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| Good Enough by The Karenator | 13 Review(s) |
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| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/28/2005 |
| Geeee! I clicked "post" before thinking, but I had thought to tell you that Seregon's counter-fussing his naneth had me laughing for a long while. Are we reading anything else on this long-suffering and smart tactician elf's pov? Author Reply: Thanks! Noreth is the mother of all who will allow her to fuss over them. Seregon has learned to deal with her. Daeron has not. :>) Seregon is up next. Spiders! And more spiders! Yuk.... Thanks, Perelleth. Karen | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/28/2005 |
| Uh, I’m trying here to decide which I like best: Daeron’s pov, or Daeron’s way as seen through the eyes of those who try to survive around him! Still uncertain, I believe I need far more research! ;-) It’s comforting to see Legolas recovering. I loved that line about Thranduil fussing about what escapes his control until he has managed to bring it under his command!! It’s amusing, endearing and oh so true! I share Daeron’s feelings about *that elf*. It is wonderful to see again these two cousins reasoning their problems out. Adolescent logic, which seems so perfectly right on general terms, and goes awfully wrong when they try to put it to work… Thrilling and adventurous as it might be to follow the Action Men, pardon, Elves, against the Awful Spiders, I think I’m mostly looking forward to seeing the “Spy Kids” against the evil “That Elf” The punishment was well granted and I suppose Legolas' fretting is going to be part of his. Aldamir can be wicked when he tries, it’d seem, I guess Belas just bellowed for the last time!!!! BTW, Aldamir is lucky Mirkwood has neither “papparazzi" nor "talk-shows”, (although it has Fluffy!) or his life would be sheer misery right now! I’m sure Elenna has an explanation but anyway, her reputation has been sorely compromised by this incident! no matter how much the queen tries to let them sort out their problems I fear the gossip won’t die in ten years!!(go the queen! she was so sweet and collected!) And yes, laundry got dealt with before I could take a seat and relax.(Sigh!) You ever wondered how is it that *certain half* of human kind claims an innate aversion to washing machines? Author Reply: I find that being in Daeron's head is much easier for me than rambling around in the others. But he's fun to view from someone else's perspective too. Legolas is getting better. He had a rough go of it for a day or so, but he's going to make it. I see the king as being the sort of guy who doesn't like things to get out of his control too. He gives good advice--I'm thinking about when he told Aldamir that he would have to learn to accept that you can't always control the outcome of your decisions--but this trait he shares with his oldest son is something that I think Thranduil works on practicing what he preaches. Yep, adolescent logic is at work here again. The whole spy mission sounds perfectly sane and perfectly easy to execute. Why is it that it always goes to pot? The two scamps are sure that 'this elf' is bad news. They're polishing their spyglasses and will be ready to roll at the first opportunity. Coming up punishments that fit the crime took me a little while. The spiders muddied up the whole thing. The masters were most likely so relieved to get the novices home that I bet they would have liked to have ignored that the fight happened. But it did, and they had to come up with some punishment. And Belas had said some things that could not go unaddressed. Everyone involved, then, had to be sentenced. It'd look pretty bad if the king's son and nephew didn't get any punishment and Belas did. Plus, Legolas threw the first punch. LOL! about Aldamir and the rag newspapers. Legolas found it appalling enough that the entire realm knew what had happened to his brother. But to see your face at the checkout at Mirkwood Market would be awful! This surprise boyfriend doesn't cast Elenna in a very favorable light. Boy, do I know what you mean about the laundry. I asked my husband once what he would do if something happened to me. He said he wasn't worried about it; the boys knew how to turn on the washing machine! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. Karen | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/28/2005 |
