Well Valundur seems to be settling in to his new duties and even has some ideas in how to improve the intelligence gathering abilities of his spies, oops, Intelligence Officers. I am sure Ingwe will appreciate his efforts, probably not Ingoldo though!
Telling a younger sibling how much better their elder sibling is at something is not the way to go, I know, 'Your sister could read before she went to school, why can't you.' I got it all the time when I was a little girl, took ages before I could read and then one day a teacher was reading aloud to us and had to stop and I realized that if I wanted more I needed to learn, the rest, as they say is history, couldn't keep my nose out of a book after that!
Hope all is well with you,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Neither Ingwë nor Elindis had an actual childhood and they have no older generation to look to for examples. They ARE the oldest generation and being a parent is a new experience that they are still working their ways through, so they are bound to make mistakes, mistakes that many parents still make even today, as your own story testifies. At any rate, they can address little Indil's insecurities better now that Valandur's pointed them out to them.
I'm doing well enough. Hope all is well with you, too. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated. Hugs back.
UTfrog
· 11 November 2013
· Chapter 37: New Duties
What fun Valandur can have with his new duties. I think he will have considerable impact for good in both the short and long runs. Obviously he is a gifted teacher, even if he does not know it. Very enjoyable chapter. Thank you
Author's reply
He can have lots of fun, UTfrog, especially teaching the young princess, as we will see. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. More to come. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
obsidianj
· 10 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
Valandur is finally back in Valmar, but it seems he can't get rid of the royals. Ingwe knows how to lure Valandur into his services, a piece at a time. Since the elves have all the time in the world, he can go slowly. No need to hand out an ultimatum.
Author's reply
Ingwë is no fool and knows how to get people to do what he wants without, as you say, issuing an ultimatum. And of course we know that Valandur does indeed enter Ingwë's service full time eventually. This is the beginning. Thanks for reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 10 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
Valandur cannot just run away. He is part of the delegation and Ingwe is his king. I loved the exchange in Valandur's rooms about the choices for Ingwe to sleep.
Author's reply
Very true, obsidianj, though I think he dreamt about doing just that for a time. I'm glad you enjoyed the exchange between Val and Ingwë. You're the first person to even mention it and I think it's the best part of the chapter myself. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Laer
· 9 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
sounds like the three kings had a very "nice" conversation...and that Finwë is in a heap a trouble with the other two kings. not to mention his wife and daughter. Something tells me they are not someone to mess with.
So Val has made it home again, and sounds like his adventures are not done yet. Good! well for us, we will see if they are for him or not.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yean, real nice. LOL! Finwë is going to be spending a long time mending fences with everyone, especially his wife and daughter. And Val is finally back home where he belongs, and no, we still have a goodly number of chapters to cover before the story ends. We're not done with him yet. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 8 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
It sounds to be a perfect gift, the mobile-music box. And it is a relief to know that Ingwe is not angry as him so much as for him as well as for the King's own dignity. The proposal for employment certainly sounds intriguing!
Author's reply
It's just the kind of gift he needs too, Larner, to help him realize how much he is loved by his otornor and other friends. And Ingwë is indeed angry for him as well as for himself. We know that the relationship between them blossoms into true friendship, but here we see the beginnings of it. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 8 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
It is quite clear, given the three kings' behavior at the farewell, that things really aren't well between them. Finwë has lost a lot of face with his colleagues, and undoubtedly with his court a well, which can't sit well with him. And it's obvious that he is in the doghouse with Indis as well, and I suspect it is going to take a lot of reparation from his side before she lets him move off the couch again. ;-)
That thing with Findis not being permitted a visit from her uncle was interesting. I wonder if Indis would also be considered not sufficiently close kin? Anyway, I suspect this is another thing that will have the potential to blow up in Finwë's face, in any number of interesting ways. I don't think his request to Aulë was along the lines of "lock her in a room and don't let anybody visit without being cleared by me." Aulë wouldn't have accepted such a request I think. (And what is his opinion of being voluntold by Finwë to be Findis' jailer? He's certainly not fooled by whatever diplomatic nonsense Finwë has spouted about this affair!) More likely she has been sent to Aulë "for tutoring". But in what? It wouldn't surprise me if Indis is going to use whatever she is learning in ways Finwë has not planned, or will like. *grins evilly* I'm sure she won't need the classical cake containing a file smuggled in to her once Aulë is finished with her, she'll probably be _making_ files and incorporating them in her jewelry and other personal items!
