In Darkness Bound by Fiondil
Larner · 10 December 2010 · Chapter 29: iVeryanwë Lirulin Intarionyë
Oh, but I AM a sucker for weddings! A beautiful set of nuptials, and may they rejoice with one another fully! And his parents continue to be unprintable words, I note. Typical!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you enjoeyed the wedding. As for Intarion's parents... oh well. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Angwen · 10 December 2010 · Chapter 29: iVeryanwë Lirulin Intarionyë
Had to get tissues, even... we waited 15 years to get married, for various reasons (though not due to parental displeasure), and just finally 'pulled the trigger' last year; Namo's speech would have been awesome to hear. And our rings: white gold, inscribed. I'm going to have to bookmark this chapter for review in times of discord, to remind me that things do work out in thier own times. Having read all your other works, I recall the wedding of Namo & Vaire and the issues they had to deal with before it; and now I wonder how soon Alassiel will be using that cradle, and how brief her time with her father must have been before the Darkening... And I feel for Lirulin - their time together will be so brief, in Elven terms, before things turn.
Author's reply
Hello Angwen. Thanks for letting me know how much this chapter moved you. I appreciate you sharing. As for Alassiel, she does not get born for some time as she is an elfling when Intarion joins the Host of the West and the War of Wrath is several centuries away yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do so very much.
6336 · 10 December 2010 · Chapter 29: iVeryanwë Lirulin Intarionyë
Oh, that was beautiful, the gifts and words of wisdom from the Valar, the 'vows' and the wedding itself. Even Ingoldo and his wife managed to behave themselves, but for how long, who knows? A sprig of Rosemary from Queen Victoria's bouguet was planted and every Royal Bride from then on has had a sprig from that plant in her bouquet. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm glad you liked the gifts and the words of wisdom and the wedding itself. An interesting tidbit about which I was unaware, but I am glad it proves that rosemary is used in weddings. Thanks for sharing and thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny · 10 December 2010 · Chapter 29: iVeryanwë Lirulin Intarionyë
At least Ingoldo and Tinwetatiel kept their mouths shut during the wedding. I suppose it was the talking-to they got from the Valar that ensured that. I liket the gifts from the Valar - especially the cradle - for the blushes it raised - and the books. I see that Yavanna is having deep matchmaking urges. I suppose that especially in light of the gift she and Aule gave the happy couple, she has rather "wannabe-grandmotherly" feelings towards those future children. ;-) Intarion forgetting what he was supposed to say was also fun!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well the wedding isn't quite over yet so there's plenty of time for mischief. *grin* I'm glad you liked the Valar's gifts. I had to think long and hard about some of them to make sure they would be appropriate to the particular Vala or Valar. And we've seen Aulë and Yavanna in parental-mode with Sador's grandmother, so we shouldn't be surprised that they are in the same kind of mode here. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 7 December 2010 · Chapter 28: The Week Before the Wedding
At least the two troublemakers have been fully warned to be on their best behaviors. And loved the reference to Ingoldo's visit to Formenos and his own response to his brother's questions. And the inability to appreciate the value of compassion is indeed a firm handicap for these two.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. So far, you're the only one to comment on Manwë allusion to Ingoldo possibly having gone to Formenos. I wondered if anyone would. *grin* At any rate, compassion is always thin on the ground, just look around in our own world. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari · 7 December 2010 · Chapter 28: The Week Before the Wedding
I do not hold much hope that Ingoldo and Tinwetariel will not do something in an attempt to spoil their son's wedding. They don't fear the Vala as much as they should. It will be most interesting to see what wedding gifts the Vala give to the happy couple.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I doubt too many readers hold out any hope for Ingoldo and Tinwetariel, given what we've seen of them in this story and in "Elf, Interrupted". You are correct that they don't fear the Valar as much as they should. I hope you will enjoy the wedding gifts as much as Intarion and Lirulin. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Ellynn · 6 December 2010 · Chapter 28: The Week Before the Wedding
Oh, what a scene. Entertaining for the reader, and so scary for the two elves. I almost feel sorry for them. So well done. And yes, I love the humor in the end. :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you found it entertaining, Ellyn, though I seriously doubt Ingoldo and Tinwetariel did. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 6 December 2010 · Chapter 28: The Week Before the Wedding
Well the Clans are gathering, but for a good reason, let's hope that the Three Kings, well two kings and a Regent, are able to set aside some time to discuss the problems Melkor has caused. So the Valar have sent Ingoldo off with a flea in his ear, one can only hope that it will do some good, I am not holding my breath, knowing him! So now it is Intarion and Lirulin's turn for an audiance the outcome of which will be a lot more pleasant than the previous one. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, the clans and the kings are gathering and I have no doubt there will be much behind-closed-doors discussions between them about all that has been going on. And I wouldn't hold my breath over Ingoldo either. The next chapter will indeed be more pleasant than this one. We will get to see what gifts the Valar give the happy couple and then we will actually witness the wedding. So put your party hat on. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. You know how much I appreciate it.
