Jay of Lasgalen
· 21 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
What a wonderfully tense chapter - I love to see Legolas caring for his brother so competently. But I still want to see how the patrol are going to react!
The last part was great - Legolas leading the orcs off, but worrying about Eilian as he did so: 'he doubted that Eilian would be able to defend himself, but that could be all the more reason for his brother to have his sword to hand' - it's what you *don't* say here that makes it so powerful!
Jay
Author's reply
Legolas is competent, isn't he? That makes me feel good too. He's a grown up and all the effort that his family and teachers put into him is paying off.
I think Legolas must feel like many working mothers do: there are so many pressing things to be done right now and you can't do them all at once and not doing any one of them could cause very bad results.
LOTRFaith
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
You're scaring me Daw~!... lol. I am very glad to see that Eilian woke up, but Legolas going to face the orcs? Yikes! (shiver) It just snowed here, quite a bit actually and I was just outside so the snow in your story is very real, and gave me shivers;-) Great chapter!
Author's reply
If I've scared you, then my work is done! ;-)
I hate cold and I can't imagine living outside in the snow like these guys are doing. Legolas is hoping he doesn't actually have to 'face' the orcs so much as lead them away from his injured brother, but we'll see how that comes out.
erunyauve
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
I suppose I should be glad that there are people like Eilian who thrive on crisis situations, since I'm quite happy to be safe at home while the Eilians of the world put out the fires. Still, it's rather telling that not only did the return of evil to Mirkwood make a better elf of Eilian, but he couldn't be satisfied with the less dangerous border patrols - he had to be right in the middle of the worst of it.
There are some parts of Eilian's story with which Legolas must be able to sympathize - he also felt left out and frustrated when his older brothers and father hid things from him at home. But Legolas must be a little scandalized at Eilian's torment of Ithilden. Even if he was responsible for giving Ithilden plenty of scares himself, he never did it intentionally and I think he's a little more awed by his oldest brother than Eilian was.
Eilian's resentment of comparisons with Ithilden is also interesting. Being much closer in age, you would think that Legolas would suffer most from comparison with Eilian. I think anyone following Ithilden would have had to endure comparisons, but Legolas has a bit of luck in that his elders' memories of Eilian's youth are not entirely fond. As we've seen before, if anything, he has suffered preconceptions that he will be just as irresponsible and reckless as his brother. I'd never thought of it before, but the same situation must have driven Sinnarn crazy. He and Legolas are closer in age than elven siblings would be and Sinnarn would not find following Legolas an easy task.
Author's reply
I am also so much the opposite of Eilian that it's not funny. You have it right though - what Eilian needs is real responsibility, real trouble to fight against so he doesn't have to make his own. It will make him a better person, as you say.
I hadn't thought about Sinnarn in regard to Legolas. I picture Sinnarn as being a lot like Eilian which must have made the novice masters turn pale. I think that Eilian admires Ithilden but also finds him a little stodgy. And he is actually jealous that Mirkwood was at war when Ithilden was a novice. Well, I am afraid he is about to find out what that reality is like.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
AACK! A Cliffhanger! or a cave-hanger... You are so mean. It is not your usual method. Legolas did have a little medical training and he was worried about the orcs smelling the blood. Your descriptions of his wound care were excellent. We have a saying at work - all bleeding stops eventually. You may not like why it stops but it will stop. Your comments that Legolas felt safer in the trees than the cave were clever. Most elves must feel the same way. Orc offal? I think I would be ill too. We had a skunky patient today and that was bad enough. What bone did he see...? Or do I even want to know. Finding dry firewood was certainly a stroke of luck. It was good to see him keep his head and his training and gather arrows for his empty quiver. It is funny to see him as the sensible one "They do not need you dead." had me grinning. Both Maltanaur and Beliond are going to take turns killing them. Good thing they heal so well.