It is clear that Ingwë, at least, values Val's work, and sees the practical value of it. And given that he is the High King, he obviously feels that he needs someone with an understanding of the way all the different groups of Elves in Valinor function. And it was nicely sneaky the way Ingwë asked Val to come work for him, by NOT directly offering him a position. He is basically offering to fund his research (and it's research that I see Val wants to do anyway) and letting him still teach at the Academy. I don't think Laurelassë will go against Ingwë's wishes here, especially as this is a clear stamp of approval from the High King, as well as funding for research, and what academician will say no to that?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No, things are not well between the three kings or at least between Finwë and the other two kings, since Ingwë and Olwë seem to be of like mind about a number of things.
As for Findis, we'll see just how successful Finwë is in keeping her sequesterd and how the Valar, particularly Aulë, feel about it all. I love your image of Findis making files and such and incorporating them in her jewelry and other personal items. She would too. LOL!
And Ingwë is nobody's fool. He's been around long enough to use subtly to get what he wants and he's being very subtle with Valandur here, luring him in with the promise of funded research.
Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I very much appreciate it.
Kevana
· 8 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
And finally we come full circle. Aw, bless, his students missed him. That says a lot about his abilities as a teacher.
It seems like Finwë put Aulë in an awkward position here, telling him to keep Findis locked up when that's probably the last thing she wants. Is she technically still considered a child, or young enough to still have her decisions overruled like that, or is it just because Finwë's her king as well as her dad? In any case, Finwë, that's just not very nice to your daughter or Aulë IMHO. :/ (Though I love what @UTFrog said, that in the long run it may have helped! LOL!)
That mobile was so beautiful! The bit about it being powered with crystals was wild.
Thanks for the update, Fiondil! You have a gorgeous weekend.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Yes, we've come full circle. About 8/10 of this story is told in flashback and now we are back to the "present time" and we will see how things progress from here. At less than 2 yéni, Findis would be considered still very young. Laurendil, in my story "The Last Messenger" mentions that his youngest son is only about 400 years old and still lives at home as he's considered too young yet to be on his own. I guess it's just a matter of perspective. *grin*
Glad you liked the mobile and the description, especially about it being powered by crystals, which given the technology the Elves have, makes sense, right?
Have a gorgeous weekend yourself and thanks for taking the time to comment. It's very much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 8 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
So, besides being a blind idiot where Feanor is concerned, Finwe was just as blind toward Findis. You never try to lock up "young lovers" unless you are trying to guarantee rebellion. Stupid move on his part. I even think the Valar are helping the lovers since Aule followed Finwe's instructions. Somehow, I do not see that happening too often.
So Valandur's role as spymaster began very soon after their return. Good idea since Ingwe had a firsthand look at how splintered the Eldar had become.
Great chapter. The mobile sounds beautiful. I hope Valandur still has it.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. You got that right about Finwë and we'll be seeing how futile his machinations prove in the end.
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, and as far as I know, Valandur does indeed still have the mobile.
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
someone
· 8 November 2013
· Chapter 36: Return to Vanyamar
Finally, Valandur is back in his comfort zone! At least, until everyone hears what happened in Tirion (and Alqualondë)...
It is interesting that Ingwë tried to speak to Findis. Why is he so much on Valandur's side, when it would be politically better if Findis married someone else?
