In the High King's Secret Service by Fiondil
Laer · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 16: Return to Tirion
bummer that he is getting such a ration from his own people. :( But then Mary did also and all she did was tell the truth; same as Valandur. Altho Valandur needs to learn the difference between friend and fiend.
Author's reply
Yeah, it is, isn't it? But the story doesn't end here so we'll see what develops anon. Thanks for reviewing, Laer. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 16: Return to Tirion
It seems clear that Valandur's little jaunt to Alqualondë has broadened his horizons - he is already thinking about the relationships between the three Elven clans in a different way, and it shall be interesting to see what will grow from these seeds. Valandur's explanations certainly weren't well received by Ingoldo. Having ro suffer all that scorn and disdain really isn't fair to Valandur - it wasn't as if he could refuse the summons of one of the Valar after all! But I suppose this situation will be good practice for future sticky situations. So Olwë's message where he insisted that Valandur should not be punished did reach Tirion - but I see that Ingoldo chooses to ignore it, and orders house arrest! Hopefully this will boomerang back at him! Interesting that Valandur find more friends among the Noldor than among the Vanyarin delegation. But if Ingoldo has picked him out as the group's scapegoat, I guess the others are too worried about what might happen to them if they interfere. Findis in a stormy mood was fun - and I guess she's already interested in Valandur!;)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. I suspect you're right about the motives of the Vanyar. They don't wish to end up on the wrong side of Ingoldo either and perhaps they truly don't believe Valandur's story. At any rate, we'll see how things go with Valandur after this. At least Findis ahd Herecáno believe him and treat him with the respect he deserves and Findis in any mood is fun. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
Kevana · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 16: Return to Tirion
Oooh, things are afoot. Definitely large things. A lot of things Valandur doesn’t know yet and therefore neither do we, and I suspect we will enjoy finding out about what's going on a lot more than he will, LOL. Poor fellow survives a hurricane and gets tossed right back into another kind of storm. I'm so glad for his friends, who are apparently wise enough to see past Ingoldo's silly posturing. Hopefully the rest of the crew will get the memo too. You have a fabulous Labor Day weekend and take it easy, Fiondil! -Kevana
Author's reply
Yes, things are afoot and I suspect you are right about the readers enjoying finding out what those things are more than Valandur will. *grin* Anyway, Valandur has weathered one type of storm, let's see how he weathers this one. Thanks for leaving a comment, Kevana, and have a great Labor Day weekend yourself.
Tari · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 16: Return to Tirion
I was rather surprised to find that Lord Ulmo did not come to Valandur's defense since he is responsible for all the harshness and unfairness that was leveled toward the poor elf.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. Well, the Valar have their own schedule and maybe Ulmo is just waiting to see what develops first before having to intervene directly, something the Valar don't like to do, at least at this stage of their relationship with the elves. We'll just have to see how things go. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 16: Return to Tirion
Why am I not surprised at Ingoldo's reaction, he has made it quite clear that he does not care for Valandur nor that he has been included in the delegation, I can understand, in a way, the others reaction to his story, they have to work closely with Ingoldo and it would be better for them to agree with his attitude on the surface. But he does have some friends, including Findis and Herencano, good friends it appears, too! Let's hope that Ulmo's promise will be met and that Valandur will not suffer for his chat, even if it does take a yen or two to be apparent! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Well, you know Ingoldo, and the others are probably playing it safe where he's concerned, or maybe they just don't believe Valandur. We'll see how it all works out in the next chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Cairistiona · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 16: Return to Tirion
My word, but that chapter made my blood boil! Can I just slap Ingoldo? Please???? And I'm none too happy with Intarion, either. Thank goodness for Calandil and Findis, though. There's such a feeling of things building and boiling beneath the surface in this chapter. I fear for the coming explosion, whenever it happens.