Eilian's flashbacks are a good way to break the tension. Diving into the pool to splash water on your older brother must seem very petty compared to their current situation. Apparently it took Eilian quite a while to reach maturity while Legolas was always studious. Ithilden and Legolas could stand to take a few silliness lessons from Eilian but not too many. Both Legolas and Eilian need a Maiden Handbook - I don't know who is more clueless. I guess you can overlook their ineptness due to their looks (grin).
I love seeing Legolas look out for Eilian! The captain is probably going to die of a heart attack thinking of his baby brother out there with the orcs!
Master of Fanfiction.net - none of the "buttons" work when I go there - I can't advance chapters, leave a review or do a search. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Author's reply
When fanfiction.net ceases to work for me, I just go away for a while and let it heal itself. :-)
I know I don't usually write cliffhangers, but this story lends itself to them. And besides, it's fun to watch readers jump around and tear their hair out. ;-0
Our dog got skunked once in the very early morning. My husband let her back in the house and she ran up the stairs and into our bedroom, waking me up with a jolt just from the smell. A woman at my aerobics class had recently told me that her vet had said that Massengil douche would take the smell out, but of course we had none. So I pointed at my husband and said "You! Go to the all night WalMart and buy douche." So he took off on an emergency run for douche while I shut the dog in the bathroom because she was running around rubbing herself against every soft surface. When he got back, we put her in the tub and hosed her down, which she did not like. It mostly worked but it was a day or two before she just smelled doggy again. Anyway. Long story of little relevance. Sorry.
naneth
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
I'm proud of Legolas. He's handling things very well under difficult circumstances. He's learning some important leadership skills for later in his life.
But the scene with the fire and the bone...ugghhh!
Hate to say this, but you have a small glitch in the first paragraph. It's the sentence that begins, "Even in his unconscious state...". Sorry :-(
Another exciting and wonderful chapter! As always, I can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Thank you for telling me about the screwed up sentence. I fixed it. At least I think I did. Even after you told me, it took me several readings to see that word 'anythin' in there!
Legolas is doing well, isn't he? He's an adult at last, which is a good thing because he is not too many years away from saving Middle-earth. And the fire and bone just show what ME needs saving from!
Thank you, Naneth. (And did you see that your namesake was in this chapter?)
ANA
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II
You have left my heart pounding again. It's becoming quite a habit at the end of each chapter. I guess we should be thankful for the breathing space you allowed us as Eilian continued with his story. By the time Eilian completes his tale, I wouldn't be surprised if Legolas flips his brother over his knees and give him a good smacking. I'm sure Ithilden must have been tempted to do just that often enough. I wonder if Ithilden is as serious and disciplined as he is so as to balance out Eilian's recklessness. Three brothers and three distinctive personalities. You have done a wonderful job bringing them to life. Thanks for the great story and please do not keep us in suspense for too long.
Author's reply
Legolas might be horrified by Eilian's carelessness, but he didn't always have a whole lot more sense himself at that age. He wasn't too much younger than Eilian (in the tale) when he ran off to the woods with Turgon to hunt Orcs, and both Ithilden and Thranduil wanted to hurt him over that one.
Poor Ithilden is a classic oldest child, I think. He feels responsible and he was born in a time of trouble so there was lots to be responsible for.
I'm glad I made your heart pound, ANA. I'll write some more this weekend. ;-)
Dot
· 19 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
*gasp* No! What did Eilian ever do to you?? In fact, what did your readers do to you for that matter?? I had only just recovered from Legolas’ memory loss, I’m not sure I can cope with a bleeding, poisoned, about-to-be-frostbitten Eilian… Alright, so maybe I did feel a teensy thrill of excitement, but that doesn’t mean I’m cruel or anything…;)
Really, what an exhilarating chapter. I liked Legolas’ observation that the times of extreme excitement in the patrol make ordinary times seem tedious. It really summed it up, I thought and gave a lot of insight into Eilian’s…addiction, for want of a better word, to it. Legolas is settling in well, though. I’m glad he can see what a good captain his brother is, but at the same time Eilian’s short tale about himself seems to have been enough to make him more aware of the different aspects of him. I like too that he admires Eilian enough to appreciate when he allows him to be more involved than he once would have and remains aware of the cost to Eilian of doing so.
