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Good Enough by The Karenator	10 Review(s)
Leaward	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/13/2005
I smiled. “I will take clean undergarments.” LOL, Even a grown elf-warrior has to worry about his naneth's concerns. I like how you've carried that joke through. ;) This matter is of a personal nature as well as one that may concern the realm. Hmmm, now I wonder just what it is that he thinks might be being hidden? I get the feeling we already know, but you're trying to misdirect us ... mmm? Author Reply: Hmmm, now I wonder just what it is that he thinks might be being hidden? I get the feeling we already know, but you're trying to misdirect us ... mmm? Darn! I wish you had told me what you're thinking. It's probably better than what I've written! I might want to use it! :>) Seregon knows his mother well. She's the caretaker of the world. Over time he's learned to deal with her 'mothering', but poor Daeron is just getting the first taste of her worries when he's out of her sight. Clean underwear is a universal mama worry--as I'm sure you know. You don't want to be taken to the ER and be caught wearing old drawers. But I promise I've never asked my boys if they're wearing good boxers. I have asked if they've brushed their teeth though. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm hoping that soon we'll see what the sewing circle is up to? Karen

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/13/2005
Cough, Cough...Mutant spiders on the loose, you said? In the same forest where Daeron is? beg pardon, in the same Arda Daeron is? See, you're cruel indeed and those two big elves, brother and cousin, you're plotting with are even crueler, not to call back the novices... a group of novices containing Daeron! Naneth was right, he will be needing his clean undergarments!!! Hope they'll get a nasty, well-deserved bad encounter with the red-banded lady while they "enjoy" their night out in the forest! I was expectant to read Seregon's pov. It's an intriguing character to me. I wondered whether he's truly so dull and serious as Daeron and Legolas seem to consider him...Well, he's a good, caring friend, and a hard worker too. And he seems to have a barbed tongue and a sense of humour that is entirely his own...I wonder whether he was anyting like Daeron in his youth? His "sentimental advice for the ignorant elf" tirade is a work of art of male reasoning. Suddenly, this two grown up elves looked almost exactly like Legolas and Daeron in last chapter discusing the bullying novice thing...I laughed a lot reading it, and all in all it was an endearing scene, this two overworking and responsible elves discussing love, and kisses and maidens with such confidence and eagerness. Like adolecents. Or even worse. Poor ones, they do need a life. And Aldamir seems compleetely smitten by the lady! She's doing a great job, hope things do not prove bad for her, whatever it is they're hiding. She seems to be exactly what the king's heir would need! Author Reply: Yeah, mutant spiders. Kind of makes you feel sorry for Daeron, doesn't it? Aldamir is trying to not overreact since his brother and cousin are among the novices in the woods, but the spiders are on the move. I don't know if Daeron took enough clean underwear for this! I'm glad you're enjoying checking Seregon out. He's mighty pleased and he's not spoken for, you know. He does have a good sense of humor, probably not quite as warped as Daeron's, but he has his own slant on life. Their father was quite a card too, I think. Both his sons inherited his sense of humor. I was tickled pink when you compared the interaction between Aldamir and Seregon to Legolas and Daeron. YES! The grown up version. Sort of grown up version anyway. Seregon's advice is worth what one pays for it, I suspect. But his heart is in the right place. The two older brothers have been warriors for so long that they've sort of lost touch. Elenna is bringing 'touching' back into fashion. Elenna is an interesting character. Personally, I like her. But I'm afraid things might get a little rocky. Thanks so much for the review. And thanks for catching the parallel brothers! I'm so thrilled! Karen

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
You have introduced several intriguing mysteries here: a new species of spider and sme sort of deception in Elenna and her father. Why do I suspect the two are somehow related? Maybe not - I look forward to being led down the path of seeing what happens. I like that in a story - some I want to guess what happens, but I like just watching the situation unfold as a good storyteller tells it. I am glad Aldamir did kiss her, too ;D Author Reply: A few mysteries are left to be resolved. The spiders are a problem that is slowly unfolding. Communication must have been fairly slow in comparison to our rapid dissemination of news. I've decided that messengers can move quickly through the forest, but what we can do in a matter of seconds, takes the elves a day and often more, depending on where they're going. And then they have to get back with replies. Elenna and her father are acting fine, so I imagine Aldamir is slightly confused about this feeling his mother has had. Not to mention that he really doesn't want there to be anything potentially harmful to the realm in whatever they're hiding. That would be a bummer. I appreciate your patience! With everyone having to have their say, and two locations of action, I'm afraid it might seem slow in revealing details. But the two story lines will come together. Aldamir is glad he kissed Elenna too! Thanks again for reading and reviewing. Karen

