Reviews (270)

esamen · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Meetings

Wow. Lots of activity. So many cool things going on. Legolas and Beliond in Dale . . . when those two get around Men, it's always funny. That statue in the town's center was marvelous. Where do you get these ideas? I like how Legolas looks when he's around men. He's so powerful, graceful and deliberate, yet we (and the Men) see his latent dangerousness and his ability to intimidate. It's not completely concealed. His lineage and ability shows through all his restraint. I also like that you show Bard as a wily match for Elves, and not like a simpleton. After all, it was Bard and not Legolas who killed Smaug . . . Men must be good for something, huh. I can't wait to find out what's going to happen during the night. Surely you have something creepy, Gollum-y and dangerous up your sleeve for the town of Dale and for our hero? And then Beliond can get all upset when Legolas is too heroic for his liking? Hey, what does Beliond look like? Can you give us a visual? Oh, poor Thranduil in his prophetic, tragic dream. Trees in flames, huh? Are you alluding to the return of the shadow to Dol Guldur, or to the activity in Mirkwood during the war of the Ring? So many questions. I hope you actually answer some of them . . . and it's a pretty cruel cliffie ending there . . . I hope you update soon. Thanks for a great chapter! Happy typing, esamen

Dot · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Meetings

It’s so interesting to see how Dale has changed. I liked the little moment when Legolas has to remind himself that these Men weren’t alive at the time that Smaug ruined Dale. It’s a clever reminder of their differences, as well as of all that Legolas has seen. I couldn’t help smiling at Legolas’ eagerness to see Bard again. He certainly seems a lot more tolerant of him than of the Master of Esgaroth, despite, as Beliond points out, the fact that Bard was certainly willing to fight for treasure, his by right or not. I love the statue!!! LOL. He has to tell Thranduil about that. I know I should be mulling over Beliond’s words and questioning whether any of them should really be viewed as heroic… but I’m too distracted by the fierce-looking elf. “Adar will be happy to know that the Men of Dale see him as so fearsome.” I nearly choked on my tea at that. Beliond is just wonderful. I can’t blame him for being sceptical of just about everything. I really enjoy seeing him and Legolas tease each other. Their relationship is so very different than that infamous time they visited the inn. I think Legolas meant to ask for Bard, not Brand, by the way. The official doesn’t seem very inclined to argue with Beliond. Hmm. And rightly so too. Bard seems as straightforward as ever. But he has a son now! I just loved the little gesture of the grim man tucking the child’s hair behind his ear. He’s absolutely adorable in his excitement about the elves. Apparently he wasn’t put off by the scary statue. I get a bit nervous about you introducing new children into a story like this one but at least we know for certain that Bain grows up!! “I will have another guest at the table whom you might find interesting. King Dáin is eating with us tonight.” LOL. That’ll be fun! There’s something rather sad about Thranduil trying so hard to figure out what the disturbance in the trees’ song could mean. I imagine waiting is one of his least favourite past times too. At least he has Mithrandir for company ;-) I think I’d be seriously worried if he showed up on my doorstep and starting asking about my family! I suppose he must get used to being greeted with a certain apprehension everywhere he goes… I love Thranduil’s complete faith in Legolas. I guess, though, it’ll prove to Mithrandir how dependable Legolas is and all this prepares Legolas for interacting easily and cooperating with other races too. “Look, Aunt Alfirin, I can close the gate myself!” That probably means she can open it herself too, Aunt Alfirin. Mithrandir seems to have found a captive audience for his little tricks. I wonder if she’s pulled his beard yet. I think I remember Sinnarn doing that. That dream was disturbing. I felt sorry for Lorellin actually, because she never had a chance to see her grandchildren, but my heart went out to Thranduil. How unspeakably awful for him to have the Shadow come back yet again. Hasn’t he had enough? And the trees bursting into flames! I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like for the elves when the forest burned. Sometimes it’s hard knowing what they’ll have to face! Oh well, that’s still a while in the future. In the meantime, I’m getting quite excited about what’s happening down south. I’d be scanning the treetops, waiting for them to return too if I could! I’m enjoying this story so much :-)

