Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognisable characters in this story, and make no money from them. This story is purely a work of fanfiction, and written for fun. All rights belong to the Tolkien Estate.
Chapter 3
The deluge of memories ended, though Morgoth's evil laugh continued to hang in the air. Sauron fell to the ground with one last mental scream, before going deathly still. He wasn't unconscious, but neither was he truly aware. His eyes hung at half-mast – glassy and unfocussed. All that could be heard in the Máhanaxar was his ragged breathing.
For a moment after the memories stopped, none of the Valar could move, or say anything. They were in too much shock.
Nienna was the first to move. Possibly because she was more accustomed to sorrow and brutality then most of the others were. Without a word, she descended her throne, walking over to Sauron. Kneeling next to the broken Maia, the Valië gently lifted his head up off the cool stone. She rested it in her lap, running a soothing hand over his scalp. Sauron did not respond to her ministrations. In fact, he did not seem aware of her presence. He continued staring blankly ahead, fine tremors running through his body. Being forced to re-live such traumatic memories had driven him practically catatonic.
Barely a breath later, Námo joined his sister. Laying a gentle hand over the Maia's brow, the Doomsman allowed some of his own innate power to flow out. He would not enter the Maia's head, but did what he could to ease the intense pain Sauron was in. He constructed a temporary shield around the jumbled thoughts, to protect the Maia's mind from everything battering it from simply being in the same room as others. While it did nothing to bring him back from wherever in his head he'd retreated to, the tremors stopped as the gentle comfort softly encompassed his broken mind.
"Well. I was…not expecting that."
It was Irmo who had broken the silence. The Vala of Dreams, Desires and Visions was sitting frozen on his throne, though his eyes were fixed on the Maia his sister was holding. Tearing his eyes away for a moment, Irmo regarded Manwë in bewilderment and horror.
"What do we do now?"
Manwë just shook his head. He was still processing all he'd seen, and did not yet have an answer. No one else said anything, and Námo and Nienna continued to try and comfort the unresponsive Maia. Even Námo removing the iron cuffs and chains from his wrists did not garner a response. It was not long before Estë joined them, to see if she could do anything to help. The other Valar started recovering from their shock by this point. But, no one yet had any answers. Oromë was the first to break the unintentional silence to answer Irmo.
"That is a good question. What do we do with him now? I think we can all agree sending him to the Void is not the best idea, due to Morgoth's unwarranted brutality towards him. Yet, he has himself admitted to joining Morgoth voluntarily, betraying us, and doing much evil of his own volition. Those deeds can't be allowed to go unpunished."
Irmo gave the Hunter an unimpressed look. He might not be the most powerful or high-ranked among the Valar, but the fire that burned in his bright silver eyes in that moment reminded Manwë why Irmo Lórien was not to be trifled with.
"After what he's gone through, making him suffer more punishment would be cruel. It would make us no better than the one who did him such grievous harm. The one we have always claimed to be better then."
Tulkas shifted in his seat, and hesitated, before speaking slowly. He was visibly putting a lot more thought into each word then he usually did, and was the most subdued Manwë had ever seen him. While the Wrestler came across as brash and uncaring, he had a good heart. Seeing what had happened to Sauron had deeply upset him.
"Not necessarily. There are plenty of ways to punish people that don't involve pain. He has suffered enough of that already. I would not see him suffer more of the same. No matter what he's done."
These were deep words, coming from the Vala whom lived for fighting evil, and enjoyed beating his enemies with his bare hands above all else. At his words, Yavanna looked up.
"Yes, there are, but I'm not sure he is strong enough right now to survive any of them." The Queen of the Earth closed her eyes, shaking her head. "His mind…" She opened her eyes, glancing at those around her. "I have never encountered a creature so broken. Never. Not even in Utumno, was anyone in this much pain. I…I…"
The Valië's shoulders shook as she started sobbing. Without a word, Aulë left his throne to hug her. Yavanna buried her head in her husband's chest. Aulë rubbed her back with more tenderness than one would expect from someone as large and intimidating as the Smith.
