'Til Death Do Us Part by Haleth
lmamc · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 42: A Change of Direction
Idril sounds like my mom, you don't want to refuse her demands. Yet she does it in a friendly manner. Hope they make it safely and quickly. Update soon.
Author's reply
Hello Imamc, It sounds like your mom is a good leader. People will do what she says, but she doesn't make them feel inferior or threatened when she asks. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
Fiondil · 14 April 2014 · Chapter 42: A Change of Direction
Hmm... interesting bit of dynamics there between the three. I feel sorriest for Haleth, caught between two Elves and unable to compete against either. Hope they make it to Tol Eressëa soon, though, and are able to rescue Turin and Voronwë. And surely the Valar, especially Ulmo, are quite aware of what's going on?
Author's reply
Hello Fiondil There's no doubt that the Valar are aware of what they're doing. They just don't seem inclined to do anything about it. And while they're not directly helping, at least they're not directly hindering, either. Physically, Haleth is weakest person by far and she knows it. She has other strengths, though, even if she's not aware of them or doesn't value them. Thank-you for the review.
Fiondil · 7 April 2014 · Chapter 41: A Flock of Gulls
I'm waiting for a Maia to show up and say something like, "Put that back! You don't know where it's been." LOL! Well, I hope they can convince the other Elves to launch a rescue operation and retrieve Tuor and Voronwë or Idril is going to make everyone's life very miserable.
Author's reply
Hello Fiondil That would be quite the conversation. 'Put it back.' followed by 'No.', just on general principle. That would get very ugly very fast. Fortunately the PTB seem to be turning a blind eye to Inglor and Haleth's activities. They may not be doing them a favour. I can't imagine Idril giving up at all, ever. It's probably a good thing she's sleeping or they'd never get out of the bay without Tuor and Voronwe! Thank-you for the review. Haleth
Twoflower2 · 7 April 2014 · Chapter 41: A Flock of Gulls
Thank you for the update :) Inglor is easily cajoled into going along with Haleth's most outrageous schemes, he is clearly as addicted to adrenaline rushes as she is. All the better for the reader. Surprisingly, Haleth's rescue plans actually work (so far). She sure does some olympic-level gymnastics here. Walks a tightrope, crouches, leans over to Idril, and gets up again without losing her balance. I am not sure if it physically possible, but maybe magic properties of an elven rope help to feel firm on one's feet (as if standing on a bridge). I am curious how Haleth gets on (or not) with Idril - could go either way. In general, this chapter got me thinking: If Ecthelion does show up, he could totally fulfill his millennia-old duty of looking after Turgon's descendants, saving not only Haleth but Idril herself. Not counting his friend Tuor. This would be a landmark in collective Elven fate with Haleth as the catalyst. So maybe Haleth and Inglor's union is very Tolkien canon in the sense it brings about "doom", in this case Haleth appearing in the Blessed Realm and shaking things up there, shaping destinies, causing storylines to conclude. Hope this does make sense :)
Author's reply
Hello Twoflower2 Wow. I hadn't really thought of it that way but Haleth is causing quite a stir. She leaps before she looks which is very mortal. I doubt she's thought anything through that far. I can just picture Haleth and Idril running into danger in completely opposite directions just to annoy Ecthelion. Mind you, there are two protectors and two protectees so I guess Haleth and Idril have to find someone else to rescue in order to get a moment's peace. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
lmamc · 6 April 2014 · Chapter 41: A Flock of Gulls
One person down two to go. I hope they get the other two on the boat too, even if they have to go back for help to do it. It will be interesting to read what will go down when all three are back in Valinor. Especially on the reaction of the Valar when they get back. Do the Valar know what Haleth and Inglor are doing? Great chapter, update soon.
Author's reply
Hello Imamc, I get the impression that Idril wouldn't allow Tuor or Voronwe to remain on that island; not if she can do something about it. Do the Valar know what Inglor and Haleth are doing? Most likely. They don't seem inclined to zap them with a lightning bolt; at least not yet. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
endorearwen · 6 April 2014 · Chapter 41: A Flock of Gulls
Ha! I knew that was what Haleth would attempt! ;-) Though, I will admit, I didn't see them being able to get any of those stranded souls off the beach... Very clever indeed! I think Inglor was given the most helpful insight into his beloved's character in this chapter - that all too human need to be 'known' for doing well at something. I do hope Haleth's leg wakes up... Bring on the next chapter! :-) PS - I like that Haleth won't be the oldest looking person in an eternally young looking population (pending they can actually succeed in pulling Tuor from the island! I wonder how Idril is going to feel when she wakes up to discover her husband is missing...)
