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Glorious Summer by daw the minstrel	243 Review(s)
Antigone Q	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/10/2004
Whew! Things are getting tense. And Legolas and his brother are about to cross paths - that should be interesting. Author Reply: Tense is good!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/10/2004
Eilian had hissed a single warning at them: “Never again let me hear that you have left someone you are guarding alone, no matter what they told you to do.” He must have looked menacing because they both had both paled, saluted, and smartly responded, “Yes, Captain.” Now he looked at them, intending to tell them to take Celuwen home, but he found that she, too, was off her horse and taking Maltanaur’s other arm. “I will help you with Maltanaur.” She smiled at the guards. “You may go.” As one, they turned to look at Eilian, who nodded resignedly. Wow, Celuwen seems to be making short work of this household (I noticed that Ithilden is afraid of her, too.) Go Celuwen! She is the anchor Eilian has needed all his life, and he seems ready to cut loose all his emotional baggage. I think Legolas isn't the only Thranduilion to grow up a lot in this story. I loved the conflict in the dining room when Ithilden asked for the use of Thranduil's office so he could talk to his "officer." Yikes. But Eilian just walked in there and took his medicine. I'm glad he didn't get stipped of his captaincy; although Ithilden would have technically been justified in doing it. He's in a difficult position. What else....I love the contrast between Celuwen and Alfirin. Alfirin, Eru bless her, isn't really comfortable with all this nasty talk about stabbings and daring rescues, but she'll make sure everyone gets fed, at least. And where would they be without her? Maltanaur, poor guy, standing there bleeding, propped up by a couple of newlyweds having a marital spat lobbing grenades over his bow. He suffers too much, dear Maltanaur. I was happy that he reminded Eilian that he did the right thing. That's all anyone can do, and let the chips fall. I liked the closing sequence with Legolas returning to his patrol and feeling at home there; "doing what he was born to do." Wow. Way to remind us what he was born to do; even though he doesn't know it yet. I feel like you've brought Legolas up, raised him, given him the room to grow into the character we love who shows up at the Council of Elrond. Thanks, Daw. Author Reply: The thing about Celuwen is that she's not doing it on purpose most of the time. She just doesn't know the rules and acts as she thinks right, and everyone else is startled. Sending the guards on their way is just one example. She truly didn't mean to be defiant. It just seemed the right thing to do. Eilian is able to function well here because he has this new emotional support which he has sorely needed. I wondered about the captaincy thing. I thought that most commanding officers would take this pretty seriously, but really, what was he supposed to do? So Ithilden let it go and snarled a warning. I like Alfirin and don't want her virtues to get lost in the shuffle either. And Maltanaur made me laugh. He loves Eilian like his son. Thank you for your kind words about Legolas. You know how hard I find to write him well.

Antigone Q	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 10/10/2004
Ah...so Legolas is learning about the fine line he has to walk between friend and leader. He'll figure it out though, he's a quick learner. I thought that Eilian feeling Celuwen's longing for him was a nice touch. It fits with what you have already written about the binding of feelings in marriage. I also liked that Celuwen figured out within a couple of seconds that Eilian hadn't asked Ithilden for permission to go "check on her," and her quick assesment of what that would mean for Eilian's relationship with his father and brother. I love seeing astute women in fiction! I see you ended with a cliffie - luckily, I have chapter six right here... Author Reply: I think Legolas does figure it out, but it may leave him a bit lonely, poor guy. Celuwen is very astute, and she and Eilan are well matched. Thranduil should bless the day they bonded.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/10/2004
I am so sorry to see this story end. This is definitely one of your best. I loved all the interactions with Maltanaur in this chapter especially his request that the conversation about the guards be taken elsewhere. Too funny. And I love the guards' reaction to what Eilian told them. I bet they would pale. Celuwen's jump in to tell how Eilian had saved the day was great and probably did save Eilian's butt. He had better keep it in line. Ithilden handled that well. So did Thranduil. I hope you write another one at some point close in time to this story exploring their relationship a little more. But the best part was Legolas. I love the adult Legolas stories and I think you do a great job with them. This was no exception. Seeing him as a new officer was wonderful. Give us a hint what your next story might be and for heaven's sake don't wait too long to start it. :) Author Reply: Maltanaur amuses me. He's used to being alone with Eilian and he's very blunt with him. He seems to have taken Celuwen into his confidence too. He thinks she will be good for Eilian. But he doesn't want to be int he middle of their argument! In the end, I couldn't let Ithilden or Thranduil be too hard on Eilian. I think Ithilden had to exert some sort of discipline, but Thranduil needed to be Eilian's father here. Adult Legolas is touching here, I think. He's respected but he's rather lonely. I don't know what I will write next. I'll take a break for a few days and think about it.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/10/2004
Cries If I hadn't seen you with my own eyes I would have bet my house that you're an android. Author Reply: LOL. Meckinock, you always make me laugh.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
Legolas had opened his mouth to reply and then found he was uncertain of the answer. “I just knew,” he said, shrugging his shoulders helplessly. Oh -- I had to review again -- the sentence above seems to suggest that the brothers share a kind of kinship with each other similar to the relationship they share with the woods? Hmmm. I loved the aspect of Eilian still getting in trouble with Thranduil and Ithilden. It's so comforting that some things never change. And I really liked the concluding scene of Legolas and Eilian in the woods together. They seemed, for the moment, close to equals in each other's eyes. Now, I want to write out my wish list for double heapings of Legolas and / or Eilian h/c soon, please! I just love to comfort my heros. They're so sweet when they're groggy. There should be plenty enough danger still around for another such plot, I hope! Before Legolas rides off to the Quest, perhaps he'll need some more practice in deliberately making the decision to sacrifice his own life for the greater cause? And maybe his family will need some more practice in watching him do it? Happy typing, esamen Author Reply: I thought that Legolas might have been able to tell just from the shape of the body in front of him etc. I thought he might respond to very small cues that would be unnoticeable to anyone else. But there could be a sort of bond. :-) And Legolas and Eilian are working their way to being equals. I think that's important. I think by the time they get to "Tangled Web," they mostly are equals. I think there will be plenty of occasions for Legolas and/or Eilian to be in danger. What's an author for?

