Shemyaza
· 27 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Consultations
Out of all of the writers of the matters in the Silmarillion and the characters developed therein nobody actually deals with them as you do. Under your writing they become real, not those remote powerful creatures that most writers make them into. This is the magical part of your stories, how the characters become real people under the keystrokes and after you admitting that I wasn't the only person who had the characters jostling around in my head that I realised that to bring someone's else's work into the real world, you need to have a form of author's multiple personality disorder!
I love your characterisation of those of Tolkien's world who did not have the expansion given to the characters of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. This is why I have taken your basic characterisation of the Maiar, Valar and people like Findarato and the other elves and expanded them into modern times in my own stories.
You weave a magical, fascinating tapestry of life in the days before the Noldor left for ME. Through your stories we begin to think of how events set in motion by Feanor and Melkor develop and finally come to fruition in that final War of the Ring in the Third Age. Far from being offended at our use of his world, I think Tolkien would be delighted at how we have expanded it and taken it further. Tolkien was an inveterate story teller and I firmly believe that he would have wanted his universe to carry on and it does. It carries on the wonderful stories by yourself and the other writers..Rhyselle, Ellie, Larner and so many countless others who produce such delightful cameos, vignettes, drabbles and full stories.
The story behind the rebellion and subsequent events needed to be told, for all of us, because it completes the Tolkien universe. Ingwe ceases to be a shadowy leader who follows Orome and leads his people to sit at the feet of the Valar. To often writers dismiss the Vanyar and concentrate on the Noldor and the Teleri. His and his family's story needed to be told so that we can fully understand the dynamics of events that shattered lives. I look forward to every chapter of your stories, they never cease to delight.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shemyaza, for this wonderful review. Filling in the gaps, as it were, is what makes writing about Middle-earth so much fun and I appreciate you letting me know how much you enjoy my work. I try very hard to give all my characters (canon, minor canon and OC) their own voices and personalities. They are as real for me (and in some ways more real) as are the people with whom I interact on a daily basis. Tolkien himself said, "I would draw some of the great tales in fullness, and leave many only placed in the scheme, and sketched. The cylcles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama" [Letter 131]. So, like you, I think Tolkien would be delighted with our efforts to expand on his stories. Certainly this is what I am trying to do here, to explain what was happening throughout Eldamar, especially with Ingwë who is conspicious by his absence in the Silmarillion when Fëanáro is causing trouble. The entire premise of "Darkness" revolves around one simple question: Where was Ingwë, who is the High King, in all of this? I hope I do him and the Vanyar justice in writing this tale.
Thanks again for your encouragement and support and your lovely reviews. I appreciate them more than words can adequately express.
6336
· 26 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Consultations
I think that Finderato being who he is, is precisely the reason why people will listen to him, as the son of Finwe's younsgest son, he will be deemed to be uninvolved with the goings on between Feanaro and his brothers. He does not apeare (sp?) to have any standing in his grandfathers court and can be supposed to have an unbiased opinion of what Feanaro did. Melkors lies are insidious and work away quietly with out any one being aware of them until it is too late, a bit like termites, you don't know they are there until the house falls down!
Dose Artanis have any girl cousins, I can't remember if her uncle Nolofinwe had any daughters, maybe if she had she would not be so competative? I wonder what would have happened to her if she had not gone with her brothers, would she have ended up lonely and bitter or would she have struck out on her own to establish her own enclave in Aman?
Me thinks the Valaar are wishing they had kept a closer eye on Feanaro and Formanos.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda,
I think you are correct about Findaráto, although I think he is unsure of himself at this point and does not feel he is up to the task. We will see, though, how things turn out in later chapters.
Artanis does have one female cousin, Ñolofinwë's daughter, who will be known as Aredhel in Beleriand, the one who marries Eöl and has Maeglin. Perhaps she is older (or younger) than Artanis enough so that they did not grow up together and so Artanis was left to compete with her brothers. Or maybe Artanis was the elvish equivalent of a tomboy. *grin*
I think the Valar are wishing they'd kept a closer eye on Formenos, too.
Thanks for this additional review. I appreciate it very much.
Angwen
· 26 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Consultations
Mondays & Fridays are the best days of the week: coffee, quiet, and Fiondil's updates! ^_^ I had mentioned awhile back that I'd do a Family Tree for your stories... the 'Elf Interrupted' stories are both done, working now on Findarato Diaries, then I'm going to comb Darkness. Hope you'll be pleased - I have each character listed by both Quenya and Sindarin name, by sex, by Noldor-Vanya-Teleri (which I had to fudge a bit, as some don't exactly say, and thus I made some logical assumptions), and a code for which story they first appear. So, when you recieve an email called 'Fiondil's Trees', with an attachment, that's what it is!!! See, unemployment does have benefits!
