Manderly
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Flirtations
Thranduil is the most attentive adar, from driving away fawning, giggling maidens to making sure that Legolas gets back to his room in one piece. One can't help but envy Legolas.
It was nice to see the elflings simply enjoying themselves for once, rather than getting into more trouble.
Author's reply
Thranduil has brought Legolas up on his own, and has made a very good job of it. He knows his son well, but I'm not sure I'd want him as a father-in-law!
Most of the time the four do have a good time, but the troubles are so much more fun to write about!
Nilmandra
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Flirtations
Poor Legolas is finding that recovery is harder than the injury, I think, but most people feel that way. I can imagine how daunting those stairs must have looked, and how completely worn out he was after being up for the first time.
Now, what was in that cave???
Author's reply
I think that now Legolas is up, he'll recover quite quickly. Morale plays a big part here.
Ah, the cave - we should get back there and find out in the next chapter!
Karri
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Flirtations
Very good chapter! :-) Despite his frustrations, Legolas did a great job of maintaining his spirits and keeping a good attitude. I like that Thranduil is an attentive enough ada to prepared for Legolas's plight at the end of the evening. Elrohir's continued fondness of Tani is endearingly sweet.
Author's reply
Now that he's finally up and about, Legolas's mood is much better. Small things like feeling exhausted and his leg aching are minor details. Thranduil knows his son well - that he'd turn up that evening, and he can see how tired he is.
Elrohir and Taniquel have been an on/off item through several stories now - I don't know how it's going to develop yet!
Bodkin
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Flirtations
The skills required to be a prince: dancing, music, academic study, languages, weapons skills, diplomacy and on and on. The Renaissance elf. Avoiding silly ellyth is almost undoubtedly a major study. As is avoiding dangerous match-making mothers. I like Arwen and Legolas together. And Elrohir is still sweet on Taniquel and getting on well with her scary father! He is very sweet.
Legolas is growing up. He doesn't want to ask for help and doesn't like accepting it - but he knows and acknowledges that he needs it. Where have the years gone! It seems like only yesterday that he was an innocent little elfling.
Author's reply
I think Arwen and Legolas get on well together - and you're not the only one to have noticed. Watch this space. As you've said in your own stories, as the sons of kings and lords, E2L have all sorts of responsibilities to learn. Elrohir has totally different social skills to the others, he gets on well with everyone, old or young, male or female.
Knowing when to ask for help is a major part of growing up, and Legolas is just learning that.
daw the minstrel
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Flirtations
This was an interesting picture of this social occasion. Elrohir seems the most at ease. And it was fun to watch Legolas very consciously deal with the pretty, silly maidens. It would take one with a pretty strong character to take Thranduil on as a father in law, I think.
I was struck by Elrond's saying they had seen him at his most vulnerable. I think it's hard for an adult to let go of their independence and for a young adult, who is uncertain of that status, it must be much worse.
Author's reply
I imagine Legolas has had a lot of practice in dealing with all the maidens who must surely chase after him - when Thranduil isn't around!
Legolas finds it hard to accept help, and sometimes needs to be reminded that he is not indestructible.
LKK
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
“Stubborn. Just like your grandfather,” commented Thranduil dryly
Just like Oropher, eh? *snort* Because no one would ever accuse Thranduil of being stubborn, now would they?
I'm glad to see Legolas up and about finally. I bet he becomes a terror on those crutches. And the twins are right, the maiden are going to crazy wanting to help out the injured prince. I giggled when Legolas said that he hoped they would, that he wanted to receive some benefit from the situation.
Great chapter, Jay. (I apologize for the delay in getting the review to you.) Looking forward to the next chapter!
LKK
Author's reply
Thranduil? Stubborn? Never!
I like to imagine Legolas being waited on hand and foot by all those adoring fangirls - sorry, maidens!
Next chapter should be up soon - it's about 3/4 done.
Bodkin
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
I love the way Thranduil knew that Legolas would be along for dinner - and the way he said he was as stubborn as his grandfather! I hope Legolas doesn't overdo it - his hands will be very sore, but I am glad he is getting better. Nice to see him with la famille d'Elrond.
Don't let him go down to the caverns on crutches though - he might fall and damage his leg again. Elf princes need looking after.
Author's reply
Thranduil knows his son very well, and will have his work cut out to keep him out of the caves for a few days.
He'll get plenty of TLC, don't worry - all those maidens looking after him!
Nilmandra
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
Glad to see Legolas up and around. He isn't goint to rest until he knows what he saw in that cave, either. Lets just wait until the cast is off before he does anything like go back down there!
I am going to bet on bats :D
Author's reply
I think the ground in the caves might be too uneven for him to go there yet, so he'll have to wait before going back and finding out what was there.