The battle itself was completely absorbing. You seem to have a scarily precise idea of how Orcs would act in such a situation! *worries about daw a little*
Poor Beliond! Actually, strike that. Poor Maltanaur!
I seriously nearly fell off my seat when Legolas turned and saw that Orc! . “We have been after this one for a long time.” OMG! He was singled out. Wow, it really shows how good Eilian is, though, if he was enough of a threat that the Orcs wanted to be rid of him.
Maltanaur and Beliond are going to have several fits when they realise that both of the king’s sons are missing. Aagh, Thranduil! Still, I’m sure Eilian will be fine and he need not know… I have to say, it’s interesting to see almost a reversal of positions, with Legolas being now completely responsible for his helpless brother. How frightening for him.
I have no idea what could happen next, so I’m torn between being afraid for Eilian and really, really, really wanting to know!:)
Author's reply
This is such a great review! You've mentioned lots of the things I was trying to do in this chapter: for instance, Legolas's understanding of Eilian's adrenalin addiction and his continued love for and admiration of his brother, even though he increasingly realizes that Eilian is not perfect.
And I am so glad you were surprised when the Orc appeared and then saw how the Orcs' malice meant that Eilian was good. I think Beliond has been sent back to camp and may not know what's going on but Maltanaur stayed behind to fight more Orcs and I assume he's in a frenzy. He'll want to retrieve his charge and then smack him one. But really, Maltanaur should know better by now than to turn his back on Eilian.
And finally, Legolas gets to be the one who takes care of someone he loves. What a wonderful chance to return some of what he's been given.
Thank you, Dot!
The Karenator
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Oh your minstrelness, I think this is one of the best chapters you've ever written...and you know, this is high praise since I'm one of your biggest fans. The action was tight, and the emotional depth was mined like a vein of mithril. I like the way you showed the emotional connections in subtle ways: a look in Eilian's eyes, the feelings of satisfaction and love Legolas felt for his brother when Eilian allowed him to act as a competent warrior, the concern Legolas felt when Beliond was hurt and the calm, but well thought out care Legolas took of Eilian when he was wounded.
I thought when the scout returned and reported the number of orcs in the area and Eilian thought it was probably a raiding party with their eyes set on a settlement, that we were going to get to see Eilian save Celuwen's rear and maybe gain a bit of favor with her cranky ada. I have to say, I was surprised when everybody and their brother ended up wounded. Since Thranduil has such a close connection with his sons...especially Legolas...he must be on blood pressure medicine by now. Back at the palace, I imagine Ithilden is sitting on him to keep him from charging off into the snowy night! Of course, if the orcs don't think they like to tangle with Eilian, they certainly don't want to have a run in with an upset Thranduil, the Adar! It scares me to think about it. That's not to mention two 'keepers' who will be more than disgruntled.
Well, your dawness, you have left us hanging...me especially, since I'll be out of town until Sunday and you'll probably post while I'm rocking in front of a fireplace in the mountains...just threw that in so you'll be jealous since I'll be in the dark about the next chapter. :>)
Seriously, great chapter. I'll have something to look forward to when I get home...assuming you post...and you 'are' unnaturally fast, but you're ours and we're stingy! :>) Karen
Author's reply
I am indeed gratified by your praise, Karen. You are a generous reviewer in several ways.
I wondered how Thranduil would be feeling right now, too, and I thought he was probably restless and worried, although Legolas is basically OK and he has the weakest connection to Eilian of any of this kids. This is probably a good thing, given how often Eilian has gotten himself in trouble. I figure Beliond was sent back to camp before he realized that Legolas was missing, but Maltanaur is undoubtely eager to retrieve his charge and then kick Eilian's butt.
I *am* jealous about the fireplace and mountains. Have a good time, Karen.
