Reviews (299)

Dot · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Another great chapter… I’m just loving this story! And resolutely ignoring the fact that it seems to be drawing to a close… I had to laugh at Eilian flirting with the queen and reassuring himself of his ability to stay within the bounds of elven morality while baby brother is out being propositioned by prostitutes and breaking into shops. You know, while Eilian is undoubtedly protective of Legolas, I think in general he tends to just be possessive of things that are important to him. He’s possessive of the loving elfling that Legolas was and just doesn’t seem to want to let him go, he’s possessive of Celuwen even when he’s trying to pretend he doesn’t need her anymore and he’s certainly possessive of his patrol: “He did not want Ithilden to get the idea that the patrol could function well without him.” LOL at that line, by the way! “Has it occurred to you that Bram might have asked her to flirt with you to see if she could learn anything to their advantage?” You mean that she might not have just found him irresistibly charming?! Apparently that never dawned on Eilian… It’s interesting that Legolas was immediately so suspicious of the spice merchant and determined to search his shop and Eilian’s reaction was “What, after all, did he expect to find in a spice shop?” Granted, Eilian only heard some vague information but I get the impression that he is less inclined to act on what Beliond thinks than if, say, Maltanaur suspected the merchant. I hadn’t thought about the fact that Eilian might get to know Beliond a little better too but it seems he gets a chance to see how good he is at detective work if nothing else! Eilian wears his captain hat very well when he decides to. It must be hard when he knows that Legolas is hurt by his reprimand. I thought he was quite right to remind them of the damage that could have been caused to relations between the two realms. However bad it would have been that Legolas and Beliond broke into someone’s property if they had been caught or were wrong about the merchant, it would be made worse by the fact that at the time Eilian was dining with the king, as though they were deliberately trying to deceive the men. “Legolas was clever as a lookout. I do not think the Men even suspect we were there.” Aaaw, that was nice of him! He must know how much Legolas wants Eilian’s approval. And the thing is, because it’s Beliond there can’t be any doubt that it’s true! I thought you did a great job with the scene where they tell Bram. Obviously I wanted him to believe the elves but I could completely see his point of view as well. He is quite like Thranduil in his reactions, which means that he’s fair as well as furious, but it still says a lot about Eilian that Bram is willing to believe him even in the face of such an accusation about his own people. I love the line ““I apologize for their overzealousness.” That’s one way of putting it, I suppose! At least it’s clear that Eilian didn’t exactly approve of what they did. “There are more letters where I found that one, hidden in a secret cache in Acild’s desk. And I think you will see that the hand in the letters matches that of Acild’s account book.” Clever Beliond! Not just a pretty face… “Stop being an idiot, Eilian.” LOL. Eilian probably wouldn’t have even noticed that remark if it hadn’t been for Legolas’ reaction. I definitely think it was good for Legolas to see a little tension between them, as well as the fact that they still work together and get along despite it. Hopefully he’ll file that away and be able to apply it to his relationship with Beliond some day soon. The funniest part of the whole chapter has to be when Acild told them that Legolas wanted to know “where he could find a whore.” Eilian’s reaction was so funny. Can you imagine what he must have thought??! And then trying to protest and remembering that he’d been flirting with the king’s wife for the duration of dinner… *snigger* I think I’ll join Eilian in not thinking about what will happen to the two men now. I’m still not entirely certain why they’d wanted to drive Bram and Thranduil apart, though. I’ll have to re-read, I think. I was delighted with the way you split them up for the night! And what a cute image of little Legolas climbing into Eilian’s bed! The Legolas/Eilian conversation was hilarious. Poor Legolas trying to defend himself and probably desperately hoping that no one ever learns how naïve he actually was – but he was such a gentleman to her that Adar would surely be proud!! It’s always lovely to see the ‘brother’ moments between any of Thranduil’s sons. Eilian is going to have to be very creative when reporting to Thranduil about this mission. Ithilden might be amused by the tale of prostitutes and burglary if he’s in the right mood but it might be something to keep from Thranduil for another couple of centuries yet… I loved the very open conversation between Maltanaur and Beliond too. Beliond seems to have figured out what Thranduil used to struggle with, that “Legolas nearly always does as he is told if he understands and accepts the reasons behind the action.” But he’s a warrior now and, as Maltanaur seems to know, it’s important that he can obey without question. I’m glad Beliond is beginning to acknowledge that his charge can do this too. Most of Beliond’s worries seem to stem from what might happen rather than anything Legolas has actually done but it will just take time for him to separate the two, although I imagine that particular fear will never go away if Maltanaur is anything to judge by. “Do you think that the Men have managed to keep that bed free of insects?” Ugh! What kind of missions used poor Beliond be sent on?? :-)

