Oh dear!
Although I knew this was coming it was much more diffcult to smile this time around because I care so much more for the elves involved than I did when I read the Hobbit, Sinnarn, Ithilden, Alfirin, Thranduil and of course Legolas are much more than names on a page to me and if I were Sinnarn I would want to hide out for maybe a few hundred years until Ithilden calms down and Legolas is sure to come in for some knocks to as the one who appointed his nephew to chief guard
Can't wait to see what happens next
Author's reply
I know. I feel bad too and I'm the one who decided that Sinnarn was going to take the rap for the Dwarves' escape. I've found that because we know so much more than any of the characters in this story about what's happening, it often feels very comic, but this part made me cringe. Sinnarn is going to be so humiliated. :-(
Oh well. All things pass and Elves live a very long time.
Dragon-of-the-North
· 23 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh no! It is too precious to see *this* from the elves' perspective... But poor Sinnarn! It makes the matter all the more shameful that the king's grandson in person let the dwarves escape... And I will stop chuckling in an instant and try to see these events with the necessary earnest, but... No. This is just too funny, and your serious, calm style somehow adds to the fun. Again, I enjoy to see Legolas in the role of the superior officer and uncle - it is a nice change from "little Legolas" in various stages of childhood, youth and very young adulthood that we have seen so often now.
Very good chapter once again! :-)
Author's reply
I know I probably sound as serious talking about all this as Legolas does talking about Hobbit the Dwarf Child. And in some ways, it IS serious. Bad things happen. But there's just something about knowing far more than any of the characters that makes this come out funny. And of course, The Hobbit is a very funny book, despite the bad things that happen in it.
Legolas is almost Legolas of the Fellowship now. He did the right thing here even though telling Ithilden must have been really painful.
Dot
· 23 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh, I'm really enjoying this so much... I'm afraid I only have time for a quickie review because I'm on lunch break so here goes...
I loved the scene between Thranduil and Ithilden. Thranduil really is a wise ruler. I get the impression that he would actually love to be able to celebrate the advent of peace but is just too conscious of how evil returns, having seen it before. It would probably have eased his mind if Gandalf was sure that Sauron was gone but his uncertainty *is* very unsettling.
Ithilden as ever remains hopeful but I guess he can't help but be affected by his father's caution. I love the way he seems to be trying to reassure Thranduil that good things are happening to the forest, almost as though he's trying to show him that his own optimism isn't out of place.
I had to laugh at Alfirin telling Ithilden "at some length" about the Dwarves. She probably still hasn't recovered from the absolute rudeness of them disrupting the wedding! I feel bad for Ithilden, though. He goes away for a few weeks to help conquer evil and save the forest and he arrives back to find that the Home Guard has lost all ability to do their work competently and his own years of work to strengthen relations between his father and Dwarves in general has almost been entirely undone. Tsk. Ah well, if Thranduil will listen to anyone I suppose it'd be Ithilden.
I'm glad Celuwen seems more relaxed and can look forward to Eilian coming home. I suppose that there's no reason he shouldn't be home for a while soon, short of any major battles happening out of the blue... Oh, wait...
“That is almost beyond belief.” I thought that really summed up events perfectly. Imagine something that you want more than anything but never really quite thought would happen suddenly comes true. Despite being ecstatic, I think I'd be fairly wary too.
So, I bet everyone has said it but I will anyway. Poor Sinnarn! You know why I feel most sorry for him? Because he's genuinely becoming more responsible. I mean, if this was Tinar, or even Amdir I wouldn't feel half as bad. Or even if it was Sinnarn when he was younger. But I thought he had really turned into a very competent warrior and even in this scene he knows he has to accept the fact that he's on duty tonight, despite the fact that he could easily ask someone else to do it. How can he ever hope to make up for this?
