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Time's Turnings by daw the minstrel	25 Review(s)
The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/31/2005
I'm loving this trip to Dale. It's such a treat to see Eilian and Legolas interacting with men on the men's home turf. Legolas's interest and enthusiasm is such fun. I like the way you drew King Bram. Just the little things like his deep voice and rather wry sense of humor rounded him out so well. When he and Eilian met alone, I got the feeling that he's not particularly inclined to see the Elves as hostile to Dale, but he's shrewd enough to be cautious and form his own opinion. Maltanaur was terrific as a room scout. Boy, nothing gets past him. Not only could he tell Legolas and Beliond the exact location of their rooms, but also landmarks to help identify it. He probably also noted the fabric of the draperies and how many throw pillows were on the bed and the approximate cost of the furnishing. Since his wife is not around at the moment, let me express my undying crush on him again. And then we have Beliond. He's just as appealing in a gruff way. The secretive James Bond of the Elven world. His way of expressing his devotion to Legolas is so different than Maltanaur's way of dealing with Eilian. I can't help but be amused by his fussiness. I'm really looking forward to the common room ruckus of the Inn. Wide-eyed Legolas and hyper-alert (and thoroughly disgruntled) Beliond. Be sure and give Legolas a sip of ale. He's been drinking the good stuff for far too long. He's got to prepare for Gimli in his future. Ithilden, Ithilden, Ithilden. After I read his little escapade, all I could think of was that he was a miserable failure as a teenage numskull. He just wasn't cut out for it. Legolas and Eilian could pull off the dumb stunt due to teenage logic and it look normal, but poor Ithilden! What was he thinking? Surely he knew his sins would find him out? I imagine he did cringe when he thought about standing in front of his father's desk waiting for the boom to be lowered. He was so hyper-responsible to start with, and then to be caught red-handed... Nope, he wasn't cut out for such bonehead shenanigans. I think for him to be caught being so irresponsible was harder on him than it ever was on either of his brothers. I bet Lorellin was shocked! Fortunately, you gave us a reminder that he grew up well. The scene with Ithilden and Thranduil was nice and quite comfortable. Their relationship now really is adult to adult. The parenting is over and now Thranduil can just be a friend and advisor...when he's not being king. Very nice. I'm looking forward to the lifting a cup of ale in the common room. I'm sure all will go smoothly...HA! Carry on, Karen Author Reply: I'm having fun with the trip to Dale too. For some reason, it seems like a really fertile ground for stories. And Bram seems to have a sense of humor that's rather like Eilian's. If they knew one another better, they'd have been slapping one another on the back and hoo-hawing at shutting the guards and advisors out. But he's also concerned for his people. He has Dwarves to one side of him, Thranduil on another, and the whole of the east not far away with not much in between except empty space. I love Maltanaur too. He's affection with Eilian but a good guide for him. When he checked out Eilian's room, he did it right! I thought that his priorities and Beliond's might conflict a little here. But Legolas sees clearly that his duty as a warrior is to be nearby. The fact that that also allows him to stay at an inn AND grind Beliond's face in it is pure coincidence I tell you! I think that Ithilden is one of those people to whom it's cruel to say "These are the best years of your life" when they're young. And I'm with him on that one. Being an adult is much more fun than being a kid. He's a great adult, and you see that in the respect that Thranduil has for him. But I'm glad I gave him Alfirin. He needed her.

Brazgirl	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/31/2005
Poor Beliond. I guess he waited for Maltanaur as an ally when Legolas said he wanted to stay in the inn; and the bodyguard only trapped him! The conversation between the king and Eilian was very interesting. And I agree with Maltanaur: he will succeed with his charms at the dinner. The things might change if a pretty lady attends too... But he is nervous about his father's judgment about his mission, so I think Eilian will do fine! Ithilden! That was so surprising! You take the teenagers' mind and how they react so well! He was so believable in that scene... But Thranduil left me curious about what the master said about the crown prince's abilities. Great chapter. Author Reply: I thought that Beliond's and Maltanaur's priorities might conflict here. Maltanaur wants guards for Eilian nearby, and Beliond wants Legolas safe. But Legolas is right. He's there to be a guard. He has to be able to function as a warrior, even if that means occasional danger. Eilian wants his father's approval just as much as the other two sons do, and he gets it so seldom, poor guy. I'm glad you thought Ithilden was believable. He's kind of arrogant, with some good reason really. He's capable. But the whole point of that drill (which French Pony told me about from her fencing class) is that anyone doing it is going to hurt after a while. Lomilad knew what was going on, I think.

