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Tangled Web by daw the minstrel	28 Review(s)
Estel_Mi_Olor	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/20/2004
Great chapter, as usual Daw, but before commenting on this one, I'd like to say something about the previous chapter. You see, after leaving that review, I read some of another person's review, and then I realized that Hobbit was indeed The Hobbit. Of course, I felt pretty stupid, so I decided to comment on it in my next review. But, I was away from my computer, so I could only actually read chapter 8 now, after chapter 9 has already come out. And yes, I am feeling rather foolish...When Hobbit was first introduced I thought "what an odd name for a Dwarf child"...Alright, laugh at me, I deserve it. Now onto the serious stuff... Legolas is so kind hearted to trust the Dwarves, and worry for the supposed child. I do not picture him or Annael as the angry types, so the Dwarves must have really gotten on their nerves. I can imagine Thranduil's rage at the Dwarves impertinence. It is very comical now, that I realize that Hobbit is Bilbo..., yes please laugh some more. I am guessing that the trees sound confused because the shadow of Dol Guldor has suddenly been dispelled? Yes, that would be rather confusing, wouldn't it? That means Ithilden will be coming home soon! I am going to re-read that chapter in the Hobbit. Congrats, by the way, on interweaving your interpretation of Tolkien with the real thing. Keep writing! Author Reply: You aren't the only one who didn't realize who "Hobbit" was, Estel. Especially those who haven't read "The Hobbit" or haven't done so in some time were confused. I was hoping they would find out the truth when Legolas did. The Dwarves' behavior looks much worse when seen through the eyes of the Elves. And when Balin makes that crack about the spiders being Thranduil's "pets", the king must have really seen red, especially since the Dwarves did stir the spiders up some. The Dwarves were lucky to just land in a cell with good food and drink. Yes, that's why the trees sound confused. These trees would probably never have known a forest without Sauron because he's been there several hundred years. It would feel strange to them to have him gone.

mistry89	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/20/2004
Having just read c7 & 8 on the trot, I am still revelling in the "clever to explain it that way feeling". The apparent harshness of the treatment of the dwarves by the elves is defendable on the basis of concern for a child (where the dwarves seemingly have no such worries), the disruptions to a very private ceremony, and the bigger picture with the White Council so close .... Thranduil seems downright friendly when you add it all up! Thank you, I first read Bilbo's version of this when I was eight, and I've waited until now to see what "them upstairs" were up to :) Author Reply: Thank you, mistry! I am having a lot of fun trying to figure out how all this might have looked to the Elves. And after writing about the spider battles and so on, I could see why Thranduil might get really ticked when a dwarf asks if they're his pets. I doubt if sarcasm goes over well with Thranduil at any time, but this would be even worse. I don't know how old I was when I read "The Hobbit" for the first time but I still have the same paperback book and its price is marked as 95 cents, so I'm thinking it was a while ago. :-)

erunyauve	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/19/2004
'“I can do better than that,” Legolas said. “I hereby appoint you head guard. You can pick three other people to share the duty with and work out the schedule.”' Oh dear, I don't think anyone is going to be pleased with Sinnarn's execution of his duties. The missing 'dwarf child' is going to be rather frustrating for the elves, I think. I can't imagine that the elves wouldn't sense his presence in the stronghold, but it would probably drive them crazy to be unable to see him. Author Reply: Poor Sinnarn. He's open minded enough to want to meet the Dwarves and it's all going to go so wrong. Sigh. Do you think the elves would sense Bilbo? I thought they might miss food and so on, but I don't think they can sense the ring. Even Gandalf didn't seem to do that.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/18/2004
I was actually glad to see that Legolas lost whatever sympathy he had for the dwarves, at least for the moment. He was, after all, raised by someone, who dislikes and distrusts dwarves, so even though he is a very kind-hearted elf, it would be a stretch to think he wouldn't react the way he did, especially in the face of their defiance. Author Reply: I'm very interested in the points where Legolas accepts his father's judgments and the points where he doesn't. I think adults need to be able to have some sort of independence of mind from their parents, even a parent as wise and powerful as Thranduil. But I think that's hard for the king's sons, for reasons that are obvious. And I think it must be especially hard for Legolas. His father is his only parent, after all. His brother, especially Ithilden, had their mother around longer, which might have given them some balance.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/18/2004
