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Serious Trouble by The Karenator	14 Review(s)
Leaward	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/6/2005
Oh, where to start?! "How can people who seem to be good, do bad things?" What a deep question ... along with why do bad things happen to good people. And there never is an answer is there? "A milky-gray mist was layered on the ground, but it looked as if the day would dawn bright and clear. No breeze stirred the restful quiet of the leaves, but the air was cool, crisp and smelled of the woods in autumn." I love your imagery! What an inspiration you are ... ""About eight," he replied pitifully. He really did look green. Somehow, it was not an appropriate shade even for a Wood Elf." LOL, didn't see that coming! "It was clear to see: Uncle was in serious trouble." LMAO off again! Thranduil in trouble with 'Naneth' now! Of course, behind every successful man ... Author Reply: How bad things happen to good people and how can people who seem to be good, do bad things are some of life's mysteries. I pondered this question long and hard. I could only come up with the answer that there was no good answer. I'm sure that was hard for the little guys to comprehend, but they shouldn't feel bad; it's hard for most people to understand. Thanks for the kind comments about the imagery. Meckinock has to sit on me frequently to keeping me from waxing poetic. I can take off on run on sentences that are a mile long. And be happy as a clam. It's like dancing; I just go with the flow. And then cut most of it out! :>) Yep. Poor Thranduil. He had no idea what went wrong. But boy, didn't he look good in his warrior duds? Thanks again, Leaward. Karen

Orophins Dottir	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/30/2004
Sister, If I ever let my husband supervise elfling diet again, slap me silly. Males! Truly a moving and lovely chapter, my dear. I loved the scene where I run towards Legolas, skirts billowing behind me. You do know how to make an elleth look good sister, even when she is out of her mind with worry! The most interesting part for me was the questioning of the young ones as to the nature of what makes one good or evil. They are learning that life is not black and white and decisions on our actions must be taken on the best knowledge we have. Not a comfortable concept even for an adult. I admire your depiction of it in this story. Well, on to the next chapter! Looks at the poor carrier pigeon she has borrowed from Maeglin and wonders if it is up to one more flight? Ever, Lalaith Author Reply: Oh, my sistah in the wood, Do not blame yourself for the aewbas feast! Some liberties are taken by elflings...and full-grown males! without a Queen's consent. What is an elleth to do? How fair you did look as you descended the great steps like a breath of fresh air carrying the sweet fragrance of a flower in full bloom. Ah, I saw the look in Thranduil's eyes! The gray areas...it 'is' difficult even for adults to understand the convoluted actions and thought processes of mortal man. How much simplier life would be if everything were black and white, understandable and easily predicted? But then, how dull and without growth we would all be. Thank you for the compliment for how it was handled. Your input as always helps me sort out which way is up! I hope the pigeon will be able to make a few more trips...poor dear. I think Thranduil should give the little waif a nice straw bed, an aewbas pension, and let the haggard one retire. Thanks for the review, sweet sistah. Kaladriel

Maeglin the Traitor	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/28/2004
Maeglin bows to one of two rulers he still acknowledges. Would that Lalaith were here beside her sister that he might greet them both! My lady Queen, I have been remiss in my reviewing, and I humbly beg your pardon. Oft in life even the worthiest goal must await its time. Another wonderful chapter! I am most moved, I believe, by Thranduil, the warrior king who rides out as a father seeking his children. The love of the elder brothers is also, however, quite moving. I love how you do not shrink from the complexities of what the children have experienced. For the first time, they come up against real life and their families try to explain it rather then telling them pretty lies. A difficult task but one which I believe the royal family would have met face on as you have shown them doing. Lalaith is a wonderful character! I do love her rounding on her menfolk for their idiocy over the aewbas! But then, you know my devotion to this lady queen. I rejoice at the news that you are already contemplating a sequel to this very fine tale and that another of the beloved brothers will make his appearance there! Maeglin the Traitor Author Reply: My sweet elfling, Fear not! You have not been remiss. While one is away on a mission for Her Majesty, one cannot be expected the find a carrier pigeon sitting by the road. As always, though, my dear child, your presence in my court is as the first flower of spring. ALas! We shall not mention this to my sister, but I found the good king to be quite hot in his warrior grab...and I don't mean 'he' got overheated. :>) I do not see Thranduil sitting in the palace awaiting news when two of the brood are missing. I imagine a most testy group of warriors combing the forest in search of two elflings, too. The brothers were not to be trifled with at that point either. I guess you could say they were all pretty hot. :>) I have to admit, it is difficult to explain those gray areas. I don't think any of us ever completely understand them; we just make peace with them the best we can. And whatever the male Elves didn't 'get' about the whole episode, the Queen will be sure to explain it to them! Don't ya love her! Thank you, sweet elfling, for searching high and low until you found this pigeon. His feathers are a little...frayed, but he did the job. (I hope he was on sale.) All my love and really...thank you for reading and reviewing. You always brighten my day! Kaladriel

