Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Glorious Summer by daw the minstrel	22 Review(s)
Antigone Q	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/26/2004
This review is for two chapters, because you write fast. ;-) "She looked from him to Thrior, confused, but aware that some message had been sent that she could not interpret..." Well, there we go with the palace politics. I'm sure that when Celuwen agreed to be an advisor she was thinking more about the _external_ political tension. The suggestion Celuwen offered up was very clever (and so, of course, were you to think of it for her!) and it's good to see her shining in her new capacity. I had to shake my head over Eilian's ordering her against leaving. He was being boorish, of course, but I almost felt sorry for him...Eilian has a lot to learn about marriage (and what you can and can't say to a woman with a mission)! But I give him credit for thinking it over and apologizing - everyone has their own learning curve. _“Does that hurt?” Belówen asked, prodding the fading red mark on Eilian’s hip. “No.” Not much anyway, Eilian thought. And really, what did healers expect when they poked at sore spots?_ On the other hand...shouldn't Eilian know better by now? About SEVERAL things? "I don't need to clear every little thing with my brother" Sheesh! I'm enjoying seeing glimpses of Legolas. Something tells me that following the men across the border is going to make things pretty complex soon. Author Reply: Celuwen has a lot to learn, but I also think she's going to be a real asset to Thranduil. The settlers will listen to her because she's one of their own, and she understands them. Her marriage to Eilian is almost like a political one, as useful as some that are arranged. And Eilian too has a lot to learn. He's just so worried right now that he spoke without thinking. Actually, as he does rather too often, he kind of acted without thinking fully too. So now we'll see how it works out. Legolas is settling down to do a good job as an officer. He's appearing less than I'd like him to, but that seems to be the way this is working out.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/26/2004
I love Maltanaur's line: “I take it you have missed being in trouble.” I dread the scene that will take place between Eilian and Ithilden, when he finds out. It's funny that the plan for the settlement suddenly seemed much better, when it was learned it was Celuwen's plan and not the king's or Ithilden's. Author Reply: You don't think Ithilden will buy that excuse that Eilian is the Home Guard captain and can do what he wants? LOL. Neither do I. I think that Thranduil was very clever to appoint Celuwen as his advisor on the settlements. She can make a real difference in the realm if she can smooth things out there. In a way, Eilian's marriage couldn't have been more useful if Thranduil had arranged it.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/26/2004
Good grief, I'm behind again. There was some real meaty stuff in this chapter. Eilian realizing he was jealous was something. And dangit, I felt sorry for him. He's a such a free spirit and so often feels constrained by his position (and adar and brother) that it must really be doubly hard to see his wife go off on a jaunt in the forest while he's still under the command of the 'oppressors'. He handled it admirable...for a while. Celuwen has finally caught on that Eilian has had to make some rather large changes too. As soon as he was released from the care of the healers, he would have gone back south if he had not bonded. I'm sure it helped for her to acknowledge this to Eilian, but I suppose, Eilian being Eilian, it won't stop him from letting our his inner adventurer. Interesting what you brought up about Sorion and his healing abilities. I've recently looked into that myself and I thought this is a point that is often overlooked in fanfiction. You used this information well to show a facet of Sorion's personality. And it is sad that he has given up so much to do what he felt he had to do. Legolas is settling in well with this new captain. This little patrol that he'll lead will be his first time to do such a thing, won't not? He seems pleased to have this opportunity. It must be tough on Sorion though to treat him like he would any other lieutenant. I'm sure he would hate to have to write that dispatch telling Ithilden that he's just got his little brother killed. Okay, there's something wrong with me! The whole time Celuwen was undressing in front of the open window, I was waiting on pins and needles for Bigfoot or someone to reach in and snatch her out. I was so afraid the bad guys would get her before she got her nightgown on. How embarrassing. I finally took a breath when she got into bed. I can't wait to see how this thing shakes out. Great chapter and a good setup for what's to some. Carry on. I'll be back! Karen Author Reply: I too was interested when it occurred to me that Eilian might be jealous of Celuwen. That would be hard to admit to yourself. Actually, Thranduil's trust in her would be hard for him to watch too. I do feel sorry for these two. The times they live in have made it very difficult for them to have an easy relationship. The healing stuff is interesting, isn't it? Poor Sorion. If Legolas has led a small patrol before, I don't know it yet. :-) This is the first time he's done so in his role as lieutenant. You have a wonderful sense of what would be not only dangerous but embarrassing! Nakedness does make one feel vulnerable. I hope all is going well with you, Karen. Take care.

