Reviews (243)

Jay of Lasgalen · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough

Hmm - is Eilian going to be for the high jump when he gets back? Despite the fact that he was correct in his concerns, I don't think he can get away with simply assigning himself where he likes. I'm glad that Maltanaur is recovering, and loved Beliond ordering Legolas to bed. Quite right too! The elfling, even if he is a competent lieutenant, had had enough. Celuwen is growing on me - but like it or not, she is going to have to accept the need for guards. :( Jay

Bodkin · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Well, I can't say I'm sorry if you are going to force me to read two more chapters. I wouldn't even cry if you made it longer! (How do you manage to keep your stories so neat and compact - don't tell me, I know - it's all in the planning!) I look forward to the pleasure of another chapter. Even if I don't see it until the morning - which is, at least, a Saturday.

Bodkin · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Just to prove your power over my imagination:- I was driving for some time today and my mind drifted to Annael. Has Emmelin been born yet? Does Legolas go and visit them when he is on leave and play with the little elfling? Is he the elven equivalent of her godfather? Is Annael's mother still around? What is she doing now that Annael is all grown up? And, by the way, Alfirin is the healer's daughter - that is her naneth, whose name escapes me. Is her adar named anywhere? What does he do? I seem to recall that he was quite pleased when Tonduil dropped warrior-ing in favour of horse-mastering, but I don't recall anything else about him. If any other questions occur to me, I will be sure to let you know!!

Brenda G. · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

"WHEW!" HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF. WIPES SWEAT FROM BROW AND FLOPS BACK INTO HER CHAIR EXHAUSTED BY THE TERRIBLE TENSION OF THE LAST FEW MOMENTS OF READING THE LATEST CHAPTER OF "GLORIOUS SUMMER" BY DAW THE MINSTREL. SLIGHT SMILE LIGHTS FACE, TURNING TO SMIRK OF SATISFACTION, CHANGING SWIFTLY AGAIN TO ZEALOUS, UNRESTRAINABLE JOY AS THE REALIZATION OF CREEPO ZALAN'S DEATH, CELUWEN'S AND ELIAN'S RESCUE, AND LEGOLAS BECOMING A-1 HERO OF TALE SLOWLY DAWNS IN READER'S AWARENESS! "I SHOULD TELL DAW HOW TREMENDOUS A CHAPTER SHE HAS PRODUCED FOR US, HER FANS," SHE THINKS, "AND HOW HAPPY I AM THAT EILIAN NOW HAS THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE RIGHT TO SAY TO HIS ADAR: 'I WAS RIGHT, SEE? SO PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE (IF YOU WOULD EVER CARE TO TRY ONE) AND SMOKE IT!'" NODS TO HERSELF. YES, THAT'S WHAT SHE SHOULD DO. "I SHOULD ALSO REMIND DAW THAT WE ARE IMPATIENT AND WANT HER TO HURRY AND POST THE NEXT CHAPTER, LIKE IMMEDIATELY." WITH AN AFFIRMATIVE NOD TO HERSELF, THE REVIEWER SETS ABOUT HER TASK. This was SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD! Thanks for preserving our lovely Elven family to us - all safe and in one piece. What's that they say about Hell and a woman's scorn? Eilian had best remember how handy Celuwen is with a knife before he decides to cross her at any point in the future in one or more marital disputes. Lordy, this was terrific chapter, so well-written it's scary! Ready for more, so bring it on. Brenda G.

Susanlu · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

¡°I give the orders in my own house, Thranduilion. Not you.¡± -_-|||||| I suspect that the reason of S¨®lith's disliking to the royal family isn't Eilian, but Thranduil. Is it possible that Solith has courted Lorellin but been beated down by the handsome elvenking at last? ^o^ Otherwise, why was he so rude to all the Thranduilions? Ok, both Thranduilions. Are the wood-elves naturally gentle and kind? Or "harsh" is the common character of all the leaders? (Now Solith will be the leader of this settlement, will he?)