Bodkin · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Meetings

Ah, beautiful. I just loved Legolas realising with a shake of his head that of course these short-lived creatures wouldn't remember where the king used to keep his house. And the statue! Amazing. I'm glad they managed to make a fair representation of the three heroic leaders - and I do feel that Thranduil ought to come and see it. Beliond is so delightfully suspicious - but with a wicked edge of . . . not so much wit, as sarcasm. And Annael is so open and sunny. They make a superb couple of stooges. Tell me - has Legolas found any use for his lock-picking skills yet? Beyond freeing the odd skin of Dorwinion from the locked wine cellars, that is. Cute litte Bardion. I'm not surprised that Bain wants to come and play with the elves, although I can't see him making it to visit Thranduil unless he goes soon. It would be rather fun to see him and Loriel together - he might be quite surprised by what an elfling can do. Although I do hope that does not include putting herself at risk. Still at least the odds aren't too bad: three adult females (four if Elowen plays), occasional uncle and grandfather and a Home Guard of warriors. They might be able to keep her where she is supposed to be. Having Mithrandir tell you how much he relies on you and counts on your friendship sounds very ominous. As does Thranduil's dream of Lorellin. I hope it is just a general foreboding of things to come and not a threat to any of Mirkwood's finest. They have enough troubles coming - and Flower Face needs her adar to come home just as much as he needs to return to her and Celuwen. And Sinnarn needs to come home too. In fact they all do. With nothing more than minor movie injuries. Please.

Alison H · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Meetings

I'm sorry that I haven't reviewed the last few chapters but I just want you to know that I'm loving this story.Your writing simply gets better and better! Legolas was very witty when meeting King Bard--I loved his teasing of Beliond concering King Dain! I laughed out loud when Legolas informed his grouchy keeper that HE would be sitting next to the dwarf! Loriel is just the most adorable child! She has Thranduil wrapped around her finger but it is a good thing that she is Eilian's daughter for he knows what she may be capable of.Poor Thranduil--no wonder he has to tell others to watch that she doesn't wander.Mind you, you could have really tortured him and given Loriel a twin sister!! I feel ominous music soon as both Legolas and Thranduil are thinking of Eilian and then that terrible dream that frightened Thranduil out of his wits.They will need all their strength as a family very soon. Oh, and I loved your subtle wording of Thranduil's thoughts about Gandalf and his gratitude to the King's sons.We all know how his musings turn into reality sooner than he would like.That was a beautiful touch and I really felt sad for Thranduil then even though we know the outcome! Bravo, Daw on another excellent story.Next chapter soon, please! Take care. Ali.

Jay of Lasgalen · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Meetings

Only a dream maybe, but one full of foreboding and ill-omen. The tree-tops burning seems particularly sinister. Poor Thranduil, to dream of his beloved wife and have it turn sour :( Loriel's fascination with Mithrandir is funny. Perhaps if he were to command her to stay in the palace, she'd obey. The visit to Dale was light-hearted - I loved the statue of Thranduil, and this line: 'Legolas caught a glimpse of Annael smiling and Beliond narrowing his eyes.' It sums up the differences between his two companions perfectly! I wish the elves would catch Gollum - but I know they can't. Ah well - the abortive search is intriguing. I hope we catch up with Eilian next (before Loriel does.)

Brazgirl · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Wow Daw! I didn't review chapter 5 yet and you already updated chapter 6!!! I very happy by the way. You gave us Legolas, Beliond (always a pleasure to read), Eilian and Maltanaur (he is so nice!) and Grandfather Thranduil!!! It was lovely, though little Loriel remind us all of young Eilian... ahaha!

Yanic · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Esgaroth is flourishing and yet it still smells... and I can only imagine how bad it would smell, what with lack of plumbing and all. I can see how Legolas would appreciate the woods all the more. Oh jeez, for a little bit there I was concerned about Loriel going to find her Ada on her own (a very Legolas-like thing for her to do). Although, she is a lot like her Uncle. Loved the description of Esgaroth and Thranduil's interaction with Loriel

moonshine · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Aw, that was very sweet. Loriel and Thranduil get along well. I was a little surprised, considering the distance that`s usually bewtween them. Eilian`s mission is getting exciting. Lot of anticipation at what he is going to go through or find. Legolas too, for that matter. Great chapter. until the next!

