Great chapter! I hope we hear more about the similarities Thranduil sees between Eilian and his mother. So if Eilian is like his mother, and Ithiden is like Thranduil, who is Legolas like? Thranduil too, or maybe Oropher?
I'm looking forward to seeing how Celuwen settles into the family and life at the palace. She's got a lot to do, to basically start a whole new life -- and live the majority of it without Eilian when he goes back on patrol. But maybe, after her illness, she needs to start a new chapter. I hope we see what steps Celuwen decides to take with her life now.
Looking forward to Legolas' return -- poor kid has no idea what he's walking into!
Author's reply
I think that Legolas is a blend of his parents in the same way he is a blend of his brothers. And the blending has made him stronger, which is why he is a good member of the Fellowship. Actually, in a previous story, I had Thranduil think that Eilian reminded him of Oropher, rashly running into danger. This is the first time that the king has admitted even to himself that naneth is part of the mix.
I'm working on a life for Celuwen and I'll start it in this story, but some of that is going to have to wait for another story, I think.
When I'm done writing responses this morning, I'm going to fluff out my outline for the Legolas chapter that comes next (or maybe they'll both have a POV section in this one). I have to stop at some point to chair a master's defense, unfortunately. To Mordor with these students! Let's have some priorities!
French Pony
· 15 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Thranduil
Well, the bomb has dropped! Blooie! Honestly, I thought Eilian was pretty darn lucky. He got off a lot easier than I would have expected, which only confirms my theory that Thranduil is mellowing in his old age. And possibly that, deep down, he takes some mean, un-kingly pleasure in sticking it to Sólith. The whole family behaved with such class, though. Class, class, class. They were so welcoming to Celuwen, and made it so clear that whatever they were angry about did in no way include her. . . that was beautiful. If only I could convince my mom's family to be that way with my dad and my uncle.
The one I really feel sorry for here is . . . wait for it . . . Ithilden. Eilian brought his trouble down about his own head and shoulders, but poor, sweet, square Ithilden, to have to walk in on Eilian and Celuwen! I'm surprised the shock didn't give him the screaming abdabs.
And old Legolas is just gonna be floored when he gets home, thinking that his triumph will be the big family news.
Author's reply
I am LOL at your picture of poor Ithilden. I thought about what his reactions would be, and actually, I concluded that he is old enough to have seen a great deal in his dealings with warriors, courtiers, etc. He's VERY straight-arrow himself, but I think he would very quickly move from embarrassment at walking in on a couple in bed to thinking about what the scene meant for Eilian. And I think he values his brother's happiness. He's spent far more time thinking about it than most siblings do because he's been responsible for where Eilian is stationed and he has to think about how those postings will affect him.
I suspect the whole family likes Celuwen ahead of time, with the possible exception of Alfirin who probably saw her as somewhat wild when they were kids. But then, Alfirin has had years to think of her as Eilian's love and that undoubtedly changes her perceptions.
Legolas is on his way as soon as I finish writing reviewer replies!
Manderly
· 15 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Thranduil
Phew! You had me sweating right along side of Eilian. Thranduil certainly can be imposing, but I can see him struggling between being a king and a father here and I don't think even he knows yet which will win in the end. Celuwen is pretty formidable herself - certainly no pushing her around. I think Thranduil will find that he's going to have to tread with care around both daughter-in-laws. I think Celuwen will be great for Eilian. He needs somebody strong and who is fearless to speak her mind. Maybe he'll finally be settling down? Then of course, he won't be as much fun as before. It'll be intersting to see Legolas' reaction to the marriage. Great chapter!
(formerly ANA)
Author's reply
I've made some notes for myself on what I think are important traits in Celuwen. She's honest. She makes up her own mind about what she should be doing and respects Eilian's right to do the same thing. She treats him like an adult, which his father does not do yet. She is a Wood-elf and would, like her parents, live simply in the forest if she could. I think the impulsive bonding was possible precisely because she is a Wood-elf and therefore "more dangerous and less wise," as Tolkien says of them in The Hobbit. She has abundant good sense nonetheless. It comes from her honesty and ability to see straight to what matters in a situation. I hope I can keep her from turning into a generic female, but actually that's hard to do.
