Siiw · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
Seemed to *be aware of* everything. I should stop reading and posting in half sleep.
Author's reply
Okay, that makes a bit more sense. LOL! Thanks for the correction.
In the High King's Secret Service by Fiondil
Reviews (392)
Siiw · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
It is good to see these people again! :D The concept of face, does Valandur mean literal faces, or the expression 'losing face'? I would also have liked to read that thesis. And the palace sounds truly beautiful! I always got the impression through the other stories that both Valandur and Ingwe wanted to know everything, and seemed to know everything far earlier than most people had expected. I can see this in them even now. They must have had some very interesting private conversations through the ages. Does the colour of Elven hair lighten with age? Ingwe has pale golden hair in EI. :P
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. The concept of face is a sociolinguistic one having to do (in part) with saving/losing face. And I should have rechecked EI for Ingwë's description *grin*. I think, however, since this is from Valandur POV, with the two brothers side-by-side, Ingwë seems brighter and more golden than Ingoldo even if his hair is a pale gold. Or, perhaps, as you say, his hair lightens as he grows older. We know that in the third stage of elven existence, male Elves are able to grow a beard, so maybe lightening of the hair is another trait. Take your pick. *grin* Thanks for your comments. I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
6336 · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
Ah, I see Ingoldo is being his usual sweet and adorable self. As soon as I realized he was involved I knew we were in for a wild ride! Poor Valandur, mixing it up with Ingoldo is not good. One of these days you will have to tell us about how Ingwe got picked and not Ingoldo to be High King! (As if you need more Plot Bunnies!) Hope you had quiet and peace full weekend, I was slaving at the Salt Mines, oops, Mall of Doom again! Huggs, Lynda (Who is waiting impatiently for Friday!)
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, Ingoldo's a piece of work, but what else is new? Dealing with Ingoldo won't be easy and we'll see how Valandur handles things with the prince. I think in one of my stories (Elf, Interrupted possibly) Oromë explains how he did not trust Ingoldo, that he followed the promptings of his heart in choose Ingwë, and of course, that prompting came from Eru. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs back. (And I doubt you're the only one waiting impatiently for Friday. *grin*)
someone · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
An interesting glance into a "normal" life among the elves. The idea of someone having to write a thesis before graduating is so ordinary that it took me by surprise *grin*. Good, even the elves can't avoid that! Valandur might not have accepted the job of a spy at once, but if he's being schooled gradually for it... Is Ingwë just being clever or is he really not looking for a spymaster at that time? I'm looking forward to this intelligent (future) spy's impressions of Valinor and its politics!
Author's reply
I tried to show how Elves lived on a daily basis at this time and I hope I succeeded. And I think Ingwë is testing Valandur at this point to see how he does before bringing him fully into his household. Thanks for leaving a comment, someone. I really appreciate it and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Cairistiona · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
I can see why Valandur is a beloved OC... I like him already and I've only read one full chapter and a prologue about him. I chuckled a little at how, upon getting the summons, one of his concerns was whether he'd be back on time to teach his class. A true teacher at heart! And his reaction when Ingwë revealed that he'd read his thesis was priceless. I imagine I'd have the same gasping reaction if I found out Prof. Tolkien somehow read my fics. (Actually, I'd be so mortified that I'd most likely change my name and flee from all known civilization....) I love how you describe the time-keeping by the light of the trees. It's a small detail but is perfect for reminding the reader of the setting. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
HI Cairistiona. I was surprised that so many people really considered Valandur one of their favorite OCs. I mean, I LIKE him, but then I created him so I guess that doesn't count (of course, I've also created Ingoldo whom I DON'T like, so whatever). Anyhoo... I'm glad you like the time-keeping detail. It's an easy one to miss because we're so used to day and night and all in our own world, we forget that in Aman before the death of the Trees they lived in perpetual light and telling time would have been completely different for them. Glad you're looking forward to more of the story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kevana · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