The Karenator · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

I don't think I've told you lately how much I love Beliond. I was thinking as I read this chapter that Daeron would really like Beliond. Beliond says exactly what he thinks, and that's often what others are thinking as well, but are too polite to say. This is one of my favorite lines: I know they cannot help their gait,” Beliond grumbled under his breath, “but they live in the middle of a lake! You would think they could bathe regularly.” I also like that even though Beliond might not think too highly of humans, he does have a respect for the warriors of men. He doesn't think much of the egotistical leader though. The news of the stolen lamb sent shivers down everyone's spine. The implications of what else Gollum might eat remains on everyone's mind. Gee, what a horrible creature. I'm not as sympathetic to Gollum as I might have once been. Mithrandir is far too kind to this creep. But he's a wizard and what do I know? Of course, Gollum gets his just reward in the end and that ending wouldn't have happened if someone had offed the nasty critter before Frodo got to Mt. Doom. I felt bad for Eilian. I think he loves his job, but now he has considerations that he didn't have before. There's a little Flower Face who loves and depends on him. I'm sure it was hard for him to think that he might have to leave her to go back on patrol. Of course, Grandpa will see that Celuwen and Flower Face are cared for in his absence, but it's still not the same as coming home every night to his family. I also noted that Eilian hasn't lost his connection to the woods and to the shadow. He feels it lurking about again even if he can't quite put his finger on what's wrong. I like the mushroom conversation. I don't blame Eilian for checking to see what kind of mushroom his father-in-law put in his food. Sinnarn is really an adult now. He's all grown up and acting like it. I like the old boy. He's a good addition to the king's family. The ending was just glorious. The king up a tree with a little lady. Loriel is so full of energy and fun, she's just bursting at the seams to get out and play. The king needs a little playtime too. I loved his thoughts on Eilian and how Loriel had frightened him so that he couldn't properly enjoy the curse of the harried parent: I hope you have a child just like you someday. The king picking flowers. What a sweet picture. Wonderful chapter. I really enjoyed seeing what everyone was doing...even if I do hear the distant drums of something wicked beating in the distance. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Karen

thechevin · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

There were three distinct elements in this chapter Legolas, Anneal and Beliond in Lake Town. Beliond's view of humans does not seem to have improved very much! LOL The description of the Town Hall was lovely Then there is Eilian and it was interesting to see how his opinions have changed so much since the birth of his daughter. He is now thinking of danger and how the changes he can sense might affect his family and the thought of how the stronghold had not protected his mother was very sad while the comment about his father in law and the mushrooms made me laugh outloud But best of all was some grandfather grandaughter bonding, Loriel is so like her father and I thought Thranduil's thoughts on this were so funny whereas his seeing his wife's look on Loriel's face made me feel very sad. His thoughts on the meadow were amusing also I wonder if Eilian knows how 'special' it is thank you for another lovely update this is an enchanting tale

perelleth · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

"At least this part is coming along with your usual effortless, easy flowing appearance" Well, you mentioned in a previous reply to one of my reviews that you were finding some trouble with some parts of this story, and I thought you might like to know that, whatever the "suffering", the result is being wondrous as usual! So just take your time! nobody could ever blame you for posting one chapter a week, or even every two weeks! You're the fastest writer I ever heard of! just give yourself a break! ;-)

perelleth · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

How good that this chapter updates us on the three fronts! "...but they live in the middle of a lake! You would think they could bathe regularly" Ha! one of those things you must never, ever remark when boarding other people's ship or entering other people's village or home, rule number one ! and Beliond,wise as he is, does not let escape any chance to show his displeasure about men...just to remind Legolas they're not there to indulge in his curiosity! He's so great at those reminders! "Beliond shifted restlessly, and Legolas realized that, now that their business was concluded, his keeper wanted him out of there." Just to make the point clearer!Better than any other alarm device! :-) And I was looking forward to seeing Thranduil with his grandaughter (I'm sure he was,too...) He must be grateful to have another young one around as an excuse to get out and forget about such things as rebuilding bridges. It was fun to hear Celuwen's concern, I suppose Thranduil must have rolled his eyes in a very unkingly manner at that! When I was re reading Tangled Web the other week I laughed at the part when Thranduil tells Eilian to go home and beget children, and at how dutifully Eilian complied with his Adar's orders that time... and now Thranduil finds his arms full with a young, female version of his most errant son...dangerous games included! I bet the king is able to see the humour of it all! The patrol, on the other hand, seems relaxed enough, although Eilian's perceptions are scaring. Hope this adventure doesn't prove too dramatic for them! Anyway, the setting is worrying: Gollum on the loose, Loriel delving for information about her ada's wherabouts and how to reach him, and the fantastic patrol heading south to dol Guldur, recently re occupied by a Nazgul or two. Ufff... should I say, thanks the Valar Mithrandir is around? Hope you go on easily, daw. At least this part is coming along with your usual effortless, easy flowing appearance, although one can trace -and appreciate- how very detailed job you're doing. Best luck!

