thechevin
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
Well I for one am glad this will be going to a fourth chapter.
You could feel the change in Taryatur as he began to worry over Legolas and his own inability to change the situation they were in, and his relief at being able to at least help fight the infection, even if it did taste 'vile'.
I think the Noldo found a certain amount of satisfaction in that and in being able to compare his daughters husband's reactions to those of his son.
The plants certainly seemed to be doing their best to attract his attention and help him.
Linevendë and Laerwen's own conversation was so very sad, and the realisation that she would never be a 'proper' naneth to her son must have come very hard to Laerwen, what a sad situation to be in.
Rising water levels that was something our unlikely pair could have done without yet once again we see the change in their relationship, the desire to protect and the accepatance of that help without resentment
Their conversation on war and its effect was chilling as was Taryatur's confession about his father and brother, what a thing to carry all these ages, he certainly needs someone to talk to who understands
Yet once again the change in their relationship came through when rather than tell Legolas his own feelings about Orephor something he would have delighted in earlier he protected his son-in-law's feelings
The forester certainly comes under the heading of crusty old elf, good job his helper was paying more attention to other things
and finally Legolas doing his best to avoid having to tell Ada he is injured again, finds that Taryatur has turned traitor and tells Thranduil the truth
Great story wonderfully told
thank you
Author's reply
Thank you! Although chapter 4 is only partly done as yet!
I think Taryatur needed to feel that Legolas needed his help - and protecting his son-in-law will change his attitude. And he is beginning to recognise a sort of relief of pressure in knowing that Legolas understands the things he cannot talk about. They don't need to talk much about war - they both know.
Laerwen was so thrilled to see Legolas, I reckon it's taken some time - and Celumil's arrival - to make her realise that you can't be Nana in the same way to a child whose growing up you missed. There are too many missing experiences. They can be friends and love each other - but she'll never be the one who sat with him through his bad dreams or dealt with his recovery from injury. She never let down the hems of his tunics as he grew or helped him with his schoolwork.
I'm just hoping the tree gets moved out of the way before the water starts up that chimney! That could cause a few more problems. And Taryatur had to let Thranduil know Legolas had been hurt - it's the parents' mafia!
I think their relationship has changed. Cautiously, no doubt. But they have a better understanding of each other and they've let go of some long-held stereotypes.
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Kitty
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
The longer they are trapped in this wet hole, the better they seem to get along. I am still sorry for Legolas being hurt, but otherwise it seems to do their relationship some good. It is nice to have them talking pretty normal for a change.
‘Oh, Taryatur!’ Legolas swallowed. ‘That knowledge is too great a burden for anyone to bear alone.’ That is only too true, and I am very glad Taryatur is finally able to open up enough to talk to someone. Considering Legolas’ background, living under the Shadow in Mirkwood for so long, he is certainly the better choice than Linevende or Elerrina, as he knows very well about what Taryatur is talking. Understanding is more important than pity or the like, I think. And I am now truly sorry for Taryatur, too, for losing his father and, even worse, his brother in this way. It is a very traumatic memory, no doubt, and explains a lot. Maybe he can let go some of this grief and trauma now through talking about it with Legolas.
Well, *finally* the rescue is on the way! About time, really. Thranduil seems to know his son pretty well if he deduces from „I could really do with a bath“ that Legolas is injured *grin* And I am absolutely sure he will not allow the foresters to discuss the matter until tomorrow night before doing anything as Taryatur expected. They would have to face a quite angry Elven King long before tomorrow.
Obviously it is not so easy for Laerwen to accept that she wasn’t able to raise her son herself and only saw him again so many centuries later, and Celumil’s birth showed her the difference quite clear. I hope in time she will feel her relationship with Legolas has improved. They have a long time to getting to know each other better, after all.
Author's reply
They had got into the habit of not thinking much of each other - and I think they needed to be jolted into hearing what the other had to say. Legolas is essentially very kind - it wouldn't take many of Taryatur's little revelations to change his attitude. And for Taryatur - I think becoming the protector would do a lot to help him.
In fact, Taryatur might well realise that Legolas can understand him without his having to say very much - they share a lot of experience, even if the whole of the Second Age comes between them. Taryatur was traumatised by his experience - and then went home to a group of people who had no real concept of war and suppressed all his memories. It will help him to realise that he doesn't need to talk to Legolas - he understands anyway. A word or two, a look - they know what it means.
