Laer
· 23 September 2013
· Chapter 23: The Forests of Oromë
Hurrah for the kitty ;) It was a smart cat, with good temperament. I mean it did not get mad and eat them for being so slow or weak (well to it :D ) Glad that they found the resting station no matter who it belongs to. Hopefully both will get the needed rest and she will become well with his 'first aide'.
Author's reply
Hi Laer. Yes, it's a very smart cat. I'm sure Oromë was very careful as to who to send as his emissary. We'll see how Val and Findis fare alone and how they are eventually rescued. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's much appreciated.
Cairistiona
· 23 September 2013
· Chapter 23: The Forests of Oromë
What a surprise... a wild cat there to help! I love how you describe his rather inscrutable gaze. He ended up being a good guide--nothing like Gollum, thank goodness. *g* I'm very much enjoying the budding romance.
Hope your trip was relaxing and refreshing!
Author's reply
Hi Cairistiona. The trip was very relaxing and refreshing, thank you. I had a great time.
Unlike Gollum, the cat owes its allegiance to Oromë, so it's not likely to mess up. *grin* And I'm glad you are enjoying the budding romance. We'll be seeing more of it as the story progresses. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 22 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
It seems the little one is saved. I hope she makes it to the other side before the fire catches up to her. The poor guard captain when he sees the horses without his mistress and Valandur. I hope Findis and Valandur make it back before Ormendil has to explain their absence.
Finally, Valandur and Findis have some time alone without anyone snooping around. Seems like they make good use of it.
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. We'll learn more of the fate of the little on soon enough. And I do feel sorry for the captain. If Elves can suffer heart attacks, I'm sure he'll have one when he sees the horses. As for Valandur and Findis, we'll just have to wait and see what develops between them. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 22 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
Oh, no. The fire is nearly upon them and now they have a missing child. I just hope they find her and that the time spent is not against them in fighting the fire. These Southern fiefdoms seem to be very rural and conservative. I can imagine how much they appreciate a daughter of a king they have never seen in a situation like this. If they are used to always have men in authority it will take some doing to teach them otherwise.
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. We'll see how well they succeed in finding the missing elfling and what happens afterwards. And the Fiefdoms are indeed very rural and very conservative, but they're not stupid people and they will get a clue as to what's what and all before long. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 22 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
first and foremost have a great time in the mountains. Hope you took something to feed the trolls under the bridge ;)
Wow! Lots and lots in such a small time frame; but well with a fire in the area I guess it is a long time frame. So they got the village off their duffs and fighting something they did not think to worry about. Good job. They found the youngling. Very good job, and even better they saved her and the horses the only and best way that they could. And now they are alone..alone and unchaperoned in the forest. Or are they? I am sure there is a Maia around someplace watching over them ;)
and 'bout time they figured out what everyone else can see. LOL
Author's reply
Hi Laer. I actually came across only one bridge that was troll-worthy, but didn't meet any, for which I am grateful. Would've loved to have met an Elf or two but no such luck. *sigh* Anyway, I did have a great time. Thanks.
As for our intrepid duo... we'll have to see how the romance continues to develop, but hopefully this time alone will help cement the relationship. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Laer
· 22 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
"They know nothing of kings and care even less for their daughters." Wow, that had to sting her. Going from respect and admiration to "yeah, yeah we see you. Show us the real person who is charge. Is that him?" But surely Findis knows that Valandur would never treat her in such a manner? Or maybe it is to show her that he would never. They say God works in mysterious ways, perhaps he isn't the only one who does. :)
Author's reply
You may be right about that Laer. *grin* I suspect that Valandur is merely pointing out the fact that this far from the seat of power, people just don't tend to pay much mind to rulers or anyone else. They're only concerned about what's in front of them and how it affects them. And so it goes. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.
Laer
· 22 September 2013
· Chapter 20: Nordomas
Wow, where have I been to miss this many reviews? My apologies Fiondil, your stories are too good not to say as much.
Looks like Valandur will make a fine leader in the future. Findis isn't so shabby at it herself. Perhaps the powers that be want to make sure other's know this of them. :)
Author's reply
Well, we know from other stories that Valandur is high in the High King's confidence, so I guess he does succeed in convincing others of his worth, or if they refused to acknowledge it, he let them go. Besides, in the end, both Finwë and Fëanáro cease to matter.