| First, I have to admit I only recently discovered your stories (read "Serious Trouble" a couple of weeks ago)and have been "lurking" while waiting for some issues at home to settle down and some time to write this "epic" review. I have always loved reading reviews by you, Karen, which is what sent me looking for anything you had written (*smacks self on head* duh! it took me long enough to make the connection!) It is about 4:30 a.m. and I am giggling at Daeron and Legolas, who have encouraged me to come out and compliment them (and your fine writing!). I was really glad to see this chapter from Legolas' POV, which meant of course, that he's finally recovered enough to wake up! I love your Thranduil and Lalaith - their refusal to leave their seriously ill child brought some of my own experiences to mind. It is not fun watching your "baby" (even grown ones) suffer...really, I'd rather do it myself! Legolas' pain throughout this chapter comes through very effectively - you never let us forget that he is just now beginning to recover somewhat. I felt achy and sick myself by the time I got through reading! LOL Daeron - I suppose I could wax poetic about this character of yours if I could stop laughing at his little comments long enough! He's really a very intelligent, astute young elf with a cryptic sense of humor that will not quit! Let's see, my favorite "Daeronisms" for this chapter: (you should write a book, Karen...I know Daeron would help!) :-) * the office of doom (words fail me) *suffering the fires of the angry naneth (his poor mom, he won't appreciate her until he's more Seregon's age, I guess) *his observation to Legolas - "you are not in the position to watch anything but your ceiling" (*snicker*) *"I prefer to call him 'this elf'...It makes me feel better." (I agree, tho' I can think of other things to call that supercilious jerk!) *Belas, the mouse (do you think Belas will learn a lesson here?...like how things can turn on you quickly if you're not careful...) *the auspicious promotion to the exalted position of "Sword Wiper" (it's ok, Daeron, it could have been "Pooper Scooper" in the stables...we must look for the positive in this punishment, precioussss) *various assorted jabs at Legolas (court jesters and diverter of Thranduil's wrath come to mind LOL) *the whole confrontation with that "pretty" elf Even Legolas is pretty good with the little smart remarks...I guess keeping company with the Master would eventually rub off on him... *"Adar will not say anything until I am on my feet and he can keep me there throughout his sentencing" (of course, it kind of detracts from the lecture when you're having to pick your kid up off the floor!) *"so if we can convince the garden spiders to insult you..." (what sympathy!) *"What else did this clean elf say?" *snort* The whole chapter was great - and I love the way these two cousins know each other so well. Daeron, in particular, has Legolas pegged - "seeing who he (Calith) really is would not take even you long to uncover and you always look for the best in everyone." I love watching interactions like that between them...not only related, but best friends, as well. So 'this elf' is in for interesting times...he has incurred the wrath of the youngest Thranduilion and his sharp-tongued, "impertinent" cousin. I, too, "smell a rat"...Calith is up to no good and our boys are in full "spy" mode now. It boggles the mind to think just what they will get up to in the course of their "investigation". As for Elenna, I haven't quite figured out what her deal is...but I'm wondering if perhaps she was threatened or coerced somehow into setting Aldamir up. I sincerely hope so, for Aldamir's sake. Poor guy, I almost cried at his reaction to that betrayal. (And Legolas has big brother pegged pretty well, too - shy? A reasonable deduction!) Wonderful job, Karen. I have been sorely in need of a smile and you provided several! Thank you for sharing with us! linda Author Reply: I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to wake up to your review this morning. My pleasure is only heightened by what a wonderful and in depth review you left. Thank you. I'm sorry to hear that real life has been tough lately for you. I hope things are settling down now and you can relax a little. I'm glad Daeron made you smile. I know what you mean about parents staying at the bedside of an ill child. We suffered a visit from the stomach virus fairy last week, and I probably drove my teenage son nuts checking on him and worrying about his fluid intake. He was a sick puppy for about 24 hours. Not quite the same as sitting by the bed of a child who has been bitten by a spider the size of an economy car, but a small taste. I'm pleased that Legolas's experience seemed 'real' to you. My hope was to show his gradual improvement as the day wore on. I figure Elves recover more rapidly than humans, but there has to be some repercussions of injury or they wouldn't die from wounds! And we know from Tolkien that they can. The best part is this fact give us, the writers, something to sink our teeth into regarding the perilous nature of life in Middle-earth for the Elves. Daeron loves your idea about writing a book containing his 'wisdom', but alas, I'm not so sure. :>) I don't know how he'd stand up without Legolas and the world Tolkien created. Of course, Tolkien would be mortified to read Daeron! But if Daeron