Reviews (241)

Brazgirl · 12 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

One of the stories you mentioned to me I had already read; it was a great one, I must say! That one Legolas is playing orc and he doesn't want his brothers to go. Very sad. Ithilden will have some trouble with Thranduil... yes, he will!!! I hope you will post their conversation. I love to see the King mad at something. It makes him powerful... even more than he already is. I can't believe in those boys! As always, this is so typical of boys at their age. This urge for adventure and mystery, new things. I just wonder what is going to happen here. Annael's sadness was very sweet. Poor guy!

Susanlu · 12 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Is that the mannish boy who has shot the raft? @_@ If that's true, I will say he's lucky because he's under age, the elves will do nothing bad to a kid. And Legolas, I strongly suggest you put on a pair of kneepad and prepare your "I'm so sorry Ada" speech from now on (maybe Eilian can help you, I guess when he back from east, he will need the speech, too, although the receiver may not be Thranduil but Ithilden). Sigh, we can do nothing about that, Turgon is still alive after all.

esamen · 12 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Hi there -- I am beyond belief; I have to review your review. Are we all nuts, or what . . . ? ********** "Kick ass with a sword" . . . oh, someone needs to develop a visual, maybe a poster, of the glamorous twins with weapons in hand, lookin' bad, with a caption along the lines of "Kick ass with a sword." We could post it somewhere on the website where we could all go look at it. ************ The boy has his role to play, poor thing. Everyone in Thranduil's family is thinking about their relations with men. I really, really like the way you weave themes of real-life issues through each of your stories. It gives them a visceral punch that moves them into a higher level of storytelling. I am always impressed by the many levels of emotion that resonate in your stories. ************ I'll be out of town this weekend, visiting my mother, so I'm not sure when I'll post again. Airplane time is usually good writing time but then I have to be sociable eventually. Yeah, I like that airplane time too. No phone calls, no people interrupting--I'm going to visit my Dad for Thanksgiving and I'll have that same situation going on. Best wishes for a wonderful trip! Esamen

Manderly · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Ahh, the plot thickens. Eilian and the twins together hunting orcs? If I were an orc, I'd be running for my life. Poor Ithilden. It must have been such a difficult decision to make, allowing the three to go orc hunting in the company of Men. Thranduil will not be a happy king or adar when he learns of this. And the elflings are getting themselves involved with an orphaned Man child? And they actually think they can get away with hiding the child in a nearby cottage? I don't know whether I should applaud them for their well-meaning intentions or wring my hands over their foolishness. Probably a bit of both. You are certainly building up the excitement here.

