At least young Eilian seems to realise that Thriwien is not a patch on Celuwen even if he hasn't guessed why yet.
Thranduil was very restrained over the drinking but for how long I wonder especially given all the other things happening in Mirkwood but I think the title thin ice reflects Eilian's immediate future as much as Legolas' crossing the pond to escape the orcs
Another wonderful update thank you
Author's reply
Yes, Eilian appreciates Celuwen even when he is so stupid about her. I thought Thranduil was thoughtful to take Eilian away from his friends before he scolded him. And I am so pleased that you saw the pun in the title!
Dragon-of-the-North
· 28 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Well, today I have to review here... FF.net seems to be lost and gone once again! ;-)
Awesome chapter - Legolas' improvised plan to get rid of the orcs was very clever (although I suddenly got a mental image of the second part of Lester's "Three Musketeers" movie transferred to ME - no offence meant by that, I actually find that film very amusing ;-)) - I only hope that not all the orcs did drown in the icy water... That would not be a good death even for a bad orc. ;-)
But the best thing were, once again, the scenes between Legolas and Eilian - the ending was so very sweet, Eilian trusting his little brother to do the right thing... And of course, everything is wonderfully exciting now! But - poor, poor Maltanaur! I don't think he will be very happy with himself if he discovers that he did not search that cave thoroughly enough (though that, in itself, could have been very hazardous)! But then, poor Maltanaur anyway! I had to grin a bit about Eilian's first encounters with him, but I really don't envy him! And we thought Legolas was a difficult youth at times... ;-)
Excellent chapter once again! :-)
Author's reply
I had trouble reviewing your new chapter at ff.net too. Not exactly a reliable system.
Maltanaur has a tough job. It's a tribute to his tolerance and Eilian's basic good nature that they have gotten along as well as they have.
I have never seen the movie you're talking about so I will assume that I did something worthy of an Oscar! :-)
I'm sure the Orcs survived and decided to mend their wicked ways. ;-)
Antigone_Q
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Somehow I had failed to grasp that Eilian had heard that _particular_ part of his parents' conversation. Ouch. It might have eased his mind a little if he'd just gone and talked to his parents about it, although I'm sure it would never occur to him to do so.
But Argh! Eilian's behavior at the Solstice celebration! First I want to pat him on the head and say "there, there," then I want to strangle him. Poor Celuwen (and Thranduil, and Ithilden - they have enough stress!). But try to tell a "teenager" that he should try to deal with his problems more constructively - you may as well bang your head against the wall sometimes. To be fair, though, I really think Eilian might respond better to a slightly different style of parenting than Thranduil generally uses.
Oh, Clever Legolas! Crossing the ice where the Orcs couldn't go bought him a little time. It's so sweet the way Legolas is feeling protective; I loved the "Thranduil voice!"
I can't believe the search party just passed those caves! Did they think there were Orcs still near? Or was the trail so obscured that it didn't look as if Legolas and Eilian could have gone that way?
I'm looking at what I've just written. Sorry Daw - it seems to be less of a review than a list of advice to various members of the royal family. Just take it as a complement, as usual, that I've gotten so wrapped up in the family dynamics that I've decided everyone needs a family therapy session to sort out their issues. It really was a very well-written chapter, as usual, and the insights into Eilian's background are marvelous!
Author's reply
Eilian did not exactly choose the most constructive way to deal with his unhappiness, but then it 's when we're unhappy that we're least likely to deal well, I think. And youth is usually rather self-centered. But while Eilian learns slowly, he does learn. He's turned into a far more useful adult than his parents might have anticipated.
I thought that all of Thranduil's sons were likely to react quickly and obediently to a "Thranduil voice." The habit would be hard to shake!
A family therapy session is probably in order here.
