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


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Good Enough by The Karenator	10 Review(s)
Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/15/2005
Elves get dirty? Elves smell bad? Surely dirt is automatically repelled by their sheer elvishness! Isn't their glow created by their natural anti-perspirant/deodorant with insect repellent in a natural forest fragrance? Legolas is developing his Daeron-style wit here - 'we had become so unbearable to be around that they feared a band of orcs might mistake us for some of their fellows and seek to join us.' I just love the by-play about the state of laundry so foul that even naneths would refuse to deal with it. And the social interactions of adolescents are so flipping complicated! 'We should intervene,' 'We can't, it'd only make things worse,' 'We'll get into trouble,' 'Let's squash Belas anyway,' 'It's up to Alar not to be a victim' - and so it goes on. And adults are just so helpless when it comes to intervening in such things - all it does is push it underground. Then - all that good sense from Legolas about not jumping in feet first and who does it? All that we need now is for Belas to decide that Alar has his uses and should be tolerated, while that cocky son-of-a-king Legolas needs putting in his place. Still. The red-banded spiders might have a role to play in uniting the novices against a common foe. Maybe. Author Reply: I had a discussion once with a friend about how elves are Teflon coated and she came up with good scientific reasoning on how they could repel dirt. I can't remember any of it at the moment, but her ideas were very good. But overall, I think they can get a little rank when left without their Right Guard too long. I love your description of their natural essence! Legolas wit? I laughed out loud when I read that. You are one astute reader, my dear Bodkin. That line was originally Daeron's. I toned it down a little and gave it to Legolas because the blond half of the duo does have a sense of humor and I didn't want him to seem too dry. Plus these two spend so much time in one another's company, that I think they would influence how the other views the world at times. So absolutely, that was a Daeron influenced observation. I keep hoping that Legolas will be a positive influence on Daeron. My beta wants me to write a grown up Legolas/Daeron story to see how Daeron turns out. I'm playing with that idea. Adolescent interactions are a bevy of contradictions. They have a good sense of right and wrong, but the urge to do what they want is so strong that the ideas collide regularly. And adult interference can just push the whole thing underground if they're not careful. The masters are smart and they try to let the kids take care of their own problems, but they're watching to make sure that the solutions are appropriate. That's a laugh. Legolas did sort of slip in his resolve to handle Belas appropriately, didn't he? That insult just came flying out. Drat! And he as trying so hard to be grown up about the whole mess. But he's gotten himself back under control. He hopes. And yep, those spiders are still on the loose. Thank you so much for this review. You caught so much of the behind the scenes stuff that I think either you've been talking to my much put-upon beta, or you're one good computer hacker and have been in my files. I love it! Thank you so much. Karen

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
Legolas is very level-headed and thoughtful; that's why it was so satisfying to hear him call Belas an orc's behind. It somehow wouldn't have had as much impact coming from his curmudgeony cousin. But Legolas really is showing the qualities of a diplomat and a leader - caring for the weak but picking his battles carefully. He seems able to see the utility of even his most obnoxious adversaries, which will come in handy later in life :-). I loved the reverse ambush. What fun. Daeron is quick though. Legolas was right to say it was good he met him as an orc. I have a feeling Daeron will be one heck of an Elven Warrior when he fills out a bit. Hint. Author Reply: Legolas was trying so hard to find a reasonable solution to the Belas problem. That orc's behind comment just sort of slipped out. Legolas is calmer and thinks through consequences better than Daeron, but even Daeron is beginning to grow up enough to realize that he has to work with the system. Of course, he has his own way of doing that. And you're right about Daeron being quick. He will be a formidable warrior one day. Belas won't want to meet him as Daeron, the elf, either. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I appreciate your reviews. Karen

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
Well, I would have to say that Alar did a mighty fine job tracking. Belas is indeed an orc's rear end that he is too blind to see what an asset the kid is. They did a nice job on the surprise attack - nothing like turning on their attackers! And now I want to hear what Daeron was thinking - this is bound to be good! Author Reply: Alar might be short, but he's tall in the tracking department. He's got a natural ability that exceeds the average wood-elf. Plus, he's very much at home in the woods. The trees chat with him like his best friend. I suppose the trees have been his best friends. But now that Legolas has recognized that Alar is something of a loner, I think he and Daeron will happily include him in their lives. The surprise attack did get turned around on the sneaky attackers. Legolas had Daeron in his sights there for a moment. Legolas winning the bout with the swords really killed him though. He'll be looking for revenge later on, I'm sure. Daeron is sharpening his best weapon. He's thinking.... Thanks for reading and reviewing, Nilmandra. Karen