Sunny · 6 December 2010 · Chapter 28: The Week Before the Wedding
So Manwë _and_ Námo decided to have a little talk with Ingoldo and Tinwetariel - which should ensure that they will behave themselves during their son's wedding, and possibly for a short while after. But I suspect they will fall back into their old habits sooner rather than later. And I suspect that even if the little talk has made an impression, it may not be enough to make them put an end to any schemes they have already underway. As for Ingoldo's (and Tinwetariel's - they really are a matched pair!!) lack of compassion, he is not going to find it any time soon. I wonder if he ever will? Some people don't seem to learn anything except through hard lessons, and I suspect he is one of those.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We will see how Ingoldo and Tinwetariel behave (or don't) in the future as this story progresses. And you are right that Ingoldo appears to be one of those people who lack compassion for others, thinking only of themselves. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm very glad you are still enjoying this tale.
Larner · 3 December 2010 · Chapter 27: Recovery
Nice to see that some thing else might have been done that would have worked better to curb the unrest, and now the younger ones realize it. But Melkor has certainly sown his mischief well!
Author's reply
You're correct about that, Larner, and unfortunately we know the unrest will continue for some time in spite of the efforts of some to curb it. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Sunny · 3 December 2010 · Chapter 27: Recovery
So racism has come to Valinor :-( Hopefully Ingwë will do what he can to stomp it out, but there still remained some at the time of Elf Interrupted - though perhaps mostly among the Teleri. Findaráto has evidently found out that violence may give one a momentary satisfaction, though it is not likely to really solve any problems, and may in fact cause more - as well as leaving one sorry and sore. Perhaps Findaráto's little talk with Aulë here is the bare beginnings of his famous book? ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Hopefully Ingwë will put an end to it, but there will still be some lingering issues as we saw in Elf, Interrupted, though there the racism was directed towards the Returnees and Reborn rather than between the three Amanian clans. And you're right: perhaps Findaráto's talk with Aulë is the beginning of his famous book. After all, it had to start somewhere. *LOL* Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Erulisse (one L) · 3 December 2010 · Chapter 27: Recovery
<> And there, crystallized, is the crux of what will become the Exile. And I too would have joined them on ships or over ice because my heart has also ever belonged to the Noldor. I find myself uneasy with the "solution" as proposed by Lord Aule and the High King. I am not so sure that simply buying the basket and then giving it to the ellon would have solved anything, even if the guilds had been addressed. Finderato's actions may have been more aggressive, but it also lept over the diplomatic channels to bring the problem before the people and make them aware, quickly. I would have acted as Finderato did. I possibly would have had the same result, or worse, but he is standing up for his convictions and that, in the scheme of things, is most important. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Ingwë and Aulë are of course looking for diplomatic ways to resolve these situations since nothing like this has happened before and they are in foreign territory. Aulë's purpose in his talk with Findaráto is to show that there could have been other ways of handling the situation rather than charging in as he did. That is not to say that Aulë's way would have worked any better, only that there was more than one way to approach the situation. This is a lesson that Findaráto needs and it will help him, I think, when he is a king in Beleriand. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Tari · 1 December 2010 · Chapter 26: Lessons for a Noldorin Prince
The threat of hunger and deprivation definetely brings out the worst in people. Thank goodness Eönwë was near. I think they were to frightened to wonder why that was. The Maia definetely need to keep watch over the Eldar, especially now.
Author's reply
I'm afraid you're correct about that, Tari. As for Eönwë, I don't think it was a matter of him being in the area, but rather other Maiar, perhaps passing through Vanyamar on business of their own, saw what was happening, alerted Manwë and he sent his Herald to deal with it. After all, for him Vanyamar was merely a thought away even if he had been on the other side of the universe at the time. But certainly, it seems that the Maiar and the Valar will need to monitor the situation more closely. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Ellynn · 30 November 2010 · Chapter 26: Lessons for a Noldorin Prince
No, the Valar shouldn't have let so many of the Noldor join Feanor; the consequences are visible everywhere, and I think you describe the situation perfectly. I am looking forward to see how Ingwe will react to this.
