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In the High King's Secret Service  by Fiondil 8 Review(s)
LaerReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/22/2013
Wow, where have I been to miss this many reviews? My apologies Fiondil, your stories are too good not to say as much.

Looks like Valandur will make a fine leader in the future. Findis isn't so shabby at it herself. Perhaps the powers that be want to make sure other's know this of them. :)

Author Reply: Well, we know from other stories that Valandur is high in the High King's confidence, so I guess he does succeed in convincing others of his worth, or if they refused to acknowledge it, he let them go. Besides, in the end, both Finwë and Fëanáro cease to matter.

Anyway, thanks for reviewing. Late is better than never. *grin*

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/14/2013
It seems as if Findis and Intarion were both sent out of the way to "safety", but ended up in the thick of things. Well-intentioned fathers...
And Valandur was "inspired" to think of something effective to fight the fires. I have the feeling this whole fire fighting exercise is orchestrated by the Valar to teach the elves a thing or two about working together.

Author Reply: Hi obsidianj. You may be correct about that, though I am sure the Valar have more than one motive behind their actions, as we will see later on. We'll see how everyone fares and what comes of this in later chapters.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it very much.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/13/2013
I would say that Valandur was indeed being inspired. The Valar are obviously taking his name seriously, and see the potential in him that they wish to see used to the benefit of all of the Eldar of Aman.

Now, to work!

Author Reply: Indeed he was, Larner, and we'll learn more about that later on. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.

Kaylee ArafinwielReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/13/2013
Well, you definitely know how to wake me up on a Friday morning, Atto. :) Sorry, I've backslid in reviewing *again*, but the sheer awesomeness of Valandur here is sweeping me up - Findis is one *lucky* girl. Ah, elleth. Nis. Whatever. :) I'm besotted with Valandur so, so much though - almost enough to make Thrani jealous, can you believe it O.o *huggles my Thranduil*

Well. Almost enough. :P

And speaking of love in the air - *takes up chant* Intarion loves Lirulin! :D

YAY! I knew that had to come round sooner or later. Hehehe.

Best for last...the collective expressions of everyone when Valandur suggested the inspired 'backburning' must have been some degree of "WTF"...lol.

I love how he's growing into his own and showing he's becoming the sort of ellon worthy of marrying Findis (Not that he wasn't to begin with, even as a humble Loremaster - I doubt Findis would have fallen for someone *un*worthy - but now others are beginning to see it too).

I adored the chapters in Alqualonde, btw. (I love this whole story so far, obviously I haven't been able to put it down, but the description of Alqualonde fascinated me. :) )

Wouldn't it be nice to have some water from Alqualonde to put out the fire? Or perhaps a certain lake in Valmar?

Anyway, happy Friday the 13th, for what it's worth, and I hope it's a lovely day for you, Atto. *hugs muchly*

Tye-melin,

Kaylee



Author Reply: Hi Kaylee. I'm glad you are still reading and enjoying this story and found the description of Alqualondë fascinating. Valandur is indeed growing into his own and we'll see how he continues to do so over the course of the rest of the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Have a great Friday the 13th yourself.

KevanaReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/13/2013
Finwë's fighting a losing battle if he thinks he can keep Findis anywhere but precisely where she intends to be. :P I don't believe she's going to be very happy with her father over this. But in any case it looks like she and the rest of the crew are in precisely the right place to fight the fire no matter the Noldoran's (albeit well-intended and understandable) machinations.

Glad Valandur got that little moment of inspiration. Yes, fight this fire by setting MORE things on fire! That had to sound so utterly insane. I love it. This scene illustrates one of those great moments where something extremely counterintuitive happens that ends up being truly awesome, ex: the first person who ever looked at a lobster and said "You know what, I'm going to eat that." Oromë must hate to lose any of his trees, but at the same time if it's for the purpose of educating the Elves I'm sure he'd let it happen, so I guess we'll see what happens with the forest.

Intarion has a girl-friend, Intarion has a girl-friend! *grin*

Thanks for the great update, Fiondil! Hard to believe it is almost fall, especially with the weather still so warm, but I am dying for sweaters and pretty leaves and cool nights and pumpkin-flavored everything. You have a spectacular weekend and watch out for flying monkeys.

-Kevana

Author Reply: Hi Kevana. It does look as if Findis and Valandur are where they need to be. We'll see how successful they are in carrying out the task of saving the Fiefdoms and Oromë's trees. Thanks for commenting and have a great weekend yourself. And yes, I will definitely watch out for flying monkeys. They still scare the living daylights out of me.

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/13/2013
In reading this, it struck me just how difficult--nearly impossible--it must have been to fight wildfires in the days before modern techniques like fire retardant and water drops were possible. But like now, nothing is more effective than a shift in the wind and a good hard rain. Somehow, though, I don't think they'll get each, so thank goodness at least for Valandur's inspiration about back burning. That the entire chapter had me figiting and muttering, 'Hurry!!!!' throughout means the suspense was very well written. *g*

Author Reply: I imagine it must've been harrowing for people and far more dangerous than it is today. I'm glad you found the chapter suspenseful, Cairistiona. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/13/2013
It definitely sounds as if the Valar have some ulterior motives for allowing this fire! And it sounds as if two items get crossed off their list in this chapter: One is, of course, the meeting between Intarion and Lirulin, and one other is clearly to let Valandur to show a talent for leadership: It was clearly no accident that a Maia picked _him_ to give inspiration about backburning to. As for item number three on the list that jumped into my mind when I read this chapter, well, Valandur is the chosen messenger of the Valar with their message that he should exert himself more as High King. And it sounds as if there is a crisis burgeoning here that _needs_ someone who has authority over _all three_ clans.

Author Reply: Hi Sunny. You are certainly right about all this and I'm sure there are more than three items on the Valar's to-do list. *grin* We'll see just how things develop from here. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/13/2013
So now we have two burgeoning romances! Lovely. I also like the way the Maier are helping, just not obviously. Thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. Thank you.

Author Reply: I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.

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