I wouldn't worry about Eilian being too settled down. I suspect that Celuwen is going to have her hands full.
The Karenator
· 15 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Thranduil
Well, I have to say, I loved Ithilden's reaction. What a shock! Some of the best lines were his in this chapter. Actually, he reacted better than I thought he would. I felt like he would be happy, but as Eilian pointed out, Ithilden is responsible to a fault, and he would have never, not in a million years, done anything so bold.
Speaking of bold...Celuwen wasn't one to shrink in the face of Storm Thranduil. Respectful, but brave. Eilian really did marry his match. But one of the things I found most interesting in the morning meal discussion was her knowledge of Anyr and how to deal with him. When Thranduil calms down, I hope he remembers her words. She might turn out to be his best emissary yet. She is a member of the cantankerous fringe, and she knows them better than Thranduil or his sons will ever know them. That elleth may truly be a gift from the Valar...for the whole realm.
The little office meeting between adar and son wasn't as bad as I thought...well, the kneeling part was pretty tough on Eilian. Thranduil did a remarkably good job of not shedding blood, but it was evident that he was close to taking a hairbrush to his son's backside. What he said about how Eilian was so much like his naneth was a shocker...for both of them. But it explains a lot. I hope Eilian can see where his adar's fear is speaking and remember how much his father loved his mother....despite the fear she caused him. Even Eilian should be able to see where this fear his father has comes from. I don't know that if Thranduil had said outright, 'I love you', it would have been as strong a declaration of his love than when he said Eilian was like his mother. In my mind, anyway, I think Thranduil loved her more than life itself. Eilian is his mother's living memory. And then Thranduil also said that Solith had never seen Eilian's worth. Ah, daw, I think we've had a major breakthrough here.
I'm glad Alfirin was so accepting. She probably will like having another female around. All that testosterone gets deafening!
One more thing...what happening on the border?
Great chapter, daw! Just so you know, I hide all the tar and feathers so Eilian, at least, won't have to worry about that.
Very good show! Karen
Author's reply
Ithilden would never have done this himself, but he has had years to become his own person and is more comfortable than either of his younger brothers about differing with Thranduil. I think that's due not only to time, but also to the fact that Thranduil has given him authority and usually lets it rest with him, backing down himself if he thinks he might be going to undercut Ithilden in some way. Thranduil trusts him as he does not yet trust the younger two.
Thranduil is not done with Eilian yet and still has hold of a figurative hairbrush, I'm afraid.
As for Celuwen, you are very clever. When Thranduil calms down, he may see some possibilities there too. And Legolas is arriving in the next chapter.
erunyauve
· 15 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Thranduil
Ithilden certainly knew when to interrupt. But Thranduil seems more upset by Eilian's disobedience and haste than anything else - I think he can see that his request that Eilian get Solith's permission was impossible and unfair. Of course, I couldn't help but laugh a little as Thranduil struggled to get through the meal without losing his temper, though I'm sure it was much more amusing from the safety of my computer screen. (Actually, I was wondering if Maltanaur's duties included protecting his charge from enraged kings.)
I feel a little sorry for Legolas - he's not going to get quite the attention he deserves in the midst of the trouble over Eilian, and being named the dutiful child can be a bit of a curse.
Author's reply
Ithilden interrupted things twice in this chapter! I expect Eilian was far more grateful the second time than he was the first.
I think that Thranduil came to some quick conclusions about what was done and could not be changed and what he wanted to try to change for the future. The bonding is over and done, and he does like Celuwen. But as you say, disobedience and impulsiveness from Eilian are things he would like to make sure don't happen again. At least, he'd like to try to make sure!
