Larner
· 6 November 2010
· Chapter 19: A Relationship Renewed
A lovely interlude. Am glad that Manwe himself guards the betrothal document, though. Excellent move on Finderato's part. And his own courtship moves apace--necessarily slowly, but steadily nonetheless.
Now to learn what Ingwe plans....
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you found this little interlude so lovely. Of course, we know that their courtship will be derailed by unforeseen events but we can at least enjoy their innocence while it lasts. Next chapter will show us what Ingwë is planning. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Larner
· 6 November 2010
· Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It
It is too bad that Ingoldo's attitude should evoke such concern in all, and particularly in Finderato. No one should have to sleep with a knife at hand.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, and as early in events as this is (the Darkening is still another 40 solar years away), we see how even here Melkor's taint is evident. And what is most tragic is that none of them realize what is happening to them, not even Ingoldo. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it greatly.
Sunny
· 5 November 2010
· Chapter 19: A Relationship Renewed
So the ellyn are shuddering at the thought of the upcoming fashion parade? A bit of a contrast to some scenes in your other works - like the bit in the Findaráto Diaries when Findaráto insisted on having his outfit made to his own specifications (and insisted on keeping the design secret) and then was teased by his father about his fashion sense! ;-)
The copy of the betrothal contract should definitely be safe with Manwë. I'd like to see Ingoldo trying anything with _him_! *grins evilly*
In one sense it is a relief that Ingoldo hasn't started throwing his weight around. But then I suppose this is just the quiet before the storm. :-O
Ingwë is going to Alqualondë? what is he up to now??
Author's reply
Hi, Sunny. Well, it's one thing to plan your own wardrobe, it's another to watch others plan theirs. *grin* Or maybe Findaráto, having been king and having to deal with state robes and all, just caught the 'clothes-horse bug'. *grin*
As for Ingoldo... he's not out of the running yet when it comes to causing mischief as we will see over the course of the story.
And as for Ingwë going to Alqualondë... we'll see in the next chapter what that is all about.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I greatly appreciate it.
Tari
· 5 November 2010
· Chapter 16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar
The departure of Intarion's parents, even though they went in different directions, does not bode well for the elleth. I smell trouble brewing.
Author's reply
There is certainly trouble brewing, Tari, though what form it takes and against whom remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 5 November 2010
· Chapter 19: A Relationship Renewed
Oh, this was nice, a gentle, peaceful chapter, with a very small cliffie at the end, or will it turn into a big cliffee?
So Finderato and Amarie are slowly coming together, finding the love they have for each other. Was Amarie's embroidery of a white rose deliberate or just happenstance, or was 'someone' giving her a little nudge?
Now what is Ingwe up to, dashing off to Alqualonde like that, at least he and Arafinwe have brought Earwen along, if nothing else, she gets to see her family for a while!?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, it is very gentle and we see here the beginnings of the relationship (or rather, the continuation of the relationship) between Findaráto and Amarië that will culminate in their wedding two ages later. As for Amarië's rose, that was certainly deliberate on her part, a not so subtle message to Findaráto. *grin*
As for Ingwë, we will see in the next chapter what his trip to Alqualondë is all about. And when, in the chapter after that, he returns to Vanyamar we will start seeing him in High King-mode when he confronts certain people. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I am very grateful for you taking the time to do so.
Tari
· 2 November 2010
· Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It
Better yet, why not have one or two of the Maia guard the contract? I'd love to see Ingoldo mess with them. LOL
Author's reply
Great idea, Tari. I don't think Findarato or anyone else has thought of that. It would be interesting to see how far Ingoldo got with the Maiar. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Ellynn
· 2 November 2010
· Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It
I can't wait to see what will happen the next day - I am sure that Ingoldo won't give up.
Thanks for another great chapter! :)
Author's reply
Hi Ellyn. Well, you won't have too long to wait to find out. *grin* Though Ingoldo might not do anything right off. He might bide his time. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
ninqwestilmen
· 1 November 2010
· Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It
Ah, Ingoldo... I do really wonder what he would have done to the contract.
Did Finrod actually bring a knife with him? Thats a bit surprising, and even more surprising that he decided to tuck it under his pillow. The peace of the Valar is well and truly infected.