"Shhhhhh. It's going to be okay, my love. We will look after him, and help him heal. I have failed him once already. I will not fail him a second time."
Ulmo gave the Smith a sharp look.
"What makes you say that?"
Aulë looked across at the Lord of Water; guilt and grief etched into his features.
"You saw his memories. Over half the reason Mairon defected to Morgoth in the first place, was because of my behaviour towards him."
Oromë spoke up.
"Yes, we all saw his memory of you. Is there a specific reason for him to have felt that way?"
Aulë gave a slow nod.
"Yes. I was so busy all the time, trying to undo the damage Morgoth wrought on the world, that I did not have a lot of time to spend with the Maiar whom served me. Not after their initial training ended, and especially towards the end. And when I did, while I admired their efforts, I also critiqued them when necessary. Not that this young one's work needed much critiquing. He was one of the best I have ever had the privilege of teaching. However, I can understand how my neglect would make him feel like I did not care. Praise is not something I give lightly. And, I was not in the mood to praise anything back then. This, what has happened to him, is my fault. If there is any way to reclaim him from the darkness, and make amends to him for my deeds, then I will see it done."
Ulmo spoke quietly.
"I do not think it is entirely your fault, though I can see how you might have influence his decisions. But remember, it is thanks to you Ossë came back to me. You convinced him to stay with us. I see the similarities between him, and Mairon's situations. Though Mairon has suffering far more than Ossë ever did. I knew Morgoth was evil; but even I did not know the true depths of his cruelty. Manwë." He turned to face the Lord of all the Valar, straightening as he did so. "I support Aulë in this. I will take responsibility for any consequences that may result if our decision goes ill."
Manwë acknowledge them with a nod. His expression was grim, but all one had to do was look at his eyes to know he was not handling this as well as he appeared. Truth be told, none of them were handling it very well. To know Morgoth (who had once been one of them) had done such a cruel and brutal thing to a Maia in his service…
Varda, who had been silent since the memories finished, now spoke in a soft voice. But, the effect her words had on those gathered was so immense, she might as well have shouted.
"I agree with Ulmo and Aulë. Morgoth violated his mind and soul before the Battle of the Powers. Before we defeated and arrested him the first time. Before we offered him redemption. Before we realised he was evil, and not about to change his ways. Can we truly blame Sauron for what occurred afterwards, when Morgoth went back to Middle Earth after deceiving us all? He was full of rage against both us and the Children; determined to get revenge by any means possible. By Sauron's own memories, he was kept in thrall to him against his will for thousands of years before that happened. His very fëa was torn apart, and shaped into something he never wished for it to be. Can we say for certain that any of his actions after this were of his own volition? That anything he has done, since even before the Battle of the Powers, was by choice, and not forced upon him?"
She said no more, but she didn't have to. The implications of what she had said reverberated around the circle, as every single Vala was forced to re-evaluate the beliefs they had held for so long. The conclusion they all come to was horrifying. Made even more so by the fact they had given Morgoth a second chance after he had hurt Mairon in such a brutal way.
He had already committed inexcusable crimes, when he'd been set free in Valinor without restrictions, allowed to do as he pleased once more.
That thought, more than anything, helped those struggling with deciding what to do, to make up their minds. Nessa, Tulkas, Oromë and Vána (the last of who had remained silent throughout the whole ordeal, having nothing to add), now agreed with Aulë's decision. Vairë, who also hadn't said anything since the council started, gave her husband a questioning look.
"Námo?"
The Doomsman looked up at her. He was still sitting with Nienna and Sauron; Estë had since gone back to her throne, and was talking quietly with Irmo. His powers masked his eyes, concealing his emotions once more. But, Vairë could feel her husband's deep pain very acutely through their marital bond.
"Yes?"
"Do you agree? What are you thinking?"
