I've been checking frequently to get the update, and I must say that what happened in this chapter was not all that much of an improvement. Val is still in durance vile, accused of treason. At least Indis and Findis are sympathetic to him, and willing to give him some aid, and I hope that Finwë also will prove that he has a functioning brain at Val's trial.
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Well they say it's darkest before the dawn. Things have to get worse before they get better. We'll see how the 'trial' goes and what Finwë has planned. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 12 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
Fëanáro doing Fëanáro things. I shouldn't really be surprised. But still... I very much had an "arghghkldkldjiasdisdfidfiislaidflkjdskld!!!!" moment.
The slap-Fëanáro line is getting so long you may need to send in some food vendors, so we can keep up our strength and give proper, vigorous slaps when the time comes.
In all serious, good chapter, with a great lead-in to whatever transpires next.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Yeah, Fëanáro... you gotta love him. LOL! Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. We'll see how things go from here soon enough. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
6336
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
Hi, back again.
After having had some time to think about this chapter and other peoples comments about Feanors actions I was wondering just who did Finwe have doing the day to day raising of Feanor, since I can't see him doing it himself, what with Miriel not being in the picture? Somebody must have dropped a few hints in Feanor's ear about how special he was,being Haryon to the King and all and that he should act his position etc.
Plus I think some one was right and he was dropped on his head a few times!
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Actually, I never thought of that, but you're absolutely right. If Finwë had been any ellon having to raise his kid alone, he would have had the help of family and friends in raising his son, so it stands to reason that others had a hand in Fëanáro's raising as well. Good point. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm sure others will find the idea as interesting as I have. Hugs.
Larner
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
I swear that Feanaro is even more a piece of work than is Inglorion, which is rather difficult to be!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. I'm assuming you mean Ingoldo, since the only Inglorion I know is Gildor Inglorion, and while he might be chary of giving advice, he's an all-right ellon otherwise. LOL! At any rate, I have to agree with you on your summation of Fëanáro. He is definitely a piece of work. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Fantasia
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
I have been reading and haven't reviewed any single chapter so far, so sorry Fiondil. I want you to know that I really like this story and want to thank you.
Author's reply
That's okay Fantasia. I'm glad you're enjoying this story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
Now what maggot has that Finweion twit got in his brain? Delusions of grandeur?
I think you will be needing to add a few places to that 'I wanna' slap Feanor Line'! The silly twit!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
We'll find out soon enough, Lynda. The line is slowly, but surely expanding. LOL! Thanks for leaving a comment. It's much appreciated. Hugs.
Sunny
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
I really wonder what sort of be is stuck in Fëanáro's bonnet! So he's arrested Val for treason??!? And exactly what does Fëanáro consider to be treasonous? Val falling in love with Findis - and she with him? Val doing the survey of the fire damage? Val actually doing his job on the trade delegation? Or is this some poison that Ingoldo has been dripping into Fëanáro's ears?
Also, just how does Fëanáro figure that he has any authority to arrest Valandur? If he thinks Val has betrayed the Noldorin crown, well, he is not one of Finwë's subjects. *Mind boggles while trying to figure out what passes for reason in Fëanáro's addled brain*
The job that Finwë left Fëanáro, Valandur and Intarion to do, was to get a good overview of the damage, and to get reclamation and repairs started. What Fëanáro is doing - shutting the villagers into the refugee camps - is definitely not helping, and is certainly going to be counterproductive.
Hope the message Val sends to Findis will give some good results!
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. We'll find out the answers to your questions soon enough, I promise. And Fëanáro is presuming more authority than is his to wield, but that's how he is. More is going on than meets the eye and we'll see how this is all resolved soon enough. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it very much.
someone
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
Treason!?
Now I don't have a clue what is going on, unless Fëanáro thinks that Valandur kidnapped Findis. It is bad enough that Valandur has been arrested, but there was no reason to turn everyone else away from the village. I'd really like to know if Fëanáro is working on his own or if Finwë ordered this.
It's interesting that Valandur finds trouble between the clans everywhere. Has no one noticed this before (except perhaps Ingwë) or don't they care at all?
Author's reply
Yup. Treason. Now whether Fëanáro's accusation is justified remains to be seen, as well as the reason behind the accusation. As for trouble, some people find it more easily than others even when they're not out looking for it. Thanks for leaving a review. I appreciate it very much.
Kevana
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
Whoa! What? WHAT?! You have gotta be kidding me! At least this happened to fall on a Friday so we only have to wait two days for what happens next. Because seriously! Auuurgh! XD
-Kevana
Author's reply
Nope. This is no joke. *grin* Don't worry, we'll find out what Fëanáro is about and why and how Val deals with it soon enough. Thanks for commenting (sort of). It's very appreciated.
