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| A Creature of Fire by daw the minstrel | 321 Review(s) |
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| sofia | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| Another good chapter. Nithron is one of those characters that you created that have me curious. I'd love to know more about him. -sofia Author Reply: I haven't really thought much about Nithron, mostly because I have my plate full of OCs now. I might not have time in this story to do much with him. Maybe someday. I'm glad you liked the chapter. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| I love the interactions between Legolas and his family, Thranduil is always great, and I do love Eilain. He's always so surprised when his father praises him! I hope we get to see more of Anyr. He's so hopelessly airheaded he's funny - but not to have to deal with! I like Galelas, too, even if Legolas doesn't - after all, how can he be any better considering his awful family? :( It's sad, though, to see both Galelas and Nithron in this story. :( Jay Author Reply: Eilian is indeed surprised when his father praises him. He expects to be criticized and sometimes reads criticism into Thranduil's comments even when that's not Thranduil means. I'm planning to follow Legolas through this story rather than cut away to others, so I have some challenges on how to show some of this other stuff. I tried to think about how novelists do this and I'm wondering if maybe a good letter from Eilian might be just the ticket. I feel bad about Galelas and Nithron too. | |
| Alice | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| I really like how Sinnarn turned out. He's so relaxed compared to his father and uncles. It's nice. And shame on Legolas for babying his replacement as the family baby. He should know better. I enjoyed the breakfast scene. Celuwen's awesome by the way. That was nice how she defused the impending Eilian/Thranduil arguement. She's a natural diplomat. Also, " She fears he will go naked if she does not clothe him." Sure laugh now Ithilden, but there are probably reasons for her fearing that. That was a nice tie in with last chapter's comment about Ithilden neglecting to eat. Which I can see him doing actually. There was just some all around nice characterization going around on the breakfast table. There were some nice little bits of characterization here. Like Beliond our favorite elvish loner sitting some distance away from the rest of the group with Nithron. I feel bad for Nithron. Sinnarn must have been such a shock after Ithilden. Yay, Galelas! I think Legolas and Galelas need to hash out their issues. They honestly bring out the worst in each other. It'll be good for them. So, excellent chapter, if a little slow. But it was good setting up the scene and the characters. I look forward to the next chapter. And yes, I had an excellent time in London, I'd never been before. My family wanted to take one last big family vacation before I head off to college so we decided to do something big this year. It was a lot of fun for my history and literature dork self. Author Reply: Sinnarn is indeed much more relaxed than his father and uncles. I think that's partly because there's that generation there to buffer him from immediate responsibility. And also I think Ithilden learned from watching his father as a parent. There were things he wanted to imitate and things that he didn't. And then, Alfirin must have had some influence too. You know you're absolutely right about Ithilden. He might very well not take time to eat if Alfirin didn't see to it. Now Sinnarn going naked is another story. His fellow warriors might object! They honestly bring out the worst in each other. Oh yeah. That's it exactly! They don't even see the good qualities in one another that others see in them because when they're around one another, those good qualities tend to fade. I'm glad you had a good time in London. As a fellow geek, I'm jealous. | |
| Brazgirl | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| A little glimpse of Eilian and Thranduil here! That was enough to satisfy me. Evne more because Beliond is here... I like where this is going. Legolas' POV is very interesting, especially his relation with Sinnarn. And Thranduil... I love when he defends Sinnarn! I bet Eilian doesn't like that protection too much. Seems to be that Legolas-Galelas quarrels are up. Hum. That will be good to read! Author Reply: My beta loves Beliond and makes me put him in everything. :-) I'm in San Francisco on business this week and I wrote on the plane today on the way out here, mostly about Galelas, but I'm interested in Sinnarn too. He lives up to his duty and his family still seems to think of him as screw off. That has to be hard. | |
