In Darkness Bound by Fiondil
Larner · 23 September 2011 · Chapter 111: Confrontation
It's about time this confrontation happened. I certainly hope Ingalaure takes some guards along on this little walk. Ingoldo is a vicious fool, but still a dangerous one.
Author's reply
We'll see how this turns out, Larner. You're correct that Ingoldo is both vicious and dangerous. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 23 September 2011 · Chapter 110: What the Storm Revealed
Excellent discovery, as Manwe and Ulmo and Aule cooperate a bit to uncover the conspirators. Glad they spotted that downed tree!
Author's reply
It was obviously a joint effort on the part of several of the Valar. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
bookworm · 20 September 2011 · Chapter 110: What the Storm Revealed
Oh ho! The plot thickens. Where does the tunnel go I wonder? I liked how even Ingwe is so utterly nonplussed about Arafinwe's abrupt maturation.
Author's reply
Hi Bookworm. The plot thickens, indeed, and we will see where the tunnel goes eventually. I think a lot of people are going to be a bit nonplussed by Arafinwë's maturation, though it's not really abrupt, it's just that no one's seen him for a while and they all remember how he was before. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 19 September 2011 · Chapter 110: What the Storm Revealed
Well they're on their way, I found it rather telling that Arafinwe would not look on his Atar's grave. It would apear that the Valar are not as disinterested in helping Ingwe and Ingalure as they make out, that storm seemed to be very specific about where and what it hit. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Yes, they're on their way and all the story threads will be converging over the next couple of chapters, though the story is far from over. And the Valar are playing a behind-the-scenes game, helping without seeming to be helping and while much of that storm was natural and the damage it caused inevitable, certainly it uprooting one particular tree so it reveals what is hidden is not, but anyone who has experienced a tornado knows how capricious they are in where they land and what the destroy. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Fantasia · 19 September 2011 · Chapter 110: What the Storm Revealed
At the end, Irene proved to be helpful, good that deviated from NY all the way to Valinor. (The Valras are helping, in their subtle way) At this point, Ingalaurë seems to be more in command; he seems to have matured faster than Ingwion. I guess that the beating and the prison catalyzed his maturity. Hopefully, they will find the Queen and the Lady Indil . And Ingwë, forced to make the rulers’ hardest decision, your people over family, the good of many over the good of few.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, between the storm and the Valar certain truths are being revealed in a way that appears natural. I think Ingalaurë's experiences haven't so much matured him (though there is a degree of truth in that) as they have harden him in some ways as we will see in the next chapter. And Ingwë is forced to confront the age-old question of the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few or the one. It's an untenable position for anyone to be put in, but, alas, such is life whether for Elves or Mortals. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 19 September 2011 · Chapter 110: What the Storm Revealed
Atto, You know, I've always thought that being literally named "Manwe's friend" (well, by Manwe's surname anyway) *Sulimondil* ought to be a better person than this. It seems he isn't even now though. I wonder if Manwe will have a few words for this traitor? And then there's his cousin Valacar, too. I wonder what Ingalaure (and Ingwe) will do to them? I hope no one was seriously hurt, but I have a feeling the Valar interjected here. That was no ordinary storm, for sure. This isn't the same storm the ellyn outran earlier, is it, or have we jumped back again? Interesting...I wonder where that tunnel will lead... Tye-melin tenn' Ambar-metta, Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. Well, Súlimondil may not be as bad as he looks here. Ingoldo isn't above using and abusing his so-called friends for his own purposes. We'll have to see. And yes, this is the same storm those in the Hunt encountered. So we are going back in time a few days to catch up with what is happening with Ingalaurë and Ingoldo. In a couple of more chapters all the different story threads will converge and become one again. And we'll see where the tunnel leads eventually and even why it's there in the first place. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Tye-melin.
Itarille1 · 18 September 2011 · Chapter 109: Before the Tomb of Finwë
Hi Fiondil, I have been a silent reader of In Darkness Bound and The Long-expected Wedding for months. Just want to let you know that I enjoy your stories, particularly In Darkness Bound. So far my favourite character is Arafinwe - I like the way you show his 'change' from an overlooked prince to the Noldoran.