The chapter title kind of gave this one away. I read it and knew Legolas would run across a pond and the orcs would fall in. Not like you to give away a little of your tale. It was still well written and I felt that surge of panic when the ice first started to crack. Distracting them with arrows while they ran across was a good idea, they were less likely to notice the problem underfoot. I was glad to see Legolas so anxious to return to his brother but it sounds like he became a little careless on the way back. Not only during the trip but also moving around in the caves. He is usually much more wary but I guess he was beginning to panic. I had to grin when he tried to sound like Thranduil on purpose. It seemed to work well. Eilian's delirium must have been frightening. The perspective of the concussed seems to work well for you (grin). You can give the reader some hints without giving away too much plot.
The solstice feast was very eventful. Sounds like Eilian still feels guilty over the delay of his family's expansion. He seems somewhat regretful over his exuberant youth. The question of the day is: Does he regret what he put his parents through or that he distanced Celuwen so effectively? Or is it both? I continue to enjoy your perception of his ineptness with women. He is a big time flirt. It works well with a lot of elleth but not with the ones that matter. He compliments Celuwen's dress, then blows it by flirting with Thriwien. I think he is hopeless. Thranduil did a good job of stopping his foolishness without humiliating him in front of his friends. The momentary encounters with Maltanaur were a good glimpse into his future. Legolas' realization that his elder brother had a keeper so young was very entertaining. Wait til Eilian recovers - he will never live it down. I like how you ended the chapter with Eilian having complete faith in his baby brother.
Author's reply
I think that by the time Legolas had disposed of the Orcs, he was really worried about Eilian again and he got a little reckless hurrying back to him. He must feel like he has a million things to do at once.
And I'd say Eilian regrets both what he did to his parents and to Celuwen. He made it hard for people to approve of him even though he wanted those he loved to approve. And if pretty maidens approved of him without question, then that made them even more attractive.
I thought it would be fun for the readers to have Eilian blind to why Maltanaur was hanging around.
Thanks for the review, Tapetum.
Nikara
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Legolas certainly is a very lucky elfling. The Valar must truely love him in keeping the ice from breaking. Although now he has to deal with his brother all alone. Great chapter, I look forward to more!
Author's reply
Legolas was lucky, but he is an elf too, so he's lightfooted compared to the Orcs. Still, if he'd gone in, he and Eilian would both have been in trouble. I'm actually almost done with this story, I think. But there are always others.
naneth
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
What a clever elf Legolas has become! The trick with the frozen pond was very clever. One measure of a true hero is one that knows what he is doing is dangerous to himself but does it anyway for the good of another. I think Legolas qualifies as a hero for his brother!
How sad that Thranduil created so many of the problems between himself and Eilian with a careless statement to his wife. How sad that Eilian let that one statement influence him for so many years.
I loved the introduction of Maltanaur. Thranduil is pretty clever,too!
Author's reply
Yes! Legolas of the Fellowship is coming into his own. It's been a long haul, but he's finally putting in an appearance.
Thranduil and Eilian just seem to be at complete cross purposes when they try to make contact. They reach out and miss. And I figure Eilian must have been pretty unpredictable to have seen Maltanaur twice. Maltanaur can't predict which direction he'll jump.
Thanks for the review, Naneth.
mistry89
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
This is so good - not just the 2 stories (the "desperate now" and the "young Elian pushing boundaries"), but the extras that you add that give it substance.
Examples include the bit about deciduous trees ... it's one of those "I *knew* that but had never consciously noted it" moments (I remember those being more frequent in my own childhood than recently, so it is lovely to "get it" again!), and also that it may have occurred to their parents that Elian was likely to remain a .... challenge for a little longer than most young elves, so delaying expanding the family would be a good idea ... and that there was regret/wistfulness in that for both Elian and Legolas. That one thing explains a huuuge amount of the conflict we see between Elian-super-soldier, Elian-brother, Elian-son, Elian-lover, and Elian-as-he-sees-himself. I had never considered that he had self-esteem problems, but that his love-life and the remnants of a reputation for dangerous stunts were his biggest problems - clearly I under-estimated his self-knowledge and his own self of umm.... inadequacy?
