Reviews (299)

perelleth · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Saturday afternoon, home alone for some hours.. no duties... I treated myself to re-reading the whole story, you see, I'm a compulsive reader, and I'm not much used to this "drop by drop" reading, (although I've come to enjoy it, much to my own surprise!)so I tend to lose the whole sense of it all... and this story had much of a latent atmosphere for me to lose it. And there it was. I think it is the way you manage to show the positive feelings, the trust, the love, the learning process, the choices, the mistakes and difficult decissions made out of love, that makes me smile when I finish a chapter and sometimes I catch myself looking at my own experiences. Reading it on one shot made it twofold pleasant! This story in particular has such a beautiful background of family pictures, it is almost imposible not to be moved by it, beyond the entertaining story and the lovely characters, and all that Beliond/Legolas bickering which, honestly, is real fun. Seeing Legolas and Eilian together was lovely, the chapter opening was quite moving, it's so fluidly written...balancing lightness and that sweet melancholy when someone's departing and someone's staying... simply liked it. And Ithilden's flashback was so.. telling!!! He's had such a long lonely life before finding Alfirin, that sometimes it must seem to him he's closer to Thranduil than to any of his brothers... I liked very much how you managed to hint at the special relationship he had with his naneth, and how he had expressed his mourning at her passing in such a subtle way: the harp. Moving. I'm sure Sinnarn will eventually appreciate the lengths his father is going to help him...this age or the next! And...Thranduil tossing seven knives was priceless!!!! I know I repeat myself awfully, but...Do you think Thranduil could be blackmailed into sharing some less-than-impressive episodes of his youth with his sons?I loved "Paths of memory".. maybe a very special Dorwinion vintage would help convince him? Well, there goes my saturday afernoon! It's been a pleasure thanks to your story. Please make sure you do not run out of inspiration and thanks again!!!! :-)

The Karenator · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

What a nice reflective chapter. Everyone is adjusting to changes and learning about one another. I imagine this was a turning point in how Legolas's family will see him in the future. Being the baby of the family, and if you're an elf, that's quite a long time to be a kid, has made it harder for Legolas to break out and do what he needs to do as a warrior. But he's doing well, and you're taking him to the point of where he can reasonably become the Legolas we know in the Fellowship. I have truly enjoyed the relationship of Maltanaur and Beliond. They're two scruffy old dogs who put everything into their responsibilities. They're such good role models for the younger warriors as to how a warrior acts. Beliond's got a little baggage, but that makes him so real. He'll have to deal with his own fears and that takes time. Ithilden is rounding out nicely too. He's a deep guy. And he's struggling with the parts of parenting that all parents have to face. I like the believability of how introspective he is about what he does, and I like that you let him make mistakes and feel anger and disappointment. (I'm thinking of the drinking incident when the dwarves escaped.) Over the course of your stories, you've really fleshed him out. Good show, daw. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ithilden handles Sinnarn and to how everyone grows from this experience. Karen

Brazgirl · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Everyone was worried about telling adar about the finding thing... but adar is not easily fooled. That was nice! I particulary like those lines between Beliond and Maltanaur. It was nice to know more of Legolas' bodyguard and see that interaction between the keepers. They are friends! It's so sweet the love Ithilden has for Alfirin! Oh, I wish there were men like this in real world. He is so passionate and loving with her. I'm lookig foward to read him talking with Sinnarn.

thechevin · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

This was a very thoughtful chapter, quiet and reflective with everyone thinking through the changes that were happening to them and around them and how people were growing and changing as well I smiled at Eilian's thoughts on how much to tell Adar and how Thranduil reacted to Beliond's skill at 'finding' things It was interesting to see how both Legolas and Eilian react to even the simplest of praise from those they respect The little anecdote about the knives was fun too Saddest of all was Ithilden's memory of his mother and it struck me that Legolas has missed out on this balance of care that was available to his elder brothers and now to Sinnarn. It must have affected the way he was brought up, even though Thranduil is such an excellent, if anxious Adar. I shall be very sorry to see this tale end I am enjoying it so much Judy

