Red Squirrel
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 1: At Home
Hi Daw,
I hope you enjoyed your holidays. Sorry if my reviews ramble on endlessly and please don't feel like you have to reply to them (I know you are busy in your own life). They are comments I would make if someone were sitting next to me and enjoying the story as well. I really have no one here that likes anything Tolkien beyond thinking the Elves are "hot" in the movies and my husband just groans when I talked about anything Middle Earth related. Soooooo...did you see The Desolation of Smaug? I went and saw it in 3D a couple of weeks ago and then we went again Saturday. Looooove those woodelves (and their Sindar king!). The theater was packed and each time Legolas or Thranduil was on the screen the teenage girls would squeal! LOL
Anyway onto the review. I am glad to start another little Legolas story. I am going back to work on Thursday and back to my own little imps so I don't know how frequently I will be reading and reviewing.
LOL @ Eilian teaching Legolas "bad words"...older brothers are always useful for something!
Hmmm...that is interesting about Maltanaur...can't wait to hear to whole story about that situation. Also, I think Eilian might be depressed. He seems really down and indulging in too much wine. Not that I blame him with all the heart ache the family has been through.
Poor little Legolas. Of course it would be hard to see Ada go away. Nana went away and never came back. Poor little guy. I'm glad Nimloth was there to smooth out that situation.
What struck me as funny because my sister and I were just talking about how we didn't act so stupid when we were teens (yeah right! LOL) was when Ithilden thought "I didn't act like that when I was 70!" LOL Maybe he was a little more like Eilian than he cares to admit.
This looks like it is going to be another great read!
Author's reply
I did enjoy my holidays despite having stomach flu. One thing that does is make you appreciate how great it feels not to throw up. I saw the movie on Christmas Day and enjoyed it a lot, more than the first one, I think. I thought it moved better. The Gandalf parts were the least interesting to me but the rest was wonderful. I particularly liked the Laketown parts. Also all the stuff with Fili and Kili pushed some of my buttons. I like brotherly stuff and young men at odds with their elders.
Speaking of young men at odds with their elders, yeah, Eilian is on Ithilden's and Thranduil's nerves right now, but mostly, he's on his own nerves. I've written before that Eilian decided not to put his guard at risk and this is the story where that happens. It's been a long time since Ithilden was a new warrior and I suspect he was always more restrained that Eilian. But he had his own problems. I'll bet he wasn't always easy for superior officers to manage because he was pretty sure he was right.
I hope you enjoy the story.
daw
endorearwen
· 31 July 2013
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
I really enjoyed this story! We were taken away from the palace and got a glimpse of the unique spirit that is Legolas - surviving the crisis of a forgotten blankie and maintaining his composure sufficiently to wait calmly for help when he was lost - quite something for someone who is only 4 years of age (in human reckoning!) It was wonderful to see him 'reason' out the trust he has that his family would never let anything bad happen to him. I also enjoyed learning more about Eilian's troubles and seeing he and Thranduil reconnecting, if only in a small way. You did a great job of moving back and forth between time periods! :-) My favourite scene is Legolas' confrontation with Maltanaur as he is recovering at home - that was quite a 'high horse' for someone so tiny! Absolutely endearing!
Author's reply
It's so odd watching you read these elfling stories all at once when I wrote them years apart. Don't they seem repetitious? If not, I'm glad.
That scene with Legolas telling off Maltanaur was my favorite too. Then he politely says he had a lovely time. I cracked myself up writing that. But he wants to be sure Eilian is well looked after.
daw
6336
· 26 November 2008
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
P.T.S.D. Middle Earth style!
Lynda
Author's reply
Good analogy! Tolkien's use of the Shadow makes a good metaphor for the evil that people run into in RL.
autumn fallaise
· 12 May 2008
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Hey Daw!
I have really enjoyed all the stories I've read so far! All the characters are convincingly drawn and interstingly different from each other, and I quite like your OC creations. Your plotlines are nicely interwoven and interesting! I'm addicted.
Constructive criticism: Hmmm.... The only thing I can think of is: You mentioned some Sindar/Silvan culture clashes in 'Woodelves' - about Thranduil in Lorinand. Does his sons experience any, and how does it inform their thinking/upbringing? Do they ever have trouble with defining themselves as they have a mixed cultural heritage? Or is the area around the Stronghold thoroughly Sindarised by the time of Ithinduil, Eilian and Legolas? I guess part of Eilian's problem with Celuwen is a clash between Sindar/Silvan views on how to deal with Shadow? On the other hand, I think I remember one of the brothers identifying himself as a 'woodelf'. How does their father, who remembers Doriath, feel about that? Hmmm...didn't think about that before. now I'm wondering!
