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Time's Turnings by daw the minstrel	21 Review(s)
The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/19/2005
What a nice reflective chapter. Everyone is adjusting to changes and learning about one another. I imagine this was a turning point in how Legolas's family will see him in the future. Being the baby of the family, and if you're an elf, that's quite a long time to be a kid, has made it harder for Legolas to break out and do what he needs to do as a warrior. But he's doing well, and you're taking him to the point of where he can reasonably become the Legolas we know in the Fellowship. I have truly enjoyed the relationship of Maltanaur and Beliond. They're two scruffy old dogs who put everything into their responsibilities. They're such good role models for the younger warriors as to how a warrior acts. Beliond's got a little baggage, but that makes him so real. He'll have to deal with his own fears and that takes time. Ithilden is rounding out nicely too. He's a deep guy. And he's struggling with the parts of parenting that all parents have to face. I like the believability of how introspective he is about what he does, and I like that you let him make mistakes and feel anger and disappointment. (I'm thinking of the drinking incident when the dwarves escaped.) Over the course of your stories, you've really fleshed him out. Good show, daw. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ithilden handles Sinnarn and to how everyone grows from this experience. Karen Author Reply: I think this little mission will go a long way toward loosening Beliond's attitude toward Legolas and toward helping him get a transfer, although it's going to be to the Northern Border Patrol. That's where we next see him in "Fire and Shadow" about 20 years in the "future." And more importantly, it might help build his confidence too. He has three dominant, successful, older males as his role models. That can't be easy. Beliond is coming along. I love Maltanaur. He's quite capable of deliberately setting out to draw Beliond back into friendship again. I have another Legolas-Beliond scene planned for the story's end. I'm coming to really like Ithilden too, although it's taken me time. He's a really good parent, and I think Alfirin helps there. Of course, he was raised by both of his parents, unlike poor Legolas.

Brazgirl	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/19/2005
Everyone was worried about telling adar about the finding thing... but adar is not easily fooled. That was nice! I particulary like those lines between Beliond and Maltanaur. It was nice to know more of Legolas' bodyguard and see that interaction between the keepers. They are friends! It's so sweet the love Ithilden has for Alfirin! Oh, I wish there were men like this in real world. He is so passionate and loving with her. I'm lookig foward to read him talking with Sinnarn. Author Reply: No, Adar is definitely not easily fooled! In the end, the only thing Eilian managed to hold back was the news about the prostitute, and I think that was wise. Adar might have had a heart attack. I liked writing about Maltanaur and Beliond too. I think Beliond in particular needs that friendship. He's been too much of a loner since he lost his family. Tending Legolas is good for him. He's gradually returning to his friends.

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/19/2005
This was a very thoughtful chapter, quiet and reflective with everyone thinking through the changes that were happening to them and around them and how people were growing and changing as well I smiled at Eilian's thoughts on how much to tell Adar and how Thranduil reacted to Beliond's skill at 'finding' things It was interesting to see how both Legolas and Eilian react to even the simplest of praise from those they respect The little anecdote about the knives was fun too Saddest of all was Ithilden's memory of his mother and it struck me that Legolas has missed out on this balance of care that was available to his elder brothers and now to Sinnarn. It must have affected the way he was brought up, even though Thranduil is such an excellent, if anxious Adar. I shall be very sorry to see this tale end I am enjoying it so much Judy Author Reply: I had some fun working through Eilian's reasoning on what to tell Thranduil. He was weighing the chances of getting into trouble either way. And in the end, the only thing he managed to keep back was the news that Adar's baby had been approached by a prostitute and then had publically announced he was looking for one. And I think withholding that was wise! Your comments about Lorellin were right on, I think. She and Thranduil balanced one another, and when she died, that balance was upset for all of them really. I think that Thranduil and Eilian are still struggling to get along without her. And Thranduil must have had to learn to be a single parent. Legolas was lucky to have his older brothers to fuss over him too. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/19/2005
