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| Serious Trouble by The Karenator | 11 Review(s) |
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| Leaward | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/6/2005 |
| Ak! What can I say but wonderful! Author Reply: Boy, you're a trooper! All I can say is wow! Thanks. | |
| Firnsarnien | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/28/2004 |
| OMG! This was so great! You had me on the edge of my seat! Whew...give me a moment here to catch my breath! Ok, now that I've done that, I can tell you what I thought. I love the relationship you've built with Legolas and Daeron. At the end, Daeron was just as protective of Legolas as everyone else is. He reacted without thinking to someone hurting his cousin. That was so sweet and yet sad that he had to lose his innocence by hurting the man hurting Legolas. But, I still loved it! And I loved how Daeron's brother hugged him in relief at the end and I loved Aldamir hugging Legolas too. I'm so glad you've decided to portray the brother's relationship as a loving, nurturing and protective one. I've read too many fanfics where Legolas' brothers hate him or try to kill him. I've always felt Tolkien would be saddened by that for I feel he intended that Elves be loving creatures far wiser and more patient than us. He even said Elves treasure their children. So it would only stand to reason that the relationship between siblings would be a loving one. You've really created a beautiful relationship between the brothers! :) I can only imagine the horror Legolas' and Daeron's family must have felt when they realized they were missing. It would be interesting to see how Aldamir and Seregon fared while they were searching for their little brothers. Any possibility of that happening? How 'bout if I get on my knees and beg, would that help? ;) Heh, heh! I wonder if the man that was kind to Legolas and Daeron died in this chapter. You did not mention it, at least *I* didn't see it, did he? I kinda feel bad for him and those other men. They are the lowly grunts and they paid the price their master should have. Hmmmm, who is their master anyway? Ooooh, you've got a wonderful little mystery going on here. I can't wait to see what you've got in store next and I sooooo look forward to seeing how Seregon and Aldamir take care of their little brothers in the next chappy! :) Hurry with your next post! :) I'll be waiting, anxiously, with bitten down nails and knots in my stomach! :) LOL Author Reply: Hi Firnsarnien, Wow! What a nice review! Thanks! You've really made my day. I'm glad you like this chapter. Daeron is only slightly older than Legolas, but I think he feels a bit of responsiblity for his younger cousin. Though I also think Legolas would feel just as responsible for Daeron if the roles had been reversed. They've grown up together and see each other more as siblings than cousins. The whole episode has left both elfling pondering the nature of good and evil. Daeron stabbing the man may have been reflex, but I think he'll have to come to terms with what happened. Both little guys got a glimpse into the life of a warrior they had never considered. The immortality of the Elves make an interesting study into the nature of sibling relationships. The older brothers are both old enough to the fathers of the little ones, but they're not. I do think that when siblings are that much older, there is a fine line between sibling and parental figure. However, I don't think the older brothers cross that line, but they would assume something more of a parental role if they were in charge of the elflings. I also think the older brothers adore the little ones. Seregon especially has had difficulty showing Daeron how much he means to him. And Daeron has delighted in tormenting Seregon. This kidnapping has given them both cause to reconsider their relationship. However, loving each has never been a problem. Showing it has been another story. Maybe we'll see them begin to work things out. :>) But, I agree with you. I think the strong loving family was very much a part of Tolkien's intent for the Elves. You're not the first one to want to know what was going on back at the palace and in the woods while the little ones were missing. Unfortunately, Daeron doesn't know so he can't tell us. I might have to write another story from third person POV and let someone reflect on the turmoil of frightened naneths and a bellowing king. I think Thranduil was beside himself, too, only he was not as likely to show it in the same way as the nanas. I imagine Lalaith as ready to shake the foundations of Arda....with an armed Noreth at her side. And I see the brothers as focused and serious...and frightened, but wholly intent on finding their brothers. Warrior mode kicked in with a vengeance. Anyway that's what I think. The men are quite a mystery. They are like nothing Mirkwood has seen before. Thanks again for such a wonderful and fun review. I got a little carried away answering you. I apologize for my yakkiness, but shoot! I enjoyed writing back to you very much. Karen | |
| Maeglin the Traitor | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/27/2004 |