I had soooo much trouble getting this story to load today, I'm glad I finally got to read it :) A lovely chapter as usual.
Author's reply
Hi Ninquestilmen. Apparently Nilmandra and Rorrah moved SoA to another site and that is why you were having problems. Hopefully, it's okay now and I'm glad you were finally able to get on and read this chapter. Yes, Finrod did have a knife with him and not for carving his meat. You may recall the conversation he had with the Valar earlier about the forging or swords and such and that knife is a product of that. The peace of the Valar is well and truly infected as you say and unfortunately it will just get worse before it gets better. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Sunny
· 1 November 2010
· Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It
A nice and pleasant meal with only a few handpicked guests. I expect any arrangement from now on that touches on the wedding will be on an entirely different scale! And Amarië's presence was evidently a surprise for Findaráto.
(Hmmm. Considering the way he expresses his fondness for good food, it wouldn't surprise me if Findaráto will be a frequent guests to the hobbits when they live on Tol Eressëa - but that has nothing to do with _this_ story!) ;-)
Trust Ingoldo to barge in and try to interfere with signing the betrothal agreement! And his comments about "a wine merchants daughter" makes me wonder about the ellith he and Tinwetariel pushed at Intarion - probably ellith from families he wanted to support him rather Ingwë. :-(
And Findaráto's reactions certainly foreshadow the king he is going to be - taking no nonsense from Ingoldo, and is definitely the "alpha wolf" in that encounter. He also takes a few precautions to protect the documents - I wonder just how much of his paranoia will prove to be justified!
And I suspect the rings from Ingwë is a sign that he also is not exactly overflowing with trust where Inglodo is concerned.
It wouldn't surprise me too much if this betrothal is the spark that lights the fuse to whatever Ingoldo is plotting. :-o
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I imagine you are correct about Findaráto and the Hobbits, but as you say, it has nothing to do with _this_ story. *grin*
And we do see a foreshadowing of the king Findaráto is destined to become in this chapter. As for what sparks the fuse to whatever Ingoldo is plotting, whether the betrothal or something else, that remains to be seen.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 1 November 2010
· Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It
Trust Ingoldo to act the idiot. If he and Tinwateriel had any sense they would give in gracefully, at least they could try to put a good face on it. I hope Ingoldo does not try anything stupid at the council session, but knowing him (and I wish I didn't) he will try to do something to disrupt the procedings. I just wish a couple of the other councilors would have the gumption to sit on him!
So now Intarion and Lirulin are under Ingwe's protection, which just might give Ingoldo pause to think he is going to far in his dislike of Lirulin and her family.
Good chapter,
More please,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
We will see soon enough how things works out, Lynda. Ingoldo isn't going to have much chance of spoiling anything however much he tries, as you will see eventually. Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L)
· 1 November 2010
· Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It
Nor much stops Ingoldo, so Finderato's cautionary preparations are probably a good idea. The pure venom that Ingoldo has for anyone below his "social status" is rather frightening and a good indication of the rot that has spread into Vanyarin society. I will be glad when the contract has been officially read and accepted and when the Valar have been informed so that nothing Ingoldo can do legally will stop this wedding. Of course, there are more than 300 weeks that he can act against the couple in so many underhanded ways....
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Very true, Erulisse. However, Intarion and Lirulin are not without allies, and there is Ingwe to consider. He isn't High King of all the Elves for nothing as we will soon see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 30 October 2010
· Chapter 17: Findaráto Before the Valar
And so we see the effects of Melkor's machinations, and how in weaving a hint of truth into his lies he manages to sway even those as true of spirit as Finderato.
Author's reply
Effects that will have far-reaching consequences for Findarato and many others, though not even the Valar can see what is coming. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 30 October 2010
· Chapter 16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar
At least there is provision given for those whose parents are behaving like asses, as is true of Ingoldo and his self-centered wife! Good enough, then.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Sunny
· 29 October 2010
· Chapter 17: Findaráto Before the Valar
It shall be interesting to see if Findaráto will get to have much of an influence over the way things are going in Aman - but if he doesn't, I think this little talk will at least have an influence on how he conducts himself in Beleriand!
