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| Good Enough by The Karenator | 11 Review(s) |
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| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/2/2005 |
| I've been away for a few days - and have come back to so many treats. Not the least being two whole chapters of something that is more than Good Enough. I wonder how much time Seregon has had to put into tact training over his friendship with Aldamir. Little, I suspect and none of that in romantic tact - so he is doing very well. The atmosphere in the forest is so thick you could almost cut it - between tropical heat and imminent thunder and spider-created tension and frustrated romance, the tension is zinging in the air. The naked-elf-in-water interlude was greatly needed by all! Poor Aldamir. Yet, at the same time, standing back all prickly and hurt - taking the word of no-one but the pretty elf - is not a move likely to untangle the situation. And neither is feeling responsible for every action and omission since the beginning. Tree is great. Close enough to be able to horse around, yet able to have a bit of distance and an awareness of what is going on outside the hothouse of the Stronghold. I hope Aldamir can let go of his need to contain his feelings enough to listen to what is being said. And the spiders! Why do I get a feeling that there is more to their sudden burst of intelligence than there should be? I hope I'm anthropomorphising. Author Reply: Welcome home! We missed you! Seregon would be pleased that you find him tactful. I imagine he would say that he's about as tactful as a warg in a tu-tu. But his heart is in the right place. It's tough to see someone you care about so hurt. And this situation is not something that happens everyday to Aldamir. He's been so cautious through the years that this is a real kick in the teeth. This is the hottest summer anyone can remember. If the Elves are suffering from the heat, I can only imagine how awful it's been for the humans. But a nice swim helped cool us all off. I think. :>) Aldamir is still suffering the shock and hurt of suddenly finding out that his love had been misplaced. He's been so busy with the spider situation that he's not really had time to digest everything that's happened. That's good and bad. Hopefully when he regains some of his balance, he'll find a direction. Tree is not overly impressed with titles. But he's a loyal subject and friend to the House of Oropher. Aldamir might have to race him to beating the stuffing out of Calith. I don't think Tree tolerates fools gladly and Calith is certainly not one of his favorite people. The spiders in The Hobbit were chatty little critters. And Shelob could turn a nasty phrase. I think it's the nature of the beast to have some intelligence, though I don't think they were college material. I still think the spiders mainly operated on instinct. Seregon was shocked that they had 'any' smarts at all. We hates.s.s.s them spiders! Thanks so much, Bodkin, for reading and reviewing. I'm so glad you're home! I hope your trip was for pleasure and that you enjoyed it. Karen | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2005 |
| Well now! Weellll nooow! What have we here? Elves frolicking in the water? Oh my...... Seregon is not only a supportive relative, he's a good, steadfast friend, and Aldamir needs him right now. I was glad to see the Commander slow down enough to actually listen and talk to his cousin, even tho' he wasn't too thrilled with the subject matter. And Tree...well, he's wonderful and knows the royal family so well; I feel much better having him around (such a fountain of information, and I agree, based on what he's observed, the betrothal of "that elf" and Elenna doesn't make any sense. I still smell a rat...a pretty rat!) Anyway, Tree is cool! I especially liked Seregon's opinions about his cousin's abilities as THE commander of the troops of the realm. He had some very deep insight into the abilities and strengths of Aldamir. Of course, right now Aldamir figures there is not a worse failure in all of Arda and he (and the realm) would be better off commanding a troop of squirrels! :-) Silly, sweet, heartsore elf... Spiders...creepy...clickety...smelly...ugh! *covers eyes* Are they dead yet? You do a really fine battle, Karen. I was very uh...impressed (translate to jealous) with the descriptions and strategies...and talking....hissing....slimey....spiders....ick! The whole day was very tense and the weather didn't help either. You also write a thunderstorm pretty violently, too! :-) I worried some about Aldamir's troops catching up with the main body of *yuck* before they got to Erelas - lots of tension at that point, too. Really well done! So, HOW many people are keeping an eye on "that elf" now? I wonder what Aldamir will say when he realizes what his baby brother and young cousin have planned? I think the boys need to enlist Tree...he would help! LOL Great chapter, Karen...lots of action...lots of wet elves (uh, sorry!)