The Spy by daw the minstrel
sofia · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
awesome story. Is Beliond's 'special task' Legolas? -sofia
Author's reply
Oh yeah. Beliond is about to acquire the nickname "Nana," and boy will he hate it! But minding Legolas will be good for him. He needs to be around people again. He's been alone too long.
ponypetter · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Ah, so nice to be back and find that you have posted two stories since I've last been here. And what's this about the Beliond Fan Club? How does one join? I am always a fan of a man with a nice butt... I especially liked the little nugget at the end. For some reason, I was totally not expecting that. It made me wonder what Beliond was thinking when he got his assignment and first met Legolas. Hmm, maybe another one-short for the fan club?
Author's reply
I'm not sure Nilmandra is letting anyone else joing the Beliond Fan Club. She seems very possessive about the cranky, soft-hearted, lockpicking, pickpocket minstrel. :-) Beliond was not pleased at the new assignment and thought Legolas was a spoiled brat who had been raised in a palace and would need his nose wiped. I've never shown that from his POV, althought that would be amusing. I just wrote about Legolas's first glimpse of Beliond in "The Tide of Times." And he wasn't happy either!
elliska · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Sorry it took me so long to read this. Knowing it was here has been killing me but we have been buried at work again. Finally a moment to enjoy. if one of the town’s inhabitants had told him that the day was sunny, he would have immediately pulled his hood forward to keep the rain out of his face. Well this about sums up Beliond's attitude towards Men, doesn't it. He and Thranduil see eye to eye on one thing! That line killed me. And this whole thing is just witty and hilarious. Beliond the pick-pocket, lock-picking minstrel was perfect! As was Beliond in 'I can handle Thranduil' mode. Again, too funny. But he was wrong this time. I'm so glad you wrote this. I definitely am a Beliond fan too!
Author's reply
You're working much too hard. What on earth do employers think anyway? The fools! I had a lot of fun writing this. I could kind of let myself go and pile absurdity on absurdity. Even making up the semi-cuss word insults was fun. Thanks for the review, Elliska.
Rivergirl · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Oooooohhh, I liked this. I really liked this. I was a moderate fan of Beliond prior to this, but I think I'm jumping over in his camp for good now. What a delightful bit of sneaking and spying and helping out. Thanks for sharing this with us. I most thoroughly enjoyed it. Rivergirl
Author's reply
Beliond showed me that he had talents I hadn't imagined! And a nice butt too. :-) I'm glad you liked it.
Elentari · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
** Beliond had spent enough time around his own king to realize at once that he was looking at a ruler in a raging temper. ** Oh, boy. That was just hilarious. ** He had known Thranduil for a long time and was confident of his ability to manage him. Whatever the king wanted, Beliond would deal with it and be on his way on his own again. And for now, there was fried fish and the knowledge of a job well done. ** I like the feeling of this ending. Beliond's satisfaction in his job is as poignant as the brief mentions to his long lost family, but boy, even the mighty fail at times. Beliond would not know quiet again for a long time, and the special assignment... let's just say he'd have his plate full for the next centuries...
Author's reply
Beliond has a lot of confidence in himself, and the success of his actions in the town sure seems to justify it. The townspeople will never know just how close they came to disaster, or that it was a one-man (er, elf) army who saved them by his wits mostly. But his confidence at the end is probably misplaced. I wonder how he'll like being called Nana? :-)
Lamiel · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
This is a wonderful tale, and it is a treat to see Beliond shine on his own. Really I know your little corner of Tolkien's universe so well by now that it didn't even feel like I was reading about an OC. This line so perfectly sums up Beliond's character, "if one of the town’s inhabitants had told him that the day was sunny, he would have immediately pulled his hood forward to keep the rain out of his face." Ha! Brilliant! Really, that is like one of the exercises they teach in creative writing class, "How to show a character's personality in one sentence." The story is wonderfully told, and a great pleasure to read.
