Lihan Taifun
Nienna tries to hide her deep worry, as she walks beside Aulë in the shady forest on the plains of the Blessed Lands. For a while they walk in an imitation of companionable silence. If Aulë can calm his thoughts on his own, so much the better. He will speak when he is ready.
The role of the Valar — of all the Ainur — was once to built this world; and now to guide and teach the Children who inhabit it. Yes, there had been disagreements about policy from time to time, but on the whole the race of Ainur worked together smoothly, each tending to their own sphere of interest. No matter what is causing Aulë to spout such angry nonsense, such outbursts will likely soon disrupt the governance of the world. Or perhaps Aulë, as lord of the building materials of the earth, might channel his temper into earthquakes and volcanoes. No, that would not do at all! Far better to encourage him to talk, and to settle himself, even — Nienna realizes — if she must set aside her other responsibilities for a bit. An unaccountably angry Vala takes priority!
As she walks, she carefully composes a message to her brothers, Námo of Mandos and Irmo, now disguised as Estelin in Alqualondë. Not a full, open, two-way telepathic conversation, where she might accidentally let her thought slip to Aulë's behavior. Best not to bring him into public disgrace, certainly not when he already felt his reputation was in some way tainted. Just a simple, neutral statement of a slight change in schedule:
"My dear brothers, an urgent matter has arisen that needs my attention. I may be delayed a day or a few days. I will then make my rounds in Mandos, as planned, and return to the mortal shore of Alqualondë as soon as possible."She concentrates on sending that, and only that.
The two Valar walk on, through the eternally flawless green of the forest, among the perfect wildflowers, joy of Lady Vána, under the unclouded light of the Sun. The wall of stone that surrounds the dark flowers is behind them now, but Nienna is still haunted by a vague sense of something not-quite-right. Though it is difficult to concentrate on subtleties while the powerful Vala beside her is scowling and stomping.
> The Message Received > Next Nienna and Aule