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The Warrior  by daw the minstrel 17 Review(s)
NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/13/2003
I am really liking the Beliond and Legolas interaction. Beliond is suddenly seeing his young charge as a person, and his concern seemed to be more than just fear of what he would tell the king if something happened. Legolas is already glad for Beliond's presence, and if he will start to thind of Beliond as an ally, someone good to have next to him in battle, they will get along so much better.

And my curiosity about Beliond grows. Hints of a wife and marriage that perhaps didn't go as planned, of a battle whose stain cannot be washed away from his mind, acknowledgement that courage and skill are sometimes not enough. I have my ideas....about a son lost, maybe, in a terrible battle - and a wife who cannot forgive him for it? :p And that is just one of the scenarios running through my mind!

I also liked that although Legolas did not see the spider above him and was chastized for it, he did see the one bothering Tynd and shot well to protect him. He did do well, he will never forget to look up again, and he will do better next time. One can really see the difference in Legolas from Eilian here.

Author Reply: I think Beliond himself was probably surprised by how strongly he reacted to Legolas being in danger. These two are not out of the woods yet, but they are making progress.

And Legolas did so well in his first battle. He was nervous as any sane person would be, but he also outfaced his nervousness and fought well. And he's not afraid to admit he made a mistake, which many people have trouble doing!

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/13/2003
What a great battle with the nasty spiders. I liked that Legolas was slightly nervous...it was his first battle, after all. When I read Todith's admonishments to him to keep the game plan, I did have flashes of Eilian. Todith's experiences with the king's sons...or at least, one of them...had apparently made him a bit wary. Legolas handled himself well even if he did lose focus of what was going on above him. Tinar is such a hoot! Everything is about him. Legolas competing with him! I was glad that Beliond stepped in to put the braggart in his place. If anyone can, I think it might our good, but sharped tongue Beliond. It was interesting what he said about young warriors and that skill and courage are often not enough. And his comment about never being able to wipe away the stains of battle entirely. More clues, Lady Daw? I hope so because my mind was racing with possibilities. No matter what Beliond's story is, I think he's seen too much battle and suffered too much heartache. Makes me wanna bake him cookies or something. It was also interesting that Legolas did not realize until Beliond pointed it out that his rune was not new...and 'then' Legolas realized it had been Eilian's. Of course, now Legolas is even more worried about Eilian. I like the changing dynamics between Legolas and Beliond and the progress they've made.
I always love a look at what Eilian's up to. 'His' rune brought some nice revelations, too. And Galelas...he's trying so hard. I just don't feel the arrogance of his brother in him. The picture I get of him is that he will never feel good enough for the standards his father and brother have set...and probably 'will never' meet them, since Tinar is the favored son. But then, his actions gave Eilian a good look at himself as a impetuous young warrior. "Young warriors are frightening creatures"...I think this was a 'light bulb' moment for our fair dark haired prince. No matter what path he has walked to get to where he is, he's such a good brother, a good warrior and though Thranduil might, at times, ask for the top ten reasons why...he's a good son. Wonderful chapter, Daw. I look forward to more. Karen

Author Reply: I thought Legolas did well for his first battle, but I didn't think it would be natural for him not to be nervous. And your assessment of Tinar is right on: it's all about him!

My guess is that your guess about Beliond is probably accurate. I think we'll hear more of his story when he runs into someone who has known him for a long time. Not the next chapter, but soon!

You're also sharp about Galelas, I think. In some ways, being away from home is probably freeing for him. He no longer has to listen to his parents talking about Tinar.

I'm afraid Thranduil will not be pleased with Eilian in the next chapter (or Ithilden either, for that matter, but that's another story).

LOTRFaithReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/13/2003
Well;-) Legolas finally realizes whose rune it is. I feel that Legolas gave Beliond a rather large scare. Makes me wonder what happened to him in the past that he is today.

Speaking of scaring. I think Galelas scared a bit out of Eilian. I would hate to see someone die under my charge. Though I can't really relate to what Eilian is probably feeling, I can certainly understand that a dark shadow has been cast quite thickly over him. Poor elf. :-) Namaaaire! LOTRFaith

Author Reply: Eilian is gettig better though. His moments of darkness are getting fewer and father between. Galelas did scare him though. He hasn't worked with such green warriors in a long time.