Author's reply
Hi someone. Yes, he's back where he belongs. And we'll see how people react when he gets around to telling them about all his adventures in a later chapter. As for Ingwë, I think he is remembering his sister, Indis, and her unrequited love for Finwë when he was married to Míriel and he doesn't want the same thing to be his niece's fate. Or maybe he's just a die-hard romantic. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Monalex
· 7 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
I just have one question, what does Nolondilme has against Valandur to look at him with such loathing and disgust???
Great chapter, you can see Valandur relaxing and returning to his former calm self, and Ingwe trying to repair their damaged relationship...
Now if only Valandur can help Intarion... would be good if by complete "luck" Lirulin is invited to Vanyamar... to "meet" the court that is, nothing to do with Intarion :)
Greetings!!!!
Author's reply
Hi Monalex. I have no idea what Nolondilmë's problem is and we see her reaction from Valandur's POV, so maybe it wasn't loathing or disgust but something else. She's apparently not happy with him at an rate.
Both Ingwë and Valandur are trying to find their way back, though Valandur isn't quite ready to forgive and forget. Ingwë recognizes this and is being very careful, but we know that eventually they become friends.
As for Intarion... well, that's another story, as they say. *grin*
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 4 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
Loved Val and Ingwë reaction. He is still dreaming of Findis :) I need to read your other stories about these wonderful elves, but I would rather wait until this story is done. Spoiler-free as it were ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I'm glad you like the interaction between Val and Ingwë. The two are trying to find their way back to one another, or at least Ingwë is, but it won't happen overnight. And my other stories will still be there when you're ready to read them. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Sunny
· 4 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
I guess Val was happy to have a bit of a "holiday" free of royalty.
I liked the image he had of the Valar and Maiar like elflings at play with the Eldar as exciting new toys for them - and from your other fics, that image is more true than he knows! :-D
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. It is a fun image and very true, as well we know. LOL! Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 4 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
At least he is back on a respectable footing with Ingwe. Now, for Finwe to begin coming around! But I doubt that Feanaro will ever respect any other philologist as much as he respects himself--he thinks he is the epitome of accomplishment and refuses to accept that anyone else could be anywhere as wise or learned.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Yes, the two are attempting to reach out to one another, or at least, Ingwë is, and I think eventually they will become friends. As for Finwë, who can say? And certainly Fëanáro will never come around. That's just the way it is. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.
Kevana
· 4 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
This chapter really brings home Val's struggles to reach his goals. I hope remembering all he's been through so far will help encourage him to hang in there and overcome what he's facing now. Look at it this way, buddy - if Findis is too young to get married, that gives you time to pull an Aragorn and get to the place you want to be to marry her!
Admittedly it doesn't seem there's much in the way of upward social mobility available in Aman...hm, in a way it's quite telling that one of the reasons some of the Noldor ended up leaving (wanting to establish their own places to rule), is one of the things the Noldoran is holding against Valandur here ("low" birth etc.) and is something none of them can do anything about (but change their perspective on it, of course).
I think everybody's overlooking one important factor in all this talk, and that's what Findis herself wants, and is willing to do. *grin* Maybe she'd be completely happy in a little house on a junior loremaster's salary, but has anybody asked her? Valandurrrr...maybe heading back with Ingwë is not such a bad idea as it will bring you closer to your ladyfriend and there will be no annoying prejudiced brother or overprotective father hanging around there. ;)
Glad to see they've finally gotten the emergency response together for the folks affected by the fire.
I meant to post this in regards to the last chapter and the Valar's apparent infatuation with labyrinths, mazes, Lost Gardens and similar shenanigans. Labyrinths are awesome!
(PS: Thanks for the well-wishes on the previous chapter comment! Good grief, I forgot how wiped out the flu can make you feel.)
Have a glorious week and take care! :)
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. LOL! on the cartoon. That's too funny. Thanks for sharing.
You're correct that everyone's overlooked what Findis thinks about it all. It doesn't help that she's not there to speak for herself. Never fear, though. We'll be seeing Findis eventually and there will be no doubt in anyone's mind what she thinks. *grin*
We'll see how Val fares once he returns to Vanyamar and what Ingwë has him doing.
