I like how this story is evolving, it keeps getting more and more interesting.
So Haleth gets to see an other side of Inglor, him being like a quote: 'grim, terrible and enraged Elf Lord' She should have know he can be like that.. most elves have that side.
And than the ring he give's her.. this sound interesting... why would he give her a ring to keep at least until the palantir is in the possesion of King Elessar?
Author's reply
Thank-you, Fire. The story has moved in several unexpected directions.
Yes, Haleth probably should have suspected Inglor capable of great rage, buth although she knows their histories, Haleth doesn't really understand elves. Inglor is usually so mild mannered that she assumes it's the only way he can be.
Thanks again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 31: King Bard II
Making the elf shine through the eyes of this feet-on-earth, not-much-ladylike woman is a great device. I am not sure whether Inglor has lost his innocence, or rather it is she who has begun to read him a bit better. In any case, both are having a deeper efect on each other!
Now, she must be really weak, to let the two of them converse and decide through the meeting! But then, she had to recover of this second experience of being paraded through Dale in the arms of his elf.. So much for the first time, since she did not notice... And Inglor was very clever there, to avoid being buried in flowers!!
Now the Hosluin. Enslaving a population through coffe and chocolate...and suddenly disappearing *at the same time* as the Palantir? Maybe I did not say before, but the plot behind this charming characters' itneractions is truly interesting. What happened to the roofs, now I wonder... or wonder not, I have a suspicion, but I must go back and check!
Thanks Haleth, this is wonderfully entertaining!
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth.
It's always hard to say what's going on in Inglor's mind. I know this sounds completely ridiculous but he's really still very much mystery. It's hard to say if he's lost his innocence or he's letting her see more of his honest reactions.
At least this time Haleth managed to stay conscious while Inglor was carrying her. As always, the real experience was far less enjoyable than her fantasies.
The Hosluin are entirely my invention. The idea was inspired by Tolkien's musings on the activities of the two lost blue wizards.
Thanks again!
Haleth
Bodkin
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 31: King Bard II
That was a very clever way for Inglor to avoid a triumphal progress through Dale. I don't know if Haleth is right to blame herself for exposing Inglor to an erosion of his innocence. Although he is getting much better at asking the right questions!
He manages pretty well in diplomatic conversation with King Bard, too. Haleth must be feeling pretty awful to take such a back seat. As well as confused. Bard just dropped the Palantir reference into the conversation - I wonder if he expected more of a reaction.
The Hosluin, huh? And Esgaroth is the next destination? I wonder just what havoc they will create there.
But first they're under a very genteel house arrest while Haleth recovers.
Poor Haleth. Proximity to Inglor must be a torment to her - not only because of her own attraction to him, but also because the whole female population resents her.
Most enjoyable!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin
Inglor does seem well versed in diplomacy, doesn't he? Bard must be worried to simply mention the palantir directly. He likely does not want to annoy the King of Gondor. Even though it's a long way away, it would still be a big market for Dale's goods and Gondor is far more friendly than the Easterlings, even with Sauron gone.
The idea of the Hosluin was inspired by Tolkien's description of the activities of the two Blue Wizards in Unfinished Tales.
Going around with Inglor would be akin to being friends with a celebrity of the opposite sex. No matter what you do or what you say, there will always be people who will jump to the wrong conclusions and be green with envy.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
Lianne
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 31: King Bard II
Hi there, Haleth. I've somewhat embarrassed to say that although I've been reading your story since the very first chapter, this is the first time I've left a review.
I think that you're an absolutely amazing writer, and the story's just great! I just love how you've portrayed both Haleth and Inglor, and the interesting twists in the story. Those twists and turns keep the story going, and at the end of every new chapter I find myself just aching to find out what will happen next.
I love how the story is developing, particularly Inglor and Haleth's relationship. Is he really as blank towards her feelings as he seems?
I'm really curious about Haleth, who she really is, where she came from, and why was Inglor took up with her, the reason for the rather cold welcome she got at Rivendell, and many other things as well. I really do like her though, even if so much about her is a mystery.
I totally want to read this all the way to the end, many many times! It's incredibly easy to read, and I hope you'll never stop writing. Thank you for such a wonderful story.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Liane. That's very kind of you to say. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
Is Inglor oblivious to Haleth's feelings? If you asked Haleth, she'd say he is. If you really pressed her, she'd admit he likely isn't but he's behaving that way to spare her embarrassment.
I hope you find the story interesting up to the end.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
Lyn
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 31: King Bard II
Curiouser and curiouser. Just as I thought things were going one way,
they skipped merrily down another path. A most delightful way to go!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lyn.
