Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Tangled Web  by daw the minstrel 436 Review(s)
JebbReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/10/2004
Hope this is not a repost as first review disappeared suddenly!
I am really sorry to see this story end I have really enjoyed it and it has made me look at the story of the Hobbit much more closely. Seeing the tale through the eyes of the elves made it much more interesting for me at least
Thranduil is a wonder, despite all that has happened he is there for his family and he misses nothing that is going on around him.
It was good to see him acknowledge Eilian and Legolas as adults but how long will he hold to this opinion I wonder?
Only until they do something he disaproves of I guess he is after all a father first and foremost
I hope it will not be long before we have a new story to look forward to
Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift of story telling with others
J

Author Reply: Writing this story made me look at The Hobbit much more closely too! And I only used the last few chapters, after all. But then, I threw in the stuff about Dol Guldur, so it evens out, I guess. I'm glad I deepened the story for you.

Thranduil doesn't miss much. He must be scary as hell to have for a father. He always seems to know what they're feeling and what they're up to. And I suspect you're right that they're not going to stay adults in his eyes all the time. He just remembers them all too well as little ones.

Thank you, Jebb.

DuchessReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/10/2004
I just about cried when I read about all the laments for the Elven dead. It really is NOT fair that Galelas gets his brother's attention (and it would appear the idiot Tinar might be realizing he'd loved his little brother too) only after his death! I hope the father shows proper remorse, but if he doesn't, I hope Tinar verbally chastises him for it and loudly! *glowering*

Man! I really hate that Sinnarn's keeper died... *sniffle* I will miss Nithron. VERY glad Sinnarn didn't die too and I would have worried silly over Beliond if I hadn't known already he'd be fine. *small smile*

Thranduil giving Eilian and Legolas praise for doing such good jobs in the aftermath was great, really needed him to see how grown up they both are now. Even though he has let them both become warriors he never really did see them as full adults till now, did he? It's hard for parents (of any race, apparently) to relinquish the last (sometimes desperate) need to father (or mother) their children, well after they've grown up. I liked seeing that here with these characters I've come to love so much through your stories. It was also very, VERY appropriate then that Thranduil outright TOLD Eilian he should have Elflings of his own at last. The King needs granchildren to make up for finally letting his last two sons go into full adulthood in his estimations of them both. *snickering*


Oh wonderfully written! You did a marvelous job on this one and again I thought you did a fine job of weaving The Hobbit into your own tale. It is only fitting that what didn't work be left out, this is YOUR fanfic after all. *vbg* Excellent! :):):)

So, can we expect more soon? I know, I know, I'm such a greedy gus, but the thought of Eilian as an Ada just cracks me up and I'm dearly wishing for stories where that gets fully explored. *having a giggle fit at the thought of how protective he's going to be and how at a loss when things happen beyond his control* I imagine (and fervently hope) that Eilian and Thranduil's relationship will deepen and grow as the younger Elf needs more and more advice on how to be a good father. *happy sigh at the thought*

*applauding Daw's work with a standing ovation* Well done!

Author Reply: In truth, I can't imagine Tinar changing much. He's just who he is. He's shaken by his younger brother's death at the moment, but he'll bounce back, I think.

I have been wondering who I should appoint as Sinnarn's new keeper. I really should use one of my existing OCs, because otherwise I haven't narrowed them down any. I'll have to look at my list.

And as you see, Thranduil may be beginning to see Eilian and Legolas as adults, but he doesn't hesitate to tell them what to do! "Have elflings, Eilian." What a good idea that Thranduil wants little ones now because his own are grown up.

I will write about Eilian as a father one of these days but probably not next. I think I'll go back in time for the next one.

Thank you, Estel.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/10/2004
That was a very satisfying chapter, Daw, and a good ending. Poor Ithilden, finding Sinnarn like that, not knowing if he was alive or dead, but knowing Nithron was.

I like the way Legolas cared for his father and older broher, telling them to rest and eat - quite a role reversal! The way he and Eilian simply took over running everything was impressive - and proved to Thranduil just how capable they both are. After Thranduil's comments to Eilian, I think he would be a good novice master, and it would be a suitable posting for someone with elflings.

Poor Thranduil, though - despite looking to the future free from shadow, he must have been reminded of the last time he led home a sadly depleted army after Dagorlad.

Jay

Author Reply: As a parent, I could really feel Ithilden's wrenching panic. The thought of losing a child is just devastating.

