Reviews (197)

caz - baz · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

School start's in America tommorrow? wow you have short summer holiday's we don't start at private school 'till 11th september. been in Turkey for a fortnight and it's really cold and wet back here. have to catch up with your story though so that's one upside to coming back the other upside being my horses which are now extremly fresh especially since it's been so wet they haven't been able to go out to the field and because of that have been getting fed more as they're not getting any grass. am i having fun trying to ride them. well hope the next chapter isn't too long in coming. caz

Ms. Whatsit · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Oh, Legolas, you headstrong little brat. I knew how Legolas was going to get out of there as soon as I read about Turgon's cloak. Clever scheme! But it means that Turgon is now under armed guard and in the power of Thranduil. NOT a good place for the hellion to be! Hiolith is so wretched, but I feel sure Thranduil will be sensible and understanding of him. I don't think he's planning a double-cross on Eilian, though of course we can't know for sure yet. Legolas is so sweet when he bristles in defense of Eilian. And yes, Eilian, *do* make fun of Ithilden! Having a brother like Ithilden would be hellish if he didn't humiliate himself in front of the girls once in a while and give you an opportunity for mockery. (And I actually updated my story today. It's a short chapter but another one will very soon be forthcoming.)

esamen · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

“I did,” Eilian said simply. “But the healers helped me, and they would help you too.” He would see to it that they did, he vowed to himself. If necessary, he would beg his father to refrain from punishing this suffering ex-warrior. Hiolith made Eilian too uncomfortably aware of his own unhappiness and weakness for him to feel anything but dismay at the idea of imposing any further pain upon him. Surely Thranduil would be able to see beyond the Elf’s actions to the reasons underneath them. Mmmm, mmm. Yes, it will be very interesting to see how the king handles this one. As a parent, and as a good leader of his people. You really give Thranduil some tough moments, don't you? This is a great tale on many different levels, and I just love it. So what will Thranduil's words of wisdom be to Legolas when all is out in the open? One thing that fascinates me about these fics is Thranduil's connection to the woods and to his people as the king. It's kind of a biological, organic, genetic thing, not a political thing at all, huh? How can he leave the woods and sail to the west when he is so connected to his kingdom? I know that you have written of his sons as also having that deeper connection . . . how does that make them different from other wood-elves, in practical terms? I know that you explored this a little bit in A Question of Duty and in your scenes with Eilian and Glorfindel. . . . maybe we'll see some more of that sometime? Have a great semester!

Alice · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

School starts and suddenly I get all behind on leaving reviews. I'm still reading and enjoying this story greatly by the way. It's much darker than your last one. Poor Legolas. He's getting into trouble, driving himself insane with worry over his brother, and now getting roughed up by Maltaunar. Life isn't fun when no one takes you seriously enough to mention oh and by the way, keep away from your brother, he's doing this mission thing, now don't tell anyone about it. So he sits in his room growing more desperate by the moment. Adolescence bites. Turgon's a good best friend though. Wow. So don't think Thranduil would agree with that sentiment, but helping your friend do something no questions asked as long as they agree to tell you about it later, that 's what you do when you're a teenager. And under the circumstances ( as Legolas and Turgon see them) it was the right decision. Under all of the circumstances it wasn't, but their hearts were in the right place. Poor Ithilden. He's having such a hard time with his courtship. I was cracking up during the dress ripping scene! It's sort of a "Oh no he didn't!" moment. I kind of thought that Ithilden and Alfirin took a long time to get together. Now I understand why their courtship was so long. It's a wonder neither one of them spontaneously combusted from mortification! I love that line about Ithilden going and finding a home guard to spar with to vent his frustrations. I have this image of warriors lounging around the home guard office waiting for assignments when a frantic guard comes running in and announces " The commander just had another bad date and looks extreemely frustrated! Quick, everyone find an assignment!" Poor home guard. What with elflings dropping water sacks on them and Ithilden using them as punching bags . . . poor guys. The Eilian moments are also nice. I love how Maltaunar bribes him into good behavior with the prospect of letting him beat the men drug pushers into a bloody pulp. Maltaunar knows his charge well. Well this is certainly a cliff hanger ending. Please update soon! And good luck with school starting. I personally miss summer already.