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 14 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Daw, that was another amazing chapter. It never fails to amaze me how Legolas is such a competent diplomat. Thranduil should be very proud of his son. Interesting how Beliond chose to show up at a convenient time. I cannot believe those thieves! But humanity is like that, aren't we? I like Legolas's description of Anyr-that he is very Elven. I can imagine that very easily. Isn't Legolas sweet with his despair of not seeing Tuilinn? Beliond must think him to be rather ridiculous. What would you call that? Instead of a spring fling it would be a flood fling. Well it actually could be a spring fling, because the story does take place in the spring, so never mind. I can't wait until the next chapter: Thranduil & Sons: Confrontations Part I. Sounds exciting! Keep writing!
Author's reply
In some ways, Legolas combines the best aspects of his older brothers. He's responsible like Ithilden, and he's sensitive like Eilian. That should make him a very good diplomat indeed.
I think that Beliond actually is sympathetic to Legolas. He had a son of his own once, who was killed at Dagorlad. He's never going to talk very easily about feelings, but he doesn't like to see Legolas get hurt. His job is to protect him!
Justafan
· 14 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Oh, poor Legolas, having his first brush with love. He acted so sweetly; I loved the interaction between Tuilinn and himself. He was very realistic. I can't wait to see what happens next to both Eilian and Legolas! (Oh, and thanks for the timeline; it helped in putting things into perspective.)
Author's reply
I couldn't bear the thought of Legolas being without any love interest at all over all those years. I tend to think he was unmarried at the time of the Quest, but he must occasionally have looked at a girl.
Elentari
· 14 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Hi girl!
I am so excited with this new chapter. My heart bled out for Legolas, poor thing, he could not even say goodbye to his almost-girlfriend (lol)!
I am very impressed with the capturing of the thieves scene. And also that Legolas was able to see something in Anyr that is not just an airy head and an unhealthy confidence that 'arda will provide'. The little children are simply bewitching, I wanted to grab one of them and hug them all.
Leggy has an uncanny way with children's too. That gives me loads of bad thoughts :)
It is also nice that he is not quite aware of how good he is doing, that the praise of others catches him offguard. I hope daddy gives him a mighty embrace when he gets home - in the midst of the shouting with Eilian about not observing the bethrothal period, lol.
Thank you so much. really.
Love,
sheyla
Author's reply
Legolas was so good and responsible in this chapter and he doesn't really get much reward. It's a good thing he took a moment for joy with Tuilinn when he had the chance. His mother would have approved, I think.
And I loved writing about him with the children. I could picture him drying off a naked, cold, scared little kid and murmuring reassurances.
I think you are right that he's very modest, especially for an elf. I think their characteristic failing was arrogance actually. And Legolas is not usually like that.
Fadesintothewest
· 14 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Oh no! Poor Legolas, he meets a maiden he likes and she leaves and he knows not where to find her. I am sure fate will bring them together again. I look forward to that meeting. I was so happy that Legolas was able to practice his diplomacy as only he could. It's wonderful reading how he grows.
Author's reply
Fate could bring them together, that's true! I'll have to see. I'm glad you see him as growing and developing, Fades. It's exactly what I'm aiming at.
dr_seuss_is_cool
· 14 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Hello.
Legolas is such a great elf.
He is so strong and everything else. I was very happy that he captured those thiefs.
I LOVED how you described him capturing them and everything.
I feel a lot safer knowing that Beliond is there with him.
And please tell Legolas that I am truly sorry that Tuilinn is gone. :(
Thank you for writing.
Great chapter!
Bye Bye.
Author's reply
Legolas turns out to the a heck of a warrior, doesn't he? The thieves didn't have a chance and they didn't even know it. And he's just so annoyed at them. From an elf's perspective, they are incomprehensibly evil (the steal food from children for money) and stupid to boot (they think the trees will hide them from an elf). He was doing ok on his own, but it's good that Beliond is there to watch his back, I think. The old grouch is not about to let anything bad happen to him. Except the maiden leaving, of course. Beliond knows that's painful for Legolas, but it's not one of the things he can guard against. If he could, I'll bet he would. (I can see him stopping Tuilinn from leaving. "Leave a nice letter and an address. Do it now. A NICE letter.")
meckinock
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
I can't believe how glad I was to see Beliond again! I didn't realize how much I'd missed the gruff, lovable old curmudgeon. Too bad about Legolas's preemptive little fling, but maybe what's about to happen with Eilian explains why he never bonded with anyone...
