Reviews (197)

Estel_Mi_Olor · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Helping Out

*Big wide-eyed stare* Wow...words fail me. I can't believe what happened, happened. Hiolith has a dangwath farm?! My goodness, he is one very sick Elf. He really should sail. In fact, someone should tie him up and put him on a ship. I can't believe Eilian has abandoned common sense, and apparently Maltanuar has too. Someone should tell them the healer's know what they're doing. Eilian should have had the healer girlfriend and then none of this would have happened. Or maybe it would... Poor Legolas! But it is completely understandable that he forgot he had dangwath with him. Oh, but he is in some major trouble. I hope Eilian finds that out, and that might jolt him into reality. He really needs to realize that he destroying not only himself but his family circle. Must keep reading! The suspense is killing me.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Along the River

Ooh the plot thickens! I didn't know elves had contra-band drug dealers. I can't believe Maltanuar is going to let Eilian take the dangwath! I think we have a small addiction problem here. Or maybe Maltanuar thinks he is doing what is best for Eilian. Yes, well I know Maltanuar would never do anything to harm Eilian. But oh dear, very worrisome! I liked getting into Eilian's head and finding out how the shadow-sickness was affecting him. That makes him appear more sane than he seemed to be in the last chapter. But he really does need help! Poor Eilian! Everyone's favorite OC! Poor Legolas! He knows Eilian is sick, has seen first hand proof of it, yet must be content with Thranduil's answer, which isn't really an answer at all. I hope he doesn't do anything foolish. But I can't help feeling sorry for Thranduil as well-it must be devastating to watch your child be sick in spirit that way. "He had already asked Eilian to stay away from Legolas. He would have to see to it that Legolas also stayed away from Eilian." This sentence struck me as the most heartbreaking one in the chapter. This fic seems to be getting very emotional. (in the sense that it is sad for us to read about Eilian's difficulties). I *think* everything will turn out alright in the end!

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

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm soooooo glad Eilian is working "undercover" so to speak and am also glad Hiolith isn't an Elf out for money, just wanting to help others get through shadow sickness. I'm with Eilian, those men all need to be beaten bloody and dropped from a high point. Well, maybe two of them and the boss man, whoever that is. Grrrr Legolas, poor little Legolas enduring his punishment. *sigh* I really wish they'd tell him what is going on so he won't get into trouble. And if he DOES get into a scrape and manages to get himself out of it, how about Thranduil NOT finding out about it for once? *g* I just knew Ithilden was in for a bad time when he said it couldn't get worse than his first visit with Alfrin. Oy ve! With courting like that happening, how in the world did they ever manage to marry?!? At this rate, poor Ithilden won't even go back except to apologize, if he doesn't send a gift with a letter instead and avoid seeing her anymore in person. Sheesh!

sofia · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

That was well done. So it was just a scheme to make Eilian look like he couldn't stop using the herb? That was very clever. Had lots of us fooled, me included. Poor Alfirin! It seems whatever Ithilden and her do it always ends up in a bad and embarassing way. Good chapter! -sofia

Jebb · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

I am so relieved and yet simultaneously so worried yes Elian is doing something with the full sanction of his adar and brother but he is also taking a huge risk amd only the fact that Malantaur is there gives me any hope that he will not do anything too foolish. I loved Malataurs final comment! Also Legolas confined to his chamber and champing at the bit I do hope he will not go out over the balcony and into the forest to 'help' Eilian, but fear the worst And Ithilden how many times can that poor elf be made to suffer such torments his self assurance is taking a mighty knock here Thranduil's thoughts over his procrastination made me smile A wonderful chapter so much to enjoy and savour J

Bodkin · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

I like Tynd - I seem to remember him being kind to a young Legolas. He has Good Qualities. Although I would like to see Tinar in regular confrontation with Good King Thranduil. I must stop using reviews for conversation.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Oh dear! My worry for Eilian is increasing! But it is typical of him, I suppose to chafe under restrictions and ill health. I hope Thranduil won't be too harsh on him. But, from Thranduil's POV, Eilian is old enough to learn to control himself. What a dilemma, but I'm sure you'll do an excellent job of resolving it! Legolas and co. are so cute, observing the maidens. That's a good plot for another fic-and Thranduil's reaction. But who am I to tell you what to write? Never mind me! The Ithilden-Alifrin drama is very tense. I love to see their courtship! I hope to read more about them! Hmm but I can't stop wondering about that missing item in the infirmary and it's probable connection to dangwath. I hope it wasn't Eilian who took it. At least we know it wasn't Legolas. I love plot complications! I must fly now-but I hope to catch up on my reading as soon as possible. Cheers! Great fic!

