In the High King's Secret Service by Fiondil
Larner · 9 August 2013 · Chapter 10: At the Coppersmith’s
Ah! Quite a number of individuals revealed here from earlier identities (and later ones, in the child's case, at least). Interesting byplay, and Ingoldor is being his usual self-centered ass of a self.
Author's reply
Yes, we are seeing a number of people whom we know from later times here. And Ingoldo is always a self-centered ass wherever he goes. *grin* Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.
galathil · 9 August 2013 · Chapter 10: At the Coppersmith’s
Hi Fiondil.Well you have done it again,another wonderful story.I have to say this is very interesting, as it is a little different to some of your other work.I am enjoying the story very much.Valandur me thinks is about to get into *a little* bit of trouble.For I feel a **storm** coming(Getting sent home in disgrace,it had to be something big). Cant wait to find out what it is. As for this chapter,we can all understand Melulissë feelings of little brothers.Really looking forward to the next chapter. PS I want to apologize for not reviewing the other chapters earlier.My house hold is bent on driving me crazy,not that I would change it of course. Slightly Sane Galathil
Author's reply
Hi galathil. Hey, no problem about not reviewing. Real life can be a drag, so review when you can and know that any review is greatly appreciated. I'm glad you are enjoying this story and can't wait to find out what Valandur does (or doesn't do) to land him in disgrace. This story is a bit different from my others, but I do try not to do the same thing all the time, that's too boring. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Cairistiona · 9 August 2013 · Chapter 10: At the Coppersmith’s
What a fun interlude with the wayward little brother. I love how Valandur handled him; he'll make a good father someday, I bet. :) And now Valandur's finally met Minalcar again. That should be an interesting conversation coming up.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, Cairistiona. I think Valandur will make a good dad someday, too. We'll catch up with Val and Minalcar and the others on Monday. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kevana · 8 August 2013 · Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
Aww, it's their first date! How sweet! *grin* -Kevana
Author's reply
I Don't think they have a concept of 'date', Kevana, and I suspect that Valandur would be appalled at the idea, though Findis might like it. *grin*
Kevana · 8 August 2013 · Chapter 8: Dinner with Friends
Well that certainly was meant to send a message about what they thought of his behavior. Hmph. Pardon me while I surreptitiously attempt to slip a modern recording device to Valandur through a conveniently located hole in the space/time/reality continuum. Names are such a funny thing. I love the old myths about names having power, though I suppose they do have a sort of actual power. It will certainly get your attention when someone hollers yours at you! Thank you for the translations at the end, it puts things a bit more in perspective with what's said in the chapter, and particularly in regards to the Elves' naming traditions. I do wonder why his friends avoided the city entirely, that seems odd! It's cute, though, to see them engage in that time-honored rite of friendship, "Tease The Lovestruck Till They Turn Red." I am pondering Valandur's personality type and I have a few impressions, but I think I'd do better to wait to get the full picture once the story's progressed. :) On a different topic I have to admit that a particular curse regarding Morgoth's anatomy that you've written in other stories stuck in my mind until now I'm wondering if some enterprising Elves didn't craft some interesting curses based on the other Valar. And what they might be. I think you see where this is going. So far "Varda's star-spangled nightgown" is my favorite. Finally caught up just in time for Friday! Had a family member in the hospital but all is well now. Thanks for the update! -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. I have my own ideas about Valandur's personality type since I needed it for the next Elf Academy installment. When you feel confident enough to share your ideas, you now where to find me. As for curses, I wouldn't be surprised, considering how linguistically inventive the Elves are, especially the Noldor. I'm sure they had any number of curses related to Námo when they were in exile. *grin* I'm glad your family member is on the road to recovery now. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm · 6 August 2013 · Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
haha, oh man Valandur is so cute around Findis!
Author's reply
Isn't he, though? *gtin* Glad you liked the chapter, bookworm. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Larner · 5 August 2013 · Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
I like seeing him discomfited in this manner--guess I'm a bit sadistic. But then we do know whom he will marry one day. And loved seeing Mahtan appear here as well.
Author's reply
It is fun seeing him squirm, isn't it, Larner? *grin* At any rate we know how it all turns out, we just don't know how they got together and this tale will tell us about that, among other things. I'm glad you liked Mahtan's appearance. This is early enough in elven history that Fëanáro hasn't even met Nerdanel yet. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Cairistiona · 5 August 2013 · Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
A day of rest but not one devoid of happenings, especially between Findis and Valandur! Methinks the elleth may be as smitten as the ellon. Or at least very intrigued. I also like the friendship unfolding between Valandur and Aldamir. A quiet but very interesting chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Methinks you're correct about the fair princess being at least intrigued if not completely smitten by Valandur. *grin* I'm glad you like the friendship unfolding between Val and Aldamir. Unfortunately, future events will test that friendship and others, and the quietness of this chapter is like the quiet before the storm. *grin* Tnanks for leaving a comment. I very much appreciate it.
someone · 5 August 2013 · Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
Findis clearly likes Valandur, too, and just as clearly he doesn't know what to do about it. Poor Valandur *grin*. And it's nice that Aldamir has now some help, his job can't be easy.
