Daw, I love this! What a wonderful opening. Eilian an ada! He and Celuwen are great parents. I bet little Flower Face has stolen the hearts of all the males in her family...both sides. I can imagine how taken Thranduil is since she's a little Lorellin. She's absolutely adorable. Full of life and mischievous by default. I think Eilian and Solith will finally bond over seeing that this one stays out of trouble and away from 'those' kinds of boys. And there's no one who can spot 'those' boys faster than Flower Face's dad.
The forest is trying to tell Eilian something. And apparently Loriel too. She seems to have inherited the sense of the forest that runs in Thranduil's line. I was trying to figure out what about Loriel drew Gollum's attention. Why would he be interested in her? Well, I really don't know, but I've been speculating. I imagine that the number of 'small elves--his size--are still not terribly numerous. I can see that he would be fascinated with her simply based on that. I also remember in one of your older stories where Ithilden wanted to summon Mithrandir and Thranduil said no, that magic draws magic. While Gollum might not exactly 'have magic' he does have the ring. Perhaps the ring recognizes the blood of the woodland king in this child--and Eilian too? So..the ring is drawn to power? Maybe that's farfetched and Gollum is just skulking about and happened onto this cottage. Still, Eilian's dream is disturbing. Apparently Loriel also had a bad dream. Something is definitely up.
Meanwhile...back at the palace....:>) I'm looking forward to finding out what's going on at home next. If nothing else, I can't wait to see Thranduil with Loriel!
Wonderful beginning. Calm, peaceful and very exciting.
Karen
Author's reply
I think Eilian and Solith will finally bond over seeing that this one stays out of trouble and away from 'those' kinds of boys. And there's no one who can spot 'those' boys faster than Flower Face's dad.
Oh I think you are so right about that. All of it! And sadly, the peace doesn't last. We're only 60 or so years away from the Quest and the Battle under the Trees. Much of this forest will burn. I think they're all going to want to keep anything evil from even breathing the same air as Flower Face, and they're just not going to be able to make it happen.
For more information on Gollum, you can look at Gandalf's account in Chapter 2 of FOTR.
Next chapter, Legolas and the life of the Home Guard during a time of relative peace.
elliska
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
I am so glad to see Eilian leading a simple settler's life and so glad to see he has a daughter! Thranduil so needs little grandaughters! And a daughter will just wrap Eilian around her little finger.
She seemed like a little darling, with her worm, the song she made for it and her confounding love for her grandparents. :)
“Hold still,” Celuwen commanded exasperatedly.
Eilian laughed as he carried the tub past them toward his and Celuwen’s sleeping chamber. “If you can make that happen by command, I hope you will start ordering the weather next.” Great line and too true. Children are constant motion when they want to be. That is one of the things I love to see.
Solith was just himself, starting in on Eilian from the moment he opened his mouth. Those two kill me. “Your ada is already married to your nana,” That must have been a difficult thing for Solith to own up to! :) And a very cute line on Loriel's part.
Of course the thing in the forest frightening the trees frightened me very nicely as well. Poor Eilian. Loriel is lucky she didn't give her father a heart attack. And this: Loriel’s eyes widened, and she backed up a step. Eilian did not blame her. He backed away when Celuwen looked at him that way too. That cracked me up!
It took me a few minutes thinking on it to figure out what web-footed creature would be eating crunchy birds in the forest and scaring the trees and Eilian, but I think I got it.
Ooo, this one looks like another really good one. I love to see Eilian with a daughter and I love the idea of seeing Legolas so close to the Quest as captain of the Home Guard. I hope he spent the last ten years getting used to being captain because I suspect he's about to be tested.
Glad to see a new one up, daw!
Very perceptive of her to notice the trees--runs in the family.
Author's reply
I think Loriel is a little Wood-elf, which isn't surprising given who her parents are. And Eilian too is enjoying living a Wood-elf life, far from the palace or his life as a warrior. This is a different kind of challenge and he's surprising himself by finding it rewarding.
