In Darkness Bound by Fiondil
Larner · 6 October 2010 · Chapter 7: Ingwë In Tirion
Excellent first lesson, and I hope properly learned!
Author's reply
Hopefully so, hopefully so. Certainly, I think, Findaráto continued to be the perceptive and compassionate ellon that we all know and love. We are beginning to see a glimmering of the king he will become in this story.
Larner · 6 October 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority
Areat deal of wisdom shown here!
Author's reply
Glad you think so, Larner. Thanks for letting me know.
Larner · 6 October 2010 · Chapter 5: Unrest Revealed
At least Ingwe makes no distinction between his sons save to recognize each has different gifts, which is as it should be!
Author's reply
Ingwë is much the wiser Elf, that's for sure, Larner, though we will see later on that even his wisdom will fail where Fëanáro is concerned.
Larner · 6 October 2010 · Chapter 4: The March of the Exiles
Nice to see Olorin amidst the guardians who marched with the host. Finwe does not count the cost of his favoritism.
Author's reply
Glad you like Olórin here, Larner. I think we see a bit of "Gandalf" in his personality peeping through. *grin* Finwë has a lot of issues with Fëanáro being at the top of the list though he would be the last to admit it. And therein lies the root of the problem and what follows from it.
Larner · 6 October 2010 · Chapter 3: Reactions Among the Eldar
Oh, I agree--Finwe is not doing well by himself in this!
Author's reply
Unfortunately, at least for the Noldor. I think Finwë allowed his pride to take over his common sense.
Larner · 6 October 2010 · Chapter 2: A Discussion Among the Valar
At least the Valar recognize the one truly at fault is Melkor, and love that they recognize the irony of the situation Finwe's abdication leaves.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner. And it is a rather ironic situation, isn't it?
Tari · 6 October 2010 · Chapter 8: Olwë
Once again Fëanáro’s decision has affected the lives of others. How far out the pain extended is beyond imagination. He tore families and friends apart. How very sad.
Author's reply
Yes, Tari, Fëanáro's actions have far-reaching effect on the lives of many others and not just the Noldor. This is what I am focusing on in this story, the effect on others besides the Noldor of Fëanáro's actions and what follows from them.
Ellynn · 4 October 2010 · Chapter 10: The Twins and Námo
Ok, now I am very, very curious and can't wait for more. I can't wait to see what Valandur is up to; I also hope we will discover what Mandos saw in Ingalaure's fea. Btw, I have to say that I really love your characterization of the Valar, especially Mandos. Looking forward for more of this great story! :) P.s. Thanks for the detailed answer about Ingwe's family you gave me last time. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Ellynn. I'm glad you liked this chapter and are looking forward to more. And I'm glad you love my characterization the Valar, especially Námo (to give his proper name). I've had a lot of fun with them. And you're welcome about the family tree information. I know it can be confusing knowing who is canon and who isn't. Some people have to be canon by virtue of their relationship with a canon character, such as Ingwë's wife. We know he had one because we know he had children, we just don't know what her name was (or if Tolkien ever thought about it), so while a character might be considered canon under those circumstances, their names are not. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny · 4 October 2010 · Chapter 10: The Twins and Námo
I assume that the Lord Lassezel who is evidently in cahoots with Ingoldo here is the same arrogant ellon who attacked Finrod at the beginning of the New Year's tourney in EI1? If so, I suspect he is still due a few lessons at that time... I assume Námo got some sort of indication that Ingalaurë would soon be his guest when he scrutinized the twins during their conversation? I would guess that that would be a fairly momentous event, and, unpleasant though such a situation would be, would hopefully make people far less likely to listen to and follow Ingoldo. That Valandur is certainly a smart cookie! Using the traditional meeting with Manwë and the Valar to get in a bit of plottingon their own, guaranteed undisturbed by any unwelcome intruders! :-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, this is the same Lassezel. And you guessed correctly concerning Námo's revelation about Ingalaurë. Of course, 'soon' is a relative term with the Valar and much of this story will be building up to Ingalaurë's death and how that comes about and why. But for the moment, Námo is keeping this information to himself. Valandur is indeed a smart cookie, which is why he's Ingwë's chief loremaster and spymaster. *grin* Thanks for continuing to read and review, Sunny. I greatly appreciate it.