Námo gently pushed a strand of hair out of the Maia's face, before replying.
"Yes. I agree he deserve a chance. But, there must be boundaries in place. To protect both him, and us."
Manwë gave him a keen look.
"Are you suggesting we bind him?"
The Doomsman frowned.
"No. At least, not in the traditional way. That would require too much contact with his mind. He is not strong enough for that at present. Right now, his mind is broken and unguarded. It would take very little to tip him over the edge. He is only as calm as he is, because I'm shielding him. He is incapable of doing it himself right now. And, he will need to do a lot of healing before he is remotely capable of doing so again. We need some way to both shield his mind, and bind the dark powers Morgoth gave him where they can harm no one. Until he is strong enough for us to attempt to remove them from his mind and soul. If he ever is."
Vairë's voice was soft.
"He is not strong enough to do that now?"
Námo shook his head.
"If we tried to do that right now, it would drive him insane. If it didn't kill him first."
Manwë nodded his acceptance of Námo's observations, before looking around at the other Valar.
"So, we need some way to shield his mind, and ensure he cannot access the dark sorcery magic he was given. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we can do?"
Aulë spoke up, though his voice was somewhat hesitant. He had separated from his wife at some point, and now each sat on their respective thrones.
"I do. I could make him a collar that would do all of that. But, it would bind his natural Maiarin powers as well. The Maiar may not be as strong as we are, but their abilities are almost identical in nature. It would be too complicated to try and differentiate between them. Given time, I might be figure out a way to do it, but…"
Manwë shook his head.
"We don't have time for you to do that. We need a solution as soon as possible. How long will it take to make this collar?"
The Smith shrugged.
"One that binds all his powers? A day. At most."
Manwë suspected Aulë could probably make the proposed collar in far less time than a day. But, he also realised the Smith wanted time to make sure it was perfect. He still cared for the Maia who had once served him, and was horrified at what had been done to him.
They all were.
Oromë, who had been silent for some time, now spoke.
"A collar is a good idea. But, it is only a short-term solution. We still have much to decide on, including what type of punishment -"
Irmo shot him a look that promised interesting dreams and desires if not adhered to.
"If any," Oromë quickly amended, "he shall receive once he is a bit stronger. Stop looking at me like that, Lórien. I do not wish to see him hurt anymore then you do. I am simply concerned for the future."
Irmo's eyes softened.
"I am as well. Especially his future."
Manwë, secretly relieved that was sorted without him having to intervene, now spoke up calmly.
"We will sort that out in time. I'm not suggesting we trust him just yet. That would be foolish. However, we owe it to him to undo the damage Morgoth wrought. He deserves to be looked after and protected, and given an opportunity to earn our trust. Allowing him some time to heal, before we subject him to any type of punishment for the deeds he did of his own volition, is the right thing to do. For now, having his powers bound will be punishment enough. Don't forget, he must learn to trust us as well. This will only work if he wants to be redeemed, and serve us willingly by choice. And that can only happen after we prove to him we are different to his previous master."
Varda nodded in agreement.
"That is very true, my husband. Sauron has no more reason to trust us, then we have to trust him. In fact, considering what we just learnt, he has less reason. For too long, service to him has meant being forced to do whatever his master desires, without any thought for his own safety or well-being. Trust has been almost non-existent in his life; and has always led to pain and suffering. Teaching him otherwise will be a long and difficult task."
All the Valar sobered at that thought, the true magnitude of the situation sinking in. Finally, Manwë spoke.
"Námo. Would you…?"
The Vala was nodding before Manwë had even properly asked the question.
"Yes. I will take Sauron back to Mandos, and look after him until Aulë has the collar ready. Irmo." The Doomsman turned to look at his brother. "With your help, I may even be able to convince him to come back to us by then. It will help if he is conscious for the sentencing."
The younger of the Fëanturi immediately nodded.
"I will do what I can."