Author's reply
Hello Angwen. Wow! That is certainly an ambitious project and I look forward to seeing it when you are finished with it. Thank you. And I'm glad you are reading this story, as well and that you look forward to the updates. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Poor Finderato. Torn between wanting to obey the Elder King and wondering how best to do it. He has always been one of my favorite characters and his strength of character comes through clearly here. He wants to do the best that he can, feels obligated to follow through with his promise, but is completely unsure about how best to go about it.
I love his experiments with gemstones. As someone who works with stones, I appreciate your occasional focus on these wonders and love the various definitions that you provide at the chapter ends. Of course, I remember the first ruby lasars, they were so lauded. Now they seem almost common-place and we barely think about what allows us to exist in our silicon-based secondary lives any more. We have come a long way.
I am looking forward to the lesson(s) that will be given.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hello, Erulisse. Yes, Findaráto is indeed torn and I think this will play a major part of his decision later on to join the Rebellion. Glad you like my use of the gemstones. Findaráto, especially, seemed to be fascinated by them, considering the number he brought with him when he fled Aman, so it's just natural that he would be studying crystallography at this point in time. As for the lesson(s)... they will be forthcoming soon enough. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 26 November 2010
· Chapter 25: Consultations
Darn, I was going to mention that rubies were used in the first lasers and you go and put it in your Author's Note.
Once more a lot of food for thought, I think Ingwe is right, letting Feanaro take as many with him as he did is not true exile, it's more like setting up a new colony, he is not going to learn anything from his mistakes if you let him reinforce his opinion of himself, true exile would have given him the chance to ponder on his attitude and maybe learn from it. He is one very jealous ellon if you ask me, having Finwe with him away from his brothers is just what he wants.
Oops, have to head for the salt mines, will continue this later.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Beat ya! nyah! *LOL* I anticipated some people scratching their heads wondering what Findaráto and Aulë were talking about so I put the note in. And I think Ingwë has the right of it, too. Exile is, after all, exile, and while the Silmarillion doesn't specifically state that many of the Noldor followed Fëanáro and Finwë into exile, in early redactions of this story, the entire people of the Noldor go into exile, so I adapted that idea to my story but only made a certain porportion follow Fëanáro, those most in sympathy with him. Later in the Silmarillion when describing the Faring Forth, it states that Fingolfin and Finarfin (to give their Silmarillion names) held the allegiance of the greater part of the Noldor and these are the ones who stayed behind in Tirion.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and if you have any other comments to add, I look forward to reading them. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
bladwedd
· 24 November 2010
· Chapter 24: A Conspiracy Is Formed
"It did not please many that he took with him the Silmarils, hiding them away," Valandur said. "Even those in sympathy with Fëanáro think he has become too possessive and the Silmarils should be enjoyed by all, not hidden away from all eyes but his."
"I think that Fëanáro suffers from the sin of possessiveness. I don't think that is a trait that is common among the Elves (at least those untainted by Melkor's marring), even among the Noldor. I think obsessive possessiveness is a trait that is alien to the Elves, though certainly it's a common failing among us Mortals."
Mmm... later... Olwe:
"For I say to you, Fëanor son of Finwë, these are to us as are the gems of the Noldor: the work of our hearts, whose like we shall not make again."
Author's reply
And that particular scene and its ramifications will be addressed in its proper time. *grin*
Tari
· 22 November 2010
· Chapter 24: A Conspiracy Is Formed
I do hope Findaráto has the presence of mind to filter the lies out of what Melkor has said. He has such a bright future before him. It would be sad to see that come to naught.
Author's reply
I think he will eventually, Tari, since we know he becomes a great king in Beleriand. It's just going to take him some time to figure it all out for himself, that's all. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 22 November 2010
· Chapter 24: A Conspiracy Is Formed
Hm, much food for thought.
Would Melkor's lies have had as much affect if there had been two way communication between Aman and Endore. Finderato's main reason for going was to see the outer lands, not to follow his uncle, after all?
