Reviews (86)

Agape4Gondor · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Wood-elves to the Rescue

As always, a great tale. I really, really love your writings... they are always such fun - mixed in with a lot of 'message' - bless you and I pray you continue writing! PS - loved the ending!

Agape4Gondor · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Oh my gosh! The Elves just had me in stitches the entire time - I loved the name calling - brilliant! And Fist Pounder! Still rolling on the floor - what a great chapter - now to find out about this fiery mess across the river....

pipinheart · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Wood-elves to the Rescue

very nicely done!! Eilian and Beliond sure did find trouble, and Eilian with a ax, with the after thought of injuring Beliond. Love it... Beliond, and maltanaur sure cause a lot of trouble in thier day as well, you have to feel sorry for the dwarves in a way, but not to bad. And Thranduil, he seems stuck between the two, you have to feel for his as he is hanging on the ledge and the two of them take a detour, it seems each time trouble happens Thranduil falls into something. And of course, Legolas and Eilain will swap stories....

Larner · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 2: At the River

An interesting find and a fascinating tale of Dwarves and Elves and their misunderstandings! Heh! Now to hear the next part of the tale.

meckinock · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Wood-elves to the Rescue

You could have warned me. I spooked the animals when I found out what the wargs were chowing down on. Well, I think the boys all enjoyed their little wife-swapping exercise. I wonder if they'd change their minds about their brother's keeper and make it permanent? Nah, maybe not. The flashback story was a hoot. You can kind of see where Thranduil owed some payback to his buddies in the form of babysitter duty LOL. But as riotously entertaining as this escapade was, my favorite part was near the end, when Beliond drops his guard with Eilian. "Oropher was born to live among us. We would have followed him anywhere." Beliond's smile faded. "I suppose we did in the end." Yeah, they did. A great story, daw, and good to see you back here.

pipinheart · 22 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Very enjoyable chapter...Loved it.. Beliond would say it was Maltanaurs fault and vice versa. It seem Beliond has a hot temper and even hotter for a bit of revenge. Thranduil was more cautious of the three. Beliond is very amusing and has a very vivid imagination, and with Maltanaur to watch his back, they seem to get into trouble. Too bad you don't see Beliond this way much....Great job...

ziggy · 22 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

I love the way you have shown the differnt pov of Beliond and Maltanur, and the way you play upon their characters to present themselves in the best light and the other as the real culprit, (who me? No, not my idea, I just went along with it!). Makltanur is, I feel, a far more reliable narrator than Beliond, who just happily blames everyone else and is securely certain that he is always right!They both blame and take the credit for everything and I think that may be quite woodelvish in a way, that huge sense of enjoyment in storytelling actually, and complete abandon. You have, as always, developed Legolas with his musing on Thranduil before he met Legolas' mother. And I always appreciate the way you add details to give your world more life, more depth, beyond the immediate story- so Ithilden is trying to encourage Thranduil to see the dwarves as allies, and that of course, is something you use in other stories- so you are always building the back drop if you like. I find that really rewarding when I read, because it draws me back to other stories and often go back to read them again.And that Legolas actually hopes that Beliond will be as careful with Eilian as he is with him- a lovely ironic touch that. I love that both Beliond and Matlanuar say the same things about each other!! (Just repeat myself but it is one of the main points of this really, isnt it)and they both agree to 'get rid ' of Thranduil for a bit! Because of his uptight Sindar ways, leaving him' grinding his teeth'!!! loaded with Sindarin inhibitions would cramp an Elf's style all by itself. Love that! That was such a clear image. I love the free way the woodelves behave, DEFINITELY more dangerous and less wise- but who would not want to be like that!!!Beliond going along to watch Matnaous back is hilarious- and it's typical of Matanaour to leave Beliond to do all the hard bit, like exlplaining to Thranduil! Love this bit- Maltanaur watched him go with narrowed eyed. That was far too easy. (You can HEAR Matanour working through this in his head) Beliond should have squealed like a cat deprived of its mouse. He was up to something.(Oh yes!) Maltanaur shifted uneasily. (He sooo wants to go too... about to find a really really good excuse!)Leaving Beliond on his own was a bad idea. (oh yeah!) Besides, Maltanaur really wanted to know what Beliond had in mind. (Aha- now we come to it) Forgive me for quoting you back to yourself but that was so funny. Love it and am sad that you have said only a bit more- hope you ar eplanning more soon?

sofia · 22 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

another wonderful chapter. I love the satire you use for the memories, it makes everything much more interesting! Can't wait to see what they do with Pounder.