brought a smile to you face, then suffering the fire of the angry professor would be worth it to me. Legolas and Daeron do know one another well. They've had years of living and playing with one another to scope out each other's personalities. And yes, I think they influence one another. Legolas has picked up some of Daeron's dry wit, and Legolas has a calming affect on Daeron. They balance each other. Calith is in for a ride with the two little spies on his trail. If Daeron is to be believed, then 'this elf' is up to something no good. Elenna has been an enigma to Aldamir too. She was sending all the right signals. Calith completely blind sided him. The commander is crushed. The two of them have some things to work out. I can only hope to keep Aldamir from lobbing Calith's head off when he gets home from the spider hunt. Thank you so much for this wonderful review. You've made my day! Karen | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005 |
| Sometimes it doesn't pay to read all the reviews first. They're all so thoughtful and detailed I feel inadequate to add anything articulate. Will you settle for incoherent rambling? Loved this little exchange: “I told him that of course, I did. Aldamir is my cousin, though I did not know him as intimately as the maiden he had been seeing. I told him he would have to ask her for specific details.” Daeron smiled. “He turned red as a holly berry.” “You did not!” I said. “Oh yes,” he said. “Then he drew himself up and said that she is his betrothed. And I asked him if she knew this.” “What did he say then,” I asked. Daeron gave me a silly flat grin. “He told me I was impertinent. Can you imagine that?” “You are impertinent,” I said. I love the easy relationship between these two, and Daeron is priceless. He's not just your garden-variety Comic Relief Elf. He's complex and layered and insightful as all get out. And Legolas must be just as insightful, because he sees right through him! I thought the lying-abed stuff was nicely understated. I felt every ache in Legolas's body, but thank goodness there was a complete absence of spewing liquids (I know you did that just for me, thanks!) Thranduil should know better than to leave these two alone. Author Reply: Gosh, it's above and beyond the call of duty for you to even have to suffer through this story again. I don't why you think your reviews lack anything. I find them insightful and very amusing. I love your reviews. I'm glad you like the 'impertinent' exchange. Daeron is a smart mouth when someone earns it. Calith ticked him off. I don't think anyone can play him like a fiddle...except that cute little elleth he's been crushing on since he started to walk. And Legolas is no dummy; he does see right through Daeron. I'm glad we missed the spewing too. It was going on while Aldamir was having his say. I don't even want to think about that. I got to see that at home when the stomach virus fairy visited our house last week. Yuk. Thanks, Meckinock, for being such a good sounding board, and suffering through reading this chapter more times than Sauron's attacked Gondor. Karen | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005 |
| I’m hoping this review is going to make at least some sense because I’m one bite away from a chocolate-induced coma… Well, thank heavens Legolas is feeling better! He may not be able to eat or move much but at least he can plan, plot and scheme. I thought you did such a great job in showing the effects of the spider bite. I felt the aches, exhaustion and weakness right along with poor Legolas! I absolutely loved the line “Naneth has told me that this is because he is used to having his commands obeyed and when something is not within his power to command, he tries harder to bring it back under back under his control, even if it is not possible.” We probably all do that at times but it seems to me that it’s a particularly male trait and you’ve got it spot on with that line. It also really captures Thranduil. I don’t imagine he deals very well with helplessness and with a very sick child that feeling is pretty much part of it for parents. I was surprised that Thranduil questioned him about the bruise already. But I suppose fighting isn’t something that he’d deal with lightly. Legolas knows he was wrong, anyway. I had to laugh, though, at him wondering who had told Thranduil and seemingly having no clue that parents are well able to figure such things out themselves! It’s great to see Daeron!! It sounds like his naneth is still the same! I’m smiling at this image: “Seregon tends to fuss over her when she treats him in this manner and in the confusion of both of them fussing over one another she seems to lose sight of her original goal and ends up doing his bidding.” You are just amazing when it comes to capturing not just people’s characters but their way of dealing with others. I’d love to know more about Seregon’s relationship with