perelleth
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Go Sinnarn!
Of course it is my worry! I am the king’s grandson, his oldest son’s heir. How can this not be my worry?” Ithilden must be proud of him! I really like how you've come to flesh him out, from the unruly elfling to this serious and responsible warrior. I only hope that you have overcome your tendency to get significant OCs killed.. have you? (blinks peadingly)
The opening scene was superbly visual. I may have seen that kind of scene thousands of times in the movies, but writing that down in such visual way must be truly difficult, in spite of its aparent lightness... And it is good to see Eilian so happily settled in spite of his father-in-law.
I believe that staying home is going to be a maddening exercise in patience for them all...with so much at stake, both for the family and the realm.. I wonder what Alfirin had to say to Ithilden when she knew how easily he gave in to Sinnarn.. not that he had much chance, though, but I suppose she must have made Eilian's reasoning too. Sigh.
Abroad and without Internet access for another week...too bad for me. Do not kill any of them before I'm back! please!:-)
Author's reply
It seemed to me that being wounded at the Battle of Five Armies and being loved by Emmelin would have settled Sinnarn down nicely. It's time for him to grow up. And I'll bet his parents are proud of him, even though they might want to hover over him a little.
Poor Eilian. He's happy in his life in the settlement, but he still owes his service to his father's realm. Even when I wrote about the messenger addressing him as "my lord," it sounded odd in the settlement.
I think I can find things to keep those at home busy. :-)
Being abroad might be fun. Being without internet access would not be.
Yanic
· 13 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Oh that was lovely! I just love seeing Legolas so playful, it's a welcome change from the previous story (although I still liked that one!). I thought for sure he was going to do something rash during the spider-fight, like ride a spider. Lol. Although, on second thought it would be fitting with movie-Legolas, who has ridden a shield, a cave troll and a mûmak...lol, it cracks me up just thinking about it, Beliond would have a cow! And speaking of keepers, boy was I pleasantly surprised that Tynd is Sinnarn's new keeper. I remember him from the other stories, and instead of replacing Nithron, he's more like a friend than a "keeper." Anyway, love the story so far can't wait to see what happens next!
Author's reply
I enjoyed the chance to write about happy Legolas for a change too. That last story really got me down toward the end because I was using Legolas as my POV character and I was trapped inside his angsty head.
I had to do some thinking about who Sinnarn's new keeper would be. I think a reviewer suggested Tynd, probably when I was writing "Tangled Web" and had killed Nithron. Was it Bodkin who suggested that? Maybe. Anyway, I tucked that idea away for future consideration. And it seemed to me that whoever suggested him was right -- adult Sinnarn would need someone different that newly-of-age Sinnarn needed. I'm glad you think it was a good idea.
LOTRFaith
· 13 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Sinnarn is married to who!?!? You are killing me Daw!! One surprise after the other... (sigh) And it only reminds me even more of your recent, very tragic story. Aie.. I am beginning to feel rather like Legolas (at least how he is in my mind right now.) My brother just purposed. One of my friends just got purposed to and a couple other friends just got married... (sigh) Poor Legolas... His betrothed happens to be well, dead. At least I don't have that plight... Great chapter... Looking forward to more...
Author's reply
Sinnarn was sweet on Emmelin, Annael's daughter, in "Tangled Web," which is the story that comes chronologically just before this one because it's about the Battle of Five Armies. And it turns out she was sweet on him back. :-)
So you have lots of engaged people in your life right now? That's fun! There'll be parties and good food.
nedieth
· 13 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Sinnarn is married to Emmelin? Celuwen and Eilien have a daughter? Thranduil's family is muliplying like the little black ants in my bathroom! There is only one thing in the world that I am truely afraid of. Spiders. ugh, shiver, ugh. Such brave elves! I am glad you did not give Sinnarn another body guard like Maltanaur and Beliond, I only have room in my heart for a couple of tough softies! I am getting little clues to what might be the Main Plot, but I'm not quite sure. Update relatively soon! Nedieth, who hates little black ants.
Author's reply
I'm not quite sure what the Main Plot is here either! Tolkien left us two things going on at the same time, so I'm going to try to show them both. They're related, of course, because everything in Tolkien is.