6336 · 4 October 2010 · Chapter 10: The Twins and Námo
Do I get the impression that Ingalure tends to get overlooked on occasion, being the spare, as it were? Findis and Valandur make a good team, I am glad they are both on the Twins side! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yeah, I think Ingalaurë is suffering from spare-itis at times, feeling that he's overlooked by others in favor of Ingwion. And he is technically the middle child between Ingwion and Indil so there's that as well. The middle child (I'm one) is often overlooked by the family. Findis and Valandur are older and wiser and they are a good influence on the twins and Indil. The twins could do a lot worse to listen to them and to seek advice from them. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Erulisse (one L) · 4 October 2010 · Chapter 10: The Twins and Námo
OK, I know you can't see me gleefully clapping my hands at this lovely interchange between Namo and the twins, but I have been doing so, quietly, so as not to wake my DH. The twins need to learn how to rule, not just how to adjudicate. They are starting to learn politics now and it's taste is not always sweet. Bravo! Well done. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. I'm happy to know that you found the exchange between the twins and Námo so delightful. And you are right that they need to learn to rule and not just adjudicate. I think Ingwë put off their training in that regard a bit late, but that's the way it is with Elves. *grin* Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm very grateful.
6336 · 3 October 2010 · Chapter 9: The Twins at Ilmarin
Re reading this, one begins to understand Ingwion's dispaire (sp?) in E.I. I and II. To lose a sibling is bad enough but to lose a twin, your other half has to be twice as bad. I take it this is not the Rainbow Bridge where your pets wait for you after they have passed on, Ingwe would have a hard time wading through all the cats and dogs and other animals to get to Ilmarin! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
The death of any sibling is tough but to lose one's twin, someone with whom you shared your mother's womb (and for Elves that would have been an entire year, not just 9 months) has to be even worse. And no, this Rainbow Bridge has nothing to do with pets (never heard that one, actually), nor has it to do with Heimdall and Norse mythology. As it's explained it's called that for all the myriad rainbows that grace it. The only thing Ingwë has to wade through is mist. *grin* Thanks for re-reading and reviewing, Lynda. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 1 October 2010 · Chapter 9: The Twins at Ilmarin
Ingoldo and Tinwetariel certainly has wasted no time in starting their campaign to undermine their nephews! At least the twins seem to be able to see through their uncle and his wife - and they are definitely getting good advice - so far, at least - from Valandur and Findis. And I definitely liked Findis' little quip!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, those two didn't waste any time, but the twins do have allies, so they should be all right for now. And I'm glad you liked Findis' quip. I thought it was rather clever (and true!) myself. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to read and review, Sunny. I greatly appreciate it.
6336 · 1 October 2010 · Chapter 9: The Twins at Ilmarin
Sheesh! Ingwe's been gone, what, a couple of weeks and already Ingoldo and Tinwaterial are showing their claws? They really are a good match for each other, were thay both as ambitious as this when thay first met or have thay been playing off each other all this time? I am glad Ingalure mentioned his conversation with Ingoldo, he, Ingoldo, needs to be watched carefully. I hope Valandur is sending a full report to Ingwe on a regular basis. I hope the Twins chat with Namo is pleasant and not one of his regular little 'chats'! Liked this chapter. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Intarion is a real piece of work and as we get further into the story, especially once we get past the Darkening and the exodus of the Noldor, we'll see just how ambitious he is. As for the twins' chat with Námo, you'll just have to wait and see,but I don't think we have to worry about this being one of his famous (or infamous) little 'chats'. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lynda. I appreciate it very much. Author Reply: Oops, I meant Ingoldo, not Intarion. Intarion is one of the good guys. Sorry about that. All those INGs as Ellie calls the family, it gets a little confusing, even for me.*grin*
Erulisse (one L) · 1 October 2010 · Chapter 9: The Twins at Ilmarin
Oh....lovely! A private "chat" with Namo. I can't wait for the next chapter! - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
And you won't have to wait too long for it either, Erulisse. *LOL* I'm glad you're looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Tari · 28 September 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority
I’m glad someone wrote their oaths down; they will probably need reminders later on. Having twins in my family, I know there will be bumps in the road ahead. This dual leadership should prove to be most interesting. It’s a shame Intarion’s parents do no appreciate him. That everyone else does, does not keep him from feeling the sting of rejection. Parents are supposed to support their children.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. We will see how well the twins handle their dual leadership roles and the consequences of their acting as Ingwë's regents as the story progresses. I'm afraid that Ingoldo and Tinwetariel have certain expectations for Intarion that are not being met and so they are not being supportive. At least the rest of the family appreciates and values him, but I know he still wishes he had his parents' respect and love. But such is life and we all know what it's like not to be appreciated. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Tari. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 27 September 2010 · Chapter 8: Olwë
