A Creature of Fire by daw the minstrel
Ms. Whatsit · 20 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Me again. Are you considering maybe writing a short reunion fic between Legolas and Tuilinn in Valinor? You've made me actually root for a Legomance. Congratulations.
Author's reply
You know, the one I've always wanted to show Legolas reuniting with in Valinor is Turgon! That would be so much fun.
Ms. Whatsit · 20 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Oh, how terrible. These people would have been Legolas's in-laws. At least they've got an idea of how much Legolas loved Tuilinn. Beliond is worried and I don't blame him--Elves can die of grief, and Beliond would be devastated if Legolas died. I'm glad he dragged Legolas home. And now our Elf can have a chat with Thranduil, who knows something about losing the person you love.
Author's reply
I hadn't intended to write about what happened in the village, just show Legolas leaving, but then I decided it was important for Tuilinn's parents to know how Legolas felt, and the history of their relationship was fairly complicated to explain, so I needed some time with them together. Thank goodness for Beliond! He and Thranduil both know about surviving a loss, and they're a real lifesaver for Legolas.
Rose Sared · 20 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
'He fell into the depths of her grief' - Bwaaaw, sob sniffle. Chs nine and ten are masterly, daw. I really enjoyed them, even if I then had to explain why I was all watery-eyed at work. Immortal but not invunerable, what a wonderful quality elves give to storytelling. Quite irresistible really. Thanks Rose
Author's reply
mortal but not invunerable That's a great way to put it. It captures exactly what seems to happen with elves. No wonder they grew weary in their long lives and sought to go to Valinor. I was just telling Brenda G. that I'm startled by how many people say they cried over these chapters. It's a good thing people like angst!
Brenda G. · 20 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Wow, your updating is faster than a speeding bullet! Thanks to you, Daw the Minstrel, I will go to work tomorrow with swollen eyes, a swollen nose, and when I talk it will sound like I am trying to communicate through a wad of cotton (like Vito). I just might, by some minor miracle, be able to actually sing at choir practice tomorrow night, provided my nose has gone down and my throat has become uncloughed by then! Like so many others who have already reviewed, I wept nearly throughout the entire chapter (sobbed so much and so loudly that it scared my cats!). It is uncanny... Like one of your other reviewers, I too have been to a funeral this week. And just like in your story, we were asked to rise and speak about the departed. I was the first of many to do so at that service, but by the time we left, our tears of sorrow had been changed to joy as we celebrated the life and our own happy memories of the deceased, rather than the fact that he had left us. I think Legolas too will be surprised by joy one day in remembering his beloved Tuilinn. She is not with him bodily, true, but she will always be a part of him--of his heart and his fea. Forever. There's a very deep, spiritual beauty and purity to that kind of love. I'm still not convinced (and Beliond certainly fears)that Legolas may be fading. As I recall, our wee blond elfling couldn't eat after his nana was killed either. His stomach hurt, and the healers explained to Thranduil that these pains were manifestations of his grief. Even embraced by his family, Legolas has a ways to go before he will be himself again. Is that even really possible once your heart has been forfeit to another? Ah, well, time heals all. Recovery will come, but slowly. Until he claims her again in the flesh at some far future point, they meet upon the path of elven dreams. Sigh... You know, for someone who basically is anti-angst and anti-Legomance, you DO write them well! Beliond is my hero; Thranduil the undeniable object of my admiration and lust--er, I mean, trust(shrugs and grins sheepishly). What would our Legolas do without them? Good thing he doesn't have to find out anytime soon. eh? I seem to recall pronouncing the chapter before this one as "perfect." At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this chapter was "perfect" too. Wanna try for three in a row? This is some kind of powerful writing, Daw! Can't wait for the next chapter. BG
Author's reply
I have to admit I'm startled (and I guess gratified) that I made so many people cry. Your comments about the memories people voice at funerals reminded me of times I've been in that situation too, and it's true that those memories help you to be joyful about the person's life as well as sad about their death. That's a good point. I think Legolas will be particularly glad to have gotten these glimpses of Tuilinn's life before he knew her. Your description of the love that Legolas now has is also very telling, I think. It seems consistent with the way Tolkien wrote his elves. I'm hoping I can use this incident to soften the character of my Legolas a little. He's pretty serious and book!Legolas is more playful. But maybe having this certainty about love and also a better perspective about what's important will help him to relax a little and take more joy in his life. Beliond and Thranduil are great. Legolas is lucky to have these people caring for him and taking care of him.
