Larner
· 19 July 2013
· Chapter 4: At the Rose and Crown
A most interesting conversation to overhear, I must say. And Finwe and Indis are far preferable to Ingoldo, I'd say. I still find it hard to believe how much Intarion resembles his uncle more than his petty parents.
Author's reply
Finwë and Indis do seem preferable to Ingoldo, don't they? Valandur got off lightly but Ingoldo will be looking for an excuse to punish him given half a chance. As for Intarion, I think it shows that Ingwë is a good role model and Intarion preferred to model himself after his uncle rather than his father, for which we can all be thankful. Thanks for reviewing, Larner. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 19 July 2013
· Chapter 4: At the Rose and Crown
So there is definitely a generation gap of sorts, or multiple generation gaps, at play here and complicating things, plus resentment and even some racism/classicism/clannishness perhaps. Nice catch, Valandur. Sherlock's method works again (hehe). I really like how this is all interwoven so tightly with what will be later events.
Close call though on him being sent packing before the actual negotiations get fully started. Glad Intarion was there to offer some advice on squeaking by, though I guess we'll have to see if Ingoldo decides to offer some retribution of his own somehow down the line for embarrassing him in front of Finwë. Not forgotten indeed.
“Or perhaps we abandoned them.” Interesting perspective. I never thought about it like that before.
Love it, Fiondil! You take care and I hope your weekend is simply splendacious.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Wheels within wheels. I have to assume that there had to have been some kind of generational gap between those who made the Great Journey and remember living under the light of the stars and those who have only known the Light of the Trees and may occasionally travel down the Calacirya to see the stars, if they bothered to at all, and certainly one's outlook would be colored by such experiences (or lack thereof).
We'll see how Valandur fares as the negotiations progress. I'm afraid he's going to be getting into all loads of trouble before the end (or else there would be no point to writing this story, would there?)
I hope your weekend is spendacious as well, Kevana. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Cairistiona
· 19 July 2013
· Chapter 4: At the Rose and Crown
And the plot begins to thicken. Valandur certainly picked up some interesting information, though I have my doubts that certain members of the party will give it any credence. As for his standing after his social gaffe, "Forgiven but not forgotten" has a very ominous ring to it!
All very intriguing!
Author's reply
The plot thickens, indeed, Cairistiona, and will continue to thicken. We'll see what other in the delegation think about the information Valandur's picked up. And he's treading in dangerous waters where Ingoldo is concerned, though he doesn't yet realize it, at least not fully. I'm glad you are finding the story intriguing, Cairistiona. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 19 July 2013
· Chapter 4: At the Rose and Crown
So plots are already boiling. Valandur will have many ways to prove his worth.
Author's reply
And we will see just how he does prove his worth, though some will not see it that way. Thanks for reviewing, UTfrog. It's much appreciated.
Laer
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 3: First Meetings
Can not help but wonder if his friends of old will be there, let alone if they will be willing to talk to him. Sounds like their Prince Fëanáro isn't to thrilled with lore masters; maybe they aren't either. Findis and Intarion sound like two feathers from the same bird. Both ignored, both more of an ornament and both could use a friend or two. Great update Fiondil :)
Author's reply
Hi Laer. We'll find out next chapter. Fëanáro is just being is usual snarky self. *grin* Your description of Findis and Intarion is pretty accurate. We'll see how they fare as the story progresses. Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 3: First Meetings
Feanaro's downright rude! Insolent pup! Aargh! Wants to shake him by the ear! He certainly failed to make a pleasant impression on me! Love his reaction to Findis. Of course, she's not as nasty as is her more famous and insolent half brother. Glad that he got her talking with Intarion--a good pairing! Too bad Feanaro doesn't have a whiff of his relative's charm!
Author's reply
Fëanáro is definitely a prat and a bore and many other things besides. Findis at least isn't so full of herself that she can't take criticism and even enjoys the sparring match with Valandur. At least Intarion got something out of it, though he's not aware of the fact that it was Valandur who came to his rescue, so to speak. *grin*
Thanks for reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it.