Author's reply
Nilmandra begged to have Beliond come back, and as usual she had a good idea. He says exactly what everyone else wants to say but refrains from letting come out of their mouths. And yet, he can be very sensitive to Legolas. He calls him 'my lord' in public and tells him to watch his mouth in private, and he clearly sees that the maiden is a problem.
I'm writing about Eilian tonight. It's tricky to get right though.
Lera
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Ahh. What a wonderfully satisfing chapter. I adore capable warrior, hero, captain Legolas.
Aww, lucky Tuilinn gets a hug. She's really sweet and smart. I like her. You have really managed to do something quite extraordinary: you've created a female character for Legolas that everybody doesn't hate! I'm impressed. I'm actually quite sad that she's gone and Legolas has no way of contacting her. Now I understand why she didn't have many clothes and why she'd just been caring the children "since the flood." I would have thought she'd have mentioned to Legolas the other evening that she didn't live in that settlement. I guess they were doing more important things!
It was so sweet to see Rodian all enamoured with Legolas and his weapons. I'm glad dear old Beliond didn't say anything when Legolas was "promoted" by the little boy. Rodian reminds me very much of young Legolas. Enamoured with weapons, already rather serious, and picky eater!
What a gentleman, Legolas you didn't peek. I'm glad. Tuilinn trusted you not to and you didn't betray that. Good thing too, actually because I can just hear one of the little girls calling out, "He's peaking!!!" Then again when they're small enough they'd be perfectly happy to go naked all the time.
Dirty, rotten, nasty theives! What a lowdown thing to do! I'm so glad it wasn't someone from Crydus's village. I like him. He has much common sense. The elves are very lucky in their neighbors. But back to the rodents: "You wouldn't kill us for simple theiving?" Jerks. You deserve it!!! But Legolas showed compassion. It takes a real man to do that.
I was so happy to see Beliond. I'm such a fan of his now. Not that I would want him living in my guest room or anything, he's just so fun to read about. It was hilarious when he scolded Thranduil for letting Legolas come without him. Right, Beliond, why don't you question the king? It would be amusing. I was very happy when he dressed down Tinar. Beliond might be irritated with Legolas sometimes but I can see Beliond picturing his life if Legolas had been like Tinar...unthinkable. I laughed and shook my head when Beliond wanted to go "speak" to the two hunters for "purposely misleading" him. And Annael is reliable as always. Always good to have him around.
And now Legolas is heading for home unaware of the drama flooding the palace. He did a really, really good job here. Any problems that occurred were never a result of his incompetence. Great chapter and can't wait for the next.
Author's reply
I have always liked writing about young Legolas because I enjoyed exploring the vulnerabilities of the young. So I was doubtful about writing about him as an adult, but I have to say I really enjoyed writing about him here. His competence was really very attractive! Very. Ahem.
Beliond seems to have many fans. He insisted on being funny in this chapter, particularly when he threatened Tinar, but he also was very sensitive to Legolas's feelings. He had a son once after all. That doesn't mean, he takes any lip, of course.
The thieves were scum. And Legolas was completely unable to comprehend stealing food from children for money. I like that in an Elf!
Any
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Darn, she left without saying a word?! Really! She should have known better!!! *argh* But I'm sure you'll work out a way so that they'll see each other again, won't you? Or was that it? Will poor Legolas not see "his" maiden again? :/
Again Legolas did very well - especially dealing with the thieves! If I had been them I think I'd been on my knees begging for mercy non-stop! *gg* Legolas can be quite, uhm, menacing and dangerous if he wants to! And, oh boy, he is quick! How stupid those men are! Did they really think they could outrun an elvan warrior? Tsssskkkk! ;)
Now I'm looking forward to some news from the Eilian/Celuwen-front. *lol*
This story gets better and better with each chapter!!! :) Thank you so much for sharing!
~Any
Author's reply
Yeah, she left without saying anything. She was sent for and he wasn't there and she didn't really have any hold on him. She didn't want to look presumptuous. And actually, I don't know if I'll ever bring her back. I tried to leave things so that I could if I wanted to but didn't have to.
