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My Brother's Keeper by daw the minstrel	197 Review(s)
White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/11/2004
I was hoping you would start a new young Legolas story. I think seeing Eilian's hand shake like that sobered Legolas up quite a bit and perhaps made him realize that if the Shadow could do that to someone as cheerful as Eilain, it was perhaps more powerful than he realized. Turgon, as we know, never learns. Legolas keeps letting his friendship with Turgon get him into trouble, but I still wouldn't want it any other way. One of Legolas's strongest attributes is his loyalty to those he cares about. I like the scene in the herb garden. Author Reply: Thank you, White Wolf. I'm glad to be writing about young Legolas again. It's interesting to try to see him as an adolescent. Legolas was sobered indeed by seeing Eilian's hand. He's worried about him. If there was one thing Turgon didn't need, it was lots of free time on his hands. I kind of like Legolas's loyalty too, even though it does lead him into trouble sometimes. Poor Legolas. In the herb garden, as elsewhere, he sees what harm Isildur's mistake caused.

tigerlily713	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/11/2004
Great chapter! I have so much fun piecing together the events of your stories into a timeline! I can't wait for more! ~Lily Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. I hope my timeline is consistent. I lose track sometimes.

Jebb	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/11/2004
I was so pleased to see a new story from you and am already intrigued as to where this one will be going the delicious Turgon continues to tempt Legolas thank goodness Anneal is the voice of reason How sad for Turgon to have parents who take so little responsibilty for his care I am sure he does not think so nor Legolas presently but he will eventually see he is much better off with an Adar who cares enough to make rules for his safety Eilian is not at all well I recently read a book about men from the First World War who suffered shell shock I know it isn't quite the same but the effects seem similar Loved that Legolas thought Eilian needed to be under his father's watchful eye but not himself it seems Author Reply: I'm pleased to be starting a new story too. I really enjoy writing. Turgon is Thranduil's worst nightmare as a friend for his baby. And now Turgon's parents have made things worse by seeing to it that he has lots of free time at his disposal. I think shell shock is the old-fashioned name for post-traumatic stress. Is that right? There is an analogy to shadow sickness, you're right. There is something magical about shadow sickness too, I think, and I don't mean in a good way. No, Legolas doesn't think he needs to be under his father's eye at all! LOL