I was delighted to see a little bit of everyone here. What a marvellous chapter! And thank you for answering my question about Ithilden’s harp ;-) God, I love that elf. But I’ll get to him later… Eilian seems to be getting great mileage out of this prostitute thing. I suppose he’s had plenty of years in which to refine the art of teasing his younger brother. I wonder if such a lady had anything to do with Maltanaur’s “foolishness” in Dale? More likely it was the ale, though. “Do you remember the time Thranduil tried to toss seven at once?” LOL! It sounds like Thranduil was even more daring than Eilian. What I loved most about this part is the fact that Beliond and Maltanaur are so relaxed with one another and have clearly shared lighter times together with Thranduil. It’s strange to think that these elves lived under Oropher’s rule for a long time and still call him “the king”. Just when I think I know your characters you go and drop these little hints and make me realise that I only know the teeniest, tiniest part of them! I feel bad for Beliond because he his friendship with Maltanaur clearly goes back a long way but it still takes him a while to let his guard down and then when he starts doing that either he or Maltanaur have to leave again. It’s not fair on poor Beliond, daw! I’m glad Eilian was there to show Legolas how to respond to Beliond instead of automatically protesting. Crikey, Tinár is just so good to his wife! How considerate of him to save his mending for her. I bet you anything it’s actually his loving Naneth who does it for him. This is a great opportunity for Eilian and Maltanaur to have some fun on the way home. Legolas really seems to have some idealised notion about serving under Eilian. The poor thing has no clue of the problems he’ll run into when he does get to serve under him. “You really did do well, Legolas.” Good old Beliond! I’m still laughing at the beginning of the scene with Eilian and Thranduil. “[…] that meant that that Thranduil might learn that Eilian had not told him everything. That would be bad.” That and the following three paragraphs had me in hysterics. Are those Eilian’s thought processes or yours?? It never dawned on me either that Thranduil would think Eilian had requested Legolas to be his guard. I love that Eilian tries to reassure his father that Legolas is a very capable warrior and did so well when, despite knowing the truth of his own words, he still wants to keep his brother from danger. I hope Thranduil has spies as good as Beliond apparently was. He has Nithron for another while, I suppose. I love that Thranduil knows enough of his son’s keeper not to ask for specifics! If Eilian was reporting to Ithilden he’d never get away with leaving out chunks of information. “Beliond found a letter” indeed. “You did well too”. Yay for Thranduil! His father’s praise is always good for Eilian and he deserved it here. Legolas may have suspected the spice merchant but Eilian is the one who had to do all the diplomatic work! So, what’s Erendrinn doing for Sinnarn? That sounds intriguing. I loved the flashback. It must have been hard for Lorellin to know the type of life her son would lead. Still, surely it’s better that he accepts it wholeheartedly rather than not want it at all? I tend to forget that apart from his other duties, Ithilden is Thranduil’s heir and in such troubled times would have been raised with the possibility that he would have to lead the realm. It’s strange too to see her so afraid of the thought of losing Thranduil and none of them imagining the gaping hole her death would leave in their lives. I though she handled him exceptionally well when she explained that he’d need honour and the respect of others and how he’d gone against all that when he went to Lómilad. I hate to say it but he did need to feel some shame at what he did and she did a good job in helping him to do so. But best of all, she makes him feel that he is loved and admired by his parents. Thranduil does that too and I always think it’s a great method of parenting! And Ithilden being Ithilden, he probably did think long and hard about what she said. Ah, the harp… I love the connection with his mother. I can imagine how startled Thranduil was when he took it up again to sing to Alfirin at their betrothal. There’s no clearer sign that he loves her and that she’s brought him some peace and happiness. I hope things settle down between him and Sinnarn. Ithilden is a good father and always so earnest and determined to do the right thing. This adolescent phase his son is going through seems to be making him look at himself as he probably hasn’t done in a long time. Ah well, at least we know they have a good relationship in the future! This seems to be coming to a close :-( Oh well, all good things must, I suppose. Just to let you know that if you update soon I might miss it – my Dad’s finally home and if he’s still doing o.k. tomorrow I’m going to take a break and maybe head west for a few days. But I’ll check for an update the second I get back! :-) Author Reply: Thank you for asking me where Ithilden got his harp. I'm not sure I would have thought to include that if you hadn't. :-) For a brother like Eilian, the prostitute thing will never grow old or tired. He'll trot it out in Valinor and still enjoy it as if it had happened the day before. Legolas must want to strangle him sometimes. What I think about Beliond is that he is naturally a bit of a loner and when he lost his family, he became even more so. That tendency helped him to do well as a spy, but in the long run, it's not good for him. Thranduil knew that when he assigned Beliond to be Legolas's guard, and the experience of guarding Legolas is gradually drawing Beliond back into contact with others. He's never going to be the life of the party, but he's not so alone any more. The internal argument Eilian had over how much to tell Thranduil was my attempt to duplicate how he might think. He's eminently practical. He tells because it's easier than not telling. But he certainly considers not telling! Ithilden's tendency to require detailed reports is the reason I had Eilian report to Thranduil rather than Ithilden. Well that and the fact that it was Thranduil who sent Eilian on this mission. And then Thranduil had a chance to give Eilian praise that he needs far more than either one of them realizes sometimes. You're an unbelievable reader, Dot. I had to look up the name of Alfirin's father and then I don't think I put it in the chapter, but you produce it here. How did you even remember where to look???? I almost didn't take advantage of having Lorellin in the flashback part of this story and then I realized what an opportunity I would be wasting. I hardly ever get to write about her and I think she was an essential part of this family. Her loss was devastating. Legolas was lucky to have his older brothers as well as his father, but Thranduil had to learn to be a single parent, and I think Legolas suffered sometimes. I'm glad your father is home and I hope things continue to go well. Have a nice break.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/19/2005
