Starlight and Moonlight · 17 April 2018 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
This just makes me even sadder that Salque died in the end.
Dwarves and Spiders by Manderly
Reviews (35)
So_Yun · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
Oh btw Manderly, I hope you like it: http://soyun.deviantart.com/art/For-Manderly-74316164 :) Yun
So_Yun · 9 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
Hello Manderly, I hope life is treating you well. It has been quite some time since I last visited SoA. But as soon as I got here I went straight to your page and read all your stories again, hoping in vain that you had written some new ones which I was most looking for. You haven't but it's alright, I wasn't terribly disapointed just delighting in re-reading all your stories at least three times. I had no idea how much I have missed YOUR Legolas, Thranduil and especially Aldeon, Feren, Tavaro and Salque. I still find joy and contentment in reading all your stories but this one as well as the first one I ever read of yours, 'The First Snowfall' hold a dear place in my heart. You are an incredibly talented writer and in my mind and eyes your stories have become instant classics which I will forever re-read and never stop, because I will never become bored of them. I really do hope one day that something will ignite a spark of inspiration and you shall write some more truly, lovely, awe-inspiring pieces that I, we, everyone can always enjoy. If not I'm sure you will feel content in knowing what glorious masterpieces you have created, no matter how humble they are. In my eyes, you are a destined author and will always be one of my favourites. I hope you bask in happiness and pride because you do truly deserve such compliments. Don't worry, I'll be back. I won't be finished until the day I die. By then I shall have badgered you still for another decade and I am nearly 25 :) Now, now I'm off to re-read one of your stories again. I can't get enough! Your devoted fan/reviewer/reader, ~So Yun.
mistry89 · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
What a lovely look at at the life of a very little prince. The scene where he tries to identify the intruders is lovely - poor little elfling! A great addition to your arc - I have such a soft spot for pre-lotr Legolas stories, and GoodFather Thanduil, so you have long been on my "Watch" list. His mistakes are so child/human and natural, and balance out his alien/elven reactions. This gives me a wonderful excuse to go back and re-read all the stories. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words. I too am a fan of pre-lotr Legolas and a good Thranduil. I guess that's why I write stories about them. I guess there's so little known about Legolas before the Quest that I don't feel as guilty when I take certain liberties when I write about that segment of his life. Thank you for reading and leaving your comments.
bigfootape · 11 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
Another superb tale! Especially loved the part about Legolas being afraid that his heart would come out next.. cute. I just looked back and realized it's been 1 year since your last story! Glad to have you back! I'll be looking forward to more tales from you. =D
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad that Legolas came across likable in this story rather than as a spoiled brat (which he probably was)who needed his backside warmed by a fatherly or brotherly hand. Yes, it's been a while since my last story. I really have a hard time coming up with ideas for stories. Writers who always seem to have a multiple of ideas make me very jealous. Thanks for reading and commenting.
ziggy · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
I really enjoyed reading this- thank you. I liked the idea of Legolas slowly realsing that wargs probably do not wear boots particularly.
Author's reply
I am glad you liked the story. Legolad needs to be a bit more well-informed and Thranduil probably realizes that as well. Hence the essays on dwarves and wargs as punishment. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Wantanelf · 2 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
What a great story. I had forgotten how much I enjoy your "Legolas world". I love the interaction between Legolas and his family, especially Thranduil. Your original characters are great. I enjoyed finding out how Salque had become Legolas' keeper. Reading this story reminded me how much I enjoyed your previous stories. I've started re-reading them and enjoy them just as much the second time around. I hope you have more planned. Thanks for the great read.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for such kind words! I am glad you enjoyed this story. It's a bit of a departure from my usual stuff, but I certainly had fun writing it. Original characters usually don't have an easy time winning over readers, so to know that you like them is very satisfying for me. I certainly hope that I can come up with another story soon. Again, thanks for reading and reviewing!
French Pony · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
So I guess we can assume that the Dwarves were escorted firmly on their way? Thranduil's punishment sounds long and severe, but I wonder if it will have the desired effect in the long run. Clearly, Legolas is spoiling for more time with his Ada, but Thranduil has all but banished the kid from his presence for a month. Not the way to get an active little elfling to mind his Ada. More adventures are clearly in the offing.
