Reviews (169)

White Wolf · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

I loved the way Thranduil convinced Legolas to give up the mouse. Legolas realized it was the right thing to do, as well. He has such a good heart. It was nice he chose the garden so Blue-y would be happy. I think Eilian's thoughts about his mother were sweet. It is natural, I think, that he would be a little jealous of a new baby that will take his place as the youngest son.

Duchess67 · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

Ah, giving up the pet because of it's fright was the right thing to do, very sweet and brave of Legolas. *smiling at the image those words painted for me* Too darling! I did NOT like Eilian's "lady" friend and I'm just as glad he recognized she was a twitterhead and will now probably see her no more, even if she did want him to. *giggling at the huffy way she left* Served her right, the ninny! Loved Thranduil's reaction to her too. *nasty grin* Thank you for more of the flashback of Eilian and Maltanaur behind the waterfall, I really did want to know just how that went. I'm hoping you'll show us the conclusion of that particular adventure too. *vbg* Wonderful story part! Please post more soon? *hopeful look* Like, *ticking 'em off on my fingers* what exactly happened to "brownie" in all this excitement? *snickering*

LOTRFaith · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

lol... I don't think I like Amelith very well either.. Though Eilian's little joke did go a little deeper than the elflings probably would guess, I think Legolas has a suspicion about it all:-) Cute elflings:-D I can certainly understand Eilian's feeling about a new baby brother. I was fice when my parents anounced another child. I didn't worry too much about the attention, but I was worried about him getting into all my stuff:-D Then about two years later my even younger brother was born and then my sister (last but not least) arrived. And I must admit there are a few times when I see my little sister snuggling with a parent that I half wish that I was younger and could do the same... :-S

Rose Sared · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

This chapter was nice, Elian really did need to get a clue though, didn't he? No wonder he has so much trouble with his Dad, . Those Orcs are a worry, more action to come? (sorta since it is in the past - eyes cross and Rose looks bewildered, again.) Thanks for the update Rose

French Pony · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

Oooooooooo, Eilian's gonna catch it, Eilian's gonna catch it! Ooooooooooooooo! Amelith really was astonishingly rude. But, come to think of it, so was Eilian. Having the elflings fetch another maiden's chemise right where Amelith could see! Perhaps he was getting tired of her and this was his roundabout way of getting her to break up with him? Thranduil is a very wise ada when it comes to mischief and pets and days off from lessons. When I am a tante some day, I hope to be like Thranduil. I'm already a better babysitter than Eilian. My friend just wrote me a letter to tell me so. I want Thranduil to be my friend. He can help me babysit my friends' kids. I liked reading about the care taken with the scrolls, especially on an early Friday evening right before services. It makes me think of Torah scrolls all dressed in their lovely rich embroidered robes with their pointers hooked on the ends. Do the scrolls that Legolas studies have pointers like that?

Jay of Lasgalen · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

Legolas is getting tactful - announcing their arrival like that! I liked Eilian's reaction when to hearing that Thranduil knew of the second clue. Poor Legolas - growing up in a male-dominated family, he doesn't know what a 'chemise' is, but his friends do. It came back with the laundry? I believe you, Eilian! So Thranduil doesn't like Amelith either? He's got good instincts, that Elven King! I like his voice that sounded nice but probably wasn't. Run, Amelith! Eilian is jealous of his soon-to-be baby brother? Judging from this chapter, that didn't last long. I'll miss the next few updates as I'll be on holiday, but I look forward to catching up! Jay

Anonymous · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

I don't think I'd want to be Eilian right now. Between using the crown, having a chemise, making promises he can't keep (something Thranduil hates) and then getting Thranduil dragged into enforcing the promises (something the king hates even more)--he's in a lot of trouble. And I'm sure the mice will get blamed on him somehow too. Poor Eilian. Its a good point how loosing his mother would affect him the most of all the family. He wouldn't loose her to Legolas, he'd loose her in a worse way he couldn't yet predict. How sad. He turned out really well for somebody that went through so much. As usual, I love it. I gues the next chap will wrap it up. Give us a hint what you'll do next. It makes waiting even worse but better somehow too.