jebb · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

How brave but how foolish of Legolas and Turgon for once not being the cause of trouble but getting in very deep anyway I can't see Adar being very pleased with either of them nor the guards! Eilian's sympathetic approach to Hiolith seems to have paid off but I think Malantaur is not happy And Ithilden well the course of true love never runs smooth does it! I loved the fact that Thranduil despite punishing Legolas needed to see him at meals I don't think it was just for his Legolas' benefit that this was changed Thrnaduil does everything for the right reason even when he finds it hard what a good father he is Legolas is fortunate to have him even if he doesn't always realise it

Rose Sared · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

heh. and the blondie digs himself deeper and deeper into the poo! What a mess! Love it. Rose

Bodkin · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

I was sooooo happy to see this here this morning, since I am going to be deprived of the net for a few days. Poor Ithilden: still the comic relief, even in a chapter that has no space for comedy. (Mind you, he does enough teasing in his capacity as omnicompetent big brother and troop commander. A small dose won't hurt him!) Turgon! Only Turgon! What a shame he is unlikely to be returned from Mandos and sent back to Middle Earth to torment Thranduil. Although he wouldn't be nearly as endearing as an adult with his characteristics. What a brilliant way to get Legolas out of his room. It clearly never occurred to either of them to wonder how he might get back, but I don't think Legolas cares much - he is just too desperately worried about Eilian. Why, oh why can't the powers in his life - Thranduil mainly, but also Ithiden and Eilian - see how desperate he is? Clearly they are thinking of other things, but the ellon is only emerging from his room to eat - they must see the state he is in. It would only take a few words to reduce his level of anxiety to the point where he would sit still - reluctantly maybe, but nevertheless safely. As it is, he feels he is the only one who knows what is going on and the only one who can help. (Of course, without the testosterone poisoning, he would realise that the best way to help would be to TELL SOMEONE - but he's a teenage boy - what do you expect?) And now he is in the middle of the biggest drug bust in Mirkwood history with a seriously irritated Maltanaur, a worried Eilian, a spaced-out Hiolith and some of the sort of Men you wouldn't want to ask to tea. I am so glad I know they all survive. (Well, except Hiolith. Don't know about him - though I have some sneaking suspicions.) Legolas may end up wishing he hadn't for a while once his Adar hears of this. Colleges here tend to deal with semesters, by actually still working a three term year, but finishing the first semester at the end of January after the Christmas break. But at least you end in MAY.

lwarren · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

*large sigh* Now he's drawn all the wrong conclusions and things are even worse! In his eyes, the one person he thought was protecting Eilian (Maltanaur) has turned out to be bad! And by keeping him away from Eilian, they fostered that fear for him Legolas was feeling, and with all the whispering and pointed looks, and the silences when he enters a room...don't they understand what that will push him to? Now, he has accomplished the one thing Thranduil was trying to avoid...he's involved himself in this operation (heck! He's right in the middle of it...and Maltanaur's knee is in the middle of his back! ouch! And let's not forget he snuck out! *music of doom plays dolefully in background* What a nerve-wracking chapter, daw! In fact, these 3 chapters I've read tonight have served to get me all incensed (in south Texas we say "het up"...I think that means heated up *vbg*)on Legolas' behalf! Well done! :-) On a lighter note...Ithilden has to have the worst luck of any guy I've ever seen! Alfirin was ab-so-lute-ly mortified! He'll be lucky if she'll ever be able to look at him again (weeellll...we know she does *vbg* but I'll bet it was a close thing!) And shades of Frodo and Gollum! Eilian can see himself in Hiolith and wants to save him! (The shadow of evil knows just the right chords to strike in people, doesn't it? Eilian is primed for a big fall unless those around him and he, himself, are strong enough to overcome it.) Wonderful! More soon, school and stuff permitting! :-):-):-) linda

lwarren · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Thank you Ithilden for talking to Legolas, at least a little! And I was glad to see Thranduil questioning the wisdom of involving Eilian in something like this with him still suffering from the sickness himself (no matter how good he is or how much he likes this kind of action). Hiolith (finally got that name right! sorry!) doesn't seem like a bad elf, just very sad and isolated...he seems to want to help, but has gotten involved with the wrong crowd. I hope Eilian can help him somehow. (Sorry I haven't kept up reviewing lately...I have promised myself that tonite I will read and review until I am current...or else!!!) Great chapter, as usual, daw! (I was relieved that Ithilden said something to the kid...I still think they'd better involve him more, tho'.) linda

lwarren · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Helping Out

If someone doesn't get a clue and do something to relieve Legolas' mind about his brother, there are going to be some serious problems. He's just old enough and resourceful enough to try to "help" Eilian out. Mark my words, daw, there'll be hell to pay for keeping the kid in the dark about this. He's too loving and conscientious for him to let this slide! (And this is the brother that he feels closest to, most of the time, for goodness' sake!) I suppose keeping him in his room under guard punishes the trip to Hiothel's, but if Thranduil thinks Legolas won't find a way out should he feel Eilian needs him, he's sadly mistaken. Great chapter, daw, ...and the tension builds! linda

