daw the minstrel
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 6: Orcs and Men
Somehow, I think those escaped orcs are going to cause further problems and Lieutenant B is going to rue the day he let them go. Legolas acquitted himself well, and even follow orders well. But he's having trouble now. Sort of post stress stuff plus the men. I'm interested to see what they're going there.
Author's reply
Escaped orcs are never a good thing. Lieutenant B definitely made a wrong move there. Things are happening a little too quickly for Legolas here, first a major battle and then humans in the camp - brings back some pretty nasty memories for him. But I think it's too early on in his career to apply for stress leave.
Thanks for reviewing!
thechevin
· 11 July 2005
· Chapter 5: One of the Warriors
So now Legolas really knows what a border patrol is like and it isn't at all what he anticipated. There is excitement but the aftermath is not easy to deal with
The fact that he is the son of the king means he is inevitably being kept under scrutiny and that any mistakes he makes will be public ones.
His fears of failure are made worse I expect because he is currently suffering from a bad attack of home sickness it must be hard indeed to admit any of this so thank goodness for Hesin. He is giving support quietly and offering his guidance without making Legolas feel even more inadequate.
I just knew that Bainion was going to cause trouble I hope that Hesin can protect his charge
I thought it showed how much Legolas has come to trust Hesin that he felt he could tease him a little over knowing he was there as his guard but it also showed his real worries over someone he has learned to care for laying down their life for him again
Another lovely chapter I am so enjoying watching Legolas finding his way as a young warrior
Author's reply
I guess we all suffer from what we fantacize about and what is in fact reality and Legolas is no different, but like you said, everything is magnified because he is the king's son. And on top of it all is homesickness. No wonder he's even missing the fussing from his brothers and father. Like you said, good thing he has Hesin to balance things out.
I hadn't given much thought really as to how I would develop the relationship between Legolas and Hesin before I started writing this story, but it's almost developing on its own without much effort, thank goodness!
Bainion is not getting much of a welcome here, and probably for good reason. He is not a pleasant one.
Thanks for reviewing!
Bodkin
· 11 July 2005
· Chapter 5: One of the Warriors
Legolas is delightfully modest - and doesn't expect to be offered respect on a plate because of who he is - but he's no mug! I like his timing in admitting to Hesin that he knows that Hesin has been given the task of minding him and is actually quite surprised to have got away with so little cosseting.
It sounds as if Bainion might be a bit of a problem. Rigid and, it seems, a touch resentful.
And confronting orcs - not quite the same as wrestling pigs, but the pigs are probably good training! I'm glad to see he isn't taking battle in his stride - it's much more realistic to see him struggling a bit with the realities of battle. And missing his family. Very natural.
I hope Hesin manages to survive his guard duties - I like him and his death wouldn't be psychologically good for Legolas either.
Author's reply
With three accomplished older brothers before him, it must be hard for Legolas to develop any sense of arrogance. I've always pictured the Legolas in my stories as spoiled, but only in the inconsequential matters and only when he's with his family. I think being arrogant in a place like Mirkwood is an invitation to danger.
Oh, I am sure the pigs provided good training for Legolas - at least in desensitizing his sense of smell if in nothing else.
Bainion will have a part to play in this story, and not altogether a pleasant part either as far as Legolas is concerned. At least he has Hesin to balance things out a bit.
Thanks for reviewing.
elliska
· 10 July 2005
· Chapter 5: One of the Warriors
Poor Legolas. Reality is bound to set in eventually, and missing home/family and feeling uncertain is going to be part of that. He seems to be handling it well with Hesin's help, though. Good for them--they seem to get along well, even though Hesin has more of a role than Legolas may like.
Bainion, on the other hand, has the potential to be a real pain. We'll see where that develops. Another great chapter. Thanks!
Author's reply
It's always hard to be away from home/family for the first time and pangs of homesickness strike even harder when one has to deal with less than friendly people like Bainion. I am sure Legolas must be fantacizing about big brother Feren putting Bainion in his place.
