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My Brother's Keeper by daw the minstrel	27 Review(s)
Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/21/2004
Now, if only I could stop sniggering at poor Ithilden I might be able to write a coherent review…;-) I thought that first scene with Thranduil and Eilian was interesting in that Thranduil clearly wants facts and an end to the whole thing while Eilian finds it difficult to emotionally distance himself from Hiolith, in whom I imagine he can see himself if he didn’t have his little support network. I figured alright that Ithilden was the one behind Eilian’s involvement and that Thranduil was less than happy about it. The other night it sounded as thought Ithilden was still trying to convince his father that Eilian would be o.k. I like that despite the fact that Thranduil is a little brusque here and wants Eilian to get moving on things, his genuine concern for his son really comes through. Legolas is going to crack up. This punishment must seem a little excessive to him when he doesn’t realise that Thranduil knows very well that there’s trouble that he could easily wander into. I thought Ithilden explained it quite well, actually – that even if Legolas hadn’t taken the dangwath he was around people who may have and that’s dangerous enough to make any father fear for his son. The most touching line of the whole chapter has to be “And anyway, people who do take it might not be all bad.” I know he was testing Ithilden’s reaction as well but he’s very wise at times, young Legolas and I love his compassion and his loyalty to those he loves. It’s very sweet that he thinks he could help Eilian just by talking to him. Of course, that nearly could be true if Eilian were in trouble because he loves Legolas just as much as Legolas loves him. Anyway, Legolas is out of trouble for now but if I’ve learned anything about your little Legolas, it’s that he’ll be out of that palace as soon as the opportunity arises, all out of a genuine desire to help his brother. Thranduil’s impatience at Ithilden’s method of courting is hysterical. I like that he’s aware of how difficult Alfirin might find life in the palace but it seems that he’s concluded that she’s good for his son and now can’t figure out why it’s taking so long. Ithilden better watch out or his father will get fed up and just order him to marry her before Ithilden even gets around to calling her by her name. It was a bit sneaky- although I know necessary – that Thranduil tells Ithilden that Legolas is probably worried about Eilian, Ithilden visits Legolas and reports back to Thranduil. Thranduil’s very clever. He’s connected events very quickly. I knew he’d think it was odd that Legolas insisted he didn’t get the herb from Eilian without actually being asked. I feel bad for Thranduil. He’s done as much as he possibly can to ensure his sons are safe and to keep a handle on things but he knows he can’t have as much control as he wants. That must be very unsettling for him. I don’t believe that deep down he thinks Eilian would give into temptation but it must be so difficult for him to put his son, who is still suffering, in the path of something that could help him feel better, even temporarily. I don’t know how Thranduil and Ithilden don’t crack under the strain of having to constantly send someone they love into danger, be it with Shadow, Orcs, spiders or drugs. Maybe it helps that Eilian generally wants to go. Ah, Ithilden. Now there’s someone else who needs to be in control. And he seems to be losing his grip on his dignity with increasing frequency lately. Her family were SO all listening to them! I like Alfirin’s concern for Tonduil. She’s very motherly but apart from that has clearly had a very different upbringing to Ithilden. “I hate to see him having to learn to fight when he should be playing in the trees.” It’s actually already clear that she could be just as good for Ithilden as Lorellin was for Thranduil. Who told her he plays the harp? I think I remember reading that he does play to her…was it in ‘Prodigal Sons’? Anyway, he should definitely play to her soon and show her that softer side to him. Although, he’d probably get his hair tangled in it or something. OMG, her shawl caught fire! And he tore her dress! How mortifying for both of them. God knows what Alfirin’s father will think when she arrives back from her walk with Ithilden with a ripped dress. “That was bad luck, my lord.” Understatement of the century, that was. I feel sorry for the poor person who’ll have to spar with a horrified and embarrassed Ithilden. Of course, he couldn’t exactly head straight home incase he ran into his father, who I imagine would be torn between being frustrated at his son’s ineptitude with maidens and laughing his ass off at Ithilden’s predicament. Speaking of frustration, Eilian’s worry about the length of his recovery can’t be doing him any good at all. I love when he thinks about the reaction of his family and Maltanaur if he did take some dangwath. I think it’s great that he can see their love behind their “firm hand”. Men, eh? I wondered if that would be it. Apart from selling the stuff for a high price, there’s really the same story here – suffering soldiers and family members who need some relief. Hiolith didn’t seem that bothered until they