Hunting by Nilmandra
Amlee · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
Your stories are wonderful. When a story can make you laugh one minute and cry the next you are on to something good. I love the way Legolas meets the twins. I look forward to this interaction greatly!
Author's reply
Oh, I am glad if the stories have that affect on you. I love both the wood elves and the Imladris elves dearly, and it has been great fun in this story to make their worlds collide.
Karri · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
Where elflings are sane.....lolololol! Woo! Legolas got a matched set of prisoners to show off to ada, and these didn't even get the chance to tease him while he slept. Very speedy chapter, Nilm. Caught me quite unawares. I hope the next one will follow its fine example.
Author's reply
The next chapter is in progress. I do feel sorry for the matched set of prisoners - they are tired, battle weary, recovering from injuries and trying to be diplomatic, and this little elfling is quite an eye opener!
rgbj · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
I enjoyed the family touches you put in this story. Alagos and his living brothers and sisters got a few mentions. That keeps them alive in your tale. Good thing that Legolas is so easy natured or he would have woken up the wildlife squalling from that treatment. But the end result must have been worth it to him. Warrior Legolas, "Do I get a sword." A chorus of 'NOs'. He knew the answer to that one. Now he has to escape Sadron and recapture him. The love and care showered on Legolas by all involved. Appreciation will be shown be his life course. I really liked that thought. I thought the idea of a circle of care was very nice. All of them caring for each other. The way family and friends do things. They had to console the baby birds, visit a squirrel and garnered a formal introduction to the tree. I love wood elves and their connection with their woods. I love them being 'less wise and more dangerous'. They are my kind of elves. Yes Legolas be cooperative but he does get tired of being tossed. Bregolas wants an elfling to toss for a long time. With the size of Thranduil's family I think they will get lots of elflings. Especially if you factor in Tinania, Earundra and Tathiel who are as much a part of the family as Legolas. Now on to a tracking lesson and more wood elf connections. Grin. OK The twins, Glorfindel and ORCS! I like the isolation you show the wood elves live in. They are strange to the Imladris elves but Elladan would like to get to know them better. The young tree spoke to him. The trees will be happy that elves have come to chase and kill the orcs. As Rawien and his party left the trees singing or talking to them or about them was great and then claiming Legolas as 'their elf' was so nice. The view of Thranduil and his connection to the wood was fascinating. Both good and evil has invaded his forest and he knows that the problem will be cared for soon by his warriors. This is getting very exciting. Thank you for the update.
Author's reply
I think if Legolas had not been so good natured, they would never have done that to him! I also think Rawien enjoyed it - a lot- since Legolas keeps startling and pouncing on Tathiel. A little subtle, good natured revenge. I am glad you like the wood elves - Tolkien once said that hobbits are only interesting out of the Shire, and the concept applies to the elves too, in the sense that you can only write them as appearing different or strange if you do it throught the eyes of an outsider. Writing wood elves from the twins' perspectives is fun.....but I must admit, the poor twins are getting the short end of the story!
Naneth · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
I was sooo busy the day that this chapter was posted that I read it (with great excitement) and then when I had time, I forgot that I had not told you how wonderful the chapter is. Sorry! This chapter *is* wonderful! I am really looking forward to the meeting of Legolas and the twins. Legolas may track down more than he, or Bregolas, had expected!
Author's reply
I am pausing from writing of that meeting to tell you so - and it is quite the meeting. I feel sorry for the twins! Thanks for the review. ;D
eokat · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
What a superb chapter. I adore the love between Legolas, his family and extended family. They all look to one another. What an initiation for Legolas and I liked his hope for a sword when he was made an honorary warrior. Can you imagine a sword in his hands at his age? No wonder they all yelled NO. The power of Thranduil is awesome, I never thought of this before, it seems to make him unrivalled in the forest. Still looking forward to the two groups of elves meeting up.Hope tathiel has her elfling soon, that promises to be a good chapter. Eokat.
Author's reply
I think Legolas enjoyed his initiation - and the cunning little elfling, he hoped to play on that good will to get a sword of his own! iI think of how his early memories have to be (in my universe, anyway) that warriors are good people - he adores them and wants to be like them. Glad you liked the chapter. Writing about how the wood elves and the elves of Imladris are differnt is great fun.
mistry89 · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
Love this: "“Can I have a sword now?” A chorus of ‘no’s’ echoed across the campsite, and Legolas grinned, for he had known what the answer would be." Love the reference to Legolas' arrival and the loss of Alagos. Series work has always been my preference (or at least in the same "universe") - if writers have great characters and interesting situations then there should be back-story and a sense of a future .... I'm greedy! And, to be honest, I would have thought that any reader of Tolkien would have tendencies to "flesh out" the details :) So double thanks. Love the alternate story pacing alongside and the growing tension Thranduil senses. Definitely a shadow and a threat! Love the notifications of story updates from SOA. Thanks, Helen.
