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Stirrings of Shadow by Fiondil	4 Review(s)
Shoshana	Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 1/25/2008
Your descriptions of how these particular elves would fight the Dunlendings and the Orcs rings very true. I especially liked how you showed the interaction among the elves. The Elrondionnath (nice term, btw) have a more equal, sure footing among these superior elves than does Aragorn (naturally) but it is interesting that you show Thandir putting them off (about himself) as he did the edain in the story. Thandir seems to fade into mystery even for Elrohir and Elladan, who conjecture about his exalted status among the Firstborn, but receive no direct confirmation here. He also feels much older than the Elrondionnath in the aftermath of the battle, as he brings them out of their altered states. Interesting Intra-species interaction! I like how you have such a variegated depiction of each of the races involved in your stories: elves, men, valar, etc. The interjections from the peanut gallery were amusing, and perhaps less distracting in this chapter than the previous. You're really getting the hang of the Chaucer style here! Great work! Can't wait to read more. Author Reply: Thanks, Soshi. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and that you find the depictions of the elves believeable. Writing about non-humans is difficult when you're not one of them. grin Thandir's past is well shrouded in mystery, for he is one of the few Exilic Noldor still in Middle-earth at this time and his family is, shall we say, well connected. Perhaps someday we'll find out more about him. And perhaps the interjections from the peanut gallery (love that term, btw grin) is less distracting here because the Mortals (except for one) are not too sanguine about interrupting one of the Firstborn as they would be if it were one of their own speaking. The continuation of the elves' tale and what happened to Gilhael will be forthcoming.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 1/24/2008
Thandir seems to have more to him than meets the eye.He is quite a scary character!It is amazing Aragorn grew up so well balanced amidst such "superior"" Elves! Gripping as ever. Author Reply: Yes, Thandir has hidden depths to him and scary doesn't begin to cover it. grin And who said Aragorn was well balanced? How many identities does he end up with by the time he becomes king? LOL Glad you liked this, Linda. Thanks for reviewing.

Rhyselle	Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 1/23/2008
The last chapter title and this one made me think of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. :) Aragorn has a mouth with a death wish at this time in his life! It's amazing that this part of the tale was even finished thanks to all of his interruptions and the digressions he triggered. (Very INTERESTING digressions, though!) Elladan and Elrohir are in lots of trouble for abandoning their initial mission, I'm sure... but I get the feeling that if they hadn't followed their hunch, everyone might find cause to regret that in the future. Thrandir is an even more interesting character in this story than he was in "Elladan and Elrohir's Grand Adventure." A lot more scary, as well, but after finding out more about the loss of his wife and just how old he really is and what other griefs may be in his past, that is understandable. I most certainly want him on MY side in a fight! Thirteen to one odds... that sounds about right. I think that it is easy to forget that besides being beautiful, ethereal people, who are immortal and wise, that immortality also means that they have had the time to learn to be amazing warriors. And I very much liked it that you clearly pointed out that the elvish mores about "right action" in battle are NOT the same as mortal Men's. These are beings of a different species, a different mindset, and a different culture that men really cannot understand entirely--not even Aragorn, even though he grew up surrounded by it in Imladris. Excellent chapter! I look forward to seeing just what happened to Gilhael when he went into the river. Author Reply: The last chapter title and this one made me think of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Deliberately so. grin I'm sure Elrond and Círdan will be wroth with the twins for about five minutes and then they will agree that they were correct to follow their instincts. Aragorn is still young enough that he wears his emotions on his sleeve and he's not above going into "younger sibling in teasing" mode with the elves. I think in Thandir's case you are seeing him as he is among Mortals rather than among his own people. Or rather, we are seeing him as he always is but against the backdrop of the mortals around him and so his actions, motivatons, etc. are not in sync with theirs. As for the mores of the Elves, they wouldn't necessarily coincide with those of Mortals, so their actions in battle, especially when it's just them, will follow their own set of rules rather than those of other beings. Like I said in the warning note, Elves do not fight pretty, especially against orcs and those who partner with them. Next chapter: we will find out what happened to Gilhael and wrap up this part of the storyline.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 1/23/2008
Orcs have little chance with the Sons of Elrond nearby. And to decide to take out their vengeance on Glorfindel for what Elrond told Aragorn is not exactly fair, but understandable enough, I must suppose. Love that Thengel misses so little--an excellent king he made for the Rohirrim. Author Reply: I'm sure this isn't the first time Glorfindel has been the object of the twins' revenge, so I wouldn't be too worried for him. Our favorite balrog-slayer can take care of himself. grin Thengel, I think, has had the benefit of (the previous Steward of Gondor)Turgon's mentoring during his time in Gondor and uses what he learned as a Ranger of Ithilien well about keeping his eyes open and being aware of his surroundings at all times. Very little gets past him. Sadly, Théoden does not seem to have learned that lesson, as we see later in LOTR.

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