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Paths Taken by daw the minstrel	31 Review(s)
tigerlily713	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Legolas always seems to arrive in the nick of time, doesn't he? Great chapter! I look forward to seeing how Ithilden and Legolas work their way out of this situation. Author Reply: I guess Legolas arriving in the nick of time here pays Ithilden back for arriving in the nick of time when Legolas was caught in the web. Both of them are likely to be fairly traumatized by this, I think.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
You are just so good at this!! 'Of course he does not follow orders. He is a child.' Lovely bit of perception there! Always comes at the best moment, doesn't it? I suppose Ithilden was too paralysed to get to the dagger in his own boot - just as well he confiscated Legolas's. I'm a bit worried - 'he should have known Turgon was right' - Legolas, Turgon is never right. More! More soon! You can't leave them in crisis. Author Reply: Thank you, Bodkin. When Ithilden was incapacitated himself, he somehow could see crying, trembling Legolas better. The two of them are quite a pair at the moment! But I have faith in big brother (who couldn't get to his own dagger, right). Legolas still has to realize some things about Turgon, and in reality, I don't think he ever did. I can't imagine what his warrior training would have been like if Turgon had been there.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Wow! That was exciting! Since it's a well known fact that Daeron and I share an extreme dislike for eight-legged critters, I spent my time reading this while swatting at imaginary 'things' crawling all over me. shudder You did such a good job of describing the spiders! They were so nasty! "Young and tender" and "Tougher"....if that doesn't give you the creepy-crawlies then you're a far braver minstrel than I am. The action was quick and so easy to visualize. I'm always picking out favorite lines and one of my favorites this time was when Legolas was thinking about how bossy Ithilden had been and how as a commander of the troops that was reassuring, but as a brother, it was quite a bother. He said: "But Ithilden was not in command over him!" I could hear a kid saying to someone, "You're not the boss of me!" Such a good kid line...with a Mirkwood spin. After I read this, I had to run off for a doctor's appointment...nothing but refills on allergy meds...and found I sat in the waiting room trying to figure out how to help Legolas get Ithilden back to camp. Even with two doses of anti-venom, it's going to be close. The size difference of big brother/little brother is quite daunting. I thought of dragging him on a cloak...but no cloak that I recall, or making a travois...might be a bit much for a little guy to make or pull. I can't wait to see how Legolas manages this big old hunk of an Elf back to camp. BTW, did Thranduil nearly fall out of his chair when he got the twang on his bond with Ithilden? Being a parent, I think I shared a few sympathy twitches with the king for his son. It's even worse to know something is wrong, but not know what it is. It's bad enough that he knows something is wrong with one son, but to also know that that son is in charge of a younger one is rather jarring to one's day. You've built the suspense, the hope of help is small, and we're all on the edge of our seats. I hope this won't be the time you get sidetracked and don't update for a while. :>) Really exciting and well done chapter, daw. Looking forward to more. Karen Author Reply: Daeron would have died in this situation!!! LOL. I know I shouldn't laugh. I don't like spiders either, although I'm not as bad as he is. Indeed, Legolas firmly believes that Ithilden is not the boss of him, but he is exceedingly happy to have big brother around when trouble comes. He'll have to do what he can to save Ithilden, who is too large for him to handle very well. Thranduil is probably having pangs right about now, yes. ;-)

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Something hissed softly overhead: “Young and tender.” Oooh, this is VERY scary. Talking spiders! What a marvellous imagination! Just love it! and I like the touch about Elves who have been bitten falling unconcious and looking as if they are dead. Reminds me of Shelob and Frodo. Can't wait for the next update. You are sure moving along on this one. Thanks! Author Reply: I hesitated about the talking, but Tolkien has them talking in The Hobbit and my beta suggested I try it too. It was kind of fun to think of what nasty things they might say. And I was thinking of Shelob and Frodo too! School ended last week and I'm taking a break during this one, doing lots of writing. :-)

