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Interrupted Journeys: Part 4 Journeys of Discovery by elliska	10 Review(s)
lyncarol333	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/6/2007
Hi, i just wanted to tell you how much i love this, and your other fics. i especially like your descriptions of thranduil's family, as tolkien wrote little to nothing on the elven king (which i find extremly frustrating to say the least). i also wanted to know if you were planning to update soon, as your last update was in may. i hope you had a lovely christmas and new year Lyn Author Reply: I just saw this review. Real Life kept me off the Internet for awhile and I guess I missed it until now. So sorry about that. I'm glad you enjoy the fic. I do love writing about Thranduil and his family, precisely because, as you say, Tolkien left so much to the imagination. Thranduil seemed so complex to me in the Hobbit, with his treatment of the dwarves and his unwillingness to got to war for gold and his willingness to help the men...I just fell for his character and wanted more. I have finally updated, so I hope you are still reading fanfic and will continue to enjoy this one. Thanks so much for the review and again so sorry for being so long in replying.

Jay Greenleaf Elf	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/29/2006
Hi, you still remember me? I am sooooooo sorry that I have not reviewed in ages, please forgive, my schedule has become even more busier since I'm now in matric. I can see two more elleths who will want to team up with the Black Swan (I forgot her name again) and I wonder who that other woman is that was talking to Dolwon, sounds like things are going to get even more tense, lol, I just got a funny thought on how all the elleths are getting together forming an alliance against Thranduil, just picture them charging towards him and he has no choice but to make a run for it while they swinging their handbags at him and his shrieking, lol. You must excuse my sense of humour it comes with my very vivid imagination. But I do understand the seriousness of this fic and that is why I feel I must ask for forgiveness, I don't want to make a parody out of it, it's just my twistedness. The boar scene was absolutely tense, I can't believe how foolish those two elflings can be, I'm mean any elf their age can think logically, if you look at Legolas and the other elflings they are younger than those two and yet they had enough sense to climb into the nearest tree. I feel sorry for Maidhien, for having a brother and a whole family like that, her own FATHER would've blamed her for the whole incident, I truly think that Thranduil should adopt her, he's a much better father even if he stern but that's what made Legolas into the elf he turned out to be. But normally in a family like that when all the members are against discipline and scoffing at authority but when there is a member with much more sense and understanding and a better person then you can expect the rest of the family to not hate him or her but treat them harshly, if you know what I mean and go against her family's judgement. She made a very brave yet wise decision to visit the royal family and find out for herself what Thranduil is really like. The story of the ents was well done, altough to be honest I'm not all that interested in them, I'm more interested in learning about the history of elves but I truly enjoyed it, you did a great job. Overall, Its been great reading this and I do hope that you continue to update and I am dying to find out what happens in the next few chapters. I will do my best to review as often as I can, I hope this review makes up for the LOOOOOOOONG delay. Author Reply: I just noticed these reviews on this chapter. It was so long ago (and when Real Life was keeping me from the Internet) that I guess I never saw them. Sorry about that! just picture them charging towards him and he has no choice but to make a run for it while they swinging their handbags at him and his shrieking, lol. Hehehe! This image reminds me, for some reason, of Neville's image to fight off the Boggart in Harry Potter. Do you read HP? Neville sees Professor Snape dressed in his Grandmother's clothing, including her red handbag. It is hilarious. Maidhien is going to be a very important character in this story, so I'm glad she caught your attention. She will be 'adopted' in a way, but there will be trouble along the way too, naturally. I'm sorry for the long delay in updates. RL can be a real pain. I hope you are still enjoying LotR fanfic. :-) Thanks for the review and sorry to be so long in answering it.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/12/2006