Rita · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Yet another angst-filled chapter, Daw. I hope you're happy that you managed to make me cry again. I broke down when the villagers were speaking about Tuilinn at her funeral. Just the descriptions of her life and thoughts of their loss (and Legolas's loss, of course) had me weeping. I hope Tuilinn's parents were comforted by the fact that Legolas had good intentions towards their daughter. They must have felt so helpless to see Tuilinn wait for a visit from Legolas for 11 years. I'm glad they were able to understand and welcome him to stand with them at the funeral. I think it was quite telling how deeply Legolas was grieving since he followed Beliond for half a day and didn't realize where they were going. It was great to see Beliond put his foot down and threaten to take him home by force. And I'm glad that Thranduil was able to come because Legolas realized he can't pretend he's feeling normal. With his father he can't hide anything since nothing gets past the king. I'm sad to hear this story is almost ending. It was nice to read about the responsible adult Legolas, even though he was in shock and grieving for part of it. Just a question, Daw: will you wrap up the plot about Legolas and Galelas (or whatever it was between them) or will you leave it for another story? I'm curious to know if Galelas will still be resentful to Legolas.
Author's reply
It's so sick of me but I am glad I made you cry, Rita. I think the good memories of Tuilinn that people raised at the funeral will eventually help her parents and Legolas celebrate her, as well as mourn for her. They let Legolas see parts of her life he hadn't known. And her parents will be glad she found love. It's hard to know how elves would react to all this. They know she'll be released from the Halls of Waiting to Valinor some day, so there's the comfort of knowing they can see her again if they so choose. But that would mean leaving Middle-earth and that would be a wrench too, from what I can tell. They seem tied to the woods. I plan to have a short scene with Legolas and Galelas in it that will show them a bit more at ease. I have a story set around the time of the Battle of Five Armies and they're still a little leery of one another then, so they can't get too cozy with one another.
lwarren · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
You deserve a medal for this story, daw, or at least an all-expenses-paid holiday somewhere really nice! :-) I cannot imagine writing something like this from Legolas' POV - you practically lived it with him! *sniff* I'm with you - let the healing begin! Such a sensitive, touching chapter - starting with the scenes in the house with Tuilinn's parents. I hope they and Legolas develop some sort of relationship afterwards...it might help them all to remember her together as the ones she loved best! I won't say too much about his last moments with her - but those are the most wrenching - that final letting go. I loved the way Beliond was all prepared to go to his Prince's defense when Nildur sounded doubtful and bitter about Legolas...but then both parents could see the love Legolas felt for their daughter, and I'm so glad her mother said that to him about making her last days joyful. The time in the tree waiting for the funeral - *sigh* Beliond and the betrothing ring - could he be any more thoughtful or act with more compassion and insight? *no* The funeral itself - *sniff* The giving of the ring to Tuilinn - he's well and truly bonded *so beautiful* The trip home...he's still not eating (shades of little Legolas!) - *sigh* And finally, Thranduil - I was so glad to see him! Another powerful chapter, daw! (wish I could think of some new superlatives for it...) linda
Author's reply
These three chapters have been interesting to write (I can say that now that they're in the past) because they've presented both emotional and technical problems that stem from the same source, the close-in point of view through Legolas. I really did feel like I was living it with him, and since he's out of it, it was tricky to try to show what other people were thinking and feeling and even how he was doing because he's barely functioning. But I think that Legolas will take comfort from visiting her parents in the future and they'll like getting to know him. They'll have love for Tuilinn as a common bond and he might like coming to know the village where she grew up and people who knew her. And then they can all descend on her in Valinor one day!