You wrote Galion brilliantly. I imagine he could be quite fun to be around. I like the detail about him knowing Sinnarn all the younger elf's life and in a way he still kind of talks to him rather like a jovial uncle giving the youngling some wine when the parents aren't looking. I thought it was hilarious the way Sinnarn keeps thinking he's only on his first cup, while being mildly surprised that it's still so full yet doesn't possess the wits to figure out what's going on.
And then soft-hearted Legolas decides to bring him some pastries. “Go. Give him my love.” *cringe*
Legolas must have got such a shock to see Sinnarn slumped over like that. I love the way that when he realises his nephew is drunk he immediately tries to figure out how to help cover for him before realising that he's under his command. Not a good state of affairs at all. I'd forgotten that the guards would see him on his way to his chambers. How embarrassing!
Legolas realising that the cells were empty was just a classic moment. At least he himself took the keys from Sinnarn and the cell doors were locked. It might all be strange enough to save Sinnarn somewhat. I would *not* have liked to be in Legolas' shoes and have to tell Ithilden. At least Ithilden himself will tell Thranduil. I wonder what the chances are that Thranduil will let Ithilden deal with Sinnarn and just keep out of things...? Oh dear.
Yikes, I've got to dash. I'm sure I've forgotten half of what I was going to say. Ah well. Great chapter. Can't wait to see the aftermath!:-)
Author's reply
Ithilden came home thinking he was the one with all the news to share, and his certainly was the most startling, but things had been happening at home too, it turned out! He's so earnest (like Legolas) and he's really hoping things will improve. But it must have been truly unbelievable that Sauron would go and leave them alone. No wonder Thranduil is suspicious.
I think even the first half flagon of Dorwinion addled Sinnarn's wits somewhat, or he might have noticed that his cup seemed to be always full. Sort of like the loaves and fishes, although I suppose that's not part of his cultural heritage.
Poor Sinnarn, indeed. I do feel bad for him. It was tempting to use Tinar or Amdir here, but I thought that would be too predictable, and anyway, it's interesting to use Sinnarn for various reasons. He IS becoming a responsible warriors, so he and everyone around him is going to feel this all the more keenly.
Sinnarn has so many people ready to "deal with him" right now that the next chapter is going to be very busy!
Rose Sared
· 23 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
OH dear, the other shoe dropped. Ouch. Sinnarn is in soooo much trouble, no wonder Legolas looked at Dwarves with something of a jaundiced eye!
wonderful storytelling daw. Can hardly bear to either wait or to read the aftermath of this. squirms.
Lovely
Rose
Author's reply
Poor Sinnarn. I'm looking at my notes for the next chapter and kind of cringing. This whole experience would not have endeared dwarves to Legolas at all!
Ann
· 23 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
I really like the conversation between Thranduil and Ithilden.
Eilian? Is he coming back soon? I'm about as happy to hear about him as Celuwen is. Though with the way this chapter ended, he could be in the safest place for the time being.
Oh, Bilbo. I wonder if he knows what trouble he's causing? Will the royal family ever find out what he did?
I might be remembering wrong but isn't Dorwinion Thranduil's favorite wine?
Oh dear, I do hope that Alfirin does not hear that they thought the sounds were caused by mice.
"Go. Give him my love." And to think what was happening when Thranduil said that.
Poor Sinnarn! Before this chapter, I all ways wanted to see more interaction between Sinnarn and Ithilden. Now I'm quite happy with them being in different places. Considering Ithilden's reaction to the news I'm wondering how long Sinnarn will live.
I feel so bad for the guy, Legolas, Todith, Ithilden, Thranduil and Alfirin (and for that matter, Ithilden again as his father). Did I get everyone? Oh, and he'll have to face Annael and Emmelin. I would sure hate to be him right now.
I really liked how Legolas handled the situation, taking Ithilden aside and suggesting that Alfirin return to the hall.