Jay of Lasgalen · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

There were several parts to this chapter that were rather funny - Eilian's flirting; Maltanaur's disapproval - and Eilian's exchange on prostitutes with Legolas at the end: “Of course I recognize one. What kind of naïve child do you take me for?” I'm tempted to say 'yeah, right!' Despite the obvious danger of Beliond searching the shop and Legolas standing guard, I'd not thought about the political implications: the King's son being found in such a situation, bearing in mind the suspicions already present about elves; and the potential punishment. The cutting off of a hand comes to mind! Not good for an archer. Jay

Alison H · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

This chapter was delicious, Daw! I loved every word and I always get a thrill when reading a new chapter to this story.This has been one of my favourite stories of yours. I was waiting for Eilian to find out about Legolas' encounter with the 'lady of the night' and it was a hoot when his jaw dropped at the mention of her! The fact that Eilian instantly dismissed any thoughts of Legolas being involved with a prostitute was oddly touching.I just love their relationship. Eilian was really jolted by Maltaneur's words of warning concerning his flirting with Bram's wife.It seems that even Eilian has still to learn a few things--he's lucky to have his keeper by his side. I liked the ending to this chapter with Eilian being a mother hen to Legolas and Beliond telling his colleague that Legolas did well. All in all a wondeful chapter.I can't wait for more! Ali.

Karri · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Oi! Eilian and his fondness for flirting! It is amazing it did not get him into some serious trouble before he final settled down with icky Celuwen. Legolas was adorable in this chapter. It was definitely good for him to see Maltanaur questioning Eilian. Very entertaining. :-)

sofia · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

I liked reading this chapter. It was funny in some parts, like Eilian finding out the Legolas wanted to see the prostitute.

The Karenator · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

What a cute chapter...well, except the part where the men are in 'big trouble'. That was a good 'tense'. Caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Eilian just cracked me up when Maltanaur asked him if he had considered that the queen was flirting with him to gain information. Males are males, aren't they? It never entered his mind that she was flirting for any reason other than he's so cute. And I imagine Bram was not so occupied that he didn't notice. It's that territorial male thing that transcends all races. Beliond had all his bases covered when the king began to ask questions. He made some good snap decisions during the heat of the hunt. Leaving the other letters was a smart move. His shady experiences are coming out into the light. Maltanaur was certainly amused. Eilian grinned. “I am surprised you would recognize a prostitute, little brother. What have you been doing while I have not been around to keep an eye on you?” 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?” Yeah, yeah, yeah... I believe Beliond would have answered that question differently. And I loved the banter between the brothers...once it was established that the conversation was between brothers. Maltanaur is a wise old owl. He said what he had to say to Beliond in a very diplomatic and relaxed way. Maybe Beliond will think about how he interacts with Legolas a little more. All in all, all the older Elves in Legolas life have been reluctant to allow him to grow up, but he's doing it despite the obstacles they place in his path. He's young, but he's learned his lessons well and is doing just fine. Very entertaining chapter, Daw. A nice mixture of tenseness and humor. I really enjoyed it. Karen

meckinock · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

Bad Eilian! Bram surely could not take offense. LOL. Eilian the Master Diplomat. Flirting with the King's wife under the King's nose, drinking too much, talking too much, did you leave anything out? He's lucky Maltanaur didn't drag him out of there by the ear. I have to hand it to him for having the guts to tell an already suspicious Bram his warriors had broken into a private citizen's shop, though. I'd have been tempted to get Legolas the heck out of Dodge first, just in case Bram didn't have a sense of humor. I loved Legolas's reaction to Maltanaur reading Eilian the riot act. See, it's not all wine and roses! And I loved it when Legolas's face went red at mention of the prostitute, and later the brotherly exchange was great - "Then shut up." Maltanaur's little talk with Beliond was nice. Hopefully the old coot will back off a little and let Legolas make a few mistakes of his own. I really like those two together, and I love Eilian and Legolas together. I will be really sorry to see this story end!

