Fire
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 40: A Busy Evening of Socializing
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's 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
Author Reply: I have to thank you again, Fire. This point never, ever occurred to me until you mentioned it, but you're absolutely right.
I'm going to have to work it into the next chapter.
Much, much thanks!
Haleth
vampfan30
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 40: A Busy Evening of Socializing
OH, MY POOR INGY!!!! To be caught in that woman's clutches has got to be unbearable, even though he might not truly know what she is up to. Poor Haleth, upside down on the side of a boat?? I grew up on the water & that is a scary idea that you came up with.. How, oh, how are our dear friends going to get out of this one???..... Absolutely loved this chapter!!!!!!! ;)
Author's reply
Thank-you, vampfan30
My goodness that was quick!
Inglor is having an interesting evening, isn't he?. He must be feeling like a mouse trying to dodge a cat.
You're right. Hanging Haleth upside down over the side of the boat was incredibly foolish. It seemed like something Orolonde would insist on.
Thanks again
Haleth
I´m ROTFLAO Haleth! YOu hve yer another talnet, I´ve found, you create such powerful OCs! Orolondë is a hoot! NOw, a powerful merchant traveling like a stowaway, and a sailor keeping an eye on him as he keeps an eye on the lady! This was priceless, almost as much as these lines:
did seem a shame that one so fair should be so lacking in the more intellectual gifts. When she looked upon the elf again, Ethirwen felt herself more than satisfied by his physical appearance alone. She was confident that, in the long run, his lower mental acuity would make things easier for her. Now Inglor did impress her! And he's learning so quickly to try to divert a woman's interst. Pity it wn't work in the end, since his looks play against him, and he just did not gras the concept wholly! Great!
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth
Orolondë started out as a one dimensional, jealous lover. In very short order he developed into a rather quirky merchant hiding in a hold so that most people wouldn't know of his behavior. He's perfectly aware that he's behaving like an idiot yet he doesn't want to appear openly foolish. It would be interesting to see how he would make trade deals.
Inglor is beginning to understand how women react to him. It must be amusing (in a puzzling sort of way) for him to catalogue the different ways they act upon their attraction.
He's finally learning how to divert their attention, or at least how to slide out of their grasp. I wonder if he's also learning that humans often don't see beyond his exterior?
Thanks again!
Haleth
I like Taeg, I really hope he doesn't turn out to be a double-crosser or something. Hmm, and I wonder if there's more the Ethirwen's story than just wanting the elf for herself.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Unheard Chime.
I'm glad you like Taeg. He's round around the edges, but he seems to mean well.
Haleth
Fire
· 29 June 2006
· Chapter 39: Above Deck, Below Deck
Well now, things are getting interesting here. Looks like "lady" Ethirwen is really somewhat of a golddigger, isn't she ;)
She is however digging down the wrong hole, and for her to think that Inglor is not very acuity just goes to show how stupid she really is.
I can't wait for her to fall flat on her face.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Fire.
Ethirwen seems to have a taste for the rare and beautiful. She's likely been able to buy anything she's desired and thinks she can do the same with Inglor. She just doesn't know Inglor at all.
Inglor seems to be a far better actor than anyone could have guessed.
Thanks again.
Haleth
what did I say, that Ethirwen had something to do with it! *evil yet satisfied grin *............. Orolonde seems to be an enigmatic character, can't wait for more, but, is that any surprise ??
Author's reply
Thank-you, vampfan30.
Yes, Ethirwen has ulterior motives for appearing to be nice to Haleth. Orolonde is certainly devoted to her. You wouldn't think she could be that bad...
Haleth
Unheard Chime
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 38: A Change of Accommodation
Hello! I am a new reader to this story; I just read the whole thing in one sitting. I love it! I like the subtle jokes and conversations between Haleth and Inglor and am finding the plot to be very interesting. I'm very much looking forward to finding out more about Haleth and Inglor's pasts.... and hope that you'll find some way for the two of them to be together. Maybe Haleth has some distant elvish blood in her? ;)
Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Hello, Unheard Chime and thank-you for reviewing. I'm really glad you're enjoying the story and I admire your endurance for being able to read the entire thing in one shot. I hope the plot continues to hold your interest and I trust you'll tell me if it takes a turn for the worse.