lwarren · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Escape
You continue to hit the mark with Legolas' reactions (at least with me, daw!) This was another difficult chapter to read, but just underscores the depth of Legolas' love for Tuilinn (even tho' they hadn't had much time together). Fyndil said it best..."She spoke of you. She glowed with what she felt for you." At the beginning he's still in that numb, stumbling stage...just putting one foot in front of the other, but not really seeing anything except Tuilinn's body. Then he surfaces a little, but is so miserable and exhausted. Grief is absolutely so exhausting - I think it wrings you from the inside out! Legolas is watching everything from a distance - Sinnarn cooking, Beliond tending to his shoulder. But I love Beliond's calling him son - I think it registered with Legolas, too. Here was someone who knew what he was experiencing. Then Eilian shows up, thank goodness, and you captured his shocked realization just perfectly, daw. And his total support for his little brother. Such a good big brother - and you could tell he and Beliond were cooking something up about the trip home. But I suppose the thing that really registered was the way Legolas tried to resume his duties as head of the patrol in an effort to restore some sense of normalcy to the situation. Two days after Charles died, I went back up to school to make sure my lesson plans and stuff were in order...I was totally useless...I couldn't put two thoughts together...a good friend directed things (my own "Beliond" I suppose), but you know I just had to do it! Go figure! The trip to Tuilinn's village had a nightmarish quality to it, and when that door opened and her mother broke down almost instantly...and the last line about Legolas' control finally giving way...terribly sad! Such powerful emotional writing. linda
Author's reply
Legolas is indeed staggering along trying to claim that he's just fine while everyone else in the patrol is taking care of things and letting him grieve. And he is totally exhausted. His grief is absorbing him completely. He needed Eilian and Beliond. They took care of him and let him do what he needed to do and then planned to see that he got home where he belonged. Thank goodness for family and friends and even sympathetic co-workers!
meckinock · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Thank goodness for Beliond. And thank Daw for giving me at least one laugh: There was something in the tea, he thought irritably. I will put my foot down in the morning. Wow, Daw, you outdid yourself. Are you booked on a flight to Antigua this weekend? You deserve it. I'm glad Tuilinn's parents got to see how much Legolas loved their daughter. It must have brought them some comfort. Beliond seemed to be the only one running on all cylinders, even though the situation must have been grimly familiar to him. It was good of him to steer Legolas toward home. And yay for the cavalry, headed by Thranduil.
Author's reply
I'm ready for a vacation, that's true! Enough with the angst. I need to get on to the healing and some Orc slaughter and stuff. Beliond is indeed a treasure in a situation like this. His experience is showing. He was at Dagorlad, and I can't imagine this is any grimmer than that.
ScarlettPendragon · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Hi Daw!! You will be so proud of me - I actually managed to make it through most of this chapter without crying!! And then you just had to have Thranduil come flying to his son's aid, didn't you?! LOL Something about the image of Thranduil flinging himself off the horse before it even halted and Legolas collapsing in his arms reduced me to tears!! I think it's the idea that Legolas feels safe enough in Thranduil's embrace to finally let go and stop trying to be the big brave warrior that strikes a chord with me!! And that Thranduil has been there to guide Legolas through all of the sorrow and loss in his life - and Valar knows that Legolas has suffered more than his share of sorrow!! I love the way you echo how he can't eat now that Tuilinn has died to how he couldn't eat when his Naneth died - we do tend to use the same coping mechanisms over and over in our own lives, and it makes Legolas' grief seem more 'real' to me!! Another fabulous chapter - you are really outdoing yourself with this story!! I know Thranduil can't wave a magic ring and make everything all better, but I am so looking forward to seeing how he helps Legolas deal with this tragedy!! Scarlett
Author's reply
Legolas feels safe enough in Thranduil's embrace to finally let go and stop trying to be the big brave warrior Yes! That's it exactly. That's exactly what happens when Thranduil shows up. Beliond has been taking care of Legolas in a way I admire and he truly cares, but Thranduil has been there since Legolas was small and he's Legolas's only parent. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. It's been hard to write because I'm not usually good with angst, but I've learned a lot from trying to do it. And I think there's just one more chapter.
