Tapetum Lucidum
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 7: Thranduilions
Are you sure you are not a lawyer - that was some fancy political rhetoric in the first section. Eilian is his father's son. All of those years of court have really paid off. Closing the door on Maltanaur and Co was funny. I could see his frustration and King Bram's glee. The words chosen to describe Thranduil's opinion of men were very accurate. Having Eilian use the truth to convince Bram of their continued good relations was definitely the right choice. No one's wine matches the King's (LOL)!
Maltanaur's blood pressure must have dropped considerably when Eilian finally emerged from Bram's study. At least Eilian made sure they had adjoining rooms. Checking the window security was very much in character for the keeper. I am confident that Eilian will charm him at dinner and that Beliond will watch Legolas like a hawk.
Beliond would definitely prefer the trees but the inn sounds like a lot of fun. It is a good place to gauge the mood of the town as well as a lot of fun for an inexperienced princeling. Beliond is doomed if Legolas and Maltanaur join forces.
Having Ithilden make a decision about troop deployment was a good way to step into his flashback. I was happy to see him empathize with his son and youngest brother. I was also happy to see him be a little elss perfect. His little trick with Lomiland was very clever. It was, however, not nearly clever enough to escape his father's wrath. He was lucky his punishment was so mild. Deceiving a teacher is very bad (as you should know!).
It is a little strange to see Thranduil and Ithilden talking as peers regarding parenting. It is a new side to their relationship. Eilian does seem to have matters in Dale well in hand... for the moment. I am looking forward to seeing that resolve.
Author's reply
I'm glad Eilian came across well! I struggled with that part of the chapter, actually. I had to go on and write the rest and come back to it. I wanted it to be tricky and diplomatic, like a mine field for Eilian. And I wanted him to negotiate it well, but be aware of how important this was to his father and the realm. He's not so much older than Legolas that he takes his father's good opinion for granted.
I also thought that the priorities of the two keepers might conflict a little here. Maltanaur wants Eilian's safety, so he wants Legolas to act like the guard he is. Beliond wants Legolas's safety, so he wants them out of the town. And Legolas was the one who decided which way things should go. I think the direction he chose was the right one.
Ithilden did a very bad thing! Very bad! The teacher and his father both say so! And so say I!
Thranduil talks to Ithilden like an equal as much as he does with anyone. And that's a sign of what a great adult Ithilden has become, I think.
Elvenesse
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 7: Thranduilions
Yup, I mean the sense of ease that Thranduil and Ithilden have with each other. I think anyone having that with Thranduil would be quite an achievement.
Anyway, I forgot to add that I loved the way Legolas handled Beliond. You are welcome to do likewise or not, just as you choose. He knows full well that Beliond has no choice. It made me laugh.
Author's reply
I've grown fonder and fonder of Ithilden as I write these stories. He's not a naturally friendly, happy kid, like Eilian. And he's not the baby, like Legolas. He's born the burden of a lot of responsibility all his life and he's done it graciously and well.
And don't think Beliond didn't notice that either!
Elvenesse
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 7: Thranduilions
I think that it's a shame that Thranduil (and Ithilden as well) doesn't have that sense of trust and equality with Eilian and Legolas - although I suppose that it will come with time.
The sword drill was very realistic, although I don't know much about sword fighting. I've done exercises where I can hardly breathe and I'm struggling not to be sick because it's so hard. The more tired you get the more you have to concentrate on your technique because it disintegrates so much. That scene made me wince - from both remembered pain and from anticipation of how much trouble Ithilden was going to get into.
Legolas being assertive with Beliond - yay! I'm not sure that he will enjoy the inn though, Middle-earth inns don't seem to be something I'd enjoy; and I don't know how Elves would like the noise and the smell. Poor Beliond.
Author's reply
I'm guessing you mean the sense of trust and equality that Thranduil and Ithilden seem to have with one another. I really enjoy writing about that. I think it's a real achievement on Ithilden's part (and maybe on both their parts). But you're right: Eilian and Legolas are both excluded from that just now. They're both young, of course. I'm guessing Ithilden had quite a lot of work to do to get to where he is now from where he was on the day of the sword drill I described. It does sound awful. French Pony told me about it. They did it in her fencing class.
Legolas needs to assert himself a little with Beliond. It's the only way he's ever going to win his respect. He has to do it right: no whining or stupidity. But standing up for his own opinions isn't going to hurt.
elliska
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 7: Thranduilions
Bram is one seriously stern fellow. Poor Eilian. I felt bad for him--not only does he have to try to convince Bram that the Woodland Realm is his ally, he has to worry about doing it without saying anything that will tick Thranduil off in the process. Good thing he's a real charmer. You did a good job portraying the tension in that meeting. Poor Maltanaur too.
And Legolas gets to stay in the inn. Boy, he'll regret that. Has pipeweed been invented yet? Regardless, I doubt the inn will meet the standard of living Legolas is accustomed to. Even that of an Elven warrior camp. Poor kid. I think he's in for some disillusionment (sp?). At best. And poor Beliond. He knows better and I bet he is imagining the worst.
But in this chapter, my favorite part was definitely the flashback. What a sneaky little trick! Ooo and Thranduil was not pleased! I bet Ithilden didn't see that side of his father too often but it was scary. I liked that whole sequence a lot. And I like the discussion between Thranduil and Ithilden afterward. It is nice to see father and son talking about parenting. Thranduil handles it well, knowing how much he disliked interference.
