Nilmandra
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
I love how this came out. It flows well, the whole firefighting thing is an adventure to Legolas, and then he sees the hardwork and the danger. The blistered hands and the stag are wonderful details, and the accident with Legolas is just the kind of thing that can happen in such a situation. Poor Annael and Eilian! Both want to help him and yet their duty demands they stay at their posts!
I hope the elves of the settlement gain some understanding at how difficult and costly to the realm it can be to try to protect them so far out from the rest of the people.
Arbelethiel
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Gah! I again missed reviewing a chapter. I must review immediately after I’ve read it, because I forget otherwise.
About Legolas and the Southern Patrol, isn’t he in command of the Home Patrol in A Question of Duty? I remember it because I thought it fitted in nicely with Maldor’s analysis of the three brothers’ characters.
Poor Ithilien :( He is plagued with problems already, and now this fire. Plus felling trees must feel like murder to wood-elves.
Nasty cliffhanger. We know that it won’t kill him, but I dearly hope, for everybody involved, that Legolas is on his two feet again when Thranduil comes back, or heads will roll ;)
Thank you for this chapter(s),
~Arbelethiel
The Karenator
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Daw,
What an exciting chapter. The forest fire was well done. Even though I don't know much about fire fighting, it seemed very real and believable. I had to chuckle as Ithilden thought about Eilian getting his way to guard the settlement. Ah..the fair Celuwen.....
One of the more interesting points you made was about Ithilden's decision regarding where to post Annael and Legolas. Quite frankly, I had not considered the fact that posting Annael to the Home Guard would place him directly under his own adar's command. Excellent point and one that I should have known Ithilden would not miss. He has too much experience in what to do with his own family members.
I, also, got a laugh out Pilin's reluctance to do such..well...menial work. He's been in the king's stables too long.
This was one of my favorite lines..."He stood for a moment, feeling the weight of obligations that sometimes left so little room for personal choices that he felt as if his life had all been given away." Oh my...that really took me aback. It is not an easy place to be the king's son or to hold the position of command that Eilian does. Legolas is just starting to feel the true weight of what his brothers have known for so long. My heart broke for the big brother as he watched his baby brother taken away from him. During the rescue efforts, it was all Eilian could do to not plunge dangerously ahead to reach Legolas, so letting him go must have been a real test of his strength and sense of duty. Poor Eilian....I'm available for any therapy you may feel he needs....
I hope you won't be too long in updating. I hate having to check the computer every thirty minutes for weeks to find out how our youngest prince is faring! :<) Very good, Daw, as usual. Karen
JustMe
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
The events of this chapter just prove that you should be careful what you wish for, 'cause you might get more than you bargained for. Legolas wanted excitement and adventure - and he was initially pleased at being able to "get out" of his training. But it ended up being just a little more "excitement" than he might have wanted. Poor Annael feels responsible for the injury to his friend, but sometimes these unexpected things happen and no one is really to blame. I'm sure that Legolas would knock him upside the head if he knew his friend was feeling guilty. Of course it is always good to have Eilian on the scene. His concern for the "brat" is heartwarming, and I'm sure Legolas will be glad for his presence when he comes to. I hope that this injury does not infringe on the time Eilian has to spend with Celuwen (forgive me if I have butchered the spelling of her name), as I assume it is her settlement that is threatened by the fire. It is a good thing that Thranduil is not around right now as he would probably wear the carpet thin worrying over Legolas - and in this case, with good reason!
Ithilden does not have an easy task ahead of him. Trying to assign warriors to the proper patrols while keeping in mind their experience and family matters as well is a rather daunting task. But I believe that he is the best man (oops! I mean elf) for the job. I just wonder how he will handle it when it is his own son he has to assign to patrol. Hmmm...food for thought!
Molly
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
I have always been a big fan of hurt/comfort, and the hurt was very good--Eilian and Annael are obviously worried, which was sweet. I'm eager to see what form the comfort will take!
meckinock
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Wow -this chapter has everything - a window on the mind of a military commander as he analyzes the battlefield and plans his strategy (to include considerations of personalities and relationships); a forest fire AND orcs (I haven't lived in a fire zone either but you would have had me believing you had if you hadn't confessed); young'uns in peril...It was touching to see Eilian's brotherly concern for injured Legolas and how he was forced by duty to leave his care to others. What torture for Elves to have to chop trees down to save the forest - listening to their cries of pain - yikes! It must be like shooting Bambi for them. Gotta go shake off a case of quivering paralysis now...