Bodkin · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

So many things to love! The 'how to manage your prince' conversation. The 'how to embarrass your brother' chat. The 'listen to me, Eilian' scolding. The chat with Maltanaur will hopefully bear fruit in the Legolas / Beliond relationship. Especially since the night's events have proved what Maltanaur says to be true. If Beliond allows himself the entertainment of teaching Legolas some of his - less customary elven skills, their relationship should burgeon. It won't do any harm, either, for Legolas to realise that Eilian still gets an occasional ear-bashing from Maltanaur, but has learned to live with the fact that the keeper is usually right. (Ahh. The years of late adolescence / early adulthood - so careful of one's dignity, so afraid that one is not being taken seriously.) I hope the shoe to Eilian's head has not left a bruise. Bram and Mrs Bram might wonder what the two of them had been up to! The brothers Thranduilion ought to have flags, like taxis, that say BROTHER / CAPTAIN or BROTHER /TROOP COMMANDER, so they know which hat is being worn at any one moment. (I just reread Ithilden/Eilian at the end of Glorious Summer. Definitely not a brotherly moment.) Bram was quite receptive to the revelations - perhaps the evil Easterlings hadn't done quite such a good job as they had thought. Rumour is useful, but it does need a bit of fact to back it up - and there hadn't actually been anything to divide Dale and the Wood. Unless you count paying Dale's merchants a good deal of money to facilitate the Dwarf/Elf trade in weapons. I think we could do with a Field of the Cloth of Gold, where Thranduil and Bram pay a state visit to each other. It would give Sinnarn something to do, too, and keep his mind off his woes. (And Elven morals would avoid some of the health problems that are supposed to have plagued Henry VIII as a consequence.) A moment I look forward to in some future story - one of true equality between Ithilden and his brothers - well, Eilian, anyway - where they are husbands and fathers, and Ithilden is not clearly so much older and more experienced. And, come to that, Thranduil seeing Eilian in the same way he sees Ithilden. It'll take a good few centuries yet though.

Brazgirl · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

This update was so quick! I am truly happy. Well... Eilian was jealous because of the action. He never changes, does he? And flirting with the queen? Well, we all know he would. He did well with the king and his ire. The interaction between Eilian and Legolas was very funny. But I like that conversation between Maltanaur and Beliond in the end. Insects on the bed! That made me laugh!!! I wonder what will happen when Thranduil hears the result of this mission.

elliska · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

And I honestly thought the scene in the inn would be the best one. Wrong. Daw, this was absolutely hilarious. It is impossible for me to say which part I liked best: At least Eilian had had plenty of experience in facing a king in full fury. Eilian’s jaw dropped, and he glanced quickly at Legolas, whose face had gone scarlet. Not possible, Eilian told himself firmly despite Legolas’s guilty look. and Eilian grinned. “I am surprised you would recognize a prostitute, little brother. What have you been doing while I have not been around to keep an eye on you?” 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?” Eilian laughed. “Tell me about her,” he teased. “Is she pretty?” Legolas opened his mouth, closed it, and then cautiously asked, “Are you my captain now or my brother?” The answer to that one was easy. “Brother,” Eilian declared. “Then shut up.” He dropped into a chair and started to remove his shoes. Eilian laughed hard enough that Legolas threw a shoe and hit him in the head. were, in my mind the funniest parts. I am laughing my head off just copy/pasting them in here. But the whole thing was so clever. Twisting Eilian's flirting into the whole thing and Beliond's suggestion to Bram that he send guards to find the letters and compare them to the books...just great. And Eilian's overall reaction was just perfect. This was a great chapter. Sorry to be short but I'm going to quit reviewing and just go back and read it again.

Manderly · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 10: Telling Bram

What struck me the most about this chapter is the differing levels of experience displayed by the Eilian, Legolas, Maltanaur and Beliond. By the way they react to the same situation, it is obviously that Eilian and Legolas have a way to go yet before they can be a match to their watchers. Eilian forever the flirt, Maltanaur admonishing him for it and Legolas watching it all with wide-eyed realization - what a hoot! Something tells me that his image of big brother Eilian will need some redefining after this mission. I like the play on the "brother/captain" difference. Big brother is much easier to rebuke than the captain, as Legolas finds out quickly enough, but whether it's brother or captain, Eilian will forever be protective of Legolas - very sweet!