I am almost afraid to see the next chapter. You are good at building suspense. A little too good. :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the part with Eilian and Bram. I struggled with it, for some reason. Eilian is in a ticklish situation, caught between his need to convince Bram of his honesty and his need to keep some of Thranduil's sharper opinions to himself.
A night in an inn. :-) We'll see how that goes. Beliond is not pleased.
One of the odd moments in writing this chapter came when I wrote about Ithilden and Thranduil being companionable in the "present" after seeing that moment of Ithilden's adolescence. I do think the two of them are quite close now. I suspect that Thranduil trust's Ithilden's judgment as he does that of few others.
perelleth
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Great chapter!!! I could almost see Dale, but, above all, the scene with the juggler, it’s so wonderfully and fluidly written I could almost picture the colour of his clothes, his pointed hat with little bells and the way he bowed with a flourish while producing the knives and his look when he picked out Beliond and the way he made his way towards the elves, and the expression in their faces... ( I know you didn’t write that but it was so very vivid it all showed that way in my eyes!) Well, your style is usually very fluid and perfectly smooth (IMHO, I’m far from being any authority..) but this particular scene struck me especially and I wanted you to know.
I like the way you’re picturing Legolas as a young adult, a bit petulant and impulsive, a bit childish, a bit of a nuisance, yet honest enough with himself to see it: he now sees his horse can become an inconvenience, he sees that Beliond is a far deeper entity than he had credited him for, and all in all he’s learning that the world goes not around himself and that there is more to many things that what he can see. That’s the hard job of growing up and I’m glad you’re showing it wit such detail and realism.
The opening was great, both keepers exchanging notes about their charges, though it was a bit sad when Maltanaur rejoices in the forest, comparing it with the trees in the Southern Border Patrol Area, life must be really hard for those elves!
“Eilian laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “I see I have been neglecting your education.” Mm I bet this is a subject Thranduil would not disapprove of, were Eilian to actually enlighten his brother. I guess that’s the area of expertise both father and middle son are experts at, and I hope Thranduil would see the benefit for Legolas to be taught by the second best master of the arts in the realm!!!. Funny Eilian, I hope he gets some points with Adar at the end of this mission!!!
Author's reply
The juggling scene was a lot of fun to write. I was trying to picture a street scene and thought of a juggler, because I'd just seen one (we were on vacation) and then it occurred to me that elves might not be so impressed by juggling. Their superior reflexes might make that easy for them! And I could also see grouchy looking Beliond as a perfect target for a street performer. (I think he's slap a mime silly.)
Your analysis of Legolas is really sharp. I liked it a lot. I do think you have him just right. He's very young yet, but he's a good kid and is willing to learn. He just needs some tempering with experience and everyone has been trying to keep him from getting it!
I added that scene at the start between the two keepers very late in creating this chapter. I don't have them together very often and it seemed like a shame to waste the opportunity.
I hope all of Thranduil's sons get some points from him at the end of this story. I think they all value them more than they say.
esamen
· 29 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
And hello again -- I enjoyed reading this so much that I had to come back and review again.
"With a flick of his wrist, Beliond gathered in the knives, sheathed his own, and held the other three out to the juggler. The people in the crowd burst into applause, and after a moment’s hesitation, the juggler bowed and took back his knives. Beliond fished a small coin out of his belt pouch, tossed it onto the blanket at the juggler’s feet, seized Legolas’s arm, and drew him down the street, with the laughter of the audience trailing after them.
“It would probably be best if we did not make ourselves too conspicuous,” Legolas repeated dryly.
Beliond shrugged. “I thought you wanted me to be agreeable. Besides,” he added with a straight face, “we are the only Elves in the marketplace.” "
I want to let you know how much I enjoy the interplay between men and elves, and between Legolas and Beliond, in this chapter. You have little frictions and changes going on all the time, and it's just delicious to read. The Easterling merchant comes in like a rumble of thunder in the distance on a sunny afternoon. It's just so well done. Can I bribe you with anything to make you update ASAP?
Looking forward to the next chapter! I want to see Eilian and Maltanaur meet with Bram . . . as well as find out what Beliond is going to do with the nasty merchant . And I'm pining for wonderful Legolas adventure and heroism.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it! It was fun to write. This story is a little tricky because with the four elves all in Dale together, there's a lot of potential stories to be told and while I probably can't do all of them, I'd like to do justice to as many as I can.
I'm working on the next chapter, roughing it out. I had some trouble with Eilian and Bram. We'll see how it goes.
elliska
· 29 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Oh my, this one almost slipped by me. The little notification thing didn't come to my email--our stupid email server is always losing things. I would have been so mad if I'd missed it until the next chap came out. This was priceless! Loved it!
The opening scene with the keepers (I just love that term) was great. Maltanaur is so wonderful--he handles that conversation with Beliond as well as he handles Eilian. Beliond's duty likely does nearly bore him stiff and scare him to death. Poor guy--just knowing the part of his backstory that his own son was killed on Dagorlad is enough to make me cry. I like him and his inability to give Legolas too much room.
Dale was excellent. I died laughing when Legolas said, "They cannot tell time on their own?" The things Men can't do (and the thing they do) must be a real shocker to the poor young elf. And Beliond's reaction was perfect--'too much noise when you're sleeping.' That is so him.