Alice · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Oh, Daw this was just so beautiful. It was sincere and moving and I think this story is the most powerful one you have ever written. I had to steel myself to read this chapter. There were just so many moments that made me want to cry. The grief Legolas and poor Tuilinn's parents and even Tuilinn's childhood friend felt just came pouring through. Beliond and Adar coming to the rescue was just perfect, and there's really not much more that I can say than wow. It was just all so moving. I just have to say one more thing. In the LOTR fandom much horror has been produced in the name of Legomance with the OFC. You have produced a story so moving and sincere that you have taken back that genre and given it honor once more. Admist all the wretched stuff in the LOTR fandom, your stories keep pulling me back. Thank you.
Author's reply
just have to say one more thing. In the LOTR fandom much horror has been produced in the name of Legomance with the OFC. You have produced a story so moving and sincere that you have taken back that genre and given it honor once more. Oh wow. I am completely speechless. I truly don't know what to say except thank you. :-)
Yanic · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Daddy! Thank goodness he's with his father, he really needs it! Well I have to be honest with you this is the first time a story ever brought me to tears. This chapter was just too touching. Her parents' grief and Legolas's was moving. And all the people telling their stories about Tuilinn and then Legolas gave her the silver bonding ring. That was what really got to me, that he can't have her. It's so unfair, even if I did always think that he should bond with a blonde I still feel like he at least should get someone. Now he's bonding himself to someone out of reach. And all the while Legolas was concerned about how her parents were feeling because they hadn't had as much time to greive as he had. He's so noble. And Beliond was "pleading," that suggests that Legolas must not be doing good at all, b/c I think it's hard to tell from Legolas's perspective right now how he is. He's too wrapped up in his grief. I can't wait to see what the family makes of him and hopefully family time will help him get over this. Great Story!
Author's reply
It's been interesting to write solely from Legolas's POV in this story, and one reason is that I've had to struggle with the very thing you mention: how to show how Legolas is doing when he's too out of it to say. And one way is to show how others, like Beliond, react to him. I've learned a lot with this story. It may be a little sick of me but I think I'm glad I made you cry.
Karri · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
A heartrending, but beautiful chapter, daw. Beliond is just brilliant in handling everything and everyone. Sending Fyndil for the silver ring was his most masterful stroke of all. I love that Tuilinn's family excepted Legolas into their, even though the had not time to exchange vows. I am very glad that Ada has arrived though, for Legolas is greatly in need of him.
Author's reply
Nilmandra thought up the idea of the ring. She's great at stuff like that. Tuilinn's family might be very comforting for Legolas in coming years. He can go visit them if he likes. They'll like having this surrogate son.
Wantanelf · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
I never expected to find another update so soon. Thanks for the nice surprise. I am really enjoying this story as I do all your stories. This one is especially touching. I'm sorry I have been lurking for a while, but I have read all of your stories but sometimes neglect to review and tell you how great they are. Please don't stop. I'll go through withdrawl. I haven't even read this chapter yet but am sure it will be wonderful. Just wanted to get a quick note to you while I had time.
Author's reply
Now that's an endorsement! I hope you did like the chapter. This story is much more emotional than what I usually write and I think I need to go write about an Orc battle or something because it's wearing me down. But this story won't go on much longer, and then I can do an elfling story or something more light-hearted. Yay!
White Wolf · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Wow. Fast turnaround. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'd be happy for an update every day! This chapter was just as heartwrenching as I thought it would be. I think even sadder than the funeral itself was when Legolas put Tuilinn's body on the bed, knowing he would probably never get to touch her again. It broke my heart. Clever Beliond to take Legolas home without telling him that's where they were going. I'm glad Thranduil met them. He's such a great adar.