Author's reply
I enjoy series work too - you have more time to really build the characters and develop the relationships they have. I am glad you like these characters - my little Legolas is a much loved little elfling and great fun to write. Glad you like the site, too!
Esamen/ Karen · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
"A chorus of ‘no’s’ echoed across the campsite, and Legolas grinned, for he had known what the answer would be." For some reason, this line cracked me up more than any other! So funny! And so rich and warm with atmosphere! All of the scene just glowed with Elves! I haven't read much Elf fic until this one. This is great! My goodness, that list of characters . . . How long have you been developing this? I will be reading more . . . and looking forward to your next update . . . I have a question, if you have time. Do you think that the Elves in The Hobbit are written differently than the Elves in LOTR? I feel like I see big differences . . . but I'd rather get your expert opinion first.
Author's reply
Oh, my, I felt this rush of pity to think you plowed into this story with all these original characters hanging about! Yes, it is the third in the little Legolas stories and each does build on the earlier stories. Although the twins early history doesn't play as much of a role, I have a young twins story too. I think there are differences in how the elves are written between The Hobbit and LotR. The Hobbit is wood elves primarily (although those joyous elves of Imladris that greeted Bilbo and the dwarves seemed different than the elves in Imladris in LotR); and they are supposed to be the wilder, more dangerous and less wise of the elves. Thranduil does not bear a ring of Power, and so has some other magic that he uses to help keep his people and lands safe. The Imladris elves are supposed to be wise, more cultured, perhaps, and in the LotR they are seen in a time of stress, knowing the hobbit Frodo is out alone against the ringwraiths. But I think Tolkien wrote in very different styles - LotR is an epic, written for adults, and The Hobbit is meant for children. I think I remember reading in his Letters that he had not wholly connected the stories until much later. And then of course, the Silmarillion is written more as a history. But, I admit that with the wood elves in this story I am trying to get a little more of a Hobbit feel to their behavior, at least as seen by the Imladris elves, who are of a different tribe or group (or whatever they should be called). The wood elves are Silvan with a Sindarin King; the Imladris elves are a mixture of Noldor and Sindar from Beleriand and later Lindon and Eregion. It is fun to show them as different. Thanks for the review - hopefully you can sort all these folks out!
Gershwhen · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
You're builing some nice tension here -- and I can't wait for the twins to meet up with Legolas. I will admit to being taken back by the cruel way Legolas was awakened. I'm afraid he's been through too much for his brothers and friends to take such liberties while he is still so young. (Yes, I'm overprotective of him, why do you ask? :) ) I do hope this doesn't set up a pattern of hazing the elfing in the future. I'll hope not and await the next chapter.
Author's reply
LOL at overprotective Gershwhen! That's okay, you can go pound on those big wood elves for a bit and tell them to knock it off. Legolas enjoyed every minutes of it, I think. His early memories are that warriors are Good People and he adores them. He may even get some revenge, soon. You know those wood elves - less wise and more dangerous :D Hm......may have to do more with that!
erunyauve · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
I loved the bit with Legolas and Sadron comforting the baby birds. Elladan's interest in seeing the wood elves in their natural habitat was rather touching, especially as the elves of Mirkwood are quite different from their Lorien cousins. Nonetheless, I can't help thinking that it would *not* be good for Legolas to renew his acquaintance with orcs quite so soon.
Author's reply
I find when writing wood elves from their POV, their special gifts and magic are hard to write, as they don't seem special. But when I show it through the Imladris elves, then those things seem special again. Legolas will be meeting some new acquantinces soon, but I rather doubt orcs will get too near to him.
Karri · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
Those were some very nice touches of wood-elf magic. Thank you! I especially enjoyed Thranduil's empathic journey through the forest and brief communion with the fea of each child. (I enjoyed the brief touches of magic in May the Valar... as well. :-)) But to think you had be feeling badly for poor Sadron....poor Sadron, indeed! He and Alagos must have been quite the entertaining pair. Legolas was adorable, as ever. Poor elfling....but I rather enjoy him getting tossed about, all the same. ;-)
Author's reply
I will enter you in the summer solstice championships! Toss Legolas! He loves every second of the attention. He sure seems to be a goodnatured child, too. It is fun to see the woodland realm through the eyes of the Imladris elves - I think their magic is better seen through someone else's eyes.
Nikara · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
Why do they always suspect that Legolas will get in trouble. It's not like that ever happens... When will the wood elves and the twins et al meet? Soon, I hope!
Author's reply
Hopefully next chapter :D Adar does worry about his little elfling, but he also seems to sense that things are under control. We will see!