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
Hello! I’m utterly ashamed that I haven’t reviewed your stories before now so I just thought I’d drop a quick line to let you know how much I enjoy them. I just spent the most marvellous few hours re-reading ‘Serious Trouble’ and then this one. I normally can’t read first-person narrative at all but wow, your characters are just so addictive! Daeron is a complete riot. He’s honestly one of the best OCs I’ve seen. Actually I love all your OCs – you bring them to life so wonderfully well - but I think my favourite so far is Seregon! There was a great line in ‘Serious Trouble’ about him. What was it? Something about him being strong and fierce and gentle and kind. I just love what you’re doing with the different POVs in this story. With the name of each chapter so far I’ve just thought “Yay!”. I’m dying to know how the Endurance Games go. That Belas better watch out if he’s in a group with an indignant Daeron. And all that talk of spiders…ugh. I hate the things. I’m not even going to think about it. I completely feel for Daeron and his dislike of them. I must say, my instinct is to like Elenna and I’m certainly happy for Aldamir – but I guess I’ll just wait and see! Of course, poor Aldamir has a tough job at the moment with all this stuff about spiders and villages and I feel bad for him now that on top of everything he’ll be so conscious of what Elenna says. Anyway, sorry this is short – I just didn’t want to leave it again or I’d get way behind! You write such gripping stories and you get into everyone’s heads so incredibly well. I can’t wait for more :-) Author Reply: Thank you, Dot. I really appreciate you giving Daeron and his POV a whirl. First-person POV is a funny thing. Some people really like it and others don't. I suppose it's just a preference, like whether you like onions on your hamburger or not. :>) I've always loved getting inside a character's head and seeing through their eyes how they view the world. I'm so pleased that you've enjoyed the stories. I'm truly humbled by your kind words about Daeron. And please don't apologize for not reviewing. I'm thrilled to hear from you now. Belas is a garden variety bully. He scopes out the weakest person and then picks, unmercifully, on them. Personally, I think he's got problems. :>) I'll join you in the spider haters anonymous group therapy class. Also known as SHAG. Take that as you will! :>) Down south in the US, it's a dance. Anyway... Aldamir's love life is hanging by a thread. I do like Elenna. She's feisty and strong-willed and kisses him at her pleasure. Things never seem to turn out, though, as planned. Aldamir is between a rock and a hard place. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear from you and to hear that you're enjoying the story. Karen

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
Though I am not one to run and scream at the sight of a spider, I don't think I can handle seeing spider carcasses all around me. Yech! Glad I'm not a Mirkwood elf. This whole situation sounds rather ominous, especially with the novices running wild in the forests. Is there going to be a showdown between the spiders and novices in the near future? This whole business of resettling the settlements and realignment of troops sounds as complicated as running a huge corporation, only misktakes would be paid for in lives. Not an easy job to do. I certainly don't envy Aldamir. No wonder he's so apprehensive about getting serious with any elleth. Being royalty is more of a liability in this case. It's a good thing that he has Seregon to help him out, both with his professional duties and personal ones. How is it that Seregon is so knowledgible in the ways of courting? He sounds like he's been around quite a bit the the courtship game or has he been reading a lot of self-help books? . So what secret are Elenna and her adar hiding? Like I said before, I hope she is not using Aldamir. More! More! More! Author Reply: LOL! Seregon's been reading self-help scrolls! He's not as cautious as Aldamir about spending time with a lovely maiden, but he doesn't have much time. Still, he isn't exactly 'Dear Abby'. You're braver than I am! I try to avoid spiders whenever possible. One gnawed on my shoulder once and the resulting numbness and then muscle spasms cured me of ever getting near one again. And I didn't like them to start with. Daeron and I share our dislike of the eight-legged menaces. I'm pleased to say that I'm not quite as bad as he is. Good observation about spiders and novices not mixing. It's not looking good. Resettling the villages would be a big headache. There's so much to take into consideration. Aldamir doesn't have an easy job and that has interfered with him thinking seriously about getting involved in a serious relationship. But even he acknowledges that he's made personal choices about not pursuing maidens. Personally, I think he's a little shy. Thanks so much for your review. Love hearing from you anytime! Karen

