Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

A Creature of Fire by daw the minstrel	39 Review(s)
lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
You deserve a medal for this story, daw, or at least an all-expenses-paid holiday somewhere really nice! :-) I cannot imagine writing something like this from Legolas' POV - you practically lived it with him! sniff I'm with you - let the healing begin! Such a sensitive, touching chapter - starting with the scenes in the house with Tuilinn's parents. I hope they and Legolas develop some sort of relationship afterwards...it might help them all to remember her together as the ones she loved best! I won't say too much about his last moments with her - but those are the most wrenching - that final letting go. I loved the way Beliond was all prepared to go to his Prince's defense when Nildur sounded doubtful and bitter about Legolas...but then both parents could see the love Legolas felt for their daughter, and I'm so glad her mother said that to him about making her last days joyful. The time in the tree waiting for the funeral - sigh Beliond and the betrothing ring - could he be any more thoughtful or act with more compassion and insight? no The funeral itself - sniff The giving of the ring to Tuilinn - he's well and truly bonded so beautiful The trip home...he's still not eating (shades of little Legolas!) - sigh And finally, Thranduil - I was so glad to see him! Another powerful chapter, daw! (wish I could think of some new superlatives for it...) linda Author Reply: These three chapters have been interesting to write (I can say that now that they're in the past) because they've presented both emotional and technical problems that stem from the same source, the close-in point of view through Legolas. I really did feel like I was living it with him, and since he's out of it, it was tricky to try to show what other people were thinking and feeling and even how he was doing because he's barely functioning. But I think that Legolas will take comfort from visiting her parents in the future and they'll like getting to know him. They'll have love for Tuilinn as a common bond and he might like coming to know the village where she grew up and people who knew her. And then they can all descend on her in Valinor one day!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
Thank goodness for Beliond. And thank Daw for giving me at least one laugh: There was something in the tea, he thought irritably. I will put my foot down in the morning. Wow, Daw, you outdid yourself. Are you booked on a flight to Antigua this weekend? You deserve it. I'm glad Tuilinn's parents got to see how much Legolas loved their daughter. It must have brought them some comfort. Beliond seemed to be the only one running on all cylinders, even though the situation must have been grimly familiar to him. It was good of him to steer Legolas toward home. And yay for the cavalry, headed by Thranduil. Author Reply: I'm ready for a vacation, that's true! Enough with the angst. I need to get on to the healing and some Orc slaughter and stuff. Beliond is indeed a treasure in a situation like this. His experience is showing. He was at Dagorlad, and I can't imagine this is any grimmer than that.

ScarlettPendragon	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
Hi Daw!! You will be so proud of me - I actually managed to make it through most of this chapter without crying!! And then you just had to have Thranduil come flying to his son's aid, didn't you?! LOL Something about the image of Thranduil flinging himself off the horse before it even halted and Legolas collapsing in his arms reduced me to tears!! I think it's the idea that Legolas feels safe enough in Thranduil's embrace to finally let go and stop trying to be the big brave warrior that strikes a chord with me!! And that Thranduil has been there to guide Legolas through all of the sorrow and loss in his life - and Valar knows that Legolas has suffered more than his share of sorrow!! I love the way you echo how he can't eat now that Tuilinn has died to how he couldn't eat when his Naneth died - we do tend to use the same coping mechanisms over and over in our own lives, and it makes Legolas' grief seem more 'real' to me!! Another fabulous chapter - you are really outdoing yourself with this story!! I know Thranduil can't wave a magic ring and make everything all better, but I am so looking forward to seeing how he helps Legolas deal with this tragedy!! Scarlett Author Reply: Legolas feels safe enough in Thranduil's embrace to finally let go and stop trying to be the big brave warrior Yes! That's it exactly. That's exactly what happens when Thranduil shows up. Beliond has been taking care of Legolas in a way I admire and he truly cares, but Thranduil has been there since Legolas was small and he's Legolas's only parent. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. It's been hard to write because I'm not usually good with angst, but I've learned a lot from trying to do it. And I think there's just one more chapter.

Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
Oh, Daw this was just so beautiful. It was sincere and moving and I think this story is the most powerful one you have ever written. I had to steel myself to read this chapter. There were just so many moments that made me want to cry. The grief Legolas and poor Tuilinn's parents and even Tuilinn's childhood friend felt just came pouring through. Beliond and Adar coming to the rescue was just perfect, and there's really not much more that I can say than wow. It was just all so moving. I just have to say one more thing. In the LOTR fandom much horror has been produced in the name of Legomance with the OFC. You have produced a story so moving and sincere that you have taken back that genre and given it honor once more. Admist all the wretched stuff in the LOTR fandom, your stories keep pulling me back. Thank you. Author Reply: just have to say one more thing. In the LOTR fandom much horror has been produced in the name of Legomance with the OFC. You have produced a story so moving and sincere that you have taken back that genre and given it honor once more. Oh wow. I am completely speechless. I truly don't know what to say except thank you. :-)