Jaylen	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/21/2004
I just love your story!! You are doing such a great job writing in the first person. It is really a different take, I like it. The emotions are wonderful. I was in tears when their brothers found them. Are you going to update soon? I hope so!!!! Looking forward to more from you. Jaylen Author Reply: Thank you Jaylen, I'm so pleased that you're enjoying this story. I've had a great time writing in first person. It's really Daeron's story, and I've more or less, just let him tell it. :>) It won't be long until I update. The next chapter has gone to one of my betas. I have two wonderful helpers. One is the plot hole detective, and the other is the comma patrol--though sometimes their duties overlap. You see, I have comma-itis and can single-handedly construct a plot hole that you could drive a Mack truck through. As soon as they give me the go-ahead, I'll post chapter 6. Thanks again for reading and taking time to review. I truly appreciate your comments. Karen

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/12/2004
I hope you complete this soon. I am dying to see the final results. Its a great story. Author Reply: Thank you Elliska, I hope to get another chapter up soon, too. I'm a little behind due to spring break. I just 'had' to spend a week at the beach attending my youngest son's baseball tournament. One game per day and the rest of the time...outlets! and seafood! and reading! and napping! I'm so pleased that you're enjoying the tale. I promise to get the next chapter finished as quickly as possible. Thanks again, Karen

Kitt of Lindon	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/3/2004
I wish I could have read and reviewed sooner. But my computer is evil. Anyway, I love that picture of the warrior Thranduil at the same time being the Adar Thranduil. I agree with Daeron, nothing is better than honey roasted oats. My mouth watered reading that. Hmm, poor Thrandy, now he must enure the wrathe of his wife. Author Reply: Hi Kitt, Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I was out of town for spring break and zipped back in yesterday in time to cook dinner for all my family for Easter. Whew! The dishes are done, and the folks have scattered. I'm glad you like the 'warrior' Thranduil. I imagine he is as at home with a sword in his hand as he is with a crown on his head. However, it's rare that anyone sees that side of him now. In my mind, Thranduil does everything with a vengeance. He is totally focused on whatever he is engaged in at the time. He rules, loves and protects completely in the moment and gives what is required of him. I loved the idea of him not being content to wait at the palace when his child and his nephew are in danger. He expects nothing of his warriors that he would not be willing to do himself. Tolkien described him as 'the greatest of all Elven kings' and that, to me, is pretty lofty praise. For him to be so regarded, it seems that he must be well loved and respected by his people. And as Daeron observed, he is as complicated as the strange men. I had to smile at your confession that you love honey roasted oats. Me,too. However, Daeron and Legolas just might have to rethink their cravings. I imagine that the memory of those tummy aches will linger for a while. Thanks, Kitt, for your review and reading. I hope to get the next chapter up before we are all too old and senile to recall where Mirkwood is. :>) Karen

