Cairistiona
· 25 November 2013
· Chapter 39: Conversation with a Master
Ha, I can just picture that little smile on Val's lips! Very amusing. :) And an interesting chapter all around, lots of groundwork being laid. I do love how concerned Val is about raising the self-esteem of the minstrels. He really has a heart of gold.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Yes, there's a lot of groundwork being laid here. And Val is special and cares for people. He'll be good for the minstrels. He is definitely their champion. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 25 November 2013
· Chapter 41: Interviews and Explanations
Val's practical streak is probably going to come in useful in the future - as useful as it is now. Where Ingwë was too noble-minded to recruit minstrels to be his ears in the households of his nobles (while said minstrels were employed by those same nobles), Val realizes - or instinctively knows - that he wouldn't get the full picture of what is happening if he doesn't also get unedited information on what happens in the upper classes. And while the minstrels, too, are too noble to outright _spy_ on their employers, they will clearly not be averse to passing along unimportant gossip - that Val will be able to correlate with information from elsewhere. And put together into what might become some very interesting pictures indeed. ;-)
I suspect Val has quite some way to go to build confidence among the minstrels. Sairon's reactions make that quite clear. And it certainly doesn't help that they are regularly and routinely denigrated by the Bards - Voronwë's views are representative of the prevailing attitudes in the Guild, I guess.
So Lirilissë did speak the truth when she told her part of the story - not that she would have dared to speak an obvious untruth to the High King. I guess that the problem here is that Miri is happy with the simple life, while Liri just is unable to understand that her sister can find anything of worth among "mere peasants", and away from the glitterati in the capital.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. He is pretty practical-minded, isn't he? That will prove important for him and Ingwë. Val is not shy about using people to their fullest capacity to get what he needs to make Ingwë's life easier. And while he probably has a way to go to build self-confidence in the minstrels, he's made a good start and they will only benefit from his interest in their situation.
Twins Liri and Miri might be but they definitely have different outlooks on life. I think, overall, Miri is the happier.
Thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 25 November 2013
· Chapter 41: Interviews and Explanations
So the pot is getting ready to boil. I like the sister. She has a better sense of what is important. Thank you.
Author's reply
Just about, UTfrog. I'm glad you like the sister. She's obviously able to put her disappointment aside and looking forward instead of back. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
obsidianj
· 24 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
Valandur seems to be in his element as a teacher to Indil. That should do his self-esteem a world of good. He must have been doubting his own knowledge and competence with all that has happened to him of late.
Let's see what he can do with this band of Minstrels for intelligence gathering. It looks like they just went around listening to people with no real purpose.
Author's reply
Oops! Somehow I missed responding to this review, obsidianj. And aren't you surprised to be getting a response for a review written almost a year ago and I bet you don't even remember the chapter. LOL! Anyway, we all know by now how Val ended up as the confident and competent ellon that he is and we see him in his element here, much more so then when he was in Tirion. Thanks for the review and I'm sorry again for not having responded to it in a more timely manner.
Larner
· 23 November 2013
· Chapter 40: A Secret Revealed
Now, that was a great revelation. Lirillisse appears to have far too much anger and frustration and bitterness to her. Most interesting. Now, to hear the sister's version of the story!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Yes, Lirillissë is full of anger and frustration. We will meet the sister in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 22 November 2013
· Chapter 40: A Secret Revealed
Fireworks indeed. And I see that Ingwë has a temper, too!
It was really fortunate that Valandur was there. He may be a loremaster (and since he was NOT a bard, he was fortunately dismissed as unimportant by the guildmaster - but Val's field of study in communication, and he regards nonverbal communication as being equally important as language proper, so Val OWNS this particular battlefield!) but his father is a bard, and I guess he will have picked up many pieces of information that he cleverly slots into place to get an idea of what the picture actually is.
And one central piece is the guildmaster's sister. I wonder what the REAL story here is - I bet Lirilissë's version of the tale has only a nodding acquaintance with the real story! :-O
So Lirimíriel wasn't able to attain the rank of bard that Lirilissë achieved. Clearly the two of them are probably quite different from one another. But Miri created a career and a life outside the Bards' Guild, and when her twin created the rank of Minstrel for her, she did not react with the abject gratitude that her twin obviously expected. It makes me wonder what sort of other problems lie between them.
