ziggy
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 44: In the Lair of the Hosluin, Part I
Hurray! I have caught up with this and it just gets better and better! You really give Haleth a wonderful character - best bit: the person had skulked in such a familiar way ... love that idea. I didnt review the last chaper - sorry- i was laughing too much ! Haleth is so totally confident and unaware of her limitations!
I will have to go back and read it all again- becasue I am still intrigued about that bit where Elladan treats her with such wariness, and says sha doesnt know who Inglor is etc. I am no further on - a little hint about what Haleth has done/ who Inglor is etc would be good. And who is the woodcarving of.. and what did it say? Not Inglor surely? But he had a bow so I wondered if this is Legolas? She doesnt recognise him anyway- but waht is all THAT about!! Hope we get some answers soon please!!
The atmosphere of the cult meeting is really good- feels very tense and claustrophobic. It will be intersting to find out what the Cermenony of the Cauldron is.. and what / who it is they worship .. and why there is a clandestine shrine to a strange elf ... etc etc...An update soon will be really appreciated! please!
Author's reply
Thank-you, ziggy. And please don't feel you have to review every chapter.
...a little hint about what Haleth has done/ who Inglor is etc would be good... There is a story about how the two of them met, but it's in desperate need of a beta reader before it can see the light of day.
The wood carving is not Inglor. The scene was originally meant to be a joke, but the idea of it having a potentially more sinister meaning is far more interesting. The reviewers are far smarter than me.
I'll try to get the next update into readable condition some time this week.
Thanks again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 44: In the Lair of the Hosluin, Part I
It was understandable that Haleth took a ong vacation after her last incident, yet I am glad to see her back in action.
How Inglor to be as goog at disappearing amidst the crowd as at standing out! Poor haleth has to take matters into her capable hands, she thinks!
Now I wonder about the woodcut and the elf... Is that a prophecy or a shrine? I'm dying to see.
I only hope they won't bump into one another on that staircase... I think we are abut to witness the arrival of a couple more guests, in the form of a worm and a band of saddle-sore Dunedain... I'm loving this tale, Haleth. Again.
Author's reply
Thank you, Perelleth
Poor Haleth would have needed time to nurse her bruises.
Inglor seems capable of many surprising, unexpected things. It's difficult to say how many of the previous incidents were accidents or done on purpose.
Is the woodcut in the closet a prophecy? Wow. I hadn't considered that at all. That's way better than the joke it was meant to be. I'll have to think about that.
Thanks for the idea and I'm glad you're still enjoying the story, even though it's taking a very long time to finish it properly.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 44: In the Lair of the Hosluin, Part I
No sooner wondered than achieved. Interestingly direct method of disposing of the opposition Inglor used there. If only it didn't seem that they were going deeper into a structure that can't be anything but a trap!
And the shrine! You couldn't just tell us what the woodcut said, could you? Oh well - it's far more intriguing this way!
Fingers crossed that Inglor and Haleth's remarkable combination of talents see them through this one!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
Inglor does seem a little on edge, doesn't he?
Haleth can't read the woodcut. It's written in a language she doesn't understand. Someone has guessed the original identity of the elf*.
Haleth seems to think she can retrieve the palantir by herself. It remains to be seen if she's correct.
Thanks again!
Haleth
*Subject to change upon the whims of the author.
Bodkin
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 43: Incursion by Stealth
There are moments when Inglor must be an extremely exasperating companion. Even if gorgeous. No matter how she tries and uses her hard-won experience, he is always a few steps ahead. Off to the side, perhaps, and looking in a different direction, but always so darned elven! You can't but admire her determination not to give in to it.
Author's reply
Yes! It would be very easy for Haleth to simply go with whatever Inglor suggests. After all, he's older, wiser, more experienced, more devious (although this isn't always apparent) as well as being drop dead gorgeous. How could a mere mortal hope to compete with someone like Inglor? The only thing he seems to have no concept of is mortal society and how he should behave in relation to it.
Haleth likely annoys Inglor as much as he irritates her. She's just as stubborn and has her pride and, although it hasn't been obvious lately, she's not entirely incompetent. I doubt that he would have stayed with her this long if she simply followed him around like a lost puppy and let him make all the decisions.