Before I forget, you asked whether all the time jumps were clear, and they are, except for the last chapter of this story. I'm not sure where it's supposed to fit in. Maybe it's because I'm not that familiar with your storeis?
I'll go back to reading now!
Author's reply
Hi, AF!
Oh man. I attached that last added scene to the wrong story, which is why you can't make sense of it. No one could! It belongs with "My Brother's Keeper."
Interesting questions about Sindar/Silvan clashes. In LOTR, Legolas identifies himself as a wood elf, and I think by the late Third Age, the cultures must have been pretty mixed. I think even Thranduil would have seen himself as wood elf by that time, though he'd have remnants of his Sindar heritage too. Given the length of Elves' lives, I suspect there was more mixing as time went on, and the clashes were rarer than fanfic sometimes shows.
That's my take anyway.
I'm glad you're enjoying the stories. I'm very fond of these characters myself.
daw
elliska
· 3 August 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
This is very powerful and captures the relationship between Eilian and Maltanaur so well. Especially the ending. Poor Eilian, he is so light-hearted that it is easy to forget that he is also driven, maybe even more than either of his other brothers, to protect his home at any cost. As I said, very powerful daw!
Author's reply
Thanks, Elliska. I screwed up when I attached this scene. It really belongs with "My Brother's Keeper," since it's the bout of Shadow Sickness that sent Eilian home there, and Maltanaur thinks about this scene at the end.
I'm finding when I just think about a scene and not a whole story it's easier to bring out the emotion because I'm not trying to do as much at once.
sofia
· 2 August 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
ooh... I don't like reading about Eilian crying- its so sad. Maltanaur is having such a 'nana' moment, I love it.
Keep it coming please!
Author's reply
Thank you, Sofia.
As it turns out, I screwed up posting this! It should be a missing scene attached to "My Brother's Keeper," the story where Eilian comes home with Shadow Sickness and plays drug cop. He really was luck to Maltanaur. Eru only knows if anyone else could have made him go home.
Bodkin
· 2 August 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Maltanaur is brilliant. He's just the rock Eilian needs. And Eilian would never have survived long enough to grow up and have Flower Face without his keeper - he'd have cracked for sure.
Thranduil should be very, very grateful to his old friend. (Not least for preventing the royal insanity his son might have driven him to without his steady reassuring presence.)
So many delicious characters - all three dimensional and much loved.
Author's reply
Thranduil showed his wisdom when he picked both his sons' keepers. Maltanaur is such a good match for Eilian. He tolerates Eilian's foolishness because he sees Eilian's strengths and goodness. And he saves Eilian from himself and all the evils that lie around him.
Thanks, Bodkin.
obsidianj
· 1 August 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
I always love to hear more of Eilian. This scene throws some more light on the shadow thickness and how it affects Eilian. It makes this sickness and its effects more real to me. Eilian is so lucky that he has Maltanaur to be his minder.
Author's reply
Thanks, Obsidianj. I've been gradually feeling my way to a better picture of Shadow Sickness. It's not pretty. Eilian goes home and then we get the story told in "My Brother's Keeper." Legolas is an adolescent there and he idolizes Eilian. This scene with Maltanaur is one he never hears about. Eilian wouldn't want him to know, not just because it would be humiliating, but because he wants to shelter Legolas from some of the horror in the woods.
meckinock
· 31 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
God, I love Maltanaur. Too bad we can't all have someone to tell us we fought the good fight and go home and everything will be all right. Where was I? Eilian's despair and exhaustion really come through here, as well as Maltanaur's caring. A nice addition to the story - either one!
Author's reply
I still can't believe I attached this to the wrong story. You remember at the end of "My Brother's Keeper" when Maltanaur sits with the guy who's addicted to dangwath? And he holds him while he weeps and thinks he did it for Eilian when the shadow overcame him? That's what this is supposed to be about.
Thanks for the review, Meckinock.
Dot
· 31 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Aren’t you full of surprises?!
It’s always good to see something new from you (I’m a little confused as to where this fits in with this story because I would have assumed it was much later but that could be because I haven’t had pleasurable rereading time for far too long.) This is excellent. The language in it – wow! I hadn’t realised I was holding my breath until I got to the part where Sórion comes up to Eilian and I was sure the fight was over.
Great job with Eilian. His irritability really comes through. And I like how he seems aware of it and yet can’t seem to remedy it – that rings so true. There’s such a sense of hopelessness and weariness too in his thoughts about how more orcs will keep coming no matter how many they get rid of.