Author's reply
Really, that is like one of the exercises they teach in creative writing class, "How to show a character's personality in one sentence." Wow. That makes me feel really good. I'm totally untrained at this, and I sometimes feel so pig ignorant, like I'm just floundering along. I think I know my corner of Tolkien's world pretty well by now too, but then someone like Beliond will come along and offer to let me write about a new part of it. This was fun to do. I've been spending the last few weeks experimenting with converting one of my stories (Growing Under Shadow) into an original young adult novel, and I'm just astounded as how much difference it's made to create a world of my own. The longer I work at it, the less the story I'm writing resembles Growing Under Shadow. I'm enjoying that discovery too.
French Pony · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
At last I have a chance to sit down and review this. I had to come forearmed, you see. I got a persistent earworm from your last story, and I might have picked up another one from this story, so I checked out a book of Henry Purcell's naughty catches from the library to have to hand. I think Beliond would like the work of Mr. Purcell very much, given his appreciation of a good streak of blue language and the song about the maiden and the goat. Speaking of which, one thing he should know about Men is that, when it comes to entertainment, the lowest common denominator is always in fashion. When in doubt, sing the one about the maiden and the goat. Or the two ladies and the farting contest. He does seem to have an odd set of talents, doesn't he? I kind of like that he plays the harp; it's such a delicate instrument, and it seems completely at odds with the rough, gruff exterior that he likes to project. It does say something about him, that he keeps all these little tender things so hidden and so buried deep down inside. He's a very private person, and I like that about him. He also seems to have a habit of borrowing trouble. Thranduil probably noticed that about him and decided that he needed something to do. And thus did Beliond become "Nana." Awwww.
Author's reply
Do you mean you have a song in mind that Beliond might have sung? One of Purcell's? Or did Purcell do some earthy songs I don't know about? Writing cuss phrases for a Beliond story is a lot of fun. I'm usually pretty conservative about language, but Beliond brings out a creative streak in me. Particularly given that the men in this town had kept their womenfolk from the lord's hall, the song about the maiden and the goat might have gone down a treat. But Beliond is still an elf, and he gave them a musical gift they didn't expect. I love the guy. He has this tender, loving side that he's surrounded with a crusty shell. I think Thranduil probably brought him home so that the shell wouldn't have a chance to grow any thicker.
thechevin · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
If this turns out to be the second review for this story from me then the first one didn't disappear into the ether as I feared I really enjoyed seeing the otherside of Beliond before he became keeper to the king's youngest son. He certainly led an interesting life prior to becoming 'nana'. I wonder if Thranduil was aware of all his little extra curricular skills that he might decide to pass onto Legolas purse snatching, lock breaking, abduction of innocent minstrels the list goes on this was a joy to read thank you
Author's reply
This is the only review I see, so you read your computer's bad ways accurately! I've been thinking for a while about what Beliond's life as a spy was like. Nilmandra's birthday was the perfect occasion to write about it. He had to think on his feet and he was good at it too. No wonder he was horrified at being made nursemaid to Thranduil's youngest son. Surely Thranduil knew about some of Beliond's skills. Many of them would be useful as a spy. But he probably thought Beliond had enough sense not to teach them to Legolas. Or maybe not. I can't help but wonder what skills Thranduil has that we haven't seen either. :-)
Yanic · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
That was awesome! When I first read the description of it I got so excited and the story just made me even happier! I LOVE Beliond!!! I was laughing so hard at all the little Beliond-isms that were in there, especially his respect for a man who can "express himself" HAHAH! I really think you did a wonderful job with Beliond and I really hope you might consider to do another one, because it's just too funny!
Author's reply
Beliond seems to have a lot of fans, which would probably appall him! I can't see him wanting fangirls coming his way, although he'd probably be smug about having them too, now that I think of it. I enjoy writing humor and don't get enough chance to do it. Beliond is a rich seam to be mined for funny stuff. Even the swear words just come rolling out of me when I write about him, and I'm normally pretty reserved.
LOTRFaith · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
I was laughing my head off in quite a bit of this... lol... Absolutely hilarious :-) I loved it... Reminded me a little bit of The Pacifier... :-D Wow... That must have been some shock for Beliond. From being a spy to a 'nursemaid' to the king's 'spoiled' son. :-D lol... Hmm... But I think that both parties were able to learn a lot from each other... Great story!!!
Author's reply
Thranduil did a good thing when he put Legolas and Beliond together. He must have known that given the loss of his own son, Beliond would never let harm come to Legolas, even with Legolas fighting him every step of the way. And Beliond needs to care for someone again. He's been singing for himself alone for long enough.