Hisie Lome	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/1/2004
Hey, I left a review last night and it did not post. Gremlins, again one supposes. Thus, I have written a rather detailed review. Hope you can follow. As always, well done. I noticed that when I read other reviews, many are left by my favorite authors....you are in good company indeed. Here we go. (no spell check or grammar check...please forgive me) "Seregon has served as a warrior for all my life. In truth, he was a warrior long before I was born. I thought I knew what warriors did. But never in my wildest imaginings had I contemplated him as a fierce and deadly force to be reckoned with. He was simply my brother, Thranduil’s second in command, but what else that entailed I had never thought to explore." I loved this bit. Only an innocent would believe that the king's kins man and second in command, would be anything less than lethal. Let alone the king's sons. Daeron did not appriciate what was necessary to be a warrior. Yet, further in the tale, a warrior's duty and mind were explored. Sometimes it is only a job to do. Other times, it may take an entire troop to protect loved ones. This emotional connection did not require perfect understanding of the "enemies' " motives, in the end...protecting innocents ruled out. "Never anger an Elf with a sword"....this rule just keeps expanding.LOL I understand why the elflings had to be helped to sleep: overly tired, wired, struggling with being scared and yet feeling safe; however, what about shock? Daeron did state thathe was confused, hungry, and in shock. This next part is going to sound like an argument.It is not, I just better want to understand your thinking of the after effects of this rescue. I thought I memembered in my first aid classes not to let a shocky person eat, drink, or sleep and never give any types of drugs. I went to search any info and found a site, http://www.med-help.net/First-Aid3.htm#Shock , that listed several of the symtoms had by the boys . So were they really in shock( medical definition), or were they just "shocked " (surprised)? I would think that warriors could tell the difference and would know the correct responses. I was just curious. "Why did you leave the trees?" Seregon asked. I gave Legolas a searing look. He smiled crookedly. "We fell." How utterly embarrassing! To leave a visible trail. And then to fall from the tree. I can only state that yes some 'bugs' are so gross. A spider I could completely ignor, a palmetto bug, I would have jumped, screamed, and ran away.....Even with orks under the trees! "Aldamir hugged him tightly.......It occurred to me that Adar must be very proud of Seregon. " I am sure the king is very proud of all of his little ones. Was I the only one to feel great compassion in this bit? The older brother's holding the little brothers was sweet. But worrying about your nanneth, that is so "grown-up". "A sudden vision of all the men lying dead on the forest floor came rushing back. I felt queasy and unsettled with the memory of men who had been talking and eating, walking and sleeping, merely a few hours earlier, but who were now fallen, impaled with many Elven arrows. An involuntary shudder ran through me. I had never seen a dead person before. It was a strange and unreal sight. There was a lot of blood, but I think it was the look on their faces that I will remember" Boy, that certainly sounds like the stuff for night terrors. What about "survivors' guilt"? "Do you think we will get to eat aewbas again?" I asked, my voice full of excitement at this unexpected good fortune. What short memories? Thranduil will still have to discipline theses younglings....they had ignored his direct orders after all. No guilt here. It is time for junk food, and no nanas to protest. Aldamir nearly choked as he stifled a chuckle. Erelas was looking under the table as if scouting for orcs, and Seregon was shading his eyes with his hand. Uncle was in shock. His eyes were wide as he looked stricken at his wife. "Thranduil!" Auntie said. Oh if only there were fell beast beneth the table! Perhaps then our warriors could be heros....not now however! We can see were the Woodland King becomes humbled. One can hear that lecture, "Thranduil, after two sons and how many centuries, why do you make the same mistakes? Can you not watch over the well being of two small (and in her "nanneth-eyes" still younger ) elfings? Really my Wise and Nobel King, one would surmise that you would have taken more care of ........" Yes, my queen...Yes, my love...Yes, my heart..... Then of course, the queen would have to address the warriors as well. What happens next? More angst I hope. Thank you for all of your hard work, Mina Sedth, Hisie Lome Author Reply: Hi Hisie Lome, I'm so sorry your post didn't take. Not only is it kind of you to do the whole thing again, but it's evidence of what a trooper you are! Be careful, Aldamir will want to recruit you! :>) Legolas and Daeron are still so young, they really don't have a clear picture of what it takes to be a warrior. I think if you asked any relatively normal 10 to 11 year-old kid what a soldier does, he would have a very vague idea. 'They shoot bad people.' I think Elven children have a bit of a head start on human kids in that they have lived two and a half times the number of years a human child of equivalent age has, but they are still children to their people. I think they would have a keener grasp on things due to their life experiences, but they are still only capable of thinking in age appropriate ways for the most part. The little guys in this story have been sheltered, too. They've never seen a battle or a warrior in true form. It was an eye-opening experience for them. You really were paying attention! What a good observation about the issue of shock. The elflings were frightened but they had not been mistreated by the men. They had eaten, though it had been small amounts, and they had been given water to drink. Being Elves, they could probably go without food or water slightly longer than a human child, but given the relatively short time they were with the men...around 24 hours...they were not dehydrated...thirsty, yes...but not in danger from lack of fluid or food. They were not physically harmed, just tired from the hard pace the men set. They were traumatized to some degree by seeing the men die, but they had a rudimentary understanding of the necessity of the men's death. I don't think they ever questioned that. They did however have trouble understanding how people who seemed as if they could have been good people could do bad things. To them, at their age, their world had been a bit more black and white...bad people do bad things. So what happens when someone does not fit that definition? This is what they were exploring...the gray areas. So, I think the shock was more of an upsetting of their world view than a physical reaction. I think, under the circumstances, they handed the whole episode quite well. Even up until the time the Elven troops arrived, they were trying to find a way to aid any rescue that might be mounted (drawing sticks to see who would pretend sick). I don't think 'survivor guilt' would have been an issue for them. They 'knew' the men were wrong to take them and to be trespassing in Thranduil's realm. They did not belong to this group or identify with the them. They would not have seen their survival of the group in the same sense that one would survive a group of peers and wonder why they had survived when their friends had perished. They would not have suffered the 'Stockholm Syndrome'where they identified with their captors. While they were confused by the kindness the men showed them, they knew the men were not their friends, and they did not want to go with them. They wanted to go home. If you know what a Palmetto bug is, then you must be a resident of the fair Southland. I'm no fan of a spider, but Palmetto bugs!... When a bug gets big enough to put a saddle on it and ride, it has long left my definition of innocuous. And that clicking noise they make...yuk! I think by the time the little guys got to the Elven junk food, they were not anywhere near thinking about Thranduil's punishment or the fact had disobeyed. That will come later when things have settled down enough for them to recall how they got into this mess to start with. You've got that nana 'attitude' (nanatude?) down pat! Lalaith might wish to borrow your lines in the future! They were great. Thanks for being such a good reader and reviewer. You really picked up on some very good points. I hope I've answered your questions. If not, let me know. I'll try again. Thanks again. I really enjoyed your note and responding to it. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the tale. Karen