Hope you're feeling better. The flu is no joke and it always takes so long to recover from it. Have a great week yourself. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's always appreciated.
Fiondil
Cairistiona
· 4 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
Valandur is such a complex character... so much of his childhood was difficult and you can see his own history working on his current attitudes. He does well to only have moment of self pity and not sink completely into despair. And I like the way he bounced back and finished his fine meal. :D
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. I am glad to know that you find Valandur a complex character. I try to make my characters as 3-dimensional as possible. He has had a lot to overcome and recent events have eroded his self-esteem somewhat, but he's an essentially optimistic person and he can't stay down for long. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 4 November 2013
· Chapter 35: Valandur and the High King
Poor Valandur has quite an inferiority complex to master. He is very good at his tasks though. Compared to Feanor he is a welcome change of attitude. That may be part of his trouble with Finwe who is used to dealing with the little sociopath and cannot see quality in front of him.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. Val's had a lot to overcome, but he's better than he gives himself credit for at the moment. That will change once he's more confident about himself. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 2 November 2013
· Chapter 34: Lost and Found
So, that was Manwe's garden. Strange garden... Loved Namo and Vaire as newlyweds. Poor Val. It is a bit much in the last days. I hope he will have some time to calm down and think things through. Finwe and friends are really something. The seeds for the darkness to come are already sprouting.
Author's reply
A very strange garden and no one realizes just how strange because Manwë won't really explain its purpose, at least, not to the Elves. I'm glad you loved the "newlyweds". They are amusing here, aren't they? And yes, the seeds of future darkness are being sown and are beginning to sprout, though no one, least of all the Valar, are aware of it. Thanks for reading and reviewing, obsidianj. I very much appreciate you taking the time to do so.
obsidianj
· 2 November 2013
· Chapter 33: A Meeting with Royals
That was an interesting little meeting. And the Valar sent a Maia to make sure Val's friends get to see Ingwe. That should teach Finwe a lesson. Now off to see what it is with this sealed off garden...
Author's reply
You would think it would, obsidianj, but some people never really learn, do they? As for the garden... *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 2 November 2013
· Chapter 32: At the Rose and Crown Again
Oh, Val! Drowning your sorrows in alcohol never works. It just makes you feel worth. I love it that Ingwe is looking after him. That business in the fiefdoms is strange. Ingwe needs to know about that. I forgot that Intarion's reputation is tattered even worse than Val's. Intarion pleaded guilty to stuff he didn't do, and he didn't even defend himself. He looks like a weakling and little kid... Good that he has a friend in Valandur.
Author's reply
No, it doesn't but people still try. Ingwë is... well, Ingwë, and he doesn't ever do what you think he should be doing, so he's always surprising you. He's a good friend to have and Val's fortunate in that. Intarion is very young by elvish standards, so it's easy to think by his actions that he's a weakling (we know that he's not) and a kid (which, in a way, he is). Val will be a good influence on him. Thanks for commenting, obsidianj. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 2 November 2013
· Chapter 31: The Justice of the High King
Wow! That was an intense chapter. I think Valandur made even more enemies in this one. If Feanaro saw him as a nuisance and disliked him before now I think he really hates him. Poor Valandur. Having his love for Findis announced to all and sundry, I think, was even worse than the trial per se. And this soul-searching thing was scary even if done for the best.
Author's reply
A very intense chapter, indeed, obsidianj, and, yes, I think Val's made an enemy or three. The soul-searching has to be pretty scary for the recipient. We see something of the reactions of the Fellowship when Galadriel pulls it on them. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Laer
· 2 November 2013
· Chapter 34: Lost and Found
Poor Val (I seem to say that a lot don't I?) Busted going potty on the rose bush in the Garden of the Lost. I am guessing that is why it is over grown. They are afraid to go in cause they aren't sure when they can come back. This city seems to have a few village fools in it. Being a bit of a fool myself, I would have walked around weeding the place until someone finds me. Or fallen into the rose bushes to kill myself quickly. Maybe both?