his mother…;-) Yay that everyone recognises how well Alar did! There’s something very sweet about the thought that he even surprised himself. “We should have told him what Míriel said at the feast on the first night the villagers were.” Ack! I’m an idiot! How could I have forgotten that?? Darnit, I must pay more attention. I love how concerned Legolas is for Aldamir. I get the impression that big brother is quite a hero in his eyes and he seems to really feel for him now, knowing that he must be hurting. “He is…pretty.” LOL! I nearly choked on my tea at that point. I can only imagine what sort of image Legolas has in his head now. Daeron sounds like he was wonderfully cheeky to Calith. He obviously cares for Aldamir but he seems so perceptive of people too. He definitely seems to have sized Calith up fairly well. I like the thought that he has something of his aunt’s insight. Why does Calith want to know about Aldamir anyway? I’m suspicious. I also feel like I’m not seeing something I should… So Daeron and Legolas want to spy on “this Elf”? At least if Legolas is allowed out of bed soon but not back to training, he can do it so that Daeron won’t be trying to fit it in with his hectic schedule! I’m still laughing at Belas’ punishment!! Bravo for Aldamir! Belas must be mortified. Especially as Aldamir knows what he said about him and he’s the one upon whom Belas’ future as a warrior depends. Brilliant. And I can’t wait to find out what the outcome of the little scheme these two have concocted will be! I have a horrible feeling that you’re going to make me read about spiders first, though… Author Reply: I know what you mean. I'm one bite away from exploding from banana pudding. Boy, was it good! Still, I'm glad you could shake yourself from your stupor and drop by. :>) Thanks for the compliment on poor Legolas's recovery. Yes, he is slowly getting better. The more hours that pass, the more control is gaining of his muscles. I agree that Thranduil doesn't like to be out of control of any situation. He admitted to Aldamir in the last chapter that some things are not controllable, but that doesn't mean that he still doesn't want to bring everything back into line. And you're right about parents. It's tough to see your child ill. You'll do almost anything to make them feel better. I think most parents would rather be sick themselves than see their child have to go through such. I thought about the bruise and whether Thranduil would mentioned it and decided that as a mother, I would ask what the deal was as soon as the kid was awake and stable enough to give me some explanation. Thranduil also has to weigh whether there will be any repercussions to his son getting into a fight. Well, I would be concerned about fallout too. I don't expect that Thranduil is nearly as upset as Legolas thinks he is. Adar is not happy about it, but he's raised two sons already, and I doubt this is the first bruise he's seen from fighting. I don't expect much more from him than a discussion on using your head instead of your fists. Besides, Legolas has been through enough. But now the air is clear...though I'm not sure Legolas realizes this entirely. Daeron's mother has had so few lines, that I've had a hard time capturing her. We've seen her mainly through Daeron's eyes. Legolas is a counter balance in that he can see her a little more realistically. I've come to the conclusion that she's an earth mother type. A natural caretaker. Seregon's figured her out. Daeron is still too young and under her control to see that Seregon even deals with her differently than he does. Alar did do well. He was probably the most surprised of anyone. He'd been feeling so inadequate. Daeron took an immediate dislike to Calith. The queen's family is known to have insight and Daeron looks like he's beginning to show some of these traits. That's probably why he has such a wry view of the world; he's always had a different slant on what he sees. He sees the hearts of people. As he's gotten older, he's discerning what he sees more accurately. Yep, the double-o-elves are getting ready to get to the bottom of this Calith guy. As soon as Legolas is on his feet, the mission can get underway. Belas bit off more than he could chew this time. He's scared stiff. And completely mortified that he's going to have to spend two hours a day with the commander he called a fool. His warrior career is hanging by a thread. Oh spiders...well, there are a few out in the woods that need slaying. We'll be very quiet. Thanks, Dot. As always, I love your reviews. You don't miss much! Karen | |
| Tinnuial | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005 |
