"Across Dark Waters" is a short two-part story by Zimraphel based on the events of the Silmarillion, in particular the hours following the fall of Gondolin.
Although the story is short, what it lacks for in length it more than makes up for in punch. This is a potent tale woven with great expertise because the author gives us just enough information to form a picture of the stygian world she has crafted without being overly descriptive. While she states early on in the story that the concept is in part based on Greek mythology's Charon and the passage across the Styx, her depiction of this elven equivalent is so well formed that one hardly remembers this. It is such a plausible and apt scenario that one could be forgiven for thinking that if Tolkien had intended to describe the journey to Mandos, it would resemble this.
The tale follows the Ferryman who has been bound to this duty for many ages, serving a sentence for a crime that is not immediately revealed. He feels no repentance for what he has done but he does feel sorrow and this is reflective in the sadness of his words even when he is debating the healing power of laughter with Namo. I particularly enjoyed the bantering between the Ferryman and the lord of the Underworld, as it resembles that of a stubborn child accepting that his teacher might know more but not necessarily everything. One gets the sense this is only the latest debate between the two and that their arguments have been an ongoing process for many ages. It is rare that we get a glimpse of the Valar and here in particular, Zimraphel shines in her characterization of Namo. While he is a disembodied voice we never get to see, his personality is formed by his conversations with the Ferryman. Dialogue like this is a delight to read:
"I take what I find," he chortled. "I never hear you laughing."
A dark mist coalesced on the quay above him. *Laughter is not my business, Elda. The Halls are a place of reflection, repentance and healing*
The second part of this story comes from the Ferryman's discovery of his final passenger across the dark river and here we are introduced to Maeglin, freshly hurled over the wall of Idril and Eärendil's home by Tuor. Once again, thanks to Zimraphel's deft handling, we are shown just what kind of person Maeglin is and there is a sense of foreboding that despite the arrogant streak he bandies about in his discussions with the Ferryman, he is about to get his comeuppance in a big way.
Once again it is the dialogue in this story that is so remarkable, we find that Maeglin is far from remorseful over his infamous end and his arrogance fills anyone who reads his thoughts with an intense sense of dislike. We can see by his comments why Idril chose to shun him. It is clear from their conversation across the river and Zimraphel's excellent use of understated characterization, that the Ferryman regards Maeglin with bitter recognition and understands now why Namo has paid particular attention to this elf.
The conclusion of this story is a treat and I won't spoil it but to say that it is very poetic. The Ferryman is revealed and in the revelation the reader discovers what fate is to befall Maeglin. Even Maeglin himself is unable to bear it but bear it he will because he has no choice in the matter. The sorrow he never felt for his victims makes its presence felt and one almost feels sorry for him. However, it is the Ferryman's departing speech which I enjoyed most of all. It is filled with the fire one expects from his character when it is revealed, as well as an understanding of why he did what he did and what he was learnt since becoming the Ferryman. "Across Dark Waters" is really his story.
This is a tale driven by clever dialogue and well depicted atmosphere. Zimraphel has given us a deeply potent story, full of darkness and yet filled with hope because you are left with the feeling that one day Maeglin will make the Ferryman's final journey and he will be the better for it. One can come away from the story feeling very satisfied that justice was done and that Namo's will is wise. I applaud Zimraphel for her wonderful characterization and giving much-deserved closure to one of the Silmarillion's greatest characters.