Great chapter, daw! I'm heading out to the woods again in a little while, and I wanted to leave a quick review before I left. So...I stopped by and read a few other reviews that have come in since I last checked. My heart stoppped! What do you mean anyone not in 'A Question of Duty' is fair game? Dadgumit! Now I'm spending my time trying to figure out exactly where all the Thranduilion and the Ithildenion are going to be instead of coming up with what exactly I loved about this installment. SO...here it is: (I know you can hardly wait!) Not everyone can go. The realm cannot be drained of all warrriors. There are still orcs and spiders roaming around and to leave the realm unprotected would invite problems from other enemy sources as well. A lot of unnamed warriors will be with Thranduil and a lot will be still at home. Sinnarn has probably incurred the wrath of his adar and his daeradar. He can be left behind to do something mundane and safe since he has demonstrated a lack of good judgment. (Much to Ithilden's relief and Alfirin's, too.) Ithilden does not have to go either. Someone has to stay in command at home. Thranduil is a warrior and can command from the field. Plus, to have Ithilden along jeopardizes both king and heir. Of course, they don't know there is going to be a war, BUT, I would think continued rule would still be a prudent consideration, and Thranduil is prudent. Anything can go wrong at any time. Eilian is still in the south. (Maltanaur, too.) His job is not over, yet. He's mopping up. We already know Legolas, Beliond, Annael and Amdir are present in Rivendell...they're safe. SO! Everyone is safe!...except the poor unnamed warrriors. Well, Galelas and his lovely brother, Tinar, are available, but where would the fun be in kiling them. We need them around as local nemesis. And the novice masters if they're pressed into active duty are available. (I would think they would serve better at home since they've not been on active duty...unless you consider teaching the art of weapon-wielding to elflings active duty. :>) I would. Have I missed anyone? SO! there you have it...how I will make myself feel better until I return and find out what havoc you have wrecked while I was gone. Don't you just hate how pushy some of us reviewers are? I mean really. I'm so involved with your OC's that I'm worrying about them and trying to save their necks. I'm trying, daw! I offer my services to travel with Thranduil. My bow and blade are at his command. (The sweet adorable child cannot go. She's far too young, and Elladan needs her.) But be forewarned! I will not die! I have to be here for the rest of the story. You have really outdone yourself this time. Such a wonderful tale! I look forward to new chapters when I return. Carry on. Karen Author Reply: Killing characters is always a tough call. I wonder how Tolkien felt about Boromir or Theoden? I expect he was glad when Denethor climbed onto the table and lit the fire. Have a good time in the mountains, Karen.

Jebb	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/18/2004
The apple of his eye indeed but for how much longer? And poor Legolas is sure to take the major part of the blame for his decision I can see why he did it having suffered himself from wanting to prove himself an adult while his family seemed determined to keep him safe Loved the shifting of Legolas and Thranduil's relationships during this chapter from parent and son to king and officer and back again poor Legolas must have trouble keeping up with who he is currently facing! But Thranduil senses his unease and shows his usual compassion for his son's needs in the garden and that he still vlaues his advice clever king Those dwarves had better watch out annoying the king bad idea Author Reply: I think grandchildren get to be the apple of your eye even when they've had Very Bad Things happen on their watch. On the other hand, Ithilden is on his way home. So there's this kind of good news/bad news thing going on. :-) I'm very interested in Legolas's relationship with his father. Thranduil is such a strong personality that I think it would be complicated in any case, but his role as king makes things even trickier. Legolas is growing up nicely however. He's competent, kind, and responsible. He's capable of being tough when he has to. He's just a little overeager for his father's approval.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/18/2004
I'll have you know Elladan is chewing a button off my nightgown even as I write this. (Elladan the puppy! not that I would mind the other one, though). I am torn between feeling really sorry for Sinnarn and seein all of this from the perspective of the elves. Confused dwarves and a change in the forest, alost child.....so much is happening. I'm afraid I would have dumped the dwarves into the cellars too. :D But poor Legolas, chewed out about all of this, and poor Sinnarn - Chief Guard! Author Reply: He is absolutely adorable, Nilmandra. I hope he has settled in well. Thranduil did the right thing, the thing he had to do as ruler. In a way, Legolas can afford to be softhearted because he's not responsible. Poor Sinnarn indeed. And Ithilden's on his way home.