I loved writing about competent warrior Legolas. He is so 'dangerous' as you say and I find that appealing!
I'm writing about Eilian and Celuwen right now. Glad you like the story.
tigerlily713
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Great chapter!
Legolas is beginning to really understand his role as the King's son, and the responsibilities that come along with it. You do a great job of working it into the story subtly.
I eagerly await more! Lily
Author's reply
The king's sons do not have an easy time of it, I think. Anyone who thinks that being royalty is fun and games and privilege should ask any of these three whether that's true.
Thank you, Lily.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Well,you answered two of my previous questions - Where is Beliond? and Did they put another guard on the food? When will these elves start listening to me?
Your scene with Legolas and Tuilin taking care of the cold, wet kids was very sweet. Our favorite warrior is a little domestic after all. He seems to be a natural with young ones. His wandering thoughts concerning the chemise was very amusing. He must have a lot of self restraint not to take a quick glimpse behind him. I think the children would have told on him so it was best that he didn't. He was good to let Rodien hold his sword. I didn't realize how many little hints you dropped about the village not being her permanent home until I re-read it.
I can only imagine the Prince's rage upon finding the men trying to steal food from hungry children. I would not want to be in their shoes - you have shown me Legolas' temper before and it is not something I want to encounter. I was glad that he first assumed they were innocent but they proved themselves evil. It was a nice touch not having him jump to conclusions as Tinar did. Eilian would have been proud of how he handled them. It reminds me of when Eilian "rescued" Legolas and Turgon from the men during their little forest excursion - they must have felt about the same way. Save the meat first! Excellent idea.
Beliond's arrival was actually a little bit late but I am sure Legolas was still glad to see him. He proved his experience once more by treating his Lord with the respect he deserved and Tinar with the disdain he had earned. I loved his dressing down of the obnoxious elf. I think Annael and Legolas did as well. He also wisely stayed out of the conversation between Tuilinn and her Lord. What a wise elf.
The negotiations between Crydus and Legolas were very well handled. They got a promise without setting up any official trade contract. Very clever - Thranduil should be quiet pleased, especially if Beliond and Galivion were happy with the outcome. Beliond keeps cracking me up - snorting at the diplomacy and looking for men that diverted him from his charge. It was cool to see Legolas giving him an order "I need you here, Beliond," it was a good change of pace.
Anyr is indeed a woodelf. Little seems to concern him. I was sad for Legolas that he didn't get to say goodbye to Tuilinn. I guess it was the best way to break things off cleanly without killing her. I hope they meet again. I guess the last chapter is going to be the big bang at the castle. Looking forward to it!
Author's reply
I think Elves like children and I could just imagine this cold, frightened little boy, and how he needed contact from someone strong who had already saved him and now was going to assure him he was all right. And I thought the natural unselfconsciousness of children about their bodies made a nice contrast to the slight sexual tension Legolas was experiencing. Thranduil raised his boys to be gentlemen! Of course, he didn't peek!
And I had a good time writing about competent Legolas in this story. He really is good at what he does and handled himself well in new situations too. I reminded myself that Beliond had had a child of his own and would know what they can eat easily and what not. He is surprisingly sympathetic to Legolas's feelings too, maybe for the same reason, and he'll follow orders in public (when appropriate) but he's not taking any backtalk in private!
I'm not sure I can finish this in one chaper. I think it might take more. There's the whole family to work into this and Celuwen has a life to work out. But this story is certainly nearing its last couple of chapters, sad to say. I hate it when they end.
White Wolf
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
I'm glad that Legolas caught the thieves. They can thank their lucky stars he didn't furn them over to Thranduil.
No surprise that Beliond showed up. I've gotten to like him a lot. I hope he has a bigger part in one of your upcoming stories. I can imagine his chagrin (and Thranduil's for that matter) at him not being able to be with Legolas during the Fellowship years later.
Legolas was sure surprised that Tuilinn didn't live in the settlement. So was I. Will she be making any further appearances in later stories?
Author's reply
I don't know yet if Tuilinn will ever reappear. I have her on ice if I need her!
