naneth
· 6 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
How dare real life be so busy that I can't even stop to review a chapter in a timely fashion?
Another wonderful chapter! Thranduil's statement concerning sending his sons into battle really touched me. He has seen life for his sons change to such hard times, but the worst must surely be to send your own sons into battle against evil. I feel sorry for any father that would have to do such a thing.
I loved the tie between the manner in which Thranduil spoke to the council and his increasing anxiety for Legolas and his realm. Well done! And Thranduil snorted!! O.K., only with his advisor present, but I'm betting he wouldn't let one of his sons get away with that behavior. How funny!
Eilian's "small, dismayed sound" that he didn't even realize he made upon seeing Legolas was very touching. Those brothers love each other in such a sweet way.
Legolas and Celuwen together were great...he didn't even trust her word that he had broken his foot but had to check it for himself. I wonder if he remembers that scene from his childhood, or just suppressed it? Guess he still doesn't want to share Eilian with Celuwen!
Author's reply
I'm thinking that Legolas's hostility is just a remnant of a childhood event that he doesn't even remember clearly. How he feels about Celuwen will undoubtedly depend on whether he thinks she is hurting Eilian. And it amused me too, that Thranduil's anxiety and irritability made him less vulnerable to Curunir.
caz baz
· 6 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
i did mine in a Lacrosse match - at the beginning of the match too. somebody trod on me with their studded boots and if it wasn't broken then it was definetly broken at the end of the match as i was sprinting around on it causeing more and more pressure to it!
hopefully Legolas is back on his feet soon! My friend is so evil - he cut his hand and it had to be bandaged up for a few weeks cause he cut it down to the bone and his friend, who's in a wheel chair, said 'do you want a hand?' he finished the job he was doing whilst glaring at his friens and then said, 'how about a standing applause?' sorry i have a really random memory and little things trigure it as many of my friends will tell you.
poor Eilian i feel sorry for him, Thranduil and Legolas. Do i have to read a book to find out all the background information relevant to this story? ahh god! i have this massive pile of books to read and the image of adding another to that pile is terrifying - i would of read 1/2 of them by now if it had not been for school and all the work that they have all just decided to put on us.
I'm glad i've got this to read or i think i'd be totally stressed out the whole time but school's just got us a foosball table - been spending all my breaks on it and forgeting about being responsible and actually doing some of my work - i don't think i'd make a good daughter for Thranduil.
can't wait for the next traumatic chapter! sometimes i feel sorry for Legolas with Tolkein making him famous and then PJ making him world famous.
Author's reply
You shouldn't have to read anything if you don't want to, although reading Tolkien is kind of a treat really. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Camp6311
· 6 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Loved the council scene. Thranduil is a hero to anyone who has ever sat in that type of meeting, where all the players want to do is discuss and discuss and never take any action.
Not so sure I like the reappearance of Celuwen. (Could just be jealousy on my part) She reminds me of Erendis from the story of Aldarion and Erendis from Unfinished Tales - strong-willed and uncompromising. She and Eilian may be in love with each other, but could they build a life together?? Suppose we will just have to wait and see.
Author's reply
I think that Celuwen is uncompromising and very self-possessed, and I think that's part of what attracts Eilian to her. She seems a little unattainable which makes a nice challenge for him. But what she's doing is protecting herself. She knows that he's reckless and that if she let herself bond with him, she would be lost if anything happened. And then also, she feels it's her duty to fight shadow too, not to leave it to him, so she knows that she could die and she doesn't want to leave him alone and grieving.
Dot
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
That was a completely engaging chapter – I’m constantly amazed by your level of detail!
Ah, you’re right – Thranduil doesn’t need someone to tell him something is wrong with Legolas. I love the way he felt a slight uneasiness and then suddenly realised that it was something about Legolas that was troubling him. These elves seem to have such a strong familial bond – it’s quite touching really that he sensed something was amiss all the way in Imladris. I liked as well that at first it was his general tie to the woods that was disturbing him before he focused specifically on his son. I suppose with a tie as strong as he has to his home the fire’s destruction must be unsettling him too.
The council scenes were done really well. I thought you wrote Curunir’s dialogue brilliantly. He makes everything sound so reasonable that it’s only because we know the part he will play that we can see the way he is purposely stalling any specific action. It almost seems that he is influencing them by the way he speaks, and it is only Thranduil’s preoccupation that prevents him from falling under the same spell.
