Jebb
· 30 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
Ha! the perversity of healers!
But thank good ness for thoughtful and supportive Adar's and older brothers another chapter that makes me want to smile and then cry at the hardship they all face and Ithilden such a good son,brother and father what an elf!
Author's reply
Legolas has been lucky in his family. He lost his mother, but his father and brothers have loved him and looked after him with care. But what hard times they live in, you are so right. I'm glad you like the character of Ithilden as he emerges here. I find him harder to write about than Eilian is and one of the purposes of this story was exploring him a little more. (That and driving readers crazy for five chapers.)
kalile
· 30 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
Why do I get the feeling that the "plans" Eilian has for Legolas involve dish washing detail for a month for scaring him like that? It's nice to see Legolas and Ithilden interacting, it seems as though their relationship doesn't get as much attention as the one between Leggy and Eilian. I hope Beliond will pop his head in for your last chapter, if only to be reassured that he has not indeed been charbroiled. BTW, where's Annael?
Author's reply
I wanted show a little more about Ithilden in this story because I find that he's harder to write about than Eilian is. So we get the younger, less assured Ithilden and the interaction with Legolas. And it turns out Ithilden is a sweetie. A sweetie you wouldn't want to cross but a sweetie.
Beliond will be in the last chapter. In an earlier chapter, I mentioned that Legolas's "best friend" had gone as part of the guard for a horse buying party. I just couldn't add another character to the mix of people in Legolas's bedroom!
erunyauve
· 30 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
It seems to me that Ithilden was in a difficult position - once he'd spoken to Beliond, it might have seemed quarrelsome or disrespectful to criticize Beliond's new pairing. I couldn't help but think about Eilian arguing with his captain (I could swear it was Ithilden) about scouting, and how the same history repeated itself with Legolas. A little lesson in diplomacy, perhaps?
The Balrog is a bit of a mystery - I finally decided that none of the dwarves or elves who survived could have actually seen the thing, or they would have known what was lurking in Moria. Gandalf, at least, would have known, and he didn't know about it until he saw it.
I forgot to mention how much I enjoyed Beliond's part in the last chapter. Their keepers might be a pain at times, but they are also great mentors, and I think Thranduil's sons and grandson are sensible enough to realize that. I don't think we are ever too old to need a figurative smack upside the head from someone older and wiser.
Author's reply
Yes, Eilian did argue with Ithilden about scouting. He was more sensible himself, it would seem (no surprise there), but Legolas certainly did the same thing. The members of the House of Oropher are pretty consistent, it turns out.
I had to think about the Balrog too, and whether they would know. From the behavior of the Fellowship in Moria, they obviously didn't, but the Dwarves still fled. So what did they think was happening? Just some mysterious unknown monster?
I am afraid that I enjoyed writing about Beliond pushing Legolas around. I thought it showed how Legolas has come to trust him that he allowed it, and how Beliond has come to care about him that he did it.
Karri
· 29 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
Lovely father/son and brother bonding. I enjoyed reading it.
Author's reply
Thank you, Karri. I love writing about character interaction and family dynamics, so I was glad to have the chance in this chapter.
The Karenator
· 29 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
Legolas is really struggling to come to grips with all that's happened. Thranduil is such a mother hen sometimes, but I would be suspect of any parent that didn't show such concern after their child was injured as gravely as Legolas was. I don't think our children ever get too old or grown up that a loving parent is not appreciated at such times. BUT, I wanted Thranduil to prop his leg up when he settled him by the fire! :>)
My favorite part was the discussion between Legolas and Ithilden where they talked about their naneth and how she would have liked for their lives to have been. Ithilden was very wise in his choices about Legolas and Sinnarn. I'm glad Legolas had the opportunity to ask why he had not been sent south. My 'most' favorite line was a simple one. When Ithilden asked Legolas if he had not considered that Ithilden could tell him a story just to amuse him, and Legolas said, "No", I got a kick out of that.
So Eilian has plans for Legolas....I suppose we will just have to wait and see. You know, of course, that we all have plans for Eilian, but we just can't catch that slippery elf!
Wonderful chapter, Daw. Things are looking up and the potholes in Minas Confusedus are repaired. Carry on, your scribbleness. :>)
Author's reply
Oh, leg propping. A good idea. Why didn't I think of that?
Glad you liked the interaction between Legolas and Ithilden. That conversation is one of the places where Nilmandra made a real difference. I had a much shorter version, and she pointed out that here was a chance to get at these characters a little more.