The Karenator · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Brilliant, my dear minstrel, brilliant! Legolas and the Magic Cloak. I would have never thought of that..and really, you know I tried. He's gone off and gotten himself in a bit of a mess, hasn't he? Not to mention that when Maltanaur gets through with him, Thranduil gets him next. It's a good thing that Elves don't use corporal punishment or Legolas's fair little backside wouldn't be able to touch a chair seat for a week. Adar is going to be the first Elf in space. Yes, ladies, we have liftoff. And I'm afraid that this rocket is going to be so angry that it'll be unmanned...unelfed. When Maltanaur grabbed Legolas from behind, I thought the men had him. I even scrolled up to see where Legolas had left the tree. Then I thought: What? Men up a tree? I should have read in the other direction. It would have saved time and conserved my limited brainpower. Legolas put up a good fight, but a much bigger and stronger Maltanaur could not be bested. I'm guessing here, but I'd say that Nilmandra read that part over and over...imagining herself in Maltanaur's clutches....We know how that sweet, adorable child thinks. :>) Poor Hiolith. He's a mess and he really does need help. I can, of course, understand his suspiciousness. No one has looked for him in all those years and then suddenly, the king's son and his keeper, no less, are offering help. Eilian was wise to remind the former warrior that he is still a warrior at heart. And the burning love of Ithilden and his flame, Alfirin: A ripping good story! I love it. Trust a brother to take your most embarrassing moment and announce it at the dinner table. Eilian might not have to worry about the men since his brother is going to kill him. And poor Legolas...in the dark about that too. Great chapter. I'm really looking forward to what happens next. You've sort of left us on pins and needles. If you don't get to post it before Wednesday morning...should the ranger and I hope to get a peek at it..oh say, on the porch? Karen

Tapetum Lucidum · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

AACK!! I can't believe you left us with such a terrible cliffy! School starts? It started 8/5 here - Hooray! Poor Legolas, he isn't too happy with anyone in this chapter. Sounds like his guard is rubbing it in a little. I think that guard is going to be in deep, deep water with Thranduil soon enough. Even Maltanaur is on the receiving end of his displeasure. The old warrior has to respect the youngster's concern for his brother. It is nice to see the two elder sons of Thranduil torture each other over a meal. It is Legolas who is on the receiving end far too often. His family thinks they are reassuring but they are only annoying. A little explanation would have saved the poor elf a lot of heart ache. Turgon? That is good timing. Annael would have been harder to convince but Turgon is a different story. Hiolith is now between a rock and a hard place. I was happy that both Eilian and Maltanaur want to help him rather than throw him in the dungeons. I am glad sneaking out was painful to Legolas. It is a little OOC for him but not surprising in the face of his worry for Eilian. Having him stop to admire the evening was sweet. I was kind of surprised the kids weren't caught last time. Maltanaur did a good job apprehending the wayward elfling. I could just see Eilian's face when his keeper threw his brother onto the ground. Poor prince must have made a very pitiful sight. No pressure Maltanaur - your butt is toast if anything happens to either of Thranduil's offspring. Please hurry!

Elvenesse · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

I found this chapter unsettling. I guess I'm feeling Legolas's unease and frustration. With the guard out in the hallway, Legolas would be able to do nothing to stop him. I had visions of Legolas calling his guard into his room and trying to stab him in the leg or knock him out. Okay, I know he wouldn’t do that. But if Turgon hadn’t come I could see him being desperate enough to do something stupid like trying to run out of the Palace. Or even taking the sensible option and going to Thranduil. Is Thranduil going to decide to go and tell Legolas what is happening and then find Turgon in his son’s room? Ouch. Turgon made a face. “My adar was very angry. He made me promise I would not touch the herb again.” “And will you?” Legolas asked curiously. “Probably not,” Turgon answered without much thought. I though that shows both Turgon’s character and Legolas’s relationship with him very well. To Legolas a promise is a promise, and yet he knows Turgon well enough to ask whether he will keep his word or not. And Turgon still does not seem to have grasped the seriousness of the situation. Legolas is now big enough and has enough training to cause trouble for Maltanaur. Of course, Maltanaur could easily knock him out or kill him; but subduing him without hurting him would be harder. Hopefully Thranduil will be riding out with some guards and will be able to safely retrieve both his sons. And now Eilian is alone with Hiolith in a ravine and there may be more Men coming this time.