Bats? I'm not saying ...
daw the minstrel
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
Oh I so wish I'd seen you practising, Jay! I actually had a cast about the length one time and had to use crutches for a few days. Then I got a walking cast and could walk on it. The scariest part is when it was cut off with this rotating saw. :-)
Author's reply
Hmm - I'll have to think about how it will be removed. No rotating saws in Middle Earth!
I'm quite glad that you *didn't* see me - and my family were all out at the time. My cat was laughing, though.
Neldluva
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
Hi again, from a fellow Mirkwood Castle-er. This is still a wonderful story. I like how Legolas wants his independence and freedom again. Great characterization. I chuckled to myself as I read your author's note at the bottom, but I suppose the only way to find out how to use crutches is to use them yourself. So thanks, and I hope that there's plenty more to this story! (I'm suspecting Legolas's strange creeping character from the caves was Gollum, but I'll need you to affirm that...)
Author's reply
Well no, it's not Gollum - this story takes place long before he showed his slimy face. Apart from that, I'm saying nothing!
I think it would be hard for someone like Legolas to be dependant on others, so it's no wonder he wasted no time in getting out and about again.
Lianna
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
Great chapter. Very realistic. It reminds me of when my very athletic daughter, who was eight years old at the time, had to learn to use crutches after injuring her foot playing soccer. Like Legolas, she spent a better part of a day mastering the technique. She was determined to be proficient before returning to school the next day. Eight-year-olds have their dignity to worry about, after all. The only thing about her experience that differed from what you describe is that she found it easier to abandon the crutches when she went up or down stairs (either by giving them to someone or throwing them to their destination) and grabbing the stair rail instead. But she only had bandages on her foot; her technique might not have worked if she had been wearing a heavy cast.
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad it's true to life. Forty-three year old elf princes also have their dignity! I hope your daughter wasn't on crutches for long.
Karri
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
Woo! Good for Legolas! It is good to see him regain a little independence.
Author's reply
It must be horrible to be confined to bed, and not even able to go to the bathroom on your own! He's very glad to be mobile again.
Manderly
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
It's good to see Legolas up and about finally. I've never given it much thought before, but moving about on crutches must be hard work. Your description of Legolas trying them out for the first time was very well done - I was tired and aching just reading about it.
Now that he is mobile, is Legolas going to get into more trouble, I wonder.
Author's reply
Crutches do seem tricky - I'm glad I've never had to use them for real! Now that he's moving around, he'll be off down to the caves ASAP - what will happen then?
Neldluva
· 21 July 2004
· Chapter 10: Distractions
Yes, you've snared another reviewer, a lurker from Mirkwood Castle. Great story! I'm loving it so far. The description of the injuries is amazingly real-to-life, I suppose, never having been in such a situation. And I like the image of Thranduil worrying over Legolas. It's sweet. I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
It's always great to hear from a new reviewer! Thank you for coming out of lurkerdom. I'm glad the injuries sound realistic, I have *no* personal experience of such things (fortunately) but have got some useful advice from Nilmandra.
I like anxious!Thranduil - other fanfic sites give him a very bad image. Fortunately, everyone here likes him.
Rose Sared
· 21 July 2004
· Chapter 10: Distractions
How nice, Leggy is getting better and is able to help the town as he promised. i am sure that his suggestion of going back to the caves went down like the proverbial lead balloon tho'. What an exit!
Thanks for the update
Rose
Author's reply
It wasn't a cliff hanger, but sets up the next chapter nicely. Any trip to the caves is going to be carefully planned - would *you* let that lot loose again? Even if they are nearly adult?
Bodkin
· 21 July 2004
· Chapter 10: Distractions
Legolas actually makes a very patient patient, really. Good thinking on Thranduil's part to give him a real project to organise.
Glad he is recovering - but I don't think he'll like the caves much.
Author's reply
A patient patient? I suppose so. I think I'd be far more bad tempered about it. Yes, he is recovering - but you're ahead of me on the next part!! ;)
Nilmandra
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 10: Distractions
Putting Legolas to work is a great idea. He is bound to feel useless and helpless for a while, and staving off depression is good.
I like his crabbiness too its realistic. I recall recovering from major surgery and getting up for the first time in five days was hard - dizziness, pain, and that feeling of helplessness was hard to bear.
Author's reply
We don't often see Legolas grumpy, do we? I think he's justified this time. The work will help though - and as heir, he is getting used to dealing with some of Thranduil's affairs.
Poor Nilmandra - the surgery sounds unpleasant!