Anyway, thanks for reviewing. Late is better than never. *grin*
Sunny
· 22 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
I see another couple of items were crossed off the Valar's to-do list here: Rescuing the little elleth (which may have been a last minute addition to the list anyway, since young children are unpredictable), and getting Findis and Valandur alone together in a place away from snoopy courtiers. And there was this big, handy forest just nearby... ;-)
So Valandur gets to rescue Findis (and I did notice his little slip of the tongue here) and show off his experience in living off the land - and Findis gets to learn something quite new, in an environment that is new to her. I guess she will learn quite quickly - she is a smart cookie - and when she gets a bit of distance to this experience, she may also enjoy telling others about it. ;-)
Hope you have fun in the mountains! :-)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. That list is getting longer by the minute. LOL! But yes, it does seem as if the Valar are keeping tabs on things from afar. We'll see in the next chapter, to what extent.
And I had a great time in the mountains, thank you, and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I very much appreciate it.
Larner
· 21 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
Well, the two of them have done well by themselves, I must say. And it appears that the Valar are giving them the chance to extend their feelings for one another. At least the two of them are now being open about the mutual attraction. Now, to see how long it takes for them to get out of Lord Orome's woods and find their people once more. And the little girl is safe!
Author's reply
Hi Larner. I wouldn't go so far to say that the Valar arranged this extended holiday for these two, but I'm sure they are pleased that they have this time together. We'll see how they fare in the Forest before they are rescued. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Larner
· 20 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
Whether or not we like the idea, people tend to defer more to men than to women. I'm glad Valandur spoke up. And I see that he is letting his attraction be seen.
Author's reply
It is a sad fact of life, Larner, and in a conservative society, even more so. At least Findis is smart enough not to take offense and is willing to work within the bounds of what is considered acceptable. And Valandur is finally getting his nerve up, as we will see. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
bookworm
· 20 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
*amused* My but he IS taking some interesting liberties there! (although I note he was calling her 'melda' a few chapters ago and she either didn't notice or didn't call him on it) Ah shared life-threatening circumstances, how they affect emotions =p Hope that little girl made it alright!
Author's reply
Hi bookworm. Yes, it is amusing. I'm sure having thought he had lost Findis Valandur feels entitled to take some minor liberties. At least Findis doesn't seem to object. We'll find out what happened to the little girl soon enough. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I really appreciate it.
Kevana
· 20 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
What a thrilling chapter! They saved the little one, escaped the fire, and Valandur seems to have finally caught on to how Findis feels about him. Plus they get a little unchaperoned alone time to get to know each other without someone sending Val on one errand or another, or dragging Findis off to a meeting. Ha!
Do be careful not to get carted off by any trolls or goblins, Fiondil. But if you are, I expect to hear all about it once you escape them. *grin* Hope you enjoy your trip!
-Kevana
Author's reply
Yes, there's quite a bit of adventure going on in this chapter. We'll see how far the romance gets. I'm sure they both will appreciate the alone time together. *grin*
Thanks for your good wishes. Never met any trolls or goblins while in the mountains, but you never know. And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it.
Cairistiona
· 20 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
Aw, adventure, peril, romance! I was holding my breath as they raced for the bridge... I do hope the little one made it to safety.
Have a terrific time in the mountains, Bilbo! *g*
Author's reply
Thanks, Cairistiona. I hope to.
We'll see how all have fared eventually. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always appreciated.
UTfrog
· 20 September 2013
· Chapter 22: Into the Fire
First, I hope you have a great weekend with good company and wonderful weather. I absolutely love this chapter. Glad Valandur was smart enough to get them to the water. Please tell me that the elves will not consider them married or have-to-be-married due to their time alone. They are off to such a good beginning in their courting. It is sweet to watch. I also feel very sorry for the guard captain. He has a lot of explaining to do. Thanks
Author's reply
Thanks, UTfrog. I'm looking forward to the trip.
I promise that nothing will happen to make people think these two are already married. Believe me, the road to romance will be a rocky one as we will see. And I don't envy the poor captain either. Thanks for reviewing. I very much appreciate it.
Kevana
· 16 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
That is always what they teach the firefighter trainees, that children will not understand what's happening and might try to hide from fire instead of running from it. A frightfully illustrated lesson here. I hope they can find the little one before any damage is done.
Aw, bless. People and their social mores. It is what it is, I suppose, and you find solutions where you can find them and let experience speak for itself.