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/25/2004
This was a nice chapter. I like how you make even your secondary characters come to life with their conflicts and fears--like Sorion worrying if Legolas and the others secretly want Eilian back. I especially liked Celuwen's visit home. Of course she couldn't be a guest in her parents' house. Author Reply: All of these characters are in new situations that they're not yet entirely comfortable with. Sorion's lot can't be easy. This is a tough posting to start with and everyone thinks of this as Eilian's patrol. He might wind up happy to give it back anyway! Celuwen is having a little trouble feeling at home in either the palace or her parents' cottage, but she's also more or less at home in both places. She's in between. :-)

emjo	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/25/2004
Oh I hope Celuwen isn't upset with Eilian when he shows up--He means well. And I am so excited to see what you have in store for Legolas on this next adventure! Great chapter please hurry with the next one! Author Reply: The adventure in this tale seems to be creeping up only slowly! That's ok, I guess. I'm in the process of writing about Eilian's arrival at the settlement right now. I'll tell Celuwen you said to take it easy on the poor guy!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/24/2004
“I am the captain of this patrol. I do not have to clear every decision I make with the troop commander.” Well, he's got you, there, Maltanaur! Not every decision. Just the ones that launch rogue operations far outside the scope of his assigned duties... I can't wait to see him try out that line on Ithilden. But this was inevitable, of course. Poor Eilian's male ego had had about all it could take, even without Celuwen being sent on a dangerous errand. If he didn't have her to chase after, he would have had to do something equally as half-cocked. At least this way he'll make himself useful. If Solith lets him into the house, that is. I could almost smell the forest with Celuwen. It must be so difficult for her to live in the palace after a life among the trees. How well she must have slept in her own bed again, after eating her mom's cooking. It was a nice homecoming, even if her father still can't restrain himself from throwing jabs at his new son-in-law. Finding the necklace was a lovely touch. If only she didn't have to constantly remind herself that she's the king's representative now. Kind of puts things in a different perspective. I wonder what she will think when Eilian shows up. Might not be pretty... Sorion reminds me of soldiers in every era who left their dreams behind to serve when duty called them. I'm glad that he and Legolas are getting along. Legolas has idolized Eilian for so long; it's to his credit that he can quickly learn to respect someone whose leadership style and personality are so different. But adaptability seems to be one of his strong suits. Author Reply: Somehow, I think Eilian will have to have a different line for Ithilden. I want to cover my eyes up just thinking about it. On the other hand, I have to admit that I'm looking forward to writing about the look on Solith's face when Eilian turns up on his doorstep. I just haven't decided yet where I'm going to have him sleep. ;-) Are you suggesting that Celuwen's face might be worth seeing too? That's possible! I think you're absolutely right about Legolas being adaptable. I wonder if that comes from being a younger brother for so many years! He's had to learn to roll with the punches.