Author's reply
That chapter went faster than I expected. Now I have to work for a bit so the next one will take a little longer. Not much longer though. This is nearing the end. Legolas is surrendering Tuilinn bit by bit - her fea first and now her body. The funeral fire just finished it off. Thank goodness for Beliond and Thranduil! They've each had losses. They can help Legolas (and me -- I need a break from the angst!).
Alison H · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Wow, Daw, you really did outdo yourself on this chapter.This has got to be one of the most beautifully written chapters anyone has ever written.I was living Legolas' grief and I just started blubbling when Tuillin's mother rose from her chair to comfort Legolas.Poor boy, he really does not know what to do.I'm so glad Beliond was there to look after him--as much as Legolas will let him. I was glad to see Thranduil appear to offer comfort but I wonder what he makes of his sons' seemingly rapid decision to bond with Tuillin.After all, he did not mention her to anyone. I can't wait for the next chapter.This has been a truly remarkeable read and I don't want it to end but I think you need a breather from all the elf angst! Take care and update soon. Ali.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it, Ali! This is the third chapter of angst in a row and I'm getting kind of worn out, so I'm just glad that Legolas is on his way home which I think will help him heal. Thranduil has heard what Eilian has to tell him about Tuilinn, but I imagine he's going to want to hear from Legolas too. Telling Thranduil about her will help Legolas, I think.
Dot · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
I was surprised (and pleased) to see more of Tuilinn’s parents. I suppose I must have expected to see Legolas back home and maybe a flashback to a conversation with Thranduil or with Tuilinn’s mother… But this was important for Legolas, and probably even more so for the reader to see that her parents accept him and acknowledge the depth of their relationship. It makes it much more real and sets Tuilinn apart from the Miriwens and Synias of this world. There’s not much I can say about the grief of the parents. Their pain and shock was so real. I had the same thought as Legolas, that they must have known something was wrong and now their absolute worst fear has just been confirmed. I think Beliond needs to get away from all this almost as much as Legolas. He can comprehend Tuilinn’s parents’ grief all too well, he has to give strength and comfort to a dazed and unwell Legolas, make sure he eats and rests, and try to get him home. He also seems to be the one who has to tell the story of what happened yet again and now he even has that sad little moment where he has to let Nildur know that his daughter has been dead for four days and pulling the blanket away to look at her beloved face might not be the best idea. I’m guessing the tea wasn’t just to get something inside Legolas either but to give the neighbour something to do to feel useful in this horrible situation. I just loved the moment between Legolas and Tuilinn’s parents. Nildur was understandably a little annoyed if Tuilinn had been expecting Legolas and he never came, but I love how they both see immediately how deep Legolas’ feelings are for their daughter and they reach out to him even through their own anguish. I had to chuckle a little, though, at Beliond leaping right in with an explanation when Nildur seemed too suspicious of Legolas. Of course, they’d have to be blind not to see Legolas’ misery and being Elves, they can probably tell straight away the love between them and will respect that but still, it was a lovely moment between them. Eliviel’s comment about Legolas making her daughter’s final few days joyful was so moving, and it’s something any parent would want. I felt a little sorry for Legolas, though, when Eliviel wept in his arms because he’s so totally incapable of finding comfort himself at the moment and seems to feel uneasy having to offer it. Although, maybe it’s easier for them to share their grief together, easier than having to accept or give sympathy. The idea of Legolas going straight to the tree was just perfect, even if he isn’t able to let the song of Arda settle his spirit as it usually does. He sounds like he isn’t doing well at all. Carrying Tuilinn, not eating and being so far into his grief are all obviously contributing to his slowness in healing physically. No wonder Beliond is worried about him. I was wondering what on earth Beliond gave to Legolas! There’s no greater sign of how much he understands exactly what this means for Legolas. And it gives Legolas a chance to show his love for Tuilinn in front of all those who meant something to her. I was so, so glad to see Nildur and Eliviel invite him to stand with them. The funerals you write are always a beautiful blend of ritual and personal thoughts, always so sad. But I’m pleased for Legolas that it allowed him to finally release