Anyway, she lets the spite she feels towards her sister fall not only on her, but on all the others who do not achieve the rank of bard. Very unprofessional of her, and it did not give he results she wanted. And she had better clear up her act if she wants to continue as guildmaster! Ingwë may not overtly meddle with the Guilds, but I'm sure that if he is sufficiently displeased with their leadership, he would have ways to get his disapproval across. And the leaders of the guilds should be astute enough to replace someone who rouses the High King's ire that badly. Not that he would have problems with little things, or even medium-sized problems - but this? It's rather clear she has abused her position, and badly, too! She has had her warning - now let us see if she wil act on it!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Ingwë was very fortunate that valandur was there during the interview. Right at the very beginning of "Bound in Darkness", when describing Ingwë's twin sons, I mention that they both inherited their father's famous temper and their mother's love of poetry, so there is precedence.
We'll meet Lirilissë's twin shortly and learn from her what her story is. And, you're right that Lirilissë will need to tread carefully around Ingwë for a while now that he's on to her.
Thanks for commenting. I very much appreciate it.
someone
· 22 November 2013
· Chapter 40: A Secret Revealed
It's now clear why Valandur ended up as a spymaster. He has a brain that Ingwë can't let go and wants to work for him. *grin*
How did Lirilissë get to be guildmaster? She seems to have a rather unpleasant personality (that, or she has grown bitter over the years). I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to make Voronwë's life uncomfortable just because Valandur saw through her manipulations.
"There was no doubt that here was the High King and yet on some inchoate level, Valandur sensed that even now Ingwë was revealing only a fraction of his majesty, and that thought nearly overwhelmed him." That was a bit scary. And what is interesting in this chapter (and in others too, but not so clearly) is that Elvish culture seems to give their kings a lot of power. For example, Ingwë could shut down the guilds if he wished to. Is the (elvish) king controlled by law or has he absolute power over his realm?
Author's reply
Hi someone. I think that the Elves were probably into absolute monarchism and yet they do have privy councils and we know that Finrod did not order anyone to join him and Beren on their quest, so there might be certain limits or limits evolved over time. At this stage in their history, they are still relatively new to Aman and to civilization and during the Great Journey they probably developed a system whereby orders were obeyed immediately or lives would be lost. That way of living wouldn't necessarily fade away once they reached Aman, so for now, Ingwë can be considered an absolute monarch, at least with regards to the Vanyar and the same would be true of Finwë and Olwë within their respective conclaves.
I hope this clears things up for you a bit. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 22 November 2013
· Chapter 40: A Secret Revealed
Interesting politics on several levels. Good for Val realizing more was going on than the obvious. I also like Ingwe being kingly. Thank you.
Author's reply
Val is very perceptive and Ingwë is every inch a king. Glad you enjoyed this chapter, UTfrog. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Cairistiona
· 21 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
I love seeing this confident, talented Val. He really does have a knack for teaching and for bringing out the best in people and helping them see it. He's really feeling he's in his element now, which is refreshing after all the fish-out-of-water goings on with the trade delegation. Good chapter!
Author's reply
Val is definitely in his element here, Cairistiona. I'm sure he's glad to be rid of the dust of Tirion. Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 18 November 2013
· Chapter 39: Conversation with a Master
Ah, but this has been a productive day, it appears. And I rejoice that he seeks to help those who are minstrels find the means to appreciate their true gifts.
Author's reply
A very productive day, Larner, and Ingwë and Valandur will work hard to give the minstrels a sense of self-worth. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Cairistiona
· 18 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
I fell behind, drat real life anyway. But an interesting chapter to pick up the story again. I find it very interesting that Findis is "sequestered" and in such a way that her uncle the High King can't even get it to see her. That certainly explained the rage in his eyes when he returned. And now Valandur has another decision to make... I like the idea of him becoming the sort of spymaster, although that sounds a little more shadowy and nefarious than the job probably will be. Still, to have his finger on the pulse of the fiefdoms is bound to be an temptation, especially if he can keep doing the research he loves.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. I'm glad you found this chapter interesting. Yes, INgwë is totally pissed off. Valandur will find his place in Ingwë's household as we will see. Catch up as you can. Thanks for reviewing.