Sunny
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 3: First Meetings
Hm. Can't say Fëanáro has given a good first impression, the arrogant git. Not someone I'd want to invite over for tea. And it seems that the inventive young prince has already invented racism. :(
No doubt Valandur will have a more pleasant time at the Rose and Crown, but I also don't doubt that Ingoldo and the Noldorin nobles will put the worst spin possible on Valadur disappearing from a Royal feast to carouse in some low tavern.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yeah, Fëanáro is a bit arrogant, especially when you consider he's only a couple centuries old and Valandur has seen many more centuries than he. And he does practice racism here, doesn't he? You don't relly think of it that way, but it's true.
We'll see how Valandur fares once he's "caught out" in the next chapter.
Thanks for commenting. I very much apprciate you taking the time to do so.
someone
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 3: First Meetings
"Valandur felt his eyes widening in surprise and he smiled in delight at the sound of her voice, for her intonation was… different." That was hilarious! Trust a lambengolmo to find intonation attractive. Though their relationship didn't start well with Valandur being rude to Findis.
It's good that Fëanáro is not in charge of the negotiations, he and Ingoldo would manage to insult each other and ruin all agreements within a day. He has quite an irritating personality even for one so young. Does Finwë have other children than Fëanáro and Findis at this time?
Author's reply
Well, we all are attracted to different things in people, someone, though I grant you, most people will be attracted to "hair color" or "eye color" or "physical endowment" before they bother with the sound of the person's voice. *grin*
At any rate, besides Fëanáro ad Findis, at this time, Finwë also has Nolofinwë, but he's just an infant.
Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Kevana
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 3: First Meetings
Well hello to you too, baby Fëanor! Pfft, I love it. You sprinkled this chapter with little bits of his personality and it's coming across so nicely.
So Valandur's following the Sherlock Holmes method: forget the aristocrats, go slumming it in the pubs. Heh, he's more likely to get less pomp and more substance there anyway. Though he might indeed be in for a telling-off. Whoops.
There really is something up with Intarion and the Noldor. Hm.
You take care and thanks for the intriguing chapter!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Yeah, Fëanáro. What can I say? *grin*
We'll see what consequences there are for Valandur for sneaking off as he has in the next chapter. I'm glad you found the chapter intriguing. Thanks for letting me know, Kevana. I appreciate it very much.
Kevana
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
The issue of Elven wardrobes never occurred to me before, but when you suddenly are moving in royal circles, it becomes a bit of a problem adjusting from a professor's garb!
The city description is wonderful, if a bit haunting and (for the reader) foreboding, considering what happens down the line. It must have felt somewhat strange to see it so empty, and stranger still to live in a place like that. I can imagine the Noldor being upset when their fellows all decided to up and move. Like, what, are we not good enough for you anymore?
Hm, why is Intarion bitter about that...interesting.
Valandur seems to have a natural talent for studying people.
Re: hiraeth, you know, I had the same thought about it perhaps being part of what Tolkien had in mind. I honestly haven't done any research into it, but I wonder if he had a particular place that inspired that for himself, and put part of that into the Elves. Or perhaps it's just the more obvious longing for the divine. Either way, that's in my favorite words mental file cabinet now.
Oh, don't try and throw me off, we all know you really do have a degree in Elven sociolinguistics. *grin*
(Belated review time!)
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. What I like about Valandur is that he comes from common stock; he's not considered to be an artistocrat, so naturally he's not going to have the right clothes or say and do the right things at the right time, etc. Circumstances force him to play a role for which he is unprepared. At the same time, he's in his elemnent observing people and how they interact lingusitcally and socially.
As for Intarion, I suspect he's bitter because he's not been allowed to travel before this and probably there was argument about him coming this time, though we don't see it and don't hear of it. Just as in real life, we are not always privy to every detail of a person's life and that goes for characters as well.
Thanks for reviewing and the only late review is the one that's never written. *grin*
Cairistiona
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 3: First Meetings
"'No good will come of that, mark my words.'"
Now there's an understated bit of prophecy!