Black ants, eh? I'm not fond of those in my house either. Outside, fine. Inside, not so good.
tigerlily713
· 13 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
What a wonderful chapter! To see Legolas at peace for even a small time, with Sinnarn married and Eilian and Celuwen as parents! And then to add the twist of reality by burdening Thranduil and Ithilden with the trouble of the Darkness returning. I eagerly await another chapter! Lily
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. I've been having a good time writing about Eilian and Legolas relaxed and living the way Wood-elves should live. What a pity it won't last, because, as you sya, reality is about to slap them in the face.
thechevin
· 13 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Such a lovely start to this chapter you could feel the joy that Legolas felt as he entered the woods again and also sense the contentment he seems to have cultivated in the last dew years, taking pleasure in the everyday things and being able to enjoy the compnany of family and friends again
The spiders were an uncomfortable reminder of the shadow and a fortelling of what was to come during the conversation between Thranduil and Ithilden.
I hope Eilian brings his wife and daughter back to the stronghold when he goes south
As ever so many lovely flourishes, Beliond, Annael and Sinnarn with his new wife
Thranduil thankful for his eldest son's support and so clearly understanding the needs of his middle son
As the king I do not expect he gets much opportunity to go out into the forest yet he must need it as much as his sons
He has sacrificed so much for his family and realm what an elf!
Author's reply
I had a good time writing about Legolas and his buddies teasing one another and just enjoying being able to fly through the trees. I think that both Legolas and Eilian are living the way Wood-elves were meant to live right now. Too bad it won't last!
The other part I enjoyed writing was Thranduil's appraisals of both Ithilden and Eilian. He's a clever one! As you say, what an elf!
sofia
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Everybody is growing up and marrying and having babies… This chapter reminded me of Tuilinn for some reason. Especially the part with Sinnarn and Emmelin. I'm guessing it doesn't bother Legolas anymore to see his family with their wives?
I miss Nithron. I had forgotten he died. :( The descriptions of how Legolas hates touching the spiders is well written but not really plesant. Or at least in my opinion.
-sofia
Author's reply
I think that Legolas has come to terms with his feelings for Tuilinn. He feels that he is pledged to her and hopes that one day they'll be together. So he's not likely to love anyone else. He's already found his love, although they're not together.
I worked hard to make that stuff about the spiders as nasty as possible!
Elena Tiriel
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Hi, it's me again! This is a note about JastaElf's problems with a "chapter not found" messages on the Evil Empire: if you're using a browser other than Internet Explorer, try switching to IE temporarily to read the chapter. I just discovered this trick; there is one story that I like to follow that is only on ffn, and it was *so* frustrating to not be able to read new chapters for weeks after they were posted. I use Firefox as a browser. (Now, there is no sane reason whatsoever why a different browser would result in the database not finding a chapter... but this *is* the Evil Empire...)
Hope this helps!
- Barbara
P.S. But SoA is so many orders of magnitude more friendly than ffn -- I wouldn't even touch a story there if I can find it here or at henneth-annun.net or scribeoz.com or tolkienfanfiction.com...
Author's reply
Thank you, ET. I'll pass the message along to Jasta.
moonshine44
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
wow! What a great chapter. Sinnarn`s new body gaurd is young! He must be happy. I can`t picture him having to learn to get along with another seasoned warrior all over again. And Sinnarn is quite old enough.
Poor Legolas. It seemsed all his peace is coming to an end. Eilian`s too, but I wonder if Eilian might enjoy a little of the scouting mission : )
I`m just curious when ff.n said no more relpying to reviews? On their home page the last entry is dated April 30(on my computer). Has it changed since then? Just wondering, because I always reply to my reviewers.
Anyway, great chapter. Can`t wait to read the next!
Author's reply
I think Sinnarn is pretty much an adult, so I couldn't imagine him putting up with the bossiness of the regular bodyguards. Tynd watches Sinnarn's back, but he doesn't boss him around.
On ff.net and reviews, here's what I have. The first I heard of this policy was when Thundera Tiger posted about it. Here's what she said at the start of a chapter:
Author's Notes: The higher powers here on Fanfiction have informed me that reviewer responses violate the rules of this site. Apparently they make the review boards interactive. I always thought they made the story more involved and entertaining, but that's not the point. The point is that I can't respond to the reviews you guys leave here. I'm not at all happy about this, but I don't have much of a choice. So if you are leaving a review and want me to answer it, the best thing to do is to leave a comment on the story at my Livejournal or on another site where responding to reviewers is allowed, such as Stories of Arda or Lord of the Rings Fanfiction. My apologies, you guys! I really am sorry about this!
Then I heard a rumor last week that Cassia and Sio had a story yanked from ff.net for the same thing. That's just a rumor and it could be wrong. Anyway, what I decided was that since I was posting a new story, I would be cautious and reply via email.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
It's lovely to see the elves so at ease in the woods and while doing their duties - sad, too, because we know what's brewing in the south :(
I like the game between Legolas and Sinnarn - hmm, it reminds me of another killing contest! I'm glad - though surprised - that Sinnarn has adapted so well and so quickly to having Tynd as his bodyguard - but ten years is long enough for even an elf to move on from grief and guilt.
