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Interrupted Journeys: Part 4 Journeys of Discovery by elliska	9 Review(s)
Lyn	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 4/23/2006
It's been a long while since I had soap in my eyes, but as I recall it stung tremendously and the only relief came from buckets of clean fresh water to rinse my eyes. Otherwise, your story was quite delightful and your style of writing very easy to read!

J.G.E	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/11/2005
Hee, hee, I so enjoyed this chapter, its so great to see it after a long wait but it was worth it. When you mentioned the dwarf I was thinking that you were already referring to the Hobbit, but I knew it couldn't be right because 1) Legolas was probably much older in the Hobbit and 2) none of the dwarves were killed, they all made it through Mirkwood. Its just that the dialogue between the dwarf and Thranduil was almost the same as in the book, but you confirmed my thoughts when you mentioned the name of the dwarf. Legolas almost got himself into trouble again for eavesdropping which I am glad he didn't otherwise he would've got into even more trouble, but now I bet that he will put that tunnel to his own good use if you get my drift, it will come in handy for spyng on his father which I have no doubt that he will do just that. I wonder when Marti is going to make her presence known, I am just dying for some action and some nail-biting moments. Author Reply: Hi J.G.E! I'm sorry to be so long in replying. I just can't seem to stay on top of things right now. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I had fun showing Thranduil, the elflings and a haughty dwarf. Yes, I think Legoals would be in a lot of trouble if he got caught doing that--but he won't...not for a while yet, anyway. :-) As for Marti, she won;t be around for a while again. The children are going to be elflings for a little while yet. And then you will get your nail-biting moments when they are just a little bit older...old enough to be part of them. And those moments are full of action and angst. :-) Thank you so much for the reviews!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/10/2005
First, I'm sorry for the delay, these are particularly busy times...) Second, I'm so glad that you're feeling better, go you and take due care...! I must agree with Galithil that the dwarf was absolutely fascinating. Seen from the children's perspective, this stuborn dwarf's bold stand was even more impressing. I liked the way you pictured the whole scene, when the guards unsheathed their steels and Aradunnon's blade came to rest in the dwarf's throat...UNder his beard, I wonder? MASter dwarf must have feared then for his attributes! :-) And then when the adults were leaving the stronghold, the inmpression they caused in LEgolas was fascinating, and veyr insightful. And very well done, too! I could picture them, striding at the same pace, and everybody making way for the most powerful elves in the realm! NO wondr the children were impressed, too! Thranduil was really scary here... I loved how he handled the noisme dwarf! I would love to see a knife throwing contest between Amoneth and Thrnaduil! :-) NICe chapter elliska. I supose you're about to post another and I fear that it will be another week before I'm able to read it, but I'm looking forward to it! Author Reply: I am equally delayed in the reply--I just can't seem to stay caught up right now. :( I'm glad you enjoyed the dwarf--the children did, generally speaking. I enjoyed that little scene myself. Haughty dwarves and Thranduil are just never going to mix. ;-) And I am glad you enjoyed the scene when the adults are leaving. I liked showing Legolas seeing his father a little differently. A knife throwing contest with Amoneth and Thranduil...I've not written it but I can think of a perfect place for it coming up soon. Now who would win that...:-) Thank you so much for the reviews, Perelleth. I really appreciate them.

Idhreniel	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/9/2005
Hi, Elliska! This is Brazgirl with a new name... I love this chapter! What a convenient door they found. I was afraid Galithil would make himself seen by the dwarves of even by his ada. Thankfully they didn't... It was lovelly to read Thranduil melting his anger when he saw his little elfling. Even more when the boys went together to shoot!!! Lovely chapter. I like Galithil's innocence even more. Glad to hear you are better!!! Author Reply: Hi Idhreniel! Love that new screen name! I'm so sorry to be so long in replying. I am just so behind in everything and trying to catch up. Of course they would find such a fascinating door! :-) And I'm glad you were worried about them being caught. But most of all I'm glad you liked the ending--I love them as a happy family (because in my world, that time is coming to an end soon) so I like to see them enjoy it while they can. Thank you so much for the reviews! :-)