Jay of Lasgalen
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Daw, this is another wonderful chapter. When I read about the fire, I admit I thought about the fires in California, but I know that some parts of a story are planned far in advance, and events sometimes catch up. The strain of fighting a fire is very well written, and I kept thinking that *something* was going to happen - but it was still a shock when it did!
I do hope that Legolas will be all right (well, I know he will be) and that no one else is hurt!
Jay
naneth
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 5: Treacherous Ground
Wow, what a great chapter! I've already read it three times, just enjoying the richness of the images you conjured. Really, really well done!
Dot
· 2 November 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Hi. First off, I should apologise for the whole Galor thing – I really did like him as a character, I suppose I just read him differently than you obviously intended. I hope you weren’t offended.
This chapter is really great. I see Maldor is still himself! That exercise they were doing sounds fascinating – and seriously difficult!
I particularly liked the scene with Thranduil and Elrond. I love the tranquillity of this garden in Imladris set against the emotions of these two elves. Elrond must really be suffering to inspire such sympathy in Thranduil. I’m so glad they talked, even if it didn’t end too well. I wonder if Elrond knew more of the activities of Thranduil’s sons would he be a bit more open. I know it must be difficult for Elrond to watch his sons ride off into danger, but how much harder it must be to actually send them as Thranduil has to. And how frustrating it must be for Thranduil to see the council’s lack of action – he always seems to me to be someone who needs to act on things and see some accomplishment rather than sit down and wait, especially when it comes to his own people.
The conversation between Legolas and Synia was written so well. It was so enthralling to watch Legolas struggle to bring himself under control and explain the situation to her. I almost felt sorry for Synia because she clearly did think that Legolas was more serious about their relationship....but I got over it when she tried to seduce him and then freaked out! Woah, she is so not good for the son of the king. Why can’t he find someone a little more like Alfirin?! I have to say, I was actually really proud of Legolas and the strength of character he showed! He might not always remember his position or the responsibility that comes with it but at least he did in the end...
Y’know, I think Ithilden needs a holiday. He works far too hard. Just thought I’d mention that. I cringed when Legolas asked him about being sent south. There was no way Ithilden would make an exception for his brother, even if it wasn’t such a dangerous patrol he wanted to join. Legolas should surely know by now that Ithilden does things strictly by the book. I doubt writing to Eilian will accomplish anything – I had to laugh at the vague answers Legolas received that he then interpreted them exactly as he wanted! Eilian may crave excitement but I don’t think he’d want his family, especially his inexperienced younger brother in the same situation. I could be wrong, though… And does that mean Eilian might be making an appearance soon?!!:)
naneth
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Wow, shades of Luke Skywalker's Jedi training- doing handstands by the hour! Legolas is still dueling with Maldor to the end of his novice days...poor thing, won't he ever learn?
It was sad that Legolas felt that the only reason maidens were attracted to him was because of "who" he is, not "what" he is.
Elrond's question concerning the possibility of both wives being a target instead of random violence was certainly thought provoking. It would make sense for Sauron to know about the leaders of his enemies and their families, but who would do his spying, especially as to when the wives might be travelling? It would seem to need to be someone within the household or awfully close to the household. Hmmm, interesting speculation!
Nilmandra
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
So many good things in this chapter. So, Maldor may have beaten legolas yet again in the unarmed combat, but my question now is would he have beaten him if he had just stood on his hands for an hour or more? Hah - the old curmudgeon.
Legolas handled Synia well. I think she is just selfish and wants what she wants. She likes Legolas and maybe even truly loves him, but she doesn't understand what drives him or the responsiblities of being a warrior or the son of the king. She will find someone else, but I think Legolas will not forget her cunning ways anytime soon. A maiden who attempts to seduce him must be a new thing for him! I hope at some point he shares this tale with Eilian - the two brothers might share a good laugh and Legolas might learn a little wisdom from a brother who has been there and done that.
And finally, Thranduil and Elrond. Elrond is clearly burdened, and Thranduil is clearly annoyed by the lack of action. So many sides to this picture and so many agenda's, so many with potential foresight that may help or hinder their actions.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
There is so much going on in this chapter again. I liked the conversation between Thranduil and Elrond. Despite their differences, they have so much in common - grief over a lost wife, worry over their sons. When will they realise this? And I loved Thranduil's thought that he had been 'lucky' with his sons. They too have been lucky with their Ada.