Dot · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

Ah yay! I’m so glad I decided to check SoA before turning off my computer for the night. This was such a great chapter. It seems Legolas really doesn’t want to witness any more canoodling if he’s taken to shouting outside the door first! The scene reminds me of when Eilian calls out to Legolas, knowing that he and Miriwen are in the woods together and arrives to find them just as casually sitting a few inches apart (that did happen, didn't it?!!). Maybe he did learn from Eilian after all! I had to laugh when poor Eilian realises that Thranduil has discovered Legolas with the crown. He must have known then that things were just not going to end well for him. Ah, so Turgon has no problem telling a little lie?! It’s interesting that even Annael and Legolas will keep quiet about the truth if the price is right. Of course, it also shows that Turgon is actually the only one of them who has realised that these incidents with the mice could land them in trouble. I suppose he’s been in trouble enough times to recognise it ;-) I knew it was a map they were to look for! Silly elflings. I wasn’t expecting a chemise, though… Yet another thing that Legolas doesn’t know because there are no females in his house. At least his friends didn’t make him feel bad for not knowing. LOL at “Any lady wearing this undertunic would get cold”!! How do you come up with these things?! “She turned to look at Eilian, and this time she was not smiling at all.” Uh-oh. I admit I’d expect him to do a bit more explaining about that one too. It was absolutely hilarious the way Thranduil just looks at the chemise and then at Eilian. What a picture that must have made, especially as Turgon and Legolas were so proud of their accomplishment. If I were Thranduil, I’d just have walked back out and closed the door again. I can’t believe Thranduil was soft-hearted enough to give in about the lessons. And he’s saved Eilian from disappointing his little brother. There’s Blue-y! I would SO hate to have been Amelith. I cringed when Thranduil did his polite-but-menacing thing. Still, good riddance as far as I’m concerned. Oh, and I love the way Thranduil calls her “our guest”! Actually, I just love everything about Thranduil in this chapter. He wasn’t at all fazed by the presence of the mouse. And he dealt with it in such a Wood-Elfy way! I really like the way he made Legolas think about how the mouse would be feeling and the three young friends are obviously generous enough not to want to see the mouse unhappy. I wonder what Thranduil thought when Legolas chose the spot near the roses to set Blue-y free? What a lovely thought, Thranduil telling a story to the three of them! I’m glad we got back to Eilian and Maltanaur. At least Maltanaur seems a little better. Better enough to think more clearly than Eilian anyway. I was afraid Eilian would have tried to make a run for it with Maltanaur in his arms. I like the way Maltanaur can read Eilian so easily. It seems Eilian himself hadn’t even realised the true source of his worry. This appears to be the first time he’s really thought about the baby, rather than just his mother. I feel sorry for him. It must be quite lonely at times for him to see his father and Ithilden so clearly on the same wave length and even at his age it would be difficult to think that he wouldn’t have his mother’s unrivalled affection. I know he thinks it’s childish – and obviously there’s no way his mother would be like that – but really it’s as an adult that arguments with his father would be more serious and he’d need to know that he’d at least have his mother there for him. Crikey, I’ve only just realised how completely frantic Maltanaur must have been about Eilian when Lorellin died. *sigh* I hope you get these two home soon! More please! It’s a Bank Holiday weekend here and I'll need some entertainment… :-)

sofia · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

good chapter. That is some last treasure. Poor Eilian. He's in trouble. :( -sofia