White Wolf · 12 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

I loved Beliond's line of reasoning: "I was searching buildings when your nurse was wiping dribble from your chin with your bib..." It was great seeing Beliond in action doing the stealthy things he used to do and loving it. Good suspence. Legolas, the lock picker. It sounds funny, but I can see that particular talent possibly coming in handy sometime in the future. You never know. :o)

Nilmandra · 12 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

I was just laughing at 'Batman and Robin' on their mission. Legolas did do a great job, thought on his feet and was a good sidekick. Poor Beliond - I loved seeing him excited about something and using his skills. It is understandable that he only grudgingly allows Legolas to be in danger. He needs to see his role as more than keeping Legolas safe by protecting him.....he has to teach Legolas how to be the best warrior he can be, which means learning to take calculated risks too. Sinnarn has hit it right on the head about 'wanting' - a lot of us adults suffer from the same thing.

elliska · 12 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

Sorry to be so late reviewing. I've been in training all week w/o Internet access. Going nutz! This was a great chapter, Daw. Poor Sinnarn and Ithilden. I hated being a teenager. It was so frustrating and confusing and you really summed it up: I do not know what I want sometimes. I just want. That's exactly the problem. Ithilden handled that conversation very well and showed good parenting skills no matter how frustrating Sinnarn found Ithilden's final words. I think I would go mad if I was Ithilden. And the 'mission' with Beliond was priceless. Beliond is the limit, isn't he?! Threatening Legolas into his part of the mission, criticizing the lockmaker's skills, cursing... Too funny. And the search itself was very well done--nice and tense. I have spent a good deal of time thinking about the relationship between the guards and their protectees too. Even talked with a friend of mine who is a body guard for celebrities that visit the theme parks here in Orlando. It's a tough relationship but I think you have explored it well in this story. My friend told me that the celebrities sign a contract--the body guard will attempt to provide them with as much freedom/normalcy as possible but when it comes down to it, the protectee must obey the body guard. Period. If they don't, the contract is broken and the body guard just leaves. They get paid in advance. :) Beliond's problem is that he has no real way to enforce Legolas allowing him to protect him and he can'y escape seeing his own son when he sees Legolas (that is so sad). I think if Legolas thought about how Thranduil would react if he did not let Beliond do his job, he might back down some. :) And I have enjoyed the struggle those two are having in this chapter with allowing Legolas to be a warrior. But in this case, Beliond was right--in a mission like that, someone stands watch and someone goes in. Obviously the person who knows tricks like picking locks and looking for secret places in drawers goes in. That sticks Legolas with the less exciting job. And Legolas handled it well. I loved the sequence when Beliond comes out and sees him talking with the men and drags him off. Great! I think Beliond is going to have to teach Legolas to pick locks. What an education Legolas is getting! Ha! And now to Eilian's reaction. I think after he gets over his initial shock, he'll be cool with this. After all, I can sure see him doing the same thing. :)

Brazgirl · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

Really Daw! Thanks for the update. You made me laugh a lot with this chapter. First, I trully adored this line in the conversation between Sinnarn and Ithilden: “I do not know what I want sometimes. I just want.” That was so sweet and incredibly real. Shows the naivety of the young elf in front of his father. I felt like hugging Ithilden when he said those words to his son. Very nice dialogue. But the best was Beliond... that was... great. And he even cursed. If her learnt to curse with Oropher I wonder about Thranduil's vocabulary. And what will Eilian say when he heards of the bodyguard's adventure? And of those papers?? I am curious to find out!!!