The only positive thing for Sinnarn is that Eilian is no longer with the Home Guard. *Thinks about what Eilian said to Sinnarn about his behavior.*
As worried as I am about Thranduil's reaction, I think Ithilden's might be the worst. After all, you've never had him stand like that for so long, that I can recall.
I'm also feeling bad for Ithilden in this chapter, not only could this cause even more problems with for him with regards to his father and the Dwarves, he's going to tell Thranduil what happened and deal with his son. Poor guy.
Any ways, great update! I don't review often but I look forward to each new chapter.
Author's reply
Tolkien doesn't tell us very much about Thranduil, actually, but he does tell us that the wine that Galion and the head guard drank was Dorwinion, that it's unusually potent, and that it was intended for the king's table. I think it's that single scene that's had Dorwinion turning up as the wine of choice all through fanfic.
I feel bad for Sinnarn. As you say, about the only person not mad at him right now is Eilian and that's becuase he's not home. He would not be happy with this either. Even Sinnarn's got to be appalled by what he did. I'm thinking through the next chapter right now, sorting out the people who are responsible for disciplining the warrior from those who will be trying to guide someone they love, but there's a lot of overlap (which in some ways makes things worse). Poor Sinnarn.
Thank you for the review, Ann.
LKK
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh dear. :(
I might just have to stop reading. Furious!Thranduil in full disciplinary mode is not my idea of a fun time.
Ah, who am I kidding? I'll read it no matter how painful it is. whine Why'd it have to be a regular character to guard the dwarves that fateful night??? Or if it had to be a regular, why couldn't it have been Tinar? He *deserves* what's coming more than anyone else.
LKK
PS: Sorry about all the chapters I've missed reviewing. But you know that I've been reading, don't you?
Author's reply
From Sinnarn's POV, he has several levels of problems to get through before he even gets to Thranduil: Legolas and Todith in the Home Guard, Ithilden in both father and commander roles, and his mother. I don't even like to think about it!
Tinar is doing messenger duty right now, so he couldn't be the guard. Beside, it's more interesting to have it be a regular character. :-)
PS. Please enjoy reading and don't worry about reviewing. I love hearing from you but I know you're busy.
Ms. Whatsit
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh, damn, poor Sinnarn! And poor Legolas--why is he always the bearer of bad news? It's *always* him. He even had to go tell Elrond about Gollum's escape.
I like how you've done Thranduil's reaction to the Shadow being cast out. He's been fighting evil too long to believe that it's gone--and it's not, of course. He's perfectly right.
Celuwen and Eilian will probably be the only members of the House of Thranduil to be happy at this time! Ithilden and Alfirin will be mortified and furious, Thranduil will be disappointed, Sinnarn will want to hide somewhere and never come out again, and Legolas will of course be caught in the middle of all this.
Author's reply
I feel really bad about Sinnarn. You are so right that he'll just want to hide because he's going to feel guilty and ashamed. And everyone around him is going to be both angry and in pain for him. Geez. That sounds cheery to write.
White Wolf
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
And Sinnarn thought that missing the feast was going to be the worst thing that happened to him. I shudder to think what Thranduil will do, when he hears that not only have the dwarves escaped, but his grandson is mostly at fault. Sinnarn was Bilbo's dupe, but the hobbit can't be entirely to blame for the elf's faux pas. I applaud Legolas for not trying to cover for his nephew, no matter how much he may have wanted to.
