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Glorious Summer by daw the minstrel	28 Review(s)
Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
I was hoping you would do a story with Celuwen and Eilian as newlyweds. I was delighted to see this. So Eilian's a "newly-minted husband", huh? I like that phrase. It fits. Well this one's off to a good start. Do I detect some oncoming tension between Legolas and Isendir? After all, Legolas is Isendir's age (younger as I recall) and he's now his commanding officer. I think I see some competitive friction heading their way. Poor Legolas though. He's a good warrior but there are probably always going to be unfair comments about him being promoted because he's the prince and not because he'd make a good officer. Of course, one would presume becoming one of the nine walkers would shut those people up, but you never can tell. It'll be interesting seeing Gelmir away from Eilian. I've always liked him. He's a good sidekick to Eilian. I kind of wonder what his take is on his two best friends from childhood getting married. He's probably pleased that they've both stopped being silly. Beliond is so cool. He's good to Legolas. And he expands his vocabulary! And we all know what a virtue a large vocabulary can be ( at least those of us subjected to SAT vocabulary quizzes). I look forward to the next chapter. I have to admit though I was resisting the urge to scroll down and see if there were any Eilian bits. The mischievious flirt tends to grow on you. Author Reply: I'm hoping the newlywed part of this comes off okay. I've been wanting to write it but it's hard to show both how difficult it would be for these two to adjust and yet how much they love one another and are basically grown ups who respect one another. Legolas is in a tough position, I think. In some ways, he WAS promoted because of who he is. Thranduil would think it natural that his sons be leaders and this is a world in which Boromir and Faramir are both captains, for instance (although I supposed Elves could do things differently than Men). But he also earned it. Ithilden would never have promoted him unless he thought he could do the job. I think the dynamics of this patrol have changed with the change in leadership and I think that's inevitable. Both Sorion and Legolas are new to their positions and everyone is going to be a bit unsettled for a while. Shall I send Beliond on over to do SAT drills with you? :-)