Melje · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
This is getting exciting! I can't wait for the battle against the Orcs and the Elves meeting. I LOVE the way you describe the growing understanding between Elladan and the trees. I, have always thought that all this business of talking to trees was something of a speciality of Legolas and Mirkwood Elves in general, not of all Elves. But of course we are talking of communication, which is a two-way process, so it makes sense that if the Mirkwood Elves are especially good at it, so must be the Mirkwood trees. Also I like the way Thranduil can sense (and influence, to some extent?) what happens in his kingdom. And I'm glad to see Tinania is doing well. Oh, and by the way, I hope Tathiel and her baby are gonna be alright...
Author's reply
I am glad you liked Elladan talking to the trees - he is on wood elf turf, and I think the trees would be more responsive here. I was reminded of Legolas at Helm's Deep when they passed by the Huorns and he saw that the trees had eyes - he was ready to turn around and go back! I think Elladan's reaction is much the same.
daw the minstrel · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
I love powerful Thranduil in this chapter. I've never seen this kind of account of his relationship with his forest and it seems so right. I like the whole wood elf thing in general here, including how more responsive the trees are because the wood elves live there. Legolas's worship of Bregolas was charming. And it seems to be Bregolas who is having the troubling memories, not Legolas. I have to admit being a bit sad at the mention of Alagos. A life cut off so young is tragic. It's good that his friends can remember him with joy.
Author's reply
I am glad you think this came off well - I was a bit worried about Elladan hugging trees and Thranduil's power. And Legolas does worship his brother, doesn't he? His version of his early memories are that warriors are Good People and he adores them. :-)
rgbj · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
How well I remember not being able to sleep on the eve of an exciting adventure. It was just last month when we went to the beach. I guess there is a little elfling in all of us even when we are supposed to be grown up. I think Tathiel's baby will co-operate just like Legolas does now. Another exciting adventure when the baby comes and Legolas tries to take it in hand. The first time he will be away from those he has come to love and depend on. Another milestone for them all. Legolas remembering. Of course he does Bregolas. It will be interesting to see how much he remembers and how he will interpret those memories. It was an adventure now but will other memories surface he will have to deal with? Children are resilient. They can process happenings because everything is no very new to them. Boundaries for Legolas while camping. Some stories have little Legolas being very disobedient and running wild in the forest all the time. That would be so dangerous and I am amazed he lives to grow up in those stories. I though Bregolas teaching Legolas bird calls and then having the little prince using his rudimentary tracking skills to capture Sadron was very good. He is a wood elf and he is learning wood elf skills already. He is a little imp though. I love him. Lathron and ada are uneasy. They blame it on missing Legolas but there is much more to be worried about. Now to Elladan and Elrohir and company chasing orcs. Orcs who use tactics and think about how to evade the elves. Most unusual orcs indeed. Well at least the elves are slowly eroding the orc force away. There are only about ten to worry about now but the captain with a message is the important one. This is getting very exciting and very close to the Mirkwood contingent. Nice build up to getting the two groups together. I am eagerly awaiting more.
Author's reply
I am looking forward to the two groups meeting. It works well in my mind, so hopefully it will on paper too! Sorry for the delay in posting - work and all that :P
eokat · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
Yes, another excellent chapter. I love the depth of feelings between Legolas and all his family and even extended family. I wonder what he thinks of Tathiel and Rawien's elfling when it makes its appearance. I would think the two parties should meet at some time, look forward to it.
Author's reply
I am looking forward to Legolas meeting Tathiel and Rawien's baby. I will no longer be the baby, but I think he might be ready for that. I also am looking forward to him meeting the Imladris elves - and for the Imladris elves to meet wood elves! Educational experience :D
erunyauve · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
Ack - I keep losing track of your updates. Legolas is certainly at that age when 'a bundle of energy' can't quite do justice. I'm enjoying the suspense of the story - from Thranduil's end, something is obviously bothering him and Lathron, while on the Imladris end, we can guess that it has to do with the orc captain. It should be interesting to see the parties meet up.
Author's reply
Updates have been a bit slow, I am afraid :P I am looking forward to the two parties meeting - it's a bit like a field trip, an educational experience to meet new people.