Dot · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Oh, so many wonderful moments in this chapter. So they’ve reached Esgaroth. Much to the delight of Beliond, it seems! But really, I thought he was rather complimentary about the captain of the guard. In his own way, of course. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town. LOL at the girl who nearly toppled into the water. I can’t say I blame her in the slightest. I’m not sure what to make of the new Master, though. He mostly seems a fairly decent sort. At least he appears to know what’s happening in his town and is worried for the safety of his people. And he has a healthy fear of Thranduil too! He is a bit of a twit for taking credit for Esgaroth’s current good fortune but I suppose we see that all the time. When things are going well for a country we tend to attribute it to our leaders, even though he/she may have just happened to be in the right place at the right time. As Legolas says, in comparison with the last guy, this one must “look like Gil-galad”. *g* What a great line. I loved all the little details too, like Legolas finding the scent of the forest on the wind and Beliond slightly moving his chair for a better view of the room. It definitely sounds like Gollum was responsible for the lamb being taken. I know he did go as far as Esgaroth but I can’t imagine him actually being in the middle of he town. Chances are he’d be seen but also, he’d probably hate the crowds of people as much as the Elves do. I loved the moment with Annael saying that the Men probably wouldn’t have been able to find tracks, while managing to suggest that an Elf would. I guess he’d better go and prove himself, then! Eilian seems to be in a hurry to get this job done. At least this little party seem to be getting along quite well. I love the way Maltanaur trusts him. If Eilian wants to just gather mushrooms and go back, then so be it. There are those cattail thingies again. Supposedly nutritious, if I remember rightly ;-) I felt quite sorry for Eilian here. He obviously senses something, even if he can’t pinpoint exactly what, and I imagine he must be aware that his own fear of what they’ll find could be making him uneasy too. Plus, the possibility of going back to the warrior life again has so many more consequences for him now that he has Loriel to think about. The part about the children moving to the stronghold was interesting. I hadn’t realised that. I also hadn’t thought about what a girl in the king’s family would do as a career until Eilian thought about how Sinnarn never really had much choice about the path he’d take, despite a relatively happy and secure childhood. Isn’t it amazing to think how different the world will be when Loriel grows up? If you let her grow up ;-) It’s always so much fun watching them tease one another. What is it about keepers throwing things at Sinnarn?! I loved Sinnarn telling Tynd he should put wine in the sauce and the discussion of the fathers-in-law. Sinnarn is very lucky – and Eilian is very wise to be wary of Sólith!! I was so thrilled to see Loriel and Thranduil spend some time together! I had to laugh at the way the advisor knows the second they hear Loriel that he’s lost the king’s attention. “There were days when he too wanted to whine, “The woods! Please!” Oh, I love that! I was smiling right along with the guards too when Thranduil emerged clutching the hand of his little granddaughter. Those poor guards must be bored a lot of the time, but in a time of peace I’d say it must feel like a fairly pointless job, so I’m glad they have nice moments like this! Thranduil leaping up into the tree is a wonderful image! That little elfing is far too daring, though. A mixture of Eilian, Celuwen and Lorellin? No wonder she’s making daring jumps through the trees. As much as I felt for Thranduil in his fear for his granddaughter, I’m still laughing at “Thranduil contemplated the idea of Eilian warning a child to be careful of danger and found he had been so shaken by Loriel’s daring that he could not even take proper satisfaction from it. He would have to try again later, he decided.” That’s so funny. I’m a bit worried about how interested she is in where Eilian is and whether she could get there. I understand that Thranduil doesn’t want to be the one to have to explain to her how dangerous the forest is, but this child has absolutely no concept of danger at all, other than the possibility of hurting herself. I’m thinking Nimloth needs to be hauled in to watch Loriel whenever Celuwen isn’t around. Although, on second thoughts, Celuwen wouldn’t know her. Hmm. This one does need watching, though. What a lovely ending. There’s nothing quite like seeing Thranduil with his grandchildren. :-)

