Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

In the High King's Secret Service by Fiondil	8 Review(s)
obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/17/2013
Reunions with old friends can be bittersweet. Having just had one of those, I can relate to Valandur and his friends. Some people never realize that after all this time you might be different. With some people it is as if you just sat down yesterday and some people have drifted away and you don't have anything to say to them anymore. Luckily Valandur's friends belong more to the former category. They don't need much adjustment to continue their friendship. I got the feeling that Minalcar is older than the others and wasn't part of the inner group which might account for his misstep. Luckily, they made up and could mend their friendship. Author Reply: Yes, they can be, obsidianj. Valandur's otornor, of course, have seen Valandur on a regular basis (for Elves), so they are able to accept the changes in his life and rejoice in them, Minalcar hasn't had that opportunity, thus his misstep. Luckily, Valandur is a forgiving soul and Minalcar is 'man' enough to admit that he was in the wrong, so all's well that end's well between then. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.

Kaylee Arafinwiel	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/15/2013
Atto, This story is coming along just as well as I would expect from you, which is to say brilliantly of course. :) Sorry about my lack of reviewing; I've gotten so wrapped up in it you've left me breathless! I don't always know what to say, "I love the whole chapter and can't wait for the next one" just seems wholly inadequate. But I love Valandur and his friends - or should I say, Quisero and his friends. "Whisperer" is rather an appropriate name for a future spymaster, come to that... Anyway, I love love ten times over LOVE the blooming romance between Princess Findis and Valandur, and I can't wait to see more of it! Ingoldo was a right little pain in the arse even back then? Why do I get the feeling Ingwe sent him just to get a holiday from his brother? (to re-word one of Findarato's cleverest remarks, lol) He shouldn't have foisted off Ingoldo on Valandur, though, poor Valandur. Hopefully I'll be coherent enough to review the next chapter, lol! I suppose we'll see tomorrow. :) Tye-melin, Kaylee Author Reply: Hi Kaylee. Hey, no problem! I quite understand. I think that's why some people just wait until the last chapter is posted to review. It saves them from repeating themselves from one review to the next. grin Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying this story, especially the blooming romance between Findis and Valandur, which was the original impetus for this story, as Ellie wanted to know how the two met and fell in love. Thanks for commenting. It's always appreciated, as well you know. Take care. Tye-melin.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/13/2013
An awkward jest that backfired, obviously. Glad he went back after all. He has some good friends! Author Reply: Very awkward, Larner, but at least they made up. Valandur will need his friends while he's in Tirion. Thanks for reiviewing. It's much appreciated.

Cairistiona	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/13/2013
Oh, good gracious, this felt too much like some of the reunions I've had with family. Some never want to realize you're not the same as you were as a child, and never seem to realize that teasing, even without ill intent, can hurt. Poor Valandur--I'm glad that Minalcar was big enough to apologize. He gave Valandur the hug I wanted to! The lingering awkwardness was just right, as was the very last line. Poignant chapter! Author Reply: Hi Cairistiona. Yeah, well, we've all been there, haven't we? grin I think most people can relate to what Valandur has to put up with here. Glad you liked the last line. It is very poignant. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.

Laer	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/12/2013
Poor Valandur, so much hurt that was buried deep. Now he is his brothers love again to help heal that hurt. And his new friends also will help him heal. Great story Fiondil you make it easy to care about all of your characters :) Author Reply: Valandur has self-image issues, I'm afraid, but his otornor are there to support and love him and help, so he'll do alright. I'm glad you are enjoying the story, Laer. As far as I'm concerned, if a writer doesn't make his characters sympathetic, even those who are the 'bad guys', and make the reader care about what happens to them, then he or she has failed as a writer. If the reader doesn't care about any of the characters, even just one, then why bother reading, right? Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

demeter d	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/12/2013
Ahh, memories. I agree with the other reviewers, they can be a very mixed bag. This weekend was my high school graduating class's FORTIETH year reunion.(There, you know how old I am!) There was, indeed, some old stories, and a lot of laughter. Mostly, though, I noticed that everyone HAD changed...and mellowed. Mostly there were hugs of greeting from almost everyone, even some whom I thought did not know I existed, back then. Mostly, we all wondered how many of us would still be there in another ten years. An Elven lifespan gives one the opportunity to take time learning, preparing, trying many different endeavors. Not so much for we Edain. I am enjoying the mental picture of the city and the people you are painting for us as the tale unfolds. I feel like I am sitting in the corner of the tavern watching them. Author Reply: Hi demeter d. Well, it's been 40 years for me, too, so you're in good company. grin I am glad you are enjoying the mental picture of the city and its people that I've been painting and I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's very much appreciated.

Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/12/2013
Looks like our conversation was well-timed indeed, Fiondil! Haha. Yes, insult his intelligence and the hard work of his pursuit of scholarly endeavors, that would be enough to hit a hot button. I'm glad they made up, though from the conversation it makes me wonder if perhaps their somewhat rocky relations aren't being mirrored in many other friendships (or former friendships, at this point) between their two peoples. It's like seeing a microcosm of a larger trend at play. Valandur not wanting to walk down his old street was very poignant. Ouch. Great chapter, hope you have a fantastic week! :) -Kevana Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Well-timed indeed. And you may be correct that the relationship between Valandur and Minalcar is a microcosm of a larger trend at play, and of course, we know that the relations deteriorated between the two clans over time and especially following the Darkening. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.

UTfrog	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/12/2013
I enjoyed this. Meeting old friends always brings up stories of joy and some you would just as soon no one remembered. As usual, you are weaving some complicated strands. Thank you. Author Reply: I'm glad you enjoyed this UTfrog. Meeting up with old friends can be both a pleasure and an embarrassment as they trot out stories about you you would just as soon forget and sometimes old friends remmeber how you WERE and don't realize that everyone changes over time and you may not be the same person they remember. Family members tend toward the same misperception. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Return to Chapter List