I too have plans for Eilian and he lives at my house. ;-)
naneth
· 29 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
Yes indeed, those healers can be perverse! But at least Legolas got to sit up for a change. That's got to help him feel better. I love the care the family shows to Legolas after an injury. They are a wonderfully sweet family! With quirks!!
LOL! Of course no member of the family just tells Legolas a story for the fun of it all. There must be a moral that fits the occasion. I'm glad Ithilden was able to reassure Legolas about his abilities as a warrior and that the reason that Legolas has not been assigned to the southern patrol is very simply because he is treasured by his family.
I can't wait to hear Eilian's plans for Legolas-that should be very interesting!
Author's reply
I think of Elven society as being organized around families, "houses" if you will, so I think families would have mostly tended to their own injured if they could. And one of the things I wanted to do in this story was open up the character of Ithilden just a little. He's been harder for me to write about than Eilian. But Eilian does indeed have plans! Next chapter.
JS
· 29 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
Ooh, ooh! What plans?!!!! LOL!
Another great chapter! :) After you said it might take a bit longer for this part I was worried how long. I was delighted to see this and the little Legolas fic pop up in today's updates. :)
And I must agree with the other reviews as well. A chance for Legolas to save one of his brothers would make a great story! I love your OCs! Great job! I eagerly await your next post. :)
Author's reply
The brother rescue will have to wait for another story, but it *is* a good idea. This story has just one more chapter and I think it will be short, but then I always think that. Eilian's plans will be revealed in it!
Nilmandra
· 29 January 2004
· Chapter 7: The Rest of Ithilden's Story
The beta is well pleased, well pleased indeed. This is wrapping up nicely, and with new little insights into the hearts of the primary characters of the tale. While the Dragon had an important part in his role as villian and destructor, your tales are not about the external conflicts faced by these elves - but the effect on them and those they love. How anyone reacts under pressure is the truest test of their character and you have given us mutli-dimensional characters that do good and do bad, have regrets and joy. :D
Author's reply
Thank you, Nilmandra. As always, the chapter was much better because you thought so carefully about where I had the opportunity to tell more of the story and tell it better. I am so glad that you are pleased with the results.
The Karenator
· 28 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
Ahem...The Karenator shifts her eyes around looking for the Professor of Minstrelism with a look that is...well..shifty. Finding the minstrel busily scribbling in a small book, she approaches cautiously. "Excuse me, your scribbleness, but may I make an important inquiry that the Ranger Meckinock and I are concerned about?"
Her Dawness nods.
"You see," The Karenator says nervously, "we were wondering, with all this talk about credit and half-credit, if we are being graded on our reviews and if it would affect our permanent records?"
Author's reply
Daw raises an eyebrow. "Surely you know that EVERYTHING goes on your permanent record?"
meckinock
· 28 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
I surrender. You write faster than I read. It's that GED from Eriador South...
I was almost wondering; if Karen mentioned me in her review do I get, like, half-credit or something?
I hope you've recovered from the dwarf-kabob incident. That was indeed daring, even by my standards! Poor Legolas. I have to wonder what Sinnarn and Amdir are experiencing- surely they saw the same thing?
Legolas is turning out to be a very well-balanced individual. The tension between him and Eilian is very realistic but something's got to give. I liked Beliond's head-dunk solution but the kid will get tired of soaking his head eventually, won't he? I have to go along with one of your other reviews which suggested that Eilian might need a little-brother-rescue to get him over his over-protectiveness. That, I would like to see! Great chapter!
Author's reply
I am feeling better about the dwarves because I've been writing the dialogue for people who are trying to make Legolas feel better. Sinnarn was farther from the cave than Legolas was, and Amdir was farthest away of all. So they didn't see the mama and the baby get burned. (I can hardly stand to type that) They did see the daddy.
I think a little brother rescue is an excellent idea. I'll have to see what I can do in a different story. I'd like to see Legolas telling Eilian not to be so careless!
You do indeed get partial credit for appearing in Karen's review. ;-)
The Karenator
· 27 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
The peasants are all gathered at the base of the very tall tower where Daw the minstrel has taken refuge. Angry shouts echo through the eerily quiet night. All beast have gone to ground...well, except for the angry horde. Their torches sputter and hiss as black oily smoke snakes its way into the starless sky. They pound their pitchforks into the hard packed earth in rhythm. The sharp smell of tar whiffs through the air and I can see little tiny white feathers drift ever so slightly on the scant wind. I make my way to the balcony carrying a cheerleader's megaphone I lifted from a frat party in 1973 (TA).