The Karenator · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Ah, Beliond at his finest! He's certainly a jack-of-all-trades: minstrel, psychologist, pickpocket, lock pick, plotter-of-ruin, and on top of all this, he's got a nice bum. One of the things that struck me was how the kitchen boy immediately trusted him. This is a nice little foreshadowing for his future job. Despite his somewhat out-of-place appearance and his unfamiliarity to the boy, the kid could see that he's a good guy. Down the road, even when he's a tad grumpy, we can see that he's good with the younger guys. One in particular. Beliond's not nearly as sly as he thought though, because Thranduil figured him out and 'managed' him quite well. But...what happened to the minstrel? He had escaped when Beliond went back to untie him. I know we're supposed to speculate and that it's really not important one way or another, but I couldn't help but wonder what this poor guy thought. Here he thought he had a nice gig and the next thing he knows, he's tied up tighter than a Thanksgiving turkey and someone has stolen his limelight...and his harp...and his cap. I bet he was miffed! Delightful story. And what a wonderful gift for Nilmandra. I truly enjoyed it. Happy Birthday to Nilmandra! Karen
Author's reply
I hadn't thought about the kitchen boy in connection with Legolas, but you're so right. The kid trusted him and saw him as an ally. I wanted to smack the steward when he hit the kid, but the kid was tough and Beliond took care of the steward. The minstrel? Hmmm. He went to complain to the guards. After he found them and they were done with the bad guy, he led them back to the scene of the crime and there, lo and behold, were his clothes and his harp. How's that?
Brenda G. · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Happy birthday, Nilmandra! Can't think of a nicer gift than a story written in your behalf for your special day by none other than Daw the Minstrel - and about Beliond, of all Elves! Quite an honor indeed. Daw, I loved every moment of this tale. That Beliond is one slick spy! I laughed and laughed all the way through as you revealed from moment to moment some of the newer layers of Beliond's "qualities" that were hinted at before but never so fully developed until now. Quite the character, this Beliond of yours. Thranduil knows how to pick em - spies and/or "nanas." I thought it was touching that you revived for your readers some of Beliond's past life when he had a family, especially the songs of love he used to sing to his wife while she was still in Arda. Yet, despite all of his tragedies, Beliond seems to be tough, well-rounded, with still enough semi-sweet, semi-soft parts intact on the inside to make all the female fans line around the block for him. Had I been one of the giggling maidens in attendance in this story, I believe I would have noticed more about Beliond than just his nice backside! Love this OC of yours. Glad to know that you are full steam ahead on your young adult novel project. I'm quite excited for you and eagerly awaiting your first publication. Please keep yours fans in the loop as to how you are progressing. You are a marvel, Daw! Keep up the good work! All my best, BG
Author's reply
It took me a while to think of how an elf spy might operate among men. He can't take on a new identity very easily because his appearance is different. But Beliond just bulls his way through the china shop and makes everyone behave as he thinks they should. I love the guy! And then he thought about his lost friends and family, and he was beautiful as well as funny for me. I hope there's publication some day, but I'm not holding my breath. In the meantime though, I'm wrestling with interesting puzzles in changing the story.
Ithiliel · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
*grins* You sure know how to make a girl proud to be a Beliond fan... I loved this story! It was written for Nilmandra, of course, but you'd think that it was everyone's birthday. Beliond is such a treat! I think my favorite part was Beliond remembering the songs. For all his "tough-guy" attitude, there's a kind-hearted man hiding under that shell. Good to see him putting his skill to use! Of course, the readers all cackle evilly at the end. Nobody "manages" Thranduil, and our one-man SWAT team is about to become "Nana." Oh, if only he knew... This was a really great story! Thank you for sharing it with us. :) -Ithiliel P.S. Happy birthday to Nilmandra!