Author's reply
Sinnarn can't totally blame someone else, no, although he also wasn't just being careless. Sigh. He's guilty enough to really feel bad. I think that Legolas's first instinct was to cover for Sinnarn because they are close enough in age that they must have occasionally covered for one another at home or even when they were fellow warriors. But Legolas can't do that any more. He has an officer's responsibilities.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh yay, the escape! That was very well down! You did an exceptional job interweaving the facts of Tolkien with your own story. Poor Sinnarn! If only he hadn't indulged in the wine! Oh, but it was unfortunate enough for him to even be on duty. He should have been dancing with Emmelin. At least it was Legolas who discovered the cells empty. Sinnarn would have had a heart attack, and Legolas is not directly responsible. Poor Ithilden, what a blow. Thranduil will be livid, and if he Sinnarn wasn't his nepthew, the King might actually do something to him. Well, Alifrin and Ithilden will punish him for the rest of his life, and so will Todith, as if the shame wasn't enough. Poor Sinnarn! But that was brilliant of Bilbo, we must give him credit. Do the Elves ever realize how the Dwarves escaped? Well, they must sooner or later by process of elimination. I can't wait for the next chapter-and please don't hurt Sinnarn too badly, although he does deserve it...Keep writing!
Author's reply
Sinnarn is definitely in big trouble. Everyone who has power over him or loves him is mad at him, and the really bad part is that he has to know they have good reason to be mad. I'm actually not sure if the Elves ever guess how the Dwarves escape. Tolkien says that "more was guessed than was known," which doesn't tell you very much. I'll have to think about how I want to handle that.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh, he is going to be in *such* trouble! Ithilden, Alfiren and Thranduil will all be after him - and like Legolas, I dread to think what the latter will have to say about this! It was sneaky of Bilbo to keep topping up the flagons - I've been to dinners where the waiters keep doing that, and it's impossible to keep track of how much you've drunk! 'One cup' indeed! (I'm trying very hard not to say 'poor Sinnarn' all the time - you must be fed up with hearing it!)
I was giggling all the way through this chapter, even though I feel so sorry for Sinnarn (not Galion, though, it's all his fault!) Will the elves guess that the dwarves left in the barrels?
I somehow missed reviewing the last chapter, but did wonder about one thing - if Sinnarn was locked out, how would he have been able to rouse Thranduil to ask him to open the doors? (if he'd dared to)
Jay
Author's reply
Oh I'm so glad you asked about the doors because my beta did too and I had an answer all ready but couldn't work it into the chapter. There are guards inside and guards outside and they can hear one another. So an emergency messenger, say, could come to the doors and have the outside guards inform the other ones that they had to wake up the king. :-) They would then say "Are you SURE???"
I have not yet looked at the details of later chapters of The Hobbit closely enough to decide if the elves guessed about the barrels. I don't think so. But I think Bilbo must have told Thranduil something anyway, judging from some things he says at the end.
I keep saying "Poor Sinnarn" myself, so you might as well.
esamen
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
. . . . You are hereby relieved of the watch,” Legolas declared, reaching out and taking the ring of keys from Sinnarn’s belt.
Oh, you've got every detail so deliciously right. This is absolutely a blast. I'm just glad that it wasn't Legolas who had to guard them. But my heart is breaking for Ithilden and Alfirin . . . and I'm scared to read what Thranduil will say . . . oh, you have absolutely got to go clear through to the end and let us know what Legolas thinks about all this . . . Thanks for the vision!
Waiting (im)patiently! Happy Writing!
Author's reply
I know it's fun to use those details from the book, so I'm hoping readers are getting a little thrill of recognition when they see them because there's not a lot of suspense here to keep readers' interest. They KNOW what's coming (and thus sometimes have to cover their eyes with their hands).
This has to be painful for everyone who loves Sinnarn. And you know they're all going to furious with him too. Sigh. Poor Sinnarn.
LOTRFaith
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Ouch..... Poor Sinnarn, I have a feeling that he will be getting a stiff punishment... Still loving it!;-)
Author's reply
Ouch, indeed. This is going to hurt. Poor Sinnarn. He is in SO much trouble.
sofia
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
good chapter. Oh, thranduil will be furious. When Galion is telling Sinnarn the story with Legolas and the mice, is that in one of your stories already? If not, then i'd love to hear about it sometime in the future. Update soon.