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, much food for thought here. And you raise an interesting point. Perhaps if there had been commerce between Aman and Beleriand, Melkor's lies would not have found purchase and you are correct that Findaráto's reasons for leaving were to see new lands, not because he believed in Fëanáro's reasons for leaving. Of course, that's not what happened and so we have the story as we do.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse
· 22 November 2010
· Chapter 24: A Conspiracy Is Formed
"It did not please many that he took with him the Silmarils, hiding them away," Valandur said. "Even those in sympathy with Fëanáro think he has become too possessive and the Silmarils should be enjoyed by all, not hidden away from all eyes but his."
Hmmm. I think this is at the heart of why I am Noldo at heart. Feanaro made the Silmarils, and it is his right to dispose or dispense them as he desires since they are his property. I have heard the sentiment above stated before and it always discomforts me. In my mind he had every right to take the Silmarils with him to Formenos, and indeed to anywhere he wanted.
The Secret Council is interesting. Asking the young ones to pass on their own Valarian propoganda, while delivered with words of honey, still places them in a position that may not be comfortable later on. I find myself pulling away from the Vanyar in this tale - I suppose a reaction to governmental interference - LOL.
Well written and thought provoking, as always, and as usual leaving me anxiously awaiting the next chapter
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Fëanáro may have made the silmarils, but not the Light that is captured within them. That was made by the Valar for the benefit of all (or at least for those residing in Aman). I think that Fëanáro suffers from the sin of possessiveness. I don't think that is a trait that is common among the Elves (at least those untainted by Melkor's marring), even among the Noldor. I think obsessive possessiveness is a trait that is alien to the Elves, though certainly it's a common failing among us Mortals. I think in the end the Silmarils became his "Precious" in a matter of speaking and we all know about that, don't we? *grin*
As for the Vanyar, it isn't so much governmental interference as it is prudent dousing of the flames of discontent and disharmony. Ingwë, I think, is hoping that his children and their friends and all will help bring calm and right reason where emotions are running high.
At any rate, I'm glad you found this chapter thought-provoking. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it and the next chapter will be up soon enough, I promise. *grin*
Larner
· 20 November 2010
· Chapter 22: Ingwë at Formenos
Finwe is unfortunately estranging himself from all others. And what mischief is Ingoldo up to, I wonder?
Author's reply
Unfortunately, that's very true, Larner. As to what Ingoldo is up to, only time will tell. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Sunny
· 19 November 2010
· Chapter 23: A Matter of Record
Well, I take it as a given that it is only a question of _when_ and _how_ Ingoldo is going to make trouble, now; no _if_ involved. And, of course, _how bad_.
His sneering dismissal of the twins - and of his own son, and Findaráto, too, was certainly not unexpected, though none of them are children any more - and all of those "children" behave with more maturity and integrity than Ingoldo. In particular, it was interesting how those "children" were able to get a trade agreement in place in only a few weeks that he had been working on for months! Makes me wonder what was _really_ going on there!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, it is question oof _when_ and _how_ wehre Ingoldo is concerned, and we will see how that develops over the course of the story.
I'm sure Ingwë is wondering along similar lines as you, Sunny, as to just what the original negotiators were really up to. Obviously, nothing good, or the trade agreement would have been ratified long before this. And of course, Ingoldo and Tinwetariel resent being shown up as incompetents before Intarion and Findaráto, whom they consider as 'mere children'.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 19 November 2010
· Chapter 23: A Matter of Record
Well, that's put Ingoldo in his place, for now. Wonder what he has up his sleeve?
I would imagine that the Valar are wishing right about now that they had not believed Melkor's promise of good behavior. Perhaps a team of unclad Maia on him 24/7 would have solved a lot of problems, of course you would have had to rotate them out fairly frequently, even Maia can take only so much!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, Lynda. Ingoldo has been put in his place... for now. As for what he may have up his sleeve, only time will tell.
I'm sure the Valar are regretting a great many things concerning Melkor and the unrest he's created, but it's a case of trying to put the genie back into the bottle -- it ain't gonna happen. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it greatly.
Erulisse
· 19 November 2010
· Chapter 23: A Matter of Record
Ah, that crushed serpent that is Ingoldo does indeed have more venom in him. I'm quite sure that he will still have a part to play in this tale before he crops up again in EI-I.
So...with the wedding only YEARS away...the ellyth are already going crazy with planning? Come on! Even the most meticulous, hand-woven and decorated court dress for matrimony will only take a few short years to make. I sincerely hope that the women are talking about more than just the wedding or table conversation will be horribly boring within five years.
Anxiously awaiting my Monday update...
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Well, we'll be seeing what mischief Ingoldo will cause later on. He's down but he's not out, as they say.