Celeb	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 4/1/2004
You did it again, girl. This is wonderful! For half the chapter I had this stupid grin on my face at the love between the brothers and the fierce protectiveness of the elder to the younger, and the other half giggling like an idiot. One of my favourite lines has to be, 'Feeling extremely proud of our clandestine food stashing, we both grinned like half-witted squirrels and set upon the remainder of our aewbas that was public knowledge.' 'Half-witted squirrels'? Pffft!! Brilliant! Another favuorite thing was how you handled the feelings of Legolas and Daeron and their brothers. It really struck a chord with me, reminding me of times when I have been scared and that incredible feeling of being safe at last. It was all beautifully and subtley handled, all warmth and love and safety. Perfect. And, I am quite, um, 'fond' of Aldamir, Erelas and Seregon too. Ahem. Particularly good was Thranduil's arrival. Again, the memory of waking in the quiet of the night to see someone you have longed for has arrived. I felt warm and a bit teary actually. Loved it. And the end. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. The poor menfolk, and Thranduil in particular. I was once more reduced to helpless giggles. Still am giggling actually. Another inspired and wildly entertaining chapter. You have such a talent for striking the balance between humour and tenderness. Great chapter, loved it! Author Reply: Thanks, Celeb, I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. It was a bit more sober than the previous ones...until the little guys got into the aewbas. Funny how a little sneaky unauthorized food consumption can lift a kid's spririt. I'm glad you 'like' Aldamir. All the older brothers (in my mind anyway) are pretty hot elves. But that thought would come even more difficult to Daeron than seeing his brother as a fierce warrior. I remember when my brother got married, and it was beyond me what my future sister-in-law saw in him. I can see it now...he's a great guy, but then...he was just a pain. Daeron is a bit too young to appreciate the better qualities of older brothers/cousins who often serve as a source of discipline. Of course, in the aftermath of having been kidnaped, the little guys were more than grateful to have such strong competent older brothers. I think Thranduil, his older sons, and his oldest nephew have enough sense to know that when the Queen speaks, they should pay attention. I'm sure you've heard the old saying..."If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." I'm certain Thranduil has ways to make amends with his lady wife. :>) Thanks again, Celeb, for reading and reviewing. Your support has been wonderful, and you deserve all the credit for naming the field 'bird food'. Thanks, Karen

