Asms2
· 1 May 2016
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Legolas did a great job keeping Eilian and himself safe in this one. And Eilian handled the situation quite well too - allowing himself to be taken care of and trusting Legolas. It was fun to see the two of them alone together for a while without their keepers or other warriors around. They did pretty well considering the circumstances.
It's interesting to see glimpses of their Mother and remember that Eilian and Ithilden grew up with her in their lives, as Legolas didn't get a chance to. The family dynamic would have been different back then.
Maltanaur and Beliond are endearing with how protective they are of the boys. This would have been difficult for them to have no idea where they were! When they came back to camp, and Legolas learns that Eilian will be ok, and then slumps back into Beliond's grasp, I like how Beliond says: "Yes, yes. Now you see sense. Come. You can sleep now."
Another fun read! :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Asms2. I wanted to do a role reversal between Eilian and Legolas here, and also a glimpse of one between Eilian and Ithilden. In each case, I wanted the younger brother to care for or comfort the older one, which kind of confused them both. :-)
You're absolutely right that if their mother had lived, the family would have been very different. For one thing, I think Eilian and Celuwen would have bonded younger. Lorellin would have worked her way around Celuwen's father and brought him to see sense, if anyone could. And Ithilden might not have been so driven to save everyone else. And of course, as you note, Legolas would have grown up with a mother's unconditional love. Of course then he might not have been so motivated to go on the Quest, so you never know.
daw
endorearwen
· 2 November 2013
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
This was another enthralling story, Daw! Naturally, I simply could not get enough of Ithilden! I just LOVE reading about the early years in this family. It was very touching to envision that scene of Eilian awkwardly comforting his older brother in the palace gardens. Oh, how my heart broke when Ithilden revealed his fear of not being able to bear the return of Shadow to the Woodland Realm. Sometimes experience is the hardest burden to bear - ignorance does hold a certain amount of bliss. However, I quite appreciated seeing Ithilden in a rare moment of vulnerability!
You did a superb job of reversing roles between Eilian and Legolas. It was difficult at first to think of Eilian as 'dependent' - upon anyone! I really enjoyed seeing Eilian deferring to his younger brother's judgement in getting them both to safety. I always like it when you move between the past and the present in your stories. This one delivered that in spades! It was a clever idea to parallel the role reversals between the brothers in both the past and present - well executed too!
I found it fascinating to follow Legolas' thoughts as he surmounted each new challenge threatening Eilian's safety. The series of tests you threw at him would very easily have overwhelmed even the most seasoned of warriors and it was gratifying to see him emerge as a force to be reckoned with - even if he has only 200 years of experience to his credit! ;-) After having ventured so far along the path with this wonderful family, it was both heartwarming and satisfying to see Eilian openly acknowledge Legolas' abilities (not that I anticipate he will actually curtail his protective instincts but...!)
If there was anything wanting in the work, Daw, it was reaching the end of the story without being told the content of Celuwen's letter to Eilian! It was the only part of the plot left unresolved... Why would you do that to us, Daw - really, why?! :-)
Author's reply
Endorearwen! How nice to see you again. I hope you're feeling better.
Thranduil is cynical and never believed the Shadow was gone forever, but Ithilden is more hopeful, so it's return was hard for him. Eilian was certainly shocked to see him so beaten down.
And poor Legolas knew that he wouldn't be able to bear it if Eilian died in his care. Eilian wasn't always an easy child for his parents, but hearing that comment from his mother was tough.
You'll see the content of Celuwen's letter in the next story. I should probably warn you that story is my only R rated story. Thank god my mother never saw it, rest her soul.
daw
pipinheart
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Maltanaur is fierce in his protection for Eilian, Legolas did a good job caring for him and he let him know...Beliond as well was worried about him and threatened to beat him with his crutch, funny...
Thranduil loves his childeren and can tell as he sits with Eilian, and the worry over Legolas out with no family watching after him,he has grown up and that is hard for a father...
Author's reply
Eilian is home with a "personal" letter from Celuwen, and he and Thranduil are temporarily at peace.
pipinheart
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Legolas might have to get them both back to camp if the search Party past them up..And Thranduil set a bodyguard watching him when he was young is that right? If so Eilian must have scared him...As a young one Eilian felt his father thought he was trouble, that must have been hard growing up believing that...