his emotions. I admit that I was glad too that he didn’t speak. Not only was it more realistic this way but nothing he said could have been more meaningful than placing the silver ring on top of her. My favourite moment - possibly of this whole story – was Beliond appearing at Legolas’ side as he finally gave in to his grief. “I baked seed cakes this morning,” she said unsteadily. “You should take some with you.” Oh, daw, he loves seed cakes! I was definitely blinking away tears at that point. At least Legolas seems to be able to open himself up to the comfort of the trees again. But he still seems fairly dazed if he doesn’t realise where he’s headed. I’m thinking Beliond may have been a little grateful for that, though!! Beliond and Eilian’s little plan seems to have worked. I was half-expecting Thranduil to appear. Thank the stars. He’s just what Legolas needs. I hope they at least bring Beliond home to feed him and not let him disappear off into the woods! I’m just dying to see what you do next. I’m going to brace myself for wishing for the first time that it isn’t just Legolas’ POV, but I’ll wait and see…;-) When you’re finished this you’ll have to let us know what you thought of writing this POV in this type of story. I hope you’ve at least enjoyed some of it. Anyway, you’re doing a wonderful job. I was so thrilled to see that this isn’t the last chapter! I’m eagerly, impatiently awaiting more :-)
Author's reply
I was surprised to wind up writing about Tuilinn's parents too because I hadn't intended to, but when I thought about it, they needed to know more about Legolas than I could tell in his memories of this visit, so I beat my head against the desk for a while and then wrote it. Beliond does need a little break and I intend to give him one. He needs to spend time in the woods. He's been a real god send to Legolas though. And I suspect he's worried sick about his charge. But his long life has also given him some perspective on how one can survive what seem to be lethal blows. I agree that elves would be able to recognize love when they saw it, and I think Tuilinn's parents would see it in Legolas. And then they would respond like parents. But Legolas is not used to comforting women he doesn't know, even if they are Tuilinn's mother! I think he was just awkward there. He has a lot to learn. As I wrote that funeral, I could see that I had the chance to really drive home the reason that Legolas never marries. In his mind, he 's betrothed. He may not talk about it but he is. So yay! I never have to write another adult Legomance, just the younger Legolas's flirtations. Writing from this single POV has taught me some things, I think. I've struggled with how to show emotions without naming them. I think I've gotten better at showing how my central character is affecting those around him even when he doesn't know it. And I've seen the kind of concentrated energy this POV can produce. So I'm glad I did it. I hope I can use what I've learned even when I jump around some.
elliska · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Damn! And this is what you crank out for a chapter that you did not even intend to write! Holy cow! I couldn't even write a review of this the first time I read it. I had to come back when I could be more composed. Everyone grieves differently so people will see the grieving process differently but for me you have hit it exactly perfectly. Poor Legolas is so numb he is barely functional by the time he gets to this chapter and then adding Tuilinn's parents and friends' grief on top of his...I was so glad to see him finally able to cry. It's not better then. But it puts one on the road to better. There are so many little touches in this: I liked the discordant song around him. I liked how he hardly says anything but finally cries out how he wished there had been at least time to exchange rings (that must be a hell of a thought for an elf for whom time ordinarily means nothing and the fact that it is really the first thing he's said without being prompted to speak makes it even more powerful). Of course I loved the ring. God, that made me bawl. And you wonder why Belion has so many fans! You created him--everything about this story has been perfectly in character for him! What is not to love! But the thing that got me personally about this chapter was Legolas's thoughts about having difficulty letting her go / seeing and touching her for the last time. That is something I can identify with in my own experience so it really hit me. I was soooo glad to see Thranduil arrive in the end. Unfortunately, as Legolas could identify with the little lost child, Thranduil can identify with Legolas's loss all too well. I'm very glad you wrote this chapter. And I am very much looking forward to the next one. I hope you reference this in a future story (Spring Awakenings has quite a story arc now, doesn't it? I loved that story). Maybe seeing Legolas with her parents and seeing him able to cherish what he did have. Anyway. Love it! Great job!