French Pony · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Ooh, I'm so glad you posted this tonight, because I get to review it. We did this really cool drill in fencing tonight that I wanted to tell you about, because it sounded like something that one of the novice masters (I can't remember who teaches fencing; Penntalion does archery and Maldor does unarmed combat, but I don't remember about fencing) could use, and I know you like to be realistic about things like that. I'll put it at the end, so you can skip the description if you're not interested. How "convenient" for Ithilden that, just when he was wondering where extra warriors would come from, three get dropped in his lap. Rebel McRogue and the Twin Terrors of Tinytown. There are times when Ithilden's life resembles a musical comedy. He did the right thing in assigning Eilian to command this venture. It seems to be an astute observation of Eilian that command of and responsibility for others steadies him. It's also kind of sad that he seems to think he alone is not worth the protection he'd give to other warriors. Eilian is definitely an Elf in need of more TLC than he's currently getting. I'd offer, but I'm cold and prickly and not very good at giving TLC. But I can give Eilian a friendly pat on the shoulder. Perhaps after he has elflings and becomes the second most important person in their world after Celuwen, he'll finally really get it that someone needs him to come home every time. The thing that's dangerous here is that Elladan and Elrohir have just announced their intention not to place themselves under command unless they feel like it. That's highly irresponsible, and it's putting Eilian and the Men in more danger. No matter how few Orcs there are or how slow they are, Eilian does not need the added worry that the twins will run off and go AWOL if something about his command doesn't suit them. Ithilden should probably swear them to Eilian temporarily before they set out. Sondil, trusting babysitter that he is, didn't split up the Unholy Trinity. He will regret this later, I think. These poor kids -- they so want to do the right thing, and they've all got enough innate morality to have an idea of what "the right thing" might be. This situation is playing to all of their strengths: Annael's woodcraft, Legolas's compassion and Turgon's creativity. But they're still laboring under the schoolkid code of omertá, and Eru forbid they should rat out another kid. You can see that they want to do the right thing, but they're not sophisticated enough to know quite what that is. I wonder if Sondil will notice the missing arrows. I give fifty-fifty odds on that. If it were any of the other masters, they'd know in a New York second, but Sondil, though he is good at observing bears, does not appear to be the world's greatest observer of elflings. So. This drill. It's kind of a variation on Monkey In The Middle. Take three fencers (Annael, Turgon and Legolas). Legolas goes in the middle, and Annael and Turgon stand facing each other, each about twenty feet away from Legolas, so that they're all three in a line. Legolas's job is to attack and hit, and Annael and Turgon have to parry and riposte. As soon as the attack on Annael is over, Legolas spins around, scootles over and attacks Turgon. Wash, rinse, repeat. Legolas is working very hard, and after a while, he'll be exhausted and breathing hard. His attacks will degrade, his stance will falter, his legs will start to cramp. When that happens, he has to do the drill twenty more times. Then they can switch someone else into the middle. The idea is to teach a fencer how to keep fighting through the deadly fatigue that an all-day tournament can bring, where you have your shortest and easiest bouts in the morning when you're fresh, and by five in the afternoon, you're fencing fifteen-touch bouts against the best opponents, none of whom have lost yet. And you're exhausted. And the only thing to do is to keep fencing through it and to be in top form while you're fencing through the exhaustion. It strikes me that this could very well apply to a real battle-with-Orcs situation and that novices could learn much from it.

Alice · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

You know, I just kept going uh-oh throughout the discovery of the orphan deserter. When is Legolas going to learn that an idea from Turgon is a bad idea? Sweet boy, not too bright. So, anyone want to bet me that this won't blow up in their faces? What, no takers? Didn't think so. I enjoyed the bit with Ithilden too. Particularly the line about Eilian having enough self preservation not to lie to Ithilden. Really makes me wonder what Ithilden does to people who lie to him. Ithilden is kind of scary sometimes, you know that? But that's okay, because he only breaks out the scariness when the kingdom ( or the wellbeing of those he cares about) necessitates it. I love how he sort of threatens Elladan and Elrohir also. I was sort of expecting him to ask them to remain behind while he told them, " I understand that you're going through a hard time right now and I truly am sorry but that is my little brother you have there and if either one of you gets him killed or maimed because of your lust for revenge, then so help me Eru I will hunt you down and make you suffer." But reminding them that Eilian is in command was probably a better way and much cleverer. And Ithilden has my pity for having to be the one to break the news about the mission to Thranduil. Not exactly a fun job. So, I eagerly anticipate the next chapter and seeing what those three elflings get up to. Oy, are they in over their heads on this one, but then, aren't they always? Update soon!