Author's reply
Yeah, Thranduil set Maltanaur watching Eilian when he was quite young. My beta, Nilmandra, has a story called "Eilian's Begetting Day," which she wrote as a birthday present for me. Eilian is about 8 in human terms (20 in elf terms), and Maltanaur is watching over him in that one!
pipinheart
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
Even when they were young Eilian cared for Celuwen...Legolas is playing a game with the Orcs hope it turns out allright...
Author's reply
When I started trying to think about a romance for Eilian, I had to think about what kind of romance he would be likely to have. And it seemed to me that once he had loved someone, he'd be loyal forever. So I thought these two would have known one another from very early childhood. And their friendship would gradually ripen into love.
pipinheart
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
Legolas is worried about his brother and has him continue his story...Eilian liked to make trouble for himself, poor Ithilden was so mad at him...he scared him...
Author's reply
Ithilden was ready to clobber him! Luckily the novice master stepped in.
pipinheart
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Eilian is injured with some type of posion, it sounded as in the Orc was targeting Eilian...knew him. Legolas and him is alone, this is not good...
Author's reply
Eilian has been the captain in this area for a long time. I thought the Orcs might know him by now. And you're right. This is not good.
pipinheart
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 2: Eilian's Story
Eilian was daring in his youth, but came to be a disaplined warrior, to an extent, still has some of that spirit...Nice to hear about his youth...
Author's reply
Eilian must have driven his father and the novice masters crazy. What a shock he'd be after young Ithilden!
pipinheart
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 1: The Southern Patrol
Eilian seems to be treating him like a warrior, and Legolas is in different territory ow with the Shadow around...
Author's reply
Legolas has finally gotten what he's always wanted and been posted to the Southern Patrol. He may find it's not all he's dreamed.
moonshine44(ff.n)
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Hey Daw! I just re-read this story! It still amazes me in the way which you manage to capture such a strong sence of loss and love among Legolas`s family. I have read this story once, and I am still left dazed by it!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it, moonshine. When I wrote it, I was experimenting reversing the usual order of who comforts and looks out for whom. So Legolas cares for Eilian, and Eilian comforts Ithilden. "Dazed" is a high compliment.
Erendis
· 12 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Well, now I can say that I've read every story you wrote, (or have I?) and I found them all equally wonderful. The way you handle known characters is wonderful and I find myself agreeing with your view of them. Plus, I admire your own characters (Eilian, Ithilden, Celuwen) quite a bit! I can "see" them clearly in my mind and that's what makes them believable to me.
I like also how you explore family relationships and the way the characters grow and mature in every chapter of your stories.
All in all, I really can't wait to see what else you've got for us in your future writings. Thank you, then, for letting me see Mirkwood and its inhabitants with your eyes!
Author's reply
Erendis--
You are too kind. You must have been reeling by the time you finished all those stories. You pick out exactly what I like writing: family dynamics and characters who grow and change. I so appreciate your kind words.
daw
Fadesintothewest
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Finally, I got to catch up. I have been out of town on work too much but was happy to see this story come to such a fine end. It's good to have your stories to read when I am home.
Legolas really came into his own in this one and it makes me excited to read more of your stories. Again, the character development is so wonderful. These characters are all so dear to me. Ah Eilian, hope he finds what he's looking for.
Author's reply
Travelling for work really eats into your fanfic time I find. Your boss should be told.
Eilian hasn't yet told me what was in the letter from Celuwen (because it's *personal*), but he will eventually, I'm sure. And I was proud of the warrior Legolas has become. Years of love, training, and discipline have finally paid off.
LKK
· 3 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
This was a wonderful story with an ultimately happy ending, daw. So why are my eyes stinging from tears? Maybe because of these two simple lines: And yet, in his mind’s eye, Thranduil saw a small, blond elfling running to him with his arms lifted to be picked up. Where had that elfling gone? If anything, this story has been about loss -- loss of innocence -- and recognition of the loss. And that saddens me. Your story touched me deeply.
