Reviews (84)

Author's reply

Yeah, I know what you mean. I can only take so much suspense myself. Kinda reminds me that Celebrian has still not gotten across that river, has she? As a mother, I can understand how hard it's been for her to not just swim the dang thing. I really liked the brothers being the ones to find the elflings. I think the little guys will learn the most from seeing their 'dull' brothers in battle. It's serious business out there! And yes, we will get to see the naneths and Thranduil get their hands on their lost ones...though after the relief passes, Thranduil will not forget that they disobeyed him. The king has a long memory. Thanks again, Nilmandra. I truly appreciate you reading and reviewing. It's always a pleasure to hear from you. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Hey Jasta! Yeah, I kind of like Dwarves, too. I think they're pretty good guys most of time. So there was this teensy weensy little misunderstanding between a few of them and Thranduil. However, they're also smart guys to know that Thranduil would not be forgiving if something happened to the elflings. And they did warn the humans. These human were not just badly misinformed, but they were also so honor bound that they failed to see the truth. Too bad. Yep, they're all deader than doornails. The big brothers would take no chances of leaving any alive who might harm the little ones before they could get to them. I was glad to get them back into the protective arms of the big guys, too. I think the elflings have learned quite a lesson. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always good to hear from you, and I'm especially pleased you're enjoying the tale. Take care of yourself! Karen

Author's reply

Thanks, mrk, for such a great review. It sounds so good when you break it down like that! I like lethal Elves, too. I can't imagine they would wait around to hear anything the men had to say. They just took them out before anything could happen to the little ones. The Dwarves were fun to write. While they might not always like the Elves much, they didn't want to see the elflings harmed. I think most people, no matter who they are, don't want to see children harmed and can put aside differences for the well-being of a child. 'Most' people...there are always some people who ought to be shot on sight...it's a Southern defense...'He needed killing'. But, not these Dwarves. They wanted to do right by the little ones. I was glad to get them safely into their brothers arms, too. Daeron has learned a great deal from this. I don't think he'll ever look upon his 'dull' brother the same again. Thanks again, mrk, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and support. I'm going to get you a new wet-stone for the sword Emily. I need your sword 'and' wits to be sharp at all times so you can keep me out of trouble. :>) fqk

Author's reply

Wow! Celeb! What a nice review. I liked the Dwarves, too. I think they really wanted to help the little guys, but knew that if something went wrong Thranduil would not be forgiving of anyone who harmed the elflings, intentionally or not. And yeah, nothing was going to stand in the way of those older brothers finding the two lost sheep. It may be strange, but I love how accurate and deadly these guys are. They don't just look good...they are good! For as fierce as they are in battle, they are equally fierce in their love and commitment to their little brothers. I like that about them, too. Thanks again for reading and being so supportive. I really appreciate it. Fun readers like you make it all worthwhile. :>) fqk

Author's reply

Thanks, Kitt, I think it's okay for you to call the men, 'menish'. I kind of like it. :>) When the time comes, Thranduil will have his say. He's not just a little miffed at the two of them for leaving their appointed playground, but they scared the daylights out of him. He'll not want them to forget this escapade anytime soon. Daeron will have some things to think about and feelings to sort out over the stabbing incident. I think he'll be okay, but it's a lot for a little guy to deal with. Thanks again, Kitt. I'll get the next chapter up very soon! I promise. Karen