Thanks again.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 42: Interlude V: Elsewhere, Beneath the Eyes of the Sun
That is some pursuit! You would think that - one way or another - they would all catch up with our heroes soon. I think I might be happier to see some of them than others, though. I don't think I'd fancy being the quarry of the drake.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin
Inglor has a talent for attracting a crowd. Haleth has a talent for attracting a mob. Both of them seem to be putting their respective gifts to oblivious good use.
Things will get interesting if they all become aware of each other.
Thanks again.
Haleth
vampfan30
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 44: In the Lair of the Hosluin, Part I
yay, you're back! * tic tic *
I was getting a little twitchy from the lack of updates, but, all better now.
An elf in a closet....heard of an elf on a shelf, but not in a closet. Oh the speculations of who it could be........
Author's reply
Thank-you, vampfan30.
I'm sorry about the twitch. The last update didn't want to be written in a way that was readable.
Elf on a shelf? LOL!!! Maybe on a shelf in a closet?
Thanks again.
Haleth
Elflingimp
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 44: In the Lair of the Hosluin, Part I
Humm.... Im wondering if the Drake could of caught up finally,the visual of all the blue robes and smoke gave me claustriphobia(I know I spelled that wrong)I am wondering who the elf statue is and why it is there, among a million other things I am wondering about this story,I love this story the characters have so much personality I feel as if they almost exist. Please more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Elflingimp.
There certainly seems to be a huge ruckus outside and there was quite the train of people/animals chasing the palantir around.
The elf in the shrine...well, it was funnier a few years ago. The joke hasn't aged well. I'd never really thought of it as anything more until now. It's giving me a ghostly plot bunny for a future story, though.
Thanks!
Haleth
Jay of Lasgalen
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 44: In the Lair of the Hosluin, Part I
Great! I was thinking only last night that there hadn't been an update for some time - and this morning, here it is!
The atmosphere with the crowd of novices and the smoke sounds suffocating and claustrophobic, so it's not surprising that one fainted. I got the feeling when he was whisked away like that that he might be removed permenantly for having the temerity to faint at such an important event.
Who's the elf in the shrine? My guess is Elrond, and that the pots are salves and ointments. Of course, I could be wrong ...
Update soon, please - I want to know what they'll find in the tower!
Jay
Author's reply
Thank-you, Jay.
I apologize for the length of time between updates. Life simply became very busy and, for whatever reason, it was difficult to describe the setting properly.
The shrine in the closet was meant to be a joke. It's not as funny as it would have been four years ago when the movies first came out. I should probably remove it from the story as it hasn't aged well.
Or maybe I'll work it into another story somewhere down the line.
Thanks for the idea!
Haleth
Lyn
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 43: Incursion by Stealth
This is without a doubt the BEST story I have ever read in my
life!
Is there any way to get it sent to my e-mail address? Fear of
a monstrous mass of advertisement and spam prevents me from
giving my e-mail address out labeled as such. (l means L in lower case,
so it is ldaniel@tranquility.net)
My computer died so I have to rely on a friend's computer.
Thank you SO MUCH for this delightful tale. It would make a
wonderful movie with proper casting and a decent director but
as is, it is a wonderfully crafted humorous tale of adventure
and true love. Your sense of humor is akin to mine. ^_^
Lyn
(I had a website in the past but stopped drawing.
members.tripod.com/~LynD is the address.)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lyn, for the glowing review.
I apologize for taking so long to reply.
I'll send you an Email.
I'm sorry your computer died. Technology can be as frustrating. I hope it didn't eat anything important when it crashed and burned.
I'm very glad you like the story. I can't take things that seriously and I guess it shows.
I've visited your website. You're a talented artist. As someone whose artistic ability doesn't get past stick figures, I'd really encourage you to take it up again.
Haleth
kelsey
· 13 August 2006
· Chapter 43: Incursion by Stealth
Goodness, I had a lot of catching-up to do! The story is excellent. I love the way that Ingor and Haleth's relationship is changing. And of course, Haleth's so-called stealth was a ball. I laughed through the whole chapter.