| White Wolf | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| I like Thranuil's faith in Celuwen. Her's and Eilians' life in the settlement should prove very interesting. Beliond is so cheeky. When he asked Legolas, "Do you need me to put you to bed?", I thought of his own typical response: "Watch your moith." I love the way their relationship has developed over the years. Author Reply: I trying to decide if Eilian can ever live in a settlement. I suspect that this particular settlement is going to be a poor fit, but I'll bet that Celuwen would like to live in one some day and you'd think that Eilian's wood-elf side would like it too. But what would he do for excitement? He seems to crave that adrenalin rush. Maybe he can take up white water rafting or something. In Beliond's mind, he gets to be cheeky but Legolas does not! | |
| thechevin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| I so enjoyed this chapter I seem to thrive on all the little bits that make your story telling so fulfilling. The undercurrents between Eilian and Thranduil, the way Celuwyn 'handles' the king and her husband. The new age elf in that settlement will never know what hit him and Eilian will be so proud of his wife. Also the love Ithilden and Alfirin have for each other and their son and Thranduil has for all his family Just a few words and Legolas positively glows under his Adar's approval. As I say it is the descriptive bits and peices that makes this so good to read, the fact that Legolas waits for permission before sitting down to eat,Beliond's reaction to Alasse! The friction you can almost taste between Legolas,Sinnarn and Galelas can't wait to read more thanks Judy Author Reply: I'm glad you like those "little bits" because I was worried that that chapter was boring. I had to get Legolas out of the house and on patrol and I had to introduce some pieces of information and some characters. I kind of like just watching this family interact so I'm glad you do too, Judy. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| Oh yeah, I’d get completely lost at times if not for that chronological list of stories! Although, a list of who’s in which patrol at what time along with the name of the captain would be very handy too…;-) Well, that week flew! I’m glad Legolas is feeling more rested and relaxed. Time off will do that. I’m indebted to St. Patrick for giving us a day off this Thursday. Yay, Sinnarn is indeed in that patrol! I’m so fond of him. The little discussion about him was rather interesting. Ithilden seems determined that posting Legolas there will be good for his son too. The fact that Legolas isn’t that much older than Sinnarn must make it a little strange that there’s no thought at all of making Sinnarn an officer or of sending him south for experience. Even in another couple of hundred years he’s still seen as a young warrior. Of course, trust Thranduil to stand up for him! He obviously doesn’t feel that he needs to tiptoe around Sinnarn’s parents in the way he had to when Sinnarn was an impressionable child and difficult teenager! I love the thought of Alfirin sending tunics to her son. She’s such a mother. I wonder if Legolas ever had packages of clothing arrive from home? Although, I recall Thranduil being quite good about sending his sons things like warm gloves. There’s an awful lot of bobbing up and down every time a female enters! I’m laughing at the thought of Eilian and Celuwen on top of the world since Thranduil agreed to their little trip. I figured he’d feel the need to remind Eilian how to behave, although an hour seems quite a long time for them to be ‘chatting’. At least Eilian doesn’t seem at all put out by the fact that his father is glad to be rid of him for a while! Anyr??? Yep, “exceedingly vague” just about sums him up. I suppose he wasn’t that bad, though. Just not a great leader and a little too trusting of people. And completely lost in nature. His settlement would be very attractive to elves looking to spend some time in peace. Now Eilian is another story. I’m starting to feel a little sorry actually for Anyr and his people when Eilian lands in their midst for a few months! Especially if it’s with the intention of persuading them to “make changes”… Ah well, if Eilian gets restless there at least there are probably plenty of people who don’t know that they shouldn’t wager with him ;-) That was a tense moment between Thranduil and Eilian. I get the impression that Thranduil had merely intended to make it clear that he trusted Celuwen and inadvertently offended Eilian by suggesting that he let his wife do the work. And Thranduil is trying to impress upon Eilian the importance of diplomacy?! Thank heavens for Celuwen’s interruption. I was interested in Legolas’ thoughts about that. I’d always just presumed that she was purposely trying to keep the peace between them but I really like the idea that she senses Eilian’s emotions and tries to ease any hurt he might be feeling. Anyway, it was great to see them all laughing and enjoying the remainder of the meal. It must be uncomfortable for Legolas to hear Eilian defend Galelas like that when Galelas has made life difficult for Legolas on so many occasions. I imagine Eilian can’t help but react when he sees something as an injustice. I always like the good-bye scenes. And, of course, they wouldn’t be complete without Beliond commenting on Legolas’ latest horse! I particularly liked the line “You look as if you had enough time at home to lift your spirits at any rate.” He must have been concerned about Legolas there for a while. It’s wonderful to see their