elliska · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

I loved the whole chapter and I hate to skip around when commenting because then I confuse myself and forget things I wanted to say but still I have to comment on the end first--I have been just dying to see Thranduil with his granddaughter. I had the biggest smile on my face as I was reading that part. From “You will have to watch her, Adar. --she's telling Thranduil! to the very end it was just delightful. I loved the guards trying to be not too obvious, Thranduil jumping right up into the tree after her, Thranduil learning again how frightening it can be to have a child--and one sooo like Eilian. I bet Eilian has thought of his adar a lot over the last ten years. And poor Thranduil not even being able to take pleasure in imagining Eilian telling her to be careful. I know what is coming next with poor Loriel. She is too clever for her own good and we know perfectly well Thranduil's guards aren't any good at keeping things inside that stronghold--dwarves, Gollum, mischievous elflings--I laugh every time I read that line in the Hobbit where the Elvenking says nothing can escape his magic doors. Hah! Don't give Solith too much fodder for criticizing the stronghold. Ok, now back to the beginning... The details in the town just cracked me up. When I read ...but they live in the middle of a lake! You would think they could bathe regularly. I howled so loud that the dog ran away and it woke my husband. Priceless and too true. I love the dicussion of the worthiness, or lack thereof, of the Masters of Lake Town. I always thought the one during the Hobbit was a real sleeze. And I just got a kick out of Beliond placing more faith in the warriors--at they have a sense of self preservation--not even much faith there. But there is so much here--the lady nearly falling, their sitting position in the Hall (poor Beliond), the gilded (sp?) halls, the wolf tracks and Annael's reaction... great job with all of this. It really played like a movie in my mind--your stuff usually does but this seemed particularly good. Poor Eilian. He is really feeling different now that he has a child and he just doesn't know what to make of that, does he. You did a really good job showing the progression of thoughts that show how Eilian looks so differently at the world now. I really liked that. Don't I remember Sinnarn joking about the quality of camp food and spices to improve it in another story? That part made me laugh. You almost forget Tynd is a keeper, he is so much easier going. I think his attitude towards his duty is about to change. But the joking about family dinners was great. Again, poor Eilian. :) Great chapter Daw. *Sigh* I suppose it will get nasty from here. You always set these things up really well but I think this has been one of your best. I am dying to so where all these events go.

Lamiel · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Why do I have the feeling that Loriel isn't going to be content with waiting in the stronghold for her father to come home? Well, at least the guards have experience in catching wayward elflings. Although they haven't been all that successful with Legolas in the past, as I recall. And I'll bet Eilian gave them merry heck. I did like that scene where Loriel jumps into the maple tree, and Thranduil jumps right after her. Where else would you see a king do that? How I love the Wood-elves. Legolas' impressions of Esgarath are nicely done as well, particularly the Elves' sensitivity to the sound and smell of the Men around them. And I can't blame that girl for nearly walking off the pier. I've done the same, and with far less cause.

Bodkin · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

What a beautiful moment of joy to end with. The special meadow (where Thranduil has been - h'mm - entertained in years gone by), the flowers, the happy Flower Face, the loving grandfather. And, in fact, the whole chapter is full of gems. I love the passing reference to the look on the advisor's face as Thranduil plays hookey with his granddaughter and Beliond shifting his chair to get a better view of the room - Sinnarn's suggestion that Tynd should put wine in the sauce, Maltanaur throwing a pine cone at him and Flower Face running round and round the tree while she waits for Thranduil. And then there are the biggies - Thranduil storing the sheer deliciousness of Eilian turning into an adar forced to worry about his daughter's risk-taking, because she had frightened him too much to think about it then. (Mind you, even if she hadn't, this would be worth storing.) Celuwen doubtful about Grandfather's ability to care for Loriel - Eilian having to be careful when Solith picks his mushrooms - Sinnarn's delight in his wife and his wife's family - Beliond's contempt for men - Annael's confidence in his tracking - oh, I don't know - all of it. It is just so well crafted. But so many suggestions of threat below the surface. The sense that, despite surface appearances, something is rotten in the state of Mirkwood. The conceit of the Master (and, since the town was rebuilt BEFORE the money started rolling in, the council must have spent inordinate amounts of the relief money on their own self-aggrandisement in designing that building. Fancy that!) Nasty Gollum creeping around and being generally unpleasant. And the general sadness of good times ending and the threat returning - children kept close to home and growing up in a world where weapons and danger are an everyday part of life. I suppose, in some ways, it's a good thing that ten years is no time at all in the life of an elf - they haven't had time to grow accustomed to feeling safer. And Grandfather could warn Flower Face about some of the dangers that would be in the woods anyway - like bears and wild boar and bogs. Not, I think, that Eilian's daughter will pay much heed to him. Probably, like her adar, a kinaesthetic learner. I've left loads of gorgeous bits out. But to mention it all would involve rewriting the chapter. But I'm loving seeing lots of Annael and Sinnarn added to the usual suspects. And Flower Face, of course.