I was going to say how ignorant Lalfien and Eregeth are but really, the other females aren’t helping either. Gossip and rumours will only cause trouble and I felt bad for Lindomiel being dragged into it as they tried to use her, when it’s nothing to do with her – and even less to do with them. Even if I totally agree that they don’t contribute anything positive and would be better off gone… ;-) Elliska! The entire scene with the boar was nerve-wracking! I thought it was very effective using Lindomiel’s POV. She’s a terrified mother but we can see her working things out, assessing what’s happening and trying to make herself do what will be best for everyone’s safety. I even felt for Eregeth in her desperate attempt to get to her daughter. But I must say, the person I felt most sorry for was Hurion. What a terrible position to be in. But he really kept his head and knew when to shoot and when not to. The children were very brave. I love how they all work together to save Maidhien. And Galithil! Reckless, but no-one could doubt his courage! It wasn’t enough for him that Maidhien was saved, he had to get rid of the cause of the danger. My heart was in my throat the whole time. And the last person I was expecting was Dolgailon – I must have looked a right twit sitting here with my mouth open in shock! Great scene, Elliska. You do tension a little too well! What a fright Aradunnon and Amoneth must have got. That was a great scene as the information came out. Even peacekeeper Eirienil is angry enough at seeing her cousin hurt to place blame on those two idiots Anastor and Noruil. I love that the children focus on Maidhien’s danger and how there was no question that she needed to be saved instead of their own fear – and stubborn Legolas saying he’d do it again. He’s already quite good at judging a situation. It’s good too to see such tenderness between Galithil and his father. All the elflings were much relieved, it seems. And I was very proud of Galithil for admitting he was wrong to take the knife and to deceive Dolgailon ;-) I thought the reason he took it was a good one – rather than just mischief or badness, I mean. Though none of the adults are going to be happy that a child feels he has to prove that the king and co. are doing their job. I was glad that Lindomiel and Arthiel explained to Thranduil what happened with the wives. He needs to know that. Dieneryn and Dolgailon seem to have a better understanding of Galithil than Aradunnon does. But then, like any father, Aradunnon wants his son to know right from wrong without having to learn it the hard way. It’s just a pity that he sometimes automatically thinks the worst of him :-/ I loved the whole part with Maidhien visiting! It was so good of her to come. Poor little thing must have been very worried. And it made me smile to see her awe at her surroundings. I guess she doesn’t get much exposure that kind of thing at home. That mosaic does sound amazing. “Ada says that it is my fault that you are injured since I fell from the tree, and he says Thranduil is going to be even angrier with us since his nephews and son were endangered because of me.” Yeah, that’s where my jaw dropped – that he’d blame her, that he’d paint the king in such a poor light to a child, that he’d suggest that Thranduil would blame her… Actually, if that’s what she’s hearing at home, it makes her even braver to come and visit when there’s a chance she could run into the scary king. I was glad Lindomiel and Legolas were able to put her enough at ease that she’d listen to Thranduil. I get the impression, though, that she can be quite a feisty thing when she wants. Thranduil was a bit overly generous about her ada but I think he did the right thing in explaining to her that he probably got a shock at the thought of the danger his children were in. That’s all she really needs to know now. “Was our behavior good enough to prove that we can be trusted to go outside by ourselves again?” Heh. Nice one, Legolas. He really will make a good diplomat some day! His father isn’t bad either – he’s just managed to find out that it was Anastor and Noruil who led them astray! Legolas is very sweet in his seriousness about having learned their lesson. I somehow think that at their age, there are many more years of lesson-learning ahead of them! “You never know what information she might hear there. Or what we might hear if those children begin visiting our homes. It could prove to be a useful friendship in the future.” blinks Somebody stop these two! Oh, they’re going to pay a high price some day for all this. Hopefully, anyway. Poor Maidhien, being used by the adults in her life. I do hope we see more of her, though. I like her. Author Reply: Hi Dot! Hehe! I'm sorry, but I can just see elleth that have lived for 1000s of years as either knowing firmly that gossip doesn't help or being so firmly entrenched in a gossiping crowd that they are really bad about it. Unfortunately for Lindomiel, she was with the gossips that morning. You have to feel for her. You do tension a little too well! I suppose that it is mean to take pleasure from that comment, huh? Oh well, I did. :-) Thanks Dot! And poor Galithil--Aradunnon just doesn't know how to handle a son that is so much like him (I bet Dieneryn thinks that is pretty funny most of the time). But seeing Galithil hurt is too much for poor Aradunnon--that boar had probably better be glad it was dead already. And I do love little Maidhien. She was very brave to come see Galithil after all she hears at home. Her comments do prove what idiots her parents are--talk about people who can't make a correct judgement! But that's why they are in the situation they are in. I bet Thranduil wanted to say something different about Maidhien's parents, but he kept it to himself--it must have been one of his more diplomatic moments. ;-) Legolas has ada wrapped around his finger, doesn't he? And you will definitely see more of Maidhien... and her parents... Thanks so much for the review, Dot!