I also thought it was well done how we begin to realise what’s wrong – Eilian’s despair and self-loathing, Maltanaur’s calm handling of him, the fact that the rest of the patrol seem to be looking more towards Sórion than Eilian.
his thoughts spun in tight little repetitious circles.
I love that description.
I’m so glad Eilian has Maltanaur. Even Gelmir seems a little at a loss. Though maybe he knows Maltanaur is the best person to speak to Eilian right now too. I suppose as scary as it is for the person who’s suffering, it must be frightening for everyone around them too. Physical injuries are so much easier to deal with. I feel bad too for Sórion – he’s in a tough position because he has to work with Eilian and yet he’s being snapped at for trying to do his job. That can’t be easy even when you suspect what’s wrong with the person. Plus, I’ve always had the impression that those two were never great friends. I do love how you show Eilian trying, though – he knows that he’s being short-tempered and tries to stop himself when he can. You can still see what a good captain he is beneath this sickness.
"You are going home if I have to tie you up and drag you."
Go Maltanaur! He’s about the only person who could make Eilian do what’s best for him. Unless Thranduil or Ithilden happened to ride into camp.
I’d say you heard my sigh all the way over there when he thought about his father’s disapproval. Thranduil will be only too happy that Maltanaur dragged his son out of there to come home and get help.
That was a very tense scene between the two of them. I knew Maltanaur would win but Eilian just has to fight it all the way until there’s no other way out. It was quite a moving moment when relief then all but knocks him over.
The ending too was very touching. I was so glad to see Eilian give in and open himself up to some comfort and the reassurance that if he just holds on it will be ok, even if it doesn’t seem possible to him yet. It was a rather unsettling glimpse too of how insidious this shadow is.
Maltanaur really is a rock.
Great piece, daw.
Author's reply
I'm not surprised you couldn't see how this fit with "All Those Who Wander" because as it turns out, I attached it to the wrong story. I belongs with "My Brother's Keeper." :-)
Oh well. Just a little mistake there!
I tried to keep this tight to Eilian's perceptions and you're so right when you say he's misjudged his father. Eilian is deep in Shadow Sickness. He sees no hope at all from any direction. Poor thing. He's lucky to have Maltanaur to insist he go home. Eveyone else just has to tiptoe around him, though they can see far more clearly than Eilian does exactly what's wrong.
It's interesting that Tolkien saw Sauron working through despair and fear as much as through physical force.
Thanks for the review. Lovely as always.
pipinheart
· 31 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Very nice!
This is a very nice scene between Eilian and Maltanaur. Everyone is worried about Eilain, but as always Eilain wants to push himself further. Maltanaur is a very fierce protector and will protect him from himself if he has to... They waited for the dawn, very nice. Love it!!! Please continue
Author's reply
Eilian is probably his own worst enemy, and in Mirkwood, that's saying something. But Maltanaur isn't putting up with any nonsense. I'm glad you liked this.
pipinheart
· 31 July 2007
· Chapter 6: The Troop Commander and the King--A Missing Scene
Love it!
You have to feel for Ithilden talking to his Adar. That took guts for him not to falter. Eilian was a handful, it had to be a challenge taking him on as Maltanaur has.
Nice work...
Author's reply
Thanks, Pipinheart.
You're right. That was tough for Ithilden. But Maltanaur had convinced him this was the only way to save Eilian from himself, so he did it. Thranduil really is lucky to have Ithilden.
erunyauve
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
>>Eilian shook his head. It would not be enough. He was beyond help, beyond hope. They all were, only the rest of them did not know it yet. They had failed. He wrapped his arms around his knees and put his head down on them. "I am so sorry."
You always find a way to make abstract concepts come alive.
(And have I mentioned how much I adore Maltanaur?)
Author's reply
You always find a way to make abstract concepts come alive
Bless you, Erunyauve. I'm sitting here wrestling with an original story, trying to describe a chaotic situation and despairing that the writing will remain chaotic too, so your vote of confidence is very welcome.
I love Maltanaur too. He's very well suited to looking after Eilian. He accepts him for who he is, at the same time he guards Eilian from his own weaknesses.
Agape4Gondor
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
I have read this story before - but for some reason, today it hurt to read. Brought back so many memories, hurtful memories of a time too much akin to the loss this family is going through. You wrote it beautifully - too realistically for my poor heart. I really cannot write why this affected me so - too personal - but it is well written.
And the ending chapter was beyond words.... left me near tears.
Author's reply
Thank you, Agape. We all draw on our experiences when we read and write, I think. I hope I didn't bring back too many bad memories. You honor me when you say it rings true to you.