Author's reply
Yes, the dwarves are gone, for the time being. Did you think the punishment was severe? I thought he was being rather lenient as I would have thrashed the kid, but I guess it's because I'm not an elve. I agree though that Thranduil might be better off if he spent more time with the kid, but I guess he's passing the buck to Salque, at least for the time being. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Bodkin · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
I'm not surprised Thranduil is stressed! You want to get them back in your arms, check they're all right and then ensure they never do anything so stupid again! I hope Legolas's efforts researching into spiders, wargs and dwarves manage to make him realise that elflings are vulnerable creatures! But Thranduil is still very wise to provide said elfling with a minder! Legolas is clearly not about to stay where he is put and his family will be much more at ease if they know Salque is on his tail. A lovely tale. I hope another one comes along soon!
Author's reply
If I were Thranduil, I'd be tempted to chain Legolas down to make sure that he doesn't kill himself, but I guess having Salque shadowing the elfling is another alternative, a more elvish one anyways. Hopefully Legolas will learn about vulnerability through his book learning, but it might also prompt him into more adventures. You never know with kids. Thank you very much for reading and providing all those kind comments. They are greatly appreciated!
Elflingimp · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
Humm....could he have been made Legolas's bodyguard? I think I read that from another one of your stories Ill have to go check and reread your stories again,thats what this story has made me want to do Thanks it was a great story!!!
Author's reply
Yes, Salque has the unenviable position of being Legolas' bodyguard. He makes his reappearance in The First Journey and then again in Princeling. I'm glad you liked the story. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
daw the minstrel · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Facing the Consequences
Nice conclusion, Manderly. Thranduil is a good father, trying to balance love and discipline. Legolas is lucky to have all these different people caring about him.
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas is lucky. Good thing he turned out the way he did or else his entire upbringing would have gone to waste. Thranduil is a good father, but we all know that already! Thanks for reading and and your comments are always appreciated. Can we hope to be blessed with another one of your stories soon?
French Pony · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Confessions
Aldeon is indeed a wise big brother, and good for him for agreeing to make Legolas another bow with the same carvings as before. And Legolas does have a point about being bored because no one ever takes him anywhere. It's a strategy that, on the face of it, would appeal to a parent, but doesn't ever really work.
Author's reply
Legolas is very lucky to have a brother like Aldeon. If all big brothers can be like that! The boredom complaint is a well-used one, but you are right, it seldom works. Just ask my kids!
daw the minstrel · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Confessions
Yay! Aldeon to the rescue. Or really Salque to the rescue, I guess, with Aldeon to add comfort. I'm glad he decided to be merciful to the dwarves. They did a good deed. Now, on to Thranduil!
Author's reply
Between Salque and Aldeon, Legolas is certainly in good hands. The elfling should enjoy the indulgent company while he can. I don't think Thranduil will be quite as doting when his wayward son is returned to him, though one never knows!
Bodkin · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Confessions
Well - Legolas appears to be able to twist Aldeon round his little finger. I just hope, for his own character development, that Thranduil manages to remain strong in the face of elfling-cuteness and express quite firmly his displeasure with elfling escapism. How embarrassing - an elf falling from a tree! I think Legolas would rather have been attacked. But he is unwilling to cast blame on the dwarves, which shows a nice honesty to the child. I'm glad the elves accept that being chased by spiders is a good enough reason for the dwarves being so deep in the forest. And I suppose spiders have their uses if they deter intrusion. If only they could keep the nasty creatures under control they could be the guard spiders of the forest.
Author's reply
Yup, Legolas certainly has Aldeon wrapped around his little finger, and more. Good thing that Thranduil and Feren are there to balance the over-indulgence. The Legolas that I have created is certainly a spoiled brat, but I also like to think that he has a good decent base to him, a product of decent role models that he has in his family. I agree with you that Legolas would have much preferred being bitten by spiders and chased by wargs than to have fallen off a tree. How does a Wood Elf live that down? A battalion of trained spider guards - imagine that! Somebody should enlighten Thranduil where to direct his efforts.
yanic · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Confessions
the stunted ones! that just had me in stitches, and all I could think of is Legolas's meeting with Gimli... stunted! lol glad to see Legolas is safe!
