Fire and Shadow by daw the minstrel
Karri · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 2: A New Lieutenant
Ai! You have me really worried now! What mistake did Legolas make? Was is really as catastrophic as it sounds, so that he has suppressed it from his memory? Is he going to blame himself for Amdir's death? A! A! A!
Justafan · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Wow, another story, yay! I love this chapter! It's so exciting and tense and poor Legolas! I sincerely hope that Beliond hasn't been killed... I mean, I'm fairly sure that he has to live to be Legolas's keeper for a long time, but that doesn't prevent me from worrying about him!
Author's reply
What a great reader you are, Justafan! You are willing to go along with the suspense even when you know I'm probably playing with you.
caz - baz · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
this sounds good. loved your last story. you really had me on the edge - maybe because it was the only thing i could think about while my brother decided to take me off a few cliff faces while we were skiing. can't wait for your next chapter. My beloved Father still hasn't attached the internet to my computer and i don't have much free time at the moment so i might not be able to get on and review all that much. are you going to take us back to before Legolas got injured again? got to go i have an exam today and i don't want to miss that - joy!
Author's reply
I'm glad this story captured your interest, Caz-baz. I'm even glad you were "on the edge" although that sounds a little mean! Yes, we're going to see what happened to lead up to the scene at the start of the story, but it will take a while.
Dot · 15 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
So sorry I didn’t get a chance to read this earlier. But wow, what a start! I may have cursed you slightly as I was having serious withdrawal symptoms from these characters but I better apologise for that now because…this is just amazing. It’s so different from your usual style, isn’t it? But I’m loving it so far! You had me totally engrossed from the first line. Your descriptions of the attempt to bring down the dragon were incredible. I really like the way you give a sense of the scene by using Legolas’ point of view so that, like him, we are focused on what he sees and is doing but are still aware of the surrounding chaos. There’s such attention to detail. I particularly liked the way Legolas drifts in and out of consciousness and only knows what is happening by the sounds and smells. Oh, and I love his thoughts about his father – I had to laugh at things like “he knew that arguing with Thranduil was nearly always pointless” and “Drink it, Legolas,” Thranduil ordered firmly, in the voice he used when disobedience was not to be tolerated” but it still brought a lump to my throat at the thought that he feels so comforted by his father’s very presence. I can’t imagine Sinnarn all grown up. No more elflings??! I really liked the flashback. There’s such a real feeling of apprehension and even fear at the thought of what might be happening. It’s fascinating as well to watch Thranduil think everything out so logically. I actually smiled when Ithilden walked in – that’s how vivid your stories are! I love the way Thranduil just feels so…privileged to have him as a son and at his side as the leader he is. No one could ask for a better compliment. And Ithilden really was very clever in the way he told Eilian of his new assignment! I can understand any reluctance Eilian might have. It’s bad enough being responsible for his younger brother but I couldn’t even contemplate him having to tell Ithilden that anything happened to Sinnarn. Thranduil still seems a little unsure of Eilian. Actually, it’s quite interesting that after so many years there are still the same problems of trying to get Eilian out of the Southern Patrol and even him having problems with this maiden. Is it still Celuwen, I wonder??! I’m not entirely certain of how long after the last story this is set but if Sinnarn is now 67, it seems a long time for Celuwen and Eilian not to have resolved anything. You’re just going to keep us all guessing what happens to them, aren’t you?! Um, what happened Beliond? O.k, so I’m a little reassured by the fact that I know you can’t kill off him or Amdir but I still worry about these people! Do you ever regret the fact that we know some of what will happen (even though I really like that!) or does it just help provide a framework of sorts for you? I was just wondering…. Anyway, enough rambling. The end was so touching. It seems Legolas has inherited the family trait of holding himself responsible for everyone. Wonderful chapter – bring on the next one!:)
Author's reply
I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to hear about your enjoyment of this story. I was away on vacation all last week and I actually drafted three chapters and then stopped because I thought it was a boring story. When I got home, I sent them to my beta and she read them and then wrote back asying it wasn't boring and demanding to know what happened next. So I'm very glad that other people seem to agree with her. I actually felt kind of comforted by Ithilden's arrival myself. :-) If I lived in the Woodland Realm, I would want him commanding the troops. Celuwen is still the woman for Eilian. I don't think there's been any way to change that from the time they were children. I think as long as the realm is in such danger, things will not be resolved between them. But I have plans for right after the Battle of the Five Armies when Tolkien says there was peace for a while. Sometimes I regret that I might have painted myself into a corner with previous or future stories, but mostly I find it helpful to work within the framework. Next chapter tomorrow, I think. School started this week and I've been sick, but it's really done and once I'm through groceries, laundry, etc., I'll go over it again and send it to Nilmandra.