Solith hasn't yet forgiven Eilian for bedding and wedding his daughter, but maybe the little girl will eventually make a difference. It will if Solith is smart. Loriel will eventually notice if her grandfather is rude to her father, and I suspect she won't like it.
We're only 60 or so years from the Quest now, which is hard to believe. None of them knows it's coming, so it's so odd to know it as a reader.
I saw your name mentioned on another board a couple of days ago. Someone was moaning about Evil!Thranduil stories and someone else said that Elliska had a very good series of stories up here and at OSA.
sofia
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
I now understand your choice on Tuilinn dying and I find that I agree. Anyway, I'm so happy you have another story out. Have I told you recently how much I love Eilian? Did I miss something? Since when did Eilian become a father? I am so curious now! Exactly how old is little Loriel?
Is the webbed footed creature a frog? I myself don't believe its a frog but that's all I can come up with. More soon please.
-sofia
Author's reply
I really missed writing from Eilian's POV in "Creature of Fire," so I was glad to be back to it here. Eilian became a father in 2953 TA. (How's that for precise? LOL) That's two years after the Battle of Five Armies, which I wrote about in "Tangled Web." I wrote that year or so ago, so it's been a while. At the end of it, Thranduil urges Eilian to have elflings. I figure it took a year for Eilian to be sure that there was going to be peace for a while, and then the pregnancy would have lasted a year. And then, there she was. She's about 8 in human years, so 3-ish in elf years.
TNT2B2
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
I was so excited to see a new story. I enjoy reading your creations. I always pictured Eilian having a daughter and here she is!
Author's reply
I was excited to be back writing again too. I enjoyed the little vacation from it, but then I really enjoyed doing this chapter too. It was easy! I sweat bullets over Legolas, but Eilian is always easy. I think it's because Legolas is a canon character and that intimidates me. Anyway, I'm glad you liked it.
Ana
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
»…As Eilian emerged from the trees into the clearing, a small figure who had been squatting next to her gave a cry, jumped up, and came running toward him with arms outstretched. “Ada! Ada!”… My jaw literally hit the floor when I read that. Oh, Boy… Eilian has a little elfling! I'm soooo happy for him.
»…He squeezed Loriel, who was playing with one of his braids. He tried not to think about the dirt and worm slime on her hands…« And I always thought he'd be the one playing with the worms in the garden and leaving them around as little surprise presents for Nana.
How come they aren’t living with the King? Or will they now, that something strange is happening in the settlement?
I really liked the middle of the chapter. It pictured perfect little family. Peaceful, happy, with annoying in-laws...
»…Sometimes it seemed to him that he would never sleep peacefully again; even in a time a peace, too many dangers lurked in Middle-earth, ready to waylay his unsuspecting child. …«
I suppose Ada King finds it amusing that Eilian is now in his shoes, though I know no one wishes to anyone to know how it is to fear for his/her child's life. But it must be amusing or it will be, when Loriel grows a bit, to see her getting into the same kind of trouble Eilianddid when he was an elfling…
And the last part gave me the creeps.
Loriel is really sweet. I like the fact that she can sense the trees.
~Ana
Author's reply
I glad I surprised you with the little girl! I think Eilian will be a very loving parent, just as he was a loving big brother with Legolas. I suspect Celuwen will have to be the disciplinarian in this family though, at least with a daughter. Eilian might have been more willing to be firm with a son.
As a child, I'll bet Eilian did play with worms. I know he played with mud. :-)
They're not living with Thranduil because it seemed to me that Eilian would have trouble just living at the palace during a time of peace. He needs something to occupy him and life in the settlement does that. Thranduil was wise enough to see that. Besides, Celuwen loves living like this, and in truth, so does Eilian, at least for now.
If Loriel does even half the things that Legolas did, let along Eilian, he'll be having a fit!