Author's reply
Hello Itarille. Thank you so much for letting me know how much you've been enjoying Darkness and Wedding and that Arafinwë is your favorite character and I'm glad you like how I've been portraying him and his progress from prince to king. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know and I look forward to seeing any other reviews from you whenever you are so inclined to write them, perhaps once these stories come to an end.
obsidianj · 18 September 2011 · Chapter 109: Before the Tomb of Finwë
So, no one is in Formenos. Nice bid of misleading. That scene at Finwe's grave was touching. There is still something of the old Arafinwe in him. Ingwe was right that Arafinwe needs to let go of his anger towards his father. Now on to find the ladies.
Author's reply
No, they aren't there. That was a bit of a red herring and it seems everyone fell for it. *grin* I'm glad you found the scene at Finwë's grave. Arafinwë really hasn't forgiven his father for dying and we see this in Elf, Interrupted (Book 1) when Oromë leads those of the Hunt to Formenos. But yes, now it's time to find the ladies. Thanks for reading and reviewing, obsidianj. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 18 September 2011 · Chapter 108: The High King Recovers
It seems that Ingwe will recover swiftly. The contrast between Arafinwe and Ingwion is now even stronger than before. I had to laugh at Ingwe's reaction to the changed Arafinwe. So, the Ladies are also in Formenos? Ingoldo must have made his plans for quite a while to be so familiar with this fortress to feel it safe to send all his prisoners there.
Author's reply
Hi obsidanj. Yes, there is a definite contrast between Arafinwë and Ingwion. And certainly Ingwë would not recognize the 'new' Arafinwë, since he remembers the diffident youngest son of Finwë, but just as in our fairy tales, it's usually the youngest son (or daughter) who 'wins' the kingdom in the end. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Larner · 17 September 2011 · Chapter 109: Before the Tomb of Finwë
Such frustration and regret is intensely damaging, I know. Alas that they have known it, but at least they have been able to voice it and let ig go.
Author's reply
And that's the important thing, isn't it, Larner? That they let go, though Arafinwë will not know complete healing for some time as anyone who has read Elf, Interrupted will know. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Laikwalâssê · 17 September 2011 · Chapter 109: Before the Tomb of Finwë
"Stop being an idiot and just tell us what the guards said exactly." Exact the words I had in mind. It´s not easy with these guys. But the High King is defenitely recovering. The others are not in Formenos - what a surprise! The scene at the tomb was moving and I can pretty well understand Arafinwe´s emotions but he has now found a way to go on. Now up to find the others and blast Ingoldo out of this universe! Thank you for another wonderful chapter. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. The High King is definitely recovering and none too soon. I'm glad you found the scene at the tomb moving. It was not an easy scene to write for many reasons. At any rate, with the High King recovering and ready to return to Vanyamar we'll be seeing how things stand with Ingalaurë and Ingoldo. All the treads of the story are coming together though we are not quite at the end yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
ellie · 16 September 2011 · Chapter 109: Before the Tomb of Finwë
I love the way you enede this chapter and the resolution you gave Arafinwe with his atar and the wordsof farewell. Very touching and from the heart of Indis's youngest son. Very well done... the kings talking as kings for the first time was excellent. It's been so long since I read this in beta. I think it is even better reading this time around.
Author's reply
Hi Ellie. Arafinwë hasn't quite resolved his feelings towards his atar (recall the scene in Elf, Interrupted when Oromë leads those on the Hunt when Glorfindel went missing to Formenos), but he's taken the first step towards reconcilation. Being an Elf, though, he doesn't have to hurry the process along. *grin* I'm glad you liked the ending and find this story better the second time around. I appreciate you letting me know. Thanks for taking the time to read and review.