...lots of gross arachnids which are now thankfully spider-ka-bobs on the pit! YEAH! go elves! (uh, so sorry..long day...) linda Author Reply: LOL! Linda, what a great review. I chuckled all the way through it. Seregon is a good friend. Actually, he and Aldamir are more like brothers than cousins. They grown up together and know one another quite well. Seregon is as offended as Aldamir about the Elenna business. He can't for the life of him see why Elenna would chose 'that elf' over Aldamir. And I don't think he likes to lose and this looks like a challenge to him. Aldamir's been hard to recruit to his team, but he's trying. Seregon's heart is in the right place. Tree isn't likely to let this pass either. He's devoted to the king and his family. He was completely devoted to Oropher and it just kills him to see anything happen to any of Oropher's kin. And you're right that he's a good source of information. Tree's been living in this forest since the lights first came on. Seregon is not an unbiased source, but he does see Aldamir's strengths as a commander. No one works more closely with Aldamir and he's seen how the warriors respond to him. Aldamir instills loyalty naturally. He's loyal to his troops and they are in return. Yep, at the moment, Aldamir can't see anything but what he considers his own failures. I'm so glad that you like the battle! What a nice compliment. I admit that I had some help in tightening up the scene and turning up the tension. Meckinock is very helpful beta. Her red pen was busy throughout that part. After I dumped paragraphs and shifted dialogue, it was much better. I love thunderstorms! I love the way the air shifts and the wind picks up until the leaves shiver and whirl. I love the sound of thunder rolling over the mountains. Now, I don't like them when they get so strong that tornados are possible. Don't like tornados. Seems like everybody and their brother--literally--are keeping an eye on 'that elf'. Everyone can see that something is wrong...but Aldamir. He's too busy with his broken heart and a forest full of spiders. Maybe someone will figure out what Calith is up to. Thank you so much for your kind words about this chapter. The wet elves are especially pleased that you found them...pleasing. :>) Legolas is reporting next. Karen | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2005 |
| Your description of the heat, humidity, and composty aroma of the woods made me want to jump into the swimming hole with Aldamir and the boys. Well, all right, that wasn't the only reason. Tree is quite the information broker. I suppose when you're around long enough to remember wiping Oropher's nose, you learn a few things. Too bad Aldamir isn't ready to listen. I thought Seregon's statement that he's looking for Aldamir, not peace, was interesting. Why is Seregon not seeking peace, I wonder? Because he's already found it or he's stopped looking? It's nice to see Aldamir from Seregon's perspective. I bet the Commander doesn't see himself as a natural leader; certainly not at the moment. The movement to battle was nicely orchestrated; in fact I felt it was improved by some musical accompaniment. I hope you don't mind that I turned on the "Gladiator" soundtrack. I liked the little scene between Seregon and the young warrior, when Seregon stopped himself from scolding the boy "as he would have Daeron." LOL. Tell Dot I like Pinot Noir. Author Reply: Oh yeah, sure, you just wanted to cool off! Ha! However, I'd can't say I blame you. I like to play in the water games myself. Tree has been around those woods since the sun came up the first time. He knows nearly everyone and what's happening. Not that he's nosey, he's just been around so long that he can't help but know who's who. Nah, Aldamir wasn't much interested in hearing anything about Elenna at that moment. He's distressed enough that her name keeps coming up. That's an interesting question about Seregon seeking peace. Any of the above, I guess. At the time I was writing this, and was tinkering about in Seregon's head, the feeling I remember was that he had not gone to the rock that night to find peace, but to find Aldamir because he was worried about him. This is probably not a huge statement about Seregon over all, but just one that fit the moment. He was not thinking about what he wanted at the time; he was thinking about what Aldamir needed. How's that sound? Aldamir has been a good and competent commander, but he's not feeling it at the moment. He feels like the biggest screw up on the planet. I imagine the battle scene could only be enhanced if you turned up the music to Gladiator so loud that you couldn't read. :>) However, thinking of Russel Crowe in a leather skirt is terribly distracting to me. I'm glad you liked the scene...thanks to my advisors it turned out a whole lot better. When Daeron pledges his faith, Aldamir will have to see that Daeron is posted way far away from his older brother. Can you imagine the lectures? Of course, Aldamir will have to do the same. A case of Thanks for all your help. Karen | |