Socket
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Eilian is a FATHER?!?!?!?! *thud* Oh, now he gets his! Thranduil must be getting the amusement of his life watching his middle son cope with fatherhood. Anyway, this is an intriguing and every entertaining beginning. Can't wait to read more.
PS: The line about Solith preferring to think his grandchild was dropped down the chimney by an eagle was hysterical.
Author's reply
LOL. You're enjoying this much too much, Socket. In truth, I think that Eilian won't really "get his" for another thirty or forty years when the young Elves start coming around and asking Loriel to go for a "walk" with them. I suspect she's not going to be very tractable when he tries to remind her that her heart belongs to Ada.
You don't believe in eagle delivery? LOL.
Alison H
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Okay, Daw, you have just scared me half to death!! WHAT is the webbed creature that prowls the settlement and why?
Oh---and Eilian has a daughter as you promised and I love her already!! I can imagine that she has everybody wrapped around her little finger, especially her grandfather Thranduil.She's so sweet and so is Eilian as an Ada.
Your OC characters are so well written, and so loved, that I don't mind in the slightest that they were the focus at the beginning of this story--and what a great story this is already :D
I had to laugh when you wrote the dinner with Celuwen's parents.Loriel was dropped down the chimney by an eagle? I love that! Eilain will always be at odds with his father-in-law, I think.
If I was Eilian I would be moving my family back to the stroghold as quickly has elvenly possible--my heart was racing at the end of this first chapter!!Well done!
Can't wait for an update.
Take care.
Ali.
Author's reply
This chapter was fun to write. I've had a daughter in mind for him for some time now. I look forward to being able to write about her romances some day! She'll only be 70 or so when the Quest takes place though. We're getting very late in my cycle of stories.
I don't like to start a story with OCs because I'm afraid new readers will just ignore it, but this chapter seemed right for this story. I needed to show where the characters were at this point in the history of Mirkwood before it dawns on them that Bad Things are afoot again.
I don't imagine that Solith likes to think much about his little girl with her rogue of a husband, but if he has enough time with his granddaughter, he may soften a little. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Eilian the ada! I love it, Daw. He was made to be a father. And Thranduil did tell him to have elflings. BTW, how long after the Battle of Five Armies is this set?
This is a gem: 'She loved visiting Celuwen’s parents, a flaw that always puzzled Eilian, given that he found Loriel to be unusually bright'. Oh, my Lord, then I came across this!: 'he worked rapidly with a skill whose origin he had decided it was better not to explain to his wife. Eilian the flirt is never far away, is he? But Gollum sneaking about under Loriel's bedroom window? Eilian, move back to the stronghold NOW!
Author's reply
Isn't it odd that wild Eilian was indeed born to be a father? I think it's because he gives his heart so completely. He was good for Legolas as a child, and he adores his own daughter. This story is set about 10 years after the Battle of Five Armies. I figured it took Eilian and Celuwen a year to realize there might be peace and then there would have been a year of pregnancy.
Eilian is always fun to write about. I read somewhere that a reader should be able to tell whose POV you're using, even if you don't say. Eilian is a character for whom that's easy to do.
nessie
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Yay! Another story! Don't worry about chapters being entirely made up of OC's, your characters are practically canon anyway ;-) And I see Gollum (and I'm pretty sure it's Gollum) has entered Mirkwood. And you gave Eilian a daughter! Aww! And she looks like his mother! Or at least has her eyes...I bet Thranduil loves her to death. Now, was she born before or after the battle? I want to say after, but I think I should go check your profile to see how many years after this takes place. Anyways, this is great so far! You always write such interesting stories and the plots are always original! I love it! Update asap!
~nessie~
Author's reply
I kind of was worried about the all OC chapter. I'm afraid new readers won't read it. But I couldn't resist. This seemed the best way to open this particular story.
Loriel was born two years after the Battle of Five Armies. It took Eilian and Celuwen a year to believe that there would be peace and then there was a year of pregnancy. Thranduil is SO sorry she lives in the settlement rather than the palace, but Eilian and Celuwen needed to be away, and the little girl is a true wood elf.
esamen
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Oh, I'm so happy to see a new story begin. I was about to email you and ask what was cooking, and if it was soup yet.