sofia · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Legolas is gonna be in so much trouble! I didn't think they would allow Turgon to see Legolas, but then again, the guards don't know. -sofia

Emily · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

“Ithilden has a ripping good story to tell you,” Eilian said with a grin. Poor Ithilden! Wow, that was a miserable evening for Legolas. I find myself wishing that, since he's confined to his chambers anyway, Thranduil would tell him the truth of what is going on. It probably didn't cross Thranduil's mind. He's got enough to worry about. Somehow I get the feeling that Turgon and Legolas's switch will get found out even before Legolas gets home. It would be just like Thranduil or Ithilden to stop by and visit before the night is over. Or Turgon will get bored and so something stupid. Legolas made me proud. Yes, he did the wrong thing, but his reason was only the best. I only hope the rest of his family sees it the same way. When Thranduil gets over his anger, he should be proud that he has a son like Legolas. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this scene with the men goes down.

Dot · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Is it just me or was there a totally different feel to this chapter? I’m a little unsettled by it but I can’t quite put my finger on the reason… I really feel worse than ever for poor Legolas. I think his worry for Eilian has started to become anger at just about everyone else for not helping him. Maltanaur must have felt like kicking himself when he realised that Legolas overheard his arrangements. I’m glad, though, that he did see Legolas because things could have ended up even worse if he and Eilian had no idea that he might become involved. My heart broke when he asks Eilian not to meet Maltanaur. From his point of view he’s watching someone he loves more than anything do something harmful and is powerless to stop it. It can’t help that everyone else insists on being so darn cheerful! You made me laugh so much when Thranduil asks Ithilden about going out! Ithilden is clearly *very* sensitive about it. I don’t blame him, though. “Ithilden has a ripping good story to tell you.” LOL! Of course Eilian would have heard about it! Half the realm must have by now. I wonder how long it is before Thranduil catches wind of his eldest son’s, um, misadventures. Turgon! I wondered if he’d turn up but I wasn’t sure he’d get in. It must indeed seem like an overreaction by Thranduil to Turgon but he’s probably fairly used to Legolas having stricter punishments than anyone else. And it seems that as angry as his own adar apparently was, it hasn’t made much of an impression on young Turgon. What a very clever plan Legolas concocts! How handy that it was raining and Turgon had a cloak with him. It’s brilliant, though. At getting him out anyway. He probably didn’t think about how he’d get back in and then get Turgon out again. I actually think it’s the whole scene in Hiolith’s cottage that put me a bit ill at ease. Hmmn. I think it’s the whole confrontation thing and all the talk of taking him ‘into custody’ and ‘exorbitant prices’ and ‘exploiting people’. It’s all very NYPD Blue. Also (*embarrassed*) I didn’t really understand “We want to stop the Men who are selling the dangwath to all comers in Esgaroth.” I haven’t heard that phrase before. Please, please don’t think I’m criticising. I knew something like this was coming but it made me sit back for a moment because it’s so different than usual, which I guess is the point – this is a very unusual situation. I must be a very boring reader. I still do feel very bad for Hiolith. He sounded a little bitter when he points out to Maltanaur that he hadn’t seen him in years until he wanted something. I still maintain there’s a history there. If there’s a law that the herb isn’t to be grown by anyone except the healers, then it could be tough to get Thranduil to be lenient. Or maybe not now that he’s seen his own son suffer from the shadow. Hiolith must actually be feeling nearly as taken advantage of by Eilian’s pretence as by the Men’s blackmail. Eilian himself seems genuinely curious about Hiolith and has a great deal of compassion for him, born obviously out of his own suffering. Choosing to remind him that he could be a warrior was a smart step; he must still have that sense of pride and loyalty to the realm somewhere inside him. Plus Hiolith really was on his own before, this must be the nearest thing to a way out he’s been offered. The thing about Legolas is that the connections he’s making are so plausible. I seriously thought for a second that the Men had him! I was so relieved that it was Maltanaur. That elf sees everything. He was a bit rough with him, though… But I can see that he’d be completely frustrated. We seem to be seeing Legolas at his most desperate. He really believes that Maltanaur is endangering the person whose life he is responsible for. And what a demonstration of his love for Eilian. It must be killing Eilian to have Legolas anywhere near this. I can’t wait for more. I really can’t. Why are you going back to work so early??! Here most colleges go back the middle of September and the rest go back the first week of October. You should complain. This was written in such a rush. Sorry, but it’s late here! I really hope I haven’t said anything too nonsensical. By the way, thanks for answering my question about the keepers. It was just something that I wondered about while reading the last chapter. I’d say it must be tough trying to think of a new one for Sinnarn. It definitely would be a very different type of relationship. My first thought was Tynd so that he’d have someone who’d be more of a friend but then again he’d be very young in Thranduil’s eyes and wouldn’t have proven himself, plus it would limit his career and Sinnarn might take it a slight on his own skills when Tynd isn’t *that* much older than him in elf years. Of course, I suppose you could always move someone like Thelion (he’s still alive, right?!), who has the skill and the wisdom of age and is apparently well liked – but if Sinnarn were to choose to stay in the Home Guard, that might not make much sense. Ah well. I’m sure you have your own plans. Does that mean that there’s an ‘adult Legolas’ story on the horizon??! Nope, I’m not demanding anything… ;-)