Author's reply

Thanks daw, for the kind review. Ya know, I've always kinda liked the Dwarves. I know they caused a bit of trouble in the past, but then if we go off on that tangent, we'd have to bring up the kinslaying. I suppose everyone has a skeleton in the closet. In this instance, they did know what they were talking about. Unfortunately, you're right, the men were already goners. I think they had been given some bad information and were honor bound to complete their job...whatever it was. I think Daeron is learning some important life lessons. His life has been very sheltered. While I doubt he'll ever be without his unique eye on the world, he has been given a glimpse of the world he knew existed intellectually, but had never experienced until now. It tough for anyone to understand, but it's especially difficult for a child to comprehend. Thanks again for you support and reviews. Have a good trip and hurry back soon. Remember, the minstrel is ours and we are stingy. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Celeb, Oh no! I'm so glad you found this chapter. Poor Dearon. He really does have a problem abiding peacefully with spiders. This brown hairy one got him into a mess. And Legolas, too. I certainly hope he learns to control the heebie-jeebies by the time he gets into the forest as a warrior. Maybe Isilya will loan him her dancing slipper. Thanks for the kind compliments. I'm never sure about my odd sense of humor. I find things extremely funny that other people, for some strange reason, do not. I find people the funniest subject of all. Not making fun of them in a cruel way, but the things people do just crack me up. I will personally alert you to Chapter Four! Thanks again, Celeb. Karen

Author's reply

Hey, I'm not sure Daeron would be considered 'elfy' by normal standards, but I think if we had been privy to Legolas' thoughts in the Mines of Moria, we may have seen a whole new dimension to what is 'elfy'. "Whadda ya mean I hafta spend four days in this Dwarven death trap? Dol Guldur is Cinderella's Castle compared to this worm hole. Is that mithril over there?" Who let the balrog out? Whomp! Whomp! Sorry..high school baseball game-itis. Where were we? Oh, insights into Elven nature. Despite Daeron's sharp tongue and rather strange take on life, he is a very caring little guy. No matter what he says, I think he's rather protective of Legolas and loves him like a brother. He would never allow anyone to harm Legolas if he could prevent it...unless it's him. He's a bit like the people who talk awful about their family members, but woe be unto anyone else who says anything derogatory about them. Thranduil has actually been fun to write. His role is limited, but I've never thought of him as the horrible creature so many make him out to be...not to mention that there is no basis in canon for this view of the king. All we have to do is look at the Legolas of canon and I think it's obvious the boy was raised right. He's secure in who he is, strong, focused and loving. Bad parents don't turn out kids like this very often. I think Thranduil was a kind, but strong ruler (if he wasn't, then the people of Mirkwood would have shown him the door) and a good ada. Lalaith will be more than pleased to know that she has alternatives to being queen if push comes to shove. I think she'd make a good ranger, too. Thanks, Ranger, for all your help and for continuing to be supportive of me personally and to this story. Karen

Author's reply

Hi Kitt, Trouble is indeed brewing, if not already boiling. Erelas 'is' a pretty cool guy...typical middle child. According to the ME guide I have, Erelas means 'single leaf"...one leaf, single leaf, same thing, I think. He probably gets along so well with the little guys because he does sort of dance to the beat of his own drum. And while he has a gracious plenty of responsibility, he does not have the burdens of his older brother and cousin. It's not hard for him to take off and spend the day fishing with the munchkins. Thanks so much for staying with me through this and taking the time to review. Karen

Author's reply

Hi daw, Thanks for the kind words. To hear from you that you think the POV is going well, means a lot to me. I have enjoyed the look into Daeron's head. Yes, he's a bit of a smart alec, but I think all races, no matter how old, dignified or educated, always have a few members in their ranks that have a rather skewed view of the world. In other words, there's always a smarty-pants somewhere. Daeron is a good guy, and his observations, I think, are sometimes just childish perspective, and sometimes he simply says or thinks the things we all think, but know better than to say out loud. I'm glad he comes across as perceptive. I think he is, but his choices are still those of a child most of the time. As you said in an earlier review, he's a handful. But I hope the adults come across as wise, loving and patient for the most part...although he pushes Seregon's limits regularly. It won't take the adults long to figure out that 'this disappearance' is unusual, even for these two, and will set out looking for them. Life is not black and white, as these two will soon find out. Thanks daw, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and review. I had such a time getting it up last night...uncooperative copy and paste...and I was crossed eyed by the time I got it up. Funny how so many more mistakes show up when your words appear in big print. I reread it this morning, found some and then went into change them and couldn't find them again! Will try again. I'm sure you just shake your head at some of the things I regularly do. Despite my many failures, you have truly helped me in the grammar and punctuation department. Thanks a milion. Karen