Go Cirdan! I think Thranduil might have an ally there. I loved Thranduil’s little hissy fit. About time he lost his temper. Mithrandir is right that the other realms suffer too but Thranduil’s people are in constant danger – his patience lasted a lot longer than mine would have! O.k., so it was a little rash, but I still think he chose the only way he’d get his point across...
Yay, Celuwen! I’m just dying to know what you have in store for her. C’mon, she’s perfect for Eilian... He certainly seems to still love her. I doubt many people would render him speechless. She seems very compassionate, not only in tending Legolas but ensuring that Eilian eats and understanding his anxiety. Poor Eilian. I think these boys need their ada back.
Legolas’ return to consciousness was very descriptive. Ouch. And is it just me or does he spend a lot of time having ladies he doesn’t like hold his hair back while he vomits??! I thought it was interesting that he felt immediate dislike for her for no apparent reason. I suppose subconsciously she must remind him of a tough time for him, even though he was just an elfling.
Actually, this must be a really awkward situation for Celuwen. Her settlement is in danger, she has an injured elf who doesn’t like her in her house and she finally came face-to-face with Eilian, having successfully distanced herself for so long. I must say, she’s rising to the situation admirably and seems to set aside her own emotions in order to look after others. No doubt if Thranduil isn’t too busy blaming these settlement elves for this accident, he’ll appreciate what she’s doing for his sons. Speaking of Thranduil, will he back home in the next chapter...?!:)
Author's reply
Thranduil won't be back quite yet. The trip takes too long and there are things happening in the settlement still. And I did like the idea that it was Thranduil's irritability that made him less susceptible to Curunin. I really liked getting this review. It made me feel like you were so attentive to the story! Thank you so much for taking the time.
tigerlily713
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Yes, we try to be perceptive. Your story allows us to view the obvious as you write it, but there is also much emotion and communication that we are allowed to play around with, without being told exactly what is what. I appreciate that a great deal. Wonderful chapter! I almost felt nausious just reading it. Head injuries are no fun. ~Lily
Author's reply
Lily - what a wonderful thing to say because that's exactly what I hope will happen: I'll tell what happens and readers will make sense of it. I find that readers in this fandom (and especially on this site) are plenty smart and don't need to be led by the hand. Indeed, then enjoy figuring things out.
JustMe
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Wow! That family connection "thing" is pretty awesome. I'm not entirely sure I would want something like that though - my son would probably give me a heart attack every 5 minutes! I can understand Thranduil's frustration. I have been to meetings that seemed to be going nowhere and I wish I could react the way he does - well, maybe just once! I think it would be fun, but I wouldn't want to face the aftermath of my actions! But then I am not a King either - I'm just a lowly peon - so I guess thats the difference!
Eilian in the "protective older brother" mode is really rather fearsome! It seems that everyone is protective of the "brat". I guess being the "baby" has its advantages as well as its drawbacks! I pity that healer! Eilian will be dragging her out of bed if he thinks something is wrong with Legolas. I hope that his romance with Celuwen picks up a little steam. I really like her and I think she would be a good match for Eilian. Hopefully, Legolas will revise his opinion of her. I don't know why he seems to dislike her, but I would think it would be important to Eilian that the two of them get along. I can't wait to see how this all plays out - I will be anxiously awaiting the next chapter.
Author's reply
I'm with you - I wouldn't want to know what my son was doing and, even more, I don't want my parents to know what I'm doing! I hate meetings. Thranduil is my fantasy alter ego. Legolas has no real reason for disliking Celuwen. He was jealous of her when he was little and that just came back to him.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
"I do not agree," - in his pleasant,soothing voice. You can't trust that wizard, he will put a spell on you with that mesmerizing voice. Thranduil is way too mad to be won over so easily. Great way to incorporate Tolkein's descritiption of Saruman's skill. Thranduil's evaluation of Elrond's family was once again on target. He has learned the hard way that they must stand together or they will fall. It is a subtle but important point to make - El and El go into battle of the own accord while Thranduil directs his sons into the fight. He certainly does not force them but it is by his command that they go. That is a lot of parental guilt to deal with.
What is Saruman doing with his wave and shrug - well, it didn't work on the King of Mirkwood. He is way beyond simple mind tricks at this point. I LOVE his ties with both Mirkwood and his children - that is very cool. I don't think Curunir meant to attack the king's family directly but he really put his foot in it that time. I am glad Thranduil jumped to Eilian's defense. It must have been devastating to watch him return from the shadowed place but then for someone to dismiss it so easily must have really riled him up.