The one I feel most sorry for here is Ithilden - he so wanted there to be peace, and the realisation that the shadow has reappeared is terrible for him.
My favourite part? Eilian's third visit to Dol Guldur, returning after seeing the bunny rabbits, 'and the very next week, he had announced that Celuwen was pregnant.' How very elfy to be able to arrange matters so soon!
Jay
Author's reply
I had fun writing about playful!Legolas. I think the way he and Eilian are living right now is the way Elves were meant to live (apart from the spiders, of course).
I feel bad for Ithilden too. But think about people like Elrond and Thranduil, who have seen evil driven away and return so many times. How hard that would be!
Eilian the eager father amused me too. But then, he's a resourceful wood-elf warrior. :-)
perelleth
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Oh! Well, I just wished for Thranduil and Thranduil came! I'm so glad!
It is good to see Legolas at ease in the Home Guard, and with Annael as his lieutenant, as well as part of his family, too! That was great! Sinnarn seems to have won everybody's trust, which is god for him, altough I wonder whether Ithilden is happy seeing that his son, second in the line of succession, is still a simple home guard at four hundred and something? I hope they have reached a sort of understanding!
And here they go! after a short respite, again Thranduil and Ithilden are facing such hard decisions. I smiled to read that Ithilden thinks that he should be used the shadow's return, it seems I'm not the only one who thought so! That scene was truly sad, but Thranduil is indeed fortunate to have Ithilden by his side, I truly enjoy reading about the two of them working together! And having to send Eilian South! It gave me the shivers, how hard he must have fought the evidence of it all. I was stunned when I read in one of your replies to reviewers that you had once plotted to have Eilian killed! I just hope you have overcome those instincts! Anyway, it's going to be a terrible experience...
Author's reply
I nearly kept that section about Thranduil back for the next chapter, but I think it needed to be here. Readers need to see that everyone's around. Besides, I like to see Thranduil too.
I think that Sinnarn is doing well enough. He's carrying out his duty well, and Elves had a long time to mature if there was peace. I think the stuff at the Battle of Five Armies really sobered Sinnarn up (not to mention the escaping Dwarves!), and then Emmelin is good for him.
Poor Thranduil. Over and over again, he has to decide to send his sons and grandson into danger. How hard that must be for him!
perelleth
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Well, this goes beyond amazing! I've been away less than a week and now I'm TWO chapters behind! This story has a very promising start. The tale of the years for 2951 is quite sobering...
"Tangled Web" is one of my favourite stories because of the extraordinary job that you did there taking the narrative in the hobbit and centering the pov in Mirkwood, and then fitting in your so well defined characters. The result was just amazing. We got to know what that terrible battle meant for them, while in The Hobbit we just have glimpses of them. The moment when Legolas embraces Eilian and cries, knowing that Eilian is crying, too, is impressive. And now you pick up that thread and we got to know how the Re-return of the shadow to Mirkwood shall affect their lives...( they should be used to it, one cannot help to think...)
On the other side, as I guess that the webbed foot is Gollum's, you're showing us the story Gandalf and Aragorn will have to unravel years later. The description that Gandalf shall make to Frodo so many years after that is blood freezing. I fervently hope that newborns dissapearing from their craddles shall not happen here! I love your use of canon, for it enhances a better understanding of the events, in this case prior to the War of the Ring. Congratulations, I'm thrilled at the prospect of what this story is exploring!
And Eilian as a settler, a father of a little lady and living *that* close to Solith is...amusing! I die to read about Thranduil, though! he must be pleased to have Eilian happily settled but sad that his grandaughter is far from him!
Author's reply
Was it really so fast? To me it felt like a long time between stories.
I particularly appreciate your positive comments on "Tangled Web." It was hard for me to write and then it got turned down at an archive where I usually post and accepted at another one by only a very narrow vote, so I kind of lost confidence in it. But working Tolkien's world and mine together was a very interesting task. I like finding events in the Tale of the Years and then trying to think about how they might have affected my characters.
I remember coming across Gandalf's tale of Gollum after I'd started writing fanfic and thinking "Wow. Now there's a good plot element to use." And I was surprised that no one else seemed to have done it. So I tucked it away for the future.