I am planning to tell a little about Beliond's past if I can. :-)

ANAReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/13/2003
Another great chapter! I very much like your action scenes - excitement and pace without too much gore, though the spiders were, well, yucky! Beliond is getting to be very likable, though I never disliked him even when he first appeared as his grumpy and sardonic self. He's getting a bit protective of Legolas, isn't he? Not just of physical dangers, but verbal ones as well. I am looking forward to your further development of the relationship between Legolas and Beliond. And there's Eilian getting a taste of his own medicine, praying that his little brother would not take after his recklessness. What a hoot! I am always telling my daughter that I hope someday she gets a daughter just like her as kids will never know how aggravating they can be until they have aggravating children of their own. Hope you post again soon!

Author Reply: If the spiders were yucky, then I succeeded. I think their yuck value is their main threat to armed warriors. They are less dangerous that Orcs but are awfully repulsive.

And Beliond seems to be softening up! He and Legolas still have some rough moments ahead, but they're gradually getting to know and respect one another more.

You are evil to your daughter! LOL What a fate. The worst thing is hearing your parents' words come out of your own mouth.

tigerlily713Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/13/2003
Lovely chapter. Both of your battle scenes, the spiders and the warg, were done beautifully. The action was clear and consise, without being overdrawn or tedious. The emotions and thoughts of your characters were also done brilliantly. I love how Legolas caught on so quickly regarding his captain's fear that he would act just like Eilian.

Wonerfully done; I eagerly await your next update! ~Lily



Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. I have trouble writing battle scenes, because, in truth, I think they're boring. On the extended TTT DVD, PJ says that he found that in battle scenes, he had to keep his focus on his main characters and what they were experiencing, and I think that's what I try to do. What matters is how the characters experience the battle, not the battle itself.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/13/2003
The spider battle was well described - I wonder if Legolas realises the narrow escape he had? The others were right, he should be been paying more attention! And the least he could do is to say 'thank you' to Beliond.

I also liked the warg attack - especially Eilian's words to poor Galelas! At least he recognised the irony, and saw himself when younger.

No Thranduil this chapter :( I wonder if Beliond will send a report about the spider fight and its outcome? It would be enough to give him a heart attack!


Jay

Author Reply: I'm glad the battle scene read well. I have trouble writing them and I had to go back over this one several times.

I missed Thranduil too. Having my characters scattered all over the place makes it hard to keep up with all of them!

Brenda GeraciReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/13/2003
Wow! What a chapter!!! The excitement of battle, Spiders, Wargs, and mystery... Okay, okay, I'll bite. What is Beliond's story? You have been baiting your trap for several chapters now. First the hint about a wife in an earlier chapter, then this softening toward Legolas as he tried to clean his arrows and the conversation about that, then Beliond telling the young rookie that courage and skill were not always enough. Is he talking about himself when he was younger, or does (or did) Beliond once have a family and he is speaking from past experience, past regrets? I'm beginning to get the hots for Legolas' keeper! So, Daw, what does Legolas' guardian look like (you once sent me a picture of what you thought Eilian might look like, remember?). Mysterious men, er, Elves, definitely whet my appetite. Legolas is almost as curious about his keeper as I am at this point, so what gives with Beliond? Or are you going to continue your torture??? (Is that evil laughter I hear over the Internet?) It was particularly touching when Legolas realizes that his rune was Eilian's before him. Give me more, more, more of Legolas and his keeper!

Was so good to catch up with Eilian. I see hero worship in Galelas' eyes. He is trying very hard to be all that Eilian thinks he should be. I find it amusing that Eilian's eyes are finally being opened to how he was as a young, adventuresome warrior in the eyes of his own captain and keeper. Now he has his hands full with the same thing. Turnabout is fair play and a great source of learning.

This is a terrific story! Can't wait for the next chapter. Be kind, Daw, and post soon. Please?

BG


Author Reply: I hadn't actually thought much about what Beliond looks like! That's probably bad. I should be describing more maybe. Nilmandra also liked Legolas and Beliond together so I will probably be doing more of that.

That's exactly how I see Galelas. He finally has a chance to be on his own and impress someone without Tinar around. And Eilian is getting a dose of his own medicine. LOL

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