Sunny
· 18 November 2013
· Chapter 39: Conversation with a Master
Val is certainly off to a flying start as both tutor and spymaster!
It sounds as if Lirilissë is someone who might have given Fëanáro some special tutoring in arrogance and generally being a right bastard. And I wonder if more bards than Voronwë have concerns about their guildmaster's attitudes. Ingwë certainly won't be happy to hear what Voronwë had to say about her!
I rather wonder about the inner workings of the bards' guild. It wouldn't surprise me if the minstrels are required to pay full membership fees to be enrolled - but you've made it clear that they don't have any say in how it is run. And it also wouldn't surprise me if these "lesser members" of the Guild also get less service and fewer protections than full bards.
Hopefully there will be a shakeup in the bards' guild - if not, I bet Lirilissë will have a fit when a mere minstrel gets a coveted position she thinks should have gone to a "real bard" - though I'd guess Val will ensure that his _real_ work stays under the radar. ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, he is.
I'm sure Lirilissë and Fëanáro would get along like a house on fire even if she is a Vanya. Those two are a right pair, that's for sure. We'll be seeing the guild master shortly in her confrontation with Ingwë. Hold on to your hat for the fireworks. *grin* As for the guild itself, we will see what Ingwë decides to do with that as well. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's much appreciate.
UTfrog
· 18 November 2013
· Chapter 39: Conversation with a Master
Can't wait to see the upcoming contest of wills! Also Valandur got some of his brains from his father! Thanks for a good update.
Author's reply
Well, he had to get his brains from somewhere. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, UTfrog. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Anonymous
· 17 November 2013
· Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster
I'm usually a lurker who enjoys the ten min break from work that your regular story updates provide. Mostly I can see where you are coming from with your story lines and am happy to go along with them. However, I must admit I read the developments in this story with some unease. Do you really mean to imply that we (the givers of aid) should ask the Philippinos to pay for what we and our governments are sending them? On the grounds that this would help them to maintain their dignity - which they should not need to fear will be lost by being overcome by a natural disaster. Refugees should never be thought of as beggars on whom we bestow demeaning charity. This seems to be the sub-text to your story to give credence to the motivations (to save the pride of the recipients) of your principal characters. However, you have given a realistic account of the sort of profiteering which goes on with the distribution of aid and more cynically maybe it would be better for people to pay up front rather than have their country beholden to more powerful states for generations.
Author's reply
Hello. First of all, you have to understand that this chapter, indeed, the entire story, was written well over a year ago and the fact that you are reading this chapter at this time when we are dealing with the crisis in the Philippines is purely coincidental, so you are reading into it more than is meant, for I am assuming you assume that this chapter was written just last week, when it wasn't.
Second, I give my characters the freedom to express their own views, which do not necessarily coincide with my personal views about such matters. Also, as I am writing about Elves and not humans, I allow that they will have a different 'take' on matters that might not coincide with how you or I would see it. How they conduct their lives is their affair. I may not agree with it but I respect it.
Valandur is expressing a point-of-view about how a specific group of people, the farmers of the Southern Fiefdoms, should be treated in light of recent events. This view may or may not be correct or even agreed upon by others, but is a legitimate viewpoint and he is simply explaining to Ingwë why he felt they should take this particular route in aiding the farmers. A situation in the future might arise where such actions would be impractical or just cruel and they would not necessarily follow the same procedure.
Please keep in mind also that in the context of Middle-earth history, these Elves are very new to civilization as you or I would define it and they are, in a real sense, still feeling their way, trying to figure things out. This is the first real disaster they have encountered and they are not necessarily handling it in the best way that they should. There is a learning curve here and they are bound too make mistakes of judgment and so on.
I hope this clears things up for you. Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns.