Eilian is living a simple life that Wood elves are probably meant to live. He's in the woods, with neighbors and his small family, and he has to do the tasks that just allow them all to live like they want to. Granted, Solith is the fly in the ointment, but maybe Eilian needs that little spur! Anyway, it's too bad that things are happening elsewhere in the woods that will cut this idyll short.
nedieth
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Your amazingly fast updates are not always a good thing Daw, I was going to finally read this today, and what do I see? the second chapter. But in most cases they are an wonderfully good thing. I know what the creature is! Gollum! But I had a sudden terrible thought (now i'm paranoid) Loriel isn't going to be killed by Gollum, is she?!? That adorable grubby little elfling?!? NO! Ah well, if it happens, I will bare it, but not well. Now I shall read the second chapter and review that.
Author's reply
Gollum, indeed! Quite a while back, I made a note of the fact that Gollum crossed Mirkwood twice after he came out to search for Bilbo. It always seemed to me to be the germ of a good story. We'll see how it goes.
Alison H
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
I really enjoyed seeing Legolas happy again in this chapter--you write banter between males so well! It was also satisfying to know that the lovable, loyal Anneal was now a member of Legolas' family.I've always loved his faithfulness towards Legolas.
I'm okay with the giant spiders and what happens to them during a battle but even I squirmed a bit when Legolas had to grab one of their nasty legs.My brother once had a tarantula and the only time I touched the thing one of its legs fell off! I was on the other side of the room before you could blink! Imagine Mirkwood spiders falling apart like that!
It's good to see that Beliond is still grouchy and Legolas wishing that he wasn't--but Beliond is an absolute treasure.It's funny that Legolas still manages to scare the wits out of him sometimes--but I really enjoyed Legolas' leap through the trees.He is almost at the stage where he's our Fellowship Legolas.
All good things come to an end, I suppose, but the return of the Shadow will be a hard blow to all.I do feel for the King having to be the first one to realise what is happening (after the birds, of course!) then breaking the news to Ithilden.So sad.
Your stories are so rich in character and emotion and I love this already.I can't wait for the next chapter.Update soon.
Take care.
Ali.
Author's reply
I had a good time writing the exchanges between the guys here. They're having fun teasing one another even in the midst of a serious patrol. And I think Elves might be particularly good at that since they seem good with words.
My brother once had a tarantula and the only time I touched the thing one of its legs fell off! -- Why didn't I think of that??? That would be great! I'll have to make it happen sometime. Whoever is handling the spider will freak out!!
Beliond amuses me. He's taking good care of Legolas. And I think that deep down he likes seeing his charge enjoy himself. He just can't admit it.
Dot
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Oh yeah, I’m loving this story so far. This is such a fascinating and hugely important time in Mirkwood’s history. In the history of M-E, I suppose.
It’s great to see the gang all together and having fun in the forest. Legolas is such a generous and conscientious captain to decide to “get into the field”, don’t you think?!! I love seeing Legolas and Annael together as adults. I’m glad he’s moving up in the world and is now the lieutenant. And it seems he’s now part of Legolas’ family too! Yay for Sinnarn and Emmelin! He must have grown up fairly quickly after the Battle of the Five Armies - and I imagine that experience would have had a huge effect on him - and proved himself to his father for him to get married so soon. It seems Annael finally got used to that idea too!!
Beliond is as wonderfully grouchy as ever! “Are you saying that Legolas is the one who gets cranky?” LOL. And Sinnarn is still teasing him. Tynd is a good choice as keeper for Sinnarn. I imagine there were problems when Sinnarn realised that Nithron would have to be replaced. It would also probably have taken him a long time to warm to anyone remotely like Nithron and he really needed someone who would be a friend as well as a bodyguard. By now Tynd has proven that he’s reliable and trustworthy too. I can see why the choice is good from Sinnarn’s point of view, and from Thranduil’s, but I’d be interested in knowing why Tynd would have been willing to take the job when he’s till youngish and it really means that this is his job forever, and just because Sinnarn likes the Home Guard and will stay there for a while yet, especially as he’s so recently married, as son of the king there’s no guarantee that he’ll remain in the Home Guard. I guess loyalty to the king has a lot to do with it. Anyway, it’s so good to see how happy Sinnarn is. It’s interesting that Legolas is slightly jealous. I suppose he doesn’t find Beliond as fun as the rest of us do! I guess it becomes a little dull and wearing as well, always being around the same person, especially when there’s not a whole lot of excitement to be found.
You made me smile at the thought of Legolas so freely dashing through the trees and enthusiastically wagering with his nephew. This peace is a perfect chance to show him being able to let his lighter side show. He can combine fun and duty and behave as a real wood-elf more often. It’s something that we always knew was there and have seen glimpses of before but after all the time he’s been growing towards Legolas of the Fellowship, to me he’s just about there now.
