Linda Hoyland · 4 July 2014 · Chapter 6: First Encounter
What a great gripping chapter!I wonder what Ivriniel will decide?I'll be fascinated to learn more about the "magic" and her reactions.
Sea Flower by Soledad
Reviews (22)
Raksha The Demon · 3 July 2014 · Chapter 6: First Encounter
Poor Ivriniel is not exactly being given much in the way of choices here - marry the Umbari lord or remain his prisoner forever. A gilded cage is still a cage. Of course, what can we expect of a family that sent their daughter off into hostile territory to be a "consort" as a political ploy, to her eventual death... Loved the replay of the Bois-Guilbert/Rebecca scene from IVANHOE. The plot is thickening! More soon, I hope.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha. :)) This story writes itself in bits and pieces, as inspiration hits and as I can do the necessary research. Umbar isn't exactly a well- documented part of Middle-earth, which gives me a certain level of freedom, but in the end whatever I do must fit into canon, so it's a slow process. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Raksha The Demon · 2 July 2014 · Chapter 5: The Journey of the Sea Conqueror
What an exciting chapter! Loved the description of the Sea Conqueror and its quasi-legendary reputation. The storm's effects were well written, and Ivriniel's summoning of Osse a great surprise. I wonder what is ahead for the Sea Flower now that she is come to Umbar. Update soon!
Author's reply
Your wish is my command - Chapter 6 has just gone online. :) I'm glad you still like the story. Thanks for taking the time to review. It is much appreciated.
Linda Hoyland · 25 June 2014 · Chapter 5: The Journey of the Sea Conqueror
I loved this chapter and Ivriniel's strength and courage. I especially enjoyed the image of the flying ship, very imaginative. I was gripped by the story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I must admit that when I read that obscure reference about Númenórean flying ships, I simply couldn't resist. I had to include it into the story. :)
Linda Hoyland · 25 June 2014 · Chapter 4: Ulmo's Well
A fascinating chapter. I liked the air of mystery.
Anonymous · 25 June 2014 · Chapter 5: The Journey of the Sea Conqueror
Well, well, well, so Ivriniel is off to her adventure... and quite an adventure it is! Excellent chapter after a lengthy wait, but it was worth it.
Raksha The Demon · 22 June 2014 · Chapter 3: A Princess Scorned
Excellent characterization of both of Adrahil's daughters and obstinate-as-stone Denethor. Poor Ivriniel!
Author's reply
Yeah, it's quite unfair, is it?
Raksha The Demon · 22 June 2014 · Chapter 4: Ulmo's Well
Loved the incorporation of "The Last Ship" into the story. What is going to happen to Ivriniel now?
Author's reply
You'll have to wait and see. *g* Actually, the wait won't be too long, as Chapter 5 has just come back from my wonderful beta. I'll try to post it tomorrow.
galathil · 18 February 2013 · Chapter 4: Ulmo's Well
Hi Soledad,I am have to say very interested in this Lirillo. Since the chapter is titled Ulmo's Well, one has to believe that it was Ulmo him self,that spoke to our princess. (How many points do I get if I'm right.) Loving the story,can't wait for the next chapter.LOL Galathil
Author's reply
You can learn more about Lirillo in "The Vault of the Dead". He's not Ulmo himself, but the two used to be close. Telling more would be, well, telling. *g* The next chapter will take a little longer, I'm afraid, as I'm busy researching Númenórean (and generally medieval) ships for it at the moment.
obsidianj · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 4: Ulmo's Well
While trying to find out who Lirillo is, I stumbled over a lot of other stories from you I hadn't read and got sidetracked *g*. I still don't know, but I think I got the idea. Now the pieces are set. It seems the search for Ivriniel will be a long one, since Denethor and Finduilas will not be wed for a good long time. Ivriniel might get more adventure than she bargained for, and she surely will have to use all the strength she possesses to get out of this. Maybe home will not be so boring after this experience...
Author's reply
Oh, Ivriniel will definitely have lots of adventure, but I'm sure she's up to it. *g* And coming home will take longer than anyone would expect, I'm afraid.
Fiondil · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 4: Ulmo's Well
Hmm... I may be mistaken, but it seems that more than one power is at work here. I doubt if Lirillo is in the pay of the Umbari. And if Finduilas marrying Denethor is depended on him finding her sister and we know they don't marry for another 6 years, that's a long time for him to be searching. *grin* Love Imrahil's remark at the end. Cheeky little blighter.
Author's reply
Yes, definitely more than one power at work. Lirillo and his brethren have their own ideas about the good of Middle-earth, and while they mind it well, their plan might not always match the other plans that are in the making. Imrahil is cheeky indeed, but that's teenagers for you. As for Finduilas' marriage depending on Ivriniel's fate... we'll see. ;)
Linda Hoyland · 11 February 2013 · Chapter 3: A Princess Scorned
I love these feisty Dol Amroth sisters!A most enjoyable chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. :) All those great Princes couldn't have been born from meek little wallflowers, now could they?
obsidianj · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 3: A Princess Scorned
Hmm, it seems the only plans that have not been thwarted are Denethor's. Although, if he thinks he gets a biddable wife, I think, he is greatly mistaken. And the Umbari should be careful what they get when they take Ivriniel. Even if she is enraged, I'm not sure she will follow them to Umbar willingly and turn against her country.