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/11/2004
Oh yes! Such withdrawal symptoms as I was having… This looks set to be really interesting. I was only thinking the other day about Eilian and the shadow sickness and how I’d love to see more of his interaction with those at home while he was suffering. Actually, I was thinking of when he suffered around the time of Tide of Times/ The Warrior but still…hey presto, here he is! It’s great to see Legolas’ little gang again. Turgon is a right little trouble-maker. No sense at all. It always makes me wonder how he would have turned out because he clearly doesn’t have the discipline to be a warrior. Oh, before I forget, two little typos (I really hope you don’t mind me mentioning them): “He and Legolas and Turgon had been friends since they before any of them could remember…” and “You swing your sword as it you meant it.” It’s kinda fun seeing Galelas in the days before he became a little wiser but I just love seeing Tonduil. I always liked him. Ah, so neither Turgon nor Isendir will confess. Even more interesting is the fact that Legolas seems to accept this because Turgon needs to keep out of trouble. I can’t believe Turgon thinks it’s Isendir’s fault. Hitting the targets from a distance would probably have been the point of the class; they could have just waited to see. You know, Legolas really needs to stand up for himself but it seems that learning how little good that does at home resulted in him not doing so around his friends either. I don’t really think it’s just loyalty. Annael is loyal, but sometimes he seems to have more courage to say ‘no’ to Turgon than Legolas does. And Eilian’s home! Sorry to be so happy, I know he’s ill… Poor Thranduil can’t have been too pleased to know that his son needed fresh air and trees but he couldn’t provide that because he lives in a cave. So Legolas is surprised to see the shadow sickness because Eilian is usually “cheerful and optimistic”? Hmmn. I think the fact that he is normally so cheerful would definitely make it more difficult for others to watch but at the same time Eilian probably has more self-doubt and dark moments than either Thranduil or Ithilden, which I imagine could make him more susceptible in a way. “I am not one of those who collapse easily under the strain of shadow.” Wow, there’s some sense of disdain. As captain of the Southern Patrol I wouldn’t have expected him to think so little of those afflicted. But then, I guess he’s probably annoyed with himself and needs to be convinced of his strength. I imagine it must have been Maltanaur who dragged him home to the healers. I thought it was really touching the way the other warrior is so sympathetic towards Eilian. I suppose shadow sickness is something Mirkwood’s warriors are all too aware of. Poor Eilian doesn’t seem well at all. Fascinating topic, Isildur and that darn ring. He gets a lot of blame for something that Elrond and Cirdan possibly had the power to prevent. I’d love to see Elrond drop-kick Isildur and the ring into the depths of Mount Doom but then, how dull life in Middle-earth would have been! I actually tend to agree with Legolas. They didn’t know he would be killed so soon and causing his death could very well have had catastrophic results for the two races. At any rate, it’s good to see that Legolas isn’t automatically anti-Men and he does seem to have that “counsel, don’t kill” attitude. Makes me wonder what Thranduil thinks of the whole thing. Legolas certainly has a well-rounded education. I haven’t a clue about plants. Dangwath, eh? It must be very dangerous if Men become addicted to any mood-enhancing properties. I hope Legolas has taken note of the fact that it has to be used “wisely”… “You have to trust him.” Is Thranduil having trouble letting Eilian help himself? I had to smile at Legolas thinking that his father is “ridiculously overprotective”. I’d like to hear Legolas tell him that! I suppose it would indeed be very hurtful for Legolas to think that Eilian doesn’t want to spend time with him. I feel so bad for Eilian. I can see that he couldn’t cope with having to keep up a pretense in front of his family, who know him so well. I’m really excited by this story! Legolas as a vulnerable and questioning adolescent is always intriguing, I’m so glad to see more of Eilian like this – and how is Ithilden getting on with Alfirin??! Author Reply: Thank you for pointing out the typos. They're easy to fix on SoA but I don't see them for myself very easily. I always wonder how I could possibly have missed them once I see them. Eilian with shadow sickness is an intriguing picture, I think, because it renders him so vulnerable and he's ordinarily defiantly off doing his own thing. I think you're right about Annael standing up for himself with Turgon better than Legolas does. I had never thought about that before. Actually, I read your review right before I went out and was thinking about this question while I was in the car. I think that Legolas and his brothers live with an extremely strong, domineering father. I don't mean that Thranduil is in any way unloving or abusive. But he's a powerful personality and it takes a real effort for his sons to get out from under it to establish themselves, especially with their mother gone. I think that Ithilden has succeeded but he's had centuries. And I think a lot of Eilian's problems come from the same source. It isn't until he marries Celuwen and has another center to his life to balance off his father that things ease a little. Thranduil's influence on Legolas is the whole reason the novice masters recommended that Legolas not be placed in the Home Guard when he became a warrior. As for Eilian's disdain of shadow sickness, I think he would be sympathetic to others but harbor a secret belief that he would never collapse like that. He has trouble admitting his own weaknesses. And you're right, he does have dark moments. I think he's more wood-elfy in a way, more intense in his emotions than his brothers or his father. Funny you should ask about Ithilden and Alfirin! I was just writing a little bit about them.

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/11/2004
I noticed neither of them challenged Legolas to a shooting match. Turgon does seem the type to not back down from this kind of a statement. Boys will be boys - you can't leave a group of them sitting around with weapons and not expect them to do something with them. Besides, rules mean very little to Turgon. At least Turgon had the decency to apologize to his friends. How he could be a novice and not use his weapons at the same time... That is a puzzle. Adolescence is hard, no matter your species. Turgon is free from lessons? That will stem his trouble making - give him more time with nothing constructive to do. He doesn't seem to understand that Legolas and Annael don't want to break the rules. If I were Legolas I would be way to scared of Thranduil to even think about crossing him. Poor prince has a lot less freedom than his friends. Turgon is an interesting character. It is sad he is not around for a lot longer. Eilian's greeting of his favorite brat was less enthusiastic than normal. Shaking hand and shadow sickness... first pieces of the puzzle. "You swing your sword as it you meant it." - I think there is a rare Daw typo because it doesn't make any sense. Sounds like Eilian is avoiding Thranduil. That is not new. I enjoyed your lesson with Galeril. It was good to see a teacher who is open to new ideas. It doesn't take long to figure out that most professors are happier with essays that agree with their own ideas - thus better grades for boring papers. It is nice to see free thought among the elves. Your arguements for Elrond's actions were good. Dangweth plant? Our next clue. I hope Eilian isn't abusing it... "You have to trust him." - third clue - probably in reference to Eilian. The middle son is definitely avoiding them - even Legolas which is unusual. Something is amiss... Looking forward to the next chapter! Author Reply: Turgon is just Thranduil's worst nightmare come true as a friend for Legolas. And you are so right. Neither one of them challenged Legolas. They're young and stupid, but not that stupid. I have to agree that lots of free time was NOT what Turgon needed. I had a hard time deciding what I thought Legolas's answer to Galeril's question would be. I don't think there's any good answer, actually, although I would be tempted to shove Isildur into the pit, myself. I wanted to show that Legolas is getting a bit more sophisticated intellectually and is learning what a king's son needs to know. But he's still a kid who would rather be outside and hopes he's not going to have to write that essay over again. I fixed the typo, I think. Thank you for pointing it out. It's easy to fix on this site but it's hard to see for myself.

