daw the minstrel
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 13: The Journey Home
Interesting analysis of Legolas's relationship with his brothers and father. Feren is kind of scary. But in the end, he's there when Legolas neeeds him.
Author's reply
I figure within a family like theirs, there's bound to be a bit more complexity than in the average family. Feren actually reminds me a bit of my own older brother and that's scary! I guess we all end up writing about the things that we know the best, including the people.
French Pony
· 22 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
Aw, everyone's entitled to be a little peevish when they're in pain and recovering from a worldview-altering experience with humans. Feren tries hard to balance being a good big brother with being a disinterested commander, but I think both he and Legolas are just going to have to realize that it doesn't always work that way. Feren's always going to be the big brother, and Legolas will just have to get used to that.
So sayeth a big sister.
Author's reply
Being a little sister, as is in my case, I can well understand Legolas' frustration, but the kid should also know that the elders do hit upon a patch of wisdom from time to time and that he should learn from them. I think both Feren and Legolas have a balancing job before them, one that is not going to be easy to perfect regardless of how long they have to work at it.
Yanic
· 22 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
I bet that Legolas is glad that Rynan failed to mention the little naked sunbathing incident. I'm sure his brothers would have teased him to no end for that!
Author's reply
Good thing Rynan didn't yell out "Good-bye, naked elf!". That would have really sent Feren tumbling off his horse in shock, not to mention first rate ammunition for blackmailing little brother.
elliska
· 22 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
I loved Legolas and Feren in this. I liked seeing Feren love for his brother (no matter how much Legolas thinks he's outgrown it) and I love seeing Legolas surprise his brother with his interaction with the humans. Rynan was wonderful!
Author's reply
I think even when Legolas gets to a ripe old age, his family will still see him as the baby. After what the Easterlings did to him, Legolas' family probably can't imagine him being anywhere near humans without freaking out, much less hugging one. Amazing what one little kid can do!
Bodkin
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
I'm glad Legolas has overcome his fear of men enough to deal with this group - and to care for the child. I wonder if he will see them again. The time-scale must be difficult to grasp at first - he could turn up in a few seasons to see Rynan and find he has become an old man.
Poison! I hope the wounds aren't poisoned - Thranduil will never let Legolas out of his sight again!
Feren and Legolas do seem to have a few problems with jumping between commander/warrior and big brother/little brother roles. Still, they have time to work them out. And bolshie Legolas challenging the troop commander is rather an amusing sight!
Great fun. I am looking forward to finding out more.
Author's reply
I was thinking of the same thing about the time-scale should Legolas and Rynan meet up again in the future. A few elvish years could be a lifetime for mortals. Not an easy concept to grasp, as you have said.
Thranduil is not going to be a happy adar to see his baby hurt, and woe to those who are responsible.
Feren and Legolas are both juggling with their duo roles with respect to each other and conflicts are bound to arise. Legolas may have one up on big brother so far, but we will see if he's going to be happy with that.
More is coming!
Vicki_Turner
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
I love this story. I really like how you write Legolas. I was wondering if Tolkien ever said anything about how Mirkwood's military is arranged or is the patrols of your own making? Please update.
~Vicki Turner
Author's reply
I am glad you like this story and my version of Legolas. I am far from a Tolkien expert, but the little that I do know is that there was very little written about the Mirkwood military. I basically let my imagination loose when I write these things, with a few backward looks to my history studies of the past. I hope what I've written doesn't come across as too made-up.
The next chapter should be up soon.
thechevin
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
I did so enjoy this chapter and was glad to see Legolas awake and Feron in mother hen mode.
Legolas is certainly caught between being a brother and being a warrior and not finding it easy to balance the two roles in his new position.
Not that Feren finds it any easier I expect but at least he has more experience
not that, that makes it better when it is his baby brother who is injured.
How lovely that he remembered to put the dried fruit in the porridge.
The good bye from the humans and Legolas' reaction must have come as a surprise to Feren as did Rynan's farewell to his elf.
But favourite of all was the way you wrote the uncertainties that Legolas is experiencing and his see-saw emotions of having his brother to 'protect' him again.
He is desperate for it but one par of him makes him push his brother away.
Feren without 'ulterior motives' I wonder I am sure Adar had a say in where he should 'inspect' I look forward to seeing what is in the letter to Legolas as well
Did I mention I loved this, well i did!
Author's reply
I am glad you enjoyed this chapter. I really did set out in this story to write about Legolas' feelings and reactions in his first patrol, sort of a balancing act between adolescent and adulthood, trying to leave one behind but not quite there yet at the other end. In many ways, it's a dreadful place to be, but also a time that he can learn so much about himself, and others.
