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The Tide of Times  by daw the minstrel 16 Review(s)
pipinheartReviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/11/2005
It seems synia thinks Legolas and her are closer than they truly are. And Legolas wants to go to the southern patrol, but he didn't get the answer he wanted...

Author Reply: Legolas is having some trouble getting the various parts of his life sorted out. I hope he learned his lesson with Synia!

LamielReviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/3/2003
Somehow I missed this chapter, and I didn't realize it until I read the next one, so now I'm going back. Goodness you update quickly! I love it.

Wonderful exercise in the beginning, having them stand on their hands. And Legolas with his shirt off! Hooray! I was going to make a comment about that when I read the other chapter, when the forester made him put his tunic back on (nooo!!) but this makes up for it.

So glad he got rid of that little twit. Goodness she was forward! Especially for an Elf. Not that I blame her, I'd try the same thing, probably, but I'm glad Legolas put her in her place.

Off to work now, will return to review next chapter later.

Lamiel

FadesintothewestReviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/3/2003
Oh I cannot believe this chapter slipped by me!

I like your treatment of Elrond. He is a real person, well Elf here, not the always cool, even headed guy, that's too perfect. Rarely do I read an ELrond I love, but this Elrond has an edge, pain, he suffers and it shows, just as it does with Thranduil. Both are powerful Elves, with complex personalities. It makes sense that with Elves his stature Elrond would seem different.

Oh no, poor Legolas, it seems that maybe just as Synia had created false hopes of her position with Legolas, Legolas has too created false hopes of being assigned to the Southern Patrol.

I await Eilian's return anxiously!

DotReviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/2/2003
Hi. First off, I should apologise for the whole Galor thing – I really did like him as a character, I suppose I just read him differently than you obviously intended. I hope you weren’t offended.

This chapter is really great. I see Maldor is still himself! That exercise they were doing sounds fascinating – and seriously difficult!

I particularly liked the scene with Thranduil and Elrond. I love the tranquillity of this garden in Imladris set against the emotions of these two elves. Elrond must really be suffering to inspire such sympathy in Thranduil. I’m so glad they talked, even if it didn’t end too well. I wonder if Elrond knew more of the activities of Thranduil’s sons would he be a bit more open. I know it must be difficult for Elrond to watch his sons ride off into danger, but how much harder it must be to actually send them as Thranduil has to. And how frustrating it must be for Thranduil to see the council’s lack of action – he always seems to me to be someone who needs to act on things and see some accomplishment rather than sit down and wait, especially when it comes to his own people.

The conversation between Legolas and Synia was written so well. It was so enthralling to watch Legolas struggle to bring himself under control and explain the situation to her. I almost felt sorry for Synia because she clearly did think that Legolas was more serious about their relationship....but I got over it when she tried to seduce him and then freaked out! Woah, she is so not good for the son of the king. Why can’t he find someone a little more like Alfirin?! I have to say, I was actually really proud of Legolas and the strength of character he showed! He might not always remember his position or the responsibility that comes with it but at least he did in the end...

Y’know, I think Ithilden needs a holiday. He works far too hard. Just thought I’d mention that. I cringed when Legolas asked him about being sent south. There was no way Ithilden would make an exception for his brother, even if it wasn’t such a dangerous patrol he wanted to join. Legolas should surely know by now that Ithilden does things strictly by the book. I doubt writing to Eilian will accomplish anything – I had to laugh at the vague answers Legolas received that he then interpreted them exactly as he wanted! Eilian may crave excitement but I don’t think he’d want his family, especially his inexperienced younger brother in the same situation. I could be wrong, though… And does that mean Eilian might be making an appearance soon?!!:)



nanethReviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/31/2003
Wow, shades of Luke Skywalker's Jedi training- doing handstands by the hour! Legolas is still dueling with Maldor to the end of his novice days...poor thing, won't he ever learn?

It was sad that Legolas felt that the only reason maidens were attracted to him was because of "who" he is, not "what" he is.

Elrond's question concerning the possibility of both wives being a target instead of random violence was certainly thought provoking. It would make sense for Sauron to know about the leaders of his enemies and their families, but who would do his spying, especially as to when the wives might be travelling? It would seem to need to be someone within the household or awfully close to the household. Hmmm, interesting speculation!


NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/31/2003
So many good things in this chapter. So, Maldor may have beaten legolas yet again in the unarmed combat, but my question now is would he have beaten him if he had just stood on his hands for an hour or more? Hah - the old curmudgeon.

Legolas handled Synia well. I think she is just selfish and wants what she wants. She likes Legolas and maybe even truly loves him, but she doesn't understand what drives him or the responsiblities of being a warrior or the son of the king. She will find someone else, but I think Legolas will not forget her cunning ways anytime soon. A maiden who attempts to seduce him must be a new thing for him! I hope at some point he shares this tale with Eilian - the two brothers might share a good laugh and Legolas might learn a little wisdom from a brother who has been there and done that.

And finally, Thranduil and Elrond. Elrond is clearly burdened, and Thranduil is clearly annoyed by the lack of action. So many sides to this picture and so many agenda's, so many with potential foresight that may help or hinder their actions.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/31/2003
There is so much going on in this chapter again. I liked the conversation between Thranduil and Elrond. Despite their differences, they have so much in common - grief over a lost wife, worry over their sons. When will they realise this? And I loved Thranduil's thought that he had been 'lucky' with his sons. They too have been lucky with their Ada.