And the rescue is just taking a bit longer than I meant it to! That tree isn't going to be easy to move! Even though Legolas 'needs a bath'... he wouldn't say he was not hurt - that wouldn't have been true! Thranduil might have to control his impatience a bit - better to do this safely.
I think Laerwen has quite a good relationship with Legolas - he was delighted to have her back and she was thrilled to be back with him - but she has come to realise that she is not really his nana. She wasn't there for all those crucial growing pains, she didn't comfort him when he was hurt or miserable - she knew him as a small child and then skipped to an adult married retired warrior with two kids. And nothing - not even elven immortality - will give her back Legolas's childhood. (Celebrian had that - she missed out on the twins' adult years. I think that is probably easier to fill in. Probably.)
Agape4Gondor
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
Excellent chapter - as always. You do not disappoint, fair writer.
I have a habit of reading too fast when things get tense... I had to read the las part over twice... once I found there was hope!
Thanks for the tense moments and for the fun of reading this!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you found it tense - it's difficult to tell sometimes when the writing is coming slowly. They are not out of the woods (or water-filled cavern) yet, but help has arrived and it shouldn't be too long. Probably. Barring accidents ... (Just to increase the tension of waiting!!)
The Karenator
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
I am so far behind on reading...writing...everything, but I have spent all evening reading this. It's wonderful. I love how you've characterized Taryatur. You've made him real and layered and... who knew? the elf has a sense of humor.
This is a terribly...or wonderfully, exciting tale. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed it. And I needed it. Thanks.
Author's reply
I have become fond of Taryatur - he has spent a long long time holding down the lid on some hideous experiences and letting them fester - and, if he can share them with his s-in-l, it will be good for both of them. They do actually have quite a bit in common - but Legolas deals better with what he has seen and done because, in his home, it was a shared battle - while Taryatur came from and returned to a world with little comprehension of what he had seen. And he does have a sense of humour! He just hasn't been willing to share it with the Wood elf.
I'm glad you're enjoying it. Thanks, Karen.
Larner
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
Excellent--the healing between them comes rapidly. It's about time!
And they've been located, which is a good thing. Too bad it took this to get the communication going at last, though--but that's how too many of us are, after all.
Author's reply
I doubt they will be bosom buddies - not yet, anyway - but they have opened some channels of understanding between them. They have a better grasp of their shared experiences and their desire to care for those they love.
They needed to be jolted off the rails they were following, I think. Each of them had developed stereotypes for the other - and they weren't keen to let them go. The problem now will be keeping the channels open for long enough for them to become set!
Gwynhyffar
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
Awwww, Legolas and Taryatur are finally coming to an uneasy peace. I enjoyed watching these two find the beginnings of understanding. There is nothing like adversity to bring people together.
Author's reply
They will have a bond - and a cautious understanding. But I reckon it will take them time to relax in each other's company. I think it has been good for Taryatur to be the protector, too - and for Legolas to see taking up that role. Won't Elerrina be surprised!
Lianna
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
Legolas is so funny with his "more unflappable than thou" approach to danger and injury. Although I think that Taryatur can match him at least most of the time.
Perhaps Taryatur's real problem is that he doesn't seem to have friends who share his background and understand him instinctively in the way that Elladan and Elrohir understand Legolas.
Poor Laerwen. Her experience with Legolas seems like that of a mother who gives up a child for adoption and doesn't meet him until he is an adult.
Great chapter. But please, get our guys out of there!
Author's reply
A warrior competition in cool! I reckon Legolas knows life-threatening when he sees it - and he knows (now) that any damage is fixable.
I think Taryatur rejected and tried to bury his experience when he came back to the Blessed Realm - and there were not enough people round him who could help release the pressure. Legolas has spent far longer around fellow warriors - including E2 - who understand and have come to terms with what they did.
Good analogy - Laerwen has missed a lot of important years with her son, and she is his naneth rather than his nana. He treasures his few memories of her - but she missed all that adolescent angst and wasn't there for him. Through no fault of her own, but she was still missing.
Won't be long now! But it's not going to be that easy to get the tree out of the way safely - and you wouldn't want it falling on their heads now, would you?
vampfan30
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
*** releasing a held breath *** Finally, our guys are getting rescued! It looks as if things between them are going to work out after all. Sometimes it takes a rough circumstance to get people talking to each other again......Been there, done that.
Author's reply
They'll still be cautious with each other, I think. But connections have been made and they're mature enough to nurture them, I hope.
