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| Tangled Web by daw the minstrel | 27 Review(s) |
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| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/5/2004 |
| That was a quick update! I’m so glad I decided to check my e-mail instead of going out in the sunshine. I enjoyed the first two chapters but this chapter has left me absolutely *dying* for the next one;) The White Council were really starting to annoy me. I can totally see how frustrating it must be for those who want action. And why the heck was Saruman talking about Gondor? Surely the rest of the elves must realise that it isn’t really necessary to spend their time discussing men in far-off Gondor. Yet, anyway. I will say, though, that while the Woodland Realm *is* in a dire state, for all Ithilden’s impatience at the others’ lack of interest in his realm’s problems, he isn’t really listening to them either. He seems so close to figuring out Saruman’s power, though! When he was thinking about how things only seemed “amiss” when he was away from the wizard – and the sound of his voice – at night I was actually holding my breath. But I guess Saruman is too powerful still, and like you say, Ithilden is still desperately clinging to hope that some good will come of this Council. Mithrandir seems to be making odd contributions. Smaug? Imladris? It’s fascinating, though. I mean, it’s very possible he does believe that Sauron will attack one of the realms that keep a ring, even though if he found the One Ring he could have power over the bearers of the others. But it makes me wonder whether Mithrandir was also just trying to finally persuade the others to action by frightening them. They clearly weren’t going to act simply because Thranduil’s realm was under threat. “Curunír was saying the same thing he had been saying for over a week, but somehow, something in his manner had relaxed.” Yep, because methinks he’s realised that they’re oh-so wrong. And didn’t he decide to wait because he figured that if Sauron were destroyed the one Ring might forever remain hidden and he could never have it for himself? It’s actually quite hard to sit back and watch him have so much control over what should be really powerful elves. It must be quite tempting for you to make them realise what’s happening or to make him more overtly evil. It’s always quite difficult to understand why the Council never really did anything before but you’re really doing a great job of showing the subtle control Saruman has and the reluctance of the others to act without his support. “Ah, yes,” he said. “I had forgotten.” Is it just me or is Thranduil kind of short-tempered and distracted lately? Is something bothering him? I see Alfirin has realised that her family keep information from her. It must be quite annoying, actually, because even Celuwen probably knows more than she does now about events in the realm. It seems Legolas has just gained first-hand experience of what it must be like for all the captains to have to deal with Thranduil. I bet Todith isn’t the only one wishing Ithilden would come back! “Has the Home Guard no control at all over what menaces my people?” Ouch. Thranduil knows that’s no-one’s fault, certainly not Legolas’. Seriously, I’m worried that Thranduil is feeling a bit stressed. I really am getting worried about Tonduil's wedding. Oh wait! No! It wouldn't be about to be interrupted by Dwarves, would it?! I'm really going to have to go and study the time-lines... “Perhaps you are right,” said Curunír. “Perhaps we should strike now.” Ah, so he would appear to have at last realised that the only way to ensure that he has the One Ring – if it is found - and not Sauron, is to get rid of Sauron. I know Tolkien said that no-one else, apart from Elrond and Galadriel, knew who had the third Elven ring, but I wonder did Saruman know, or at least suspect, who had the other two. “No,” he said slowly, “but I know of some one.” Ooh, Eilian! It looks like Eilian’s life is much the same as usual! Orcs, spiders, Shadow, injured warriors, frightening the life out of Maltanaur… What a great captain he is, though. I like the way he tries to lighten the mood with humour and reminds himself to watch for signs of Shadow sickness among his warriors. I get the impression he really cares for their well-being. I loved the little bit with him thinking about his bond with Celuwen. He seems slightly more content than he used to and it must be because he can feel her love and now always has a little piece of home with him. It probably troubles him that she’s lonely but I like the way he’s so logical about the fact that they each keep things hidden from the other. “What in Arda was Ithilden doing with the White Council?” Eilian’s excitement is so infectious. Doesn’t he get enough excitement in the south as it is?! “And the woods, Eilian! Think of the woods. Perhaps they will be made wholesome again.” That brought a lump to my throat! These two remember what their home was like in times of peace and it must seem like a dream to be able to finally believe that they will be as beautiful again. “Glorfindel?” he