Author's reply
Like any male of the species, as soon as the female shows interest, he's at a loss as to how to proceed. I'm sure Val will figure it out eventually. *grin* And no, Aldamir's job isn't easy and I know he welcomes the help even if Val doesn't enjoy it. Thanks for reading and reviewing, someone. I appreciate it very much.
UTfrog · 5 August 2013 · Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
A most enjoyable chapter. Love the continuing interaction between Findis and Valendur. Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this chapter and the continuing interaction between Findis and Valandur. Thanks for letting me know, UTfrog. I appreciate it very much.
Laer · 5 August 2013 · Chapter 9: A Day of Rest
i would love to have a four day work week, but would miss the two day weekend. "Guess you can't always get what you want" to quote sir Mick. Ah well. So some people are not as evil as one would have thought. Shy people normally are confused as "snotty" people. Not me, as I have never been shy. Out spoken and thought as being rude by some and a verbal hit man by others, but never shy. I do try not to be rude or mean, sometimes it just is out of my mouth and then I have to explain that isn't what I meant. I just meant that "blah blah" only in a nicer more diplomatic way. Came with age and I am sure I have a long way to go to start out being more diplomatic. Here is hoping I get it right before I die. ;( More importantly tho, it reads like the good princess likes the lore master just fine the way he is :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. People who are introverts are usually labeled as snotty when all they are is shy and more extraverted people are sometimes labeled as rude when they are just being brutally honest about themselves, others or a situation and most people can't handle honesty. It takes all kinds to make the world, which is a good thing, else life would be terribly boring, wouldn't it? Anyway, I agree that the princess likes Val quite nicely just as he is and he likes her just fine the way she is. It's a perfect match, don't you think? Thanks for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.
Laer · 5 August 2013 · Chapter 8: Dinner with Friends
Elves are rather social things aren't they. :) I am glad he has friends who will look out for him and not suck him dry...or will they? ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. They are as social as we are and if your friends are sucking you dry then they're not your friends, are they? *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
obsidianj · 3 August 2013 · Chapter 8: Dinner with Friends
At least Valandur's friends don't mind that he is late. That was a very relaxing evening after all the upset in the morning. I think Valandur needed it.
Author's reply
They are his otornor after all, so they are willing to make allowances. And Valandur definitely needed to be around his true friends who appreciate him. Thanks for leaving a comment, obsidian. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj · 3 August 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
Uh, oh, Valandur is in hot water now. His observations were true, but not very diplomatically voiced. He is in diplomatic negotiations, not in a debating club at university. At least Findis has the sense of seeing the worth in his observations. I just hope, Valandur hasn't antagonized his friends by being so late.
Author's reply
Definitely in hot water, obsidian, and what he doesn't know is that he's going to get into even deeper hot water soon, as we will see in a few chapters down the road. And oddly enough, it won't have anything to do with Findis (that comes much later *grin*). Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner · 3 August 2013 · Chapter 8: Dinner with Friends
I see Finwe isn't the only Noldo to have little imagination in naming his children! Heh! And I'm not surprised to see Valandur is smitten with Findis. I doubt, however, he is anywhere as far below her as he imagines.
Author's reply
Which is why it's hard to remember who is who sometimes, with the names sounding all alike. You can blame the Professor for that. *grin* And Valandur is not as far below Findis as he or others think, and we will see how their relationship develops over the course of the story. Thanks for leaving a review, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona · 2 August 2013 · Chapter 8: Dinner with Friends
Hee hee... nothing like friends for pointing out that which you'd rather keep hidden. Smitten indeed! And still well-loved by his old friends, which has to be a balm for him. Also loved 'First-son', 'Second-son'... I have this picture of Thing 1 and Thing 2 in my head now. *g*
Author's reply
Very true, Cairistiona. And I suspect that Valandur secretly enjoyed the gentle teasing by his friends even if he felt embarrasses as well. I had fun with the earlier nameing practices among the Elves and we will see more such instances later on, a glimpse of an even earlier time in their history when they were far more innocent and still learning about their world. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
someone · 2 August 2013 · Chapter 8: Dinner with Friends
Valandur has been only a few days in Tirion and he has already sneaked off from a feast (which insulted Finwë), got insulted by Fëanor, virtually told everyone involved in the negotiations that they are idiots for not having merchants among the delegates (which upset everyone) and now he's going to spend more time with Findis (which might upset Finwë, when he realizes that Valandur has fallen in love with her). No wonder he's going to return home in disgrace, if this is only a start. And it's fun (and frustating!) to read this and see the coming disaster that Valandur can't see approaching.
