Pitfalls of the Palantir by Haleth
yelena · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 1: The Cold Waste
Wow. That may have been one of the funniest things I've read in a while fanfic wise that wasn't about Merry and Pippin. I can't wait to read the next twenty-some chapters!
Author's reply
Thank-you, yelena I hope you enjoy the story. I should have posted of warning of extreme length on it. Haleth
Bodkin · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 21: An Inauspicious Arrival
Poor Haleth. The more she tries to be discreet and anonymous, the more she stands out. And she is seriously uncomfortable here. I wonder why? What made Elrond command that she be treated kindly while she feels that everyone is suspicious of her. It must be more than Inglor's presence. She fascinates me. Her background is clearly very complicated - and she wants to hide it as deeply as possible. The thought of the elves imitating her ... adventures with peas, though. Not to be recommended!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin. The inspiration for the pea up the nose episode was taken from an actual incident. I wouldn't advise it. You're quite right about Haleth. She has a long, convoluted past and she is not proud of the things she's done. Thank-you again for reviewing. Haleth
Bodkin · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 20: The Mystery is Solved
Poor Inglor. He just doesn't do idiom. Or is he trying to wind up Haleth? I love her gloomy consideration that he doesn't notice what a mess she is because, to his elegant elven mind, she's always a mess. And elf souvenir hunting! It's hilarious. I can just see them all hanging round outside his hotel and screaming when this shade wearing megastar pops his head out the window. And Haleth's sympathies are now with the chambermaid. Understandable. She has enough problems of her own with the elf. But she must feel invisible at times - these girls only see Inglor - and only notice her if they are looking on her as a rival. Haleth is a very interesting character. Vast experience in vastly unexpected places - with a vast aquaintance. Not What She Seems, I feel.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin No, Inglor does not do idiom at all. He seems to be uninterested in trying, which is probably just as well. He'd likely misuse it terribly and wind up with an angry mob, complete with torches and garden implements, chasing him out of town. Although with Haleth's luck, that would be the instant everyone became aware of her instead of Inglor and she'd be the target of the angry mob. Haleth has led an interesting life; not always an exemplary life, but an interesting life. Thanks again for reviewing. Haleth
Daynawayna · 12 February 2006 · Chapter 19: Interlude II : The Palantir
ah.. the plot thickens! very interesting points about humans. I guess dwarves can be perceptive at times, eh? LOL
Author's reply
Thank-you, Daynawayna Long time no see! How have you been? Dwarves are really practical. I'm sure a lot of the things humans and elves do don't make any sense to them. Then again, there are things they just can't be unreasonable about at all. Thanks again! Haleth
Bodkin · 9 February 2006 · Chapter 19: Interlude II : The Palantir
I just love the way Froi behaved here! After all, no-one can say he didn't ask. And silence - well, that naturally is taken for assent. So - unless the thief is terminally stupid - the Palantir wasn't the object of desire in this theft! (Of course, the thief is pretty dim. But the low wattage bulb is focused on one thing!)
