Pitfalls of the Palantir by Haleth
perelleth · 25 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Inglor Incites a Riot
I was wondering the other day at Haleth's hungover, it'll become a Guiness world record, undoubtedly! :-) Does this mean that we're getting close to the sweet awakening? :-)
Author's reply
Hello, perelleth. Thank-you for reviewing. Yes, she will have to wake up eventually, but I'm not so sure the circumstances will be sweet. Haleth
ziggy · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 11: Inglor Incites a Riot
Sorry- that last one was me- forgot to sign. Getting too old for htis - sound like Haleth...acutally I do more than sound likeher- am recognising some distrubing traits as rather familiar
Author's reply
Sadly, I know exactly what you mean... Haleth
Anonymous · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 11: Inglor Incites a Riot
AH- wonderful. A catfight over inglor and Haleth is the midst too drunk to duck- this is crying out to be filmed, I can see it all in my head!Oh and I am glad Nob got a bit part in this- you can't ignore the comic opportunites of a character called Nob.
Author's reply
Ziggy Thank-you for reviewing. It does sort of sound like a saloon fight in an old western movie, doesn't it? Except without guns. Or cowboy hats. Or a marshall...ok, it doesn't sound like a western at all. I wonder if Tolkien thought about the implications Nob's name? Maybe the slang has changed since he was writing? Haleth
ziggy · 30 July 2005 · Chapter 10: Accomodations in Bree
Ah- yes, that 'wine-soaked determination' stage. I know it well! I love the juxtaposition you have with these two, Inglor's perfection and the 'rumpled look' sported by our heroine.I htink travelling with Inglor would make anyone sick acutally- how can you even hope to keep up and Haleth is quite right to drown her sorrows with increasing irresponsibitly -I would be right there with her commiserating. She has real panache- swiping that bottle of rather good wine and swigging it like beer.. or lemonade even. LOvely images with poor old Inglor really at a loss. You just dont know whether to hug him or smack him up the side of his head!I rather think Haleth is heading the way of violence. Your writing style reminds me of another writer and friend of mine, Mary Gentle, she has that same wicked humour and slightly ..hm.. slightly? I mean very sardonic wit. I hope you take that as a compliment- it is intended as such.
Author's reply
Hello, Ziggy. Thank-you for a glowing review. One of the biggest sources of conflict in this story is the differences between Elves and Men. The High Elves, like Inglor, are perfect...always calm, always clean and seemeingly always in control. With the possible exception of Elros' line (when they had ready access to a bathtub), no human could hope to compare. This causes Haleth a great deal of consternation. The assumptions and misunderstandings between the two kindreds were just too good a source of humour to ignore. Again, my thanks for taking the time to review and my apologies for taking so long to respond. Now I'm off to look for Mary Gentle's writings. Haleth
TithenFeredir · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 11: Inglor Incites a Riot
Another chapter! You have no idea how I look forward to them. This odd couple is funny and fascinating. I have to agree with the ladies of Bree about Haleth's luck. I'm not sure it's her fault that she's unaware. I sort of feel sorry for her that she can't bring herself to just enjoy Inglor any way she can. And poor, clueless Inglor...it must be like living in an insane asylum to be him among mortals. "I should dearly love to see Riverdale and meet Lord Elrond. ...But his sons are still there. Ellahir and Elrodan." Was that the Elrodan who fought Godzilla once upon a time??? :-P ~TF
Author's reply
Tithen Feredir, Elrodan did indeed fight Godzilla. The two of them joined forces against that gigantic turtle....or was it against that three headed monster from space? I can't decide whether or not to feel sorry for Haleth. She didn't really deserve what Daisy did, but she might have been able to get out of the way if she hadn't downed that bottle of Dorwinion. Like most things in life, her misery is at least partially self-inflicted. I'm very glad that you're still enjoying the story. Haleth
perelleth · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 11: Inglor Incites a Riot
*snicker* I cannot stop chuckling at Daisy and Aster and poor, completely unawares Inglor, while the storm brewed around him and the dwarves cleared the way, lest the riot caught them in the middle... that was priceless, as was Haleth's thought that she might as well sit and watch some other's misery... Would he have been more shocked had the men attaacked him? I'm not sure. Just hope Haleth doesn't throw up on him ! :-) This is way too amusing!