I like the way he can sense where the spiders would be and Beliond clearly trusts him. I had to skim over some of the parts about what they found, though. Sorry. Please take it as a compliment when I say it was a little too vivid for me! But what a scary moment when the spider appeared above Legolas. I though Beliond might have a few words to say about watching everywhere around him but it looks like Beliond was as startled at the spider’s appearance as Legolas. I know it’s not funny but can you imagine having to explain to Thranduil that Legolas was bitten by a spider despite having his own bow, three other warriors with him, and being in Home Guard territory in a time of peace??
So I take it Sinnarn and Emmelin are living in the palace? That’s good. The place needs some activity. That makes four females and five males now when they’re all together, doesn’t it? Hmmm, that’s balancing out nicely;-) It must be such a different place to live now.
I loved the scene between Thranduil and Ithilden, even though I felt so bad for them. I was only thinking after the last chapter about Ithilden and his reaction to the end of the Watchful Peace. I don’t know if it’s more heartbreaking that Thranduil never fully believed that there would be lasting peace now and was waiting for it to end, or that Ithilden finally allowed himself to believe it and will now have his hopes shattered yet again. I really like the fact that you included the part about the birds carrying rumours. I always thought that made Thranduil seem even more mysterious and powerful. Very elfy too, of course.
“I am afraid that the most logical person to lead the scouting mission is Eilian.” Hmmm. He is, of course. It’s just that there are so many more people affected now by sending Eilian into danger. It’ll be interesting to see his reaction. I suppose Celuwen will understand, even if she’s not happy about it. Sólith might have a thing or two to say alright… So what two lucky warriors get to go with him? Is Legolas about to encounter the Nazgul? Or will he be involved in trying to find Gollum? So much potential! I’m finding, as I did with ‘Tangled Web’, that I love not knowing what you’re going to do with established bits of canon and can look forward to seeing a new perspective on it. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned Nazgul in my last review, though. Sorry. I was trying to be discreet about Gollum because I’m still embarrassed about the Turgon/Westron incident but it never dawned on me to keep quiet about Nazgul…
I’m getting very excited about this story now! Right, I’ll go and try to send this now while there's no-one on the Internet P.C. I hope I’ve made some bit of sense because I'm at work, I had to put the chapter on disk, having no Internet at my desk, and then write a review with twenty rather elderly women behind me taking part in lace-making classes and interrupting me every few minutes to ask where the bathroom is. Don’t ask.
I’m looking forward to more :-)
Author's reply
As I started to write this story, it struck me that just as with the time of The Hobbit, there are two canon event going on at once in Mirkwood and they're probably related. That is, the Nazgul are probably at Dol Guldur keeping watch, which is what Sauron was doing there too. Anyway, that means that both of those times are good for fanfic writers, although I can't recall seeing another story set in the time frame I using right now.
I had a good time writing about the guys on patrol together, just making guy talk. I hadn't thought about why Tynd would want this job. Maybe I have to consider that a little. I suppose that really no job is forever for Elves. After a full career doing one thing, they can then do another. And he can probably choose to change jobs if he likes. Maybe.
So the spider scene was vivid? Good. I was worried that it was too much like other spider battles I've written. I don't know if you saw the review from Alison that came in right after yours, but she says that her brother once had a pet tarantula and the one time she touched it, its leg fell off. I so wish I'd thought of that!!!
Sinnarn and Emmelin are living in the palace. I decided my Elven society was patriarchal (seems pretty Tolkien-ish to me) so a wife would become part of her husband's house. And I like the idea of Annael and his wife and maybe even his mother coming for dinner. :-)
Readers at SoA always make me smile. I was talking to my beta about some part of this story and she said that readers would think something, and I said "Not SoA readers. They are way too perceptive." And that's true. So I don't mind at all if you guess stuff. I'm just so glad to have you all reading the story.
elliska
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Sorry. Being a bad employee at work and re-reading this. I just had to comment how much I liked the entire fourth paragraph and especially this line: They knew enough compromising things about Legolas and Sinnarn to have a great deal of leverage if they were ever of a mind to practice some illicit “persuasion.” The guards and close friends of Legolas's family are just so great. :)
Author's reply
I'm laughing here because I hesitated about that paragraph. It seemed like telling rather than showing. But it also occurred to me that I could make a great comic story sometime about the guards using blackmail on their charges.
JastaElf
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Oh what a wonderful chapter!! I'm reviewing here because the Evil Empire says the chapter doesn't exist... silly Empire!! :-)
Anyway, the fight against the spiders was very exciting, and I'm glad you included one sneaking up. :-) Once in a while it helps if the good guys get a little surprise... keeps them sharp. But I'm also glad he didn't get bitten....
