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Interrupted Journeys 8: Through Shadow and Flame by elliska	39 Review(s)
	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/31/2012
This was an incredibly well written chapter. The detail of the battle between the royal family and the orcs was very descriptive and enthralling! So excited for the next chapter! Author Reply: Thank you! I really struggle with battle scenes, so I really appreciate that a lot! I'm glad you are enjoying and I hope you continue to. Thanks so much for the review! I really appreciate them!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/31/2012
Elliska! What are you trying to do to us??? I'll try and think of something sensible to say even though my heart is pounding and I'm muttering nasty things about you... I loved, loved, loved Galithil in this - not only speaking up and answering the questions thrown at the king but being the one to remind Legolas that Now is not the time to argue. We must obey Conuion. He is the captain. Oh, before I forget to say it - the opening is gorgeous in the description of the evening's fun. I love how elfy your elves are, especially when there are horrors so close to them. I'm enjoying Amglaur, who manages to be both single-minded and conflicted in this. All he wants is to do the right thing by everyone but he's as stubborn as Thranduil in that and everyone else seems determined to weigh in with an opinion too. This could not be a balrog. That gave me chills. Both because he dismisses it and because the feeling behind the dismissal is that such a creature is so destructive and horrific that they can't even bear considering it. I also like the references dotted throughout to what they've experienced before, reminding us of their long and difficult history. Do you know how much I was yelling at Thranduil not to let them go with Amglaur? :-) This was a truly great moment: It was a sort of twanging noise that sounded familiar, but Legolas could not immediately identify it. Familiar, but out of place, somehow. It really showed that no matter how well trained he is, he's inexperienced. And that out-of-context sound was really unsettling for a moment - except I nearly fell of my seat and was willing him to realise quick smart what it was!! And then... what can I say? It was tense and awful and brutal and chillingly realistic. You did a great job with the sense of warriors knowing what they're doing (loved the directions through hand gestures!) but then in their midst they have people who are willing and fairly skillful but not used to the issuing or following of orders in this scenario. Then you left us hanging and I was making my own hand gestures... Where the heck is that witch and her lapdogs? Where are all the visitors wandering around the forest? What's going to happen next???? It's too much. You've me worn out. I need tea. Author Reply: LOL! I had so much fun with this! You picked out some of my personal favorite parts of the story to comment on, so naturally that makes me feel very good. :-) And of course I love to get you nicely worked up like this: Then you left us hanging and I was making my own hand gestures... ROTFL!! I love the contrast of the merry elves and all the danger around them. That is one of the things that drew me to the woodelves. Theirs is not a protected realm, preserved with magic rings, yet their spirit isn't broken. There they are in the Hobbit, merry making. :-) Galithil is definitely a young adult in this story. He has made himself into something since the last time he was in this village and in this sort of a situation. This must be a very tough situation for Amglaur. He has commented several times that he is glad not to rule these Silvan elves, and he wants to stay with his daughter and grandson, but here he is, facing a balrog and a collapsing realm that people are fleeing. He's going to have a bad day. because the feeling behind the dismissal is that such a creature is so destructive and horrific that they can't even bear considering it Exactly! They would have to know that a balrog could walk through either of their forests raining down unstoppable doom. As Thranduil thinks, how do you stop a balrog with wooden arrows? One of the scenes Tolkien obviously does not describe, but that I have always enjoyed picturing (along with Legolas telling his father that he stood at the Black Gate) is Legolas telling his father that it was a Balrog. Can you imagine Thranduil's expression when he hears that? no matter how well trained he is, he's inexperienced and also people who are willing and fairly skillful but not used to the issuing or following of orders in this scenario Again, exactly! And scary, for him and for anyone who cares about him (or has to care for him). This is a rather large scale battle. Poor Tulus! But seriously, this was one of my fav parts (Legolas not recognizing the arrow) and ideas (their willingness, but lack of experience), so I am so pleased people seemed to enjoy it. Where the heck is that witch and her lapdogs? You'll see. Where are all the visitors wandering around the forest? Ditto I hope you enjoyed your tea. I loved your review. Thank you so much! I truly appreciate them!