Author's reply
Hello, perelleth Thank-you for the review and I'm sorry for taking so long to reply. Poor Haleth. She never saw it coming. Inglor would have been utterly shocked if the men had attacked him. But, knowing Inglor, he would have accidently found some way to defuse the situation. Haleth
perelleth · 22 July 2005 · Chapter 10: Accomodations in Bree
I wasn't sure this could go worse (in a good sense, of course) for poor Haleth, but you're definitely being sadistic with her... first she's caught naked,and *nothing* happens, now she's inebriated, and I bet *nothing* worth of her troubles (and hangover)shall happen... what else, oh evil author? :-) And now you have me wondering about this wonderful super boy. How did they meet? How does he know that she doesn't give up any of her tasks? How did they happen to be together?PArdon, *traveling* together! Why does he think now that she would like to remain in Bree rather than going on with him to Gondor? What is he thinking? I know, I know, that would give away most of the enjoyment, but.. shall we have some insight as to what's going on in his head? His puzzlement and occasional mild exasperation are so endearing... I'm still waiting for him to ask courteously about his silver flask and his T'ang...
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth Well, you're right. It gets worse. Haleth has a very bad evening ahead of her. At least she manages to keep her clothes on this time. About the torturing of the character...someone once suggested that I write a story about the character Haleth actually confronting the author. How did they meet? That's another story all on its own... Haleth
TithenFeredir · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 10: Accomodations in Bree
Good, another chapter! But still this...thing between Inglor and Haleth. I'm hoping the Dorwinion will loosen her up enough or Inglor's annoyance will push him to the point that they finally address the elephant in the corner. Actually, now I understand Haleth's distress. I'd feel repulsive in the presence of an elf too. BUT, I still suspect her past has something to do with it as well. It is so hard waiting for whatever it is that's coming! ~TF
Author's reply
Thank-you, TithenFeredir I've never thought of Haleth's attraction to Inglor as an elephant in the corner, but it's a really good analogy. It's amazing what people can ignore when they really put their minds to it. Haleth
Daynawayna · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 10: Accomodations in Bree
Again I say, Poor Haleth! I really can't wait to find out more about her background... she's such an intriguing character! and it's my personal belief that Inglor is not quite as obvlivious to her feelings (or his own) as she may think. ::Sigh:: Didn't I read somewhere that this is posted in its entirety? Please tell me where! Unless you've revamped it and it would just confuse me. You are so gifted with this story... keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Daynawayna It's hard to say what Inglor thinks. He's an elf, he's fairly old and he doesn't seem to feel the same urgency to life as Haleth does. Haleth
Canna · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 9: The Perils of Poor Planning
Wonderful story. It has been quite a while since I have been hooked enough on a story where I check daily for an update. The clever plot twists make it very tempting to check out the completed previous version – but I am trying to be strong and will just have to wait you out. I can empathise with some of the other reviewers in their wish to have Haleth and Inglor get their proverbial ‘act together’ – I want it now, but I don’t! Of course to do that early on in the piece would produce an anticlimax, especially since it appears that the purpose of the story is to explore their relationship. So please don't rush the whole 'kiss' thing. While we contemporary women may wish to toss the elf to the ground and ravish him, as you noted before, 'She's a product of a very different, very old-fashioned culture'. I’d love to see a little elf angst (he is a touch too cool, calm and collected) in relation to Haleth before the story is over. I thoroughly enjoy dry humour and you do it so well. Thanks.