Dot · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

I was delighted to see a little bit of everyone here. What a marvellous chapter! And thank you for answering my question about Ithilden’s harp ;-) God, I love that elf. But I’ll get to him later… Eilian seems to be getting great mileage out of this prostitute thing. I suppose he’s had plenty of years in which to refine the art of teasing his younger brother. I wonder if such a lady had anything to do with Maltanaur’s “foolishness” in Dale? More likely it was the ale, though. “Do you remember the time Thranduil tried to toss seven at once?” LOL! It sounds like Thranduil was even more daring than Eilian. What I loved most about this part is the fact that Beliond and Maltanaur are so relaxed with one another and have clearly shared lighter times together with Thranduil. It’s strange to think that these elves lived under Oropher’s rule for a long time and still call him “the king”. Just when I think I know your characters you go and drop these little hints and make me realise that I only know the teeniest, tiniest part of them! I feel bad for Beliond because he his friendship with Maltanaur clearly goes back a long way but it still takes him a while to let his guard down and then when he starts doing that either he or Maltanaur have to leave again. It’s not fair on poor Beliond, daw! I’m glad Eilian was there to show Legolas how to respond to Beliond instead of automatically protesting. Crikey, Tinár is just so good to his wife! How considerate of him to save his mending for her. I bet you anything it’s actually his loving Naneth who does it for him. This is a great opportunity for Eilian and Maltanaur to have some fun on the way home. Legolas really seems to have some idealised notion about serving under Eilian. The poor thing has no clue of the problems he’ll run into when he does get to serve under him. “You really did do well, Legolas.” Good old Beliond! I’m still laughing at the beginning of the scene with Eilian and Thranduil. “[…] that meant that that Thranduil might learn that Eilian had not told him everything. That would be bad.” That and the following three paragraphs had me in hysterics. Are those Eilian’s thought processes or yours?? It never dawned on me either that Thranduil would think Eilian had requested Legolas to be his guard. I love that Eilian tries to reassure his father that Legolas is a very capable warrior and did so well when, despite knowing the truth of his own words, he still wants to keep his brother from danger. I hope Thranduil has spies as good as Beliond apparently was. He has Nithron for another while, I suppose. I love that Thranduil knows enough of his son’s keeper not to ask for specifics! If Eilian was reporting to Ithilden he’d never get away with leaving out chunks of information. “Beliond found a letter” indeed. “You did well too”. Yay for Thranduil! His father’s praise is always good for Eilian and he deserved it here. Legolas may have suspected the spice merchant but Eilian is the one who had to do all the diplomatic work! So, what’s Erendrinn doing for Sinnarn? That sounds intriguing. I loved the flashback. It must have been hard for Lorellin to know the type of life her son would lead. Still, surely it’s better that he accepts it wholeheartedly rather than not want it at all? I tend to forget that apart from his other duties, Ithilden is Thranduil’s heir and in such troubled times would have been raised with the possibility that he would have to lead the realm. It’s strange too to see her so afraid of the thought of losing Thranduil and none of them imagining the gaping hole her death would leave in their lives. I though she handled him exceptionally well when she explained that he’d need honour and the respect of others and how he’d gone against all that when he went to Lómilad. I hate to say it but he did need to feel some shame at what he did and she did a good job in helping him to do so. But best of all, she makes him feel that he is loved and admired by his parents. Thranduil does that too and I always think it’s a great method of parenting! And Ithilden being Ithilden, he probably did think long and hard about what she said. Ah, the harp… I love the connection with his mother. I can imagine how startled Thranduil was when he took it up again to sing to Alfirin at their betrothal. There’s no clearer sign that he loves her and that she’s brought him some peace and happiness. I hope things settle down between him and Sinnarn. Ithilden is a good father and always so earnest and determined to do the right thing. This adolescent phase his son is going through seems to be making him look at himself as he probably hasn’t done in a long time. Ah well, at least we know they have a good relationship in the future! This seems to be coming to a close :-( Oh well, all good things must, I suppose. Just to let you know that if you update soon I might miss it – my Dad’s finally home and if he’s still doing o.k. tomorrow I’m going to take a break and maybe head west for a few days. But I’ll check for an update the second I get back! :-)