Gwynhyffar	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/10/2006
I am far behind in reading and even more so in reviewing, but I did want to let you know that I loved this last chapter. Galithil will be somewhat subdued for a day or two, but his attitude is sure to appear again. I nearly fell out of my chair when Maidhien informed Thranduil that he isn't as mean as her ada says - and shame on him for using her! I really enjoy her character. She is the only one in her family with any sense. Author Reply: Hi Gwynhyffar! Nice to hear from you--believe me, I know all about being behind in fanfic stuff. I am thinking about taking a vacation just to catch up on it! ;-) I think you are right about Galithil. A little thing like a boar isn't going to keep him down for long. And I'm glad you liked Maidhien's comment. Hehehe. I wanted to include that part because there is another part that I wrote where her brother says repeats something similar (but worse) to Legolas and I am beginning to doubt I'm going to be able to include that part. But it cracks me up when kids repeat things they heard their parents say, so I wanted something in there--not to mention that Maidhien plays a larger role in this story in the long run. :-) You're right that she is the only one with sense. :-) Thanks so much for the review!!

Idhreniel	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/9/2006
Evil adults! Evil people! They will take advantage of the children's friendship! I hope Thranduil can avoid that. It was great to read from you once more! Great description of the boar thing and Lindomiel's despair as a mother. I also loved the way you described the little girl's fear for the king... but he is so charming she is already changing her mind, I see. And Legolas... what a little rascal! Seeing his father obvious spoiling after a trauma decided well to press on the matter of the punishment. Smart child. Thank you for the update, Elliska! Hugs, Author Reply: Hi Idhreniel! I'm glad you liked it. :-) I imagine Thranduil could charm nearly anyone, don't you think? ;-). And Legolas was a clever little thing here--he knows his ada very well. Thank you so much for the review!

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/8/2006
Well, fortunately for you, the child survived. :>) Galithil was very brave. He may even have invented a new sport: bareback boar riding! Watch for young and foolish warriors to capture one and have contests seeing who can stay on the longest. I wonder which of this crew will play rodeo clown :D Very Oropherish thing to do, I think. Which may not be good for longevity, unfortunately. I am with the children on this one - they must be thrilled to be out of doors again. I like how your young Legolas is very diplomatic, too - knows just when to push his father. We can see already why he would have been trusted to bring the news to Mithrandir in Imladris. Author Reply: Well, fortunately for you, the child survived. :-) This time. (Sorry, can't resist--the angst is on it's way in this). But for now, oh dear! Young warriors hearing about this and turning it into dares and games. Please don't tempt me! But boars smell so awful that I doubt elves would be able to stand it. I can just see them bursting through the stronghold doors the next morning, Galithil following even if he pulls every stitch loose trying. They will be so happy and I think I'll let them stay that way for a few fluffy chapters. We can see already why he would have been trusted to bring the news to Mithrandir in Imladris. :-) He will have some diplomatic opportunities before then too that I couldn't help playing with a bit, but this is certainly where he must end up--ready to deliver that news and ready to make a very big decision after doing so. I enjoy thinking about how he got to that point. Thanks so much for the reviews, Nilmandra!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/8/2006
Pheeeeew! sighs in relief You got me teribly worried there! Fortunately, Galithil just got a painful wound, which will hopefully sober him up a bit, and they all got hero treatment!I was so worried, what with Dolgailon's knife obviously in the hands of this grade 9 earthquake! The scene in the infirmary was great, for despite the worry, I could not help laughing everytime Aradunnon feared what he was about to hear: Please do not tell me that you provoked a boar,” he said, astonishment causing the pitch of his voice to rise. and then Aradunnon’s mouth fell open slightly. “You jumped onto the boar?” I was roaring by then! “Stabbed the boar?” he quoted. “With what?” Priceless. Such father such son. Dieneryn was actually pretty discreet offering counsel without embarassing any of her sons with a tale! :-) And even if we can breathe now, the door is poen for mores serious mischief. It must be hoped that Galithil will sober up with his new task, even if it is a puishment and they have all redeemed themselves somehow. But the shadow is lingering over them. Good job, elliska! Author Reply: :-) I don't have the heart (or stomach) to kill them off this young. Galithil gets a much more heroic death than fighting with a boar. But they did feel pretty heroic in this chapter once they figured out they weren't in too much trouble. Hehehe! I'm glad you liked poor Aradunnon in this. I imagine that is how many of his conversations go with Galithil. I am certain Dieneryn could have had a lot of fun making that conversation much worse for Aradunnon. De tal palo, tal astillo sin duda. Yes, the whole stage is set now for everything else that is going to happen in this part and several others. I am going to post a few fluff and fun chapters, I think, and then get down to some action. Thanks so much for the reviews, perelleth!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/8/2006