Author's reply
Thank-you for reviewing, Canna. I'm glad that you're enjoying the story. It was a lot of fun to write. There will be some elf angst and an angry elf and an extremely angry elf, but not for quite some time yet. Until then, there will be a great deal of highly confused elf. Haleth
perelleth · 8 July 2005 · Chapter 9: The Perils of Poor Planning
Ho, ho, ho. truly, you're torturing your namesake! Be glad that there's not such thing as association of mistreated characters or they would be suing you for extraordinary torture of the poor girl!!! ;-) Cross-cultural encounters have this unexpected side effects... They do not understand each other's subtle signs,nor we readers, I suppose.. Now, I can tell that she's likes him a lot, but her reactions must be shocking him, if he ever felt the least interest in her, and the way she keeps stepping into embarrassing situations must have left her self esteem in shreds, as well as his lack of reaction, so.. what now? orcs? the walrus? hobbits? Butterbur? I'm dying to read more!!!!!!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Perelleth Inglor views Haleth's emotions the way that most people view the spines on a lion fish. They're over-size, spiky, and can hurt like heck if you get in their path. Haleth
Daynawayna · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: The Perils of Poor Planning
GAH! LOL!! Haleth, you're such a big tease!!! And don't try and look all innocent, we know you're stringing us along here! (don't)Stop it! LOL! You bad girl. I can't wait to see where all of this is going! This stringing-along business is torturous and fun, in a twisted sorta way. Poor Planning indeed... hello, she's in like with him!! Just look at the train of thought before she got into the water!!!! ::shakes her head::: I still think my last Idea is a good one... just kick the orc-plot-bunnies outta the way! Or at least, let her feel secure for like 3-5 seconds BEFORE the orcs show up! :D LOL
Author's reply
Thank-you, Daynawayna. Haleth is very secure with Inglor. She knows he would never allow any physical harm to come to her. Haleth
TithenFeredir · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: The Perils of Poor Planning
Ever the gentleman, that Inglor. Something's going to happen, I just know it. You can't have them dancing around each other forever! OK, her clothes are off, she's clean, she's cold...what is he waiting for? What is SHE waiting for? What wrench will be tossed into the mix if/when they finally get busy? Can't wait to find out! ~TF
Author's reply
Hello, TithenFeredir. Thank-you for the review. Haleth is waiting for Inglor to make the first move. As for Inglor, I never really know what's going on in his mind. He's a frustratingly opaque character. Thank-you again! Haleth
ziggy · 6 July 2005 · Chapter 8: And They Spoke of Love
Oh PLEEEASE - just let them get on with it! No, don't ...no, DO... oh confused as Haleth and inglor about what I want. More importantly, have realised (duh) that Aragorn has sent them on this quest and - as you say- they have worked together before...hm. So what will happen when Aragorn meets Haleht- has he met her before? What is her dark secret? Tantalising stuff! Don't le them get on with it- the sexual tension is ..intersting - as inglor would say (Reminds me a bit of Mr Spock) Thanks for hte update. And which palantir is this? ANd how did they discover it? And YES, what IS Rik doing up there all on his own? IS there some threat or danger? Yikes- brain overload.....And WHY arent more people reading/reviewing this?
Author's reply
Thank-you for the review, Ziggy. I really do appreciate all of the people who take the time to review. To answer a few of your questions: Aragorn has not met Haleth before. The palantir was one of the two that sank in the Bay of Forochel when Arvedui, the last king of the northern kingdom of the Dunedain, perished in a shipwreck. Rik, I think, is in the middle of nowhere and therefore doing little damage to Ranger society. Halbarad told him to stay there and Halbarad died in the War of the Ring. It's possible that no one remembers he is there. Poor Rik! Thanks again. Haleth
Daynawayna · 2 July 2005 · Chapter 8: And They Spoke of Love
::reads and squeals, dancing in circles::: Oh I love love love love love it!! How cute, even if she doesn't want to be!!! 'Not in completely dry terms with the object of one's affection,' Haleth thought desperately. "Some feel it's necessary when leaders don't live forever," she added when she saw his confusion. He was very endearing when he was baffled. Drat. omg that is SO good! This is just getting better and better by the minute! I'd kinda suspected she may like him, but now we know for sure and I can understand why she's so hard on him. I'm hoping to see her frightened by one of these horrible dreams and Inglor using his "elven spidey sense" (LOL!) and comforting her 'against her will'. No mushy kissy stuff, just the wonderful comfort a man (even an elf) can give a woman. I think she needs to really FEEL safe with him. If I bat my eyes and ask really nicely, could I see that scene, pretty pretty pretty please? :D (you know, she's half asleep and freaking out, he has to restrain her by holding her, she wakes up fully, tries to push him away but he says something Inglorish that hits home and she breaks down). I'm not a writer, I just pretend. LOL! yeah right! :)