My pity for Gewiel increases. Even though she cannot have been the sharpest knife in the drawer to get into that situation in the first place. How even Tinar can think that anyone, ANYONE looks forward to the chore of mending his smalls is beyond me (unless it gives her an excuse not to spend time with him). I'll bet she darns them with unmatching thread - just to spite him. She'll have to develop sea-longing, just to escape him for a few centuries. On a happier note - one advantage to having keepers who have known your adar from his earliest youth is that occasionally, just occasionally they reveal gems such as his knife-throwing expertise! (It would be nice to see more of Thranduil being wild and immature - and possibly surprisingly Eilian-like.) And Legolas got a lesson in how to respond like an adult, rather than throwing in a protest that would have made him sound like Sinnarn! I would love to see these four spend more time together at some time (- check the plans for possibilities, maybe?) (And I was wondering - when the Thranduilionnath are injured, the keepers help out the Home Guard, but what happens to the Princes when the keepers are injured? Are there understudy keepers around? Does Adar shut them in their rooms until their guards are recovered? If the keeper is stretchered home, does the kept get to go as escort?) Poor Legolas - the lady of the night business will just run and run. He needs some similar ammunition on Eilian. I'm sure there's plenty! And Beliond is thinking about extending the reins a little. And Ithilden is thinking about letting Legolas get experience of another patrol - soon. ish. I love seeing Eilian get approval from Thranduil - he needs it so badly and is always so surprised when he gets it. It's good that Thranduil was able to keep up his reputation for omniscience. (Having run Beliond as a spy for the Valar only knows how long must have made that quite straightforward for him! He knows Beliond is good at 'finding' things.) Ithilden is a star. He is being so careful and loving with Sinnarn - and yet only maturity is really going to help at this point. Lorellin and Thranduil made an excellent combination of parents - fireworks from Adar and understanding from Naneth. And she is so good with the killer comment and the question that puts 'teenage' angst into perspective and gets beneath the skin. He and Alfirin make good parents. THEY SHOULD HAVE MORE ELFLINGS. Sometime shortly after the Battle of the Five Armies seems like a good time to bring elflings into the world. For Eilian and Celuwen, too. Author Reply: I suppose you do have to feel sorry for Tinar's wife, although she's not exactly charming herself. Of course, if I were married to Tinar for all of eternity, I might have to be a tad crabby myself. If you're not reading Elliska's story, you might look there for a flashback to young Thranduil. I think there's one in her current chapter although I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I don't know what Thranduil does when the keepers are injured. If the sons are away on patrol, he can't do anything. I've shown that situation and the son simply carries on. But if the keeper is hurt enough to be sent home, does the son come too? I can't believe that would happen with Eilian at least. He's a captain! So who's going to make him do it? Legolas might be a different story, especially when he's young. I'll have to think on that one. The story that is next chronologically right now it "Fire and Shadow." That takes place about 20 years from the time of this story and Legolas is in the Northern Border Patrol, so I was kind of working toward that transfer. Eilian needs approval from his father far more than either one of them realizes sometimes. You and Thranduil think alike about the elflings. He told Eilian to have them at the end of "Tangled Web." Tolkien said there was relative peace in the Greenwood then. It seems to have lasted for about 10 years. That's time enough.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2005
“She likes to sew them shut,” muttered Eilian. Oh, that was good! LOL . . . I'd love to have Eilian for my own brother. I just now saw the movie King Arthur, and something about the actor who played Lancelot reminded me of Eilian . . . the handsome expressive face, dark hair and fluid movements. . . ***** Legolas opened his mouth to protest that Beliond and Maltanaur had just been laughing at their king but Eilian said, “Of course not,” with dignity that was only slightly marred by a subsequent snort. Legolas became aware of the amusement that still lingered in Beliond’s eyes and relaxed. You know what, this is lovely moment . . . look how far the four of them have come. . . I really like this story line. I love keeper action almost as much as I love Legolas and Eilian action. I thought you'd update this evening! I checked the site just for this story! thank you! Author Reply: I haven't seen "King Arthur" but you've made me curious. I may have to go look it up on line. This little scene between the four of them was marred only by the arrival of Tinar. I do think that there are links and cross links between these four. Eilian and Legolas make a natural, loving pair, as do Beliond and Maltanaur, and then of course, each keeper is attached to his charge. I suspect the keepers may look on the brother of their charge as an unknown and possibly problematic variable. Who knows what risks their own charge will take if the brother needs him?