insignia	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/11/2004
Hello daw How nice to have a new story so quickly! I must say although I enjoy your very young Legolas stories, I like the adolescent ones too! The scene setting with Turgon, Isendir and the other class members was all too familiar - Turgon tempting fate yet again and yet again getting the whole group into trouble. I sometimes wish that Legolas or Annael or one of the others would just take Turgon off and tell him, maybe quite forcefully, just how stupid he is and that his thoughtlessness most often gets them all into dificulties. I like the way you show Legolas realising that his own, happy and confident, brother can suffer from the Shadow. The tie-in with the essay was good too. The conversation between Legolas and Galeril recalled many a tutorial in my previous student life, having to debate issues where you are not certain of what the tutor wants to hear and particularly where there is often no clear right. In the garden later you can see Legolas contemplating the reality of what people close to him endure as a consequence of Isildur's action in taking the ring. I would like to see how Thranduil (and possibly Ithilden and Eilian) react to Legolas asking them the question set him by Galeril: I imagine that Thranduil at least would have very plain and explicit feelings about Elrond, and possibly Cirdan. I look forward to your next chapter. insignia Author Reply: Adolescent Legolas is interesting to me because he seems to vulnerable, more so than the little one, oddly enough. He is idealistic and thoughtful and painfully vulnerable. Would 'forcefully' telling Turgon include shoving him into the kids-in-Mirkwood equivalent of the Pit of Doom? LOL He is such a problem. Thranduil must all but moan at the sight of his baby wandering around with Turgon. The more I thought about Isildur, the less I knew what would have been the right thing to do. The consequences of letting him keep the Ring are horrible and Legolas sees them everywhere he looks. But Elrond and Cirdan didn't know for sure what would happen. Thranduil must just be appalled at the thought of the missed opportunity.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/11/2004
Oh most excellent. I was just beginning to get really hungry for more. Daw the Dangwath. Those superannuated hippy parents of terrible Turgon are responsible for destroying him - I hope they eventually realise it, but I somehow doubt it - it will all be down to bad karma and the authoritarian society. If Turgon turned up in Legolas's life now, Thranduil would have the doors barricaded within hours. But he has known him little and cute, if a clear and present danger - and Legolas is too loyal to give him up. Although were he boring / approved of then he might manage. What are those parents thinking of, letting the lad wander round without enough to do - can they not see the potential for disaster? This schoolboy 'mustn't tell' thing has always struck me as so totally stupid. If your friends are not loyal enough to you to see you are not blamed for something you haven't done, then why should you encourage them to escape blame? Turgon (and Isendir) know that they can get away with virtually anything and rely on group responsibility to avoid punishment they deserve. Good lessons. Isildur - the unanswerable question. One of those morality things where anything is right as long as you support your argument well enough. And 'herbology' - the introduction of mood-altering drugs to the forest economy. Ominous - especially seen in conjunction with a depressed and shaky Eilian dressed in midnight black. Eilian would, of course, carry on in the south long after he would had seen that anyone else was sent home. And told everyone that there was nothing wrong, while being a little too riotously cheerful. His own worst enemy, that lad. Well apart from Nazgul and Dark Lords and orcs and wargs and spiders and things. Annael is so adorable - and so are his parents. Such considered parenting, such a gentle letting go. The sort of parents who will talk something through and then let him choose what to do. Their hopeful eyes will encourage him to do what they have all decided together is the best path and he will not want to disappoint them. It must be galling for Legolas to see the reins loosening on Annael, when he is stilled curbed like an elfling. But then Thranduil has so much to consider - it can take a bit of a jolt to make him see that things have changed. And I suspect that, at the moment, Eilian rather than Legolas will be taking up most of his worrying-time. I suspect Legolas will soon be drawing attention back to himself - at least if Turgon has anything to do with it. Any chance of seeing how Ithilden's romance is progressing? Is he up to uttering whole sentences yet? Has Alfirin taken him in hand? Author Reply: If ever there was a young elf who did NOT need lots of free time on his hands, it's Turgon. His parents should have been keeping him busy all the time, but no. Not them. Sigh. And I hadn't thought of what Thranduil would do if Turgon had just moved to town, but you are so right! And Legolas is a particularly loyal friend (a follow-your-companions-into-the-valley-of-death-Fellowship member waiting to happen, I guess). When a kid should 'tell' on someone is a good question for Legolas to consider. Not as good as 'should Elrond have given Isildur a good push,' but good. Admitting to shadow sickness would be very hard for Eilian because I think he prides himself on his ability to carry on close to shadow. One of these days, he'll collapse thoroughly if he doesn't take care. Annael's parents are great. Legolas is getting pretty annoyed as he watches his friends have freedom he longs for. But I think it's hard to know where that middle ground between Turgon and too strict is. Ithilden's romance! That happens to be the very next thing in my notes! It was one reason I wanted to do a story set at this time. He's talking now. The question is if she's listening. :-)