With that, the trial was adjourned until the next evening. One by one, the Valar disappeared, until only Námo, Nienna and Irmo were left. Námo, who was still kneeling next to Nienna and Sauron, now reached out, taking the unresponsive Maia from his sister. Nienna's reluctance to hand him over was plain, and she look at Sauron with a sad smile as she placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.
Though still incognizant and almost-unconscious, the young Maia tensed at the change in contact. He went to pull his head away, before freezing in the movement. He subconsciously recoiled, and cowered, as if waiting for a blow for his insolence. Námo frowned as a wave of pain, fear, disobedience, must obey flared from behind the shields he had erected. Irmo's eyes widened as he received an unprepared for avalanche of negative emotions and thoughts so strong, it left him momentarily reeling.
Nienna, while not as affected as the Fëanturi, sensed these feelings as well. The sorrow on her face deepened even further.
Look after him well, brother-mine.
Námo's eyes met hers.
You know I will.
Nienna's smile grew even sadder, fresh tears leaking from her eyes. Her hands ghosted over Sauron's hair, though she did not touch him. She feared it would cause him more distress then it was worth.
This Maia was the most broken creature she had ever encountered. And that broke her heart.
I know. He could not be in better hands.
Sundown the next day saw all fourteen Valar once again assemble in the Máhanaxar. Námo was the last to arrive, and was a little late; he brought a conscious but exhausted Sauron with him. Ignoring the other Valar, the Doomsman helped the unsteady Maia kneel in the middle of the ring. After saying something that he received a tired nod to, Námo took his seat opposite Manwë.
The Elder King stood up.
"Sauron. Considering recent events, we have unanimously decided to grant you mercy, and offer you a second chance to live here with us. However, it comes with several restrictions and conditions. Know, if you ever relapse into your evil ways, the consequences will be great. Though we will do everything in our power not to let that happen, we can only help you if you allow us to. This is the only chance you will get. Lord Námo. List the conditions."
Having spent the previous day and night in the care of the Vala, Sauron did not react when Námo stood up. Even though the Doomsman was once again at his back (and his presence was as grim as ever), the Maia seemed to have lost a great deal of the fear that had been present the previous day.
Either that, or he was just too tired to care what happened to him anymore. Manwë thought that was probably a more likely explanation, though he hoped a little of the former played into it.
It would make what was coming easier.
"Mairon. The conditions of your second chance are as follows. Your powers, both your natural Maiarin abilities, and those dark ones granted to you by the one known as Morgoth, will be bound. They will remain that way, until such a time as we decide you are strong enough for us to remove Morgoth's influence from your soul. For this purpose, you will wear a collar until the time of our choosing. Do you accept this judgement?"
The Maia swallowed; the skin around his eyes and mouth tightening slightly. Then, he gave a sharp jerk of his head.
"I do."
Manwë nodded.
"Lord Aulë?"
Mairon flinched, and then froze, as his first lord rose and came over to him. He kept his gaze fixed on the ground, refusing to look anyone in the eyes. The only time he moved was when Aulë opened the collar. Then, though a shudder ran through his body, Mairon tilted his head, exposing his scarred neck to ease the Smith's actions. Another shudder ran through him, and he closed his eyes as if in pain, as the collar locked with a soft click, sitting comfortably just below his collarbone. Manwë knew the perceived pain was not from the collar (Aulë had put a great deal of effort into ensuring the Maia would not even feel it) and he frowned at the signs there was even more to the abuse this poor child had suffered at his brother's hands then they had seen.
Though, his lips did twitch upwards when he saw the collar Aulë had formed. Indeed, collar was a poor name for the ornament adorning Sauron's neck. The Smith had fashioned it so it looked more like an elegant necklace. Though Manwë knew it had a tilkal core (as it was the only metal capable of restraining the dark power the Maia wielded), all that could be seen on the exterior was a finely cast band of shining gold. It was set at regular intervals with tiny red gems that matched the Maia's hair, and had intricate patterns carved into it.