Author's reply
No, she won't turn against her country. But there may be aspects of this kidnapping that nobody can foretell just yet. *g* And yes, Denethor will have the fight of his life to properly woe Finduilas. I never saw her as the wilting flower many authors appear to imagine her - otherwise Denethor wold have borne her loss much easier.
Fiondil · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 3: A Princess Scorned
Ooh, plots within plots and as the poet says, the best-laid plans of mice and men and Númenóreans of both stripes.... LOL! Loved the two princesses in their ire. And so very true, what they say. Why should they have to sacrifice everything when Denethor doesn't have to sacrifice a blessed thing for anyone or anything? It truly is not fair, but, of coures, whoever said the universe was fair? Can't wait to see how this all works out.
Author's reply
I had great fun writing enraged!Ivriniel. That bit about the miserable spawn of a fatherless Orc has been on my mind for a very long time but never found the right story for it - until now. I must admit that Ivriniel was partly inspired by Morgan from the "Camelot" series - only that she's not evil, of course. The next chapter is nearly finished, I hope you'll like it. Thanks for the support. It means a lot for me.
obsidianj · 3 February 2013 · Chapter 2: Pelargir
What is this minstrel up to? He is a strange character. Minstrels are supposed to know a lot of songs, but this seems to be a bit far out of the ordinary. So, plans are under way to marry Denethor to Ivriniel. But well laid plans and all that... *grin*
Author's reply
Exactly. *g*
obsidianj · 3 February 2013 · Chapter 1: Umbar
This sounds like an interesting story. It gives me a closer look at a culture I haven't thought much about. Let's see how this marriage by abduction plays out. Adrahil is no fool and Dol Amroth stays a powerful ally of Gondor in later years.
Author's reply
Thanks. I'm afraid the complications are just beginning. :)
Fiondil · 3 February 2013 · Chapter 2: Pelargir
Ah... I was wondering when the next chapter would come. A very interesting and quite detailed description of the family dynamics between the Steward and the Prince of Dol Amroth and the history of Pelargir. And that minstrel is surely up to something besides singing ancient lays. By the way, in the conversation between Lorindol, Ecthelion and the Prince of Amroth, his oldest daughter is referred to as "Prince" rather than "Princess" at one point. Unless you're writing slash, I think you need to change this. *grin* Looking forward to the next chapter, Soledad.
Author's reply
Thanks. I'll look up the mistake. Next chapter is already written, I'm doing the last touches. And yes, the minstrel is definitely more than what he looks. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Linda Hoyland · 10 December 2012 · Chapter 1: Umbar
A fascinating glimpse into a little known corner of M-e. I love the idea that some still have the power to commune with cats!
Author's reply
Sorry, I never realized that I didn't answer you! Yes, I was always impressed with Queen Berúthiel and her cats.
Raksha The Demon · 30 October 2012 · Chapter 1: Umbar
Fascinating look at Umbar. So Rothinzil was the name of Andrahar's ill-fated mother? I wonder if Herucalmo will ever meet his grandson. More soon, I hope.
Author's reply
You have to keep in mind that it's my interpretation on Andrahar's background, which is fairly different from Isabeau's. Oh, the basic things are more or less the same, but the whole fire-worshipping culture based on Ancient Iran is my doing, and so is the detailed family with the genuine ancient Persian names and stuff. I'm not sure if Herucalmo will met Andrahar. It is a possibility, if Imrahil is present at Thorongil campaign against Umbar, but I'm not that far yet. Glad you like the story. The next couple of chapters will take place in Pelargir and Dol Amroth, respectively, but then we'll return to Umbar and learn more about the dark secrets of the place. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Lady Bluejay · 28 October 2012 · Chapter 1: Umbar
What a lot of work you have put into this. I love the insight into Umbar life. Looking forward to the abduction. LBJ
Author's reply
This is a very research-heavy project indeed, especially as so very little canon sources are available. The next chapter takes us to Pelargir, and that isn't an easy place to figure out, either. Thanks for taking the time to review. It's greatly appreciated.
Larner · 25 October 2012 · Chapter 1: Umbar
Ah--glad to see this being posted at last! A marriage by force to a princess abducted from her own land. Not perhaps the best basis for an alliance by marriage....
Author's reply
It took me a while, didn't it? *g* And young Caliondo might get more than he's bargained for, once the princess is properly abducted...
Fiondil · 23 October 2012 · Chapter 1: Umbar
Oh, a new story and with such interesting characters and an intriguing premise! We don't see too many stories about the Umbari from the Umbarian POV. Love the attention to details, both cultural and political. And who's the poor Elf? This promises to be a good read. Can't wait to see how the story develops.
Author's reply
Thank you. :) To be honest, the story isn't all that new, it has just never been posted before. I wanted to finish Chapter 2 for the Edhellond anniversary, but somehow didn't manage. *sheepish look* Umbar has always interested me, and I thought I should take a look how they saw themselves and Gondor. The Elf is one of the Moriquendi from "The Vault of the Dead", if you want to look up the cultural background. Nimir isn't his real name, of course (which Elf would name his or her son "Elf"?), it's just his masters' method to remind him of his status. Thanks for reading and reviewing; I was afraid that the copious amount of detail would frighten away most readers. ;)