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On Border Patrol  by Manderly 11 Review(s)
AlfirinReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/30/2005
Another wonderful chapter as always! You have such a command with words...I must say I enjoy reading your dialogues the most. It does take great mastery to write dialogue among characters that flow so naturally and not seem forced.

I sense that little poison flowing through Legolas' veins will make its appearance very soon eh? Hmm and I'm also sensing that Hesin, Feren, and Legolas will meet a few handful of orcsies as they hurry to make their way home to the healer. Ooo much hurt/comfort and angst ahead...me likes =)

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your very kind words. It's so encouraging to hear reviews like yours, especially so since there is so much talent on this site. It took me the longest time to start my first story because I felt so intimidated. I still feel intimidated.

You are probably right about the poison. Legolas is going to have a difficult time ahead, and Feren will be fretting endlessly.

LiannaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/27/2005
I like the way that Legolas, despite the fact that he's feeling terrible, has made real progress in this chapter in terms of coming to an understanding of Feren.

But I think Feren is a bit behind. I suspect that when Legolas thanked him for telling the truth about the poison, he had another message in mind -- "Please acknowledge the truth about my chances of surviving, too." I can't help but wonder whether Legolas, who must know perfectly well that his fate is uncertain, might have things to say to Feren or messages to pass along to other members of his family, just in case he doesn't survive. But Feren's attitude would prevent Legolas from initiating that sort of conversation.

Author Reply: You must have been reading my mind regarding the true feelings of Legolas. Poor Feren is too wrapped up with his worries about little brother's wellbeing that he's forgetting that Legolas must have fears too for his own fate. Legolas will speak his mind, eventually and Feren will listen. Both brothers are making efforts at trying to understand the other better.

thechevinReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/26/2005
Poor Legolas to be in such physical pain and emotional turmoil over his brother/commander.
Feren was right to let him stew in his own juice for awhile for he began to see exactly what he had done to himself and didn't in the least like what he saw!
Of course he has to go overboard on his feelings of guilt, a reaction typical to youth whether human or elvish I suspect
I was sorry to see another elvish death and we got a glimpse of how hard being a leader really is for Feren.
He is such a good brother and Legolas finally is able to see and acknowledge that fact near the end of the chapter
I do hope that his wound is not poisoned although I fear it is,
Ada is not going to be happy!
Great writing

Author Reply: Legolas must be asking himself why on earth he was so eager to join a border patrol, as he deals with poison arrows, deaths and overprotective brother/stern commander. Pigs must be looking pretty attractive right now.

As I have said before, Feren does not have an easy job. There's plenty of pressure from above and below, with minimal room for mistakes. Talk about being a prime candidate for ulcers. After this little adventure, Legolas will no doubt have even greater respect for big brother.

And you are right - Ada is definitely not going to be happy!

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/26/2005
Growing up is so hard to do. Legolas is still stumbling around that line where he's trying to separate from the authority figures in his family and his profession. Unfortunately, the same authority figures keep turning up in both places. How confusing for him. But he's getting it.

I hated that poor Arphen died. And Feren thinks that Legolas is wounded by a poisoned arrow as well. That doesn't bode well for the new warrior. However, I'll give it to Feren that he's staying calm on the outside even if he isn't on the inside. Thranduil will have a duck. And one of Legolas's lessons, I think, will be to learn that while he might be 'just another warrior', the line is just as murky for older brothers and fathers when he goes out into forest on patrol.

Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Karen

Author Reply: It must be harder for elves to go through that growing up period as it goes on forever - the price to pay for immortality. And being surrounded by the same bossy lot both at home and at work must make things even more difficult for Legolas. There's no getting away from it all and regardless of how much he wants to be just one of the guys, the special status will always be there.

This poisoned arrow is certainly going to get the entire Royal Family excited in a bad way. If I were Legolas, I would just sleep through it all while everybody else goes beserk.

YanicReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/25/2005
Are you serious? You can't just leave the chapter there, what happens to Legolas? Loved the brotherly love aspect. I bet it would be hard having an older brother being in charge of you. Although I guess that elves can have such differences in age that the whole sibling rivalry thing is moot.

Author Reply: Did I end the chapter on a cliffhanger? I didn't even realize that. If it makes you feel any better, I am working on the next chapter and it should be up within the week.