I suspect that the thieves were thanking every power they could think of that Legolas didn't turn them over to Thranduil. That would be VERY unpleasant (as Eilian is about to find out).
mer
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
As I was getting to the end of the chapter, I was wondering if I was going to see ********** signifying change in location and something to this effect: Elian and Celuwen stepped out of their quarters into the main hall. Elian turned his head from facing her and found himself looking straight into the eyes of Thranduil. TBC. Well, I would have been startled by that and I liked instead how you ended with things resolved in Legolas's (and Anyr's) world.
("...back to watching the sky." That was great!!!)
Author's reply
This chapter was extra long (by my standards anyway) because I was trying to tidy up things in the settlement and get Legolas on his way home. Tonight I'll start drafting the Eilian stuff. I have some notes, but with everyone in the family needing to react, this may take me a while.
LKK
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Ai! Poor Legolas! Dutifully setting aside his desire to be with the maiden, reminding himself that he can see her later, only to have her disappear once later arrives! And she didn't even leave a glass slipper behind. :(
I didn't suspect that Tuilinn wasn't from Anyr's village at all. But when I reread the chapter, I saw the clues I had missed before. I'm glad you included the clues because I hate it when an author springs something like that completely out of the blue with no warning at all. You didn't spring it out of the blue. You gave me the warnings. I just didn't see them. My fault. :)
Even Beliond thought Legolas did a fine job in his diplomatic duty. Whoo-hoo! Beliond can be harder to impress than Thranduil. I'm convinced now that the King will be very proud of his son's actions, once he recovers from the bad news about the unauthorized trading. And once the King gets over the heart attack he'll get when an additional person shows up at his breakfast table, that is!
Author's reply
Excellent! I thought pretty much everyone would miss the clues on the first pass. Granted she says she is "staying" on the flet and she has surprisingly few clothes with her and she's only been caring for the children since the flood, and so on. But I didn't think you'd notice those until afterwards. So it worked!
I think you're right that Thranduil will be proud of Legolas. This mission was kind of a test of Legolas in a responsible adult position and he did very well.
Kristy
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Oh poor Legolas! I hope we'll see some more of Tuilinn. I really like her. I was really proud of Legolas resisting temptation on the flet! So honorable! He has really done a great job for his father. I hope his homecoming (and what's left of his leave) won't be ruined by animosity between Elian and the king.
Wonderful job as always.
Author's reply
When I read your review, I thought about the fact that Legolas has undoubtedly been made uncomfortable and unhappy by animosity between Thranduil and Eilian for most of his life. He loves them both and the tension must really be hard sometimes. I haven't decided if we'll see more of Tuilinn or not. She's out there if I need her!
Jebb
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Sorry sent an empty post it must be something to do with having a dyslexic keyboard unless its me? No it couldn't be!
Anyway this was lovely the interaction with the children and Legolas is so good no peeking when he muat have been very tempted
And Beliond arrives just in the nick of time to deliver a kick to Tinar who needs to learn some respect and to give support to Legolas it was typical of the elf that he knew exactly how to deal with Lord Legolas in public and then set his charge down with a cuff when they were alone. How hard it must be to be the son of the king and then Tuilinn disappears really that young elf has no luck!
Good that he can get home to a little peace and quiet before he goes back south what am I saying!! I await Thranduil's reaction am already wearing tin hat and sheltering under my desk in anticipation of storm warnings
Author's reply
Thranduil raised all his sons to be gentlement, so Legolas doesn't peek, but as you say, he was tempted! One of the great things about Beliond as a character is that I can have him say all the blunt things to people like Tinar that other characters are too polite to say. I liked your description of him alone with Legolas: "Set him down with a cuff" -- yes, indeed!
And now he goes home, knowing pretty much nothing about Tuilinn and unaware that Eilian will undoubtedly have stirred up a hornets' nest.
Dot
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Wow, quite a lot happened in this chapter!
I loved seeing Legolas helping to look after the children. He's so natural with them, considering that his nephew is practically the only child he would ever really have dealt with. He'd make such a good Ada...
