Larner
· 19 August 2013
· Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
A fascinating visit between Valandur and the Vala of the Sea. It will be interesting to see just how Ulmo deals with Ingoldo, and I suspect that no matter how forceful the Vala that the brother of the Ingaran will resent it.
But Ulmo is right--Ingwe needs to appreciate all three clans, not just his own and the Noldor.
I find myself imagining Legolas coming into Aman and trying to figure out to which extant clan there he might feel most allied, for I see him drawn to both the Vanyar and the Lindar, although I cannot see him too particularly close with the Noldor.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. How Ulmo deals with Ingoldo will be revealed once Valandur returns to Tirion. I agree that Legolas would probably be more drawn to either the Vanyar or the Lindar rather than the Noldor.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Cairistiona
· 19 August 2013
· Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
Very interesting chapter. It seems to take such minor differences to start driving wedges between people (or peoples), so very wise of Ulmo to set Valandur on a course to study the Lindar. I got tickled at them thinking the Vanyar lived in the forest eating berries and sleeping in the trees. As for whatever consequences this disruption in Valandur's schedule might bring with Ingoldo, despite Ulmo's assertions that he'll, er, smooth the waters with him, he is at least getting out of his secretary-to-the-secretary drudgery. That can't be all bad. :)
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. It's usually the minor differences that are the most telling, I think, simply because they are minor and people react to such minor differences on a subconscious level, unaware (usually) that they are reacting negatively.
And while Valandur may enjoy his little 'holiday' away from Ingoldo, it won't last and the consequences will be... well, we'll just have to see, won't we? *grin*
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 19 August 2013
· Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
I wonder if the so many of the Noldor would have packed up and left if there had been more interaction between the clans.
I can see where Ulmo is going with this, even if it is many Yeni into the future, after the Darkening. What an ideal situation for Melkor even if he isn't in the picture yet!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
That's a good question, Lynda. I would like to think so but I guess we'll never know, will we?
And Ulmo and the other Valar are taking the long view, but even they will not foresee the Darkening or the role that Melkor will play in that.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated. Hugs back.
UTfrog
· 19 August 2013
· Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
Very interesting chapter. I loved the part about not having had time to change clothes. So the Valar are not insulted by a lack of constant prayer. Interesting theological point of view worth thinking about. Looking forward to Friday. Thank you for this chapter.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I wanted to stress what could plausibly be cultural differences between the clans, especially the Noldor and Vanyar and their relationship with the Valar. I imagined that's perhaps one reason the Noldor were so willing to leave Aman when they did, beyond any rhetoric Fëanäro might have put forth. There had to be some underlying reason for their behavior and I figured part of it would be theological in nature. Hence the discussion here and the Valar's reaction to it.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Valandur will be stuck in Alqualondë a little longer than planned as we will see, so that gives us more time to 'see' the city along with him.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 17 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
So, Valandur finally has enough of the high and mighty. Nice day at the beach until the summons by Lord Ulmo. I can understand that Valandur is not happy. The hole he is in is getting deeper and deeper. I can see Ingoldo's reaction...So, a summons by Lord Ulmo? What does he want with you?! Now off to see what Ulmo wants with Valandur aside from annoying Ingoldo...
Author's reply
Yes, Ingoldo is not going to be easily impressed, I fear, by this summons, but we'll see how it turns out eventually. As for what Ulmo wants, that will be seen in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 17 August 2013
· Chapter 11: Renewing Acquaintances
Reunions with old friends can be bittersweet. Having just had one of those, I can relate to Valandur and his friends. Some people never realize that after all this time you might be different. With some people it is as if you just sat down yesterday and some people have drifted away and you don't have anything to say to them anymore. Luckily Valandur's friends belong more to the former category. They don't need much adjustment to continue their friendship. I got the feeling that Minalcar is older than the others and wasn't part of the inner group which might account for his misstep. Luckily, they made up and could mend their friendship.
