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Time's Turnings by daw the minstrel	27 Review(s)
Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
Hehe. I really enjoyed this chapter. Beliond is awesome. A bigot, but awesome. I do wish he would quit disparaging my race though. I really enjoyed him in this chapter though. I loved him juggling. It was nice to see him having fun for a change. Also, I loved the way he just flat out told Legolas to keep out of the Inn. It's not just Legolas being sensitive when Legolas thinks that Beliond treats him like an elfling. Also, I loved Legolas being smart alecky and then Beliond being smart alecky back. Also Beliond growling at Legolas. This was just all in all an excellent, excellent chapter with Beliond. Also, nice conversation with Maltaunar. Todith does trust Legolas quite a bit. And he dies later. Now I'm all sad. I keep getting sidetracked on things I liked in this chapter. Also, Eilian is such a fun diplomat. And a fun brother too. " I see I have been neglecting your education." LOL! I loved that line. It's fun watching Legolas blush. Eilian has indeed been neglecting his education. Eilian's very smooth by the way, ingratiating himself with the natives by asking for directions. Very smooth indeed. I'm glad he only uses his power for good. I'm also enjoying the little bits of elvish trivia from this story. I did not know that elves could juggle. Or that they had an internal clock. I should be so lucky. I'm starting to understand why Beliond is so disdainful of men. Though we're still cool, darn it! So, fun chapter. The Easterling is definitely trouble. Is he perhaps doing some illegal trade in Dangwath? Them herbs make me suspicious. I greatly look forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: It must have been hard for Elves to be anything other than condescending at best to the other races. Tolkien sure gave them most of the advantages. And Beliond is just the guy to remember that. Nana is the right nickname for him though. He treats Legolas as if he were six. "Stay close to me in the market." LOL. I suppose most nanas wouldn't let their six-year-old fight orcs, but still, Beliond needs to loosen up a little. He should take a look at Maltanaur and see how he does it with a much more challenging charge. Eilian intends to point out to Legolas that girls look at you when you're NOT looking at them, so you have to look out of the corner of your eye and then turn around and smile at them. That's how he would do it. I'm not sure Legolas even wants to do that! You made me laugh about Eilian using his power for good. Fortunately, his elven nature and his upbringing have made him an honorable guy. One who intends to have fun but basically honorable. The juggling just sort of happened. I thought about putting one in the street scene and then thought that elves would probably not be impressed by a juggler because their superior reflexes made them able to do far more unusual things. And then I thought of Beliond juggling and it was all downhill from there! Glad you liked it, Alice.

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
Maltanaur and Beliond's little meeting in the tree was very cute. They do have much in common. "Bored for most of my time and terrified for the rest." LOL - Poor keepers! They must spend a lot of their time terrified. I think Maltanaur would have many more grey hairs than Beliond - judging from the nature of their charges. Beliond probably has more of an emotional investment due to the loss of his son. I liked the way Maltanaur subtley spoke up for Legolas. He made the point that perhaps Beliond needs to trust the princeling a little. I loved this little excursion into town. You did a great job on the details from the novelty of the bells to the sights and smells. If I saw that group of elves smiling and waving to me I am sure I would return the grin (at the very least). Eilian did a good job as head of the comely group. Leading the horses was a good idea. Legolas is a bit lacking in the romantic education department. His reactions to the various merchants was entertaining. Thranduil's opinions definitely carry a lot of weight with the young prince. The Easterling would have given me cold chills as well. He kept his reaction to a minimum. I think if Eilian and Beliond new the source of his unease they would be more forgiving. The stable hand looking for reigns on the horses was a nice touch. I was happy Eilian kept Maltanaur with him rather than trying to go off on his own. He has grown much more responsible. Beliond's reassurance was very sweet. The stroll through the market had me laughing. "Stay out of it" - I loved Legolas' indignant response - it was very princely. The conspicuous factor and then the juggling scene was great! Who could resist showing off a little bit? It was quite out of character for Beliond which is what made it so fun! Beliond obviously noted Legolas' reaction to the herb vendor and sought to scope him out a little. He does a great job. Apparently there are times when even the elves lose track of the passing of an hour. Good thing there are those pesky bells Fun chapter! Author Reply: I think that Maltanaur must have had heart failure pretty regularly over the years. Beliond has it easy! But he's all wrapped up in making sure that another young warrior doesn't die. I think he need to ease up a little. Perhaps the female inhabitant of Dale will soften up more easily than the male! Legolas needs to realize that of course the pretty girl wasn't looking at him when he was looking at her. She looked at him the rest of the time. Eilian could have told him that. :-) I think Legolas has listened well to his father. But I also think he's been influenced by his brothers. Ithilden is more open, for instance. I think ME benefited indirectly from Ithilden's interest in other races because of the effect that had on Legolas. Beliond is such a nana! It's a great nickname for him. And I couldn't resist the juggling! It seemed like such an elfy thing.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
