Nilmandra
· 18 November 2003
· Chapter 11: Looking Ahead
I love how the chapter starts and ends with Thranduil being overprotective of Legolas! Synia had a bit of a chance to redeem herself, and I feel more for her now. She must feel a little foolish. Her intentions were not bad - she just wanted herself a pretty prince!
Beliond has a nice introduction. I cannot wait to see a story were we see he and Legolas learning to get along.
But my favorite part of this chapter is the scene with Ithilden. He took Legolas down a peg or two, chastized him as both brother and commander, and then rebuilt a stronger bridge. Wonderful.
And now Mifdir is here! And I loved Legolas' little sigh of exasperation at the end!
Author's reply
Thank you, Nilmandra. The Ithilden part got better with your help. I hadn't even thought about writing about Beliond and Legolas until I wrote the scene for this chapter and then, suddenly, I could see all kinds of possibilities. I think they have a fair amount of sorting out to do before they will get along. Beliond must think he's a spoiled brat.
I knew Thranduil would baby him! I knew it! LOL. He even calls him "child". hehe. Wow I wasn't expecting to see Synia, but at least she was mostly civil. SHe is right that Legolas lacks tact sometimes. That was a tense scene with Ithilden again. I'm glad once again that I'm not a member of royalty. And yay for Mithrandir! Can't wait to see what happens with him :)
Author's reply
I guess if you're several thousand years old, it's hard to see your fifty year old son as an adult! I think it's hard for Legolas to know when he's speaking to his father or brother and when he's speaking to his king and commander. Like you, I'm glad I'm not in that situation.
Brenda G.
· 17 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
Still grieving over Siondel, but I'm glad Thranduil is home to handle things and give Ithilden a break from kingly duties.
Author's reply
Thranduil is happy to be home too. And Ithilden is extremely relieved to see him even if the White Council did dither around and decide to do nothing.
I'm glad Siondel is real for you, but you know, I made him up!
tigerlily713
· 17 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
Ohhh! I had tears in my eyes when Maldor and Legolas spoke at Siondel's funeral. That was very well written, with lots of seemingly spontaneous emotion. Lovely chapter! ~Lily
Author's reply
I have to admit that I cried when I proofread the funeral scene. How's that for pathetic? Maldor was, as always, full of surprises for me, as well as for the novices. And Siondel had been keeping an eye on Legolas from the time he was small. Wah! I need a happier story to write.
caz - baz
· 17 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
ok so i recover from being ill all this last week. i get on the internet and you've killed of siondel. that is evil! you are Morgoth re-encarnated.
well that's all i've got time to say. i have so much catching up to do. so i better go. bye bye.
until next chapter - that wasn't the end was it?
Author's reply
You have my apologies! I felt extremely bad about Siondel, but it's right there in my outline for this story: "Battle with Orcs; Siondel dies." :-(
I hope you are feeling better. Getting sick and then falling behind is horrible.
Antigone_Q
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
Good for Legolas for putting his pride aside to go to Siondel's funeral. I liked his funeral speech - it really put into words his relationship with Siondel, and touched on all the strengths that you made the rest of us appriciate as you wrote about Annael's father.
Of course Thranduil would show up just as Legolas was doing something he wasn't supposed to! Poor Legolas. Thranduil has an uncanny sense of timing, doesn't he? But Thranduil was absolutely and charmingly sweet when he tried so hard not to hurt Legolas' pride.
Beautiful the way you have Ithilden thinking that Legolas is growing up...then changing his mind. I'm sure the cycle will repeat often for a while.
Author's reply
It was funny. When I wrote Legolas's speech, all I had to do was search his (my) memories of how he had interacted with Siondel from the time he was small. I didn't think I had written much about Siondel, but there were certainly good memories there for Legolas.
And Thranduil has what his sons must think of as an unfortunate sense of timing. I doubt if any of them got away with much!
naneth
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
While I read this chapter last night, I found that I needed to wait until today to review. I needed time to absorb all that I had read. You did such a great job with such a tough subject.
I am amazed at your ability to "invent" the elven ceremonies and traditions that you have in your stories. They are so completely appropriate for the world that Mr. Tolkien invented. You have an incredibly inventive and creative mind!