The concept of time for the elves was very well handled. It does not pass for them as it does for the rest of middle earth. I don't blame him for storming out of the council. It seems that Cirdan may be a good ally. I agree with Thranduil - even more frightening, something was the matter with Legolas. What could be more important?
Poor Eilian - can one elf handle so much emotional baggage in one place. Of course he was thinking of Celuwen but then he was overwhelmed with worry for his baby brother and she was suddenly much less important. Well done. His little brother will always be and elfling. Ouch - his back sounds very painful. Well, Eilian certainly reacted strongly to his brother's rousing. I liked the way he stormed off and demanded the healer. It must have been hard for him to leave again.
Our poor confused baby - it is hard to wake up from a sound blow to the head. The confusion over the combs was very cute. The poor elfling has had various women hold his head when he pukes. It must be embarrassing for the elf creeping up on his majority.
I thought it was strange that the villagers didn't know this was the son of the king in their midst right away. I don't think Eilian or Legolas would be ones to brag about it but gossip would fly. Somehow I expect him to call for his Ada when he wakes up. With their connection surely he would be dreaming of him. I hope Adar gets there soon. I am worried how angry villagers will transport the wounded son of the king when they are forced to flee their homes due to a perceived lack of protection by the monarch.
Your updates make me so happy! Thanks for doing it regularly!
Tapetum
Author's reply
I think it must be so hard to be Thranduil and to order your sons into battle. He winds up using them, sacrificing them in a way, for his people. That's a lot to ask. But Thranduil is so preoccupied with his sons that Saruman's charm goes right over his head and he just gets mad when it seems as if their sacrifice is unappreciated. Eilian is as over protective of Legolas as he thinks his father and Ithilden are of him! Silly elf.
Jebb
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
This story is so wonderful I can't believe I haven't reviewed it properly I love Thranduil at the council and am glad he got some support from Cirdan.
As for his knowinf something was amiss with Legolas it shows how much he loves his sons. Poor Legolas he is not going to enjoy being incapitated I think
J
Author's reply
Legolas is not having a good time right now. He'll be grateful to get back to Maldor but it won't be for a while. And Thranduil is such an irresitable force. He doesn't care what the rest of them are doing if they're not going to help him.
Fadesintothewest
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Oh my, poor Legolas, all hurt. Ahh, is he too young for me to daydream of watching over him, cleaning that golden hair of his? I do hope that Celuwen and Eilian get to speak to each other privately and earnestly because we all know how they feel about each other. And now that the Shadow is growing, maybe they will commit to each other no matter what- kinda of like here's sticking it to the Shadow- pretty please? Well whatever happens with Eilian, I do not envy his nor Ithilden having to answer to Thranduil. That is going to be interesting.
Author's reply
Legolas is finally close enough to being an adult that I could take his clothes off without getting arrested. I think Celuwen and Eilian have a ways to go yet before things run smoothly for them. ;-)
Brenda G.
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Well, another winner, Daw. What a great chapter. Good for Thranduil! Actually, he held up better and longer than I would have at that council. I feel for Elrond, but he and the others around the table have no idea what Thranduil and his people are up against. Walk a mile in my boots, right? I knew Thranduil would know that something was wrong, and in particular with his youngest. Such are the ties of elf to elf and father to son when the love runs so deep.
Poor Legolas! I'm glad he is at least awake and able to understand a little of what has happened to him. Eilian... I'm in love with Eilian! Oh, darn, I'm also in love with Thranduil! Oh, well, Eilian is in love with Celuwen, and Thranduil has never fallen out of love with his lovely deceased wife. Can't have either of these gorgeous elves, but reading about them and sharing in their adventures is almost as good as being there.
It is good to see Celuwen back in the picture. I feel that our story about Eilian and his bonding to this lovely she-elf may be close at hand? Hope so. Too bad that the fire cannot be controlled. I suppose that means that the elves living in that vicinity will have to abandon their homes and flee. So many ways this story could go, and I am riding a wave of excitement every time I see you have posted another chapter. You're really written yourself into a corner, you know. With so many fans, you will have to write from this day forward just to keep us all happy. But, from what I see here and what I have read in the past, you are definitely equal to the task.
Wonderful, wonderful! More please.
BG
Answer to PS: I'm doing well. Have a CT scan (last one of the year, I hope) on Nov. 17th and see my oncologist on Nov. 26th. Hoping to end 2003 on a good, cancer-free note. Thanks for asking. You take care, okay?