-sofia
Author's reply
I haven't written about the mice-pets. It would be fun to do sometime though. I do enjoy writing about elfling Legolas. And I think you're right: Thranduil will not be happy.
nessie
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Aww, poor Sinnarn! He's really having bad luck in this story... Dorwinion is strong, so I suspect that when he thought he was drinking more than he was, he was getting drunker. And sneaky little Bilbo...I'm glad he put the keys back on Sinnarn's belt, or he'd be in more trouble. Well, can't wait to see what happens next, although I already know what's gonna happen later, and I know the battle's coming up! Update asap!
~nessie~
Author's reply
Can you imagine how much trouble Sinnarn would be in if Bilbo hadn't put the keys back? Bilbo was soft-hearted, I think. I'm just looking at where you say you know what's gonna happen. I guess that's true for readers of this story. I wonder if that makes it less compelling? Maybe they're looking to see HOW it's going to happen. :-)
Manderly
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh, no, heads will roll. Even though I have been expecting this, I still cringe for Sinnarn, Legolas, Ithilden and whoever else Thranduil may blast when he learns of the dwarves' escape. The apple of his grandfather's eye may well now turn into a prune instead. Poor Sinnarn! Hobbit is certainly making his presence felt and the elves remain blissfully/frustratingly ignorant.
Author's reply
Poor Sinnarn. When I first started planning this story, I figured it had to be him who took the fall as head guard, but I still feel bad for him. If he's lucky, the various officers and relatives who command him will absorb Thranduil's most vocal rage themselves. But I don't imagine family dinners are going to be very pleasant for a while.
French Pony
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh, Sinnarn, Sinnarn, Sinnarn. . . one little drinkie-poo won't hurt, eh? If the Dorwinion is that powerful, Sinnarn is going to be one miserable Elf come morning, and that'll be before Ithilden and Thranduil have a go at him. And then they'll let Alfirin loose for another round. Interesting that the royals have a butler whose drinking problem is an open secret. It sounds at once very much like a Bertie and Jeeves sort of story, and like something that the British royal family would do. And it doesn't sound particularly intelligent of them to keep employing this guy, but hey, royal families aren't generally known for brains. And this particular set seems to be doing okay in other regards.
And I can just see Annael's face when he finds out what Daughter Dearest's boyfriend has been up to. Sinnarn will never get out of the doghouse.
And what have we learned from this sorry little episode, Ranger Sinnarn? Well, Ranger Pony, we've learned that the males of any species, when in love, tend not to do their thinking with the head that sits on their shoulders.
Even during the Watchful Peace, his father had been wary.
Yup. That's our Thranduil. He's probably the reason they called it the "Watchful" Peace instead of the "Party at Imladris" Peace. I like his attitude. We can go to Suspicious Bastards Anonymous meetings together. The first step is to admit that you're powerless to stop being a Suspicious Bastard.
I think I like that Celuwen calls Thranduil "Adar." You get the sense that this is a family that works. I could really get into that idea. It's too bad we don't know the Sindarin for "zayde," because I'm sure Thranduil would just melt into a pliable little puddle if Alfirin called him that. Or, considering this chapter, maybe not.
Author's reply
Ranger Pony, have I ever told you that you're hilarious sometimes? You made me LOL with this review.
When you read The Hobbit, it actually sounds like the Wood-elves were pretty fond of wine in general. They were a jolly group, I have to say, although "jolly" is probably not going to describe what Sinnarn's morning after is going to be like.
That thing about Thranduil always being suspicious is in Tolkien somewhere. I can't remember where right now, but he says that Thranduil always turned his head toward the south and the east and believed that trouble would come again. And he was right!
I think this is mostly a family that works although they aren't always pleased with one another. Like now.
Bodkin
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Oh no - agony piled on agony. Sinnarn will not need a battle to kill him - Legolas, Todith, Ithilden, Thranduil - all of them, one after another will slay him. Drunk on duty! Allowing the dwarves to escape! It could hardly get worse.