Dot · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Alright, I’m lost. I think I’ll just have to sit back and see what happens with this one. I figured the house next door to Turgon would reappear at some time but I had *not* expected an orphaned human child to be wandering around the forest. Then again, I didn’t exactly expect the arrival of the sons of Elrond either ;-) So let’s see… a man attacks elves, orcs attack men, twins and Eilian go to find said orcs, elflings find lone boy and give him their food and arrows (I'm presuming they're armory arrows and not the homemade ones...) and leave him alone in the forest. Yep, that’s me bewildered. And dying to know what happens! Anyway… the whole scene in Ithilden’s office was great. I’m glad you did it from his point of view – it was great fun watching his mind at work. I would like to petition for Calith to be allowed to call him by his name, though. Even just when there’s no one else around? It seems that Ithilden’s tendency to feel responsible for and guilty about everything has now extended to men being attacked in the vicinity of their forest. I suppose he knows what it’s like to have warriors endangered, and it’s horrific to think that many were killed. I really liked the moment when he suddenly realises that he could use Elladan and Elrohir and then tries to banish that thought. He’s almost painfully aware of their grief, though, and I suppose he knows something of the way they’re thinking, having been there himself to some extent and having seen how Eilian dealt with his grief. I thought Elrohir’s point about how the men of Esgaroth might join them made sense. I guess it highlights again their different mindsets when it doesn’t even dawn on Ithilden to work with the men until the idea is put to him. It’s kind of a nice thought too that Ithilden is behind a lot of Thranduil’s interaction with other races, like with the dwarves in other stories. I do hope for Ithilden’s sake that some good comes of all this. Very funny line: “Lord Eilian wishes to join the discussion.” I can imagine the conversation that took place in the other room. And the one in the infirmary for that matter… Eilian often says things that are “much too plausible.” That’ll never change! You know what, though? I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt. He could very well end up with some tough decisions to make when Elladan and Elrohir get going but there’s always a possibility that he’ll use what he learned when in their position to help them. Then again, he could get carried away by adrenalin… Nice touch of Ithilden’s to put him in charge. “I have no doubt at all that warriors of Imladris are able to understand the importance of following orders.” Very well done. Almost Thranduil-esque. Speaking of Thranduil, I wouldn’t fancy having to tell him. But Ithilden may find that Thranduil knew very well that Eilian was likely to go with the twins. Of course, that wouldn’t make him any happier. Well, this camping trip took an interesting turn! What possessed Sondil to send Annael, Turgon and Legolas off together I’ll never know… What’s a huckleberry?? Come to think of it, what are cattail roots?? Darn Annael and his excellent tracking skills – this time it’s his fault! I was wondering what they’d find. But a boy! And barely adolescent by the sound of it. Quick question, though… I thought Turgon didn’t speak Westron? How sad that the boy is a member of Esgaroth’s army, especially as they seem to have seen a lot of fighting lately. I’m guessing there’s more to his story too. This is all so fascinating! Trust Turgon to come up with a mad plan. What are the chances it’ll work? It’s actually quite touching, though, how they all try to help the boy. It was very considerate of Annael to give him their food even though they were bound to get into trouble. So now he’s alone in the woods and Turgon has to go back there at night to find him. Ooh, I’m getting all excited!! :-)

Nilmandra · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

I think the exercise of having the young elves have to forage for food and live off the forest is a great lesson. I am not sure I envy Sondil having to teach them, though! I am still contemplating Ithilden's behavior. His dictatorial manner doesn't seem to have gotten him in hot water to date, but I am curious to know how the sons of Elrond react to his somewhat condescending comment about following orders. *grin* He has put Eilian in an interesting position, but I think Eilian can live up to it.

Firnsarnien · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Oh no! I'd forgotten how persuasive Turgon can be! And how could I forget how easily Legolas was persuaded by him too! What on earth are they thinking? Hiding that boy? They'll never get away with it. Either they're going to be found out and be in a heap of trouble or something terribly bad is going to happen because of their deception. It always does! *sigh* And I just hate for poor Leggy to get in trouble from a bad decision. Getting in trouble otherwise is just fine for me, ;) but when disaster finds him because he's done something he knows he shouldn't have, *shakes head* that's another thing entirely. Ithilden is NOT going to be pleased, neither is Thranduil! *shudder* I could almost hear Ithilden groan when Eilian came into the room. I don't know if Eilian has really gotten over his thirst for vegence on the orcs. Even now, after he's been bonded with Celuwen, I've still seen too much recklessness in him to be comforted. I think things are really going to go ill on this hunting trip. Especially with Elladan and Elrohir in the thick of things. Their grief is still too fresh and I can just picture them ignoring an order of withdrawl and rushing headlong into the thick of things with Eilian right on their tails! Ha! And Galelas is back too. :) He's nearly as bad as Turgon! LOL This is not looking good. Eek! Hurry up with an update please! :)