Author's reply
I thought stunted ones was a funny name too for the dwarves. I did a bit of research before writing this story and apparently that was one of the names used by the elves when referring to dwarves. I am sure the dwarves probably have quite a list of less than complimentary names for the elves as well. I can imagine the exchange of insults between Legolas and Gimli at their initial meeting, if they were given the chance.
Bodkin · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 2: Unexpected Company
Legolas thinks they're wargs - and they suggest he might have birthed from a ripe fruit! Really - dwarves and elves need to spend a bit more time talking to each other. Such a shame the fall broke Legolas's bow - especially since Aldeon made it.
Author's reply
Misunderstanding of cultures have led to many wars, as history has shown us, so I guess the same principle applies in Middle Earth as well. The dwarves and the elves need a culture exchange program, as do many of our nations today. (feeling rather cynical today, hence the rant). The broken bow will probably be the only blight on what Legolas is seeing as a most excellent adventure. I am sure big brother will do his best to remedy that.
Bodkin · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
Salque! The first meeting. The poor dwarf, though. I can hardly blame him for objecting to being vomited on - it's not much fun. And Legolas thinks that he is about to be turned inside out, poor kid. But at least he set the warriors right as soon as he could be persuaded to speak. And he might realise - after a while - how fortunate he was to be found by the dwarf party and rescued from the spiders. They're a bit gruff, but they are kind.
Author's reply
If I were that poor dwarf, I'd probably be tempted to do more than just toss the elfling. I had enough trouble dealing with my own kids' vomit when they were young, let alone somebody else's kid's. You are probably right that Legolas will eventually realize that the dwarves saved his life, even if they did keep him from seeing his first spider. The dwarves ane elves are probably more similar than they realize. I can't see either race leaving a kid to fend for himself in a forest full of danger.
Faramir of Gondor · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
Hey I love this story about Legolas! Its great! When is the next chapter coming out??:)
Author's reply
I am glad you like this story since it's quite the departure from my other stories. The next chapter will be coming up soon, as soon as I edit the life out of it! Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Blaise · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
I was thrilled to see a new fic from you. I love the family you have created for Legolas; how they all interact. The hero worship Legolas has for Tavaro is so endearing and his adventure to see the spiders is so typical of the personality you have created for him. The idea that Legolas had never experienced being ill and thought his stomach had fallen out with his heart soon to follow was so funny yet understandable from an elven point of view. ANd I love that you introduced Salque as his savoir...how appropriate. Thanks for sharing this tale with us...
Author's reply
I am glad you like Legolas' family. Though Legolas did not have a substantial role in Tolkien's books, I've always thought that he must have had a very decent and loving upbringing to turn out the way that he did, so it was natural for me to create a close and loving family for him. I guess I am just a big fan of a strong family environment. I thought this story was a good opportunity for introduce Salque. That poor elf really doesn't know what he's getting himself into by coming into Legolas' life. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Elflingimp · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
Well Im glad the dwarves didnt get in trouble for helping little Legolas, him upchucking and thinking his heart was going to come out was precious,I cant wait to see how his dear father will react!!
Author's reply
The dwarves will be spared a visit to Thranduil's dungeons, I think. In spite of their less than delicate handling of Legolas, they really do deserve thanks from the elves for looking after the elfling in their own way. The upchucking scene is a bit of the bathroom humour that I guess I haven't really quite outgrown. We all might be a little anxious to see how Thranduil will react, but I don't think Legolas shares our enthusiasm.
French Pony · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
I love it! Jerky and ale for a little kid. And then they turn him upside down and joggle him around and they're surprised when he ralphs it all up again. And after all that, he's still interested in the prospect of spiders. The name Salque is familiar. Is this a Fateful First Encounter?
Author's reply
Jerky, ale, dwarf odours and being tossed around can certainly be a deadly combination for an elfling. Can't blame the kid for making a statement of sorts, even if the statement is a regurgitation of all that he's eaten. And spiders are still the top priority. What can I say but that Legolas has a very unhealthy obsession with the creepy-crawlies. Salque is the unfortunate elf that Thranduil eventually assigns to keep watch over Legolas, since the King wisely decides he can't do it himself. Salque makes a very brief appearance in The First Journey and then another one in From Princeling to Warrior.