Author's reply
Yes, they can be, obsidianj. Valandur's otornor, of course, have seen Valandur on a regular basis (for Elves), so they are able to accept the changes in his life and rejoice in them, Minalcar hasn't had that opportunity, thus his misstep. Luckily, Valandur is a forgiving soul and Minalcar is 'man' enough to admit that he was in the wrong, so all's well that end's well between then. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Kevana
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
Looks like Val has had enough of the shenanigans and I can't blame him! At least he's figured out the best way to deal with Ingoldo, which is to make someone else deal with Ingoldo, LOL. I think Aldamir and Intarion are understandably not happy about that.
It was wonderful to see Val's first look at the stars in so long. That was really touching.
Pre-Darkening Teleri vaguely remind me of Elven surfer dudes (in the best possible way). Or Lindarion does, at least. Ruined tunic? Nah, brother, just caught a gnarly wave. Love that we'll get to see a bit of them in this story!
Hm, so Ulmo has a thing or two to say? Well, this ought to be good. *grin*
This chapter has some of my favorite scenes yet. Clearing away gems before you can sit down? Bwahaha! Oh, gosh. I can't imagine that's fun to walk on barefoot, but then they can walk on top of snow, maybe the same goes for sand and gems.
Thanks for the update, Fiondil! You have a lovely weekend!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Yeah, Valandur's had enough of the nonsense and he just doesn't care anymore. I'm glad you enjoyed the beach scene. It was fun to mention all the gems strewned about and the Elves joking about them. A whole different perspective on the value of gemstones. And yes, we'll see something of the Telerin royal family and their lifestyle as well as a closer glimpse of Alqualondë, which is rarely described in any detail by most fan writers and even Tolkien gives us little enough information about it.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Have a great weekend yourself and thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
This is really getting interesting now. Can't wait to find out what Lord Ulmo is up to.
Author's reply
We'll see what Lord Ulmo it up to next chapter. Thanks for taking the time to let me know how much you are enjoying the story, Tari. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
I agree that even Ingoldo will find it hard to fault him for answering Ulmo's summons, although he will undoubtedly WANT to find reason to grouse. But the picnic sounds beautiful! I'm glad this family rejoices to remember its routes. I only hope that Valandur never has reason to meet his former friend as he's been changed. Shivering!
Author's reply
We'll see whether Ingoldo finds fault with Valandur or not. He's the sort who will find even the flimsiest of excuses to find fault with another. And as Valandur never goes to Middle-earth (at least not until the Elf Academy series), he is spared the possibility of meeting his former playmate. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
a day in the each indeed. Wow. Poor Valandur,or will it be? I mean he was asked to see Lord Ulmo how can they be upset with him over that? Oh wait. yes, yes they can. ;0)
Author's reply
We'll see just how upset everyone is over Valandur going off to Alqualondë eventually, Laer. In the meantime, Valandur gets a free ride to the Swan Havens for a little chat with Ulmo and that will be the subject of the next chapter. Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
bookworm
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
Poor Valandur! Can't catch a break. And hello I see another old (new) friend - he's just as cheerful as ever!
Author's reply
No, the poor ellon can't get a break and it'll only get worse as you will see. And yes, we'll meet other members of the Lindarin (Telerin) royal family, though not all have been born yet. Thanks for reviewing. bookworm. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
Ah, I was wondering when the Valar would make an appearance, I wonder what Ulmo wants?
Poor Valandur, he is not having an easy time of it is he, Ingwe is a devious so and so isn't he!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
We'll find that out in the next chapter, so you won't have too long to wait, Lynda. And no, Valandur isn't haveing an easy time of it and it won't get any easier for a while, either, as we will see. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much. Hugs back.
Cairistiona
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
Yikes, that's an unexpected turn. Summoned to attend Lord Ulmo! I wonder whatever for. Poor Valandur. It would definitely be hard to believe all these people who are telling him it will all be well. Nice idyll on the beach up to that point. How I'd love to be able to just casually toss away gemstones to make a smooth spot to sit on! I loved the descriptions of Menelmacar. He's my favorite astinwessë. :)
Author's reply
A very unexpected turn, Cairistiona. We'll learn in the next chapter what Ulmo is up to. And Menelmacar has always been a favorite of mine, as well. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 12: A Day at the Beach
Well, that is a shock. It will be interesting to see what Lord Ulmo wants as well as how Ingoldo reacts. I must comment that Elves must have some sort of spectacular cleaning methods given the casual way they treat fabrics with extensive embroidery.