| *Maeglin sits down exhausted. That Isilya is the most dedicated spider scholar he has ever taught. He has a moment of pity for Daeron, but decides Isilya really will be good for the little goof. At the rate she is going, Mirkwood will be spider free before their binding.* This was a great chapter, Queenie! I love the depiction of the humans as not totally evil. I hate cardboard cutouts for villains. Here, we see complex characters with a backstory that drives their actions. They act as they do for reasons that make sense if only to them. To me, this makes them believable. I hated when the young one had to die. It was necessary but it was awful, just like real war and real life. Most who die in war somewhere have a real life where they are loved. I also loved the dwarves. As someone devoted to Gimli and Glóin, Tolkien's dwarves fascinate me. You give them such "dwarvish" perspective. They are not humans in dwarf suits. They really are shown to think differently than the elves or humans. Quite an achievement, my Queen! I love the "dull" older brothers. Seregon is trying so hard to be there for Daeron and I think he will achieve this finally, to the betterment of both brothers. Legolas still has a strong ada, but his brothers come through as devoted and loving. That scene where Erelas runs his hands over Daeron to make sure he is unhurt was perfect! I think it is something any inarticulate male would do. We don't trust words. We want physical proof that those we love are still whole. I am going to hate seeing this story end. I vote with Mîr that there must be a second installment! And, please let the quiet one tread the boards! His sniffling and sad face are driving me nuts! Maeglin the Traitor Author Reply: The Queen hands a frosted silver julep cup to Maeglin. A snip of fresh mint peeks over the bubbling froth in the cup. "Here, sugah, I made it just the way you like it." She pulls a tapestry footstool over to the sweet elfling and picks his tired dogs up and props them on the stool. "Chile, that elleth has worn the treads right off your boots. You need to rest a spell." I'm so glad you liked this chapter. I don't think most foes only ride black horses and wear black hats either. It's so easy to forget, for the most part, that our enemies are our enemies only by the geography of their births. And we are their enemy. None of this is to mention the propaganda machine. These men had been lied to about the Elves in order to secure their cooperation. Their 'master' had been convinced by someone that the Elves were evil and that they were something less than well...human...you know what I mean. I'm not making any political statement here, but like you said: "Most who die in war somewhere have a real life where they are loved." I hoped to show the men as real people operating under an dark agenda that was probably unknown to them. They had been used to further someone else's goals. The men paid the price of someone else's desires. I really hated for the young man to die, too. I tried to find a way out of it, but I couldn't. I just couldn't see the warriors leaving anyone alive. I am told that in a hostage rescue that there is only one goal--to act swiftly and forcefully to eliminate the threat before the hostages can be harmed. Unfortunately for the men, that required the warriors to take them all out before they could pose any further threat. So, the young man was a goner. I'm glad you like the Dwarves, too. They just sort of popped up in the woods. I think they would be caring about two children being taken. A child is still an innocent no matter who they belong to. I've always thought of the Dwarves as one of the good guys. So they made a few mistakes. Can we all say--kinslaying. Nobody's perfect. I like the 'dull brothers', too. Yeah, Seregon is trying. I think he and Daeron will forge a new relationship after this little escapade. As for Erelas...no matter that the Elves are supposed to be eloquent, he's still a male and solid evidence was what he wanted. :>) Thanks again, my sweet elfling...for everything. So when can we expect a new chapter of the 'Drunken Elleth'? Soon? :>) Kaladriel | |
| Orophins Dottir | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/27/2004 |
| *Lalaith wipes her eyes. Her children and dear nephews are at risk! She worries for her young Legolas and Daeron. The little son of her dear brother feels almost as her own. Then, her eldest sons and nephew! What risk are they at while they seek the family's young ones? Lalaith frowns delicately. She takes out her address book and looks up Radagast's number. If those humans think they are getting out of HER woods alive, they have another think coming!* Sister, my little ones! Ai! My heart breaks. What amazes me is that you have managed to give me a little sympathy for the humans, especially the young one who interacts with the elflings. I saw the necessity, but my heart did ache when he was killed with the rest. I like the fact that you don't write in absolute black and white. There are grey areas where those who do wrong can also be kind. Lalaith is quite fond of those grey areas in writing! Having little Daeron use his dull knife and come smack up against real life is dramatically so effective! The poor little squirt! It should have been so many years before he had to face such a thing. Curse, Melkor! The evil he brought is enough to make two Sister Queens spit. They definitely "needed killing", did Melkor and his minion Sauron! *Lalaith takes the whetstone Meckinock hands her and begins to sharpen Rúmil's sword "Celebros". She has borrowed it from her foster son and heads will soon roll in Mirkwood. Tarondor was not the only one in the family who could wield a blade!