lwarren · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

If you ask me (and you didn't), Zalan bought it too easily! His little groping scene with Celuwen deserved at the very least, drawing and quartering! Still, a knife in the throat, chest (wherever) and a spit over the skull...I guess that'll do! LOL Eilian continued to be masterful and in control; bless his heart, I know he wanted to cut loose and go crazy, but he's a warrior to the bone. Legolas to the rescue!! YEAH!!!! He really showed his developing skills off at the beginning in dealing with the wandering settlers in the trees (nice recovery of patience there, o Prince!) and his choice of Riolith to scout out the situation instead of Gelmir (his indifference to the fact he doesn't much care for Riolith right now, and his understanding of why he doesn't was very well done...on his part, and yours, daw!) spoke of his determination to do the very best for the hostages, no matter what. You also portrayed his continuing fear for his brother vividly...just the insertion of his thoughts in one place, and then another a little further on kept the tension building throughout. The end came quickly (take that, you stupid MEN!) and Eilian was just glad to get his arms around Celuwen to reassure her, as well as himself! :-) Legolas is the hero-brat of the moment, Isiwen and Celuwen continue to impress...but I wish you would gag Solith! Great chapter, daw! *skips off humming "elves rule, stupid men drool* linda

The Karenator · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Gosh, your minstrelship, that was pretty darn tense. I have no nails left. It was a tough call for Legolas to not rush right in and do things himself. He wanted to; he really did. But the making of this young officer is going quite well. He put the good of the whole above his own desires. A very mature thing to do. Plus, he had on his hands some very well trained and seasoned warriors, but they were antsy because they knew Eilian's life was at risk, and they are loyal to their former captain. He could not let them go renegade on him either. He stayed firmly in control...with the exception of the one renegade settler who found out a whole lot more than Riolith. That was only slightly embarrassing. Well, Z-man thought he was pretty smart there, didn't he? Figured he could just do as he pleased with Celuwen with her husband watching. That was very bad decision on his part. However, it was an even worse decision to do such a thing in front of Celuwen's mother. That Elf could play for the Braves. Go Isiwen! And I can't help but wonder if the 'petulant' remark won't come back to haunt Eilian at some point. :>) Eilian will not want to forget how deadly his 'petulant' wife is with a knife either. Nice rescue scene. A lot was happening at once, and you let us have it fast and well, deadly. Very good! That is what brothers are for. And then we have Solith..yep, yep, yep...good old Solith. Wonder if he knows his wife can bat a thousand? Those petulant women...gotta love 'em. Excellent. I can't wait to see how things turn out at home and how you resolve your guard problem. I hate to admit it, but I hadn't even missed them. Carry on, Karen

elliska · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

I can't restrain myself from commenting on the guard situation. This is what I assumed was coming with that (wouldn't have known different if not for the review replies): Legolas wouldn't know there were guard to be missing, so he wouldn't go looking for them. Eilian knows but has way too much on his mind between his wife and his own beloved guard to probably even remember who went with Celuwen much less wonder what happened to them. And before the attack, he still had far more interesting things on his mind to do with Celuwen than discuss her guards :) I thought we would see a "what did you do to your guards" speech from both Eilian and Ithilden and I can just see Celuwen basically telling them both (either verbally or just with a cold glare) what they can do with their guards. Especially when she is perfectly good with daggers and made a point of showing Eilian the chimes/alarm thing which shows the Silvan are perfectly capable. They may be hard to govern, but it is because they are self sufficient. I think it would be a very funny encounter. Just had to throw that in. And in case I hadn't mentioned it before (note sarcasm :-D) you did an excellent job creating tension and suspense in this--much more so than those 'torture' types of stories, which I thank you very much for not writing. And as someone else said--we care about these characters. They are interesting. That is what I want to read personally. I'm not into gratuitous violence. If it has meaning in the story, that's one thing but otherwise...I can just watch the news and that's bad enough. Great story. If throwing in a conversation between Celuwen and Eilain/Ithilden about the guards makes it one chapter longer than it would have been (or even makes the last chapter longer), I'm all for that. :)

White Wolf · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

I admire Legolas's restraint in not sending himself to check things out. He is really a responsible officer, who makes the right decisions, no matter what his own emotional involvement is. I know how happy Eilian was to be the one to kill Zalan and set Celuwn free. Good for her taking part in their rescue.

caz - baz · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

I bought a laptop this weekend. I'm so happy. It also distracted me from wondering what was going to happen. I feel so sorry for Celuwen and her family they went through such an ordeal, usually writers write these agnsty/torture situations but you don't really feel that sorry for the people or get to see into the characters feelings as deeply as when you write about it. You really built up the tension, I was sitting on the edge of my seat going 'just do something!'. It must be really hard for people in those situations having to wait until the opportune moment. I'm not one to sit still, ever. Even now my leg's vibrating. I really couldn't do that waiting thing your characters are so good at. Well until next chapter caz - baz