For me, he (Elian) is a fabulously realised character, and I wish he saw himself in a more positive light, Shadow is clearly at work now and has a long reach!
It's great to see Legolas at work - proactive and thinking clearly (loved his luring the orcs onto the thin ice!)
Thanks again, your original characters continue to hold their own against the "real" ones :) and the view into a pre-WOTR ME is wonderful.
Helen
Author's reply
Thank you, Mistry. I will confess that reviewers have told me before that they like the details in my stories and it always surprises me because I tend to write short stuff, to be direct I think. So I worry that I don't put in details at all, just get to the point. I guess I must be doing better than I thought.
And Eilian had to have had a tough time growing up I think. He was not a good match for his father as a parent and he just couldn't resist pushing the boundaries, so people must have been angry at him a fair amount of the time. I suppose he got used to it after a while. He's an easy character to write, I have to say.
Legolas is doing well, isn't he? That's our elf-boy!
Karri
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
The clever little elfling got himself out of that peril quite nicely, but I still think the searchers should all be deeply ashamed of their poor searching skills. Beliond is not going to be pleased. Poor Eilian...he's in bad shape, eh. I do hope that he will pull through.
Author's reply
The searchers did not do a very good job, that's true. How am I going to explain that one? I'll have think about it. Pretending it didn't happen is always a good option, I guess. :-)
tigerlily713
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
A compliant Eilian? Wow, he must be hurting. Great chapter!
Author's reply
I hadn't thought of it that way, but I think you're right, Lily!
Nilmandra
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
I love helpless Eilian combined with clueless Eilian! Poor elf. Well, sort of - poor Adar and Naneth, poor Maltanaur and Legolas! Eilian keeps them all on their toes.
Eilian is not in good shape, and now he must be gotten back to camp and home. I hope I am again first in line to comfort and help him heal. He might be clueless in his younger story about Celuwen, but he is still a pleasure to be around.
Author's reply
Eilian is good hearted. He is affectionate and well intentioned. He's just stupid.
You will always be first in line to comfort Eilian.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Eilian seems to be his own worst enemy - he drinks too much, upsets Celuwen by going off with another maiden (who he doesn't even like that much!), makes insane boasts, then disobeys his father. To cap it all, he ignores his best chance of rescue. Poor Legolas must be at his wit's end.
I thought he was crazy to try to cross the pond - where I come from, winters are much milder, and although a pond may be frozen over, it would be madness to assume it was thick enough to walk on! Then, when the ice began to crack, I thought you were going to have him fall in. Thankfully, it was only the orcs!
How long will it be before the patrol return?
Jay
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, Eilian is his own worst enemy. But to him, all this just seems to logical!
Where I live, Jay, people drive pick-up trucks onto the ice and build little houses to fish from.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 25 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
I seem to be rather late in reviewing this chapter - but hopefully it means I won't have to wait too long for an update!
I know I've said it before - but I do like the way you write Thranduil. I like the link he has with all three sons, and the way he can sense their danger. But like Thranduil, I'm worried about Eilian as well - he is becoming increasingly confused from the pain, blood loss and poison, and now his best chance of rescue has passed by! Legolas, too, is playing a dangerous game by leading the orcs away - he has to keep them too close for safety so they don't give up!
Eilian's poor keeper must be frantic, and Beliond will no doubt blame himself for being injured when he finds out they are both missing. Great chapter as always, Daw.
Jay
Author's reply
We Good!Ada!Thranduil fans have to support one another! Eilian is growing weaker but he is fortunate that his baby brother has become a competent warrior while Eilian's back was turned.
Dot
· 24 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
So, I read this late last night, with the intention of just writing a quick review and going to bed but, well, it completely overwhelmed me and I had to go away and come back to it today! Daw, what an amazing chapter this is.
