In Darkness Bound by Fiondil

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Aiwen · 30 May 2011 · Chapter 78: Leaving Vanyamar

What did Ingoldo tell the citizenry to make them put up with having their King's younger son not just arrested but assaulted with a club?

Author's reply

I imagine he was able to come up wtih something to placate them or perhaps he just had his people intimidate them. And not everyone witnessed the assalt so it can be easily dismissed or covered up. We'll see how Ingalaurë and the others fare soon enough, though. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Sunny · 30 May 2011 · Chapter 78: Leaving Vanyamar

I really liked Ingwion's method of being inconspicuous! :-D Uh-oh - I suppose that is how Ingalaure got killed. Whoever did it certainly has something to explain now! I can imagine it: "Uh - I accidentally bashed in the prince's head while he and his mother were trying to escape from his uncle's tender care." And there were certainly a lot of witnesses to this! I expect the story will spread like a wildfire - and hopefully make life ... interesting ... for Ingoldo - who definitely deserves all the "interesting times" and "learning experiences" he can get. Except that he doesn't learn, does he?

Author's reply

Hi Sunny. A pity that his brother didn't take a similar approach, then maybe he and the others would have escaped. And no, this is not where Ingalaurë gets killed. That is still to come, but I imagine Ingoldo wasn't too happy to find that his nephew's head had been nearly bashed in by an overly enthusiastic guard. He needs Ingalaurë alive. We'll see how it falls out soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I quite appreciate it.

6336 · 30 May 2011 · Chapter 78: Leaving Vanyamar

Oh! Bad words! Bad Words! Bad Words! (In Quenya, no less!) I never did like Tulcaner, I hope something really nasty happens to him, also The Rat, Ingoldo. I hope Indis and Arminas make it out O.K. Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

Hi Lynda. Well, we'll see eventually what happens to everyone, I promise. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Erulisse (one L) · 28 May 2011 · Chapter 77: Escape Plans

I know I haven't review the past three chapters, so I'm catching up a bit now. I had good reasons for not reviewing, because you were voyaging out into uncharted territories and I wanted to get a better feel for where you were going before I reviewed. I have to say, I like the direction you have chosen to go. The hidden rooms, the Queen being locked away by Ingoldo, the basic changes that the traitor has made in the palace - shifting guards, etc. All ring very true for someone trying to effect a coup. It does amaze me, however, since it seems that Maia are on call to the members of the Royal Family, that Elendis never called for one when she was imprisoned. I am sure you have good reasons for why this did not happen, but it is the only aspect of these past few chapters that rings slightly off to me. Now you've got me crossing my fingers hoping that everyone can get out of the three gates safely and continue trying to form their government in exile and relative safety from Ingoldo. Of course, crossed fingers make it impossible for me to type, so it will have to be virtual fingers rather than in RL. Thanks for three very interesting chapters, Fiondil. - Erulisse (one L)

Author's reply

Hi Erulisse. I can understand wanting to get a better idea of where this story is going once we move out of canon before reviewing. Believe me, there were times as I was writing this when I wasn't sure how things would turn out though I had a general idea of how it would end. Often enough, the characters simply took over and I was just along for the ride. *grin* Concerning your comment about Elindis seemingly not calling upon the Maiar for help, that will actually be addressed in an upcoming chapter, but I will say this much: I don't think that the Royal Family as a whole is used to calling upon the Maiar or even the Valar except in rare circumstances and possibly most have never had to do so or would think to do so. Besides, if they could call up a Maia any time they got into trouble then there wouldn't be a story because the Maiar would 'fix' everything and we know that not even our guardian angels (for those who believe in them) will do that for us. At any rate will see how well everyone fares as they make their escape attempt in the next chapter and what happens after. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Erulisse. I appreciate it very much.

Larner · 27 May 2011 · Chapter 77: Escape Plans

At least they don't have to hide in the wine barrels! THe plans are risky, but so is any other plan. Time to get out of there, and away from Ingoldo's clutches--and to find Ingwe!

Author's reply

That's for sure, Larner! LOL! Their plan is risky, but all choices at this point are evil and so they are choosing the best of a bad lot. We'll see how each group fares in the next chapter and yes, it is time to find Ingwë, though I'm afraid it won't happen quickly. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I quite appreciate it.

Sunny · 27 May 2011 · Chapter 77: Escape Plans

Smart of them to split up. That means that even if one group is taken, the others are going to escape. And given Ingwion's premonition, I suspect it is his twin's group that gets unlucky. Since we know already that Ingalaurë is going to end up getting killed, it wouldn't surprise me if it happens during the escape from Vanyamar, but the exact circumstances will be interesting to see. And when that happens, Ingoldo will find that he has acquired some deadly enemies. The rest of the family may have been opponents up til then, but that death is going to make it personal in a way I don't think Ingoldo is able to understand. I am definitely looking forward to Monday!