esamen · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

This is just an incredibly enchanting story. I thought that the word "glamorous" described the story Good Neighbors, and I think that the word "enchanted" describes this one. Gollum, Dol Guldur, Thranduil's magic, and the Enchanted River--all magical. But there is another form of enchantment here too, as when the guards hide their smiles at the king playing with his grandaughter, and when Thranduil and Loriel take to the trees together. What a moment. And I recognized a THIRD kind of enchantment when I read this: “The woods it is.” He had seen how hard Loriel found it to be cooped up in the cavern all day, and he felt sorry for her. There were days when he too wanted to whine, “The woods! Please!” Celuwen hesitated. “You will have to watch her, Adar. She sometimes loses track of where she is supposed to be.” Thranduil smiled broadly. “I understand. I occasionally kept an eye on your husband in the woods when he was small.” Now, Daw, I read this bit of little dialogue and I was just amazed. By this point in your ongoing stories of Legolas, you have made us (1) sympathize with a magical Elven king who gets frustrated when he can't leave the office; (2) appreciate the closeness that a practical settlement elleth has developed with an intimidating warrior king; and (3) understand the family relationships of three generations of OC's. Now that's a pretty amazing piece of work, when you look at it that way. Where did you get your magic wand? ;-) Esamen

Alice · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

That last bit was so sweet! I can see why the guards were hiding smiles. Thranduil is a good grandfather. I'm glad he listened to the warning bells also. Loriel is not a child to take lightly. Hopefully Thranduil will warn Celuwen. I liked the line about Thranduil storing the idea of Eilian warning a child to be careful away for satisfaction later. Lol. It's easy to see why Thranduil enjoys his Lorellin look-alike grandaughter. And so the tension builds in both the Home Guard and in Eilian's little scouting party. It's really interesting seeing how mature and responsible Eilian is now. Being a husband and father agrees with him, even if it is a little bit scary seeing him act so adultlike. He's always been responsible and upstanding while on duty, but it's odd seeing him so when he's in his free time. Thranduil should have shipped him off to Celuwen's settlement years ago. I'm with Sinnarn on wanting Annael as a father-in-law by the way. Actually, Annael as any sort of member of your family is great. Sinnarn lucked out. Eilian did not. Watching Beliond interact with humans is always interesting. I have to admit though, I keep wanting him to get smacked down with that elvish arrogance of his. I really hope that none of the nearby villagers understand Sindarin. Otherwise some fiesty, erudite person who happens to not have bathed because there isn't indoor plumbing might feel the need to get real close to them and give em a nice big whiff of themselves. I should probably just be thankful that Tinar's not on this mission. Hee. Beliond would probably shut up if someone pointed out how much he sounded like Tinar. Now that's a terrible thought! So, good chapter. Hopefully Gollum won't steal any children while Legolas is tracking him. Legolas would not take kindly towards that. And hopefully Thranduil made an impression on Loriel on not traveling towards Ada by herself. I doubt he did, but hope springs eternal. I look forward to the next chapter. Update soon! So I'm articulate for a teenager, huh? Thank you. My english teacher does try.