Bodkin · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

My pity for Gewiel increases. Even though she cannot have been the sharpest knife in the drawer to get into that situation in the first place. How even Tinar can think that anyone, ANYONE looks forward to the chore of mending his smalls is beyond me (unless it gives her an excuse not to spend time with him). I'll bet she darns them with unmatching thread - just to spite him. She'll have to develop sea-longing, just to escape him for a few centuries. On a happier note - one advantage to having keepers who have known your adar from his earliest youth is that occasionally, just occasionally they reveal gems such as his knife-throwing expertise! (It would be nice to see more of Thranduil being wild and immature - and possibly surprisingly Eilian-like.) And Legolas got a lesson in how to respond like an adult, rather than throwing in a protest that would have made him sound like Sinnarn! I would love to see these four spend more time together at some time (- check the plans for possibilities, maybe?) (And I was wondering - when the Thranduilionnath are injured, the keepers help out the Home Guard, but what happens to the Princes when the keepers are injured? Are there understudy keepers around? Does Adar shut them in their rooms until their guards are recovered? If the keeper is stretchered home, does the kept get to go as escort?) Poor Legolas - the lady of the night business will just run and run. He needs some similar ammunition on Eilian. I'm sure there's plenty! And Beliond is thinking about extending the reins a little. And Ithilden is thinking about letting Legolas get experience of another patrol - soon. ish. I love seeing Eilian get approval from Thranduil - he needs it so badly and is always so surprised when he gets it. It's good that Thranduil was able to keep up his reputation for omniscience. (Having run Beliond as a spy for the Valar only knows how long must have made that quite straightforward for him! He knows Beliond is good at 'finding' things.) Ithilden is a star. He is being so careful and loving with Sinnarn - and yet only maturity is really going to help at this point. Lorellin and Thranduil made an excellent combination of parents - fireworks from Adar and understanding from Naneth. And she is so good with the killer comment and the question that puts 'teenage' angst into perspective and gets beneath the skin. He and Alfirin make good parents. THEY SHOULD HAVE MORE ELFLINGS. Sometime shortly after the Battle of the Five Armies seems like a good time to bring elflings into the world. For Eilian and Celuwen, too.

esamen · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

“She likes to sew them shut,” muttered Eilian. Oh, that was good! LOL . . . I'd love to have Eilian for my own brother. I just now saw the movie King Arthur, and something about the actor who played Lancelot reminded me of Eilian . . . the handsome expressive face, dark hair and fluid movements. . . ***** Legolas opened his mouth to protest that Beliond and Maltanaur had just been laughing at their king but Eilian said, “Of course not,” with dignity that was only slightly marred by a subsequent snort. Legolas became aware of the amusement that still lingered in Beliond’s eyes and relaxed. You know what, this is lovely moment . . . look how far the four of them have come. . . I really like this story line. I love keeper action almost as much as I love Legolas and Eilian action. I thought you'd update this evening! I checked the site just for this story! thank you!

Manderly · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

That was so nice! I am glad Legolas got the acknowledgment that he deserved. He really did well considering his lack of experience and to have both Beliond and Eilian say so, he must be on cloud nine. What Eilian said about Tinar's wife wanting to sew his leggings shut - that deserved a big snorting laugh! And Thranduil throwing knives? All these little tidbits that the king's sons are learning about their father are giving them quite the cache of ammunition against their adar, if they ever dare to use them, that is. Thranduil misses nothing. It's a good thing that Eilian decided to tell the truth and what little that he didn't say, Adar knew already. Actually when I think about it, it's pretty scary to have a father who knows so much without even stepping out of the house, so to speak. And that last little part with Ithilden was so very touching. It amazes me how well you have portrayed Lorellin in the little that she has been mentioned in these stories. One can see the deep impact that she has left on both Ithilden and Eilian and it just makes it that much sadder that Legolas has had to grow up without her guidance.

