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| Tangled Web by daw the minstrel | 16 Review(s) |
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| ValkrieCrow | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/14/2004 |
| *Shivers* Angry Thranduil, not good. I feel a little bit sorry for Amdir, he only did what he thought was best. Orcs. Those are fun. Hope to see more soon! Author Reply: Angry Thranduil -- really scary! I feel a little sorry for Amdir too, and actually also for Legolas and Todith. They did their best but Thranduil is ticked, and he intends to make sure that they're more cautious next time. I have the next chapter almost done, so you should see a bit more of the Orcs soon! | |
| caz - baz | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/14/2004 |
| oh god! you've made me really nervous for Eilian. I can't stop thinking that something bads going to happen to him. i feel really sorry for poor old Legolas getting the run around the other night and then Todith and him getting the brunt of the king's wrath the next morning. oh well live and learn. never entrust anything like that to Amdir. i hope nothing bad does happen to Eilian. Author Reply: I guess I must have had the effect I was aiming at if you're worried, Caz-baz. :-) I feel sorry for Legolas too. Once things started to go wrong with the Dwarves, it was too late to do much about it. Poor guy. You are so right about Amdir! | |
| erunyauve | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/14/2004 |
| "The Shadow is affecting you, he reminded himself. You know what that feels like; the Valar know you have felt it often enough. Do not give way to despair this time." This is definitely one of Sauron's most effective weapons - he really doesn't have to use force in many cases because his enemies defeat themselves. I loved the bit with Radagast feeding the squirrel. And, as cute as squirrels might be, I can't resist wanting to see Galadriel with a bowl of black squirrel stew. I have to feel sorry for Amdir, who really didn't do anything wrong. The only way to avoid the trouble would have been to round up the dwarves and imprison them before the wedding started (and I'm sure that's the solution Thranduil would have preferred). And you can't just leave us (or Eilian) there... . Author Reply: I always feel bad when I think of Eilian in despair. It just seems so unnatural for him. But it was the weapon of choice, and when the Nazgul arrive in a few years, it will be back again. Poor Amdir. He was the only one who got chewed out and didn't get to pass it along to somebody else. Well, maybe Thorin. :-) | |
| Tapetum Lucidum | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/13/2004 |
| As much trouble as Eilian was having shaking off his stiffness and the shadow - the other, less accustomed elves must have felt it much worse. It is always nice when a sibling and commander gives you a compliment. He should remember it next time he serves with Legolas. You did a good job describing how the members of the council react to the darkness. Some much more strongly than others. Glorfindel staying with Elrond made sense - as did Eilian taking point on the scouting mission. Having the elves use warg calls as signals was a stroke of genius on your part - very appropriate in the dark woods. You left them with orcs coming?! That was very mean. Poor Legolas and Todith. They are in big trouble. It was the King's decision to leave the Naugrim alone but I wouldn't remind him of that right now... I am quite sure there will be no spiders left in that part of the forest after today. I agree with Thranduil - throw them in the dungeons. You have done very well leading up to this point in all of your stories. Your consistent mentioning of limited resources and a community that has been under seige for a long time is a good way to rationlize Thranuil's request for treasure. It makes him seem a lot less greedy and more like an excellent monarch. Author Reply: I imagine that Ithilden and Eilian felt sort of like outsiders at a gathering of the powerful, so they must have drawn even more comfort than usual from one another's presence. Also, they can probably read one another well by this point, so that must have helped in coordinating things. Legolas says that reminding Thranduil of his part in the decision making was NOT an option. He has more sense than that, thank you very much. I love Thranduil and I didn't want him to look greedy. That other story was from the Dwarves' point of view after all! | |
| Rose Sared | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/13/2004 |
| The tension builds. The eviction in the south is no doubt weighing heavily on Thranduil's land sense and making him even less tolerant of intrusion than usual, with his forest so stained by shadow it is not really surprising that he reflects its unease in his behaviour. Poor home guard, poor Dwarves - good old Bilbo to the rescue. Muchly enjoying this, as ever. Rose Author Reply: I like how all the Thranduil fans make excuses for him. ;-) Dwarven imprisonments coming up soon. Maybe only Thorin in the next chapter. Depends on how long it takes me to toss Sauron out. Btw, I started reading Jodancingtree's story and am really enjoying it. Thanks for the recommendation. I've had no access to my computer for most of the late afternoon and evening but now I hope to get back to it. | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/13/2004 |