Author's reply
You'll have to get in line, Cairistiona. LOL! And an explosion is bound to happen given the volatility of personalities involved, but it won't happen immediately and when it does it will come from an unexpected direction. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
UTfrog · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 16: Return to Tirion
How interesting. His Noldor friends stand by him. I imagine the Vanyar delegation is already afraid of Ingoldo to be overly friendly, but I ,too, have trouble with them not believing that he met Lord Ulmo. Poor guy. Eventually all will be more than well, but for now poor ellon.
Author's reply
I imagine you're right about that. UTfrog. And yes, poor ellon. I'm afraid you and the others who read and review will be saying that a lot soon, but to say more would give it all away. We're not done with Valandur yet, not by a long shot. *grin* Thanks for revieiwng. I appreciate it very much.
Larner · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
I am so glad that he did his best to help in the cleanup. I'm sorry Intarion and Aldamir are so stiff, but then who knows what they might have been told by good ol' Ingoldo. The news that he had an interview with Ulmo must have been a surprise to them--obviously Ingoldo hadn't shared that bit of news. And the ring sounds lovely. Love the inscription--I even understood most of it! Heh!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. We'll find out why Intarion and Aldarion are acting as they are in the next chapter. Glad you liked the ring and congrats on understanding most of the inscription. *grin*. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
6336 · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
Well for the Valar all times are soon! Been reading the reviews which is where that came from. Uh,oh looks like Valandur is in hot water again, just what has got Intarion in such a disagreeable mood, did they not get the message from Ulmo or has something else come up to blame on poor Valandur, who I get the feeling is going to be every bodies scape goat! Waiting for Friday, Lynda
Author's reply
That's right, Lynda, although for us Incarnates trapped in Time, that's not a comforting thought, is it? *grin* We'll see what has Intarion acting as he is in the next chapter. There are a few surprises in store for everyone. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Kevana · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
Good for Valandur for staying to help! That's the kind of thing that builds bridges. I adored this glimpse of life for the Lindar, I greatly appreciate the side trip even if Valandur is certain he's going to catch flack for it, but now I'm really curious to see what's going on in his absence and what Ulmo has planned. The downside of not dealing with Ingoldo is someone else had to deal with Ingoldo. He is a mystery and such a negative guy I nearly feel badly for him despite all the trouble he causes. Anyway! Love the description of the storm. I've always been fascinated by hurricanes and tornadoes. Growing up in the coastal plain of NC I have been through a lot of them, and then was living in New Orleans when Katrina happened. Adding the smell was a great touch, most people don't think about it, but you step outside and everything stinks of broken pine trees and in some cases floodwaters and mold. It's naaaaaasty. Hopefully Valandur will get to make up with his colleagues soon. Great chapter, thanks for the update! Have a felicitous week! :) -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I'm glad you liked the description of the storm, especially the smell, and that, having been in the path of hurricanes yourself you found it realistic. And I'm glad you enjoyed this little side trip to Alqualondë. It was fun to imagine what the city might have looked like and what the people were like and the culture which had to be somewhat different from that of the Noldor and Vanyar. We'll see how Valandur fares with his colleagues in the next chapter. Thanks for commenting. It's very much appreciated.
Laer · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
Poor Valandur it almost is like he can do no right with several of them. I am glad he stayed to help with the flood damage. It really shows what a wonderful elf he really is. Hopefully the rest of the elves will calm their stuff down and see what a great gift he got by being able to go and talk with Olwë and his people. Great description of what it is like to be in a hurricane, and the destruction it can cause. Have you been in one?
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yeah, Valandur just can't seem to do anything right as far as some people are concerned. I've not been in a hurricane, although where I live we do get the tailend of them when they come up the coast, but we get nor'easters and they are miserable enough. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it.