Bainion will be a pain. That much I can tell you.
Thanks for reviewing.
French Pony
· 10 July 2005
· Chapter 5: One of the Warriors
This is the point where my mother would look at Legolas, smile, and say, "Well, the bloom is off the rose now." He's adjusting to Real Life as a warrior, with all the little hardships that such an adjustment implies. It looks like he still had some youthful adventure fantasies that survived his time in the Home Guard, and he's now going through that stage where the last of his illusions are going down the drain.
I liked the part where he was reading the letter, because I remember Hesin mentioning that he'd soon come to treasure every word written from home. Listen to Hesin, for he is wise.
And Legolas is wise as well, wise to Thranduil's little bodyguarding scheme. He took it well enough, though, and this looks like it'll be a good partnership. I think a lot of that is because both Hesin and Legolas do see it as a partnership, so there's not much resentment on either side of things.
Author's reply
Your mother is a very wise woman and I am pretty certain that all mothers will come to such a conclusion eventually as their children grow and leave. In a way, it's sad for young adults to leave behind their youthful fantasies and dreams in the face of Real Life. It's almost akin to losing their innocence.
I've come to the conclusion that kids will never accept the word of their elders as the truth, until they have lived through the experience for themselves. At least Hesin didn't say 'I told you so' when he caught Legolas poring over the letters.
The Legolas in this story is still young, but I am trying very hard to give him a budding sense of maturity. I thought having him accept Hesin so matter-of-factly might help to do the trick. Ånd you are so right. It is a partnership between Legolas and Hesin. Maybe big brother Feren really knows his brother after all.
Thanks for reviewing.
daw the minstrel
· 10 July 2005
· Chapter 5: One of the Warriors
Legolas's uncertainty seems realistic to me. He probably needs to prove his skills to himself as much as to anyone else. He's being very mature in accepting Hesin's presence so coolly.
Author's reply
You are right. I think Legolas feels that he needs to prove his skills to himself as well as to the other warriors. The poor kid probablys feels a load of pressure on him with all eyes watching. And having an unsympathetic lieutenant certainly doesn't help things. Sometimes it's not much fun being the king's son. Thanks for reviewing.
elliska
· 8 July 2005
· Chapter 4: The Journey East
Sorry I am so far behind on my reading--this was a great chapter. I can definitely see Legolas becoming aware of some of the less pleasing aspects of joining a patrol so far from home. And anyone would be afraid they wouldn't be accepted, especially when they are being promoted faster than normal. I enjoyed seeing his discussion with Hesin and his first moments in camp. Looking forward to more. :-)
Author's reply
Summer is always a busy time for me too. I've had a string of visitors from out of town and more are on the way. I don't get to log on as much as I like.
I guess Legolas is coming down to reality a bit and realizing that being a warrior on border patrols may not be all glory and excitement. He's lucky to have Hesin at his side to guide him along.
Thank you for reviewing.
The Karenator
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 4: The Journey East
Ah, it's tough waving goodbye to the family...or to the kid...as the first departure comes. Legolas is suffering what everyone else has at one time or another and Hesin was wise to comfort him by telling him that everyone else had been in those shoes at one point.
Though Legolas is a little nervous and unsure of himself, he's well prepared. He'll fit in easily.
Sorry I've fallen behind on reviews. This summer is flying by and I've got so much to do that I think I need an assistant or a servant or a male in my life who knows where the dirty clothes hamper is. Actually, I'm in the process of cleaning out my parents house since they have just moved to a retirement community. What a job! Being the only female in the family, I'm in charge. At any rate, forgive my tardiness. If I'm not very prompt, then know that I'm reading and enjoying and will review...eventually. I always enjoy your stories.
Good show, Manderly. I'm looking forward to more.
Karen
Author's reply
Saying good-byes is always a difficult thing to do, especially to family members. I don't think Legolas will have a hard time fitting in either, but queasy nerves is understandable when leaving home for the first time.