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/31/2012
OH, OH, I don't know what to say...Well yes, where is Haldir and Co? and Dolgailon? Very sure who is behind this trap: Moralfien. And Galithil is really becoming a leader. Author Reply: Galithil really has grown up since the last time he was in this village. He has become a young adult his father would be proud of. Moralfien is definitely going to be seen quite a bit more. That's all I'll say. ;-) where is Haldir and Co? and Dolgailon? We need someone to show up quickly don't we? Well, we'll see. (I'm mean, aren't I?) Thank you so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/31/2012
I loved it when Galithil decides to address the anxious crowd himself! Thranduil seems as surprised and pleased as I was. Too bad Thranduil's so mistaken in his certainty that all balrogs are dead. I did like the allusion to his and Amglaur's long experience with the evils in Middle Earth. Amglaur comes across as really hot-headed. Sounds like he and Oropher must have been two of a kind. Of course, Thranduil might soon blow up himself if Moralfien keeps on her merry way. I can see why the villagers appreciate the weapons she supplies, though. She's good at divide and conquer. Talk about traveling to the border made me cringe. Story logic says that will lead to no good. So I wasn't surprised by the attack, though I was surprised by the attack from the other direction. What is it they say you should do when you're writing? Ask yourself what's the worst thing that could happen and do it. I did like the way Legolas is a slower than the experienced warriors at recognizing the release of an arrow, despite the way he must have heard the sound hundreds of times. Oddly, one of the things I also really liked was Conuion directing the guards just by gestures. He's aware of a lot of things going on at once and has absolute confidence that he'll be obeyed. Of course, Legolas seems to be having some doubts about who's in charge. I can't say I blame him. You outdid yourself with the torture of Limmiel. That went beyond cringing. Thank Eru it was short. But then you moved on to a blood bath for the elves of the Greenwood. You are very mean. So did Moralfien set up that attack? No, don't answer that. Suspense is good for me. Author Reply: :-) You really picked out the parts that I liked best here and you made my day! Thranduil is getting a new perspective on Galithil (and Legolas, later) in this, isn't he? Galithil does a good job dealing with the villagers and he and Legolas have done a good job with the dwarves. It's a big turn around since their last trip to this village. Thranduil and Amglaur just can't acknowledge it might be a Balrog. Why bother, after all? There's nothing wither of them could do about that. As I said to Dot above, one of the things I have always loved picturing was the look on Thranduil's face when he heard about Legolas and the Balrog in Moria. Whatever else Celeborn and Thranduil might have talked about after defeating Dol Guldur, I imagine Celeborn did not bother to take on the responsibility of sharing that tidbit. I think he'd leave that for Legolas to reveal. Amglaur comes across as really hot-headed. Sounds like he and Oropher must have been two of a kind. Oh that is definitely how I picture it! Thranduil might soon blow up himself if Moralfien keeps on her merry way. She will and he does, eventually. She's got a lot more in her before she gets caught and a good deal still after that. though I was surprised by the attack from the other direction. What is it they say you should do when you're writing? Ask yourself what's the worst thing that could happen and do it. I did like the way Legolas is a slower than the experienced warriors at recognizing the release of an arrow, despite the way he must have heard the sound hundreds of times. This absolutely made my day! As did your comments about the battle and Limmiel. As I've said a hundred times, I really struggle to try to make the battle scenes more interesting, so I am always so relieved when people see the little things I can think of to do that. And thinking about what the orcs might do to Limmiel (and others in the next chapter), was pretty nasty, but it has an effect that is important, long term too. So did Moralfien set up that attack? No, don't answer that. Hehe! You will see. Thank you so much for the reviews, daw! I really appreciate them!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/30/2012
I'm way behind after being missing for a week but I wanted you to know that I did read and enjoy this. I better poke my head in the door before you have the next chapter up! Something tells me Tulus had better keep his wits about him. And a strange and deadly elf who knows gem work and offers to make a ring? Oh yeah, that sounds completely reasonable and not at all weighted with history ;-) And oh! People popping up and taking their places. Love it! I'm excited. Author Reply: The noose is definitely tightening around poor Tulus's neck. And yeah, Legolas (and Galithil) just aren't going to have an easy history with rings. ;-) Yep, everyone is almost in place now. Next chapter gets down to action. I'm glad you're excited. Let's see if I can keep you that way. :-) Thanks so much for the reviews, Dot. I appreciate them so much!