Author's reply
I tend to shy away from writing all OC stories, but I knew Nilmandra had a soft spot for Beliond (she won't let me hurt him!), and once I got going on this, it was a lot of fun. He's a good POV character because he has a distinctive tone but is still unpredictable in what he does. I laughed at the "one-man SWAT team." He sure set that town on its ear and they'll never know how it happened!
lwarren · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
"Come home, old friend. I have a special task for you..." Ai, Beliond, your days as a spy are over and your new job description 'Nana, extraordinaire' is just waiting for you! LOL Daw, this was a wonderful insight into the many talents of Beliond! He is so funny - so distrustful (is that a word?) and so inventive! I loved the little snippets and peeks of life in that town of Rhun (the market, the guards at the gate, the bread being withheld to get more information, the minstrel with the nice legs...) and Beliond's reaction to each thing (the short tunic and his feeling of being "airy" down below...and he kept tugging at that tunic LOL, the purse snatching was great, too). He's such a grump, but so very good at what he does and he certainly would come to the aid of a ruler with a temper and the inspirational curses to match! :-) Still, there were little glimpses of the sadness that lives in him (I thought him thinking of the songs he has sung over the years, especially the ones sung to his wife) was very sad and lonely. I'm glad Thranduil thinks he needs to be home and that the King has just the job for him that will eventually melt that hard casing of ice Beliond has built around his heart. This was a lovely surprise and I'm so glad you posted it. Happy Birthday to Nilmandra, too! linda
Author's reply
When you look at what Beliond was doing, you can see why he was ticked off at the idea of guarding this wet-behind-the-ears kid who had been raised in a palace and, so far as Beliond knew, had never set foot away from home! Beliond is indeed good at what he does. He has no self doubt and he's had years to hone his skills -- picking pockets, picking locks, mugging minstrels. But underneath he's a kind and lonely guy, and he needs Legolas at least as much as Legolas needs him.
meckinock · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
What a nice little skill-building exercise for Beliond. But that was entirely too easy. He didn't even break a sweat. Yes, he definitely needs a new challenge; something he's not quite so good at. Something that will stretch him a little. Hmmm... I love this story, Daw. Beliond is so good-hearted and kind in spite of himself, and he's an Elf of many talents - some of which we haven't heard described in quite such frank terms before! He makes a pretty good spy, too. And Happy Birthday to Nilmandra!
Author's reply
Something like nursemaiding the smart mouthed youngest son of his king? The one who calls him Nana? Yes, that would stretch him. LOL He is kind-hearted. He takes to the kitchen boy immediately, for instance, and even more telling, the boy takes to him. And he hasn't done anything too bad to the minstrel with the nice legs. Glad you liked it.
moonshine44 · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
This was great Daw! A glimpse into the past life of Beliond. What a surprise this was! That elf has more in him than I originaly thought. His plan for helping Abun was amazing, given that it was one elf against many men. And the ending was quite funny. Beliond doesn`t know what he is getting himself into : ) Great story!
Author's reply
Beliond has more in him than I originally thought too! Legolas would be dazzled if he knew this story in all its detail. But now Beliond's days as a spy are numbered. He's about to become the bodyguard of the king's youngest son who will irreverantly call him "Nana." But in the long run, that will be good for him. He's been singing to himself alone for too long.
Nilmandra · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Oh, this is a wonderful birthday present! Beliond at his finest - minstrel, thief, lock picker, insurrectionist? LOL, I knew he was an elf of many talents, most of which I am sure Thranduil hopes he will not teach to his son. I can see why Beliond was NOT chosen for Eilian. I have it on good authority that the kitchen maids are correct about certain anatomical parts. This, though, is hilarious: He had known Thranduil for a long time and was confident of his ability to manage him. If Beliond only knew what awaited him, he'd run back into the depths of the forest and hide! Sure he can manage Thranduil's assignment...but he doesn't realize how permanent this one is! I think Thranduil has just managed him into a corner. Thank you for a most lovely gift.
Author's reply
You're most entirely welcome. I owe you for more than I can say: a great site, incredibly patient and helpful beta reading, and your friendship. Beliond and Eilian: now there's a match made in hell. But Eilian would be really impressed if he could see Legolas picking locks and know that Beliond had taught him. Thranduil? Not so much. And Beliond is about to acquire the nickname "nana." LOL. Geez he's gonna hate it.
Socket · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Oh, wow, a stand-alone story about one of your OCs. Fantastic! Beliond is a great character to pick, he's so intriguing. Can't wait to see how this develops.
