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Glorious Summer by daw the minstrel	24 Review(s)
meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/19/2004
Whew. Makes you think about furniture a whole new way. These two better start pacing themselves --they have to last for eternity, after all. The Alfirin-Celuwen showdown defused itself pretty well, I thought. Obviously they're both trying very hard. I liked that Celuwen felt a twinge of guilt at realizing she was spoiling Alfirin's enjoyment of arranging her apartment, but resolved to not let it stop her from speaking her mind. Better to be clear about what she wants up front than let it simmer for a couple of centuries and then blow up in the biggest explosion since Mount Doom. Legolas seems to be settling into his new position very well. His leadership style is more reasoned and analytic than adrenalin junkie Eilian's, but he's no less purposeful. He wisely sidestepped the pitfall of policing the sandbox in favor of a little private mentoring, and he cleverly defused the chief bellyacher by taking him as a partner. Yes, I think Beliond will have no trouble at all dealing with Riolith! Poor Sorion. I can just imagine what's going through his head as he watches Legolas compose letters to his "adar": Dear Adar, How have I so displeased you that you would subject me to the command of such a knucklehead as Sorion? I have never encountered such an competent individual in my entire life! He is every bit as pathetic as Eilian described him. The Southern Patrol is falling apart. Morale is in the toilet, supplies are running low, Orcs are on the verge of overrunning us, and this idiot you call a Captain is going to get us all killed. Can't he be reassigned to the Royal Quartermaster Service or something? Your affectionate son, Legolas Author Reply: There's a joke about human newlyweds that goes something like this. For every time you make love in the first two years, you put a dollar in a jar. Then after that, you take a dollar out every time. Supposedly, you never get your money back. :-) I don't know how that would work with elves. I think both Alfirin and Celuwen are mature people, so they're going to try to be considerate of one another. The danger of that is not speaking up for yourself. But Celuwen seems to do ok in that area, and when it matters to her, so does Alfirin. These two will eventually be ok, I think, although it may take a while. That chapter was meant to show both Celuwen and Legolas having small victories in learning their new responsibilities. I didn't want anything dramatic right away, but I thought Legolas would do all right, probably better than he realizes. LOL at your letter! It would be hard. When I taught at General Motors Institute, I once had the daughter of the president of GM in my class. Actually, I think that would be easier than having the child of one of my colleagues.

Antigone Q	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/19/2004
Legolas seems to be doing well with his new responsibilities - Beliond is right though, he had better be careful to cut himself some slack. It's not surprising, what with the achievements of his father and brothers, that he expects a lot from himself, but I'm sure that in the Southern patrol with the Shadow looming any pressure he feels is going to be very intense, so he'll have to be extra careful. And Celuwen has a lot to deal with in her new role, too, doesn't she? Good for her for standing her ground but still trying to be tactful with Alfirin! I think that they will become a strong united front in the mostly testosterone-filled household, once they work out their differences. I laughed through the whole last half of the chapter, because I remembered when I was first married and the trouble we had with our first apartment, and all the unsolicited advice I had from my mother-in-law, and the way every room and piece of furniture was just another place to...(cough) have lots of fun. It would probably behoove Eilian to learn soon not to smirk when Celuwen is feeling annoyed; it's funny now but one day it's going to come back and bite him in the butt, for sure. Lovely story so far! Your characters have become so real to me that I get anxious for them, so I hope another chapter comes soon. Author Reply: Legolas is doing well but I'm not sure he realizes it quite yet. He's so earnest. He just tries to do the right thing as each occasion arises, but sometimes he even forgets that he's the one with power and responsibility to take action. I'm sure the rest of the patrol is watching him too, trying to decide if they can trust him with their lives. They're probably doing the same thing to Sorion, so it's kind of an unsettled time in the patrol. I'm having fun writing about Celuwen and Alfirin, trying to make them as real as the male members of the household are. I find it hard, for some reason. They tend to merge into generic female and I have to keep consulting the analysis I wrote of each of them and how they're different and how they get along (or not). I wanted them both good, but both flawed. And indeed, Eilian better learn not to smirk because one of these days (soon!) she's going to be ticked at him. He finds your comment about the furniture interesting, btw. ;-)