elliska · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Oh goody, another chapter. I needed this today. Poor Legolas, I doubt he will ever live down the prostitute thing, though I imagine Eilian will at least have to keep it quiet around Thranduil. :) “I think perhaps it will not be necessary for Adar to know just what you told the men you were doing there. He might not appreciate it as much as I do.” “Few people would,” Legolas said dryly. Too funny! And the reference to Thranduil and the knives--I about died! And I would bet Legolas and Eilian did too. I can't imagine they often had the opportunity to hear anything about their adar's misadventures (and there had to be some!) Of course then I read on and got to the comment about Tinar's leggings. Daw, you should have seen me trying to explain my hysteria to my husband, all the while still laughing my head off. I also loved all of Eilian's thought process debating whether to tell Thranduil about the fact Legolas was one of the guards. That was very Eilian. And this: Thranduil looked down at the desk and pursed his lips. Finally, he said, “You say Beliond ‘found’ a letter?” Eilian held his breath. “Yes.” A long silence settled into the room, as Thranduil looked away and then back again. “Ah, yes,” he said dryly. “Beliond is good at ‘finding’ things.” He paused. “Was Legolas with him when he ‘found’ it?” Eilian hesitated and then surrendered with a grin. “My understanding is that Legolas stood lookout. Beliond apparently refused to let him help with the ‘finding’ part.” Classic! This was great! Given how it all turned out, Thranduil could not be too mad. And after all, he knows what Beliond is capable of. :) But my favorite part here was the memories of Lorellin. That is the first extended interaction with her children that I remember. I am so glad you did that. She came across as so wise. I can definitely see how Ithilden wanted to manage his son after his mother's example. Great job there. I am dying to see that conversation. Thanks for brightening my evening with a wonderful chapter!

Brenda G. · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Wonderful chapter, Daw! Ithilden's trip to the past formed a rather large lump in my throat. Anytime you bring Lorellin into a story is very special. I enjoy that lovely lady very much. The love your characters bear one another is made tangible through your writing. I love how personal and deep we are allowed to explore in the hearts of your characters. Legolas did well, Eilian was truthful about the mission, and Thranduil turned out to be proud of both his sons. Beliond's ever increasing fondness of his charge is a warmth I love to bask in (as well as Legolas does, it seems). I love how you closed the chapter out with Ithilden, with his mother's memory fresh in his mind, about to enter Sinnarn's room to talk. Somehow I believe that discussion may end with father and son embracing. You've painted the canvas to lend to just such scenario. What a delicious chapter, a wonderful story. Well done, Daw.

French Pony · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Everyone does seem to be doing well, especially in learning the delicate art of letting go. Particularly in regards to Legolas, his superiors seem to be realizing that it's time to let him do the job they've trained him to do. Must be an awful strain for Thranduil, though, to feel duty-bound to send all the boys off to be warriors, but at the same time to be so over-protective of the baby. So Legolas dearly wishes that he could join Eilian's patrol? He should be careful what he wishes for. Such a wish could come true, which might possibly lead to. . . oh, Eilian getting wounded with a poisoned blade, which would lead him to go home, which would lead him to stay home, which would lead him to realize exactly who is lurking between himself and Celuwen, which would lead him to figure a way around that, which would lead him to marry her, which would lead to Legolas losing his place as Number One Loved One in Eilian's heart. Which is probably not the result that Legolas has in mind. But ya know, just speculation, and all that. . . Tinár shook his head. “Gewiel looks forward to doing these little things for me, and I would not want to disappoint her.” Ah, Tinár. Tinár, Tinár, Tinár. Gifted with the keen eyes of the Elves, and yet so, so blind. Which reminds me. . . Coach Mike had another encounter with our own Tinár. He answered back during footwork again, and Mike put on this big, glassy grin and told him, "You know, 'Tinár,' you remind me of a Jack Russell puppy. A Jack Russell puppy on coke. With an overactive bladder. That hasn't been trained. Really annoying. . . but adorable. That's you, 'Tinár.' You're absolutely adorable, but you're so, so annoying." Which was the honest truth, and the way he said it just cracked up the entire club, including "Tinár." Todith seems like too nice a guy to say that to the real Tinár, but boy, I'll bet everyone who knows him is thinking it. There was no point in telling Eilian how much Legolas worried about him or how devastated he would be if anything disastrous happened. Of course, everyone in the family feels that way about everyone else. The funny thing is, they don't seem to realize that, for all the pain any one of them knows he would experience if something happened, the others would feel the exact same way about them. They seem to think that they are the only ones who feel that way, which is kind of sad. I'll bet it's something that Lorellin would have taken care of, had she still been around. Speaking of whom, she did a nice job with Ithilden. She told him the truth and let him know that she loved him, and she didn't pressure him or make him feel immature. . . but she got him to feel terribly guilty anyway! The sign of truly skilled mothering.