Are you planning a short story about Aulë and Yavanna's courtship. If so, that is likely to be the shortest short story you will ever write - at least, if what is said this story is an indicator. Say - drabble length ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well, we know he did eventually move to Beleriand and I think the lessons he is learning now helped him to be the king he became.
As for a story about Aulë and Yavanna's courtship, that would be barely a drabble. *grin* Even Atar was taken aback at the speed in which they bonded. *LOL*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Tari
· 29 October 2010
· Chapter 17: Findaráto Before the Valar
I just wanted you to know I am still reading this story. Unfortunately, I am not as gifted with words as many others, and can't come up with an appropriate comment. I am very much enjoying this tale.
Author's reply
Actually, Tari, I think your reviews are pretty okay. I wouldn't worry about what others are saying. Choose one thing you liked about the chapter or that moved you in some way and mention it. The fact that you just let me know that you are still reading and enjoying the story is enough. Thanks. I really appreciate it.
ninqwestilmen
· 29 October 2010
· Chapter 17: Findaráto Before the Valar
Hello,
This is an incredibly poignant chapter! I was wondering what good Findarato could do among the Vanyar, but I see now that his presence there is quite important for the furtherance of the story. His honest words must have shaken up everyone quite a lot... maybe even have effected his cousins perspective too. I don't think that Ingalaure said anything during this conversation, I wonder what he's thinking.
Also want to add that I'm enjoying this story very much, even if I haven't been reviewing as promptly as I should. Keep it coming :)
Author's reply
Hello, Ninquestilmen. It is indeed a very poignant chapter. I'm glad you realized that. As for Ingalaure, I think he's feeling shocked at what he's heard, as are Ingwion, Indil and Intarion. He probably didn't know what to say and left it to his brother to speak for him.
I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the story very much. Thank you for letting me know. I look forward to any review you are able to leave.
6336
· 29 October 2010
· Chapter 17: Findaráto Before the Valar
Did Melkor teach them how to make swords, or did they work it out for them selves? I know it is a long involved process, not something you can do in a couple of days.
Think I am with Intarion over the wedding, pity they cannot do it the Sindar way i.e. sneak off into the woods and come back the next morning and announce 'We're married!', saves a lot of fuss and bother!
They all have a lot to think on, both the Elves and the Valar.
Starting to pick up speed, pour on he coal...
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
I think that Melkor must have, or at least gave them the gist of how to go about it. We know that he was deep in the councils of the Noldor (or at least some of them).
I'm sure Intarion would highly approve of the Sindarin form of marriage even if Lirulin wouldn't. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L)
· 29 October 2010
· Chapter 17: Findaráto Before the Valar
Ah, and now we start to come to it. In the midst of the frippery - a wedding and the teaching of kingship, comes the true meat of the matter. How best to counteract the influences of Feanor and his exile. Because, of course, those elves who followed Orome west to the Trees followed blindly. And, in essense, they turned their backs on their homes to make new homes for themselves. There is always a desire to return to ones' roots, and it seems that the children of the original colonists are beginning to experience that desire in full. Even Finderato. I can't wait for the next few chapters, since I suspect that your next chapter will be caught up in wedding plans again.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Yes, people always try to get back to their roots, and I guess Findarato is experiencing that urge here. And we know that he eventually does leave Aman for Beleriand. The next few chapters will indeed deal with some aspects of the betrothal but they will also concentrate on Findarato a bit more. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 25 October 2010
· Chapter 16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar
Now that Findaráto has arrived in Vanyamar I wonder if the story isn't about to get rolling... ;-) And there is the expected "As long as you feed me" remark! :-D
Ingoldo and Tinwetariel are definitely being a real pair of ... donkeys ... about their son's betrothal. Who he marries is _his_ decision to made, after all. And I can definitely see Ingwë insisting that nobody and nothing being permitted to detract from Intarion and Lirulin's big day just to drive that point home.