Maldor, I see, has not mellowed at all! He is still the novice master everyone hates. And finally, there was Legolas' confrontation with Synia. He had to say it, but it could not have been easy. And then to find out he will not be posted to the Southern patrol! (thank goodness). Poor Legolas.
Jay
Brenda G.
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Well done, Legolas! Sometimes you just can't be subtle with some people. Synia, unfortunately, is one of those. Legolas was firm and final, and although he regrets giving Synia pain, he has saved her a great deal more of the same by breaking it off now. There, there, Synia. Take your medicine like a good girl and go to bed. She's not going to go all "Fatal Attraction" on us now, is she, Daw?
I felt all along that Legolas was floating his own imaginary boat about being assigned to the Southern sector of Mirkwood under his brother's command. If Eilian can barely escape with his life, how does Legolas, untried and inexperienced (mostly), hope to fare? I believe our young warrior needs to brace himself for disappointment. Imagine how Thranduil would react if he had any inkling that Legolas was making such plans!
Speaking of that handsome, pointy-earred devil, Council is turning out almost exactly how he imagined it would - BIG ZERO. I'm still hoping for a few tricks out of your bag of magic, Daw, to spice this up for our Woodland king. Thranduil's brief (and terse) meeting with Elrond was pretty rough. I've never seen anyone put Thranduil in his place before, but it looks like Elrond pulled it off. I thought I might have to rub my arms warm again after that frosty enchange.
Ithilden is already bracing himself for his future talk with his brother about warrior assignments. Good thing he has his own son's sweetness and innocence to help distract him or he would never get any rest what with shouldering Thranduil's and his own responsibilities.
More, Daw. More!
BG
The Karenator
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Daw,
What a grueling training exercise! Maldor hasn't changed any. As tough and as dislikeable an old bird as he is, I think he's totally devoted to his novices. Still, I don't think I would want him as a master.
The interaction between Thranduil and Elrond was certainly interesting. I thought for a moment that they would reach some sort of understanding, especially through their shared losses, but that came to a screeching halt. Though Thranduil's remark about Elrond's sons may have been a bit offensive, he did have a point. I thought Elrond's question to Thranduil regarding the possibility that their wives as victims was not random was an interesting one. It was quite a frightening one, too. I'm sure that they as leaders of their people are aware of their vulnerablility and that of their families, too, but the thought that their wives were targeted was truly scary. One thought I had was that it meant that all their family members could easily become targeted prey and another was that Thranduil was right when he said that this could mean that the shadow was in possession of more information than they had previously been aware. This is not a comforting thought.
My goodness...that Synia was quite serious about getting Legolas to change his mind. You know, I guess males are males no matter what species and Legolas was was quick to feel the heat she meant from him to feel. But, the Elves are a bit more in control in that department. Still, while he acknowledged that physical and emotional intimacy could not be separated by Elves, he then went on to worry about having to explain to his adar how Synia could have gotten such an impression. This leads me to wonder if there may have been a little more than kissing going one...though probably mild stuff by human standards...he might have been wading in more dangerous waters than he realized. (That may go without saying...) While he may not want to be like Eilian in his dealings with maidens, he may now have a better understanding of just why Eilian is such a flirt. Misunderstandings happen easily.
This is getting way too long...all just to say I really enjoyed this chapter. At least you know, I'm thinking! :>) Karen
Tapetum Lucidum
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
That was very juicy!
I can see a row of very handsome, half naked elves standing on their heads with their biceps and pectoral muscles flexed and sweating. Now I have to go to bed. My poor husband... (or is he lucky?) I liked the way you had Legolas drift away to block the discomfort from his head. He is a stubborn elf isn't he? Telling Maldor he enjoyed it was not exactly wise. I imagine his nervousness over his upcoming conversation is enough to distract him from anything. It is good for him to get knocked down every once in a while.
Thranduil's little chat with Elrond was eventful. I am glad he took a moment to empathize with the Lord of Imladris. It is an unfortunate event to have in common. The thought that they may have been targeted and attacked is terrifying, even for Thranduil. It sounds like he never even considered it. If Elrond knew what Eilian had been through, he would have been much more forgiving of the King's rude remark.
