Reviews (178)

tigerlily713 · 24 December 2003 · Chapter 9: The Aftermath of Battle

Oh! That was beautiful. The interaction between brothers was very well written with not too much anxiety, but not too much fluff either. And the part about Beliond's son was heart-wrenching. Legolas really has been a bit sheltered, but at the same time, he's more vulnerable than anyone else. Well done, I eagerly await your next chapter! Lily

Nilmandra · 24 December 2003 · Chapter 9: The Aftermath of Battle

As I mentioned, this is my favorite chapter so far. The battle and aftermath are well done, but what draws me in is the relationship among the warriors. Eilian's love for his brother is so clear here - enough to make him forget momentarily his job as captain. I loved that he wanted to defend his brother, and his concern over Legolas's injuries was touching. Equally touching, though, was Beliond and Legolas together. Legolas trusts Beliond - enough to sew up his wound and make decisions. And I rather gathered Beliond wouldn't have trusted Legolas's care to anyone else at that point - not even his own brother! Nana indeed - that was great! It is wonderful to see Galelas fitting in, and shows again what a good captain Eilian is. Tinar is hopeless, I am afraid. He has no insight into himself. Beliond calling Legolas by his son's name, and the conversation between Maltanaur and Beliond was wonderful. Thranduil is a wily olf elf. He has found a good protector for his youngest son, and perhaps forced Beliond to get past a hard time in his life that has tripped him up for some time. And thank goodness Beliond was not assigned to Eilian! Thranduil picked wisely.

Camp6311 · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

Great battle scene (except for the pre-mature ending) It was worth a second read. Seems like 6 elves ought to be able to quietly take out 5 unsuspecting orcs, some of the warriors in Legolas's patrol need some practice! Way to Legolas for taking down that warg with one shot. He may be irritated at Beliond's hovering, but at least he is listening. Merry Christmas Daw, I hate to think you are spending your holidays with visions of cleaved orc heads dancing in your head, but our heros are in a rather tight spot...

Lera · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

A new chapter is a good Christmas present. Thank you. Ok, I'm going to have to look back at Tide of Times to see what exactly Eilien said! I sure don't remember it being anything innapropriate! And if Eilien won't apologize in a letter, I seriously doubt he'll want to do it in person. Who would want to sit in front of Solith and watch him smirk at you while you tell him he was right, you were wrong, blah, blah, blah. I wish Thranduil would extend a little of this patience he's giving the settlement leaders towards his son. I've often wondered that so often we will bend over backwards for other people, but don't give any leeway to our families. Watching Eilien and Galelas interact is really interesting. Soooooooo glad Galelas is turning out better than his brother. I really hope the patrols meet up. Obviously Legolas and his group need a little saving, but other than that I think it'll be fun for Eilien to see Legolas, for Legolas to see Galelas and for Galelas to see Tinar. I hope Galelas has to save Tinar's life or something, and I hope everyone else sees. It's awesome that Maltanaur and Eilien are friends like they are. I smiled watching them just joke around. I had thought Beliond and Legolas were making some progress after the spider fight, but apparently I was wrong. I am seeing Beliond's point ot view here though. What he's telling Legolas is important and it was fresh in his mind for the battle. (he hit the warg right where Beliond told him to. So where do you want to hit a warg to kill it?) It was kind of a cool touch how Legolas looked at Beliond right before they hit the ground. I've always liked reading about warriors fighting and protecting each other's backs at the same time. Great chapter. Tell the royal family Merry Christmas for me will you? You obviously have close access to them.

tigerlily713 · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

Great battle scene. I do hope the two patrol meet so that the two sets of brothers can interact. It would make for some good material, as would the two keepers' interactions. Lovely chapter, Lily