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/10/2004
Me, I've always thought Elrond and Cirdan should have tackled Isildur to the ground and wrested the damn Ring off his finger. But Legolas's ethical musings about it were interesting and somehow very Elven. "Brother's Keeper" probably mainly refers to Eilian, but I'm thinking there's a secondary meaning in it relating to Turgon. I really feel for Annael and Legolas. It's horrible having a friend whose parents are far less strict than your own, and who can just up and do things that you have to hide from your parents. Author Reply: When I got to thinking about it, it was hard for me to imagine an Elf killing Isildur, even though it would have saved countless lives. I think I would have been tempted if I had known for sure what was going to happen. But of course, they didn't know really. Turgon is a parents' nightmare, even parents like Annael's who are reasonable and not as restrictive as Thranduil is. They must have to consider Turgon's presence whenever they make a decision about what their kids are allowed to do.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/10/2004
Daw! I can't believe you've churned out a new story already. You go, girl! Ah, Turgon...the nightmare cometh. Where there is trouble, you can bet on Turgon being nearby. He's an incorrigible scamp with absolutely no qualms about dragging everyone along on his shady adventures. What kills me is that Legolas and Annael KNOW that he's a disaster waiting to happen, and they still stumble into his madness. I suppose this kind of misguided loyalty makes sense when you're an adolescent. Blood brothers of mishap. Eilian kind of scares me, and I don't spook easily. The Elf in Black. Is this his normal attire? Seems a little odd to me that he's dressing to be a crepe hanger. Was Ithilden talking about this brother and not the one who routinely sneaks out at night? Boy, has Thranduil got his hands full. I hope Maltanaur is paying attention. At the moment, Eilian is looking like a grownup Turgon...cruising for trouble. And now, your minstrelness, you're playing around at the Mirkwood Drug Store. Dangwath? I love the name. Most schedule II controlled substances will produce the words: "Dang! This is some good stuff!" You've told us it's addictive to men, so I'd think due to elves and men being the same species and the sharing of common physiology, that an elf could take a good trip on this too...if enough is taken. Now, I'm really worried about Eilian. It gives me the heebie-jeebies to think of someone slipping this into Eilian's wine. Addictive substances and alcohol! My head is swimming! Poor Elf! Withdrawal symptoms AND shadow sickness? You really are evil. I must speak to the sweet, adorable child. I think a council meeting is in order. Someone has to rein you in. Don't think I don't hear you cackling! Seriously now, this is one of the most...dark? beginnings you've ever written. Emotionally, anyway. I can't wait for MORE! I must be sick to look forward to poor Eilian being tortured and Legolas going off on a Turgon-inspired misadventure. Until you're ready to post the next chapter, I'll be over here pouring the king another glass of wine to steady his nerves. I think I'll have one...or two myself. Wonderful, your dawship. Just wonderful. Karen Author Reply: With school starting on August 23, I'm really enjoying writing as much time as I can now writing, so this story gets started. :-) Legolas and Annael do know that Turgon is a trouble-maker. The trouble is that they love him like a brother. I wonder what would have happened had he lived. It almost doesn't bear thinking about. Poor Thranduil always has his hands full, and his middle son has him worried. I imagine he was most unhappy when the healers convinced him that Eilian belonged in the infirmary and not home under Adar's watchful eye. LOL re the name. I made it up from Sindarin bits meanings 'against' (dan)and 'shadow' (gwath), but 'dang' is pretty good too!

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/10/2004
You are evil, I repeat, evil. But this was a fun story to outline with you. I look forward to seeing this fall out - Turgon at his adolescent near worst, Eilian in some sort of mischief and the Thranduilions not talking as much to each other as they should. :D Author Reply: Why thank you! :-) I hope this works out because as you know it was tough making it M-e-ish. Turgon's tutor is undoubtedly celebrating that he no longer takes lessons. Penntalion wishes he could say the same thing. And Thranduil is appalled that his baby hangs out with the kid.

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