Author's reply

Oh my goodness, you didn't run into a 15-foot-long centipede on your way to the dining room, did you? But ya know, you could have just tied the cord to him and let him drag it for you. I guess you didn't think of this because you were a little dizzy from the toxic paint fumes. Next time, Ranger, next time. And you might can get a spot on 'Ripley's Believe It or Not'. I can see the headlines: "Ranger saves Frodo from giant centipede". Thanks for the kind words about the chapter. I think Elven children are a bit different than your average age-equivalent human kid. They have already lived two and a half times the years of the human child, and therefore, have more life experience. And they have had the benefit of being raised by centuries-old adults, unlike human children who have been born to teenagers and young adults, who were also raised by young parents, who were raised by young parents...you get the picture. But elflings are still children of their own people. I see them as being a bit more learned in the ways of existence, but still children in maturation. While Tolkien said elflings needed little guidance, I can't help but think that they were still learning and still childlike in many ways and were not just miniature adults. Finding the balance between years lived and age-appropriate maturity has been a challenge. I'm not sure how well I've done, but I'm gratified that you find their personalities emerging and the little guys individually distinct. The dinner scene. Dad gummit! I can't believe I didn't think to have wine shooting out of Aldamir's nose! What a great idea. I'll just file that away for future use. Thanks again, Mangy Ranger, for all your help and encouragement. Anyone who can stand down a 15-foot centipede, I want on my team. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Still Anonymous, I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the story. Daeron has been a great deal of fun for me to write. I can't imagine that the Elves didn't have a good sense of humor; after all, they were supposed to be a merry lot! But, we didn't get to see what was going on in their heads when Tolkien wrote about them. But then again, Tolkien probably would not have seen them being as irreverent as I do. There is humor everywhere if we just look, and I think Daeron has a keen eye for the absurd. I know what you mean about finding a spider crawling around on you. The scene was a shoe-in for me since I share many of Daeron's feelings about the little monsters. I try to appreciate their place in the order of things, but I want them to go do their thing somewhere where I am not! Mutual respect? Thanks again. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and review. Chapter Three soon, I hope. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Hi Nilmandra, Yes, I think you're right; Daeron will never live down the Great Spider Incident. He is probably going to be still hearing about it on the blessed shores. Aldamir and Seregon are good guys. They're just so focused on their jobs and the seriousness of keeping the realm safe, they fail to take time to play a bit. I think Daeron is naturally a riot, but everyone losing control probably speaks as much of the adults needing a release of all the pent-up stress, as it was to the humor of the event. To be honest, I'm a little torn between what should be told to the elflings about the threat of the mysterious men, too. On one hand, they are awfully young and I think the parents are simply following a 'rule of thumb' to leave the kids out of the fearful watches the adults take. They don't want to worry the youngsters. On the other hand, telling them enough to make them feel included couldn't hurt and possibly would relieve some of their anxieties. Being in the dark can make one's imagination run wild! And Daeron does have a good imagination. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I just got a notice that another chapter of 'Hunting' has been posted. I'm really impressed with those of you who can work on your stories AND find time to review. I'm way behind in my reviewing. I'll do better, I promise. Thanks again for such a wonderful review. Karen

Author's reply

Hi Celeb, I think the whole family (except Legolas, of course) was trying hard not to lose their composure, but Daeron is so over the top anyway, he was just too funny for them to make it. Aldamir and Seregon are so serious all the time, it was fun to see them out of control with laughter. When the men do show up, I think the little ones get an opportunity to see a side of life they have never known and to try and make sense of it. Life often doesn't make sense to adults, but it's especially baffling for a child. Thanks again, fair one. I really appreciate you reading and reviewing. I hope to have Chapter Three up soon. Take care, Karen

Author's reply

Celeb, I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter. Daeron is a bit irreverent in his thoughts. He means well, but trouble seems to follow him. I think Thranduil does as much parenting as Daeron's naneth does. He's sort of taken on the father figure role. Seregon is good guy, too, but he's carrying his own baggage and has never quite stepped up to the plate in assuming a role of guidance for his younger brother. But he loves the little scalawag. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and review this. I've enjoyed Daeron telling me his story. Thanks, Celeb. Karen