Eilian and Legolas and the staring maiden were great too. Eilian laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “I see I have been neglecting your education.” If Thranduil had heard that he would have panicked. Great line.
Eilian was obviously the perfect person to send on this mission. I think I would actually be afraid to meet Eilian. I might even act like a fan girl around him. I always find it amusing when Legolas has to cope with Eilian changing roles from big brother to captain or Lord Eilian. How bizarre that must be for him. But that was handled smartly here--who is protecting who? :-) And the dark man who loooked like and Easterling is obviously scary trouble. Love how you portrayed the reactions to him all the way around.
But of course the best part of this was the 'go get a feel for the people in the marketplace.' Beliond juggling! Beliond actually playing. Must be a sign of the Final Battle! That was priceless. I would pay money to see that filmed and see Legolas's reaction to it. What a great idea. The whole portrayal of Dale brought it so much to life. Great job! This story is turning out so well (as usual, but this one seems especially rich).
Author's reply
Beliond has really grown on me as a character. Actually, both keepers have. They were sort of small time extras at first, but they were around so consistently and were such a constant part of my characters' lives that I had to think about them a bit and then they got interesting.
Dale was fun to try to picture. And then I had to try to think about what would seem strange to an elf and a wood elf at that. A walled town must have made them a little claustrophobic, I think. The juggling just sort of happened. I was trying to picture the street scene and decided a juggler might be there, but then I realized that Elves might not be impressed by a juggler. And then Beliond stepped up and said, "Give me the blankety blank knives!" So I did.
You don't think Thranduil wants Eilian to teach Legolas everything he always wanted to know about girls but was afraid to ask? LOL. Maybe not.
I also like writing the moments when my characters slip from one role into another. Eilian as captain and Thranduil's representative is hard for Legolas to accept, I think. His personal relationship with this brother is the one he values.
The Karenator
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
There are so many good lines in this chapter that I have a hard time picking just a few. I'll go for general themes.
I enjoyed the two keepers' discussion. You highlighted the differences in their personalities well. Maltanaur is so easy going compared to Beliond. Even with Maltanaur, Beliond is short and grumpy. Fortunately, Maltanaur knows him well enough...and respects him, I assume...that he isn't offended. Actually, I think Maltanaur finds the old goat rather amusing...even bating Beliond a little with the 'looking forward to Dale' comment.
“They cannot tell time on their own?” he asked uncertainly.
What a wonderful, innocent comment.
Dale was fun. You gave us such a visual of the layout and the people. The sights, sounds and smells were such a nice touch. And an important point to Elves moving among men. Why is it that men are so dang unwashed? I know that's the way it was before Palmolive started advertising and we could raise our hands with confidence, but I've always wondered what was so hard about figuring out that soap and water go together like soup and sandwich. I suppose this a whole 'nuther discussion. Just one of life's little unanswered questions.
Okay. The swarthy man. I think he's the local dangwath pusher that's been serving time since Eilian busted him and now that he's out of the slammer, he's looking to cause those nosey Elves a little grief. Maybe too much time has passed and the dangwath don is pushing up daisies, but this could be his son! Or grandson. Humans pass on hate like family recipes. This guy is not just set dressing; I can feel it! :>)
Eilian is such a natural at charming people. The people of Dale will elect him mayor before he leaves.
And the cute girl was checking out the cute Elf. And typical of males of all species, he was completely oblivious. I don't think Adar would appreciate Eilian giving Legolas lessons in flirting.
Beliond juggling. Who knew? And billy-goat gruff was enjoying himself. I think Beliond has quite a past. I hope we'll find out a little more.
Wonderful chapter. I'm looking forward to the next. Trouble is on the horizon...I hope. :>)
Karen
Author's reply
I love Maltanaur. I think he's a very tolerant person, willing to let others be who they are and not feel the need to change them. And he's generous. He sees the good in people and is not easily irritated by them. So he's a good match for Eilian, and he's understanding with Beliond.
I had a lot of fun thinking about what Legolas might find strange in Dale. It's always sounded charming to me when Elrond mourned for Smaug's destruction of "the merry bells of Dale." And after writing about it, I really feel bad at the thought that all of this is going to be destroyed in another 200 or so years.
I got to thinking about your question about why men were unwashed. I think one thing is that their clothes weren't very washable. They had few changes of them and a lot them were wool. And then, they worked hard and probably sweated a bucket.
You're making be laugh about the dangwath. I think you need another story about it. You just like the word.
Eilian intends to tell Legolas that girls look when you're not watching them, so you have to watch out of the corner of your eye and then turn your dazzling smile on them. Thranduil will be so pleased!
esamen
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Such a treat to see a new chapter. I had to wait until late tonight to read it. I love this story -- I really enjoy the keeper relationships. This is wonderful new kind of read. I don't know how you keep coming up with new relationships and ideas to explore!
“Legolas does well enough,” Beliond said gruffly. “He is good with a bow, and he is willing to learn.”
Aaawww . . . when I read this, I just had to stop and smile. Crusty old Beliond, so proud of his charge! You are right about the difference in relationships. It's so fun to go back and forth between the two pairs.
But I just wish that Legolas would open up to Beliond (I'm a little worried about this Easterling who is taking a notice in him). And I wish that Beliond would open up a little to Legolas. If Legolas just understood a little more about WHY Beliond does what he does, he could follow Beliond's line of thinking and then the two of them could certainly work together more fluidly instead of bumping up against each other all the time.