It'll still take a while to move that tree - but they know now it's only a matter of hours!
daw the minstrel
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
Oh yay. I knew this was here today and I had to work. Can you believe that?
I think if I were trapped underground with the water rising, I'd want Thranduil taking charge of getting me out. But I did like the way the elves think of the tree and the forest animals too, talking about them as if they were all part of the same life rather than put there to serve elves.
Poor Laerwen. She lost a lot when she died and she's not going to get it all back, although she'll certainly get something precious.
Author's reply
Working is cruel. There are much better things to do with your time than that.
Oh yes, Thranduil won't let the debate last too long - but I don't think it will be the work of minutes to get them out. The branch is plugging the hole and it's pretty heavy. I was thinking that the pace of life for the creatures and the trees wouldn't make them necessarily very good observers - they would happily report what they saw, but they wouldn't understand it.
Laerwen has a small child now - and must realise even more that she missed out on a whole lot when she was killed. You can be parted from your adult children and they are still your kids, but losing those childhood years must change the relationship considerably. And she must notice it in the ... sub-text of Legolas's connection to his father. But what she has is still precious.
Dreamflower
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
Sounds like nearly everyone is learning a lesson, not merely Taryatur and Legolas. But I do like this beginning of rapprochement between them--no, not yet a friendship--but something more, I think, than merely a truce.
I loved the way Thranduil knew Legolas was hurt when his reply to the question was that he needed a bath, LOL! He *does* know this son of his very well indeed.
And I also liked the moments between Laerwen and Linevinde--I can see how she regrets not being around for her son. That she died rather than take ship does not rid her of the feeling of having deserted him.
I look forward to seeing the two of them get out of there--there are family members who may look back on this terrifying episode as entirely worth it!
Author's reply
It would be too easy - and unlikely, I think - for them to fall into each other's arms. But respect is built on understanding, and I think they know more about each other - they have learned that they have some things in common and share a fierce desire to protect those they love, for example. And Legolas is, at the moment anyway, included among those Taryatur will risk himself to protect.
Thranduil would probably assume that Legolas was hiding his hurts anyway - he has known him a long time! And the longer Laerwen knows Legolas, the more she must realise how much she has missed of his life. (I suspect Celebrian has similar moments of regret - although she didn't miss her children's childhood...)
Oh yes - in retrospect, this adventure may well seem worthwhile!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Spanning the Gap
I'm so relieved that they are nearly out of there!
This enforced time together has given Legolas and Taryatur time to talk, and think, and understand one another - and I agree that their problem (one of them, at least) is that they are too alike.
Taryatur's revelation about his brother's disappearance in Angmar is chilling. Yes, it's better to think he died there than to imagine the alternative. *Shudder*
Welcome back. Have you been away, or just internetless?
Author's reply
My computer has gone to be fixed - and it's taken me some time to work out how to attach my daughter's to the net. Although I'm still e-mail-less! It's a horrible fate ...
I've long thought that one of the barriers between these two is that they don't want to admit that they have shared a lot of experience. What Taryatur hasn't wanted to admit is that the experience can have good effects as well as bad. But then he was born in the time of the Trees and has refused to deal with what he suffered in the WofW. He might find that leaking a little of that to Legolas eases his own scars. As well as giving his s-in-l more respect for him.
But now they've just got to get that tree out the way and they're home and free!
Redheredh
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Oh, I loved this! Sometimes it takes a crisis for people to open their doors to each other. But, what stood out for me...
Taryatur looking up and talking to someone. ;) Just who was that, eh? It is almost expected for modern day characters to do that, but how does that convention work with an elf of the Blessed Realm? Was he addressing Nature like that Wood-elf might? :D
However, Legolas's advice about not looking into the flame really struck me as an incredible metaphor of Taryatur's emotional blindness. He had stared into the bright Light for all his existence and thought beholding it better than staring into the darkness. Ignorant or forgetting that gazing into such radiance renders you unable to see in the shadows. And it was Legolas who was telling him this and acknowledging that fire emphasises the feeling of gloom That was *very* interesting to contemplate. And confirmed there just before the end, I think.
Their other philosophical discussion about dwarves and orcs was wonderfully personable.
I enjoyed their gallows humor very much too. ;) Both wise and experienced in the desperate, yet enough to know not to give up. They live so they, not only hope, but act.
Thranduil and Laerwen were great too. And I have gotten the impression that something more involved is going on with Elerrina.
