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On Border Patrol  by Manderly 7 Review(s)
elliskaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/8/2005
Sorry I am so far behind on my reading--this was a great chapter. I can definitely see Legolas becoming aware of some of the less pleasing aspects of joining a patrol so far from home. And anyone would be afraid they wouldn't be accepted, especially when they are being promoted faster than normal. I enjoyed seeing his discussion with Hesin and his first moments in camp. Looking forward to more. :-)

Author Reply: Summer is always a busy time for me too. I've had a string of visitors from out of town and more are on the way. I don't get to log on as much as I like.

I guess Legolas is coming down to reality a bit and realizing that being a warrior on border patrols may not be all glory and excitement. He's lucky to have Hesin at his side to guide him along.

Thank you for reviewing.

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/6/2005
Ah, it's tough waving goodbye to the family...or to the kid...as the first departure comes. Legolas is suffering what everyone else has at one time or another and Hesin was wise to comfort him by telling him that everyone else had been in those shoes at one point.

Though Legolas is a little nervous and unsure of himself, he's well prepared. He'll fit in easily.

Sorry I've fallen behind on reviews. This summer is flying by and I've got so much to do that I think I need an assistant or a servant or a male in my life who knows where the dirty clothes hamper is. Actually, I'm in the process of cleaning out my parents house since they have just moved to a retirement community. What a job! Being the only female in the family, I'm in charge. At any rate, forgive my tardiness. If I'm not very prompt, then know that I'm reading and enjoying and will review...eventually. I always enjoy your stories.

Good show, Manderly. I'm looking forward to more.

Karen

Author Reply: Saying good-byes is always a difficult thing to do, especially to family members. I don't think Legolas will have a hard time fitting in either, but queasy nerves is understandable when leaving home for the first time.

If you ever find that assistant of yours, let me know where I can find one too. Never mind about males who cannot find the hamper - I have two daughters and neither one knows the meaning of hampers or what they are to be used for. I've threatened many a times to let them rot in their own dirty clothes, but I just can't seem to carry out the threat.

Thank you for reviewing!

thechevinReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/6/2005
I so enjoyed this chapter in turn we see Legolas upset at leaving his family, worried about his reception in the patrol, concerned about his abilites, sure of the elves ability to beat the shadow and even more
A typical young person then stepping oout on the hard road of adulthood.
I like the way Hesin is looking out for Legolas without smothering him and his new captain seems fair but I have my doubts about Bainion, Hesin seemed keen to keep his charge away from him so I shall have to keep an eye out for the second in command
I love the way you make people feel they are riding alongside listening in on the conversations going on its quite a gift

Author Reply: I am sure all young people must go through a turmoil of emotions when they leave home. I vaguely remember that I did when I was that age. I decided to have Hesin take a more subtle approach with Legolas as I don't think the young elf would take too well to smothering, something that he thinks he has left behind.

You are not the only one wary of Bainion. It seems that others feel the same way too. I didn't think I had presented him so blatantly when I wrote this chapter.

Thank you for your review!

TinnuialReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/5/2005
Ooo!! A new story!! You've made my day. I love your stories about Legolas and his various escapades on his way to becoming a warrior. I shall look forward to updates most excitedly.
:)

Author Reply: Thank you for your enthusiasm! It's been a while since I posted a new story, but I was determined to write a story about a warrior Legolas, so here it is! I shall try to keep the updates coming on a regular basis.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/5/2005
I can just see the Firstborn's face here as we drove off leaving her at university. Of course, Legolas is the one going - but the expression is the same. (Of course, before we got home, she was settled and off to the pub with her flatmates. We took much longer to recover.)

Hesin is a good support - subtle, too. Not too heavy-handed. And I love the way he praises Legolas's skills. And, actually, the slightly shy and grateful way Legolas receives the praise. He won't take long to settle in if he is so clearly not a big-headed arrogant princeling - and respects the expertise of those who have been there a while. And arriving with letters from home is always a good thing.

I'll bet Adar and the brothers are moping at home rather, though. It's not much fun launching your baby on the world.

Author Reply: I have yet to go through your experience as my firstborn decided to stay within the city for her university (thank goodness!) though I suppose in the long run, it might be better for her (and for me) for her to be on her own for a change. And you are so right. Kids adjust so much more quickly than do the parents, if they ever do, that is.

I decided that Hesin's subtle ways would probably work much better with Legolas than if he arbitrarily tells Legolas to stick by his side. The young always rebel against direct orders.

No doubt Thranduil and sons are fretting endlessly about the baby, while the baby is obliviously caught up in the excitement of a new life and new surroundings.

Thanks for the review.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/4/2005
Ah, that first time going away from home. Fledglings trying out new wings, and all the other cliches that parents are likely to use (or at least my dad). Hesin is a very wise Elf, to emphasize the mutual watching out for each other that the warriors do. It must make Legolas feel very grown-up, which is something he probably needs to feel right about now.

And those first few days in a new place are so exciting and so awkward at the same time. You look around and say, this is it. This is where I live now. And all these strangers here, they are the people I will have for my friends. It's fun and new, but a little scary as well.

Author Reply: I am sure all parents have a cache of sayings concerning their children venturing into the world. It's not something that I'm looking forward to as a parent.

Nothing makes the young feel more important than if they are asked to look after someone else and I think Hesin must know this. Had he tried to tell Legolas just to stick to his side so that he could be protected, Legolas would probably do exactly the opposite.

For Legolas, it must be like starting a new job in a big company, lots of new faces, rules and procedures. What you said perfectly describes how he must feel.

Thanks for reviewing!

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/4/2005
Thranduil really has done a nice job in raising Legolas. He's competent but modest. Hesin is certainly right that Legolas will fit in easily and make friends well. I too look forward to seeing him use his bow. :-)

Author Reply: Thranduil definitely deserves a lot of credit for how Legolas turned out. I am a firm believer of the notion that if a child is well-behaved, it's a reflection of great parenting, and vice-versa. Legolas will get to use his bow soon, I've made sure of that.

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