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/18/2004
Hi, Finally...I've caught up with everyone else. Unfortunately, I feel like I've come in in the middle of the movie and I'm trying to figure out what's going on. Forgive me if my review is slightly confused. Looks like Riolith has been inhabited by the spirit of Tinar instead of the shadow. I guess every patrol has at least one who secretly harbors the desire to be arrogant and a complete jerk. It took the shadow to shake it out of Riolith; Tinar came by it naturally. And Gelmir is a brother in the spirit with Eilian. Someone has to carry on now that the good captain is off learning to be a good husband. (And son. Woe is Thranduil. What's a dad to do with a wild card? Celuwen seems to know how to 'handle' him. Perhaps, she can come out of the 'closet' and take over that job.) Legolas is doing quite well in his first taste of commanding. Of course, Belowen is there to keep watch and make sure his charge doesn't get too overconfident. SO...has Legolas been talking in his sleep, calling out the name of a certain elleth? I just love old Belowen. He's so good for Legolas and Legolas is good for him. He's such a caring old goat, the sort who cares deeply, but would rather be riddled with arrows than act like it. Fortunately for us and for Legolas, Belowen's concern slips out in odd sorts of ways that just makes him even more endearing. (Don't tell him I said he's endearing, okay?) It's been interesting to watch Celuwen adjust to living in the palace. What a change from living in the relatively uncomplicated lifestyle of the wood-elves in the settlements. She seems to be doing well, but her frustrations are realistic and her rewards are found in the wardrobe. I think Lorellin would have really liked her new daughter-in-law! And bless Alfirin's heart, she just wants to help. I get the feeling that she's so excited to have another female around and there is no one who knows better what sort of adjustments Celuwen is going through than she does, that Alfirin just got a little over excited in trying to smooth out the way. Alfirin handled Celuwen's frustrations well. I loved the little hug. Again, I'm sorry I'm so far behind the crowd, but I really enjoyed catching up this morning. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. I'm looking forward to more. Karen Author Reply: Welcome back, Karen. I hope your life is settling down a little. I think you're right that Riolith is affected by the shadow. Actually as I was writing this, I was thinking about the idea of the effect of shadow you expounded so well when I was writing "My Brother's Keeper" (you know, when you were explaining why Eilian was now a drug addict ;-)). It fits well here. The shadow is affecting all of these people, and I think one of the things that Legolas is learning is how to function well when he's so close to shadow. That will stand him in good stead on the quest. You are so bad about the 'closet'! LOL. Eilian and Celuwen intend to stay there for a while and just closed the door because Alfirin might come back. I can just picture her blushing face as it occurs to her that something odd is happening in the wardrobe. She does want to help though. I've been trying to show that the two wives are different and so there's some conflict, but it's not because either one of them is bad. You might like one more than the other, but that's just the way life is. Belowen snorted when I told him about the 'endearing' thing (and Legolas laughed). :-)

Rose Sared	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/18/2004
Oh how wonderful, wardrobe sex! Hah, they had better be careful or they may get stuch in there. Poor old Leggy languishing in the south, tough job for any elf I think. Lovely story much enjoyed as ever. Rose Author Reply: Stuck? Now that's a concept. LOL. I don't think so. I think Eilian knows what he's doing. ;-) Legolas is handling a tough job very well. I'm proud of him! daw

Brenda G.	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/17/2004