My favourite part of this chapter has to be the opening piece with Thranduil. You created a wonderful sense of restlessness, of that feeling that something is wrong but not quite being able to pinpoint what, and it’s clear to see the worries that weigh on his mind when his first thoughts even in the middle of the night are about his people’s plight. When he realised that something was wrong with Eilian I think I actually gasped out loud, despite knowing very well that this is what woke him! The whole scene kind of reminded me of that feeling you get when the phone rings during the night and you wake up with such a sense of dread, that almost certainty that something must be wrong but not knowing for sure yet exactly what it could be. I can’t imagine what it must be like for him to know that his son is in trouble, and I imagine it doesn’t get any easier no matter how many times he experiences this. The only thing is that I suppose at least he knows that as long as he can feel some connection there is hope that Eilian is not in too much trouble. “He would sit vigil this night for the child he did not understand but loved anyway, in the depths of his heart beyond those in which understanding was necessary.” That image really touched me. What a perfect and eloquent way of expressing Thranduil’s feelings for this son. Of course, we knew he loved him, but it really brought tears to my eyes to think of how fierce and deep this love is. *sigh* If only Thranduil had someone to comfort him and make his vigil a little less lonely.
Wow, Maltanaur is really something. I think I’m used to seeing him more as a guide and protector rather than in full warrior mode. I love the way he just immediately takes command and Sórion clearly has enough respect for him, as well as an understanding of Maltanaur’s unique role, to just step back.
Legolas is just so brave! How clever of him to think of his ‘crippled elf’ plan. I found his thoughts about Eilian really interesting. He seems to be growing more objective regarding his brother, but rather than just dismiss him as reckless he is able to see and understand his behaviour a little more. I like the way he realises for seemingly the first time that the fact that Eilian was the only one of Thranduil’s sons to be raised in a time of peace is probably what makes him different. In some ways Legolas seems to understand him a little more than his father does, despite having worshipped him so unquestioningly until recently. And just what does Legolas think he is going to do now?? Those arrows aren’t going to last long… Um, I’m getting a bit worried…!
“I see that you are a warrior. You have nothing to prove to me or anyone else.” I love the way suddenly he realises that he is willing to admit this. I’m so glad he notices everything Legolas has done for him. But Eilian is pain! Make him better, daw!!
That piece with Eilian and Celuwen was just brilliant. What a wonderful way in which you showed them both growing more aware of themselves and of each other, and not feeling quite comfortable with any of it. It’s as though Eilian suddenly realises that his friend is actually a maiden!! Sólith didn’t seem at all impressed, though…;)
“Do you want to make your naneth unhappy?” Hmmn. That was a little harsh. Even though I think fathers everywhere have used that trick. Still, I suppose he needed to be reminded of how much his actions affect those he loves. And it looks like Thranduil used affection as a more effective punishment than an outright scolding even way back then! Poor Eilian. I hope he focused on his father’s worry about sending his sons into battle rather than the comment about having problems raising him…
That last part! No! But…but…they’re looking for him… I love the way you wrote that, by the way – his thoughts growing confused and a vague knowledge that something’s not right. O.k., I’m way too worried about him now. I’m ready for him to wake up and be found and everyone to be reunited again. Maybe even live happily ever after. That’s what’s going to happen, right?! Daw?!;)
Author's reply
Thank you so much for this eloquent review, Dot. At this very minute I am writing about conflict between Thranduil and Eilian, and it was important for me to remember that Thranduil does love him, even when Eilian is driving him to despair. But it's hard to describe what that difficult love is like, so that's what I was trying to do. I'm glad you found it effective.
Legolas has a very clever plan to get rid of the Orcs! At least, I think he does. We'll see if my beta thinks it's plausible. No jumping over rivers while flung from trees or anything though. That kind of stuff is Eilian's territory.
I am always touched by the awkwardness of adolescence and I think that Celuwen and Eilian are trying to work their way past it so they can glory in their own changing bodies and in one another's. But Eilian is still not quite mature enough for their road to be an easy one, I'm afraid.