Fantasia · 16 September 2011 · Chapter 109: Before the Tomb of Finwë
They are not there; I suppose that it was too easy. It is all too complicated; Ingoldo is turning to be worst that Feanor. I belieave that Feanor was, in a way, loved by his followers. Ingoldo is feared. Very touching Aranfiwe good byes. There is a lot of resentment in their relationship. Sometimes second marriage and their kids are not fortunate, sometimes is the other way around. I really never understood Finwe's second marriage; it seemed so unnatural for elves. And I think that despites his failings, Finwe's charge against Melkor had a purpose, to buy time for his people. He died as a real King. Aranfiwe is the Noldoran, but still Ingwe outranke him, no?
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. You are correct. Arafinwë is the Noldóran (King of the Noldor) while Ingwë is both Vanyaran (King of the Vanya) and Ingaran (High King), so he outranks everyone, including Olwë who is Lindaran (King of the Lindar/Teleri). I'm sure you are correct about Finwë's motives for waht he did at the end. Not knowing what Melkor might do he bought the time needed for his people to escape. A futile gesture, as Ingwë says, but a noble one. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
6336 · 16 September 2011 · Chapter 109: Before the Tomb of Finwë
I found the scene by Finwe's cairn very moving, Ingwe was correct, you have to let your feelings out or they will fester and colour your outlook on life, something very necassery for an Elf considering their life span! Perhaps if Finwe had paid a little more attention to Indis and the children she gave him, which is why he married her in the first place, and a little less to Feanaro, things would have been differant. O.K. now to get back to Vanyamar and find out just what Ratty is up to and figure out where he has the ellith! The Rat's charge sheet is getting longer by the minute! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Arafinwë will still have issues with his father. You may recall the scene in Elf, Interrupted when Oromë was leading them to Formenos. At any rate, Ingwë was correct that he needed to do this now if he wished to go forward. I'm sure Arafinwë had many ambivalent feelings towards Finwë, as I suspect many of us do with regards to our parents. And yes, it's now time to return to Vanyamar and see what has been happening there. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Laikwalâssê · 14 September 2011 · Chapter 108: The High King Recovers
oh Ingwë, pull yourself together! You are no bad High King. That´s not worth your position. His compassion for his brother is rally misplaced! I hope he is right that the others are at Formenos too. He has confused things of late - understandable that is. Another heartwrenching chapter. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Ingwë is still recovering and of course he has to accept what has happened to him and move on. He'll get there eventually and we know he knows that he is a good High King when we see him in Elf, Interrupted. As for the others being in Formenos.... that remains to be seen. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lai. I appreciate it.
Fantasia · 12 September 2011 · Chapter 108: The High King Recovers
I'm feeling better. Ingwe is sounding as his old self again. And it is good that the other ones are in Formenos too, it will easier than running all over Valinor. One Hunt was enough.
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Yes, Igwe is recovering. As for whether his wife and daughter are being held prisoners in Formenos or not remains to be seen. Ingwe may be mistaken in his belief. We'll just have to see. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner · 12 September 2011 · Chapter 108: The High King Recovers
Ingoldo was insistent on making Formenos his very own personal prison colony, then? Now--to find the Queen!