On a whole 'nother note. Glad that the Elder Kings have a bit more patience than the High Kings seem to. Let alone a certain Noldor prince.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. A lot of people have been saying "Poor Val" recently and with good cause. I suppose if you knew what would happen if you entered the garden you wouldn't necessarily freak out as Val did, but still it has to be rather unsettling to know that the entrance is there but you can't find it and you have to wait for someone (meaning a Vala or a Maia) to come rescue you.
And Manwë's had more practice at patience than the Elven kings.
Thanks for reviewing. I quite appreciate it.
Sunny
· 1 November 2013
· Chapter 34: Lost and Found
So Manwë came and fetched Val out of that garden, more or less as I had expected. And I suppose I can guess just what lullaby he sang. ;-)
I guess that the lesson he had to impart to Val - that his Loremaster's robe doesn't really have anything with who he is - it is only some cloth, after all. But it is still an important symbol to Val, as to him it represents vindication and success.
Finwë's reaction to Manwë's declaration that he was planning to make Val a Manwendur once Val had done a bit more growing up really was beyond the pale. Who gets to be a Manwendur is Manwë's business, and nobody else! And the comment about Val being baseborn - it seems as if Finwë - and Fëanáro and undoubtedly like minded people like Ingoldo - seem to consider any honor of that sort should be reserved for the nobility only. And wouldn't the title of loremaster be as empty of substance as a bit of fog if the only qualification for it were if one were a noble?
And as for being baseborn - Val is of one of the first crop of children born at Cuivienen! *looks around for a big club with which to crack certain noble skulls open in the hope that it might let some wits in* And at Cuivienen I strongly doubt the Elves had invented the concept of "noble" yet - I'd guess that would have been a product of the Great Journey - the ones who proved their leadership abilities were probably the ones who ended up with titles when they reached Aman.
At least Olwë and Ingwë remember their origins, and the time when they were all just Elves.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Symbols are important, but as Manwë points out, if no symbols had ever been devised, would that invalid someone's worth within society? I agree with you, that at Cuiviénen, I doubt there was any stratification of society. Everyone was just Elves. I suspect that stratification happened gradually as they journeyed to Aman and there was a need for people to take leadership roles, help protect the women and children, etc. so by the time they reached the Blessed Realm they had distinct classes. Such is the way of things, I suppose.
At least, as you say, Ingwë and Olwë remember their origins and that's a good thing.
Anyway, thanks for commenting. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Larner
· 1 November 2013
· Chapter 34: Lost and Found
I know darned well I just left a review, but it didn't take! Aargh!
Love the relationship between Namo and Vaire from Manwe's point of view! Heh! Young love has a far different definition as far as the true immortals go. And Valandur is still trying his best to wash his hands of his relationship with Ingwe, is he? He WILL learn, I suppose. Now, for all of them to come together to cooperate for once so that all this silliness comes to an end as should be. And the Valar have their own gardens in which to allow people to calm down without being able to easily flee, eh? Why am I not surprised? I don't blame Ingwe for not liking it.
Now, to see Finwe realize that true nobility is in the fea, not in the circumstances of birth.
Author's reply
It's all relative, isn't it, Larner? And we know that Valandur doesn't succeed in washing his hands of Ingwë, but we'll see how Ingwë convinces him to give their relationship a chance. And the garden serves more than one purpose, and calming people down is just one of them. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 1 November 2013
· Chapter 33: A Meeting with Royals
Somehow I managed not to leave a review to the last chapter. So, now the Valar are involving themselves and their servant Maiar, first to make certain that Ingwe gets all of the information he needs, and secondly to get Valandur calmed down so he can listen? Although the garden with no escape does appear to be rather overkill, if you ask me. Poor guy--he keeps getting waylaid, and I'm certain he's sick and tired of it!
Author's reply
I'm certain Val's tired of being waylaid, too, Larner. And the garden wasn't created for his benefit; he just happened to stumble into it. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.