Author's reply
Sorry, Socket! This is all the development that's going to happen. Beliond is on his way home to be assigned to play bodyguard to Legolas. And boy will "Nana" hate that!
Elemmíre · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
That was nice :)
Author's reply
Glad you liked it. :)
Brazgirl · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Wow!!! A fic just with Beliond!!! What a gift for Nilmandra and for us all. Great to read from you again. And it is good to read Beliond's sarcasm and know he can be embarassed with somethings... ;-) A lovely read to end my day! Thank you.
Author's reply
Beliond is a lot of fun to write about. He has such a distinctive attitude that it's easy to build language and situations around him. I've sometimes tried to picture his life before Legolas, and this is what I came up with.
ScarlettPendragon · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
OH DAW!! What a fantastic story!! If Nilmandra needs a Vice President or Scretary-Treasurer for the Beliond Fan Club, just let me know!! I think I have a pretty good idea of just what the "special task" Thranduil has for Beliond is!! I would love to eavesdrop on that meeting!! ;>) I love the way you can draw a complete picture of your characters, even in just a few words!! Lord Abun, the little boy, the kitchen maids, and the Sargeant all came alive for me in this story!! It is a difficult skill and one you have definitely mastered!! And best of all, no crying for me!! No deaths, no encroachment of the Shadow on the Woodland Realm, just a romp in town for our intrepid spy!! Thank you again for an amazing story!! I look forward to your next adventure - whenever you write it, I'll be waiting!! Scarlett
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Scarlett. And it didn't get you sent home from work or anything! Beliond is about to be nicknamed 'Nana,' much to his disgust. But he needs to home. He's been alone and singing only to himself for far too long. What you said about the minor characters coming alive makes me feel really good!
Rose Sared · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
daw's mission in life - to make me spray my morning coffee all over the keyboard - 'airy below the waist'- indeed! nice bottom! Hah! What a delightful light tale about the sometimes rather grim elf - just loved it. Rose
Author's reply
Beliond had many fine qualities that he normally keeps hidden. :-) I posted this a day early here. Nilmandra's birthday is the 22nd. But maybe it's the right date where you are!
Frodo3791 · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Ah, I think I have a good idea of what that "special task" is. I really enjoyed this story. Seeing some of what Beliond used to do was really great. I really enjoyed the bits of comedy you wrapped into this story. The maids checking him out... the small minstrel clothing... Beliond is such a cool character, and I'm glad you decided to write this for Nilmandra and share it with us all. Can't wait for your next story. It's been too long! -Micah
Author's reply
Beliond is about to acquire the nickname "nana." And boy is he going to hate it! LOL I enjoyed writing the humor. I don't do it often and I wasn't sure it would work, but Beliond is great to work with. Nilmandra loves him and won't let me harm him ever! For the last few weeks, I've been trying to convert one of my stories to an original young adult novel, which is why I haven't been posting. That will take me a while, I think. It's a new challenge and I'm enjoying it. But Beliond is too much fun to let go.
Elena Tiriel · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Ah, I love this story! I love Beliond! He is just so.... Beliond! Brilliant! - Barbara, smiling very broadly
Author's reply
Thank you, Barbara. Beliond is uniquely himself. He defeats all! Glad I made you smile.
Alice · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Hee. I think I know what the special task is. Do it and be on his own alone again indeed. Poor Beliond. Who's very good at his job. He's awesome. Picking pockets, stealing a minstrel's clothes, good times. And he put the cap on backwards didn't he? Silly elf. I can see why Beliond would get bored playing bodyguard to Legolas. Clearly this whole spy thing was an adventure a minute. Was Beliond's swordmaster perhaps called Maldor? Oh, and I loved the bit where Beliond thought about the songs he sung to himself now that he's alone. That was so sad. Thranduil was right to bring him home. Our favorite grouch had been alone far too long. I'm glad you wrote Nilmandra a birthday story. She's not the only one who's been missing your OCs.
Author's reply
Yes indeed. Thranduil has plans for Beliond. He's not going to be left to wander alone any longer. And that's a good thing. The idea of him singing songs to himself is too sad. But he was a terrific spy, wasn't he? He had talents he never told me about before! I think Maldor is probably younger than Beliond and Thranduil. But there's always a Maldor! They just have different names.