Feren is probably ready to pull his braids out in dealing with little brother. It must be so hard to be a doting commander, if not impossible. I wouldn't be surprised if he sends Tavaro to take his place next time.
Oh, I am sure Adar made more than a few suggestions, but it's not something that Legolas will hear anything about if the others can help it.
Alfirin
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
Awesome to see a new chapter so soon! Poor Feren...he only is worried for Legolas. Sigh...teens or even elves in "teens" years can be so difficult to handle. hehe
Why do I get the feeling that the trip back home with the injured won't be a smooth one without trouble?
More soon please
Author's reply
Feren is not in an enviable position, that's for sure. Orcs would be easier to deal with any day. Moody teens are a dreaded phenomenon everywhere, even among elves.
You know, I think you are right about the trip back home.
Next chapter is nearly done, but I need to tweak it a bit before I can post it.
Galimeril
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
YAY! You posted again! I can't wait for your next update!
Galimeri
PS Will Legolas ever see Rynan again?
Author's reply
I finished this chapter ahead of schedule, so here it is. The next one is nearly done, but I just have to do some editing (or a lot) so hopefully it'll be up soon.
As for Rynan, my answer is the same as Legolas'. I really don't know whether they will see each other again. I guess it all depends whether I'll bring Rynan back in a future story.
daw the minstrel
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 12: Farewells
This is really a great moment for Legolas. He's learned something about men that will stand him in good stead forever, and he's also surprised Feren. :-)
I hope those arrows weren't poisoned.
Author's reply
I think Legolas really turned the page after this experience with the humans. After all, it really wounldn't have worked if he joined the Fellowship with his previous attitude about humans. And surprising Feren is no easy feat - an added bonus.
As for the arrows, I will be dealing with that in the next chapter.
Alfirin
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
I had no idea you have a new fic up and running. I'm so glad to have browsed through when I did. I'm very glad that you've started on writing new material. As always, I do love your characterizations of all the OCs and of the cannon characters. My personal favorite of all the OC of course would have to be Tavaro hehe...he's so fun to read (not that the other ones arent' interesting themselves). I do love how your brought out Legolas' initial fears of the humans and how that changed realitically through the actions of a little child. I always believe children have a magical sense about them that is universal to all no matter what prejudice may exist before. I'm glad that you made the transition a realistic one.
I have a strange feeling about this Bannion (sp?) elf...he seems almost too eager to let those orcs escape. Is there some sort of conspiracy in the midst? hmm...guess I will have to wait and find out. I do hope that you will update soon and continue write more fics in the future.
Your avid reader,
Alfirin
Author's reply
I am glad you found the story. It's been a while since I've written another Legolas story, but here it is.
I usually have a lot of fun writing about Tavaro since he tends to mouth off at everybody and anybody in sight. But as you can see, he doesn't have too much of a role in this story, but I will try to bring him back for a token appearance later on in the story. Legolas really does get centre stage in this tale as he is in almost every chapter.
I am glad you find Legolas' transition realistic. I figured if anything, it would the innocence of a child that can get to him.
Bainion is certainly not a popular guy, but he'll get what is due to him. As for conspiracy, I don't know. What do you think?
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Angelelf
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
Wonderful story. Very well written. I check everyday to see if there is an update. Mmm, I wonder if Legolas will change his mind about humans? I seriously think so.
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad you like the story. And I think you are right about Legolas' change of heart about the humans. The question is how much he will change.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
French Pony
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
Ah, battle. Where the line between bravery and idiocy thins and blurs to near oblivion. They're definitely going to have to work with Legolas on this hero complex that he has. I guess it takes some soldiers longer than others to realize that, by fighting wounded, they can increase their comrades' danger rather than lessen it. Fortunately, Feren has double authority over Legolas by virtue of being commander and big brother.
Author's reply
Legolas certainly has a few issues to iron out yet as to what constitutes a good warrior. Hopefully he survives long enough to realize that guts are not the only thing needed in his line of work. Maybe once he gets a few more battles under his belt, he'll learn to settle down.
I don't envy Feren with his double duty.
thechevin
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
I am glad that Hesin survived but sorry for the death of the other elves.
Poor Legolas seems fated to suffer such losses and it doesn't get any easier for him either.
Still once again he has his brother for support and what a comfort that must be.
Feren seems so strong and yet he too struggles with the loss of fellow warriors
I wouldn't want to be Bainion when Feron catches up with him.
