In the High King's Secret Service by Fiondil
bookworm · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
*giggle* someone is star-struck~ Ah, politicians *makes a face* The same the wide world (and beyond it seems) over. I like Valandur! He sees clearly and I can see why Ingwe wanted him there!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. I suppose he is. *grin* And yea, polictiians are politicians wherever they are. I'm glad you like Valandur. After all, what's not to like? LOL! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Twoflower2 · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
Thank you for the story; it's a fun look into the early Amanian Realpolitik. I am looking forward to more grey-eminence activities fom Valandur. Enjoyable (for a reader, that is) appearances of Feanaro; I am wondering why he takes pains to pick on a mere loremaster such as Valandur? Feeling a hidden threat, perhaps? Also wondering if Findis' baby-sharing lines were partly meant as a subtle dig at Feanaro.
Author's reply
Hi Twoflower2. I'm glad you are enjoying the story and like this look into early Amanian Realpolitik. And believe me we'll see more grey-eminence activities from Valandur amongst other things. Who knows about Fëanáro and his motives? I wouldn't be surprised if Findis' words were meant as a subtle dig at her older half-brother. I doubt he found it as amusing as everyone else. *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Valandur Speaks Out
I had a feeling Valandur would open his mouth before long. Glad to know Findis knows he was right.
Author's reply
It was inevitable, and even if no one else appreciates his observations, at least Findis does. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. I appreciate it.
Larner · 28 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
He is seeing more of the family dynamics here, and how Indis intends that the Noldor not fully repudiate the Vanyar for leaving Tirion to found their own city and realm. Interesting looks at Findis and Intarion.
Author's reply
Very true, Lasrner. I'm glad you like this look at Findis and Intarion. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it.
Kevana · 27 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
It must have looked strange to the others present to see Fëanor come down on Valandur that way, especially the people not privy to the undercurrent of what passed between them. All the ranking officials there and he calls out a little-known scholar? Oh, I like Findis. And Indis too, of course! Valandur's observations about the two of them are very enlightening. And baby Nolofinwë! Awww. Haha, no, sharing is not the family's strong suit, is it! They needed a better Elven kindergarten. Thanks for the update, Fiondil! Take care! :) A little lagniappe - I have always had trouble mentally envisioning what a large structure made of mithril might look like, until I saw this gate. New headcanon accepted.
Author's reply
Cool lagniappe, Kevana! We wants! LOL! I suppose it was strange for those looking on and not understanding what had happened previously, but I suspect Fëanáro was known for being... odd at times. *grin* I'm glad you like Findis and Indis. I know some readers didn't care for how I portrayed Indis in my "Bound in Darkness" story, but that comes much later and after a lot of heartache on her part with all the dysfunctional familial tensions that arose over time between her children and Fëanáro. And I think you're right that they need a better Elven kindergarten. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I very much appreciate it.
obsidianj · 27 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
Interesting beginning of the negotiations. Luckily, we have Varandur to help us get to the bottom of all the niceties and undercurrents swirling in the room. I have a hard time keeping all the names straight. Not being very familiar with Feanor and his family, it all blends together. Feanor sticks out because of his immature behavior. Someone needs to get some sense into him, but I think it is a lost cause going by the history of what is to follow ;-)
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. I know the names are confusing at times. Even I've been known to mix them up much to my betas' despair *grin*. Just to help out, here's a quick and dirty guide: Finwë is king of the Noldor. He originally married Míriel, who is Fëanáro's mother. She "died". Finwë then married Indis, sister of Ingwë, the High King of all the Elves in Aman. They eventually had five children of whom Findis is the oldest and Nolofinwë, who will someday be known as Fingolgin, is the next oldest. A second daughter will follow and then Arafinwë (Finarfin) will be born, followed by a third daughter. This is all canon. Ingwë is both the King of the Vanyar and the High King over all the kings in Eldamar (Aman). In my universe he is married to Elindis and they have 3 children. Besides his sister, Indis, Ingwë also has a brother, Ingoldo. Only Indis is canon. I made up Ingoldo, his wife, Tinwetariel, and their son, Indation, for story purposes. Feel free to copy this out for your own reference. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Fadesintothewest · 27 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
Btw I am so happy to see Findis be developed. We never hear from her or Indis for this matter much, but it seems Indis has been maneuvering in the background for quite some time now. Fëanáro, well he needs to be roughed up a little bit. I am enjoying reading the developing tensions, politics at play through Valandur's eyes.
