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| Glorious Summer by daw the minstrel | 243 Review(s) |
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| tigerlily713 | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/12/2004 |
| Wonderful chapter of a marvellous new story! I am excited to hear more about this point in the lives of you characters. I eagerly await more! Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. I've been looking forward to writing about this time too. I think that both Eilian and Legolas face changes in their lives and those are always interesting to write about. | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/11/2004 |
| I am sure this will be quite the new experiences for both Legolas and Eilian and I look forward to seeing them grow into their new roles. Legolas is fortunate that he has Beliond to keep him on track. I am thinking about borrowing Beliond, btw. I have nothing I need from him, i just think he needs someone to take care of him for a change :) Author Reply: Beliond probably does need someone to take care of him. Maltanaur has a wife, a married daughter, and a grandchild, but Beliond is on his own, poor guy. I'm not sure he'd be easy to take care of though. He doesn't strike me as the kick back and relax kind of guy. Author Reply: Also, for a wild moment after reading your review, I considered giving him a romance, but then I remembered that he's already married. His wife in just out of town in Valinor. | |
| Susanlu | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/11/2004 |
| Dear daw , I¡¯m sure I am a stranger to you at the moment, but I¡¯ve read all your lovely fanfics for at least half a year long. Moreover, I¡¯m not sure whether you still remembered that you¡¯ve given your permission to a fan name ¡°sarahfriend¡± to translate your fics into Chinese. Sarahfriend and I have made an agreement that we would like to translate them together, because I am a Tolkein¡¯s fanfics author too and she believed I would understand and expatiate your stories better, which I was really flattered.^_^ So far, I¡¯ve translated When Shadow Touches Home: http://www.obbbs.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=12&ID=3125 Battles Won: http://www.obbbs.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=12&ID=6691 Legolas's Begetting Day: http://www.obbbs.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=12&ID=10025 Heart's Ease: http://www.lotr.cn/bbs/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=10&topic=503&show=80 Watch This!: http://www.lotr.cn/bbs/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=10&topic=514&show=80 They will be showed as Chinese language, of course, and I¡¯m afraid your PC may not able to work it out properly. Anyway, I¡¯d like to translate some reviews into English for you in the future, for as a fic author myself, I know how much they mean to you:-) Right now I just assure you that there are so many Chinese fans love your stories as much as I do, and Valar know how I admired you(weeping). Perhaps you¡¯ve noticed that Sarah and I both chose these ¡°Little Legolas¡± stories in your corpus to translate firstly, for we indeed love the cute, smart, kind-heart , sad-some elfling and his family then. Thranduil and Legolas have always been my favorites , I admit, and in my opinion, the kingly, proud, solemn, strict but family-loving Thranduil you described is mostly like the one in canon. When I read Talk about Legolas¡¯s two brothers, I must tell you something marvelous in advance. As I ¡®ve mentioned , I write Tolkein¡¯s fanfics myself, in Chinese of course, and just before I saw your stories online, I created two big brothers for Legolas on my own and posted their stories on our Chinese-Tolkein¡¯s fans-site, on September last year mayhaps. A severe and responsible Crown Prince of Mirkwood, and a flirt who was not get alone very well with his father, exactly like Ithilden and Eilian T_T. When I posted my translation of your stories on our site I also mentioned that, and some fans confirmed me by the old Chinese folksay ¡°the heroes¡¯ ideas are always similar¡±-_-|||. So you can image how exciting and familiar I feel for the two elf-princes, as if they should existed in ME at any rate. Shameless to say, I want to marry Ithilden and keep Eilian as a lover (Leave me the last gasp please ^o^.) I knew Eilian has been more popular in Daw¡¯s world, as my own second Thranduilion in my fans¡¯ world (Dunno what¡¯s the problems with the current girls:P), and I had to agree with Lorellin, Eilian was a pure wood-elf, while Ithilden was inclined to a Sindar I thought. I¡¯m regret to say that I donnot like their wives very much, although I confess that they¡¯re nice and good for the two Thranduilions and the entire family, I can¡¯t help be jealous of them T_T. As I remind, Ithilden once has been mad at Legolas for Alfirin¡¯s sake, so I was mad at him ,too. I am unfair, I know, leave me alone. There is another topic I wish to discuss with you, it¡¯s about Thranduil¡¯s behavior in < See the Stars>. I liked the feature of Thranduil you described, for my blond Elvenking was nodoubtfully handsome ^_^, but it¡¯s made me uncomfortable to see he, well, ¡°flirted with¡± his wife¡¯s cousin while he accused Eilian because of the similar behavior ( It¡¯s not surprised at all to see Legolas became to the finest archer of Mirkwood and a deadly warrior whom was on his way to Mordor already, is it? I must say I was so relieved when I saw Turgon died