And Sinnarn is married! Woo-hoo! That makes Legolas the only of-age male in the royal family who is unwed... *sob* but at least we know why.... poor kid.... Oh look, there goes a plot bunny! The tag on its neck says something about a one-shot concerning the wedding, or a sub-plot in another longer tale, where Legolas angsts during Sinnarn's celebration and comes to some kind of sad, sweet closure.... heh heh heh....
The character development continues to delight me. It doesn't surprise me in the least because you are a wonderful writer... but it does delight. Thranduil and Ithilden's interaction was VERY well done, and I like that Ithilden had begun to relax--only to have this all start up again. Life is like that... but it doesn't mean we have to like it. Sigh...
Anyway, excellent chapter, I look forward as always to more! Thanks for the update!
Author's reply
The Evil Empire has been withholding my chapters from you for quite a while now. I wonder what it has against you, me, or maybe the two of us in combination?
Legolas and his buddies are having a good time here, but as you say, it’s good to be reminded that bad things can fall on your head if you don’t keep a sharp eye out.
I had some trouble deciding where to start this story and wound up presenting the reader with several done deals – Sinnarn is married, Eilian has a little girl. I was sorry not to write about those events in more detail, but I comforted myself with the thought that I could always go back and do it. Oh. What if those two events coincided? LOL. That would send Thranduil into a tizzy! But you have to stop sending these plot bunnies my way, Jasta! That last one about Galelas and Legolas depending on one another evolved into that whole angsty thing about the arrival of Smaug. I don’t know if I can take that kind of grief again.
Elena Tiriel
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Thank you for not creeping me out any more after that one sentence! That was just a little *too* effective... ;-D
I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of Legolas and his team. Beliond jokes with them! Who knew?
And they were dealing with the spiders in a very routine fashion -- until that one almost sneaked up on Legolas. Not a big deal, but somehow it seems that things are slipping just slightly out of control, bit by bit.
And this chapter also ended with an underlying current, this time of sadness and regret that the peace is ending -- more so for Ithilden, in a way, than Thranduil, who has seen it happen more times. I can only imagine how disappointing that is, and frightening for anyone who can remember the shadow (i.e. older than Loriel).
This is developing into another angsty story, Daw. I'm not sure I can take it after your last one... but I will, as always, eagerly devour each chapter as soon as I know it's posted!
- Barbara
Author's reply
It was a lot of fun to write about these guys joking among themselves and showing off a little for one another. I don’t get to write that kind of relaxed good time very often. As for the spider that almost dropped down on Legolas, you got exactly what I was aiming for! As in the previous chapter, I wanted to create this sense of a good time that was about to be threatened. Poor Elves.
I’m afraid that some fairly tense things are going to happen. But then you knew that.
Elena Tiriel
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
He had to grasp them by the legs, and the wiry hairs on them crunched under his hands, while the stiff carapaces rattled as he dragged the bodies to the fire.
I hate to say this, Daw, but there are some details that I just don't need to know... *shiver*
- Barbara, who's not sure she can finish the chapter -- she keeps wanting to wash her hands... and get that tactile impression out of her mind.
Author's reply
Then my work here is done! Sad to say, I sat and thought for a while about what would be extra creepy about touching a giant spider. :-)
Templa Otmena
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Ack! Sorry about all of the problems with the emailing. I very much doubt that it is you... it will be FanFiction fiddling with something, I guarantee it.
I see a glimpse of Fellowship-Legolas a-peeking through here, you must have had, /be/ having ;) so much fun writing about the antics of this very entertaining Home Guard. I adore the fact that Annael is Lieutenant to Legolas' very mature and capable Captain. The familial relations portrayed in this chapter were a joy to read. I remember in a past fic Legolas musing on how Tonduil, as an example, was one of the few 'outside people' in his life who he could be himself around, and that through marriage. I adore the fact that Annael's bond with Legolas is solidified further as being a part of his extended family... oh, and I am very happy for Sinnarn and Emmelin ;) a precious marriage came out of Legolas and Annael's bond there too... or is that the other way around?! They are so very sweet (this being Sinnarn and Emmelin). Whenever you write couply things I get nice little flutterings and so far this fic has been riddled with them... I only wonder how long it will last...