sofia · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Yay! You managed to sneak more about Ithilden's love of music. Loved the chapter. -sofia

tigerlily713 · 16 February 2005 · Chapter 6: Dale

I've been going to the local library and printing this out and reading it at any interval I can find. What a great story! I'm thoroughly enjoying your characterizations, and as others have said, I love learning more about Ithilden.

White Wolf · 15 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Good for Bram, believing our elves rather than one of his own. It's a good thing they leveled with him about where the paper came from. Poor Eilian. He wants so much to protect Legolas, and yet the truth of his little brother's aduldhood keeps staring him in the face. I have the feeling that no matter how old they both get, Legolas will always be brat to Eilian. More great stuff between Beliond and Maltanour. I hope those two get the cahnce to be together more often in the future, and we get to share it.

Alice · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Something tells me that Ada is not going to be hearing about several of their adventures on this mission. The Thranduilions have far too much good sense for that. They're really quite lucky actually that Bram did not choose to believe the spice merchant and his brother and clap our intrepid elves in chains and throw them in the dungeon. Eilian's lucky Bram didn't take exception to him flirting with his wife. Oh, Eilian. It's a good thing he's been strictly brought up with honor. Otherwise some enraged Ada would have come after him years ago. So, very enjoyable chapter. I liked how you showed Eilian's overprotectiveness. I think someone needs to point out to him that he frequently takes foolish risks and pouts when not allowed to go back to the most dangerous patrol in the kingdom and then he turns around and goes mother hen on the thougth of Legolas being in the slightest of dangers. Yup. Perfectly rational that. Actually, I just liked the scenes of them being brothers in general. Shut up is very much the appropriate answer to teasing about girls. As is shoe throwing. I look forward to the next chapter. We need to see what Sinnarn's getting up to. Not to mention I'm sure Thranduil is anxious to see them all come home, what with Eilian wringing his hands in glee before being sent. Now there's a comforting sign, not. Update soon!

Bodkin · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Legolas drew himself up in an obvious effort at dignity. “Of course I recognize one. What kind of naïve child do you take me for?” I just love this comment. Of course it should immediately be followed by the remark - 'I've known about them all evening.' I can just see Eilian using this gag in about three ages as they sit in Valinor with their feet in the ocean. It's a brotherly offering that will never grow stale.

Ms. Whatsit · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Hah. I like the idea of the queen being a "cheerful, dignified drunk." And Eilian finding out about the whore was priceless. Little brother's all growed up now, Eilian! Of course what Beliond and Legolas did was very serious and a violation of the rights of Bram's subjects. I'm glad that they got a scare, at least. And I liked the image of Beliond getting exasperated and rolling his eyes at Legolas' confession.