Author's reply

Lindorien, Thanks for the kind words, O'Scribe. Yes, these men are different than any our wood elves have ever met before. They will be an eye-opener for the little ones. Things are not always black and white. Orocarni, a Sicilian Elf! LOL! It does sound a bit like a pasta dish, doesn't it? Perhaps you, being such a wonderful cook, could create a dish named after the archery master. Orzo and a nice rich sauce. Orocarni is Quenya for 'red mountains'. A nice tomato based sauce? Ah, a dish you can't refuse! Thanks again. I'm so pleased you're enjoying the story. See ya soon, fair scribe, Karen

Author's reply

Hi Judy, Thank you so much for a great review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I've really enjoyed the little scamps and seeing Mirkwood from their point of view. For the spider scene I drew on personal experience. I have never been a fan of the eight-legged menaces. We have a mountain house, and several years ago I took my sons and a bunch of their friends up there for a few days. When we arrived, we found the house had been invaded by wolf spiders, literlly the size of the palm of your hand. These big teenage boys were a hoot! I was frozen in my tracks! New spiders were discovered all night long. I didn't sleep a wink! The men are a scary bunch, but their presence will give the elflings a new perspective on the world. There are simply no easy answers in life. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I truly appreciate you taking the time and letting me know you enjoyed it. I hope to have Chapter Three up soon. Karen

Author's reply

Hi Kitt, I think the adults did feel a bit sorry for Daeron, but I also think he's just so naturally funny that they couldn't help themselves. I imagine the look on his face and the way he reacted was just too much and everyone fell apart. He has a tendency to be a bit over the top anyway. I appreciate the kind comment about the archery lesson. I've always been interested in archery but I've never taken any lessons. I applied the baseball pitching visualization method to the bow and the scene was what I got. (My youngest son is a pitcher, and my oldest son is a catcher. They never ever practive together!) I imagine the same sort of concentration is nearly the same in all sports. I'm so gratified that you found it credible. Thank you. The men have not disappeared, and they will show back up. I hope to have Chapter Three up soon. Thanks again, Kitt. Your review means a lot to me. Karen

Author's reply

Well, let's see, your dawness. We might can make a little exchange of information. I'll prompt Aldamir to reveal to you what is in his 'personal' letter if you speak to Eilian... :>) That Legolas! What a scamp! Who knew? Since Legolas and Daeron have grown up together, I think they are more like siblings than cousins. And you know how devious a well-armed sibling can be when given an opportunity. Yes, Daeron made a mistake in confiding in his 'tricksy' cousin. The whole family decorum fell apart when Daeron did. I would so hope that there was laughter in the House of Thranduil. As for how could Daeron be so free with a Lady bug when he was terrified of spiders? As one who knows, I can assure you, they are different! Very different. Besides, I imagine if one was going to be phobic about something creepy in Mirkwood, what better choice than spiders? I keep wondering what Daeron will do when he comes face to face with the big boys out in forest. Even though these two are young, they know what will be their fate as warriors. Or they think they know. If Thranduil has taught them nothing else (and he's trying, bless his heart) he has given to them a great love of these woods and her people. Even Legolas and Daeron are devoted and protective. Though their perspectives are still childlike, they want to do what they can to help. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I hope the following chapters won't disappoint. I've truly had a great time with these little whippersnappers. Karen

Author's reply

Firnsarnien, I'm so glad you got a chuckle out this chapter. Daeron 'is' quite phobic! I sympathize with him! (shudder...) I'm most pleased that you took a chance and read this. "...very interesting and well written...) I'm embroidering this on a pillow as I write to you. Thank you! I've really enjoyed these little hooligans and looking at Mirkwood from the perspective of a 'family' non-canon character. It's been a great deal of fun for me. Thanks again and I hope you will enjoy the next chapter as well. The little guys find trouble with a big 'T'! Karen