A poor decision initially made much worse by the injury to Legolas
At least Legolas now gets to go home for some TLC from his family
another lovely chapter to enjoy
Author's reply
Legolas really has seen his fair share of injuries and death despite of his youth. Good thing he has a supportive family, even if they are overprotective.
Being the commander, Feren must feel the loss of every death and injury to his warriors. I wouldn't want to be him, that's for sure.
Poor Bainion. Seems like everybody is waiting for him to get blasted by Feren. I really must come up with something that can satisfy that anticipation.
elliska
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
Ok, yuck! That injury sounds nasty and so did the treatment of it--nasty and unfortunately realistic. But to start at the beginning.
Poor Feren. This whole situation must have about killed him--seeing Legolas injured and letting him lead him back to the orcs. Legolas did well with his bow despite his injury. He has seen a lot in this too--injury in battle and death. Poor kid.
I'm glad Hesin made it. And I hope you consider letting us see Bainion's dressing down--he certainly has one coming to him. Looking forward to the next update. :-)
Author's reply
Digging that arrowhead out of Legolas' arm was nasty. At last it's not a life threatening injury.
Feren must be wondering what he did to deserve all this - an injured Legolas, orcs running amok and humans and wounded warriors to look after. If I were Bainion, I'd be heading over to the other side of Arda before Feren gets his hands on me.
The Karenator
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
Well, now, that was an exciting battle. Made even more so by falling elves. Legolas isn't as invincible as he thought, huh? I'm sure Feren is wondering what made him let Legolas go with them, but Legolas was right that time was of the essence. I hated to hear that they took casualties. Still, a certain fellow by the name of Bainion might find himself shoveling out the stables soon.
Since you didn't mention it, I'm assuming all the humans survived the attack. Poor little Rynan will be mortified that his favorite elf is hurt and has been ordered home by the commander. Considering Legolas's reticence to escort the humans to start with, I'd say that little Rynan has done a great deal in helping Legolas change his view of humans. I mean really, who could resist the sweet little guy?
Very nice chapter, Manderly. Now I can't wait to see the look on Thranduil's face when a wounded Legolas shows up from his first patrol away from pig chasing.
Karen
Author's reply
Good thing that the battle scenes are now over. I get all stressed out writing them since I have absolutely no battle experience (obviously) and everything has to come from my imagination.
Poor Legolas is finding out that he is not superelf, the hard way. His family could have told him that without him putting the concept to the such a harsh test. Feren must be bursting at the seams right now with worries over his brother, the orcs, the injured and dead warriors and how to be really nasty to a certain warrior.
The humans will make their appearance again next chapter with Rynan taking centre stage.
As for Thranduil's reaction, I will leave that up to your imagination.
Yanic
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
But what about Rynan? He won't get to see Legolas again...and they were just such a cute pair! Poor Legolas got beat up again, and I love it! Is that bad? lol. I like it because it makes him seem more human to me and therefore more reachable. Lovely story, cna't wait to see what you cook up next. (Although I bet Thranduil will have a cow when he sees the state Legolas is in!)
Author's reply
Don't worry, Rynan will make an appearance again. Legolas is always getting beaten up, much to the distress of his family. It does make him less of a superhuman (or superelf?) though.
Thanduil will not be a happy adar!
Bodkin
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
Poor Legolas. He just couldn't have a sedately tedious first tour of duty, now, could he? Yet he keeps on fighting, even when he's weak enough to fall from the tree and can barely stagger. Impressive - Feren can be proud of him. Though he does need to learn to watch his mouth a bit when he's playing junior warrior to his brothers-as-commanders. Still - he'll learn!
Bainion's not flavour of the month then. Good. Though he will resent it intensely.
And I wonder what's about to happen to the human members of the Legolas-fan-club? Will they visit the stronghold, too? Or will Feren see them off to 'safety' among their kind? Only time will tell!
I'm glad that battle is out of the way. And I hope Thranduil doesn't wind too much cotton wool around his baby.
Author's reply
I don't think the words "dull" and "Legolas" can be used in the same sentence. Things are bound to happen around this elf. Feren is probably trying hard to decide whether he's proud of his brother or whether he should throttle him for insubordination. In the end, he probably hopes that you are right, that Legolas will learn.
As for what's going to happen to the humans, that should be taken care of in the next chapter.
Thranduil probably has all the wrappings for a mummy ready for his baby.
daw the minstrel
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Battle and Aftermath
Legolas is learning his own limits, I think, and not liking it much. You do very well in describing pain. Feren must be rather unhappy with what he's found here. Hesin probably gave him an earful.
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas is learning his limits, though I think he's surprised by them. Most young ones think they are invincible, at least my kids do anyway. As for pain, my only experience with it is childbirth, though I suppose that more than qualifies.
