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| The Warrior by daw the minstrel | 178 Review(s) |
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| Jebb | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/25/2003 |
| A lovely Christmas present to find when I escaped from all the festivities for a little quality time before madness descneds with dinner Thank goodness Eilian arrived in time and was able to give support which even Legolas acknowledged eventually was welcome I liked the explanation about Beliond and his son no wonder he worries about Legolas and the interaction between Beliond and Malanaur the first fivfty years are the worst indeed And I don't think it is onlt Legolas who will have to beware Adar when he returns home thank you for taking the time to post Happy Christmas Judy Author Reply: I just finished cleanup after dinner and am catching up a little. Legolas has been warmed by Eilian's love for so long that he doesn't even know he needs it. It's always been there. Beliond has had a tragic life. I think Thranduil is hoping this assignment will help him as well as Legolas. Both Legolas and Eilian are heading home in the next chapter. I hope Adar is ready for it! | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/25/2003 |
| Fantastic! Great move by Legolas to take out the Warg that was sneaking up (!) on Beliond, especially since he was a bit stunned at that moment by Eilian's sudden appearance. Maybe he'll get a few less lectures in the upcoming days. I loved Galorion's laughing dismissal of Eilain's frantic concern. I suppose Eilian will always try to protect his baby brother, but I think both he and Legolas are starting to look at each other in a different light - fellow warriors, not just brothers. Legolas's momentary jealousy of Eilian's relationship with Galelas was understandable, but it was good that he was able to talk himself out of it. Beliond was perfect tending injured Legolas; calming him down and distracting him while he worked. I think it calmed Eilian down, too! The chat between Beliond and Maltanaur was wonderful. What an odd and unique career path they share. It was good that Maltanaur was able to reassure Beliond that the assignment does have its rewards; though it looks like the old guy is getting pretty attached to his young charge anyway. Author Reply: I think Beliond will be a little reassured by Legolas's performance. And I've been thinking about Legolas's relationship to Eilian and how it would change. It seems to me he might be likely to give up his hero worship of Eilian before Eilian is willing to give up his need to protect Legolas. And that makes me a little sad. I thought that Maltanaur was probably the only person who would really understand Beliond. They share a history and a job. | |
| Brenda G. | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/25/2003 |
| WONDERFUL!!! Loved this chapter so much! As usual, Eilian makes a timely appearance; and, as usual, he is overprotective of the brat. But it seems that Legolas did not actually mind the added support from his brother this time. Legolas did very well in battle, despite getting wounded in the process. He is well on his way to becoming the warrior he has always wanted to be. Like Eilian, I am so proud of him! It is gratifying to see the growing attachment between Legolas and Beliond. Finally we find out about the mystery behind the Elf and Beliond's past loss. So his son was the one. How very sad for Beliond, but hearing from his own lips that he is becoming fond of Legolas was very touching and has deeply endeared Legolas' keeper to me. Wonder how Thranduil will take the news of his youngest being wounded in battle? Not too well at first, I should think, but after reflection, he will most likely feel the same pride in the princeling that Eilian and Beliond do. I was so pleased to see Galelas "show his qualities" in battle, and doubly pleased to see some of the wind taken out of the much puffed up Tinar for his obvious negligence. You would think he would at least show some appreciation to his younger brother for saving his life! Oh, well, pride goeth before a fall... Legolas giving Eilian a rune of protection was a totally precious moment. I loved Eilian's response, and I wonder if he will wear all three of the runes now in his possession? Knowing the wild thing Eilian can be, he probably needs to wear them all! Daw, your writing just doesn't get any better than this. Terrific chapter. I'm all smiles. Merry Christmas, Professor! BG Author Reply: Legolas DID do well. :-) The next time, he will have more confidence in himself and will have a more realistic sense of what to expect. In a few hundred years, he's be able to bring down an oliphaunt! I think Legolas is going home in the next chapter too, so we'll get a chance to see the king with his wounded chick. And I took great delight in giving Tinar his comeuppance. Go Galelas! | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/24/2003 |
| What a wonderful Christmas Eve surprise to find another chapter posted. Eilian is, indeed, a good tracker and he found his worst fear...Legolas in the midst of battle. I was glad to see Legolas redeem himself by killing the warg that was creeping up on Beliond. It seems that even very experienced warriors can lose track of their prey in the confusion of battle. And Tinar, the rascal, was saved from 'his own folly' by the little brother he has always dismissed as being inferior. Boy, it must have stung his pride, not only to be dressed down by his captain for his reckless behavior, but for his brother to witness it. While it may have grieved him, I think it was good for Galelas to see it. It may give him a whole new perspective on this 'perfect' brother and help him to stop competing with the 'fairey tale' hero he has been bludgeoned with all his life. While Eilian's fussing over Legolas, Legolas's injury certainly opened a wound for Beliond. His attachment to Legolas and his feelings of protectiveness have taken on a whole new dimension. The grieving adar surfaced in a way that surprised even him. Was he responsible for his own son in battle? That doesn't seem like the best way to go into battle, but, then, in