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
Oh, thank the stars! I don’t cope well with gaps between stories. I can’t tell you how glad I am that you chose this particular time to write about. I absolutely loved ‘Spring Awakenings’ and really wanted to see what happened next. ‘Glorious Summer’…Shakespeare? I’m intrigued… This was very tense for a first chapter! It’s fascinating to watch Legolas learning to be a lieutenant. Until he grows used to it, it must take a conscious effort to ensure that everyone is where they’re supposed to be. So Isendir has joined the patrol? I remember him. He was pals with Galelas but not as nasty, right? And Riolith used to hang around with Tynd but was nastier? It’s good to see familiar faces. I don’t blame Legolas for finding it strange being responsible for someone he trained with. I had to laugh at Beliond looking ‘serene’ while they’re all poised to attack and are in such an unpredictable situation. He’s probably bitten through his tongue trying to let Legolas work things out on his own. I’d forgotten he’d captained the Southern Patrol! Wasn’t that when Ithilden went there as a very young lieutenant? I still have trouble picturing Beliond with responsibility for an entire patrol. Oh – it’s just dawned on me too how very difficult it must have been for him to go back to being just a warrior in a patrol again after Thranduil assigned him as Legolas’ keeper. I hadn’t thought of that. How frustrating it must be if Sórion is slow to act. He couldn’t be more different than Eilian. I’d have thought he’d realise that if he let too many Orcs get ahead and they turned back he and his group would be caught. LOL at Legolas cursing in front of Thranduil! Bet he never did that again… What a tense moment when Legolas waits for the signal to take to the ground, then realises first that he has authority give the signal, then that he can’t yet without endangering fellow warriors. I do love these Legolas-growing-into-his-role stories. I for one am so grateful for Beliond. He helps Legolas out right when he needs it but doesn’t criticise the young lieutenant for being unsure in that moment. I love that second where Legolas almost has to force himself to stop mid-chase. Of course he has the self-discipline needed. He may be learning to be a lieutenant but he’s still a well-trained and experienced warrior. Ithilden would never give him the responsibility if he didn’t think he could live up to it. I’m surprised at Isendir’s comment about Sórion. He’s well and truly old enough to know better than that. I thought he’d been in other patrols? Ah well, hopefully he’s realised that the other two didn’t find it at all amusing. I thought Legolas handled him well, actually – he didn’t openly reprimand him but still let him know that it’s unacceptable. I don’t know yet what to make of Sórion and Riolith. I have a vague recollection of Legolas telling Ithilden that he liked Sórion but so far he doesn’t really appeal to me. It’s fine for him to have a close friend in the patrol. After all, Eilian had Gelmir. But there’s no way Eilian would have accepted Gelmir butting in when he was talking to another officer. I think it’s the comment “Perhaps he will not get us all killed after all” that annoyed me because it kind of sounds as though they’ve been discussing Legolas before. You really give a great sense of the different personalities that make up this patrol. I guess they have to adjust to their new lieutenant as much as he must to them. Conflict wouldn’t surprise me at all, though! I actually felt quite sorry for tired Legolas not knowing what supplies are needed. I hate when that happens. I’ve been in my current job about six months and I keep discovering things I don’t know that I only don’t know because I never realise I should know them until something has to be done. sigh Good old Gelmir. I love the way he always teases Legolas in such a brotherly way. He must indeed miss Eilian. I think he deserves some leave soon to go home and congratulate his two best friends. Porridge made with acorn meal? And he’s grateful for it?? I wouldn’t have thought Ithilden himself would have been responsible for supplying food, actually. No wonder he always looks over-worked. But how interesting to see this side of the patrol’s duties. “You did well tonight.” I really am so fond of Beliond. It’s really touching that he seemed to have been waiting to say this to Legolas before settling down to sleep. He obviously knows by now how much Legolas expects of himself and that he’s grateful for a little bit of reassurance from those he respects. And he chooses the healthiest trees so that Legolas can find some comfort! How sweet Beliond can be! Yes, I did just use ‘sweet’ and ‘Beliond’ in the same sentence. Don’t let him hurt me! I’m really looking forward to more of this. How’s Eilian doing in the Home Guard? Is Celuwen settling into palace life? Has Thranduil’s blood pressure returned to normal? Is Tinár brightening up the lives of all in Ithilden’s office? And will Legolas ever wash his clothes? :-) Author Reply: I've been looking forward to writing about this time too, Dot. The sons of Thranduil are going to burn away memories of that cold, discontented winter. :-) You are amazing to remember Riolith and Isendir and Beliond's role as Ithilden's commanding officer when Ithilden was a lieutenant. I wanted to make this chapter show what life in this patrol as a new lieutenant was like for Legolas, because growing into that role is largely what he'll do here. It's good preparation for the fellowship, I think. And in my opinion, none of these people is bad, but in this small, stressful world, they're going to rub one another the wrong way occasionally. Sorion was in a tricky position: he knew he was letting orcs get past him but he didn't want to leave any in the cave when the elves attacked. He's a new captain too, and I expect that he's not altogether pleased to be responsible for the king's baby, who's watching his every more. I thought Isendir's comment was probably one that lots of warriors might make. Where I work, we all gripe about our boss sometimes and we certainly are old enough to know better. But I think that's human nature. I bet Legolas did it himself except when the captain was Eilian. And I think you're right about Legolas struggling a little: he's been watching other lieutenants forever, but that's not the same as doing it yourself. I heard someone talking on the radio about acorn mush and they said it was pleasantly nutty. :-) Beliond has some choice words for you because you called him "sweet."

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
great start to another story. I liked it. More soon please. -sofia Author Reply: Thank you, Sofia. I expect to be a little slower posting now than I was in the summer, but I still should be reasonably quick, I think.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
I love how you jump right into the tension of battle with the orcs and the aftermath. That is a nice grabber to start what I know will be another great story. Since the start of the whole series, you have jumped around, covering Legolas and his family at different stages of their lives. I admire you for keeping it all straight. I'm not sure I could keep track of what all happened in which story after so many. Kudos to you. Author Reply: Thank you, White Wolf. I don't usually start with action like this so it was hard to write. But I wanted to establish what Legolas was doing now and what his patrol was like. I actually do have trouble keeping things straight sometimes, but fortunately, I can always look stuff up in my own stories. :-)