But, as Tolkien says, things that are good to have and days that are good to spend don't make much of a story. I'm sure that you know what you're doing in leading us on such a mysterious path. I can only hope that my blond hero gets into lots of delicious danger because of his heroism, and not because of his inexperience or his horse's flightiness. You know me -- I like my Legolas h/c poured on with a gallon bucket. Make that Easterling really nasty. The worse the Man, the better the story, I think ;-) As ever, happy typing, and I'm really looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying it, Esamen. Sending them all to Dale together has proven to be more interesting than I expected.
Beliond and Legolas are interesting together. I wondered if Legolas might not have asked Beliond about himself because he's young and Beliond is old and the young often see the old as uninteresting. But maybe Elves don't feel that way. It is true too that Beliond tends to be a loner who doesn't disclose himself very easily. That must have served him well as a spy, but in the long run, it's not good for him. I think Legolas has come to associate Beliond with his father. That seems as natural to me as that Beliond would associate Legolas with his son. I think that's the catch here and that's the situation that they each need to recognize before they can get past it.
Firnsarnien
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Oops, pressed return instead of tab. Sorry for the blank review! ;)
My, my, my! Whatdawehavehere, hmmmm? LOL Eilian AND Leggy rolled into one glorious adventure, hmmm? This is going to turn out to be an utterly wonderful tale I'm sure! It's already taking on a scrumptious note of intrigue! Yes indeed, who is that merchant that looks so foul! And what in the dickens is going on with the rumors the men told Thranduil?
LOL I almost feel sorry for poor Maltanaur and Beliond. Having to guard Leggy and Eilian by themselves is a feat, but guarding them "together", *shakes head* I'm sure those two bodyguards are not going to be wishing that Leggy and Eilian travel together again any time soon! I can only imagine what is in store for them and their charges!! LOL
Oh yeah, Eilian and Leggy! Leggy and Eilian! Woo hoo! Toss in a good dose of Beliond and Maltanaur as overprotective nana's...Yes indeed! What a tale! What a yummy scrumptious tale! I truly cannot wait for more! *sigh*
Author's reply
On SoA, it's easy to delete those blank reviews. I love this site.
There do seem to be dark things astir in beautiful downtown Dale. The sons of Thranduil (and their keepers) have their work cut out for them. I'm thinking that in some ways, Beliond's and Maltanaur's priorities might conflict. Beliond wants Legolas safe, but Maltanaur wants him as a guard for Eilian. That might be interesting. Nana Beliond might pop an artery.
Nilmandra
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
I really did like Beliond and Maltanaur - Beliond in parituclar just shone in this chapter. Their conversation and chat about their charges was great - very paternal too.
Legolas's youth comes through in this - blushing, his amazement and inability to concentrate because of all the new things - it hits home how young he really is. And Beliond is such a Nana! The reader clearly sees how he plans to 'save' Legolas from the fate of his own son. Its touching, but I am sure for Legolas a bit frustrating too. Thranduil chose well, even if Beliond is a bit grouchy at times.
And juggling was great too! Beliond is just full of surprises. I am glad to see more of him, and will be thinking of fodder of other things I want to see (including a story with him post quest). :-)
Author's reply
I added that scene with the keepers together after I'd written most of the rest of the chapter. It just occurred to me that I shouldn't miss this opportunity to show them talking since I get it so seldom. I've been trying to think about his backstory a little. I knew about his son and wife, of course, because I've said that before, and I knew he was a spy, but I never thought about where he spied or what that must have been like.
Beliond is indeed full of surprises. I thought of the juggling while we were on vacation. It just tickled me to think of Beliond doing something we think of as kind of silly.
You go ahead and think of things!
Alice
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Hehe. I really enjoyed this chapter. Beliond is awesome. A bigot, but awesome. I do wish he would quit disparaging my race though. I really enjoyed him in this chapter though. I loved him juggling. It was nice to see him having fun for a change. Also, I loved the way he just flat out told Legolas to keep out of the Inn. It's not just Legolas being sensitive when Legolas thinks that Beliond treats him like an elfling. Also, I loved Legolas being smart alecky and then Beliond being smart alecky back. Also Beliond growling at Legolas. This was just all in all an excellent, excellent chapter with Beliond. Also, nice conversation with Maltaunar. Todith does trust Legolas quite a bit. And he dies later. Now I'm all sad. I keep getting sidetracked on things I liked in this chapter.
Also, Eilian is such a fun diplomat. And a fun brother too. " I see I have been neglecting your education." LOL! I loved that line. It's fun watching Legolas blush. Eilian has indeed been neglecting his education. Eilian's very smooth by the way, ingratiating himself with the natives by asking for directions. Very smooth indeed. I'm glad he only uses his power for good.
I'm also enjoying the little bits of elvish trivia from this story. I did not know that elves could juggle. Or that they had an internal clock. I should be so lucky. I'm starting to understand why Beliond is so disdainful of men. Though we're still cool, darn it!
So, fun chapter. The Easterling is definitely trouble. Is he perhaps doing some illegal trade in Dangwath? Them herbs make me suspicious. I greatly look forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
It must have been hard for Elves to be anything other than condescending at best to the other races. Tolkien sure gave them most of the advantages. And Beliond is just the guy to remember that. Nana is the right nickname for him though. He treats Legolas as if he were six. "Stay close to me in the market." LOL. I suppose most nanas wouldn't let their six-year-old fight orcs, but still, Beliond needs to loosen up a little. He should take a look at Maltanaur and see how he does it with a much more challenging charge.