Bodkin · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

Thranduil is just such a wonderful adar to Legolas. (He's a little more edgy with Eilian - who is such a Wood Elf, my poor Sindar love - what a line, such a tragedy for the family that Lorellin died.) Adorable little Legolas, making a point of announcing the elflings so Eilian can unhand his bimbo. Typical Turgon to know all about chemises - and Legolas was so funny thinking that Nimloth would have disposed of anything of his that was worn so thin! Amelith getting all moody because of the chemise and having the audacity to tell Legolas what he should be allowed to do - I will be surprised if Thranduil will let her in the palace again. Not just a bimbo, but a braindead bimbo too. I wonder how long it will take her to realise that she just committed romantic suicide. Good for Thranduil agreeing to organise the day by the waterfall for his little Legolas and his friends, (although I suspect Eilian is in for a bit of trouble). And didn't he do well when Blue-y interrupted - played on Legolas's sense of fair play and kindness to get him to agree to free him. And Annael is JUST ADORABLE. Great Maltanaur and Eilian interaction behind the waterfall - and Eilian admitting he was worried that Legolas's arrival would upset his relationship with his naneth. It's not easy being a middle child. The only problem with finding this to read tonight, is that I won't find it there in the morning. Oh well, I'll just have to read it again.

Karri · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

Woo hoo! Go, Blue-y! That's a good mouse, chasing the evil Amelith away. Thranduil dealt with the mouse problem quite adeptly. (That's a good ada, too. ;-))

tigerlily713 · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths

Well done! This chapter flowed very well. Unfortunately, it was over before I knew it! I eagerly await more!

White Wolf · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

The scene between Thranduil and Lorellin while she was in labor was so touching. It is so clear how much they loved each other. By contrast, the scene in the Great Hall was pure fun. It seems that each time a mouse appears, it wreaks more havoc. I hope the palace, and everyone in it, survives!

caz - baz · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

before i read this i had read 'Prodigal son' and 'one year in mirkwood' in which both Turgon and Deler die. i've found this very commical so far... i remember using my sister like that when she was young but it was more the mummy cat's thing to do bringing 1/2 dead field mice in for the kitten's to chase and catch. - she was a good cat until she was poisoned by the last set of keepers.- the last set of keepers also killed our other cat and my corgi but no one can proof anything. After they killed the cat's they left - my mother was not happy and i don't think she made life to easy for them. The new shoot are nice enough, "Pigeon" Joe is in charge and he's an alright sort of guy, but one of the keepers is teaching me how to shoot so that's going to be fun. i used to have stick insect's for pet's untill they mulitplied and escaped. Then i got a hamster called hudini and that kept escaping one time it got into the loft by climbing up some pipes. my brother thought there were rats scratching away the floor boards above him, he also wasn't to pleased that it woke him up at 2.00 in the morning. that hamster also attacked people. it was great. i also had a guinea pig which died on christmas day and i thought it was sleeping. - i was only about 5 at the time. My little sister, who's youngest of three, always was more overprotected like Legolas and she had a full time Nanny untill she started school. i can't wait till the other 3 mice turn up. i wonder if Thranduil will go mental like my dad when i bought a new pony last friday at the horse sales. really, i'm not a compulsive person, really i'm not. well i'm off cause there's this really annoying women here so i'm going to go find something to do on the farm. i've already ridden all four horses just to stay out of the house.

bri · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

omg!!please please update!!this is sooooo cute!! i just love the flashback scenes!u write legolas and his brothers so well!! update soon! bri

Anonymous · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

Ok, I've read this chapter about seven times since you posted it yesterday and it is still cracking me up everytime. So, do you think Legolas got that Thranduil thought Eilian was calling him a chattering pest or do you think he just pointed out the squirrel to explain the riddle? I really don't think you can top yourself on this one it is really just oo much. May you never get burned out writing this stuff because its better than the original.

mer · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

This really worked out for me--soon before I left for my vacation, you finished Tangled Web and on the day I returned you posted the first chapter of this wonderful new story. It's perfect! Although I find the time to read each chapter as it comes, only recently have I found the time to review (can you tell I like to read better than write?) Amazing how you are able to write about Turgon. If I did write stories, I don't know how I could do it (or write about others who were 'killed) without difficulty. These kinds of stories are good because I don't have to worry so much about wondering 'what will happen next'!!!!