suggested that his own supply would be taken away. He reacted to this threat as though he hadn’t thought about that before, which makes me wonder if there was more to this arrangement than simple blackmail – and who is this “superior”? “And if you think the boss is letting you come this far and then quit, you can think again.” Eh? I’m intrigued… I don’t blame Eilian for being so angry. He’s lucky he has Maltanaur. Maltanaur seems to feel the same anger and disgust but has a little more restraint, which is good or Eilian could have completely ruined things by losing his temper and put paid to any chance of learning more. Hey, if anything happened to his sons’ ‘keepers’, would Thranduil replace them, do you think? I was just wondering. Like, when Nithron was killed, would Sinnarn have been assigned a new bodyguard? That just popped into my head as I was reading about Maltanaur and seeing how well he can read Eilian by now. Anyway, you’ve me so engrossed in this. I’ll be waiting eagerly for more… :-) Author Reply: Thranduil does love Eilian, and the feeling is mutual, but they don't necessarily understand one another very easily. Still, at the moment, Eilian is glad for his father and everyone else who help him do as he should do. Poor Hiolith is just adrift. Legolas really is worried and he's likely to act on his worry. He's so loyal. His poor father! And in the meantime, Thranduil wants Ithilden to just get on with things with Alfirin. It's a good thing he doesn't know about the horrible things that have happened. At least I assume he doesn't know. I can't imagine Ithilden confiding in him. Loved the idea of him catching his hair in the harp! I may have to 'borrow' that, Dot! Or maybe I'll let him escape humiliation just once. I think that the Men had threatened Hiolith before with the loss of his plants, but I needed to put a lot of explanation in this chapter. Hiolith has some mixed motives, I think, but at least he's not greedy. That's a Man thing. I think that Sinnarn is going to need a new keeper and I've been wondering who to give the job to. I don't want to create a new OC, since that would do away with some of the benefit I got from wiping some of them out. I could just take some minor character I've mentioned and give him the job, I guess. Still, I think it would be harder for a fully adult Sinnarn (or Eilian or Legolas) to form a relationship with a keeper. I guess the relationship would be of a different kind. That might affect who got chosen to be the keeper. Hm. I'll have to think about that.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/21/2004
It is a very good thing for Eilian's emotional development and sanity that he has Legolas for unconditional love and Maltanaur for the more adar/son camping trip sort of moments. Maltanaur seems happy to provide the other sort of fathering while Thranduil provides the principles and discipline and high standards. So ultimately, he is a very lucky Eilian. Author Reply: Oh yeah. And you have to love Thranduil for this. He picked Maltanaur, which was wise of him. And even if Thranduil had been along on the trip, like Maltanaur, the effect wouldn't have been the same both because of what he's like and because he's Eilian's father. Eilian doesn't have to break free from Maltanaur. And of course, Legolas is am important emotional anchor for Eilian, probably THE most important until he bonds with Celuwen.

Elena Tiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/21/2004
hands are shaking... must have more story... soon... withdrawal symptoms too painful to bear... Author Reply: This made me laugh! I'm working on it. Well, actually not yet, but sometime today probably. I'm glad you like the story, ET.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/21/2004
Things are getting tense! I hope something very unpleasant will happen to the men who are using Hiolith - who seems to be just trying to help. Eilian is playing a dangerous game, though - and I agree with Thranduil, I'm not certain everything is an act. When are they going to tell Legolas about it? He's not a fool, and will follow Eilian and turn up in the middle of something unpleasant soon. It's very touching the way he thinks that if Eilian will just listen to him everything will be all right. And poor Ithilden - things go from bad to worse! Jay Author Reply: Poor Ithilden, indeed! It's cruel, I know. Maybe I'll have to let them have a little moment of normalcy. Eilian seems to be teetering on the brink sometimes. And his own sickness makes this game that much more dangerous for him. You think Legolas might turn up in the middle of something dangerous? You've been writing too many stories, Jay. ;-)

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/21/2004