Alice · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

I have to tell you as a teenager myself, that you're really good at getting inside the adolescent's mind. Wanting but not knowing what exactly it is you want is exactly how it is. I loved that scene with Ithilden and Sinnarn. It was touching, and real and it was just wonderful. Both of them came off as wonderful, without being all perfect. They were real. And Ithilden is an awesome adar. I also liked how you mentioned Ithilden's passion for music. It's a nice trait he has. It gives him more dimension. So, I have to tell you that I loved reading Beliond's pov. It was fabulous getting inside his head. Also enlightening. I wonder if he ever uses the word young without fool following it. It was great seeing him gleefully break and enter. He was probably a very good spy. It was also amusing to see him imagine beating the snot out of Legolas. Beliond's not a person I would leave in charge of teenagers personally. It's good he's only got Legolas to look after. Another young person might kill him. He should so teach Legolas how to pick locks though. It's an important part of one's education. So, very enjoyable chapter. I enjoyed it more than the last one actually and am quite looking forward to Eilian's cry of " You did what?!". My one problem with it though is Legolas using the phrase you are the limit. It's the one jarring note of the story. It's a bit too modern, which is a pet peeve of mine for Tolkien fanfiction. Other than that though, I think it's one of the best chapters you've ever written. I look forward to reading more of this story.

Bodkin · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

'The name's Beliond, James Beliond and I like my Dorwinion unshaken, and not stirred.' Have you considered writing the story of Beliond the spy? Interacting with females with Easterling accents. Evading capture by evil world-dominating Dark Lords.

Jay of Lasgalen · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

Beliond was great in this chapter, a real 007! Yet he's so uncomplimentary of poor Legolas: 'He hated the idea of leaving the young fool on his own to do anything that popped into his head, but he solaced himself by vowing that he would beat the snot out of Legolas if he violated orders.' I don't think Thranduil would approve! Poor Legolas has done tremendously well in an extremely unfamiliar situation: hanging around inconspicuously on dark streets, accosting merchants, pretending to be interested in a prostitute. Even Beliond recognises that in the end: 'he was also feeling a small glow of pride at how well Legolas had done at a task he had been angry at being assigned.' It's a true sign of maturity to get on with a task that you hate but can't avoid. Jay

Karri · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

It is chapters like this one that remind me of why I just Beliond. Thranduil was very wise in his selection, for I think Beliond needed Legolas, more than Legolas needed Beliond. A very entertaining chapter, daw!

sofia · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

I did not know Ithilden liked music. I guess you learn something new everyday. I love how Beliond is acting all excited on going on a 'mission' I have to wonder what exactly did he do when he worked as one of Thranduil's spies. I can't wait to see Eilian's reaction to the paper. More soon please! -sofia

Ms. Whatsit · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

Oh, c'mon, Beliond! Teach Legolas how to pick locks! Can we have a fic about that, please? The part with Sinnarn and Ithilden was touching. I hadn't realized before how suffocated Sinnarn must feel at being the heir's son. And I like how Ithilden was being a typical Annoying Parent, saying all the things Sinnarn knew he would say. Beliond and Legolas were hysterical. Maybe you should start writing a series about them--the adventures of Beliond and Legolas in Dale. Make Legolas a spy, too! They can run around Middle Earth like a funny Elven Odd Couple and wreak havoc.

perelleth · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

Yep!. Another end-of-the-week treat! This is getting quite intriguing, chapter after chapter! I was almost frantic trying to learn whether they were discovered or not!!! You see... Legolas and Beliond are beginning to be truly comic with that strained relationship in which annoyance and care are mingling in everything they mean to say to each other... I can't help but see Eilian and Maltanaur shooting quizzical looks at each other and trying to hide their amusement while these two try to explain why they were "elves on a mission (not previously cleared with their ranking officer!) By the way, such a great sentence!!! ( “An elf on a mission”) it sounded self-important and sarcastic at the same time! (a case of character/author’s differring view of the same situation? ;-) Anyway, Beliond being bored and recognizing Legolas usefulness are two new variables one needs time to process!!! And yes, the Easterlings, both merchant and king’s advisor’s advisor, (hey, I got it right this time!!!) seem quite evil! And Sinnarn!!! Poor one!!!! I think judging own parent’s trade and life is one of the cruellest and most unfair mistakes any adolescent can make… and useless as well!!! For most of what we ever become is rooted in our past… Life’s sense of humour I'd guess… But that thought was truly cruel... Understandable but cruel (on the child’s part, not yours!!!! I think Ithilden is managing the situation very well!! and poor Sinnarn eventually will learn to cope with.. his hormones!) On the other way, I just winced out of sympathy... family trade can be terribly daunting for one that age, you feel as if you hear doors closing noisily upon your face everywhere you turn to… (And I know what I’m speaking of!!!) Maybe it is time uncle Legolas has a long talk with his nephew? Anyway what I liked most in this chapter was a short sentence “... Made him spit out a word he had learned from Oropher…” Mmm I’d love to read which word was it, and how and why Beliond learned it or earned it? Which leads me back to my ” Wouldn’t it be good to have a look at Thranduil’s youth?” refrain ;-) Nice weekend and fruitful plotting!!!!