As far as grammar, I don't think anything was amiss. Looks pretty ship shape if you ask me!
Awaiting update wit great patience and intrigue.
Author's reply
Thank-you, kelsey.
I'm sorry for taking so long to reply to your review.
I'm afraid this story is long. It started as a joke and spontaneously grew completely out of control. Haleth is out of practice. She should have been able to sneak into the compound.
Thanks for checking the grammar. I try to catch the mistakes but don't always find all of them and I appreciate the help.
About the update...it's written but I'm not happy with it. Too much of it is in the passive voice and this makes it very flat.
Thanks again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 5 August 2006
· Chapter 43: Incursion by Stealth
My, my! I would have loved to hear Inglor while he followed her progress...or lack of. At least this time he did not have to dive to the rescue! And I really liked her dry way.We'll try it your way Inglor is now wise enough not to add a word!
The cauldron incident was truly (wicked from your part) bad luck. Although, it could have been worse, had the cauldron been full of anything..
I love her reaction when she heard that he had gone to the city. Good old Haleth, she managed to disconcert him... poor Inglor, there is no way that he learns not to step on her moods!
Author's reply
Thank you, perelleth.
I apologize for taking so long to reply to your review.
It's hard to imagine what Inglor was thinking while he watched Haleth's lack of progress. He was most likely horrified when the cauldron hit her and probably was half way across the moat when the window opened. He's not the type who would make a sarcastic running commentary while she tries to kill herself. At least I don't think he is.
As for the cauldron being filled with anything...visions of chamberpots are now dancing in my head.
Inglor is slowly learning about Haleth's moods. Nothing could have possibly prepared him for them. I somehow doubt the elf maidens at home are anywhere near as volatile. His downfall is that he's too honest. If she asks a direct question, he is honour bound to give a full answer and that isn't always the safest route to take.
Thanks again!
Haleth
Elflingimp
· 3 August 2006
· Chapter 43: Incursion by Stealth
Poor Haleth! that really sounded painful,will she never listen? well maybe she could of made it if it wasnt for the pot being thrown down,her and Inglor make quite a duo! Im wondering what will happen next Please update soon!
Author's reply
Thank you, Elfingimp. I'm sorry for taking so long to reply.
Will Haleth ever listen? Likely not. It would put her out of character.
Thanks again!
Haleth
vampfan30
· 3 August 2006
· Chapter 43: Incursion by Stealth
what can I say -- she is a walking accident waiting for a place to happen. Poor Ingy -- always the cleanup guy......
Author's reply
Thanks, vampfan.
Haleth does seem to be a trouble magnet.
Inglor certainly showed a great deal of self restraint in not saying I told you so. Either that or he's finally developed a sense of self preservation.
Thanks again.
Haleth
vampfan30
· 28 July 2006
· Chapter 42: Interlude V: Elsewhere, Beneath the Eyes of the Sun
ooohhh, the suspense of it all..... could the drake be related to the basilisk ? (sorry, have a 7 year old who likes Harry Potter, not the last one though. it was ..... ehh)
Author's reply
Thank-you, vampfan
I don't know if the cold drake could be related to the basilisk. It's just large, not to bright, but very dangerous and very, very hungry.
Do you mean the Harry Potter last movie or the last book?
I'd got to agree about the movie. I guess it's middle of the series syndrome. The book was excellent, though. JK Rowlings improves as she goes along.
Thanks again
Haleth
perelleth
· 28 July 2006
· Chapter 42: Interlude V: Elsewhere, Beneath the Eyes of the Sun
ROTFL! I had almost forgotten that Inglor and Haleth were leaving a blazing trail on their wake!(apart from stunned women) Everybody is on the move behind them, and if they ever chanced a glance over their shoulders I bet they would be suprised.
Halmir is hilarious in all his seriousness, I cannot help imagining he and his men stuffed to their ears in apples and unable to tell the woman that it was enough!
rather than the tossing vagrancies of a loosely assembled pile of lumber, That sentence is a hoot! Dwarves, Dunedain, Drake and Hosluin all converging in the path of Inglor and Haleth... now that sounds promising!
