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In the High King's Secret Service by Fiondil	6 Review(s)
Kevana	Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/27/2013
I can just imagine Ingwë's reaction to reading his daughter's poem! I wonder if Elves have the equivalent of putting schoolwork up on the fridge. That's the kind of thing you hang onto and pull out at your kid's wedding to embarrass them. grin Indil's adorable, did you mention in one of your stories what she grows up to do? With an imagination like that she might make a good composer herself. Lirilissë seems to have a misunderstanding of how plurals work. Minstrels, dear. More than one. But then she also seems to have a lack of understanding about how to take others' input well. Voronwë is a fascinating person! He was one of the original "unborn" Elves, wasn't he? Or was that Valandur's grandparents? He must have some incredible stories to tell. His wit is sharp enough to notch steel. Not necessarily a good thing when Val's trying to be clandestine...but glad to see he's able to impart some good information here. I see what you mean about the easy integration of information-gathering and minstrels, given their role in society. Much as I hate to say it, their somewhat low societal status probably makes them even more ideal because nobody would ever consider them a threat. Remembering my music major friends from college and what they'd say if they'd had to make their own instrument! I can't decide who'd be the most unhappy, the pianists or the tuba players. Do you imagine serving the Valar being a bit like being a nun or monk, or similar? Curious how that would have worked. Finally getting caught up! -Kevana Author Reply: Hi Kevana. Valandur says he's the third generation of those who remember Cuiviénen, so his parents were born and it was his grandparents who were "unborn". And he does have a very sharp wit and Val needs to be careful around him. And the musician's making their own instruments would not have had to deal with pianos and tubas, just harps and drums and flutes and viols and the like. And I'm not sure how serving the Valar would be. I've not really thought about it. It would be interesting to explore more fully someday. Glad you're catching up. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/27/2013
Valandur should not underestimate his father. Asking questions like this seemingly out of the blue might give away more than he thinks. Lirilisse seems to be a bit of work. If people like her and Feanor are more widespread, Melkor woouldn't have to look far for his purposes. Let's see how Ingwe will deal with her. Author Reply: You're right, obsidianj, he shouldn't and he doesn't, at least not usually. Lirilissë is something else for sure and I'm sure neither she nor Fëamor were unique in Elven society. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.

Cairistiona	Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/25/2013
Ha, I can just picture that little smile on Val's lips! Very amusing. :) And an interesting chapter all around, lots of groundwork being laid. I do love how concerned Val is about raising the self-esteem of the minstrels. He really has a heart of gold. Author Reply: Hi Cairistiona. Yes, there's a lot of groundwork being laid here. And Val is special and cares for people. He'll be good for the minstrels. He is definitely their champion. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/18/2013
Ah, but this has been a productive day, it appears. And I rejoice that he seeks to help those who are minstrels find the means to appreciate their true gifts. Author Reply: A very productive day, Larner, and Ingwë and Valandur will work hard to give the minstrels a sense of self-worth. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/18/2013
Val is certainly off to a flying start as both tutor and spymaster! It sounds as if Lirilissë is someone who might have given Fëanáro some special tutoring in arrogance and generally being a right bastard. And I wonder if more bards than Voronwë have concerns about their guildmaster's attitudes. Ingwë certainly won't be happy to hear what Voronwë had to say about her! I rather wonder about the inner workings of the bards' guild. It wouldn't surprise me if the minstrels are required to pay full membership fees to be enrolled - but you've made it clear that they don't have any say in how it is run. And it also wouldn't surprise me if these "lesser members" of the Guild also get less service and fewer protections than full bards. Hopefully there will be a shakeup in the bards' guild - if not, I bet Lirilissë will have a fit when a mere minstrel gets a coveted position she thinks should have gone to a "real bard" - though I'd guess Val will ensure that his _real_ work stays under the radar. ;-) Author Reply: Hi Sunny. Yes, he is. I'm sure Lirilissë and Fëanáro would get along like a house on fire even if she is a Vanya. Those two are a right pair, that's for sure. We'll be seeing the guild master shortly in her confrontation with Ingwë. Hold on to your hat for the fireworks. grin As for the guild itself, we will see what Ingwë decides to do with that as well. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's much appreciate.

UTfrog	Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/18/2013
Can't wait to see the upcoming contest of wills! Also Valandur got some of his brains from his father! Thanks for a good update. Author Reply: Well, he had to get his brains from somewhere. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

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