Bodkin · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

I think that Sinnarn is going to need a new keeper and I've been wondering who to give the job to. I don't want to create a new OC, since that would do away with some of the benefit I got from wiping some of them out. I could just take some minor character I've mentioned and give him the job, I guess. Still, I think it would be harder for a fully adult Sinnarn (or Eilian or Legolas) to form a relationship with a keeper. I guess the relationship would be of a different kind. That might affect who got chosen to be the keeper. There was this immediate burst of mad laughter and a voice that screamed 'Tinar!' Then a much more sensible one that said 'Not!' I think the new keeper needs to be younger - after all, Sinnarn will be training the keeper as much as the keeper is training Sinnarn. Tynd springs to mind. Probably mainly because I've forgotten most of the names. I just reread See the Stars - to check up on Ithilden's courting. He still looked a bit like someone trying to walk on ice.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 1: Lessons

Great start so far, Daw. I like the plot. At least, what I guess of it. Please don't tell me Legolas is going to give Eilian dangwath. It sounds like something a concerned elfling would do. Oh dear, well I'll just have to wait and see. But on a happy note, I love Legolas at this age. He is beginning to mature and I think it is more interesting than his childhood. But that's just me. :) We've read about Legolas breaking the rules before-so maybe this time he'll resist and not listen to Turgon! Going out at night is not right. And somehow that rhymes. Poor Eilian, shadow-sickness sounds very un-fun. But the fact that his hands were shaking is worrisome-but I'm proud of Legolas for noticing it. I hope he gets better. Well I wonder what my favorite Elf is up to in the next chapter. Maybe I'll go and see. Cheers!