I think I too am ready to see what kind of an ending I can make here. Two more chapters at most, and maybe even just one! ;-)
Kalile
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
AHHHHH! :pokes Eilian: Wake up! Wake up!
I'm confused about Thranduil's comment about having another child...specifically the "not wanting to send them out to battle." If Legolas wanted, couldn't he have been a healer, a smith, etc. or is he sort of required to be a warrior because of his position? Further, couldn't have the said child been female? (wouldn't have that been weird...) Anyhoo, I'm going to keep poking Eilian until you get started on another chapter. :poke:
Author's reply
You keep poking away, Kalile!
I think that Thranduil knows the child could be a daughter (who would also be vulnerable to the dangerous times, of course, although not so immediately dangerous as a warrior son), but he's unwilling to take the chance on having a son who will, like the older two, become a warrior. I also think that he would expect his sons to serve the realm in the way they were most needed, just as Denethor expected Faramir to become a soldier of Gondor. Legolas could have done something different if he had been determined to do so, but that would not have been what was expected.
My opinion only, of course. And also of course Thranduil is going to lose this argument, thank the Valar!
Nikara
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
Oh my gosh! Another amazing chapter. I love where the second story is going. It's a lot of fun to watch. What is happening to Legolas? I need to know! Please add soon!
Author's reply
The flashbacks are fun to write in this. Clueless, hormone ridden Eilian is just a disaster waiting to happen from any parent's point of view, including that of Celuwen's father!
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
Good grief, Eilian! *Curses dramatic irony* Oh, what to do? He's not going to answer Maltanuar because he's only half-concious. Maltanuar is going to think there's no one in the cave, and leave. Eilian is going to go into some sort of coma, further endangering his life. Legolas is battling fifteen, wait it's thirteen now, orcs. I can't endure this torture! OH!!! It's a very good story though. I love the flashbacks. I think there's a mistake though, in the paragraph after Lorellin says "We should have another baby, Thranduil,” Lorellin said in a low voice." When Thranduil answers he says "So you have said before. And I have said before, do you not think we have enough problems raising the child we have?” But he has children, plural. Doesn't he? I mean Ithilden is older than Eilian? Right? *Winces* It could just be my insanity speaking. I don't mean to go correcting my betters, so please don't hurt me if I misunderstood you. Well cheers and keep writing!
Author's reply
Poor Eilian. He's not doing too well right now.
I had a problem phrasing that sentence you quote. Thranduil and Lorellin do indeed have two sons. But only Eilian is a child they are raising right now. Ithilden is an adult. And I wanted Thranduil to be complaining specifically about what a pain Eilian is. I hesitated over how to say it too.
tigerlily713
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
Ah! So he is starting to get it, is he? Poor kid has the hardest time with that elleth. Great chapter, I eagerly await more! Lily
Author's reply
Holy cow! Who knew that Celuwen was a girl?!! Turns out she's that AND she's one of his oldest friends. I think that's a combination that is irresistable to Eilian, although he doesn't know it yet.
tigerlily713
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
Great chapter! I love these falshbacks of Eilian and Ithilden. I also love Eilian's naivity regarding Celuwen. Keep it up! Lily
Author's reply
Clueless!Eilian is amusing to watch. Maidens find him attractive and he likes that but he has no idea what's right under his nose in the form of his friend, Celuwen.
The flashbacks are a lot of fun to write, so I'm glad you're enjoying them.
naneth
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
The Surgeon General warned today that reading stories by an author named Daw the Minstrel can be hazardous to one's health. No mention was made if the danger was to the reader or to the author when her rabid fans attack her after finishing her latest chapter. :-)
Thranduil's love and worry for Eilian was so touching. We may not understanding those younglings, but we sure do love them bunches and worry about them often.