| Leaward | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2005 |
| Another good chapter! Your description of the rock and Seregon thinking of it as "the Gray King's Pool" is wonderful, as was Tree's attempt to distract Aldamir from his despair. I also liked how Seregon recognizes Aldamir's 'song blending with the forest.' What a wonderful 'elven' description that reminds the reader of the elven connection even as far back as the Ainulindalë and the making of the world. And once again your description of the strategies against the spiders seems so well thought-out. (Do you have a soldier advising you on strategies hidden in a closet somewhere?) Author Reply: Thanks, Leaward. I like the idea of swimming in a pool with a big rock in the middle to sit on and soak up the sun. This rock seemed rather majestic to me. Tree was hoping to distract Aldamir for a moment, but I think he'd have been just as likely to do the same thing even if nothing particular was going on. Tree doesn't seem to be able to refrain from teasing Aldamir. When Aldamir was sitting on the rock contemplating the nature of love gone bad, I think he was nearly in a meditative state, letting himself reach out to his surroundings. He was looking for comfort. The wood-elves were so connected to their environment that I think they tuned in fairly easily. Take Aldamir's frame of mind, mix it with his natural elven sensibilities and he was humming with oneness when Seregon found him. Anyway, that was kind of my thinking. :>) I'm glad the military campaign sounded real enough that you didn't run screaming from the room. I do admit to having some ex-military personnel on staff though. That's a definite plus! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review. Always love hearing from you! Karen | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2005 |
| Hi! Long day at work yesterday so I am finally getting a chance to read this. Seregon's conversation/fooling around with Aldamir was very sweet. I love seeing these cousins in the royal family so close. And I love Tree, so that just made it better. That conversation about Calith was interesting too. You are doing a good job dribbling out different information about him from the various perspectives. I liked Aldamir's reaction to hearing what Seregon learned. Its a sort of bitter, stubborn response, but it is honorable too. Especially given who he is, he can't afford to go pushing his will around. God those spiders are nasty. I love writing about them because they just have a natural ick factor. :) Good job with the descriptions in that part, especially Seregon's observations on Aldamir. I liked that. And spiders with a strategy indeed. That's what people forget--these spiders in Mirkwood are descendants of Ungoliant and Shelob--they talk, have desires, and scheme, just like they did/do. They are nasty enemies. I liked the spiders' strategy. Great chapter and a nice way to start off today. Looking forward to the next. Author Reply: Hi, Elliska, I'm glad you finally had a minute to yourself, and that you chose to spend some of it with Seregon. Aldamir needed a little down time too. He's so focused on his job that his cousin and Tree decided to take matters into their own hands. Guys are so physical that a good wrestling match, I think, always helps offer relief of pent-up energy. I don't like it in my house, but these guys are out in the woods without any female folk around to worry about the furniture. I'm so pleased that you like Tree. I, of course, like him a lot. He's a loyal subject and friend to the royal family. Tree feels close to and responsible for these two younger members of Thranduil's house. Getting Aldamir to relax for a moment was his job. :>) Tree's a wise fellow. There really isn't much that Aldamir can do about the Elenna situation. I agree with him that he should stay out of it unless there is cause for him to believe that Elenna is somehow being coerced into this marriage. Stubborn and bitter? You betcha! And honorable too. I figure if a spider has the ability to talk, then they have to have some reasoning ability. And you make a good point about them being the descendents of the nasty girls. They do have desires and schemes up their...skinny legs. I hates.s.s.s spiderses.s.s.! A big can of Raid would be nice. Yuk! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review. I love hearing from you AND I note on the calendar that the weekend is coming up. Not to be pushy or anything....but is there another chapter waiting to be posted from you? Karen | |