Beny	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/31/2005
Wonderful story, amazing set, terrific interaction. I know you never wrote more than 17 chapters, but I wonder if you could possibly... make an exception and prolong this one up to .. may be 50 chapters! Author Reply: Thank you, Beny. I'm so glad you're enjoying it. You're making me feel good here. :-) But 50 chapters???? I have a teeny, tiny attention span, and my beta could tell you how much I moaned about the 17 chapter story. This one will be maybe 10 or 11. Something like that.

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/31/2005
A fascinating look at young Ithilden so Sinnarn does take after his father after all! And Thranduil very carefully trying to offer advice without interfering Eilian being a diplomat and doing very well and Legolas getting to spend time at the inn which I am beginning to think is a very bad idea! This was lovely and showed both the differences between the three brothers and the things that mark them out as Thranduilions and how their father has influenced them Author Reply: And wouldn't Sinnarn like to know that! In truth though, I think Ithilden's motives for wanting to become a novice were different from Sinnarn's. Ithilden did understand that this was a responsibility, whereas Sinnarn wants what he thinks will be freedom. Given how little interference Thranduil tolerated in raising his children, he's pushing the line a little here, but he and Ithilden seem to have quite a trusting, respectful relationship now. Quite a contrast to the flashback. Now the two sons in Dale are digging in for some excitement. We'll see how it goes.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/31/2005
So Bram has heard that Thranduil has little respect for men? As Eilian says, the problem with that is that it's true! He has very little time or patience with men as a rule. I love how carefully and diplomatically Eilian skirts the issue. I would very much like to have seen Maltanaur and Bram's guard outside his office door - were they eyeing one another suspiciously, or commiserating over their wayward charges? Neither seemed happy with the arrangement. Legolas and Beliond are spending the night in the inn? Great! I can see potential for all sorts of fun there! And finally, Ithilden. I can't believe that upright, uptight Ithilden tried to trick the novice master into accepting him early against Thranduil's wishes! It doesn't take much wit to work out that he'd find out, and will Not Be Happy. Great chapter, Daw, and I look forward to the next! Jay Author Reply: Eilian is in a hard place here. He needs to be honest if Bram is going to trust him, but he also needs to be careful what he says about or for his father. I think he'd prefer to fight orcs! At least there, his adrenalin can be used up in fighting. But I thought Bram and Eilian might get along because Bram seems to have a similar sense of humor. He thought shutting the door on the guards was funny. Given that this was Maltanaur and not Beliond, I think he and the guards might recognize their mutual exasperation over the two in the office! I would guess that that memory of trying to trick Lomilad is not a happy one for Ithilden. He was pretty bull-headed as youth though. And Lomilad knew what was going on too -- hence a drill that would drive whoever was doing it into the ground. Glad you liked it, Jay.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/31/2005
I will go into detail later, but I just wondered . . . does Thranduil ever have any of these lovely bits of introspection when confronted with his offspring's activities - and remember incidents from his own youth, when he was less wise / mature / authortitative etc and was, instead, busy giving Oropher the whole sullen disobedient obnoxious adolescent treatment? Because, goodness, I would love a Thranduil flashback!!!! Author Reply: Bodkin, you are an evil woman.

lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/30/2005
Well!!! As my grandmother would say, "Who put that bee in Bram's bonnet?" He is certainly stirred up about something, and obviously someone has been feeding him a whole lot of horse-ummmm...feathers! ;-) Eilian had to very carefully feel his way through that minefield and I think he did a pretty good job, too. Now Bram....there's an interesting fellow...I think maybe he and Eilian have a shared sense of humor, which hopefully will bode well for the coming dinner. Maltanaur - the all-seeing one - I loved his pinpoint locating of their rooms for Legolas and Beliond. That keeper does NOT miss much - what an elf!!! I am glad Legolas stood up to Beliond about the inn, and he was right...as Eilian's guards they need to stay close in case they are needed. Beliond needs to remember the reason Legolas and he were chosen for this mission....hmmmmm, altho' I guess his first priority is Legolas...now that would pose a real quandry for him (I have a headache just thinking about it!) Anyway, Legolas gets his night in the inn and I hope they don't get too "raucous" in the common room! LOL Ithilden's little flashback was wonderful! He really put himself in the middle of some deep problems by lying not only to his teacher, but thinking he could pull one on his Adar! As if he could coerce Thranduil into changing his mind by having Lomilad report on his wonderful performance with the sword! Lomilad, of course, probably saw right through Ithilden's little scheme (hence the looonng look when Ithilden told him he was to evaluate his skill), and picked the one exercise guaranteed to really HURT as well as prove a very large point to the boy. A good story about Ithilden and then you show us how he has matured and grown, and how his relationship with his father is now comfortable, adult-to-adult. A great chapter, daw! Now, about that dinner with King Bram...and that inn......... :-) linda Author Reply: You're right! Bram and Eilian should get along. They both think that shutting out the guards was funny. Maybe Bram drove his father crazy when he was young. And yeah, Maltanaur is taking no chances that Legolas and Beliond won't know exactly where Eilian is. I love Maltanaur. I did think that Maltanaur and Beliond might have different priorities here. Maltanaur's is Eilian and Beliond's is Legolas and those two things clash a little. But Legolas is right that his duty is to stay close to Eilian. Besides, that means he gets to stay in the inn. :-) Yup, Lomilad knew what was going on. He's taught novices for a long time and he knows Ithilden from weapons training. French Pony told me about this drill. She did it in her fencing class, and it did look like one that would hurt no matter how strong you were. If you were someone like Ithilden, you'd just have to do it longer. (I could finish in about three minutes.) And then writing immediately afterwards about Ithilden and Thranduil as grownups did feel very different. That must be a painful memory for someone like Ithilden.