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
What a thoroughly engrossing chapter! You completely transported me from a damp, misty day to this move-and-you’ll-melt type of weather in the forest. I notice laundry seems to be a recurring theme in your stories. You must be very fond of it. Stop spluttering. It sounds like these novices haven’t exactly had it easy for the past week. I love their utter disgust at being unwashed and wearing dirty clothes. Very elven. Their human counterparts struggle with the notion of cleanliness for a good many years more, I think! I thought the conversation between Daeron and Legolas about Belas was very interesting in terms of insight into Legolas’ character. He’s definitely a lot calmer and more sensible than Daeron. Daeron’s heart is certainly in the right place, of course, in wanting to help Alar but Legolas seems to be able to take a step back and see the consequences before they do anything daft. Although, he could probably be dragged into a scheme or two… The part about the tracking was rather fascinating. How on earth do you know all this stuff about moss and rocks and waterlines?? I must admit, for a second I thought that they might be following the wrong tracks – but thank heavens for the trees!! Alar has transformed into a total wood-elf before my very eyes and I’m seeing him in a whole new light!! There is something very sad, though, about the thought that Alar finds more comfort and companionship in the trees that in friends. Belas is a complete idiot. Legolas is right – if he’s going to be a pain in the you-know-what, he could at least have the sense to do it by using Alar’s skills to his advantage. I don’t really see the idea of Alar trying to be friendly towards Belas working very well, but Legolas and Daeron spending more time with Alar could do him the world of good. I hate to see him feel like he can’t even speak around Belas. You’re doing a good job with him, though. A character like that could very easily become too pitiful to be at all likeable but you’ve made him rather endearing and very believable. I really enjoyed the mock battle scene. If I may say so, it was just the right length too – sometimes battle scenes go on and on and on… ;-) I loved being in Legolas’ head for it and the feeling of being aware of where people where and what was happening rather than just fighting and chaos. I should grudgingly say too that Belas sounds like he has the makings of a fairly good captain if he worked on his people skills a bit. Anyway, I’ve rambled on far too much. Great chapter and I’m very much looking forward to the next :-) Author Reply: Laundry...well, you know what 'they' say: Write what you know. I'm an expert in the that field. I'm so pleased that you can see Legolas's personality coming through. He was one of the main reasons I wrote each chapter from a different character's POV. I wanted to get to know him better. He's not necessarily quieter than Daeron, I don't think, but he's level-headed and cognizant of consequences if he gets involved with something that will cause trouble. I suppose Daeron is aware too of not doing anything dumb, but his sense of right and wrong has been greatly offended. Daeron is more likely to use verbal warfare; he's got the weapons for it and he's not afraid to use them! Legolas is more diplomatic. I'm a graduate of the Tracking On Line College of Woodcraft. Alar really is a good guy, but he's also a bit of a loner. He's small for his age and as far as Legolas knows, he doesn't have any close friends. Daeron and Legolas will be good for him. But Alar will be good for them as well. The terrible two have looked outside their own little circle for the first time and saw that they were missing out on what's going on around them. They thought about someone besides themselves. I think as we get older, we learn to see others more often. This is what I wanted for them. If it makes you feel any better about poor Alar, I see him as taking off in growth and eventually becoming one of the best trackers Mirkwood has ever had. His confidence will come. Not in this story...but later on. I couldn't let him not succeed, even if it was only in my mind. I'm glad the fight scene turned out well for you. I'm much better with laundry. And you make a very good point about Belas's ability to lead. If he can just get over himself, he has the makings of a good warrior. And you never ramble. I love your reviews and reading what you thought as you read. You are such an attentive reader. I learn things from you! Thanks, Dot. Karen