LOTRFaith · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

Thanks Daw, ;-) What a wonderful cliffhanger:-) I like Beliond's swearing and Legolas being rather astounded. lol. I laughed at that part. I'm glad to see Eilian starting to actually enjoy his job. I think he is starting to realize that your job can be enjoyable (in his mind anyway) no matter where you are. I bet he really wants to get some wargs and orcs. But I wonder if Eilian and his group are going to save Legolas and his group from their peril? Hmmm, shall see I know:-D Great chapter. Namaarie! LOTRFaith

meckinock · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

You are so BAD! Get back here and finish this battle! Or better yet, let's see the battle Eilian's warriors are planning to fight in the morning. Eilian looks so happy and confident and cozy, perched up there in the tree with Maltanaur, basking in compliments of his leadership ability, feeling warm mentoring feelings toward Galelas, settling down for the night with stars above and battle-lust singing in his blood...can this last? Looks like a bad omen to me. Thranduil sure is selling him short, too. The King is working so hard to deal respectfully with the settlers, who he thinks are misguided idiots; surely he can extend a tiny bit of respect to his own son. And Thranduil's been around long enough to know that there are two sides to everything! Wonder what turned Beliond into a micro-managing pain in the rear, he's starting to sound like Thranduil. Maybe the royal messenger delivered a harshly-worded letter from the King after that last slip-up. I loved the moment when Legolas makes his decision to leave the safety of the trees and join the ground battle.

naneth · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

An evil cliffhanger just before Christmas? What a cruel author you have become! Wow, your description of the battle was awesome. I am always amazed that you feel nervous about writing these scenes when you do such a good job writing battle scenes. You always make me feel as though I'm in the middle of the action, experiencing the emotions of those involved. What a delight to find, right in the midst of a battle, that Legolas noticed that the orcs were as cautious around him as they were around the seasoned warriors. And he took joy in that fact. It is so much fun to watch as he experiences all these new "things" in life. I'm glad Eilian is feeling happy again. Now, send him over to take care of his baby brother! And update soon. This tension isn't good for my holiday spirits, you know! A Merry Chirstmas to all!

Jay of Lasgalen · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

I wonder how successful Thranduil will be in getting Eilian to apologise? I'm glad to see that Eilian is looking happier again - is he getting over the effect of shadow, or is it the thought of killing orcs? Beliond really needs to give Legolas some space - yes, he needs to learn, but there are better ways to do it! I do hope neither will be injured in this battle with the orcs and wargs. I was re-reading one of your other stories a couple of days ago (where Legolas joins the Fellowship) and was pleased to see a couple of familiar faces there. Presumably they won't get killed! Jay

Fadesintothewest · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

Ai, a cliff hanger! Maltanaur and Elian's exchange had me laughing, I could so see Maltanaur whipping Eilian with a towel. I do hope Galelas and LEgolas' relationship improves. And this cliffhanger you left your readers with! Oh no!

Ruth · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

Dear Daw, Well, that was downright naughty of you to leave the story like that, and I could throw in a few Dwarvish expletives, if I wasn't trying to remember to be a lady! It is just as well that you are a brilliant storyteller or I would be forced to set my miniature Yorkshire terrier on to you! Ha ha, the joke is on you. I had planned to send to you a clone of Legolas (purchased from Elves R Us) but now I shall be forced to keep him all to myself. See what your cliffhanger has got you? Irate readers of your highly entertaining stories, but No fully functioning, fully programmed Legolas clone, and you are Not getting the Eilian clone either Ha! Joking aside, many thanks for all of the hours of enjoyment from your heart-warming stories. Ruth, P.S here is hoping that you have a very Merry Christmas

Jebb · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

What a place to leave us! This really was so good you write fights and battles and the strategies behind them exceptionally well. I am glad Eilian is happier although that will not last long when he finds out about Legolas I hope he is coming to the rescue? Then of course there will be Thranduil to face that elf surely does find trouble wherever he is. It was good to see how he and his minder have come to respect each other I hope eventually Legolas will be able to do the same he is certainly widening his vocabulary! Happy Holidays

Elena Tiriel · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

Noooooooooo... You CAN'T do this to us! Some cliffies are just CRUELER than others. Update soon, or I'll find a warg to send after you! - Barbara (Oh, pleeeeeease, let Eilian's troop show up in time if Legolas's troop needs them...)