LOTRFaith
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 10: Distractions
Am absolutely thrilled! Have finally got new chapters to read:-D lol.. The beginning part (Legolas reading a book and falling asleep) reminds me alot of me actually:-D I would often stay up until midnight or later devouring a new book with a flashlight whose batteries were so bad I had to hold the book a few inches away from my face:-D Yes I think Legolas deserved a little venting there:-) I think I would have exploded long before;-)
Author's reply
Legolas's candle is the M-E equivalent of a torch - but bad news if you fall asleep with it in your hand! He's a bit touchy at the moment, but taking over some of his father's work will help.
I'm glad you're so pleased to see the new chapter!
daw the minstrel
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 10: Distractions
I really like this young adult Legolas who is learning to manage some of the affairs of his father's realm. I love seeing him so capable. And of course, it's good for him too because it distracts him from what he can't do.
Author's reply
Yes - he's growing up, and helping Thranduil. That will be relevant towards the end of this story. And, as you say, it stops him getting too fed up over his injuries. Even though he'll soon be mobile again, there will still be some things he can't do.
LKK
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Conversations And Understanding
I could see cats – purple cats, walking all around the room, climbing on the chair, over the bed and then back out of the door. How I wish I had some tiny bit of artistic talent! I *so* want to draw a picture of the purple cats parading through Elrohir's room, weaving in and out of the other people, marching over the furniture and out the door. What an amusing image! I love it! And best of all -- the cats are PURPLE. Such a cat-like color. *snicker*
Can you tell I liked this chapter, Jay? It was good to see that Legolas is doing better although his catalogue of injuries still sounded bad. I hope he's on the way to a full recovery and will be able to be up and around soon. I also how Elladan continues to evade Lantus. :)
Author's reply
I wish I could see the cats too - or at least draw them! They seem very popular. Legolas will soon be up and about - I foresee him being lethal with his crutches. Such a handy weapon! Thanks for the review - and the next chapter is up now too!
Karri
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Conversations And Understanding
A terrific chapter, Jay. I'm very glad to see Legolas on the mend. The conversation between the elflings was no doubt good for both of them.
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas is getting better, and is at the 'bored senseless' stage of healing. Elrohir was able to be very reassuring about the halucinations and cheered Legolas up.
Rose Sared
· 13 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Conversations And Understanding
Well purple cats and creeping thingys, you never give the poor boy a break do you? G. Nice to see him getting better, and nice to catch up with this old favorite story.
Well done
rose
Author's reply
Yes, he's getting better, but his recovery will still be a slow process. The worst part now will be the tedium! Glad you're enjoying the story.
Nilmandra
· 13 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Conversations And Understanding
Purple cats....that does sound interesting! I liked Elrohir's story.
I am glad Legolas is on the mend. Quite often patients do have to be restrained from tearing at bandages and such, so he is fortunate he didn't wake up that way :D.
I am sure they will find someway to amuse him about the palace - and probably rather ingenious too.
Author's reply
I wish I could see the purple cats too! Elrohir was able to be reassuring, because he has experienced the same thing.
And as long as Legolas can keep himself from poking and picking at his scars he'll be all right. Thranduil actually has a rather good plan to keep Legolas occupied - think back to the previous story.
LOTRFaith
· 13 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Conversations And Understanding
oh good... Legolas is starting to heal properly:-) Hmm... Elrohir's story about the purple cats was a bit amusing... But for some reason the whole shadows and rustling and movements in the dark sent shivers down my back... Legolas' accident seriously freaked me out cause I hate being in such a compressing dark... I was once in a cave on a tour and they shut out all the lights, I had nightmares for weeks on end... Whew... Your wonderful story brought back those memories;-) Excellent chapter! Look forward for more!
Author's reply
Poor you - poor Legolas. At the start of this story he didn't have a problem with caves or darkness - he does now.
Like you, I've been in a cave where all the lights were put out - I've never seen dark like it. There was something fascinating about it.
Bodkin
· 13 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Conversations And Understanding
I'm so glad Legolas is getting better - that was a pretty major injury. Elrohir is sweet and he seems to have a good level of perception. Purple cats, though? Not quite pink elephants, but close.
Please update soon - I really like this story!! It's actually rather a delight to have the twins, Legolas and Arwen much of an age - it's hard to get your head round hundreds/thousands of years between siblings and friends. It must make for really strange family dynamics - and parents-in-law younger than their sons/daughters-in-law. It's no wonder that a nearly 3000 Arwen could marry an 88 year old Aragorn - I suppose age didn't mean much. I digress - look forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, he is getting better - but will still be bedridden for a while. Elrohir is being very reassuring - I like the twins being so responsible. I think the purple cats say more about me than Elrohir!
I've actually made the twins and Arwen closer in age in my stories than they really are - it started several stories ago so that they could grow up together, and I can't change it now!
Jay