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin. Froi knows a good thing when he sees one. Rest assured he'll come up with some use for the palantir. The young women of Bree are rather single minded about Inglor. It's a wasted effort as he doesn't understand their motivations. Haleth
Kathy_SFF · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 18: In the Bandit's Lair
Hee, hee, hee. I would have loved to see the Rangers' faces when Haleth's bonds fell off. You know in a manner of speaking, Inglor DID rescue her . Now where is that pesky palantir? Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank-you Kathy-SSF You're right. Inglor rescued Haleth. She'll probably never forgive him for it. Haleth
perelleth · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 18: In the Bandit's Lair
He, he... now this is a new one, Inglor getting mildly sarcastic. Inglor *daring* to get mildly sarcastic! Poor Haleth. I´m beginning to wonder if her life's not undergone a sudden worsening since she travels around with the elf. Everything seems so easy for him that her troubles suddenly seemed doubled! But then, who would have thought that the overzealous Rangeres would put her ins such situation! Hilarious, as usual!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Perelleth It would be difficult hanging around with someone who is perfect. Even if you're skilled at something, they'd always do it better. Haleth can't hope to compete with Inglor. People will always look to him as the leader. They'll always believe him before they'll even listen to her. It must be galling, but that's how it is. Haleth
Bodkin · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 18: In the Bandit's Lair
Poor Haleth. Frying pan / fire. Grim, suspicious rangers arriving out of nowhere - they would assume that she was a baddie until she is vouched for by the elf. She must find that sort of thing really galling. Useful, but galling. Inglor is right though - she would have argued just because she feels contractually obligated to grouse. I love their relationship - it is just such a great combination of dependent and grouchy.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin Haleth isn't the most respectable looking person. I can't really blame the rangers for suspecting her. Inglor and Haleth do depend on each other. She'd have been hanged without his vouching for her. He'd still be holed up in his room hiding from Daisy if she wasn't around. Thanks again. Haleth
Kathy_SFF · 9 January 2006 · Chapter 17: The Search Begins in Earnest
Yippiee!!! Another chapter! I love this story (bouncing on bed aside). Please keep writing, you can't leave Haleth in the brigands' camp. Maybe Inglor to the rescue???
Author's reply
Thank you, Kathy I'm glad to know you're enjoying the story. Haleth will eventually get out of the camp. Inglor probably doesn't know she's in trouble. Or maybe he things she is and believes she rescue herself. Or maybe he's trying to prove a point that occasionally she does need help. Somehow, I don't think he'd be foolish enough to try that last option. Thank you again for reviewing. Haleth
Bodkin · 8 January 2006 · Chapter 17: The Search Begins in Earnest
I'll bet Inglor sails in to the rescue. It must be really galling trying to get the better of an elf. Even a gloriously unaware elf like Inglor. And I still don't trust Barny. He'll be in on it somehow! Glad to see more of this!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin It's hard to say what Inglor would do. He'd ride to the rescue if he thought Haleth was in trouble, but he seems to believe that she can look after herself. After all, that's what she keeps telling him. Maybe he does listen to her? Nah. Haleth
perelleth · 8 January 2006 · Chapter 17: The Search Begins in Earnest
I was wondering about this story the other day, and missing Haleth´s disadventures, I'm so glad that you updated! Only, please, do not leave us so long wondering what´s going to happen to her after such ending!!! I wonder what was she thinking about the whole trek that she allowed the elf to give her the slip! Probably counting into impossible amounts to avoid thinking about *other* activities, LOL! I suppose that seeing the chamber maids and waitresses reactions even doubled her *feelings* for the elf! Great. So amusing!
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth. Poor Haleth. It's too bad she can't be as oblivious as Inglor. It would make her life much easier but far less entertaining. Haleth
Anonymous · 9 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Daisy on the Doorstep
The door opened so quickly that Haleth almost knocked on the elf’s nose. "I don't understand how rocking the bed made her go away," Inglor suddenly said. LOL! I've given up trying to figure out what's going to happen next. I'm just enjoying the ride. I must confess to some sympathy for Daisy. I'd probably be scratching and whispering at Inglor's door too, given the opportunity. ~TF
Author's reply
Thank-you, Tithen Feredir. I'm sorry for taking three months to reply to your review. I feel a little sorry for Daisy, too. She's used to getting her way with men but all of her charms fail to get Inglor's attention...at least in the way she'd like them to. Haleth
Bodkin · 2 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Daisy on the Doorstep