Laer
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
by any chance was Fëanáro dropped on his head as a child? maybe a couple of times? I can not help wondering if he were to be dropped a couple of more times it may just knock some sense in him.... Siiigh. Val is handling it the best way. No one was hurt and this maybe the shake up that is needed to stop Fëanáro from ever becoming any kind of leader. :/
Author's reply
Your guess is as good as mine, Laer, but I wouldn't be surprised. Unfortunately, no one ever thought to knock some sense into him later on. We'll see what this is all about soon enough and how Val handles it. Thanks for reviewing. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 11 October 2013
· Chapter 28: From Ashes to Ashes
Yeah, it is time for Feanor to show his colors to everyone. He was a complete ass long before his oath. Finwe had better act as a king, not a father. Good job with the local backgrounds.
Author's reply
Yes, we see Fëanáro in the early stages of his arrogance. That sort of attitude didn't happen overnight, so we can see the seeds of his later fall even here before Melkor is even released from Mandos to cause trouble. We'll see how Finwë reacts to all this. I'm glad you like the local backgrounds. Thanks for letting me kmow, UTfrog. I appreciate it.
Laer
· 7 October 2013
· Chapter 27: Succoring the Fiefdoms
I can almost smell the burnt wood. :( They are making some very wise moves with the way they are handling these people. Their homes are nothing but ash; and they will need someone who will help them live for tomorrow. I am guessing that it might just be Valandur. :D
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Val will be a big help and there will be others. We'll see how things progress from here. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Larner
· 7 October 2013
· Chapter 27: Succoring the Fiefdoms
Indeed a reason for grief, realizing that this village is gone indeed. Here all will need to start anew. One good thing is that the fire will have added to the fertility of the soil, seeing that this land has been farmed steadily for a time. But it is hard to know that your beloved home is gone and all needs to be rebuilt and refurnished. So many tangible reminders of precious memories lost!
Author's reply
Very likely that will be the case, Larner, that the fire will add to the fertility of the soil. Certainly the Fiefdoms continued to thrive, as Glorfindel witnessed in "Elf, Interrupted". In fact, it's quite possible that the village he came upon was a rebuilt Apiomas. But it still does not negate the actual loss that these people suffered now.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Kevana
· 7 October 2013
· Chapter 27: Succoring the Fiefdoms
How terribly sad it is to stand where your home once was and see only destruction. It's not just a matter of losing belongings, it's like losing a part of your sense of self and purpose, too. I'm glad to know, as you said, they do rebuild eventually. Maybe the burnoff will even be good for the land, I know some environments and even certain types of trees and plants actually require an occasional wildfire to prosper.
Rainendil - what a wonderful name! It really struck a chord with me.
I wish you a beauteous week and part with a quote from the Professor that happened to pop up in my attention a few days ago, which I found particularly relevant. ;)
“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don't we consider it his duty to escape?. . .If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we're partisans of liberty, then it's our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!”
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Yes, very sad and for all the reasons you state. I'm glad you like the name Rainendil. I think it's pretty cool, too. And I've always loved this quote from the Professor and like to use it as an argument against the fantasy naysayers. Have a great week yourself. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 7 October 2013
· Chapter 27: Succoring the Fiefdoms
Even though I've seen towns around my area destroyed by tornadoes, you never get used to the shock that comes when all that's familiar and "home" is suddenly gone. The sort of mundane pace of most of this chapter really amped up the shock of finding Aipiomas utterly destroyed. Very hard times lay ahead for many, though there's also the thought that burned ground can often yield very nice regrowth. So not all is gloom, though it certainly must feel like it the Elves, for even for them, it will feel like a very long time before the new growth occurs.
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. Yes, you never do get used to the shock that comes when everything familiar is gone. But, we know that the Elves persevere and the Fiefdoms flourish, so not all is gloom. We'll see how things progress from here. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 7 October 2013
· Chapter 27: Succoring the Fiefdoms
Another great chapter with a realistic view of the scope of the disaster. The villagers have a huge job ahead of them. It will be interesting to watch everyone cope. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hi UTfrog. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Yes, they do have quite a job ahead of them, but they'll get it done. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Kevana
· 5 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Those poor people, that had to be so awful. It's bad enough to lose a house but losing entire villages? Wow. Glad Val and Co. are on the job, but somehow I think his friends might want to have further words with him about ordering them around, duty or not, heh. I'm sure they'll get it settled somehow.
And a lovely autumn evening to you, Fiondil! :)
-Kevana
Author's reply
Yes, the situation does look pretty bleak. The good news is that the one glimpse of the Southern Fiefdoms we see in "Elf, Interrupted" shows a fertile, prosperous area of Eldamar, so we know that things improve.
Val's friends are not used to seeing him in a commanding role, which is what has thrown them when he starts giving them orders, but Val's been in that kind of role simply as a teacher and so it comes naturally to him. I'm sure his friends will come around to accepting his new status eventually. Otornor don't turn their backs on one another.