This is neat! so new and different! When Eilian's daughter came on scene, I felt like I was watching a movie and seeing a major character introduced. And this mysterious predator (I'm betting it's Gollum) is terrifying. The whole chapter seems very cinematic to me. Very visual, with a kind of action beat going through it. I enjoyed all the homey details of settlement life, especially as compared with life in Thranduil's stronghold. It reminded me a little bit of my beloved 1930's, but with a far more elegantly rendered, magical air about it :-)
"Loriel flung herself at her grandfather, whose face softened as he picked her up. “You are silly, Grandfather. I will not have suitors. I am going to marry Ada.”
This one took me by surprise. LOL! It was a stroke of genius to give Eilian a daughter. Now we'll see a whole new side of his personality. Eilian must have been quite dismayed to find himself on Solith's side of the world for a moment.
I look forward to seeing Legolas back on the scene, and finding out how all my . . . excuse me, YOUR Elven family is doing. Happy typing!
Author's reply
I've had this chapter done for several days, but I wasn't certain that I wanted to start with an all OC chapter, so I drafted most of a Legolas one too. But I think this is best. I loved writing about their life in the settlement and introducing Loriel.
One of these days, Eilian is really going to understand Soliths' POV. And what a blow that will be!
Antigone Q
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Lovely! There were lots of funny bits, and I'm so glad Eilian has a daughter to cuddle and spoil. I always thought he and Celuwen would be the sweetest parents, and now I'm proved right. I think it's only fair that Loriel scares Eilian now, since he used to scare his ada and nana so often (I don't know that Celuwen deserves it quite so much). And I am having fun speculating on where Eilian would have learned to put up a girl's hair.
A creature scaring the trees in the settlement? Hmm....
Author's reply
I had a great time writing this chapter. Eilian is so easy to write about compared to Legolas. I think it's because he's my own creation and I feel free to mess around with him and give him blind spots and faults. He adores his daughter, and in few years, he's going to be paying for his sins!
Dot
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
What a lovely surprise! Alright, so the date is ominous (isn’t that when the Nazgul took back Dol Guldur?) but I suppose there wouldn’t be much of a story without some excitement ;-)
So Eilian and family are contentedly living in a settlement with little to worry them other than trying to make flour?! My, how times have changed! I’m actually quite glad for Celuwen that she has this chance to live the life that makes her happiest.
But something is disturbing the trees. Some sort of creature with webbed feet that can get up a tree. Sounds nasssty.
I like the way Eilian tries to convince himself that there’s nothing wrong. It really shows how things have changed in the forest, how much they’ve become used to having some peace. And he has a daughter! Yay! Thranduil must be delighted. I wonder how much convincing it took for him to let them off to the settlement with her, away from him??! It’s great seeing Eilian so happy. He’s clearly a natural with Loriel. And I love the fact that his little girl is happy out to be playing in the dirt and digging for worms! “How could his tutor have talked at him for all those years and never told him what worms ate?” LOL. Funny how that never came up.
I’m still laughing at the line “she loved visiting Celuwen’s parents, a flaw that always puzzled Eilian, given that he found Loriel to be unusually bright.” It sounds like Sólith hasn’t exactly managed to wriggle his way into Eilian’s heart, then. Still, much can be forgiven when grandchildren come into the picture.
Having a bath sounds like a job and a half. It’s probably doing Eilian a world of good to be doing these tasks, though. Especially as he enjoys them. Of course, having a child must keep him busy and contented enough that he doesn’t have to be off looking for excitement elsewhere!
“…he looked at her and saw again his mother’s wide grey eyes, fringed with heavy dark lashes.” Ah! We have a little Lorellin look-alike! She seems quite spirited too. I wonder if she has her grandmother’s way with the men in her life?! It certainly looks like it so far.