Yanic	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
Daddy! Thank goodness he's with his father, he really needs it! Well I have to be honest with you this is the first time a story ever brought me to tears. This chapter was just too touching. Her parents' grief and Legolas's was moving. And all the people telling their stories about Tuilinn and then Legolas gave her the silver bonding ring. That was what really got to me, that he can't have her. It's so unfair, even if I did always think that he should bond with a blonde I still feel like he at least should get someone. Now he's bonding himself to someone out of reach. And all the while Legolas was concerned about how her parents were feeling because they hadn't had as much time to greive as he had. He's so noble. And Beliond was "pleading," that suggests that Legolas must not be doing good at all, b/c I think it's hard to tell from Legolas's perspective right now how he is. He's too wrapped up in his grief. I can't wait to see what the family makes of him and hopefully family time will help him get over this. Great Story! Author Reply: It's been interesting to write solely from Legolas's POV in this story, and one reason is that I've had to struggle with the very thing you mention: how to show how Legolas is doing when he's too out of it to say. And one way is to show how others, like Beliond, react to him. I've learned a lot with this story. It may be a little sick of me but I think I'm glad I made you cry.

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
A heartrending, but beautiful chapter, daw. Beliond is just brilliant in handling everything and everyone. Sending Fyndil for the silver ring was his most masterful stroke of all. I love that Tuilinn's family excepted Legolas into their, even though the had not time to exchange vows. I am very glad that Ada has arrived though, for Legolas is greatly in need of him. Author Reply: Nilmandra thought up the idea of the ring. She's great at stuff like that. Tuilinn's family might be very comforting for Legolas in coming years. He can go visit them if he likes. They'll like having this surrogate son.

Wantanelf	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
I never expected to find another update so soon. Thanks for the nice surprise. I am really enjoying this story as I do all your stories. This one is especially touching. I'm sorry I have been lurking for a while, but I have read all of your stories but sometimes neglect to review and tell you how great they are. Please don't stop. I'll go through withdrawl. I haven't even read this chapter yet but am sure it will be wonderful. Just wanted to get a quick note to you while I had time. Author Reply: Now that's an endorsement! I hope you did like the chapter. This story is much more emotional than what I usually write and I think I need to go write about an Orc battle or something because it's wearing me down. But this story won't go on much longer, and then I can do an elfling story or something more light-hearted. Yay!

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
Wow. Fast turnaround. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'd be happy for an update every day! This chapter was just as heartwrenching as I thought it would be. I think even sadder than the funeral itself was when Legolas put Tuilinn's body on the bed, knowing he would probably never get to touch her again. It broke my heart. Clever Beliond to take Legolas home without telling him that's where they were going. I'm glad Thranduil met them. He's such a great adar. Author Reply: That chapter went faster than I expected. Now I have to work for a bit so the next one will take a little longer. Not much longer though. This is nearing the end. Legolas is surrendering Tuilinn bit by bit - her fea first and now her body. The funeral fire just finished it off. Thank goodness for Beliond and Thranduil! They've each had losses. They can help Legolas (and me -- I need a break from the angst!).