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/24/2004
Your Eilian/Celuwen romance has really sucked me in. Alfirin and Ithilden are ok, but these two are a lot more exciting. Eilian's realization that he was jealous was a big one for him. I liked his surprise over the discovery. What was really funny was Celuwen seemed to know it all along. Trying to hide from her may always be impossible. I was glad you cleared everything between them before her departure. Mr. Responsible is making a good sweep of the camp. His musings with and about Sorion were enlightening. Sorion is a good captain but not the natural leader that any of the Thranduilion are. He does seem better suited toward healing. I do seem to remember a certain elfling being distracted by a young female healer. I would have to think he at least considered that career back then - even if only for a moment. Royals do not get a lot of choices in their lives, luckily Legolas seemed destined to be a warrior anyway. Your handling of the situation of the men was excellent - very diplomatic. Legolas supported Sorion and agreed with his brother at the same time. I would not want to bring that message before the king either. I hope Legolas runs into trouble with those bad men! Celuwen handled Solith and Felas like a true professional. It must have been hard to speak with them as equals rather than as a child. My mom still tells me how I should care for my dog. We will always be children. Solith is still ready to protect his daughter - he is just dying to hear that Eilian has mistreated her. That was funny. Her reaction to the stone pendant she discovered was very sweet. I thought Eilian was a little over-enthusiastic about taking over the Home Guard. He did manage to keep his head in the handling of the personnel but his alterior motive was still quite apparent. He is going to be in so much trouble with Thranduil, Ithilden and Celuwen that Belowen will probably be seeing him again soon. Please keep Celuwen safe - my heart could not take it otherwise. Author Reply: That thing about your mother telling you how to take care of your dog made me laugh out loud. What made it so funny for me is that I know you're a vet! LOLOLOL Eilian and Celuwen are surprising me a little in this story, her especially. I hadn't quite realized how much adjusting she had to do and only noticed it when I tried to get into her head to write about her. And I'm really enjoying exploring how they're getting used to their bond and so on. I think they're going to have to learn to hide things from one another eventually, but it will be sad when they do. Legolas is gradually finding his feet as an officer. I don't know yet if Sorion is going to be okay with the Southern Patrol. It may require a more flexible, daring leader but sometimes other styles can work too even when you don't expect it. I wrote that stuff about healing as a backstory for him before I started writing this. I thought of how tragic that must be, to feel yourself losing this gift. "I hope Legolas runs into trouble with those bad men!" I had to read that twice to be sure there was no 'not' in there. You are evil, TL!

Elena Tiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/24/2004
"I am not sure that everyone would like the idea of arming themselves. We are a pretty peaceful lot." Ummm, you mean like Sórion? Now, which do you think he would have preferred to become, a gifted healer or a run-of-the-mill warrior? Especially since being a warrior not only puts him at risk of bodily harm, but diminishes his healing capacity? The settlers once again display in spectacular fashion their self-centered view of the world... Settlers are the true wood-elves; settlers commune with nature; settlers have no warriors; settlers need no warriors... (until the next Orc arrives, then Thranduil had d*n well better do his duty and protect us!) (Was it Annael whose father died protecting the settlement in the forest fire/orc attack incident? I think you should have him accompany Celuwen on one of her trips, and have one of the settlers badmouth Thranduil's warriors in front of him... I'd really* like to see that... It's highly unfortunate that Annael is so responsible and oozing with self-control... But I digress...) Sólith, Sólith, Sólith... Just when he's acting admirably, like a man who truly loves his daughter, he still has to open his mean-spirited mouth. Of course, Celuwen misses her parents... but that doesn't mean that Eilian is bad to her! I can't believe what a jerk that guy is at heart... he's acting like a jealous and possessive lover, the kind that becomes a stalker if you break up with him. Her mother, Isiwen, is smart enough to recognize that Celuwen's improved health is due to Eilian... but Sólith just had to grimace when she said it aloud. When will he learn that putting Celuwen in the middle (between him and Isiwen, and between him and Eilian) is going to alienate her, not bring her back? Well, I guess there will be sparks flying when and if Eilian shows up, and it won't be from a forest fire this time... I love that Celuwen found that necklace that Eilian gave to her, and put it on immediately -- her own special rune of protection and