I loved the fact that you had Legolas wait until last to speak at the funeral. That placed him squarely with the family, a place most appropriate for someone that "grew up" in the household. His words were very touching, they brought tears to my eyes.
I also loved the joy that Thranduil felt at seeing Legolas, and assuring himself that he was, indeed, safe as he had believed him to be. It really is ironic how we parents always manage to "find" our children at just those moments they don't want us to. I tell my children that it's God's way of leveling the playing field for parents!
Great job as always!
Author's reply
I hesitated about inventing the funeral because I had already done the coming of age and we will see that again with Legolas. But I decided I couldn't omit the funeral. It was too important.
I would imagine that none of Thranduil's sons got away with very much. He's scary.
I'm glad you liked the chapter.
tapetum lucidum
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
Ithilden is very sweet to stay with his injured little brother. His neglet of his other duties shows where his priorities lie. Legolas wants to be tough and get things over with but that would be quite unwise. Sounds like he did quite a number on his foot. I am surprised Eilian left without telling him goodbye. He must be more distraught over Celuwen than you were letting on. I hope he doesn't lose his focus in the South. I am glad Legolas insisted on going to the funeral. You are right. He had to be there.
The funeral was very touching. I liked the way you started with his outer circle of friends and moved inward. Maldor does have another side to him that his novices rarely see. Legolas was sweet to allude Siondel as a second father to him. He certainly had to help keep the wild elfling in line. The service gave me goosebumps.
Legolas stayed inside almost a week?! Cassia would never let that happen. It would be his rotten luck to run right into his Ada. At least Thranduil gave him enough dignity to send the guard away before pulling him onto his mount. Pilin may continue to make trouble. Perhaps I could make him a gelding for you. He is exceedingly unlikely to fall from his horse. He is now aware that he might - but it is unlikel - that phrase cracked me up! I think everyone is glad Thranduil is home.
Recommendation - go see the movie Master and Commander - there is a GREAT ROTK preview which includes Legolas hanging from one of the winged Nazgul mounts while it is flying through the air. I about needed a cigarette after the preview and I am not a smoker. There is also a good preview for Viggio's new movie Hidalgo.
Tapetum
Author's reply
I think that Ithilden saw himself standing if for his father where Legolas was concerned as well as in governing the realm. And he loves his troublesome brother in his own right too.
I'm very glad you reacted strongly to the funeral. I was intimidated at the idea of writing it, but felt I had to.
Do you really know how to geld a horse? For some reason, that makes me cringe a little. :-)
I am drooling just reading about the previews you describe.
daw
Lera
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
That is so sad. Siondel was such a wonderful father. And your know, so is Thranduil. The more I read of your stories the more I think of how lucky Ithildien, Eilien and Legolas are. I thought it was very funny that he recognized that he doesn't always appear at the most opportune moments. Goodness, Legolas really earns Eilien's nickname of "brat!" What is he doing riding? Silly boy. I'd wup him! lol.
Author's reply
I'm not sure that Thranduil's sons always count themselves lucky but they do so when the chips are down and they really need him.
Thoughts about 'wupping' Legolas are more common than you might think. ;-)
daw
Jay of Lasgalen
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
There were a lot of things I liked about this chapter - particularly Ithilden. I liked the way he stayed with Legolas, even though there were other things to do, and the way he agreed to let Legolas attend Siondel's funeral. But poor Legolas, to have to be carried!
The funeral itself was lovely. Very sad, but lovely. You know what I mean. I like the way the elves speak of their memories of Siondel.
And Thranduil's back home! Hooray!
Jay
Author's reply
I liked seeing Ithilden in charge, making decisions about his family as well as the realm. I saw him as standing in his father's place with Legolas. But I am glad that Thranduil is home too, and I imagine it's a burden lifted from Ithilden. He has enough troubles with the troops and his own wild child.
Jebb
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
The funeral scene was beautiful and so sad for all those who took part more tears!
Also love the care shown to Legolas by his family (even if he doesn't always appreciate it!)