elliska · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Well the plot seriously thickened there didn't it. Ithilden must have found some dangwath somewhere and smoked it if he's sending Eilian with those twins. :) I mean, Eilian is a good captain and he's a risk-taker but he doesn't endanger anyone. But how is he going to control bloodthirsty Men and twins...I really pity him. And already, in the back of his mind, he was preparing the argument he would make to Thranduil about the wisdom of this decision. Indeed. Good luck Ithilden--Thranduil respects your command of the troops but I wouldn't want to be in for the initial reaction. And trust Turgon to convince Legolas and Annael to shelter deserters. That can only turn out bad. But given that I was afraid they were going to find an orc, I suppose it could have been worse. Poor kid. Orphaned and pressed into the army for lack of any other way to survive, I suppose. That will be one heck of a revelation for the Elven children when they figure it out. Make it hard to complain about too many hours with your tutor after you learn how some young boys your age have it. This is getting tense. Hurry with the next chapter!

esamen · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

Ithilden looked at him hard and then raked his eyes over Elladan. “I have no doubt at all that warriors of Imladris are able to understand the importance of following orders.” He made sure they both were meeting his gaze and then picked up the dispatch that had come that morning Hey, this is great! I really, really like the way that Ithilden is not intimidated by the twins. It shows so much maturity and security on his part. And I kinda like seeing these two not getting their own way all the time. I'll bet that they pretty much intimidate everyone, wherever else they go on their travels. And I also smile at the way that Eilian is just in love with them. That's great too. This is playing beautifully! But it's a funny balance to have him leading the command. What on earth do you have in store for this story? And how is the boy in the woods going to play into it? I thought you were going to have Legolas stumble into the Orcs . . . but now I remember the discussion about young Mannish warriors . . . well, well, I'll just have to wait and see. Please keep on writing at your furious pace. I'm watching down the road for your next update! This is wonderful! Esamen

Jay of Lasgalen · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Alliances

For some reason, I have a bad feeling about this boy they found - trouble is brewing. Will the fact that he has four monogrammed arrows be relevant? It would be a little embarrasing if he shot one of E3 with Legolas's arrow! I liked the scene in Ithilden's office. The twins and Ithilden understand one another, and Ithilden cannot command them, anyway. Then Eilian arrives! I love how well Ithilden and Eilian understand and read one another. I think Ithilden's reservations are well founded, though - 'He did not think that he wanted the twins to lead Eilian anywhere.' Great chapter, Daw! Jay

White Wolf · 11 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

I love the lessons with the bear marks. Will Legolas get home in time to meet the twins? For some reason (don't know why) I really want them to see Legolas as an elfling. I really feel for Elladan and Elrohir. You capture their sadness very well. I remember in "When Shadow Touches Home" how Legolas hated and wanted to kill orcs because they killed his mother. I think I have the right story. Of course, the twins, as deadly warriors, are able to get that done.

Bodkin · 10 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

NEIGHBOURS From the Australian TV show "Neighbours" (Tony Hatch / Jackie Trent) Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours, Just a friendly wave each morning, helps to make a better day. Neighbours, need to get to know each other, next day is only a footstep away. Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours, With a little understanding, you can find a perfect plan. Neighbours, should be there for one another. That's when good neighbours become good friends. Neighbours, need to get to know each other, next door is only a footstep away. Neighbours, every body needs good neighbours, With a little understanding, you can find the perfect plan. Neighbours, should be there for one another, That's when good neighbours become good friends. That's when good neighbours become good friends. This has been haunting me for days, so I just thought I would inflict it on you. I don't know whether you have this Australian soap to torment your minds, but I spent - well, whole minutes finding the words to this theme tune, courtesy of the internet. Although, of course, you won't have the tune in your head to add to the irritation.