I enjoyed showing Legolas and Eilian in the adult roles. Not that they haven't been acting as adults, but you could really see them coming into their own here (I hope). And in a way, Legolas feeding Thranduil and Ithilden was even more significant than him managing his troops well. And you are so right! Eilian would make a wonderful novice master.

The Wood-elves do seem to take in on the chin. They take home two necklaces and their dead.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/10/2004
The results have been more than worth the effort of reading! This is again a terrific story and I have loved, anticipated and agonised over it. Your ending is about as upbeat as it could possible get in the aftermath of battle, with talk of new life and matrimony and Thranduil praising his sons. You now need to take a break with something really sweet and fluffy to help you recover.

Eilian definitely needs a daughter - one just like him, but with Celuwen's independence and obstinate streak. Alfirin also needs more elflings. Another daughter would be quite fun - they could create havoc together, while wrapping their grandfather round their little fingers.

I know it is a bit of a problem to do Eilian and Ithilden stories without Legolas, but frankly I don't care - I like these characters so much that I would love to read about them in the years before his arrival.

I like the idea of Annael as a kind of son by marriage to Thranduil, but he will have to stop flinching at the sight of him! (Although he doesn't flinch nearly as much as Gelmir - Annael was always quite a good little elfling.) I enjoyed his practical, generous attitude to Sinnarn and Emmelin -'as soon as she tells me that I am to give her permission to marry'. He is certainly no Solith. (He would make a good lieutenant for Legolas - although I suspect he won't get it.)

It must have been quite alarming for Eilian and Legolas to realise that they were the ranking officers after the battle in the absence of Ithilden and Thranduil. It wasn't just their royalty that put them in charge - the only other captain would have been the Eastern Patrol guy and maybe his lieutenant was still around. Eilian might be glad to be going back to simple captain, but, if I were Thranduil, he would be spending more time as Ithilden's deputy from now on!

Loved the way Thranduil picked up how Eilian and Legolas were feeling, even in the midst of all the chaos and was able to put in his fatherly advice - after having been in charge, I expect they enjoyed being able to go back to being the young ones again for a while.

(And when it comes to being in charge, I just loved the way Legolas behaved and sounded like Thranduil ''Eat', he said firmly.' and Thranduil responded as Legolas would have done in earlier years by scowling at him. Great role reversal!)

Poor Galelas. (Also Todith and Nithron, but mainly him.) I hope when Legolas arrives in Valinor, he has been re-embodied and found a lovely elleth to adore him.

Without having received any treasure, apart from the necklace -(good byplay) -the cost of maintaining the forces of the Woodland Realm is going to be a bit of a strain on Thranduil. I liked the king's suspicion that the peace wouldn't last long and that the new alliances have been fixed for a reason. How true.

Excellent story, beautifully interwoven with the Hobbit. Can't wait to see what you do next.

Author Reply: Oh yeah. I crave some elfling stuff right now. And the ending of The Hobbit is as upbeat as Tolkien can make it too: "The elf-host was on the march; and if it was sadly lessened, yet many were glad, for now the northern world would be merrier for many a long day. The dragon was dead, and the goblins overthrown, and their hearts looked forward after winter to a spring of joy." That's lovely, I think. A good time for elflings. :-)

Sinnarn is going to be far luckier than Eilian is in his father in law. Annael has been running in and out of the palace since he was little. And he's wonderfully generous and easy-going, much like his father, I think.

Legolas and Eilian did well managing things while Thranduil and Ithilden were wrapped up in Sinnarn. They earned the right to do it, as you say, and I can't see anyone objecting to them. (Well, maybe Tinar, but he's stunned by his younger brother's death.) It was important for Legolas to be the one caring for his oldest brother and father too. He needs to move into the group of people who take care of others.

I like to envision Galelas in a place of honor in the Halls of Mandos. He craved that kind of honor in life and he earned it in death.

Thank you for your kind words, Bodkin.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/9/2004
Here's my contributions to the mass funerals: "David's Lamentation," my very favorite Sacred Harp tune.

http://www.pilgrimproduction.net/sacredharp/shilo/music/20a.mp3

Dead Elves should be sung for, as well as dead Men and Dwarves.

Legolas and Eilian have really come into their own now. They've done a truly bang-up job of taking care of family and army. Thranduil is right to be proud of "the little kids," as I'm sure he will always call them in his own mind. He's really raised them up right, and now he is reaping the full benefits of that.

From behind him, Thranduil heard Legolas mutter to Eilian, “You see? I told you so. I should have taken the wager.”