Laer
· 16 November 2013
· Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster
I like the fact that he is standing firm on them not being spys. They are more like newspaper people than spys. Gathering information and sharing it :)
Author's reply
You're right, Laer, that they are more like newspaper people rather than actual spies. Good point and I'm sure Val would agree with you if the Elves had the concept of newspapers. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 16 November 2013
· Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster
An interesting response on the Guild Master's part, to send one possible recruit. It is sad that the minstrels who are granted Master status still are looked down upon, even though their gift is unique to themselves. Some people need a better perspective, apparently.
Author's reply
We'll meet the guildmaster later, Larner, and learn her story and the reason behind the creation of the minstrels. It is sad but at least Ingwë recognizes their worth and I suspect those who employ the other minstrels to teach their children also appreciate their unique gifts. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Ellie
· 15 November 2013
· Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster
Ya know, I read this latest installment in the saga of our beloved spymaster-in- the-making after doing the beta of the stuff you sent me this morning and had to stop myself from shooting you an email with comments on this Val chapter. I already did one beta of this story, I don't need to do another one! LOL!
I don't know how many times I have read this chapter of the Val story in beta, but I enjoyed it this read, too.
Author's reply
LOL! You're too funny, ellie, and I'm glad you still enjoy this chapter after having read it in beta several times. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much, and if you had emailed me with your comments, I would've been very surprised but pleased nonetheless.
Sunny
· 15 November 2013
· Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster
So the guildmistress of the Bardic Guild had palmed off her "failures" on Ingwë, had she? I'm sure that he and Val will appreciate their talents more than she does. And anyway, not everybody can be virtuoso soloists anyway - and somebody needs to invent the Symphony Orchestra in Aman, so that all the ordinary musicians can get together and weave beautiful sound tapestries together (something that the primadonnas wouldn't have patience with, anyway!)
Ingwë and Val's little chat must have been quite an eye-opener for Ingwë - especially the bit where Val admitted to not trusting Finwë. I suppose it might have been easy to dismiss this as resentment at Finwë's (and Fëanáro's) trumped up charges against him and Intarion, but there is what I can only describe as a pattern of negligence, arrogance and prejudice on Finwë's (and Fëanáro's) part. Val clearly has not missed this, and I'm sure Ingwë sees it as well, and probably also something that did not just spring up just before he sent off the trade delegation. I guess Val's appointment as spymaster is something Ingwë as High King feels is necessary to counteract this problem.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You're right about not everyone is cut out to be a virtuosos soloist and they need musical groups as much as we do so, as you say, ordinary people can make beautiful music together.
I think your analysis of Ingwë here is fairly accurate. I suspect that he's more aware of what's going on with Finwë than he either lets on or that others know about. Having Val as his spymaster will go a long way toward Ingwë hopefully having a better handle on things in Aman, though we know that future events will put paid to that idea. Still....
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I apprecisate you taking the time to do so.
Kevana
· 15 November 2013
· Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster
This chapter pulled me up short and made me realize just how cool it is, what you're doing here. Tolkien and the spy genre. I would never in a million years have believed the two could fit together, if I hadn't seen you do it. I don't really know HOW you do it. I presume magic/some sort of highly advanced science that thus resembles magic, and a slavish dedication to writing that puts a lot of published authors to shame.
This just keeps getting better and better. Bravo.
I love that they're working with "the failures" as Val calls them, though I don't doubt he sees them as far more than a "failure." Perhaps his own struggles with learning have added to his understanding of what they have to offer despite their being deemed not good enough to make the cut to be bards. In any case, I love how he's going about it. It's like hiding a spy network under something as innocuous as the National Weather Service. Or in pop music. Ha!
Thanks for the update and have a great weekend!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I'm glad you find this whole concept cool. I think historically, minstrels, jonguleurs and troubadors served as spies and intelligence gatherers, given that they traveled around and were responsible for disseminating news from one locale to another. It stands to reason that the same principal could apply here and hiding in plain sight is usually the best way to go because people won't necessarily make the connection. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to make a comment. I appreciate it very much. Have a great weekend yourself.