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2005
That was so nice! I am glad Legolas got the acknowledgment that he deserved. He really did well considering his lack of experience and to have both Beliond and Eilian say so, he must be on cloud nine. What Eilian said about Tinar's wife wanting to sew his leggings shut - that deserved a big snorting laugh! And Thranduil throwing knives? All these little tidbits that the king's sons are learning about their father are giving them quite the cache of ammunition against their adar, if they ever dare to use them, that is. Thranduil misses nothing. It's a good thing that Eilian decided to tell the truth and what little that he didn't say, Adar knew already. Actually when I think about it, it's pretty scary to have a father who knows so much without even stepping out of the house, so to speak. And that last little part with Ithilden was so very touching. It amazes me how well you have portrayed Lorellin in the little that she has been mentioned in these stories. One can see the deep impact that she has left on both Ithilden and Eilian and it just makes it that much sadder that Legolas has had to grow up without her guidance. Author Reply: Legolas deserved some praise. He's ready to take on some new challenges, I think. After all, you don't produce an elf ready for a quest overnight! I kind of liked Eilian's semi-bawdy joking about Tinar's leggings and Legolas's encounter with a prostitute. I think Elves are in control of their sexuality, but I don't think they're without it! Now daring to use that information about the knives is another matter. I'd have to think long and hard about what a good time for that would be, and Eilian would do well to take care. The only thing Thranduil doesn't know is the bit about the prostitute. I think his idea of his baby might not withstand that shock. Legolas did lose a lot when his mother died. I hardly ever have a chance to write about her and I was glad to do it here. She's so good at nurturing her sons, even as she holds them accountable.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2005
Oh goody, another chapter. I needed this today. Poor Legolas, I doubt he will ever live down the prostitute thing, though I imagine Eilian will at least have to keep it quiet around Thranduil. :) “I think perhaps it will not be necessary for Adar to know just what you told the men you were doing there. He might not appreciate it as much as I do.” “Few people would,” Legolas said dryly. Too funny! And the reference to Thranduil and the knives--I about died! And I would bet Legolas and Eilian did too. I can't imagine they often had the opportunity to hear anything about their adar's misadventures (and there had to be some!) Of course then I read on and got to the comment about Tinar's leggings. Daw, you should have seen me trying to explain my hysteria to my husband, all the while still laughing my head off. I also loved all of Eilian's thought process debating whether to tell Thranduil about the fact Legolas was one of the guards. That was very Eilian. And this: Thranduil looked down at the desk and pursed his lips. Finally, he said, “You say Beliond ‘found’ a letter?” Eilian held his breath. “Yes.” A long silence settled into the room, as Thranduil looked away and then back again. “Ah, yes,” he said dryly. “Beliond is good at ‘finding’ things.” He paused. “Was Legolas with him when he ‘found’ it?” Eilian hesitated and then surrendered with a grin. “My understanding is that Legolas stood lookout. Beliond apparently refused to let him help with the ‘finding’ part.” Classic! This was great! Given how it all turned out, Thranduil could not be too mad. And after all, he knows what Beliond is capable of. :) But my favorite part here was the memories of Lorellin. That is the first extended interaction with her children that I remember. I am so glad you did that. She came across as so wise. I can definitely see how Ithilden wanted to manage his son after his mother's example. Great job there. I am dying to see that conversation. Thanks for brightening my evening with a wonderful chapter! Author Reply: You'll notice that while Eilian did more or less acknowledge the break in to Thranduil, he never said a thing about the prostitute. That is really not something Adar needs to hear, and I can't imagine anyone involved telling him. Also Eilian hasn't yet brought up the topic of juggling knives. I wonder if there will ever be a good opportunity for that one! You try to explain stories you're reading to a non-fanfic reader? I find that very difficult to do, not that my husband would listen anyway. I'm glad it made you laugh though. I have very few chances to write about Lorellin and I think you're right that this is the first time I've shown her in anything other than a short glimpse with one of her sons. Poor Legolas. He missed a lot by having her die when he was so young.