Fascinating chapter. Valandur's not-so-subtle nudge of Findis to attend poor neglected Intarion was sweet. I always feel great sympathy for those at a banquet who seem to be ignored, so major points to Valandur for that, even if it was a breach of protocol. And of course, there's Fëanáro. There's always Fëanáro. *sigh* Poor Valandur didn't get the best of that meeting, did he. May he find some comfort at The Rose & Crown. It will be interesting to see how it goes between him and his old friends.
Author's reply
Yes, a bit of foreshadowing there, Cairistiona, though no one at the feast recognized it for what it is. I'm glad you found the chapter fascinating. Having been the "ignored one" at plenty of events, I know just how Intarion feels. We'll see how Valandur fares when he finally gets together with his old friends, though that won't happen immediately.
Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
UTfrog
· 15 July 2013
· Chapter 3: First Meetings
So, even at that early a time, Feanor was showing what an a** he is. Love the meeting with Findis.
Author's reply
I'm afraid so, UTfrog. We know from the Silmarillion that he resented Finwë marrying Indis, so I would assume he had no love for any of the Vanyar and thought them beneath him unless they helped further his own purpose. Glad you liked the first meeting betwen Valandur and Findis. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
bookworm
· 14 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
Ah politics - as enduring as death and taxes =p Nice to see all these names & work out how they become the characters we know in your other stories!
Author's reply
Yeah, and just a messy. *grin* Glad you liked meeting old (and presumably new) characters here, obisidianj. You can sort of subtitle this story "before they were famous" as we meet a number of people before they became better known, either through the Silmarillion or through my earlier stories. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 13 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
I have to wrap my head around the fact that this is way before your other stories. I was thrown for a moment as I realized that Arafinwe is not the Noldoran. My knowledge of the Sil is woefully inadequate. Seems like there were rifts and tensions between the clans for a long time. Ingoldo is already doing everything he can to dismiss Valandur, probably because he doesn't come from a family that can further his standing. He will regret it, imo. At least the rest of the delegation seems to be more open.
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. It will probably take time to remember that this is way early in Elven history. The Elves have been in Aman for less than 300 years, and that's not a long time for them. And while the Silmarillion doesn't specifically state it, I have to imagine that when the Vanyar left Tirion there had to be some hard feelings all around and that resentment still lingers.
We'll see how things go with everyone as the story progresses, especially Valandur.
Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 12 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
The company sounds mostly pleasant, although I note that Ingoldo and Tintawerial already have that unpleasant manner that cost him the rule of the Vanyar and that foretell the problems they will one day cause.
Sorry that the Noldor are less than warm, but I can appreciate how he would find the common wariness more honest that flowing speeches that are nonetheless rather empty.
Author's reply
I imagine that for the Noldor, the "desertion" of the Vanyar is still a sore point for many, since it's only been a couple hundred years and what's that to these beings? And honest wariness is more preferable to empty gestures of goodwill and friendship, because at least with the former you know where you stand. Thanks for taking the time to review, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 12 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
Ingoldo and his wife are about as friendly as a mongoose to a cobra. Jeesh! But their son has a personality. They can't be too rotten with a son like that. Not to fun of a welcome. Hope that it doesn't become nastier...
Author's reply
You got that right, Laer. LOL! Still, Intarion makes up for it, though he's not perfect, as we will see later on. As for the rest, it remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. I greatly appreciate you doing so.
Cairistiona
· 12 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
Nice build-up, introducing the Elves going along on the trip. I like Intarion already, and, erm, Ingoldo and his wife aren't exactly cuddly sorts, are they? Aldamir is intriguing--it should be interesting, seeing if Valandur can truly make a friend of him. (If he already has in another of your stories, don't tell me! *g*) I like that Valandur's more than able to make his own decisions about people based on his own observations, and not letting others' opinions unduly influence him. Little wonder he was chosen for such a mission! Oh, and I love Valandur's reaction when Manwë read his thoughts. Poor Valandur. I would have been reaching for the wine, too.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Intarion is a nice ellon. And this is the first time we meet Aldamir and the other junior members of the trade negotiation. Valandur, of course, has live long enough to not be impressed with other people's opinions about things, preferring to make up his own mind. And having any of the Valar "read" you like a book even if they don't actually read your mind is rather disconcerting. *grin*
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I quite appreciate it.