If you ever find that assistant of yours, let me know where I can find one too. Never mind about males who cannot find the hamper - I have two daughters and neither one knows the meaning of hampers or what they are to be used for. I've threatened many a times to let them rot in their own dirty clothes, but I just can't seem to carry out the threat.
Thank you for reviewing!
thechevin
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 4: The Journey East
I so enjoyed this chapter in turn we see Legolas upset at leaving his family, worried about his reception in the patrol, concerned about his abilites, sure of the elves ability to beat the shadow and even more
A typical young person then stepping oout on the hard road of adulthood.
I like the way Hesin is looking out for Legolas without smothering him and his new captain seems fair but I have my doubts about Bainion, Hesin seemed keen to keep his charge away from him so I shall have to keep an eye out for the second in command
I love the way you make people feel they are riding alongside listening in on the conversations going on its quite a gift
Author's reply
I am sure all young people must go through a turmoil of emotions when they leave home. I vaguely remember that I did when I was that age. I decided to have Hesin take a more subtle approach with Legolas as I don't think the young elf would take too well to smothering, something that he thinks he has left behind.
You are not the only one wary of Bainion. It seems that others feel the same way too. I didn't think I had presented him so blatantly when I wrote this chapter.
Thank you for your review!
Tinnuial
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 4: The Journey East
Ooo!! A new story!! You've made my day. I love your stories about Legolas and his various escapades on his way to becoming a warrior. I shall look forward to updates most excitedly.
:)
Author's reply
Thank you for your enthusiasm! It's been a while since I posted a new story, but I was determined to write a story about a warrior Legolas, so here it is! I shall try to keep the updates coming on a regular basis.
Bodkin
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 4: The Journey East
I can just see the Firstborn's face here as we drove off leaving her at university. Of course, Legolas is the one going - but the expression is the same. (Of course, before we got home, she was settled and off to the pub with her flatmates. We took much longer to recover.)
Hesin is a good support - subtle, too. Not too heavy-handed. And I love the way he praises Legolas's skills. And, actually, the slightly shy and grateful way Legolas receives the praise. He won't take long to settle in if he is so clearly not a big-headed arrogant princeling - and respects the expertise of those who have been there a while. And arriving with letters from home is always a good thing.
I'll bet Adar and the brothers are moping at home rather, though. It's not much fun launching your baby on the world.
Author's reply
I have yet to go through your experience as my firstborn decided to stay within the city for her university (thank goodness!) though I suppose in the long run, it might be better for her (and for me) for her to be on her own for a change. And you are so right. Kids adjust so much more quickly than do the parents, if they ever do, that is.
I decided that Hesin's subtle ways would probably work much better with Legolas than if he arbitrarily tells Legolas to stick by his side. The young always rebel against direct orders.
No doubt Thranduil and sons are fretting endlessly about the baby, while the baby is obliviously caught up in the excitement of a new life and new surroundings.
Thanks for the review.
French Pony
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 4: The Journey East
Ah, that first time going away from home. Fledglings trying out new wings, and all the other cliches that parents are likely to use (or at least my dad). Hesin is a very wise Elf, to emphasize the mutual watching out for each other that the warriors do. It must make Legolas feel very grown-up, which is something he probably needs to feel right about now.
And those first few days in a new place are so exciting and so awkward at the same time. You look around and say, this is it. This is where I live now. And all these strangers here, they are the people I will have for my friends. It's fun and new, but a little scary as well.
Author's reply
I am sure all parents have a cache of sayings concerning their children venturing into the world. It's not something that I'm looking forward to as a parent.
Nothing makes the young feel more important than if they are asked to look after someone else and I think Hesin must know this. Had he tried to tell Legolas just to stick to his side so that he could be protected, Legolas would probably do exactly the opposite.
For Legolas, it must be like starting a new job in a big company, lots of new faces, rules and procedures. What you said perfectly describes how he must feel.