easy relationship now too. I know Elorfin pops up now and then but I don’t recall if we’ve ever seen him up close like this. He seems very likeable anyway as well as fond of Eilian and respectful of Legolas. Nithron is another person that I don’t feel I know very well. Not that I should get too attached to him :-( At least Beliond seems to have a pal in him. Galelas doesn’t appear to have softened much towards Legolas. They didn’t even greet each other! Can you imagine if Galelas and Legolas had to share a flet?? Even Beliond in the earlier, crankier days would be preferable. So Galelas isn’t particularly friendly with Sinnarn either? That’s interesting. I had to laugh when Legolas innocently asked if Sinnarn was paired with a more experienced warrior. I admit, though, that I was also a little startled to realise that Sinnarn is one of those who would be training others. LOL at Beliond dropping onto the flet and surprising them. He’ll be smiling to himself all night now. “Legolas, has it ever occurred to you that we members of the king’s household are much put upon by those who are supposed to guard us?” Surely that thought never crossed Legolas’ mind?! It’s nice to know that Nithron does his job just as well as Beliond and Maltanaur, though… So you’re gone for a week? Oh well, at least you didn’t cliff-hanger us. Legolas is content and all is right with the world. For now. I know it’s work but still, have a good trip. :-) Author Reply: Yay, the hotel has an internet connection! And I just got here and my conference doesn't start until tomorrow, so I have some time to catch up. I'm having some trouble picturing relative elven ages, I think. I suspect that they don't all mature at the same rate, that the king's sons had responsibility early, and that the degree to which one has a wood-elf temperament affects how one acts even as a "mature" adult. I think Sinnarn, like Eilian, is pretty wood-elfy (and mixed with the blood of Oropher, who was not know for prudence or patience that has to be a heady mix). I had trouble writing about Legolas standing when his sisters-in-law entered the room. It felt silly to keep writing that he stood, but I think he would. I think all of Thranduil's sons would be raised to stand when a woman enters the room, so I had to try to work it in. I'm worried about Eilian at the settlement. Actually, I'm worried about what he's going to do when Sauron is defeated. Has he been ruined for living happily in the woods? Maybe it's just that settlement that's a bad match for him. Or maybe he just needs challenges that engage him so he doesn't get restless. And you nailed Thranduil's intent when he said that Celuwen could do the diplomacy. Eilian had just said he wasn't good at it, so what's he getting huffy about? He just expects his father to criticize him and reads that into Thranduil's comment. I wrote about Galelas on the plane today so there'll be more about him in the next chapter. As always, thank you for this very nice review, Dot. | |
| Manderly | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| Another wonderful chapter and as usual, I find myself wishing for more as I reached the end of it. That was a nice scene in the family's dining room, a bit of everything from everybody present and everybody stayed true to his/her character. Thranduil's relief to see Eilian leave to spend time at another settlement reminds me of a stressed out mother at the end of the summer holidays, counting the minutes to the first day of school. And once again, Celuwen proves her worth to the family by smoothing things over between father and son. I think Thranduil is coming to realize how much of an asset she is, not only as advisor to him, but also in her role as his daughter in law. Legolas and Galelas - are we to see a continuation of the tension that existed between them when they were novices together? I am now more sympathetic to Galelas knowing what he has to put up with at home and hope that he and Legolas come to some form of quiet tolerance for each other. It's nice to see Beliond the grouch back and the obvious comfortable relationship that he and Legolas now shares. "Do you need me to put you to bed?" I can just imagine how Legolas would have responded to that question a few stories back. Author Reply: I laughed at your comparison of Thranduil and a mother at the end of summer vacation. I'm sure you're right about the king's appreciation for Celuwen. Not only does she smooth things over, but she also kind of interrupts the pattern that Thranduil and Eilian had established where they expect things to go wrong and they do, so maybe there won't need to be as much smoothing over in the future. I think you can count on some time between Legolas and Galelas. I too feel really sorry for Galelas. But he's a pain in the butt for Legolas. Legolas and Beliond have come a long way. I think Beliond has more respect for Legolas and Legolas is not so automatically resentful. Glad you liked it, Manderly. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005 |