And the little glints of humour
Your universe is a wonderful place and I keep expecting to see your characters and situations appearing in the final film they have become so real!
thank you
Author's reply
I was getting so depressed by my own story that I needed there to be some humor. And Thranduil is joyful at being home, even if he does mourn the loss of Siondel. So I think things will be a bit more cheery from here on out. I just have to have Legolas visit Annael and his mother and then it's on to coming of age.
JustMe
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
I am surprised that Legolas could wait as long as he did before he defied the orders of the healers. It must have been driving him crazy to be idle for that long! Of course it is just his luck that he gets caught being naughty by his Adar! I guess he just had to prove to himself that he wouldn't fall off his horse again - so prideful - tsk tsk. I am sure that Thranduil will keep him out of trouble now that he is back home.
The funeral for Siondel was very sad. I liked him alot and was sorry that he was killed. Hopefully, the kind things that others had to say about him will help the family deal with their loss. How about Maldor? I'm sure he surprised alot of people with his speech! I feel especially sorry for Elowen ( I will always think of her as the seed cake and jam lady!). They always seemed like a very close family and this will be especially hard on her. I hope that her love for Annael will prevent her from fading away.
Will we be hearing from Mithrandir about the results of the meeting in this story, or will that be something addressed in the next one? Can't wait to find out what happens next!
Author's reply
Thranduil has every intention of making sure that everyone behaves, except possibly Sinnarn. I think he might have to toughen up there a little too, if only to avoid Alfirin's wrath.
I still feel bad about Siondel. I think of him and Elowen as the ultimate parents. They loved and guided their own kid and were generous enough to do the same for Legolas when he really needed it.
I'm going to try to work Mithrandir into this story yet. That's the plan anyway.
Dot
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
Where do I even start? That was such an amazing chapter – you really made me laugh and cry in equal measure!
Ithilden staying by his brother’s side was so sweet. He must have felt real fear when he saw him being carried towards the palace, and it’s probably exactly what Thranduil would have done as well despite, as Legolas notes, undoubtedly having so much else to see to. I had to laugh at Gwaleniel scolding him. I suppose he is family now... And then both she and Ithilden presuming that Legolas just disobeyed orders and walked when he shouldn’t have – LOL! Still, I’m glad Ithilden realised how important it was to Legolas to go to Siondel’s funeral.
Ah the funeral! It took me a few attempts to read this because the screen kept blurring. I honestly had tears rolling down my face by the end of it. It was the most perfect ceremony for an elf – I loved the closeness of the elves here and the idea that everyone shares their thoughts. It must be pretty painful for the immediate family to hear but I’m sure they’ll treasure these memories that their friends have of Siondel in days to come. Maldor’s thoughts were so beautiful. I really liked the way Ithilden noted the shock of the young novices that their master spoke so movingly, but I think it really showed that he does get to know everyone he trains and his words must have been a lot of comfort to Elowen and Annael. Legolas’ little speech totally undid me. He clearly valued Siondel’s presence in his own life, and he also knew his best friend well enough to say exactly the right words. I suppose all we really want is for our parents to love us and be proud of us, and Legolas reassured his friend of both. The fact that he chose to speak at the end as well not only proved that he loved Siondel as more than a warrior, but also ensured that his words would reach Annael and not be lost amongst the other thoughts shared that night. Ithilden did a wonderful job, by the way. He really has the makings of a great king.
Legolas is being disobedient again! I can’t say I blame him – he’s been through a lot and I can understand his desire to flee for a while.
Woo-hoo, Thranduil is back! It was absolutely hilarious the way he realised within a few seconds that Legolas was doing something he shouldn’t be, was not happy to see his father at that precise moment and knew he was in severe danger of being publicly embarrassed by his father. Oh, and “I am exceedingly unlikely to fall off my horse”!! *snigger* Uh, who are you trying to convince, Legolas??
I really liked the scene between Thranduil and Ithilden. I love way Thranduil praises his sons but always seems to have a rather self-satisfied way of doing so as though he feels it was all due to the way they were raised! I felt bad for Ithilden, though – he obviously placed a lot of hope in the meeting of the council. Sinnarn doesn’t seem the slightest bit afraid of his grandfather; Thranduil’s not going soft, is he?!! And is there anyone who hasn’t scolded poor Legolas?!:)
Author's reply
I'm glad I made you both laugh and cry. I was a little concerned about the fact that the tone had to run from very sad to something lighter in this chapter and tried to make it pivot at the point where Legolas decides he will go out and ride.