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
Oooh, that Belas! He's such a bully! He makes me madder than a stomped-on hornet nest. Legolas and Daeron certainly have their hearts in the right place. But, having had a chance to meet Alar and hear a little bit from him, it seems that the best course of action for the cousins would be to concentrate on being Alar's friends rather than on taking Belas down. Alar sounds like a lonely, miserable kid, despite his communion with the forest. I'm sure the forest makes him happy, but Elves appear to be social animals, and trees can't make up for the company of other Elves. (By the way, a baby mammal is a suckling, and a baby tree is a sapling.) Belas may have an ego the size of Minas Tirith, but he really isn't very clever if he hasn't yet figured out how to take credit from underlings to make himself look good. I would say more but I must take off for gamelan class and then the library. Author Reply: He makes me madder than a stomped-on hornet nest. LOL! That sounds like something I'd say. And yeah, Belas is a jerk. Alar is an easy target, but Alar being better at something than he is, well...that's the last straw. Legolas had not realized how lonely Alar must have been all his life until now, and he likes Alar. Overall, Alar has adjusted well by finding something he really enjoys. He's shy and probably a bit of a loner to boot, but I think he'd like to have some friends too. Belas hasn't figured out yet that Alar can make him look good. He's too busy being a bully. Belas is really one unhappy elf. I'd feel sorry for him if wasn't such a bonehead. (By the way, a baby mammal is a suckling, and a baby tree is a sapling.) I'm smiling. Thanks. Suckling was the word I intended to use. I've looked on the Internet trying to find something about tree pruning where the term is used, but I've not been able to find anything, so I've concluded that using that term for newly sprouted branches or for new sprouts off roots of trees is regional or colloquial. Saplings, of course, are new 'baby' trees. Sucklings or sucker branches are new limbs on mature trees when they are small and pliable. At least, it is down south where we have many strange terms. So, to recap, technically you're absolutely correct. I'm going to have to find another word that designates 'baby limb'! I'm thinking.... :>) Thanks so much for you review. I hope your class went well and the library was nice and quiet. Karen

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
Oh yeah! I love this pace of yours! I did need to hide away in Mirkwood today! Legolas definitely has a voice of his own. One can trace Daeron's wild imagination in some of his observations, but, above all, he's Legolas, the responsible, reflective, considered... and impulsive Legolas we know. I had a glimpse of Legolas of the Nine Walkers you see, in his way of reasoning Daeron out of confronting Belas and yet being ready to do something about the problem. Great! I'm truly curious to see what happens next. Belas is truly thick, not being able to take advantage of the poor Alar's skills to look better... and Daeron seems ready to snap, or worse, embark both of them in some foolish prank! And the red striped lady is still around! oh my! I hope I can wait till next weekend! And, wait wait wait... I seem to remeber this two served as "novices" at the king's laundry some time ago! Maybe Thranduil needs to know their stage wasn't as succesful as he might have expected!;-) Author Reply: LOL! What a great review. I'm so glad that I've not overwhelmed you with rapid-fire chapters. I got confused and posted on Friday night last week when I should have posted on Sunday. So I waited until this morning. I don't want to scare everyone away by overdoing it. I'll probably aim for the next chapter around Thursday. I'm so glad that Legolas's voice is distinctive! He was one of the reasons I did this story from individual character's POVs. I didn't feel like I could pin him down. I can't tell you what a relief it is to hear that he sounds like himself. And what a compliment to hear that you could see the future Legolas in him at this point! He's young, but I think he's level headed and serious about his duty. Yep, Belas is thicker than a plank. He's so busy trying to intimidate Alar, that he can't see that he's throwing away his secret weapon. What a lug-head. You're right; these two did spend some time in the palace laundry. Must not have taken. After this adventure, Thranduil might want to send them back for a refresher course. Thanks so much for the review. Loved it! Karen

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
This was a wonderful chapter--really well done. The conversation while they were bathing was very funny (had me giggling outloud) and did a good job of showing everything they'd been through without having to actually describe it or have a chapter on it. That's often tough to do. And the exercise was really well done. It seemed very realistic and showed the conflicts between all the kids and their different personalities really well. I totally enjoyed it. Good job. Author Reply: I'm so glad that you enjoyed this chapter. The guys had been through a lot by the time we saw them again. They're tired, hot and sick of eating awebas. They had also been on alert for so long in anticipation of what the masters were going to spring on them next, that I think they were ready for a break. I'm far from knowledgeable about battles or exercises, so I resorted to the Internet. A wonderful tool! I'm also pleased that you found the personalities of the different characters to be distinct. I enjoyed getting to know everyone from inside their heads this time around. Hopefully, this will help me for future stories to be able to capture individual voices. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it. It's always a pleasure for me to hear from you. And btw, I hope you're feeling better. Let us know how you're doing. I'm thinking about you. Karen