Author's reply

It is indeed smart of them, Sunny, as it increases their chances of at least some of them escaping three-fold. How successful any of the groups are, though, remains to be seen and we will see how they all fare next chapter. As for Ingalaurë, we'll just have to see how he ends up dying and under what circumstances, but certainly you are correct that Ingoldo will not understand what the ellon's death will mean, especially to Ingwion. In many ways, Ingoldo is as much a naif as the rest of the Elves; he truly doesn't understand what he is unleashing here. Probably only Ingwë might have a dim clue, but as he's not around to tell anyone.... I'm glad you are definitely looking forward to Monday and the next chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.

Ellynn · 27 May 2011 · Chapter 77: Escape Plans

Let me guess: just before the escape, you'll switch to some other line of this story? *lol* Btw, a typo. ;) Everyone turned to greet the ellon. Ingalaurë threw a piece of toast at him. Indis jumped up and wrapped her arms around her lover in a proprietary manner. People shuffled their places around the table so the ellon could join them, Indil insisting he sit beside her It it Indil, not Indis jumping to Tam, right?

Author's reply

Oops! You're correct, Ellynn. Thanks for pointing it out. I've made the correction. And now, I promise not to switch to some other line of the story quite yet. We will be seeing what happens to Ingwion and the others for a few more chapters yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.

6336 · 27 May 2011 · Chapter 77: Escape Plans

'The greatest plans of mice and Elves gang oft aglay!' Think I got that right! The rodent aspect of it appeals to me, seeing as Ingoldo Rat is involved. Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

Sounds about right to me, Lynda, and the next chapter will show just how aglay these Elves' plans can go. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.

Fantasia · 26 May 2011 · Chapter 76: A Search for Answers

Fiondil, I know that you already answered to me, that more than 1000 years has passed since these events and EI2, but still, how can they forgive Ingoldo. Also, I always assumed that Ingalaurë died during the kin-slaying, but that sad madness has already occurred and obviously he is around and sound. I remember that Ingwion was a little resentful of the Noldors from ME to be reborn before the ones that die at Valinor, so I thought that his brother (I found out about his twin almost at the end, you kept me guessing who was him missing so much and why he was a little unstable) was a victim of the Noldors. Anyway, how can Ingoldo be around in EI2 when it seems that he has a hand on his nephew's death (just remembering Ingalaurë’s dream). Even if the elves didn't know, the Valars knew and they should have taken some action with this guy. I know that I'm speculating too much, so better to wait for your wonderful surprises and I'm going to re-read EI2 to refresh my memory. Thanks

Author's reply

Hi Fantasia. I know it's difficult to want to know just how things turned out and why Ingoldo is still around 1000 years later, but I promise you that everything will be explained in this story, you just need to be patient. As Sherlock Holmes used to say, it's not wise to make assumptions when not presented with all the facts. Thinking that Ingalaurë must've died in the kinslaying because that's the only possible way he could've died would be a case in point. And I purposely did not reveal Ingalaurë's existence until near the very end of EI because I wanted it to be a surprise and I waited to start posting Darkness after I was finished posting EI so as not to give his identity away to soon. So, please, just be patient. All will be revealed eventually, I promise.

6336 · 26 May 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing

Now I understand Lirulin's comment in EI2. Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

Hi Lynda. That must be her comment about how Intarion wanted to go to the War of Wrath, to complete the journey that they had started when they went after Findaráto to try and convince him to return to Aman. I'm sure there are many such Aha! moments for readers of my stories, especially when they re-read an earlier story in light of later ones and suddenly realize how connected they all are (or at least I try to connect them). Thanks for commenting.

Larner · 25 May 2011 · Chapter 76: A Search for Answers

Bless Ingwe for having an escape route ready, and Valandur for anticipating what is needed. Now--to get out of the city and find the High King.

Author's reply

Whether Ingwë had a premonition or was just being playful, we can be grateful that he did have this particular escape route made and showed it to his sons. We'll be seeing how successful they are in getting out of the city and finding Ingwë soon. Just be patient. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.

Larner · 25 May 2011 · Chapter 75: Ingwion in Vanyamar

This time Ingoldo had clearly gone too far! Glad they have a safe room to retreat to while the twins figure out what to do next. Now perhaps Ingil will learn why his mother-name is as it is.

Author's reply

Definitely, Larner, and he's not done yet. And we will indeed learn why Ingil's Mother-name is what it is and also Ingwion's Mother-name as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.

Larner · 25 May 2011 · Chapter 74: Ingwion Alone

Not a good situation to return to. Hope that he isn't also taken prisoner, and that aid will soon be sent to Ingwe. But he's right about Earwen and Anaire's capabilities.