This chapter was just full of great stuff. I really liked the conversation between the two keepers. It’s interesting too to get a semi-outsider view on Legolas and Eilian. It must be strange to be in a job that almost no one else understands. I love the idea that Maltanaur can see Beliond settling into his role, even if Beliond himself refuses to admit to it. You’re right, of course, that Beliond must be bored out of his brain most of the time. He should count himself lucky, though, that he didn’t end up with Eilian as his charge. Can you imagine it?? I wonder which of them would survive… I think Maltanaur is very perceptive. In the sense that he’s very sharp and aware of everything around him. He obviously knows Eilian inside-out by now but in general he seems to read a situation quite well. Beliond’s view of things seems more influenced by his own experiences. I wonder what kind of a father he was? I can see why Thranduil figured he’d do everything possible to keep Legolas safe but it was a big risk in some ways. I mean, giving him responsibility for another young elf after what happened his son could easily have resulted in more grief and anger for Beliond, and there was always the possibility that he’d become so overprotective that he’d restrict Legolas’ opportunity to learn. But as always, the wily Elvenking was spot on (once these two sort themselves out a bit more) and I wouldn’t be surprised if he also saw it as a way to bring Beliond back into society a little, which I imagine he probably needed. “They cannot tell time on their own?” I just love how, apart from using wonderful descriptions, you’ve made Dale so interesting and different by letting us see how strange Legolas finds it. It must actually feel completely foreign to him. And wow, those descriptions are amazing. The town feels so vibrant. I wouldn’t mind visiting it myself, despite “the odor of unwashed Men, overripe vegetables, and manure.” I had to laugh at Eilian turning on the charm. It must be quite something to watch him at work! It’s a good tactic to greet the locals and appear friendly. Legolas can probably learn a bit from his brother. People do appear to be a bit skittish. Dwarves seem generally too straightforward to be the type who’d use rumour for any purpose but I suppose you never know. For a while there I thought that if you were leading us towards Men or Dwarves, then it had to be an Elf behind it all… But now I’m back to Men again. I guess I’ll have to wait and see what happens in the palace! Legolas’ reaction to the Man in the herb shop was interesting. I suppose he isn’t going to forget something like that very easily. I’m fascinated by the way he pauses to examine the reason behind his reaction. We’ve seen Ithilden do that too. Hmm. Maybe it’s something I should practise. I cringed for Legolas when Tavor misbehaved. It looks like he’s just realised the reason why everyone told him he should have a well-trained horse. Legolas never likes to look bad but it must sting to do so in front of his brother. Not that he did anything terrible, but these Elves are a bit peculiar about their animals. I like the way Eilian and Legolas fall into their separate roles – Eilian is there as the son of the king, Legolas is there as a warrior. And it was so nice of Beliond to try to reassure Legolas of Eilian’s safety! The entire Beliond/Legolas part was just brilliant. Beliond is so funny, although I can see that it could be rather irritating to be around him too much! “Is that an inn?” “Yes, it is, stay out of it.” LOL. How on earth did you come up with juggling?? I read that part and then I stopped and had to re-read incase I’d imagined it. I suppose it is something that Elves would be able to do very easily. Legolas must have been completely startled when Beliond joined in. Nobody’ll believe him. I can just see Beliond deciding to show them how it’s done. And you know what? I bet that little performance went further to relax people than all the smiling and smooth talking they could be doing. Anyway, it’s a fabulous image. Bravo, Beliond! Trust Eilian to have taken it to the extreme. Yet another Eilian tale everyone but his father knows… That Man… has he realised who Legolas is? And we get a titbit of information about Beliond – he’s familiar with the Balchoth. Anyway, this Man sounds suspicious. Of course, I could just be picking up on Beliond’s vibes! I’m still laughing at Legolas wanting to just barge in there and “investigate”. Luckily Nana Beliond is there to put him in his place, eh? “Legolas opened his mouth to protest but was forestalled when the town’s bells began to ring again.” What’s that? He didn’t realise the time until the bells rang?? Sorry, I’m being a smartass now ;-) Fantastic. I’m dying for more :-) Author Reply: No, I can't imagine Beliond with Eilian. Talk about a bad match! Maltanaur, on the other hand, is an amazingly good match for Eilian and is an all around good guy. He's interested in other people and quite tolerant of those whose personalities differ from his. And he wishes people well. I don't know how else to put that, but he wants Beliond to be happy too, and yet he's not going to try to control things too much. I suppose that's why he's good for Eilian. He guides him and then comes along and picks up the pieces. I've always thought that Dale sounded charming from the time I first read about Elrond mourning for the merry bells of Dale. And yet, I could see how elves would find any city of men to be a pretty odd place. When you draw your sense of life from nature, the general need of men for noise and amusement must seem bizarre. Legolas is pretty good at examining his own motives for things. I think Thranduil deserves credit for that. Except, I think that Legolas is less good when it comes to his motives for being annoyed at Beliond. He's too close to Beliond and I think he associates Beliond with his father in the same way that Beliond associates him with his dead son. And Beliond is such a nana! It's a great name for him. "Stay close to me in the market." Can't you just hear the mother of a six-year-old saying that? I came up with juggling while I was on vacation. I'd been outlining this story and thinking about what Legolas would see in Dale and we saw a juggler. And I thought oh yeah, the town might have a juggler on market day. And then I thought but elves could do that pretty well. And then Beliond stepped up and said "You're blankety blank right I could, missy. Hand me the knives." LOL. Legolas did seem to lose track of time. We'll see how they do.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