It was a pleasant surprise seeing Tynd again and as Sinnarn's bodyguard. The reasoning behind it is excellent and it makes for an even more entertaining Home Guard posse. Legolas calling the (rather) selective shots here was a joy to read and very endearing. Him letting rip and that flight from the Home Guard headquarters was wonderful to read-
'He ran ahead across the grassy area in front of the Home Guard’s headquarters and leapt into a maple that reached to welcome him. Without looking, he knew that Beliond, Sinnarn, and Tynd had jumped too, and he led them south, exhilarating in the powerful spring of the branches beneath his legs and the feel of the wind on his face as he raced along. He barely heard Beliond spit a word that Legolas would never have dared repeat in front of his father and knew that his keeper wanted him to slow down, but he had too much faith in his own ability and was enjoying himself far too much to do it. Besides, he knew without a shadow of doubt that the trees would not let him fall.'
/Very/ Elven... and /very/ Beliond.
I think that it is great that you are writing this fic now. We have just read of the tragic ascension of Smaug, especially personally for Legolas, and now we see him relaxing (partially) in the woods, made partly possible by the death of said dastardly creature. It is also great to pick up after 'Tangled Web' and you are doing a wonderful job of revealing just how the past ten years have changed people. And the forest. Thranduil revealing that '(h)e had not had much faith that the time of peace in the forest would be very long,' and that he saw it 'only as a moment of sunshine piercing the clouds before the storm burst upon them,' is very tragic foreshadowing. I'm fretting terribly here about what this may mean short-term. Calling Eilian to go scouting South, webbed feet, clever spiders... things are brewing again and the elves won't be liking it.
And I cannot wait to read more, another excellent chapter daw :)
Take Care and UPDATE SOON!
Author's reply
I did indeed love writing all that banter between the guys here. I think that this short time of peace lets them all live more like Wood-elves should be living. So we see Eilian in the settlement and Legolas joking around with his family and friends. Of course the spiders are still there, but they’re a minor problem compared to a dragon, Orcs and Sauron living at Dol Guldur.
Somewhere Tolkien writes that Thranduil never did trust that Sauron was gone. I think that may be after the Last Alliance actually. Tolkien says something to the effect that Thranduil’s eyes turned ever to the east because in his heart he believed that Sauron would rise again. I think Thranduil has seen far too much to ever trust that evil is completely gone. I suppose thousands of years of experience might teach you that very sad lesson.
Bodkin
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Ahh. Annael / Legolas. Happily married Sinnarn. Extended family including keepers. On a fine spring day when the trees are sprouting and lickle seedlings are pushing towards the sun. Beliond is endearingly crotchety, Sinnarn and Legolas are joking and betting and leaping through the trees.
Why do I know it cannot last?
The dark shadow of the webs and the nasty spiders and the revolting eggs - interesting how the Thranduilion bond to the forest tells him where he needs to seek. And I thought Beliond had trained Legolas to keep his attention on what is going on above his head? I note that Tynd didn't bother to add his arrow to the three that pinned that spider. (I like FP's suggestion of gloves, by the way. Seems like the kind of idea that would be popular.)
Thranduil's reasons for picking Tynd are good, I think. And he has realised that Sinnarn is grown up and experienced as a warrior. (Although I doubt he likes it. Any more than he likes his little Legolas being grown up.)
Eilian's daughter being a day's ride away must be really hard for him to accept. Although, possibly, having Eilian a day's ride away might balance that out a little. I can see why he wants Eilian recalled for this mission - but he must hate having to do it. I hope the exposure to Dol Guldur doesn't send him into depression again - or provide any greater danger. Loriel needs her ada.
Who would be Thranduil? So few moments of joy to balance the responsibility and stress. And, just because I haven't mentioned him, I love Ithilden. If anyone can support Thranduil through these next years it will be him. And vice versa. They need each other.
Author's reply
LOL. I know. I wrote that whole happy scene with Legolas and his family and friends in the forest mostly to create a mood that I intended to crush with a great big hammer. We authors are cruel, cruel people!
If I had to handle spiders, you better believe I’d be wearing gloves! I would think they wouldn’t be good for archers though. Surely they’d decrease their sensitivity to what they were doing? Maybe not. What do I know after all? I suppose they could carry gloves with them.
My guess is that Thranduil is not happy at all that his granddaughter is so far away. After all, when Sinnarn was little, he lived right in the palace. And this little girl looks like Thranduil’s dead wife.
songfire
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
I was so happy when I saw this story! I love the whole detailed information about the family, please keep on writing! And don't kill Eilian!! You have a gift for inventing original characters that are very likeable - that is rare in fanfiction. And as I am quite fond of Eilian it would be quite distressing to find out he was killed...