Inglor's effect on nubile young women must be quite frightening for him, poor elf. It must be like being a pop idol or a top flight Hollywood star - every time they see him they start to drool and their hormone levels start to surge. And Haleth is wicked. Although I don't know that her scheme will actually have stopped the drooling. She seems relatively immune to the wafts of elven-testosterone - although that could have something to do with her age. And over-exposure. And that she is entitled to use the toe of her boot to get rid of a little frustration. That - er - guide. Barnabus Shifty-Eyes doesn't seem worth trusting.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin. And again I'm sorry for taking three months to reply to this review. Haleth is jealous. She knows full well that there's nothing to be jealous about which rankles all the more. She usually doesn't show it, but Daisy offered too large a target to ignore. She acted for Daisy's good. Human/elf marriages are heart-wrenching. At least that's what she tells herself. As for the shifty-eyed Barny, I wouldn't trust him, either. Thank-you again! Haleth
perelleth · 1 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Daisy on the Doorstep
I don't understand how rocking the bed made her go away," Inglor suddenly said. LOL Fortunateky Haleth is now getting her sweet revenge.. :-) And now they're going to the wilderness while the Palantir sleeps in butterbur's place and INglor's belongings..(What has he got inside his pack?)are in the hands of these misterious lot. NOw this is getting more and more entangled, yet i'm glad to see Haleth recovering her self-assured self! Hpope it lasts enough for her to enjoy it ! .-)
Author's reply
Thank-you for reviewing, perelleth and many apologies for taking so long to reply. One of my (many) New Year's Resolutions was to finish posting this story. What has Inglor got in his pack? Clothing. Food. The occasional odd potion. Nothing unexpected. Or am I being an Inglor and interpreting the question too literally? Haleth
perelleth · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Interlude I : Earlier that morning
AND??????? I mean, AND?
Author's reply
Hello, Perelleth I'm sorry. This interlude creates more questions than it answers. It will eventually make a twisted sort of sense. Haleth
Bodkin · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Interlude I : Earlier that morning
Oooh! Now I wonder what they think they've got! And just who thinks they've got it. But what they haven't got is the Palantir. But was that what they wanted? Or not!
Author's reply
Hello, Bodkin No, they don't have the palantir. Maybe they'll go back for it later, maybe they don't know what it is or maybe they're after something else. Who knows what mysterious treasures Inglor is carrying around with him? Haleth
TithenFeredir · 28 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Interlude I : Earlier that morning
WHAT??? The thief only wants the pack??? And who is in the crowd? Cruel and unusual, Haleth! Of course I will be waiting for the next anyhow. ;-) ~TF
Author's reply
Hello, Tithen Feredir It is odd, isn't it? It is going somewhere, I promise. Haleth
perelleth · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 14: Interogations
I thought I could recognize some of haleth´s symptoms, so i guessed it indeed came through dearly bought experience from your part either! :-) Now our heroine seems to be in charge, and having things to do suits her, for she's not forced to follow the meandering and incomprehnsible thoughts and reactions of her elf.. Now I wonder.. is it possible for Inglor to remain indoors without getting into trouble? i'm dying to see... :-)
Author's reply
Hello, Perelleth. Thank-you for reviewing. Your comments are always welcome. You're right that Haleth is better off when she's got something other than Inglor to occupy her attention. Inglor could probably be in a padlocked room in a disused cellar and still find a way to get into trouble. He's got a knack for it. Thanks again. Haleth
TithenFeredir · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 14: Interogations
"She gave Butterbur the smile reserved for decent people whom she wanted to intimidate." That's funny and at the same time gives you the feeling that there's more to Haleth than just grumpiness. I just have this feeling that somewhere up ahead there is a big reveal about her. "She was quite familiar with his repertoire of facial expressions; variations of confusion." I know I keep saying, "Poor Inglor", but...poor Inglor! ~TF
Author's reply
Hello, TithenFeredir Once again, thank-you for reviewing. There eventually will be some hints about Haleth's murky past but its never completely explained. Inglor doesn't understand human society. The interactions we take for granted are completely foreign to him. Visiting Bree could be his first encounter with a large group of mortals. Haleth isn't very good at explaining human behavior. She takes it for granted that everyone understands personal interactions. No wonder the poor elf is constantly confused. Haleth
Bodkin · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 14: Interogations
By the way - "Meandering Through Mandos" - I don't think I can review there without joining. Loving it. More. I'd go on, but it would be confusing written here.