Author's reply
If you are in love with Eilian, you will have to take a ticket and get in line. I am rather fond of him myself. He has some troubles to work through yet, though. Celuwen is trick to write, actually. She takes a delicate touch and I'm not always sure I've gotten her right.
The Karenator
· 4 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Now what exactly was Curunir up to with that little hand waving and shoulder thing? He was not trying to throw a little pixie dust on our good king was he? Well, if that was his plan, the dust rolled off the royal ornery one like water off a duck's back. I don't think it had much effect on Cirdan either.
I would like to know what Elrond is thinking. I'm not sure what's going on in his head. The twins seem to be taking their time into their own hands and I'm not sure how Elrond feels about it. I'm sure he understands, but does he feel he is without control over them or does he see them as adults and with this, they are capable of making their own decisions? But the subject of the twins keep coming up. Just trying to figure this out.
I'm glad to see that Mithrandir will be going to Mirkwood when all this is over. Is this the point where he expels the shadow from Dol Guldur?
Even though I like Celuwen and think she's good for Eilian, I was a bit peeved at what she said to Eilian when he asked how she's doing? “I am the same as I have always been,” she said and then left the room. That struck me as a bit rude. I'm sure she intended a message in it, but his brother is laid out in bed like an over tenderized flank steak fer cryin' out loud! I was kind of in Legolas corner in being irrationally irritated with her. I guess Elves do have a long memory and Legolas hasn't forgotten that she not only wouldn't go away at the dance, but he got carted off to bed because of her. Okay, it wasn't her fault he got a little out of hand, but I'm siding with him at the moment. And he's feels terrible. And he's... well...nekkid. Is he old enough now? Nah...you don't have to answer that. My son is the eqivalent in human years to his age and I'd be borrowing Thranduil's sword to make kabobs out of some leering middle age woman.
I'll be glad when Adar gets home. I know he won't be pleased, but as a parent, I can't stand the thought that he's aware that something is wrong and doesn't know what it is. Besides, I like Thranduil's fiesty side.
Good chapter, daw. Carry on....:>) Karen
Author's reply
It's too soon for Mithrandir to expel the Shadow from Dol Guldur. That actually happened at the same time that Thranduil was locking up dwarves and a hobbit. And I have plans for that! A split story -- dwarves at home and Dol Guldur stuff for the Southern Patrol.
As I tell Brenda above, I have trouble writing Celuwen. I like her but it's hard to capture her self-possession without making her seem standoffish.
kalile
· 4 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Wow...I love how consistent you are with your characterizations which can be so hard to do with a series. Legolas not knowing why he had such a distaste for Celuwen is hilarious...deep down inside he still must be the little efling wanting Eilian to dance with him and leave the maidens with their naneths. I really really look forward to your stories even though I'm usually one of those lazy readers who don't review. Please update soon!
Author's reply
Yes, you got it. That's exactly why he felt faint dislike on sight. But he's older now and unlikely to throw a tantrum. Once he stops throwing up, he may be able to appreciate her more.
meckinock
· 4 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
This is great - I'm really liking Thranduil - he's powerful and grittily real; wonderful the way he resents Galadriel and Elrond for their lush, time-inhibited realms while he has to face the evil head-on. Great descriptions like Saruman setting his teeth on edge. Everything smeared with ash as far as the eye can see...great insight into Elrond and his possibly uneasy acceptance of his sons' single-minded obssession with orcs. Loved Legolas waking up and thinking that someone should wash the window, and his relationship with Eilian is so real. This story just grabs you and drags you in! (So far OK with the OCs - I'll keep you posted!)
Author's reply
"This story just grabs you and drags you in!" This is a wonderful compliment. I am shamefully fond of my own OCs and want everyone else to love them too. I think poor Elrond was in a hard position with his sons. How hard it must have been to see them get so caught up in vengeance.
Nilmandra
· 4 November 2003
· Chapter 6: In Another Time
Am I first in line? Oh, good. I have my sponges to give him a sponge bath, and I will gladly kiss the owies and make him better. Ah, the comfort part of hurting characters is the best. Poor, brave Legolas....
And great Thranduil! Saruman sounded good, Cirdan is a wise old owl and has his suspicions and Mithrandir is perfect. Will we get to see him in the Greenwood?
Author's reply
Yes, you are first in line! Legolas is waiting for you. He thinks you will be better than Celuwen.
I think we will get to see Mithrandir in Greenwood eventually. It will be a few chapters though.
awwww, poor Legolas! i'm sure he'll survive - well he sort of has too doesn't he. I'm so lucky i've never broken anything, Touch wood! apart from a bone in my foot a couple of weeks ago that was horrible i could move the bone around.