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Uh-oh... Poor Ithilden--poor injured, vulnerable, in-need-of-antidote-and-comfort Elf...sigh I'm getting the impression that Ithilden will need a healer. Or perhaps the healer's daughter. If her name was Alfirin, that wouldn't hurt either. ;) Legolas is such a brave kid. I'm still on his side in the fight--Ithilden can't expect an adolescent to act like a seasoned, obedient warrior. I'm also with Legolas in missing Eilian! He's definitely one of my favorite LotR OCs. That whole spider scene was chilling--especially the "Young and tender" part. Come to think of it, I've seen so few spiders-in-Mirkwood stories--most people concentrate on Orcs, though spiders are freakier in a way. And Legolas imagining Thranduil to calm him down was very cute. Good Adar Thranduil is always there, even when he's not, it seems! Author Reply: I had to keep Eilian out of this story because if I let him in, he takes over. I'm supposed to be getting a better grasp on what Ithilden is like! But Eilian thanks you for your fan-liness. I didn't have the spiders talking at first, but Nilmandra suggested I do that. It's inevitable that whatever she suggests is something readers really like. And don't think she doesn't point that out to me!

Kristy	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
I really liked this chapter! I'm continually amazed by your grasp of the young person's thought process! I'm so glad they both apologized to each other! Ithilden sure is getting an education on his leave isn't he? Those spiders scare the beejeezus out of me. I don't even want to think about seeing one in real life. " He does not understand a great deal of what he encounters, and he does not even know he does not understand." I think that perfectly describes the adolecent's life. They are so frustrated with us because they don't realize that they just don't get it and can't figure out why we don't see things the way they do. Things like this spider attack begin to point out just how un-grown up they are (well to the smart ones) In addition to all these deep thoughts, I'm just enjoying the heck out of reading this story! Author Reply: They're both getting an education! But Ithilden is going to be a better father someday for this experience. He never hit Sinnarn, who would have been very provoking as a kid. It's hard to imagine how scary it would be to see these giant, black, talking, malevolent things skittering toward you. I don't even like the bitty spiders in my house. I'm glad you're enjoying this!

Elentari	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Just reading your other reviews I came along this: *I'm sitting here trying to think if I've ever had Legolas be the one who was seriously wounded and I just realized that I don't think I have. It's always been the brothers. How odd, given that he's younger and less experienced. I'll have to remedy that! I expect that Legolas learned enough in the infirmary that he knew that big dose of antidote was unusual. And he's seen people with spider bites. Poor thing. ** In fact, you have. In The tides of Time, Legolas was hit by a falling tree while cutting them to constrain a fire in Celuwen's settlement. He broke his feet and had a concussion. Unconscious a day or two. Daddy thrandy left off The White Council in a hurry because he felt his son was in grave danger. that happened with Eillian, too (more often than Thranduil would like, i'm sure) So I'm fairly sure he'll know about Legolas and Ithilden soon enough. Author Reply: Son of a gun! You're right! [slaps self on side of head to make synapses fire better] It was fun too. Drove Eilian crazy.

Elentari	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Bloody hell! I was crying on that one! it's so full of suspense and so heartbreaking. I must say my heart bled out for legolas and his (very little) newfound insight of what Ithilden is. I am, however, very glad they do seem to try and figure the other out. And also extremely relieved that they both apologised. (even if said apology could have been a tad mroe elaborate. But oh, maybe I am asking too much. ) Legolas crying in fear for his brother is one priceless image. Author Reply: Legolas is still so young (in elf terms, he was practically born yesterday) that he's not going to get a very realistic view of Ithilden, but he sure knows a safe haven when he sees one. And at the start of this chapter, neither one is really ready to apologize for the things that drove the other one crazy the day before. Ithilden gets some sense at the end, I think.