squeaked.” LOL! That’s so cute. It seems they all turn into excited elflings at the thought of meeting him. It’s great seeing the two brothers together again. Is Ithilden going to Dol Guldur too? I’m just so excited! Maybe I should have written a shorter review – I don’t want to keep you away from writing chapter 4…;-) Author Reply: You are absolutely right that Ithilden is concerned first and maybe only with the safety of his father's realm. He thinks of the others (the Men of Gondor, for instance) about like they think of him. Thranduil is probably a little short tempered. Things are going from bad to worse. And I'll bet you're right that no one keeps things from Celuwen. Although Eilian does seem to be hiding his less happy feelings from her. And Saruman was one nervy wizard--fooling the White Council while he tried to snatch the one ring from under Sauron's nose. He got off easily in the end really. Eilian is still Eilian, despite his bond and the happiness that has brought him. He can't resist excitement and he sure can't resist the chance to meet Glorfindel! Yes, Ithilden is going along to Dol Guldur. I'm looking forward to writing about it. Sadly, work came sliding down the e-mail chute this morning and I have to write some other stuff before I can go on to chapter 4. And I'm hoping to go see HarryPotter today. Thank you for the lovely long review, Dot. | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/5/2004 |
| Eilian's reaction to the idea of meeting Glorfindel was adorable. Ithiliden was excellent in this chapter as well. Very entertaining. Author Reply: Eilian seems to me to be just the kind of elf who would think that meeting Glorfindel was a amazingly good thing. I'm glad you found the chapter entertaining. | |
| nessie | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/5/2004 |
| Another wonderful chapter, Daw! But doesn't Tynd appear in "Growing Under Shadow" also? He was hunting with his friend, I think Riolith. But anyhoo, I see Curunir is using the dreaded Voice. Unlucky for Ithilden because he seems to believe it. Now Thranduil would just dismiss the calm tone with a wave of his hand and perhaps even a snort. I'm beginning to wonder if the merrymaking of the Elves in "The Hobbit" is perhaps Tonduil's wedding? Drat those dwarves for interrupting it! I hated how the dwarves were not at all polite to the Elves, and insulting Thranduil when all he was doing was protecting his realm! They showed more gratefulness to the Great Goblin than they did to him! Makes you want to stick something in Balin's eye. Looking through the list of characters on this site, I've noticed that they are missing quite a few characters. Balin, Dwalin, Bofur, Bifur, Bombur, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Fili, Kili, Lindir, Barliman Butterbur, Nob, Nimrodel, Amroth, Bergil... To name a few! But anyways, back to the chapter...Yay! Eilian is here! Are we going to be seeing more of Gelmir? I just love him! He should find a nice elf maiden and settle down and have oodles of kids. Well, great chapter as always and update asap! ~nessie~ Author Reply: You are so right, Nessie. Tynd did appear in "Growing under Shadow." I added that to the list of OCs. I think that Ithilden is more susceptible than Thranduil is to Curunir because he really wants to believe that the Council is going to help them. And they seem to be doing it!! And Eilian is getting in on the fun. I think that he and Glorfindel could have a good time killing Orcs together. I like Gelmir too. He's funny. Poor Nilmandra. She already has a mile long list of hobbits on the site, and now you want all those dwarves! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/5/2004 |
| I like the way that neither Ithilden or Eilian can believe the White Council are finally gong to act, and Ithilden's indignation that they only do so when one of the other Elven realms are threatened. Good for Gandalf! I love Eilian's excitement at meeting the legendary Glorfindel - I can see Eilian wanting to fight Balrogs! So, are the dwarves about to gatecrash Tonduil's wedding? That would be fun! Jay Author Reply: I think that Eilian and Glorfindel might enjoy one another's company for a while. You asked not too long ago if I was on line all the time, and the answer is technically yes! I have a cable modem hook up that's always running. And I work on my computer during the day too, so I hear an alert every time an email comes in. I am afraid I am only too glad to go read fanfic instead of doing whatever else I was doing. | |
| rikki | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/5/2004 |