Inglor is the perfect straight man. He doesn't know any of the expressions used in everyday speech and takes everything very, very literally. It leads to all sorts of misunderstandings. I'm not sure that Haleth would fare any better in elvish society than Inglor does in human society.
Thanks again!
Haleth
vampfan30
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 38: A Change of Accommodation
* sigh * the poor thing, always getting ripped off of a decent time. Her luck doesn't seem to be getting any better: getting framed for something that she would have no reason to do. The speculation that Ethirwen is involved? Up to her eyeballs, I would say, though, I haven't figured out all the whys, but working on it.
As far as dear Ingy's being around humans too much, I said that a few chapters ago, they (or she) are definitely beginning to influence him just a bit! But, as always, he comes to the rescue & gives a different type of insight to the situation & they are able to resolve it quite well between the two. They seem to be striking a better balance now.
The line, " The words seemed to appear in her mind without having passed either Inglor's lips or Haleth's ears." is actually very telling. They are obviously a lot closer than she is able to admit: he, on the other hand, seems to have given over a long time ago, hence the ring.
Author's reply
Thank-you, vampfan.
Haleth seems to take this sort of thing in stride. It's almost as though she accepts trouble as her lot in life. Inglor, on the other hand, seems to be not like it.
There's no doubt that people are having more of an affect on Inglor. I don't know whether that's because he's learning more about how human society operates or because he's starting to show his reactions.
Inglor could probably have spoken to Haleth's mind all along. He may have been trying to keep quiet in case the other person in the hold overheard them.
Thank-you again for reviewing.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 38: A Change of Accommodation
Haleth should know by now ... never trust people who are behaving abnormally. And paying attention to her while Inglor is on the same boat is definitely abnormal.
And when things are going right - that's a pretty fair indication that they are just about to blow up in her face. She's been framed!
I'm glad Inglor came to see her, too. They are - and are becoming increasingly - a team. (Inglor might look naive, but I think the baddie will find he is dangerous to offend!)
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin
You're right. Haleth ought to know bettter. But she's been on the outside of human (and elven, dwarven and hobbit) society for a very long time. She is really enjoying Ethirwen's acceptance.
Inglor was worried about her. He's acting more on his own initiative instead of being ruled by Haleth's wishes and she's slowly learning to accept this.
Their earlier relationship must have been interesting.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 38: A Change of Accommodation
Oh! YOu ahve a talent to land Haleth in the most awful situations! Poor one, when she was so confident that everything was going reasonably smoothly, bang! she´s sent to the hold! And she´s sharing it with a mysterious passenger!
Anyway, trouble seems to suit their relationship, now that they have shared worries they both understand! Spare time together seems not to help improve their understanding of each other! I will not try to guess Ethirwen´s involvement in this, although I rather suspect her. And I am intrigued by this sudden ability of HAleth's to "hear" Inglor´s voice in her mind. A side-effect of the silver ring?
Author's reply
Thank-you again, perelleth
Haleth probably isn't too surprised when things go disastrously wrong. She's probably nervous when things go smoothly for too long, figuring that sooner or later she'll have to pay for the good fortune.
You're right. They do seem to get along better when there is some sort of danger. It forces them to present a united front.
As for Haleth hearing Inglor in her mind, who can say? She may have been able to 'hear' him all along. Maybe he's just decided to use the ability to hide his presence from the other person in the hold?
Thank-you again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 37: Down the River Running Part I
Hi there! I did not get lost, only out of town and with no Internet connection...
For all that she could see the signs directed at others, specifically Inglor, she had completely missed those directed at her. Indeed! SO does the ring mean what we do think it means? Anyway, BEregnil remains a very lovely character, and if the ship vision becomes true, I am sue that Haleth would be glad to know that she has such an admirer waiting for her! INglor's mod changes are truly disconcerting to her, and now I have the feeling that Lady Ethirwen will provide more reasons for misunderstnading and arguments between these two...:-)
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth
Please don't apologize. I truly appreciate your taking the time to review each chapter but I know people are busy.
Does the ring means what we think it means? It certainly means something to Inglor. He doesn't seem inclined to explain this meaning to Haleth.
Thank-you for the compliment about Beregnil. He probably deserves a few stories of his own. It would be interesting to see how he came to be the Master of Lake Town, which is an elected position. It must have been interesting in Lake Town during and After the WAr of the Ring. Maybe they were spared a direct attack because they were on the Lake. Maybe they helped the people of Dale, who had a difficult fight for survival.