Alison H
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
This was so well written, Daw.I enjoyed the further evidence that while Maltanaur may seem gruff and hard as nails he really, really does care for Eilian's well-being.He didn't hesitate to tell Eilian that he was going home and Thranduil's stubborn second son needs Maltanaur to push him--for his own good.Eilian's relief when he realised that he would soon be home was palpable.
These little additions are wonderful, Daw.I hope that you have time to do a few more.I love this family of Thranduil's and your stories are required to be read repeatedly!
Take care.
Ali.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ali.
Thranduil did a wise thing when he chose his sons' bodyguards. Maltanaur must have save Eilian from himself on more than one occasion. Poor Eilian. He's relieved to be going home and ashamed of his relief.
Bodkin's birthday is Friday. I expect I'll have something for her.
perelleth
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Wow! I found this so touching, daw! Goood that Eilian has Maltanaur, and an understanding lieutenant and good friends in his patrol, and a loving family waiting to take care of him, even if he is too down to be able to see it... It is so comforting to see him finally allowing himslef to break down! And perfectly pictured. I am loving these director's cuts! .-)
Author's reply
Eilian is on the edge of despair here, and Maltanaur sees it and doesn't hesitate to act. Thank goodness. I expect the whole patrol was walking on eggshells. They'll be relieved to see him go home, though I suspect Thranduil will be dismayed and frightened to see him. Thanks for the review, Perelleth.
Noor
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Thanks Daw - I presume this is when Legolas was worried about Eilian in the south?? When they both were suffering from shadow sickness ie much later on in your timeline or is it earlier??
Eilian normally works so hard at being the invulnerable hero but it was a revelation to see him in such depths of despair.
Thanks again
Noor
Author's reply
This is the Shadow Sickness episode that takes place right before "My Brother's Keeper," the story in which Eilian plays undercover drug cop. I probably should have attached it to that story. Actually that would have been a much better idea. What was I thinking? Oh well. Too late now. I think I attached it here because this story ends with Maltanaur.
Eilian is so resilient that I had a hard time remembering he was supposed to be so beaten down he couldn't cope at all. That's why Maltanaur drags him home. Poor guy. It's interesting that Tolkien had much of Sauron's power lie in his ability to drive people to despair.
mistry89
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
I don't believe I've ever said how very I have enjoyed this story, so please accept my belated "Thank you".
One of the very best things about your writing, for me, is the way in which despite the sad events, trying circumstances, and complicated relationships (especially within the family!), there are so many moments of humour and delight. The characters are not cardboard cut-outs - Ithilden is as much devoted son as he is dedicated commander, and loving brother - he is also oldest child, grieving son, frustrated soldier, irritated sibling, he is both Thranduil's heir and his biggest threat (as he takes the role Thranduil wants him to, he is taking control (must be difficult to hand over that authority to a younger elf, and your own son at that). ... and more beyond. I picked on him because he is the son we see least of, because he *is* controlled, and eldest, and different in nature to the others, and yet he has as many sides as a many-sided thing. :)
Phew! Sorry, didn't mean to ramble, but I really enjoy your stories, this one included, and wanted to say my thank yous!
Author's reply
Thanks, Mistry. I've been working on these characters for a long time now and trying out different events and time frames. So I suppose it's not surprising that over the years they've developed and shown sides of themselves I had no idea were there at the beginning. Ithilden was especially difficult for me to figure out. I don't think I really did until I wrote some from his point of view.
In any case, I so appreciate your kind words because in that lengthy time, I've grown very fond of these characters and anyone who says good things about them makes me happy.
Rede
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
So tell me...how in the WORLD do you write like this? I mean, it's getting a bit ridiculous! I find myself choked up at the end of nearly EVERY chapter. Especially this one! I swear, if you stop writing I'm gonna hunt you down and nag you till you call me momma. Really though, I look up to your talent. One day I hope to be half as good as you are.
Author's reply
Geez, Rede. Thank you. I've been working on original fic lately. Maybe I should forward this review to the agents and editors who fail to appreciate me.
Gwynhyffar
· 29 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Oh wow, Daw, that was really powerful. You really showed the effects of shadow sickness well here. I could feel Eilian's despair and completely understand his misguided thinking. He is lucky to have Maltanaur, I think. Well-I know he is, I don't think he is!
Author's reply
Thank you, Gwyn. Eilian is completely broken down here. But Maltanaur is old and wise and is willing to offer comfort and support. He knows the morning will come.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 29 July 2007
· Chapter 7: A second missing scene--The Captain and the Body Guard
Poor, poor Eilian. To see him so depressed and despondent, snapping at the members of his patrol - no wonder they are all worried about him. It must have been difficult for Maltanaur to see him like this; and even harder to force Eilian to see the truth.