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying Findis. Most readers don't know she is canon because she and her sisters never made it into the published Silmarillion and we only know of them through the Histories, and there is nothing about them except their names. We don't even know what their ultimate fates were, except the middle sister went to Middle-earth with her brothers. At any rate, I've had fun developing Findis more fully. Fëanáro, on the other hand, is a lost cause. Thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it.
Laer · 27 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
Valandur's observations will be the best part of this trade negotiations. He is seeing a lot more than the key people are. Couple this with him being able to blend in with the "locals" and these trade agreements might stand a chance. Without it someone is going to get set up some where. Intarion seems to be a very smart kid but then so does Findis. Perhaps the grownups should allow the younglings to run the whole thing. it will go much smoother and both sides would benefit from it all. :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yeah, negotiations are boring, but hopefully Valandur's observations won't be and in the next chapter we'll see how his observations land him in trouble. And you might be right about the trade negotiations going smoother if Intarion were leading the Vanyarin delegation instead of Ingoldo, but then there wouldn't be much of a story if he did, would there? *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
obsidianj · 27 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
Love the meeting between Calandil and Valandur. I can see how Valandur fretted when he didn't get an answer from Calandil seeing how insecure he is of himself. Calandil just showing up was the best thing to happen for Valandur. He needs some support from friends he trusts.
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. I'm glad you liked the meeting between these two. Their friendship goes way back and Calandil is Valandur's first otorno. He trusts him before everyone else. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Sunny · 26 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
Loved the way Findis introduced her baby brother - but Fëanáro _also_ hasn't yet learned the meaning of the word _share_ and and he isn't part of the negotiations only because he adamantly refused to. The dynamics in the Noldorin court you hint at around the negotiations are interesting, Fiondil. The way I gather things are at this sime, is that Finwë couldn't care less about how they goes, Indis is the person who really want the negotiations and Findis - even on such a short acquaintance I suspect she has hidden depths.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. No, Fëanáro never does learn the meaning of the word "share", much the pity. I am glad you find my description of the dynamics in the Noldorin court interesting, and your analysis of Finwë abd Findis is spot on. As for Findis... hidden depths indeed. Thanks for reviwing. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona · 26 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
I have learned to keep both Encyclopedia of Arda and your character list from "In Darkness Bound" over at SWG open while reading this story. There's a lot of names bouncing around the room. :) To be honest, I was a little afraid that once the meetings got underway, I'd find the story too dry, but Valandur's observations of all that may be lurking under the surface is fascinating, and of course, Feänor the Eternally Irked always adds a little pepper to the sauce. And we see Baby Doesn't-Know-How-To-Share-Yet Fingolfin! (Erm, I think it's Fingolfin... *consults character list* Whew. Yes, Nolofinwe=Fingolfin...) What a cute little moment that was. And thank you for letting the reading of the law and customs happen "offstage". That was a clever way to include it without including it, if that makes sense.
Author's reply
They are handy to have, aren't they? *grin* I promise that we will not be spending the entire story in the negotiation room. Other things will happen to bring Valandur and others out so it shouldn't be too boring for readers. That being said, I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and Valandur's observations. And yes, it does make sense. I do that often when I don't want to get bogged down on details. Thanks for leaving a comment, Cairistiona. I very much appreciate it.
UTfrog · 26 July 2013 · Chapter 6: The Opening Session
Love the innocent flirting. Also like that Ingarian and Valandur are getting to know each other. Still totally confused with all the names. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. You could always create your own character list to keep track of people. I know other readers do so. And I think you mean Intarion. I agree that the names can be confusing and Tolkien didn't do us any favors with so many close-sounding names among the Elves. At any rate I'm glad you enjoyd the chapter. Thanks for leaving a review. It's greatly appreciated.
Fadesintothewest · 26 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
I enjoyed the discussion between Valandur and his friend, revealed much of the interesting and growing difference between the Noldor and Vanyar. Yet it is interesting that the Vanyar are concerned with the shift in language, language is a malleable thing. After all they speak a language that has itself evolved. It seems though that at the heart of it, and as Valandur has overheard, there are deeper cultural conflicts brewing.