But, the next big thrill is just how they will get saved, not from each other, but by people not looking for them yet!
Author's reply
Taryatur is making a plea - of sorts - to the Valar! Some of whom he knows personally - and none of whom reside for preference in a water-worn stone cavern beneath the forest floor.
Goodness. I'm glad you're there to let me know how philosophical I was being! (Of course, I was doing all that deliberately ... she asserted, looking round shiftily...) Good thinking, though! And the brightness to which Taryatur was accustomed would make the darkness seem so much worse. And, I think, he grew up in a nearly perfect Blessed Realm - the troubles would have shattered his confidence in a way that bad times didn't affect Legolas - who always knew that good is something you have to strive towards, rejecting evil along the way.
I do think this adventure will help them both see the elf below the stereotype ... which will be much to Elerrina and Linevende's relief.
The storm was huge - and the forest is disrupted. The adventures of two elves don't amount to a hill of beans in the general disturbance. Except to Elerrina - who is not accustomed to the feeling and doesn't know quite what to make of it.
Fingers crossed they make it out in the next chapter - which is getting so long it might have to stop soon before they return to daylight!
elliska
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Broken Bridges
Oh this will be great! Just what Taryatur and Legolas need. And I love seeing these two interact. It is almost as good as Thranduil and Galadriel. Glad to see you start another one with these characters.
Author's reply
Thank you, elliska. This is only going to be a short tale - and I doubt all problems will be cured. That would be too easy! But hopefully they will develop a slightly better understanding and abandon the automatic bristling reflex they have at the thought of each other.
elliska
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Hehehe! I know it is mean, but the idea of those two trapped together and forced to rely on each other makes me giggle. Legolas's reaction that it should be illegal was hialrious. But I loved the things they talked about and their reactions to one another. As someone said, they have so much in common that they really could be great friends if they gave it a chance. Of course they never will, but a truce would be good.
And Thranduil! ‘I am not prepared to tolerate it – and I am very good at getting my way.’ This just cracked me up!
I love these characters!
thechevin
· 18 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Oh my out of the frying pan and into the fire here for Taryataur and Legolas but at least they are in a position where they have to rely on each other and where there are no interruptions or others doing their best to step into the uncomfortable breech made by thoughtless words and misunderstandings
They are in this together and have to work with each other
I smiled at Taryantaur's comments when he was searching for the intolerant wood elf, and also at his attempts at comfort, I'm not sure which of them is more uncomfortable with it.
As for Laerwen well as Thranduil says he is glad she is on his side, but I am surprised neither of them realise their son is injured and in need of rescue or do they?
Author's reply
I think being forced to listen to each other - and to pick up unspoken messages, too - is long past due for these two. It will do Taryatur good to be the one who is offering help and support, as well - just as being hurt will make it easier for Legolas to let what he is hearing pass through the barriers he has established to ward him against the endless disapproval.
Taryatur is an honest elf - if prickly - and, when pushed, he has to admit that his son-in-law is part of his extended family.
I think the forest is very disturbed by the storm and its voice is very loud - and probably drowning out other messages. Laerwen wouldn't deliberately leave her son and Taryatur in a difficult position - but she might feel that a bit of time together will do them no harm.
Kitty
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Quite a bad situation for my favourite Wood elf! His family-by-marriage seems not overly healthy for him, if he gets injured every time he tries to help one of them. It may be good to lock the two up somewhere together in order to force them to sort out their differences, but why has Legolas to suffer so much? Poor guy, I hope they will be rescued soon!
Well, at least I see some signs of hope. Did I read it correctly that Taryatur recognized the fact Legolas would never have gotten hurt if he himself hadn’t run through the forest in this weather and his son-in law hadn’t to search for him? And it was good to see Taryatur cared enough for Legolas to look for him and to help him. Nice change to have Taryatur comforting him instead of snapping at him and even being worried about him.
Warm hands closed on his. ‘I am not about to let you give up,’ Taryatur informed him fiercely. ‘We will come up with a solution that will see us both going safely home. and ‘And I owe you my best efforts.’ *That* is certainly something new, coming from Taryatur!
Somehow I suppose this is the first time they ever got to talk, truly talk, with each other. They have the chance to see that they have some things in common, particularly the bad memories about war. And Taryatur even talked a bit about his experiences in Angband! Finally! It will do him some good, of this I am sure. And Legolas is someone who can understand it, even if he wasn’t even born then, as he fought for so long against the shadow in Mirkwood and then in the War of the Ring.