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
That opening gives a really good sense of what the novices have been through, right down to the fact that they wash quickly because a quick, surprise command could come at any time and they'd have to jump to obey. Also, as the mother of a college age son, I thought you'd like to know that my brother had a roommate who used to come back from doing laundry to toss his clean clothes onto the floor where they would mingle indistinguisably with his dirty ones. Then he would pick things up in the morning, sniff them, and spray them with Right Guard. Just a tip for Daeron. After the little group crossed the stream, I was reading happily along when a terrible thought occured to me. What if the two people they were tracking weren't the ones they were supposed to be tracking? What if they were bad guys? So I was really glad when I was told that the trees were happy. I'm so glad that Alar did well. Author Reply: The game are slightly repetitious, I think. Lots of tracking and mock battles. I'm glad that it showed that the novices had been through the wringer already. And they were so happy to bathe and cool off for a few minutes. Daeron's mother would be pleased that he was so eager to take a bath. He's getting older now and girls are a consideration. I think that's when the guys start caring a little more. Girls, too, probably. But my experience is limited in what sort of frilly spins the female of the species put on at that age. My memory is gone about myself at that age. I'm blocking it out. :>) Bad guys! Wish I had thought of that! That would have been exciting. I was so busy worrying about spiders that I couldn't see anything but sticky webs and nasty, hissing spiders. I'll file that one away. At this point though, I would have really felt bad for Alar if they had run into bad men or spiders. He's got his hands full with Belas, the bellower. Thanks, daw, for reading and reviewing. Karen

Leaward	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
Where to begin? Dirty underwear. sigh Living with three males, (no, it's not like a reverse Three's Company, one husband, two sons, 14 and 20 who are helpless when it comes to housework) can I ever relate to that scene. There are times I have not even tried the laundry, resorting to the garbage instead. (Have you met the socks that can stand on their own yet?) ;) LOL that Daeron tries to pawn that odorous job off on Legolas! Alar's tracking skills. What a brilliant thought to have him listening to the trees, of course elves would use that ability! And the mock battle. You described so wonderfully what was happening that I could visualize it. And Daeron complaining they had to fight like orcs -- an excellent tidbit there too. Of course they would have to consider changing the fighting style. I don't know if that would have occurred to me or not. I know an orc's rear end when I see one Go, Legolas! About time! But I think it may backfire on him. Author Reply: Guys! Gotta love 'em. My oldest was home on spring break last week and his dirty clothes sat in front of the washer all week. He finished them late yesterday afternoon. He was most distressed that I didn't do them for him. Poor baby. And yes, I have met the socks that can stand on their own. I am also running an orphanage for orphan socks. A whole basket full. I don't know where the mates go. Alar is extraordinarily good with tracking. The sad part is that he's learned because he's been so alone. He's learned to communicate with the trees so easily it has become second nature to him. Combine that with the natural abilities of a wood-elf and you've got one heck of a tracker. I figure the other novices are pretty good too, but Alar is just fast. I'm glad you liked the battle. I like a good battle scene that doesn't run on too long, but I'm afraid I have little knowledge about what really goes on other than what I've read. Imagination is my only friend in this. I'm not sure how I came up with the changing fighting styles--maybe I read it somewhere else--but it makes sense to me that the masters would try to prepare them for the differing styles of the people of ME. OH! I know where I read it! On a site about the people who choreographed the battles in the LOTR movies. The guy who did this talked about inventing different styles of fighting for orcs and men and elves. Dwarves too, I guess. The site was very interesting. I'm so pleased it sounded realistic to you. Thanks so much for your review. I think I hear my washer beeping. Back to the laundry. Karen

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/14/2005
What a fascinating chapter, with all those details of the tricks of tracking and the final battle, even with its lack of real weapons, was still very engaging. The laundry scene was funny. Yes, there are times that I'd like to burn my kids' clothes rather than wash them. Do the novices know the trick of turning their underwear inside out to wear again? Disgusting trick, but I am sure well used by those who loathe doing laundry. I like your Legolas. He seems very mature and calm for an elfling, but not totally apathetic to the nasty ways of Belas, especially when he stood up to Belas on Alar's behalf. I wonder what Daeron has in mind for Belas. I hope it's nasty. Author Reply: I'm learning all sorts of laundry tricks in the replies. Daeron would LOVE your idea about turning his underwear inside out. I'm so sorry I didn't think of that when I was writing this. I'm still cackling with the image of him doing just that. I had to do a little cheating and find some websites about tracking. Just the basics. Enough to keep them moving along on their trail. I'm glad I didn't sound too dense. I wanted Legolas and Daeron to go up against one another at least once. Daeron finds pride in his ability to use his blades. Legolas is so proficient with his weapons, Daeron needs something to be good at. And Daeron takes great delight in knowing that his father was an extraordinary swordsman. He likes to hear that he's like his father. I figured it would kill him to lose to Legolas. Legolas is trying hard to be mature and reasonable throughout this whole Belas issue. But Belas is beginning to push his buttons. And Legolas is also trying hard to keep Daeron from belting the slug. His peacemaker efforts faltered there for a minute when he called Belas an orc's rear end. Thanks for your review. I'm still chuckling about the underwear. Karen

Return to Chapter List