Dot · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

I’m back again. So, I went back to work yesterday after a whole MONTH (*mortified gasp*) of being off. And I was only in the job for three months before that! I’m much, much better but have decided that if anything else happens I’ll just suffer on before I get fired… Anyway, I was starting to get a bit depressed with normality today when I spotted your update and I’ve been grinning since ;-) Yeah, so I officially don’t like Amelith. I was giving her a chance because obviously Eilian had a life to live while Celuwen was off in a settlement pretending to herself that she didn’t need him but calling the elflings ‘sweet’ and trying to get rid of them has meant a black mark against her, I’m afraid. Of course, Turgon *is* cute when he’s trying to impress her - “We have archery lessons and sword lessons”- and I’d probably want to lose the kids too…but still, I’m perfectly open to her being scared off by the mice. Although, it’s hard to picture a wood-elf being that petrified of them. Hmm. I’ll just have to wait and see what’s in store for her. Aren’t you great at these clues?! I think poor Eilian hadn’t considered the possibility of them getting it wrong and landing back early to find him nuzzling the maiden’s neck (what if Thranduil had walked in on that??!). I had to laugh when Legolas thinks of Eilian as being ‘busy’ with Amelith. It’s interesting, really, because he hasn’t grown up seeing his mother and father kissing and cuddling, which both Eilian and Ithilden would have. It mustn’t seem at all natural to Legolas. He seems to have had enough of Amelith anyway when he tests Eilian’s willingness to have him stay. Good old Eilian for reassuring baby brother! I really liked the bit with Thranduil trying to compose his letter. Despite having been angry with the Master of Esgaroth earlier, he seems very fair here and aware that if he wants “absolute control” of any areas he must accept some responsibility for any harm that occurs within them. He seems quite certain of Ithilden’s actions and almost proud of the way he “was not one to accept a less than stellar performance from one of his subordinates without pointing out the hapless underling’s failings in the most stinging words he could find” but I don’t know… Ithilden would presumably know whoever is the captain of the Eastern Border Patrol quite well. Surely he’d try to find out what happened before presuming total incompetence. But then again, he has been a bit frightened by the incident. Is there a teensy typo in the line “I am sure you are doing everything anyone could to,” Thranduil had said.”? I’m so glad we got more of Thranduil’s POV of the time of Legolas’ birth. I loved how perceptive he is of Ithilden’s worry. Eilian might baffle him but it seems Ithilden never really did. I’m amazed at how calm Lorellin is about giving birth. “He has decided that he likes it right where he is, and I have not yet persuaded him that good things await him.” That’s lovely! There’s already such a bond between mother and son. “Be well and do what the midwife tells you.” LOL! Surely Naneth isn’t as stubborn as the rest of the family?! “My bond to him feels undisturbed, and surely yours is the same.” Yeah, I was thinking that in the last chapter. Lorellin is right that Eilian could probably conceal it but I imagine they can be reassured that he likely couldn’t if he were very seriously injured. It’s wonderful to see Thranduil trying to calm his wife, even if she is too clever for him to fool. Jam in fur-lined boots? Eh? I don’t think I recall ever doing anything that daft. Although, I used to go around supermarkets and put tomatoes inside the egg boxes. I’m not sure why. “He is, in short, a Wood-elf, my poor Sindar love.” I loved that! It’s like, sure God love us he can’t help what he is but he should lead a normal life despite it… I loved, loved, LOVED the story about Ithilden riding off with his wooden sword to help Ada defeat the enemy. He was obviously just as loyal and determined then as he is now. And what an adorable image it is! I’m just going to ignore how sad it is to think that an elfling that young knows anything about enemies or what kind of danger his father might be in… It sounds like the Great Hall is the place to be at night. You know, if it was any other mouse Annael might have showed a bit of caution but it *had* to be his, and of course Turgon and Legolas were unlikely to consider the consequences. What chaos they caused! And I though elves were graceful! Oh well, it gave the crowd in the Hall a bit of excitement, I suppose. “He had a task to complete and indulging himself in pain for his lost wife would not help him get it done.” How very Thranduil, to see it as ‘indulging’. He should allow his memories to surface more often. No, not because I want to see them but because it would help him heal… The scene that Thranduil came across must have been unbelievable. And Legolas on top of a pillar clinging onto his crown! “He made a treasure hunt for us,” Turgon said, “and we were looking for flowers and these are the right flowers because Eilian said they were on the head of a chattering pest.” Oh, daw that’s just so hilarious. I’ll be laughing for days. I love the idea that Eilian just helped himself to the crown. How disrespectful! And did no-one see him fling up the pillar?? LOL! I can’t *wait* for the next clue. What a fun game! :-)