French Pony · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Just who does Thranduil have guarding his stronghold -- the Three Stooges? No, I know: those two guards from the scene in Monty Python And The Holy Grail where the King is trying to keep Prince Herbert locked up until his wedding to Princess Lucky. Thranduil: Now hear this. You are to prevent him from going outside until I come and get him. Guard 1: Right. We stay outside and prevent you from coming to get him. Thranduil: No, no. You stay here until I come to get him. Guard 2: Hic! Guard 1: We stay here until you come to get him, and let people in to see him. Guard 2: Hic! Thranduil: No. No one is to see him. Guard 1: We stay here. . . and he goes to see you. Guard 2: Hic! Thranduil: No. No one is to go in or out unless I say so. Guard 1: Right. (Thranduil leaves. The Guards move to follow him.) Thranduil: Where are you going? Guard 1: We're going with you. Guard 2: Hic! And so forth. I know some guards who need to be busted back down to buck private. On KP. At this rate, the Wood Elves will never have the kind of security that would allow them to lock up thirteen Dwarves and a Hobbit. . . waitaminute. . . He considered Eilian’s claim that he would not do anything stupid but was unable to draw much comfort from it. How did he know that Eilian thought taking the dangwath was stupid? Legola and Eilian really are on the same wavelength, aren't they? Who else in Eilian's family would have considered that? It's just like when someone tells you "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." “Ithilden has a ripping good story to tell you,” Eilian said with a grin. Oh yes, smashing! Pip-pip! Cheerio! Apparently, Eilian starts talking like a character out of a British Boy's Own adventure story when he gets nervous. Turgon made a face. “My adar was very angry. He made me promise I would not touch the herb again.” Who is this Elf, and what has he done with Turgon's adar? Glory be, the kid's parents have decided to try a new lark and pay attention to him once in a while. Hiolith gave a short laugh. “I had not seen you in years before you turned up wanting dangwath for your charge here.” He jerked his head toward Eilian. “I find it highly unlikely that you want to ‘help’ me now. Indeed, I cannot even think of what help you could give.” Yeah, I'm with Hiolith on this one. It does look suspicious. Rule #47: Never trust anyone who says "I want to help you." This is all backing up my contention that the Wood Elves aren't very skilled at either undercover ops or narcotics police. So this is abuse of a prescription drug, hm? Interesting. It looks like what the healers need to do is start discovering how to wean people off dangwath after getting them on it in the first place. Especially if it's so easy to grow, they've got to have some kind of plan in place to take care of people like Hiolith. Eilian has the right idea, that treatment is a better option than punishment. Let's hope he can get Thranduil to listen on this one. Once again, this all comes down to lack of communication. Legolas has gotten himself into a dangerous spot because no one thought to sit him down before the whole thing began and say, "Legolas, Eilian is going off to do something dangerous. He will be acting strangely for a while. Rest assured that we know about it, and that we will be taking care of him at all times. When it's all over, we will explain everything to you." Takes ten seconds to say, but the damage will take much longer to repair.