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/30/2005
It is entertaining to see Eilian being as charming a diplomatic as he is a ladies’ elf. I am intrigue by Bram’s attitude and look forward to finding out what is up with the Men of Dale. Easterling’s stirring up trouble, perhaps? Maybe a few spies in the midst, spreading lies and discontent (perhaps via spice sellers?) Author Reply: Eilian is good with people and Bram seems to have an odd sense of humor so maybe the two of them will get along. Bram should be able to see that Eilian is being honest. Eilian was smart to stick to the truth.

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/30/2005
What an enjoyable chapter - we got to see all three brothers in action, so to speak, though the roles seemed oddly reversed. We got to see Eilian in his diplomatic best and a young Ithilden deceiving Thranduil and saying a line that I have a hard time connecting with the current day Ithilden "You treat me like a child!" Sometimes I forget that Ithilden was young once too. And then there's Legolas who is enjoying the sounds of Beliond sputtering. I have to say that Eilian is doing a great job and you are showing us a side of him that we see little of. Thranduil really should be quite proud of him though it seems he still has doubts about this second son. Now I am looking forward to see Legolas and Beliond's stay at the inn. Legolas must be giddy with anticipation and Beliond must be cursing quite steadiy by now. Author Reply: Sometimes I forget that Ithilden was young once too, so writing these scenes was fun. I think he was young in an Ithilden-ish kind of way. His arrogance (based in his always capable performance) was there already, I think. And so was his devotion to duty. He's not looking for adventure -- he really was thinking about his responsibilities and wanting them NOW. But I'll bet he drove his parents crazy. Eilian is good with people, which is one reason he's a good captain, one who can take an interest even in Galelas. Diplomacy is a whole different ball game of course, and he's feeling his way along, but I think Bram might like him on a personal level. Eilian knows enough to speak only the truth, although that sometimes means avoiding certain topics. On to the inn!

Firnsarnien	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/30/2005
Oh no, Leggy and Eilian are not sleeping under the same roof. I hope nothing happens! Especially since Leggy and Beliond will be sleeping in that inn. I think subconsciously, Leggy is just looking for some adventure, even if it is trouble! And that flashback of Ithilden's...wow...he can be manipulative when he wants to, can't he? LOL Kinda makes it hard for him when Sinnarn only wants the same thing he did when he was that age. How the tables have turned. Hmmmm, how does that saying go? You pay for your sins through your children? Yup, I think that's the one all right! I could only imagine what poor Leggy would have to go through if he had any children! LOL Well, as always, another wonderful chappy! As for Nana Beliond popping an artery, he nearly did when Leggy suggested staying in that inn! LOL Poor him! Wait till the real action starts! He's gonna be popping all his veins too! LOLOLOLOL! :) Can't wait for the next update, do hurry, will ya? :) Author Reply: I think Legolas wants to be closer to Eilian AND he wants some adventure. So this is two birds with one stone. What could be better? And added to that, he gets to provoke Beliond, with Maltanaur's help. So take that, Nana! Ithilden certainly made every effort to get what he wanted. I think that Sinnarn just expects to become a novice because he's the right age. And he would stop having lessons, which he thinks he'd like. What he really wants is more freedom and I'm not sure the novice training is a place to get that. Glad you liked it, Firnsarnien.

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