And as Indil pointed out, you can never start too soon planning a wedding. *grin* But I'm sure Ingwë will insist that more than just the wedding arrangements will be part of the dinner conversation for the foreseeable future, or he may issue an edict forbidding the discussion of anyone's wedding in his presence. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Aiwen
· 15 November 2010
· Chapter 22: Ingwë at Formenos
Aiya! In seeking to help, Ingwe only seems to be making things worse... Finwe is being a right royal fool. And Ingoldo is definitely trouble.
Author's reply
It seems so, Aiwen. I think Ingwe could have been a bit more diplomatic, but he is, if you will excuse the expression, royally pissed at Finwe anyway, and this thing with his brother Ingoldo isn't helping his mood any. We'll see how he deals with Ingoldo when he finally catches up with him. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
ninqwestilmen
· 15 November 2010
· Chapter 22: Ingwë at Formenos
Interesting... very interesting... A dubious security system, guards probably not as attentive to their duty as they should be... No idea as to the whereabouts of Ingoldo, and the list of places he could be grows smaller... If he did go to Formenos to meet someone, who was it? It does not seem to be Finwe, and in the given circumstances, Feanor would probably not be taking visitors either... I love a good mystery!! :D
The Noldor were headed for trouble one way or another given the way everyone seems to take their fickle-mindedness for granted. For elves a mere 12 years should not effect their loyalties, and it is not a good sign for Ingwe to expect that from the citizens of Tirion (and Formenos too perhaps).
Finwe's attitude is, for me, something hard to reconcile with. I have never thought of him as not cherishing the children of Indis, and from everything I understand of the Silmarillion, the Noldor made no distinction between their daughters and sons. Rather the daughters were something of 'daddy's pet', if we look closely at Aredhel, Artanis, Irdil and even Findulas.
So while I am not a fan of the clueless Finwe, I understand that his attitude is probably important to the story, and the story is something I am very fond of. A very intriguing chapter Fiondil, looking forward to the next.
Author's reply
Hi Ninquestilmen. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter with all its mysteries. As for the 12 years, keep in mind that we are speaking of 12 Valian years, so in effect we are speaking of 115 solar years for the exile. Even though that's not long for Elves (it's still less than the 144 years that constitues an Elvish century), it's long enough for people to get used to living under certain conditions and not wanting to go back to former conditions.
As for Finwe, I pretty much follow the Silmarillion, which specifically states that he lavished all his love and attention on Feanor, and there is no mention at all of his daughters, as I point out in my note at the end of the chapter. So, while I may have exaggerated his antipathy towards his other children a bit for the sake of the story, it's not, to my mind, that much of an exaggeration, and we all know parents who seem to pay lip-service to saying they love all their children equally but it's obvious that they prefer one over the others.
Anyway, I'm glad this story is still intriguing you. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 15 November 2010
· Chapter 22: Ingwë at Formenos
Yep, big hole in the security system and very lazy Mair, not wanting to have to remake the road, yet another hole.
Finwe is a stubborn so and so isn't he, wanting more children and then not paying all that much attention to them, having given most of it to Feanaro. It will serve him right if some of his people decide they would rather have Nolofinwe as their leader than he!
Bit like some cultures where girls are O.K. but boys are much better.
Wonder what Tulkas will have to say when his Mair get back to him with Finwe's comments on their security!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. We will see how the Valar react to the news about the 'hole in the security system' in a subsequent chapter. As for whether some of the Noldor eventually prefer Nolofinwe to Finwe as a leader, we will see how that works out, as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Larner
· 13 November 2010
· Chapter 21: The High King Returns
Well, there is no question as to where Ingoldo's sympathies lie. What he hopes to accomplish there is the question, of course.
Author's reply
Most likely you are correct, Larner. Ingwë is not very happy with his brother right now and we will see soon enough what steps he takes against Ingoldo. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Larner
· 13 November 2010
· Chapter 20: Deepening Currents
A good manner for Arafinwe to begin dealing diplomatically with his father-in-law, considering what will happen all too soon as the Elves see it.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. Arafinwë will need all of his diplomatic skills then, unfortunately. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I much appreciate it.
Tari
· 12 November 2010
· Chapter 21: The High King Returns
Ingoldo and Tinwetariel’s absence from the feast was an insult as far as I’m concerned. They just keep pushing buttons to see how far they can go. That is about to come to an end, I’m sure.
It’s no surprise that Ingoldo was not at the lodge. That troublemaker is undoubtedly on his way to Formenos, hoping to stir up more trouble.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. We will see how Ingwë handles his brother and his sister-in-law with regards to their snubbing their son and all soon enough. As to where Ingoldo has gone, that remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 12 November 2010
· Chapter 21: The High King Returns
Ingoldo, Ingoldo, Ingoldo, (Shakes head.) Now, you've been and gorn and done it!