Lera · 15 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
I am so happy! A new story! *dances around, cheering hysterically, while family looks on in worry* Goodness you took us right into the heat of the battle. Wow, Sinnarn and Amdir in a cave together. And Legolas is like, an old seasoned boy by now. The thought of having dragon blood spill on you was...interesting. I liked hearing how he knew his adar would take care of things. I look foreward to seeing more of Sinnarn and Amdir. Two of a kind. And Eilien gets to deal with them and Legolas. Poor guy. It was funny to see him being the voice of caution for once. And still estranged from Celuwen. I hope someday you'll let them get married and be happy. Thank you so much for the new story. God bless.
Author's reply
LOL. My family thinks my hobby is weird and no one in it will read anything I write. Legolas is doing OK as a warrior, at least compared to Amdir and Sinnarn. No wonder Eilian is worried about commanding them all. Now he knows how his captains used to feel, except that he did not have an equally crazy friend egging him on. Legolas has quite a lot of faith in his father and brothers. He is so much younger that, to him, they must seem like they've always been competent and he has that to live up to. Not to worry about Eilian. I have a file with notes for his eventual reconciliation with Celuwen, but he needs a time when there is a little peace in the Woodland Realm. It's coming!
The Karenator · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Wow! We really jumped right into the fray! Such excitment! I can't imagine what a daunting job it would be to try and take down a dragon. I assume they are somewhere in the intelligent range and very, very large...not to mention they have a case of halitosis that will leave you looking like Wily Coyote after a misspent Acme stick of dyamite explodes. And poor Legolas caught the brunt of the rock slide. Afterwards, the screams and moans of wounded Elves echoing around him was rather chilling. You did a very clear job of describing the confrontation. His temporary confusion after such physical trauma was very well done. I think it would be quite disorienting. I admit I was glad to see him back in Adar's capable hands...and the healers, too, of course. You've given us a glimpse of Sinnarn as an older elf and I look forward to knowing more of his personality. AND Amdir is back. I hope Beliond is not too terribly burned, but I fear he may have a bit of recovery time to put in. I'm not too worried about him since I have a sink in the bathroom that I fill with water to gaze into the future and I have seen him in Imladris with Legolas as our fair young Thranduilion goes off on a doomed Quest. I am excited about getting a look-see into Ithilden's younger days. Very good, Daw. I think this is one of your most exciting starts...and you know, as one of most faithful readers, I have liked them all. :>) Karen
Author's reply
When I read Tolkien's description of Smaug's attack on Laketown, it sound like they're being firebombed. A dragon would be really terrifying. I was glad to have Legolas back home with his family too. And your crystal ball is very accurate. We'll learn a little more about Beliond in the next chapter. Thank you for the kind words, Karen.
meckinock · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
It was great the way you just dropped us right into the action. Keeping the battle focused tightly from Legolas's perspective really heightened the sensory perceptions and made it seem real. I was on the edge of my seat! I really enjoyed Legolas's interaction with his father while injured and his confidence that "Thranduil would be able to manage it". What an interesting observation that an elf would be surprised and confused at waking to find that his eyes were shut. I see that Thranduil and Eilian's relationship still has a bit of an edge to it - I'm glad my favorite black sheep hasn't been completely tamed yet!
Author's reply
Legolas tends to have quite a lot of faith in his father and brothers, even when they're annoying him! And Eilian is slowly settling down, but I think it will take Thranduil a while to see it. Thank you for the kind words about the battle.
Jay of Lasgalen · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
How wonderful to see a new story - and straight into the action and Legolas torture! Poor Eilian to find his brother like that. And poor Thranduil to have Legolas carried home like that. I'm looking forward to more back story about Ithilden, and the details of Legolas' mission with the dragon. And I *know* you can't have killed Beliond - he turns up in a later story. So what isn't Thranduil saying? Jay
Author's reply
At least the torture was quick! At least the physical stuff was. He has some problems to work through now. A younger version of Ithilden will appear in the next chapter, and more news about Beliond too. He seems to have many well wishers.
LKK · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Forgive me, but I feel I should know who Beliond is, but I can't remember just who he is. I fear that he is no longer in the Woodland Realm, though. If I'm right, Legolas will have more than just his physical injuries to overcome, he will have the guilt as well. Although I don't see how he could have protected them any better. What a way to start off a story, daw! BAM! Straight into action. With dragons, no less. Quite a start. Looking forward to more. On a purely writing level, I wanted to say that I really liked how you described the sound of the dragon's approach, a storm in winter. That was a very evocative metaphor. Nice word choice! LKK
Author's reply
Beliond is Legolas's body guard, his keeper, his version of Maltanaur. We will learn a little more about his fate in the next chapter. My OCs are spinning out of control, I know. Thank you for the kind words about the comparison.
naneth · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Wow!! What an exciting beginning to a story! My stomach is roiling with anxiety and I am wroth that the chapter doesn't divulge more information (sorry, I just couldn't help myself). I can't believe that Ithilden allowed Sinnarn and Amdir to be in the same patrol-what was he thinking???? True poetic justice to place Eilian as their captain! This is a very intriguing story, I can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
You know, I wondered about whether Ithilden would allow them to be in the same patrol, but I figure Amdir (who is older) was there first and Ithilden just didn't think about it. (OK, that's lame but it's the best I can do :-)). My beta said people would be wroth with me.