Ingoldo riding out with a group of armed retainers set off all my "Treachery coming up" alarms, finely honed as they are by years of reading SF and Fantasy. It shall e interesting to see what - or who - their prey is, or if Ingoldo has only planned a very accidental "friendly fire" incident. I certainly understand Ingwion's wish to have his uncle where he can see him!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You are correct that now that Findaráto has come to Vanyamar we should be seeing a bit more action. It would have been nice to have been able to avoid these background chapters, but since Tolkien has given us nothing about what happened among the various groups of people involved in this story, I've had to make it up as I went along, hoping that the actions and reactions of the various parties were true to them and to the situation. It hasn't been easy but this is truly terra incognita.
Anway, we will see what Ingwe things about his brother's antics when he returns to Vanyamar and how he deals with him.
Glad you are enjoying this story so far. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 25 October 2010
· Chapter 16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar
Hm, think I am with Ingwion when it comes to prefering to have both Ingoldo and his wife where I can keep an eye on them, leaving as they did is a little imature on both their parts if they think the Betrothal Dinner can not take place with out them.
Oh, I do like Findarato here, he is just what the Twins need, he has some very firm ideas as to what the Twins need to do, plus another friendly face is always good to have around.
What is it with Findarato and food or is he just being irritating?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda,
I'm glad you like Findarato here. He is like a breath of fresh air to the Vanyar and his irreverent manner is just what the Twins need.
As for the thing about food, I believe it's an old family joke. Findarato loves to eat, something he has in common with Ingwion, as you may recall Nienna hosting the "Feast of Every Dish Known to Elvenkind" when Ingwion was visiting her. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I am very grateful.
Hugs back.
Parmalokwen
· 25 October 2010
· Chapter 16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar
Finwë: Idiot. I predict that this case will become a cautionary tale to future generations of Eldarin parents regarding the dangers of playing favorites with one's offspring.
The Valar: Not as wise as they think they are. (I know, we've had this conversation before.) They were right to require that Finwë and Ingwë recuse themselves from judging Fëanáro and Ñolofinwë's case due to their close relationships with both the perpetrator and the victim, but they should have explained that decision. Finwë's present temper tantrum comes from his failure to understand a certain basic principle of justice. Would it have killed the Valar to enlighten him? I know, I can't argue with canon, but by all the stars I can still whine about it!
Findaráto: I am loving this look at pre-kingship Finrod. He's clever, we can see why he'll make such a great king, but he's not yet acquired his Scary Majesty side.
Ingoldo: Treacherous, spoiled little toad. Perhaps it is a good thing that he and Fëanáro are not better acquainted. With their overblown sense of violated entitlement, they'd get along fabulously, probably to everyone else's regret. And he would do well to open up a copy of Axani ar Haimi himself. I'm sure he knows perfectly well what his obligations are, but he's forgetting that he doesn't actually have any authority at all to stop his son from marrying. That is a party that can happen without him, and will if he doesn't stop being such a brat.
All in all, quite an enjoyable train wreck* to read.
*Train wreck: A story which is known to be heading swiftly and unswervingly toward disaster, yet witnesses cannot look away.
Author's reply
Hi Paramlokwen. Your analyses of the various characters is very right on. *LOL* I'm thinking with Finwë, the Valar did tell him that he should refuse to hear the case but being a stubborn Elf, he refused, or rather, he refused to hear it at all because he did not believe there was any need for a trial. That's when the Valar stepped in. Not the smartest move they've ever made and there are times when I wish I could ignore canon and just go with it, but I have tried very hard to stay within Tolkien's vision of the Valar and the events leading up to the Darkening, so my hands are tied on the one hand, but on the other, within the vagueness of his words, I can play around a little bit.
Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying reading this little train wreck (and yes, I understood the analogy). May you continue to do so. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Rhyselle
· 25 October 2010
· Chapter 16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar
Only time for a quick review today as work is busy, and at home I can't read due to a close encounter between my netbook and a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows--the catalyst was a growing child's clumsiness. While the netbook is in critical condition and looking terminal, no humans were injured in the accident.
Fave line: Findaráto shrugged. "For as long as you feed me." *giggle*
I love his irreverence! So refreshing in comparison to the stuffiness of some of the older Noldor and Vanyar that we've met.
I want to strangle Ingoldo and Tinwetariel... Even knowing that they will ultimately get what is coming to them, an age or two down the road, doesn't help keep me from growling whenever they are "on stage". But, of course, it's what they are doing "off stage" that is the real threat, right?