Maldor, I see, has not mellowed at all! He is still the novice master everyone hates. And finally, there was Legolas' confrontation with Synia. He had to say it, but it could not have been easy. And then to find out he will not be posted to the Southern patrol! (thank goodness). Poor Legolas.


Jay

Brenda G.Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/31/2003
Well done, Legolas! Sometimes you just can't be subtle with some people. Synia, unfortunately, is one of those. Legolas was firm and final, and although he regrets giving Synia pain, he has saved her a great deal more of the same by breaking it off now. There, there, Synia. Take your medicine like a good girl and go to bed. She's not going to go all "Fatal Attraction" on us now, is she, Daw?

I felt all along that Legolas was floating his own imaginary boat about being assigned to the Southern sector of Mirkwood under his brother's command. If Eilian can barely escape with his life, how does Legolas, untried and inexperienced (mostly), hope to fare? I believe our young warrior needs to brace himself for disappointment. Imagine how Thranduil would react if he had any inkling that Legolas was making such plans!

Speaking of that handsome, pointy-earred devil, Council is turning out almost exactly how he imagined it would - BIG ZERO. I'm still hoping for a few tricks out of your bag of magic, Daw, to spice this up for our Woodland king. Thranduil's brief (and terse) meeting with Elrond was pretty rough. I've never seen anyone put Thranduil in his place before, but it looks like Elrond pulled it off. I thought I might have to rub my arms warm again after that frosty enchange.

Ithilden is already bracing himself for his future talk with his brother about warrior assignments. Good thing he has his own son's sweetness and innocence to help distract him or he would never get any rest what with shouldering Thranduil's and his own responsibilities.

More, Daw. More!

BG




The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/30/2003
Daw,
What a grueling training exercise! Maldor hasn't changed any. As tough and as dislikeable an old bird as he is, I think he's totally devoted to his novices. Still, I don't think I would want him as a master.
The interaction between Thranduil and Elrond was certainly interesting. I thought for a moment that they would reach some sort of understanding, especially through their shared losses, but that came to a screeching halt. Though Thranduil's remark about Elrond's sons may have been a bit offensive, he did have a point. I thought Elrond's question to Thranduil regarding the possibility that their wives as victims was not random was an interesting one. It was quite a frightening one, too. I'm sure that they as leaders of their people are aware of their vulnerablility and that of their families, too, but the thought that their wives were targeted was truly scary. One thought I had was that it meant that all their family members could easily become targeted prey and another was that Thranduil was right when he said that this could mean that the shadow was in possession of more information than they had previously been aware. This is not a comforting thought.
My goodness...that Synia was quite serious about getting Legolas to change his mind. You know, I guess males are males no matter what species and Legolas was was quick to feel the heat she meant from him to feel. But, the Elves are a bit more in control in that department. Still, while he acknowledged that physical and emotional intimacy could not be separated by Elves, he then went on to worry about having to explain to his adar how Synia could have gotten such an impression. This leads me to wonder if there may have been a little more than kissing going one...though probably mild stuff by human standards...he might have been wading in more dangerous waters than he realized. (That may go without saying...) While he may not want to be like Eilian in his dealings with maidens, he may now have a better understanding of just why Eilian is such a flirt. Misunderstandings happen easily.
This is getting way too long...all just to say I really enjoyed this chapter. At least you know, I'm thinking! :>) Karen

Tapetum LucidumReviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/30/2003
That was very juicy!

I can see a row of very handsome, half naked elves standing on their heads with their biceps and pectoral muscles flexed and sweating. Now I have to go to bed. My poor husband... (or is he lucky?) I liked the way you had Legolas drift away to block the discomfort from his head. He is a stubborn elf isn't he? Telling Maldor he enjoyed it was not exactly wise. I imagine his nervousness over his upcoming conversation is enough to distract him from anything. It is good for him to get knocked down every once in a while.

Thranduil's little chat with Elrond was eventful. I am glad he took a moment to empathize with the Lord of Imladris. It is an unfortunate event to have in common. The thought that they may have been targeted and attacked is terrifying, even for Thranduil. It sounds like he never even considered it. If Elrond knew what Eilian had been through, he would have been much more forgiving of the King's rude remark.

They finally had it out. Synia is a manipulative little thing. You told me once before that you didn't know how to write adolescent girl... I think you have mastered it. She used her assests to her best advantage trying to keep our elf where she wanted him. I am glad he was able to think with the head on his shoulders and get rid of her. It would only be harder later on. I hope she doesn't come back and wreak more havoc on the princling. His conversation with Ithilien was very cool. It was definitely Commander to Warrior and not brother to brother. I guess the topic required it. I am sure Legolas wishe he had someone to talk to about these things. The poor boy really has no one. I would be happy to lend him an ear, or anything else he wants.

Thanks for your answer to my Saruman question. I am by no means a Tolkein scholar but it seems you have done your research well.

Three things I have been wondering (sorry, it's been slow at work)
1. Once Legolas reaches his majority, will his teachers have to call him Lord?
2. Will Maltanaur stay with Eilian or will Legolas be his new charge?
3. When Thranduil and Ithilden have to send their best archer on a dangerous mission, will they be able to send him?

Sorry, I will try to concentrate on my work now. Thanks for the great chapter!

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