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/6/2005
Oh Elliska, this was delightful! It sounds like those children will have no problem finding ways to amuse themselves after all. And I laughed aloud at what happened Legolas and Galithil in the palace laundry! I felt a bit sorry for the ellyth, though – can you imagine explaining to the king that you drowned his son and nephew in a vat of suds?! The funniest thing was Galithil suggesting that the laundress tell Thranduil and Aradunnon that the elflings should be allowed play outside. LOL. I just loved the whole idea of there being secret doors! As a child I was addicted to Enid Blyton books and they always found secret passageways and hidden places! Of course, it’s even better when there’s magic involved ;-) I must say, Legolas is very clever when it comes to hide and seek. And Berior trying to hide behind the tapestry is absolutely adorable!! I really like the way you’ve made the wall just ‘feel’ different where the door is hidden. So, as a matter of interest, can anyone open it or is it just Thranduil and his kin? It seems like a good way to flee from the Great Hall if need be. I almost jumped too when Galithil appeared! And the funniest line of the chapter has to be: ”Only you would find a secret door and then not go through it, Eirienil.” Hilarious. Poor Eirienil. It’s no use having a conscience and/or common sense around this lot. It seems a little risky expecting the tapestry to keep them hidden, judging by Berior’s efforts on the other side! But what an exciting scene they landed into. I do love Thranduil when he’s in a mood :-) And it’s fascinating to see how Legolas can read his father so easily. Thranduil is so clever, piecing together all the bits of information and realising what the dwarf is up to. That dwarf never stood a chance, the twit. Though, ok, I do feel a little sorry for him… Anyway, there was great tension – I was reading this under the desk at work and was totally engrossed in it! I like too the fact there’s a hint of respect between Thranduil and Durin coming across, despite what Narin and his buddies have done. I nearly keeled over when he threatened Thranduil! Holy crap. The way the elves immediately moved into action, so fluid and so dangerous and protecting the king at all costs, was just wonderful – a little scary but brilliant enough to give me a fangirlish moment of glee! “I wish Master Rodonon would teach us more about the world today and less about things that happened three Ages ago.” I thought that was a nice character moment for Legolas – it shows that even at a young age he’s curious about other people and events that are happening now, outside his home. Though they’re all probably a little too young to realise the importance of history and its effect on “the world today.” I’m still smiling at the image of Thranduil being so much in king-mode that even the elflings find themselves bowing to him! And the way Legolas can make his father’s mood lighten is so sweet. I notice Aradunnon was the only one who was immediately suspicious of his son :-/ But it was good to see them gang up against Thranduil! (But of course Thranduil won!) Galithil is so clever to get information from the parents without them realising why he had so many questions! I’m sure he’s exhibited a flair for that kind of thing before. It really suits his personality that he’s so fascinated by the dwarf in such an open and enthusiastic manner, while Legolas is more wary. There’ll be trouble, though, if he goes looking for more such interesting scenes. And secret doors. Ooh, I’m getting excited! :-) Author Reply: I think those ellyth probably panicked a moment when they realized they dumped the king's son into the washing vat--as you said, drowning the king's son can't be a good thing. One of the things that is making this part of the story much harder to put together into parts to post is that I have a lot of little scenes like the one in the laundry that do not stand alone, but that amuse me or have some meaning later on. I would like to work as many in as possible, so this was one attempt. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I thought it was amusing and I could see it happening. :-) It cracks me up when little kids try to convince you to take their side against their parents. But I cannot imagine anyone giving Thranduil parenting advice. ;-) And the secret doors--absolutely must have them in my mind. I know there is no basis in canon for them, but if Thranduil has magic doors securing the stronghold, I think he can have a few secret doors too. And a couple of comments you made here are very prophetic. The Gates anyone who is not an enemy can open (sort of like Melian's girdle--or at least that's how I portrayed it). If I include the scene I wrote, you will see that some of the doors in the stronghold work a little differently in my mind. I'm glad you enjoyed the scene with the dwarf and it seemed tense to you. The warriors that found the dwarves gave Thranduil enough info to know something was up and Legolas did guess right that his ada was fishing to confirm his suspicions. And I would pity anyone who tried to attack Thranduil. They wouldn't stand a chance for a number of reasons. Poor dwarf was grieving and did not make good choices. (I was trying to edit some parts of this that are easier for me and I was looking at the Battle Under the Trees scenes--I do love Thranduil and I am afraid I do get fangirly for Warrior!Thranduil.) :-) I definitely do see Legolas as curious about the world--both sbout other races and natural things. I like showing that. They are too young to really understand all the history behind their parents' attitudes/that they might learn but that is part of growing up and becoming who you will be. I like playing with that. And I'm glad you liked the part where Legolas sees his father a little differently--like the door, I intended that to be another 'discovery' in this chapter. I think there would be moments for someone in Legolas's position where he would begin to see other sides of his father. It must feel really wierd. And the way Legolas can make his father’s mood lighten is so sweet. I'm glad that came across. :-) Count on trouble from this group. ;-) Thanks so much for the reviews and for sticking with it through the delays. I really appreciate it! :-)

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/5/2005
Yeah, I am glad you are feeling better! I love exploring! I always wanted to go search for hidden passageways and fake doors and all that. I always figured if I had enough money to build my own house, it would have some secret passages, bookcases that turned into another room, that kind of thing, just for fun. So I was gleefully along for the ride there. The child in me is glad they did not get caught eavesdropping, though the adult in me wishes they had, so that they didn't put themselves in danger. Yet danger is half the fun.... but if the dwarf had grabbed an elfling, that would be bad.... but then, that dwarf wasn't going to move with all those warriors there. So, no harm done, I guess and I can remain glad they got away. The fascinating thing about elves learning history is that people who were alive then can tell them, with perfect recall, what happened. And if elflings are led to delve into the history books, all the better. Author Reply: I do love exploring too. I used to get in all sorts of trouble as a kid by rummaging through drawers and cabinets and chests--I would have loved to have someplace like the stronghold to explore. There would have to be great things to find there. And I would do something like that too if I ever build a house. :-) They can't get caught yet--they haven't found quite enough trouble yet. ;-) You're right that there is potential for serious trouble here. And as you have shown, it is so true that it would be really fascinating to learn history from those who lived it. :-) Thanks so much for the reviews and for your patience through the delays. :-)