LKK · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
Can I be Legolas' pet, er... I mean, prisoner, next?? Warrior Legolas was so cute stalking Sadron. And little Legolas knows his pony well. Curon would stop for Legolas if he fell off, for Curon is a good pony. :-) The mystery of the orcs deepens. I'm really puzzled over why they're behaving in such an unorcish manner. I hope the Rivendell elves find out why soon! (And that you'll post their findings soon, too!) LKK PS: I also hope Tathiel's "baby elfling" is "cooperative" while Legolas is gone. LOL
Author's reply
Legolas will gladly claim you as prisoner - but beware, he is a handful! I think Tathiel's baby will be a whole lot more cooperative now that Legolas isn't tracking and jumping on its naneth :D
fan81981 · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
First I am miffed that I didn't hear about this update. Hmmph ... but, it was worth it. I love baby Legolas. I love his more adult form too but this little one - sigh, he is going to break hearts. Mothering hen brother and Ada were a lovely touch. But isn't is amusing that the men/elves in fics have more mothering tendencies than the women themselves. Must be our desire to have men like these in our own lives. I know I want my husband to be exactly like your Thranduil. Tall order no? I know I have probably send this before - but you control the tone and mood in your chapters very well. In Histroy Lessons the transition between the elfling and the angst was more slow so one might miss it, but here it is sudden and unmistakable. THe contrast really adds to the tension of the latter half. I was reading the first bit, with Legolas will such a silly grin which was pretty much wiped out by the fight. Elves can be so lovely and silly but so dangerous too. Though the two situations were completely different, the change did not jar - probably because there was a thread of humour running through both halves. Now when are you going to have the next chapter up?
Author's reply
Ack - this is slow for me! This whole business situation has been unpleasant, but it is resolving. I appreciate your nice words about the contrast here. IT is interesting to jump from the laid back life of a spoiled elfling to the sudden life of a warrior in battle. But those contrasts are what make the story fun to write. I'll be looking at your summary soon, too, promise :D
daw the minstrel · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
I can remember as a kid wanting to go to bed early on Christmas Eve so that morning would come faster, but apparently that reasoning doesn't work with little elves. And then Lathron needs a clock, so he can say, as I did to my own son, "The little hand has to be on the 6! The 6!" I loved the scene with Bregolas walking Legolas around the boundaries of the camp. Bregolas knew that little brother needed to feel the boundaries, not just hear about them. And poor Sadron, the pet. I also liked the banter among the Rivendell elves. It seemed realistic, particularly Elrohir's "only if I do not find him first." I can't wait for these two groups to meet.
Author's reply
Legolas is hands on little elfling, isn't he? Thanks for all the corrections in the next chapter - I think I will blame the cat for walking on the keyboard- how else could I have that many dropped letters? Um..don't answer that.
mistry89 · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
Really enjoying looking at the "regular" tasks of elves (as opposed to saving Middle Earth- or singing and feasting ), and also anticipating the meeting up of the groups. Cheers, Helen
Author's reply
Thanks Helen - I am looking forward to seeing what Legolas thinks of meeting twins - and also what the Imladris elves think of wood elves on their own territory!
Nikara · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
That's an interesting theory. Or maybe the bows just got rusty. Who knows? I loved the hyper Legolas. Will he get to meet our twins soon?
Author's reply
The meeting draws near, and I hope its as fun to read as it is to watch play out on my mind :D
Finafyr · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
Of all the authors that I have read you are my favorite.. there is something about the way that you write about legolas and his family that I love..the beauty of your elves.. it often will bring me to tears.. please keep up the wonderful work.. I cannot wait for the next chapter..
Author's reply
Oh, thank you *blushes*. I love writing about little Legolas, and it was important to me to give him a loving family after making his first years so rocky. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Karri · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Journeys
Aw! Legolas will make a sweet big brother for Tathiel's baby. He was adorable out in the forest. :-) But poor Sadron...it's a good thing he adores the little guy. The flashbacks reminded me....any encounters with men in Legolas's future (this story, or another?)
Author's reply
Perhaps......now, this chapter is in partial response to your challenge about magic in the Woodland Realm. We will see how good I can do with actual 'magic'. :D
Nikara · 5 February 2004 · Chapter 0: Character List
This is an excellent story so far. Many fun characters. I look forward to more!
Author's reply
These characters are fun - little Legolas is a nice break from anything serious or dark in Mirkwood.
LKK · 4 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Surprises
Okay, I finally got a chance to finish this chapter. I had started it several times but was always interrupted. You can post the next chapter now. I just know you were waiting for my permission to update this story. ;-) Seriously, this is a fascinating dual story. It's a fluffling and an adventure tale together. Sort of like a Certs breath mint! Two, two, two tales in one. LOL I loved little Legolas singing about his present. And we finally found something that will render the little chatterbox silent -- a pony named "Crescent Moon". (I looked up his name. LOL) I love it when you mix elflings and ponies. I just might have to go back and reread where you gave Elladan and Elrohir their first ponies. Speaking of the twins.... I hope Elladan's injuries aren't too severe and that he'll recover from the arrow poison quickly. They need to get back on the trail of those orcs. Hopefully they'll stop the orcs before the orcs meet up with our Mirkwood group. Although I doubt they will. ~sigh~ Well, now that I've read this chapter, I'm ready and eager for the next! :-) LKK
Author's reply
Hehe - I wasn't ready on the fourth, but should have been :D This is all fluff and adventure, and if I can manage it, some good humor at the end. Glad you like the pony. All elflings need a pony!