| We have an entry for understatement of the year! “You would be difficult too if Tinár were your brother.” Offers open for words or phrases to replace 'difficult' - I think I might go for 'in Valinor'. That or 'psychotic'. Have you ever worked out how old Ithilden was when he became an officer? Because Eilian was 100 or so (I think. Can't be bothered to find out more precisely.) Legolas was 280 ish - but Sinnarn is still an oily rag (and one capable of getting in BIG trouble) in his 400s. So becoming an officer is not necessarily tied in with being a royal - although, of course, it helps! It's a shame we won't see Eilian dealing with Anyr. It could be seriously entertaining to watch him turn into Ithilden or his Adar. Especially the moment when he hears himself giving Thranduil's speech on responsibility. It's sweet seeing Alfirin fuss over mother-stuff, like new tunics for her boy. Though I am pleased to see her getting out of the Stronghold every now and then for a picnic. She does seem rather stuck in the nurturing role. I wonder if she ever resent Celuwen's position in the family - and her ability to swan off and do what she wants? A few weeks in the woods with Ithilden might be good for Alfirin, too - but she's unlikely to get them. Nurturers tend to get rather taken for granted, and Alfirin is so good at palacekeeping that nobody really notices her skills. Legolas really is coming over as an adult son here. He is so self-controlled and sensible. Still, I suppose after 240 odd years as a warrior, he has just about got used to the routine by now. His maturity in the way he deals with Beliond, too. Last story, he would have thrown a hissy fit at Beliond treating him like a baby - but now, it's almost part of a joke between them. And you have to do a Lorellin story (please) - by the way Celuwen gets away with manipulating Thranduil, he must have been putty in her hands. I just love the thought of seeing him helplessly going along with whatever she charms him into doing. I expect Alfirin can manage him, too, but I suspect she is a lot more subtle and focuses on household things. Except when it comes to Sinnarn, of course. Good stuff. Author Reply: That's a good observation about how the royals became officers at different ages. I think the older two were promoted young partly because the realm needed them. Ithilden was the oldest and Thranduil needed someone to direct his troops, and Eilian became a warrior soon after the Watchful Peace ended, so the number of warriors was smaller at that time (in my head, of course). But within a few years, elves had responded to the returning danger and joined the fight to guard their homes so Legolas and then Sinnarn were able to wait. And in Sinnarn's case, the wait will be mighty long! Thank goodness for the deathlessness of elves or they'd all be really worried because in looking at Sinnarn, they'd be looking at a future king. LOL about how horrified Eilian would be when his father's words came out of his mouth. Maybe he can leave things to Celuwen and go off and enjoy himself in the woods introducing the innocent youths of the settlement to racing and gambling! I'm reading your comments about Alfirin and thinking that I'm having trouble seeing her as an individual right now so perhaps I too am taking her for granted. But I also think that she's happy in what she's doing. She feels useful. She runs a huge household, the equivalent of a small business. But I suppose those picnic breaks are necessary. :-) On my list of stories to do is one shortly before Lorellin dies. Legolas would be little, which might fun. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/14/2005 |
| I'm really looking forward to seeing Legolas and Galelas in the same patrol after their previous history. Now that they're adults, the relationship--good or bad--should have a new twist on it. I've wondered since first meeting Galelas how he and Legolas would relate to one another when they grew up. Sometimes rotten kids grow up to be great adults. (Sometimes not.) Considering that Eilian sees something good in Galelas, I have hope. Eilian has such a good sense about people, I trust him that underneath all the prickly behavior that Galelas has exhibited over the years that there's somebody good in there. So Eilian and Celuwen are moving to Anyr's settlement. I love this. Eilian will go nuts with this guy in charge. Let's stop to think about the guy he's used to being in charge and compare them for a moment. I think Eilian's standards might be a tad different than Anyr's. Of course, Eilian could always decide that he likes NOT having anyone in charge. And Beliond is around to tuck Legolas in. I was glad to see Nithron. Two more keepers together. YAY! I looking forward to seeing where this will go. Lead on, your minstrelship. Good chapter. Karen Author Reply: There's a lot of possiblities here. I'll have to see if I can work them out with just Legolas's POV to work with. I don't know how you manage to work with just first person all the time, Karen. It would make me crazy. I feel sorry for Galelas, and I think there are possibilities there too. He's never going to be easy to get along with, I think, but I'd like Legolas to at least see Galelas's good qualities. I'm off for San Francisco in about an hour. I'm hoping the hotel has internet hookups and I have time to use them. | |