He will be lucky if he is ever free to speak to Emmelin again. I cannot imagine what they will do and say to the poor unfortunate Sinnarn - fortunately I don't have to, because you are already doing a brilliant job on it.
You cannot leave him in this agony for long! Quick update please.
Author's reply
I know. I have felt bad for Sinnarn ever since I fingered him for the head guard role when I was planning this story. :-( I doubt very much is Annael is impressed by this event. Sigh.
Anonymous
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
Sounds like that sneaky little hobbit filled up the wine glass a few times. Oh this is NOT going to be pretty. I know you update fast on a normal basis but you HAVE to get the next chapter out even faster than usual. I can't wait for Thranduil's reaction. So ugly.
Author's reply
Sinnarn is lucky that Thranduil dotes on him because that may soften his reaction a little, but still, this is going to painful. Yes, I meant to imply that Bilbo was filling their glasses. I may have to hit the bottle myself to be able to write the next part.
tigerlily713
· 22 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Escape
The much anticipated chapter has arrived! Wonderful pacing and transitions! I very much enjoyed this chapter and cannot wait to see Thranduil and Alfirin's reactions! Lily
Author's reply
Geez, Lily. I'm cringing at the idea of WRITING their reactions. Poor Sinnarn. I really feel bad for him but Tolkien made me do it!
Tapetum Lucidum
· 21 June 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Palace
Sinnarn and Emmelin's little romantic interlude was a nice way to start the chapter. Some things are the same everywhere - it is not good to be late. Alfirin scolding her adult errant son was very cute. I wouldn't want to wake Thranduil up either. If I still lived with my parents I would be completely insane.
Legolas continued concern over Hobbit is very cute. Those obnoxious dwarves can't even respect his concern. What good are they? Legolas' impatience was well earned. Your invisible friend is certainly making himself more apparent. Stealing someone's breakfast is not the best way to make friends.
Celuwen's musings were very sweet. I often find myself daydreaming in boring meetings. It is more often of Legolas than Eilian but there is no accounting for taste. Of course the picture you sent me explains a lot. I am glad she has a chance to get to know her youngest brother-in-law. He and Eilian are very close. I keep wondering if the change in the trees that is not quite happiness is from the mixed blessing of Sauron's exile and the presence of the ring. In hindsight you would think the bauble would have been tempting the elves or at least they would have been aware of its presence. Bilbo is rather a clumsy little thing.
I am happy that Thranduil took the news of his exclusion from the tower destruction in stride. I thought he might be PO'd. Did Mithrandir come back with Ithilden? I think he could negotiate some dwarven freedom.
Author's reply
I have to admit that the idea of living with my parents makes me foam at the mouth. Elf parents must adjust to the idea that their children are adult. Although, actually, I'm not sure Thranduil is so good at that.
Poor Sinnarn. He has a hungry hobbit hovering around his food. He's lucky he gets anything at all.
That's a really good question about the ring. I think that in The Hobbit, Tolkien hadn't really worked out what the ring meant. Then when he wrote the trilogy, he had to work backwards, trying to fit The Hobbit into the world he created there. He does say that the ring works on people according to their character or power. So Gollum, for instance, uses it for petty things because that's Gollum. One of the reasons the ring left Gollum was that "it could make no further use of him: he was too small and mean." On the other hand, Gandalf says that he dare not take the ring because "the way of the Ring to my heart is by pity, pity for weaknes and teh desire of strenghth to do good." One of the reasons hobbits are chosen as ring bearers is that they aren't very interested in power.
Anyway, people don't seem to sense the ring in the book. The issue is for the person wearing it, and Bilbo was pretty good hearted.
tigerlily713
· 21 June 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Palace
He he he. Poor Sinnarn. Hungry and hijacked. Or soon to be. I liked the portrayal of Celuwen and Thranduil's fragile but warm relationship. Anyway, lovely chapter! I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. I've just been writing about Sinnarn. Sigh. Poor guy.