On the other hand, they still are "the little kids," I guess. . . Here's old Thranduil, trying to be formal and ceremonial and diplomatic and nice about getting a crummy emerald necklace in exchange for all those lives, and there's his royal peanut gallery behind him.

Poor old Tinar. At least Galelas has one family member who'll miss him. I wonder if this will soften Tinar up a bit and shake him out of his self-centeredness. And then how that might sit with their parents. That'll be an interesting shift in the family dynamics. It's quite possible that Galelas will make more difference to his family dead than alive, which is kind of a shame for him.

“What some warriors will do for an easy ride home!” Legolas teased gently. “Or is all this just to get some sympathy from Emmelin?”

Funny, you know, I seem to remember that Legolas gained a couple of sisters-in-law through much the same method. Hey, if it works, why not collect a niece-in-law. Now that would probably make him and Annael some sort of cousins by marriage, and when families grow to that size, you just say "everyone's a cousin," and end of story. (I spent Independence Day with 350 cousins of varying degrees, and it's much easier just to say "cousin.") And how nice that Legolas and his best friend will now have this extra added cousinship to bind them. I do hope Annael decides to move to Ithilien later in life after the matter of Bilbo's "toy" is dealt with.

Of course Eilian is good with young people. Takes one to know one. I think I'd love to have him as a babysitter. And it looks like Thranduil has decided that he needs some Emergency Backup Grandchildren, stat. And, for that matter, probably a few great-grandchildren from his prodding of Annael. How cute! Ever since Annael was a little shaver, he's been right in Thranduil's path, jumping at his commands. And now to have Thranduil as a grandfather-in-law, that's just too rich! I am snickering evilly just thinking about it.

And speaking of weddings, here's a tune for Sinnarn and Emmelin: "Swanton."

http://www.pilgrimproduction.net/sacredharp/ider/music/21a.mp3

Text by Isaac Watts is

"The voice of my beloved sounds
Over the rocks and rising grounds;
O'er hills of guilt and seas of grief
He leaps, he flies to my relief."

Neat story!

Author Reply: I'm playing "David's Lamentation" as I type this. It's beautiful. I can imagine all these male voices rising from the banks of the River Running.

Thranduil is trying to see Eilian and Legolas as adults, but what's maybe more important is that they see themselves that way, especially Legolas. Eilian has been a captain for long time but Legolas is just now coming to full independence, I think. He needs to do that to choose to go on the Quest.

The Elves didn't take much home from this, did they? Two necklaces and their dead. I suppose the necklaces are worth a fair amount. There were 500 emeralds in the Emeralds of Girion. But still. No greed here that I can see.

Now I have the wedding song on. I can just hear elves singing that too! I like the fact that Annael is going to be a part of Legolas's family now. Legolas has always had the good fortune to be an adopted part of Annael's family. He will make a nice balance to Solith at family gatherings.

Thranduil may feel that his youngest two sons are adults not but he doesn't hesitate to tell them what to do. Have elflings, Eilian! My beta says a daughter -- one who would OWN him.

In truth, I don't think Tinar will ever change much. Although I suppose you never know. Elves have such a long time to learn from experience.

LeraReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/9/2004
That was a wonderful story. You did so well capturing this story. And somehow you left us on a happy note, in spite of the chapter before it. Thank you.

I loved seeing Legolas and Eilien working together. Legolas is truly an adult and Eilien knows and respects it as is evident in them working together. I am so glad you didn't kill Sinnarn simply for Ithilden's sake! How could you even have contemplated it? You certainly couldn't have wrapped the story up in one chapter. I think Sinnarn's death would have sent Ithilden and Alfirin sailing over the sea!

"Thranduil hoped Bard's mannish ears had not been acute enough to hear Legolas and Eilien. He would speak to his two younger sons later about the need for greater discretion."
I laughed aloud at this, because he still thought of them as his Younger sons in need of rebuke. But then apparently Thranduil thinks like me, because of the next paragraph. I adored seeing his respect for his sons. Legolas, because I've watched him grow up and struggle to be seen as a responsible and independent adult, and Eilien, because he's always wanted the respect and trust of his father and I've wanted them to have a better relationship because I love them both! So that was awesome.

So Tinar has a heart too. Didn't expect that. It's just too bad he didn't realize his love for Galelas until it was too late. Galelas would have cherished an affectionate brother. So so so sad. Perhaps this will be the pebble that starts the avanlanche in change of his attitude.