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/31/2004
I did like seeing the elflings reunited with siblings and parents. Legolas holding on to Ada for dear life was wonderful. Insight into oneself is a rare and precious gift, and it was nice to see that Daeron possesses it. Let us hope that he remembers it! 'I wanted to be more like him and less like me.' That is a deep comment for a young person. And in the end, we know who really rules the roost. Even the king will have some explaining to do! Author Reply: Hi Nilmandra, I was glad to get the little guys back into the safe arms of their big brothers, too. I was really glad when Thranduil showed up! Poor Legolas didn't think he would ever see his ada and nana again. Daeron is just beginning to understand the world and his older relatives. I do think he has the capacity for insight into himself, but he's young yet and likely to wander off the straight path from time to time. I still think he's sincere. And he's just seen his brother in a whole new light. He has a new hero. Seregon has also had an awakening, and I think he will be a much more 'available' big brother now. I think Lalaith has a strong hand in her relationship with the king. He's such a forceful personality that I think it would take a very strong female to not be overshadowed. That, I think, makes them equals in every way. But I don't see their relationship as stormy. There is a great deal of love and respect. AND the king is smart enough to know when he's in trouble! A good husband always knows who is the final word where the elflings are concerned! Thanks, Nilmandra. I always enjoy your reviews. :>) Karen

sametu9	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/31/2004
I've been lurking around reading LOTR fanfiction for nearly two years now, and I'm sorry to say that I've never left any reviews before - even for stories I thought were wonderful. Your story, however, is the proverbial last straw. It has finally shoved me into reviewing. So here is my verdict: marvelous! Of all the Legolas-of-any-age stories (and LOTR stories in general) that I've read, yours definitely ranks among the best - if not as the best. And I mustn't forget Daeron! I stand in awe of your ability to write original characters - and to give canon characters like Legolas and Thranduil personalities. They are all very believable and likeable. (Might I add how glad I am that Legolas has both of his parents? And many kudos for the beautifully-done brotherly bonding!) Daeron in particular is one of the most loveable characters that I have ever encountered, in fanfiction or in print. I like how you've blended warmth and humor with er, serious questions and developments. It is especially poignant in the latest chapter. The plot is exciting, the character development is wonderful, and I adore your facility with first-person - hmm, what else can I put here? In short, I love your story. I seriously hope you are planning on writing a series of stories like those of daw the minstrel and Nillmandra! I want to read much, much more about Daeron, Legolas, their brothers and parents! Author Reply: Hi Sametu9, I'm speechless...or is that fingerless? I'm just blown away by your very generous review. I'm so glad you came out of the woodwork and left a review. You've really made my day! Okay, my year. Daeron is a lovable little squirt to me, but I wasn't sure how he would go over since he is an original character. I've been very surprised and very pleased that people have read it. Reviews like yours make it all worthwhile. To think Daeron got a confirmed 'lurker' to come out and play with us...well, I won't sleep a wink tonight, I'm so excited! Welcome! Welcome! And thank you! Thank you! I'm so glad you like the characterizations of Legolas and Thranduil. Of course, we know Tolkien's Legolas as an adult. And Thranduil's appearances in 'The Hobbit' were rather limited, but there was enough to give us an idea about him. I'd say most readers have already formed a picture of who they are, and for me to be able to give you expanded characterizations of them and you to find them credible, is such a wonderful compliment. Thank you again for reading and taking the time to review. I just can't get over it. What a special review! :>) Karen

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