Author's reply
Thank-you for the review, Daynawayna. I've been trying to picture a scene like the one you've described. Unfortunately, things keep going horribly wrong. Either orcs attack or Inglor somehow manages to give Haleth a nosebleed. It's a really good suggestion. I'll have to see if I can do something with it (apart from disasters). Thanks! Haleth
TithenFeredir · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 8: And They Spoke of Love
I can't decide if Inglor is dropping hints like anvils all around Haleth or if he is so naive that he can't see that he is drawn to her. As for Haleth...what's got her nickers in such a twist? There she is alone with the elf, he's obviously fond of her, and she keeps pushing him away??? I have my theories about why she's doing that and what may happen to bring them together at last,(or not), but I have a feeling you are going to surprise me. Eagerly awaiting the next. ~TF
Author's reply
Thank-you, TithenFeredir. That's a really good observation. Beyond genuinely wanting to know about human customs, I don't know what Inglor's motives for this line of questions is, either. He may very well have one. I'm not entirely sure. He really is a maddeningly elusive character. Haleth
perelleth · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 8: And They Spoke of Love
Oh my! I would have sprayed water all the way from Bree to Rivendell, too!! Wow, wow wow? Is he now doing all the work? Gee, like Beren and Luthien? Why, this girl has reached the point where she cannot see the obvious, but then the most simple circumstance shall cause her to lose control and cross the line in a most effective and commanding manner, if only to get rid of his most maddening winding and wandering ways! She's close to be completely mad! Beware Inglor! ;-) Definitely more and more fun, with such a growing tension between them...can't wait for more! ;-)
Author's reply
Thank-you perelleth. I'm glad that you're still enjoying the story even though it takes forever for anything to happen. I guess that Haleth either can't or won't look too deeply into the reasons for Inglor's questions. She sees it as a genuine request for information; nothing more, nothing less. Thanks again for the review! Haleth
Daynawayna · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 7: Lonliness
once again... wonderful, curious, mysterious, funny.... you never cease to amaze me with your wit and depth. I've decided I WILL print it all out once it's done so I can read it start to finish and find full impact that way. What a fun ride so far! (where's my walrus, anyway?) :D
Author's reply
Thank-you, Daynawayna The walrus shall make a reappearance, I promise! He just won't be back for a long time. Haleth
perelleth · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 7: Lonliness
Wow! Inglor has such a subtle way! pity Haleth's too obsessed to be able to notice his undertones...why! he is taking care of her! Of course in his most particular way... These two won't be able to understand each other unless some cosmic event makes it possible by knocking both of them senseless in each other's arms or something... I'm amazed at how you manage to bring about so many thngs is such few words. Now I'm wondering about Haleth's dreams and Inglor's loneliness... how long have they been chasing the palantir?
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth. Inglor is quite fond of Haleth. He demonstrates it in a brotherly sort of way and this irritates her. These two won't be able to understand each other unless some cosmic event makes it possible by knocking both of them senseless in each other's arms or something... I doubt even that would work. Haleth
ziggy · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ruins of Fornost
Oh come on Haleht!! Why dont they just get on with it!There is only so much torture they can take. I am intrigued by them- still dont know how they come to be working together or how long they have been together. They seem comfortable with their discomfort around each other- as htough something has been a long time comnig and is just on the brink of theri realsiation... but it really HAS been a long time. I love the idea of Middle Earth populated, not just with heroes and powerful wizards, but with grumpy women and completely bonkers rangers, and elves who survey this all with great calm. And what happened in Dorwinion? And what is Haleth's secret ? why does she feel to blame? I am looking forward to ther meeting Aragorn if it is something to do witht the Dunedain- although poor Barmik (or Barmy)doesnt recognise her or mention anything so I suppose you are keeping htat one for later. I hope he comes back in at some point, just to give the guy a break. So - they are working - sort of- for Aragorn? Hm.ANother palantir.... As always, I so enjoy the banter and wit of your writing. There is such huge enjoyment in your writng and wry humour.