Eilian intends to point out to Legolas that girls look at you when you're NOT looking at them, so you have to look out of the corner of your eye and then turn around and smile at them. That's how he would do it. I'm not sure Legolas even wants to do that! You made me laugh about Eilian using his power for good. Fortunately, his elven nature and his upbringing have made him an honorable guy. One who intends to have fun but basically honorable.
The juggling just sort of happened. I thought about putting one in the street scene and then thought that elves would probably not be impressed by a juggler because their superior reflexes made them able to do far more unusual things. And then I thought of Beliond juggling and it was all downhill from there!
Glad you liked it, Alice.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Maltanaur and Beliond's little meeting in the tree was very cute. They do have much in common. "Bored for most of my time and terrified for the rest." LOL - Poor keepers! They must spend a lot of their time terrified. I think Maltanaur would have many more grey hairs than Beliond - judging from the nature of their charges. Beliond probably has more of an emotional investment due to the loss of his son. I liked the way Maltanaur subtley spoke up for Legolas. He made the point that perhaps Beliond needs to trust the princeling a little.
I loved this little excursion into town. You did a great job on the details from the novelty of the bells to the sights and smells. If I saw that group of elves smiling and waving to me I am sure I would return the grin (at the very least). Eilian did a good job as head of the comely group. Leading the horses was a good idea. Legolas is a bit lacking in the romantic education department.
His reactions to the various merchants was entertaining. Thranduil's opinions definitely carry a lot of weight with the young prince. The Easterling would have given me cold chills as well. He kept his reaction to a minimum. I think if Eilian and Beliond new the source of his unease they would be more forgiving. The stable hand looking for reigns on the horses was a nice touch. I was happy Eilian kept Maltanaur with him rather than trying to go off on his own. He has grown much more responsible. Beliond's reassurance was very sweet.
The stroll through the market had me laughing. "Stay out of it" - I loved Legolas' indignant response - it was very princely. The conspicuous factor and then the juggling scene was great! Who could resist showing off a little bit? It was quite out of character for Beliond which is what made it so fun! Beliond obviously noted Legolas' reaction to the herb vendor and sought to scope him out a little. He does a great job. Apparently there are times when even the elves lose track of the passing of an hour. Good thing there are those pesky bells
Fun chapter!
Author's reply
I think that Maltanaur must have had heart failure pretty regularly over the years. Beliond has it easy! But he's all wrapped up in making sure that another young warrior doesn't die. I think he need to ease up a little.
Perhaps the female inhabitant of Dale will soften up more easily than the male! Legolas needs to realize that of course the pretty girl wasn't looking at him when he was looking at her. She looked at him the rest of the time. Eilian could have told him that. :-)
I think Legolas has listened well to his father. But I also think he's been influenced by his brothers. Ithilden is more open, for instance. I think ME benefited indirectly from Ithilden's interest in other races because of the effect that had on Legolas.
Beliond is such a nana! It's a great nickname for him. And I couldn't resist the juggling! It seemed like such an elfy thing.
Dot
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
This chapter was just full of great stuff. I really liked the conversation between the two keepers. It’s interesting too to get a semi-outsider view on Legolas and Eilian. It must be strange to be in a job that almost no one else understands. I love the idea that Maltanaur can see Beliond settling into his role, even if Beliond himself refuses to admit to it. You’re right, of course, that Beliond must be bored out of his brain most of the time. He should count himself lucky, though, that he didn’t end up with Eilian as his charge. Can you imagine it?? I wonder which of them would survive… I think Maltanaur is very perceptive. In the sense that he’s very sharp and aware of everything around him. He obviously knows Eilian inside-out by now but in general he seems to read a situation quite well. Beliond’s view of things seems more influenced by his own experiences. I wonder what kind of a father he was? I can see why Thranduil figured he’d do everything possible to keep Legolas safe but it was a big risk in some ways. I mean, giving him responsibility for another young elf after what happened his son could easily have resulted in more grief and anger for Beliond, and there was always the possibility that he’d become so overprotective that he’d restrict Legolas’ opportunity to learn. But as always, the wily Elvenking was spot on (once these two sort themselves out a bit more) and I wouldn’t be surprised if he also saw it as a way to bring Beliond back into society a little, which I imagine he probably needed.
“They cannot tell time on their own?” I just love how, apart from using wonderful descriptions, you’ve made Dale so interesting and different by letting us see how strange Legolas finds it. It must actually feel completely foreign to him. And wow, those descriptions are amazing. The town feels so vibrant. I wouldn’t mind visiting it myself, despite “the odor of unwashed Men, overripe vegetables, and manure.”
I had to laugh at Eilian turning on the charm. It must be quite something to watch him at work! It’s a good tactic to greet the locals and appear friendly. Legolas can probably learn a bit from his brother. People do appear to be a bit skittish. Dwarves seem generally too straightforward to be the type who’d use rumour for any purpose but I suppose you never know. For a while there I thought that if you were leading us towards Men or Dwarves, then it had to be an Elf behind it all… But now I’m back to Men again. I guess I’ll have to wait and see what happens in the palace!
Legolas’ reaction to the Man in the herb shop was interesting. I suppose he isn’t going to forget something like that very easily. I’m fascinated by the way he pauses to examine the reason behind his reaction. We’ve seen Ithilden do that too. Hmm. Maybe it’s something I should practise.