I truly loved Maltanaur taking charge of the search. I would think that all the commanders and warriors know that Beliond and Maltanaur "allow" themselves to be led by those nominally in charge. When the prince they guard is in danger, I do not doubt that pretences are dropped until their Thranduilion is safe once again.
When Legolas thought of those bones again, I had a sudden memory of him as a child. I had forgotten that he believed that his naneth was eaten by orcs. That made the whole scene with the bone even more sickening to contemplete. Uggh!
I'm really worried about both of my boys. Work cannot be an excuse, you must write and post quickly or you'd better watch out for rabid fans on your doorstep!
Author's reply
For the last three chapters, my beta has made the same comment, "Your readers are going to hurt you." So you and Nilmandra agree!
I'm glad you found Thranduil touching. He does love Eilian, but he has a hard time showing it. I think the remark that Eilian overheard (We have enough problems with our current child) must have stung a little.
Maltanaur has no doubt at all that he is in charge now and the Valar help anyone who gets in his way.
As for nana, well it makes me squirm to even write it, but I wouldn't be surprised if an orc took a bite or two out of her. Ick, ick, ick.
I am a state employee and we are in budget crisis for the third year in a row. That means my official work load just got upped by 20%. Sigh.
The Karenator
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
Your Minstrelness,
The Ranger is right; you post faster than a road runner on caffeine dodges on-coming traffic. Mind you, I'm not complaining. What a pleasant surprise to find two new chapters when I got home.
The last chapter was wonderful as always, but I'll concentrate on this one. I was glad to get a glimpse into what was going on with Thranduil. Even though he and Eilian do not share as close a bond as the king does with his other two sons, it's still there. I really like that. Eilian may be an 'alien' to his adar, I don't think anyone could ever doubt, not even Eilian, that his father loves him. I don't imagine this is the first time Thranduil has been shaken awake by a feeling of restlessness and worry to find his bond to Eilian being tugged. And this on top of trying to pull his realm through such a harsh winter. It's a good thing Elves don't age the same way us mortal parents do, or Thranduil would be drooling onto a bib by now.
Maltanaur! I love Maltanaur! He plays the game of 'who's in charge' until the wheel meets the rut, then he has no time for such niceties. That's one of the things I've always like about your 'keepers'. At first glance, it looks like such a crud job, but in reality, no one outranks them but the king where their charges are concerned. The keepers Thranduil appoints would have to extraordinary Elves: experienced, mature and completely egoless. And I love that they will buck anybody's system...including the king's...in order to do their job. They are very parental.
Legolas had certainly stepped out into danger. I think he would have done the same for any of his companions, but the stakes are particularly high when it's Eilian's life on the line. Elf-boy is growing up nicely. We, of course, know he survives or Tolkien would be out of a character. Still, I love the way you have brought him along in the course of your stories to be the Elf Tolkien wrote about.
My heart fell when Eilian got so lost in his memories that he passed up the signal of his rescue party. The poison and loss of blood has certainly left him confused and disoriented. He's hiding all right! From the wrong guys! Poor Eilian. Maltanaur may be 'wroth'at all this, but he cannot blame Eilian this time. It's not like he was doing anything foolish at the time. He was just doing his job. No, I think he will be angry with himself for going with Beliond and leaving Eilian alone under such unstable circumstances. Of course, knowing this won't make him any less lethal when the time comes. Have I mentioned that I love Maltanaur?
We, the readers, can only hope that you stay swift in pushing that 'post' button. This has been one of your best stories...right up there with 'Prodigal Sons'...which is my personal favorite.
Carry on, your dawness. Karen
Author's reply
I am sucking down caffeine even as I type. It's a wonderful thing.
I wanted to be sure to remind readers that Thanduil loves Eilian because that's not always easy to tell. He's so often ready to kill his son that the love doesn't actually shine through. And bossy Maltanaur charmed me too. He has absolutely no doubt that he's in charge now. And everyone else knows it too (including Eilian, when he's not in lala land).