"Hear ye! Hear ye!" I shout. The crowd continues to mutter and pound their farming equipment. "I said!" I scream, "Hear ye! Hear ye!"
Quiet falls as all eyes turn to the strange person that does not look like a cheerleader.
"As we are all aware, an unwritten law of the land has been broken..a very serious law. In keeping with my job as law abiding...er, overseer, I have come to make clear a few things." The crowd rumbles again in restless anticipation. "It is true a child was harmed in the making of this story..." The crowd burst into angry shouts. I wave my hand up and down as if patting the head of a particularly large cow. "It must be noted that the author did not do any actual harming of any child nor animal." I turned swiftly to look upon the Ranger Meckinock and whisper, "Is a dragon an animal?" The Ranger looks at me as if I have suddenly donned a cheerleader uniform and mutters something that I suppose is akin to an answer in the Eriador Public School System where she got her GED. "See what you can find out, will ya?" I say. In the blink of an eye, she draws her sword, Emily, and charges back to ask the minstrel since she is the only one with any discernable knowledge among us. "Dont hurt her," I yell after the retreating form, "just ask politely."
I turn back to the crowd, "As I was saying...the author did not cause any harm; it was the fell dragon. So it is the summary decision of this law abiding...overseer that the one so called, Daw the minstrel, be spared and the tar be used to repair potholes in the Main Street of Minas Confusedus." The crowd considers this with a great deal of noise.
A small figure steps forth and bows ever so politely. Good breeding. I can tell. Since this small one is so polite, I acknowledge her. She says in a most cultured and obviously educated diction, "We are in agreement with this decree, O'law abiding overseer, for should harm come to the most beloved Daw the minstrel we would be sorely sorry and grieved. Those of us who know her, know she would never, nay never, bring harm to the innocent....though the guilty are at considerable risk. She is merely the recorder of said events." She shakes her sweet little head, "This chapter brought much anguish and sleeplessness to the dear Daw. Her nails will never be the same. Lee Press-Ons won't even stay on. You are correct, your law abidingness, it was, indeed, the dragon that was the bad guy." She shrugs as delicately as a blossoming flower, "Besides, it was a wonderfully written chapter, full of action, heartrending sorrow and the warmth of a loving family."
"So young and beautiful," I say, "and yet so wise. What name shall we call you, child?"
She blushes as is the way of those brought up properly and responds, "Nilmandra, your overseership. I am the beta." The crowd gasped in awe and wonder.
I smile for my heart is fairly doing a jig. "Then no more shall we ponder this and all shall love and adore our wonderful minstrel for she is ours and we are stingy." I raise my arms in wide 'V' and shout to all, "Let us all wait in great and adoring anticipation for Chapter Seven!"
The peasants rejoice.
I wipe my brow and turn to go back in the tower, "Now where did that ranger get to?"
Author's reply
LOL. Karen, you knock me out!
Thank you for the acquittal. I felt really awful about the Dwarves, I have to admit. But indeed, it was the dragon!
And I confess something else: I was a cheerleader in high school. That was a million years ago (and besides the wench is dead).
Did I see something in Orophin's Dotter's story about one that will appear soon from you? (hint, hint)
JS
· 27 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
Wow! Thanks for posting so quickly!! Sorry for the later review... I'm back at school and of course pesky assignments take up so much time! ;) But reading your stories is so much more fun. :)
Another fabulously wrtten chapter. I can almost see what happened to the dwarfs, and that gives the part so much depth because we really feel for them. I think a lot of times bad things happen in fanfic and stories in general, but we don't always get it. But I think you pulled it off in a tactful way, while still touching the emotions of the reader.
Also, I love to see the continual development of family relationships, especially between Thranduil and his sons. I'm really looking forward to the encounter with Eilian, but I wondering if things will be so easily solved. It can't be easy for Eilian to let go somewhat of his protectiveness. But if he can't, he could actually hinder Legolas in his growth as a warrior, and of course, he doesn't want that either.