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
Geez, I'm really enjoying what you're doing with changing POV in this story, Karen. I love getting into all these different heads. Seregon is funny when he says that the masters are the bravest warriors he knows. I sympathize. Being responsible for these bumptious adolescent elves, armes, in the woods, would be a trying experience. I also liked his realization that elves were not always practical. That seems right to me. I was so sorry for Aldamir when Thranduil told them about the queen's intuition about Elenna and her father. Poor guy. Now he's going to feel like he's sort of spying on her as he listens for a misstep. He's going to have a hard time being open, which means he's going to have a hard time loving her and being loved. I think that given the link between love and sex that Tolkien seems to suggest existed among elves, Seregon is wise when he says that Aldamir is in love. And it's fun for us to read about! Author Reply: Thanks, Daw for the kind words about the POV. As you know, I like first-person. I love rambling around in everyone's head. Writing each chapter from a different character's POV gave me an opportunity to get to know them better. I was sure that Seregon and Aldamir weren't as dull as Daeron thought, but I didn't know exactly why until I let them tell me. I'm so glad that you're not bored stiff with a bunch of OCs. I imagine that Elves who have lived in the same place for as long as the Silvan Elves of Mirkwood would have a hard time letting go of their homes. Getting around to the practicality of moving must have taken them some time to come to grips with. And as a general statement, I think the Silvan Elves, especially, were very rooted in ME. That was some bad news that Thranduil gave Aldamir, wasn't it. Kind of puts a whole new spin on things. Of course, some people don't listen. Thranduil is right to be worried. Poor Aldamir has a bad case of love. Aldamir tipped Seregon off about how deep his feelings are when he talked about kissing Elenna. Nothing casual to him about those lip locks. Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I love hearing from you. And I appreciate all your support. Karen

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
Yay! A Seregon chapter. I love Seregon. I've thought he was intriguing ever since Daeron described him as dull as dirt in "Serious Trouble." And you know I like him and Aldamir together. This was my favorite part of the whole chapter: “You have certainly taken a keen interest in my personal life as of late,” Aldamir said. I chuckled. “As I do not have one, I thought to inflict myself into yours.” Aldamir laughed. “Then allow me to suggest that you find your own maiden.” “Would that I could,” I sighed. “My commanding officer rarely grants me respite from my duties.” “Hm.m.m,” Aldamir hummed. “Then you should speak to him for I do not want you in mine.” I slapped my hand over my heart. “I am hurt. I care only for your happiness—and a reminder of what it is like to kiss a maiden.” A quicksilver glint flitted through his eyes. “It is nice. Very nice.” Good building of tension here. I hear the drums of doom beating in the distance... Author Reply: LOL! I hear those drums too. Nope, Seregon and Aldamir aren't nearly as dull as Daeron thought. I've enjoyed seeing them alone. They don't have any 'roles' to play when it's just the two of them. I got to see their personalities. And I got to see what they think about one another...and everything else, of course. They both feel confined by their duty, but they're also both very duty bound. Without one another, their lives would be dull. I like their closeness. And Seregon wants details! He might be thinking that a nice maiden to warm him on cold nights would be a good thing too. But he's allowing Aldamir to be lab rat. Thanks again for all your help and for taking the time to review. Karen

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
What a fascinating look at the daily lives and business of the troop commander and . . . whatever Seregon's job is, I've forgotten exactly what. I always like "A Day In The Life Of. . . " stories, and this one seems very well thought out. Seregon seems to have a good future ahead of him as a yenta. For someone who has never had a girlfriend, he knows an awful lot about how to go about being in love. It's so touching to see the way Aldamir leans on his opinions, and so wonderful that it means that the blind is leading the blind. A new species of spider in the woods is certainly not a good sign. They can't have been around long, since the Elves don't seem to know much about them. They sound nasty, though. And something tells me that the poor innocent novices are going to learn much more about them than they expect, very soon. And they'll learn in a way that will either cure Daeron of his spider phobia forever or make him curl up in a little ball sucking his thumb for the next three years. Is it just tradition that Aldamir and Seregon visit the novices during the Games? It seems like they have better things they could be doing. Or is it that the Games are part training exercise and part public show? Author Reply: Hi French Pony, I'm glad you're not bored to death with the military stuff. I consulted a former military friend for what sort of things they would be doing and how the division of duty would fall out. Not all that information makes it to the story, but it helps me stay clear about who does what. Seregon is second commander...in rank, right below Aldamir. He handles supplies and personnel and whatever else Aldamir tells him to do. Their jobs overlap sometimes, and Aldamir will do something that's technically Seregon's job, but overall, Aldamir's top dog in the military...under Thranduil, of course. I laughed at your description of Seregon as yenta. This is a case of the blind leading the blind. Aldamir has never allowed himself too much time to foster relationship. I imagine that Seregon is less reticent, but he doesn't know much more...if anything more at all. I think Seregon's heart is in the right place. The red-banded spiders are new. A little genetic engineering has been going on down south it seems. And the novices do seem to be at risk here. Hopefully in the end, things will turn out okay. Poor Daeron. It is tradition for the commanders to view the Endurance Games for a day or two...secretly. This gives the commanders a chance to see the novices who are near pledging their faith to the king in action. The masters know they're there, but the novices don't. The novices may suspect that the commanders come, but they never know when and they never see them. The spider situation is sort of at a standstill for the commanders at the moment. They're doing all they can do from their posts and until they know whether the villagers are going to move--and when--they're in a holding pattern there too. They're still hoping for at least one night under the stars. Thanks French Pony for your thoughtful reviews. They are always such a pleasure. I appreciate you taking the time to do them. Karen