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/26/2012
Surprise! Lord Celeborn, Elrohir, Elladan and Gandalf! Hopefully, Tulus will tell Thranduil his suspicions regarding Manadhien. Legolas and Galithil are behaving incredible well and they really have good instincts. I feel as if the village has already switched alliances in favor to the leader. She is so manipulative. How no one has realize that she is a Noldo? Galithil informing the village about his new family was a piece of art. Author Reply: Legolas and Galithil are being very mature, aren't they? They are so close to adulthood. It is a fun age to write. Tulus's knowledge is going to be important here. The noose is getting ever tighter around his neck. Poor guy. And this village is going to have a big role in a few stories, with Galithil in it. This part is set up for that. She is definitely manipulative. No doubt. And I loved having E/E, Celeborn and Gandalf pop in. Originally, they had more role here, but some was cut because this was crazy long. But I enjoy them a lot. And Celeborn has to be around. He ends up in Lothlorien, after all. Galithil informing the village about his new family was a piece of art. I'm glad you liked it! That was one of my favorite parts too. Must have just killed Dannenion! Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them!

CandissD	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/25/2012
another wonderful chapter! I loved the appearance of the twins/Celeborn and Mithrandir and also of the mischief that is going on in Dolgailon's village! Can't wait to read more! Author Reply: The trouble in Dolgailon's village will continue to grow and grow. This is set up for several more stories to come. I enjoy the twins and Celeborn too. I wish I could have fit them in more in this. I just had to make some cuts because it was sooo long it was crazy. I'm so glad you are enjoying! Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/25/2012
Wow, the plot thickens! I love to see Galithil and LEgolas being so responsible and efficient. Their discussion over the argument or debate or conlict, showed how much they have learnt -even against themselves- serving in the court, and Galithil carried himself wonderfully there. But I really loved seeing Celeborn and the twins and Mithrandir! popping out in the middle of the forest. Terrible things were brewing in that time as well, so no wonder all the players in middle earth were around the same place. The appearance of that Balrgo must have been something like the witch king's charge in his time: a terriblbe set back. Poor Amglaur. Author Reply: :-) Hopefully it will continue to thicken nicely for the next few chapters. :-) I love writing Legolas and Galithil et al. at this age. They can be so good. And the have so much more ability to get in so much trouble too. Great age. ;-) But they are doing a good job here. Yesm it is impossible for me to believe pretty much everyone wouldn't be noticing what is going on if something a major as an entire kingdom being destroyed is the event. By a Balrog, no less. They had to be all poking around and trying to figure out what happened. And Celeborn and Galadriel have to get to Lothlorien somehow. Poor Amglaur indeed. :-) Thanks so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/25/2012
Galuauth certainly hit home when he talked about spying on Thranduil's court. We'll see if Legolas and Galithil process that well enough to act on it. Either way, it's interesting. Either they're shown as changing and learning by experience, which is really cool to see, or they get themselves in hot water. Galithil's awareness of how they should behave in this village is a lovely example of the smart, grown up attitudes they're reaching toward. Dannenion (is it wrong that his names makes me think of yogurt?) is every story teller's nightmare. Shut up, man. And if he and Dolwon are smart, they'll shut up about what they're doing here too. Fortunately, they're not smart. I really like the linking of the story of Nimrodel to the long story you've been building of the troubles in Thranduil's rule. I love that kind of use of canon. I had to laugh when Galithil trots out that "family" line that "made him gag" a moment earlier. He and Legolas did a great job in separating Moralfien from the crowd, though. No pushovers, those two! Gem work, eh? Hm. The name Feanor comes to mind. An unfortunate association. And I have to say, I'd no more put a ring she made on my finger than I'd touch a hot stove. It was fun to see Celeborn, the twins, and Mithrandir show up. One of the pleasures of fanfic is seeing characters we know turn up at unexpected moments. I