Today is one of those days I am particularly grateful to escape to your wonderful characters. Fiction makes more sense than real life. Sigh. Take care, Fiondil.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. Lots of people have days like that, including me, so I'm glad to be of service. And you're right that sometimes fiction (especially fantasy fiction) makes more sense than real life. And that just shows how pathetic we all are. *LOL!*
People are people, and you do just have to find solutions where you can find them and hope for the best. At least Valandur is savvy enough to recognize this and warn Findis about it. We'll see how successful they are in finding the little tot and what happens afterwards in the next chapter.
Thanks for leaving a comment. It's very much appreciated.
Twoflower2
· 16 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
I've been faithfully following the new exploits of Valandur. I haven't read other stories about him yet, so I don't exactly know just who he ended with. Hope it's Findis, they seem to have a good rapport :) I was intrigued by the appearance of backward elf peasants in the last few chapters. Usually it's superior elf nobles, both in canon and fanfic. Thank you for brightening up my sad bureaucratic Mondays and Fridays!
Author's reply
Hi Twoflower. Anyone who's read my "Elf, Interrupted" series will know whom Valandur married, but as you have not done so, then I won't spoil the surprise. And, not all Elves can be nobly born or warriors. There would have been cooks and cleaners and farmers and merchants and smiths and what all for a society to function. I enjoyed showing a slice of life from the lower classes since most stories, as you say, deal mostly with the Elf nobles. I'm glad I am able to brighten your sad bureaucratic week. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Cairistiona
· 16 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
Oh dear. Why do I think this search for the child won't end well, or at least only after much peril for all concerned?! I liked the detail about several of the houses having blue shutters... that's just the sort of confusing directions people give first responders when they're rattled and so worried they're not thinking straight. Hopefully Findis and Valandur won't have to do multiple blue-shuttered house-to-house searches, but I can well imagine how difficult it might be to find this small, frightened child.
Author's reply
We'll see just how much trouble they get in looking for the child, Cairistiona. The fire isn't done with them yet, but it will bring about new developments in their relationship. And yes, people who are rattled don't think straight. I bet the elleth said to herself after Valandur and Findis were already gone and she was a bit calmer, "I wonder if I told them the THIRD house with blue shutters?" *grin* Anyway, whether the child is frightened or not remains to be seen. Thanks for leaving a review. It's very much appreciated.
UTfrog
· 16 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
So, extreme conservatives everywhere won't listen to females. This is so sad. I do like the way Findis will listen and the way Valandur is assuming authority. Thanks
Author's reply
Well, that's the way it is, UTfrog, but at least Findis is willing to accept the situation and work with it through Valandur instead of against it. That's a plus in her favor. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Sunny
· 16 September 2013
· Chapter 21: Heading South
Interesting. I get the impression that the Southern Fiefdoms have their own, distinct (and VERY conservative) society instead of reflecting the society to which they nominally belongs. I guess Valandur is going to report on this as well, so that Ingwë will have an idea of the way each of the FOUR Elven societies in Valinor work. And interact. And Ingwë clearly will need to exert his authority here as well.
Findis is a smart cookie - I guess that now that Valandur has pointed out to her just how much information that is available through body language, she will make a point of learning about it very quickly. And make use of it - she is a princess, after all, and it would give her an edge in the inevitable political intrigues in har father's court. ;)
Author's reply
Hi Sunny. Yes, the Southern Fiefdoms is more conservative as most communities in the country are compared to cities. Findis is no one's fool and she'll take what Valandur tells her an use it to her advantage and she's smart enough to know that she doesn't know everything and is willing to learn as we see here. Thanks for commenting. It's much appreciated.
obsidianj
· 14 September 2013
· Chapter 20: Nordomas
It seems as if Findis and Intarion were both sent out of the way to "safety", but ended up in the thick of things. Well-intentioned fathers...
And Valandur was "inspired" to think of something effective to fight the fires. I have the feeling this whole fire fighting exercise is orchestrated by the Valar to teach the elves a thing or two about working together.
Author's reply
Hi obsidianj. You may be correct about that, though I am sure the Valar have more than one motive behind their actions, as we will see later on. We'll see how everyone fares and what comes of this in later chapters.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it very much.
obsidianj
· 14 September 2013
· Chapter 19: The Southern Fiefdoms
What now? First a hurricane, then a storm in the South fiefdom that sparks a wildfire. I'm surprised the Noldor react as if something like this never happened. Did they never have wildfires? Or did the Valar protect them to the point that natural disasters never touched them? The Teleri at least seemed to know what to do, but the reaction of the Noldor is a bit puzzling.