Author's reply

Oh, my sweet elfling, It is, indeed, my design to see you smile. If for only a moment I might lighten your heart, then I have done as I intended. You see, I am of an age to recall your youth and mischievous nature. I would not be surprised to find that you have been giving advice to Legolas on the ways of tormenting one's relatives! I shall watch you closely! But then, how can I stay angry with you when you have given cause for Seregon to smile? Thank you, o'dear one, for continuing to read and review. Your presence in my court is always welcome and appreciated. Kaladriel

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Kaladriel bows gracefully to her sistah in the wood. Yes, my dear one, it would never do to let the elflings know that we are not endowed by the Valar, but wily from long years of experience. This knowledge is guarded as closely as Galadriel protects Nenya. Though I fear that should the young ones ever become adars, themselves, they will ne'er know of this 'gift' as it is a custom handed from naneth to naneth. A sly lot, we are. I do not know how we shall ever aid Daeron in his fear of spiders. I am most pleased you agree with my recommendation of a future mate for our auburn-haired elfling. This elleth wields a dancing shoe as deftly as Legolas felled the enemy with his bow in the Ring War. She is truly a credit to our kind. I am so pleased you enjoyed the 'spiders a la carte' episode. Poor Daeron. He still breaks out into a sweat whenever it is mentioned. And I am most curious as to why Thranduil has such an odd number of spoons in his service. Pray, sistah, if you should be able to garner such information from your lord, do share it with me. I am certain you have your ways to convince the good king to impart such knowledge to you. Have a good trip! I shall keep watch over all our lands while you are taking a well earned rest. Thanks for reading and reviewing...and for all your kind assistance in getting Daeron's commas in their proper place. (I hope I paid proper attention and heeded your warnings! If there are any misplaced, then it is my mistake, not yours.) Bless you, fair one! Your humble servant, Kaladriel

Author's reply

My sweet elfling, How it gladdens my heart to see you in attendance in my court. Yes, my windy sistah is in the story. She was there, ya know. One look from her is far more frightening to the little guys than Thranduil on his most scary day. He could, however, be a bit 'dark' at times. 'Tis true, Lalaith is a force to be reckoned with...meteorologically and personally. But YOUR queen shall ever be your champion and stand firm at the side of the most beautiful First-Age Elf to ever grace Arda. Thank you for reading this and for the wonderful review. Your addition to our little demented group has been like finding a vein of mithril running through the backyard. Between you and the Dottir, I don't know who makes me laugh harder. I was just thinking this morning that your calling may be to write a book on the intricacies of the fair Southern tongue. Here, sugah, have a grape Nehi and a moonpie before you have to get back to the 'Drunken Elleth'. It's on me. Forever, my sweet elfling, Kaladriel

Author's reply

Thanks, Jule for reviewing. I agree; those girls were asking for it! The boys got a bit carried away in retaliating, but the elleths deserved it! I love the comparison of taking away their weapons to taking away their much loved stuffed animals. It certainly was for Daeron, and I think Legolas was none to pleased to lose his bow either. Yeah, they get them back, but I don't think they'll use them on the elleths again. But just think! Every time they shoot an orc in the future, they can picture the two girls! An Elven form of visualization. Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I'm having a great time with the little guys, and I hope you'll enjoy them, too. :>) Karen

Author's reply

Yes, poor Legolas is not quite certain how to react to being a supporting character instead of the center of the universe. However, he's handled it well so far. He's been gracious and kind in allowing Daeron to tell the story from his point of view. First-person is a funny pov. Some people really like it and some hate it with a passion. I tried to stay only within the boundaries of what was Daeron's knowledge and his impressions. There were a couple of places where I thought it could go either way, but changed little about them because I felt it was still Daeron's perspective of what he was observing...his conclusions. Thank you for the compliment. I enjoyed looking at Mirkwood through the eyes of someone who was not one of the Thranduilions, but was intimately present in the household. This whole story is in first-person/Daeron. I may attempt to tell more about these adventures in another story later, either from Daeron's view again, or switch to third-person so we get a better look at the others. Thank you for reading this and leaving a review. You are such a sweet adorable child. :>) Karen