I wonder why Eilian wants to protect the settlement, hmmmmm, i don't think i even need 3 guesses for that one.
well i better go before someone finds me on the internet! oh well bye bye until next chapter.
caz baz
Lamiel
· 3 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
How hard it is to balance family love with duty! Especially when it means sending your loved ones into dangerous situations. I think, though, that Ithilden needs to be careful not to judge too strongly against Legolas--it isn't just that he wants to go to the Southern Patrol, he's also got the skills for it. They need him. If his family could be impartial they'd realize that, but of course they can't. And there ought to be a rule that one family doesn't send more than one child into dangerous territory. Of course it's all dangerous, but they've already got Eilian on the southern patrol. Don't need to risk more.
Speaking as someone in California, I think you handled the forest fire marvelously. I loved the added tension from the trees, and the way Legolas apologized before cutting. How hard that would be for an Elf! I sincerely hope they don't actually hear the tree in pain from the chopping--that would be impossible. I also liked your note that they usually let the forest fire burn naturally, unless it threatened their homes. If we did that, we wouldn't have these problems now.
Great job, as always. I'm all caught up now!
Lera
· 3 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Another wonderful chapter. (Not that I expected anything else) Well, Legolas finally gets to see some action. A little too much, I guess. At the moment though, I mostly feel sorry for Annael. It wasn't his fault, but if he hadn't cut that particular tree at that particular time...it just sucks for him. I'm so glad Eilien's first reaction wasn't to yell at Annael.
Hmm, so a certain maiden whose name starts with a C still has a hold on Eilien's heart. I am so glad!!! I always liked her. Apparently you did too.(Assuming you are talking about Celuwen.)
If most of the novices are first posted on the home guard, why did Legolas think Ithildien was going to make an exception? It sounds wise for Annael to be posted elsewhere and it's considerate of Ithildien to want to keep him and Legolas together. I can see why it wouldn't be a good thing to place Annael directly under his father's command. I wonder if it's easier to be placed under a brother's command than a father's?
Till next time!
Lamiel
· 3 November 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Somehow I missed this chapter, and I didn't realize it until I read the next one, so now I'm going back. Goodness you update quickly! I love it.
Wonderful exercise in the beginning, having them stand on their hands. And Legolas with his shirt off! Hooray! I was going to make a comment about that when I read the other chapter, when the forester made him put his tunic back on (nooo!!) but this makes up for it.
So glad he got rid of that little twit. Goodness she was forward! Especially for an Elf. Not that I blame her, I'd try the same thing, probably, but I'm glad Legolas put her in her place.
Off to work now, will return to review next chapter later.
Lamiel
Dot
· 3 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
That was intense. I don’t know anything about forest fires, thankfully it’s not something we experience in Ireland, but this definitely sounded very convincing.
I like the idea that the elves normally respect forest fires as part of nature’s cycle and it must indeed be frustrating for Ithilden – and Thranduil – that they could allow it to run its course if not for the few elves who refuse to move nearer to safety.
Isn’t it funny that in Thranduil’s absence all of his sons spend their time being thankful he’s not there to witness whatever is going on?! Even Ithilden. He was really good with Siondel, I thought – I suppose as a father now he’s more aware of people’s feelings conflicting with their duty. It’s interesting that he doesn’t think he should post Annael with Siondel. I can see how it would be a problem, but I wonder would it really be any different than having Legolas under Eilian’s command. Such a difficult job that Ithilden has. Maybe he just needs to distance himself to see what he should do.
Um, this settlement wouldn’t have anything to do with Celuwen, would it...?!!
I really thought it was great the way you showed the excitement of the older novices quickly replaced by a more sober outlook when they realise the extent of the danger and the unpredictability of the whole situation. This whole chapter is amazingly descriptive, particularly the effect the fire and smoke had on the elves, their grimy, sweaty skin, stinging eyes, etc. So vivid and realistic.
Woo-hoo, Eilian! I just love the way he pops up in the middle of extreme situations! I was thrilled that he finally appeared here. Of course, then you almost killed Legolas.... Poor Legolas can probably say goodbye to his hopes of joining the Southern Patrol. There’s no way Eilian is ever going to want to see his little brother in danger after this. Unless, of course, he realises that there’s danger everywhere and he can’t protect Legolas… I guess I’ll just have to wait and see...!