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
Ok, your nasty little red spiders are just that--nasty little things. That does not sound good at all. That was a singularly disgusting conversation--they are eating their cousins?! I didn't react any better to that statement then anyone else! :) Poor Thranduil and stubborn villages. You can see the woodelves that way though-I mean they must have loved that forest if they turned away from the Great Journey to stay in it. And when you've lived someplace several thousand years you are not going to give it up easily. I enjoy reading about those type of struggles though I feel for Thranduil in them. The idea that Elenna is hiding something is intriguing.... And I loved their conversation about her while rearranging the troops. Particularly this part: “When she kisses me,” he said, as if savoring the memory like the finest vintage of his adar’s cellars, “it is as if it is the most natural thing in all of Arda. She is not timid or reserved, but kisses me at her pleasure.” His smile broadened. “And when she hugs me, she is like a darting bird that has wrapped her wings about me for a feather of an instant before she darts off to see more of the river or the forest while guiding me along in her wake. And then,” he said softly, “there are times when her kisses awaken a fire in me that leaves me breathless.” He stopped there as if he could not venture to dwell too long on that aspect. That is a really lovely description. Why do I fear that someone we love is going to be bitten by the nasty red spiders? I sincerely hope I'm wrong about that. Good chap. Looking forward to more. Author Reply: Hi Elliska, I hope you're feeling better! The aberrant spiders are nasty. So far, there aren't a lot of them and the elves are trying to nip it in the bud. If they can just find them. I imagine that there had to some moving of villages during the reign of the shadow. As evil spread, people would be displaced. I agree that it would difficult for the wood-elves to have to move from the homes they love. They don't want to and are having a hard time accepting the fact that they have little choice. Thranduil is trying to be patient, but the spiders are getting worse and the warriors can't control them. He feels he has little choice in the matter. I'm so pleased that you like the kissing conversation. This love business is so new to Aldamir that he's impressed with everything about it. And hopefully, the fact that Elenna is not bashful tells us something about her. She's thrown him completely off balance. Someone bitten? Now what would make you say that? :>) Thanks, Elliska. I really appreciate your reviews. Karen

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/12/2005
Intrigue! Elenna and her adar are hiding things, are they? And I can't imagine that they are going to be terribly pleased by Thranduil getting authoritarian on them and telling them to move. Aldamir's courtship could just have hit a rocky patch. And then there are the spiders. Extra nasty red-banded ones, huh? Who eat the ordinarily poisonous black ones, thus intensifying the strength of their own dose of poison. I can't imagine that Daeron is going to take to them too much. And they are spreading randomly - possibly in the direction of an arachnophobic novice. Oh well, as long as they remember that arrows work from a distance, they might survive. Although maybe Belas would make a good sacrifice. Though men say that women are interested in trivialities. There Seregon is, eyes sparkling as he coaxes information from his cousin about the exact state of his relationship. Still I suppose they need something to take their minds off spiders and troop deployments and the everyday worries of Mirkwood folk. I can't wait to see who gets next gets control of the pen. Author Reply: Hi Bodkin, And just when you think someone is a good kisser... A rocky patch, indeed. The black spiders are bad enough, but I had this vision of some wild-looking, mad-professor type, deep in the bowels of Dol Guldur crackling gleefully while trying to create a bigger and better nasty spider. The new improved model. Maybe a cross between something like a black widow and the ordinary big spiders that inhabit Mirkwood. Yeah, Daeron can be a spider magnet. Belas would make a good sacrifice, but the spiders probably wouldn't want him either. Seregon is awfully interested in Aldamir's love life. No MTV, ya know. And Aldamir getting all moon-eyed over a maiden is rarer than a hobbit turning down a meal. Seregon is interested in seeing where this goes. I think he's also reached a place where the thought of marriage and elflings is becoming attractive. Aldamir is his test case. For the next chapter we'll go back to the novices. Thanks, Bodkin. Love your reviews. Karen

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