thechevin · 10 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

This chapter certainly ratcheded up the tension I found it very disturbing but very natuarl that Eilian given his temperament would be fascinated by the twins and also understand their reaction to their mother. Is there a little case of hero worship here? While he may respect and love his own older brother I suspect Eilian might sometimes wish he was a little more like himself. At least it would take the heat off from Thranduil! Ithilden makes my heart bleed, so strong on the outside and stoical and yet just as devastated by the loss of his mother and his inability to keep 'everyone' safe on the inside he must long to go out and slay a few more orc himself but duty holds him just as it does Thranduil and it is clear that his own grief has been reignited by the arrival of the twins. Thank goodness for the woodcraft team they at least are enjoying themselves but I have to ask for how long? A wondefully complex and insightful chapter that brought out the various characters traits very well Judy

The Karenator · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

A rather tense chapter, I would say. Everyone seems to be feeling their way in the dark...except for the elflings who are tracking their way through bear country. Eilian certainly became interested at the thought of going on an orc hunt with the twins. Perhaps his encouragement wasn't the best idea, but he was not aware at the time of Celebrian sailing until he was deep into orc territory in his head. I think it would be hard for Eilian to turn back once he had an orc in his sight...or in his imaginary sight. I think too, that considering he had just lost to the twins in a sparring match--something I think is rare for him--he is rather impressed with the twins at the moment. Plus, he truly understands why they are so driven to strike back at the enemy. He meant well. It's something he would do...and did do. These two speak his language! I really liked how Ithilden was so cool with the men when they wanted to know what he had done about the orcs that attacked the men. He never shows anyone what is going on in his head. But he can't fool his adar. Thranduil knew that Ithilden agonizes over every little thing. One could never call Ithilden rash...even if he is from Oropher's line. The tracking lesson was superb. I think I could learn a thing or two from Sondil. We'll practice this next time we go to Cedar Mountain. Maybe we can hunt some bears. But..bring Annael with you. We'll need him. Well...I think Thranduil sort of ticked off the sons of Elrond when he refused to answer their questions. I'm not sure they intended to end their stay quite so abruptly until that time. I suppose they had orcs on their mind and were only a harebreath's away from going off after them as it was. Elladan seemed to go over the falls in a barrel at that point. Okay, so these guys are 2500 years old. They're accomplished warriors. They're the sons of Elrond. And they're grieving for their mother. I understand Mithrandir's desire to respect these things about them, HOWEVER, it might be time for the good family friend and He-Who-Wears-the-Ring-of-Fire to tell these whelps that it's time to grow up. Grief is no excuse for recklessness, nor is it an excuse to cause their father and sister more pain. The time has come for all good wizards to knock heads. Poor babies...really, how awful. But still... Terrific chapter. The tension is tight, the people--Elves and men--are wound tighter than Dick's hatband, and it's time to hunt some orcs. Oh! I forgot I just said that was not a good idea. Don't listen to me. You know how emotional I get when I can't get characters to behave the way I think they should. Emotional investment, I think it's called. You do a great job of suckering inviting your readers into your story. I really am looking forward to the next chapter. Karen

Manderly · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

So we only got to see the sweaty aftermath of the sparring between Eilian and the twins. Eilian isn't the only one hoping that there will be more opportunities for the same. That was quite a lesson in tracking in the woods. Being born and raised in the city, I know nothing about the ways of animals and the woods. Reading your stories will probably be the closest thing I'll ever get to them. The trick of making five marks in the dirt and seeing how they change over time was very interesting. Someday I may even teach my kids that and really impress them. Here we go again - orcs attacking Men in the woods and Man (Men?) attacking elves on the river. Where are you leading us to? The thought of those elflings out there in the woods while all these are going on is rather disquieting.