I also look forward to the reunion between Legolas and Beliond. If he's well enough to drive the healers crazy to get out of there, I'll bet he's anxious to see for himself that his charge is indeed okay, or at least on the way to getting there. I wonder how much the healers kept him in the dark about Legolas' condition as the other's were somewhat reluctant to Legolas of Beliond.
Again, another great chapter. I hope to see part 7 soon!
P.S. How do you pronounce Eilian's name? At first I pronounced it Eh-lay-en, now I'm kind of leaning towards Eel-lee-an... am I at all close? :)
Author's reply
Sad to say, I'm not actually sure how to pronounce the name. It's the Sindarin word for 'rainbow.' I've looked at the pronunciation guide that's in the appendix to ROTK, but still can't really be sure. I will tell you that in my universe each of Thranduil's sons is named for the circumstances in which he was conceived. 'Ithil' means moon and of course 'Legolas' is green leaf.
I felt very bad about the dwarves. I was depressed after I finally posted the chapter in which they died because then I couldn't change it any more even if I wanted to.
I think that Legolas's grief would take a long time to heal but I also think that now that he's acknowledged it, it can at least start to get better. Eilian is unlikely to change overnight, either, but he can also at least realize that he's wrong. Not to worry! Someone has already told him that. :-)
Author Reply: Sad to say, I'm not actually sure how to pronounce the name. It's the Sindarin word for 'rainbow.' I've looked at the pronunciation guide that's in the appendix to ROTK, but still can't really be sure. I will tell you that in my universe each of Thranduil's sons is named for the circumstances in which he was conceived. 'Ithil' means moon and of course 'Legolas' is green leaf.
I felt very bad about the dwarves. I was depressed after I finally posted the chapter in which they died because then I couldn't change it any more even if I wanted to.
I think that Legolas's grief would take a long time to heal but I also think that now that he's acknowledged it, it can at least start to get better. Eilian is unlikely to change overnight, either, but he can also at least realize that he's wrong. Not to worry! Someone has already told him that. :-)
LOTRFaith
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
Hey Daw... Me again... You can probably delete this review afterwards.. I won't care;-) I was reading it again, when I saw this line...
*Legolas grimaced. “I was afraid you would not allow me back on duty.”
“No more would I have!” Thranduil exclaimed.*
Is that line that Legolas says supposed to be "I was afraid Eilian would not allow me back on duty?"
To which Thranduil would respond with "Not more would I have!"
:-) (ok, so maybe I am being a bit cheeky here:-) Just curious...
LOTRFaith
Author's reply
Good question! I think I mean this to be the way it is. In my mind, nobody outranks Thranduil and if he decides that Legolas is not going anywhere, then he's not. And I think that concerned Ada would have come to the fore here and made sure that Legolas did not budge so long as his memory was shaky.
LOTRFaith
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
Well... Was I ever surprised to see chapter 6 up so quick! :-) Poor Legolas... If seems as though he gets plenty of angst between just you and I! :-) Exellent chapter, am finally glad to see what really happen come out... Though it was terrible about the dwarven family... (sigh) So sad... But... Until next chapter!...
Author's reply
Legolas must be the most angst-ridden elf in the history of Arda, because you and I are not the only ones who lay it on him, poor guy!
I felt sad about the dwarven family myself. As a matter of fact, I was so depressed after I posted it, that I stopped writing for the day and went off to do other things. I think I'll write a little about Ithilden today, but I probably should also do some of the work I get paid for.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
That's so sad!!! The father dwarf died. But honestly what was Legolas thinking!! He didn't act too badly under the circumstances though. And yes, I was a little too hard on Sinnarn and Amdir in my last review. I offer my healing aid to any or all of them, but I think Legolas needs it more at this time. Please don't be too hard on them. Thanks for updating!!! Cheers.
Author's reply
Well, it made me sad. I thought Legolas did all right, given his inexperience and the unexpectedness of the situation. He signaled his patrol at the waterfall and the only thing he could have done differently was tell Eilian immediately when he noticed that Sinnarn and Amdir were missing.
I will offer your help to Legolas, who, I am sure, will be glad to get it!
mer
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
I was pleasantly surprised to see the next chapter posted this morning. Thank you so much! I also want to thank Nilmandra for making it possible as well. As you indicated, Legolas and Eilian will see each other in this story--I am looking forward to it.
Well, a couple of ideas came to me this morning. First, in an earlier story, you tell us Legolas came up to one of his brother's chins. I think it would be interesting to mention (whenever it fits) how tall he is as an adult (just to add a physical image). Second, I would like to read a story or part of a story in which Legolas successfully protects one or both of his big brothers.