Thanks for reviewing!
daw the minstrel
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 4: The Journey East
Thranduil really has done a nice job in raising Legolas. He's competent but modest. Hesin is certainly right that Legolas will fit in easily and make friends well. I too look forward to seeing him use his bow. :-)
Author's reply
Thranduil definitely deserves a lot of credit for how Legolas turned out. I am a firm believer of the notion that if a child is well-behaved, it's a reflection of great parenting, and vice-versa. Legolas will get to use his bow soon, I've made sure of that.
elliska
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Partings
Well poor everyone here but Legolas, I think (he's the only one happy). I feel for Hesin here--first Feren and then Thranduil! And guarding the King's son would be one heck of a responsibility.
I liked Legolas packing with his brothers and the little treat Aldeon brought. That was sweet and so was seeing that Legolas was not entirely confident. I think that is pretty realistic unless the kid is completely arrogant (which, of course, we know he is not).
And poor Thranduil. I can't imagine how hard it would be on him. Nice memories there and I liked the last lines. Great chapter!
Author's reply
You are right, everyone but Legolas will be prime candidates for an ulcer, and Hesin will probably top the list. Bad enough fighting all the nasty things in the forest, let alone guarding the King's son on top of that. He is one brave soul.
As this story will be about Legolas away from his family, I've tried to get a bit of family time here before he takes off, since I really do enjoy writing about family dynamics.
I think Thranduil will feel like a lost parent for a while. Must be so hard for him to send one son after another off to battle.
Thank you very much for your review!
thechevin
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Partings
There should definitely have been a tissue warning at the beginning of this chapter, Legolas is really going to miss his family almost as much as his family will miss him
Their care for him, shown in so many ways from advice on packing to extra treats right through to providing him with a protector was all done so well and the depth offamily feeling that you manage to get in here adds so much to the story telling I love that you do not rush us through but let us 'see' everything that is going on in Legolas' life but best of all is Thranduil spending the night watching his youngest son sleep and remembering all of those little family things
He is going to be so bereft
thanks you for thislovely update
Author's reply
Thank you for your very kind words. When I was writing this chapter, I had not realized it was an emotion-churner. But I am glad that it turned out so - I guess I did something right.
It's always hard to let go of a child. I know the feeling only too well and what makes it more difficult is that it's something that a parent has little control over or choice.
Legolas probably doesn't realize it now, being so caught up in the excitement of leaving home, but I am sure he will miss his family once he's away from them.
Again, thank you for your review.
Bodkin
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Partings
Poor Thranduil. He's losing his last baby and things'll never be the same again. They won't necessarily be worse, of course, but they will be different. Well, at least Legolas is excited.
I'm not entirely sure about incorporating information about underwear into warrior vows, though. 'Always wear clean underwear: you might get knocked down by a bus' doesn't quite work for me. Legolas is lucky to have Tavaro to help him here - he wouldn't want to turn up incorrectly supplied. And I love Aldeon's arrival with treats. And so much more practical than cake.
I'm glad Hesin is going to keep a pretty firm eye on the new-to-the-dangers addition to the patrol. And hope that his promise to 'watch over Prince Legolas with my life' isn't too ominous. The Woodland Realm really can't spare all these warriors - they need to remain alive to defend it from attack.
They will all be worrying about Legolas while he is on patrol - with reason, I am sure!
Author's reply
I think Thranduil will be wearing the stone floor of his room thin until his baby returns to him sound and whole, and Legolas all the while will remain blissfully unaware of what his poor father is going through.
No, "I will always wear clean underwear" just doesn't quite have the ring to it when spoken along with words as "I will defend the Realm with my last breath", so I don't think this little phrase will it make into a warrior's oath any time soon.
Poor Hesin. He's got some job ahead of him, especially with the shadow of the previous failure hanging over him. Hopefully Legolas will be more restrained this time, but I don't want to make his job too easy.
French Pony
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Partings
Love the scene with Feren and Hesin. Just guard the King's baby boy, with your life. A task you nearly failed miserably at before. No pressure, Hesin. And then he gets to have the same conversation with the King. It's a wonder the poor guy is still standing.