Hm. Plotting for the future? That's an interesting link to the last chapter where Thranduil scolds Legolas for not making his presence known when he comes up on a conversation. I'm glad the elflings are free again. A month is a very long time to be shut up in the house unless you're escorted. I'd find it long and I'm not a wood elf child. Author Reply: That's an interesting link to the last chapter where Thranduil scolds Legolas for not making his presence known when he comes up on a conversation. Precisely! You are right on the money with that observation, as you will see. And I am glad the elflings are free too--the story is more interesting/easier to write that way. ;-) But yes, I think the poor children could take no more and Spring Festival is coming up. Thank you so much for the reviews, daw!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/8/2006
I do hope that exposure to Eirienil and her cousins - and meeting Thranduil et al on amiable terms contributes to the saving of Maidhien. She seems a nice girl - and courageous - and deserves to be rescued from the pit of bitterness and plotting. And, if she takes words back to her family, she might well also reveal matters. In fact, she already has. I loved her response to the mural, by the way. (And Eirienil needs a girl friend. Ellyn are all very well, but there are moments when an elleth needs another elleth.) Legolas has learned more of his father's omniscience, too. It must be really difficult to keep secrets around that Stronghold! Galithil is probably lucky he got hurt - brave, yes, made a conscious decision to help, yes, but if he had escaped undamaged, he might well have found that his theft of the knife got rather a lot more attention. Dolgailon's suggestion - that is somewhere between reward and punishment - is probably a very good idea. (As, Aradunnon, is listening to your mother. After all, a parent who raised you successfully must have got a few things right!) There seems a possibility that, although the negotiator has managed to restore elfling freedom, elfling freedom might be rather more warrior-supervised - especially if they are more than a whisker away from home. I don't think Lalfien and Eregeth have done themselves or their families any favours. Already an irritation, their popularity ratings have now probably sunk through the floor. It could mean, I would think, that they are not actually in on the plots - surely, then they would have the sense to keep their mouths shut and smile and stir things up rather more delicately. All they are doing is increasing support for Thranduil. As for their sons! Well, they are simply going to hate Legolas, Galithil and Berior even more. They are definitely on the way to being chips off the old block. Poor Hurion. He probably had the worst role of the day. Whatever he did was wrong. He couldn't stop Lindomiel letting the kids go ahead, he couldn't let her rush to the rescue, he couldn't shoot the boar with the kids in the way. Really, one guard is just for show - he cannot be everywhere at once - but he can get the blame if anything goes wrong. Really enjoyable chapter. I just loved it and plan to go straight back and read it again. I hope the work schedule allows for more soon! Author Reply: Maidhien is the Tulus of her generation in this story, poor thing. I'm glad you liked her response to the mural. Her interest in those types of things, which she gets no exposure to at home, will be a cause of conflict for her as the story goes on. But no, neither Lalfien nor Eregeth (nor Dolwon and Dannenion, really) are the brains of this outfit. They are digging their own grave, but they will take others to it with them. And Anastor and Noruil will definitely be bitter enemies with Legolas et al before this is over. Poor Galithil--he is really better off with a cut from the boar, I think. You are right that things would have been much different otherwise. Poor Hurion indeed! Whenever I write one of these types of situations, the guards are really a problem. The poor blokes are always either going to die or be left in a hopeless situation. I actually hope to build back to a twice a week posting here soon...famous last words. Thank you so much for your reviews, Bodkin!

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/7/2006
Oh my. . . out of the mouths of babes, indeed. It must be extremely hard to plot against the King in such a small community. All the kids play together, and not a blessed one of them can resist repeating everything they hear. Good thing that the grownups finally saw reason, even though it took a boar attack to get them to do it. Although, if any kid ever actually used the phrase "we learned our lesson all too well" with me, I'd keep a weather eye on him for another month. I liked the picture of all the Elves working together to get Maidhien out of the way and bring down the boar. It's a nice reminder that, supercool as Elves are, they aren't completely all-powerful. Instead, it's their cooperation that makes them strong. Author Reply: Although, if any kid ever actually used the phrase "we learned our lesson all too well" with me, I'd keep a weather eye on him for another month. Hehehe! Although I think Legolas is fairly sincere in this case, if I had ever said anything like that as a child, my parents would have locked me in a closet! You are too right here! Yes, you are also quite right that we have not seen/heard the end of the ramifications of this little incident--many things in the future of this story revolve around these two chapters. it's their cooperation that makes them strong. I really liked that observation. I think it is very true. Thanks for the review, FP!

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