UTfrog
· 15 November 2013
· Chapter 38: Loremaster, Spymaster
So the Bards are snobby and Ingwe and the King have different views. Setting up the network is fascinating work. I love where you are going. However, I am also ready to hear what Findis is doing. Thanks, as always.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Bards are by definition snobs, LOL! At least Val and Ingwë see the minstrels as more than 'failures'. I'm glad you are enjoying the way the story is progressing. We'll see Findis eventually, but not right away. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
Laer
· 11 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
Indil is going to enjoy Val as a teacher. :) He brings out the best in people, hopefully he will learn that about himself and maybe build his own self esteem a little bit.
Author's reply
I'm sure she will, Laer, and I'm sure once he's settled back into his old routine, he'll find his self-esteem again. The events in Tirion eroded that a bit, but did not destroy it completely. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sunny
· 11 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
Looks like Val is enjoying himself - he is certainly sliding right into his new duties as if he'd had an age to practice them!
And Indil may have gotten the idea that learning can be fun - with the right teacher and the right methods. And it probably hasn't helped that she has been compared to her much older brother all the time.
I wonder at the reactions of Aldamir, Sorondur, Laurelindalë and Nolondilmë at the dinner - has Ingoldo been telling tales or otherwise been slandering Val's honor and abilities? It is clear that the younger members of the trade delegation had not expected to see him again!
The meeting with the minstrels was quite interesting. And I guess Artelemnar is going to end up getting trained up as Val's assistant? I guess having a good secretary or assistant will be useful - and will also probably help Artelemnar's career a lot, too!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. He is enjoying himself, more so than I think he anticipated. He's obviously found his niche or Ingwë found it for him. I think the younger members of the trade delegation really didn't appreciate Val all that much, but I think over time they will warm to him. Certainly Aldamir should, having worked with him more closely than the others, and Intarion is already in his camp. And Artelemnar will be most useful to him as we will see.
Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
6336
· 11 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
You know I had forgotten about that, it's kind of hard to be a parent when you haven't been a child! I should imagine the Valar were as confused about the little ones as the Elves them selves.
I expect there are a few parents out there who wish they could call on a few Maia to help corral their munchkins!
Have a good Veterans Day,
Lynda
Author's reply
It's easy enough to forget that people like Ingwë had no role models in being a parent because, hey! everyone has parents, right? *grin* Even Adam and Eve had no real clue, I bet. And I suspect you're right that the Valar were just as clueless, if not more so. I'm sure just about every parent wishes they could call on the Maiar to keep on an eye on their young'uns. LOL!
Have a good Veterans Day, too, Lynda.
Larner
· 11 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
Valandur is already proving himself to be far more discerning than he'd originally imagined. I can appreciate how the busy nature of the room in which he's to teach his new student can serve to distract her. I was lucky to be far enough behind my older brother not to be compared to him by my teachers, although my younger sister, being only two years behind me, had to work harder to stay out of my shadow--intellectually, that is. Socially she was way ahead of me, however, and she could not seem to appreciate that this was enough! But she was fully as bright as I was, if she'd believed in herself.
Love the realization that the songs were being changed to poke fun. And he's smart enough to send his new minions to learn more of the situation.
He's off to a good start!
And POOH! to Ingoldo and his wife!
Author's reply
I was never compared to any of my brothers academically but in sports, as in "Why don't you join Little League like all your brothers?" I gave it a try but I didn't last the first season.
Valandur is off to a good start, indeed, and he's earned the respect of the minstrels already, I think. And who cares about Ingoldo and his wife? We know where they ended up, don't we? *grin*
Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I much appreciate it.
Kevana
· 11 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
Good thing Val is such a flexible fellow, sounds like he's about to get pulled in about a dozen different directions! Looks like he's enjoying it though. A good kind of busy, and a nice change from what he just endured. Little Indil is a cutie-pie, and if her brothers inspired a plea for divine intervention I can only imagine the kinds of adventures they had. *grin* And I love the little pack of Ingwë's Irregulars.
A happy Veterans Day to any and all veterans!
Enjoy your day, Fiondil (and everybody!)
-Kevana
Author's reply
Valandur is in his element here. He always felt like a fish out of water with the trade delegation. Now he's where he belongs and doing what he does best and Ingwë, at least, appreciates it. And that's a good name for the minstrels, Ingwë's Irregulars, though now they're more like Valandur's. *grin*
Thanks for commenting, Kevana. Enjoy your day as well.