And everyone comes to help see the baby off for college -- excuse me, the army. I half expected one of them to trot out the old "wear clean underwear in case you get hurt -- what will the medics think" speech. But the package of dried fruits was better. Of course, Aldeon has to know that that package will be shared out among the entire patrol as soon as they smell it.
Author's reply
Your review made me giggled endlessly. Yes, poor Hesin. I think Feren must harbour some unconscious desire to punish him for his previous failure in protecting his precious brother, regardless of what he is saying to the poor warrior. And Thranduil basically just further pounded the nail into the coffin with his little speech.
Clean underwear advice - I was tempted but opted for mentioning the quantity of it instead.
As for sharing of treats, I wonder if Legolas will be that generous.
daw the minstrel
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Partings
Lovely reactions by the family here. I especially enjoyed the comparisons in the scene with Thranduil observing his sleeping son.
Author's reply
Letting go of his baby must be unbearably difficult for Thranduil. I decided to concentrate on his thoughts rather than to attempt to verbalize his good-bye to Legolas, an easier thing for me to do as I really don't know what Thranduil could have said to Legolas in this situation. Glad it came out okay.
thechevin
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Decisions
This was a real gem of a chapter the family Thranduillian at their best and their love and concern for the youngest member of their clan was so plain
as was the worry of Thranduil at seeing his youngest child about to leave his protective cocoon.
As ever Tavaro is his brother's biggest supporter the one who is prepared to say what needs to be said on Legolas' behalf and once the others have been made to look beyond their natural concerns as a family there was no doubt that Legolas would be getting his wish to do more than take part in the home wood patrolof course getting what you want may not be necessarily be good for him!
Author's reply
I am glad you liked the chapter. It was a discussion that the entire family had probably thought about at some time but had avoided it for as long as possible. Though I think Feren for one was genuinely surprised at that fact that his concern for Legolas had interfered with his instincts as a commander.
Legolas really owes Tavaro huge thanks. If not for this brother, he would be missing out on so much. But then, some of the things that he might have missed out on might be better for his health.
Thanks for the review!
Bodkin
· 24 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Decisions
This is not an easy decision for anyone to have to make. Realising that they are protecting Legolas because of who he is - and that other warriors of his skills would have been used differently. The other side is that Legolas might be pushed into more dangerous situations earlier, because his brother and father (despite their reluctance) cannot let it be thought that they are protecting him unduly.
I doubt he will like having the experienced warrior to look after him - but it must be usual. Pairing two rookies together would only ensure that there weren't many experienced warriors. However terrific Legolas's (or any other new warrior's) skills, there are certain things that you can only learn by doing - and you can only do it once you are there.
The up and coming situation isn't going to please anyone totally - but compromise is the essence of life! And at least he will not be confronted with too many pigs - probably.
Author's reply
No pigs, but he'll be confronted with something of course!
It's certainly a no win situation for the Royal Family, except maybe from the perspective of Legolas who is at last getting his wish to be a real warrior. And you are right. There's never a happy medium. Either Legolas is over-protected or he's pushed into dangerous responsibilities before his peers simply because he is the King's son. As hard as this decision is, I think Legolas' family realizes that it has to be made, sooner or later.
Thanks for the review!
elliska
· 23 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Decisions
Poor Feren and poor Thranduil. You know that's a conversation they had to have had at some point--I just imagine that Thranduil would have prefered it to be later. That conversation was well written. Great job!
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words. Thranduil cannot be too happy about the decision but he probably knows that it's probably just as difficult for Feren as well. I imagine Legolas will be the only one to be delighted by this decision, while the rest of his family loses sleep over it.
French Pony
· 23 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Decisions
See, this is why Middle Earth needs more cop dramas. Everyone knows that you pair up the rookie with an old grizzled veteran cop who smokes cheap butts and doses out gruff yet heartfelt life lessons right before the commercial breaks.