Author's reply
And we will see something of those deeper cultural conflicts as the story progresses, Fades. As for language purity, well, the French think they can keep their language pure but it's a losing battle because, as you say, language is malleable and we will see this later on in the story as well. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner · 24 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
At least these two are at peace with one another, and Valandur is preparing to learn more of what motivates many of the Noldor.
Author's reply
Valandur and Calandil are the best of friends, very supportive of one another no matter how much they may tease one another. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
bookworm · 23 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
Oh I liked this chapter - really nice to watch the two old friends catch up - it's the best part of true friends, it doesn't matter how long you've been apart at all
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked this chapter bookworm. It is nice to see true friends get together, teasing one another mercilessly, but showing their love and respect for one another at the same time. Thanks for leaving a review. I very much appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
*waves hands wildly* I'm still here, Fiondil. Another lovely chapter. It epitomizes the depth of your writing. You bring new characters in without a faltering step. And we find ourselves drawn to them - or away from them - in a moment's time. Love this chapter. Love the story. I'm reading, though I cannot respond to every chapter. Blessings! Agape
Author's reply
Hi Agape. *waves back* Glad you're still with us and that you are enjoying this story. I don't find it too difficult to create OCs and imbue them with personality. It's actually harder with canon characters, especially those that are well depicted in Tolkien's stories. It's easier to start from scratch, you might say. At any rate, I'm glad you find my OCs interesting. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it and look forward to hearing from you again whenever you are so inclined. Blessings!
Kevana · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
I respectfully plead a heartfelt and tearful case for "octopodes," but no one ever believes me (or, well, cares). Oh no, I always suspected I was an outcast living on the fringes of society and this just confirms it. *cries* Well, you say octopi, I'll say octopodes, we'll find common ground in that octopuses is just plain silly and krakens are another kettle of cephalopod molluscs entirely. I'm not sure I could have taken this more off topic if I had legitimately tried. Apologies! But I do find all of this and your take on it here to be absolutely fascinating. *bows and exits stage right* -Kevana
Author's reply
Hey, whatever rocks your socks, Kevana. I'm glad you like my take on the linguistic aspects of the story and find it to be so fascinating (at least, I'm assuming that's what you mean here). I appreciate you telling me. Thanks.
6336 · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 3: First Meetings
Sorry, I'm in lurker mode, but I do have a comment about Feanaro, the arrogant, little snot! One wonders if Miriel had a fortelling of what things would be like and decided not to make the effort to recover from Feanaro's birth?! I am surprised at Finwe for not curbing Feanaro's arrogance when he had the chance but suppose he is more concerned with Indis and his future children with her. As for Feanaor's comments to Valandur, yes he,(Valandur) is a Law Master but he is not one of Feanaro's Law Masters so he doesn't count! Huggs, Will write more when I am out of Lurker Mode, Lynda
Author's reply
Okay, Lynda, whatever. We all know Fëanor's arrogant and always has been. And he and Valandur are loremasters, not law masters. Just thought I would clear that up. See you when you're no longer in lurker mode. Hugs.
Kevana · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
Addendum: *snort* That's what I get for reading before I finish my coffee. I misread what Valandur was saying, I see now he didn't really give away much if anything of his purpose there. -Kevana
Author's reply
Yeah, I wondered about that sentence in your review. *grin* Glad you realized your error. Calandil may be Valandur's otrono but Valandur knows that some things cannot be shared even with one's heart-brother.
Kevana · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
Imagine being able to say "oh yes, I was there when they built the first palace." That's just incredible. You whippersnappers need to get off Valandur's lawn. I was thinking how silly the súlë and thúlë argument seems to me in the grand scheme of things, but then I remembered the absolutely massive brouhaha a few months back about how to pronounce "gif." Pot, kettle. Plus for absolutely no reason whatsoever I am strangely opinionated about the plural form of "octopus," so I have no room to talk, LOL. There was some really good background info about the situation here from Calandil. It's obvious Valandur trusts him if he's revealing his true purpose for being at the talks. Have a spectacular week and thanks for the great update! -Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Pronunciation has been a bone of contention since biblcal times, which we get the word "shibboleth" from, and has often been used to determine who's "in" and who's "out" politically, religiously, socially or whatever. And EVERYONE knows the CORRECT plurs of octopus is octopi. LOL! You have a great week yourself and thanks for taking the time to review. It's much appreciated.