Elven sociology? I love it. And Ingwë's wise in his selection of person for this task. So the High King read Valandur's thesis. I can imagine the scholarly pride, mingled with momentary abject terror. The topic is priceless too. It's amazing how Ingoldo and Ingwë are so incredibly different despite being brothers. It's lovely to see the Tree-based timekeeping. I quite like that invention. Sundials without the sun. A disturbingly geeky part of me wonders what the color temperatures would have been. Ten gazillion Kelvin and seven gazillion Kelvin? LOL. It does make me wonder how Valandur came to think he "failed" at such an assignment. We will see! I stumbled on the most incredible word today and just had to share it. It's Welsh and it's the closest word I've ever seen to describe the Elves' "sea-longing." With your language experience you likely already know it but, wow. hiraeth, (n) Hiraeth is a Welsh word with no direct English translation. The closest that it has come to being described in the English language is perhaps “grief", but in reality, it is so much more: it is homesicknes tinged with grief over the lost or departed. It is a mix of longing, yearning, nostalgia, wistfulness, and earnest desire for somewhere or something, especially something of the past. It is the sense of being so much a part of a place and the place, you, that you feel forever incomplete when separated from it. On hiraeth Thank you for a fantastic chapter! Take care and beware the frumious bandersnatches this week. -Kevana
Author's reply
Elven sociolinguistics, actually, which was my concentration in college (the sociolinguistics, not the elven part LOL!). Glad you like the thesis topic. I borrowed it from an article in real-world linguistics. As for the timekeeping, I was hard pressed to come up with ways to show time in a land where it's perpetual day with only a cooling of the light but not a complete absence of it. I had to constantly make sure I didn't use words like "night" and other time words that would not have been applicable, only "hour", "day" and "week" because Tolkien gives us these. I love the Welsh. I have studied the language a little bit but had never come across this particular word. Thanks for sharing it with me and everyone else. One has to wonder if the Professor was aware of the word and its meaning since he based Sindarin on Medieval Welsh. Thanks for an enthusiastic review. And I will certainly look out for frumious bandersnatches. *grin*
Sunny · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
So the young ivory tower intellectual is pulled out of his classes and is assigned duty as a political analyst - and I guess he is pushed in at the deep end since the Vanyarin players here are Ingoldo and Tinwetariel (and we all know how they ended up). It will also be interesting to see your take on Fëanáro - and it wouldn't surprise me if the future malcontent-in-chief manages to get into the thick of things, despite his youth.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, he hasn't been too long in the ivory tower. And while Fëanáro does appear in this story, it's in a minor role, but he does make a lasting impression. *grin* Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
obsidianj · 8 July 2013 · Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
From the start Valandur is selected for a mission with a secret background. Interesting. He never really could choose a different path. Ingwe is High-king, after all. So even if he doesn't really like the mission, I think, Valandur would say yes.
Author's reply
Very true, obsidianj, and we'll see how he fares when in Tirion. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Cairistiona · 6 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
Interesting and intriguing teaser trailer! *g* Okay, it's not really a trailer, but it's a good tease, most definitely. It's taken me a few more readings of The Silmarillion to feel like I could truly enjoy your 1st Age stories (or anyone's, really!) without being hopelessly confuddled, so I hope this is a pretty good place to start... if there's another of your stories I should read first, please let me know. :)
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. I decided to use this Prologue as a teaser rather than attaching the first chapter to it, thinking that it would intrigue people enough to want to "tune in". *grin* As for reading any of my other stories, that would not be necessary, as we will be seeing everyone at an earlier time. Valandur does appear in "In Darkness Bound" and in my "Elf, Interrupted" series, though he plays minor (but important) roles in them, and apparently left enough of an impression on readers that several have claimed that he is one of their favorite of all my OCs. At any rate, I hope you do enjoy this story. It was fun to write and it is not nearly as dark and grim as Maglor's story was (until the end). Not that bad things don't happen, but this is Aman in the Age of Innocence, so it's a more lighthearted story. The Darkening is not even a blip on the horizon in anyone's imagination, including the Valar. This is really a feel-good story just right for summer reading. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's appreciated.
obsidianj · 6 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
Intriguing beginning and the cliffhangers start. I want to know more and I want it sooner than later ;-). So, Valandur is sent home and Ingoldo is involved. Having read too much about Ingoldo in your other stories, I can't help but think, what did he do now?