* Great chapter, Sister! Lalaith Author Reply: Oh, dear! Lalaith is in a tizzy again. "Here sistah, sit down next to Maeglin, and I'll just fetch you one of these nice cooling drinks." I glad to hear you felt a little sympathy for our 'bad guys'. Under any other circumstances, we probably would have liked them. Unfortunately for them, they had been deceived. It's the way of the world. They had been used by someone wishing to further their own agenda. The snake! "The evil he brought is enough to make two Sister Queens spit." I love this line! Yes, fair sistah, it really is. Poor Daeron and his dull knife. Yes, it was something of an automatic response at the time, but I'm sure he'll replay it over and over in his mind. It's a whole different thing to actually plunge a knife into someone than it is to shoot them from a tree. I think the older guys know this and will take care of the little mite. Daeron acted bravely and for that he can be proud. "Tarondor was not the only one in the family who could wield a blade!" Another good line. Yes siree, I think it's a family tradition. Thanks, my sistah in the wood, for all your help and for reading this...again and taking the time to review. :>) Kaladriel | |
| hisie lome | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/26/2004 |
| What an interesting way of telling this tale. Well done. I liked the family dynamics and even the dwarves. These elflings really will be in trouble now, (after a few hugs that is ). I hope for more. Author Reply: Thanks, hisie lome, for reading and reviewing. I'm apparently having some problems with receiving notices of reviews, and I hope you've not waited too terribly long to hear from me. A friend told me he had reviewed, and if he hadn't mentioned it, I don't know how long it would have been before I knew. I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're enjoying the tale of two busy elflings. Daeron is a fun character to write. I think we all think irreverent thoughts at times, but have more sense than to actually say them. Daeron has enough sense to know who he can say what he thinks to and who he had better toe the line with. Despite his rather sarcastic inner life, he's a good kid that wants to do right...he's just a trouble magnet. Fortunately for him, he has a strong loving family. Two more chapters and we'll lay this baby to rest. I hope you'll enjoy them, too. Thanks again, Karen | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/22/2004 |
| You know, no matter how much I enjoy the tension of the moment, its when the captives are set free that always reduces me to tears. Two beloved elflings, safe in the arms of their big brothers...what is better than that? I suppose safe in the arms of their naneths and adar. I hope you let us see that. I like seeing reunited elflings and parents. Of course, at some point they will have to answer for being so far from home when they were not supposed to be. And then, perhaps we will find out what the Easterlings were up to. Author Reply: Yeah, I know what you mean. I can only take so much suspense myself. Kinda reminds me that Celebrian has still not gotten across that river, has she? As a mother, I can understand how hard it's been for her to not just swim the dang thing. I really liked the brothers being the ones to find the elflings. I think the little guys will learn the most from seeing their 'dull' brothers in battle. It's serious business out there! And yes, we will get to see the naneths and Thranduil get their hands on their lost ones...though after the relief passes, Thranduil will not forget that they disobeyed him. The king has a long memory. Thanks again, Nilmandra. I truly appreciate you reading and reviewing. It's always a pleasure to hear from you. :>) Karen | |
| JastaElf | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/22/2004 |
| Oh WOW, what a busy, exciting chapter! The poor kids... those idiot humans... and thanks for making the Dwarves semi-good-guys! (grin) Way too easy to always make them the bad guys... Well, the humans cannot say they weren't warned! The Dwarves told them the truth, and they chose not to listen. Are they all dead now? Or is there someone still alive to explain who this Master is? (grumbling under her breath at the unknown Master) Elves forget all about their young, like a mother dog... grrr... but stories like that spread about all sorts of people! Makes sense. Wrong-headed, but makes sense... But I am SO glad the younglings are rescued! Can't wait to see what happens next.... thanks for an exciting update! Author Reply: Hey Jasta! Yeah, I kind of like Dwarves, too. I think they're pretty good guys most of time. So there was this teensy weensy little misunderstanding between a few of them and Thranduil. However, they're also smart guys to know that Thranduil would not be forgiving if something happened to the elflings. And they did warn the humans. These human were not just badly misinformed, but they were also so honor bound that they failed to see the truth. Too bad. Yep, they're all deader than doornails. The big brothers would take no chances of leaving any alive who might harm the little ones before they could get to them. I was glad to get them back into the protective arms of the big guys, too. I think the elflings have learned quite a lesson. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always good to hear from you, and I'm especially pleased you're enjoying the tale. Take care of yourself! Karen | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/22/2004 |