was glad to see this turn up today. I watched for it yesterday because I knew you'd been posting on Tuesdays. You know that's the day publishers release new books, right? You fit right in. :-) Author Reply: I had fun with Galuauth in this. This chapter started out as around 15K words, which is way too long for me, so a lot got cut. But I left that part in because I just am amused by what these guards must see and how they react. Galuauth let them have it. I can't say what impression it made because I can't say yet what else is getting cut. :-) But he did hit the nail on the head. Nimrodel's attitude was what really got this story rolling in my head when I first read UT. It made me wonder if there were other elves that felt that way and what impact it would have if some of them responded more directly than she did. So, I had to work her in somewhere, and this is the place. :-) I had a lot of fun with Legolas, Galithil and the 'family' comment. I couldn't resist it. It would just infuriate Dannenion (I'll never enjoy that yogurt as much again). The name Feanor comes to mind. An unfortunate association. Yep, sure does. And Feanor had a grandson who was pretty good with rings too. ;-) I'd no more put a ring she made on my finger than I'd touch a hot stove. Smart. There's another quote that always interested me, from Fellowship (its Gandalf, of course): In Eregion long ago many Elven-rings were made, magic rings as you call them, and they were, of course, of various kinds: some more potent and some less. The lesser rings were only essays in the craft before it was full-grown, and to the Elven-smiths they were but trifles – yet still to my mind dangerous for mortals. I always wondered what happened to the lesser rings. UT and the especially the Silmarillion suggest that Sauron took them all when he destroyed Celebrimbor and the House of the Mirdain. Maybe. But even so, what happened to them. I just think those ideas are fascinating. You know that's the day publishers release new books, right? LOL! No, I didn't. You crack me up. It's finals week and I needed a new final because I recycled my last one once. So that kept me busy (and then grading them yesterday and today). That and cutting stuff from this over-long chapter kept me behind. I'll be back on track from here on out. Thanks so much for the reviews, daw! I appreciate them so much!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/22/2012
Oh no! Moralfien AND Dannenion AND Dolwon AND a Balrog! Great chapter. I'm really enjoying seeing Legolas and Galithil being not only responsible and mature but proving how much they understand the workings of the realm - from knowing the difficulties in providing weapons to realising the implications for their own home if even the dwarves couldn't withstand this new enemy. Galithil in particular seems to have a very shrewd mind. They're also both genuinely decent people. I love their worrying about the injured dwarves and not wanting to trouble the "child"! Nis, by the way, is wonderful! So determined and strong and yet not beyond teasing two young elves. I laughed at the reminder of them spying from behind the tapestry. I'm worried about Amglaur. And there's definitely something odd going on in this village. Poor Moralfien (I say that sarcastically) obviously didn't take into account that Lothlorien elves, dwarves and thus Thranduil's family and their guards would all end up on her doorstep. I'm also a bit concerned about Galasserch. He's so pleased with his sword and so nice and a little naive - and that never bodes well. Although, not everyone has daw's penchant for killing off characters so maybe he'll be ok... I'm sure I had loads more to say. Oh well. I'm engrossed now. More please. Author Reply: Oh no! Moralfien AND Dannenion AND Dolwon AND a Balrog! LOL! Yeah, this can't bode well, can it?! ;-) Legolas and Galithil are very mature in this one, especially Galithil, since it is his (at at least, his brother's) village. He feels responsible and responsibility is good for him. He responds really well to it. Next chapter, he's really in full swing, as you'll see. I like Nis too. She had some other parts in this series before here, but they got cut. I might try to fit one of them into a short story soon, because I like her. This village (and Moralfien) are going to be a constant source of trouble for the next few stories. Galasserch, I will tell you, makes it through this story. But he will be back. Although, not everyone has daw's penchant for killing off characters ROTFL!! You spoke too soon. :-) Thanks so much for the reviews Dot. I really appreciate them!

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