Manderly · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

You left us hanging there, with the reassurance that your next chapter might be slower in posting? How cruel! That was some heart-pounding stuff. For a brief second, I thought the men had Legolas. Legolas is a feisty little guy, isn't he? Almost more than Maltanaur can handle, and Maltanaur is used to handling Eilian. That says a lot. The only thing that I can think of now is WHAT WILL THRANDUIL SAY AND DO WHEN HE FINDS OUT?

Anonymous · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

You leave the chapter like that and *then* you say the next chapter might be slow in coming?! Are you *trying* to kill us?! This great! Legolas is in sooo much trouble but it is Thranduil's fault for not telling him. If he had told him something and then confined him to his room he would have stayed there with the knowledge. Oh this is not good!

Karri · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Yup, I knew the stubborn little bit was gonna find a way to get himself right in the middle of it. Perhaps Thranduil or Ithildin have decided to look in their rebellious teen and the cavalry is on the way? One can hope. ;-) Whatever is in store, it will no doubt lead to a long, stern lecture from ada and more time in his room.

meckinock · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

His father would be furious if he ever learned about this little excursion Ya THINK? Ow, Daw, my head hurts from slamming it into the desk. Note to Thranduil: Raise pay scale of palace guards Note to Legolas: If you see someone doing something unsafe, tell a grownup! Note to Eilian: Never let the bad guys outnumber you. I'm beginning to think it's something genetic....

Jay of Lasgalen · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Daw, what a place to leave it! Eilian is off with the flaky Hiolith to meet those men without Maltanaur at his back!! I dread to think what will happen. Thank goodness it was Maltanaur who grabbed Legolas - I was afraid the men had got him. I find I'm beginning to follow the way your mind works - the second Turgon walked in with his cloak, I knew how Legolas was going to escape. Nice to see that Eilian knows about Ithilden's misfortune - I hope he'll be able to tease him about it some more. Jay

naneth · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Taking Action

Ah, the plot thickens! This is a really good story. Keep up the good work! You have my sympathy. After a week of preplanning, school starts for me tomorrow. If only summer lasted another 3 months. And the students think they're the only ones that enjoy summer vacation!

Tapetum Lucidum · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

You are doing well making Hiolith a sympathetic character. He is in over his head with those blasted humans but he does seem to want to help Eilian. I am glad Maltanaur is around - and I am sure Thanduil is as well. This whole situation seems to have the king quite stressed out. I think everyone will be relieved when it is over. It doesn't take long for any kid to go stir crazy in their room, especially when they are worried about something. Ithilden's concern for his kid brother is very sweet. His feelings on Turgon mirror my own. He is very wise to keep his opinion to himself on that one. The subject of dwarves is much safer. The crown prince did a good job trying to reassure the elfling while not giving away any of their plot. Legolas is kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place by his family's position. He really doesn't have a good person to talk to about the whole mess. Thranduil's desire to meddle in Ithilden's courtship was very funny. He is such a control freak. I am glad that Ithilden has so much confidence in his brother. I like how you temper Thranduil's faith with a father's worry. Never say "the could hardly go worse." because they always can. Ripping your date's clothes off is rarely seen as a good thing. Poor, proper Alfirin must have been completely scandalized. Ithilden is doomed. I feel really sorry for his sparring partner. Eilian and Maltanaur picked an informative night to follow Hiolith. One of your men seems decent but the other two are just evil (grin)! I want to help Eilian pound them. I saw "Without a Paddle" this weekend and your dangwath patch reminded me of it. In one scene the three heroes are running through a huge field of marijuana while being targeted with rifles. They are completely terrified. Then the field catches on fire and they go from running pell mell and being scared to death to laughing hysterically while being unable to stand. It was very funny. Be careful about burning that field of dangwath. I went to Catholic school in New Orleans. If you opened a window there the heat and humidity rapidly rendered you unconscious. It does sound like an effective trick in the north.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Brilliant! Daw, you really amaze me. And here was silly me thinking Eilian was actually taking the dangwath. Well this has proved I have the same mentality as little Legolas. In fact, he's probably smarter... Anyways, what a brilliant plot! Eilian isn't taking the dangwath himself, but pretending to. That way he can keep up the appearance of High Elf, and that lets him spy on Hiolith. Kudos to Ithilden or Eilian-or which of them made up this plan. The Woodland Realm should be proud to have such a smart royal family. However, I foresee further complications. Please don't tell me Legolas is going to get mixed up in this again-and possibly ruin Eilian's and Maltanuar's cover when they spy on the Men? Well I'm finally caught up, but now I can't wait for an update! Excellent fic, Daw!