Alice · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

You're really good at this POV thing. When Eilian was listening to Elladan and Elrohir talk about their whole revenge gig, it sounded reasonable, and I was all for him telling them more about Orcs. Last chapter, one dominated by responsible Ithilden and Thranduil, I was horrified that Eilian might give them information. Your characters are very easy to get into. So, enjoyable chapter, if a bit slower than the last one. I loved the elflings (sorry Turgon) and Sondil. I love how there so nonchalant about being in bear country. Oh a bear was here, let's look at its tracks. So not my family where if it's bear country where we camp (a rare occurence) we get a half hour lecture about how to deal with bears and bear tales are a favorite subject around the camp fire. Someone needs to put something squishy in Galelas's bed though. I like him better when he's older and past the whole must prove I'm the best thing. So, nice job on showing exactly what Elladan and Elrohir were thinking. You just know that Thranduil was thinking," You're not fooling me peredhel, I can see exactly how the wheels in your mind are turning." I wonder how it would affect diplomatic relations with Rivendell if Elladan and Elrohir's doors were to "mysteriously" get locked sometime in the night. I figure they'd come out ahead because while Elladan and Elrohir would not possess an enduring love for Thranduil and his minions anymore, Elrond might be a bit pleased. And I am surprised Mithrandir didn't talk Elladan and Elrohir out of it completely. I guess I'm too used to his general miracle workings. Come on Mithrandir use that ring,inspire, inspire! So, I look forward to the next chapter. I can't help but snicker at poor Sondil taking six twelve year olds on a camping trip. Someone's not getting any sleep tonight. (giggle)Like Eilian says, " Sondil is a brave, brave elf." Update soon!

Dot · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

Hmm. You know, as bad as I feel for Elladan and Elrohir, it must be so very difficult for those around them to put up with them when they spend so much time brooding. That sounds harsh, I know, and I do understand where their minds wander to but Elladan in particular is verging on rude a lot of the time. I’m so glad you added in that heartbreaking line about memories and vacant places because it did remind me of just how much he is suffering and how this way of keeping his distance is probably a desperate attempt to retain some self-control. *sigh* Still, they’ve got to be hard to be around right now. It made me smile to see how happy Eilian was after sparring with the twins. I’d say he could really enjoy being with them in better times. But wow, his reaction to their news was just so sad. I thought it was rather interesting, though, that apart from understandably feeling shock and pain at the news, he immediately thinks about how awful it was for them and for Celebrían and is almost thankful – for his own sake as well as Lorellin’s - that his own mother didn’t experience such prolonged suffering, whereas for Thranduil her departure conjured up images of the reason and thus what the last moments of Lorellin’s life was like. It just makes me think that for all he was worried about his sons, Thranduil himself might not be faring quite as well as them. It’s a little scary, though, that Eilian felt that little thrill at the thought of fighting Orcs… Oh, I cringed when the warrior brought the news of Orcs attacking one of Esgaroth’s patrols. I suppose there was no way that little piece of information wasn’t going to get back to the twins. It’s actually kind of funny that no patrol ever seems to stay where it’s supposed to. It’s amazing all the things that happen when they’ve ventured out of their territory. Considering how slow the Men were to do anything when the Elves’ raft was shot at, and the fact the Orcs attacked Men within Esgaroth’s territory, they’re very indignant that they Elves didn’t go after them. Obviously it was terrible news for them, but I’m thinking that the Men and Elves really need to have a little chat about who’s supposed to be doing what. I’d say they’re each equally frustrated by their neighbours. And what a nightmare for poor