	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/17/2004
On the question of OCs dying in the Battle of the Five Armies...of course someone will die because we know the battle goes badly at first for the elves and dwarves. But can you imagine the impact of killing Eilian, Ithilden, or Sinnarn? If they die on top of all of Thranduil's other grief in his lifetime? If any of them died in this battle and then Legolas goes on the quest? Especially as it is written in Question of Duty where Legolas goes off in defiance of Thranduil's orders? The death of Legolas' brothers would make Legolas' subsequent actions so much weightier both emotionally and politically. Its frightening really. Poor Thranduil. He was (and still is)originally my favorite character in all of Tolkein's works. I always thought he was the coolest--after all, he protects the largest forest in ME, so near to Mordor and Dol Guldur without a Ring and through a life of what could only be tragedy--we know his father died in battle and his mother and wife had to have something negative happen to them if they are no longer with him. And through all that he raises such a fine son. I certainly dread to see who you decide to kill but you must kill a someone and probably more then one someone. That's what makes it drama. Love this story so far!! Author Reply: I need to keep consistent with "Question of Duty" and with "The Hobbit" and that's about it, but I've thought about these questions too. They're good ones. :-)

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/17/2004
Amdir's excitement was very amusing. It is nice to see enthusiasm among an otherwise jaded people. Calling Thranduil Legolas' Adar was a rookie mistake but he will figure it out eventually. It has to be harder for the Prince's friends to remember protocol than it is for others. Thorin must have had "you know whats" made of mithril rather than brass in order to stand up to the angry king. Hungry? Who would have guessed? Legolas' thoughts of his Nana were very sweet. It is sad that he can't remember her. If he were smart he would have played that sympathy card with his father. It would be a while before he was yelled at again. He was smart enough to approach him with extreme caution. Being stonewalled by a dwarf is not the best way to spend your day. Maybe Legolas isn't such an errant elfling if his father would seal the doors. Trees? I knew Ithilden should have told his father of the plan. That will really set him off. The Home Guard must be quite tired of hunting spiders by now. Yes, they must have enjoyed the excitement for a while. It was probably the most action that any of them had seen for a while. Rounding up the rest of the dwarves is a good idea. Legolas had had enough at this point so he was a bit short with the dwarves. He reminded me a lot of Haldir in Lothlorien when a strange band of wanderers strayed into those woods. Snickering at an elven prince is usually a bad, bad idea. The elves were much more concerned about poor helpless Bilbo than the dwarves were. The scarlet hooded dwarf could use a lesson in diplomacy. He should be sent to a nearby colony during a flood. Your explanation of Thranduil's position was very logical and his reaction to the entire situation more than fair. The dwarves were lucky to get off as lightly as they did. I think Sinnarn is going to regret volunteering for that particular task! ;-) Author Reply: You have to admire those Dwarves. Thranduil is scary, but they just don't bend. They are rock like. I'd want them on my side, I think. I think that Thranduil's role as king must really affect his relationship to his children, especially since they're in the family business, so to speak. He has absolute power over them in a way that most adults' parents do not, and I think that has to make it harder for them to feel fully adult. Ithilden seems to have done it, and Eilian is close, especially with Celuwen's help. But Legolas is still struggling. Indeed, that's part of what I'd like this story to be about. Good comparison of Haldir and Legolas. I hadn't thought of that. Legolas is so sincere in his concern for Hobbit and is just horrified by what he sees as the Dwarves'hardheartedness. Diplomatic Dwarves? I think that's in the same category as patient, diplomatic Thranduil. Not in this lifetime.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/17/2004