They finally had it out. Synia is a manipulative little thing. You told me once before that you didn't know how to write adolescent girl... I think you have mastered it. She used her assests to her best advantage trying to keep our elf where she wanted him. I am glad he was able to think with the head on his shoulders and get rid of her. It would only be harder later on. I hope she doesn't come back and wreak more havoc on the princling. His conversation with Ithilien was very cool. It was definitely Commander to Warrior and not brother to brother. I guess the topic required it. I am sure Legolas wishe he had someone to talk to about these things. The poor boy really has no one. I would be happy to lend him an ear, or anything else he wants.
Thanks for your answer to my Saruman question. I am by no means a Tolkein scholar but it seems you have done your research well.
Three things I have been wondering (sorry, it's been slow at work)
1. Once Legolas reaches his majority, will his teachers have to call him Lord?
2. Will Maltanaur stay with Eilian or will Legolas be his new charge?
3. When Thranduil and Ithilden have to send their best archer on a dangerous mission, will they be able to send him?
Sorry, I will try to concentrate on my work now. Thanks for the great chapter!
LOTRFaith
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Hmmm, I think Legolas had just got a good look at his future and he probably doesn't like what he see's. But I am glad that he has good self-control with his body. ;-)
Namaarie!
LOTRFaith
JustMe
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Ouch! So much for diplomacy! Seems like old grievances die hard. Thranduil has not exactly endeared himself to Elrond has he?
Wow! That Synia is one brazen girl! I hope that Legolas has seen the last of her - she is definately not the type of girl you want to bring home to meet your family! She had her sights set on Legolas and was willing to do anything to snare him. Run Legolas - and don't look back!
I think that Ithilden really should sit down and have a talk with his brother. I know that he doesn't want to give him special treatment, but by the same token Legolas could benefit from his brother's experience and guidance. I just hope that Legolas didn't get Eilian in trouble by misunderstanding his conversation. Eilian doesn't need any help to get in trouble, but in this case it would be undeserved! I'm afraid that Legolas is going to be disappointed - because I cannot see either Ithilden or Thranduil allowing him to serve in the Southern Patrol. One son in that dangerous region is almost more than either of them can handle! Oh well, if it was easy, I guess they wouldn't be called growing "pains", right?
Molly
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
I beg to differ with Maldor; I *do* think an hour is an excessively long time to hold a handstand. Maybe your arms could take it, but what about your head? Even if they're Elves I think they would black out from blood rushing to their heads long before they reached an hour. At the very least wouldn't they be dizzy? I don't know. But I enjoy watching Legolas approach adulthood. I'm eager to see where you take the story. It seems as if you have lots in store yet for the royal family.
tigerlily713
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Great chapter. Poor Legolas had his work cut out for him didn't he? He was strong though; not only strong but offended. Poor guy. poor Synia too though; she must feel foolish and somewhat cheapened.
Anyway, great chapter, as usual. ~Lily
Lera
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
Ouch. Legolas didn't mince any words with her did he? Well, I suppose that's good.
I realize that it was a serious training exercise to prepare them for battle, but the thought of them all in a line standing on their heads cracked me up. It was a good exercise though. Where do you come up with all your warrior training exercises?
I'm glad that even though Ithildien was standing in for the king, his little boy still was assurred free access to him. I think he's a good Daddy, er, Ada.
I love that you update so often! It makes my day to see a story update in my email.
Antigone_Q
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 4: Negotiating
I don't know where you get your military training techniques, but I kind of liked the hand-stand thing. It makes sense to me now that if you tired out your arms with a bow or a sword, it would be important to be able to spar without using your arms and hands. Whether Legolas likes Maldor or not, his training is going to be invaluable later.
I had to laugh at Legolas communication methods here. They seem more and more to me like a big game of telephone: "Synia said that Annael said that Eilian said that Ithilden said..." But I think that is very typical of his comparative age, so good for you for making him so realistic. Meanwhile, Legolas himself hasn't been really listening to anyone, has he? He's only been picking up what he wants to hear - rather like certain female Elves he knows.
Thranduil, Thranduil. Sigh. And I thought Legolas had some trouble with timing during negotiations! What on earth made him spit out that remark about Elrond's sons? If taking that tone was part of some carefully-thought out plan, I'm afraid I don't see what he was trying to accomplish.
I am glad Legolas sent Synia packing. I can't quite pin down how you made me dislike her so much, but I hope we never see her again. (BTW, I'm curious to know where Synia gets her name from - I've been amusing myself by looking up the roots of your characters' names, and I can't find hers.)