times of war, the organizational plans may be a bit loose and relatives end up fighting at each other's backs. I can't imagine how frightening such an arrangement would be for a parent. Obviously, it turned out to be a tragic one for Beliond and Lalorn. I very much liked the idea that Beliond talked non-stop to Legolas as he stitched the wound. I would think that the first wound taken in battle would cause a bit of shock for the young warrior and trying to return things to as normal as possible as quickly as possible...and to divert the youngling's attention is an old campaign trick. I'm not surprised that Legolas was a little jealous of Eilian's growing relationship with Galelas, but I'm glad he was able to step back and count his blessings that Eilian was his brother and not Tinar. And Eilian has a new rune! Will he just let everyone think he's wearing the one they gave him? I had to laugh when Eilian thought Legolas had taken a blow to the head. And I laughed again when Beliond assured Thranduil's sons that the king had a rich vocabulary. I particularly liked the scene between Maltanaur and Beliond. It had the wonderful slow feeling of two old friends reuniting after an intense experience and the remembrances of a sad event that happened long ago. My favorite line was when Maltanaur said to Beliond, “The first fifty years are the hardest,” he confided and then laughed at Beliond’s look of dismay. These two share a difficult and often thankless job. But they also share a continuously growing affection for the two they have been assigned to protect. They are unique by assignment and in their own right. I don't know if there could be any higher honor bestowed on them than for the king to entrust his sons into their care. I think Beliond needed the comfort of his old friend's presence and the reassurance of his words. Beliond's struggling, too. Outstanding chapter, Daw, but I'm feeling kind of depressed for Beliond. I'll hope for brighter days for the old guy. Karen Author Reply: Last Christmas Eve, I found the final chapter of Jocelyn's "Little Nudge Out the Door" posted and I was so thrilled. I hadn't written anything then and was so sorry her story was ending that I was driven to it. I picture Beliond being close enough to his son during the battle that he saw him be injured but couldn't stop it and couldn't get close enough to care for him at all afterwards. I cannot imagine how awful that would be either. And I did intend him to be talking in order to distract Legolas. I used to do that when my son was little and needed a blood test. Beliond is struggling but I think that having to care for Legolas and be around other people again is probably good for him. Thranduil is so trick! It amused me to think that both Eilian and Legolas could be shocked to hear that Adar could swear if he wanted to. | |
| Camp6311 | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/24/2003 |
| Good chapter, and quick too. I'm glad I don't have to worry about these guys over Christmas, because I would. Loved the scene between the keepers, Beliond is not as gruff as he appears. And Eilian now has a fourth rune, I think he's going to need all that protection when he finally makes his way home. Author Reply: I'm planning to send Eilian home in the next chapter and I fear he is in trouble. But it made me happy to let him know that his family and Maltanaur love him enough to see to it that he has a rune (or four). And Maltanaur was the only one around who was Beliond's age and an old friend. The next chapter will be slower in coming because I have company today and then we're traveling for a while. I have notes for it though! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/24/2003 |
| That was a fast update! Thank you for resolving the cliffie so quickly - I can relax now. Thank heavens Eilian and his patrol arrived when they did, I think things would have been a lot worse if they hadn't. So we are finding out a little more about Beliond - I guessed that Lalorn was his son just before Maltanaur said. And it's interesting to see that Legolas decides it is rather nice to have Eilian fussing over him sometimes. Jay Author Reply: I had part of this chapter written because I originally thought it and the last chapter would all be one piece, but it just got too long. I guess when you've been wounded for the first time, a fussy brother doesn't seem so bad! | |
| Tapetum Lucidum | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/24/2003 |
| Eilian has way too much fun tracking orcs. It seems to be his favorite pastime. He was truly meant to be a warrior, wasn't he? The bonding continues with Galelas. I think a blond elf might be a little jealous. Talk about timing - they showed up at the right time and place didn't they? Eilian looks out for Legolas and Legolas protects... Beliond? He was watching his back. Galelas protects Tinar too?! I wish I had been there, safely up in a tree, but I be the look on Tinar's face was priceless. Ow, sliced in the arm. I believe he wouldn't have noticed it with his adrenaline flowing like it was. Poor protective Eilian must have been having a heart attack. Between Eilian and Beliond, Legolas couldn't be in safer hands. I think Galorion even felt a little sorry for his newest comerade. When Legolas referred to his keeper as Nana and Eilian thought he had a head wound I was laughing out loud. That was hilarious! Eilian is so stressed out he can't recognize sarcasm. "Thranduil already knows that word" was one of my favorite lines as well. What a super scene! I was wondering if Lalorn was a typo or if Beliond was having a flashback. I thought we might find out a little history about a previous charge. Ouch! A dressing down in front of everyone else, that has to smart. Add that to being upstaged by your younger brother and out shot by the new recruit. Tinar's pride has been more than a little hurt. Another rune of protection? I saw that one coming. I am glad Legolas recogized he is much better off with Eilian as a brother than Tinar. I hope he appreciates his concern and respect a little bit more. Very touching scene between the keepers. They both have very difficult jobs. Legolas may not be as impulsive as Eilian but he is certainly more accident prone. Of course, that's what makes fan fiction so fun. Great job and Merry Christmas! Tapetum Author Reply: You were really good at anticipating Legolas's jealousy! Even I wasn't sure that would make it into the story until there was a good place for it. Galorion felt sorry for Legolas, but he also was hoping he wasn't going to have to tell the king that he let his baby get broken too badly. I've been working up to this scene with Beliond for a while now and was pleased by the way it came off. And I liked the surprise of the brothers that their father could swear when he wanted to. I needed to kick Tinar around a little. He was annoying me. And I also liked taking on Maltanaur's point of view. He's been in my stories since the very first one and it's the first time I've ever done that. Merry Christmas, Tapetum. Thank you for all your wonderful reviews this year. | |