| I feel so so so sorry for poor Aldamir. Good on Daeron for wiping the smirk off Calith's face. I look forward to seeing the final confrontation!!! :) Author Reply: Aldamir did have a terrible day. Daeron is incensed on his behalf. And Daeron was greatly insulted that Calith tried to pump him for information. It's hard to pull one over on Daeron. He's pretty quick on his feet. Legolas and Daeron are planning. They're hoping to gather some good intelligence on their spy mission. Thanks, Tinnuial, for reading and reviewing. It's nice to see you over here at SoA. But I'm always pleased to hear from you anywhere. :>) Thanks again. Karen | |
| Manderly | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005 |
| My, Daeron and Legolas are certainly scheming little elves - I love it! And what Daeron said to Calith about whether Elenna knows that she is betrothed - what a hoot! Good for Daeron for scoring some points for Aldamir. Daeron and Legolas are certainly up to their neck with plans but I can't help but feel a little apprehensive about their successs. Their track record is not the best, you know, but I am really looking forward to see how this will all spin out. That Elf/pretty elf/Calith is certainly an interesting character. I wonder what he's up to. You've certainly thrown a twist into this story. Another great chapter, as usual. Author Reply: Legolas and Daeron mean well. It's just that...well, things always kind of go south. Daeron took an immediate dislike to the Pretty Elf. And he knew that Calith was pumping him for information. That didn't set well with Daeron at all. He might be young, but he's not dumb. How insulting! The guys are planning. If they can just figure out how to get Legolas out of bed and spy on this guy, then they'll be in the short rows. Sounds simple enough. Thanks, Manderly. I appreciate you taking time to read and review. Karen | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005 |
| If Legolas is already up and scheming, he can't be feeling too bad. I suspect that if Aldamir knew just why Daeron was volunteering to babysit Legolas so much, he'd be alternately horrified and heartwarmed. While it is true that having little siblings and cousins prying into your personal life is just about the most mortifying thing ever, at least he knows that he's loved and that he has his whole family behind him and backing him up. Interesting that Daeron would use the phrase "before he exacts his pound of flesh." I did not know that Elves read Shakespeare, much less The Merchant of Venice. I read that in high school, and I can't say that I enjoyed it much. Usually, I love Shakespeare, but that particular combination of anti-Semitism and romantic comedy just doesn't sit well with me. Also interesting that Thranduil can immediately tell a novice-squabbling bruise from a battle bruise. Though I suppose he had some help. The masters probably filled him in on what had happened, but it seems like he knew anyway and would have known even if no one had told him. He is a very clever ada. I suppose that, after raising three boys, you learn to notice things like that. Calith's punishment for smugness is to have two adolescent boys stalking him. Probably inexpertly. Somehow, it seems that he deserves it. And whoo! Old Belas gets to go to the principal's office. . . for a long time! I'm sure that'll be worth whatever punishment Daeron and Legolas have to endure. Though I'm kind of hoping we get to hear from Seregon some time soon, I really want to hear from Aldamir, just so we can see the smackdown that Belas has coming to him. I had to laugh at the description of the meal they were eating at the end. It sounded just like the sort of meal my mother or my aunt or my cousin would cook for a holiday. Potatoes, a roast, and carrot tzimmes -- who knew the palace cook was Jewish? The story of the kidnapping sounds intriguing. Have you already written it? Where can I go read it? Author Reply: Legolas is feeling better. He's getting better control of his muscles as the hours pass. Slowly, but surely. And yep, he's feeling well enough to start planning the big spy mission. As long as he doesn't have to do too much moving, he can handle it. His brain is working fine...until the healers knock him out with their potions again. Interesting that Daeron would use the phrase "before he exacts his pound of flesh." I did not know that Elves read Shakespeare, much less The Merchant of Venice What? You didn't think Shakespeare made up all those nifty lines, did you? Daeronisms have been handed down through the ages, father to son, mother to daughter, like cake recipes and how to mix mortar. Heck no, the elves didn't read Shakespeare; Shakespeare read Daeron. :>) In the last chapter, when Thranduil saw the bruise, he asked Aldamir what had happened. He guessed that such a black eye most likely didn't come from a spider attack but from a fight. Aldamir didn't give the king any details, but he didn't deny it either. As a mother, I can say that there are characteristics of the bruise, the child, and the circumstances that are dead giveaways. Not always, but it's not hard to put two and two together. Thranduil got confirmation from