Lady Edlyn
· 12 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
I liked Valandur when I met him in Elf interrupted, but I like him even more now that you're showing what kind of ellon he is in his (relative) youth. As a "non-traditional" college student finishing her degree in her 50's, I also appreciate the fact that Valandur got to where he is after yeni of working different jobs before "going to university". I also agree with his preferring the honest dislike of the common people of Tirion to the pomp and circumstance of the diplomatic greeting at he palace.
Well written and very enjoyable, meldonya!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Thanks, Edlyn. As Valandur's early education was surviving the trek across Middle-earth, he has seen the rise of elven civilizatin and has had to adapt to his new environment, learning new ways of doing things once the Elves "settled down". We will see through him how the Elves worked to create their present civilization and we will see that they are still trying to figure out certain aspects of it.
Thanks for commenting. I much appreciate it and I hope your studies are going well.
6336
· 12 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
Hm, not a very auspicious welcome, let's hope things improve, otherwise it is going to be a very long visit.
I can see why Ingwe wanted to send Valandur!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
No, not very auspicious at all, Lynda. We'll see how things progress from here and I'm glad you see why Ingwë sent Valandur with the delgation. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated very much. Hugs.
UTfrog
· 12 July 2013
· Chapter 2: Arrival in Tirion
You have such a gift for characterization. Lovely story. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you, UTfrog. I appreciate you telling me.
Fadesintothewest
· 10 July 2013
· Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
Looking forward to the story of young Valandur. His vantage point will certainly be interesting. Love his dissertation title, very appropriate! So young Valandur is an ethnographer of sorts eh, a man after my own heart!
Author's reply
Hi Fades. I tend think of Valandur as a sociolinguist, but I suppose ethnographer is as good a description as any. Hope you enjoy the story as it progresses. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Larner
· 8 July 2013
· Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
A most interesting development for the young (relatively speaking) ellon. And he can already see the difference between Ingwe and his far lesser brother. Love the description as washed-out compared to the Ingaran.
Am looking forward to seeing how he manages to outwit his Lord's brother!
Author's reply
Assuming Valandur needs to outwit Ingoldo or anyone else. We'll have to see. I'm sure there will be a clash or two between them before the end. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 8 July 2013
· Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
Secrets can never be a good thing. Here is hoping he don't need a body guard before this meeting is over with.
Author's reply
Some secrets need to be kept, though, Laer. We'll see how it goes as Valandur joins the rest of the delegation and they head for Tirion. Thanks for reviewi9ng. I quite appreciate it.
Lady Edlyn
· 8 July 2013
· Chapter 1: A Royal Summons
Nice beginning, meldonya. I loved the title of Valandur's thesis and his response to finding out that Ingwë had read it. As usual your descriptions are wonderful and I found Valandur's thoughts about how later elves would look at those who were born in Endorë, much less those who remembered Cuiviénen intriguing. I'm certainly looking forward to the next installment!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. I stole the title of Val's thesis from a real-world article. I thought it was a cool topic and something that might have been plausible given the various levels of interaction between Elves, Maiar and Valar.
I'm glad you like my descriptions and val's thoughts about how future generations of Elves might view the older generation(s) is something that I think would naturally occur and might even explain the restlessness of the Noldor to some degree.
At any rate, I hope you enjoy the rest of this story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
Lady Edlyn
· 8 July 2013
· Chapter 0: The Road
Oh, meldonya! This sounds like its going to be a fun read!
Of course, I'm curious to know just what happened to caused Valandur's disgrace, but I couldn't help but wonder what his "promotion" would be for screwing up at the end of the Prologue.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how things play out.
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. I hope that people will find this a fun read. I certainly had fun writing it and I was able to indulge myself and incorporate something of my sociolinguistic background through Valandur, which made it even more fun, as you will see. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.