Dot · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

What a wonderful chapter! I love the way you’re building the story at such a tantalising pace, with some new development in every chapter instead of all in one go, and the added tensions between the characters makes this great reading. I really enjoyed the adventure Beliond and Legolas have in the spice shop but my favourite part of this chapter is the Sinnarn/ Ithilden moment. Sinnarn seems to have inherited his love of being out at night from Uncle Legolas. Of course, add boredom and frustration into the mix and no wonder he’s feeling sorry for himself. You captured the sense of feeling misunderstood and that longing for anything other than what he has really well. And while Sinnarn feels misunderstood, to Ithilden he’s incomprehensible. I just loved the idea that they would all sing together and especially the insight into Ithilden’s love of music. I remember Legolas being astonished when Ithilden sang to Alfirin so I can see why his son, who is under his authority all the time, would find it hard to reconcile this aspect of his father with his otherwise serious nature! Anyway, I’m glad you’re giving music a more important place in Ithilden’s life than we knew previously. Except now I want to know when and why he got his first harp!! I thought Sinnarn actually managed quite well in attempting to voice his thoughts. I feel sorry for him because I hate to see him feel so trapped but at the same time it’s mostly just adolescence and there isn’t anything anyone can say or do that will help. I had never stopped to think, though, that Sinnarn might have to more or less follow in his father’s footsteps. Thranduil is lucky in Ithilden but not everyone is suited to that life. I felt most sorry for Ithilden. How hard to know that your son is constantly irritated by and angry with you. He seems to be making an effort to understand but I think he really did the right thing in the end by just letting Sinnarn know how much he loves him. And wow, the depth of his love for his son comes across almost painfully. Sinnarn wasn’t the only one blinking away tears. It’s good that Ithilden was so open with him. Sinnarn needs that. I guess they’ll just have to let time take care of this one. And Ithilden should take comfort from the fact that even the great Thranduil was better with elflings and adults. Maybe Sinnarn should have a chat with his doting grandfather. If nothing else, he’ll make him feel better for a while. Beliond was particularly marvellous in this chapter! I loved the chance to be inside his head! I had to laugh at him secretly unable to resist a little excitement. “If Todith or Eilian or anyone else was leading this little foray into crime, would you challenge his right to use his warriors as he thought best?” Well… technically Legolas could argue that Todith or Eilian would actually be commanding officers and thus entitled to order him about…but I’m kind of glad he had the sense to realise that Beliond really is trying to involve him and keep him safe at the same time. Beliond’s thoughts about Legolas are just hilarious. “Beat the snot” out of him indeed. It would seem Beliond has done this before! He seemed entirely too comfortable picking locks and searching through things. A little jumpy, maybe, but he certainly knows what he’s doing. You did such a great job in writing the search. Admittedly I had to stop myself from scrolling down to see what happened but I’m glad I didn’t skim over it because you really made the scene come alive with the wonderful details you included. LOL at him learning his colourful language from Oropher. I’m thinking Thranduil must have learned a thing or two from his adar as well so. And it made me pause for a moment to think about how far back Beliond’s connection to this family goes. I don’t know if it was meant to be funny or not but something about the phrase “an Elf on a mission” really tickled me. It was very clever of him to realise that there might be something behind the drawer. And clever too of Legolas to pretend to be looking for Raena! It won’t help relations between him and these particular Men, but at least Beliond managed to make it look as though Legolas was just an ignorant youngling – and someone else’s son other than Thranduil’s. These two are certainly quick thinkers. So they have their evidence? Something tells me that Bram might not willingly believe that the Elves happened to just find this paper. And I also have my doubts that he would be able to read the language either. But I’ll have to wait and see, I suppose…;-) At least Legolas has earned himself some respect at last! And in turn he seems to be starting to accept just how exasperating Beliond can be. Eilian won’t be too thrilled when he hears of their escapade, but I suspect that it’ll be more the fact that baby brother was in danger than anything else. And a little jealousy at what they were doing while he was eating dinner! Besides, it’s my guess that Maltanaur will be more inclined to agree that Beliond and Legolas took the only real option open to them considering that they’re supposed to be learning who’s behind the rumours. You have a great story here, daw. It’s one that I really look forward to re-reading in one go when it’s over - and whenever RL decides to get back to normal, which won’t be for a while yet - but at the same time I don’t want it to end because I could keep reading this forever! :-)