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. Yes, the cliffhangers start early here. LOL! As for Ingoldo and how much he's involved, that remains to be seen. This story will be strictly from Valandur's POV so we will only see Ingoldo when and if Valandur interacts with him. At any rate, I'm glad you found this Prologue intriguing and are looking forward to reading the rest of the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
Kevana · 5 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
I have been dying to get to know Valandur better, and I've been eagerly awaiting this story ever since you mentioned it! I can't believe it's finally here! *grin* Oh, what's not to love about this - the time period, first of all, you just don't see much if anything written in this setting. Elven clannish politics pre-Darkening! Intrigue! Lore! History in the making! Characters in their early years! The Noldor getting restless! Each of your stories gives me a rather synesthetic sensation as they start out. This one so far is a bit like poking your head into a cave, and seeing starburst shimmers of geodes and perhaps other treasures deeper in the recesses...but who knows what else is lurking back there? (You and Ellie know, mwahaha, and apparently Valandur has recently learned...oh dear...and we shall soon find out.) This is gonna be good. And Ingoldo! I've been wanting to know more about him and how he ended up as he did in your other stories. It'll be interesting to see him here in any case, whatever role he has to play. Great opening, too, enjoy the way you've framed it. Hope you have a spectacular weekend and I look forward to seeing the adventures of Voronwion. Valandur Voronwion. *insert Bond music here* All the best! -Kevana (PS: Bah humbug, you're a loremaster in my book, you and so many of the other awesome authors on this site. :P )
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Your review is almost as long as the Prologue itself. LOL! Anyway, I thank you for your vote of confidence about my being a loremaster. As for this story, I don't know of any other that takes place this early in the history of the Elves of Aman (actually few ever bother to write about Aman at all, preferring to stick to Middle-earth). And while Ingoldo plays a minor role here, I think you will see the beginnings of the trouble he caused later on. This Prologue is sort of like those teasers on TV, only giving you a hint of what's to come. Most of this story will actually be a flashback and then we'll eventually make our way to the "present" moment depicted in this Prologue and then the story will continue on from there. So, sit back and enjoy. You have a splendiferous weekend yourself and thanks for the lovely review. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner · 5 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
So, now we learn how he became a gatherer of intelligence, do we? Velly intelesting!
Author's reply
Yep. That's what we do, though the road to that is long a tortuous (can it be anything less? *grin*) Anyway, I hope you like this little adventure with Valandur. Thanks for leaving a comment, Larner. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 5 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
So Valandur is heading home in disgrace after screwing up his assignment on a trade delegation that Ingoldo headed. It makes me wonder if perhaps Ingoldo was up to his shenanigans already - and that Valandur perhaps stumbled too close to something. An interesting beginning! :)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Of course, the bulk of thi story will show *why* he's returning home in disgrace (seemingly). Whether Ingoldo has anything to do with it, remains to be seen. Glad you found the beginning interest. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
6336 · 5 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
That's all? More, must have more! (Just in case you were wondering, I like this!) Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Well, this is only the Prologue, Lynda, more as a teaser. I assure you there's quite a bit more to the story. I'm glad you like how the story starts, though. THanks for letting me know (and more than once LOL!). Hugs.
Ellie · 5 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
Yay! It will be fun enjoying this tale once again, now as a finished product. That sounded dry. Sorry about that. I'll pop the popcorn and get ready to settle in for the exciting adventures of this intrepid...loremaster. Val is one my favorite OCs created by your hand. He ranks right up there with Ron in EA. Thank you for the exciting tale! I know your secret to always having a new story to post, and I admire the dedication it requires.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. I know Valandur is one of your favorite OCs and he seems to be a favorite with others as well. Thanks for helping me as a beta. I couldn't have pulled it off without you (especially since the main idea for the story was yours. *grin*).
Laer · 5 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
another great start to what I am sure will be both educational, emotional and great. You weave such a great story, are you sure you aren't related to some of these loremasters?
Author's reply
Quite sure, Laer. LOL! Though you will see that Valandur's specialty as a loremaster is a subject near and dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy this story. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 5 July 2013 · Chapter 0: The Road
This is going to be good! Valandur has always been interesting. It will be fun to see how you develop his backstory. I do have a request. Please link your list of characters develped for one of the earlier stories. I realize we are meeting everyone for the first time in this story, but I cannot pretend that I have not read the later tales. I like to keep the names straight. Thank you for having another story ready. I have no idea how you do this, but I sure love it.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Valandur is a very interesting character and I hope you enjoy reading his story. The problem with linking character lists is that the same characters don't always appear in all the stories. That's especially true for OCs and we will mee new OCs in this one as well as old acquaintances. I assure you that the number of characters is small enough that I don't think you'll have any trouble keeping the names straight and you don't necessarily have had to read the earlier stories. This story takes place very early in Elven history. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.