Dot · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Now, if only I could stop sniggering at poor Ithilden I might be able to write a coherent review…;-) I thought that first scene with Thranduil and Eilian was interesting in that Thranduil clearly wants facts and an end to the whole thing while Eilian finds it difficult to emotionally distance himself from Hiolith, in whom I imagine he can see himself if he didn’t have his little support network. I figured alright that Ithilden was the one behind Eilian’s involvement and that Thranduil was less than happy about it. The other night it sounded as thought Ithilden was still trying to convince his father that Eilian would be o.k. I like that despite the fact that Thranduil is a little brusque here and wants Eilian to get moving on things, his genuine concern for his son really comes through. Legolas is going to crack up. This punishment must seem a little excessive to him when he doesn’t realise that Thranduil knows very well that there’s trouble that he could easily wander into. I thought Ithilden explained it quite well, actually – that even if Legolas hadn’t taken the dangwath he was around people who may have and that’s dangerous enough to make any father fear for his son. The most touching line of the whole chapter has to be “And anyway, people who do take it might not be all bad.” I know he was testing Ithilden’s reaction as well but he’s very wise at times, young Legolas and I love his compassion and his loyalty to those he loves. It’s very sweet that he thinks he could help Eilian just by talking to him. Of course, that nearly could be true if Eilian were in trouble because he loves Legolas just as much as Legolas loves him. Anyway, Legolas is out of trouble for now but if I’ve learned anything about your little Legolas, it’s that he’ll be out of that palace as soon as the opportunity arises, all out of a genuine desire to help his brother. Thranduil’s impatience at Ithilden’s method of courting is hysterical. I like that he’s aware of how difficult Alfirin might find life in the palace but it seems that he’s concluded that she’s good for his son and now can’t figure out why it’s taking so long. Ithilden better watch out or his father will get fed up and just order him to marry her before Ithilden even gets around to calling her by her name. It was a bit sneaky- although I know necessary – that Thranduil tells Ithilden that Legolas is probably worried about Eilian, Ithilden visits Legolas and reports back to Thranduil. Thranduil’s very clever. He’s connected events very quickly. I *knew* he’d think it was odd that Legolas insisted he didn’t get the herb from Eilian without actually being asked. I feel bad for Thranduil. He’s done as much as he possibly can to ensure his sons are safe and to keep a handle on things but he knows he can’t have as much control as he wants. That must be very unsettling for him. I don’t believe that deep down he thinks Eilian would give into temptation but it must be so difficult for him to put his son, who is still suffering, in the path of something that could help him feel better, even temporarily. I don’t know how Thranduil and Ithilden don’t crack under the strain of having to constantly send someone they love into danger, be it with Shadow, Orcs, spiders or drugs. Maybe it helps that Eilian generally wants to go. Ah, Ithilden. Now there’s someone else who needs to be in control. And he seems to be losing his grip on his dignity with increasing frequency lately. Her family were SO all listening to them! I like Alfirin’s concern for Tonduil. She’s very motherly but apart from that has clearly had a very different upbringing to Ithilden. “I hate to see him having to learn to fight when he should be playing in the trees.” It’s actually already clear that she could be just as good for Ithilden as Lorellin was for Thranduil. Who told her he plays the harp? I think I remember reading that he does play to her…was it in ‘Prodigal Sons’? Anyway, he should definitely play to her soon and show her that softer side to him. Although, he’d probably get his hair tangled in it or something. OMG, her shawl caught fire! And he tore her dress! How mortifying for both of them. God knows what Alfirin’s father will think when she arrives back from her walk with Ithilden with a ripped dress. “That was bad luck, my lord.” Understatement of the century, that was. I feel sorry for the poor person who’ll have to spar with a horrified and embarrassed Ithilden. Of course, he couldn’t exactly head straight home incase he ran into his father, who I imagine would be torn between being frustrated at his son’s ineptitude with maidens and laughing his ass off at Ithilden’s predicament. Speaking of frustration, Eilian’s worry about the length of his recovery can’t be doing him any good at all. I love when he thinks about the reaction of his family and Maltanaur if he did take some dangwath. I think it’s great that he can see their love behind their “firm hand”. Men, eh? I wondered if that would be it. Apart from selling the stuff for a high price, there’s really the same story here – suffering soldiers and family members who need some relief. Hiolith didn’t seem that bothered until they suggested that his own supply would be taken away. He reacted to this threat as though he hadn’t thought about that before, which makes me wonder if there was more to this arrangement than simple blackmail – and who is this “superior”? “And if you think the boss is letting you come this far and then quit, you can think again.” Eh? I’m intrigued… I don’t blame Eilian for being so angry. He’s lucky he has Maltanaur. Maltanaur seems to feel the same anger and disgust but has a little more restraint, which is good or Eilian could have completely ruined things by losing his temper and put paid to any chance of learning more. Hey, if anything happened to his sons’ ‘keepers’, would Thranduil replace them, do you think? I was just wondering. Like, when Nithron was killed, would Sinnarn have been assigned a new bodyguard? That just popped into my head as I was reading about Maltanaur and seeing how well he can read Eilian by now. Anyway, you’ve me so engrossed in this. I’ll be waiting eagerly for more… :-)

Bodkin · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

It is a very good thing for Eilian's emotional development and sanity that he has Legolas for unconditional love and Maltanaur for the more adar/son camping trip sort of moments. Maltanaur seems happy to provide the other sort of fathering while Thranduil provides the principles and discipline and high standards. So ultimately, he is a very lucky Eilian.

Elena Tiriel · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

hands are shaking... must have more story... soon... withdrawal symptoms too painful to bear...

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Things are getting tense! I hope something very unpleasant will happen to the men who are using Hiolith - who seems to be just trying to help. Eilian is playing a dangerous game, though - and I agree with Thranduil, I'm not certain everything is an act. When are they going to tell Legolas about it? He's not a fool, and will follow Eilian and turn up in the middle of something unpleasant soon. It's very touching the way he thinks that if Eilian will just listen to him everything will be all right. And poor Ithilden - things go from bad to worse! Jay

