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| In the High King's Secret Service by Fiondil | 13 Review(s) |
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| Siiw | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 12/2/2013 |
| Wow. It has been so quiet and peaceful for several chapters, and now this. Poor Voronwë and Marilla, they must feel like the world has turned upside down. Valandur has had all this time to slowly adapt and cope with everything he has experienced, and this must be difficult to comprehend for them. To be honest, things happened so fast here that also I felt like everything changed faster than I could take it in. :p I haven't read the "laws and customs", so please forgive me if this is a stupid question. Is the practice where parents arrange betrothals a royal custom, or a Noldorin one? I have always had the impression that the Elves knew when they had met their life partner, and that they stayed with each other forever. Finwë remarried, and Nerdanel left Fëanor, and all of those were Noldorin. Of course, the Silmarillion focuses so much on the Noldor that it could be coincidence. I first thought the hooded figure was Olorin! This was full of surprises, and was it maybe meant to go this fast to make us feel some of the shock that the characters felt? Author Reply: Hi Siiw. You're correct that I kept the pace fast so the reader would feel something of the shock that the characters felt with one thing or another. Arranged marriages are something that was common with royalty, though with Elves, I suspect that it would be more a suggestion than a regular practice since the two people would have to agree. That's why Olwë tells Finwë that he doubted either of his sons would be interested. Certainly such marriages would be considered for dynastic reasons. And you're right that the Silmarillion focuses exclusively on the Noldor so who can really say. Anyway, it's a good question. Thanks for bringing it up and thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated. | |
| Sunny | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 12/2/2013 |
| I see that Val has been rather closemouthed about his recent adventures. I'm sure his family would have wanted him to tell them what he could without having two of the kings and the Valar prod him into it, but then, I guess that Val not telling tales is another good qualification for his new job as spymaster. So now Findis and Val are betrothed, and that without Val having to exert himself at all, what with his beloved falling into his lap like an overripe fruit. I'm rather disappointed at you slighting this aspect of the story in this way, Fiondil, but then the relationship between Val and Findis has Romance cooties all over it, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Author Reply: Well, I didn't set out to write "Jane Eyre", Sunny, and if you were expecting a "Beren and Lúthien" type story, I'm afraid you're out of luck there too. For me, while the romance is certainly a big part of the story, I always saw this as a coming-of-age type story where we see just how Valandur meets and wins Findis' heart and becomes Ingwë's spymaster. Not every romance has to be of the Gothic variety or full of pitfalls and reversals and such. Sometimes, you get divine interference instead. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. | |
| UTfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 12/2/2013 |
| Fantastic chapter in all aspects: the ovation for Val's speech, the sudden appearance of royalty and a Vala, the lovely meeting between Val and Findis, and the Valar's resolution to the crisis. Val's family has to be emotionally overwhelmed. The royal appearances, the casual mention of a title for Val, the appearance and plans of the Valar and oh yes, a new daughter. I am pleased that Rumil attended as well. Hope the lunch was fun. Thank you for a tremendous chapter. Author Reply: This was probably my favorite chapter to write with all the people showing up unexpectedly. I know people have been wondering about Findis and hoping to see her again, so this should satisfy them. I'm sure it took Val's family a while to process it all and I have no doubt his parents gave him a lecture about 'leaving out important information'. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. I very much appreciate it. | |