Sunny · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
Yes, I know that Ulmo has reassured Valandur that "All will be well." But I can't help wondering if that reassurance is in the same class as the Valarin definition of "soon". The way he was received by Intarion and Aldamir does really not bode well - it definitely looks as if Ingoldo has been spending the time while Valandur was away nursing his grudges. I guess Valandur has earned the respect of Olwë and his sons, since he started helping out with the storm's aftermath rather than demanding to be sent back to Tirion immediately. So Olwë is also a jewelsmith, in what time he has to spare from his Kingly duties and family. :D I guess that will make the ring all that much more special for Valandur.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, well, you're probably right about that as far as Ulmo's assurances are concerned. *grin* We'll see how things come out for Valandur soon enough. And even a king needs a hobby. After all, if King Frederick the Great of Prussia can be a respected composer of flute music as well as a player of the instrument, then Olwë can be a master jeweler. *grin* I'm sure Valandur will prize the ring very highly, not only for Olwë's sake but for the memories of his time in Alqualondë. In spite of the sea storm, I'm sure Valandur will believe that he had a grand time of it. Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
someone · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
You got me thinking with this chapter. Considering how often there seem to be tropical storms in Alqualondë and once in Tirion in your other story, the occupied area of Valinor seems to be quite close to the equator (but not too close). If Alqualondë is north of Tirion and still in an are with a lot of storms, there was a really long journey north during the rebellion if they had to cross the ice/tundra (at least in your version). I couldn't find how far north the storms can come, as 30 latitudes north doesn't seem to match the map of hurrican strikes, but let's say it is 30 degrees. The exilic Noldor would still have to walk well over 3000, perhaps up to or over 4000-5000 kilometres to find enough sea ice to cross. I no longer wonder why it took them so long... Sorry about that rambling. Poor Valandur and poor fish, that was a nasty storm. I'm not sure if Olwë's orders to be nice to Valandur even if he's late made the situation worse. Anyway, no one seems to like that Valandur took that little trip to the shore.
Author's reply
Well, hurricanes may develop in the tropics, someone, but they come right up the coast as far as Maine and they can be quite dangerous as the people of New York City and New Jersey have reason to know. And there are spots in the eastern part of the Adirondacks where Irene came in flooding the area and doing considerable damage. But you're right that the trek to Beleriand took years, in fact, decades, according to Tolkien. We'll see how much hot water Valandur is in now that he's back in Tirion. It's obvious from the cold reception he's received so far that he's not going to get out of things too easily. But never fear! The Valar always keep their promises. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate.
Cairistiona · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
Why do I feel as though Valandur's about to endure a storm worse than the sea storm he just encountered! Intarion and Aldamir's chilly reception doesn't bode well. But the sea storm description seemed spot on (though I've never lived through a hurricane or typhoon)and I'm glad Valandur stayed to help where he could--it would be against his character for him to have rushed away in the midst of their need. Now to wait with sweaty palms to see what he'll face when he arrives back with the delegation.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Perhaps because he will. *grin* We'll see how it goes with him and how Ulmo ensures that "all will be well". I've never been in a hurricane either (we just get the tailend of them), but I've been through nor'easters and they're just as dangerous. I'm glad you found the description of the storm and its aftereffectes plausible. Thanks and thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 15: The Sea Storm Cometh
Great description of what had to be a frightening storm. Valandur is showing everyone why Ingwe sent him with his correct decision to stay and help clean up. Lord Ulmo is correct, of course, that all will be well,but I suspect his timetable of when will be different from poor Valanndur's given the cold reception from his companions. Loved this chapter.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you liked the description of the storm and its aftereffects. Valandur is proving himself to be an ellon of character and as much as he wants to return to Tirion, he feels he owes it to his hosts to stay long enough to help with the cleanup. I'm sure he won brownie points with Olwë for that. And you're right about the Vala's timetable not necessarily being the same as Val's. After all, if you ask a Vala what he or she calls 'soon' the answer is invaribly 'I call all times soon'. *grin* Thanks for reviewing and letting me know how much you enjoyed the chapter. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 25 August 2013 · Chapter 14: Alqualondë