LKK
Author's reply
I am the mother of a son who is all grown up (more or less) and I sympathize with Thranduil. He has lost the baby. Legolas has lost the sense the Eilian will always take care of him and Eilian has lost the idea that he can shelter his little brother. And as you point out, the back story is all about loss. At least, Thranduil's family gains something too in their love for one another.
Thank you, LKK.
Nikara
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Wonderful job with this story. It was very well written, and very fun to read. I can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Nikara. I enjoyed writing it too. I get wrapped up in my characters and can't bear to leave them hanging, which is why I finish the story so quickly!
A new story will be along soon.
Lera
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Oh, wow. *wipes away tear* that last part was so touching. I love Thranduil. More and more I see his side of things and right now my heart is just hurting for him when he hears that his youngest son is part of a fellowship traveling toward Mount Doom. I was so happy at his words to Eilien. So often those two clash and don't communicate well, but for once, they both just said what needed to be said. What was in that letter?! The "my dearest Eilien" sounds good, but you better be planning to reveal exactly what its contents were in the next story!(which is coming really soon right?!) Your readers are so spoiled. We feel we have the right to demand story after story, with constant updates. We love you!!!
Maltaneur and Beliond have become loveable to me in their own gruff ways. It was sweet to see Legolas sagging against Beliond who's being supported by a crutch. And now Legolas is all alone. He's been so lucky to have the kind of family support he's had. K, that was a beautiful story. I loved seeing a bit of young Eilien, seeing his wonderful mother Lorrellin, and now I finally see Legolas a full fledged adult and warrior.
Author's reply
Lera--How good you make me feel! And I just came from a depressing day at the office so I welcome it especially.
I cannot imagine how this family I made for Legolas reacted to his going with Frodo. It must have about knocked them flat. And then, of course, the enemy attacks the forest at the same time. They must have been just insanely worried.
You can thank my beta for the moments with the keepers. I had some stuff in there but she suggested that I put more, and she was, as usual, right.
I'm not sure what I'm doing for my next story. Whether the letter comes into it depends on where in the timeline I write. But Eilian seems happy so you can enjoy imagining what must have made him feel that way. I will say that he has a way to go yet to get what he wants, but at least she's speaking to him.
Portia
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
I have loved all of your fics for a while, but I am a terrible reviewer *hangs head in shame* and so I've never told you so. Sorry! You've completely reinforced my shameless Legolas love and Thranduil love, and you've made me like Ithilden and Eilian almost as much.
I really like the glimpse into the Shadow returning that you give us in this chapter. Drunken and sad Ithilden...poor boy. And everything he says is so natural and just what one would expect from someone in his position. "I have been contemplating mortality. I find I do not like it." Aww. Legolas and Eilian in the caves are incredibly touching, as are Beliond and Maltanaur when they find their charges. Legolas is such a clever Elf. And of course the glimpse into Eilian's novice days is intriguing. And imaginative! You seem to know all these different ways for people to do reckless things and get themselves into trouble.
And now I want to know what the note from Celuwen says. Too bad this is the last chapter!
Author's reply
I am always so thrilled when another reader tells me they like these stories. I think that most writers feel a little unsure of themselves even when reviewers say nice things (well, we say, they're just being kind). So I really appreciate your telling me that you've been reading all along.
I felt bad for Ithilden too. I think he would take the return of Shadow hard. And why not? It must have seemed miraculous when Mithrandir drove it out and there was a mostly peaceful interlude in the forest. And to have to start over again is just heartbreaking.
The relationship between Legolas and Eilian has always seemed a special one to me and I was anxious for them to negotiate an adult version of it. I'm glad you think it worked.
Justafan
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
What a great ending! Thanks for writing this story; I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I'm all anxious to know what that letter said...
Author's reply
Yes, the letter. :-)
Well, as Legolas says, it's personal.
Glad you liked the story, Justafan. I was pleased with the way the ending worked out. What will I do now? Oh yeah! Another story!
tigerlily713
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Was it good news from Celuwen? Will I have to wait and find out? Is Poor Eilian finally going to get a break? I am going to be severly crushed if it isn't? Too many questions! Wonderful chapter! Wonderful story! Lily
Author's reply
Well, Eilian seems reasonably happy. He may not have everything he wants yet, but he seems to have more hope of getting it eventually.
Thank you for your nice words, Lily.