Author's reply
Hello Endorearwen, The method of rescue wasn't the brightest idea but Haleth has been having a profound identity crisis since she woke up on Tol Eressea. She'll be known for having rescued Idril but I'm not sure if she's thought of the potential long-term consequences of her actions. How Idril is going to feel when she wakes up and finds her husband is missing? That's something else Haleth hasn't considered. Rest assured Idril will want to rescue both Tuor and Voronwe. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
ainisarie · 2 April 2014 · Chapter 40: Reality Reasserts Itself
I just know Haleth is going to do something she shouldn't. Maybe Inglor will just keep holding her and wake up if she tries to move. Or someone will arrive (hello E & G) You do keep us guessing.
Author's reply
Hello Ainisarie Haleth does have a knack for getting herself into trouble. Inglor isn't much better and sometimes aids and abets her. It would be interesting to see how Inglor reacts to Haleth's two self-declared protectors. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
lmamc · 1 April 2014 · Chapter 40: Reality Reasserts Itself
This whole story is just awesome! What Age does this story take place 4th, 5th, is Aragorn and Arwen dead by this time frame? Update soon.
Author's reply
Hello Imamc, The story starts in the first years of the Fourth Age, a few years after the War of the Ring. Thank your for taking the time to review. Haleth
Fiondil · 1 April 2014 · Chapter 40: Reality Reasserts Itself
Evem when he's in the throes of passion, Inglor still manages to be attentive to his environment and sound like an idiot (to Haleth's ears) all at the same time. And I have an idea just what Haleth's plan is as soon as she asked about rope. Man, as Forrest Gump would say, "stupid is as stupid does". I'm with the other reviewer: I hope Glorfindel and Ecthelion show up to rescue them because I think they'll need it.
Author's reply
Inglor is a talented fellow. Haleth tries to have a plan. The plans often don't work and then she flies by the seat of her pants (hopefully not with said pants in the jaws of a dragon). Thank-you for the review. Haleth
curiouswombat · 31 March 2014 · Chapter 40: Reality Reasserts Itself
I know I wrote review yesterday, but the internet seems to have eaten it. Not only is it a pleasure to see that they haven't actually managed to totally misunderstand that kiss, but also to see Haleth going into 'Seeker mode' even though she didn't really set out to find the sleepers at all. She may need to think a bit more about this... I have a feeling she might not be thinking quite as straight as usual; a willing elf will do that to a woman!
Author's reply
I hate it when the technology eats my stuff. It's like the kite-eating tree from Charlie Brown. You know it's eaten your stuff but no one else has seen the stuff it's eaten. Old habits die hard. Haleth's probably reacting by reflex. It's just as well because if she hadn't done anything like this before it would end in a complete disaster. Not that it won't end in a complete disaster anyways. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
Tari · 31 March 2014 · Chapter 40: Reality Reasserts Itself
Be still my heart.
Author's reply
Two installments and they haven't managed to have a huge miscommunication. It must be a record. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
Twoflower2 · 31 March 2014 · Chapter 40: Reality Reasserts Itself
Thank you for another great chapter! Nice to see the couple talking to each other rather than past each other. I don't remember them having reached such a good level of communication ever before. "Inglor, I can't breath": I guess physical aspects of interspecies love can be awkward. Haleth's plans for the rescue operation: facepalm. What could possibly go wrong? Be at peace, Inglor. I just wish that Glorfindel and Ecthelion catch up with them in time to rescue everyone :)
Author's reply
Hello Twoflower2 There will probably be a few things they'll have to work out beyond how-tightly-can-I-hold-you-before-you-turn-blue-and-pass-out, but that's for later. What could possibly go wrong? Everything. But it would be dull if there was no element of risk. What will Glorfindel and Ecthelion do when they catch up with Haleth? Because you know that they will eventually catch up? Thank-you for the review. Haleth
endorearwen · 30 March 2014 · Chapter 40: Reality Reasserts Itself
Another fabulous installment, Haleth! Nice to see some remote indication of feeling from Inglor (...Inglor blinked like an owl at noon. It was as close to an expression of surprise as he ever got..) Yes, I roared at that one! ;-) I will admit to harbouring just a little anxiety, first over Haleth's thoughts - ...Now she looked back on those times and knew she had been very clear headed. With a single kiss he had completely destroyed her ability to concentrate..., and then over the idea of Haleth wanting to go ashore to check things out and there being rope still in the boat... Sounds like a catastrophe waiting to happen if you ask me! Delightful chapter as always! Keep them coming! :-)
Author's reply
Thank-you endorearwen. Catastrophe seems to follow Haleth around. Actually, she actively goes in search of it. Her life is way more interesting than I'd want mine to be. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
Freyalyn · 19 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
At last! Goodness me, they actually manage a conversation, realise what we've all known all along, and kiss!!! At last. Now, I wonder how much more misunderstanding you can wangle into this lovely, lovely story before it all smoothes itself out?