Oh, daw! I LOVED this chapter! I’ve read ‘The Hobbit’ a couple of times over the years and thought I was pretty familiar with it but I’ve lost count the number of times you’ve made me sit back in amazement! I’m still grinning at Sinnarn being made the head guard (genius!) but I’m going to try to concentrate now and go back to the start… Legolas must have been totally worn out by this stage. It sounds as though resources are becoming a little stretched looking for these spiders. I can’t even imagine the shock when the rest of the Home Guard heard about the size of the colony. Amdir seems to be having great fun! And is mighty impressed by the extent of the king’s anger too… I love the way none of them can quite believe that the Dwarf defied the king. I’ve also realised that I’m beginning to take Thranduil’s side more and more. I got quite impatient with Legolas feeling sorry for the Dwarves. I don’t know why… I mean, they haven’t really done anything wrong as such and Mirkwood hasn’t been very kind to them so far. I just think Thranduil’s wrath is radiating from my computer screen and I can’t help but agree with him. My word, he is powerful! In fairness, though, it really shows great restraint and sensitivity by Legolas when he knows he is unfamiliar with Dwarves and is willing to see their side. That scene between Legolas and Thranduil was wonderful. Poor Legolas really is doing his best to separate the roles he has to play. I like that he admires Ithilden so much but he has had much more experience of this than Legolas and from a younger age too – and even he still has moments of frustration. At least Thranduil realises that Legolas feels awkward and eases things somewhat. And so it’s Legolas who suggests that the Great Doors should be shut, eh?! I admit I had a little giggle at the thought of them being shut all the time and Thranduil having to be roused out of bed every time someone wanted to come or go! And yay, Thranduil agrees and once more Legolas looks some bit competent. I was wondering why Thranduil kept looking at the trees. So he did sense something. It shows how attuned Legolas is to them too that he can sense it as well once he pauses to listen. Confused is about right. Those trees must not know what to make of things. Thranduil must be worried, though at any change at all. I imagine he might have got a clearer sense of what was happening if things hadn’t been so tense at home. Todith’s report was frightening. Spiders that close? It’s interesting to think that around Dol Guldur they feel that the Shadow is lessening while the folk at home are battling more evil creatures than ever. “Are the spiders still troubling my woods?” MY woods?! Sorry, I had to single that one out. I do love Thranduil’s possessiveness and utter disdain for anything that might threaten his home or his people. The Dwarves do sound relieved to be finally captured. No more spiders or scary woods. Scary elf king, though. Bet they didn’t think of that. LOL! Where’s Hobbit indeed. The reaction of the Dwarves was priceless. I had to bite my lip to stop laughing because Legolas and Annael are just so horrified that the Dwarves could be so uncaring. snigger “The king sat on his carved chair, wearing a crown of leaves and berries, and holding the oak staff that signaled he was being called on to render judgment. His face was set in hard lines, and his hooded eyes glittered dangerously.” Oh, wow. There’s an image of judgement if ever I saw one. Even I’m quaking. You wove Tolkien’s dialogue in with your own perfectly. I really thought they blended seamlessly. Those Dwarves really aren’t intimidated easily. I guess they just don’t understand elves – and of course they must be determined not to give in. Still, pet spiders my foot. ‘Lieutenant’ Legolas seems to be giving them some amusement anyway with his concern for the ‘child’. You just have to love Sinnarn. He’s simply dying to talk to the Dwarves. You know, everything Legolas does in this story is out of kindness and a desire to do the right thing, yet it keeps just biting him on the, uh, nose. His reasoning for giving Sinnarn more responsibility was sound enough. Head guard. I admit I was wondering who it would be. Let’s see if Thranduil will still be so fond of “the apple of his eye” soon. Then again, it is of course Legolas’ fault too…:-) Author Reply: I was amused by your sympathy with Thranduil, Dot. I think he's just such a powerful, smart, single-minded ruler and protector of his Realm that everyone else kind of gets swept along in his vision. Except the Dwarves, of course. To the astonishment of everyone, they are rude and uncooperative. I think Thranduil may have met his match! Those magic doors are one of the things I struggled with in this story. I mean Bilbo says the doors close by magic. Geez, that has to be inconvenient unless you're one of the people who can work them. And even if you are, it must get a bit annoying to have people asking you to take care of them all the time, rather like being the most competent person at your workplace with computers so everyone keeps asking you to fix their computers. I think the salutary effect of Sauron leaving Dol Guldur must have been gradual, particularly when it came to spiders. Orcs are another matter. They have issues of their own right now, namely the fact that the Dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf killed the head Orc in the Misty Mountains, so they're all gathering in the mountains. Legolas's relationship with his father is one of the things I'm most interested in in this story. I think to be fully adult, Legolas has to be around his father like this and yet feel independent and he's not quite there yet. He's such a sweetie though. He's so worried about Hobbit! Poor Sinnarn. Sigh. Ithilden will just have a fit, and somehow I doubt if this will make a good impression on Annael.

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