| May I just say I'd rather be with Eilian and Ithilden near Dol Guldur, than with Legolas facing his father's wrath? Sauron is nothing after a dressing down by Adar! I like that not even Curunir could make Glorfindel leave. He has a job to do, darn it, and he didn't come back from the dead to bandy words with Saruman. The forest descriptions are well done. I like the use of descriptive language when it is used in this way - the forest seems alive, like a character in the story. I do not envy Legolas having to go escort stubborn dwarves back to his father. See, maybe it was him drinking with Galion when they escaped - he was escapting the dressings down he received! Author Reply: Ah. I have my computer back. Thranduil is rather impressive when he's ticked. I don't imagine Legolas had a fun time. Glad you liked the forest stuff. I needed some physical sense of what the shadow was doing there. As for who was the head guard, you'll be the first to know! | |
| Estel_Mi_Olor | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/13/2004 |
| Oh, Daw, what a terrible cliff hanger! The White Council and Eilian's Patrol are on the verge of an Orc attack, and the chapter ends! How sad! But that was very exciting! Great things happen whenever powerful people get together. Poor Radagast must feel absolutely horrible about the nature in that area. Well, no more than the Wood Elves, so nevermind. I can't wait to read about Ithilden's homecoming and the look on Alifrin's face when he tells her why he missed Tonduil's wedding. Speaking of which, Thranduil really knows how to make people uncomfortable, doesn't he? Poor Todith and Legolas. At least they gave Amdir a piece of their minds. I'm very glad he is the one who will have to bring the Dwarven leader to Thranduil. I can't wait for the next chapter, this is a very exciting fic! Keep writing! Author Reply: Have you read Jodancingtree's story "Following the Other Wizard"? It's AU in the sense that Frodo does not sail west but seeks healing in ME and it's Radagast who does it, taking him on his trips to treat ailing birds and baby foxes. It's quite good. Her Radagast is much more competent than the one I show. I'm looking forward to showing Ithilden coming home too. Alfirin will be happy to see him, but I think Todith will be happier! And Ithilden will not be pleased by all the dwarf stuff. There's no one like Thranduil for chewing people out. Glad you're having a good time, Estel. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/13/2004 |
| Woah, that was a tense chapter! I’m glad you wrote this part of the White Council goings-on from Eilian’s POV. Obviously the others must be feeling the weight of Shadow but as I said before I think it drives home exactly how bad it is when we see how Eilian feels. The south is where he spends most of his time and no matter how difficult it is down there, the warriors must inevitably get used to it to the extent that home is what seems unusual. For him then to find the area near Dol Guldur unbearable really shows how horrific it is. He’s becoming quite an expert at recognising the signs of the Shadow affecting his mood and shrugging it off. I imagine having experienced utter despair before he never wants to feel that again. It must be so difficult for the patrol not to kill any Orcs than come close. I’d say it goes against every instinct they have. And I can’t imagine how it must be for them to know what is going to happen and yet have to try to have patience. So much depends on none of them putting a foot wrong. It’s a good thing that twit Tinár isn’t there. I like that Eilian doesn’t know any more than we do exactly how the Council are going to try to drive Sauron out and what effect that will have on the Shadow over Mirkwood. We can all anticipate impatiently together. I mean, I know the eventual outcome, obviously but I can’t wait to see *how* you’re going to have them do it. And even more, I can’t wait to see the aftermath! I thought it was shocking that there was no birdsong to greet the dawn. I think that sometimes, no matter how good the writing, I probably tend to read about the effects of the Shadow without taking it in because I can’t really relate to it. But you have such a gift for adding details like the trees moaning, the eerie light and absence of any birds that always make me stop and shudder to think what it must be like, especially for Elves who are so closely tied to Arda. Eilian seems to revel in Ithilden’s trust in the same way that Legolas does in his father’s. I’m so pleased that Ithilden realises Eilian’s talents and the fact that he is more used to this type of situation than he is himself. But then, I’m not surprised. Ithilden didn’t get where he is by ignoring people who can give valuable advice. I loved the little descriptions of the other Council members. I admit I cringed a bit at Gandalf’s joints creaking but really, it goes to show how elderly he must outwardly appear and makes it even more amazing then to see the power he possesses. I don’t know why poor old Radagast had to be there. O.k., so they need his power but like Eilian says, he must really be feeling the pain of the forest and absence of animals and birds so deeply. That black squirrel is clearly not used to be hand-fed elvish waybread!! What fun it must be for novices to learn all the bird calls, squirrel sounds, and apparently even Warg howls that they’ll need to use as signals! Good old Gelmir! I suppose he’s been in the south as long as Eilian and can recognise the effect of Shadow not only in himself but in others too. It was *so* good of him to try and take Galelas’ mind off his anxiety. Hey, Glorfindel is like Elrond’s very own “keeper”. I never thought of it like that before! Eilian still seems happiest when