| Manderly | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/30/2005 |
| That chapter was rather cringe-worthy. I don't know what's worse, spiders or orcs. I think I would have to choose spiders, scheming ones too. Yech! It's a good thing that Aldamir and his warriors were well-prepared. Aldamir is pretty hard on himself. He's lucky to have both Seregon and Tree around for support and to lighten things up. What Tree said about Calith is interesting. I wonder what hold he has on Elenna. Author Reply: Cringe-worthy is good! I don't know which would be worse either...stinking grunting orcs...oh wait, I live with them...or spiders. This campaign was well prepared. And Aldamir was busy seeing that it run smoothly...too absorbed possibly. He was lower than an earthworm. As far as he could see, everything wrong in the world must have been due to something he did. But he's tough; he'll bounce back. Tree is a fountain of knowledge. He knows everybody. I suppose that's what happens when you live for thousands of years in the same place. He certainly doesn't trust Calith as far as he can spit. There's something up with this odd betrothal. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Manderly. It's always a pleasure to hear from you. Karen | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/30/2005 |
| Oh, goody. Me likes Seregon lots and lots. O.k, so I read most of this peeking through my fingers just incase there were icky creatures about, but I still really enjoyed it!! And it’s nothing to do with frolicking, naked elves. Really. I have to say, I just adored your use of description in this chapter, especially of the forest around them. Mmmm, wonderful. I was so glad Tree and Seregon took it upon themselves to draw their “overly efficient commander” out of himself. Apart from trying to keep his mind off Elenna and her pretty elf, he seems to be determined that this time he won’t fail in his duties. So what better way to distract him than give him a good soaking?! I think I had a silly smile on my face for the whole time the three of them were playing about in the water like elflings. It was lovely too to see Seregon and Aldamir messing about with each other. Those two are too serious around each other far too often. What Tree says about Calith is very intriguing. I imagine he’s a fairly good judge of people so if he thinks the situation is odd, then I’d tend to believe him. He seems to be edging towards thinking she’s feeling sorry for Calith for some reason, but it’d have to be some reason, really wouldn’t it? I’m starting to think there’s more to Sordien and Elenna’s “secret” than her betrothal and Calith knows it. If he really is that manipulative then he could quite well be using something against them as a way to get her parents permission for them to marry. Hmm. I don’t know why I’m even bothering trying to see what’s going on – it’s not like you’re going to tell me! Could you maybe whisper it to me? I won’t tell. I felt sorry for Lathien and Tabor. They’re very loyal, which is good obviously, but do the poor things have to forego sleep just because the other two are restless?! “The trees give me strength, and the stars accept me as a child of their own. I could ask for no more.” Oh Karen, that’s so lovely. It was quite a lonely image of him spending the night sitting under the stars like that. I hate to see him think he’s not worthy of others’ devotion and to feel such melancholy and despair at all that has happened. But there’s a difference between that self-pity and the humility he seems to feel as a woodelf in the vastness of the night sky and the forest and it’s a nice thought that he finds even a tiny moment of peace. I was relieved that Seregon and Aldamir took this chance to have an honest conversation with each other. Seregon certainly seems to have everything worked out in his head! How did Calith find out, though? I must go back and re-read when I get a chance. As bad as I feel for Aldamir, I’d tend to agree that he can’t really do much. I mean, technically Elenna is betrothed to someone else. He can’t interfere in that. She presumably knows that he still loves her. She just has to talk to