Out of sheer, morbid curiosity (it's a personality flaw) what did you think would happen?
You can click on Haleth on my profile page if you'd rather contact me privately.
Haleth
perelleth
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 30: Aftermath
Hey! that was a close call! And I can vey well see what an overdose of caffeine and chocolate can cause to a tired, unaccustomed person! Thankfully Inglor kept calm and figured out what to do!. The icy water shock required a great dose of bravey from his part. He knows, after all, how it feels to be knocked out by her! :-)
It would have been funny to see an hyperactive Inglor,though, but somehow I doubt Haleth would have known what to do and would have been as efficient as he was with her. But she would have certainly knocked some heads around, while thinking! I liked his quiet despair and worry, and she was conscious when he slipped into bed with her, yay! :-)
"Several things," he replied, a sad smile on his face. "The king of Dale has summoned us, the town is in a complete uproar, the palantir has gone missing again, several people have disappeared, someone tried to kill you and I have been thinking." Ha! so the palantir went missing again and Inglor is tired and sad! poor thing! And he has been thinking! Now that sounds promising.
Oh, and btw, "If Inglor was around for the revolt of the Noldor back in the Elder Days, I can see how he would have a real aversion for crowds and mob mentality" This has been added to Inglor's file.
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth
Inglor must have been banking on Haleth not having the strength to punch him very hard.
I can just picture a very jittery Inglor wandering the streets of Dale with an entourage of women following him. He'd really incite a full-fledged riot.
That darned palantir just won't stay still. It likely disappeared while Inglor was cuddled up with Haleth.
Inglor might have witnessed/participated in the Revolt of the Noldor. Then again, he may have just heard about it in songs. Primary school history lessons would have been so much more interesting if they had been taught as songs, don't you think?
Thanks again.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 30: Aftermath
"The king of Dale has summoned us, the town is in a complete uproar, the palantir has gone missing again, several people have disappeared, someone tried to kill you and I have been thinking."
I'm not sure which is the most serious of those! And Inglor is exhausted - and since he's an elf, I suspect emotional strain is what's got to him.
The ice-bath remedy sounds a bit desperate - but I suppose it worked. Somehow or other. Haleth did resume breathing. And she has come closer to - er - intimate contact with Inglor than many. Even if he was aware of the impropriety of it.
Very interesting. The bond between them seems to be increasing in strength - without either of them realising it.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
I'd be hard pressed to pick the most serious from that list, too. The statement 'I have been thinking' would probably set off alarm bells.
The incident rattled poor Inglor. Haleth's life-span is a blink of an eye for him. The finality of mortal death must be quite daunting for an elf who knows he is bound to the Circles of Arda. It's one thing to know about death intellectually. It's something entirely different to experience the full emotional impact of the unexpected demise of a friend.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
Lyn
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 30: Aftermath
Ummmmm.....one of the most pleasing stories I have read in a very long time!
Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lyn.
Haleth
Yelena_of_Baelandalai
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 30: Aftermath
So, thank God, Haleth lives!:) Your take on death is truly intrigueing. How is that spelled?? Was the poison in the coffee beans intended for Inglor, who received them originally, or was it in something else she ate? Was it deliberate? Too many questions...only time can tell.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Yelena.
Was the poisoning deliberate? Yes. But Inglor was the original target. Fortunately for Haleth, the poisoner didn't seem to understand how much physically stronger elfs are in comparison to humans.
Haleth
Yelena_of_Baelandalai
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Rooftop Minuet
Gosh! Can coffee really kill a person? How old is Haleth, anyways? I'm a bit worried for her. I've become somewhat attatched in the month it's taken me to get enough time to finish this so far. I can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Yelena
Can coffee really kill a person? Probably not the way I've described it. I was imagining there had been a few extra ingredients added to the beans to give the effect.
However...people with heart problems are better off avoiding caffeine .
How old is Haleth? Older than she looks.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
kelsey
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Rooftop Minuet
Poor girl gets herself in a mess one after the other... and I enjoy everyone of them ;) Anyway, I never know what will happen next with this story. Do you know how RARE that is? I bow down to you! (promptly bows)
Author's reply
Thank-you, kelsey
Poor Haleth really has a knack for getting into trouble. I really should come up with a story where she saves him for a change.
If you want to read good, unpredictable stories, I'd recommend Bodkin's Far Horizons, perelleth's Mathom and anything by daw the minstrel.