I'm sure it doesn't seem like it but I really do feel uncomfortable giving suggestions to authors--some may not like it. But I love your stories (they're the best) and that is why you're the only one I've given suggestions to. I love the way you write, your characters and I hope that there is much more to come.
Author's reply
Ah, Legolas protecting a big brother! Wouldn't that be great? I'll have to think about that.
I've always assumed that Legolas is about 6 feet tall, which I think is the same as Eilian but shorter than Ithilden or Thranduil. And he's lean, like Eilian, as opposed to his broad chested father and oldest brother. I'll have to see if I can work that in.
caz - baz
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
awww, i feel really sorry for him now. Stupid Dwarf! oh well least everything sort of works out in a way.
Well, i'm going to go off to the school nurse and get my shoulder seen too else all i'll get is grieve from my friends untill i do.
Author's reply
Legolas still has some grief and guilt to work through, I'm afraid. I hope your shoulder is OK.
caz - baz
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 5: Amdir's Story
i fell off! my horse slipped as it was taking off at a jump and went straight into the jump and i came out the side door. I landed on my feet though but i winded myself on the horses neck and i think i might of done something to my collar bone but i'll live - the horse was a bit winded because it went neck first into the jump but we got up and just carried on. Other than that it was a good fast day and we didn't stop long enough for me to get my hip flask out. hahaha.
Legolas seems to have been having an eventful time while i've been gone though. i'll have to read the rest later today i've got Physics now.
Author's reply
You sound like Legolas being upset because he fell off his horse! I need to warn you, Caz-baz, that what Legolas saw was pretty gruesome. It all comes out in Chapter 6.
Jebb
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
This was so much more than I expected so tragic and sad poor Legolas to have that memory suddenly returned like that
Thank good ness for Adar who as always despite his anger is there giving love and support when needed
it is the little things that I love so much the bit where Legolas realises that Thrnaduil is going to stand for no prevarication and when he recognises how much he needs his father's love and strength
this is outstanding
thank you
Author's reply
Yeah, there was a reason Legolas suppressed what happened. It was truly terrible. And Thranduil is going to continue to be there for his youngest while Legolas works through his grief.
Thank you for your kind words, Jebb.
Fadesintothewest
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
Interesting, Legolas in this case acted in a way which I imagine Eilian might of acted at his age. In fact, I imagine Eilian would have been much more bold and as a result more hurt from his actions. Thankfully, Legolas has retained his memory, and it made me love Legolas all the more, his deep feeling of care concerning the Dwarves and them as a family. I was saddened by their death but also touched by Beliond's struffle to save them.
Amdir is certainly a carbon copy of his brother is he not, and the paternal instincts that Legolas has towards him are touching. Legolas also has some of the seriousness of responsibility that Ithilden shoulders, and some of the spirit and fire of Eilian, but Legolas has a caring that runs deep. It is great to see Legolas becoming his own character, not in the shadow of his brothers.
I cannot wait until he shows Eilian up. I love Eilian but I think Legolas needs to take a stand to him to prove his worth. Well not just to Eilian but to his entire family. Being the youngest is hindering Legolas and by hindering him Thranduil and company are loosing an asset to the defense of their realm. I hope they begin to see how truly special Legolas is, well not that they don't but I think they just might be really afraid of his potential.
Author's reply
I think that Legolas has some of both his brothers in him. And when you come down to it, he didn't behave badly at all. His guilt was over the fact that he couldn't save the dwarves, not over anything he did as a warrior.
I'm not sure that Legolas will show Eilian up, but the two of them do need to reach some sort of understanding. Eilian is wrong in how he is handling Legolas as a warrior. He can't help himself. He has cared for the "brat" for far too long.
Camp6311
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
Oh, that was horrible, poor Legolas, even though I half suspected what was going to happen, it was still awful to read about (let alone watch). I'm going to have nightmares tonight after reading this. Legolas proved himself once again though, making the decisions he had to make despite any consequences to himself.
Still wondering how Ithilden's story will tie into this, and if it will bring any comfort to Legolas. And I don't see any way you can tie all this up with just two more chapters.
Author's reply
He did do well, didn't he? I was depressed last night after posting because then I knew the bad stuff had finally happened and I couldn't change it.
The rest of Ithilden's story is in the next chapter. And then I need some wrap up with Beliond and Eilian.