FirstMate
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
This was another wonderful chapter! First of all, I loved the play on words with the chapter title: Brothers in Arms. The dual meaning was quite clever (and I DO love 'clever')! Secondly, the battle scene was so well written. I actually don't read all the details on most battle scenes (yeah...okay...so he swung his sword again and lopped off an orc's head again...and then turned around and did it again...big deal), but you managed to write a scene that showed a good sense of tactics without overdoing it and making it boring (once again, clever!) Thirdly, and of greatest importance in my view, the interaction between the brothers was great! Eilian (BTW...I read your other review responses and was SO pleased to see that you pronounce it the way I always have!!) proved himself to be a wonderful captain while still managing to show Legolas with that brief hesitation how he cared for his little brother but wouldn't smother him. And Legolas, of course, managed to do a fine job fighting the orcs but still kept an eye out for his brother. When I read the first chapter, I wondered if Eilian's story would make Legolas lose some respect for him, so I am really glad to see the story developing in a different direction. Can't wait for the next installation of your fine story!
Author's reply
You are the first person to mention the pun in the title and I was pleased with it myself. ;-) I skip battle scenes when I read too and I fully expected readers to skip most of this one, so I am glad you read it and found it at least interesting. Brotherly interaction is my favorite part of this too, although I am about to start the next chapter with young clueless Eilian in it again and that's fun too. Thanks for the kind words.
ANA
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Now that I've caught my breath from reading this very exciting chapter, I feel that I must make one more comment. The way that Legolas muttered "fool" when Eilian tried to stand really caught my attention. Is that Legolas' counterbalance for all the years that Eilian called him a brat? Very nicely done. Just that one word alone brings out the role reversal for the two brothers. At the risk of sounding a broken record, I really hope you post again soon.
Author's reply
You know, I don't think Legolas would have called Eilian a fool when he was younger. It just seems natural now because he's trying to take care of Eilian, as he himself has often been cared for. So you're right.
I'm going to start the detailed outline of the next chapter tonight. I have a list of stuff to go in it but it needs straightening up and fleshing out.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Life in the southern patrol is very exciting for the sons of Thranduil. Having the scouts return to map out the area was a good way to give your readers a mental picture of the area. Eilian is not as impulsive as he once was but he is hardly a pillar of patience. I was glad you had him plan out a calm strategy rather than go rushing in blindly. He is maturing well. Legolas' excitement was very much in character given his relative youth and newness to his posting.
Once again you did a great job with battle strategy. Deploying the troops to several positions, including the high ground, gave the elves an advantage that their numbers did not. Sending a few warriors after the archers was prudent as well - it kept their backs protected during the fracas. Legolas was momentarily diverted by his brother's dash but I was happy to see him regain his concentration quickly. Again, he and Beliond fought well together. The gash on his arm sounded painful but Beliond's wound must have been poisoned. You would think all of the warriors would have some basic first-aid/anti-poison training. It's not like they don't have enough time...
When the orcs know you personally, you must be the bane of their existence for an extended period. The orc leader's recognition of Eilian must have been something of an honor. Nice set up - Legolas is left alone with his wounded brother. Now their situations have completely reversed, Mr. Protective Eilian is wounded and helpless and Mr. Sheltered Young One has to look out for him. Legolas did a great job diverting the orcs and setting them on a false path. I am afraid the scent of Eilian's blood is going to attract them to the wounded captain. I hope he doesn't have to re-open that shoulder to lead them away again. Looking forward to seeing what happens next and the reaction of your "keepers."
Author's reply
Eilian is a good captain for this patrol. He's daring but not careless (although Maltanaur is probably ready to strangle him at the moment).
I struggled with the battle scene but then was pleased with how it turned out. I can't write them *at all* if I have no idea about the terrain or how the elves are arranged.
And yes, I thought the orc's recognition of Eilian was a sign of how good he was. And role reversal is the order of the day!
Antigone_Q
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
No, not Eilian! You haven't written a story yet to reassure me that Eilian is going to get home safe and sound and marry Celuwen!!! And Beliond wounded, too! How could you stop the chapter there? And it's not just your loyal fans - you're going to give Thranduil that awful sinking feeling again, too! Speaking of Thranduil, I wonder if he would feel that Maltanaur leaving Eilian alone was justified? Maltanaur had better start beating the bushes looking for Eilian pretty soon, I think.