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
Good chapter title. Celuwen's arguments to her father were quite good and obviously convinced him of the wisdom of her plan. I love the private conversations between Legolas and Eilian, rate though they are, and this one was no exception. Legolas will always be his 'little brother', but he is now seeing first hand how good an officer he has become. Having Beliond order Legolas to bed was great and so was the fact he sat down next to him, prepared to stay with him while he slept. Eilian facing Thranduil will be explosive I fear. Author Reply: All it took was a few weeks sitting on Thranduil's council for Celuwen to see things differently. And Solith had gotten on her last nerve. And I enjoyed writing about Eilian's pride in Legolas and Beliond's solicitude for him. Beliond might bark orders at Legolas, but he is genuinely fond of him.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/9/2004
“But my leave will be here soon, and I will see you then, always assuming that Adar and Ithilden have left you in one piece.” Ah, lovely. Thranduil's family is just the greatest thing. Wonderful story. Am I a real pyscho to keep wanting more trouble for them, just to enjoy the TLC that comes afterwards? On to the next adventure! Can't wait for your next gift! Author Reply: LOL. I don't think that's psycho. Thank goodness that they can offer comfort to one another and that you enjoy reading about it. :-) I do like writing about family dynamics. I think it's my favorite part of these stories.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/9/2004
sigh Believe it or not, this is my seventh attempt to sit down and write this since last night. And in the meantime I’ve lost total track of my thoughts… Anyway, there was something very poignant about this chapter. It was just wonderful. I guess in the bittersweet aftermath they all see both themselves and others in a new light. Go Celuwen! She’s just said everything that Thranduil has probably been bursting to say to those settlers for years. I must say, I’m very impressed at how aware she’s become of the reality of the realm’s situation. Those council meetings have paid off. But it’s quite sad too how the information she would have been told has now been driven home so violently. I can see why Sólith would not be happy that the settlers will have to be trained as warriors when they all chose such a very different life. But Celuwen is right, not all Mirkwood’s warriors would have wanted such a life but it’s necessary because of the world in which they live. Plus, Sólith’s neighbours did seem very willing to help defend their home and protect their people against the Men. Isiwen appears to agree with her daughter… I imagine if Celuwen hadn’t lost her temper, she’d have had a fine go at her husband later. Maltanaur seems to be a very obedient patient! I’m glad he’s doing well. I loved the scene with Eilian and Gelmir. I think Eilian is lucky to have someone who knows him so well. “How sharp did it have to be to make sure that no danger ever touched Celuwen again?” Oh, that’s so heartbreaking. It’s been hard enough for him at times to know that his little brother is in dangerous situations but how awful to realise that danger can and will touch his wife and no matter how hard he tries or how prepared he is, he might not be able to prevent it. The easy banter between Gelmir and Eilian always makes me smile. And Gelmir deserves a nice maiden for himself! I really like how genuinely happy for his friend Gelmir is. I get the impression they’ve never really talked about Eilian and Celuwen’s relationship properly before – but then again, it was a fairly sore topic for Eilian until he finally threw caution to the wind and they bonded. It seems that Gelmir had been waiting along with the rest of us for them to come to their senses ;-) Eilian’s definitely become a lot more self-aware. Even admitting that his father might be right shows that he is looking at himself in a new light. He’s already done a lot of growing up, I think. I mean, he still craves the excitement of the south but at least he’s realised how it affects those he loves and acknowledges that maybe he’ll have to reconsider the life he’s used to. Even by thinking of it as a dilemma is a big step up from thinking that everything else has to fit in around his life in the south. I imagine there’ll have to be an interesting conversation or two between him and Celuwen before he does go back. Actually, it’ll be a great pity now if Thranduil is very angry with Eilian, from the point of view that Eilian’s really doing well and doesn’t need to be made feel bad about himself. Having said that, he really should have at least brought more members of the patrol with him… But surely that’s the worst of his sins? And I know that it’s a totally different situation because it was completely unexpected but Thranduil and especially Ithilden spent so long accepting that it wouldn’t have made a difference if they had sent more guards to meet Lorellin or the patrol had gone earlier or whatever and then Eilian acts on nothing but an instinct and is proved right… Well, lets hope they don’t think of that. That image of Isiwen weeping in Sólith’s arms was so touching. She’s such a strong character but must have been frightened out of her wits underneath and she needs to be able to release that. For all that I dislike about Sólith, I will admit that he genuinely loves his family. “I keep reliving the moment when I threw that knife at Susta and it landed in his chest, and all I