It was truly a work of art. Aulë had clearly gone to a lot of trouble to make something that would not have looked out of place on one of the Valar.
After ensuring the collar was on correctly, Aulë addressed Sauron directly.
"This necklace will both bind your powers, and shield your mind until you are able to. You will find the mechanism in it functions like any normal mental shield would. It will protect you from the thoughts of others, and keep anyone out of your mind that you don't allow access. But, it will still enable you to let someone in, if you so desire. That function works on conscious thought, but otherwise, it will shield your mind without you having to think about it. I made the shield strong; even a Vala would have a hard time getting through it if you didn't willingly let them in."
The Maia nodded in understanding; he seemed much calmer when he heard that. Aulë then turned to address the other Valar.
"I have designed it to only be removed by myself, Lord Manwë, or Lord Námo."
The Doomsman raised an eyebrow at Manwë, whose satisfied look showed this had been his doing. Aulë resisted the urge to run a hand through the Maia's recently brushed hair (his physical appearance was vastly improved from the last time he'd been here. His form also seemed different, though Aulë couldn't put his finger on exactly what had changed), and returned to his throne in silence. The most pressing concern out of the way, Manwë nodded to Námo to conclude the Maia's judgement.
"In addition to the collar, you will be remanded to my care in Mandos, until I deem your mind healed enough for you to begin proving your sincerity to us. When that time comes, subject to mine and Lord Manwë's approval, you will be permitted to choose a Vala to serve with."
"Until then, you will be given your own living quarters in Mandos. At least at first, you will not be allowed to leave them without me being present. You will also not be permitted to wander around freely in Valinor, unless I give you permission, and a Vala is with you. This is partially for your own safety, as well as that of others. Do you accept these restrictions?"
"Yes." Sauron whispered.
Námo sat down. The judgment having been passed and accepted, Manwë stood to conclude the trial.
"Sauron. Before we conclude these proceedings, do you have any final words?"
The Maia nodded slowly. Glancing up, he spoke in a voice that was no louder than a whisper.
"Could… Could I please have my… my original name back?"
All the Valar (except Námo) blinked, many a taken back at such a simple request. As far as they were concerned, the Maia had never lost his name. Bewildered, Manwë looked across at Námo for help. Understanding dawned in his eyes as the Judge's mind briefly touched his. Not for the first time, Manwë wondered just what had happened between Námo and the Maia in Mandos during the last twenty-four hours.
"If you wish to be known once again as Mairon, then that is what you shall be called from this moment onwards by all the Valar. Do you have any more questions?"
The Maia shook his head. Manwë brought the trail to a swift conclusion.
"I declare this trail ended, and justice served."
With that, the Valar began to leave, though some remained huddled in groups, talking. Manwë left his throne, and walked into the middle of the ring to help Mairon stand. Aulë had cornered Námo, and was deep in conversation. Once the exhausted Maia gained his feet, Manwë placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"I do not want to see you hurt more, but this chance is the only one you will get. Use it wisely, Mairon. Don't let us regret showing mercy this time."
The Maia looked up at the King. His exhaustion was evident in every line of his body, but there was a spark of hope in his eyes that hadn't been there before. That small spark alone convinced Manwë he had done the right thing.
He just hoped he wouldn't end up regretting it. But, somehow, he didn't think he would.
"I will. And you won't." Mairon stated, bowing as low as his exhausted body would allow, and almost landing back on the ground for his efforts. Manwë held him steady until he'd regained his balance. "Thank you."
The collar idea is lifted from AzureSkye's story, The Bond Between Brothers.
That concludes the main part of the story. However, we still have a Missing Scene, and then a Melkor point-of-view scene, left to go.
Feedback is appreciated, and may help ensure Valinor is not burnt to a crisp. Which is a very real possibility right now. The Plot Bunnies woke up this morning muttering something about explosions in the Blessed Lands happening in the Sequel...