French Pony · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

You can think what you like about the advantages of Elven immortality. The extended "carefree and innocent" days of childhood. . . eternal youth and beauty. . . ever-growing wisdom. . . but the price you pay, that ol' J.R.R. conveniently neglected to mention, is having to deal with extended adolescence. First your own, in which you remain in the ugly-duckling stage (of course Elves must have an ugly-duckling stage. For a given value of "ugly duckling," but still.) for twice as long as a human, while your hormones rage and you can't do what you want and nobody ever tells you anything. And then, once you've finally gotten past all that, you get to do it all over again with the kids. Who may come centuries apart. No wonder the Elves tended to have few children. I think Sinnarn has really managed to verbalize everything that frustrates an adolescent: “I do not know what I want sometimes. I just want.” That's adolescence right there in two sentences. I would say that I'm glad I never have to go through that again, but I strongly suspect that I haven't quite left it to begin with. Does it ever go away? Or do you have to be 600 years old like Ithilden? Speaking of Ithilden, he did well tonight. Bet that sort of talk was something he learned from Lorellin. I strongly suspect that, whatever Eilian might officially have to think about Beliond and Legolas's little breaking and entering spree, he would really have been amused and fairly jealous that he wasn't along. Sometimes I think Beliond gives Eilian too much credit for being grown up. I also strongly suspect that, any day now, Legolas will figure out that Beliond takes the interesting jobs upon himself partially because he's bored and wants something fun to do. The day Legolas realizes that is the day that Beliond will stop having abnormal amounts of authority over him. “If Todith or Eilian or anyone else was leading this little foray into crime, would you challenge his right to use his warriors as he thought best?” The flaw in Beliond's statement here is that both Todith and Eilian have official rank over Legolas. Beliond does not. He's older, he's a bodyguard, and he has a certain amount of authority, but he doesn't have the rank that would make that statement really hold up to intense scrutiny. Fortunately, Legolas is still too inexperienced to make that connection. Mm-hmm. Beliond is enjoying his little lockpicking spree. We always knew he had it in him. Poppy syrup, he thought. More than he would have expected, but not precisely incriminating for a seller of herbs and spices. Interesting statement. Do you think that poppy extract is regulated in Middle-earth? To what extent? So Beliond learned to swear from Oropher. I wonder who else might have learned to swear from Oropher. Perhaps Thranduil has a more colorful vocabulary than you've led us to believe. I imagine him receiving news that Legolas won't be coming back from his little trip to Imladris and letting loose a rip-roaring stream of invective that will leave even Beliond astonished and impressed. At the moment, he should be impressed with Legolas's acting abilities. "Capable young fool" is pretty accurate, and Legoals did save Beliond's butt back there. Maybe he could be trusted with learning to pick locks. Of course, the real risk is that he would then teach the skill to Eilian.

thechevin · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Evening Activities

What a tremendous chapter this was I admit it I had a peek at the end to make sure they were not caught I couldn't resist, sorry. Belion'ds thought about his charge were so funny as were his musings on what he would do to him if he didn't do as he was told, and this exchange was brilliant "you were a very convincing angry adar. At first, I was not entirely sure you were acting Beliond glared at him. “I was not entirely acting!” This really had me laughing out loud Beliond is so crusty but also proud of his charge as he reluctantly acknowledges much to Legolas surprise I do not think Eilian will be so happy however even with the information they have found Poor Ithilden and Sinnarn so close and so far apart the horrors of youth are so well drawn here as well as the confusion and hurt of the adult struggling to help In case you didn't know I am really enjoying this story Judy