Poor Olwe, I feel for his concern over his youngest daughters wish to visit her family at this time, he understands her reasons for going but wants her to be safe. His anger and sorrow at Finwe not contacting him is also understandable, he is right, if Indis could not talk him out of it, he would not have had much sucess either. I also wonder if, maybe, it was deliberate on Finwe's part in that he was afraid that Olwe would succed where Indis had not. I have the feeling that deep down Finwe is regretting his decsion to go, but is being stubborn about it and afraid of losing face if he changes his mind. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Actually, Lynda, it's his daughter-in-law, who is a Noldo, and naturally concerned for her parents and siblings at this time. At any rate I think you are correct about Finwë's reason for not contacting Olwë. How often do we choose a course of action and then somewhere along the way we realize it was the wrong decision but pride or arrogance and a fear of ridicule prevent us from turning around and admitting our mistake. Hence, Finwë at this point in time. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lynda. I greatly appreciate it.
Erulisse (one L) · 27 September 2010 · Chapter 8: Olwë
Love your description of the throne room. The colors and appearance, seemingly as if underwater with the soft blues and greens thereof, were marvelously written. One question...if the main throne room door has 14 panels, you are describing 15 panels. Seven panels on each side of a central panel. My mind stumbled over the math while reading this. I look forward to the next chapter later this week. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi Erulisse. I'm glad you like the description of the throne room. I tried to imagine how it might differ from the throne rooms of the Noldor and Vanyar and what effect the Teleri would want. Thanks for pointing out the math error. I've since corrected it to '15' which is the total number of panels. I'm glad you're looking forward to the next chapter where we will see how the twins are handling their responsibilities as regents. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Ellynn · 25 September 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority
I haven't read the whole HoME, so I have a question: is Ingwe's brother mentioned there, or is he your invention? And what about their families? I am enjoying this story, it is written so excellent! :)
Author's reply
Hi Ellyn. Ingwë's family is partially canon and partially non-canon. Ingoldo is purely my invention as are his wife and son. Indis, of course is canon, and depending on which version you read she is either Ingwë's sister or daughter (I chose to make her his sister and in the published Silmarillion she is only said to be 'close kin to Ingwë'). In very early versions of the Silmarillion, Ingwë is said to have a son, either named Ingwion or Ingil. I ended up making them twins. Indil (Ingwë's daughter) is invented only with respect to her name. In HoME, Finwë mentions that both Ingwë and Olwë are blessed with sons and daughters while he only has the one son (this is when he goes before the Valar to get permission to marry Indis), so we know that Ingwë had at least one daughter. I didn't give him as many children as Olwë but only because it would have been too difficult in terms of writing their story. The children of Ingwë play a larger role in my story than the children of Olwë. Ingwë's wife is canon by default (he couldn't have had any children without a wife), but her name is non-canon. Anyway, I hope that helps. I am very glad you are enjoying this story. Thank you so much for the compliment and thank you for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny · 24 September 2010 · Chapter 7: Ingwë In Tirion
It was good to see that Nolofinwë had support from _part_ of his family at least! And he was evidently happy and relieved to see his uncle appear. Somehow I am not really surprised to see that Findaráto was the one in the family to have an answer to Ingwë's little problem! :-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, it was good to see Ñolofinwë getting some support from someone and who better than the High King himself. And Findaráto's character would have been formed when he was still an elfling so it's not surprising that even in this early time in his life he is exhibiting the kingly character for which he is rightly famous. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Sunny. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 24 September 2010 · Chapter 7: Ingwë In Tirion
I think another title for this could be Rules of Leadership:101 It makes sense to really know the names of people around you, curtasy for one, security for another, people are less likely to betry you if they have a personal relationship with you. Plus it's much better to ask ask Mary Jane to bring you something than Hay, You! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
You're probably right, Lynda. Maybe Ingwë should consider holding classes for all would-be rulers. *LOL* Some of our leaders could certainly benefit from such a class. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know.