Bodkin · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

If I want to 'manipulate' your behavior, I will tell you. Beliond has a very ... direct ... idea of manipulation! Although I'm not surprised - when it comes to subtlety, he is remarkably obvious. Just going to see Arriel, nothing else - hmm! I love young, wild, careless Beliond - who has a pleasing knack for alliteration - and I'm sad for the events in his life that turned him into a suspicious loner. Legolas is good for him - and I would love to see the pair of them roaming the woods of the Blessed Realm. Beliond and Maltanaur are a delight in the trees - and their cunning plan worked up to point - but do they really want to be lumbered with Stubby Beard? I'm not sure Thranduil appreciated the gift at first - he has a better idea of political ramifications than his friends. Although I daresay the kick was a good way to get him to overcome his doubts. And they're in the gorge? Maybe there's a way here for Thranduil to come out as a hero - and for Stubby to look a total ... idiot. Just like Legolas and Eilian, I delight in these looks back into the earlier lives of the keepers and their king.

Bodkin · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 2: At the River

I love seeing Eilian coping with Nana Beliond. Thranduil clearly knows his sons well enough to understand which one can deal with Beliond long-term! My toes curled at the sound of Voice of Wisdom Beliond - They should wait until full dark to cross that open area, he thought. "We are not crossing that area until it is dark," Beliond said. And then there was Patience is not my best quality. I love Beliond - I do - but I couldn't live with the elf. Or near him. Or in any situation where I was obliged to co-operate with him. It will undoubtedly be good for all four of Thranduil's little family here to have the chance to get to know each other better - and, if it leads to us learning more of Thranduil's less stellar moments, it will be good for us, too! Beliond as a young warrior kept in line by the ferocious-seeming Captain Laegcened is fun. As is the schoolyard rivalry - with added weapons - of the three elves and the dwarves. A rivalry that the dwarves currently seem to be winning! I'm not surprised Eilian was in hysterics.

meckinock · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Wow, it's a shame we've finally been subjected to the scourge of fanfic.net - the anonymous "helpful" concritter. Take a look around, friend - do you see any other anonymous concritting reviewers on SoA? It's considered courteous here to sign your name to the e-mail if you'd like to pass along some helpful writing tips - or e-mail privately.

meckinock · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

It's quite enlightening to see Beliond from Maltanaur's point of view, and vice versa! Interestingly, neither seems to have changed much LOL. Pity Thranduil for not having anyone to stick up for him. It was a kick to see these guys in their younger-and-definitely-not-wiser days. Especially Thranduil. Interesting how even then, he was starting to sober under the weight of his responsibilities. He had the longest journey of all of them, I think.

Elflingimp · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Arg! I want to hear the rest!!!LOL! the Dwarf folded like a fallen foes war banner? That was my favorite line. However do you think of all this? It is simply great! I love it. Hugs The Imp

Nilmandra · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Cutting this with Thranduil taking a tumble is better. Good choice. I like seeing Beliond and Maltanaur and Thranduil in their early days. Once can understand their suspicion of dwarves. I like Beliond telling Eilian he will let him know if he is manipulating his behavior. LOL.