Very funny the way Legolas tries valiantly not to look at Tuilinn's items of clothing and not to turn around as she dresses. It reminds me of when he visited Miriwen when she was in bed and he was all embarrassed about her underwear lying around. It's really quite sweet to see this side to the warrior!
Tuilinn doesn't seem too happy at Rodien being introduced to weapons - or being reminded about his future responsibilities for that matter.
The part with the thieves was brilliantly done. I have to say, though, I felt quite bad because I could completely see how they could take advantage of the situation to make some money and por Legolas was totally bewildered that anyone could think of such a thing... What a wonderful image when Legolas appears, bow in hand.I love the way the two men are absolutely horrified at the thought of having to face Thranduil! I wonder if Thranduil has any idea of the reputation he has. Still, maybe he'd be quite proud of it;)
Yikes, I nearly fell off my seat when the men suddenly sprang into action and tossed the dagger at Legolas. He was very creative in the way he managed to, um, attach the thieves to the tree, wasn't he??
Woo-hoo, Beliond! And he manages to put Tinar in his place in a matter of seconds! It's strange seeing him treat Legolas as his lord but it's good too that he'll show such respect in front of others. “Watch your mouth” Ah, that's a bit more familiar...
"For that matter, what was the king thinking in sending you on this mission without me?” Oh, go on, Beliond, ask the king exactly what he was thinking! Oh dear, I really have to stop getting so excited at the thought of poor Thranduil's temper...
"The king regulates any trade in which his people engage, of course, but such matters of mutual assistance are usually none of his concern except as they merit his benevolent approval.” Legolas seems to really be getting the hang of diplomacy at last! I'd say he could almost enjoy it if he didn't keep getting distracted by floods and maidens. I'm so glad that they were not only able to work something out in the end but that it was to Galivion's satisfaction. And Beliond's! Did you ever think people would be so fond of Beliond?!
Hmmn, Anyr seems to have escaped from the real world again. Ah well, at least he's happy. And Tuilinn isn't from the settlement? Ah, you're so mean! What's he supposed to do now?? It's probably for the best, though - there's no way Thranduil is going to want to hear about any more sons becoming attached to maidens from settlements... Still, I feel bad for Legolas, who'll probably be getting pitying looks not just from Beliond but Galivion and maybe Annael too.
Anyway, lunch is over and I have to go and open the library and give the public back their internet... You go and work on the next chapter. Go on!:)
Author's reply
My theory is that elves like children, and Legolas shows that here. He is so sweet with them.
About the thieves selling food for money: As I was writing that, I was thinking about the movie Fargo. In that, there are two deeply despicable characters who create mayhem all over the place. Near the movie's end, one of them kills the other and then stuffs the body in a chipper/spreader. This small town lady sheriff (who is hugely pregnant) has been chasing them and at that point she captures the bad guy. She's driving him in and she marvels at how they did all the bad things they did and she asks why? For money? She just can't take it in. I thought elves might be like that.
I enjoyed writing about capable, kick-ass Legolas. He was heroic and I loved it. He got a little carried away and then regretted it, but he was so good! My beta wanted Beliond in this chapter partly so he could see Legolas be all lordly. He may have gotten a new respect for his charge too. But he's still not taking any lip! I am actually amazed at all the Beliond lovers.
I'm on my own lunch hour at the moment. I'll work on the next chapter tonight. ;-)
Ms. Whatsit
· 13 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
Am jealous of Tuilinn. She got to dry off in Legolas’s arms! Ah, well, she’s a nice elleth. I like her.
Legolas “mothering” the children was adorable! Awwww… and he even “mothers” Tuilinn as well, telling her to put on dry clothes…though me being dirty-minded I half suspected it was because her wet clothes were clinging to her and distracting him!
Very much enjoyed Legolas’s smackdown of the thieves. Awesome. And Beliond! I LOVE Beliond. He’s hysterical, and I love reading about his interactions with Legolas—“Nana” indeed! You have those two in a great relationship—Beliond doling out lots of mothering and sneaking in little bits of praise and confidence-boosters as well, which Legolas seems to appreciate very much.