Author's reply
I'm sure the Valar are beginning to regret their decision even to exile Fëanáro at this point, Ellyn, but, of course, they can't rescind the judgment. I'm glad to know that you think I'm describing the situation perfectly. It's hard to do when Tolkien gives you nothing really to work with. *grin* We will see Ingwë's reaction to all this shortly. Tnanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Larner · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 26: Lessons for a Noldorin Prince
At least they listened to Eonwe, and many were shamed by what they had done. Speaks better for their characters. But what a thing to have happen. Poor Finderato--his ribs will hurt for some time, I fear.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, and I imagine that there will be a lot of soul-searching for some of them for days to come, which may only be for the best in the long run. Luckily, Elves heal rather quickly, but Findaráto will certainly be in extreme pain for a little while. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 26: Lessons for a Noldorin Prince
Loved the quip about keeping the butteries well stocked, Atar Fiondil. *grin* But then...that basket seller. Just...WHAT?! Melkornosse??????? Oh, he did NOT just say that... I'm glad Eonwe broke it up in there, I was scared someone was going to get killed right there if he hadn't! Now, what will happen next? Tye-melin Atar Fiondil! Kaylee
Author's reply
I'm afraid he did say it, Kaylee, and yes, it's a good thing Eönwë was there to prevent things from getting even uglier than it already is. You won't have too long to wait to see what happens next, so just sit tight. *grin* Tye-melin.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 25: Consultations
Hi Atar Fiondil! I've been reading and loving the story so far. I'm sorry I haven't commented...my computer has been having freezing issues until recently with this site. I don't know what was wrong with it, but it looks better now. Maybe it was my ISP or a slow connection or something. Anyway, my sister fiddled a bit with the router yesterday and things seem better. I loved the whole discussion about rubies and lasers best. I wonder how exactly a ruby becomes a laser? If you shine a light through it, it'll turn into a laser? *ponders* Hmm, I suppose I shall learn about it just like Finda. I suppose he'll use the Elder King's pendant to figure it out? Hmm, and Artanis is even forging swords. I wonder whether she'll make any that will turn out to be important someday? (I decided to comment on this chapter first because I noticed your explanation of Galadriel and Aredhel among the other comments. :) I see her very much as a tomboy, with all those brothers to keep up with. I'm writing a very short ficlet with very young Artanis and Irisse in Aman under the care of their nursemaids; Niniel, my already established OC, for Artanis, and now I can't remember what I named Irisse's caregiver...I remember it meant 'white daisy' in Quenya. Let's just say the two clashed in their ideas of how to look after Noldorin princesses. *grin*)
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Well, I'm glad you're able to access SoA again. As for how rubies are turned into lasers, I'm afraid I don't really know myself. You'll have to check Wikipedia and see what it has to say about it. Whether Finda figures it out or not remains to be seen, but I think certain events will catch up with him and he'll be forced to put aside his studies. Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for reading and reviewing when you are able. I much appreciate it.
Aiwen · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 26: Lessons for a Noldorin Prince
An interesting development. In all honesty, though, I don't think the Valar's decision not to interfere is a good one because when compared to their treatment of Feanor it looks like favoritism towards the Vanyar. ie. it is not important to them that Vanyar injure a Noldo, whereas they take major steps if the culprit is a Noldo (and Feanor didn't actually injure his brother, even if he did threaten him with a weapon). This isn't going to play well in Tirion, still less in Formenos. And so a bad situation gets worse... I like the way you brought the trade ramifications of the Exile into the story because that is exactly what would happen.
Author's reply
Hi Aiwen. I think that when Fëanáro drew steel on his brother, the action was so shocking even to the Valar who, admittedly, were feeling just a bit too complacent about things that they over-reacted. Now they realize they shouldn't have done what they did and they are reserving judgment on the rest. But they aren't not interfering, since they did send Eönwë to break up the fight. It was a warning to the Vanyar who were always considered to be the closest to the Valar and to Manwë especially that the Elder King was aware of what was happening and was not pleased. At any rate, I'm glad you like the trade ramifications that have been mentioned. It's these little details that need to be addressed to show just how far-reaching the effects of Fëanáro's exile were among all of Aman and not just the Noldor. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you doing so very much.
Tari · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 23: A Matter of Record
I don't think it's a good idea to put Ingoldo aside for one moment. He is not to be trusted; in fact, I think he should be kept under constant surveillance.