In all truth, I cried while proofreading the funeral scene. So I'm a little too involved with my characters? So what, I say!
Thranduil has good father instincts and can tell when his sons are up to something almost instantly. I think that he does take credit for his sons' virtues! I love Thranduil.
Arbelethiel
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
I rather like the fact that people remember the good things about the deceased at burials. Rather like an Irish wake, but without the alcohol ;)
Just when I was thinking that Legolas had shown a lot of maturity by agreeing to be carried to Siondel’s burial, thus sacrificing his dignity to his friendship with Annael, he does something as harebrained as riding with his injured foot.
As an unashamed Thranduil luster, may I say how happy I am to see him again? It’s always a pleasure to see him in charge, giving orders, and... ooops! must wipe the drool off the keyboard :)
I’m waiting eagerly for the next chapter.
~Arbelethiel
P.S. Typo alert! Just after Thranduil meets Legolas, you wrote “a look a deep dismay”. I assume you meant “a look of deep dismay”.
Author's reply
I am happy to have Thranduil back too. He loses no time in taking charge and, in general, I think everyone is relieved to have him do it.
Legolas did the best he could and almost made it! He just had one more day of inaction, but he was at the end of his rope. It's just his fate that he rides right into his father.
P.S. Thank you for the typo alert. I fixed in on Stories of Arda, where it's easy to edit. I think ff.net may have to stay that way for a while.
mer
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
The fact that Elian was not in this chapter (and why) makes me want to say a little something about him first. He left Legolas without saying goodbye! That tells me that he is not at all happy-no Celuwen and he has one of the toughest assignments-so I hope he doesn't get careless. But maybe that is exactly what will happen. I may be way off on that. I wonder if the sense between Thranduil and Elian is as strong as the one between Legolas and him. In one story where Elian came back injured there was no mention of it. That's okay.
This story has me hostage just like all your others and my prediction is that all your future stories (hopefully "forever") will as well. Thanks!!!!!
Author's reply
Eilian is not happy. I think he's having a very rough time, actually. I have some plans for him yet in this story. ;-)
Fadesintothewest
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
Oh Legolas, i just knew he was going to disobey and go outside. The funny thing is Ithilden's reaction, that maybe Legolas was not as grown up as he thought he was. I think a certain Thranduil and Eilian would do the same thing. Those three seem to have more of the same temperment.
How does Ithilden do it, being the sensible one of his brothers?
The funeral was touching. As always you create ritual that *is* what should happen in a Silvan funeral.
Author's reply
I had the same thought about Eilian and Thranduil! I don't imagine that Thranduil would be a very good patient and, having written about Eilian with a broken arm, I *know* he's not. Ithilden must go absolutely crazy sometimes.
The Karenator
· 15 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
daw,
What a wonderful chapter. Everything about it was just perfect. Legolas, the Defiant, was at his best. Yeah, go ahead and set that bone without any medication! Maybe Gwaleniel should have gone and ahead and granted the bullheaded prince's wish. He wouldn't have lasted long.
And the funeral. I admit it. I cried. My heart just breaks for Annael and his naneth. I even feel terrible for all the warriors who served with him. He was obviously loved and will be missed. Legolas's tribute was so touching.
Ithilden reacted to Legolas's injury just like well...Ithilden. Legolas was so right when he said that his family tended to make his decisions for him. It's tough for everyone involved when a kid finally reaches an age to assume adult responsibilities. New relationships have to be negotiated. Old ones are hard to let go. (I'm giving this lots of thought since my oldest reaches 18 in January.) I'm watching to see how Thranduil handles this. He's my hero, you know.
But then we have the fly in the ointment with any kid who 'thinks' he's all grown up. Take Legolas, the Defiant, again. He gets caught regularly doing things he's not supposed to do. As masterful as he is at getting out of the palace, Thranduil or one of his brothers have the uncanny ability to be waiting on him when he barrels out. But, you know, this adventurous personality, the non-conformist attitude he has, makes him perfect for what he will face later. He's willing to take risk and all Middle earth will thank him one day. Fortunately, he's well trained and despite his independent streak, he is underneath it all, very responsible.