Elena Tiriel · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Well, after re-reading the last few chapters, I think I've finally gotten my heart out of my throat and back into my chest where it belongs... This story was off the angst scale! So many things to like, most of which others have commented on much better than I could... One thing I'll mention: I was *so* glad you gave Celuwen a chance to make a difference with her knife-throwing skills. Way to go, Celuwen! She's as protective about anyone threatening Eilian as he is in reverse. And Isiwen braining the Z-guy? Yessss!!! That was a decidedly unexpected pleasure! Now, Daw, I bawled you out before (wrongly) for wasting sweet little bunny wabbits, but this time you deserve it! Half-cooked bunnies skittering across the floor? Eeeeeewwwww! I know that Arda will provide and all that, but that was just wasteful!!!! Shame on you! Well, I'll forgive you, if you keep the chapters coming... ;-) I truly want to see Thranduil and Ithilden be forcefully confronted with the fact that EILIAN WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG! So THERE! (And not just about mistrusting the news of the Men ... he was right to bond with Celuwen, and the quicker Thranduil gets his snotty nose out of the air about that the quicker he will regain my respect. Harrruuumph! Celuwen isn't the only one protective of *our* Eilian...) - Barbara, wondering if her pulse will ever recover after reading this story... P.S. Your explanation for Celuwen's guards not being there is just fine...

Bodkin · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Maybe Legolas thought that Celuwen arrived with Eilian and Maltanaur - which would probably be guard enough. And Eilian might have thought he was in enough trouble for turning up unannounced in full protective mode and that mentioning her guards was likely to infuriate Celuwen. He is rather an 'oh well, it may have been dangerous but it's done and nothing bad happened - and I'm on the case now', kind of elf. He might be expecting the guards to be part of the fall-out that will happen once they get home to Adar and Ithilden. And Alfirin would never have thought of guards as part of the coaching she offered in what Celuwen's life will be like now, as she never goes beyond the safe boundaries round the Stronghold. (Or if she does, it's with Ithilden - and she might well expect the guards to be attached to him.) And no-one ever worries her with nasty things, because she's too girlie.

Jebb · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

SO the seventh cavalry oh excuse me the southern patrol rides to the rescue thank goodness I felt mentally exhausted after reading it goodness knows how Eilian and Legolas felt! Legolas did very well and managed the difficult task of choosing a scout with great maturity and while he may still crave Beliond's approval he no longer sees it necessary to have it when he makes decisions he is cool, calm and in control at least on the outside internally well he must be panicking Well the elleth came into their own it never does to underestimate the female of any species and Celuwen must be glad she practised knife throwing when she was young The story line of hostage takers and hostages is horribly topical, it seems there is always someone out there misusing power or religious beliefs to terrify the innocent Loved the ending I had hoped the bang on the head might have knocked some sense into Solith I should have known better

Bodkin · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

I was thinking about Celuwen's guard as I drove. I reckon the misunderstanding is probably down to Ithilden. All the royals know - even Thranduil - that, when away from the Stronghold, guards are part of what you put up with. (In Eilian's and Legolas's cases, they are their keepers, but the principle is the same.) Even Thranduil cannot dump his guards, BUT Celuwen is not used to this, and the guards sent with her are not used to her being part of this. I expect the guards were put at her disposal - in that polite meaningless fiction that means 'officially you are their boss - as long as you do exactly what they say'. Only she thought that meant she could dispose of them - so she did. Putting on a hint of Thranduilishness, a modicum of Solith mulishness and the charm she has seen Eilian use with the guards, she sent them home. And Ithilden probably has them on their way back right now, thoroughly chastened, with instructions that they are not to let Celuwen out of their sight. I think Celuwen is due to be on the receiving end of a Talking-To from Ithilden about security.