To say that Feren is unhappy is probaby an understatement. If I were a warrior with a name that begins with a B, I'd stay away out of his way.
Yanic
· 11 August 2005
· Chapter 10: Ambush
Oh man this is awesome! But you can't just leave us hanging! What happens next! I stumbled across your stories recently and all I can say is what a find! I love your take on Legolas and his family.
Author's reply
Thank you! I am so glad that I've gained another reader to this little series of stories of Legolas and his family.
I promise I won't keep you hanging for too long. The next chapter should be posted within the next couple of days.
Thanks for reading!
elliska
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 10: Ambush
So sorry to be so late. Again. I just can't keep up with the stuff I enjoy because work is keeping me away from it.
"Grown-ups have more fear than children sometimes," Legolas said, and thought of Thranduil. I really chuckled at this line. But boy did the light hearted mood change fast. I thought you did a great job with that.
And the fight/Legolas's protection of the humans/Hesin's well timed appearance...all of that was really well done. Very tense and exciting. It really kept me reading fast.
I was so glad to see Feren. I hope he can go back and help the others. Great chapter! Update soon.
Author's reply
I know what it's like to have work interfering with our enjoyment of everyday life. Too bad we can't all be persons of leisure.
Legolas has probably had more than his share of grown-ups freaking out at his antics as he was growing up so he's speaking from experience in what he said to Rynan.
I am glad you find the action scenes exciting and tense. I still find them rather difficult to do.
Feren to the rescue, and hopefully it's a rescue.
The Karenator
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 10: Ambush
That was an exciting chapter. Everything started out so nice and calm. I should have known better! I'm pleased to see how Legolas has warmed up to little Rynan. He is a cute a little fellow and who can resist such hero worship? Legolas was bound to crack.
But now Legolas is injured. We don't know if his fellow warriors have survived and a horde of orcs are right on their heels. Boy was I glad to see Feren! Now...hurry and get Hesin and the others some help!
Very good, fast moving chapter. Just makes me look forward to the next one.
Karen
Author's reply
Never trust the calm before the storm.
I agree that there's no way that Legolas can resist the hero worship that Rynan is simply oozing from every pore, especially since Legolas has probably never been the subject of such hero worship before.
Now that all hell has broken loose, it's a good thing that Feren is here and hopefully he's not too late to prevent a total catastrophe.
Glad you liked the chapter.
Author Reply: Never trust the calm before the storm.
I agree that there's no way that Legolas can resist the hero worship that Rynan is simply oozing from every pore, especially since Legolas has probably never been the subject of such hero worship before.
Now that all hell has broken loose, it's a good thing that Feren is here and hopefully he's not too late to prevent a total catastrophe.
Glad you liked the chapter.
daw the minstrel
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 10: Ambush
Oh yay! Feren to the rescue. Good.
Legolas seems to be making friends here. Nothing like a common enemy to shake people up.
Author's reply
Feren is as timely as ever and Legolas can catch his breath now while big brother takes over.
You are so right. Nothing like the threat of death to strengthen the bonds here.
Joee
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 10: Ambush
I am really enjoying this story so far and I hope you are able to update soon. I just found one little error in this chapter that you might want to correct. When Legolas races back to the camp with Rynan, he finds Arphen there, but then he tells the humans to flee and that Tithernon will lead them to safety. Other that that, you're doing a great job, keep up the good work =)
Author's reply
Thanks for pointing out the error. It has been corrected. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of who's who. I guess that's when a beta reader comes in handy, which I don't have.
I am glad you are enjoying the story and thank you for reviewing!
thechevin
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 10: Ambush
This was another excellent chapter and I was pleased to see the growing relationship between Rynan and Legolas just so sad that there short interlude in the trees was ended by the arrival of the orcs and Legolas' injury.
Thank goodness he has brought the human famiy to safety and he is now in the care of his brother but I hope the other elves fighting the orcs especially Hesin are safe.
I think Hesin may need to have words with his young charge who seems very inclined to argue when given an order he doesn't like I am sure Feren will be happy to add his words to Hesin's if he hears about it
I am really enjoying this
Author's reply
Yes, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Rynan would have enjoyed a few more swings through the trees and Legolas would have enjoyed discovering the joys of entertaining the Man child.
Considering how he's willing to risk his own life to protect the humans, I think Legolas has finally realized that these humans are not the same as those nasty Easterlings who gave him such a hard time before.
Legolas still has to learn that arguing with your commander amounts to insubordination. I am sure someone will set him straight before too long.