I love the image of the three of them walking hand-in-hand. They’re absolutely radiating happiness. “Of course, Eilian was certain that Sólith preferred to believe that Loriel had been dropped down their chimney by an eagle.” ROTFL!! I imagine Loriel’s existence is not something this grandfather likes to contemplate. I can’t help having warm(ish) feelings towards Sólith, though, seeing him with Loriel, hearing that he’d built her a high-chair and watching him make a whistle for her.
It sounds like Eilian, in typical ada fashion, hasn’t really fully enjoyed the peace for all it’s worth because he has a small child to worry about and everything can seem a danger for children. But then, he’d have been totally bored with no child to dote upon and no Orcs to hunt.
My heart nearly stopped when Eilian found Loriel’s bed empty! I was just about to think mean things of you. Thank heavens she hadn’t disappeared. But how frightening that the strange predator was outside Loriel’s window. Eilian will probably go into protective mode now. I couldn’t help smiling at the thought that Eilian hadn’t the heart to scold his daughter very much but had no objections to Celuwen doing it! It’s interesting that Loriel has the same affinity with the trees as Eilian and his family do. She’s a right little wood-elf. I thought Eilian’s realisation that this child of the peace has no real understanding of danger was nicely reminiscent of his own childhood. At least he was older before he was made suddenly and painfully aware that evil had returned. Not saying that’s what’s going to happen to Loriel because I don’t know how far you’ll take this story and what it’s going to be about, but what bliss they have can’t really last much longer.
There’s wonderful atmosphere in this, by the way. It’d make a great start to a horror film. There’s so much happiness and contentment on the surface, but underneath there’s the sense that something is stirring – scary dreams, mysterious footprints and not to forget that really vivid image of the little girl in white and her rather chilling ““The trees are different, Ada”!!! Still, it is called “A Springof Joy” so I’ll remain optimistic!
Great chapter. I loved all the laugh-out-loud Eilian moments. I can’t wait for more :-)
Author's reply
For some time now, I've been trying to think of what Eilian would do if he weren't a warrior, and this is more or less what I've come up with for now. To his surprise, he likes living this simple, close to nature life, doing chores and loving his family. I don't think he'd be nearly as happy at the palace. Poor Thranduil. He must miss this little girl who looks like her grandmother.
In the meantime, Solith also dotes on this little one, who probably reminds him of Celuwen when she was little. In another century or two, he may even forgive Eilian for marrying his daughter! But not yet. Things have to happen.
The hard work involved in having a bath was suggested to me by a line from Virginia Woolf, who talks about what was involved in making a cup of tea at one time -- chopping wood, fetching water, etc. It's a lot of work to accomplish things we do with the flick of a wrist.
I hadn't made the connection between Loriel and Eilian as both children of the peace (and Celuwen too) but you're right of course. He'll have to figure out how to deal with that once he realizes that the dangers are increasing again. After all, Sauron went to Mordor. He didn't leave ME.
The title of this comes from The Hobbit in which Tolkien talks about Thranduil's army: "The dragon was dead, and the goblins overthrown, and their hearts looked forward after winter to a spring of joy." Too bad it didn't last.
Yanic
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Oh awesome, Eilian has a little girl! And she's adorable! I guess it'll be punishment for his womanizing ways when it comes time for suitors to come. I already love the way this chapter is shaping up... webbed feet, after the Battle of Five Armies...Gollum perhaps?
Author's reply
I suspect you're right. Right now, Loriel's heart belongs to her ada, but some day, Eilian is going to turn around and find out that she's out walking with a young Elf and all kinds of visions will go through his head! We can only hope that Celuwen bars the door to keep him from going after them.
LOTRFaith
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Eilian has a child!!! Oh my gosh! That is well a little difficult to comprehend.. I mean Eilian it probably a great father, but wow.. Took me a few steps backward... Peace, yet an underlurking sense of danger. Is that certain 'thing' after Legolas? Or someone close to Eilian? Of course I always think it is Legolas :-) But I also know Eilian and Legolas have a close connection as brothers, so Eilian could be have some premonition for Legolas' safety... But who know? (except you of course:-)) I eagerly look forward to a new chapter!
