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The Tide of Times by daw the minstrel	16 Review(s)
PSW	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/26/2016
Yay, Beliond! :-) But wow, I'd forgotten...Legolas really really doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut... :-P Author Reply: I'm trying to decide if you mean overexplaining while dumping his girlfriend or snapping at Beliond and then demanding an explanation from Ithilden. I suspect the latter, though the former must have been painful too! Yes, this is Legolas's intro to his bodyguard. It will take some time to work out that relationship!

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/11/2005
Legolas should watch it...Storming into Ithilden office and demanding things isn't wise. It seems he is assigned a bodyguard as well, and one who is experienced too... Author Reply: Ithilden doesn't take well to back talk, and Legolas was dishing it out. Ithilden is Legolas's commanding officer, and Legolas better get used to it.

Lera	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/21/2003
I really enjoyed that chapter. You have the ability to write exciting, fast paced chapters filled with adventure, and calmer chapters of everyday life, and both are equally enjoyable to read. I can't figure Synia. I can understand wanting to apologise, but she seemed to do a little more than that. I don't know. I guess I don't blame her for not wanting to give him up. Who would? So, Legolas finally got his body guard. I was wondering if and when he would. Beliond doesn't seem a bad guy. It could get annoying if he gives a performance critique everytime he sees Legolas fight. Actually that could be really helpful, but only if Legolas has the right attitude about it. It's funny. Legolas barged into Ithildien's office demanding that he not be treated as a brother. I doubt he would have done anything of the sort if his commanding officer had not been his brother. I thought Ithildien reacted well. Poor Legolas. It was very humbling. And now Gandalf enters the scene. I wonder if he has anything to report on the counsil. When did Legolas meet him before? Is it in a story? Thanks for the great chapter as usual. Author Reply: You are so right about the Legolas/Ithilden scene. It's extremely hard for any of them to separate family relationships from other things and Legolas has almost no experience of being on his own, apart from his family. Annael would never have done what he did. And I suspect he rather expected special treatment in getting sent south too. He doesn't even know when he does it, because it seems normal to him. I have no other meeting between Legolas and Gandalf. Not yet, anyway. I think of Synia as a little on the shallow side. A marriage between her and Legolas would have been disastrous, I think, which is probably why it never even occurred to him.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/20/2003
Tough times for Legolas, eh? I do like to see Thranduil in protective mode, though, no matter how much it annoys his youngest son! I loved the way Legolas greeted Elowen. He really showed her how much she means to him, as he did with Annael. I still feel so sorry for them. They are the last people to deserve such heartache, but then I suppose that’s just the way the world works. I had actually nearly forgotten about Synia with all the excitement! I have to admit that I’m feeling a teensy bit guilty for disliking her so much.... She was generous enough to spend time with Annael and his mother and then her apology to Legolas probably took a lot of courage. They all seem to be doing a lot of growing up now. It is quite strange, actually, to think of Annael bonding and maybe having a child. I suppose it’s because Legolas still seems like such a child at times and nowhere near that stage that it’s difficult to imagine his best friend doing so. Still, I’d be so happy for Annael if he did bond – and Beliniel sounds perfect for him! Ooh, there’s Beliond! Y’know, you do an incredible job in keeping your characters consistent and ensuring that any changes to their behaviour makes sense, justifying any decisions they might make. As a reader I thought I’d be a little wary of Beliond because of your later story but I have to say that even in the short appearance he makes here you made it easier for me to accept him as he is now and to allow you to develop his character for good or for bad in any way you want. That probably didn’t make any sense... I felt a chill, though, when he spoke to Legolas about his technique in the passage “you have excellent technique, and to your own credit, you fight without fear. If you can learn to control your temper, and use your anger to defeat your enemy rather than yourself, you will become an adequate swordsman”. Was it just me or could he just as easily be speaking about Eilian here? Eilian has had to learn some hard lessons – I hope Legolas listens to Beliond so that maybe he won’t have to. Woah, it’s not often Ithilden loses his cool! It’s probably wrong of me to be smiling through that scene but I do so love to see all-powerful Ithilden now and then! I like the way that he’s always so fair, no matter what the situation and realises that Legolas is under a lot of strain at the moment. He also knows exactly the right words to use in order to make Legolas see how unacceptable his behaviour is. It’s funny that Legolas never realised that Ithilden probably experienced exactly the same things he did, and maybe worse as he was an only child. It must give him hope, though, when he sees how his brother turned out and the faith his father puts in him. So, Mithrandir has arrived. I wonder what news he brings with him...?!:) Author Reply: I think that Legolas is less mature than Annael, for various reasons. People just mature at different rates and then I think that the pressures of his position have made Legolas more mature in some ways (he's aware of politics, etc) but less mature in others because it's harder for him to establish himself separate from his family identity. I definitely think a Legolas/Beliond story is called for! I love Ithilden. He's strong and principled and insists on good behavior from everyone around him. He loves Legolas but he's not going to put up with any nonsense.