Author's reply
Hello Freyalyn, All it takes is a near death experience for them to open up to each other. Another reviewer suggested that they settle down in a house built on the edge of a cliff with a hungry, flightless dragon at the bottom. It was felt that this might improve their chance of honest communication. Misunderstandings are horrible in real life, but they certainly make for an interesting story. I'm sure there will be more along the way. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
Tari · 19 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Finally! I was beginning to think it would never happen, but it did. It sure took the two of them long enough.
Author's reply
Hello Tari I guess they eventually had to be honest with each other. They've on Elf time, which is much more relaxed than mortal time. I once read another author wondering how the difference in life expectancy would affect Elvixh courtship. She was wondering if it would take centuries to just hold hands. At least it didn't take them that long! Thank-you for the review. Haleth
pnzrmkv · 19 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Bout time.......
Author's reply
Hello pnzrmkv, It has been a long time coming. Thank-you for your patience. Haleth
egallis · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
ACK! Worth. The. Wait.
Author's reply
Thank-you, egallis Haleth
Fiondil · 16 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Well, all I can say is, it's about bloody time. LOL! Still don't understand how Haleth could be alive after the fall of Númenor more than 3000 years earlier. Maybe I missed something or maybe it still hasn't been explained. Anyway, I hope now that they've declared themselves to one another they manage to find a way back to Valinor. Glad you are continuing this story, Haleth, and I hope the next installment comes soon.
Author's reply
Hello Fiondil About time and finally seem to be consistent sentiments. Regarding Haleth's age: you haven't missed anything. There are a lot of things that haven't been explained. Go back to Valinor? But they haven't found Idril and Tuor yet! Thank-you for the review, Fiondil. Especially because the characters can be incredibly frustrating. Haleth
galathil · 16 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Forgot to add really can't wait for the next chapter. I also agree with all other reviews as well. Galathil
galathil · 16 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Hurray they finally kissed. Typical of those two, only after yet again when their lives in danger, they finally tell each other their feelings. Any one else would have done over a candlelit dinner, or a lovely walk.Not these two of course not, this time it is drama on the high seas. Ah! well,can't win them all. Of course we all know, that Osse had a big hand in it. Me thinks that the Valar might have something to do with it as well. Lets hope every one comes out with their sanity intact when it comes to the wedding. For they barley survived the court ship. LOL Galathil
Author's reply
Hello, galathil, Lets hope every one comes out with their sanity intact when it comes to the wedding. You've given me an idea. Thank-you! Haleth Author Reply: Hello, galathil, Lets hope every one comes out with their sanity intact when it comes to the wedding. You've given me an idea. Thank-you! Haleth
Twoflower2 · 16 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
I can't believe it - finally. THE talk and THE kiss. Some readers must have waited for nearly a decade for this to happen :) Loved it, of course. But also felt some contact embarrassment - sort of if I witnessed someone with a really stiff upper lip having an emotional breakdown. Just think that these two found it in themselves to be capable of such frankness. Even if some mysteries have been explained, some still loom large and there even are new ones: why does Inglor feel smug about flouting the Valar, his family and the whole society of Tirion? Was Haleth married once already and forgot about it? All this makes me fear that not all is roses in our heroes' future.