Dot · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Oh, I LOVED this chapter! I was laughing right from the opening when we’re back with Legolas and Maltanaur but in the middle of the same story. You did that so well. That was a really interesting moment when Legolas wonders if he’s said too much about Thranduil. I know it becomes second nature to them all to keep stuff to themselves but it can’t be easy being so restrained about what happens at home all the time. Still, Maltanaur knows Thranduil even better than his sons do! I’m so intrigued by this glimpse of his younger days. The real problem came later after Beliond had his idea. LOL!! Stop confusing me! Laegcened tended to think Wood-elves did inexplicable things as a matter of course. Heh. I bet he does. Though something tells me he still wouldn’t believe they’d all gone swimming in a freezing river while still in their clothes. Beliond’s insults are hilarious. When he’s riled up no-one stands a chance! Thranduil’s attempts to suggest the elves weren’t exactly innocent were certainly squashed. Leaving Beliond on his own was a bad idea. You can say that again! Though tagging along might not improve matters, Maltanaur... They got stung again?? These two are incorrigible. But oh, what fun to watch them so carefree and full of mischief. And to think how they scold Eilian and Legolas for showing the slightest inclination towards doing something silly. The Dwarf camp actually sounds pretty cosy. I was almost sorry to think they were about to be disturbed. Almost ;-) I was desperately trying to figure out what Beliond and Maltanaur were up to – it was so hard to stop myself scrolling down to see! And wow, they’re good! I was totally engrossed in their bad deeds. Now, that’s teamwork at its best. And then they have no idea what to do with the Dwarf once they’ve captured him! LOLOL. It’s fascinating too to see the reactions from Legolas and Eilian. And I laughed so hard at Eilian’s sarcastic "You are joking" in answer to Beliond’s comment about Thranduil. Of course, both of them are distracted by what’s happening in the present too, which I thought was a nice insight into their character. And a good reminder on your part that it’s not all fun and games. So now Thranduil gets dragged into it. Not that he isn’t well able. And the cheek of that Dwarf to kick him! Oh, he’ll regret that. I kind of agree with Beliond too that they’re in it this far so they might as well enjoy themselves :-) I’m not sure he needed to be quite that eager to knock young Stubby out, though! Did Beliond just put a Dwarf in a tree?? I have to say, Amdir’s guard doesn’t seem remotely bothered by the goings-on. At least Oropher’s people aren’t boring guests... Then it broke, and both Thranduil and Stubby rolled down it, through the underbrush, and over the edge of the gorge. What? Holy crap! This adventure just gets better and better worse and worse. How are they going to get out of this one??? Eilian’s right – you can’t stop there! Of course, Eilian’s right too to focus on what happened to the present-day Dwarves. The end sent a chill through me. Excellent chapter, daw.

Anonymous · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 2: At the River

First chapter was OK, but when you get to the point of telling the story about Thranduil, the way you switch back and forth from one time to another left me a little confused. It was hard to follow. It'd be a more enjoyable read if you just wrote one story or the other without trying to flip back and forth between two stories.

curiouswombat · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

I am really enjoying this 'cross-over fic'... It is a sign of how good your writing is that I find myself worrying, particularly about Eilian and Legolas' nana, even though I know that they live to fight another day.

nessie6 · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Ahh love it! "He supposed they could tell the captain they'd decided to go for a swim. He might believe that. Laegcened tended to think Wood-elves did inexplicable things as a matter of course. " --Honestly? lol, does he really think Wood-Elves are THAT silly? "Beliond brightened. "We should take him to Thranduil. He may have talked about backing away, but I could tell he was angry by the way his teeth were grinding. This will cheer him up no end." --for some reason, this makes me a bit sad, because now Beliond is like the crabby old man of the group. Poor guy. He seems so care-free here. Stubby should've never kicked Thranduil. He's asking for whatever's coming for him. Stupid dwarf. I loved how Beliond thought Thranduil would make a great leaader because of his plan on framing the dwarf :D Yes, that is a quality an Elf-King must have :) Beliond's astonishment that he had disgusted a dwarf was funny too! Aaaand the branch breaks XD It was all Stubby's fault, obviously! Oooh, I hope they don't get caught! I'm just as eager as Eilian/Legolas is for Beliond/Maltanaur to finish the story! Glad you updated! Can't wait for the next one! Update asap! ~nessie~