Poor Ethirwen. Everyone suspects her.
Thanks again.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 37: Down the River Running Part I
Well - I'm glad Haleth said she couldn't keep the combs. And that she made it very clear she was unlikely ever to return. Because even if Inglor / Haleth is a total impossibility, I'm a romantic at heart!
I love the Pied Piper Inglor, being followed by all the star-struck children.
Ethirwen has some scheme in mind, though. She's being too nice. That can only be bad.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
The children must have been used to seeing elves as the elves of Mirkwood traded with Laketown on a regular basis. They were probably told to keep their distance or at least to keep quiet by the adults. Finding an elf they could approach would be, for them, quite the opportunity. Inglor is as fascinated with them as they are with him. By this point in history, there likely weren't many (if any, depending on how you interpret things) elf children around. He's certainly seen human children before, but he hasn't had the chance to really interact with them. I wonder what was going through his mind while they were all talking at once and the one little girl pulled his hair? (Potential plot bunny brewing here.)
Thanks!
Haleth
vampfan30
· 14 June 2006
· Chapter 37: Down the River Running Part I
a happy surprise in my mailbox-- an update!!! Well, where to start ---- she didn't know what the ring meant!?! wow ---- We are in for a world of hurt, aren't we, & poor Ingy, too.. (weird pet name, but, there it is)! Sometimes, I can swear that some of the stuff he does, he knows what he's doing- eavesdropping on her conversation with Master Beregnil? come on, he knows better. The flower for Mrs. Bass - jealousy-provoker, at least, to me. Being withdrawn is not a good sign, then, adding all those other things to it? EEEK! Poor Ingy, he's been around humans too long, they are starting to rub off on him.....
Author's reply
Thank-you, vampfan.
No, Haleth didn't know what the ring meant. It could be a case of willfull blindness on her part. Somewhere along the line she probably wondered, but comparing her older, drab, worn self to Inglor she likely just told herself not to be foolish.
Inglor almost has to be more aware of what's going on than he lets on.
The two of them just don't communicate well, at least not about emotional matters. They're from very different societies and the subtle (or not so subtle) clues one gives is completely lost on the other. They speak several languages in common, but that almost makes it worse as they think they understand each other clearly. The nuances of communication just aren't there.
Thanks again
Haleth
Bodkin
· 9 June 2006
· Chapter 36: In the Master's House Part II
That Inglor / Haleth hair combing was - incredibly tense. And no, I don't think Haleth would trade the ring for the combs. Even without knowing the significance of either. Their relationship has undergone a huge change since the attempted murder - and Haleth would probably feel better if she only knew why!
Inglor seems much more in charge now - and Haleth is floundering rather. But then she's not emotionally able to be her usual self right now.
It'll be better for both of them to get away from people and get back on their quest.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
The hair combing scene started out as a joke...it's a very long story. It ventured off into an unexpected direction.
You're right. There has been a huge change in Inglor and Haleth's relationship. Their positions seem to have been reversed here, too as Haleth seems incapable of seeing this. To her, Inglor's behavior is, as always, completely bewildering. Inglor, on the other hand, thinks he has been crystalling clear and that his words and deeds do not require an explanation.
To be fair, they both have a great deal on their minds with the palantir in the hands of a mysterious enemy. They come from different cultures lack to knowledge and experience to properly interpret each other's actions. Here, at least, Inglor has a slightly easier time of it as he can compare the way women react to him and how mortals treat each other. This still doesn't keep him from getting things wrong.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
Blackadder
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 36: In the Master's House Part II
Oh,the agony as this thing between Haleth and Inglor is drawn out ever so slowly!
*crossing fingers that Inglor's heart doesn't get broken in the end*
Author's reply
Thank-you, Blackadder
Whatever Inglor and Haleth are up to, they're really taking their time with it.
Given that Inglor is immortal and Haleth isn't, it's difficult to imagine how Inglor's heart won't be broken.
Haleth
Fire
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 36: In the Master's House Part II
O boy, talking about a sensual scene. I never thought that having your hair done could be so exciting ;)
Inglor's remark about the ring could not be farther away from the mark, eventhough they both still don't realise it.
Haleth's dream at the end sure tells a lot about how she feels, even if she doesn't understand it.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Fire.
I guess if you're in the right frame of mind, almost anything can be sensual.
