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Fire and Shadow  by daw the minstrel 19 Review(s)
NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
I am enjoying the fact that Legolas has not forgotten his sense of humor..and I like that Ithilden had one, even if it was rather dry. Him thinking about his naneth's words to take all chances for joy as often as he did shows the impact those words had on him.

I like the almost predatory way that Legolas just pounced on Amdir - a source of information, and one that Legolas can control vs one that can control him! He needs to know and Amdir and Sinnarn have the answers. He really doesn't want to admit to his father or brother or the healers that he doesn't remember what happened. Of course, all the mind numbing drugs probably aren't helping...but he does need them to heal well and fast. Poor elf.

Author Reply: I think that Ithilden is bothered by the fact that his mother thinks he is too serious. He adores her, as they all did, but I'm thinking maybe she finds it as hard to understand him and Thranduil does Eilian.


Amdir is going to spill his little guts in the next chapter. ;-)

websterReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
I'm liking this. Three stories in one is maybe a bit confusing, but it'll probably make more sense to me when I read the complete version all at once.

Author Reply: Three stories is making me crazy! For one thing, I just get rolling on one story and then have to switch to the other one. For another, in order to write what I have written, I had to write ahead in some areas, and now I can't always remember what I've told readers and what I haven't. I hope it all makes sense in the end.

Tapetum LucidumReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
Poor elf! Those nightmares must be terrible. A dragon is a foe even an elf would fear, though, a guess a Balrog would give him worse nightmares. I was glad to see Thranduil there to comfort him. Sounds like Thranduil and Ithilden are a little jealous of Legolas' and Sinnarn's rapport. If they only knew the truth... Your comments about the healers had me laughing out loud. I will try not to take it personally. At least my patients usually get injections and never complain about foul concoctions. They do occasionally try to bite my head off. I am happy to hear Beliond is improving and giving the healers a run for their money.

Ithilden was always a diplomat. Your example of the whetstone was an excellent way to demonstrate even his early skills. He is also very astute to figure out exactly what his father's plans were. It sounds like he had a lot of pressure at a very young age to lead and be responsible. Not enough time to be an elfling. Watching the orcs pass below the patrol must have been difficult. It was probably a little rewarding to be discovered, then they could at least fight the foul beasts. Your description of the fouling of trees near Dul Guldor was excellent. I like how your trees seem to have minds of their own and can help or hinder at will. Excellent sword play - as usual. I am glad you make the fights realistic. Many authors have their elves fight 20-30 at a time (a bit excessive). Beliond's comments about Nithron's job had me LOL! If only he knew... It does sound like Legolas is actually the most sensible of the three sons when in battle. That is surprising for a youngest, somewhat spoiled sibling.

Obviously Beliond is not the only one giving his nurses a hard time. I can't blame Legolas for refusing the concoction. He just wants his memory back. Let's hope Amdir reveals a little more of your mystery. Great chapter!

Author Reply: Ah yes, I remember how shocked I was when my dog tried to bite a vet who had just blown something up his nose. He apparently felt it would be best if she were not be allowed to do it again, not with that hand anyway. I've always thought that there's a tremendous irony involved in being a vet. Presumably you become one because you love animals and then they all hate and fear you. No offense, TL!

I think of Ithilden as very shrewd, but boy did he have pressure on him. His mother is right. He needs more time to be an Elf. And I think of Legolas as extremely serious about being a warrior. In my amateur psychologizing, he's protecting his dead mother. But I think he's someone who would listen and do what he was told in battle. Ithilden is born to be in charge, but I don't think Legolas is.

Amdir will reveal a LOT, I think. :-)




ANAReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
Yes, another chapter! A few more clues but there are still so many possibilities. If Thranduil doesn't shake it out of Legolas soon, I think I'll reach into the computer and do it myself. I'm surprised at Thranduil's patience so far. I'm sure he knows something is amissed with Legolas and yet he is still giving him the option to open up on his own. In spite of his fussing, I think he is respecting Legolas more now as a young adult and leaving him more choices rather than try to control every step that his son takes. Ithilden was so dependable and mature, even as a young warrior. Was he the type to feed and bathe himself even before he could walk or talk? His parents must thought they had it made with him, and then along came Eilian. Isn't that the case though with most sibblings? The first one can be the model child and the second one is the child from Mordor. But we all love Eilian with all his imperfections. By the way, he is the only character (other than Beliond) who has yet to provide some insight into what happened. Will you let us know of his well-being soon? This is really a fantastic story!

Author Reply: Yes! Thranduil deserves credit for his restraint. Here's his baby, the son he's always fussed over the most, and he's hurt, and while Thranduil doesn't know that Legolas can't remember, he does know that his son is very disturbed and won't talk about it. A few years ago, Thranduil would have been totally unable to resist pushing on that. But he tries to leave Legolas to grow up. Good Ada!

I had the same thought about what a surprise Eilian must have been to his parents after the dependable Ithilden. Joke was on them.

nanethReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
Hot dog!!!! Amdir's here. Now maybe we can *all* get some of the information we need! Yipee!!

Love this story even when it just keeps on giving me more and more questions-and only partially clearing up a few things (I think I'm getting it now, anyway). Good job!

Author Reply: I knew folks would be glad to see Amdir. Whatever went wrong, you know he was there. :-)

LOTRFaithReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
Aha! So at last, some questions will be answered. :-) Hopefully we shall find out what happened to Beliond and if he is truly well... As I was reading the second time (as I normally do...) I found what looks to be a typo..

*Ithilden paused and then set the cup down. “I will talk to Adar,” he said. “He can decide.” At the look of relief on Legolas’s face, he suddenly looked concerned. “Has it been so bad so bad to be a bit dreamy for a few days?” he asked. *

Is that "Has it been so bad so bad..." Supposed to be there? :-D but anyway, can't wait until the next post!
Namaarie~

Author Reply: Thank you for the typo alert! I fixed it right away on SoA, where editing is easy.

In the next chapter, there's not much Beliond, but Amdir does have some crucial information.

AlyReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
It's fun to see a young Ithilden. But I can't wait to find out more about what happend with Legolas and the dragon.

Author Reply: LOL. I thought that would be the case. Poor Ithilden. He needs to step aside and let Legolas get his memory back.

tigerlily713Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
That could very well be considered a cliff-hanger! This was a delightful chapter, as always! Your expertise in describing battle and tactical events is phenomenal, and your descriptions and dialogue flow very naturally and are very useful to the reader. I eagerly await your next chapter! ~Lily

Author Reply: I find I've actually gotten more or less used to writing battle scenes, so they are a little easier than they were at first. And Amdir is getting ready to tell Legolas some important stuff!

sofiaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/22/2004
i know i said that i would like to only review at the end, but screw it!
I love how this story is coming along. I like the glimpses into Ithilden's past. i think legolas should tell at least somebody whats bothering him. hope you update soon.

Author Reply: Legolas may not be able to tell people what's bothering him right now, but Amdir may be able to tell Legolas! I'm glad you liked young Ithilden.

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