Elena Tiriel · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

P.S. When I saw your (correct) use of "wroth", the strange thought that popped into my mind was: "Oh, I wouldn't want any of those... you have to wax them all the time, like polishing silver. Too much work!"

Elena Tiriel · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

You know that you have a seriously warped sense of divine retribution, don't you? ;-) This seems to be one of the major themes in your stories... So Ithilden thinks it's good to withhold information from Thranduil, but doesn't feel the same when HIS son is involved? Hee, hee, hee... (Poor guy! *I* certainly wouldn't want to report directly to Thranduil!) Poor Annael, I'll bet he learns not to chatter away when he's speaking about Legolas to Thranduil! Oh, and Thranny is being so controlling with Eilian... Wonder what will happen when he realizes Eilian didn't send the apology by return messenger... I bet the spit will hit the fan! Glad I will be there only vicariously, via your notable writing talents... Very nice chapter, Daw, as usual! I SO enjoy your stories... Thank you! - Barbara

Brenda G. · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

Aiiiieeee! No! I can't believe you left us dangling like this! Daw, how do you expect your readers to breathe over the next few days until you post again? If I knew any Khuzdul, I might rival Beliond in its utterance right about now... Well, we all know that Legolas survives to become one of the Nine Walkers, so I guess I'll suck it up and wait for the next chaper (whether I like it or not)based on that fact. Thank goodness Beliond is with Legolas right now. I know he's about driven Legolas crazy with all his warnings and advice and admonitions over the past few days, but the matters are life and death despite how dry Legolas may perceive them to be when dispensed in periods of inactivity. Beliond is almost overprotective which indicates to me that he tried and failed to protect someone in his past, another young warrior - maybe a son or a brother or nephew - but someone that he cared enough about that he is still haunted by his failure and determined not to make that same mistake again, or allow it to be made by his youthful charge. When are you going to reveal the mystery behind the Elf? Believe me, we are all dying to know (pant, pant). Isn't it about time for Eilian and his troop to make their appearance? Sounds like Legolas' small patrol may have bitten off much more than they can chew (or shoot or cleave), and if the others don't intervene soon, Legolas may witness more deaths than just Orcs. Duty is a dirty business sometimes. If Thranduil is king, why doesn't he just command the settlers to move to where he wants them? I know he is not a tyrant, but being one in this instance might become necessary. I personally think Eilian was right about the settlers. Had Thranduil been there,experienced the fire and the death raging all around, known the loss in its aftermath, and the fear of loss during the heat of the battle and the blaze as did Eilian, perhaps he would have also adopted Eilian's outlook. He doesn't see much battle any more and may be out of touch with the realities of situations that do not take place within his courtyard or throne room. I love Thranduil, but I think he is about as close-minded as he believes his middle son to be at times. Oh, well, Daw, you'll have to straighten these two out so they can have a meeting of the minds at some point in the future. Again, you aced the battle scene. I could hear every Orc grunt, every arrow whiz, every sword slash. Those Wargs have a very distinctive growl, don't they? Great chapter, but please post soon ere we die! B.

The Karenator · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

His son's pride standing in the way!! Thranduil is worried about Eilian's pride being a stumbling block when Solith, the bull headed old wood louse, is willing to endanger his own people just so he can rub Eilian and Thranduil the wrong way?!. He's no fool! Well, we aren't either; we all know Eilian is the real target. If it wouldn't distress Celuwen so much, I'd recommend that Solith be used as warg bait...the ornery old geezer. And Thranduil is buying this song and dance? I'm very disappointed in our king. He should know better. Eilian may be his wild card, but he should know that Eilian would put his own feelings aside to serve the better interest of the realm...the elf has been risking his life and suffering from shadow sickness for just that very reason. I need a private audience with His Majesty. His better judgement is clouded at the moment. I hope he catches on to this little subterfuge of Solith's soon. If he doesn't, the people in Solith's care may just well suffer more than the bat brain realizes. AND when Thranduil realizes he's been played like an off key harp....Okay...I'm done...grumble, grumble Now, on to other matters...At least for the time being, Eilian is happy again. He seems to be a good influence on Galelas. As I recall, he told Legolas once that Eilian was nice...and I suspect he wishes 'his' brother was more supportive. I'm actually glad to see that Galelas is being exposed to something other than what he's grown up with. Even if he is struggling a bit with what he's been taught, he is showing honor. Legolas's first real warrior battle with orcs was exciting. He almost screwed up again by not anticipating the orc, but fortunately, the arrow was off and he dodged it. I don't suppose anyone will feel the need to report to Thranduil, will they? Poor kid, no matter where he goes... It was an exceptionally well written battle, Daw. I know they make you nervous, but you always do well. This one I thought was very vivid and quite tense. I was on the edge of my chair. But, there was a little interruption in my transmission and Legolas was just left on one knee waiting for the warg to attack.... Very, very good chapter. I can't wait to see what happens next. Karen