Liked the beginning of the story, too, FYI. I don't want to skip over that just because you're about to give me a heart attack worrying about my favorite Elves. Thinking of the Elves moving so silently and nearly invisible through the snowy trees gives me the shivers. And isn't it odd how Legolas spent so many years telling his brothers and father not to worry about him so much, and now in the heat of battle he's distracted by his worry for Eilian?
Author's reply
I suspect that Maltanaur is having a fit right about now. He turns his back on Eilian for five minutes and what happens? He has no idea. The last he saw, both of the king's sons were in reasonably good shape, but who knows?
There is some role reversal here for Legolas. At least, that was the plan. :-)
My own happy fangurrrl moment was when Eilian led the elves through the cave and unexpectedly appeared at the entrance. Sigh. What a guy!
Any
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Aye!!! Bad, bad cliffie! I'm literally on the edge of my chair!!! *gasp* Will the others find them in time? Will Legolas be able to save his brother if they don't? And what about any starved creatures that might smell the blood and see poor Eilian as an easy prey! Ooh, why did you have to stop there! So cruel! ;)
Can't wait to read more!
~Any
Author's reply
'Cruel' is my middle name! The brothers are in for an interesting time, I hope. And for once, Legolas will be the one taking care.
Jebb
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
The suspense in this chapter was quite chilling enough and the suprise ending completely threw me the battle and aftermath were wonderfully drawn as was the effect the shadowus having on the way Legolas acts, thinks and reacts hope Eilian is going to be okay
a wonderful read as ever
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it, Jebb. I kind of had fun making the battle look over and then having the Orc captain come after Eilian like that. I think battles must be confusing for the participants a lot of times, and the snow and the dark would make it worse, so it seemed possible they would get left.
erunyauve
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
You can't leave us there! I had to appreciate the irony of Eilian fussing over Legolas' minor injury, leaving himself open to the orc's attack. Of course, his first error in judgment was sending Maltanaur back with Beliond. The fact that the orcs recognized Eilian is a reminder that their keepers aren't just there because Thranduil has the luxury of offering special protection to his sons - they are also more likely to be targets.
Author's reply
Maltanaur must be kicking himself and getting ready to kick Eilian, assuming he ever manages to retrieve his charge. He should know better than to turn his back on Eilian by now!
The idea of the orcs recognizing Eilian only occurred to me as I was writing and then I thought that surely they knew about him by then. He had been slaughtering them for long enough and was clearly the captain of this patrol. By this time, they probably also know he's Thranduil's son. I thought they would not know who Legolas was yet.
Dark of Stars
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
This isn't showing up for me on ff.net yet, so I'll just leave your review here.
This story is turning out wonderfully so far, I love how Legolas is finally able to serve under Eilian's command- as he has dreamt of for years.
I do have a question, though. It seems as that in your fic, "The Warrior," Galelas, though not much older than Legolas, joined the Southern Patrol only a few years after serving as Home Guard. I wonder what took Legolas so long in joing Eilian's patrol? Could over-protectiveness on his family's part have been part of the cause? I wouldn't put it past Thranduil, or Eilian and Ithilden for that matter.
Looks as though you've got the brothers in quite a fix. How horrible for readers that you end there! Please hurry and update! I can't wait for what happens next!
~Dark of Stars
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying the story, Dark of Stars. It's been kind of fun to pick up an idea I started several stories back and see how it would turn out when it became reality for Legolas.
In "The Warrior," Galelas was serving under Eilian but it was in the Northern Border Patrol. But you're right that Legolas's family would not hesitate to keep him away from danger if they could. On the other hand, here's two of the king's sons in very great danger, so Thranduil must have felt that it was their duty to serve and not pull strings to be safe.
Nikara
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Very nice story. I love the relationship between the brothers. You left off at a very bad place. I hope that you add more soon!