Well, this was a completely satisfying chapter (as they all have been). Legolas taking "small moments" and writing about them to his father. It is interesting to see the lay of his mind now that he is an adult with so many responsibilities. Beliond is simply marvelous as the keeper of Thranduil's youngest, and it is gratifying to see how mild, affectionate and comfortable Legolas has become with his bodyguard. I remember when Beliond was first appointed to the blond elfling and how thorny Legolas found the entire situation at the beginning. How many years has it been to this point since Beliond became Legolas' keeper? Celuwen made me smile and shake my head. So stubborn. So contradicting. So female! I laughed at the wardrobe incident, almost as bemused by Celuwen's streak of willfulness as was her Wood-elf husband. Lordy, Eilian makes me sweat! Just reading about his very charming self and his desire to please his wife and please himself in the bargain by making the wardrobe his and Celuwen in their own special, and most inventive way. Mmmm,what a delicious devil he is! Another helping of Eilian, please... You've certainly whetted my appetite for the next chapter: a rumble in the South and a tumble in the wardrobe! Can I stand the wait? Not a chance! Bring it on! Author Reply: Legolas and Beliond have been good for one another. Legolas has done a lot of growing up, and Beliond has learned to allow himself to care for someone again. I figure they've been together for 170 years or so now. A long time! I think that Celuwen is a reasonable person most of the time, but she's off balance right now because she's in such a different environment. And actually, I think she was trying to be reasonable with Alfirin too. But she couldn't make all her feelings go away. And Eilian certainly turned the situation into a win-win one for him and Celuwen! LOL

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/17/2004
Thanks for a well timed update. I was having a really big fight with my 100 year old computer after a major crash. Your chapter brightened my mood! Small moments was a great chapter title. The little interactions among the patrol members were very entertaining. I love your elves' sense of humor. Those beetles would definitely give me a nightmare. I think I have seen roaches that big in my college dorm. Legolas handled both Isendir and Riolith very well. He seems to be a natural. The conversation with Sorion went well and your warrior dispersion plan was very good. I am sure Legolas' letters have made a lot of captains nervous. That was funny. Swapping partners would be tough when you are accustomed to a specific person. That was a good point too. Beliond's little comment about Legolas' mistakes was very appropriate. I know many people who are their own toughest critic. The third son does have some big shoes to fill and sometimes that is part of the problem. Dreaming of the curly haired maiden? Poor guy has no privacy. Sorion does have some tough choices to make. It is lonely at the top. Hmm... I wonder what those men were doing... Celuwen sounds like she is handling her new position pretty well. OK, maybe the stress is getting to her a little bit. Poor Alfirin, she was trying to help and got blasted. I would have wanted to be consulted as well. To add insult to injury, the position was a lot better. I think Eilian' solution to the Great Wardrobe Problem was excellent! I highly recommend it. Author Reply: Crashing computers bring me to tears. Get a new one! I'm glad you liked the little things in this chapter. I'm trying to show character cevelopment in small ways before we get to more dramatic situations because I thought it would be unrealistic to have big stuff first. Legolas, Celuwen, and Eilian all need to feel their way along a little first. And I think Legolas is doing well, although he may not recognize it quite yet. He's very modest, I think, especially for an elf. And while he's likeable, he's never going to be one of the guys, not with a bodyguard and letters home to the king. So he's in a tough position. And so is Sorion. This patrol is Eilian's and he knows it, and he has a different style of leadership that may not be the best for this shadowed area. Eilian thanks you for the recommendation and says he intends to repeat the treatment as needed. Which will be often. :-)

Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/17/2004