I cringed for Legolas when Tavor misbehaved. It looks like he’s just realised the reason why everyone told him he should have a well-trained horse. Legolas never likes to look bad but it must sting to do so in front of his brother. Not that he did anything terrible, but these Elves are a bit peculiar about their animals. I like the way Eilian and Legolas fall into their separate roles – Eilian is there as the son of the king, Legolas is there as a warrior. And it was so nice of Beliond to try to reassure Legolas of Eilian’s safety!
The entire Beliond/Legolas part was just brilliant. Beliond is so funny, although I can see that it could be rather irritating to be around him too much! “Is that an inn?” “Yes, it is, stay out of it.” LOL.
How on earth did you come up with juggling?? I read that part and then I stopped and had to re-read incase I’d imagined it. I suppose it is something that Elves would be able to do very easily. Legolas must have been completely startled when Beliond joined in. Nobody’ll believe him. I can just see Beliond deciding to show them how it’s done. And you know what? I bet that little performance went further to relax people than all the smiling and smooth talking they could be doing. Anyway, it’s a fabulous image. Bravo, Beliond! Trust Eilian to have taken it to the extreme. Yet another Eilian tale everyone but his father knows…
That Man… has he realised who Legolas is? And we get a titbit of information about Beliond – he’s familiar with the Balchoth. Anyway, this Man sounds suspicious. Of course, I could just be picking up on Beliond’s vibes! I’m still laughing at Legolas wanting to just barge in there and “investigate”. Luckily Nana Beliond is there to put him in his place, eh?
“Legolas opened his mouth to protest but was forestalled when the town’s bells began to ring again.” What’s that? He didn’t realise the time until the bells rang?? Sorry, I’m being a smartass now ;-)
Fantastic. I’m dying for more :-)
Author's reply
No, I can't imagine Beliond with Eilian. Talk about a bad match! Maltanaur, on the other hand, is an amazingly good match for Eilian and is an all around good guy. He's interested in other people and quite tolerant of those whose personalities differ from his. And he wishes people well. I don't know how else to put that, but he wants Beliond to be happy too, and yet he's not going to try to control things too much. I suppose that's why he's good for Eilian. He guides him and then comes along and picks up the pieces.
I've always thought that Dale sounded charming from the time I first read about Elrond mourning for the merry bells of Dale. And yet, I could see how elves would find any city of men to be a pretty odd place. When you draw your sense of life from nature, the general need of men for noise and amusement must seem bizarre.
Legolas is pretty good at examining his own motives for things. I think Thranduil deserves credit for that. Except, I think that Legolas is less good when it comes to his motives for being annoyed at Beliond. He's too close to Beliond and I think he associates Beliond with his father in the same way that Beliond associates him with his dead son. And Beliond is such a nana! It's a great name for him. "Stay close to me in the market." Can't you just hear the mother of a six-year-old saying that?
I came up with juggling while I was on vacation. I'd been outlining this story and thinking about what Legolas would see in Dale and we saw a juggler. And I thought oh yeah, the town might have a juggler on market day. And then I thought but elves could do that pretty well. And then Beliond stepped up and said "You're blankety blank right I could, missy. Hand me the knives."
LOL. Legolas did seem to lose track of time. We'll see how they do.
White Wolf
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
I really enjoyed the conversation between Beliond and Maltanaur, discussing and comparing Legolas and Eilian.
Beliond and Legolas going through the marketplace made me think of someone taking a child and constantly slapping at his hands to keep him away from things he thinks might be dangerous. Beliond’s knife-juggling act was so out of character for him (at least in my mind) that it was great fun. I think he enjoyed it, too. I imagine he would have had a heart attack, if Legolas had done that.
Author's reply
The keepers understand one another in a way that no one else understands them, so it's interesting to see them together.
Your characterization of Beliond slapping Legolas's hand made me laugh. I thought it was bad enough when he said, "Stay close to me in the market." I could just hear a mother admonishing a little kid that way. The juggling just sort of happened. Beliond concluded that they were very visible anyway, so he might as well show the men how it was done.
Ms. Whatsit
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
I really liked this chapter. The conversation between Maltanaur and Beliond was funny--almost like two proud mothers comparing and contrasting their children.
I also liked how Legolas and Beliond were doing the whole bonding thing in Dale. And I liked the continuity from the story with the Easterling in it--of course Legolas would be prejudiced because of that.
Beliond does seem to have a bit of the show-off in him, hmm?
Author's reply
Glad you liked the conversation between the keepers. I added it to the chapter really late when it occurred to me that I didn't get many chances to write about Beliond and Maltanaur together so I shouldn't waste this one.
I think there is a bond between Beliond and Legolas, but I also think it has to grow and change a little. When Beliond first began guarding Legolas, Legolas was as green as grass. But he's matured and gained some experience, and Beliond has to see that. I know how hard this can be just from trying to treat my son like a more or less competent adult. I drive him crazy without meaning to.
Bodkin
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
I wonder what happens to Beliond post-quest. (And, come to that, into how many pieces Thranduil cut him when he went back without Legolas.) And what they found to do with themselves when the Thranduilionnath eventually sailed. I hope Beliond went, too, and was promptly reunited with his wife and son.
I love seeing Maltanaur's reaction to being in healthy forest - he spends so much time nursemaiding Eilian in the south. But then, on the other hand, Beliond is (understandably) bored in the eastern patrol. (Except that it keeps his pet elfling safe.)