I loved Thranduil's concern for his son's pride, but I also loved that he took Legolas into his arms and brought him home. I also loved how he showed his pride in Ithilden and his love for little Sinnarn. I guess I can just sum this up and say I loved the whole dang thing! I hope we hear from them again soon. Karen
Author's reply
I have to admit that when I was proofreading this chapter, I cried over the funeral scene myself. How pathetic is that?!
I'm not sure Thranduil is someone to pattern yourself over when it comes to letting go of his sons. He's still on Eilian's back half the time. Ithilden seems to be pretty good at charting his own course but he's had a lot of years to train his father into letting him do it.
Legolas is a good, responsible kid, but he's always been willing to disobey if he thought he had a good reason. Sometimes an onlooker would say he was wrong, but I think he knows deep in his bones that he will be loved and forgiven for whatever he does. So he is, as you say, willing to take a risk.
meckinock
· 15 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
All right, I admit that the funeral, though extremely moving, but a bit awkward for me, what with not knowing the deceased and all, but Legolas - what a riot! "He had enough of oblivion with his head injury to start with"!
And I am in love with Thranduil - "...but he had been a father long enough to know that, from their point of view, he occasionally appeared at an inopportune moment". Absolutely masterful the way he handled Legolas! I also really enjoyed the interplay between Thranduil and Ithilden - as much as Legolas carries the burden of being the baby of the family, Ithilden obviously feel the weight of being the eldest (he is, isn't he?) Loved this chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, Ithilden is the oldest and it sure shows. He is sometimes sunk beneath the weight of being responsible and serious. But at least he had a wife and child now. You should have seen him before!
Nilmandra
· 15 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
I liked everything in this chapter - how Ithilden watched over his brother; how all the elves came to the ceremony for Siondel and the words spoken there; to Legolas' little rebellion and being caught by his father. Thranduil's reaction was priceless, pulling Legolas into his arms like that! I just realized he had been carried by Eilian, Ithilden and Thranduil; as well as several other warriors! Poor Legolas. Tender dignity, indeed.
I look forward to seeing more stories with Legolas and Annael as young adults now - to see how Annael copes and moves on after this.
Author's reply
I hadn't even thought about the fact that every male member of his family had carried Legolas at this point. Poor guy. Just what a newly (nearly) adult warrior would hate!
I am fighting off plot bunnies now. Please do not add to the confusion!
Karri
· 15 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Coming Home
woo hoo! Thranduil's home at last. Very glad to see the realm is back in his most capable hands. Nice chapter! Thanks!
Author's reply
Thranduil is happy to be home too. He rejoices in his sons and grandson even when Legolas and Sinnarn are both where they are not supposed to be. I imagine the Woodland King is very glad to be back with is forest and his family and is once again feeling his strength. Yay!
Arbelethiel
· 15 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I’m in mourning. Siondel is dead :( We hadn’t seen much of him, but I rather liked him, his kindness for the recently orphaned Legolas, and his love and strict parenting for Annael (and Legolas too, occasionally :) )
I feel more and more frustated with the settlers’ refusal to leave, though I can understand their side of the argument. I’m really glad not to be in Thranduil’s shoes.
I’d really like to see Eilian and Celuwen happy together, but I don’t suppose it is going to happen any time soon. Well, Elves have all the time in the world, but I suppose that when you are young and in love, sacrificing your own happiness to do your duty may not always seem quite fulfilling.
I like cocky!Legolas. Typical young male. His pride hurts at least as much as his foot :)
Another great chapter, thanks. (Though I could have done without Siondel’s death)
~Arbelethiel
Author's reply
Siondel's death has left me very sad, even though I was the one who wrote it. I love Annael's family. They seem so domestic and normal. I have been really depressed as I write the next chapter and I think it's because of Siondel.
However, things will get better for all these characters eventually. And Legolas amuses me endlessly when he acts on that young male need to protect his ego above all else!
I need a more light hearted story to write!