Author's reply
Hi obsidian. The Elves have lived in Aman only a few hundred years and it's doubtful that they experienced wildfires before this, at least judging by their reactions. Obviously the Valar have been sheltering them, at least up to now. They may be curious to see what the Elves will do. Remember, the Elves are a complete mystery to the Valar, and that's more true here than later on.
Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.
Larner
· 13 September 2013
· Chapter 20: Nordomas
I would say that Valandur was indeed being inspired. The Valar are obviously taking his name seriously, and see the potential in him that they wish to see used to the benefit of all of the Eldar of Aman.
Now, to work!
Author's reply
Indeed he was, Larner, and we'll learn more about that later on. Thanks for reviewing. It's very much appreciated.
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 13 September 2013
· Chapter 20: Nordomas
Well, you definitely know how to wake me up on a Friday morning, Atto. :) Sorry, I've backslid in reviewing *again*, but the sheer awesomeness of Valandur here is sweeping me up - Findis is one *lucky* girl. Ah, elleth. Nis. Whatever. :) I'm besotted with Valandur so, so much though - almost enough to make Thrani jealous, can you believe it O.o *huggles my Thranduil*
Well. Almost enough. :P
And speaking of love in the air - *takes up chant* Intarion loves Lirulin! :D
YAY! I knew that had to come round sooner or later. Hehehe.
Best for last...the collective expressions of everyone when Valandur suggested the inspired 'backburning' must have been some degree of "WTF"...lol.
I love how he's growing into his own and showing he's becoming the sort of ellon worthy of marrying Findis (Not that he wasn't to begin with, even as a humble Loremaster - I doubt Findis would have fallen for someone *un*worthy - but now others are beginning to see it too).
I adored the chapters in Alqualonde, btw. (I love this whole story so far, obviously I haven't been able to put it down, but the description of Alqualonde fascinated me. :) )
Wouldn't it be nice to have some water from Alqualonde to put out the fire? Or perhaps a certain lake in Valmar?
Anyway, happy Friday the 13th, for what it's worth, and I hope it's a lovely day for you, Atto. *hugs muchly*
Tye-melin,
Kaylee
Author's reply
Hi Kaylee. I'm glad you are still reading and enjoying this story and found the description of Alqualondë fascinating. Valandur is indeed growing into his own and we'll see how he continues to do so over the course of the rest of the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Have a great Friday the 13th yourself.
Kevana
· 13 September 2013
· Chapter 20: Nordomas
Finwë's fighting a losing battle if he thinks he can keep Findis anywhere but precisely where she intends to be. :P I don't believe she's going to be very happy with her father over this. But in any case it looks like she and the rest of the crew are in precisely the right place to fight the fire no matter the Noldoran's (albeit well-intended and understandable) machinations.
Glad Valandur got that little moment of inspiration. Yes, fight this fire by setting MORE things on fire! That had to sound so utterly insane. I love it. This scene illustrates one of those great moments where something extremely counterintuitive happens that ends up being truly awesome, ex: the first person who ever looked at a lobster and said "You know what, I'm going to eat that." Oromë must hate to lose any of his trees, but at the same time if it's for the purpose of educating the Elves I'm sure he'd let it happen, so I guess we'll see what happens with the forest.
Intarion has a girl-friend, Intarion has a girl-friend! *grin*
Thanks for the great update, Fiondil! Hard to believe it is almost fall, especially with the weather still so warm, but I am dying for sweaters and pretty leaves and cool nights and pumpkin-flavored everything. You have a spectacular weekend and watch out for flying monkeys.
-Kevana
Author's reply
Hi Kevana. It does look as if Findis and Valandur are where they need to be. We'll see how successful they are in carrying out the task of saving the Fiefdoms and Oromë's trees. Thanks for commenting and have a great weekend yourself. And yes, I will definitely watch out for flying monkeys. They still scare the living daylights out of me.
Cairistiona
· 13 September 2013
· Chapter 20: Nordomas
In reading this, it struck me just how difficult--nearly impossible--it must have been to fight wildfires in the days before modern techniques like fire retardant and water drops were possible. But like now, nothing is more effective than a shift in the wind and a good hard rain. Somehow, though, I don't think they'll get each, so thank goodness at least for Valandur's inspiration about back burning. That the entire chapter had me figiting and muttering, 'Hurry!!!!' throughout means the suspense was very well written. *g*
Author's reply
I imagine it must've been harrowing for people and far more dangerous than it is today. I'm glad you found the chapter suspenseful, Cairistiona. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.