rgbj · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Oh dear back into the domain of smelly, noisy men again in their rickety crowded town. Sad to have to be cooped up there on a lovely day when they could be in the great, wide, scary and dangerous forest. Men and their love of gold even when it kills them. You can't eat it and you sure can't take it with you. The master isn't the first and he certainly won't be the last to die for gold. As far as having to deal with men, at least the elves don't have to put up with them for long. Let some time pass and they are retired or dead and then maybe they will get a better replacement. The long lives of elves has always been hard for me to get my mind around. It changes how one would look at so many things. I remember when Legolas would be so excited about going to see the human town. He's getting a little jaded isn't he in his young/old age. The river running with gold. Well it is never surprising that a politician would like people to feel that he is responsible for all their prosperity. After all elections can be fickle. He would need their good will to keep up that lovely lifestyle with gilded wood beams and blue velvet to keep out the harsh winter winds as much as keeping up his pride of office. I do hope that Gollum doesn't snag a human baby or two while he is there. He doesn't like places with too many people so maybe he will stay away from town. He will just prey on isolated farms. Sigh. Well if anyone can find him it will be Annael. Eilian has certainly found that having children changes everything. Solith would approve if he ever looked past his dislike of his son-in-law as a rival for Celuwen's affection. Eilian has become quite domesticated. Here he is in his element and he can only worry about what is happening in the south because of his family and his new responsibilities. Adar would be surprised. He fully realizes the constraint on the elves when things are bad at Dol Guldur. Poor Sinnarn, just bonded to his mate and he is out here where things could get very dangerous. And then Legolas, having more playmates because most of the settlements youngsters were kept out of harms way at the stronghold but losing his mother to dark forces despite all the guards at the royals disposal. Maltanour can really read Eilian. How many decades, centuries have they been together? I guess we need a time line or something so we can figure these things out for ourselves. I have an atlas now and can follow a lot of this myself. I am so proud of myself because I am hopeless with geography. I liked Sinnarn and his dreamy look about his mate and her mother's cooking ability linked with Annael's woodcraft. He is still the youngling isn't he? Then we have Eilian being careful if Solith picks the mushrooms. That was funny but true. Will things get worse. Oh my yes. Much worse before they finally get better. Then when they do get better they will have to leave or fade. Sigh. Ah Grandparents. What would children do without them. If they are good grandparents then kids can have so much fun. Even Thranduil is easily swayed and he's always impressed me as pretty unswayable. But then look at how he was with Sinnarn. Alfirin had to teach him how to be a good grandfather. She did a good job. I did like Celuwen questioning the king about his abilities as a elfling sitter. He has done it all. Each child presents it's own problems and pleasures so yes he can handle Loriel. A leap too far for this father's daughter. Eilian will have his hands full but right now it is Thranduil who has his hands full with a very lively child. Whew. Yes he can enjoy the news that Eilian has to tell his daughter that she has to be careful, she might get hurt. We can too. Another risk to be averted. I can walk very far. But we don't want you too. That streak of what ever it is that the Thranduilion have. I think grandmother is passing on those wood elf genes quite freely. Since his sons have all given themselves to wood elves I think this can only get stronger. Actually who else are they going to bond with. I certainly hope Loriel doesn't up and decide to walk to Dol Guldur. Will poor Thranduil survive another generation of shenanigans per Eilian and Legolas? Only time and more stories will tell. Nice setting up chapter for Eilian in the south and Legolas hot on Gollum's trail.

Manderly · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Thranduil and Loriel together - I've been looking forward to this scene since chapter 1 and here it is. I'm amazed that Thranduil actually has the willpower to say no to his granddaughter when she wanted to leap to the next tree. Not that he will let her take the leap by herself, but I can picture him doing the leap with her in his arms just to appease her. I guess he's not totally putty yet in her hands. I'm sure he'll be smiling in his sleep tonight gloating over the justice of Eilian getting a daughter just like himself and getting a taste of the type of fatherhood that Thranduil went through with him. Have I told you how much I love Beliond? Everytime he opens his mouth, he's got me grinning. He will certainly keep the conversations intersting as they hunt for Gollum.

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Ah, Daw - this is wonderful. Thranduil and Loriel are lovely together, as I knew they would be. *Sigh* He should have had a daughter! Little Loriel is certainly her Ada's daughter, though - trying to leap from tree to tree like that. Poor Thranduil nearly had a heart attack! He couldn't even savour the idea of Eilian saying 'be careful'. She's not going to take off to look for her Ada all alone, is she? Surely she couldn't get out of the cavern? It's sad, though, that she knows she can't hear the trees in the stronghold :( And the other parts - I like Beliond's scorn of men in general, and leaders of men in particular (with the exception of captains of the guard), and I loved the touch about the young woman who nearly fell in the lake! Poor Eilian in the south - he's not having nearly such a fun time. Jay