You are right about the age aspect. Certainly no sibling rivalry here, but poor Legolas probably feels that he is surrounded by parents - one real one and three wannabe's.

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/25/2005
Poor Legolas--seeing him worry about his own conduct and the loss of the warriors he had grown close to was sad enough. Knowing that he now is worrying about poisoned arrows makes it worse. Feren will keep him safe, though, as he says. :-) If he can.

Author Reply: It definitely has not been a good outing for Legolas, but like you said, Feren is going to do his best to keep little brother safe and whole. Hopefully Legolas will let Feren take charge for the next little while.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/25/2005
Males! Figures it would take something like a poisoned arrow or two to get them talking reasonably to each other.

Feren's quite a piece of work. It sounds as if he has a little trouble shedding his commander-in-chief role when he's around his family. It's probably good for him to have someone like Legolas around sometimes. And it's good for both of them that he's allowing himself to be just a little bit of a big brother in addition to being a commander. He, of all people, won't let anything happen to Legolas, and Legolas will probably allow Feren to help him in a way that he wouldn't accept from anyone else at the moment.

Author Reply: Yeah, talking it over a quiet cup of tea just wouldn't do the trick for the guys when there are more colourful options, options like blood and gore.

I am slowly working on Feren, but I don't think I have a full grasp of him yet. I find that he's the most interesting to write of all Legolas' brothers. You are so right both Feren and Legolas need each other to balance each other out a bit. I doubt many would dare to stand up to Feren the way that Legolas has while Legolas probably needs the stern hand of Feren to learn some discipline since he has everybody else wrapped around his little finger.

MystwingReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/25/2005
I really enjoy this story and look forward to your updates. I find my heart warmed by the interaction between legolas and feren. It must be hard to be trying to prove yourself as an adult and warrior when your older brother is watching over you. I love the dynamic that you have created between the two. It is just such a real relationship. You have a wonderful talent and I can't wait for the next chapter!

Mystwing

Author Reply: I am glad you are enjoying this story. I really love writing about the brotherly dynamics, almost to the point that I forget to work on the plot of the story. I've been trying to develop the different relaionships that Legolas has with each of his brothers in my stories and it's really gratifying to know that readers like reading about such things.

Thank you for your kind words. The next chapter should be up within the week.

HalandlegeverReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/25/2005
I don't think I've reviewed this story before, and I really should have- but I just wanted to say that you write so well. You're able to make us feel for the characters. I was teary-eyed when I read about Arphen passing.

And then this line: "I do trust you, Feren. I always have, and I always will."

Beautifully written. It always makes my day when I get a new chapter from you. Keep up the good work, I can't wait to read more.

Author Reply: I am glad you are feeling empathy for the characters for these characters. I must be doing something right.

Thank you for your kind words. It's always so encouraging and gratifying to hear from the readers.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/25/2005
'You will not have it otherwise.

How nice to have a brother who can take on all the monsters hiding under the bed and beat them. Even if Legolas knows now that that is not entirely the truth. And he so appreciates not being treated like a baby.

But Feren isn't going to rest until he gets his little brother home and mended.

Poor Arphen. But his injuries didn't really seem survivable as they dragged him back to the Stronghold, so I'm not too surprised.

And I am glad that Legolas had enough time before his arm got worse to think about the way he was behaving - because I don't think anyone was about to tell him. And I suspect he and Feren will get on a whole lot better now Legolas has acknowledged the difference between over-anxious big brother and troop commander.

Feren - and Hesin - will not be the only ones to be glad to see le petit prince in the care of the top-notch healers.

Looking forward to more.

Author Reply: I think Legolas is finally realizing where Feren is coming from, but will he remember that the next time he decides to let loose at big brother? Probably not. Feren is also coming to terms that Legolas is no longer a helpless baby. Both brothers will need some time to work on their new realizations and roles.

Yes, poor Arphen didn't make it. When I was initially working out the story, I had actually planned on more deaths, including that of Rynan, but in the end, I just couldn't do it. Just couldn't put Legolas through that and the kid was growing on me as well.

The healers are going to be plenty busy and Thranduil will not let them rest until his baby is out of danger.

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