Now I'm going to dose myself with the Hosluin's stuff while waiting for the next chapter! ;-)
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth.
Yay coffee! Although Haleth would probably want something with a bit more kick to it if she knew what was behind her, let alone what's in front of her.
Thank you again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 14 July 2006
· Chapter 41: An Unlikely Fish
The conversation between Orolondë and Inglor was better left to imagination, but the result was outstanding, and I am sure that Ehtirwen, intelligent as she is, will be able to see the chances to still make some gain from all this, despite being so utterly shocked that the bedraggled woman was wearing the Elf´s ring! That was the last straw!
It is good to see that Inglor has finally managed the subtleties of HAleth´s moods and is able to provoke her in a friendly manner. And that she´s able to throw a boot at him! Very funny indeed, despite her almost being drowned once again!
Author's reply
Thank you, perelleth
Orolonde had seen enough to know the score. It would be interesting to know not so much what Inglor said to him but how he said it.
Inglor is learning how to manage Haleth and her moods. It was a slow, often painful process.
You'd think Haleth would learn to swim. Someone ought to give her a course on basic water safety!
Thanks again.
Haleth
vampfan30
· 14 July 2006
· Chapter 41: An Unlikely Fish
ahhhh.... I always look forward to this story, so much trouble crammed into one person, I don't know how she does it....Ingy's reaction to her insistance for him to leave, was truly interesting. Maybe too many years with the humans. being humored by her frustration ? Yeah, human emotion. But,that doesn't stop me from adoring the guy.......
Author's reply
Thank you, Vampfan
Haleth's nickname could be Trouble Magnet, but I don't know how to translate it into Sindarin.
In spite of his apparent cluelessness, Inglor is teasing her.
At least she thinks he's teasing her.
Or it makes her happy (in a miserable way) to think he's teasing her.
Inglor excels at inspiring confusion.
Thanks again!
Haleth
AM
· 14 July 2006
· Chapter 41: An Unlikely Fish
I love Haleth, I really do, but God she's dense.
Author's reply
Thank you, AM.
Haleth has her faults. Willful blindness is certainly among them.
Thanks again.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 14 July 2006
· Chapter 41: An Unlikely Fish
Ethirwen made a Big Mistake there. Inglor certainly does something to the sanity of most females. Good thing Haleth is immune ... well, almost immune ... well, reacts differently. And a good thing Inglor likes the way she reacts differently.
Orolonde - apart from having slippery fingers - manages to appear more impressive on board his own ship. Perhaps Ethirwen will cut her losses and return her attentions to him.
Good thing that Inglor has agreed to keep an eye on Haleth - although I don't reckon they'll be on the ship much longer. Which can only be good for their future.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin
Ethirwen misjudged badly. She's used her wiles to very good effect for almost four years. Maybe she was a little too successful and it made her too sure of herself.
Thanks again.
Haleth
Blackadder
· 8 July 2006
· Chapter 40: A Busy Evening of Socializing
**Fire Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 7/6/2006
The two of them being able to mindspeak is very telling isn't it. I must agree with you that we now know why Inglor often seem distracted. Haleth is not going to enjoy finding out he has learned more through her thinking than he has ever told her :)
Author Reply: You're right. It is telling that they can mindspeak. Haleth is going to be awfully uncomfortable once she figures out what this might mean.
Haleth **
That review made an excellent point, one that I hadn't thought of really. Aside from having Haleth end up in the water (nice cliffhanger!), this adds an whole new layer of depth to the plot. And here I thought Inglor was just being the typical aloof elf.
This story is in my bookmarks. Excellent characterizations and story line. I've taken a real disliking to Ethirwen too.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Blackadder
As embarrassing as this is, I didn't think of this until Fire pointed it out either. It's difficult to say just how many of Haleth's surface thoughts Inglor has seen. Tolkien states that mind-speech/mind reading had to be done with the consent of the person being read. A powerful mind reader could force things from another's mind, but only be inflicting a great deal of pain.