| Ooooh! Eilian gets to meet Glorfindel! I would think, personality-wise, both of them would be similar in the way they like to go out and meet trouble head on. Traveling to Dol Guldur to rout Sauron with the other members of the White Council should have some exciting moments. I picture the two of them as adrenalin junkies and Galandril and Elrond may well end up wishing they had stayed at home. "Ithilden studied him in perplexity. Curunír was saying the same thing he had been saying for over a week, but somehow, something in his manner had relaxed." Ithilden is really empathic when it comes to gut reactions about wizards or anyone else. He is getting beyond being hynotized by the Voice and really seeing what Curunir is really trying to do. Here Ithilden is becoming more like Thranduil, though a lot more patient. I could just see Thranduil if he had been sitting there all week listening to the White Council. I liked the interaction between Thranduil and Legolas. Thranduil has forgotten that Legolas is leading the Home Guard while Todith is busy with Ithilden's responsibilities. It looks like his mind is on the wedding and Ithilden at the White Council. Legolas handled the situation about the clearing with his father in a very professional manner, more evidence of the Legolas we see in the Quest. And as he leaves, Legolas is making plans like a well trained leader. For a young elf, Legolas seems to have matured nicely and you give him just the right level of planning on making personally sure that he is involved in keeping the clearing free from spiders and in delegating the job to the patrols. I just wonder if Thranduil is going to leave well enough alone or will he start trying to "advise" Legolas in his position as Home Guard captain. Great chapter! Author Reply: I think you are absolutely right about Eilian and Glorfindel! Except I assume that Glorfindel has had time to gain more wisdom. But I'll bet the two of them could have a pretty good time together beheading orcs. All I will tell you about Saruman's reaction and Mithrandir's suspicions is that I've tried to be as canonical as possible in this story. I originally had an author's note explaining my sources at the end of this chapter but I decided it gave too much away. Thranduil does seem to have some problems remembering that Legolas is a competent office and adult, but Legolas did do well in saying what he would do to prevent problems. He's close now to being Legolas of the Fellowship. (Be still, my fangirl heart!) | |
| Duchess | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/5/2004 |
| Okay, WHAT is Saruman up to? Why give in like that? I don't trust him, not one little bit! Is he trying to set up the White Council for an ambush or what? Oh pleeeeeeeeeease don't let anything happen to ruin the wedding? I have such a bad feeling about that clearing now I can't stand it. And I HATE spiders!!! *insert heebie jeebie fit here* Just had a horrible thought, please don't tell me that while the White Council thinks that Imladris is going to be attacked it will be Thranduil's stronghold that actually gets hit? You've got me thinking that is what is going to happen since Thranduil pointedly said that clearing is only a mile away and Legolas admitted Spiders have been that close constantly. What ELSE might be hiding that close by? *whimper* Eilian's eagerness to meet Glorfindel is too cute. The blond one is a little bit of a celebrity, is he not? LOL Don't let Eilian get hurt bad, (if at all!) okay? He and Celuwen need to have a daughter or two to teach him a lesson for his rascally ways when he was younger. *giggle* I must say I'm awfully happy you put out another part so quickly. Great job too! :):):) Author Reply: Saruman does indeed have his reasons for allowing the attack on Dol Guldur right now. :-) But you do ask a good question: What else might intrude on Tonduil's wedding??? I have to say the picture of Eilian with a daughter is a delightful one. The males in Thranduil's household all seem to be suckers for a female. Even the elvenking lets Alfirin and Celuwen boss him around. | |
| vic | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/5/2004 |
| Daw, What a great chapter! It's nice to see Ithilden taking on such responsibility with White Council. I bet they were all too happy to see him instead of his Adar! I just loved Eilian in this part as well. You're right, he does steal every scene he's in. I can just picture his excitement at meeting Glorfindel. Very well done! I'm sure he'll be very pleased by this new adventure that he's about to undertake, thanks to his brother. Legolas doesn't have a major part to play so far, but knowing you, I can feel something in the air for the whole family, not just the upcoming wedding... By the way, thank you for brining Glorfindel into the story. May be he could be invited to stay with the Royal family for bit?! ;-) One other reason why I enjoyed this chapter, was the fact that this was my first Bday present this year! I was doing work for my exams and a message popped up with your story update. I just looked over at the clock, and it's just past midnight, Melbourne time. I'm a very, very very camper right now, but must head back and do more work! Vic Author Reply: Happy birthday, Vic! I hope you didn't stay up too late working. You need to get out and celebrate. Ithilden is turning out to be a pretty good substitute for Thranduil at the Council meeting, even though he still can't figure out what's up with Curunir. There is much more Legolas coming up, but for various plot reasons, he has to be home right now (as does Thranduil, for that matter). It struck me that Glorfindel and Eilian might enjoy one another's company. | |