Thanks again for reviewing.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Rooftop Minuet
I suspect it is very very good for Inglor to find Haleth so confusing. Another new experience. But chocolate covered coffee beans? With added punch - since they seem to be making her high as a kite.
Inglor isn't a bad person to have around when you have Icarus-delusions. And feel the urge to reveal a few details about your past.
I imagine Haleth must get a trifle tired of being the bad cop to Inglor's rather glorious good guy. In the view of passers-by.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin
Maybe the confusion is one of the reasons he's still travelling with her? It's highly probable she doesn't react to things like anyone he's ever met.
The chocolate covered coffee beans are a bit over the top. There would have to have been poison added to them, possibly digitalis (foxglove) and something else. The bitterness of the beans might mask the flavour of the drug. At least that was my line of thought.
Inglor is very good to have around in the face of a clear, physical threat. Social situations he's not so skilled with.
I imagine being with Inglor would be like being an ordinary person married to a celebrity. Everyone looks at him wherever they go. They tend to ignore Haleth except for the women who are mistakenly jealous of her. Even if she was the hero people would find a way to give the credit to him.
It can't be a comfortable situation. To her credit, she doesn't seem to blame him for it although that doesn't stop her from taking out her frustrations on him.
Thank-you again for reviewing. You've given me something to think about.
Haleth
Yelena_of_Baelandalai
· 29 March 2006
· Chapter 16: Daisy on the Doorstep
Wow! I've been reading this every time I have enough time on the computer. I really like it!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Yelena. It's goot to know you're still enjoying the story.
Haleth
Fire
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Rooftop Minuet
Now there's an interesting insite to Haleth's past... Her house burned down and flooded... Is she from where I think she is?? She isn't having much luck with her feelings for Inglor is she... every time she is in his arms she's out cold :) This story just keeps getting beter and beter.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Fire
I don't know. Where to you think she's from?
Haleth is quite certain that Inglor is a good friend. While she longs for more, she knows he doesn't return her feelings. She's likely worried that if she was honest with him he would confirm this and worse, pity her. It's not a comfortable place to be.
Thanks for reviewing.
Haleth,/i>
perelleth
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Rooftop Minuet
Wow! Yay!Inglor to the rescue! pity she's not in the mood to appreciate it... I cannot help wondering how those beans would have affected Inglor had he eaten them... :-) And thankfully he's not afraid of heights!
Yet I loved the last sentence. A nice Inglorish look at a whole town just waiting for some gossip to brighten up their day! You have me worried about Haleth now, but I had to laugh at this: "If there wasn't so much geography in the way." I'm still laughing, actually. Poor one. In the arms of her Elf and too gone to appreciate it..
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth.
Inglor is a good person to have around in tight situations. Although it all depends in the situation. Sometimes he makes things worse.
Poor Haleth does seem to have the bad luck of being out cold or asleep whenever she in Inglor's arms. Maybe that's the only time he thinks it's safe enough to get close to her.
If Inglor was around for the revolt of the Noldor back in the Elder Days, I can see how he would have a real aversion for crowds and mob mentality.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
Lyn
· 27 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Rooftop Minuet
Wishing...wishing nothing keeps you from finishing this story!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lyn. That's a very encouraging thing to hear!
Haleth
Vampfan30
· 27 March 2006
· Chapter 29: Rooftop Minuet
I just started reading LOTR fanfic in the last two months. I found this story a couple of days ago, & all I can say is "WOW!!!!!".........Ok, maybe " MORE, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!"............
Author's reply
Thank-you, Vampfan30
I'm very happy to know you're enjoying the story. And there will be more for awhile yet.
Haleth
Mopsy
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Dale
I just found this story today and have read it all as soon as time allowed...it's amazing. I have nothing constructive to say, I can only melt at your feet. Bloody brilliant...please do update soon. I love, love this. Darling Inglor. Poor Haleth. It's all so real and grooving. I keep wanting to swear to intensify this inadequate description of my bliss. :P I congratulate you.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Mopsy.
I'm really glad you're enjoying the story and the characters.
Haleth
Lyn
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Dale
He night chose to remain a guest
I think what was intended was:
He might have chosen to remain a guest
This was a very entertaining chapter! Warm. Suspenseful. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lyn
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I've fixed the typo. It just goes to show one should not rely solely on spellcheck.
Haleth
perelleth
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Dale
Haleth deserved a vacation, and she took advantage of it, even if she cannot give the slip to her feelings... :-) I loved the description of the toy-maker's shop. I once heard say about someone: "he's more dangerous than a box of bombs" and it came to mind as soon as I read of Haleth buying a handful of fire-crackers. I'm currently amusing myself thinking of Haleth/fire crackers/Inglor, and Haleth-Inglor/fire crackers/Cold dragon situations...