Author's reply
Well, as a prince who doesn't have to do the cleaning, Lindarion's being a bit arrogant about it, I think. *grin* Anyway, we will find out in the next chapter what this is all about. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. I appreciate it.
Atto,
This story is coming along just as well as I would expect from you, which is to say *brilliantly* of course. :) Sorry about my lack of reviewing; I've gotten so wrapped up in it you've left me breathless! I don't always know what to say, "I love the whole chapter and can't wait for the next one" just seems wholly inadequate. But I love Valandur and his friends - or should I say, Quisero and his friends. "Whisperer" is rather an appropriate name for a future spymaster, come to that...
Anyway, I love love ten times over LOVE the blooming romance between Princess Findis and Valandur, and I can't wait to see more of it!
Ingoldo was a right little pain in the arse even back then? Why do I get the feeling Ingwe sent him just to get a holiday from his brother? (to re-word one of Findarato's cleverest remarks, lol) He shouldn't have foisted off Ingoldo on Valandur, though, poor Valandur.
Hopefully I'll be coherent enough to review the next chapter, lol! I suppose we'll see tomorrow. :)
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Hey, no problem! I quite understand. I think that's why some people just wait until the last chapter is posted to review. It saves them from repeating themselves from one review to the next. *grin*
Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying this story, especially the blooming romance between Findis and Valandur, which was the original impetus for this story, as Ellie wanted to know how the two met and fell in love.
Thanks for commenting. It's always appreciated, as well you know. Take care. Tye-melin.
Larner
· 13 August 2013
· Chapter 11: Renewing Acquaintances
An awkward jest that backfired, obviously. Glad he went back after all. He has some good friends!
Author's reply
Very awkward, Larner, but at least they made up. Valandur will need his friends while he's in Tirion. Thanks for reiviewing. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 13 August 2013
· Chapter 11: Renewing Acquaintances
Oh, good gracious, this felt too much like some of the reunions I've had with family. Some never want to realize you're not the same as you were as a child, and never seem to realize that teasing, even without ill intent, can hurt. Poor Valandur--I'm glad that Minalcar was big enough to apologize. He gave Valandur the hug I wanted to! The lingering awkwardness was just right, as was the very last line. Poignant chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Yeah, well, we've all been there, haven't we? *grin* I think most people can relate to what Valandur has to put up with here. Glad you liked the last line. It is very poignant. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 12 August 2013
· Chapter 11: Renewing Acquaintances
Poor Valandur, so much hurt that was buried deep. Now he is his brothers love again to help heal that hurt. And his new friends also will help him heal. Great story Fiondil you make it easy to care about all of your characters :)
Author's reply
Valandur has self-image issues, I'm afraid, but his otornor are there to support and love him and help, so he'll do alright.
I'm glad you are enjoying the story, Laer. As far as I'm concerned, if a writer doesn't make his characters sympathetic, even those who are the 'bad guys', and make the reader care about what happens to them, then he or she has failed as a writer. If the reader doesn't care about any of the characters, even just one, then why bother reading, right?
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
demeter d
· 12 August 2013
· Chapter 11: Renewing Acquaintances
Ahh, memories. I agree with the other reviewers, they can be a very mixed bag. This weekend was my high school graduating class's FORTIETH year reunion.(There, you know how old I am!) There was, indeed, some old stories, and a lot of laughter. Mostly, though, I noticed that everyone HAD changed...and mellowed. Mostly there were hugs of greeting from almost everyone, even some whom I thought did not know I existed, back then. Mostly, we all wondered how many of us would still be there in another ten years. An Elven lifespan gives one the opportunity to take time learning, preparing, trying many different endeavors. Not so much for we Edain. I am enjoying the mental picture of the city and the people you are painting for us as the tale unfolds. I feel like I am sitting in the corner of the tavern watching them.