Well that's one way to break in new furniture. (grin) Ah, those crazy newly weds. I'm enjoying their interactions. They're so happy. It's hard not to go awww. I'm enjoying the Alfirin/Celuwen interaction. They're both so different but I think they're going to make good allies. Alfirin's all motherly and docile but I have the feeling she knows where to make her stand and god help you because she's not going to changer her mind. And Celuwen will tell you flat out when you're wrong. Nicely and politely of course, but still tell you that you're wrong.I have this vision of them teaming up on something and the rest of the house of Thranduil running in fear. Somebody's gotta keep those menfolk in line. Legolas is doing real well. But was there any real doubt about that? I love how careful and serious he is about his job but still knows how to laugh. He's a mix between Eilian and Ithilden that way. I also love how Beliond looks after him. And knows things about him, like that he has a crush on a certain disappearing maiden. (grins) Poor Legolas, no privacy at all. I like watching the interactions between the warriors. Gelmir's such a trickster. He's funny, though he hopefully has enough sense to not toy with Beliond. Poor Isendir though. Getting used to the shadow and being the butt of the jokes. I look forward to the next chapter. And I personally would love something from Calith's point of view. He's obviously very patient to not have told Eilian to just be quiet already and to not have tied Tinar up and gagged him. Now there's a fun image. I don't suppose I could convince you that that would be a good plot device? Seriously though Tinar's a fun character. He's annoying but he creates conflict and someone for the other characters to harrass guilt free, an important service. Update soon please! Author Reply: Ooh you are so good on the wives. That's exactly how I picture Alfirin too. She would let Ithilden be in charge until there was a question of what she took to be right and wrong or the well being of her family, and then she'd dig in her heels and be immovable. And Celuwen is quite capable of thinking that Thranduil is wrong and maybe even telling him. She's heard her father say so often enough! Legolas is so earnest that he's sweet. He is trying out little things that show both him and the people around him that he's capable and that he cares about his troops. But he's still unsure of himself. I don't think he gives himself enough credit. Gelmir is looking after Isendir now. So aside from a few practical jokes, which may help his mood, Isendir is in better shape. I have thought about doing a whole story from the POV of the wives and keepers, and I thought about using Calith in that too because Ithilden doesn't have a keeper right now. Someday!

lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/17/2004
I really like the relationship Legolas and Beliond have developed over the years. Having just reread "The Warrior", they were so tense with each other, and even tho' I knew things would improve, it seemed like dark days ahead. Beliond is now almost like an older uncle/second father to Legolas...I loved the teasing remark about asking him which maiden Legolas was thinking of (that's the one from "Spring Awakenings", right?), and the remark that he'd been teasing the boy since he was an ignorant elfling, and really, Legolas, you haven't progressed so very much farther since then! Hehehehehe! Legolas, on the other hand, has learned alot over the years, it seems...he's not quite so eager for the excitement of battle (tho' he still feels that kick of adrenalin), and he's developed a nice sensitivity to his patrol mates. He handled the situation with Riolith and Isendir nicely, and managed to warn Isendir that working so close to Shadow had its repercussions. He even handled his very cautious, slightly suspicious captain with tact and diplomacy, when I'm sure he wanted to scream when Sorion asked about his letter. (Poor Legolas, his lack of privacy, thanks to Beliond and the captain watching his every move, word, and letter, is almost as non-existent as Celuwen's, in some ways!) As for the new wife, I had some sisters-in-law who would come into my new home and give unwelcome, unsolicited advice when I first married. It is NOT fun. Alfirin has Celuwen's best interests at heart, however, and perhaps now that she realizes how it has been affecting Celuwen, she'll give her some space. Maybe. As for Eilian, what an elf! He recognized the signs of impending explosion (familiar territory, perhaps?), and set about defusing it in the most pleasant and memorable way possible! looks around for a fan Whewwwww! I repeat, what an elf!! ;-) That's one way to take ownership of one's living space...one wonders if every piece of furniture, and every room will be given the same loving initiation! :-) Great chapter, daw, and so interesting to see all the adjusting going on! I'm sure the characters' favorite author plans to make things difficult soon...perhaps E and C should just stay in the wardrobe and lock said door!:-) (I can't wait!!!) linda Author Reply: There are so many Beliond lovers around that I'm worried I've made the guy too soft now! LOL. Actually, I think that looking after Legolas has been good for him. He was all alone before and pretty bitter. He needed someone to care about. Legolas does have much the same problem as Celuwen. He's in a new role and everyone is watching to see how he does. That's natural, I guess. After all, if he turns out to be bad at it, he could get his fellow warriors killed. And I don't imagine any one has much privacy in a camp like that. But Legolas is taking small steps to prove to himself and to others what he can do. Eilian thanks you for the idea about the way to claim all their furniture and thinks it's a spendid notion! He looks enthusiastically around at the chairs, rugs, tables, bookcases, desks, stools, benches, musical instruments, and plant stands. :-)