Visiting Formanos was not perhaps the brightest thing you could have done, Ingwe will not be amused!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi, Lynda. That assumes that Ingwë will actually find Ingoldo in Formenos (or evidence that he's been there). We will find out in the next chapter, which will actually show up the Valar as not being as smart as they think they are and it will be Ingwë who points this out. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I greatly appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L)
· 12 November 2010
· Chapter 21: The High King Returns
Oh goody...on to Formenos. With only a single guard? Pretty lousy for the High King. But I can't wait for him to arrive at Formenos, and what of the family he has casually left behind him. They will be worried when he doesn't arrive back home at a reasonable time. He is worse than a smalll child who is supposed to phone home when he is delayed, but forgets. His family will NOT be happy with him. In fact, they may be frantic (a bit). Great chapter, and wonderful to see Ingwe back home again.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Well, Erulisse, at this time in Aman's history there was no need for more than one guard for propriety's sake. That probably changed after the Darkening. Ingwë obviously considers himself to be safe with just one attendant. And I'm sure that through their marriage bond Elindis is aware of what her husband is up to. *grin* Glad you liked the chapter. We will be seeing Ingwë in definite High King mode in the next few chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 9 November 2010
· Chapter 20: Deepening Currents
I've always thought the description of Alqualondë to be like that of Venice, Italy. Unfortunatley, it sounds too idyllic to continue on without some kind of disruption.
The attitude among the elves reminds me very much of mortals; always filled with distrust and misunderstandings.
Author's reply
Hi, Tari. Apparently many people have thought the same about Alqualondë. And of course we know that the idyllic scene we have here will not last. The distrust and misunderstandings among the Eldar here are a consequence of Melkor's taint even upon those who never had any direct dealings with him.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 8 November 2010
· Chapter 20: Deepening Currents
Heh - Alqualondë - the Elvish Venice! :-)
I understand Cemendil is likely to talk any questionses' ears off, given half a chance - that and his obliviousness to his surrounding when engaged in his studies is the mark of a true geek - but I don't think Tolkien ever gave us an elvish word for geek! ;-)
I suppose that when Ingwë is talking about Melkor's poison among the Vanyar, he is thinking about Ingoldo and his cronies. And I suppose he can hope all he wants to for reason to prevail, but that is not going to happen! :-(
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, the Elvish Venice, and why not? *grin*
I don't think the word 'geek' had been invented in Tolkien's day. *LOL* And I don't think of Cemendil as a geek, just very enthusiastic.
Unfortunately, we readers know that all the hopes of the Elves is so much straw, but of course, they don't know that yet. That's what makes much of this part of the story so poignant for me, knowing that it will all be for naught.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I greatly appreciate it.
6336
· 8 November 2010
· Chapter 20: Deepening Currents
Ah, now it makes sense, Ingwe going to Alqualonde, it is always better to ask for something face to face than in a letter.
I think Camendil(sp) likes his reward, Olwe has taken good care of him, he will have many years of productive research before darker events overtake him and Falmaron. By the way has he been Re-born yet?
I hope Ingwe enjoys his sightseeing trip, also that Lirille has packed the ginger biscuits!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, a face-to-face meeting is always preferable to letters. As for Cemendil and his fate, that remains to be seen. In "Elf, Interrupted" I never specifically state whether Cemendil died in the Kinslaying or not, mainly because at the time I wrote that particular chapter I didn't know myself. I'm sure Lirillë packed plenty of ginger biscuits, though I doubt Ingwë is the sort who would allow himself to get sea-sick; it would ruin his image as the High King. *grin*
Thanks for reading and reviewing. You know how much I look forward to your comments.
Running late for work, but just had to comment on the latest chapter. Love the idea of the realm of the Teleri resembling Venice - gondolas and all. Such a beautiful vision. And your description of the seawall and living arch clarify my internal vision of this device which has been honed through many stories. As always you are a master of words. More please?
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. Thank you for your compliment. I'm happy to know you love my version of Alqualondë. I've always thought that the Teleri would prefer living in a kind of water village, and Venice isn't the only place like that. When I was living in China I visited a village that until very recently could only be approached by boat, for it is erected around a series of canals and lakes. And just as in Venice, you have gondoliers who take you on a tour of the village. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much (and I hope you weren't too late getting to work *grin*).