Thanks for commenting, Kevana. I appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 5 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Whew! They managed to get away from Feanor. Smart move, Valandur. I liked the way he got Findis laughing before she left. Better than arguing. Now to sort out the villagers without antagonizing anyone. Seems like the refugee situation is already getting on peoples nerves.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. Val knows how to divert Findis when she's in a mood and get her to laugh. He's very good for her, as we well know. And any kind of refugee situation has to be trying for those who are forced into that sort of situation. Hopefully Val and Intarion will help make the situation better. We'll see. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
obsidianj
· 5 October 2013
· Chapter 25: Reunited
The little one was saved. Good. Now that everyone is reunited, the questions begin. What are Feanaro and Ingoldo up to? Seeing them so close and comfortable together seems suspicious. Finwe found a neat way to separate Valandur and Findis. Sounds so innocent on the surface... and then they leave Intarion behind also. Hmmm. Let's see how this all plays out.
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. Yes, the little one was saved. I would never be that cruel. As for Fëanáro and Ingoldo, well, as Ingwion said many yéni later, Ingwë always suspected there was a connection between the two but could never actually prove it, and I doubt we'll ever get the story out of Ingoldo. At any rate, we'll have to see how things play out between Finwë and Val, which is our main focus here, along with Intarion. In the end, neither Fëanáro nor Ingoldo are all that important.
Thanks for reviewing. It's always appreciated.
Laer
· 5 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Looks like they are showing what great leaders they can be. This is good, book publishing kind of good :)
Author's reply
Yes, they are, Laer. And thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it, as well as you taking the time to let me know how much you are enjoying this story.
Larner
· 5 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Well, a start has been made, and I suspect that Finwe is far more open to this possible match for his daughter than one might think. But again, he is allowing Valandur to prove his metal, which he and Intarion are proceding to do. Intarion is showing himself open to inspiration as well as advice--a good thng, as Valandur notes. And they will do better separated from Feanor, I'm certain.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. Whether Finwë is more open to the match than not remains to be seen. And Intarion is young enough not to be so set in his ways as to refuse to receive inspiration or advice from others, unlike Ingoldo or Fëanor, although in the latter's case, it's more a sense of superiority over others than anything else. At any rate, we'll see how well Intarion and Val do on their own without Fëanor breathing over their shoulders. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
Monalex
· 4 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Good chapter!! I think that Finwe likes Valandur, hahahaha. Also it must have been quite disconcerting for his otornor to be order about by Val whom they consider their equal, and now due to the circumstances he is being elevated in importance.
Finally I don't agree with Lynda saying that they would have been better if Miriel had had a headache the day of Feanaro's conception, I think that they would have been better if Miriel didn't decide to give up on life and her family and been there to raise her son not to be arrogant and hateful to anyone who is a treat for his father's love. Also they would have been better if Finwe had kept estel in that his wife would return to him.
Author's reply
Hi Monalex. Oh, I agree with you about Míriel and Finwë, except if they had done what we would all like to have seen them done none of the really interesting people, like Finrod, Finarfin, Fingolfin and Fingon would've been born. So whatever evil came from Míriel and FInwë losing estel for themselves, good also came from it. That being said, I'm still selling tickets for the Hit-Fëanor line, if you're interested. LOL!
Anyway, we'll see whether FInrwë really likes Val or not soon enough. At this point, I think he's happy to be separating Findis from Val, as I suspect he has his own plans for her. And yes, I think Val's otornor are a bit bemused by the sudden elevation of one who was probably considered the least of their little group of friends, all of whom are Noldor except Val, the token Vanya, you might say.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's very much appreciated.
Sunny
· 4 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Fëanáro certainly did not wait long before he started throwing his weight around. Smart of Val to offer up his suggestion for divvying out the work. :-)
And clearly Intarion was lucky to have Val around to prevent him getting a bad case of foot in mouth disease. And on that subject, I really don't think the farmers (and more precisely their leaders) are going to take it well when a certain young, arrogant whippersnapper who has no idea about farming starts ordering them around!
I also loved the way Val teased Findis, and his comments were probably what made her leave the place without arguing about it (which I guess Finwë realized, but Fëanáro did not, since I suspect he tends to ignore her except for when he has something to berate her for))
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. You may be right about the farmers, we'll have to wait and see what happens. And teasing Findis is just the right way to go about getting her to do something she doesn't want to do and Val is a smart cookie to figure this out so early in their relationship. That, at least, got him brownie points with Finwë, if not with Fëanáro. We'll see how things progress or not. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 4 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Hm, I rather think Finwe likes Valandur.
Please save me a place in the I wanna slap Feanor line and I still think Miriel would have done us all a favor if she had had a headache that night!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Whether Finwë liked Val or not remains to be seen. And I think you're right behind Cairistiona in the hit-Fëanor line. LOL!
Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it. Hugs back.
UTfrog
· 4 October 2013
· Chapter 26: At the Golden Spinning Wheel
Now some really hard work begins. Valandur will really learn how far the clans have drifted in more than speech. I like the villagers. Thanks.
Author's reply
Yes, he has his work cut out for him. Glad you like the villagers. They're a bit rough around the edges but they're good people. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.