Author's reply
LOL. It's tough for him to comprehend too. But he was a good big brother and he'll be a good, if somewhat indulgent, ada.
We'll see Legolas in the next chapter, so you'll have a better sense then of where he is and what he's doing. The nature of the danger should become clearer as the story goes on.
Bodkin
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Not only bright, but with her Ada and Daerada's feel for the forest. Could come in useful.
Author's reply
Loriel is a wood elf, like both her parents and her grandmother Lorellin. I think she'd likely to scare the wits out of her family on more than one occasion.
Bodkin
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
What an absolute joy this is! So full of the most enchanting, laugh-out-loud Eilianishness. He can't bring himself to scold Loriel, but doesn't mind if Celuwen does. He sympathises with his elfling for taking a step back from a cross Celuwen, because he does the same himself! And his response to living near Solith! Who hasn't threatened to gut him recently. And prefers to believe that an eagle dropped Loriel down the chimney.
Solith managed to spit out that Loriel couldn't marry Eilian! Well, at least he can congratulate himself on that. And he thinks Eilian is a pampered son-of-a-king who can't do a day's work. What does he think warriors do in the South? And how does he picture them living? A settlement is a pinnacle of comfort in comparison!
But a super-gem of a line has to be She loved visiting Celuwen’s parents, a flaw that always puzzled Eilian, given that he found Loriel to be unusually bright.
But a nasty webbed-footed creature prowling around - and peering in Loriel's open window. That doesn't sound good. Eating little jayses, too. I'm not surprised the forest doesn't like the creature. I don't think Eilian is going to manage to find it though.
This made my afternoon. I shall go and read it again now - so I can enjoy the Eilianishness all over again.
Author's reply
Eilian is having an unexpectedly good time living in the settlement, just working with the neighbors, heating water, caring for his (unusually bright) daughter, loving his wife. I think this is a life that he was meant to live. It's a good substitute for the excitement of patrolling in danger. But then, he might not need a substitute for long. :-(
Brazgirl
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Me again. Just to say I love this line: "I will not have suitors. I am going to marry Ada." - I could hear myself at her age saying this to my ada.
Author's reply
Eilian had better enjoy this while it lasts. At some point, it will dawn on Loriel that there are young Elves out there who have interesting things to offer. And won't that send Ada into a panic!
Brazgirl
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Finally a girl to this family!!! Loriel - a trouble maker girl... just like her father! Lovely start, Daw!!! Your OCs are so nice! It is a pleasure to read Elian again. As a father!!! I hope you give us some glimpse of grandfather Thranduil. And take cer of Eilian. I am scared now.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like it, Brazgirl! I'm looking forward to writing about Eilian as the father of a daughter. She's small here, so her heart still belongs to Ada, but I think I could have some fun with this eventually.
Joee
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Quit writing! I'm falling so far behind here and you keep producing new and interesting stories to read! I've just started reading Time's Turnings and here you are with another new story. I wish I had your gift to keep writing. I'm lucky if I can get out a new story every 6 months, lol. SLOW DOWN!!!
Author's reply
LOL. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm kind of compulsive about this, I'm afraid, as I am about most things.
Ms. Whatsit
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
This chapter was very sweet and funny and Eilianish.
I especially liked this line: "She loved visiting Celuwen’s parents, a flaw that always puzzled Eilian, given that he found Loriel to be unusually bright." Hee!
And Loriel saying she was going to marry Eilian! And Solith and Eilian being hostile to each other--heh. And Eilian knowing how to do hair--well, of course he would.
Author's reply
Eilian is having an unexpectedly good time just living day to day in the settlement and being a wood elf. This is good for him, I think. And he's such a doting ada. It's a good thing Celuwen has some sense.