| Tapetum Lucidum | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/24/2003 |
| This time it's not my fault - you posted more quickly than ususal! What did Eilian say that was so bad? I don't remember anything said about the settlement that should upset Solith. I would think he was much more irate about putting Celuwen in the position he had, protecting Legolas over her home, rather than anything he said about the colony. Maybe Solith's pride is wounded and he wants to make Eilian crawl a little. I like the growing comeraderie between Galelas and Eilian. Eilian clearly sees him as a younger brother he can look out for. Galelas is lucky to have a mentor in Eilian. He is obviously much more caring than Tinar. Maltanaur must have found Eilian's comments about young warriors hilarious. Like he had never noticed. I am glad big brother's spirits are beginning to lift. Beliond is trying to share his wisdom with his young charge, unfortunately, the princeling doesn't want it. It does show that he cares for the young one. At work we never wish for something 'interesting' to happen. It always does and then you regret it. Kind of like finding a bunch of orcs in your forest. Galorion is very good at planning a strategy. It is unwise to follow them into the unknown. Uh Oh, an orc horn? I guess they have them since Legolas knew what they didn't sound like at Helm's Deep - good tie in. Who was looking for more adventure? That will teach him. Tinar out of arrows first again? Seems to be a habit. I am glad Legolas checked with Beliond before leaping to the ground. Good job. Wait, what's this... A Cliffhanger?! You are not allowed to leave cliffies! That is for all those other, mean authors! Well at least you posted again quickly. By the way - I liked "wroth." That's why I pointed it out and shared it with my husband. He had never heard it before either. Author Reply: I think you have Solith nailed, TL. Throw in his conviction that Eilian will hurt his daughter and you have a nasty mix. I think Eilian's customary generosity of spirit shows in his care for Galelas. And as I recall, it's supposedly a Chinese curse to wish that someone will live in interesting times. Your poor husband. He actually has to listen to stuff about my stories by proxy. My husband won't read them. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/24/2003 |
| You can’t leave it there!! Anyway, sorry but this will have to be a quick one – it’s 9:40pm on Christmas Eve and I’m supposed to be heading out to Mass soon…but I didn’t want to leave this til after Christmas. I promise I'll read the next chapter as soon as possible!! Thranduil seems to be making headway with the settlers. He’s obviously well used to having to negotiate with stubborn elves! He showed remarkable restraint with Solith, although I suspect that’s partly because he blames Eilian more than Solith for the current situation… Eilian is happy! *hopes Thranduil won’t go and upset him* See, all he needs is a little freedom, some control and a bit of praise. O.k, so he thrives on the danger but this doesn’t seem as dangerous as some of his escapades. Hmmn. I’ll have to wait and see what you have up your sleeve, though! Galelas is coming on a lot, isn’t he? I really like the way you’ve kept it realistic, though and that he’s still struggling to make the effort. Ooh, and I love Maltanaur! I know I keep saying it, but he really does make me smile – he’s so good for Eilian! Poor Legolas is never going to live down the incident with the spiders. I’m still dying to know what led Beliond to be so worried about arrogance in battle… I have to laugh, though, at Legolas thinking he’s a seasoned warrior now – I’m sure that would amuse the other members of his patrol! Gotta run, I’m afraid. Have a great Christmas, and I hope Santa is good to you!:) Author Reply: Thranduil and Eilian will have a little conversation about the settlement elves eventually but I have to get the border patrols out of danger first! I was so relieved to be able to write about happy Eilian again. Depressed Eilian is just unnatural. And when you tell me that I have made Galelas's improvement realistic, I am immensely flattered. I hope your Christmas has been good. It's mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve here and my son has just come home, so things are good. | |
| LOTRFaith | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/24/2003 |
| Well, I was certainly glad to see that you didn't leave us off for a long while;-) I was glad to see Eilian 'rescue' Legolas and in turn Legolas save Eilian. I see that some of Beliond's past is coming back, unfortunatly for him right? And I laughed when Legolas gave Eilian another rune. How many does he have now? At least four, lol. I also laughed at Legolas' cheeky remark about 'Nana' though poor Eilian was a little lost. lol. I also enjoyed the two guardians sitting down and discussing their charges. Oh! And Legolas spitting out the curse word lol! I loved that part. Merry Christmas! Namaarie~ LOTRFaith Author Reply: I had fun working some humor into this chapter, with the runes, and Nana, and the cursing. Beliond and Maltanaur would understand one another's problems in way that no one else would, so I thought they needed to talk. Merry Christmas, Faith. | |