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/17/2004
I just knew this would be there last night. Darn time differences… Still, I got it today and what a lovely long chapter you’ve treated us to! Riolith seems in severe danger of turning into another Tinár. Clever Legolas, to realise that it’s the Shadow influencing his behaviour. I suppose they’re all slightly affected by it in that they probably have a little less tolerance than usual. I like the way Legolas uses almost the same tactic to reassure Isendir as Eilian did for him – he speaks about the way the Shadow makes him feel, letting Isendir know that these feelings are to be expected but never actually asking outright if Isendir himself has experienced this. LOL at Gelmir! He hasn’t changed at all. The thing is, he’s just so convincing! I don’t know how the others keep straight faces but I notice they’re more than willing to play along with Gelmir. I wonder if Legolas believed the story when he was told. I love the way it only seems to dawn on Legolas now and then that he actually has some power within the patrol. I think he’ll make a great officer – quiet but commanding – but he obviously needs time to get used to his position. That’s interesting, that he’s “ambivalent about the constant action the Southern Patrol offered.” I suppose he was never going to love it as Eilian does. The times between battles must be just as much a strain as the fighting itself because it’s such a comedown after the excitement. Not everyone is suited to the Southern Patrol and I don’t know if Legolas really is, even though he’d do a great job anywhere. Then again, this is the elf who sets off on a quest to Mount Doom so I wouldn’t want to underestimate him… I admire Legolas for suggesting to Sórion some changes in pairings. Sórion no doubt plans battles in minute detail, but Legolas seems to have a better sense of the personalities in the patrol. I like that Sórion is willing to listen to him. He doesn’t seem altogether comfortable with Legolas but I guess that’ll come with time and it probably also doesn’t help that Legolas is so close to the king and the troop commander. I hadn’t thought about how awkward it is for Legolas even to be seen writing a letter home. He handled it with the deftness of someone well used to the question. I’m becoming intrigued by Sórion, actually. I’m starting to hope he has a story behind him! You know, I’m glad Legolas made a different decision than Eilian about the scouts venturing out of Southern Patrol territory. In a way, those scouts shouldn’t really have been asking him if they should do as his brother suggested when Sórion is the captain and unlikely to agree with them venturing into another patrol’s area. It seems Eilian isn’t the only one who sees the Southern Patrol as his. Nana Beliond appears to have been worried about his charge. It struck me as a bit odd, him telling anyone they’re too serious! Pot, kettle and all that. But he clearly knows Legolas inside out by now. Actually, I think his years as keeper have been good for Beliond. He seems more relaxed and…likeable now. He even teases Legolas about Tuilinn. She certainly made a lasting impression on Legolas. I guess he needs something to fantasise about on those cold nights in the deep, dark wood. Orcs and men? It sounds like there’re exciting times ahead. Those settlements must be the bane of Thranduil’s life. Celuwen’s input on the matter will be invaluable but I imagine it’ll take her some time not to automatically leap to the defence of those elves and learn to see the situation from the other side. Another thing for her to get used to! Excellent scene between Alfirin and Celuwen. Now, it was a bit much that Celuwen didn’t get to choose where the wardrobe would go and I appreciate her frustration but the more I read of her struggle to adapt, the more I feel for Alfirin. Even though she was able to go and visit her family, she really was on her own trying to find a place in a very male household. She’s probably mortified that she took over so much with Celuwen. Getting the carpets and furniture in is probably her way of ensuring that Eilian and Celuwen have a decent home together as soon as possible. It’s so like her to do that. One of my all-time favourite parts in your stories