That final image is a missing scene I've long wanted to see - thank you, Daw!
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay.
In some ways, I'm sorry to fill in these missing scenes because I think readers can probably do them better in their imaginations than I can in words. But this scene was one I'd thought about before and wanted to work out.
French Pony
· 14 June 2007
· Chapter 6: The Troop Commander and the King--A Missing Scene
Sorry I'm late. I've just now been catching up on my reading. I think my brain is recovered enough to deal with it now.
It strikes me that Thranduil takes a much different attitude towards his sons' military service than any other king I've ever read about, right up to the present day. I suppose that's because other kings send their kids into battle to fight for Harry, God, Saint George, or whatever, and they have a reasonable expectation that their army will win, and that Prince Whosit will cover himself in glory. In Thranduil's case, knowing what he's up against, the best he can ever hope for is a draw. So there's no glory to be won to offset the risk.
It must be difficult having all military decisions be family decisions as well. This scene, seems like both Thranduil and Ithilden are still figuring out how to adjust all their different relationships.
Author's reply
What I thought about with their relationship was that they might have worked some things out but then you throw Eilian in there and all bets are off. Now it's the king's son and Ithilden's brother and they have to figure things out all over again.
The Karenator
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 6: The Troop Commander and the King--A Missing Scene
I realized as I read this, I was as knotted up as Ithilden's stomach. I was standing in his boots with him.
"I believe you are asking about them not because he is one of your warriors, but because he is your son."
A great line, cuts right to the heart of the issue. And pretty darn gutsy of Ithilden to say.
"By the trust you have placed in me, the decision is mine to make, my lord, and I have made it."
I like this one too. Poor Thranduil. Don't you just hate it when your own words come back to bite you in the rump? Give the kid a little responsibility and the next thing you know, he's armed with what you taught him. Like I said, poor Thranduil.
The scene was a wonderful moment between father and son/king and troop commander. The lines shifted subtly. Assuming different roles at any given time must have been tough.
I especially like near the end where Ithilden finally took a seat. This was another shift. The tenseness didn't disappear entirely, but the king/commander personas seemed to downshift into father/son, both with the same concern for what was best for Eilian.
Very nice, Daw. I love a good scene with KING Thranduil. But I think I like it even more when he proves why he was considered the greatest of elven kings. He knew when to be king and when to be Dad. Oh man, you gotta love him. And Ithilden too. He's his father's son.
Author's reply
Ithilden has no fear, which is one of the things I love about him. He judges Thranduil's reaction pretty well and has the self-confidence to believe he can let his father blow up and then come around. Not that the experience is a pleasant one, but he believes he'll survive. Sometimes that self-confidence slides into arrogance, but that's one of the things I love too. :-)
Still those roles must have been hard to shift into and out of all the time. But I think you're right when you say they could communicate around their common concern for Eilian.
elliska
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 6: The Troop Commander and the King--A Missing Scene
I did miss this, so thanks to G. for posting about it in LJ. Oh this is a great scene. "You can overrule me, of course, my lord. If you have lost confidence in me, I could step down as Troop Commander." Hah! Well played Ithilden! And poor Thranduil. How difficult for him to send all his sons into such danger and have it all culminate with the danger his youngest faced in the WotR. But I absolutely adore Thranduil in these types of scenes, so I loved this!
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Elliska. At this point, I think Thranduil and Ithilden may have worked out their relative authorities pretty well, but then became a warrior and suddenly there's a whole new set of problems to negotiate. Poor Thranduil indeed, having to put aside his fear and let his sons go.
erunyauve
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 6: The Troop Commander and the King--A Missing Scene
>>Thranduil gave a short, incredulous laugh. "Are you defying me? I am your adar and your king." He dropped back into his chair.
>>"You can overrule me, of course, my lord. If you have lost confidence in me, I could step down as Troop Commander."
Great moment here - Ithilden has to establish his authority as Troop Commander, both as a son and a subject. And a good king picks the right advisors and lets them advise him.
>>Then I intend to instill an acute fear of the Valar and more importantly of me before you send him anywhere."
>>"I had plans to do that do that too, and I think Maltanaur has similar intentions."
>>Thranduil leaned back in his chair, raised his eyes, to the ceiling, and smiled. "Perhaps your naneth will want to have a word with him."
Poor Eilian! I'm sure orcs must have seemed welcome company after his family got through with him.
Author's reply
The layered relationships in this family have always interested me. How do you separate king from father? Warrior from brother? Commander from son? They must have had to learn to do that and then probably had to keep relearning.
On the other hand, Eilian needed someone to point him in the right direction on occasion. :-)