Ithilden. This story has some lovely little educational moments! You must have spent ages researching this woodcraft stuff. Or maybe you’re just slightly freaky and knew it all already… Annael is so cute, humming happily to himself and nearly glued to Sondil’s side! He does seem like a little genius when it comes to woodcraft. I like Sondil. He’s very elfy. And he seems like a great teacher too. It’s so strange seeing the old Galelas! I must have got used to him being almost likeable after Eilian takes him under his wing. What fun this trip seems. If only they knew who was writing the story! Actually, it’d be hilarious if you shocked us all and had them really enjoy the trip, learn loads and return home safely…!! That scene in the dining room was great. I love the fact that Thranduil won’t have his guests dine in the family’s room. Go Thranduil! He’s so wonderfully protective of his family, especially when others are around. I see the Men aren’t the only ones who expected Mirkwood’s warriors to go after the Orcs. It just goes to show what a unique situation Thranduil’s realm is in. There’s something very sad about having to just accept that Orcs will come and go and sometimes there’s nothing they can do about it. Eilian should really have known better than to suggest that they do go after the Orcs. Yeah, the southern patrol would do that to a certain extent but that’s just because they’re everywhere down there and even then other captains of that patrol might not be as eager as he is to do so. He probably knows that but from his brief talk with the sons of Elrond, Orcs are undoubtedly very much on his mind. I had to laugh at the way Thranduil immediately focuses on Eilian – whatever makes him think he could possibly be the cause of any tension??! I thought that Thranduil handled Elladan beautifully. Of course, he’s used to preventing his own sons from asking things they shouldn’t or butting in where they’re not wanted but at the same time these two are so much older than Thranduil’s sons, very important Elves in the scheme of things and guests in his home. So the trick is apparently to stare at Elladan until he realises that he is interfering inappropriately. Very nice. “They are grieving, Eilian, and they are striking out at what hurt them. You remember feeling that way, I think. Do not forget what you learned when your own grief was fresh.” I loved those lines. Thranduil’s compassion is so touching. There’s no way he’d have tolerated such abruptness from anyone if he didn’t realise how much pain they’re in. And he seems to read Eilian quite well too and sees the obvious comparison. Eilian must be a little surprised at their odd behaviour, saddened by their grief and, being him, not unaffected by this need for vengeance. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he rides out in search of the Orcs with Elladan and Elrohir, or goes after the two of them, but I’m going to hope that instead of getting caught up in their anger, that he can help them. I was just thinking, though, that he actually reacted a little differently than Elladan and Elrohir. It was Thranduil and Ithilden who initially rode out to slaughter the Orcs and after that I always felt that with Eilian it was more a case of becoming reckless in an “I’m going to kill them all and who cares if I die because what have I got to lose anyway now that my mother is dead” kind of way. But he did learn how much his own family treasure him and realised his own worth. I don’t know. It’s late here and my brain isn’t working too well! I think if Mithrandir isn’t getting through to these two then words just aren’t going to do it. After all, he’s perfectly right that they could hunt Orcs in the mountains and be much nearer home. “There are memories and vacant places at home that I fear will be very hard to face.” That seemed to be a hard admission for Elladan to make and I really appreciated the little glimpse of what was under the tough exterior. The first time home again will most certainly be very difficult but at the same time it has to be faced sometime. So these two will go after the Orcs? I must say, I’m utterly gripped by this story. I’m just dying to know how it all goes. There was something quite foreboding about this chapter, so bring on the next one! :-)