Author's reply
I’m so glad you like the stories. The thing I enjoy writing about the most is family dynamics, and I’ve gotten pretty carried away creating this complex world for Legolas. I sometimes wonder if anyone who comes on it new will ever be able to sort it out!
Writing about Eilian as a father is a lot of fun. I think he’d be a loving if somewhat indulgent father, just as he was that kind of big brother with Legolas. I suspect Celuwen is the one who’d have to keep the little girl in order though! Loriel has her ada wrapped around her little finger.
Manderly
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Ahh, Legolas in action, even if it's against those yucky spiders. It's nice to see the competition between Sinnarn and him. I was afraid that he might have lost some of that playfulness over the years of responsibility. And Beliond is as grouchy as ever, thank goodness. I would really miss his growls if he decides to mellow out.
So something is brewing in the south? The news must be so devastating to these elves, especially since they've had a tiny taste of peace. Poor Thranduil, having to send out his son again to face danger. How does he keep his sanity?
Please be nice to Eilian and don't let him get hurt. Celuwen and Loriel would not like it.
Author's reply
I had fun writing about playful Legolas in this chapter. I’ve often shown him to be pretty serious, but Fellowship!Legolas can mouth off about going to find the sun even in pretty dire conditions. I think he mellowed a little over the years and learned some perspective. That was part of what Tuilinn’s death was supposed to accomplish. As Thranduil said, he learned what mattered and what was just trivia. And at the moment, the spiders are almost in the trivia category. Not quite, of course, but things are much better in Mirkwood than they have ever been in Legolas’s lifetime. The end of this short time of peace is not going to be easy for any of them to accept.
esamen
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Mmm, something about Gollum stands out in this chapter more than it ever did to me in the trilogy: his evilness. You know what, in the books, he is never placed in close proximity to children -- only to adults who have some means of defending themselves. The scene you gave us in the early part of the chapter, about the ravaged bird's nest and Eilian's casual response to it, sets up a very creepy moment here when Eilian feels his OWN nest threatened. Gollum seems really, really scary when you picture him preying on a child.
Nice work . . . a real thriller here.
Author's reply
Gollum is much more evil that we always remember. He seems to redeem himself a little under Frodo’s attention, and I do feel sorry for him in a way. But the Ring had done its work on him, starting with the murder of Deagol. And Gandalf makes pretty plain that Gollum was hungry, very hungry.
lwarren
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Gee, Legolas is so kind to relieve Annael of his patrol duty for the day...such a selfless gesture by the Captain...I am touched! ;-) I see Beliond's gentle, nurturing nature is still intact, along with his vocabulary! LOL Still, if Legolas insists on doing warp 10 through the trees, he'll have to expect some fallout from his nana. I was glad to see Sinnarn (yet more surprises - he has married Emmalin - a spring of joy indeed!) and his new keeper, Tynd. I'll have to go back and read up on him - I remember the name from other stories.
Spiders - ick...double ick. The way they sound, the black blood, the wiry spiney hairs on their legs (*shudders*), the sneaky one above Legolas. ICK! The battle to rid the forest of said arachnids and their egg sacs was too realistic for me - ick again! Well done! I particularly enjoyed the betting going on between the captain and his nephew. Good practice for orc battles in the future! :-)
Finally, the meeting between Ithilden and Thranduil was sad, but inevitable. As usual, Thranduil's connection to his forest is wonderfully portrayed and Ithilden is as responsibly serious as ever (I think I felt the worst for him - to get that glimpse of a peaceful life, only to have it yanked away will really eat at him, I think. Probably at all of them.) So Elian is being called to lead the patrol to check on Dol Guldur (bad daw, to take adar away when that slimeball is around...must start a campaign to bring Celuwen and Loriel to the palace for a looooonng visit with Daeradar Thranduil!)
It's wonderful to see all these characters again...and nice to see Legolas having a carefree-for-all in the treetops! Simply great!
linda
(must make some signs for that campaign...start a petition...I know! a fundraiser...............)
Author's reply
Legolas is mostly having a good time in this little interval of peace, and good for him! Tynd is one of those minor OCs that I have around to use when I need them. He was in his last year as a novice when Legolas was in his first, so he was the captain of the novice group that the Easterling snatched Legolas from in "One Year in Mirkwood." And he was in the Eastern Border Patrol when Legolas got assigned there for his first posting. And he was in the Southern Patrol when it went to Dol Guldur with the White Council. So he's been around.
Poor Ithilden. He tends to take these things as his personal responsibility, and it must be so discouraging to watch evil go away and then come back again.
If you're running a fundraiser, just send the checks to the "daw and Mr. daw go to Hawaii" fund. I'll give you the address!