Jebb · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

Eilian is going to be in so much toruble chattering pest indeed I do not think Adar approves! Simply wonderful the scene in the hall with elves and elflings falling all over the place was hilarious and Thranduil so calm and serene how long can this last? His thoughts about Legolas's begetting day made me smile and want to cry so much love and only we know so much future grief

Estel_Mi_Olor · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

"He could not understand why Eilian liked to do that with maidens, but he did. To Legolas, kissing on the mouth looked like a really embarrassing thing to do." :) Legolas is just too cute! I know I had this attitude-as all children do-but I still find it adorable! The Great Hall Fiasco was hilarious. You don't usually imagine the graceful, poised first-born tumbling over each other. Poor Green-y. If those mice don't get stepped on sooner or later, they are going to die from heart failure. I loved the ambiguity of the title. It serves to explain the clue-but also to describe Legolas and co. during that finding-the-lavender scene. Eilian should realize it's his fault they're annoying him. Amelith seems rather empty headed and annoying-glad he married Celuwen in the end. The flashback is great! I love how you're taking it from everybody's POV. I believe Lorellin is next? It is so sad to read about the joy Thranduil and everyone will have in Legolas's birth, and how wonderful it is that he will have Lorellin to be his nana. Just so sad knowing about her death! I can't wait to find out how Eilian and Maltanuar escape the Orcs, and whether the mice are returned to the impregnable fortress. Cheers and keep writing!

tigerlily713 · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

Wonderful chapter! The chattering pest! Brilliant! I can just see you in front of your computer snickering and giggling at the antics of the elflings.

Jule · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

Green-y and the can really liven up a party. That whole scene was very funny. Wood elves were going to automatically try not to step on an animal, even a mouse. Thranduil's worry was realistic. No matter how well Legolas can climb, his Ada is still going to worry to see him up high. I thought the whole point of Eilian watching the elflings was so they weren't wandering around by themselves causing trouble/getting hurt or lost. This scavenger hunt has so far tried to send them somewhere the cook thought would be dangerous, then to the great hall where there would be tons of elves to climb a pillar. Is the next clue going to have them juggling knives in the dungeons. Seriously, I do love this story and was thrilled to see a new chapter. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for writing Jule

Dot · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

ROTFLMAO!!! This is the funniest thing I've read in ages! I can't stop laughing at Thranduil thinking Eilian called him a "chattering pest" - in front of Legolas & pals!! Anyway, I'm at work so I'll have to send in a decent review later. Sorry to take up space but I had to let you know how much I enjoyed this. If I wasn't the librarian I'd be thrown out for laughing so much... Back in a few hours... :-)

Casualis · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

I have enough of FF.net. They won't let me leave a review. I will take residence here to give you my appreciation of your story. It is so very sweet. But I have to say that Eilian disappoints me slightly. Must still be young and more interested in the ladies than in watching over elflings. One can understand but it is no very fair for young Legolas. Thanks for the story. Every new chapter makes my evening. Cas

LOTRFaith · 28 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest

lol... Eilian reminds me of a friend (A male friend) who like Eilian likes his 'chic's':-) Everytime I read about Eilian though it gives me hope that my friend will someday settle down with the right girl and all his well need for experience you could say will end with her:-D lol.. I love the names of the mice! Green-y:-) lol..