in < Prodigal Sons> ( May his fea rest well in Halls of Mandos), for finally he cannot entangle Legolas into troubles at all. So far as I recall, Thranduil hadn¡¯t been mad at Legolas seriously since Turgon¡¯s death, it that right? I have been puzzled about Legolas¡¯s innocent and lack of leadership when I read It¡¯s always an agonizing pain for me to express myself in English, and I¡¯m sure it¡¯s pain for you too if you have read my review till now.ToT With some translating software¡¯s help, I can read English smoothly, and I can write my mother tongue good enough to translate your fanfics into it, but I¡¯m not able to manage a long English paragraph correctly and fluently, the grammar kills me. Thus you may forgive me for giving my first review just now, after so long time¡¯s enjoyment from your work without any repayment. Author Reply: Oh my goodness, how wonderful to get this review and know that you are enjoying my stories so much that you are making them available to others too. I am so honored that I don't know what to say. I went and looked at the site, and I can see the Chinese characters but, of course, can't read them. The site is very attractive though. If you are willing to take the time to translate some reviews for me, I would be deeply grateful, although I don't want to take any more time than you are already giving by translating them. I am glad you enjoy reading the elfling Legolas stories because I enjoy writing them too. I love the way his family tries to protect him and loves him, and I love the way he loves them back. He is so lucky to have this family, but I also think they are lucky to have him because his innocence and affection keep them anchored to Middle Earth even when they are in sorrow. It's amusing that you thought of two older brothers who are so similar to mine. Perhaps there are no new stories under the sun! "See the Stars" was the first story I even wrote and if I were writing it now, I would do it differently because you are right about Thranduil. I've learned a lot about Tolkien since then. Still, I do love the Elven king and think of him as attractive. It's just that he's married and Elves took that sort of thing so seriously, as you know. I'm looking forward to figuring out what kind of leader Legolas would be in this story. In LOTR, he did not seem to me to be very forceful. He seemed happy to follow Aragorn, but he was also a person who could think for himself. So we'll see if I succeed in making that come alive. Thank you so much, Susanlu. This review was such a nice surprise. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/11/2004 |
| Just felt the urge to tell you, if you don't know already, that a Lord Lieutenant is a quite different animal in the UK. I've nicked this from a government website: The office of Lord-Lieutenant is of military origin and dates back to the time of Henry VIII when they were appointed for the maintenance of order and for military purposes relating to local defence. The Lord-Lieutenant is Her Majesty's representative in his/her lieutenancy. Lord-Lieutenants have five main duties: 1. Arranging visits of members of the Royal family and escorting Royal visitors; 2. Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty; 3. Participation in civic, voluntary and social activities with the Lieutenancy; 4. Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces; and 5. Leading the local magistracy as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace. They are generally oldish and a bit stodgy - Legolas would make an interesting variation, but I don't think he'd like the work! Not much orc slaying required. Author Reply: I didn't know this at all! Gelmir was just being smart mouthed when he called Legolas that. I'm reserving 'brat' mostly for Eilian's use. :-) | |
| Brenda G. | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/10/2004 |
| Oh, joy! Another story! And a good one so far. What an opening - on the battlefield with our new Lt. Legolas. Sounds like he is becoming the warrior he always hoped he would be for his people, his father and himself. It is sweet how he misses the brother he admires so much. I am assuming much of this story will also revolve around Eilian and his escapdes at home with his new wife? A dash of spice, Daw? Celuwen, Eilian, Thranduil. Sounds like first rate ingredients for a delectable tale to me. Eilian has always been one of my favorites since you created him so long ago. Now, he is as much a Tolkien figure to me as Aragorn or Frodo. Well, I am delighted so far. How much do you wish to wager that I will remain so to this story's conclusion? I'm ready for the next chapter when you are. Hope school is being gentle to you so far. Thanks for keeping us fans happy! Author Reply: Legolas is already a competent warrior and now he's learning to be a good second in command. I've found it interesting to try to think of the leadership style I'd attribute to him. I think he's probably diffent than forceful Ithilden or charismatic Eilian, but I'm not sure that he knows himself yet just how he will be as an officer. And Eilian will be back in the next chapter. I've been looking forward to writing about this time in his life. Much as I love him, I'm not sure he'd be an easy husband to live with, especially not in a palace, while he's doing work he dislikes, under the eye of his already ticked off father. :-) School is going well. My students are wonderful this year. | |
| 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. | |