Author's reply
Thank you, Nikara. I like writing family relationships. Battles are more of a struggle to get right, I think. I'll try not to keep you waiting too long!
Karri
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
A very suspenseful and exciting chapter. I enjoyed it a lot.
Author's reply
Thank you, Karri. I find it hard to write battle scenes. As I was writing that one, I was sure it was pages and pages long, but when I read it over, it wasn't long at all. It just felt that way to write!
naneth
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Who needs aerobics to get their heart rate up? This chapter certainly helped me hit and maintain my "target rate"! Your battle scenes were well done as always. Very frightening.
I'm not surprised that orcs would know of Eilian and that there could be a bounty of sorts on his head. He is the best after all! But until you brought the subject up in this chapter, I had never thought of that. That's why I like your stories so much-you always think of such wonderful things that I would never dream up on my own.
I love the role-reversals in this chapter. Maltanaur is caring for Beliond, Legolas is caring for Eilian, and I do not doubt that everyone will be going slightly berserk when they discover that both of the King's sons are missing in orc territory!
Author's reply
I was afraid the battle would be dull to read because I find them hard to write, so I'm glad it got your juices going, Naneth.
Eilian has been fighting in the south for a long time now, so I thought the orcs would know him and want him gone. And yes, role reversal is what I was after. Legolas is in a new relationship with Eilian indeed! I suspect that the patrol will be doing everything they can to find the brothers if only because no one wants to be the one to tell Thranduil what happened.
Lera
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Oh, my gosh, I'm so worried. There's no stories that happen in the future to give me complete confidence that Eilien survives! Although I'm sure you wouldn't kill him. Right? Right? Yeah, I'm sure you won't. This is really interesting, total role reversal! It was interesting what the orc captain said about wanting to get Eilien for a long time. It startled me when he spoke. Sometimes I forget orcs talk, they seem so inhuman. Ok, must go, hope for another review soon. Thank you for your words of wisdom on reviewing. Ciao.
Author's reply
Yes, role reversal. That's what I was after. This should be an education for both Eilian and Legolas. I thought the orc captain's attitude showed what a good warrior Eilian is. It satisfied my Eilian fangirliness.
And I saw at least one of your reviews. To me, it was obvious you were trying to be helpful and kind.
sofia
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
oh my gosh! how could you leave hanging like that!? really good chapter. I liked it when Beliond said, “but I am not going to be dancing at the ball tonight.” That made me smile. I hope Eilian is OK. And i hope the next chapter is up soon.
Author's reply
I'll bet Beliond and Maltanaur are both ready to kick some Thranduilion butt right now. When they left them, the king's sons were healthy! I'm glad to have gotten your circulation going, Sofia.
ANA
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
WOW!That's all I can say until I can catch my breath. (Deep breathing). More, please, and soon?
Author's reply
ANA--I'm glad this left you breathing hard. Legolas is breathing hard right now too. Eilian is off in la-la land.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
OMG, now don't you kill Eilian. I know you were going to that in a previous fic. You won't kill him, that's just me overeacting, right? *right?* That was a great chapter. I love fight scenes. Not that I enjoy death and bloody wounds and whatnot. Hee, well is there anything else to say? I don't think so-oh yeah, this is great, as usual. I offer Eilian/Legolas/Beliond or all three healing, and can take them in if necessary. Keep writing!
Author's reply
Glad you liked the battle, Estel. I find battles hard to write and am always glad when they are done. Eilian is a dashing captain, isn't he? The orcs wanted him dead.
Justafan
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Oh no poor Eilian! I'm on the edge of my seat, wondering what's going to happen! (He is my favorite after Legolas and I do worry about his safety, rushing headlong into battle, though I know he has at least -some- protection.) I hope he gets back safely and with a good dosage of angst :D
Author's reply
Eilian is in a bad way. Legolas is going to have to be brave and clever to get them out of this.
tigerlily713
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms
Oi! Scary! Great chapter! Lily
Author's reply
Scary is good! The brothers Thranduilion are in a bad shape right now. I think I need to hear more about young Eilian now.