| "One elf. They have a spare." Karen, the breadth of emotion that you have achieved here - from wry wit to edgy suspense to bald terror - was exhilarating. I loved the little details like Legolas, after his rescue, still clutching those straws he and Daeron were using to draw for which of them would pretend to be sick. The speed, efficiency, and sheer lethal force of the hostage rescue did the Mirkwood elves justice - just as the dwarf leader so accurately predicted. His grudging respect for the elves and sympathy for the elflings was a nice touch, too. All the characters are extremely well rounded, and Daeron continues to be a keen and witty observer and narrator. I'm glad to see him safely in his brother's arms again, and I look forward to seeing what he has learned from this experience. mrk Author Reply: Thanks, mrk, for such a great review. It sounds so good when you break it down like that! I like lethal Elves, too. I can't imagine they would wait around to hear anything the men had to say. They just took them out before anything could happen to the little ones. The Dwarves were fun to write. While they might not always like the Elves much, they didn't want to see the elflings harmed. I think most people, no matter who they are, don't want to see children harmed and can put aside differences for the well-being of a child. 'Most' people...there are always some people who ought to be shot on sight...it's a Southern defense...'He needed killing'. But, not these Dwarves. They wanted to do right by the little ones. I was glad to get them safely into their brothers arms, too. Daeron has learned a great deal from this. I don't think he'll ever look upon his 'dull' brother the same again. Thanks again, mrk, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and support. I'm going to get you a new wet-stone for the sword Emily. I need your sword 'and' wits to be sharp at all times so you can keep me out of trouble. :>) fqk | |
| Celeb | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/22/2004 |
| Another great chapter! One of the things I like so much about this story is the way it runs the gamut of emotions from hysterical laughter to the fear of young children in a frighteming situation and everything in between. This story can't be pidgeon-holed and I love that. In this chapter, I thought the Dwarves were briklliantly done. Their characterisation was spot on, *exactly* as I imagine Dwarves to be. Abd their compassion was lovely to see. This was one of my favourite lines...'I knew I was insulted, and I was relatively certain that Legolas would be offended at being referred to as a pup. However, I was surprised by the looks on the Dwarves’ faces; they seemed to be slightly offended on our behalf. It was a small thing, but I appreciated it nonetheless.' Such a little gesture, but saying so much about the characrters and about ur daeron, of course! I really, really like the 'voice' you have given him! I also loved the way you portrayed the implacable resolve of the Elves to find their lost children, made me want to puch the air on their behalf. And lastly, the finding of Legolas and dearon and the reactions of their brothers. Perfect. Not oversentimental, but so beautifully conveying the deep love of the Elven brothers. Great chapter! Author Reply: Wow! Celeb! What a nice review. I liked the Dwarves, too. I think they really wanted to help the little guys, but knew that if something went wrong Thranduil would not be forgiving of anyone who harmed the elflings, intentionally or not. And yeah, nothing was going to stand in the way of those older brothers finding the two lost sheep. It may be strange, but I love how accurate and deadly these guys are. They don't just look good...they are good! For as fierce as they are in battle, they are equally fierce in their love and commitment to their little brothers. I like that about them, too. Thanks again for reading and being so supportive. I really appreciate it. Fun readers like you make it all worthwhile. :>) fqk | |
| Kitt of Lindon | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/22/2004 |
| Whoah! I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this chapter. It was exciting and satisfying for one thing. The Dwarves were dwarvish, the Elves were elvish, and the Men were err, menish. (is that a word?) Is Daeron going to regret stabbing the man? I can't wait to hear what Thranduil has to say about this whole matter. I get on my knees to beg you to update soon. Author Reply: Thanks, Kitt, I think it's okay for you to call the men, 'menish'. I kind of like it. :>) When the time comes, Thranduil will have his say. He's not just a little miffed at the two of them for leaving their appointed playground, but they scared the daylights out of him. He'll not want them to forget this escapade anytime soon. Daeron will have some things to think about and feelings to sort out over the stabbing incident. I think he'll be okay, but it's a lot for a little guy to deal with. Thanks again, Kitt. I'll get the next chapter up very soon! I promise. Karen | |