Sunny · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
Good to know that Valandur has the sense to keep operational security, even whe he is with an old friend. Hmm. Is the Nambarauto mentioned here the same one who made such an ass of himself in _Once Upon a Blizzard_ and who snarked at Finrod for his tree-swinging in _The Findaráto Diaries_?
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, Valandur is not that much of a fool. *grin* And Nambarauto is a common enough name (the Sindarin form is "Damrod") that it could be given to a number of ellon. In this case, this Nambarauto is not the same one in the other stories. The one here is a coppersmith and the other is a noble. After awhile I have so many OCs that it's hard to come up with unique names so some of them get recycled. *grin* Thanks for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
Cairistiona · 22 July 2013 · Chapter 5: Calandil
I'm so glad that Valandur's friends are warmly welcoming him, and loved the way Calandil chose to respond to the invitation. :) Very interesting conversation as well. Intriguing to think about how Feanor's resentment over his father's second marriage could have had a part in causing a language change (or at least a pronunciation change)... makes me wonder how English may have been altered in similar fashion. I'm sure it has, but I'm not enough of a language historian to know!
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. These friends are Valandur's otornor, sworn brothers, and very supportive of him. Tolkien tells us in his essay "The Shiboleth of Fëanor" (History of Middle-earth, vol. 12) that the language change had begun earlier, but that Fëanor rejected it because his mother had used the older forms and he insisted on retaining them in honor of her memory. Thus, Fëanor used the langauge change as a loyalty test and thereby set in motion the events that occurred later in the time of the Darkening. So while Melkor had much to do with the discord that followed, the seeds of that discord were planted long before he was ever released from Mandos and we have Fëanor to thank for that. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj · 20 July 2013 · Chapter 4: At the Rose and Crown
So, Valandur is already gathering information. Although, I'm not sure his method will be appreciated, at least not from Ingoldo. After that gaffe, Ingoldo will not put stock in anything Valandur will say. He is the odd one in the group and I have the feeling Ingoldo wasn't happy to have him in the group to begin with. Interesting point of view of Nambarauto, I haven't thought of the situation that way.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. It's doubtful that Valandur's information gathering will be appreciated by anyone, or his views on things, as we will see soon enough. He is indeed the odd man out and Ingoldo does not want him there. That will make things difficult, if not impossible, for him to do what he needs to do for Ingwë. Nambarauto is probably young enough not to be caught up in his elders' attitudes of betrayal and hurt caused by the Vanyar leaving Tirion, so he is able to see beyond that and recognize that some of the blame for the split has to be laid at the feet of the Noldor with their restlessness, a restlessness that worried Ingwë enough to have him leave the city he helped to build. Anyway, we'll see how it all works out for Valandur. He's in for interesting times. *grin* Thanks for leaving a comment. I very much appreciate it.
Laer · 20 July 2013 · Chapter 4: At the Rose and Crown
Well, when Valandur steps in it he goes both feet and knee deep don't he? Intarion seems to be a better leader than is atar. His trip out among the people appears to open a whole new door, one that he could easily drown in if he isn't careful.
Author's reply
He certainly does, Laer, and that's likely to cause trouble for him further down the road. Intarion, I think, models himself after Ingwë, and he does well to do so. Thanks for your review. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj · 20 July 2013 · Chapter 3: First Meetings
Valandur needs to learn a bit more protocol... I don't think Ingoldo will be pleased when he hears of Valandur's behavior. If he continues on that path, I can understand that sooner or later he runs afoul of Ingoldo and will be sent back in disgrace. That said, I like his unconventional way of getting Findis and Intarion together. I never liked Feanoro and here he already is on the path to his destruction. Arrogant and rude...
Author's reply
Definitely, but then he's not been trained for it, which is one reason for him being there, to learn protocol. We'll see how he fares with Ingoldo as the story progresses, and with Fëanáro. Thanks for reviewing, obsidian. I appreciate it very much.