I really enjoyed the conversation between Beliond and Maltanaur, discussing and comparing Legolas and Eilian. Beliond and Legolas going through the marketplace made me think of someone taking a child and constantly slapping at his hands to keep him away from things he thinks might be dangerous. Beliond’s knife-juggling act was so out of character for him (at least in my mind) that it was great fun. I think he enjoyed it, too. I imagine he would have had a heart attack, if Legolas had done that. Author Reply: The keepers understand one another in a way that no one else understands them, so it's interesting to see them together. Your characterization of Beliond slapping Legolas's hand made me laugh. I thought it was bad enough when he said, "Stay close to me in the market." I could just hear a mother admonishing a little kid that way. The juggling just sort of happened. Beliond concluded that they were very visible anyway, so he might as well show the men how it was done.

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
I really liked this chapter. The conversation between Maltanaur and Beliond was funny--almost like two proud mothers comparing and contrasting their children. I also liked how Legolas and Beliond were doing the whole bonding thing in Dale. And I liked the continuity from the story with the Easterling in it--of course Legolas would be prejudiced because of that. Beliond does seem to have a bit of the show-off in him, hmm? Author Reply: Glad you liked the conversation between the keepers. I added it to the chapter really late when it occurred to me that I didn't get many chances to write about Beliond and Maltanaur together so I shouldn't waste this one. I think there is a bond between Beliond and Legolas, but I also think it has to grow and change a little. When Beliond first began guarding Legolas, Legolas was as green as grass. But he's matured and gained some experience, and Beliond has to see that. I know how hard this can be just from trying to treat my son like a more or less competent adult. I drive him crazy without meaning to.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
I wonder what happens to Beliond post-quest. (And, come to that, into how many pieces Thranduil cut him when he went back without Legolas.) And what they found to do with themselves when the Thranduilionnath eventually sailed. I hope Beliond went, too, and was promptly reunited with his wife and son. I love seeing Maltanaur's reaction to being in healthy forest - he spends so much time nursemaiding Eilian in the south. But then, on the other hand, Beliond is (understandably) bored in the eastern patrol. (Except that it keeps his pet elfling safe.) 'we have to escort the two young ones to Dale' - Eilian might think he's in charge, but the guild of bodyguards know who has the last word! Beliond is so secretive about his experiences. I think he needs a dose of sodium pentathol, so we can learn more about him without getting out the thumbscrews. But every now and then he drops just enough information to get Legolas's interest. Dale sounds a pretty town - but I think it's the smell that would really hit elves. How did Middle Earth deal with drainage, I ask myself? I loved Eilian's charm offensive - and the keepers' fore and aft protectionism - and Eilian's competent switch to 'official' mode. (Mind you, to anyone who refers to their adar as 'the King' and can cope with him in official/family form is only too used to people wearing different hats - and Legolas recognised the transformation immediately.) That horse is not going to like it in Dale, though. Tavor might make it good by being excessively twitchy about the baddies, but chances are Legolas will be blushing for him. Two waves of suspicion - Easterlings and Dwarves. (Legolas is getting a good chance to look at other races here, isn't he!) And circus skills! Beliond the juggler. (I think Beliond quite likes being called Nana really. As long as it's just by Legolas. He's a lot less grumpy than he would like everyone to believe. Although he is superb at riling his charge.) Author Reply: I think Beliond would go to Ithilien, assuming he survived the war. And I think he would eventually go to rejoin his family in Valinor. It was hard for me to imagine how Beliond must feel on a day to day basis, but I thought he would be bored and possibly annoyed by the constant presence of others. I think being a spy suited his loner personality, but in the long run, I don't think all that isolation was good for him. And Eilian knows who has the last word too! Legolas might be kicking at Beliond's rule a little, but Eilian has long since settled into life with Maltanaur. Not that he always does what Maltanaur suggests; sometimes he doesn't give the keeper time to suggest anything because that would be a very big drag. When I started writing this story, I realized I had very little backstory for Beliond, so I'm trying to flesh it out a little. Like who knew he could juggle? LOL. It seemed like an elven thing to me.