I do love Annael as well—stressing the “my lord” in front of Tinar. Annael is a saint, or close to it, it seems.
I also like the moral dilemma you put Legolas in with regards to the treatment of the Men. I like how he was ashamed of his roughness and decided *not* to be vindictive and drag them to face Thranduil. The value placed on compassion is, I think, one of the things that attracted me to Tolkien’s work in the first place.
I rather like the relationship between Crydus and Anyr as well—the practical man and the supremely Elvish Elf are very good foils for each other.
“ Legolas felt an almost overwhelming desire to seize Anyr by the throat. Beliond dropped onto the branch next to them. “Come, my lord,” he said gently. “We need to get ready to go home. Galivion will be waiting for us.” He touched Legolas’s arm lightly. “There is nothing you can do here,” he said softly.
Even in his fury, Legolas noticed that Beliond had addressed him as ‘my lord,’ something he very rarely did. He is reminding you of who you are, he told himself in despair, and you would do well to remember it too. “
Aww. Beliond rocks my world. I hope you write more of him! I wonder if we’ll see Tuilinn again? I’m not necessarily averse to some well-written Legolas romance, especially if it means more Elf lust! Though I’m not sure about him ever having a wife. It seems that he and Gimli have settled into “Confirmed Old Bachelor” modes by the end of RotK and are so close to each other that a woman would just feel out of the loop with either of them. But that’s neither here nor there when it comes to your fics.
I’m seriously enjoying this, in case you can’t tell by the length of this review! I think this may be my favorite story of yours yet.
Author's reply
I liked writing about Legolas and the kids. Actually, I like writing about elves and children in general. I think they like kids and you can see that when they interact.
My beta asked me to put Beliond in this chapter, mostly because she missed him I think! And then I had fun just letting him rip loose and be himself. He is fond of Legolas and Legolas knows it. He can see what Legolas is feeling and sympathizes. (As I was writing this, it just occurred to me that friendship with Beliond prepared Legolas for friendship with Gimli! How horrified he would be to know that.)
I think Annael is as close as any of my characters are to perfect. He's just such a good friend. I'm sure he has his moments too, but Legolas is lucky to have him. Legolas's decision to treat the men better than they deserved was one I valued too. It was good for him to make that decision; he's growing into who he becomes.
erunyauve
· 12 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
At least Legolas' leave was not all work and no pleasure, even if he now has a missing maiden with which to contend. But his father should be pleased with the way he handled matters between the men and elves.
It was good to see Beliond again - I missed him! I can imagine his little chat with Galivion, and I agree with Legolas - it would be quite amusing to see him confront Thranduil.
And Tinar just never learns, does he? I'd like to be a fly on the wall when Ithilden gets hold of him.
Author's reply
I think Thranduil should be pleased with Legolas's handling of matters at the settlement. Any remaining problems will look trivial compared to what's going on in Thranduil's family.
I suspect Beliond would be one of those people who look much better when they live somewhere else than when they live with you (in contrast to Tinar, who always looks awful!).
websterans
· 12 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
And we still haven't seen Thrainduil's reaction to the elopement...
Author's reply
That's next! I'll start drafting when I get home from work tonight. Unfortunately it's a very bad time of the year at work. I'm looking forward to writing this. I have quite a few notes but I expect it still will be tricky because there's so many characters involved.
Nilmandra
· 12 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Good Neighbors
*Karen, save me a front row seat!*
Ok, have I mentioned how much I aboslutely love Beliond being present? I am still laughing over him - he is like Oscar the Grouch - completely adorably grouchy.
And I like Tuilinn. Now Legolas gets to hope he gets posted North next so he can search her out while on patrol!
Please, please - two things: I want Beliond to have a discussion with Thranduil and I want someone to take Tinar down a notch or two!!
Author's reply
Yes, I think you did say how much you enjoyed reading about Beliond! I suspect he's much more amusing to you and me than he is to Legolas, who has to live with him all the time.
I don't know if I can put Beliond in the same room with Thranduil. The Elven king is likely to be in a bit of a temper as it is.