feel is glee.” Ah. That must have been a tough admission. I guess she’s just realised what it’s like to destroy that which threatens her loved ones. Actually, in a way it might help her to understand a bit more about what drives Eilian. I found the part at Félas’ funeral quite sad. I think part of it is that even though we’ve heard of trouble at the settlements before, this is the bit we don’t really see. I loved that bit about Beliond sending Legolas off to rest. As with his father, Legolas is needing his keeper less as he grows into his role and finds confidence but sometimes still just needs him to be there. That’s interesting, that Legolas’ sword was already in motion when they entered the cottage. Legolas has always had more or less tunnel vision when it comes to those he loves, maybe he still needs to work on that. Like he says, he was right this time, but he could easily have been wrong. Khi has to face Thranduil?? Ouch. He was better off unconscious. Legolas’ realisation that he probably should have left Khi’s fate to Eilian really brought home how very competent Legolas has become. He obviously took immediate control of the situation and did it extremely well, no matter how strange it felt to him. And it’s definitely a good sign that his protective brother didn’t jump in and try to help him. It always makes me smile to see how happy Legolas is when one of his family praises him. LOL at the thought of Ithilden kicking the guards back to Celuwen! She did promise Eilian that she wouldn’t be careless but I suppose she did consider the settlement to be completely safe. There’s definitely some of that odd settlement-elf mentality in her. She suggests to them that they be trained as warriors, yet she feels safe enough there to dismiss the guards. I don’t know how she thought she’d get back to the palace – with a bit of luck the guards are safely hiding in the forest until it’s time for her to leave and Ithilden won’t have to add their names to the increasingly long list of incompetent guards hanging out at the palace… I wouldn’t mind seeing him give Celuwen a bit of a rollicking, though! I’m so glad that Gelmir is going home with Eilian for a while. Both of them need their best friend for a bit, I think. Although, Gelmir might want to loiter in the vicinity of the settlement a bit longer ;-) And good, Riolith is getting his leave. Are we going to see any more of Sórion? Lovely ending to this chapter with the brothers clinging to a bit more time with each other. But Eilian has to go home sometime – and I’m just dying to know what happens!! :-) Author Reply: It may have taken you seven attempts to get around to writing this review, Dot, but from my point of view, it was worth the wait. :-) In this story, I've been trying to show Eilian, Celuwen, and Legolas all trying to adjust to positions that were new for them, and I wanted that to come through in this aftermath chapter. Legolas is a competent officer, and begins to feel that way partly through his own actions and partly through having his brother's respect for him be clearly apparent. Celuwen has been adjusting to life in the palace and has concluded that it's home now. All it took was a few weeks on Thranduil's council for her to start seeing things completely differently, and thus to make her less patient with her father. And Eilian is struggling with his desires for adventure and his wife. He hasn't resolved that one quite, but he's at least acknowledged it and is making progress. I've really enjoyed writing about Gelmir, as I also enjoy writing about Annael and Turgon. I think that I get to know Eilian and Legolas better by seeing them with their friends and letting them talk to them. And of course, in Gelmir's case, he's been the third member of this trio, so he knows both Eilian and Celuwen quite well. The other characters who are useful to me are the keepers. I love Beliond and Maltanaur. And Beliond is keeping a close eye on Legolas in what must have been an unbelievably stressful situation. So he orders him to bed, but then he sits next to him too. :-) In the next chapter, I plan to show Eilian arriving home and Legolas arriving back at his patrol. I've just gotten slower in the last couple of weeks. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at work.

Duchess	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/9/2004
I am soooooo GLAD you didn't let anything permanently bad happen to Celuwen or her family... sorry about Felas though. Thank you for Maltanaur surviving. g LOVED how Celuwen came up with the idea of training the settlements to defend themselves and then handled her stubborn father. chuckling I really hope Ithilden and Thranduil will understand Eilian's instincts concerning his wife's safety were valid and will pay closer attention to that in the future instead of dismissing them out of hand like they did. Thranduil has the excuse of his wife being gone for some time now to have forgotten such things, but Ithilden has none. glowering Legolas is turning out to be a wonderful officer and I'm truly loving this story. :):):) Author Reply: You know, I had the thought that if I were writing a real novel instead of fanfic, I'd have to let Celuwen die and have the brothers spend the rest of the novel dealing with the aftermath. But I didn't have the heart to do it. Celuwen did very well with her father. I'd say she knows him well and is not at all intimidated by his manner. Now I have to go write about Eilian's return home and Legolas's return to his patrol. :-)

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