Author's reply
Ingolod is an opportunist, if nothing else. As for the Queen and Indil, we'll learn of their fate soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 12 September 2011 · Chapter 108: The High King Recovers
Oh, this in not good. Just what was it Ratty and Feanaro were discussing when he snuck into Formanos? Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. No, this isn't good, at least it doesn't look like it. We'll see in the next chapter what is really going on. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 12 September 2011 · Chapter 108: The High King Recovers
Good to see that Ingwë is recovering. Also good to see how a bit of food and a bath give such an improvement in Ingwë's mental state. And as for Ingwë being a bad High King - what sort of King would _Ingoldo_ have made? So Ingoldo had the ladies as well squirreled away in Formenos? And both he and his guards seem suspiciously familiar with the place - it is quite obvious that he had been in contact with Fëanáro and his people during Fëanáro's exile there. I hope they will be able to find the Ladies quickly! Ingwë's reaction to the "new" Arafinwë was quite amusing. "Do we know this person? He looks just like my sister’s youngest son, but I have my doubts." *snickers a little* But Ingwë obviously approves of the changes he can see in his nephew - and those changes will also make Arafinwë a good Noldoran! This chapter also shows how useful a bit of knowledge about first aid can be! You may go through your whole life without actually needing it, but if you need it, you _really_ need it!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No doubt that Ingoldo at least had some knowledge of Formenos even if he never entered the valley. He must've had contacts who apprised him of the layout. Whether the ladies are actually there or not, we'll have to wait to find out. And Ingwë does indeed approve of the "new" Arafinwë, recognizing that for better or for worse, he is the Noldóran and will have to deal with him as such rather than as his sister's youngest son. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 10 September 2011 · Chapter 107: To Rescue a King
Finally, they found Ingwe. But in what a state. Arafinwe really grew up. I think even Ingwe still has some growing up to do. Ingwe will need some time to work through his experience.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, Arafinwë really grew up. Ingwë certainly will need time to work through his experience, but he's not High King for nothing. He'll survive and be the stronger for it. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 10 September 2011 · Chapter 105: Preparations for the Hunt
Wow! What a difference an 'apprenticeship' with Lord Manwe makes. Ingwion looks like a whiny brat next to Arafinwe. He really needs to grow up. Granted his treatment was not fair and he encountered unlooked for hardships. But life is seldom fair and Ingwion needs to look forward not back.
Author's reply
It is amazing how different the two cousins are at this point, isn't it, obsidainj? And their difference in maturity is even more striking when one considers Arafinwë is the younger by 750 years. Yet, his apprenticeship was, I think, more focused towards bringing him to that level of maturity that we see here, whereas Ingwion has been floundering around. But you're right that he needs to look forward and not back. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner · 9 September 2011 · Chapter 107: To Rescue a King
No, I meant Intarion, who after all in the Wedding is only recently reborn. Still waitint with trepidation to learn how it was that he and Ingilaure came into Namo's keeping....
Author's reply
Ah, now I understand you. We will actually learn something of how it was Intarion died in a later chapter of Wedding. The manner of Ingalaurë's death will be revealed soon enough in this story. Thanks for clearing up the confusion.
Larner · 9 September 2011 · Chapter 107: To Rescue a King
Excellent! I rejoice that they have managed to find him and have found the wherewithall to ease his pain. And at least so far Intarion is still living. Ingoldo has even more to answer for!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Ingoldo indeed has much to answer for. I think, though, that you mean Ingwë is still living, rather than Intarion? Trying to keep all those Ing-boys, as Ellie calls them, straight can get rather confusing. *grin* Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laikwalâssê · 9 September 2011 · Chapter 107: To Rescue a King
they found him, finally! I hope Ingoldo will not get away with this. How can he trat his brother like this? Sometimes I doubt he is an elf. Elves are gentle and wise creatures but Ingoldo...? Liked the ride through the storm very much. Hope they can restore the High King to his confident self. Thank you Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai. Ingoldo won't get away with this, I promise, but how Ingwe deals with him remains to be seen. And one just has to look at such Elves as Eol and Maeglin to know that not all Elves are honorable, gentle or wise. We'll see how Ingwe fares now that he's been rescued. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Fantasia · 9 September 2011 · Chapter 107: To Rescue a King
Finally!!!! I could not imagine that they will beat the High King. What were they thinking? It was bad enough to kidnap him, but the beating? I'm curious about the punishment that those elves will get. Poor Ingwe, he will need a lot of help, even a great elf as him if feeling insecure and unworthy. Sometime, the long captivity and can brake people were beating and force could not. My favorite line: "They raised their spears, their points glinting coldly under the stars. "Na i-roimë!" they shouted as one and then they faded into the fabric of the landscape". I just could see them, amazing; you are such a good writer. Read you Monday, OK?.... Thank you
Author's reply
Hi Fantasia. Oh, I have no doubt Ingwe will deal with all of them, Ingoldo and the guards justly. I'm glad you liked the description of the Maiar fading into the landscape. It's one of my favorite images, too. Thanks for your compliment and thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.