Love the way you work out the differences between the Lindari and the elves living closer to the light of the trees. Just the way they tell times by the stars and match that to the waxing and waning of the trees. Loved the moment when Valandur listened to the song of the stars. The city of Alqualonde must be something with the canals and the little boats used for transportation. And now Valandur will experience a sea storm. He learns a lot in just a short amount of time. Ingoldo might not approve, but Ingwe will hopefully gain the benefits of this experience.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. I figured the Lindar would have a much different culture and way of doing things than the Noldor or the Vanyar and it was fun to imagine what those difference might be, including how they would tell time. And Valandur is getting quite the education, more than he or Ingwë bargained for, but it should be very helpful to him in the future. Thanks for commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
obsidianj · 25 August 2013 · Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
So, Ulmo thought Valandur needs some more education and him just visiting the Noldor is not enough to give Ingwe a full report. Great idea, I just think Ingoldo will not be impressed. I wouldn't put it past him to dismiss Ulmo's explanation. Valandur will be in trouble, summons by the Valar or no summons.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Yes, I'm sure Valandur will be in trouble with Ingoldo regardless. We'll see just how much trouble soon enough. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Laer · 24 August 2013 · Chapter 14: Alqualondë
Uinen should be happy with me, I spent all day yesterday in the hot sun cleaning the rivers here in Iowa. well, me and about 200 other people ;) I Glad he is getting so much information from them. This is going to help more than some people will ever realize.
Author's reply
Congratulations! I'm sure Uinen and Ulmo are very happy with your contribution toward cleaning the rivers of Iowa. And Valandur has a ton of information about the Lindar and Alqualondë and should be a great help to him in his future activities. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate you taking the time to do so very much.
Laer · 24 August 2013 · Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
So Ulmo has promised that Valandur's little side trip to Alqualondë won't have a negative result him, guess we will see what we will see. I can't help but think they will be some jealous elves out of this. Hope I am wrong. ;) Ulmo is right--Ingwe needs to appreciate all three of the clans (? would that be the right word?) at least know who they are and what makes them tick.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. We will indeed see what impact Valandur's side trip has on the other Vanyar. And yes, 'clan' is the correct word. Of course, we know from other sources that Ingwë apparently did not follow through on Ulmo's advice, or perhaps he did but it still did little to help the situation, a situation not even the Valar had foreseen, so he can't be entirely blamed for any failure on his part. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated as always.
Larner · 23 August 2013 · Chapter 14: Alqualondë
Uinen is said to have ever been the friend to sailors, and I rejoice that she is aiding the Lindar as she is doing. Valandur is gaining a good deal of knowledge in a short period of time, and he appears to be handling the pressure with marked grace. And seeing how life is for these people when the storm hits will help him better meet Ulmo's commission, I think. Love the canal tour--reminds me of our visit to Amsterdam.
Author's reply
Valandur is certainly gaining a great deal of knowledge and we'll see how he puts some of it to use later on. I'm glad you liked the canal tour. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona · 23 August 2013 · Chapter 14: Alqualondë
This is both a relaxing and a tense chapter. Relaxing during the boat tour (I wonder if I'm the only reader who wonders if the Elven gondoleers sing like the Venetian gondoleers...) but so much tension thrumming throughout with Valandur's worries over not getting back to return to his duties and the consequences that will no doubt befall him when he finally does. And then, eep, a sea-storm! Poor Valandur. Events really seem to be transpiring to prevent him ever getting back. Oh, and loved loved loved the moment when Valandur listened to the stars singing. Very touching.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. THe gondoleers in the water village in China that I vistied (Zhouzhuang Water Town) did not sing but I can't imagine Elves NOT singing. *grin* We'll see how Valandur hold up during the hurricane and just when Olwë is able to send him on his way. I'm glad you loved the momemt when Valandur listend to the stars singing. It's one of my favorite parts of the chapter. Thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it.