Author's reply

Hi Larner. No, not a good situation at all. We'll find out how he and everyone else fares soon enough. And we'll see Eärwen and Anairë in action too at some point. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Tari · 24 May 2011 · Chapter 67: Persuasion Unavailing

Finda is so foolish and closed minded that he would rather go to his doom than accept a life filled with love. That is plain stupid in my eyes; but then, I'm not an elf (except in my heart). I really feel bad for Amarie.

Author's reply

Yes, Finda is very foolish, Tari, but, of course, his destiny lies elsewhere, as we all know. And it works out eventually (at least in my universe), but you have to feel sorry for them both right now. They are both in a lot of emotional pain and I'm sure their story is being played out in other homes in Tirion as families have to decide to go or to stay. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Tari · 23 May 2011 · Chapter 66: Plots and Counterplots

I knew Amarie would be the recipient of the message. Who else had such influence over Findarato? Poor Vëandur. I'm sure he wishes he could disappear into the dark also.

Author's reply

Hi Tari. I think most people suspect it would be to Amarië to whom Ingwion would appeal for help. I'm sure all the guards at the estate are wishing they could just disappear, too. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it greatly.

6336 · 23 May 2011 · Chapter 76: A Search for Answers

Oops! sorry, that should be Vanyamar, not Valmar, why did Tolkien have to make these place names so similar! (Grumble, grumble, grumble, I hate IE9, silly upgrade, 8 was fine!) More Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

I haven't upgraded to EI9 myself though I suppose eventually I'll have to. But you're right: why fix what ain't broken?

6336 · 23 May 2011 · Chapter 76: A Search for Answers

So there was more than one secret in the palace, Valenture is one smart ellon! I was a little surprised that Ingoldo had not grabbed Ingwion when he first saw him, for all his planning, Ingoldo is not the smartest cookie in the batch, not having people at the gates who would recognise Ingwion was one error he will regret! I hope the plan to leave Valmar and take refuge in Ilmarin works, they will be in plain site going up the mountain for quite a way and I dont think visiting the Valar is a high priority on any ones list just at the moment! Waiting for Friday. Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

Hi Lynda. Actually Vanyamar is my fault. Tolkien never gave us the name of the city in which the Vanyar dwelled but I needed a name and Vanyamar seemed logical based on other placenames. Perhaps I should've made it something like 'Ingwemar'. Oh well... I knew what you meant. *grin* As for Ingoldo... staging a coup is a new thing for him too; there aren't any manuals or historical accounts for him to fall back on. *LOL!* As for the escape plan... we will see how that works out soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Sunny · 23 May 2011 · Chapter 76: A Search for Answers

So now the Good Guys have gotten out of the palace, and are plotting how to get out of the city. Good for them! I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Ingoldo realizes that Ingwion, Elindis and Indis have also slipped through his fingers! And if he really had planned on having Fëanáro's support for his coup, he is going to get a rude awakening there as well! *grins evilly* (It wouldn't surprise me if Fëanáro strunk Ingoldo along for his own purposes, though. It would certainly fit in with his later actions!) I can just imagine the talk Elindis is going to have with Ingwë when the two are reunited, though.

Author's reply

Hi Sunny. Yes, it would be interesting to be a fly on the wall when Ingoldo finds out what has happened. You may be correct about Fëanáro stringing Ingoldo along, assuming Ingoldo was secretly in league with Fëanáro. No doubt when news of what the Noldor have done finally reaches Vanyamar, Ingoldo may be just as happy not to have had Fëanáro's support. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

Aiwen · 20 May 2011 · Chapter 75: Ingwion in Vanyamar

With all Ingoldo has done, I am amazed he is still around to cause trouble in the Elf, Interrupted stories. He must be one slippery fox when it comes to getting out of trouble he created.

Author's reply

Hi Aiwen. Well, when you consider that more than a 1000 years separates these events from Elf, Interrupted, I'm sure that whatever punishment (if any) Ingoldo received would have run its course. Of course, we know he doesn't learn from his mistakes so that's okay. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.

Fantasia · 20 May 2011 · Chapter 75: Ingwion in Vanyamar

Foindil, I haven't review for a long time, but I'm reading. What a mess, everybody is getting crazy over there, must be the lack of light, you will think that they will function better under the starts. Really, all the intrigues, plotting. Ingoldo choose his time very well, because none of the other elves are in position to help Ingwe. We all know what happened to the Noldors that went to exile, now is time to learn what happened with all that stayed behind. Thank you

Author's reply

Hi Fantasia. No problem. I'm happy that you leave a review every now and then and let me know how you are enjoying the story. I think that for Elves who have known only the light of the Trees, the darkness is more oppressive for them than for the older Elves who were born under the light of the stars. In fact, you may have noticed that here and there throughout the story I have older Elves commenting on the fact that they remembered what it was like and seem to adapt more easily to the new situation than the younger ones. Ingoldo has been plotting this for some time, I think, ever since Finwë left Tirion and Ingwë went to help Ñolofinwë for a time. And the whole point of this story has always been to explore what might have happened in Aman after the Noldor left and how the Elves who remained behind coped. Thanks for reading and reviewing (whenever you can). I appreciate you doing so very much.