he has something to actually do. Preferably something dangerous. It must kill him to be just waiting around. What a great image of the White Council just…standing there. Methinks there’s magic afoot! Orcs? Orcs? Do they not have enough to be doing??! “Shall I assume that the warriors of Home Guard are completely incompetent or would you prefer to admit that they were badly deployed?” Yikes! Poor Todith. What a thing to wake up to this morning. I’m kind of glad that Todith apparently ate Amdir. Yeah, there was the threat of spiders but I’m inclined to agree that the task of keeping the Dwarves away from the wedding shouldn’t exactly have been very difficult. It’s a pity, though, that no one was brave enough to tell Thranduil that he should never assume or he’ll make an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’… Actually, I don’t really know what to make of the whole thing. I mean, it’s all very believable and quite funny when seen from the point of view of the Dwarves but when looking at it from the Elves’ perspective I can see how Thranduil would be appalled at what looks like the incompetence of the Home Guard. Like, technically they had cause to question the Dwarves once they intruded on the feast and then things wouldn’t have got quite so out of hand. *sigh* It’s such an odd little situation. I notice Thranduil isn’t taking any share in the blame, despite the fact that he’s solely responsible for utterly confusing the poor Dwarves so that they panicked and got lost. I do think the spider thing was clever of you – it’s the most plausible reason for the guards not being where they were supposed to be. I feel sorry for Todith but I must admit that I’m enjoying royally pi$$ed-off Thranduil. Speaking of feeling sorry for people, poor Thorin is about to have Amdir and maybe Legolas, both of whom are still smarting from reprimands, descend upon him! And then he has to face Thranduil… I think I’d prefer to be eaten by a spider. Really great chapter, daw. More please! Oh, and maybe more Ithilden…?!:-) Author Reply: Eilian's bouts of despair always make me feel bad. I think he's a naturally cheerful, optimistic sort, which is why he can manage in the south so long, so, as you say, if even he feels the effect of shadow, they must be pretty bad. The thought of being caught in despair again must horrify him, so he really watches against it in himself and in his warriors. You made me laugh at the idea of Tinar being with this patrol. That IS a pretty appalling picture. I hope you're not disappointed with what I decided to do about the Council and Sauron's exit. I actually have that drafted. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to show Elves chasing spiders and an invisible hobbit. I love Ithilden's trust in Eilian too. I think he's come to appreciate Eilian more over the years. But waiting is VERY difficult for Eilian. Patience is not his strong suit. I just started reading Jodancingtree's story "Following the Other Wizard," which is about Radagast and found it really fascinating. I wish I'd read it before I wrote this because I'd have had a better idea of the possibilities of him. She treats him as a healer who is really in touch with the animals. I am still giggling at the idea of someone telling Thranduil that "assume" thing. I had never heard it before. Something tells me the king would not be ammused. Nilmandra was actually the one who suggested the guards could be off hunting spiders. I knew they had to be close by because in The Hobbit they now come and carry off the dwarves, but she suggested that should be where the guards were. It worked nicely, I thought. I have to agree with your closing wish to see more of Ithilden. Later. I think there's plenty for all of Thranduil's sons to do in this complicated tale. | |
| nessie | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/13/2004 |
| Now, how would you pronounce Eilian? I've been wondering that for awhile, and I want to get the pronunciation right before I get the wrong one stuck in my head forever. I hope Curunir gets a kick right in the rear. He deserves it, the obnoxious little sh*t. Wow. Sorry for that. Aww, and it wouldn't be complete without the brothers wishing eachother to be careful! It's so touching! Love it! But oh no! Orcs! Now Thranduil...Heheh, I love him. I agree with him, the guards should have kept the dwarves on the path. But then, he shouldn't have been so harsh with Todith. Poor Todith, I bet he's wishing that Thranduil be back now more than ever! Loved this chapter as always. I can't wait till the actual battle though, and if somebody's going to realize that there is food missing, being stolen unknowingly by good ol' Mr. B. Baggins. Update asap! ~nessie~ Author Reply: Well, I pronounce it "Ee-lee-un" but Tolkien would probably pronounce it "Ay-lee-ahn." Pronounce it however you like. He'll answer to it anyway. :-) Curunir was really dreadful because he betrayed a trust. He was supposed to help ME like Gandalf did. Thranduil must be hell on wheels to work for. And it must be tough for him and his sons to separate out their personal lives from their roles as warriors and king. I'm gradually working my way to having dwarves in the dungeons and a hobbit haunting the palace. | |
| sofia | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/13/2004 |
| Really good chapter. I hope Eilian or anyone on his patrol doesnt get hurt or killed by those orcs. -sofia Author Reply: Glad you liked it, Sofia. Things do look dangerous near Dol Guldur, but the Elves are hoping to avoid any full pitched battle. They just want to boot Sauron out. | |