Tapetum Lucidum · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
What a great start! At first I thought it might be just a dream. You usually ease us into the action rather than throw us in head first. I liked it. Sorry, but I don't remember who Amdir is. I think he is going to be dead anyway. Great battle scene! I am glad that Legolas remembered to use some strategy and did not start blindly shooting at the beast. His protectiveness over Sinnarn and Amdir is very sweet. I thought at this point maybe they were on a hunting trip or something other than a patrol since Beliond and no "Senior Warriors" were with them. By the time I finished the chapter I realized Legolas must have been the "Senior" member of the team. I still had to wonder where Beliond is. I don't think you killed him since he appears in your later story and you are very conscious of your plot continuity among stories. He may be badly burned or if he was not where he was supposed to be - at Legolas' side - he is either hiding in the solitary forest or down in Thranduil's dungeon. Having a big pile of rocks fall on you cannot be good. I liked how you described Legolas' disorientation. Neither he nor I was completely sure what was going on. It was a good POV for that section. I liked the idea of Thranduil's spies. It is very much in character with the Woodland King. Once again - you can't trust those dwarves. Your Ithilden/Thranduil interaction is very good and stable. Ithilden is certainly the most reliable of his three sons. It would be fun to shake that up a bit. There is an old saying among parents, I hope your children are just like you. It seems that my be true for Eilian but with his nephew instead. He just can't seem to catch a break with Celuwen can he? I guess it is in his nature for everything to be tumultuous. I like how your timeline is jumping around. It keeps me guessing and very interested in what is going on. Reviewing is a little harder because I can't seem to do it in chronological order or in the same order as your chapter. Hopefully you can decipher this. Super job! Tapetum
Author's reply
OK. Amdir is Turgon's little brother. And who is Turgon (other than an Elven king)? He is Legolas's wild buddy, the one he ran off Orc hunting with in "In Mirkwood/Prodigal Sons." Remember? A Bad Thing happened to Turgon and Legolas decided he wanted to be a big brother to Amdir. Amdir turns up in "Question of Duty" too. And of course, Sinnarn has found Amdir to be a fascinating friend. As to who was on that patrol and who should have been there, that's a good question that will eventually get sorted out. I thought Thranduil would almost certainly have spies. As a matter of fact, that's what I thing Beliond was before he got assigned to be Legolas's body guard.
tigerlily713 · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
No! Beliond cannot be hurt! Great new story, I eagerly await more! Lily
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. Things will sort out eventually, but I'm hoping that it takes a while for everything to become clear.
Jebb · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
What a welcome surprise this was and such a good beginning a dragon no less. Eilian is going to have his hands full this time Legolas and Sinnarn together! And once again Thranduil and Ithilden have to make hard choices with their families lives for the good of others. It was lovely to see the real pride Thranduil has in his oldest son and the love he has for Legolas and of course his usual mixed emotions as far as Eilian is concerned thank you
Author's reply
I liked your description of Thranduil's feelings toward his three children. You made me feel as if I had given him a distinctive relationship with each of them and that idea made me feel good. :-)
Fadesintothewest · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
I was happy to find your new story up and am looking forward to this chapter of Legolas' life. It will be interesting to see how Eilian deals with Legolas and Sinnarn, esp the latter who is a nymph as ever his uncle is/was. YOu hinted at so much in this introductory chapter. I assume Celuwen will be in the story as well. It seems Eilian still needs to get it together. I look forward to reading about how Legolas deals with the aftermath of his injury and those who were with him!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're looking forward to reading about the aftermath, because that's really what this story is about. And if I were Eilian, I'd be appalled at having both Legolas and, as you say, especially Sinnarn in my keeping.
Aly · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Yay!! I'm so happy to see another one. I can't wait to see what happens. Although Beliond better not be dead. We're just starting to get to know him. And I don't think Legolas would take it very well if his protector was killed. Also, did they kill the dragon? Or just make it go away long enough to get out of there? Can't wait for more!!
Author's reply
Answers will come eventually, Aly, but it may take some time. I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Nilmandra · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Well, I am glad to see you are driving everyone nuts wondering what happened. Good :D This is well done and will not be boring - I think you will have us laughing and crying with you throughout.