I like how you are showing the little, subtle changes in their relatonship... or at least in the way they react to each other. As Haleth's endurance is getting lower, we come to see that he truly cares for her in his way, and that he also has his own, deep sorrows, it'd seem. You managed to convey his melancholy mood perfectly. Lovely chapter. Although, I cannot help wondering what can happen to the palantir in a town full of marriageable women and recently-addicted-to coffee/chocolate population... :-)
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth
You're right. Haleth with any variety of explosives is a disaster waiting to happen. I don't want to think of throwing Inglor and the cold drake into the mix.
Inglor cares very much for Haleth although he doesn't understand her at all. They're from very different societies and they completely miss each other's signals.
I cannot help wondering what can happen to the palantir in a town full of marriageable women and recently-addicted-to coffee/chocolate population... :-)
I can picture a horde of hyper-alert young women using the palantir to track down Inglor. Haleth would be having kittens!
Bodkin
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Dale
I love the description of the toys that can be found in Dale - and the reality of a town bereft of many of its young males. Suspicious of the drinks provider, huh? Blank-faced young women?
Except for those in pursuit of Inglor, of course. Although you don't have to be desperate to pursue him, it would seem! And Haleth is becoming much more aware of how he affects her - but hasn't noticed that he is also affected by her. (Just how long have they been travelling in the same direction, I wonder?)
The rich dark brown berries, except berries were never that smooth and shiny could be worrying. On the 'anything that looks too good to be true probably is too good to be true' principle. But at least they have the palantir back.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
Dale is an interesting town with its bells and toys. It was a lot of fun trying to imagine what sorts of toys might be in those shops.
Haleth seems to have Inglor on a very high pedestal. She can't bring herself to belief anything she says or does affects him. She's too close to the situation to see clearly.
And you're probably right about the berries.
Thanks again.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 27: Interlude IV
Doesn't sound good!
Author's reply
It isn't so bad. Long, scaly and really ugly, but not so bad.
Anna Wing
· 22 March 2006
· Chapter 23: The Stay in Rivendell
Sorry, I just wanted to mention that Rivendell is never described (or illustrated) by Tolkien as a city. It could probably best be described as a settlement centred on the Last Homely House, although no buildings are ever mentioned except the House itself.
Author's reply
Please don't apologise for pointing out a canonical error. You're quite right and I've corrected the references. Any settlement in the wild would need outbuildings like barns, smithies and such. I took the liberty of giving Rivendell a weapons yard. Given the remote circumstances and the proximity of orcs and trolls in the nearby mountains, it didn't see too far a stretch.
Thank-you for pointing out the mistake.
Haleth
perelleth
· 21 March 2006
· Chapter 27: Interlude IV
A dragon! After them? Did they steal his palantir? Are they going to Erebor with a dragon on tow? THat's not going to ensure them a warm welcome, not even with Inglor's abilities!
Author's reply
Yes, a dragon. It's just an old cold drake with breathing problems. It's not nearly as impressive or destructive as Smaug and the firedrakes. They stole something from it, but it wasn't a palantir.
It would make negotiations with the dwarves for the palantir interesting, wouldn't it? Although I guess with the palantir, the dwarves would at least see the three of them coming. (Assuming they weren't using it to watch something else.)
Thank-you for reviewing.
Haleth
perelleth
· 18 March 2006
· Chapter 26: A Day in Wilderland
Ah! Haleth has finally found one thing she is good at and which interests the Elf! good for her! INglor's reaction was...beautiful, moving, I'd say. And for once they have found a different ending to one of their discusions. Haleth would do well remembering this strategy,:-) It also moved me that she could revive faces and voices while singing songs that hadn't been sung... for an Age? How old is she?
Not sure about Haleth, but I, for one, do not remember what happened last time they crossed Mirkwood... (hints, ;-))
As for my list of clues, well :-) A blond, scholarly, friend of mortals, Elf called Inglor, respected and -to a certain point- protected in Rivendell, and well-versed in dwarven etiqquette... well, as I said in my first review, I am taking him for his namesake and I haven't been dissapointed so far! :-)
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth
It's interesting to speculate on how an elf would react to something entirely new. Poor Inglor. His first new experience in millennia is rude songs.
How old is Haleth? Older than she looks.
Not sure about Haleth, but I, for one, do not remember what happened last time they crossed Mirkwood... (hints, ;-))
Hopefully some of those blank memories will be filled in.
Thanks again.
Haleth