Kevana · 23 August 2013 · Chapter 14: Alqualondë
It's official, I love Alqualondë. What a cool place! Great conversation going on here with Valandur and the other scholars. I'm glad Lindarion was just teasing. Haha! Hurricanes, man. It is going to be an education for Val if he's never seen one before. But at least it will give him some extra time among the Lindar, and to see them operating under storm conditions. The village you mentioned sounds incredible, I am so glad you used that as inspiration because it turned out fantastic. A little laugh for a Friday : Columbus did what, now? Thanks for the update and hope you have a glorious weekend, Fiondil! :) -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. LOL! That's too funny. Obviously someone who is a Tolien fan. The water village in China is called Zhouzhuang Water Town and you can google it and find photos of it. It's pretty cool. We'll see how the Lindar handle a hurricane in the next chapter and how Valandur holds up as well. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 23 August 2013 · Chapter 14: Alqualondë
Delightful chapter. You packed wonderful descriptions and a lot of information into this charming introduction to the Lindar and their version of Venice. Please tell me they have glassblowers! Well if anyone can find a good excuse for Valandur to stay put, Lord Ulmo's sea storm should do it.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you found this introduction to the Lindar charming and enjoyed the descriptions of the city and its people. I have no doubt they have glassblowers who are even better at it than the Venetians. *grin* And yes, I suspect that sea storm is somewhat providential, though Valandur wouldn't think so. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kevana · 22 August 2013 · Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
Well, now I am resolved to never call them Teleri again! Lindar it is. I think this is my favorite place you've written about yet, it's fantastic. I love how you've written it with the canals, like a shout-out to Venice. The couple in the boat was such a cute touch. Oh how terrible that Valandur will have to hang about for awhile. How absolutely terrible. I'm sure he would much rather be back dealing with cranky bureaucrats than learning about this lovely city. *grin* Even if some people are going to assume he's a hillbilly hick (oh, can you imagine the look on the Ingaran's face when he hears about that!) I laughed out loud at Val's realization about the way the Valar felt regarding the invocations. Oops, awkward. Then again I sympathize, I recall a few rather desperate prayers for divine assistance when I was a student. Academia will do that to you. Wonderful chapter, so much to enjoy here! Thank you Fiondil! :)
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I have never been to Venice and the one time I had the opportunity to do so, the Italian railroad was on strike and I was stuck in Florence for an extra day. That was so frustrating as once the trains started running again, I had to continue on to Hungary. Anyway, while Tolkien only gives us a description of the haven as one enters it from the sea, I always imagined that, like Venice, or even St. Petersburg, the city would be crisscrossed with canals. When I was living in China, I visited a village that, until recently, could only be reached by boat as it was surrounded by water and the 'streets' were canals. I sort of modeled Alqualondë on that. And Val's reaction to Ulmo's revelation about prayers and how the Valar view them is funny. I'm sure many readers can sympathize with him on that one. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, Kevana. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Sunny · 19 August 2013 · Chapter 13: An Audience with Lord Ulmo
Heh. I guess that the rumors about the Minyai lifestyle on the slopes of Taniquetil to which Lindarion is referring are the results of snippy Noldor who wanted the First Kindred to stay put in Tirion, and getting insulted or something when they left. So Ulmo wanted to point out to Valandur that his treatise on the relationship between the clans isn't really complete, as he hasn't included the Lindar. So Ulmo has promised that Valandur's little side trip to Alqualondë won't have a negative result on his work on the trade delegation. And I suppose the Vala is _technically_ going to be right - but I'm also quite sure that Ingoldo is going to be on the lookout for some good pretexts to boot Valandur off the delegation and send him home in disgrace. I've not been reviewing for a couple of weeks, but I've had a ... situation ... in real life. But things seem to be looking up, now that I have gotten out of my life (hopefully permanently) some very bad, nasty, no good and generally creeptastic (and more words to that effect) people.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Glad you've been able to order your life to your liking. It's always good to get rid of creeptastic people. They are very bad news. Anyway, the rumors about the Minyai lifestyle may well be a result of snarky Noldor. We'll see how Ingoldo treats Valandur once Valandur returns to Tirion. You may be correct that Ingoldo will just come up with any excuse to punish Valandur regardless of what the Valar say. Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a review. I appreciate you doing so very much.