Naledi · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Oh I am enjoying this! It must be a real eye-opener for Legolas and Eilian to hear about their elders behaving in a less than responsible manner. I've been having a giggle about the names the Elves have been assigning the Dwarves. First we had Stubby, now we have Fist-pounder. I'm just waiting for Grumpy and Dozy to make an appearance :)

Fantasia · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Daw, this is priceless, I have been laughing while reading, in my work! if they fire me because I'm having too much fun, it is the wood elves fault... You should write fanfics more often, I for sure, miss you a lot (I have been reading fanfics since 2003 and I miss the good ones). I know that you are in your way to become a famous writer, but your Mirkwood stories are the best of the entire fanfiction world. So, do not forget us when you have your novels published. (Post here when this happen, I'll buy it in a second) You know what I found most funny, this phrase: Laegcened and the Dwarves apparently thought alike. Poor Laegcened...and it show how suspicious are both races. Ah, when Beliond was surprised because he has disgusted a Dwarf...priceless. So, falling from a tree...I can't wait. Love how Beliond and Maltanaur have different versions of their adventures and how they feel sorry for Thranduil, a sindar and a prince, a poor repressed elf...Thanks, you have made my day, I'm glad to read a happy story.

The Karenator · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 1: A Little Slip

I am so far behind. Still fighting with my DSL and something blocking the Internet. I seem to be here at the moment, but I could be mistaken. Fun beginning to the story, almost like a comedy of errors and mishaps. Boy, talk about going to pot. The fun, I suspect, is just beginning. Beliond may return from his little jaunt with Eilian to find Legolas is relatively calm and level-headed in comparison with his older brother and Eilian may return with a new appreciation for Maltanaur. All the while, little brother is going to get the real scoop, one bored wounded warrior to another. I'm looking forward to the next chapter, which is up, along with Chapter 3. I've had so much trouble with this darn computer, I have to move along right now, but I'll be back. Really enjoyed this first chapter.

Ces · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

I reviewed this over on ff.net (CAH), but had to come over here and let you know again how much I am enjoying this story. Love, love, love all these characters! You almost want to feel sorry for Stubby and his friends, but since they brought it on themselves they must face the music that Beliond and Maltanaur (and eventually Thranduil) make them do! And yes, I do have soft spots for Laegcened and Maldor! Don't ask me why, but you do write them with some humor and it just leaves me wanting more! Maldor especially - you just have to write him into a story with Beliond and Maltanaur discussing their charges - and doesn't Maldor still owe Legolas over the snowball incident in 'Battles Won?' *whistles innocently* Ces

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Keeping Friends Close and Enemies Closer

Oh, this is wonderful! I'm reading it and giggling like an idiot. Who'd have thought Beliond - and Maltanaur - and Thranduil, for heavens' sake - could be so reckless? I love your use of metaphors: 'Beliond should have squealed like a cat deprived of its mouse.' LOL! (Though the cat wouldn't squeal - it would give a loud, angry meow. Trust me, I know.) I like this comment about Maltanaur too: 'he had to admit excitement was singing through his veins.' Now doesn't that sound like Eilian as well - no wonder he understands his charge so well!