I know that the most recent chapters are providing a lot of background and supporting info for chapters to come, and I like that. The leavening of humor makes the necessary exposition flow, and the characterization of the younger generation of royal elves still charms me.
I was wondering if this tale will continue to be a bit "distant" from the thoughts and emotions of the main characters. In Elf Interrupted, even though you never go into a "first person" perspective, we got a lot of Glorfindel's inner thoughts and motivations, while so far in this tale, I don't feel that I'm really inside any of the main characters. Part of me wants to be inside Ingwion's, Inglaure's, and Intarion's heads a bit more than we've been able to be so far. I care about the characters because you made me care about them--or at least about Ingwion!--in "Elf Interrupted". I'd wonder if a new reader, who hadn't read other parts of your body of work might feel as if this was a somewhat unemotional fic so far. Of course, once Melkor and Ungoliant make their move, things should get really emotional, really fast! *wry grin*
As always, I finished the chapter feeling overall satisfied and very much looking forward to the next one. Well done!
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. For a quick review, this is pretty thorough. *grin*
Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying the story and especially Findarato.
As for your concerns about distance: these early chapters are necessarily laying the groundwork for the rest of the story and in later chapters we will be spending a lot of time with individual characters, such as Ingwion and Ingalaure and Findarato and some others. They will in turns have their own set of chapters devoted to them and their adventures. I suppose I have written this story under the assumption that most readers will come to it via my other earlier stories, especially "Elf, Interrupted". Hopefully any new readers will be just curious enough about the story to keep on to the 'good parts'. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
I am glad I finally got round to reading this story. I love what you have done so far with setting the stage as it were for the rest of the story.
I hope that Ingalaurë will realise just how important the opinions of his twin, his sister and himself are to their father, and that Ingoldo does not pray on his insecurities.
I can't wait to see the rest of this story.
Author's reply
Hello, Selene. I'm glad you are finally able to read this and that you are enjoying it and looking forward to the rest of the stoy. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. We will see how Ingalaure fares with Ingoldo in later chapters and how the Elves from the various realms deal with the fallout from Feanaro's exile.
6336
· 23 October 2010
· Chapter 15: Muina Hostalë
Reading your comment to Erulisse(one L), I am wondering if the lack of reviews is due to the problems we have been having just accessing the site, kind of hard to leave a review if you can't even read the story, let alone comment on it!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Perhaps, but people are reading according to the number of hits that each chapter is getting. I suspect that others either have RL issues that prevent them from taking the time to review or they have nothing to say about the chapter. I'm just happy that anyone takes the time to review my stories, because I know I don't always review every story or every chapter of a story that I read, so I can't blame others for not doing the same for mine. *grin* But you are right that finding the site inaccessible at the time you want to get on it can lead to a lot of frustration and hopefully the mods will be able to solve that problem sooner rather than later.
6336
· 23 October 2010
· Chapter 15: Muina Hostalë
I hope Ingoldo does not pick up on Ingalure's resentment at their appointment to the Privy Council being temporary, with his insecurites, it is the kind if thing he could play on. I hope Indil's realisation that they are their father's Secret Council helps him. I am surprised in a way that Ingwe has not had them attend council meetings, if only as observers, one of these yen he is going to step down as high king and hand over to Ingwion and I hope Ingewion has Ingalure as his right hand Elf as it were!
Don't worry Almariel, Finderato will get around to it on of these yen, though it will be a lot longer till the wedding than either you or he and Amarie realise.
Nice Chapter things, are slowly moving along.
Now to see if third time is the charm and this will post!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Glad you were finally able to post this. I think Indil's realization that they are all Ingwe's Secret Council will help him, but we'll have to see. Whether Ingoldo picks up on his resentment or not also remains to be seen. Ingwe has probably had all his children sit in on council meetings from time to time but not on a regular basis. They all have their own interests and pursuits. It's what happens when you live in the peace of the Trees and there is all the ages of Arda to 'get around to it'. *grin* That will certainly change.
And of course, we know that Findarato and Amarie do eventually get married, just not when Almariel expects. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lynda. I'm very glad you were able to and I always look forward to your insights on the characters and events in my stories.