I have to admit that I really like writing about Legolas as a child and adolescent and was a little reluctant to write the stories in which he becomes more fully adult, but they are really the point of the whole story cycle. Legolas will join the Fellowship. That's what makes it important to see how he got to be the kind of person he is.
I have to work a little now, but the next chapter is all planned out. Indeed, almost everything in it was originally going to go in this one. I have no judgement at all when it comes to guessing how much space it will take to tell any given part of a story.
Hope you had fun in the mountains.
Antigone_Q
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
The paragraph where Thranduil stays awake in vigil for his least-understood son (the one that starts "in recent years") is just gorgeous. I loved every word of it.
I noticed there were several shifts in point-of-view here. I thought you handled them well, and they were very useful in keeping the reader informed about how events are unfolding as they relate to the search for the lost elves.
I laughed at the scene with Celuwen's father. Yes, Eilian, Celuwen's father knows _exactly_ what you are thinking. Poor Rainbow-boy is so clueless at times; it's a wonder Celuwen ever figured out what was going on in his head!
I'm a bit concerned about Eilian's state of mind. I can't believe he missed the search party! And yet another cliff-hanger - this isn't like you, Daw! Sigh. Just get Eilian and Legolas home in one piece, please?
Author's reply
I really wanted to bring out Thranduil's love for Eilian because it's not always obvious. I'm glad you liked it.
The shifting points of view turned out to be necessary when I decided I wanted to take a look at Thranduil and Maltanaur. Readers had asked how they were doing and I thought that a little scene now would be much better than having someone tell about things later.
Celuwen's father was once a young male elf himself. He probably even saw Eilian making eye contact with his daughter at chest level. LOL. Poor guy.
Antigone_Q
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
I'm really enjoying seeing Legolas taking care of Eilian for a change. You can almost hear Legolas quoting Eilian back to himself.
I love Eilian's stories - maybe because the difficult kids are always my favorites. Eilian and Legolas were in some ways very similar when they were younger, weren't they? What an interesting pattern is forming in Eilian-the-younger's behavior. As I see it, it goes something like this:
Eilian: Watch this!
Friends: Oooh, better not (insert dangerous activity here) Eilian! You might get squished!
Eilian: Oh, yeah - I hadn't thought of that. Here I go anyway!
Person in authority: That was really dangerous! I'm upset!
Eilian: What'd I do???
All his caregivers must have been in constant fear for the poor boy's life! Where does Eilian get it from? Was Lorellin that way when she was younger? Because Thranduil seems like one of those people who were born responsible.
And I must really say, ICK! It must have been so sickening for Legolas to see those bones in the cave, knowing his Naneth died the way she did. No wonder Legolas felt ill.
Author's reply
LOL. A nice little script, I think. Yes, that's Eilian. He's far more fun to write about than he would be to raise, I think.
As for where he gets it from, I think partly Lorellin. She died because she didn't want to wait for an escort to arrive to accompany her home from a visit to family. So she rode out with only two warriors and ran into a party of orcs. But Thranduil's side of the family has made its contribution too. Remember Oropher? Didn't want to be under Gil-galad's command? Rushed rashly into battle? If Grandpa Oropher were still alive, he'd be patting Eilian on the head and telling Thranduil that he worries too much.
And then Tolkien says somewhere that in comparison to the Noldor, the wood elves were more dangerous and less wise. (at least I think that's what he says)
Anyway, yes, the bones were sick making.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
I forgot about Thranduil's tie with his sons. Can you imagine laying there, knowing something terrible has happened and being able to do nothing about it. Especially if you were the king - you have all of the power of the realm but still can do nothing. I would go insane. The food rationing plan sounds like a good one - hopefully everyone will agree.
If Beliond is lucky, he is unconscious and doesn't know his charge is missing. Maltanaur, on the other hand, is having his millenia of patience tested. Waiting for the snow to stop falling must be torture. I really liked your notations about command structure. It must be hard for the younger elves to lead under the scrutiny of the two ancient, experienced warriors. They do a good job not interfering but the lieutenants must constantly feel their scrutiny.