Inglor's mention of the ring and the combs is the closest he's ever come to mentioning an attachment to Haleth that goes deeper than friendship. Unfortunately, Haleth catch the underlying message.
Thanks again.
perelleth
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 36: In the Master's House Part II
LOL! Despite all the intimacy and sensuality of this chapter, I cannot help laughing at how far from understanding each other these two keep drifting. The combing scene as... Wow! it almost made me run out for a hairwash and a haircut... HAving Inglor massaging your head and hair must be as close to perfection as one can get! LOL! NOw, if Mrs Bass gets wind of this, he'll find a bunch of women queueing before his door, asking to have their hair styled!
But I can understand Haleth's puzzlement when she hears him explain himself so shrewdly and eloquently, when most of their conversations seem to end in puzzlement at the very best! Ah, but Inglor's obbservation that she would prefer the combs over his ring was truly poignant! I wonder what Master Beregnil is seeing, and what conclusions he is drawing from his observations!
Author's reply
Thank you, perelleth.
Inglor and Haleth can converse with each other in several languages, but the language of love obviously isn't one of them. Their cultures are different enough that they just don't pick up the nuances. Inglor can be so oblivious that it's almost impossible to believe he isn't acting at least some of the time. He has certainly shown he can speak convincingly to a small group of people. For whatever reason, he's never really shown that ability before. What else is he capable of doing?
Any hair salon run by elves would be a huge success. The styles wouldn't be up to date, but I doubt anyone would care as long as they had their hair combed.
Thanks again.
Haleth
vampfan30
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 36: In the Master's House Part II
Wow, just when I think that you cannot twist poor Inglor & Haleth inside out any more:well, you do. One of these days that poor girl will absolutely explode on the poor guy & finally tell him a thing or two about how she feels... at least, I would hope so......^__^
Author's reply
Thank-you, vampfan.
People can do all sorts of nasty things to each other without really intending to do any harm. These two are from very different cultures. They completely miss each other's signals.
Haleth probably has come within a hair's breadth of shouting her feelings at Inglor then grabbing him by the lapels and kissing him. She probably would have by now, but she strongly suspects he would simply be confused by her actions or, worse yet, would politely inform her he had no interest in her as anything more than a friend. Haleth is far too proud to make herself that vulernable. Pride and fear of rejection make her keep her feelings to herself. (Although any mortal who spent more than 5 minutes with the two of them would know how she feels.)
Part of Haleth realizes that if they did love each other and did marry, Inglor would be utterly shattered when she died. To her, it would be very selfish for her to marry him when they could only be together for a few, short (from an immortal point of view) decades, then condemning him to a near eternity of loneliness. This consideration is also keeping her quiet.
Thanks again for the review.
Haleth
Lyn
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 36: In the Master's House Part II
99% of fanfiction is shaky, scary, scurrilous, or seemingly made from scoria. That is, something to be glanced at or endured due to hopeless boredom. Ah, but this
story---this story scintillates, it glows from within, and leaves one eagerly awaiting more of the same. Too bad that real life must sometimes interfere with
the transmission of this story. Thank you for providing the latest chapter in
my favorite story. I hope fortune smiles on you and allows you more idle moments in which to create future chapters.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lyn, for the glowing praise.
It is gardening season here and I've been busy purchasing and planting far too many annuals. In spite of the effort, most of the garden still looks like an overgrown patch of weeds. If only a weed-eating ground hog would move in and clear things out for me, I'd be a happy woman with much more time on my hands.
I seem to get a lot of story ideas while gardening. Although it's slowing things down in the short term, hopefully it will pay off in the long run.
Thank-you again for your kind words and for all of your help pointing out inconsitencies like how velvet was actually made and the spelling and grammatical errors. If you can point those things out, you must be reading very carefully and that, to me, is quite a compliment.
Haleth
Bodkin
· 14 May 2006
· Chapter 35: In the Master's House
Poor Inglor's innocent glory seems dimmed - and both he and Haleth are sad. Mind you, rescuing him from drooling females does appear to be a large amount of Haleth's role! There is a wistfulness to their interaction in this chapter that is most unusual! Although I'm sure it is a relief to Inglor - especially in comparison to 'fury', anyway.
Nice frock Beregnil has provided! I'd say it would do Haleth good to have a bit of looking after and comfort, but I'm afraid she might be overcome by its rarity. She probably finds Mrs Bass's reaction reassuring - at least not everything is weird.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin.