Bodkin · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

Sorry. I was just getting confused between 'S' elves - Siondel, Sorion and Sondil - and in sorting them out just wondered. Annael's grandfather is mentioned a couple of times, I think - his death and something to do with his sword. I had to check for Annael's wife's name, too. Just to know. And Tolkien really manages to irritate me intensely by naming so few of the mothers and maternal lines. And, come to that, considering what I'm doing at the moment - the Princes of Dol Amroth aren't even named from Galador's son to Imrahil's great grandfather - 17 generations of nameless men with dates of birth and death. And their sons arrived by spontaneous cloning apparently as there is no indication of wives.

sofia · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

This chapter seemed very tense. Not the part with Legolas and his companions- that wasn't tense. The twin's seem so mysterious in this story... -sofia

Bodkin · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

Just a question, if you don't mind. Annael's parents are Siondel and Elowen, I think, but Siondel's adar who was killed at the end of the Watchful Peace - does he have a name? (I just like family trees.)

esamen · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

Wow. That was quick! You must have this story really internalized! I'll bet you can visualize every detail. I am SO impressed with the amount of underlying information that you use when you write these scenes. It's just like Tolkien :-) getting all the background and details crystal-clear, and then allowing the story to unfold! ****** The warrior glanced at Ithilden again. “We did not look. We were busy with the wounded, and the Orcs went southwest in any case, so they are out of our area.” Ithilden nodded once in grim approval. Very telling portrait of Ithilden. He has to be this strong and forceful if he's the troop commander. Anything less intense just wouldn't be enough. This really highlights his tender heart that we see later with Alfirin . . . makes those moments even more precious. He's kind of being his own foil here. *********** “There are twenty-five warriors in the Eastern Border Patrol,” Ithilden said sharply, “and their area runs from thirty miles north of the Forest River to thirty miles south of it. I cannot send any of them off to hunt a passing Orc band, particularly given that I am now going to have to send someone to guard the river.” Ditto that comment above about knowing much, much more than you actually spell out for the reader. This sentence gives the story so much depth and validity! I can feel the strain and effort of the elves, their courage as they fight for their homeland and lifestyle, in the face of very little hope that they can maintain it indefinitely. Great job researching these details. ************ “There is nothing you can do,” Thranduil told him bleakly. “We have problems of our own.” This line gives me a new sense of Thranduil and Ithilden's relationship. They seem so much on the same page right here. Although not every reader might feel this way, I feel as if Thranduil is (almost) speaking to Ithilden as an equal, as a comrade in arms, not as his superior. They share a unique position, one who is king for now, and one who will probably be king in the future . . . I felt that this line of dialogue reflected a moment when Thranduil was sharing a thought with one of the few others who understood his heart. ************ Mithrandir grunted in reply. He had known these two a long time. I was anticipating some really intimate dialogue here, like the kind of conversations "Gandalf" might have with Merry or Pippin. Now, I am sure that Imladris elves have a more formal vocabulary than hobbits, but couldn't Mithrandir be one of the few people who could really get in there and tell these two to sit down and listen? Yes, I know that's what he's doing . . . you are showing it . . . but he could concievably take off the gloves and get even a little more, ah, testy? or crusty? (as Pippin would say)? Or avuncular, in academic-ese? He's one of the few in M-e who could . . . you might give it a test drive . . . it would be fun for SOMEONE to scold them. ("I don't care if you are 2500 years old . . . " LOL). It would be fun for someone to scold Thranduil, too, come to think of it. Well, you must do as you see best . . . I know that the twins' state of grief and rage might preclude such a scene . . . the story is absolutely fabulous and I am loving every minute of it. Anyway, bows and cheers for another amazing chapter! Every time I read a new Daw story, I think it's my favorite so far. Now, I hope that we have dire straits, deadly peril, fabulous blade and bow action, and tons of h/c coming our way! Just love this stuff! Thanks and love across the miles, Esamen

Brazgirl · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

I loved when Thranduil entered the hall! He is very sensitive to some things. The boys camping was very nice. That elf I forgot his name, when Sondil called them elflings... children at their age simply hate that! It makes me recall some things that happened in my own life. You said in you reply you find Ithilden arrogant? I think this is funny!!! You think he is arrogant and it matches with the readers opinion... thought I like him. Not as much as Thranduil and Eilian, but I like him. I have started to read your fics only recently and I would love to read the one the family reacts to the Queen's loss. How is the title of it??? An antecipated thanks for this...

French Pony · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest

If my Girl Scout troop had been as interesting as that woodcraft trip, I would so have made Cadette and Senior Girl Scout and maybe been a Girl Scout leader. Legolas and Annael and Turgon get to learn how to read bear tracks. I got to learn how to make peanut butter cookies, which I don't even like. So not fair! And the twins' therapy veers and crashes. Four chapters was a pretty good run, but all things must come to an end. They're too old to be ordered around, and neither Thranduil nor Mithrandir has much authority over them anyway. I have to respect Thranduil for agreeing to at least try to deal with them. They're not an easy pair to have around right now, and it's not like Thranduil has vast wodges of spare time to give them the coddling they need right now. He's got three kids of his own; he doesn't need two more. Thranduil held his peace until everyone else had moved away from them. Then he said, “They are grieving, Eilian, and they are striking out at what hurt them. You remember feeling that way, I think. Do not forget what you learned when your own grief was fresh.” An interesting statement. It sounds as if Thranduil isn't really addressing Eilian (Eilian hasn't spoken since Thranduil came in the room, and only has two lines in this scene), but is talking to the House of Oropher at large. Eilian, as the youngest present, gets to be the designated target.