Antigone_Q · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy

I am a little short on time, but I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you I enjoyed this chapter. Eilian really is a very good captain, isn't he? And what's up with Beliond? Somebody should tell him that you catch more flies with honey...

caz - baz · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

i'm on the internet. but it's at dad's so i've had to download the whole story onto word and read it later. dad doesn't like me on the internet when he's paying the phone bills. that's probably why he still hasn't got round to installing it onto our computer. aww well something to read while i'm on the plane, going to France skiing. yay. i love skiing. well have a happy christmas and a great new year as i probably wont be on the internet again till next year. that sounds so far away when it's really so close.

Lera · 21 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

Man. Bad day, huh, Thranduil? I think he needs to take up a soothing hobby like golf. Although, maybe that's why he goes on those afternoon rides. Not that this afternoon ride was particularly soothing. Having to jump in the water to rescue your disobedient grandson is probably not very fun. I think it then stressed him completely out for the rest of the day. I loved seeing Annael's thoughts on everything. As much as I love the royal family, sometimes it's refreshing to get someone else's point of view. But then, poor guy, puts his foot right into his sweet mouth. I can see him kicking himself right now. And then Ithildien gets to deal with it. Seems like Ithildien gets to deal with everything. I agree with Todith. I would not want his job for gold. The paralells of Thranduil not being told about Legolas, and then Ithildien not being told about Sinnarn were fun. It might be good for Thranduil to hear that Ithildien doesn't appreciate it anymore than he does. But maybe only after he destresses a little and Ithildien needs to realize he needs to be more patient with his father if he's going to react the same way. Eilien, Eilien, Eilien. That poor messenger. If I were him, I'd make sure I had an escape route planned! I wish Thranduil had explained that the settlement leaders had seen Eilien as the King's son, and not a regular elf offering an oppinion. Eilien might have responded differently. Maybe. He can be kind of a brat. More so than Legolas sometimes I think. But we'll love him anyway. I like that about your characters. Even though you've admitted you adore them, you don't make them perfect. Although they're basically good at heart, they make mistakes and generally learn and grow from them. Good boys. Great chapter as usual.

Nilmandra · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

I think I need a full report from Alfirin. :D I hope something actually happens to make Thranduil forget how angry he is (and is going to be) at Eilian. Poor Eilian. He doesn't see anything wrong in what he said, and there really wasn't - except that people would look at him as being an 'official' representative of the king. He is not, but he is the King's son. Of course, if Thranduil would actually explain that to Eilian instead of just being demanding.......well, stubborn prideful elves. Still love them. I hope Ithilden is careful how he points out the irony and paralells of the situation to his father! Looking forward to that. And Beliond.....I'd hate to be him too - if Thranduil didn't hear about Legaols from his keeper.....LOL. Poor Thranduil. He is in for a rough time :D