Brenda G.	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2005
Wonderful chapter, Daw! Ithilden's trip to the past formed a rather large lump in my throat. Anytime you bring Lorellin into a story is very special. I enjoy that lovely lady very much. The love your characters bear one another is made tangible through your writing. I love how personal and deep we are allowed to explore in the hearts of your characters. Legolas did well, Eilian was truthful about the mission, and Thranduil turned out to be proud of both his sons. Beliond's ever increasing fondness of his charge is a warmth I love to bask in (as well as Legolas does, it seems). I love how you closed the chapter out with Ithilden, with his mother's memory fresh in his mind, about to enter Sinnarn's room to talk. Somehow I believe that discussion may end with father and son embracing. You've painted the canvas to lend to just such scenario. What a delicious chapter, a wonderful story. Well done, Daw. Author Reply: Thank you, Brenda. I do like writing those family dynamics. I wish I could bring Lorellin in more often but it's tricky to do without losing Legolas. I think they all miss her, and Eilian's uncertainty around his father is a sign of that, as is everyone's reluctance to let Legolas grow up a little. They're learning though. There's just one more chapter to this.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/18/2005
Everyone does seem to be doing well, especially in learning the delicate art of letting go. Particularly in regards to Legolas, his superiors seem to be realizing that it's time to let him do the job they've trained him to do. Must be an awful strain for Thranduil, though, to feel duty-bound to send all the boys off to be warriors, but at the same time to be so over-protective of the baby. So Legolas dearly wishes that he could join Eilian's patrol? He should be careful what he wishes for. Such a wish could come true, which might possibly lead to. . . oh, Eilian getting wounded with a poisoned blade, which would lead him to go home, which would lead him to stay home, which would lead him to realize exactly who is lurking between himself and Celuwen, which would lead him to figure a way around that, which would lead him to marry her, which would lead to Legolas losing his place as Number One Loved One in Eilian's heart. Which is probably not the result that Legolas has in mind. But ya know, just speculation, and all that. . . Tinár shook his head. “Gewiel looks forward to doing these little things for me, and I would not want to disappoint her.” Ah, Tinár. Tinár, Tinár, Tinár. Gifted with the keen eyes of the Elves, and yet so, so blind. Which reminds me. . . Coach Mike had another encounter with our own Tinár. He answered back during footwork again, and Mike put on this big, glassy grin and told him, "You know, 'Tinár,' you remind me of a Jack Russell puppy. A Jack Russell puppy on coke. With an overactive bladder. That hasn't been trained. Really annoying. . . but adorable. That's you, 'Tinár.' You're absolutely adorable, but you're so, so annoying." Which was the honest truth, and the way he said it just cracked up the entire club, including "Tinár." Todith seems like too nice a guy to say that to the real Tinár, but boy, I'll bet everyone who knows him is thinking it. There was no point in telling Eilian how much Legolas worried about him or how devastated he would be if anything disastrous happened. Of course, everyone in the family feels that way about everyone else. The funny thing is, they don't seem to realize that, for all the pain any one of them knows he would experience if something happened, the others would feel the exact same way about them. They seem to think that they are the only ones who feel that way, which is kind of sad. I'll bet it's something that Lorellin would have taken care of, had she still been around. Speaking of whom, she did a nice job with Ithilden. She told him the truth and let him know that she loved him, and she didn't pressure him or make him feel immature. . . but she got him to feel terribly guilty anyway! The sign of truly skilled mothering. Author Reply: You made me laugh with your "speculation" about what would happen if Legolas joined Eilian's patrol. Actually he serves under Eilian about 20 years in my fictional future in "Fire and Shadow." That's the one where he hunts the dragon. Sinnarn is a warrior by that time too. They're in the Northern Border Patrol, which is also a fairly safe one but is at least different. In this story, I was trying to make room for that transfer for Legolas. So Tinar the Fencer isn't getting the hint? He must be unbelievably nervy to mouth off as a new, young member of the club. The coach must rue the day he turned up, although I suppose if he competes well that will help. It occurred to me only a few chapters ago that I was wasting a chance to show Lorellin in action. I get that chance so seldom that I had to use it. I wished I could write from her POV but since these are memories, I had to stick to the POV of the person with the memory. Sigh.

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