Inglor's outlook has changed. Haleth is beginning to realize this. She'd gotten accustomed to him being (apparently) naive and isn't really certain what to do with him now.
It goes without saying that neither of them would directly tell the other about this. As always, they're left to puzzle things out themselves as best they can. Again, as always, they tend to get it wrong.
I'd like to say that Beregnil knows a good thing when he sees one, but how wise can a merchant be if he becomes infatuated with a thief? He likely sees a mysterious woman who can hold her own with an elf. It must make her interesting to him. Then again, Beregnil is fairly shrewd. He doesn't miss very much.
Poor Mrs. Bass. If she really thinks about how she's behaving towards Inglor, she'll be mortified. But whenever she does think of Inglor she gets a thin, vacant smile on her face and forgets about everything else.
Thanks again.
Haleth
perelleth
· 13 May 2006
· Chapter 35: In the Master's House
Great chapter!
I loved all the itneractinos here. This one pretty much sums up all taht I like in this tale: their different points of view which make understanding so difficult, Haleth's quick wits, Inglor's subtle irony, a lot of backstory only hinted at....and the interactions with the outer world.
Beregnil is indeeed a wise man and a lovable character. Was he the Master of the twon when these two made their acquaintance in the cold waters of the lake, or was that much long ago? His courteous manners and delicate ways are truly striking. I'm glad for Haleth, although she may not notice, why she had to comfort Inglor!
I loved how he sunk in defeat rather than braving another of *those* conversations about how women were attracted to him. It is hilarious to see how differently each of them react to the subject! Poor one.
Wonderful chapter, Haleth. Much as I am loving this story, I could say that this chapter is the best so far: everything from humor, to misunderstandings to misterious people, to women acting strangely around Inglor, to clueless Elf to surprised, also witty Haleth packed in one single chapter. Great!
Author's reply
Thank-you perelleth.
I'm glad you're enjoying the interactions and the oft alluded to backstory. The hints help to give ideas for further stories (which I keep meaning to write).
Beregnil is probably my personal favourite of the original characters. He wasn't planned at all, but when they reached Lake Town, he was like he'd been there and had been waiting for them all along.
Inglor is beginning to learn that there are some battles he can never hope to win, especially those where the opponent is Haleth's jealousy. I'm not even certain he recognises the jealousy for what it is, let alone the reason for it. He just knows a dangerous topic when he hears one.
Thank-you again.
Haleth
kelsey
· 13 May 2006
· Chapter 35: In the Master's House
I loved the interaction between Haleth and Ingor. Your plot always has twists and I truely admire that. So, what is the Lord of Laketown all about? Can't wait to find out.
Minor detail. I believe some of your punctuation is missing at the end of some dialog. I not meaning to be a stickler, but I thought I would just let you know.
Author's reply
Thank-you, kelsey.
What is Berengil about? He doesn't seem to reveal any more than he thinks is absolutely necessary. He's probably hoping that Haleth notices his interest, but in her own way, she's as oblivious as Inglor.
You're right about the punctuation. It shall be corrected. Please don't hesitate to point out any grammatical, spelling or canonical errors you may find. I appreciate the help.
Haleth
Fire
· 12 May 2006
· Chapter 35: In the Master's House
Another fine chapter.
It's good to see that Haleth is able to capture someone's eye, even if she does not recognise it herself.
If she's having trouble with the combs, I'm sure Inglor is very willing to help her with them.
I still can't blame the housekeeper for trying, after all, you don't get an elf visiting that often I'm sure.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Fire.
Between living in the shadows, worrying about the palantir and focusing so much on Inglor, it's not surprising Haleth misses Berengil's interest.
I can't blame Mrs. Bass, either.
Haleth
Lyn
· 12 May 2006
· Chapter 35: In the Master's House
A very delicious chapter! I was quite pleased to see you were able to update.
Just one suggestion: velvet is made from silk, although in modern times synthetic fibers are used. A nice dress can be made from a fine grade of wool which will be
soft to the touch, but all wool itches (me).
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lyn. Velvet was indeed made of silk although apparently a cheaper variety could be made by using linen or hemp as a base fabric.
I find wool itchy, too. It's probably just as well we're living in an age where there are cheap, plentiful alternatives.
Haleth