'we have to escort the two young ones to Dale' - Eilian might think he's in charge, but the guild of bodyguards know who has the last word!
Beliond is so secretive about his experiences. I think he needs a dose of sodium pentathol, so we can learn more about him without getting out the thumbscrews. But every now and then he drops just enough information to get Legolas's interest.
Dale sounds a pretty town - but I think it's the smell that would really hit elves. How did Middle Earth deal with drainage, I ask myself?
I loved Eilian's charm offensive - and the keepers' fore and aft protectionism - and Eilian's competent switch to 'official' mode. (Mind you, to anyone who refers to their adar as 'the King' and can cope with him in official/family form is only too used to people wearing different hats - and Legolas recognised the transformation immediately.)
That horse is not going to like it in Dale, though. Tavor might make it good by being excessively twitchy about the baddies, but chances are Legolas will be blushing for him.
Two waves of suspicion - Easterlings and Dwarves. (Legolas is getting a good chance to look at other races here, isn't he!) And circus skills! Beliond the juggler. (I think Beliond quite likes being called Nana really. As long as it's just by Legolas. He's a lot less grumpy than he would like everyone to believe. Although he is superb at riling his charge.)
Author's reply
I think Beliond would go to Ithilien, assuming he survived the war. And I think he would eventually go to rejoin his family in Valinor. It was hard for me to imagine how Beliond must feel on a day to day basis, but I thought he would be bored and possibly annoyed by the constant presence of others. I think being a spy suited his loner personality, but in the long run, I don't think all that isolation was good for him.
And Eilian knows who has the last word too! Legolas might be kicking at Beliond's rule a little, but Eilian has long since settled into life with Maltanaur. Not that he always does what Maltanaur suggests; sometimes he doesn't give the keeper time to suggest anything because that would be a very big drag.
When I started writing this story, I realized I had very little backstory for Beliond, so I'm trying to flesh it out a little. Like who knew he could juggle? LOL. It seemed like an elven thing to me.
sofia
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Beliond should enjoy himself more often, I think.
Author's reply
He should! He really should. He'd be a happier person.
Brazgirl
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Hey! More of Beliond! So, he is good with knives and he is a very capable juggler... that was fun to read. Especially that line 'Eilian tossed six'. Ha! Legolas can see his brother is a capitain. I like that. It is more amazing to me how he can separate family from business. I can tell you many people I know have trouble doing that and suffer the consequences. Very nice chapter Daw! I could see myself walking on those smelly streets. And Beliond talked more. I think this was the chapter he talked more in all of your fics.
Author's reply
You'd have to know that Eilian would push the envelope on doing something slightly dangerous. It seemed to me that elven reflexes would mean that they could probably juggle.
I enjoyed turning Eilian into a captain right in front of Legolas's eyes. Eilian is willing to tease him a little about the pretty girl, but when he's working, he's working, and Legolas needs to shape up. And his horse does too.
Glad you liked it. I'm having fun letting Beliond take center stage a little.
Dot
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
*blinks* Juggling?? LOL, if he did something like that every time he was supposed to be spying on Men it's no wonder he was assigned elsewhere ;-)
Loved this chapter but am at work...back later...
Author's reply
I actually thought about that! But I decided that Beliond wasn't in hiding or disguise here. Everyone knew they were there, so he just decided he show these men how juggling was meant to be done. :-)
French Pony
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Oooh, Dale! Town of many wonders and delights! Color and noise and smells! And on market day as well. For all that he likes to think of himself as an eminently mature, reasonable adult, I'll bet that Legolas was far more fascinated by the toys than he'd ever admit. I know I would be. Too bad Sinnarn is too old to be an excuse to buy one or two.
Eilian is in classic form here, charming and sociable and oh-so-friendly and not missing a single thing underneath it all. Legolas is appropriately subdued in the foreign environment, and Maltanaur appears to be in his (adopted) element.
But the person who was most wonderful here was Beliond. He should go to town more often, I think. He reminds me of Spock in some of the old Star Trek episodes where they allowed him to let his hair down a little. You could tell he was having a tremendous amount of fun, but he did it in his own extremely idiosyncratic way.
All Elves can juggle, huh? Makes sense. I could never manage more than two balls at a time, because I played cricket and softball before I was four, and my instinct with balls is to throw them out and not up. And we know that Elves can walk tightropes, so slackropes presumably wouldn't present them with too much of a problem. And they'd just get a kick out of Chinese stilts (which are a lot of fun) and unicycles. Given the amount of time they spend in trees, a trapeze would be as nothing to an Elf. But I have yet to see an Elf toss a cream pie or do a pratfall as well as a human.
I wonder. . . Dale is a place that likes show and likes to keep public track of time. And they're good with marvellous toys, so maybe they know about clockwork. Perhaps it's their big new invention. Do you think they might have a glockenspiel? Maybe one like the one in Marienplatz in Munich, where twice a day, people gather to watch the little clockwork puppet show and carillon tinkling. That'd be right up the town's alley, I think.
I'm with Legolas on the inn thing. Sleeping in hotels fascinates me, too. I hardly ever stay in them, and part of the excitement of going to the wedding I went to in March was that I got to stay two nights in a real hotel room, which was almost as big a treat as the wedding itself.