Legolas truly showed his colors in this situation. He took his own life in his hands to save his brother. It is more than sitting passively in the shadows, hoping no one finds them. He went out, found the orcs, laid his trap and now is in danger to protect his brother and his captain. I think the best thing about Legolas is that even if it wasn't Eilian laying there wounded, he would probably do the same thing. I enjoyed his questioning at the end of his section - he is brave but still worried to death. That is true courage. His reflections on his differences with his brother was touching. Of course Eilian didn't react strongly to the shadow. He didn't really understand what was happening at the time. He has fought it ferociously since then.
Eilian's delerious reflections about Celuwen's flash of leg had me cracking up. It was a rather sudden revelation that she was indeed female, and not one of the guys. It was nice to see him as impatient as his little brother at the feasts. The conversation he overheard between his parents must have about broken his heart. I am sure he had no idea just how much they worried about him and his antics. I hope it straightens him up a little - not completely - but a little. "We should have another baby," those dreaded words. Sounds like his rescue is at hand.
The biggest act of bravery was not his diving off of a cliff into rocky water, or even Legolas leading the orcs on a merry chase. It was your husband going to the store and buying a feminine hygiene product on his own. He if far braver than my spouse! ;)
Author's reply
Sometimes I regret having given Thranduil that link to his sons. It's something else I have to take account of now. But I liked the idea of showing his love for Eilian, which is not always to see I think. And I hate to think what Maltanaur would have done if Sorion had not given in so gracefully to his demand that he lead the search team. Ignored the lieutenant, I suppose. He's been ignoring Eilian's protests for years.
I have been trying to grow Legolas into Legolas of the Fellowship and I'm glad you seem to think I'm succeeding. In the quest, he did take his life in his hands to save people he didn't even know. He saved the other Fellowship members on occasion of course, but the quest was about all of ME.
Celuwen as a girl--what a shock to Eilian's system! And yet, I thought the fact that they have known one another forever would make love come more easily for him because he doesn't see her as *just* a girl either.
I too thought he might feel bad about his father saying they had enough problems with him. And Lorellin is already plotting the birth of a blond elfling upon whom Eilian will dote.
Yeah, my husband was too rattled to be embarrassed I think. Beside, it was 6:30am and no one was around. :-)
awww, that's so cute! i'm so glad you didn't take long getting the story up.
Eilian and Legolas are going to have a lot to answer for when their keepers get a hold of them.
i can't help but feel sorry for Eilian. He and Celuwen should get together. You're to cruel to him and poor Thranduil left to fret at home knowing his son's in danger.
you better post more soon or i think i might die with anticipation so if you don't here from me...
'till next chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed. The keepers will not be happy and both brothers will be lucky if they get to take a potty break by themselves for a while.
Cruel?!! Well, yes I am. ;-)
Jebb
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Glimpses
I was so glad to see tht Thranduil has made an appearence and that his senses have not deserted him when it comes to his sons wellbeing since he hasn't yet connected Legolas to the worry I hope it means he is not going to be hurt?
Loved the story of Eilian and his early life it shows also the influence the queen had on her husband and how he must have missed her so much when he was left to raise his children alone
I think the princes guardians are not going to be pleased when they catch up with them
'But if at least one of Thranduil’s sons was not injured now, they would both be by the time Maltanaur got through with them.'
This made me smile
thank you for such a lovely update
Author's reply
Legolas's wound is healing nicely so Thranduil is no more worried about him than he always is about a warrior son in the south.
I think that the loss of Lorellin was devastating for all of them, and not just for her husband or little Legolas. She was good for serious Ithilden and clueless Eilian too.
Maltanaur is ready to do damage and the Brothers Thranduilion should hope he finds some Orcs to do it to.