Legolas’ parents should have listened to Elerrina. She very obviously knew there was something terribly wrong, but I suppose the others thought it was her usual worry about the state of the relationship between her father and husband, and I suppose Elerrina herself can’t tell the difference yet.
Loved Thranduil’s decision to take on Taryatur if Legolas isn’t successful. But Laerwen seems a bit ruthless here. I was surprised they didn’t sense something was wrong, as Elerrina did. Somehow I had thought Legolas could talk with the trees above their cave – I had never the impression the woodelves need to touch the trees in order to communicate with them – and so get a message back home, or the trees would tell Thranduil and Laerwen of their own accord that their son had an accident. But maybe the wood was too occupied with the storm to do this. Well, I hope when they learn what has happened they will have a bad conscience for waiting so long ...
Author's reply
I think Legolas is quite good at diving into trouble - even in the absence of his wife's family! He is high-principled and courageous and has a tendency to leap to the defence of those who need it.
Taryatur is probably grumpier than ever - because he has to admit (to himself at least - because he is a very honest elf) that Legolas is making his daughter a good husband and that he is a good father to two very well-balanced grandchildren. And being the one who has to do the caring might well bring out a side of Taryatur's character that Legolas has always ignored.
And I do feel that their experiences of war would be a bond between them - if only they would let them. They are both veterans, and no-one understands a war veteran like another. Taryatur's few words have revealed more about him to his son-in-law than all the time they've spent together so far.
I don't think Elerrina's had much need to listen to the feelings that tell her Legolas needs help. And everyone is getting rather tired of the way he and Taryatur snark at each other - so they might be turning a bit of a deaf ear to them. They could never have expected what has actually happened, after all!
I think there's too much rock around them for Legolas to communicate easily with the trees. And he's hurt, too, which doesn't help. Then the trees are disturbed by the storm anyway. And then if nothing had happened, Legolas and Taryatur wouldn't have been too happy to have people chasing after them to see if they were all right. It's a tough call to decide when a search is needed.
Lianna
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
I really don't like Laerwen here. She seems way too sure of herself. She is totally ignoring Elerrina's reaction, which should have suggested to her that something is seriously wrong. I wonder how she and Thranduil will feel when they find out that they deliberately delayed getting help for two people who are in serious danger, one of whom has significant injuries.
Author's reply
Laerwen is very sure of her knowledge of the forest. Taryatur and Legolas are in the forest - and any disturbance is related to the storm. She isn't really able to feel through stone - but has no reason to suspect that stone is involved. They should pay a bit more attention to Elerrina's reaction - but I think they think there might be another reason for that ...
The delay in sending out help is partly storm-related - plus no two retired warriors are going to be too thrilled to have search parties chasing them like a pair of elflings. It's only that we know they're in trouble.
But help will come! (This isn't going to be a long story!)
vampfan30
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
God, these two !! I can't help but see a little bit of Spike and Angel ( Buffyverse ) in these two the way that they throw barbs constantly. All the while, each is seeking some kind of acceptance from the other.......And, as always, the poor girl stuck in the middle has to worry about who is going to kill who first - hope it doesn't come to that ^__^
Author's reply
Ahh! Well that's something I know has had no influence at all on my portrayal of their relationship! I think they have begun to see that they share something that could help both of them. (Well. Taryatur, especially.) And there is a slightly arrested look in their eyes. If only it wasn't too dark for them to see it! Mind you, I think they mind find it easier to talk to each other in the dark.
Fingers crossed they both realise they have more in common than simply loving Elerrina. It won't make things perfect, but it will help!
Larner
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
The bridge is being built, but one buttress is still shifting a bit. Atar-in-law needs to stop his denial.
Author's reply
I think worrying about Legolas - and sitting together where it is almost dark - will do a lot to bring down the barriers between them. I hope so, anyway!
Larner
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 1: Broken Bridges
What a way in which to realize his son-in-law has been trying to protect him! And then the fall of the tree and the slide, and the need to search for Legolas. Not exactly the manner in which Thranduil expected the two ellyn to patch up differences, I think.
So beautiful in the descriptions!
Author's reply
No - but I think Taryatur and Legolas have got themselves in the groove of disapproving of each other and their hackles rise automatically as soon as the other opens his mouth. It will take something to jolt them out of that! And you never know, they might actually discover they have something other than Elerrina in common!