caz - baz	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
That was an exciting start to a story. I can't wait to find out how everything's going with Eilian. This sounds like it's going to be good as usual. I just started School again and I am not entirly looking forward to this year - far too much work. I also have to write two original pieces of fiction for my English Language course, one due before Christmas the other due before Easter. I think I need to improve my grammer somewhat. I'm also not used to writing non fan-fiction stuff. oh well at least it should be fun. Author Reply: Can't your write fanfic for your assignment? Or you could write a fanfic story but rename everyone and set it somewhere else. :-) I'm glad you liked the start of this one. I don't usually start with action so this was different.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
Oh, another gorgeous story . . . I get to go live in the Woodland Realm for a while. Blessed relief! That tree comforts me, too. I live in south Texas where most of the trees are small because of the heat, and I get homesick sometimes for a lush, tall stand of verdant Iowan oaks or pines. I love all the detail you have included in this story . . . the staging of the battle, the requisition and responsibilities of a lieutenant, the supplies of arrows, and the moment of dropping off to sleep. Just beautiful. And I love the dramatic tension already building amongst the characters. Another great daw tale is on its way! Can you please get Legolas into some warrior-type difficulties again? My work is so stressful this month that I would really enjoy some tender h/c moments, even if it's only the vicarious-reading-type kind. Thanks and praise, and please update soon, Esamen Author Reply: Thank you, Esamen. Somehow, I thought you lived in Florida. Actually, I find Iowa rather treeless compared to Michigan where I'm from. I'm so glad you see the tension among the characters already. I wanted this chapter to orient us to Legolas's current life and companions, and show how he was reacting, so it had a lot of weight to bear. Warrior-type difficulties are in the works. :-)

Naneth	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
Yipee! A new story! I am always excited to see a new story from you, and this is one I have been waiting for. This time period in the life of both Legolas and Eilian should be lots of fun to learn about. I'm so glad you chose this as your next story. Can't wait for more...and more...and more! Author Reply: It's nice to be greeted with enthusiasm! I agree that both Legolas and Eilian have lots to learn just now. It's taking me a while to think about it and then figure out events that would show it, but I've been looking forward to writing this too.

Jebb	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
I was so happy to see a new story from you Legolas seems to be adapting to command well and even earned a word of praise from Beliond he better make a note of that as I don't suppose it will be repeated too often. Still Beliond like Thranduil seems to know just when to give support and praise to make a point do we get to see the new husband next? Can't wait Judy Author Reply: Thank you, Judy. I think that Legolas is doing well. He's watched other lieutenants for a long time and Ithilden judged he was ready for command so he probably is. But he still has things to learn too. Knowing what you have to do and doing it are two different things.I think about teaching. New teachers have watched other teachers for years, but standing up there yourself is a whole different thing! Legolas is lucky to have Beliond, I think. And yes, Eilian will be in the next chapter. As will all the other folks as home. We'll see if Thranduil is cooled down yet. :-)

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
Oh wonderful! I was going through withdrawal without your stories! And I am so happy to see this topic. It is going to be great. Poor Eilian. I think he is probably in for some interesting lessons :) And I love your explorations of Legolas in new roles. This one started out so well. I do love Beliond. And Gelmir is great! So happy to see you start a new one! Author Reply: I'm glad to have a new story underway too. I've been busier with work than usual so I've been slow getting started again. I think that both Legolas and Eilian have things to learn. I adore him but I think he might be tough to be married to. In the next chapter, we'll see how people at home are doing.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004
Legolas seems to be making a good impression in his new post - I liked this part: Then, with self-discipline he was relieved to find he had, - he's developing as a warrior nicely. Beliond is great, as always. I like him saying a word that got poor Legolas punished, but then finding the two of them a spot near a healthy tree for Legolas's peace of mind. Do I see problems ahead with Sorion? Jay Author Reply: Legolas is doing well, although I think he's still learning. He's at that stage where you scrutinize all your own actions because you're still afraid of making a mistake that will get someone else killed. Thank Eru for Beliond. Legolas needs him, I think. I tried to introduce a mix of characters in this first chapter that I could then use to show what this little world of the patrol was like, with all its strengths and weaknesses and conflict and loyalty.

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