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In the High King's Secret Service  by Fiondil 7 Review(s)
KevanaReviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/8/2013
Well that certainly was meant to send a message about what they thought of his behavior. Hmph. Pardon me while I surreptitiously attempt to slip a modern recording device to Valandur through a conveniently located hole in the space/time/reality continuum.

Names are such a funny thing. I love the old myths about names having power, though I suppose they do have a sort of actual power. It will certainly get your attention when someone hollers yours at you! Thank you for the translations at the end, it puts things a bit more in perspective with what's said in the chapter, and particularly in regards to the Elves' naming traditions.

I do wonder why his friends avoided the city entirely, that seems odd! It's cute, though, to see them engage in that time-honored rite of friendship, "Tease The Lovestruck Till They Turn Red."

I am pondering Valandur's personality type and I have a few impressions, but I think I'd do better to wait to get the full picture once the story's progressed. :)

On a different topic I have to admit that a particular curse regarding Morgoth's anatomy that you've written in other stories stuck in my mind until now I'm wondering if some enterprising Elves didn't craft some interesting curses based on the other Valar. And what they might be. I think you see where this is going. So far "Varda's star-spangled nightgown" is my favorite.


Finally caught up just in time for Friday! Had a family member in the hospital but all is well now.

Thanks for the update!
-Kevana


Author Reply: Hi Kevana. I have my own ideas about Valandur's personality type since I needed it for the next Elf Academy installment. When you feel confident enough to share your ideas, you now where to find me.

As for curses, I wouldn't be surprised, considering how linguistically inventive the Elves are, especially the Noldor. I'm sure they had any number of curses related to Námo when they were in exile. *grin*

I'm glad your family member is on the road to recovery now. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.

LaerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/5/2013
Elves are rather social things aren't they. :) I am glad he has friends who will look out for him and not suck him dry...or will they? ;)

Author Reply: Hi Laer. They are as social as we are and if your friends are sucking you dry then they're not your friends, are they? *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/3/2013
At least Valandur's friends don't mind that he is late. That was a very relaxing evening after all the upset in the morning. I think Valandur needed it.

Author Reply: They are his otornor after all, so they are willing to make allowances. And Valandur definitely needed to be around his true friends who appreciate him. Thanks for leaving a comment, obsidian. I appreciate it very much.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/3/2013
I see Finwe isn't the only Noldo to have little imagination in naming his children! Heh! And I'm not surprised to see Valandur is smitten with Findis. I doubt, however, he is anywhere as far below her as he imagines.

Author Reply: Which is why it's hard to remember who is who sometimes, with the names sounding all alike. You can blame the Professor for that. *grin* And Valandur is not as far below Findis as he or others think, and we will see how their relationship develops over the course of the story. Thanks for leaving a review, Larner. It's much appreciated.

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/2/2013
Hee hee... nothing like friends for pointing out that which you'd rather keep hidden. Smitten indeed! And still well-loved by his old friends, which has to be a balm for him. Also loved 'First-son', 'Second-son'... I have this picture of Thing 1 and Thing 2 in my head now. *g*

Author Reply: Very true, Cairistiona. And I suspect that Valandur secretly enjoyed the gentle teasing by his friends even if he felt embarrasses as well. I had fun with the earlier nameing practices among the Elves and we will see more such instances later on, a glimpse of an even earlier time in their history when they were far more innocent and still learning about their world. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.

someoneReviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/2/2013
Valandur has been only a few days in Tirion and he has already sneaked off from a feast (which insulted Finwë), got insulted by Fëanor, virtually told everyone involved in the negotiations that they are idiots for not having merchants among the delegates (which upset everyone) and now he's going to spend more time with Findis (which might upset Finwë, when he realizes that Valandur has fallen in love with her). No wonder he's going to return home in disgrace, if this is only a start. And it's fun (and frustating!) to read this and see the coming disaster that Valandur can't see approaching.

Author Reply: Yeah, he's a magnet for trouble, isn't he, and it's not going to get any better, as we will see. Glad you find it fun, even if frustrating, someone. I had fun imagining how to make his life miserable and what brought about his disgrace. Hope you find is equally amusing as you continue reading this story. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/2/2013
Love the friends catching him out as smitten.

Author Reply: Yeah, he may deny it, but he is. Thanks for reading and reviewing, UTfrog. It's appreciated.

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