Lamiel
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
I'm swapping over to SoA for this review since FF.net is being such a pain. Another great story come to an end, and while I'm sorry to see it go I know that there'll be another one soon to take its place. Goodness, what will we ever do if you decide to give up fanfic, daw?
The developing bond between Eilian and Legolas is so lovely - I rather expected Legolas to go home with Eilian, but I guess the patrol can't afford to lose him. "Clever Elfling" indeed.
The scene with Eilian and Ithilden in the garden was another nice touch, a balance to the role reversal of Eilian and Legolas. And I especially liked Eilian's shock at seeing a dead Elf. It's enough of a shock for a mortal to see a dead body, what it must be for an Elf before the coming of the Shadow... that reminds me of Orlando's comment on the FOTR DVD about Elves not understanding death. I always thought that wouldn't be true for Legolas, or any Elf from Mirkwood, though it might work for an Elf of Rivendell or Lothlorien. But in Eilian's case, before the return of Shadow to Dol Guldur, it's very true.
Sigh. I wish the Mirkwood Elves could have kept their innocence. But ultimately, it's for the good of Middle-earth that they did not.
Lamiel
Author's reply
Legolas just got to the patrol and so is not yet due for a leave, and that's one of the realities of his life as a warrior. He wasn't wounded severely enough to be sent home. He has to stay where he is. So for once, he's the one in danger while the rest of his family are all at home.
I have thought that about Orlando's comment too. No way a Mirkwood warrior would have been unfamiliar with death at the time of the Ring War. The Battle of Five Armies was only around 80 years earlier and Tolkien says lots of elves died there, not to mention men and dwarves (and orcs and wargs). And that leaves aside any question of what else they've been dealing with as the enemy occupies their forest.
I have to work this week but then I'll start thinking about the next story. I'm bored when I'm not writing one.
Kay
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
I am sad to see this end, but I know it won't be long before you'll be entertaining us with another delightful tale. I think I've mentioned before that I don't usually enjoy flashbacks, but yours in these last two stories are definitely the exception to the rule! It was the best of both worlds - a current story with my favorite elf, and glimpses into the past of my two favorite OC's! Thanks so much as always, Daw, for sharing your talent with us. You sure have the gift! Now, about that letter....
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words about the flashbacks! They were the only device I could think of that would allow me to keep Legolas at the center of my stories (where I think he belongs) but also show his brothers when they were younger.
The letter, as Legolas said, is PERSONAL! I'm sure you wouldn't want to pry into Eilian's love life! What's that? You do? Hm. I'll have to think about it. Eilian hasn't told me yet what Celuwen wrote but he does seem happy.
Kay
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Hello Daw! I reviewed this chapter at FFNet, but it never appeared, so I'll try again. From things you've said, I think that Eilian and Celuwen have a future together, but looking at his behavior in their earlier years, it will be a miracle if it happens. I really feel for poor Legolas in this chapter.
Author's reply
Kay--
It's really above and beyond the call of good readership to review this again, and I appreciate it. I have to reward Eilian and Celuwen. If I don't, people will hurt me, starting with my beta.
French Pony
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Well, it looks like mine was one of the reviews of your last chapter that ff.n ate, so I'll leave your note for this one here. I remember that I enjoyed your last chapter, as always. I think I noted that the males in Annael's family have a rather disturbing habit of dying young, and that Annael should watch his little Elven tuchis during the Battle Under The Trees.
How good for Legolas and Eilian that everyone finally met up at the end. Legolas took a big risk in leaving the cave, but it paid off in the end. I suppose it's not so big a risk in the winter when there's snow and you can leave a trail, but wandering around when people are looking for you is a Bad Thing To Do.
If their signal is a birdsong, is it enough different from a real bird that they know it's Elf-birdsong and not bird-birdsong? It's the sort of signal that would be real easy to identify in winter when there are no birds around, but maybe more difficult in summer when they're competing with the real thing.
Ithilden drinking. Ithilden. Drinking. Yeah, he'd be the morose kind of drunk. Ithilden's entire life seems to have turned into an Edward Hopper painting once the Shadow came back. He is very lucky to have Eilian around. I hope he takes the time to tell Eilian that. Eilian strikes me as someone who needs more reassurance of being loved than he gets. His family just assumes that, because they know they love him, he knows that, too, but he isn't nearly as self-confident as they think, probably because he's got Ithilden to live up to all the time.