Antigone_Q
· 30 October 2003
· Chapter 3: Friends and Enemies
I think I am going to start leaving reviews on this website instead of ff.net. It's much easier to use and never seems to get too busy. Anyway...
Thranduil seems to be becoming aware of the issues in Elrond's family concerning Orcs, but he still hasn't quite got it figured out. I wonder if he will feel more kinship with Elrond when he does? I feel sorry for Thranduil. It must be frustrating for him to wait for everyone else to debate while his realm is being overcome.
The scenes with the war games are interesting. Legolas is apparently gifted in stratagy - not surprising, considering the way he grew up. The best part of the chapter for me was Legolas' interactions with Galor. They show Legolas developing some good leadership qualities. And once again, I do not like Synia at all - the presumtuous little twit. I hope he drops her soon.
Great chapter - hope you are writing quickly!
caz baz
· 29 October 2003
· Chapter 3: Friends and Enemies
Argh... i just talked to this girl i don't know cause i thought she was my friend, it was soooo embarrasing!
i thought ALL the new warriors started in the Home Guard.
poor Legolas i know how he feels, i'll be with my boyfriend and soon i'll find that we're away from the others on ar own with no one else to talk with not that that's a problem or anything but never mind!
Lera
· 28 October 2003
· Chapter 3: Friends and Enemies
Poor Thranduil. He has to live with the shadow, spiders and orcs everyday! His own sons suffer trying to protect the people. That must especially weigh on him. It must be so frustrating when the other leaders don't understand. Maybe Thranduil should consider inviting them all to take a vacation in Mirkwood?
I remember this novice war game! Only Legolas was in a different position last time. It's cool to see him as a leader. I'm starting to see the Elf we know during the War of the Ring. I liked how he didn't jump all over Galor and instead took responsibility for his own mistake. He is becoming a good leader, someone other people will respect and follow. Now he just needs to learn how to deal with girls!
As much as I dislike Synia, I think I kind of understand her. Who wouldn't want a relationship with Legolas? And even if HE thought he'd been clear about his plans, people will hear what they want to. Or perhaps she's just very confident in being able to change his mind. Even if he's saying that he plans to join the SOuthern Patrol and doesn't mean to bond with her, his actions are not reinforcing that!
Thank you for frequently updating. Altogether great job!
Dot
· 28 October 2003
· Chapter 3: Friends and Enemies
This was such a great chapter. Once again, I really love the way you show things from Thranduil’s point of view, even down to the way he mentally compares Elrond’s map with the one has drawn up from Ithilden’s reports. His observations of Elrond were really heartbreaking. Elrond seems to be suffering and Thranduil’s understanding of what he is experiencing is really quite poignant. He should say something to him – they really have more in common than Thranduil might want to think.
You did a great job with Curinir, showing his distance from the others, yet also their reluctant agreement with him. He’s a bit of a pain, isn’t he? I’d quite like it if Thranduil lost his temper with him...!
Y’know, there are loads of interesting little titbits in this chapter! So, Ithilden spent time with the twins? That’d make an interesting story...! And that part about Eilian! Just what kind of danger did you put him in?!! I can’t imagine Thranduil was too thrilled... No wonder he empathises with Elrond.
LOL at poor Radagast, by the way!;)
Ah, the exercise with the novices sounds familiar. It’s fascinating to see Legolas in a position of authority this time in the same situation. How much he has grown....
Synia’s been causing a bit of trouble, has she?! I must say, I did wonder at Legolas going to the Southern Patrol and whether Ithilden knew about this or not, but still Synia should surely have asked Legolas… Do those two talk to each other at all?! I’m back to not liking her again…
Galor is an interesting little addition to these stories. He reminds me of Tonduil a little bit in that he seems like a more gentle spirit who probably shouldn’t really try to become a warrior. Of course, then he totally freaked me out with his amazing, and rather frank, perceptiveness at the end of the chapter. It was a little bit disconcerting to say the least. In one way, it was eerily like Thranduil telling Legolas he was proud that he was being responsible and setting a good example, and then that bit about doing things he may not enjoy was, well, a tad creepy. Obviously Legolas can apply this to having to talk to Synia about their future but somehow I doubt that Galor meant that.... So, what did he mean, or am I just a little slow?! Don’t tell me I’m the only one feeling a bit unsettled by his remarks?!!:)