Jebb	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Well I knew that snake was trouble even if it was not really to blame What a harsh way for the two brothers to recognise their own shortcomings and more importantly strengths it was heartbreaking to see Ithilden thinking he had failed another member of his family what a burden of guilt to carry And Legolas realising how frightned he was and how much he needed his brother but still conquering his fear when Adar teaches something it obviously stays taught stunning terrifying and wonderful thank you Author Reply: The practical joke went very wrong indeed, and the consequences went beyond the fact that Ithilden got mad. "What a harsh way for the two brothers to recognise their own shortcomings and more importantly strengths" -- I thought this was very perceptive. Yes, they are each seeing some strengths and in themselves and in one another too. I love brave Legolas!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/12/2004
Omigod! I'm utterly freaked out, daw. I was expecting a spider or two at some stage but nothing that scary. Considering that I start shaking if I see even a tiny one in the house, you can imagine the state of me after reading that! I have to say, I'm so impressed by our two elves, though. So brave... I loved the start, with Legolas going over the previous day's events again. It's as though he almost realises how frightened Ithilden was and that was why he acted as he did, but he just can't quite seem to get past the humiliation of having his dagger taken and then being spanked! I was definitely starting to get worried when the Home Guard turned up with more warriors than usual. It must have been difficult for Ithilden to remain and continue this trip when he knows what's happening and would probably much rather be at home where he can hear regular reports. I'm glad he apologised to Legolas. It had probably been troubling him that he lost his temper to that extent. I had to laugh at Legolas searching for something he was sorry for and picking "shut up"! "There could be no harm in just following the tracks for a short distance." Ah, see, this is where I should have just scrolled down and read the last line! What can I say? It was all amazingly and grotesquely well written! I'm glad you kept your spiders so similar to Tolkien's - even if it does freak me out more to know that they can even think, let alone talk! I like the way "not a child" Legolas suddenly realised that he desperately wanted to stay near the comforting presence of his big brother. How horrifically frightening it must have been for him. Then when Ithilden's leg gave out...I think my heart stopped. “I was making room for the snake, and I took out the things on top.” NO! Talk about a practical joke gone wrong! And to think that after the first chapter I thought it might be something to do with the flet. But no - Ithilden gets bitten by a spider and the antidote is back at camp. I can't cope with this at all...;) I LOVE the way Legolas always talks to himself in Thranduil's voice when he is trying to calm himself down. I wonder does he still do it as an adult. Anyway, it seems to work! Legolas was incredibly brave in this chapter. He must have been petrified, yet he still obeys everything he's told when he really needs to. Actually, I really admire the way Ithilden kept so calm in front of Legolas and issued him clear instructions and is more worried about frightening Legolas than about himself. I know he is a warrior but still, no-one wants to be lying half-dead under trees full of spiders. It seems to have taught him a little about what he can and cannot control, although it still nearly broke my heart when he remembers his mother and wonders if he's failed again. Oh, look - Legolas' dagger came in handy! And yay, Legolas killed the spider!He's certainly well-trained if he's apologising to Ithilden for shooting so near him. It struck me as hilarious that Ithilden knows that Penntalion probably said this more to protect himself than anything else! Wow, he took a lot of antidote. Is that going to knock him out? I really liked the end, with Ithilden suddenly seeing clearly that his brother is still just a child, not one of his warriors. It's quite sad, though, to think that he realises this and knows that this child is now going to have to take responsiblity for him. Right, I have to go - why is lunch the shortest hour of the day?? So, what happens next?! If Thranduil senses that something is wrong with Ithilden, he must be frantic. I wouldn't be surprised if he appears through the trees in a minute. And his two guards, of course. Seriously, I can't wait to see how Legolas is going to get Ithilden back to camp and if poor Ithilden will be o.k. As long as there are no more spiders! shudder Author Reply: You are so right! Legolas comes close but he doesn't quite get Ithilden yet, which is OK. He's a kid. He knows it was rude to tell Ithilden to shut up and that's what he settle for. Ithilden, on the other hand, had more ability to assess his own behavior. He just has to learn to be patient with Legolas, who is not so good at it yet. I am so glad you found the spiders scary. Poor Legolas. I could see him digging his fingers into Ithilden's tunic and not letting go. But then he had to and he was so brave! Fellowship Legolas coming up (in a few hundred years!). It must have about killed Ithilden to send him off on his own. He is such a control freak. I think that Thranduil is probably the central influence in the lives of all his sons. When Eilian was wounded in "Sacrifice under Shadow," Legolas used a "Thranduil voice" to make him leave the snow on his wounded leg, for instance. My son had archery classes at school when he was maybe 9 or 10 and I concluded that the archery teacher was the bravest person I knew! Imagine putting bows and arrows in the hands of a bunch of kids. My son described one kid firing it up in the air and the arrow landing in the ground about 6 inches from the teacher's foot.

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