Rose Sared · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Oh my goodness, such action, so quickly! (I am very jealous of how fast you can turn out these wonderful chapters). Much enjoyed thank you. Rose

French Pony · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Gyah. It's ten of midnight, and I've just been eating dinner and reading this latest chapter. Yes, I've got that oh-so-special eating disorder known as Homework. Have to stay at the library till it's done, only then can I come home and eat and read more story. Bravo to the settlers, bravo to Celuwen, bravo to Eilian, and bravo to Legolas and the cavalry. The Men were dumb and made some obvious mistakes, and the Elves knew just how to take advantage of that. The Men should not have gotten so chummy with Eilian, but he can turn on the charm when he wants, and it's hard for them not to get chummy. Eilian, of course, uses that to lull them into less-than-hyperwatchfulness. Celuwen plays along well. It strikes me that having a settler wandering around in the trees during the scouting mission might not be so terrible as Legolas thinks. After all, if that's what the settlers normally do, then they should keep doing it. Part of instigating a surprise attack is to keep everything as normal as possible so the hijackers don't suspect anything. I am amused that the settler was so familiar with the interior layout of the cottage, though. Is this the Elf version of Levittown, or is he just a good friend of the Sólith family? Celuwen's childhood knife-throwing sure came in handy. I'll bet that when she's recovered a little from this, she'll find it hard to resist bragging to Alfirin, just a little. After all, Alfirin probably never tossed a blade in her life, and she wouldn't have done nearly so well were she the one in the hostage situation. Thranduil and Ithilden are just going to have a mutual cow over this. Eilian gave a short laugh. “Officers,” he sneered. “None of them has the sense of a newborn puppy.” “That’s the truth,” Susta spat. Considering who he's speaking with, point Susta, Eilian to serve. Legolas is shaping up into a good commander. But we knew that. He had the instincts way back when he was a little bitty novice playing war games.

Karri · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

On the bright side, Legolas handled that well and everyone came through all right. *grimaces* One the grim side, Sólith lived and is conscious, and, to make matters worse, has a monsterous headache that will no doubt going to leave him grumpy as all get out with no bad guys left to take it out on, so, of course, he will take it out on Eilian. The poor kid will soon be wishing he were back at the sharp end of a sword. But on the bright side again, dealing with Sólith makes the Southern Patrol look like a cake-walk, so Eilian will be well-prepared for his return.

esamen · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

And then came the voice of Sólith, who was finally waking up. “I give the orders in my own house, Thranduilion. Not you.” This is a gorgeous line. I could learn like Solith, I think. He can add some comedy to the drama. A family always need a good father-in-law around to keep the husbands humble. What a great chapter! All the action came together like chess pieces on a board, and the women pulled it off! Yay! Darn those Men. Can't they let us Elves live in peace? See you in the next chapter, Esamen

Alice · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Those settlers leave me endlessly amused. They're the anarchists of Arda. Thranduil deserves more respect for being able to rule them. If they didn't respect him so I think they'd just forgo the whole idea of a national government. I love how Solith just bosses around the princes. It's so funny. And so him. Man, exciting chapter. When I read the bit about Zalan groping Celuwen I immedietly thought, " Your butt is so Eilian's." Which it was. And then Susta was taken out by Legolas and Celuwen. Celuwen is very cool. So is Isewen. I wouldn't have been as nearly as calm as they were. I do have a question about Celuwen's guards. What happened to them? I don't think Eilian is going to be very happy with them. I look forward to the next chapter. Even though I doubt Solith will be more kindly disposed towards Eilian and the fact that Eilian was right won't take all the edge out of Thranduil's and Ithilden's anger. Well maybe Ithilden's. He's the more patient of the two which isn't saying much. Update soon.

Ana · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Hi! I'm sorry... I just sent empty review, I hit enter a bit to fast. :) I promise I'll review other chapter some other time. Now I know what reviews mean as I have a gallery on DeviantArt and I value every single comment I get. The chapter was great, as always, but I miss one thing... a hug. Or maybe not. I really love this chapter because of this: "This was Eilian, whom he had adored from earliest childhood, Eilian, who had made it clear to a small, bereaved Legolas that he would go away but he would always come back, and that Legolas could be as bad as he liked and Eilian would love him anyway." Your little Legolas stories are my absolute favourite and those with not so little Legolas too, especially those who have a lot of Eilian in it. I also like the first part, because it shows Legolas as responsible and competend leader. As someone everyone should be proud of (someone like Beliond and Thranduil and Eilian and Ithilden. I know they already know that, bud does Legolas?). As someone who can forget his own impulses and can make the best choice. He's great Luitenant! And then came the voice of Sólith, who was finally waking up. “I give the orders in my own house, Thranduilion. Not you.” Eilian laid his cheek against Celuwen’s hair and groaned. His father-in-law undoubtedly had a monstrous headache and no memory of the events of the last few hours, but he knew who he thought was in charge here. The everyday world had returned, it seemed. ... :)))))