Alison H	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
Wow, Daw, you really did outdo yourself on this chapter.This has got to be one of the most beautifully written chapters anyone has ever written.I was living Legolas' grief and I just started blubbling when Tuillin's mother rose from her chair to comfort Legolas.Poor boy, he really does not know what to do.I'm so glad Beliond was there to look after him--as much as Legolas will let him. I was glad to see Thranduil appear to offer comfort but I wonder what he makes of his sons' seemingly rapid decision to bond with Tuillin.After all, he did not mention her to anyone. I can't wait for the next chapter.This has been a truly remarkeable read and I don't want it to end but I think you need a breather from all the elf angst! Take care and update soon. Ali. Author Reply: I'm so glad you liked it, Ali! This is the third chapter of angst in a row and I'm getting kind of worn out, so I'm just glad that Legolas is on his way home which I think will help him heal. Thranduil has heard what Eilian has to tell him about Tuilinn, but I imagine he's going to want to hear from Legolas too. Telling Thranduil about her will help Legolas, I think.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/19/2005
I was surprised (and pleased) to see more of Tuilinn’s parents. I suppose I must have expected to see Legolas back home and maybe a flashback to a conversation with Thranduil or with Tuilinn’s mother… But this was important for Legolas, and probably even more so for the reader to see that her parents accept him and acknowledge the depth of their relationship. It makes it much more real and sets Tuilinn apart from the Miriwens and Synias of this world. There’s not much I can say about the grief of the parents. Their pain and shock was so real. I had the same thought as Legolas, that they must have known something was wrong and now their absolute worst fear has just been confirmed. I think Beliond needs to get away from all this almost as much as Legolas. He can comprehend Tuilinn’s parents’ grief all too well, he has to give strength and comfort to a dazed and unwell Legolas, make sure he eats and rests, and try to get him home. He also seems to be the one who has to tell the story of what happened yet again and now he even has that sad little moment where he has to let Nildur know that his daughter has been dead for four days and pulling the blanket away to look at her beloved face might not be the best idea. I’m guessing the tea wasn’t just to get something inside Legolas either but to give the neighbour something to do to feel useful in this horrible situation. I just loved the moment between Legolas and Tuilinn’s parents. Nildur was understandably a little annoyed if Tuilinn had been expecting Legolas and he never came, but I love how they both see immediately how deep Legolas’ feelings are for their daughter and they reach out to him even through their own anguish. I had to chuckle a little, though, at Beliond leaping right in with an explanation when Nildur seemed too suspicious of Legolas. Of course, they’d have to be blind not to see Legolas’ misery and being Elves, they can probably tell straight away the love between them and will respect that but still, it was a lovely moment between them. Eliviel’s comment about Legolas making her daughter’s final few days joyful was so moving, and it’s something any parent would want. I felt a little sorry for Legolas, though, when Eliviel wept in his arms because he’s so totally incapable of finding comfort himself at the moment and seems to feel uneasy having to offer it. Although, maybe it’s easier for them to share their grief together, easier than having to accept or give sympathy. The idea of Legolas going straight to the tree was just perfect, even if he isn’t able to let the song of Arda settle his spirit as it usually does. He sounds like he isn’t doing well at all. Carrying Tuilinn, not eating and being so far into his grief are all obviously contributing to his slowness in healing physically. No wonder Beliond is worried about him. I was wondering what on earth Beliond gave to Legolas! There’s no greater sign of how much he understands exactly what this means for Legolas. And it gives Legolas a chance to show his love for Tuilinn in front of all those who meant something to her. I was so, so glad to see Nildur and Eliviel invite him to stand with them. The funerals you write are always a beautiful blend of ritual and personal thoughts, always so sad. But I’m pleased for Legolas that it allowed him to finally release his emotions. I admit that I was glad too that he didn’t speak. Not only was it more realistic this way but nothing he said could have been more meaningful than placing the silver ring on top of her. My favourite moment - possibly of this whole story – was Beliond appearing at Legolas’ side as he finally gave in to his grief. “I baked seed cakes this morning,” she said unsteadily. “You should take some with you.” Oh, daw, he loves seed cakes! I was definitely blinking away tears at that point. At least Legolas seems to be able to open himself up to the comfort of the trees again. But he still seems fairly dazed if he doesn’t realise where he’s headed. I’m thinking Beliond may have been a little grateful for that, though!! Beliond and Eilian’s little plan seems to have worked. I was half-expecting Thranduil to appear. Thank the stars. He’s just what Legolas needs. I hope they at least bring Beliond home to feed him and not let him disappear off into the woods! I’m just dying to see what you do next. I’m going to brace myself for wishing for the first time that it isn’t just Legolas’ POV, but I’ll wait and see…;-) When you’re finished this you’ll have to let us know what you thought of writing this POV in this type of story. I hope you’ve at least enjoyed some of it. Anyway, you’re doing a wonderful job. I was so thrilled to see that this isn’t the last chapter! I’m eagerly, impatiently awaiting more :-) Author Reply: I was surprised to wind up writing about Tuilinn's parents too because I hadn't intended to, but when I thought about it, they needed to know more about Legolas than I could tell in his memories of this visit, so I beat my head against the desk for a while and then wrote it. Beliond does need a little break and I intend to give him one. He needs to spend time in the woods. He's been a real god send to Legolas though. And I suspect he's worried sick about his charge. But his long life has also given him some perspective on how one can survive what seem to be lethal blows. I agree that elves would be able to recognize love when they saw it, and I think Tuilinn's parents would see it in Legolas. And then they would respond like parents. But Legolas is not used to comforting women he doesn't know, even if they are Tuilinn's mother! I think he was just awkward there. He has a lot to learn. As I wrote that funeral, I could see that I had the chance to really drive home the reason that Legolas never marries. In his mind, he 's betrothed. He may not talk about it but he is. So yay! I never have to write another adult Legomance, just the younger Legolas's flirtations. Writing from this single POV has taught me some things, I think. I've struggled with how to show emotions without naming them. I think I've gotten better at showing how my central character is affecting those around him even when he doesn't know it. And I've seen the kind of concentrated energy this POV can produce. So I'm glad I did it. I hope I can use what I've learned even when I jump around some.

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List