Inglor is very principled. He wouldn't go poking around in someone else's mind without permission. Then again, Haleth, unaware of his ability, hasn't exactly been shielding her thoughts. Who knows how much he might have overheard?
When she has time to think about it, poor Haleth is going to be mortified.
Thanks again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 40: A Busy Evening of Socializing
The Same Scene According to Inglor or how perfectly built complicity with the reader can lead to a reader breaking down in hysterical laughter at this single line.
Congratulations. This device was a wondrous idea. I've being dying to be in Inglor's head for 40 chapters! and now we all agree with you, we do understand! I only wonder if Haleth also made the connection, although I assume that she's too busy trying not to drown so thoroughly...so there is something left that Inglor can revive...:-)
Their mind speech was hilarious, punctuated by Orolonde's cluelessness and his growing disappointment with the lady and the Elf. I also loved how you built up the situation, particularly this: "Only?" he finally asked, as if prompted. Of course, I was wondering what actually prompted Inglor out of his innocence and it was very well worked out on the "replay." I bow to you, this is only getting better and better, if it ever could!
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth
I wish I could say that the idea for this chapter was born in a flash of comic genius.
Unfortunately, it was the product of a 10 hour car ride. Delerium and road rage can do interesting things...
Thanks again!
Haleth
Jay of Lasgalen
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 40: A Busy Evening of Socializing
I really love this story. Haleth has to be one of the best OFCs I've ever read! Inglor is great too - not half as vague as he makes out, and more than able to cope with predatory females like Ethirwen. Her dismay as Inglor proved impervious to all her wiles and ploys was funny - I almost felt sorry for her!
How many times has Inglor saved Haleth from drowning now?
Author's reply
Thank-you, Jay, that's very high praise indeed. It's really encouraging to know that people are enjoying the story.
I do feel sorry for Ethirwen. She's survived in a man's world by using her wits and her looks to keep her suitors off guard and playing them against each other. She's kept her head for this long, only to lose it when Inglor stumbles into her line of sight.
How many times has Inglor saved Haleth from drowning? At least two.
Thanks again.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 40: A Busy Evening of Socializing
Inglor is definitely better at this game than his wide innocent eyes convey.
I love his mental conversation with Haleth - and that it gave her a feeling of nausea. I wonder how far apart they have to be for it to work... Because now she's in the water, it could be handy to be able to summon the aid of the elf.
Orolonde is more than a little dim. But he's possibly as much in love with Ethirwen's bank account as he is with her - and I daresay that in ME marriage would immediately make her wealth his. Enough, I would have thought, to keep her single.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
There is more to Inglor than meets the eye. You'd almost think he'd played romantic games some time in his past. Either that or he's a very quick study.
I borrowed the ability to have mental conversations from Many Partings in The Return of the King. The people carrying out the conversation are within normal speaking distance of each other. It doesn't mention anything about nausea, which was something I added because it seemed to make sense. It would be horribly disconcerting to have someone speaking in your mind when it's never happened before. It seemed reasonable that hearing the same words with one's ears at the same time would cause sensory overload.
Orolonde could be willfully blind about Ethirwen. It wouldn't be the first time an intelligent man behaved this way. Or he could be very worried that Ethirwen's money seem to be slipping out of his grasp. Or maybe he just hates to lose.
Thanks again.
Haleth
Ethirwen has a naturally devious turn of mind. Probably why she is a successful businesswoman. I don't know how much she'll appreciate Orolonde's attentions, though. Although they might be a consolation for Inglor's decided lack of interest.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
Yes, Ethirwen does have a devious mind. It likely does stand her in good stead in business, which can often be as much about reading people as it is in making good deals.
Too bad that Inglor can't be read like a mortal male. The rule of her being irrestible just don't apply.
Elflingimp
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 40: A Busy Evening of Socializing
Wow! You left her in the water? Humm Poor Haleth discarded like an old shoe ,looks like Inglor has his work cut out for him Cant wait until the next chapter What a cliffe!!!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Elflingimp
Poor Haleth. She always seems to end up soaked, hurt, unhappy or all three. She's not incompetent. It's just the dangers of being an adventurer.
Thanks again
Haleth