Author's reply
I'm sure Ingwë doesn't trust his brother too far, Tari. We'll have to see what Ingwë does (or doesn't do) with regards to Ingoldo. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
6336 · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 26: Lessons for a Noldorin Prince
So now it begins. Melkor's lies are starting to sprout and bear fruit. A pity Findarto and the Twins were unable to tell Ingwe of their observations before the trouble started, it will be interesting to see how Ingwe handles this. In a way one cannot blame the Basket Maker for raiseing his prices, but not just for one clan, he should have spread it out over all his wares to be fair, but fairness was not in his mind, he wanted to punish someone for his misfortune. Poor Findarato, I am glad Eonwe was watching out for him. Now it looks like Ingwe will have to start having guards follow his children about, yet another affect to lay at Melkor's feet! I am with the ellon who wanted to leave Melkor rotting in Mandos! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, Lynda, now it begins. We'll see in the next chapter what Ingwë's reaction to this incident is and how he deals with it. And Findaráto's lessons are quite over yet, either, as we will see. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Erulisse (one L) · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 26: Lessons for a Noldorin Prince
There is nothing more frightening than crowd mentality. People who would never perform actions of evil can easily be goaded into them by the desire to follow the crowd and ride the wave. Actions like thisat can easily get out of control and very bad things can happen from them. Having crowd mentality occur in Aman is highly disturbing and a serious breach of the Sere Valar. It is just as well that swords are not standard attire or blood may well have been shed on the market grounds. The High King is going to have to address this quickly and firmly or things will spiral out of control. The pettiness of some of the elves is disturbing - it brings them down to second-born levels, and not in a complimentary way. I look forward to seeing how this serious problem can be resolved quickly. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Crowd mentality can be frightening and ugly, Erulisse. Whether the Elves of Vanyamar recognize it or not, they are being affected by the insiduous taint of Melkor spreading throughout Eldamar. None of them live in a vacuum, and while the Noldor were the most affected, I cannot imagine the other clans not being affected to some degree or another by all this. These Elves have lived in bliss for so long they no longer know how to handle privations of any kind. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Larner · 27 November 2010 · Chapter 25: Consultations
An important concern for all of Aman--how the discontent inspired by Melkor affects the Peace of the Valar. And I am glad that they work to inspire Finderato in particular, although I suspect Iluvatar Himself is planning to take advantage of the ellon's disquiet to counter the destruction Melkor is seeking to cultivate.
Author's reply
I suspect you are correct, Larner, and Ilúvatar Himself has certain plans for Findaráto. Certainly we know that he is meant to go to Beleriand and be the one to find the Edain, but of course none of this is foreseeable at this point in time. We will see how things go for Findaráto as time goes on. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm glad to know you are still enjoying this tale.
Larner · 27 November 2010 · Chapter 24: A Conspiracy Is Formed
Indeed, not all conspiracies are negative in intent or result. A necessary conspiracy, in this case.
Author's reply
You are correct about that, Larner. We will see how effective (or not) this particular conspiracy ends up being. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated it.
Larner · 27 November 2010 · Chapter 23: A Matter of Record
I very much fear that Valandur has the right of it as it pertains to Ingoldo. I don't yet see what he will do, but there is no question the ungrateful wretch and his shrew of a wife will pull something!
Author's reply
We will, of course, see what Ingoldo does eventually, Larner. Right now he's biding his time, but I'm sure he's plotting something. He's the sort that's always plotting something. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sitara · 27 November 2010 · Chapter 25: Consultations
My apologies for intruding again without even having Námo’s brilliant deeds as excuse, but there is something bothering me for quite a while now. As I recall, Fëanáro’s sentence was to keep himself away from Tirion, where the supposed offence had taken place. He went north and built Formenos as his new dwelling place, indeed, but the canon never gave me the impression that he would be confined to that place and never permitted to leave it for twelve years. To hear all that talk about security measures and Maiar to guard that place makes me think about a prison camp; the only thing missing in that picture being the words “Arbeit macht frei” planted somewhere at the gate. Sorry for saying this, but in my opinion, by confining Fëanáro and all those who accompanied him in exile to a small valley and setting in place such extensive security measures, the Valar broke their own doom whose lawfulness was already questionable. Between forbidding Fëanáro to come to Tirion for twelve years and practically imprisoning him for the same amount of time is a huge difference. Again, I apologize for my comments and thank you for your time.
Author's reply
While your concerns are legitimate, Sitara, the security measures are explicitly stated as ensuring that none of the elflings wandered off and lose themselves in the wilderness surrounding the valley. Also, Fëanáro was allowed to choose the place of his exile, as described in an earlier chapter. I don't think that anything I've written directly contradicts what is in the Silmarillion, but is merely my interpretation of events which played out, leading up to the Darkening and beyond. Other writers may have and probably do have their own take on the story and, of course, they are free to write their version. I don't expect everyone to agree with how I've played out the scenario and there is certainly room for debate. None of the Noldor at Formenos are bound to remain there. Only Fëanáro is. All others, even his sons and his father are free to leave whenever they choose. They are there of their own free will, so to compare Formenos to a prison camp I think is stretching the point a bit. And don't forget, Manwë has to order Fëanáro to attend the feast at Ilmarin, thus give him permission to leave Formenos, so in that sense, it is a place of confinement for Fëanáro, though not for anyone else.