Alison H · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
Ahhhh--that was wonderful, Manderly! The first ever meeting between Legolas and his beloved guardian, Salque.That was so well written. Legolas' 'illness' was very well thought of--of course he wouldn't know what vomiting was being an elf! I could have squeezed Legolas to death when he said "hearwillfallout".That was so adorably CUTE!! Again, when he spat the water out he looked to Salque in case he was admonished for rudeness--wonderful detail, Manderly. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter--Thranduil and Aldeon will be beyond panicked by now.Looking forward to more of this story. Ali.
Author's reply
I must admit that when my kids were young, I enjoyed reading stories to them more than they enjoyed listening to them. Some of the humour in those stories just had me in stitches. There's something very basic and innocent about that type of humour and that's where I looked to for inspiration while coming up with this story. I'm glad I managed to capture a bit of it. Yes, the first meeting between Legolas and Salque. Little does he know it, but Salque's life is in for some big changes. Legolas will have to face the music soon enough when he is returned to his by now freaked-out family. Dwarves and spiders might be exciting, but Ada's punishment is reality. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
lwarren · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
Oh my goodness! Salque! So that is how Legolas meets his future keeper! And he is so gentle and caring with Legolas, who, bless his sweet heart, is totally freaked out by his first experience with hurling! Sweet elfling - afraid his heart was going to come up next! Had to giggle at the thought, in between the awwww's! :-) This was a good chapter, Manderly, at showing the interaction between the 'snippet of an elf' and the dwarves. The break for lunch was hilarious, especially the ale. I was afraid Legolas would be so tipsy he wouldn't be able to walk, but it turned out it affected him even worse! And he still didn't get to see any spiders! (I do have to confess to having the breathless reaction of "Awesome" when the dwarf turned to face that silent ring of elven warriors, all aiming their arrows at various dwarven body parts! What an arrival! *sigh*) So Salque will return our little wandering Prince to his Ada and big brother, with a side dish of dwarves to liven up the conversation a little. LOL. This was great, Manderly! You are doing such a good job with the humorous explanations an elfling (vomiting) or a dwarf (where DO elves come from?) might come up with to explain the unknowns of life! :-) Can't wait for the Father and Son reunion! Linda
Author's reply
Yes, Salque makes his debut here, though if he knows what's in store for him as Legolas' keeper, he really should just turn around and go back to where he came from. It is my firm opinion that the first time hurling is always a traumatic experience for anybody, and for an elfling for whom illness is a totally foreign concept, the experience must be even deadlier. As for the lunch, I was debating whether I should have a tipsy elfling or a spewing elfling. The latter is more disgusting so naturally I went for the vomiting. Besides, it guaranteed a greater reaction from the dwarves, or one unfortunate dwarf anyways. I am glad my inexperienced attempts at humour are not totally ineffective. I figured when I first started work on this story that at least I would have fun writing it, even if the readers might not be amused by such nonsense. It's nice to know that readers are getting a laugh out of this.
daw the minstrel · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
Ah, so we meet Salque. And he treats Legolas so sweetly. I suppose vomiting would be an alarming experience for a child from a culture where people don't get diseases. Poor baby. His family must be frantic.
Author's reply
I thought it was a good opportunity to bring Salque into the picture. That poor elf's life will never be the same again after this meeting. That was what I was thinking about too when I wrote the vomiting scene - that elves don't get sick usually and that Legolas is probably too young to have come into any contact with any form of sickness at all. Thranduil is probably beyond frantic by now.
yanic · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: More Unexpected Company
oh, I almost wish he could have spent more time with the dwarves but I guess that when he is older he will have plenty of adventures with one dwarf in particular. The vomiting bit was pretty funny, I was concerned he was going to be drunk from the ale but the puke was classic! Can't wait for Daddy to get his wayward son back!
Author's reply
Legolas is certainly having himself an adventure with the dwarves. He's probably wishing that he can have more time with them too. The vomiting bit was probably funny to those who were not directly involved, but imagine the poor dwarf who got to wear Legolas' lunch and poor Legolas who thought he was on the verge of death. Oh well, I had fun writing that part - must the child still in me who is obsessed with gross and disgusting things. Father and child reunion will be coming up soon!