Erulisse (one L) · 24 September 2010 · Chapter 7: Ingwë In Tirion
Ha! Count on Finderato to come through with flying colors. The one elf whose word held through all and who sacrificed himself for a human. Nice to know that those traits of interest in all beings was instilled in him at such a young age. Now if the rest of them could just get with the program :-) Great chapter, mellon-nin. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Yes, Findaráto is one special Elf and we see in incipient form the Elf he will become later on. Glad you liked the chapter, Erulisse. Thanks for leting me know. I greatly appreciate it.
Shemyaza · 24 September 2010 · Chapter 7: Ingwë In Tirion
Now this is lovely...I fully admit to a huge fascination with the events in Aman during and after the Noldor rebellion. Unfortunately so many authors seem more intent on writing about the Noldor and others who travelled to Middle-earth. Even as I read those stories I am always aware than whilst the decisons of Feanor and the other Noldor were hugely important, so was the impact of those decisions on the population of Aman, and not just the Noldor left behind or the Teleri struggling to come to terms with the horrors inflicted on them and their city. All too often the Vanyar are pushed to one side with an offhand comment of something like "the Vanyar remained on the slopes of Taniquetil at the feet of the Valar..." or the like. It makes them sound like some mindless bunch of sycophants which I am sure they were not. Very few writers even mention what went on in Tirion after Finwe and Feanor took their familes and others into exile with them. We hear of the stories surrounding them and it's often as though Nolofinwe, Arafinwe and their families ceased to exist altogether. Another fascination read. Breakfast wouldn't be the same without a Fiondil story!
Author's reply
Hi Shemyaza. I had always wondered what was going on with the Vanyar and with Ingwë especially as High King when the Noldor were running around being troublesome. It just seemed odd to me that there was not even a cursory mention of Ingwë while Fëanáro was inciting the Noldor into rebellion. He's the High King! Was he in a coma or something when all hell was breaking loose in Aman? Hence, the inspiration for this story. I wanted to explore the ramifications of Fëanáro's exile and its effect on the rest of the Elves and the Valar. As you say, most writers seem to ignore the Vanyar altogether and Ñolofinwë and Arafinwë and their families just show up for the finale, as if they'd not done anything in the interim. I will be exploring more deeply the undercurrents of these events and how they effect various groups of people, not just the Noldor, in this tale. None of these people were living in isolation. They all had to have been affected by these events to one degree or another. Anyway, thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this story so far, Shemyaza. I appreciate it very much.
rick · 21 September 2010 · Chapter 6: The Handing Over of Authority
Good show! I see you're tying in nicely with your other tales - Ingoldo the knothead & his nasty wife are already showing their true ugly colors. He's probably just as brave as he is personable - ie, not! It will be interesting to see how this develops. Makes me wonder about the adventures on the great journey - and how it came that the older brother was not chosen to represent the Vanyar (obviously wisdom on somebody's part). Maybe at some point someone will spell this out to Ingoldo when he gets even more obstreperous in one-syllable form & enlighten us all . Keep up the good work.
Author's reply
Hi Rick. Well, whether it's ever pointed out to Ingoldo or not remains to be seen. *grin* At any rate, he and his wife are real pieces of work, there's no mistake there. Just how bad it gets will be revealed in due course. Glad you are enjoying this so far. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Tari · 21 September 2010 · Chapter 4: The March of the Exiles
This is one of the most tragic episodes in the history of the Elves. It’s so sad that some of them still believe Melkor’s lies. The Maia will prove to be a real blessing to the elflings who have no idea what is wrong, much less why they have to leave the only home they know.
Author's reply
It is indeed, Tari, and it is a pity that so many believed Melkor's lies. I'm sure the Maiar enjoyed their time among the elflings in spite of their grousing about having to be incarnate as Elves. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.