fairly when the time comes. Before that, however, we have Roimewen to deal with. And I honestly have no idea what to do with her. Any ideas?"

Nienna arrived back in time to hear that statement.

"If you need my help with her, it may have to wait a while. I am going to have my hands full for quite some time with this one."

Manwë greeted her.

"You got him settled?"

The Valië grimaced, resuming her seat.

"Not really. But he is safe, and can't hurt anyone or anything, which will have to do for now. Oromë, we'll have to arrange to have his things sent over to my place later." Nienna sighed heavily, fresh tears leaking out of her eyes. "I've got my work cut out with this one. I really hope I don't end up with his sister as well. He is going to need most of my time and attention for a while. I have never seen so much hate and bitterness in anyone."

Manwë raised an eyebrow.

"And if you do end up with her…?"

Nienna sighed, looking across at her King.

"If that is what you and Atar will, then so be it. If you declare that must happen; I trust Atar will give me the strength to ensure it does. However, that doesn't stop me from hoping she is punished in some other way. Besides, Oromë is still her lord. At least at this point. It is not normally our habit to take a Maia away from their lord or lady, unless there is a compelling reason to do so."

Manwë nodded in acknowledgement of her words.

"True, but the punishment should fit the crime. And what she did…it is as grave a sin as Urunírë's was, maybe even more so. We must ensure her punishment still makes what we did to Urunírë fair."

The Valar sighed as one. Manwë then took a deep breath, closing his eyes to centre himself, before summoning his Herald with one word.

"Eönwë."

Within seconds, the Maia appeared, giving the Elder King his obeisance.

"My lord?"

"Bring in Roimewen. We are ready for her."

He, he. Me and Plot Bunnies had so much fun writing this.

Later update: and Lonesome had a field day editing it months later…