him. Darn those spiders for keeping him away from home!! I had to laugh, though, at how many people think Caltih “bears watching”. There’ll be quite a gang trailing after him soon! I just love the image of Aldamir walking amongst his warriors, preparing them. He really was born for this role. And they have no idea of the thoughts and questions that plague him. “Globular”?? That’s disgusting! Ugh. Ick. Yuck. *shudder* Yeah, spiders dead. Very good. Moving on… I hope that wasn’t spider stew they were eating. Yay, it’s Erelas! I hope he gets to visit home soon. Legolas would be cheered by his presence. And sure, there’s no harm in adding another elf to the snooping-in-Calith’s-business contingent. I was glad he was so light-hearted about Legolas once he heard he was doing well and was able to joke with Aldamir about their naneth. I think Aldamir needs that, as well as needing to see that no-one holds him to blame for anything. Anyway, great chapter. Intriguing as always! :-) P.S. Does your beta know what’s going on? Does she like chocolate? Wine? Money? My first-born child? There could be a bit of a wait for that last one, though… Author Reply: You can look now. The spiders are d.e.a.d! For the time being.... They'll be back, but not in this story...so will the naked elves...at some point. I'm sure your interest in the bathing habits of elves is strictly scientific. Mine, too. Was that thunder I heard? Aldamir was slightly overly efficient. Keeps him busy. And you're absolutely right that he didn't want to see anything go wrong with this mission. Anything he could control, he did his best. The water sports were a nice diversion for him. Tree is not likely to let pass anything that looks like fun. And teasing the Thranduilion is one of his favorite pastimes. Aldamir is far too serious sometimes for Tree's wood-elf sensibilities. Tree knows a lot about Calith and Elenna. I think he's been watching this 'friendship' since they were children. He is a good source. I couldn't find a place to put it in, but he's Elenna's mother's cousin. He knows of what he speaks. Elenna is family. Tabor and Lathien would love a good night's sleep. They have requested that you tell the king. :>) I was glad that Aldamir and Seregon had a chance to have a heart to heart too. Aldamir needed to have Seregon support him and it was a good time. I'd like to know more about Erelas too. He'll show up again. My husband is rushing me to finish because we have a baseball game to go to and he's afraid our son will start pitching. I wouldn't want to miss that either, but I hate to leave you so soon. And my beta....she's got top secret clearance! Hm.m.m. But even the most loyal can be bought... I'll get a gag order. Thank you so much for all the kind words. I'm so happy that you enjoyed this. Karen | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/30/2005 |
| Yeah! massacre of hideous spiders!!! I was needing that, coming home after a loooong day full of silliness and general nuisances! Had I read this before going to work, I'd have been a Seregon myself and had left some good carcasses in my trail! Out of my system! done. I was laughing aloud everytime someone said "Calith bears watching!" Just relax, everybody! the spy kids are taking care!(Sort of...) This Calith thing is getting truly disconcerting Karen, in fact this is far more interesting than Prince Charles to-be-or-not-to-be "secret" marriage!!!! How is this going to end up, I wonder!!!!??? Let's hope Elenna "gets word" of Aldamir's conditions, but anyway, her behaviour seems... a bit...misguided? Poor guy, he went all way from heaven to hell and now is just trying to find the bus back! Thanks he had Tree! Seregon definitely deserves a hug, such a good friend and a patient ear! I was wondering whether we would read Erelas pov of the avalanche, but they have managed to dispose of giant spiders in one and only busy, sweaty chapter! Well done! This, I must tell you, simply made my day. Go you! Author Reply: If Seregon has helped you deal with your day, then his work is done! :>) Yep, the spiders are just a bonfire in the woods now. At least for the time being. Unfortunately, Tolkien's map shows that they come back. Really, everyone suspects Calith and plan to keep an eye on him. Unfortunately, that's about all anyone can do...unless they come up with some hard cold evidence of what he's up to. Well, the Crowned Prince of the realm's love life has been rather...out there, hasn't it? Everyone knows. That just kills Aldamir too. He's such a private person to start with and to know that everyone knows that he was dumped is his worst nightmare. Elenna's behavior has been hard to follow so far. She was giving out all the right signals. What happened? Seregon is open for hugs anytime you feel like giving him one. Shameless, he is. I'm just getting to know Erelas in fits and spurts. He's gone so much of the time, that I've had a hard time getting to know him. He does show up again. I really do have to find out more about what's going on with him. I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to know that you enjoyed this chapter so much. You've made my day! Thanks! Karen | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/30/2005 |