I like how you describe Celuwen and Thranduil's relationship: "fragile but warm." I think that's right.
Nilmandra
· 21 June 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Palace
For younger elves like Legolas, Dol Guldur being empty of Sauron had to be such a shock that they would ask 'what happens now?' Suddenly the enemy he has spent his lifetime fighting against is gone. Its good to think he gets a few years of life settled down a bit :)
Its nice to see Sinnarn get a personality of his own, and meet more of Emmelin and have Celuwen pop in for a time. Celuwen does need an elfling, though.
And Hobbit! Love how Bilbo has such a great role even unnamed!
Author's reply
They have about ten relatively good years, I believe. And I think elflings are often begotten during times of peace! :-)
It turns out to be really hard to write about an invisible characters that the other characters don't know about. I'm sure I'm confusing readers who haven't read "The Hobbit." That's ok. They can find out the truth when Legolas does!
Jebb
· 21 June 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Palace
Such a lovely chapter I liked Sinnarn's musings on the differences between adult elves and men I am sure Legolas must havethought similarly at some time maybe he still does when he has trouble with Adar!
And Celuwyn such a strong independent character no wonder Thranduil likes her so much she is a female aftr his own heart
of course we have the mystery of the ghost and Ithilden coming home with good news the little scene between Thranduil and Legolas as he wants to know what is happening really made me smile his father only needs to look and Legolas is reminded of his manners!
Author's reply
Thank you, Jebb. Elves seem to live in "houses" and family is important, but that doesn't mean they always get along, I think. After all, one reason Legolas was first assigned to a border patrol rather than the Home Guard was that the novice masters thought he was harmed by having Thranduil and Ithilden looking over his shoulder all the time.
I liked your observation about Legolas being reminded of his manners by a quick glance from adar! It doesn't take much, apparently.
esamen
· 20 June 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Palace
A sudden flicker of shadowy movement caught Celuwen’s eye, and she turned her head sharply toward where a small table stood, just as the Great Doors slammed shut behind them. The vase on the table tipped over, rolled off the table, and crashed to the floor. An attendant gave a small cry and ran to collect the pieces, while Celuwen stood frowning at the table. The rush of air from the Doors must have knocked the vase over, she thought uncertainly. It must have been lighter than it looked.
Oh, this is way too fun. A whole new vector of fun to explore . . . Bilbo burgluring in Thranduil's palace . . . I hope you continue clear through to the wonderful Battle of Five Armies and the "neckless of silver and pearls that Dain had given him at their parting" !!!!! Thanks for the marvelous ride!
Author's reply
I am planning to go through to the Battle. There's lots of interesting stuff going on there for the Elves that I have to figure out. It will be fun!
erunyauve
· 20 June 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Palace
::claps happily:: Sinnarn in love - he's just so cute. And Emmelin seems to be warming to him.
'Sinnarn knew that Legolas thought the Dwarves in the purple hoods were Hobbit’s parents, although he could not tell which of the two was the mother and which the father. Sinnarn found that amusing, although he knew better than to tell Legolas so."
It's good to see Legolas as the *not* all-seeing, all-knowing elf for once! It will be a huge relief to him when he finds out who his missing child really is (which may explain his amusement with the hobbits of the Fellowship).
'She frowned. “All of the dishes had food on them,” she declared. “I can see the breadcrumbs on that one.” She looked at him suspiciously. “If you want more, you only need to ask.”'
::giggles:: Poor Sinnarn! Bilbo certainly worked quickly there.
And I think Todith is definitely the most relieved to see Ithilden home.
Author's reply
Yes, Emmelin does seem to be warming to him, although Annael seems to be cooling a little. :-) Poor Sinnarn, indeed.
I'm not sure how Legolas is going to react to finding out who the missing child is. He'll be relieved of course, as you say. He's really worried. But I think he's likely to be really angry too. He's made a fool of himself and the dwarves let him do it!