Aldamir's 'no answer'. And I would have asked about it when the kid was awake and stable enough to give me an answer. That's the mother in me. The king in Thranduil also had to know what kind of repercussion there might be. From appearances, it looks like Calith is up to no good. The terrible two are not going to let this pass. The spiders and the fight are in the past and now there are bigger fish to fry. With no MTV, what a recovering elf to do? Plot, plan and scheme. I didn't know the cook was Jewish either! That's encouraging. The Jewish ladies I know are some terrific cooks. I might have to sample the next meal in the palace! :>) The kidnapping story is archived here. It's called 'Serious Trouble'. It was my first multi-chapter story. Cut me some slack, okay? I was trying! :>) Thanks, French Pony. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and write such nice reviews. Karen | |
| Leaward | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005 |
| It's morning, and my brain is pretty foggy, so I'm going to be rambling a bit. "The Pretty Elf" Such a 'Daeron' description :D he is usually quite astute in his assessments of people I would imagine having that slight distance from the situation, Daeron would see things Aldamir and even Legolas might not. And I think Daeron's assessment of Calith being a manipulator is going to be spot on. ;) I'm also glad to see the masters were not too harsh on Daeron -- after all he was trying to break the fight up. I liked how you had Daeron saying that Belas shook like a leaf afterwards -- that was a nice touch. I had wondered how he would handle it. Your descriptions of what Legolas is feeling physically are really good, you're letting us see just how weak he really is, but also that he's gradually getting some strength -- like pulling himself up against the headboard. And now I'm very interested to see how Aldamir and Belas get along. Author Reply: I'm pretty foggy myself at the moment. A nice day, but a long one. I'm just now settling in to answer reviews. And there are a few stories I need to catch up on. :>) Daeron is emerging as a little more gifted in this area than he was in the first story. His father's family is known to have insight into people. Lalaith, his aunt, certainly does. I think he's beginning to show some of those qualities. Legolas has learned to trust his judgment....which is not always a good thing. :>) The masters were so relieved that everyone was home and in one piece that they couldn't stand it. But they had to address the fight. Belas made it impossible for them to ignore it. And you know how kids are. They speculate that things are HUGE. The masters were fair about the punishments. Belas was exactly what the guys thought: full of hot air. He wasn't any better than anyone else when the chips were down. Hopefully, this was an eye-opener for him as well. Poor Legolas has felt like death on a stick. But he's getting better. I figure Elves are pretty fast healers anyway. He'll have to deal with it for a few days more. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always a treat for me to hear from you. Karen | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/27/2005 |
| Ah, what a pleasant surprise. Excuse me while I go get paper towels to clean the orange juice off my monitor. I forgot that Daeron comes with an automatic spew warning. His view of life in the realm makes me giggle like an elfling too. For some reason, I think Daeron might be fun to have for a big brother. Legolas is miserable, but at least he is a well taken care of miserable elf. I half expected him to ask his parents to make sure none of his masters visit. I can see him digging a hole through his bed to escape. Their planning is endearing, however wrong we know it will go. We can only hope that Elenna herself sets some things to right before the younger brothers make Aldamir's life even more interesting. I am really enjoying this Karen. Author Reply: Daeron as a big brother? We'll have to ask Seregon what he'd think about that. LOL! I can just see that now. Come to think of it, Daeron would be fun to have around anytime. He can't help himself. The world is fun to him. Legolas did have a tough go of it, but he's slowly recovering. I imagine a part of him is happy to let some of the steam dissipate from the masters before he shows back up and another part of him is dying that he's missing all the action. But yeah, he's a well care for elf. Lalaith is not one to be crossed where her children are concerned. Not even the king would dare cross that line. The two little scamps are having a blast planning their big spy mission. The spiders and the fight are a thing of the past. There's more important stuff going on. And Eru knows that it can't go on without them! I'm so pleased that you're enjoying this, Nilmandra. It means a lot to me that you are. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. Karen | |