Author's reply
Hi demeter d. Well, it's been 40 years for me, too, so you're in good company. *grin* I am glad you are enjoying the mental picture of the city and its people that I've been painting and I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's very much appreciated.
Kevana
· 12 August 2013
· Chapter 11: Renewing Acquaintances
Looks like our conversation was well-timed indeed, Fiondil! Haha. Yes, insult his intelligence and the hard work of his pursuit of scholarly endeavors, that would be enough to hit a hot button. I'm glad they made up, though from the conversation it makes me wonder if perhaps their somewhat rocky relations aren't being mirrored in many other friendships (or former friendships, at this point) between their two peoples. It's like seeing a microcosm of a larger trend at play.
Valandur not wanting to walk down his old street was very poignant. Ouch.
Great chapter, hope you have a fantastic week! :)
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Well-timed indeed. And you may be correct that the relationship between Valandur and Minalcar is a microcosm of a larger trend at play, and of course, we know that the relations deteriorated between the two clans over time and especially following the Darkening.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 12 August 2013
· Chapter 10: At the Coppersmith’s
Occasionally I'm reminded why I'm glad I'm an only child. *grin* But it was too cute seeing Val and Findis corral the young'uns.
Ugh, road tolls. Right up there with zoning ordinances on the list of things that will get people teed off. At this point I imagine Valandur's happy *not* to be the one responsible for the actual negotiations.
I really enjoy how you play off of Tolkien's actual language developments and work it into the fabric of your stories! Too clever.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. There have been times when I wished I'd been one. *grin*
Yeah, road tolls are not a good subject for neogitations, but they need to be dealt with.
I have fun with the linguistics and how the languages might have developed over time. Tolkien states that the Noldor were always inventing new and better ways of saying things, discarding one form for another that was more pleasing to them and I figured that had to be true of names as well.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog
· 12 August 2013
· Chapter 11: Renewing Acquaintances
I enjoyed this. Meeting old friends always brings up stories of joy and some you would just as soon no one remembered. As usual, you are weaving some complicated strands. Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this UTfrog. Meeting up with old friends can be both a pleasure and an embarrassment as they trot out stories about you you would just as soon forget and sometimes old friends remmeber how you WERE and don't realize that everyone changes over time and you may not be the same person they remember. Family members tend toward the same misperception.
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 10 August 2013
· Chapter 10: At the Coppersmith’s
I loved how Valandur handled the little elfling. I can understand the emotions of his big sister... What in the world was Ingwe thinking when appointing Ingoldo as head of the trade delegation? He is way to self absorbed and set in his ways to find unique solutions.
Author's reply
I'm afraid Ingwë had little choice in the matter, obsidianj. Such is life in royal circles. You often have to do thinks demanded by protocol and not by personal wishes. Anyway, I'm glad you liked how Val handled the elfling. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it greatly.
obsidianj
· 10 August 2013
· Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
Ah, the unspoken rules of engagement with nobility... Findis seems to like Valandur, too. Since she is from the royal family, Valandur has all the excuses he needs to talk to her... although I can see some people not liking it one bit. Aldamir seems to be a nice ellon and I like the friendship blossoming between him and Valandur. Not all the Vanyar in the delegation are snobs,
Author's reply
No, they're not all snobs, obsidian. And Valandur does have the excuse that the princess has commanded him to speak to her, so he's safe enough for now. *grin* We'll see how their relation continues as we follow Valandur about. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Shemyaza
· 10 August 2013
· Chapter 10: At the Coppersmith’s
And yet another lovely absorbing story. I absolutely love your stories set in Valinor, they open up a world that is just incredible and your characterisations are also incredible as usual. They are so in keeping with Tolkien that you get to think that they are canon.
Lovely, looking forward to more my friend.
Author's reply
Shemyaza! Good to see you again!
I'm so glad you are enjoying this story so far and thanks for your kind words. I've always been fascinated by Valinor, more so than Middle-earth, and I try to imagine what life must have been like there, before and after the death of the Trees. It isn't always easy and when dealing with Pre-Darkness times I have to remember little details such as "no nights" and "5-day weeks", etc. If nothing else it forces me to think outside the box, as it were.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's very much appreciated.