perelleth · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Intriguing, tense and funny. Such a combination!!! (Happy clapping ensues). I was eager to get down to know whether Bram was buying their story or not, and at the same time could not help laughing at the pictures you were offering: Beliond’s annoyance, Maltanaur mentally rolling his eyes, Eilian gloriously floundering in so many fronts at a time and our good old Legolas just… being Legolas Experience wins ball, set and match, against youthful naïveté, but Eilian’s luck was playing along too…. It was great fun, truly, and I think that for once the keepers have been given due satisfaction! Maybe they’ll spend the night comparing notes on “how to insult charges without offending them”? Looking forward to seeing how things are going back home beween Sinnarn and Ithilden! ;-)

thechevin · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

There was so much to enjoy in this chapter it is difficult to know where to start Maltanaur's disapproval of Eilian's flirting Elian's reactions to the news of the house break in I don't think he could decide whether he was furious, proud or jealous or a combination of all three! Also his love and caring for his younger brother showed here so well. I know Legolas is trying to show them all he is an adult but I think he may have to make an exception for his brother Bram reacted well I thought he knows deep down he can trust the elves and he needs their strength even if he wasn't so keen on Eilian's attentions to his wife Maltanaur and Beliond will have to run a special keeper's class on how to handle women for their charges! Legolas' frustration at being scolded by his brother/captain but the insight into the fact that Elian is not immune to being scolded himself by his keeper when it is necessary and his surprise when Beliond praised him! As for the embarrassment over that lady I don't think he will live that down for a vrey long time, Eilian is not likely to let it go although I don't think it should go in his report to the king And finally the keeper's convention where advice and strategies were discussed clever Maltanaur how fortunate Eilian was to be gifted with this keeper I shall be very sorry to reach the end of this lovely tale thank you

Brenda G. · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Hi Daw! I've been keeping up with Time's Turnings on and off, time permitting, but haven't reviewed to date. Just wanted you to know that this is top-notch writing so full of charm that there probably isn't room for one more gram of it anywhere. Legolas keeps learning and developing. Of course, some of what he IS learning is SO FUNNY!! The prostitute in the inn was...well, I laughed and laughed. I agree with another reviewer when she said that perhaps the story of Legolas and the prostitute would be one of those tales not to bother Thranduil with for, oh, a couple of centuries. Too cute! Beliond is his usual self (quite wonderful, in a dry, sort of standoffish way). It was a double whammy with the two brothers and both their keepers on the same mission. Neat idea, that, and written brilliantly. Your writing continues to amaze me. Your imagination seems a bottomless well from which the best fiction writing continues to flow. Love this story (love all your stories), so keep up the good work. I like getting to see the keepers again. They really are some of your best OC's outside of the Legolas' brothers. Ready for the next chapter whenever you are! BG

Frodo3791 · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

I'm going to be brief because I've spent way too much time thinking and writing papers the last week that I'm not even sure if I can write another sentence that makes sense. Oh well, here it goes. Your story gives me a nice break every couple of days, and it was really nice to have this to read tonight because I've had a rather stressful day. Thanks for writing such great stories and updating so quickly despite real life. I enjoyed the small bits of brother time with Eilian and Legolas, and it was also nice to see the bodyguards share a few moments together. Neither of them gets that chance much, but I'm sure both enjoy it when they get the time. There's a lot to learn from each other. Once again, thanks for this story and all your other ones. The way you always pull out such interesting storylines is amazing, and I really enjoy them. -Frodo

French Pony · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Eilian flirting with the queen (I remember Legolas's analysis of his brother: "Were you breathing? Then you were flirting."), Legolas and Beliond fessing up, Alcild being caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. . . this is going to be one of those stories ultimately filed in the "What Thranduil Doesn't Know Won't Cause Him To Have A Stroke" drawer, yes? It is so Eilian to have a double conniption fit over the fact that a) Legolas and Beliond were breaking and entering and b) Eilian wasn't in on the fun. Of course, he's hardly the picture of snow-white purity himself this evening, though we all know that Queen Whatsherface can't possibly hold candle to Celuwen. But the double take he must have done when informed that Legolas had asked where he could find a whore. . . and then to learn that, technically, that was the truth! Too bad he didn't have a cup of wine in his hand at that precise moment. There are far too few spit takes on SoA. Legolas drew himself up in an obvious effort at dignity. “Of course I recognize one. What kind of naïve child do you take me for?” Well, what kinds of naïve child are on offer here? Legolas, dear, the only one you're fooling is yourself. It had been a long time since a small brother had crept into Eilian’s bed in the night and put his cold feet against Eilian’s back, but the bed in his room was wide and he wanted to be sure that Legolas did not go wandering off on another adventure. Somehow, I found that thought rather sweet. I guess that, when Legolas went off to Rivendell and never returned, it must have been especially hard on Eilian. They've always had a very special bond to each other.