Tapetum Lucidum
· 14 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
You did kill Siondel! At least it wasn't Celuwen. Well, it leaves a nice position open for Eilian if he decides he wants to bond with Celuwen and stay at home. Now the ball is in his court. His heart must have been in his throat when he saw the two wrapped forms. It must have been a great relief to know they were safe. I liked how you described his reaction. Gorge rising in the throat of a seasoned warrior show just how distraught he was over the entire situation. His confrontation with Siolith was very well written. You could feel the tension. My favorite line was: "I suspect that you will find that is truer than you would like." I am glad Celuwen is so independent. I guess Eilian's not.
If I were Legolas, I would be quiet about falling off my horse as well. Celuwen has not given up her job as protector, has she? His light hearted exchange with his brother was nice in an otherwise angst ridden chapter. You handled Eilian's informing Annael about his father's death very well. I like how he took him aside for the conversation. He must have been completely devastated.
Celuwen and Eilian are always at odds. I haven't given up on them yet. It will be hard for both of them to continue to deny their feelings. Eilian's care of Legolas was very sweet. The younger prince must be overwrought between his injuries and his worry for his friend. It was sweet that he teared up thinking about the ceremony. I am glad he doesn't want anyone to stand in his Naneth's place, she cannot be replaced. Eilian won't be there? I would think he could take a break for such an important ceremony. Legolas is going to have to accept he will not be in the Southern patrol just yet. It is not good to argue when you are drugged into submission. I know how he feels, Nyquil kept me from thinking straight last night.
Author's reply
I think of Celuwen as being very "self-possessed," meaning she is not only poised but also very much owned by herself, if that makes sense. And I think that that small remoteness is part of what attracts Eilian to her. She is a challenge and a bit of a mystery to him. But it also frustrates him because he tends to believe he should have what he wants.
Eilian let Annael refuse a sleeping draught but he had no intention of letting Legolas do it! This is still his little brother and big brother thinks he knows best.
Nilmandra
· 14 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I liked seeing so much through Eilian's eyes. He is very sensitive and sees much. Poor Annael - now he must bring his father's body home to his mother. I love how the home guard warriors kept watch with him - for you know they will also watch over their captain's son.
I am glad Legolas likes Celuwen. She is a likable person, she took good care of him, and she loves his brother. Lots of good reasons for him to accept her. I think Thranduil would like her too, although they would both have to hold their tongues when it comes to discussing her stubborn father!
And Legolas is hurt again. It is going to be hard for Eilian to watch them all go home as he returns South. I am sure he wishes to be there for Legolas and for Annael - I guess it will fall to whomever is in command under Siondel to present his body to his wife. Or maybe Ithilden. Oh, how sad a homecoming next chapter will be.
Author's reply
When I reread this chapter, I felt really sorry for Eilian. He IS very sensitive and pain was coming at him from all directions here. Maltanaur was the only one who still seemed to be on an even keel, and thank goodness for him.
Annael will have many elves to watch over him and his mother, I think. The Wood-elves are a clannish lot and they take care of their own.
Brenda G.
· 14 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I am stil grieving and cannot move past that yet to give a decent review. Please excuse me this time around.
Author's reply
Now I feel bad. :(
Think of it this way: Siondel's own father was one of the first of Thranduil's warriors to be killed when the shadow returned to Dol Guldur. So Siondel is in the Halls of Mandos with his own father. And Annael and his mother will comfort one another and he can bond with Beliniel and maybe there will be grandchildren!
meckinock
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I feel that since I'm an outsider at a family funeral, I should be offering condolences to everyone!
I liked your contrast between the concepts of responsibility and blame. The glimpse into Eilian and Celuwen's relationship was revealing - he is still such a guy, wanting a relationship, but on HIS terms! I really feel for her since it's obvious she really does love him, but I'm glad she's holding her ground for now. Lovely brotherly scenes with Eilian and Legolas (but no bathing)
Author's reply
I can only take their clothes off so often or it starts to look suspicious!
Eilian is, indeed, such a guy. He needs to stop trying to manipulate her because she's too smart and too independent. But she also loves him. They were childhood sweethearts and she is totally a goner.
I always enjoy doing the brotherly scenes too.
You updated! Yes!