meckinock · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

A lot of really intriguing elfy details in this chapter. I liked how the b.o. of the Laketown inhabitants literally bounced off the buildings to assault Legolas's nostrils. That was great. The discussion about fathers-in-law made me think how easy it could be in Elvish society to have a father-in-law who's actually centuries younger than you are. Ithilden is what, something like half a millenium older than Alfirin, but Annael had his first child before he was a hundred, so extrapolating just a bit, Annael's daughter could easily have married someone three or four hundred years older than her father. That would put a whole new spin on "take good care of my daughter, or else!" And Lorien on her walk with Thranduil, just skipping along happily like any little girl until, whoa Bob, she's thirty feet up in a tree and ready to leap tall buildings in a single bounce faster than you can say "chip off the old block." Lorien and Grandpa were just precious together. It takes a LOT to make Thranduil lose his composure, so it just tickled me to imagine him hugging this child to his chest up in a tree, terrified out of his wits. What a great line - "I could hurt myself" - as if she's been told that before. By her ada, no less, LOL. Too bad Thranduil was too shaken up to appreciate the humor, but I did! Great chapter.

French Pony · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

Mushrooms fresh from the woods. . . sigh. . . Perhaps Eilian could send me some. It's morel season, and they look so interesting, but they're so expensive. Dried venison, mushrooms, cattails, and wine. Sounds like it could be a good stew, with the right spices. What part of a cattail does one eat? I love seeing the Elves go into Dale or Esgaroth. It just cracks me up every time, the thought of the Elves going goggle-eyed at the town and the Men going goggle-eyed at the Elves. Gollum must be getting pretty desperate if he's going near a town out in an exposed area. Even though he likes swimming (with the fishes), there's a lot of people around and no place to hide from the moon or the stars. And a desperate Gollum is a more dangerous Gollum. Legolas shrugged. “He did not run off with the gold meant to be used to rebuild the town, so I suppose he may look like Gil-galad to the people who elected him.” Not going to make a crack about national politics here. No sirree bob. I'm going to take a good look at that nice big fat opportunity and walk right on by, whistling nonchalantly. I love the advisor being all stuffy with Thranduil about a bridge over troubled waters -- excuse me, the Enchanted River. Thranduil, I'm sure, knows perfectly well what the situation with the Enchanted River is, given that he was the one who enchanted it in the first place. I suppose that's just par for the course if you have the same king for a couple thousand years. You kind of forget the little things he does. It looks like Loriel has explored every nook and cranny in the caverns already, if she's itching to go outside. And Thranduil finally gets an excuse to obey the whining of his own inner elfling. I love it. Playing with grandfathers is pretty cool. However, I have a feeling that Loriel may have inherited more of the family traits than her relatives realize. I think she's inherited her Uncle Legolas's wandering ways, only she doesn't have his sense of just how long a long distance is. Well, all children must wander off to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow sometime. Will she get a keeper when she grows up? I'm picturing a dashing young elleth whose job qualification test is to beat Loriel's nana at knife throwing.

sofia · 21 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Hunting

I love how Maltanaur just randomly throws a pine cone at Sinnarn.

perelleth · 20 May 2005 · Chapter 4: Comings and Goings

It's so good to have a new chapter waiting for me, after unapcking and the rest of my post trip duties are done...and by the looks of it I might as well be treated to another one before the week end is over! yay! I had to laugh at this: "but Eilian had argued that they needed them for trips to the stronghold. Celuwen had not said so, but she believed that he simply could not conceive of being without a horse... gosh, it sounds exactly like my "counterpart" speaking of *his* car and *his* motorbike.. I guess it's simply that "males and fast-moving things" syndrome!Sigh! I loved Annael and Legolas tracking together, it reminded me of how good Annael is at forest lore, and where and who did he get that from... life was quite easier for these two when they were children, wan't it? Thranduil was great, as usual. I like how you picture the relationship between him and Mithrandir. It looks as if they know and respect each other deeply. I was wondering at how many times have we seen Legolas meeting Mithradir, and I can only recall two: in Good Neighbours , the first story of yours I ever read, and in Tangled Web, I think. So I'm curious... is there somewhere in that magical plot garden of yours another story with young Legolas and the wizard? I think I would love that! And with a sigh of relief, now that Loriel is away from windows, in spite of Sólith's "best efforts" (the grandfather in him coming to surface made me pity him.. a bit!) I just await for more...