Author's reply
It occurred to me as I was writing that chapter that Annael's family had suffered a lot of tragedy. The thing was that in "Tide of Times", I had said that the knife his father gave him had belonged to his grandfather who was one of the first of Thranduil's warriors to die when the shadow returned. So it was either use that or kill somebody else, and the fact that Eilian knew Siondel made it better to kill his father. (Geez, I sound a little off in that explanation.)
I thought that Legolas would try to get back to camp. He had a fixed destination and wasn't just wandering really. But your question about the bird signal made me think. It would have to be different enough that the Elves recognized it, but not so different that anyone else noticed. I supposed that's possible, especially with wood-elves who are so at home in the forest.
Loved your observations about both Ithilden and Eilian. Poor Ithilden. He's a guy who feels responsible when things go wrong and boy are they going wrong. And Eilian does need to be reassured I think. Indeed, I think one reason he is so fond of Legolas is that because Legolas was little, he was completely uncritical and open in his love and Eilian needed that.
Sorry about the lost review.
mistry89
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Well, that was quite a journey, and a realisation for them all too. Legolas has proved himself in battle, under pressure, and when alone. It opens with Maltanaur thought "Clever elfling" of his ruse with the orcs, and ends with Thranduil wondering where the elfling has gone (me too, I think I'll have a re-read of the little Legolas stories !).
A little more of Elian's (and Mirkwood's) past revealed, and a (possible) hint towards Elian's future.
A really satisfying chapter, and I'm sorry to see the story end. Thank you.
Cheers,
Helen (and I'm worried, as I've staved off reading A Question Of Duty until now and then ..... I'll be all caught up & hoping you have written more!)
Author's reply
Legolas has become a full adult. It's taken me a long while to get him there but I am very pleased with the way he's turned out (I sound like Thranduil, don't I?).
I think I'll write about elflings again next, maybe just in a single chapter story. I miss them.
Ana
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Hi!
I almost crying, laughing the next moment... this chapter was incredile. You trully are the greatest.
Eilian did what seemed the only thing he could do. He took his strong, dependable, self-possessed older brother in his arms and held him while he wept. ... so sad and yet so beautiful...
Despair born of love and fanned by the Shadow nearly made him sink to his knees, and he knew with certainty that he would not be able to bear it if Eilian died in his care.
“Stop scolding him,” he snapped. “The Orcs had been hunting him in particular. Did you know that?” Gelmir brought a water skin that he had warmed near the fire, and Legolas snatched it from his grasp and held it out to Maltanaur. “Fix the herb,” he commanded.
Beliond spat a word that made Legolas blink. If nothing else, having had Beliond for his keeper had expanded his vocabulary considerably. “You had better be grateful that I need this crutch to hold me up,” Beliond went on, “because if I did not, I swear I would beat you with it. This was funny... Beliond is so ql.
Still, Legolas was in a dangerous place with no one from his family to protect him.
I cannot really explain why I love this lines, but they are my favourite.
Tnx for writing your storys...
Ana
Author's reply
Ana-
I'm a little embarrassed to tell you but I enjoyed reading these lines over again in your review. I got kind of caught up in the emotions of my characters while I was writing this story, and you've picked out some things I liked.
You can thank my beta for the bits here about Maltanaur and Beliond. She encouraged me to write more about the keepers in this chapter and those two quotes are part of what I wrote in response.
Thank you for your continued kind words, Ana.
Jebb
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
I think that was one of the loveliest stories you have written so sad yet full of love and family strength.
Eilian is a wonderful character and obviously much loved by his family and minders!
There was so much to enjoy in this last chapter Maltanaur and Beliond and Lorellin and of course Thranduil
thank you for a wonderful few weeks it was quite a ride
Judy
Author's reply
Jebb/Judy--
Thank you. I really enjoyed writing this one. It felt emotional to me too, despite the high level of action in the early chapters. Eilian is funny because he drives those who love him crazy at the same time that they really do love him. You can kind of see why poor Celuwen had to stay away.
And I especially liked the chance to show a little more of Lorellin. She was such a loss to all of them.