Dot · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 2: At the River

Well. Beliond just goes right ahead and does whatever he wants, doesn’t he?! Legolas was completely to blame for that. Heh. And Eilian’s eagerness to go while Maltanaur was injured had nothing to do with it! Still, he should put Legolas to work anyway. That’s what baby brothers are for. Eilian and Beliond work well together. I suppose any seasoned warriors would but still, I like the way they fall into a pattern immediately. I guess it helps that Eilian is used to someone watching over him and Beliond is used to doing the watching :-) To Mordor with his overbearing older brother anyway. Oh come on now, Eilian. Don’t make me cross. I’m laughing at Eilian calling Beliond annoying and wondering how Legolas puts up with him – he’d want to be careful or Beliond will decide to teach him a lesson! Oh well, for now he seems happy to tempt Eilian by dangling bits of information about Thranduil and Maltanaur in front of him. Yay, a story! Poor Thranduil. He clearly hasn’t a hope in trying to be careful and obedient around Beliond and Maltanaur. Though I suspect he’s a lot easier to persuade to mischief than Ithilden is. You know, when I got to "I am not at all sure this is wise" I yelped with happiness. I’ve so missed your Thranduil! All three Dwarves were snorting like bulls, although, to be fair, perhaps that was their usual way of breathing. LOL! Good old Beliond. His disappointment at not being allowed use his sword was hilarious too. Oh! No-one does imperious and bored like Thranduil. If I was one of the Dwarves I’d be legging it out of there now. "The one who didn't even have the nerve to join in the sword play earlier." Uh-oh. "What's more, Lord Oropher didn't mean it." LOLOL!! Too right, Beliond. Hornets swarmed out of the ruined nest, and since there wasn't always justice in Middle-earth, they came after the closest targets. Whaaat??? Well, that’s not fair! Oh, and the image of Thranduil running off with the other two behind him and them all jumping into the freezing river – I’m still laughing here. And Thranduil and his “muffled shrieks” had me in hysterics! I bet they’re sorry they ever set foot in Lorien. Ok, I want to know what happened the poor Dwarves in the present-day story. And what Maltanaur’s crack-brained idea was. And if Beliond’s version was really the way it happened because I suspect Maltanaur might have a different view. And if Thranduil really managed to behave that sensibly around those two ;-)

Dot · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: A Little Slip

Sorry, sorry, sorry, homework done and here I am... So this is what you’ve been up to in between getting depressed about the publishing industry :-) I loved the opening – launching us straight back into this world and leaving me wondering what on earth they were up to! And yes, I did grin along with Eilian when Beliond called Legolas a fool only about five sentences in. After ProperAdult!Legolas, this is probably my favourite age that you write him. You capture his voice so well – he still has remnants of that sulky-and-sassy attitude left over from when he was a younger (when he’s not being a competent warrior, of course) but in a way that would make you smile instead of getting annoyed with him. LOL at him shaking water on Beliond! But uh-oh – that doesn’t look good if the Dwarves left clothing behind like that. Poor Legolas. My heart went out to him when he made that effort to stay calm. I can’t tell you how much I laughed at the next scene – Legolas busy wishing Beliond could be more like Maltanaur and in the meantime Eilian scrambling desperately at the tree before being flung off. And Legolas shouting “watch out!” waaay after the event! *snort* "Sorry," [...]"I should have been more careful." Hmm. Now why does that sound like it just popped automatically from his mouth? "I am a Wood-Elf," Eilian said, which would have been more reassuring if he had not just fallen out of a tree. ROTFL!! But hang on, the ledge just gave way on Legolas and Maltanaur?? Who have you been taking lessons from in making life awkward for your characters? Jay? Nilmandra? Meckinock? "Did it occur to either of you that a moment of caution might have saved you from injury?" Legolas frowned. Maybe his brains were more scrambled than he realized. Surely someone had already said that. Heh. Beliond and Maltanaur make a wonderful double-act. "Your adar occasionally behaves rashly too." Ooh tell me, tell me! Eilian and Legolas might not believe him but I do! I love watching Eilian around Beliond. Legolas is so convinced he has them all figured out and is so busy thinking Eilian has the best deal that he misses a lot in the interaction – but Eilian is far more aware! Not that I’m saying he’d intentionally try to rise Beliond. But it’d be a nice bonus! And he lets all the grumbling roll over him instead of getting frustrated like Legolas does. but partly he was drawn to the excitement of pitched battle like a moth drawn to the flame. Ouch. Less of the flames, please. "Beliond could go with you, Eilian. Oh yes! We all want to see that! I can think evil things as much as Legolas can. I have to say, I’m not surprised Beliond went in the end. I mean, Eilian’s logic makes sense (though it always does at the time) but Beliond has that desire for a thrill too, even if it’s buried a little more deeply than Eilian’s. And yay, Maltanaur is going to tell the story! I’m thoroughly enjoying this. I’ll be back soon, probably tomorrow, for chapter two :-) P.S. Very clever chapter title!