Dot · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

Well, things aren’t going well for Thranduil, are they?! I wonder is there anyone he’s not upset with. I feel sorry for Eilian. So, he probably should have kept his opinion to himself, but he wasn’t particularly rude. He was more misfortunate, really, that it was to Solith that he spoke. I don’t like to accuse anyone… but it wouldn’t surprise me if Solith’s version became embellished a little and that’s why the other settlement elves are all in a bother about it. I can understand Thranduil’s frustration but if I were Eilian I’d actually be pretty offended at Thranduil’s presumption of his rudeness and interference. I’d hate to be the messenger who has to return without a reply from Eilian, but no reply is probably better than any he might feel like making! Ah, so it’s Orcs the Dwarves saw. That certainly isn’t going to help Thranduil’s temper. Actually, it’s quite interesting that he seemed more troubled that the Dwarves didn’t tell the elves than by the presence of the Orcs in his realm. I think he’s one elf who really needs a holiday. Things are getting to him too much. He does seem to be laying too much blame at Eilian’s feet for a situation that is really no worse than it was in the first place anyway, and his anger at Ithilden for not telling him what happened with Legolas and the spider was a little misplaced as well. I mean, obviously as a father he is concerned about Legolas’ well-being and as king he is afraid that a new warrior was put into a dangerous situation for which he was unprepared but he seemed even more put out by the fact that it was kept from him, not even by Legolas but by Ithilden. Logically he must know that personal reports about individual warriors are unusual, he just seems so stressed. I thought it was fascinating to see him like this – normally he seems to manage fairly well to separate events but things seem to be getting on top of poor Thranduil here. It was such a realistic portrayal of someone who is feeling so much pressure that everything is irritating him. I really liked the piece with Annael. Couldn’t you just cringe when he accidentally told Thranduil about Legolas! I thought it was lovely, though, that Thranduil always speaks to him and sends his wishes to his mother. It must be really strange for Annael to stand guard at the palace where he used to play as an elfling. I loved his thoughts about the royal family. In some ways it must be almost as difficult for him as for Thranduil’s sons to separate the king’s different personas. Legolas is really lucky to have Annael as a friend as he really seems to understand the difficulties and pressures of being a son of the king. It’s nice for Annael too that it helps him appreciate more his own family life. Oh, and his poor mother – I hope for her sake Annael and Beliniel do announce their betrothal soon and give her a little happiness again. Ithilden isn’t having a much better time than his father! He and Thranduil seem to be arguing more of late. Maybe it’s since he became a father himself. For what it’s worth, I do think Thranduil was right not to tell Ithilden about Sinnarn – he would have completely undermined Alfirin if he did that. I’d love to be there if Ithilden tried pointing out any irony to Thranduil, though! Oh, and I thought the last image was hilarious – I can just imagine the startled elves in the pool when not only the fully-dressed king but a female of all things suddenly came wading anxiously into their midst! And I doubt somehow that Alfirin would be the slightest bit embarrassed…! Great character chapter, daw!:)

Jebb · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

Oh poor Thranduil with three difficult children to deal with! Eilian is only storing up trouble by refusing to apologise. Does Thrnadui l know how like his Adar his middle son is? Then Legolas is in trouble because Annael inadvertantly lets the spider out of the bag and no doubt Legolaswill blame his minder for telling Ada and just as they were coming to sme sort of an understanding Then Ithilden keeping news quiet although the same could be said for Thranduil I wonder if he will appreciate being reminded of that? This was a lovely chapter and the more of your Thranduil I read the more I fall under his spell thank you

Camp6311 · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

So that's what Eilian did to get himself in hotwater, dumb,dumb,dumb on his part. Now, not only is his father angry, but his king as well. And he was doing so well. Thranduil seems a bit short tempered of late, a touch of empty nest syndrome perhaps.

bryn · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 7: More News

Please do not kill off Eilian. I would cry; I really would. Sinnarn is not a replacement for him, either. Speaking of, I do like that little monster... I've noticed Ithilden is getting a lot of time in the limelight as of late. He feels as familiar as the rest of Legolas' family now. He strikes me as the one most similar to Thranduil, though I can't help but wonder if age and circumstance had something to do with it. He's rather a, well, stiff, but I'm very curious as to what he was like as a child. He content to let those questions remain unanswered though. Somewhere, a Vala is watching Sinnarn's gradual change to mini-Eilian and Ithilden's ensuing dismay, and laughing. ;)