I'm still super sad about Todith. I really, really liked him. I can't help but wish you'd killed someone else. *sniff*

On a different note, it cracked me up that Beliond's cranky. I bet he is! Nithron's death gave me a new perspective on keepers. They're more than just occasionally grumpy elves giving irritating advice to our boys. (So glad you didn't kill Maltaneur.) They really must be prepared to give their lives for them. Sigh.

Well, this was a wonderful story. And I agree with Thranduil, Eilien! It's time to have elflings! A story about Eilien and Celuwen as parents would be so fun! Although we're still waiting to hear about him and Tinar working in Calith's office! Ciao and God bless.

Author Reply: I think that Legolas and Eilian would work very well together. Legolas has served with Eilian as his captain, so Eilian has been relying on him as a warrior for a long time. He's seen Legolas in action in a way that Thranduil and Ithilden have not. But in this story, both Adar and Ithilden realized how capable the two "young" ones were. And that's rewarding for everyone, I think. Not that Thranduil is going to give up telling them what to do. "Have elflings, Eilian!"

I suspect that Tinar will go back to being himself very soon, but the sight of his dead younger brother must have shocked him.

The keepers do look more serious when you realize they're supposed to jump in front a stray arrow.

Those two stories (Eilian the Ada and Eilian in Calith's office) are on my list. I'm looking forward to writing them.

BluetangReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/9/2004
I have been reading Tolkien's books since the mid 60's. I read the LOTR at least once a year. I also read all the other books that his son has published since JRRT's passing. These also are read often. I can say without any reservation that this story was in all ways as good as his. The plot and character usage was brilliant. Thank you for such an enjoyable experience.

Bluetang

Author Reply: Wow, Bluetang. Thank you. Did lightning strike your computer after you typed this? :-) I had never written fiction at all until a year and a half ago when I decided to try my hand at fanfic, and I have to say it's a lot of fun for me, so I'm glad you enjoyed it too.

ManderlyReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/9/2004
Thank you for another wonderful story to add to our memory.

There really is no joy in this victory when so much has been sacrificed. It was very touching the way you dealt with each of Todith's, Galelas' and Nithron's death. It will be a long time before those left behind will, if ever, forget them.

The interaction among the Royal Family members was wonderfully done as well. Eilian and Legolas are finally recognized by Thranduil and Ithilden as capable warriors who can manage the realm when the need arises. But even as they gain this recognition, I can't help but feel that something else is being lost as well. I am suddenly very nostalgic for young Eilias and Legolas and their recklessness.

Again, thank you for this great story!

Author Reply: Thank you, Manderly. The victory was bittersweet at best, at least just now. But in the days to come, I think there will be a lot of joy. It's true that Sauron is gone and the woods will be more wholesome for a while. And Smaug is and 3/4 of the orcs are dead. Dale will be rebuilt. And maybe there will be elflings!

I miss young Legolas and Eilian too, but fortunately, I can bring them back. I think I will. :-)

MerReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/9/2004
I don't review as often as I like to--I'm here now though. DAW, this was such a good story and I am glad Sinnarn was spared. I did appreciate the idea that he might not and that his family was so worried about it.

My favorite part of this chapter was when you wrote about how Thranduil felt he should discipline Eilian and Legolas but then realized in fact that he wouldn't.

I guess you need some recovery time after this story. Whenever I finish reading a good story, I am anticlimatic for a while.

Writing stories is like when a question is answered but that answer leads to 10 more questions. I have also heard the term "plot bunny" and I can see the reality of that (rabbit breeding). I know I can think of so many new stories based on this one. Hope to see more soon!!!!

Author Reply: Thank you, Mer. Thranduil is still struggling to see his younger sons as adults but I think this experience pushed him along a little. They did well. :-)

I do feel like I need a little break but it probably won't be very long. I miss writing. And oh yes. The plot bunnies breed. My favorite source of plot ideas is "The Tale of Years" in the appendix to ROTK. It lists event after event that could be used to scaffold a story.

LOTRFaithReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/9/2004
Ahh.. Another wonderful tale has drawn to a close, leaving the reader full of thoughts about the abruptness of life and how to draw closer to their friends before that day might come. I have throughlly enjoyed this story Daw:-) I don't know if I could have ever tackled such a thing and am glad you did! :-D Any more works planned out? ;-P

Author Reply: Thank you, Faith. This turned out to be a bigger project than I anticipated, but it was kind of fun to try to work the material from The Hobbit from the elves' pov. I don't know what I'll do next. Some work first, I suppose, but then I have several other ideas. I have to let this story go first though.

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List