Is some poor soul going to have to inform Thranduil what happened? I would NOT fancy that job!:)
Fadesintothewest
· 3 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Oh no! Poor Legolas, a broken ankle and a head injury, and who knows how many other bruised parts. And Eilian is back, I like how he calls Legolas brat, no matter what his age. I can almost imagine Eilian finding out that Legolas is off to Mordor as one of the Fellowship, and thinking, come home safe brat! Or greeting him in such a way. In fact, I cannot wait until you write that story!
Fadesintothewest
· 3 November 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Oh I cannot believe this chapter slipped by me!
I like your treatment of Elrond. He is a real person, well Elf here, not the always cool, even headed guy, that's too perfect. Rarely do I read an ELrond I love, but this Elrond has an edge, pain, he suffers and it shows, just as it does with Thranduil. Both are powerful Elves, with complex personalities. It makes sense that with Elves his stature Elrond would seem different.
Oh no, poor Legolas, it seems that maybe just as Synia had created false hopes of her position with Legolas, Legolas has too created false hopes of being assigned to the Southern Patrol.
I await Eilian's return anxiously!
Brenda G.
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Good thing we know that Legolas reaches maturity, becomes a part of the Fellowship of the Ring, and then, a century or so beyond that, sails to Valinor because if we didn't all know that, we might think his elven days are numbered! Yikes! A tree limb falling on him, rendering him unconscious and with a broken foot. All this, and he still lies in harm's way from the advancing fire. Never a dull moment in the forests of Mirkwood, right? Poor Eilian (so glad he's back). His ulterior motive (seeing his lady love)got derailed and quickly with Legolas' accident. And what will Ithilden think? Legolas will be lucky if he is allowed out of the sight of his oldest brother again. Forget the Southern Patrol or Home Guard. If he is lucky, Legolas may get posted to his own front yard, and even then, he'll have a bodyguard with him at all times. I think it is a very good thing that Adar is away with all this transpiring. As it is, he may confine Legolas to his room for the rest of his days!
Good chapter. Ready for more.
BG
Antigone_Q
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Whoops - meant to say "more obligations THAN hunting Orcs in the south."
Antigone_Q
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
One of the things I like best about your work is that you always seem to have a very clear theme in mind that carries through the entire story. In Tide of Times, I see that all of the main characters are struggling with personal desires versus a sense of larger duty. This is very clearly defined in the way you present Ithilden, whose concern for Legolas and even his own family currently has to take second place to the greater good of the realm. Thranduil would clearly rather be at home. Likewise, Legolas will have to learn that he has more obligations to his family and to his kingdom hunting Orcs in the south.
I thought the forest fire scene was very well done. I agree that Elves wouldn't bother with it unless someone's home/life were at stake. They seem to have a good balance with nature. And I was just thinking this morning how hard it must be for a Wood Elf who could hear the trees to cut down a live tree, so it was nice to see someone else had the same thoughts. But really, Daw, I must protest. We have twice seen Legolas shirtless, Thranduil once without his shirt or anything else, and yet Eilian is still frustratingly fully clothed. Ah, well. At least he has made an appearance. I've grown fond of him.
Curious to see how Thranduil is faring, and if he is coming home soon.
A forest fire! I never thought of that... I guess that's why I'm not an author.
Ithilden is bearing the weight of this responsibility well. It is a hard choice for anyone, much less when your family is involved. I like how you set up the situation so he had to consult with his advisors and send messengers everywhere. It was very presidential. I also liked how they had to juggle their limited resources rather than suddenly have hundreds of elves available. Your plan for Legolas' and Annael's future is excellent. I think I know why Ithilden expects Eilian to show up at that settlement. And her name is not Legolas.
I think your fire break plan is a good one. I've never been in a forest fire either. "Perhaps there were worse things than standing on his hands in a field in the pale spring sunshine." That was a great line. Things can always get worse. Asking the trees to forgive him was very sweet. Luckily, Greenwood is not Fanghorn.
It was very political of the youngest to think of the dedication of the colony of elves. He knew his father was unhappy with them but still thought they were admirable. I doubt the other novices thought the same way. One of your many "royal" touches. I am always glad that he and Eilian are enthusiastic about seeing one another. He is getting a bit old to be "brat." Of course, my sister still calls our 30 year old brother "baby."
His little accident was very unexpected. Eilian's reaction was wonderful. I could feel his heart in his throat. Unfortunately, duty calls. It would be hard for me to leave an injured loved one and go back to work. Concentrating would be nearly impossible. He is very brave.