Dot · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Oh wow! Excellent chapter! I had to sit on my hands to stop myself from scrolling down to see what happened… Legolas was so good in this. It was almost painful to watch him put together a plan and try not to give into his instincts to check up on Eilian because I was *dying* to see what would happen but still, he did it very well! He nearly had an Eilian moment when he wanted to rush over and see if he could determine whether his brother was alright but he did a very commendable job in remembering his responsibilities. Clearly it’s one thing to have to look after Eilian when he’s injured but quite another to stand idly by while he’s in danger. I felt bad for Gelmir – who’s probably finding it more difficult than he thought he would to be under Legolas’ leadership – but Legolas did the right thing. It’s funny, Gelmir must have felt the way Legolas did so many times when Eilian was his captain and wouldn’t let him off into danger. I’m glad Legolas is willing to recognise Riolith’s strengths despite his personal feelings. I was quite relieved that nothing happened to him or it would have looked as though Legolas sent the guy he disliked to go and be shot! I was actually quite proud too of Legolas disregarding Beliond’s comment – while he still has the sense to accept advice from him in situations where he might know better, Legolas is really coming into his own and trusting his own initiative without having to have the support of his keeper. “Isulas saw some things in the cottage from the tree tops.” LOL! Trust those settlers to do their own thing. The way he was completely astonished at Legolas’ reaction reminded me of that guy he dealt with in ‘Spring Awakenings’. I forget his name. Frustration at the settlers seems to be a familiar feeling in the House of Oropher. Someone should point out to Thranduil that in the early days of Greenwood his father & co were essentially settlers as well… Anyway, dealing with this lot is quite good practice for if ever Legolas has to be part of a group in dangerous situations where not everyone has warrior training ;-) I had never thought about what would happen if Legolas rescued Eilian at the cost of Celuwen’s life! Granted, I know that she survives but still, what a terrible thing for Legolas to even have to contemplate. *shudder* That Zalan. He’s lucky Sólith was unconscious. Eilian is just so clever! Dragging the body instead of lifting it was a stroke of genius. It probably meant that the Men would never have dreamed that Isiwen would be able to lift something as heavy as the spit. He got some very useful information out of Susta as well. I had to laugh at the way Eilian played along with him. “May she sit? You know how females are. She will become petulant if she is kept on her feet for much longer.” He’s lucky Celuwen and Isiwen are intelligent people or he’d probably have earned a fine slap for himself. I’d never have thought of getting her to sit so that Zalan would be an easier target. Eilian’s reputation for being quick and adaptable in dangerous situations is obviously well-deserved. And he still isn’t in any way rash or needlessly endangering others. Thranduil and Ithilden would be proud! In between moments of annoyance, of course. I actually yelped aloud when Eilian threw his knife at Zalan. You had built up the tension so much that I jumped when the action began! Bravo for Isiwen and Celuwen! They were just amazing. And so brave. Legolas seemed completely calm and in control of the situation. Everyone did a fantastic job, I thought. The meeting of the two brothers was lovely as always. ‘“All right now that you are here, brat,” Eilian said as lightly as he could. Legolas met his eyes and then smiled faintly. “What are brothers for?”’ It’s nice that they never have to say much but this little exchange always speaks volumes. “I give the orders in my own house, Thranduilion. Not you.” Ah yes, all is right with the world. It doesn’t seem to matter which of Thranduil’s sons is around, Sólith is sure to find offence with them. I guess this is coming to an end :-( I suppose Khi has to be dealt with somehow. I wonder what will happen to him? And poor Eilian has to find out about Maltanaur. There’s another couple of chapters left in it, though, right?!! Anyway, this chapter was great. I’m so proud of them all! :-)