| Between Tree, Seregon, and the spiders, Aldamir certainly has the distraction he needs. If he's got to do his job, he can't afford to brood (much as he would like to brood, I'm sure), so it's good that he has people to stick with him and spiders to fight. And I'll bet he's busy imagining Calith's face on every single one of the spiders he kills. Speaking of Calith, he gets more interesting with each passing chapter. A manipulative dilettante who has managed, it seems, to get himself betrothed to a high-ranking, eminently stable lady. Perhaps it was one of those impulsive things, long ago. No parental permission, of course. And now everyone (except Calith) is desperate to find a way to wiggle out of the deal while still saving face. You don't want to get caught in the gears of the wedding machine, for it will chew you up and spit you out like a lump of meat. (Saw it happen to a friend; it wasn't pretty.) I suppose we can hope that the spider battle will help Aldamir put some distance between himself and his problems and give him a chance to work off some of his aggression. Then, with the loving help of Tree and Seregon, he can put that ol' brain to work and set about finding out what's really up with Calith. I'd guess that this betrothal might be some weird form of blackmail, but Calith doesn't seem to be together enough for that. Author Reply: And I'll bet he's busy imagining Calith's face on every single one of the spiders he kills. LOL! I'm sorry Seregon didn't think to suggest this as therapy to Aldamir. That would have made the commander feel better. You're right that all the distractions and support has helped Aldamir deal with this mess. But when the dust settles, he's going to have to make some decisions about what, if anything, he's going to do. Calith is hard to read at the moment. We've not seen much of him and all we know about him is what we've heard second hand. But Tree is a pretty good source, and he's baffled by the whole betrothal thing. Boy, it would be nasty to get caught in the wedding machinery, but Calith does look pretty happy to be there. I think a good campaign of spider slaying is just what the healer would have ordered to help Aldamir work off his aggression. Kill two birds with one stone. He cleans the western woods of the enemy and sees Calith's face on every spider he beheaded. Yep, sounds good to me! Now, he has to go home and try to act civilized. Thanks French Pony! Karen | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/30/2005 |
| How nice to find this and take an early lunch break. Aldamir's position on Elenna is probably wise; hopefully there is someone who will pass on to Elenna that that her relationship with Aldamir is salvagable and she just needs to take the first steps to correcting it. She really is responsible for that much and hopefully she has initiative to not let this fish get away. Seregon is the ever loyal cousin and Aldamir is fortunate to have him. I enjoyed how the brothers and cousin felt bad for Legolas, but one could hear a little but of fun too, for now that they know he is improving they can laugh at naneth hovering over him. I admit though, I am anxious to get back to the Legolas-Daeron plans! Author Reply: I'm so glad Seregon shared lunch with you today. He mentioned asking Elrond for permission to 'hang out' with you. As hard as it, Aldamir is smart to be respectful of the betrothal. There's really not much he can do if she's not receptive. And of course, he doesn't know how she feels. I'm with him that he'll just have to wait and see if she comes to him. Elenna is responsible for a lot of what's happened. I sure wouldn't let Aldamir get away. Seregon is loyal to Aldamir. He's also incensed that this happened to his cousin. On one hand, he wants to comfort Aldamir and on the other, he wants to see Aldamir WIN this conflict. Seregon is all for bringing this thing to a head. His thinking is that if Aldamir wants her, by golly, go and get her. Fortunately, Aldamir is a less impulsive in this matter. Legolas and Daeron are still plotting. Legolas will tell us all about it in the next chapter. Thanks, Nilmandra. I appreciate you reading and reviewing. Karen | |