I guess it's a tough job to know what to do when the army is the family business. Sounds like this family needs some unrelated aides de camp to help them see things more in the cold light of day. Or else the kids need to move into their own apartments. It seems like a lot of the problem comes from the fact that they have these separate official roles during the day -- King, crown prince, troop commander, warrior -- but then during the evenings, they switch and become Ada and the kids. That can't be an easy thing to do each night.
Probably the best way to get Legolas to accept a bodyguard is to tell him that they're responsible for each other.
Author's reply
Yup, cop dramas would definitely bring dramatic light to Middle Earth. I can't for the life of me though picture an old grizzled elf. I guess they'll need to improvise.
Shuffling between their public roles and private roles cannot be easy. Must be impossible to draw a clear line between the two. Talk about beig a good source for ulcers.
You've brought up an interesting point about bringing in outsiders for some unbiased opinions. I suppose the King's advisors must do that to some extent, but I wonder whether they are brave enough to tell Thranduil what to do with his kids? Interesting.
Your solution about the bodyguard might just work.
Thanks for reviewing!
daw the minstrel
· 23 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Decisions
That must have been a hard decision for them all to make. You showed the argument very nicely, giving the reasoning on both sides. Legolas is not going to like the idea of a guard!
Author's reply
I'm sure more than one member of the family will lose sleep over the decision. Even as I was writing this chapter, I was feeling sorry for Feren as the final decision was up to him and ultimately, he'll bore the brunt of any blame or guilt should things go wrong.
Blaise
· 18 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Duties
You made my day! I was so excited to see your name knowing I would soon be reading a new adventure of Legolas and his endearing brothers. So Legolas is getting older...but not quite so old enough. Who doesn't remember (and cringe) that stage of being an adult but not an adult. I love his initial explanation of "unexpected irregularities" HA! Legolas knew there was no way his brothers were going to leave it at that. I can imagine the adrenaline pumping through "bored" Legolas' veins sensing an opportunity to finally prove his worth when that elf ran up seeking aid and then the excruiating letdown of assisting with not one pig but two. How did he restrain himself from groaning out loud and banging his head against the nearest tree?
Poor Legolas has so much pressure on him following in his brother's footsteps, being the youngest, being a prince, living up to their expectations but putting even higher ones on himself and all the time knowing that whatever he does will eventually get back to Feren. I can't wait to travel along with Legolas through the rest of his adventure!
Author's reply
You are so right about the cringe-worthy stage of being nearly an adult, but not quite there yet. I am so glad that I'm far beyond that stage.
Yes, I can see Legolas secretly banging his head against a tree once he realizes the object of his rescue mission. Rescuing stuck pigs cannot possibly be on his agenda of becoming a heroic warrior. What's probably worse is the inevitable teasing that he knows he'll be getting from his brothers once the story spreads. Poor guy. I guess I've made life pretty miserable for him in this chapter. But no fear, he'll prove himself heroic yet as the story progresses (I hope!).
Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Bodkin
· 18 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Duties
Poor Legolas. You'd think he would have given up on trying to be on his dignity around his brothers by now. Especially as he is stuck with their teasing for ever! Unless worse things happen, of course - and he wouldn't want to have them killed just to stop them tormenting him. Still, you're not truly adult until you don't mind being babied by your older relatives. He's still at the defensive, wanting-to-be-taken-seriously stage.
Somehow, the picture of the elf with the pigs has just captured my imagination. And the noble warriors gallantly rescuing said pigs.
I would think another two or three baths. With some really strongly scented soap. Pig smell is - rather intense.
Old enough to know he's sulking, but not quite old enough to laugh it off. Well, as my mother would say, he's at an awkward age.
If only pigs were the worst thing he was going to face here.
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas is at that awkward stage. I cringe at the remembrance of it. I suppose for him, it's even more difficult with a string of accomplished older brothers before him, and a king for a father. That's a lot to live up to, but then we all know that eventually he'll make a reputation for himself. Until then, I guess he will have to put up with the babying and teasing.
Stuck pigs and gallant warriors hardly seem to belong in the same picture. I wonder whether I've been too cruel on poor Legolas.
Thanks for reading and reviewing.