Author's reply
Yeah, he's a magnet for trouble, isn't he, and it's not going to get any better, as we will see. Glad you find it fun, even if frustrating, someone. I had fun imagining how to make his life miserable and what brought about his disgrace. Hope you find is equally amusing as you continue reading this story. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona · 2 August 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
Ah, no wisdom from unapproved quarters goes unpunished, does it. Poor Valandur--but at least he had a moment alone with Findis!
Author's reply
Very true, Cairistiona. But, as you say, at least he was rewarded with a moment alone with Findis, so not all is lost. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 2 August 2013 · Chapter 8: Dinner with Friends
Love the friends catching him out as smitten.
Author's reply
Yeah, he may deny it, but he is. Thanks for reading and reviewing, UTfrog. It's appreciated.
Kevana · 31 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
I get the impression Valandur is that kid attending the royal parade and yelling "Look, the Emperor is not wearing any clothes!" Weirdness abounds and the one guy innocent enough to point it out is shunned for it. At least he got to meet Findis, who is turning out to be quite fascinating in her own right. Thank you for the update! :) -Kevana
Author's reply
Well, that's often the way it is, isn't it, Kevana? The single voice of reason is ignored, the prophet scorned, and all that. We'll be seeing how the relationship between Findis and Valandur develops and I'm glad you find her as fascinating as Valandur does. I think you can see she's a perfect match for him. *grin* Oh, and anytime you wish to share your thoughts on Val's personality type as you read this story, feel free to PM me and we'll talk about it. I have my own ideas based on this story. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Fadesintothewest · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
Finally Valandur! The voice of reason. I like how you revealing a bit of Valandur's character in every chapter. There certainly probably is a lot of intrigue in the background, and I do love the growing attraction between Findis and Valandur. I enjoy reading interesting and complicated takes on elven society in Aman, so teasing out the class distinctions is right up my alley. As always great read.
Author's reply
Hi Fades. Yes, the voice of reason, and not welcomed in some quarters. I'm glad you are enjoying how I reveal Calandur's character a little bit at a time and the complicated take on Amanian society. I find it interesting, as well, exploring how they might have done things as they worked out their civilization, which, to some extent, has been taught to them by the Valar rather than being construted our od their own efforts. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. It's much appreciated.
Laer · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
Poor Valandur, torqued off his friends and his group. Maybe Findis will help him smooth over the hurt and anger of the ones who count. The others..well the others will be a much harder group to appease; maybe with a direct order from some one a little higher up on the food chain. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Well, it was bound to happen. We'll see how Findis helps out, if at all. I don't think Valandur is going to get off too easily with some people, as we will eventually see. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Larner · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
He is totally right, of course, as Findis recognizes. Love the interaction between the two of them and the obvious growing attraction. And she is a most politic soul, at least, as well as an honest one. A worthy granddaughter to the Ingaran!
Author's reply
Yes, he is, Larner, and at least Findis shows her worth in recognizing that Valandur is correct in what he has said. We'll see how the attraction between them develops. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Sunny · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
You really have me wondering what the REAL intent of these negotiations are, Fiondil! Nary a merchant to see in the discussion, ant Valandur getting Taniquetil dropped onto his head for pointing it out! And I see Ingoldo has absented himself from the negotiations along with his wife to go hunting with Fëanáro. I wonder what they will be doing - coming up with strategies to screw up the negotiations, perhaps? (If I'm being a bit paranoid, I only remember what short of shenanigans they were up to in some other fics on this site!) On the other hand, I see that Findis, at least, is well supplied with both intelligence and common sense!
Author's reply
One has to wonder, Sunny, and we see a hint of the relationship between Ingoldo and Fësanáro that is only hinted at and never totally proved in those other fics. *grin* And Findis is indeed supplied with much intelligence and common sense, for which we (and Valandur) can be grateful. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Siiw · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
I keep thinking: "Is this where he will make the big mistake?" He is already doing more than his job. I don't want to spoil the other stories in reviews, for people who haven't read them, but with them in mind, this chapter was very interesting to read. The Vanyar reacted more strongly than the Noldor to Valandur's comments. It could be that their society is more formal, at least among the "upper classes"? I liked the comment in the earlier chapter about how dividing people into "classes" makes less sense for the older Elves. Valandur has experience with both "layers" of society, and the snobs like Aldamir probably don't realise what a resource that experience is for the discussion. Valandur just needs to learn to think before he speaks. :p
Author's reply
Hi Siiw. Well, now you don't have to wonder, because he has here. *grin* Or so he thinks. As for the social stratification, that was inevitable given their history, but I suspect the Vanyar have a more formal structure than the Noldor or the Teleri. Valandur has experienced both aspects of society and realizes certain truths that others who have only known life in Aman have not learned. And yes, he does need to learn to think before speaking, and more importantly, learn when not to speak. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.