Author's reply
Yeah, you were right. People want to know what happened. That's good. :-)
websterans · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Oh, joy! Another Legolas fic from Daw!
Author's reply
Glad to be spreading some joy, Websterans!
Camp6311 · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Yeah, another story!, and it has the beginnings of another Daw classic. Time flies in Mirkwood, it seems like Sinnarn was just born, and now he's already come of age, and Celuwen is still not speaking to Eilian, how long can she hold onto her anger? Looking forward to reading about a younger Ithilden. I'm hoping he wasn't always as serious as he is now.
Author's reply
I was sorry to have Sinnarn be an adult now (more or less) because I like writing about elflings, but I had to make some progress here. The younger Ithilden will be in the next chapter and your concerns about him are the same ones his mother has. ;-)
Karri · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Wow! You've really started this one off with a bang. A very exciting chapter, indeed, but this pattern you're developing for killing off character just when I'm starting to like them is starting to get bothersome. :-P
Author's reply
Hey! No one has died yet. Well, I guess someone has, but I haven't said who it is yet. You are all way too suspicious.
ANA · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
A balrog cannot drive me away from your stories, let alone multi time lines. A very exciting beginning that opens up so many possible ways for the story to develop. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us!
Author's reply
I hope you're still saying that after a few chapters, ANA! Thank you for your kind words.
LOTRFaith · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
At last! lol. Was very curious as to when you would start a new story, looks like my question has been answered. :-) Very interesting so far. Skillfully drawing in a reader, yet not giving full details, leaving the reading yearning for more;-) Good job! On my own story, I have been asked to in a word or two, or rather three :-) "I want action!" I'm glad to see that you are back and I eagerly look forward to more! Namaarie~ LOTRFaith
Author's reply
Thank you, Faith. I traveled a lot over the holidays and didn't write much, although I thought about this story for a while. I'm afraid Legolas is likely to spend the rest of the story in bed, so this is about as much live action as he's going to see. The rest will be in flashbacks.
erunyauve · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Ithilden's glee at foisting his impulsive son on his impulsive brother is quite funny. And I love the way Eilian suddenly becomes the overcautious one when his nephew and little brother are to be put in danger. But now you've got me fond of Beliond and worried about him (though you can't kill him - I think - since he appears in the last story in your series, right?). But I see a parallel in Legolas' last line to his terror before the Balrog and the loss of Gandalf in Moria.
Author's reply
Eilian is NOT happy about having the two youngest members of the family on his hands while he goes out and does the fun adventuring he usually enjoys. And that's an interesting parallel. I didn't think of it consciously, but I think you're right (as usual).
sofia · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
You have done it again! I can just tell that this is going to be another brilliant story. I usually review for all chapters at the end of the story, but i couldnt help it on this one. Expect my next review at the end! :) :)
Author's reply
Sofia, you are being so nice that you can review at any time you like! I hope you enjoy this story and will hear from you at the end whether you did.
Elemmire · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
Ahhhh! You hurt Legolas! But I will forgive, because I love your stories so much. ;) This looks great. My dwarf history is a little rusty, so I was confused until I stole a look at a timeline, but now I get it...I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out from the Elves point of view. I like the fact that Legolas doesn't seem particularily over-whelmed at fighting the dragon...he just does it. Good, solid Elf, that one. And all your OCs are their usual lovely selves - I appreciated the hints of continuity regarding Elian, and I liked the bit about Sinnam being a bit too much like him. And the family dynamics are great, as always. And I liked the slight mysteriousness of his spy...a nice job there too. :), Elemmire
Author's reply
You know, I find the time lines really useful for generating plot ideas. I like to look at what was happening in the general area of Mirkwood and then try to figure out what the Wood-elves would have done. And Thranduil seems to me to be the kind of Elf who would have spies. I love the guy! Thank you for the good words, Elemmire.
FaerieQueen · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Hunting Dragons
This amazing story is proof to the fact that I am very, very spoiled. Since I read all of your stories after you had finished them, I never had to wait for you to update. Now I am hanging on the edge of my seat, and tearing at my hair to find out what happened. There's only one thing that doesn't make sense. Why would Beliond let Legolas place himself in danger like that? From what I've learned of this elf, he would protect Legolas with his life, as he should. So why would Beliond go into the cave with Sinnarn? I expect the answer to this question will appear in the next chapter, which unfortunately has not been written yet. Desperately awaiting an update, FaerieQueen
Author's reply
Well, I'm not sure you'll get the information you want in the next chapter. I'm experimenting a little with the time lines in this story, so things are going to be a little convoluted. I am a little worried that the story will be boring, but my beta says not, so we'll see. Thank you for your kind words.