Thank you!
Dreamflower
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Well, they've made a good deal of progress on the communications front, even if they've yet to reach an accord, they are at least *really* talking for the first time. But they are not making such good progress on the survival front.
I find myself a bit surprised at Laerwen's attitude--I know that she wants her son and his father-in-law to come to terms, but I would think she'd be just a little more worried about their physical well-being! Thranduil is right to be concerned, as we know only too well!
Elerrina, however, has clearly realized something is dreadfully wrong. I hope they will listen to her.
Author's reply
They have come to see that they have shared experiences. Experiences divided by a couple of ages, but created by facing the same types of danger. And now they are hearing each other, they do stand a much better chance of realising that they have quite a lot in common. Survival - well, they are doing better than might be expected! Escape - is a bit more of a problem!
Laerwen has a very good idea what is happening in the forest and is not aware of any disturbance that suggests her son is in danger. However, Legolas and Taryatur are below the forest - and surrounded by stone, which does not respond to her.
Elerrina's reaction is actually more accurate - but the lightning strikes need immediate action and it will take some time before matters are settled enough to start searching for the two missing elves. And possibly longer to find them as the downpours have wiped out most physical traces.
Fingers crossed it doesn't take too long!
Ellie
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Talk about punishments that should not be allowed! Poor Legolas! And poor Tar! I am glad that they are getting the chance to "bond" and understand each other better.
I love his mom in all of this. She is terrific. Poor wifey is out of her mind with worry and Thranduil is taking everything in stride.
This is such a wonderful tale. Keep up the great work!
Author's reply
If they can open themselves to each other enough to realise that they have shared experiences and hopes for the future, Legolas and Taryatur definitely have the potential for a truce. With a possible long-term peace. Yes, of course they will still have their differences, but the resentment between them will (hopefully) become a thing of the past.
Laerwen doesn't realise, I think, quite how much danger Taryatur and Legolas are in. She has a very good grasp of the forest - but they are surrounded by rock. Elerrina knows something is wrong, but can't put her finger on what it could be. She hasn't been married to Legolas long enough to have experienced his being injured before! Thranduil - well, forests and lightning strikes are dangerous combinations. And he probably can't believe that his son, who has faced the might of Sauron and walked away, could be in real danger here in the Blessed Realm.
Thank you, Ellie. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Armariel
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Ahhh...they are talking civilly, at least! Wonderful. Good elves. Pity it took a serious injury to bring it about.
Come on, you infuriating elf,’ he muttered. ‘Do not make me wish to see your face.’
‘Unfortunately I omitted to bring my sewing kit with me.’
Nice repartee! The Elves are so vividly characterized here. (Seems I've said so before, haven't I?) Shucks, I rather like Taryatur now! Tough old bird. And he has really been through it. I have to hand it to him. So has Leggy. But they endure!
Author's reply
I think Elerrina and Linevende had been thinking of shutting them in a cupboard - but this is probably better in the long run. Provided they survive the experience! Legolas has been looking after Taryatur - and Taryatur is protecting Legolas. The wall between them is cracking - although they are still bristling at times - and they are really communicating. And realising that they actually share a lot, both in their past and their hopes for the future. Fingers crossed it helps!
Agape4Gondor
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
You kept me on the edge of my seat again during this chapter. Love the dialogue between the two combatants.
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope that they will get out of this quite quickly, so there's probably only one chapter to go. Legolas and Taryatur are actually communicating now - and recognising shared experience and shared hopes. I don't think they are likely to abandon hostilities totally, but I'm hopeful that they will understand each other better. There's not much for them to do at the moment but talk - I'm glad you're enjoying the dialogue!
daw the minstrel
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 2: Building Bridges
Thranduil is right. Laerwen is ruthless and I'd hate to have her plotting against me, even for my own good.
It's interesting to see how these two open up a little when life gets stripped down to its essentials and they can't walk away. Legolas's insight into how his father-in-law feels has to be useful. I can't tell if Taryatur is gaining similar insight, but at least he's asking questions instead of judging.
Author's reply
Laerwen does have a very good idea what is going on in the forest. Not so much under it! I don't think she would be happy if she knew that her son and his father-in-law were actually in danger.
I do feel that these two actually have quite a lot in common - possibly sharing certain qualities. And that Taryatur has allowed superficial differences to blind him to that fact. I think Taryatur is actually feeling quite protective towards the Wood-elf - and that can't be a bad thing!