Author's reply
It's been tricky to edge Legolas out of numbness and into tears, but now he's there and I think things can start to get a little better. He's in pain, but that's OK. At least that tells him what's really going on here. Denying it and trying to go back to his patrol was not going to work. But being home will give him a chance to face his loss and learn what it has to teach him about what's important in life. The ring was my beta's idea. She's good! And it turned out to be a nice symbol of the real love between Legolas and Tuilinn. I really did hesitate to do this. Legomances are not my thing, but I've learned some writerly stuff from doing it.
Manderly · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Three heart-breaking chapters in a row. How do you do it without falling into a depression yourself, Daw? Another wonderful chapter and so stirring! The funeral was nicely done - brief and simple but no less moving than something long and elaborate. And that ring gesture - really enough to bring tears to even the most hardened. How much more thoughtful can Beliond be? I don't think Thranduil could have done more for Legolas in the circumstances. All the same, it was with great relief to see Thranduil there at the end. Legolas is in good hands now, but I think the grief will go on for quite some time. Thank you, Daw, for another beautiful chapter in this sad tale.
Author's reply
I WAS depressed! I'm feeling better now because the worst is over and Legolas can start to heal. My beta thought of the idea of the silver ring, and it was a good one. It shows how serious Legolas is here. Beliond can and does take care of Legolas, but I think, emotionally, he 's only going to open up to Thranduil or Eilian.
Brazgirl · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Wonderful chapter! Again you managed grief too well for me. A gift of a chapter to me (who had a bad morning due to a bloody test!). Really, really touching scene when Legolas' tears had the effect on Tuilinn's parents. Very touching also when he dropped the silver ring over her body. Well, you will have to take this: Beliond was too much like a nana!!! I just love him for this! Each time he asked Legolas to eat and took good care of him was so nice! He is awsome. Thank Eilian for me. I was so glad the handsome Thranduil appeared to comfort his son! Just what I needed to lighten up my day: Beliond, Legolas and Thranduil!!! I love this chapter Daw. You are doing a wonderful job with this fic!
Author's reply
Beliond is indeed a nana, but we won't tell him. :-) I hadn't intended to write about Legolas's interaction with Tuilinn's parents but when I thought about it, I could see it was necessary. They needed to understand about him, given that in Valinor it's possible he would be their son in law. I will pass your thanks on to Eilian. He was concerned about Little Brother and sent in the rescue squad.
Kitty · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
That was aanother brillant chapter. I wanted to cry with relief when Thranduil turned up at the end. It is becomng more obvious to see that Beliond truly considers Legolas has his son to. Will be checking every day for another chapter!!
Author's reply
I was so glad to see Thranduil! He was just what Legolas needed. But you're right about Beliond. He sees Legolas as his substitute son. I'll bet he went to Ithilien with Legolas after the Quest.
sofia · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
This is so weird. I was just thinking about this story, and here is another chapter. YAY! But the chapter again is so sad. More tears... Daw you got to stop doing that! Tuilinn's parents seem very nice, if only Legolas could of met them in joy. I liked how you added Legolas putting the silver ring on her body- I think that was a nice touch. Go Thranduil! That's just what Legolas needs. I really can't wait for the next chapter. -sofia
Author's reply
This chapter was quick to do for some reason. Believe me, you can't be any more tired of the tears than I am! I want some happy chapters now. The silver ring was my beta's idea. She's very good on that kind of stuff and it fit in well. Legolas did think of himself as making a pledge. Thranduil in on the case. Legolas's recovery will take time but in the meantime he has the support of people who love him.
LOTRFaith · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
Ok... I literally had to stop reading the chapter or else I would have been crying all over my keyboard, and in front of my dad. My throat was choked up and I could barely even read after the first few paragraphs. I am glad that Beliond is taking matters into his hands and forcing Legolas to go home.