Tapetum Lucidum · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

I laughed at your very direct chapter title. Legolas' musings over his relationship with his elder brother were very sweet. I was glad he was able to use his head and send a better scout. It was good to see the loyalty that Eilian's troop had for him. It is obvious from their reactions that he is very well thought of among the patrol. Beliond's suspicion that Legolas picked Riolith to be in danger rather than be the best scout was amusing. At least the lieutenant passed that test. His reaction to the actions of the colonist was familiar. I seem to remember Ithilden having the same reaction to his little brother when he wandered off on a hunting trip. It is hard for those in the military to deal with us civilians. It turned out to be fortunate that he made his sojourn. If Legolas got Celuwen killed, things would be a bit strained at home. Eilian seems to be a master of hostage situations. I guess Legolas helped a little with his previous training. Not letting on about his strength and smooth talking the leader are very clever. Checking Felas for a knife was also a good idea. What self respecting wood elf goes without a boot knife? Even Aragorn knew they carried them when they went to Elrond's banquet. Zalan is obviously suicidal. I would not want to be him when it hits the fan. Maybe it is a good thing that Eilian hasn't read his Married Man Manual, otherwise he would never havet thought to suggest Celuwen sit down. I was glad that you had Celuwen participate in the overthrow. She is a lot like Eowyn, she wants to fight her own battles and does not want to be coddled. The brothers' greeting was classic! Legolas will always be the brat. It was good to see the lieutenant take charge of the cottage, at least for a few seconds. Solith will not let that last too long. I am wondering about the political ramifications of the death of Felas. Will Solith be in charge of the settlement? Will that change improve or worsen the relationship the colony has with Thranduil? Will the rest of the settlers resent the fact that they were supposed to be safe and the king's warriors (one of which was his son) let these men wander the forest? Sounds like a big political mess. Good Luck!

meckinock · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

I'm so proud of Legolas, I feel ilke he's my own son. All the training and experience he has acquired up until now still couldn't prepare him for this hostage rescue - no pressure here - just his brother and sister-in-law's lives at stake! I bet many seasoned commanders would have reverted to blind instinct under such circumstances -- making assignments based on personality and not ability; putting themselves out front where the action is instead of holding back and retaining the perspective to assess the evolving situation and redirect the tactics as needed. Legolas kept a level head and Beliond is very proud of him, I'm sure! I guess it still remains to be seen whether Eilian will get a pass for the stunt he pulled. Being proven right in the end doesn't always make things better, and knowing Thranduil this will somehow end up being all Eilian's fault. But I'm guessing that proposal for improving settler security will get approved a lot easier now. Gotta love all the gears clicking away in my favorite elf's head. Don't let them know how strong you are; yup, get some separation between Celuwn and that jackass, give that sniper a clean shot...or OK, as an alternative you could just drill the pervy breast-groper yourself! Even better! And I'm glad Celuwen got to use her knife-throwing abilities. Those settlers aren't totally useless. Having Eilian search the corpse for weapons was a nice touch of gritty realism. So was the civilian wandering around inside the perimeter. Legolas wisely did not look that gift horse in the mouth! And Solith got the last word, as usual. Maybe he needs a whack on the head with the end of that spit, too. I can't wait to see what Ithilden has to say about all this. And poor Maltanaur -- what will he think when he wakes up?

elliska · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Thank heavens everything is alright. Those super tense chapters were killing me. “All right now that you are here, brat,” Eilian said as lightly as he could. Legolas met his eyes and then smiled faintly. “What are brothers for?” Ahhh, isn't that familiar. You have to love the relationship these two have. Legolas is lucky to have Eilian and right now Eilian is very lucky to have Legolas. The whole situation must seem a little strange to Eilian--being rescued by his younger brother (though he largely had that situation under control too) and then seeing 'his' troops commanded by his little brother. That has to be bizarre for both of them. Those men are lucky Eilian didn't have time to give them the kind of death he would have liked to give them. I'll be very interested to see if this little incident has any impact on Solith's attitude. Great chapter and thanks for putting us out of our misery. :)

Bodkin · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Legolas is a star - Beliond must be so proud of him! He uses his judgment - picks the best elf for the job, regardless of personal preference; refrains from braining the settler (the diplomatic training of Spring Awakenings clearly not wasted!) and arrives in the nick of time to take out the baddie. After all - what are brothers for? (I love that expression. It conveys their love for each other so perfectly.) And Eilian managed the situation with a patience and control which would have surprised his adar. Clever of him to get Celuwen sitting down to free up the target area. I love it that Celuwen and Isiwen were just waiting their chance - I enjoyed seeing Isiwen whack the slime who cut her daughter. And I'm glad Celuwen got the opportunity to use those knife-throwing skills! She and Legolas can arm-wrestle to see who gets the credit! Gelmir's wish to help Eilian (and Celuwen) is very sweet. I like Gelmir. And isn't it typical of Solith to wake up with words of whinging on his lips. No thoughts of shock or distress, no gratitude for others leaping to the rescue. He needs a whack with a large iron spit - and Isiwen is just the one to give it to him.