is when Thranduil is thinking about Alfirin – it might be in ‘Prodigal Sons’, I’m not sure – and how she put a new throw on his chair and pulled out Lorellin’s old ware, just to give a sense of homeliness and comfort. I think this is the same thing, just on a bigger scale. But poor Celuwen is already being called ‘my lady’ and has Thrior bowing to her. No wonder she wants to grasp at something to control. And anyone would want to decorate their own home. Hmm. They’re just so different. I think that when they have so many people tending to them, Alfirin’s first reaction was probably to be embarrassed whereas Celuwen is more likely to feel insulted because she is perfectly capable of doing these things herself. They’re clearly still sussing each other out. They could be good friends once they become a little easier with one another. If I were Celuwen, I’d put that wardrobe as far away form the bathing chamber as possible. Why make it easier for Eilian to get his clothes when he could have to stroll across the room wrapped in a little towel?! I had to laugh at poor, puzzled Eilian trying to understand the minds of females. “I will move it for you.” Oh Eilian, it’s never that simple. At least he can cheer her up by christening the furniture. “You are dealing with a resourceful Wood-elf warrior, my love.” I don’t doubt it for a second. Lucky Celuwen. All she needed was a reminder of why her new life is worth it ;-) Author Reply: Legolas is doing well as a lieutenant, and I thought he might deliberately borrow Eilian's tactic to reassure Isendir. I think he admires Eilian enough that he would imitate him in that. Legolas is learning to function in a group where people can get fractious -- sort of like 9 people on a quest! I'm always trying to think of how my stories connect to Legolas's future, and I think that one thing he's learning is how to function when close to shadow. I don't think he's the adrenalin junkie that Eilian is. I think he'd be happy with a quiet life under the trees, which is why I think his sea longing is so tragic, but he has learned how to deal with stress and shadow. I do have a back story for Sorion! I just don't know how much of it I'll get to use. I have a big thick notebook of stuff I write about my characters, so of which has never seen the light of day. And I think you put your finger on part of his problem when you say that others see the patrol as Eilian's. I'll bet most of the warriors there are chosen and trained by Eilian to like his style of command, which tends to be a little loose on the topic of following regulations. So this is a big change for everyone. Legolas and Beliond have been good for one another, I think. Beliond needed someone to care for. He needed to be brought out of his isolation. Like Legolas, Celuwen is learning her new role (so is Eilian, for that matter). And I think she may not quite have made the shift yet from settlement daughter to king's advisor. Actually, when you look at stuff like that, you can see how she could have put that year of betrothal to good use. But it wasn't going to happen, so she has to adjust now. And you are so sharp on the Alfirin/Celuwen relationship. See what I wanted was for them both to be good people, both to be right. I thought that was realistic, but it's really tempting to make good and bad because that's easier to write. And ah yes, Eilian. We'll just leave them shut up in that wardrobe and not ask any questions, shall we? (On the other hand, I amuse myself by imagining that Alfirin forgot something and came back and found the closed wardrobe with interesting sounds coming from it. I bet she'd turn scarlet but giggle and tell Ithilden later)

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/17/2004
I hope those men in the south aren't bad. The maiden that Legolas is dreaming about, are we gonna see her in stories to come, or are we just gonna hear Legolas and other elves talk about her? I know exactly how Celuwen feel's about the furniture part. You want it to to be somewhere else, and then you realize the place the other person put it is simpler and then get mad because it wasn't the idea you had in mind. That drove me crazy. -sofia Author Reply: Legolas is dreaming about Tuilinn, who appeared in "Spring Awakenings," which took place right before this story does. I don't know if I'll ever let her appear again, but it seemed to me I should at least have some reference to her because he was quite taken by her in that other story. You and Celuwen are so in sync about the furniture! She's trying to establish a little control and privacy in her new life and even little things mean a lot to her. You're a very observant reader, Sofia, good at picking out details that might matter. :-)

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