Bodkin · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 14: Interogations
This is such a fun story. I do like Haleth and the confused elf. And I was thrilled to find the whole thing complete Elsewhere!! It kept me absorbed until about 2 am. Which is remarkable for me - I don't do late. I love the dual comments - about Butterbur - 'the slightly ashamed look that all truly decent people have when they have accidentally insulted someone.' countered by Haleth's 'smile reserved for decent people whom she wanted to intimidate.' Haleth and Inglor are really interesting characters. With certain elements that make you want to go back and check! Love it.
Author's reply
Thank-you for reviewing, Bodkin. I'm sorry to have kept you up so late. This story tends to do that. Many of the ideas for it grew out of midnight conversations with my husband. Two hours later he'd be snoring and I'd still be awake and laughing. Haleth
ziggy · 27 August 2005 · Chapter 12: An Odd Theft
I love the idea of needing the pain to remind you why you should not binge drink!!Even if it does sound better in her own head. ANd believing that Inglor might get a hint from her being pathetic enough...or just even Inglor getting a hint. And this chapter is a classic in Inglor just missing the point by miles- in every way. Whatsa gal to do!!!! Even with a starked naked and cavorting wench, he doesnt get it- I love it that the village girl tries every unsubtle ploy in the book and it just goes over his head - but isnt that becasue he is really preoccupied by someone else... ah. Lovely way you describe Haleth's increasing fury and Inglor bemusement as she second guesses everything the wily wench tried! ooh- and now a mystery- someone who steals the palantir but actually takes out all the dosh - hm.
Author's reply
Thank-you for reviewing again, ziggy. And again I apologise for taking so long to reply. Inglor wouldn't get the hint if it was delivered with a clue bat. There's absolutely nothing in his experience that prepared him for the village girl's antics. He just thought the poor thing was deranged. Haleth
Bodkin · 26 August 2005 · Chapter 12: An Odd Theft
"I am trying to make it easier," his voice held the hot edge of anger. "You are being perversely stubborn." Wrath? From the elf? Could anything be more disconcerting? Although, truth be told, he's made an even bigger mess of things than Haleth. I do enjoy this. Such fun. And the cross purposes are so - well - cross.
Author's reply
Thank-you for reviewing, Bodkin. Again, I apologise for taking so long to reply. Anger is certainly not Inglor's typical emotion. It's likely a mark of his desperation at losing the palantir. He's focused on getting it back. Haleth is focused on her own self-pity. They just can't seem to 'get it together'. Haleth
TithenFeredir · 26 August 2005 · Chapter 12: An Odd Theft
Well, I'm glad Haleth scored a little cuddle even if Inglor was just trying to get her up and running. She should have milked it more, in my humble opinion. For a moment there I thought he was going to say he had climbed into the bed with her for the night. Instead he is lured off by some would-be seductress and then gets chewed out for his trouble, bless his heart. I wonder if there will be any fallout from that little encounter. I'm sure Haleth would like to get her hands on that woman. This story is so funny, and completely unpredictable! ~TF
Author's reply
Thank-you for the review, TithenFeredir. I'm sorry it took me so long to reply. Inglor only seems to get physically close to Haleth when she's in no condition to truly appreciate it. She really has absolutely no luck at all. Haleth
perelleth · 26 August 2005 · Chapter 12: An Odd Theft
Ho! such a vivid description of a burdened awakening! :-) I almost felt sick with Haleth! And now Inglor is in trouble and let's see how the thing progresses...I laughed out with his account of the rendez-vous! Haleth must be torn between jealousy and perverse amusement... so hilarious! I missed this story!
Author's reply
Thank-you for reviewing, perelleth. I apologise for taking so long to reply. I'm sad to say that Haleth's hangover is inspired by the author's real-life experience. Inglor is completely lost when it comes to interpersonal relationships with women. The cues that any human would easily pick up go flying over his head. At least it certainly looks that way. Haleth