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
Beliond should enjoy himself more often, I think. Author Reply: He should! He really should. He'd be a happier person.

Brazgirl	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
Hey! More of Beliond! So, he is good with knives and he is a very capable juggler... that was fun to read. Especially that line 'Eilian tossed six'. Ha! Legolas can see his brother is a capitain. I like that. It is more amazing to me how he can separate family from business. I can tell you many people I know have trouble doing that and suffer the consequences. Very nice chapter Daw! I could see myself walking on those smelly streets. And Beliond talked more. I think this was the chapter he talked more in all of your fics. Author Reply: You'd have to know that Eilian would push the envelope on doing something slightly dangerous. It seemed to me that elven reflexes would mean that they could probably juggle. I enjoyed turning Eilian into a captain right in front of Legolas's eyes. Eilian is willing to tease him a little about the pretty girl, but when he's working, he's working, and Legolas needs to shape up. And his horse does too. Glad you liked it. I'm having fun letting Beliond take center stage a little.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
blinks Juggling?? LOL, if he did something like that every time he was supposed to be spying on Men it's no wonder he was assigned elsewhere ;-) Loved this chapter but am at work...back later... Author Reply: I actually thought about that! But I decided that Beliond wasn't in hiding or disguise here. Everyone knew they were there, so he just decided he show these men how juggling was meant to be done. :-)

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/28/2005
Oooh, Dale! Town of many wonders and delights! Color and noise and smells! And on market day as well. For all that he likes to think of himself as an eminently mature, reasonable adult, I'll bet that Legolas was far more fascinated by the toys than he'd ever admit. I know I would be. Too bad Sinnarn is too old to be an excuse to buy one or two. Eilian is in classic form here, charming and sociable and oh-so-friendly and not missing a single thing underneath it all. Legolas is appropriately subdued in the foreign environment, and Maltanaur appears to be in his (adopted) element. But the person who was most wonderful here was Beliond. He should go to town more often, I think. He reminds me of Spock in some of the old Star Trek episodes where they allowed him to let his hair down a little. You could tell he was having a tremendous amount of fun, but he did it in his own extremely idiosyncratic way. All Elves can juggle, huh? Makes sense. I could never manage more than two balls at a time, because I played cricket and softball before I was four, and my instinct with balls is to throw them out and not up. And we know that Elves can walk tightropes, so slackropes presumably wouldn't present them with too much of a problem. And they'd just get a kick out of Chinese stilts (which are a lot of fun) and unicycles. Given the amount of time they spend in trees, a trapeze would be as nothing to an Elf. But I have yet to see an Elf toss a cream pie or do a pratfall as well as a human. I wonder. . . Dale is a place that likes show and likes to keep public track of time. And they're good with marvellous toys, so maybe they know about clockwork. Perhaps it's their big new invention. Do you think they might have a glockenspiel? Maybe one like the one in Marienplatz in Munich, where twice a day, people gather to watch the little clockwork puppet show and carillon tinkling. That'd be right up the town's alley, I think. I'm with Legolas on the inn thing. Sleeping in hotels fascinates me, too. I hardly ever stay in them, and part of the excitement of going to the wedding I went to in March was that I got to stay two nights in a real hotel room, which was almost as big a treat as the wedding itself. I like Eilian's approach to security with his brother -- hide the kid in plain sight. Who's that? Oh, nobody. Just a guard. It's nice to see the keepers indulging in a bit of friendly shop talk. It's nice to have a colleague, even if only one or two in the whole kingdom. Author Reply: Legolas is enjoying himself in Dale. The whole town is like a big array of toys! Maybe when I given Eilian an elfling Legolas can buy him or her some toys. I would guess that Sinnarn had plenty of them, given grandpa Thranduil's attitude, and Legolas is only 40 years older than Sinnarn. Maybe he enjoyed playing with them with his nephew. Beliond was fun to write about in this chapter. I just couldn't resist the juggling. I thought of including a juggler in the street scene and then it occurred to me that the elves might not "get" it because it wouldn't seem hard to them and then Beliond said, "Step aside, and let me show you how it's done." What could I do? But stilts! That's another possibility. Oh I'll be they would think they were fun. I've seen that clockwork in Munich! I suppose they might be up to making that, especially since the dwarves are there too. Yeah, I thought Eilian would be reluctant to identify Legolas as anything other than a simple warrior. Why make trouble? Sleep in an inn? Hm. Now there's a thought!

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