Author's reply
Oh my goodness. I think I need to write a happier story after this one! Enough is enough! Beliond did the right thing, and it's what he and Eilian had planned he would do. They let Legolas take the body back and then they knew exactly where he needed to be.
French Pony · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
And snap goes Legolas's rope. When he's more himself again, he'll be able to look back at all this and realize that he did the right things during the whole visit, relentlessly difficult and grim though it was. He'll also be able to look back and see just how much Beliond loves him. I don't think Beliond just carries silver betrothal rings around on his person just for ha-has. The ring he gave Legolas must have had some very personal meaning, and he just forked it over like that. It's one of those Batman moments. All in all, the parents took the news of what Legolas had been to Tuilinn fairly well, though I suppose that he could have told them that UFOs had landed and Tuilinn had been betrothed to a Little Green Elf and they wouldn't really have cared. And seed cakes! Legolas's favorite. Betcha Alfirin's been talking. Speaking of whom, she is just going to have kittens when he gets back. He needs some serious mothering, and that, as we all know, is right up her alley. But first, Thranduil. He won't be able to make things all better -- no one can really do that -- but he'll have wisdom and guidance and love and a nice broad chest to cry on. One thing is nagging at me, though. I know it's uncharitable to speak ill of the dead, but the semester is steaming to a close and I'm feeling uncharitable. I'm wondering why Tuilinn never chose to tell Legolas where she lived. Clearly she wanted to see him again, even expected him to come visit. Even if she was aware that he didn't know where she lived, she knows where he lives. He's a public figure, not that hard to find. Sending him a message, any inane little thing -- "I appreciate your assistance in the late unpleasantness in Anyr's settlement," for instance -- and sending it from her home village, would have been enough to tell him where she lived. But she didn't do that. Perhaps she assumed he knew already? She can't have thought that Anyr would remember to mention it.
Author's reply
I intended for Beliond to get the ring from Fyndil who went and begged it off a neighbor but maybe I was wrong! I figured Beliond's would be back in the chest on his flet with the patrol. The parents were indeed out of it, but I think that elves know love when they see it. He was upset and he spoke honestly, and supposedly it's hard to fool an elf. Here's what I thought about Tuilinn. She and Legolas spent some time together and she anticipated spending more while they were at Anyr's settlement. Then she got called home unexpectedly. I think she thought Anyr knew where she lived. She must have told him. So she was expecting Legolas to show up and he didn't. She read that as a message that he didn't want to see her again, and it felt intrusive to write to the king's son. Sigh. That's what I thought anyway.
Bodkin · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
'I also need to work, unfortunately. Work?!!!! Can't they get their priorities straight? There's been a death in the family!
Author's reply
Apparently they don't care! LOL
thechevin · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 10: In Tuilinn's Village
I was half way through reading this chapter before I realised I had tears pouring down my face, I was so caught up in the whole emotional trauma that I hadn't noticed This was so wonderful and so tragic, I was pleased Tuilinn's parents realised how much Legolas cared for their daughter and allowed him to share in their grief, they would have made very good parents in law I think. As for Beliond the rock, what a wonderful thing to think of so Legolas could pledge his love properly The aftermath of the funeral was also heartbreaking again Beliond was needed to at least keep his charge anchored in this wrold and Legolas' assertion that he was in charge when he hadn't even noticed the direction they were travelling was so sad. Then finally someone that Legolas doesn't have to pretend with Adar arrives and even echoes Nana Beliond's words poor poor Legolas But a wonderful read! Thank you Judy
Author's reply
I seem to be making a lot of people cry. Is it wrong of me to be glad? I think that Elves recognize love when they see it. Tuilinn's parents would have seen it in her and now they see it in Legolas, which is good because I didn't want them thinking he was a jerk who had ignored her. Adar is not going to put up with any of this nonsense about being in charge and going back to the patrol. He's Legolas's only parent and he knows him through and through. This will take time though.