Antigone_Q	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/20/2003
I don't care how nice Synia is being, I still don't like her. Thranduil is always a little overprotective, but he must have been _very_ worried while he was away because he has just about surpassed himself in this chapter. It shows Legolas' growing maturity that he has learned not to react too much to Thranduil's well-intentioned fussing...or at least, it seems to show his maturity right up until he loses his temper with his brother. Ithilden unfortunately seemed to get caught in the crossfire here - the "appropriate" person for Legolas to yell at would have been Thranduil, but Ithilden was safer, so of course Ithilden is the one Legolas lets off steam with. All things considered I thought Ithilden was actually quite nice about it. I hope Beliond and Legolas get along - it wouldn't hurt for Legolas to have a friend, or at least a comrade, who will go where Legolas does, since it seems likely (at least to me) that Annael will be posted with the home guard. Hm, Mithrander came back with Thranduil? Maybe he'll have some sage advice for the king about mellowing out a little. Is Legolas going to have his coming-of-age ceremony soon? Author Reply: I also thought that Thranduil was the appropriate target for Legolas's anger but I could not imagine him choosing that confrontation. Ithilden was closer and looked like someone he might make a dent in. But of course, it was not going to happen. Ithilden is a terror when he's angry. And he was unexpectedly nice at the end of the confrontation. He's a grown up and he's used to managing people. Mithrandir followed Thranduil but did not come back with him. I'm working on the next chapter and have plans for it to contain the coming of age. It's right here on my outline!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/19/2003
I was so heart-wrenching to see poor Legolas's desperation at the prospect of being assigned to the Home Guard. As a youngster (of any race), his initial posting as an adult would have seemed enormously important to him. I could sense his fear that his dreams would be quashed by the over-protectiveness and sheer apathy of his elders. They just don't realize how important this is! Ithilden was great - first (rightly) dressing Legolas down and then showing just enough respect and affection to salvage the poor elfling's ego. Nice touch where Ithilden mentioned that he, as the eldest, had to endure his father's over-protectiveness single-handedly! I also loved when Legolas asked if his father would get over it "in this age". Poor Legolas at the end, when his father dismisses him from the social festivities. The extent to which you flesh out these characters with realistic and moving personalities and motivations is amazing. Author Reply: I love Ithilden. He's level headed, responsible, careful, dutiful, but then he gets mad and watch out. He WILL be obeyed and spoken to with respect. I suspect he and his son may have some interesting exchanges when the son is around Legolas's age. Thank you for your so kind words.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/19/2003
Things sort of came to a head here. I'm still not overly concerned about Thranduil's overprotectiveness. He is, but it takes time to re-negotiate roles AND Legolas does such a fine job of still needing supervision. Even when the official date arrives for adulthood, that doesn't always mean that the maturity level is on the same schedule. And the woodland elves are in such a life and death situation. It's not just drinking underage (which is bad enough), it's having All the skills to meet the enemy. I thought Ithilden described Legolas well when he said he was impressed by his maturity at times and dismayed by his irresponsibility and petulance at times. You've captured this transitional stage well. I like what Ithilden said about all new warriors needing protecting until they gain experience. The whole little hissy fit scene was quite good. They both had valid points and in the end, Ithilden being in command wasn't the only resolution, but his experience as a warrior and as his father's son was a good place for understanding to come for the two brothers. Beliond should be interesting. I imagine he's as unflappable as Maltanaur, but I seem to remember from 'A Question of Duty' that Legolas felt Beliond still treated him as a child looking for adventure. I look forward to seeing more of his personality. Mithrandir was a nice surprise. He is always good to lift spirits...well, at least for me...and to drop a wise word or two. I enjoyed this chapter very much. I look forward to the next. Karen Author Reply: The scene with Ithilden took me a while to do. I did it once and sent it to my beta and then before she even read it, I decided it was all wrong and didn't ring emotionally true. So I completely redid it. I was pleased and am glad you liked it. Ithilden is actually a very good commander. He's had a lot of experience motivating and disciplining warriors. But he's used to being obeyed and respected and is not happy when someone does otherwise. I'm looking forward to writing about Legolas and Beliond.