Poor Legolas. :-(
Molly
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
I'm another dragon fan, although not so much Tolkien's dragons, who are all evil. One of my favorite movies is "The Flight of Dragons," based on the book "The Dragon and the George" (which actually rips off a lot of elements from Lord of the Rings). The scene in this chapter with the dragon stirred me so much I had to pull out the movie and watch it. The opening lines of the movie remind me a lot of the situation at the end of LOTR with the Elves. The narrator says, "There was a time between the waning age of enchantment and the dawning age of logic when dragons flew the skys, free and unencumbered."
Sorry for the tangent. I was excited to see another update so soon; thank you for not leaving us in suspense too long. I'm eager to see Eilian come home, especially because of his last words to his brother. He told Legolas they wouldn't speak of the matter again, and if a rock had struck Legolas in the wrong place, they might not have spoken of *anything* ever again! That has to be eating at him, and I hope he's also realized he's doing the exact thing to Legolas that he hated Ithilden doing to him years ago. He's got the best archer in the realm in his patrol and he's not utilizing Legolas's talents, which is a waste. I think all of Thranduil's family (keepers included!) need a reunion to re-establish bonds and reassure themselves everyone is all right.
Author's reply
That's a beautiful line about the dragons.
Eilian is due for a leave and will be home soon. He and Legolas need to work some things out, and he is undoubtedly worried about the "brat." He's doted on Legolas for years now, and nothing is going to change that!
erunyauve
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
I want some of that healing draught, too! I felt a bit like Legolas - I wanted to know, and now I'm sorry I do. A very powerful chapter - I could easily sympathize with Legolas' guilt. Poor elf!
I would imagine that Eilian isn't feeling so good right now, either. Even if his brother and nephew were disobeying orders, it has to have shaken him to send one back injured in spirit and body and the other in disgrace.
Author's reply
I have to admit I'm a little depressed myself tonight and I think it's because the dwarves died. I knew they were going to, but now they did.
Eilian needs a leave. As I recall, he was due one when he got this special assignment. I think he has to collect soon. He's needed at home and he needs to be there.
ANA
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
Whew, what a chapter! Though I suspected this was what had happened, the chapter was nevertheless gripping. My heart goes out to Legolas. Poor guy! No wonder he was suppressing his memory, albeit unconsciously. It's one thing to kill orcs, but to see a family of dwarves being burned to death before your very eyes would be traumatizing , to say the least. Even a more experienced and time-worn warrior would have trouble dealing with this. His ever protective family will have quite a job before it to help him rid of the undeserving guilt. I know I must be repeating myself, but what a wonderfully exciting story!
Author's reply
Thank you, ANA. I was pretty horrified by what happened to the dwarves myself, and I wrote the chapter! And Legolas found himself the most experienced warrior around in a terrible situation. Poor guy. He will really need his family's help, as you say.
Nilmandra
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 6: Legolas's Story
I have been living vicariously through reading all your other reviews that I almost forgot to leave one of my own :D.
This rush of memory was well done. Legolas needed to be free of draughts that clouded his mind and some appropriate prompting of the events, and it all came back in a rush. Very hard on him, but since he had not said he could not remember, there isn't much the healers or family could do to prevent it. You can bet Belowen is going to give him a good once over though.
The trust between Beliond and Legolas is obvious in the way that Beliond can shove Legolas around :D. And Eilian is wrong, but someone else needs to point that out to him. After all, someone reviews the decisions of the captains.
Legolas cannot take responsibility for the actions of the dwarves, who indeed would have been safer in the cave, or the direction the dragon took, or the irresponsibility of his nephew and Amdir. But you know how happy I am that he took responsibility for his own decisions and called on the patrol. Otherwise, he might indeed find himself reassigned to the Home Guard for a good long time, with Amdir on one side and Sinnarn on the other :P What a trio to be gaurding the entrance to the palace!
I do hope Beliond is healing well. Not only did he see the dwarves burn alive, he had to watch the one he is responsible for nearly get crushed and buried under rock. Not a good day for the keeper.
Author's reply
Your suggestions really helped with this chapter. I can't thank you enough.
I'm not sure what anyone could have done to help Legolas deal with these memories until now. But I think his family will be doing their best to comfort him and help him see things in a more balanced way. He really could not have done anything that would have changed things. He saw a horrible event, but he could not have stopped it.