6336 · 20 May 2011 · Chapter 75: Ingwion in Vanyamar

It is amazing how fast bullies will back down when somebody stronger than they are confronts them. I hope that secret room has another exit, I would hate for the Queens to be trapped in there. I hope Ingwion can find his twin and sister without too much trouble, also Veantur, but knowing the 'Rat' I doubt it! Just where has Ingoldo hidden Ingwe? I am kind of surprised that there is only one hidden room! Huggs, Lynda

Author's reply

Hi Lynda. Bullies are cowards and when you stand up to them they generally back down. We'll be seeing in the next chapter how successful Ingwion is in rescuing the Queens and finding his siblings, and eventually we'll learn of Ingwë's fate. As for there only being one hidden room... that's just one hidden room people know about and certainly in a place of peace there would be no call for hidden rooms or bolt holes, so this particular room was built for the sole purpoose of Ingwë's children finding it and 'claiming' it for their own purposes. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.

Ellynn · 20 May 2011 · Chapter 75: Ingwion in Vanyamar

Too. Short. The chapter is too short. We want more! I thought something like this might happen, and I was sure Ingoldo was behind it. Of course, I am sure many readers thought so. I just can't wait for more!

Author's reply

Sorry, Ellynn. If I'd continued it would've been way too long, but not to worry, the next chapter will be up soon. Glad you are finding the story interesting enough to want more. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.

Sunny · 20 May 2011 · Chapter 75: Ingwion in Vanyamar

Yes - Ingoldo has grabbed for the power, and he now no doubt thinks he has everything well in hand. Ingwion's return was clearly unexpected - no doubt Ingoldo had his people out guarding the roads and looking for Ingwion, probably with orders to stash him in the room next to his father, but Ingwion's decision to travel overland from Tirion clearly ruined that part of his plans. Hopefully Ingwion will be able to move fast enough and decisively enough that the rest of Ingoldo's plans will come down around his ears - though since he is walking around free in EI I suspect he may have built in a bit of plausible deniability in his plans - just in case. Or perhaps Ingwion, Valandur and their friends don't find all the conspirators. It shall be interesting to see! Getting his mother and aunt loose is a good beginning! And hopefully Ingwion has at least a knife or two about his person - just in case.

Author's reply

Hi Sunny. I'm sure you are correct that Ingoldo had people on the main road out of Valmar looking for Ingwion, but he's eluded them, unknowingly, and who's to say if Someone didn't inspire him to go overland instead of by way of the road as would be expected just so he wouldn't be caught and would be free to do as he must to rescue his family from Ingoldo? We'll see how successful Ingwion is in the next few chapters and what happens to everyone else, and yes, we will eventually learn about Ingwë's fate as well, but for now he is effectively out of the picture. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm glad you're still doing so and I appreciate it very much.

Tari · 19 May 2011 · Chapter 65: Ingwë Alone

This is not good. It is in the nature of people to give their family members the benefit of the doubt, however, when it involves someone like Ingoldo, that would not be a good choice. Where are the Maia when they are desperately needed and who will rescue Ingoldo? This remains to be seen.

Author's reply

Hi Tari. No, it's not good and we will see how things fall out eventually and where the Maiar and everyone else were at the time. And I think you meant, "who will rescue Ingwe?" and that will be seen eventually. Thanks for reading and reviewing, I appreciate it very much.

Sunny · 16 May 2011 · Chapter 74: Ingwion Alone

Eärwen obviously has the steel spine that is necessary for the Regent, though Anaire needs to shape up. She seems a bit wimpy to me - or is that the shock? It was certainly good that Ingwion squashed the idea of having Ingoldo come and be Regent! Who knows what he would have done with such a power base? Ingwion's reception in Tirion is certainly worrisome - at a guess, I would say that Ingoldo perhaps had a plan to disappear Ingwion as well? He is no doubt up to his eyebrows in whatever-it-is - and now Ingwion's instincts are screaming at him to run. Hopefully Ingwion will be able to demolish his uncle's plans - and it should be interesting to see Ingoldo's reactions as the wheels come off...

Author's reply

Hi Sunny. I think Anairë is just overwhelmed. We don't know anything about her or her family so perhaps she's just never had the necessary training in government that apparently Eärwen has had. We will learn very shortly what is going on in Vanyamar with Ingoldo and what Ingwion and others do to stop Ingoldo in his tracks. Indeed, that plotline and the one dealing with Arafinwë are the two main plotlines for the rest of the story until they come together (there are a couple of minor subplots that will also join with the main story eventually). So you have much to look forward to. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.