naneth	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/19/2003
I was afraid that the visit to Annael's cottage would be really difficult emotionally. It wasn't at all, in fact it was sweet and lovely. I think that Elowen's home must be a very special place for Legolas. Everywhere he goes he is seen as the king's son, and is treated accordingly. He must also behave accordingly. In Elowen's home, he is simply Legolas...with shoes that need tying, a bumped head that needs a kiss, a hungry tummy to fill with bread and jam or fried fish. He can scare Elowen while playing orcs, and she still loves him. He can take her son out hunting at night without an adult, and she still loves him. He can come to her home drunk, and she feeds him breakfast! It seems to be the one place in the kingdom that he can just be Legolas without worrying about his "position" and "duties". I knew your introduction of the keeper would be hilarious. Beliond should add some interesting moments to life as Legolas knows it, just as I'm sure that Legolas will add some interesting moments to Beliond's life! Author Reply: Naneth, that is an incredibly sweet description of Elowen. She did nana things for Legolas when he was sick with sorrow for the loss of his own nana. And she and Siondel really did see Legolas as just this kid who has spent a lot of time at their home. They saw the good in him and also saw the close tie to Annael. So far as Elowen can see, Legolas needs the same things Annael does. I'm really tempted to do a story soon about Legolas's first patrols with Beliond. I think that would be a great deal of fun.

JustMe	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/19/2003
Ouch! Were there any toes that Legolas didn't step on in the chapter? He offended Synia, Ithilden and Beliond. I guess if you are going to do something, you might as well do it "whole hog" so to speak. He really needs to take an anger management course, doesn't he? Seriously, this is a really tough age he is going through. He feels he is ready to enter the adult world, but the adults make him feel like an elfling. Poor boy! Being the son of the King probably makes it more difficult. The other warriors don't have "babysitters" to contend with. He is definately not in an enviable position. He just wants to be like everyone else and be judged for his abilities, but no one can seem to get past the fact that he is a member of the royal family. He needs someone he can confide in, and right now that seems to be something that is missing in his life. He definately has the family temper - I'm sure that both of his brothers would rebel at being treated this way. It's just that Legolas has not yet learned the fine art of tact (although I would suggest he take lessons from Ithilden and not Eilian in this matter!). If he finds that he needs someone to talk to, please let him know that I am available - I will even provide the milk & cookies! Author Reply: I think he refrained from annoying his father. Well, and he was nice to Annael and his mother. But that would be it. I think that establishing himself as an adult is harder for him than it is for Annael, for instance. He is under more scrutiny and his very presence must raise the anxiety level of anyone who teaches or commands him. Not to worry, though. I have plans for him. :-)

caz - baz	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/19/2003
hahaha! that was great. i've been surpressing my laughter as i'm in a internet cafe. might be a bit embnarrasssing if i laughed out loud in front of all these peeps. well i better go or i'll run out of mula! great chapter. eagerly waiting for the next. caz - baz Author Reply: I'm glad you found the whole thing funny! I think that Legoas was not so very much amused. Thranduil is driving him crazy and he sees no end to it. He has visions of himself and his keeper guarding the palace doors well into the next century.

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