Bodkin · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Does Eilian have his wine and water shaken not stirred? I love the way he just knows that his loving family and friends would not let him get in the kind of situation where he becomes dependent on dangwath. 'And if the herb did not harm him, Maltanaur, Ithilden, and Thranduil would take turns making up for its failure.' What a wonderful line - and what a reassurance for even the most unhappy elf. What a shame that Hiolith does not appear to have had a similar level of support. He doesn't seem bad - deluded, but not bad. He is not in this for profit, but for his own need and he believes he is supporting others like him. The Men, on the other hand - yes, I can see why Maltanaur might permit a bit of physical violence at the right moment. Ithilden and Alfirin: if only the troop commander knew that his role was to be the comic relief in this story. He would be mortified. At least, next time he visits (if he can ever get over the public embarrassment involved in this time) Alfirin's parents will see him as the hero who saved their daughter. Perhaps he should be a little less tentative in his approach. I think Alfirin might just have to arrange a judicious trip and fall into his arms. The smile will not leave their faces for weeks - and all those poor warriors he beat up in his frustration will bask in his pleasant mood. Poor Legolas. I think now that Adar has locked him in his room and posted guards to see he cannot escape, he should look on this as an opportunity to let him in on some of what is going on. At least as far as Eilian is concerned. And perhaps bring Annael in to share the imprisonment. He won't though. (Well, it would get in the way of the story.) Thranduil / Eilian is a difficult relationship even when Eilian is doing just as he should. Definitely his mother's son. I would love to see more of Ithilden growing up - I wonder if it was all sweetness and light or whether those 'you may be grown up in the eyes of the world, but you are still my inexperienced little ellon and you must do as I say' problems existed between them as well. It's a bit hard for Eilian and Legolas to know though - that's the trouble with 600 year age gaps. Lovely. I hope you seize every moment to continue with this story when your nose is back on the grindstone.

erunyauve · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Whoa! I didn't see the bit with Eilian undercover coming at all. And it certainly makes sense for Thranduil to confine Legolas to his chambers even though I think he knows what really happened. I feel horribly guilty, but I can't help but laugh at all Ithilden's missteps. And I feel sorry for Hiolith, who really doesn't have much choice but to cooperate with the men.

erunyauve · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Helping Out

Legolas does have a bit of a problem with realizing that sometimes you have to do something that hurts in order to be a good friend. He doesn't want to rat out his friend, but he needs to realize, just as Galeril does, that this is too serious for him.

The Karenator · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

I'm still trying to figure Hiolith out. What's his motivation? He isn't interested in the financial gain. Besides, what would he need much money for in Mirkwood? So...here's my take on this: The men accidentally stumbled onto the dangwath patch and found that Hiolith was growing it. It was a much smaller patch at that time. They wanted the dangwath to sell in Esgaroth--with the exception of Bierd who just wants it for his brother. The men can't gather it themselves because they have been caught twice in the forest by the border patrol, and if they're caught again, they'll be taken to the king. They let the warriors believe that they were poaching. The men found out that the patch is being grown by Hiolith for his private use, and they have blackmailed him into enlarging the plot and supplying them by threatening to reveal his little garden to the king. The leaders of Esgaroth want the men who are selling it and have asked the king for his help in finding out who they are so that they can be stopped. So Thranduil has agreed to not destroy the patch yet, but will aid the men in finding out who the top guy is. Therefore...Hiolith's motivation is to supply himself. If the men rat on him...the patch is history. How am I doing? I tell you what, I had a great time trying to put this puzzle together. Even if I'm wrong...what the heck, it's been such fun. I had no idea that you are so cruel. Poor Ithilden. Knowing what a stickler he is, this last episode is almost too much to bear! He ripped her dress off! Oh my, he *is* mortified! If Alfirin can calm down and get over her humiliation for a moment, she's learned something very interesting about the commander. If this guy keeps showing back up after such horrors have been heaped on him, then he is surely in love with her. And it probably would not have done for Ithilden to show up at her cottage with her and her destroyed dress. Thranduilion or not, her father will have to hear the story without Ithilden around. Ada, the mild-mannered forester who turns into Superelf when his baby girl is threatened. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be laughing. Poor Ithilden. And Alfirin too! Courted by the Prince of Mishap. Who knew? Even though Eilian is handling the whole spy role well, he's still fighting that old shadow. Fortunately, all his keepers are on their toes. And I think he's right; he'd be mincemeat if he touched the dangwath again. As always, I love Maltanaur and his line: *“You want to beat them bloody,” Maltanaur corrected, and when Eilian turned sharply, he gave him a grin. “And if you behave yourself, I may let you do it, but not tonight.* Eilian unleashed. Wonderful chapter. You've done a great job of slowly revealing what's happening and slowly feeding us just the right amount of information to keep us guessing and wanting to read on. I can't wait for the next clues. As always, my predictions are subject to change! Karen

Manderly · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Ah, you have taken some of the guessing out of the story for me. So it is a sting that Eilian is involved in, a dangerous one too by the looks of things. And poor Legolas is left in the dark worrying about his brother. Sometimes withholding the truth causes more harm than protect. I wonder if Thranduil realizes that. Legolas will probably worry about Eilian anyway even if he knows the truth, but at least his faith in his brother won't be tested. Poor Ithilden! The evening started out so well, only to be interrupted so unromantically by a burning shawl and a ripped dress. Will he ever have one uneventful evening of courting his future wife? Thranduil is a control freak. He even worries about Ithilden's progress in courting Alfirin. Soon he will be giving Ithilden an agenda to follow, no doubt. Looking forward eagerly to your next chapter.

