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| Good Enough by The Karenator | 14 Review(s) |
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| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/13/2005 |
| Oh I am so glad we got to see a chapter that was Elenna's POV! I loved the beginning. Her frustration with the world was absolutely palpable. You did a wonderful job showing that. You also did a great job showing her building up to the decision to reveal all while still not certain she can. It is a heck of a brave thing to run that gauntlet of guards and other obstacles to find that Aldamir is not there and still tell her story. Good for her. And I liked the spider story. I really wondered if you'd tell us how the nasty little things came about and I'm glad you did. Sorry for the fool that made them though. Thranduil was NOT pleased. You did such a good job with that scene. And then when he brought in Calith I was sitting in front of my computer screen in my office clapping with glee (my lab assistants already think I'm nutz so it's ok for me to do that). I just loved how Thranduil made him squirm. I could hear the subtle tone of anger in Calith’s voice. Not good. Spiteful, angry and scheming elves are not good things. But, if it means we get to see Calith get more punishment in a later story it would suit me because something about this particular villain just makes my blood boil. I know they can't just go back to where they were right away, but I really hope we get a little glimpse of Aldamir and Elenna together again before this ends. I've really enjoyed this. There have been so many twists to it. I hope you have another in the works soon. (I know it's not over yet. I always start mourning the end of good stories early. Sorry.) Author Reply: Yes, it did take Elenna a little while to work herself into enough of a tizzy to take the bull by the horns. She knew what the right thing to do was, but every time she nearly told Aldamir, something would hold her back. Finally, she was left with nothing to do but pull herself up by the bootstraps and get it over with. I owe daw a debt of gratitude for helping me come up with some of the spider stuff. And then Meckinock helped me fine tune it. They were both a lot of help. Thranduil was most upset with the dumb fools who thought they could outsmart nature...and him. Calendon isn't a bad guy, but he didn't come across as too bright in this case. When his healers started batting around this idea, if he had been the leader he should have been, he'd have nipped this idea in the bud right then. Bad decision. He ain't leading nuthin' no more. Calith was asking for it and he got it. Though Thranduil had no plans to confront Calith at that moment, but when the worm showed up in court, Thranduil took advantage of the situation and took care of him too. The king was on a roll! Calith might show up again later, but I don't think it'll be until another story. Aldamir will be back in a day or so. What a surprise will be waiting for him! We'll have to see how he'll react to what's happened and to the fact that Elenna is still there. I have so many half-done outlines that it's pathetic. And it takes me forever to finally get a story together. I've got several ideas for what's next. Dunno yet. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. And Calith takes a bow at your applause. :>) Karen | |
| Leaward | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/13/2005 |
| It was nice to read Elenna's POV. Poor girl -- you really captured her despair when she was talking up to the King. How frightening that would be to have to face Thranduil and admit deception like that, even though it wasn't hers, the feeling that she is betraying her father must have been torturous to her. And Seregon ... I loved this speech of his: “I know you are frightened and upset, but you have done the right thing,” he said kindly. “I do not know what the king thinks, but I can tell you that I understand how hard this was for you. You have risked much for the good of the realm. I do not believe that your courage will go unnoticed.” I thought it was just what he needed to say to her then. And then her reaction “I do not feel brave,” I whispered. “I feel terrible.” I wanted Aldamir to run into the room and hug her and tell her all would be fine! I know, I know, you have to build up the suspense for that, but give the poor girl a break! And it was so wonderful to see Calith have to face Thranduil ... and yet he still had the gall to try to worm his way out of it! I think I know a Dunedain woman who he might do well to team up with ;) BUT ... “You do, my lord,” Calith said. I cringed. I could hear the subtle tone of anger in Calith’s voice. The inflection was small, but it was there. I think we have not seen the last of Calith yet ... subtle tone of anger? Now what does that slimeball have up his sleeve? Author Reply: Elenna sort of had to build up to the point of marching off to tell Aldamir the truth about everything she knew. If Calith had not shown up to start with, I think she would have told Aldamir sooner, but Calith threw a monkey wrench into that. It really did take some courage to face Aldamir after the fight, but then to have to tell him that she had been hiding things from him...well, that makes me sick to think about. For a moment, she almost felt thwarted again when Aldamir wasn't there, but as it turns out, I think Seregon was better equipped to handle the situation. In the beginning, Seregon wasn't quite sure what he thought about her showing up in his office, but after seeing how upset she was, he caved. He did feel awful for her and tried to make the whole process as painless as possible. Though it did turn out to be quite an ordeal for her anyway. Calith is a worm! Meckinock said he was like a Mirkwood Wormtongue. I found that high praise! :>) He's embarrassed, he's lost, and he's madder than a wet hen. I don't envy Elenna having to face him again at all. And I think you might be on to something: he and Titheniel would make quite a pair. :>) Calith will eventually show up again, but I don't think it'll be until another story. Thanks for all your help...you're like my seeing eye dog. :>) I appreciate you taking the time to read and review. Karen | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/13/2005 |
| This was a very interesting look inside Elenna's head. What she did took great courage - those loyalties are torn between the ones you love and doing what is right...and even doing what is right ends up making you feel like a traitor. It is probably fortunate that Seregon was available and not Aldamir - otherwise we might not have seen Calith called on the carpet! This was a good twist, though...the timing is such that you have the external conflict continuing with the internal conflict, and their resolutions are tied together. Very satisfying for the reader. Oh, and spider sex? Spider sex stories will soon need their own awards category! Author Reply: Poor Elenna was torn about what to do. She wanted to remain loyal to her father and she wanted to tell the truth. And what bad timing: just as she decided to come clean with Aldamir, Calith shows up! I think you're right that it was a good thing that Aldamir was not home. Seregon could handle everything much better since he didn't have the emotional investment in the situation that Aldamir did. The king most likely would not have confronted Calith in court either if Aldamir had been present. As it was, Calith, being a nosey so and so, trailed along after the other delegates as they rallied and went to see what was up with the king. Thranduil had not planned to confront Calith...he didn't send for him...but when Calith showed up and Thranduil was on a roll, he decided to kill two birds with one stone. Gee, do you think we could get a spider sex category? We could call it the 'spelf' category. Thanks, Nilmandra. I truly appreciate you support. Karen | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/13/2005 |
| Ah-hah!! Everything starts to fall into place. Excellent, excellent chapter. Am at work, back later... :-) Author Reply: LOL! I'm so glad you liked it! And you read it at work! Brave girl. Thanks, Dot. You've made me smile. Karen | |