Cele · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

I enjoyed the chapter but this line was particularly poignant: "Eilian knew it was irrational, but there were times when he actually woke up in a sweat, alarmed over the simple fact that Legolas was serving with the relatively safe Eastern Border Patrol." If he was that upset over Legolas's first posting, I can only imagine his reaction when he found out little brother was going on a (seemingly) suicidal quest. I love Legolas and Eilian's relationship, but Eilian (as well as Ithilden and Thranduil) is so protective he must have been going crazy. I wonder what the rest of Legolas's friends and family thought. And what must they have thought when he came back only to announce he was moving to Ithilien? That and finding out he suffered from sea longing must have been hard.

Tapetum Lucidum · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Eilian's flirtation with the queen was very cute. He handled her like a real diplomat. I don't think she will remember much in the morning. (My 'm' keeps sticking and that was hard to type!) Maltanaur drew Eilian's attention easily enough. I am glad he is not too involved in flirting. Your keepers do make good, portable, Adar's. Now Maltanaur is scolding poor Eilian. Beliond and Legolas little report to Eilian was a joy to read. Picturing the two of the exchanging glances and sticking up for one another was great! Eilian handled it like a true Captain. He scolded them but admitted the worth of their actions. Asking Maltanaur for advice at the end was a nice touch and showed his maturity. His continual wishes to protect his younger brother were very sweet as well. Bram was indeed channeling Thranduil. He should have been angry given the circumstances. Who wouldn't be skeptical in the face of that evidence. It was best not to allow the elves to go with the soldiers. It would have been too easy to plant more evidence or start a skirmish. Eilian's temper got a little carried away but he seemed to forgive his brother fairly quickly. I was glad Bram could see through the "Bad Guys" easily enough. Their initial story was pretty good but there was no way to back it up. I was LOL when they turned on each other and began to fight. It was very Smeagol/Deagol. Bram's comment about retiring to his wife had me smirking as well. Eilian deserved that little jab. The private conversations in the individual rooms were by far my favorite part. Eilian teasing Legolas about looking for a whore was very brotherly. The well aimed boot fit the mood as well. I enjoyed the keepers' little discussion on The Management and Manipulation of Thranduilions. There are certainly arguements for both approaches. It varies with the victims' age and experience. I hope Beliond begins to trust his charge a little more. Great job!

Tapetum Lucidum · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

Sinnarn's little musings on spending time with his parents was very cute. His memories are certainly fond, even if the present is not. My kids still enjoy spending time with us and we are trying to enjoy it as well. His resignation towards another "discussion" with his father was very true to life. It is torture for both the adolescent and the adult. You made his feelings very realistic. Ithilden's little summary was heartfelt as well. Good job with a touching scene. The foray into the spice shop was great! Beliond was wise to devise an arguement that would convince the young warrior to follow orders. Reminding Legolas of his duties to Thranduil, then throwing ranking officers' names afterward was a great approach. It worked perfectly. Having Beliond admit his craving for action was great. It was very much in character for a retired spy. The plan was a good one. Beliond's lock picking skills were very useful. I shudder to think what the King would say if his youngest came home with the ability. (Why do I think Eilian can already pick locks?) I liked how Beliond ensured a quick escape in case of emergency. I am glad he found something interesting to take back to Eilian. Legolas' little diversion was also clever. I was glad Beliond gave him a little praise. He is a rookie so he needs a little slack. Yay! Another chapter - 5 days skiing in Maine with no internet connection. It is fun to catch up!