Ms. Whatsit · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

It seems to me, daw, that you are getting a perverse delight from putting two dignified people like Alfirin and Ithilden into such embarrassing situations. I'm surprised your Ithilden muse is still speaking to you. Eilian and Thranduil's interactions are as painful as ever. Eilian might have actually been better off moving to the settlements and living with Celuwen (though not in the same house as Solith!). Ack, poor Legolas. But his trials will be at an end soon, no?

Levade · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Updated again, woot! Poor Legolas, doing what he thought was best...but it's hard when you don't have the whole picture. This cracked me up for some reason: Thranduil was trying to leave his oldest son to court the healer’s daughter in peace, but he was finding it difficult. He was still uncertain if Alfirin would be willing to live her life in the palace with the king’s oldest son who was also the troop commander and whose self-confidence occasionally extended to the point of arrogance, but he liked her and thought she might be good for his son. And of course, Ithilden was showing very few signs of arrogance in his approach to the maiden, which was slowing things down more than Thranduil would have preferred. Of course, his son’s reticence also gave Thranduil hope that he might actually love this maiden. Hence his impatience at finding Ithilden still at home. The King just is an impatient soul at times, isn't he? He would be a difficult person to live with, IMHO, even if he did dearly love you. And alas...poor Ithilden! No luck at all! Hard to believe he really did woo and win her, but for all of his trying so hard, he's not doing so great so far. *g* Still, he's doing okay, but he probably thinks he's just messing it all up. Looking forward to more, Daw!

naneth · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Feeling vindicated for my earlier deduction, I will simply enjoy the remainder of the story! Did I mention that I devour mystery novels in my "spare" time?

meckinock · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

It's starting to look as if Sinnarn owes his existence to Divine intervention. Ithilden is not accustomed to having events spin out of his control, so I guess this comedy of errors is good practice for marriage. So Thranduil thinks his sons are locked up snugger than bedbugs, huh? Too bad that elvish hearing can't pick up that train whistle in the distance. They oughta know that Legolas will stop at nothing once his concern for his big brother is aroused. Speaking of Big Brother, Eilian and Maltanaur make a pretty good detective duo. I guess Elves don't need to stock up on coffee and donuts while waiting for the deal to go down. Only thing I don't get is...what's in it for Hiolith? Looks like his needs are pretty simple. Is he in it for the money? If the men are forcing him to supply them with dangwath, that's nothing that a gallon of kerosene and a buy-bust couldn't handle. Time to flip Hiolith and find out...

Emily · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Aha! Now that's a twist I did not expect, though it's very welcome. But before any of that: poor Ithilden! He is not having an easy time with Alfirin! He was so kind speaking to Legolas. I could have hugged him. Now that the truth has come out about Eilian's actions, I feel even worse for Legolas. How frustrated, bored, and worried he must be. I can't imagine it. He might be just a smidgen annoyed if/when he finds out the real plot. Eilian and his keeper make me smile. Maltanaur knows exactly what's going through Eilian's mind. Eilian's doing a good job convincing himself that he doesn't want to use the plant. Here's to hoping he keeps on thinking that. (By the by, I'm in Jersey, where it's hot and muggy and stays that way all day. No cooling down at night. Snow, even in stories, is a nice thought right now.)

Rikki · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Poor Ithilden. I am sure he and Alfirin will look back and laugh about his *courting* techniques someday, but for now how embarassing for the heir to the throne. Let's hope that the couple eventually gets to go on a *normal* date. Legolas is also in a bind trying to figure out how much to tell his adar about Eilian and how much he wants to protect his brother from any harm. For a teenager (which is about where I put him in the timeline), Legolas is pretty thoughtful for his age. I would almost say mature, but I have a feeling that the window may come in to use as a door before all this is over. You know between Eilian and Legolas, it is a wonder that Thranduil doesn't have grey hair is bald from pulling on it in frustration all the time.

Karri · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation

Ah, well, that's better! Eilian the spy is much preferable to Eilian the junkie. ;-) Now, if only they can wrap things up before Legolas put himself in the middle of it. I am glad that Hiolith's heart is still more or less in the right the place in giving up the dangwaith for the sick soldiers.