remembrance. (Just like you had an old gift of Celuwen's -- a rock, was it? -- on Eilian's desk when she first saw his room... These two have clearly treasured each other since childhood, whether or not they could stand each other at any given moment.) At the time he gave her the necklace, she was wavering in the transition from little girl to young woman; now, she's wavering in the transition between her parents' daughter and Eilian's lover and wife. It was fascinating how you showed that she didn't quite feel at home in her parents' cottage any more... although I tend to forget the laundry too, and -- tragically -- have never had a servant to foist it onto... ;-) It looks like Legolas and Sórion are beginning to click... Legolas seems to understand Sórion better, and Sórion has finally decided that Legolas is neither an informer, nor fragile... You don't imagine that sending Legolas out to find those Men might be setting up for some sort of action in the forest, do you? (Hee, hee. Can't wait!) Can I make a modest suggestion? I have a very poor memory, and you have a lot of truly marvelous OCs... could you try to avoid having names that begin so much alike? First time I saw Sórion's name in this story, I thought: "Oh, that nasty piece of work, Celuwen's father", but of course that didn't make sense in the context of the Southern Patrol... ;-D This was such a happy chapter for Calith! Not to mention Ithilden. And Belówen. And even lowly Tínar. And Elviondel (at least for a few minutes...). And I'm sure Maltanaur was glad to see Eilien fit for active duty again, as well. "How much did you have to lie to Belówen to get him to allow it?" "I take it you have missed being in trouble." Snicker Maltanaur certainly knows Eilian well! "he was elated that at last he would be able to do something about his sense of impending danger." Yep, the spit's gonna be hittin' the fan soon... Love the story, Daw! Sorry that I don't review often... - Barbara P.S. I look forward to reading your reviews almost as much as the story itself... P.P.S. Oh, and I really like the fact that you are weaving the Invasion of Rohan from West and East into the background... I studied that war not long ago, putting all the quotes I could find into the HASA Resource Library, and it is so nice to know about an event and then see it used in your fiction... like when you wrote about the Battle of the Five Armies... I was so impressed how you incorporated so much of the canon, but still made it your unique story at the same time. Author Reply: Oh man, you hit a sore spot with the Solith/Sorion thing. I made the names up in different stories when the two of them were NOT together, and now here they are and even I am having trouble remembering which is which, so I really feel for the poor reader. Maybe one of them will have to officially change his name or something. So I take it you don't have much sympathy for the pacifist settlers? LOL. You're undoubtedly right that Annael wouldn't either. We'll have to see what we can do to redeem the settlers a little. Nilmandra was regaling me with good ideas just a little while ago. I hope I get a chance to use them. I was skimming "Celuwen's Begetting Day" to try to remember some fact I had in there not too long ago and that's when I remembered the necklace, after I had already started this story. I too thought about how it resembled Eilian's rune. For me, that necklace has always represented him in her life. She put it aside for years, until she was ready for him again after they had both done some growing up. And now she wears it. :-) You think the Men are bad news? That there might be action? That's possible! I really enjoy trying to fit my stories into Tolkien's time line and use the events he created to build some conflict for my stories too. I love working with canon. I know some people find it restrictive, but I find it fun, like doing a puzzle or playing a game, where you have to figure out how to put the pieces together and get around obstacles.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/24/2004
You know, I love Maltanaur. He knows when Eilian is lying, but he also knows when to make it an issue. I did like the little changes with Legolas - he came across as self assured and as someone who had an opinion and ability to lead. Go Legolas! I do think we need to cheer up your settlement elves somehow, though. I shall ponder this for the next chapters and stories :D Author Reply: Maltanaur's relationship with Eilian is interesting. In some ways, he's bossy. But he's not Thranduil. He says what he thinks and then backs off and lets Eilian make his own mistakes, so long as they do not involve his safety. You gave me good advice about Legolas. We'll talk about the settlers!

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/24/2004
Ah, they are both impatiant, eh? I remember reading about the stone necklace, i think, from another story, but i don't remember from which one. It's nice to 'see' it again. -sofia Author Reply: I was happy to resurrect the stone necklace too. It's from a story called "Celuwen's Begetting Day" that I wrote as a birthday present for my beta.

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List