I like Eilian's approach to security with his brother -- hide the kid in plain sight. Who's that? Oh, nobody. Just a guard.
It's nice to see the keepers indulging in a bit of friendly shop talk. It's nice to have a colleague, even if only one or two in the whole kingdom.
Author's reply
Legolas is enjoying himself in Dale. The whole town is like a big array of toys! Maybe when I given Eilian an elfling Legolas can buy him or her some toys. I would guess that Sinnarn had plenty of them, given grandpa Thranduil's attitude, and Legolas is only 40 years older than Sinnarn. Maybe he enjoyed playing with them with his nephew.
Beliond was fun to write about in this chapter. I just couldn't resist the juggling. I thought of including a juggler in the street scene and then it occurred to me that the elves might not "get" it because it wouldn't seem hard to them and then Beliond said, "Step aside, and let me show you how it's done." What could I do? But stilts! That's another possibility. Oh I'll be they would think they were fun.
I've seen that clockwork in Munich! I suppose they might be up to making that, especially since the dwarves are there too.
Yeah, I thought Eilian would be reluctant to identify Legolas as anything other than a simple warrior. Why make trouble? Sleep in an inn? Hm. Now there's a thought!
caz - baz
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 5: Trust
my brother used to be really protective of me, when we were at boarding school together he used to watch my back the whole time, it was quite sweet, like the time one of the guys in his year dragged me across the floor and I got carpet burn he went of and beat him up, not badly just a few rugby tackles but still its the thought that counts at the time i sometimes saw him as interfering, he also didn't like one of my best friends and tried to split us up which was really annoying.
I liked this chapter and i like how you're writing from Sinnarns point of view, as well.
Author's reply
I like writing from Sinnarn's point of view. He's interesting. He's smart and well-intentioned and open to experience. But he's also impulsive and impatient of restraint. Ithilden and Alfirin have their hands full.
Your brother does sound protective!
thechevin
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Another amazing chapter where do I start?
Maltanaur and Beliond must find it hard being keepers as it must isolate them from other elves and it is good to see them interacting and 'supporting' their own charges reputations.
The market scene in fact the whole arrival in town was so fascinating looking at it through the eyes of someone who has never experienced anything quite like it before. Legolas's senses were certainly assaulted by sound and smell as well as the newness of everything and I did not like the herb seller at all!
Mother hen Beliond is going to have his work cut out, an inn! will Legolas be able to resist going to look now he has been told not to?
Beliond's view on his charges inexperience begin to have new meaning now and I think we may yet have problems with Tavor, I suspect even Elian is beginning to think he was not a good choice for the brats new mount
Can't wait to read what happens next
Oh and the ringing of bells and juggling were a real treat too
Author's reply
I wrote the first part of this chapter very late in creating it, but I decided I shouldn't waste an opportunity to put the two keepers together. They're just not there very often. And I think they would understand one another as no one else would understand them.
And I really wanted to get Dale right. I've always thought it sounded like a wonderful town - Elrond talks about its "merry bells." And I thought this was a good opportunity to have Legolas learn a little about Men.
Beliond is such a nana! It's a good nickname for him. I think he needs to back off a little though. He doesn't want this surrogate "son" to die as his did.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
I really liked the start of this chapter, with the two keepers discussing their charges. It's rare to see them together like this. I like the way that each can criticise his own charge, but takes offence if the other does!
The description of Dale was great - so vivid. Eilian is wonderful, turning on the charm and being his father's son perfectly. And Beliond! Who'd have thought it? Not that he has the skill - it seems an Elven sort of thing - but that he would perform in a crowded marketplace! I liked the hard-to-explain injuries - is that the voice of experience, Legolas?
The Easterling - were any left of those who abducted Legolas? Or was it so long ago that they are all dead anyway? I know that Thranduil killed Karik.
Jay
Author's reply
The one who abducted Legolas are all dead. This one just reminded Legolas of them. When I was working on back story for Beliond, I decided he had spied on men in the east. Being a spy would suit his loner personality, I think. Now the juggling just kind of came to me. It made me laugh to think of Beliond doing it. He just couldn't resist showing the men how to do it right and maybe also showing off a little for Legolas. Bad spy!
I wrote that scene between Beliond and Maltanaur late in the creation of this chapter. It just occurred to me that I shouldn't waste an opportunity to show them together because, as you say, they're together so seldom.
Elena Tiriel
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Dale
Beliond juggling???? You sure do know how to surprise your loyal readers...
Loved the chapter! The interaction of the two keepers was perfect... Beliond is determined that he will not lose another young one... and Maltanaur has been doing his job so long, he has gained some distance from his early struggles with Eilian...
Your description of Dale was terrific! I could hear and see and smell it...
Eilian is such a charmer!
Balchoth are bad news...
But -- Beliond juggling???? (It was so great letting Legolas see and react to that... maybe he'll even see Beliond as a real person some day...)
- Barbara
Author's reply
Beliond kind of surprised me too. I was trying to picture the street scene and thought of a juggler and then I thought that maybe elves wouldn't be so impresssed by that. And then Beliond just stepped up and said, "You're blankety right we aren't impressed, missy. Give me the blankety blank knives and I'll show you some blankety juggling." And that's how it happened. :-)
Beliond is indeed determined he's not going to lose another young one. Thranduil knew that no one would watch over Legolas with more care than Beliond. But I think he also knew that it was time for Beliond to come in out of the cold, so to speak. He needs to make some contacts again.