Author's reply
Hello Twoflower2, Actually...it's been over a decade. I'm absolutely flabbergasted by peoples' patience. There seems to be more to Inglor than meets the eye. The elven equivalent of Mr. Spock apparently has an attitude problem. Haleth wasn't really in a position to see it in Middle-earth. She's been so busy feeling sorry for herself or chasing Inglor away that she hasn't had the opportunity to see him interact with other Elves in Valinor. Haleth's memory is a bit like a negative of a piece of Swiss cheese; it's more holes than substance. As Tolkien said, and they lived happily ever after until the end of their days' doesn't make for a very interesting story. Thank-you for the review. Haleth Author Reply: Hello Twoflower2, Actually...it's been over a decade. I'm absolutely flabbergasted by peoples' patience. There seems to be more to Inglor than meets the eye. The elven equivalent of Mr. Spock apparently has an attitude problem. Haleth wasn't really in a position to see it in Middle-earth. She's been so busy feeling sorry for herself or chasing Inglor away that she hasn't had the opportunity to see him interact with other Elves in Valinor. Haleth's memory is a bit like a negative of a piece of Swiss cheese; it's more holes than substance. As Tolkien said, and they lived happily ever after until the end of their days' doesn't make for a very interesting story. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
curiouswombat · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Oh! At last! They finally manage to have a conversation about the important stuff... after all these years. I so recognise Haleth trying to broach the subject and not quite being able to do it. I have a feeling only such a near-death experience could actually squeeze the question out of her, just as facing death from poison earlier in the story finally got her to admit to her feelings. But I also have the feeling that she has totally forgotten that incident - and the fact that it was her idea that Elrond could cure her, so what was a love-struck elf to do but take her to him?
Author's reply
Hello curiouswombat, At last seems to be the general consensus. Haleth is terminally afraid of embarrassment. So much so that she would rather suffer years of pain than ask a straightforward questions...which Inglor quickly answered. And Inglor, Inglor just doesn't get mortal sensibilities. As far as he's concerned, he's been perfectly open and honest about his intentions and emotions. It hasn't seemed to occur to him that Haleth, who was raised in a completely different culture, is incapable of picking up his signals. You'd think after the first couple of right crosses to the jaw he'd have caught on, but apparently not. You're right. Haleth has completely forgotten her near-death experience which is often what happens to people who suffer traumatic injury or illness. She's forgotten a lot of other things as well. Inglor, Elrond and anyone who cares for her will have their hands full, but that's probably not a surprise. Thank-you for the review. Haleth
ellon · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Oh my gosh I have been waiting for this chapter for so long!!!! lol
Author's reply
Hello ellon, Thank-you for your patience and the review Haleth
endorearwen · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Ossë Grows Restless
Well, call me Haleth and send me to the Blessed Realm!! *lovestruck eyes beaming!* This has to be the most satisfying chapter I've read yet!! THANK YOU for finally sorting these two out! For two people who never really opened up to one another, once they got rolling it was pretty interesting! LOL! ;-) Oh how I hope you haven't done something in the coming chapters that would make it impossible for them to live out their days together in wedded bliss! LOVED IT, Haleth, but then I suspect that was abundantly obvious to you already! :-) Just one small thing - Couldn't quite sort out the last sentence in the first paragraph "...dark individual who shouted shook her until her teeth rattled..." *sigh of contentment* Please tell me there are going to be many more chapters to read.... :-} PS - I never did believe Inglor was quite as dense as appearances would suggest but even if it turned out that he was, I'd still take Haleth's place - in a New York minute! :-) Are there any inspired fan drawings of Inglor out there anywhere?
Freyalyn · 13 March 2014 · Chapter 38: A Nice Evening for a Walk (if you don't mind being soaked)
Oh good, Inglor's back! And they're running away together. Again. Would it be too much to ask for them to have a conversation at some point? The sort of conversation when they both pay attention, listen to what the other person is actually saying and not just what they think is being said, and perhaps not suffer under huge clouds of misunderstanding. Explaining the ring to both us and Haleth would be a start. But I'm so glad that Inglor takes Haleth's view point straightaway, especially regarding Ecthelion and Glorfindel. Thank you. More please!
Author's reply
Hello Freyalyn Inglor and Haleth do seen to spend a lot of time running. I'm not sure these two are capable of having a straight-forward conversation. Inglor doesn't reveal much but neither does Haleth. We have the benefit of knowing what's going on in her head. Inglor presumably doesn't. Who in their right mind would deliberately poke at Haleth's emotions? She's overly sensitive, gets angry very, very quickly and has been known to become violent. Inglor might see Ecthelion and Glorfindel as competition. It's something he's never had to deal with when it comes to Haleth. Thank-you for the review. Haleth