Thanks, anyway, despite the calling of the bluff. You really do want me to think about the Third Age don't you? I'll work my way down through the Ages somehow--kind of like chain of custody in the O.J. Simpson murder trial or tracking Celeborn and Galadriel's movements from the First Age to the Third Age. Nothing is ever easy. Except Dumbledore is obviously gay. That made my weekend and tied up some plot holes--whoops wrong fandon (although I could say that about Aragorn too, I guess, but I won't. It was your birthday present afterall).

Thanks again and this is definitely the venue where I can admit that I was certainly inspired by your stories of scientific experimentation and method, particulary as found in your stories: The Apprentice, Cat's Paws, and Risk Assessment. I was not being overly modest to be a bit uneasy about even naming the influences, as I have never done well in science myself. (I have been fortunate to have been able to rub shoulders with some brilliant friends and relatives who were able to talk about such questions in an accessible manner.) Thanks so much for your comments.

Thanks, Klose. I am so glad that you liked it. Aule is my favorite Valar and you know I adore Feanor, especially the young Feanor. "(And the chemistry talk - phwoar! Went over my head, but I'm an idiot.)." Funny story actually: My daughter, when she was just out of high school dated a young man from a family of Indian diamond merchants. He was a lively and bright young man, who taught me several things, among them the history of Jainism, the concept of "conflict diamonds" and how artificial stones are made. (Of course, their relationship was a real Romeo and Juliet affair and not fated to be, due to religious and family pressures.) Anyway, I refreshed my memory on the process through the trusty internet. Could not leave you thinking I actually know anything about chemistry!