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/5/2005
I'm so glad you're getting better, Elliska. I cannot keep people safe if I am unaware of their presence or if they are not where I expect them to be.” Given where the kids were at the time, this made me laugh. This encounter certainly wouldn't make Legolas inclined to think highly of dwarves. Very cool moment when Legolas sees his father as king. And Galithil is unstoppable. Too bad. Author Reply: Given where the kids were at the time, this made me laugh. Hehehe! Exactly! Grin Very cool moment when Legolas sees his father as king. I'm glad you liked that. I think it would be very odd to have your parents be in such a position--they would still just be parents to a younger child, but there would have to be moments when the child started to see them as people outside the family would see them. Must be really strange. And no, I think this was not a good beginning for Legolas and dwarves. There will be other experiences, but we always remember our first exposure to something too. Thanks so much for the reviews and for sticking with it through the delays. :-)

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/5/2005
Maybe a corral would be better as an elfling prison than the Stronghold - where there seems to be altogether too great a potential for them being where they shouldn't be, doing what they shouldn't do. Or a chain gang approach. . . Maybe not. Eirienil isn't confined, is she? Except in the sense that if all her little friends are required to stay indoors, she will be there too in order to have someone to play with. I can just imagine Galithil trying to make the most of that - and sending her off to do all sorts of things. Although she is a Hermione Grainger of an elfling and would refuse flatly to do things she thought were wrong. I love the start in the laundry - with the elflings swimming in the washing water (although I hope they dumped them in the rinse before releasing them). I can somehow see them heading back there on a hot day when no-one will take them to the river. And the Stronghold seems to be a lovely place for hide and seek. Legolas was very clever to spot the secret door - and Galithil was typically reckless to put his head under the tapestry to see just what was going on. His cousin is still letting him lead him astray though - if he only thought for a millisecond, Legolas would know that his adar would not have wanted him there listening to that conversation. And one of them is bound to drop something that he couldn't have heard legitimately. Taking them out to act as retrievers at the archery range will burn off some of their energy, though. And anything that makes them seek out the library willingly is good. It is interesting how information you have to find is so much more intriguing than that which your tutor is busy trying to insert in your head! I'm really looking forward to seeing where this goes! Although one thing is, I suspect, inevitable. Trouble will ensue. Author Reply: Corrals! Perhaps. Parents puts children on leashes here in the US (it goes around the kid's wrist--I really hate those things, but of course I'm not a parent either so...). Poor elflings! But no, Eirienil is not being punished--she's just being nice to her cousins and trying to keep them from getting in more trouble. As I re-read these, I am more and more convinced that I must have been reading a HP novel while writing these parts. Eirienil does seem a lot like Hermione in a lot of places. The image of the kids being passed from the wash to the rinse made me laugh. That laundry part is one of the many little clips I wrote that don't really stand by themselves but that I kind of like for whatever reason. I thought it worked ok stuck to the begining of this chapter. The secret door part of this was the orginal first chapter of this story, but it got moved. I knew I wanted to keep it in here somewhere. I think it is certain the children would find things like that. And the door plays a role later on too--including when Legolas hears things adar would never repeat in front of him. Trouble is certain to ensue. :-) Thanks so much for the reviews and sticking with this through all the delays. :-)

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/4/2005
Awright! Back in the saddle again. I think Thranduil is already regretting confining the Elflings to the stronghold, especially since there seem to be more forbidden places there than in the forest. Of course confined children will play Hide And Seek, though by the end, it looked like it was going to morph into Sardines. The stronghold sounds like a massively cool place, what with all the secret doorways that conveniently lead right into listening places. I wonder if Lindomiel designed them that way on purpose, just for the sheer coolness of it all, or if they are little "gifts" from the Dwarves that built the place. In any event, Legolas gets his first gander at a Dwarf. And this Dwarf, just like almost everyone else in the world, is trying to pull one over on Thranduil. And, just like everyone else in the world, he'll only do that once. Seems like Thranduil gets more information by catching miscreants than by actually, you know, patrolling the kingdom. Fortunately, he doesn't seem too peeved at the kids for having "accidentally" stumbled into his meeting. I bet he knew the door was there all along. I wonder if the Dwarf saw the kids in the Great Hall. Author Reply: Hi FP! I am glad to be back, even if I am having trouble deciding how to order the chapters in this, since it is so much looser and what to include. This was one of the chapters I always knew I wanted to include. I like the idea of Legolas exploring around and finding stuff in the caves--how could that not happen? :-) There has to be lots of stuff to find. (And lots of trouble to find). Thanks so much for the reviews and the patience. :-)

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