Author's reply
Hello, Ziggy. Poor old Rik really does have a hard time socializing. Being completely alone for four years likely isn't helping, but there was probably a reason that Halbarad ordered him to remain where he is. Inglor and Haleth have been wandering around long enough to have had some interesting adventures. She complains about them whenever something goes wrong...which means most of the time. She is a bit of a grouch. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Haleth
TithenFeredir · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 7: Lonliness
Hmm, now we have had two intriguing glimpses into Haleth's ever more mysterious past. Was she hunted in Fornost? WHY was she hunted? If someone had told me I'd get this hooked on a story that started with a walrus I would have...looked at them askance, I guess. As if quirky humor and dear Inglor weren't enough to keep me coming back, you put in all these twisty plot thingies! More, please. ~TF
Author's reply
Thank-you, TithenFeredir, for reviewing again. I'm glad you like the twisty plots. They're great fun to write, but I just know I'm going to lose track of one or two of them somewhere along the line. Then someone will ask 'what about such and such?' and it'll take me weeks to reply because I won't have the foggiest clue what such and such was supposed to be. Haleth was indeed hunted, but not in Fornost. Thank-you again. Haleth
TithenFeredir · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ruins of Fornost
Haleth, you have a nack for...a lot of things, but right now it's Rik I'm talking about. He's likeable, ridiculous and suspicious at the same time. I loved that little tangent he took while playing Middle Earth Password! Poor guy. This has got to be the funniest, most puzzling, interesting story I've run into yet. I still have no clue where you are going wiht it. Every chapter is a surprise. And Inglor is as beguiling as ever. Can't wait for the next chapter! ~TF
Author's reply
Thank-you, TithenFeredir. Rik would certainly make me uncomfortable. He's mostly harmless. He's just a little excitable, probably because he's had nothing to do except wonder when he'll be allowed to leave Fornost. I think Elessar ends up there eventually. Rik would be there, waiting for him. That would be an interesting meeting... Haleth
perelleth · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 6: The Ruins of Fornost
I have the feeling that Rik is more dangerous that the ghosts in Fornost! He's such a hoot!No wonder Halbarad ordered him to stay put there,the sign of the war depended upon that! And what a swift thinker Haleth is, she's now Mrs elf! great trick! Inglor is so mystifyed that wouldn't undesrtand what's going on even if he's granted all the ages of the trees. This is getting more and more promising. Now I wonder what would hapen if they ever reach Imladris on their way to Gondor. When shall Inglor start missing his silvery flask? Too good, Haleth!
Author's reply
Thank-you, perelleth. Poor Rik has a few problems with the social aspects of life. He can barely deal with two visitors after four years of solitude. I shudder to think how he would react to Minas Tirith. Bree might be a bit too much for him. Thanks again! Haleth
ziggy · 10 June 2005 · Chapter 5: The Sounds of Disaster
Oh I love Inglor! He is so cool and calm and uttelry bemused by Haleth.. and she is wonderfully stubborn and I so identify with her.. I mean, whay cant he work out what she wants Hm? Isnt is OBVIOUS!!!! But he is male, even if he is an elf.. and they are hopeless at stuff like that. I love the very literal interpretation of what she says so the spend all their time mystified. Hope this ends with a big snog! THe skis are a brainwave- the Great Levellers!
Author's reply
Thank-you for the review. Inglor isn't just male, he's a male elf. That makes twice the confusion whenever he deals with Haleth. The idea for the skis was inspired by the scene with Legolas running lightly over the snow while everyone else had to slog through it. While it isn't that difficult to learn to ski, Haleth has only used them once before. She knows just enough to get herself into trouble. Haleth
perelleth · 10 June 2005 · Chapter 5: The Sounds of Disaster
Well, Haleth does have a way with elves, doesn't she? Even when trying to be wicked it simply backfires! :-) I wonder if Inglor's calmness will be finally shattered when he discovers that she traded his silver flask for those skis... what's going to happen now with the palantir, shall they lose it, or fight for it or....get drunk and throw it away? Have you read this before? The answer is yes. I haven't. Just wishful thinking. It is great fun to see Haleth competing alone! for he's not even aware of what she's trying! This is too much fun, you know?
Author's reply
Thank-you for the review. Haleth tries her darnedest to prove she doesn't need Inglor's help. He truly doesn't understand why she insists on doing things the hard way, but he accepts it. I'd really like to know what was going through his mind. Haleth