Does Eilian have his wine and water shaken not stirred? I love the way he just knows that his loving family and friends would not let him get in the kind of situation where he becomes dependent on dangwath. 'And if the herb did not harm him, Maltanaur, Ithilden, and Thranduil would take turns making up for its failure.' What a wonderful line - and what a reassurance for even the most unhappy elf. What a shame that Hiolith does not appear to have had a similar level of support. He doesn't seem bad - deluded, but not bad. He is not in this for profit, but for his own need and he believes he is supporting others like him. The Men, on the other hand - yes, I can see why Maltanaur might permit a bit of physical violence at the right moment. Ithilden and Alfirin: if only the troop commander knew that his role was to be the comic relief in this story. He would be mortified. At least, next time he visits (if he can ever get over the public embarrassment involved in this time) Alfirin's parents will see him as the hero who saved their daughter. Perhaps he should be a little less tentative in his approach. I think Alfirin might just have to arrange a judicious trip and fall into his arms. The smile will not leave their faces for weeks - and all those poor warriors he beat up in his frustration will bask in his pleasant mood. Poor Legolas. I think now that Adar has locked him in his room and posted guards to see he cannot escape, he should look on this as an opportunity to let him in on some of what is going on. At least as far as Eilian is concerned. And perhaps bring Annael in to share the imprisonment. He won't though. (Well, it would get in the way of the story.) Thranduil / Eilian is a difficult relationship even when Eilian is doing just as he should. Definitely his mother's son. I would love to see more of Ithilden growing up - I wonder if it was all sweetness and light or whether those 'you may be grown up in the eyes of the world, but you are still my inexperienced little ellon and you must do as I say' problems existed between them as well. It's a bit hard for Eilian and Legolas to know though - that's the trouble with 600 year age gaps. Lovely. I hope you seize every moment to continue with this story when your nose is back on the grindstone. Author Reply: Eilian, the 007 of Mirkwood! He waters his wine because the healers told him to do it for a while, and he's trying to be a good boy, which does not come naturally to him. And you're right. He has a lot of support (and restraint) and he keeps on the straight and narrow path, but what if he hadn't had that? I think he sees himself in Hiolith. Ithilden needs to loosen up a little, so being comic relief is good for him. I have to keep these two a little tentative here because he's still not certain of her at the start of "See the Stars," which is set after this. Too bad. Maybe they'll get some pleasant time anyway. You know, I think Legolas DOES need a visitor, but maybe not Annael. ;-) It's very hard for me to picture Ithilden as a child but he must have been childish. His mother says he wasn't born grown up.

erunyauve	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/20/2004
Whoa! I didn't see the bit with Eilian undercover coming at all. And it certainly makes sense for Thranduil to confine Legolas to his chambers even though I think he knows what really happened. I feel horribly guilty, but I can't help but laugh at all Ithilden's missteps. And I feel sorry for Hiolith, who really doesn't have much choice but to cooperate with the men. Author Reply: I originally had Thranduil reacting less strongly, but my beta asked, "Suppose your husband was an undercover narcotics cop and your 14 year old son decided to sneak out to 'help' him. What would you do?" You better believe I'd lock him up! Don't feel guilty about laughing at Ithilden. I laugh too! Poor guy. These two just need a chance to spend a few quiet moments together without being scalded, burned, or stripped. Hiolith is interesting. I'm trying to make him an elfy addict and that's not easy.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/20/2004
I'm still trying to figure Hiolith out. What's his motivation? He isn't interested in the financial gain. Besides, what would he need much money for in Mirkwood? So...here's my take on this: The men accidentally stumbled onto the dangwath patch and found that Hiolith was growing it. It was a much smaller patch at that time. They wanted the dangwath to sell in Esgaroth--with the exception of Bierd who just wants it for his brother. The men can't gather it themselves because they have been caught twice in the forest by the border patrol, and if they're caught again, they'll be taken to the king. They let the warriors believe that they were poaching. The men found out that the patch is being grown by Hiolith for his private use, and they have blackmailed him into enlarging the plot and supplying them by threatening to reveal his little garden to the king. The leaders of Esgaroth want the men who are selling it and have asked the king for his help in finding out who they are so that they can be stopped. So Thranduil has agreed to not destroy the patch yet, but will aid the men in finding out who the top guy is. Therefore...Hiolith's motivation is to supply himself. If the men rat on him...the patch is history. How am I doing? I tell you what, I had a great time trying to put this puzzle together. Even if I'm wrong...what the heck, it's been such fun. I had no idea that you are so cruel. Poor Ithilden. Knowing what a stickler he is, this last episode is almost too much to bear! He ripped her dress off! Oh my, he is mortified! If Alfirin can calm down and get over her humiliation for a moment, she's learned something very interesting about the commander. If this guy keeps showing back up after such horrors have been heaped on him, then he is surely in love with her. And it probably would not have done for Ithilden to show up at her cottage with her and her destroyed dress. Thranduilion or not, her father will have to hear the story without Ithilden around. Ada, the mild-mannered forester who turns into Superelf when his baby girl is threatened. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be laughing. Poor Ithilden. And Alfirin too! Courted by the Prince of Mishap. Who knew? Even though Eilian is handling the whole spy role well, he's still fighting that old shadow. Fortunately, all his keepers are on their toes. And I think he's right; he'd be mincemeat if he touched the dangwath again. As always, I love Maltanaur and his line: “You want to beat them bloody,” Maltanaur corrected, and when Eilian turned sharply, he gave him a grin. “And if you behave yourself, I may let you do it, but not tonight. Eilian unleashed. Wonderful chapter. You've done a great job of slowly revealing what's happening and slowly feeding us just the right amount of information to keep us guessing and wanting to read on. I can't wait for the next clues. As always, my predictions are subject to change! Karen Author Reply: Very sharp, Karen. I'd say that's an excellent guess! Neither Ithilden nor Alfirin is going to remember much of this with enjoyment, I'm afraid. Poor things. Still, maybe it will be good for them both to remember that the other kept coming back even in the face of these awful events. It must be love! Eilian is very lucky in those who love him, even when he resents them. Maltanaur reads him very well and probably shares a lot of his anger. Thank you, Karen. I have to say I'm glad all is revealed. I hated having to keep my mouth shut. I could never be a narc.

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/20/2004
Ah, you have taken some of the guessing out of the story for me. So it is a sting that Eilian is involved in, a dangerous one too by the looks of things. And poor Legolas is left in the dark worrying about his brother. Sometimes withholding the truth causes more harm than protect. I wonder if Thranduil realizes that. Legolas will probably worry about Eilian anyway even if he knows the truth, but at least his faith in his brother won't be tested. Poor Ithilden! The evening started out so well, only to be interrupted so unromantically by a burning shawl and a ripped dress. Will he ever have one uneventful evening of courting his future wife? Thranduil is a control freak. He even worries about Ithilden's progress in courting Alfirin. Soon he will be giving Ithilden an agenda to follow, no doubt. Looking forward eagerly to your next chapter. Author Reply: It was time to reveal the truth, and I'm glad. I could hardly stand keeping my mouth shut and not chatting about my characters with reviewers. Actually, with Legolas locked away, Thranduil probably could tell him the truth now. He really couldn't before because Legolas is not good at deception. Poor Ithilden indeed. And 'control freak' sums Thranduil up very nicely. But I sympathize. I like my son's current girlfriend, and a friend suggested (as a joke, I hasten to say) that I get together with her mother and plan the wedding and give it to the young people as a present. ;-)

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/20/2004
It seems to me, daw, that you are getting a perverse delight from putting two dignified people like Alfirin and Ithilden into such embarrassing situations. I'm surprised your Ithilden muse is still speaking to you. Eilian and Thranduil's interactions are as painful as ever. Eilian might have actually been better off moving to the settlements and living with Celuwen (though not in the same house as Solith!). Ack, poor Legolas. But his trials will be at an end soon, no? Author Reply: I have to admit I enjoy tormenting the lovers. They will driven together by these common awful experiences! Eilian and Thranduil do have a hard time with one another. They're quite different, I think. But Eilian needs his father's guidance still. I just wish he had a little more of his father's faith. Legolas will soon put an end to hanging out in his room anyway. :-) Author Reply: PS Are you going to update your story?

Levade	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 8/20/2004
Updated again, woot! Poor Legolas, doing what he thought was best...but it's hard when you don't have the whole picture. This cracked me up for some reason: Thranduil was trying to leave his oldest son to court the healer’s daughter in peace, but he was finding it difficult. He was still uncertain if Alfirin would be willing to live her life in the palace with the king’s oldest son who was also the troop commander and whose self-confidence occasionally extended to the point of arrogance, but he liked her and thought she might be good for his son. And of course, Ithilden was showing very few signs of arrogance in his approach to the maiden, which was slowing things down more than Thranduil would have preferred. Of course, his son’s reticence also gave Thranduil hope that he might actually love this maiden. Hence his impatience at finding Ithilden still at home. The King just is an impatient soul at times, isn't he? He would be a difficult person to live with, IMHO, even if he did dearly love you. And alas...poor Ithilden! No luck at all! Hard to believe he really did woo and win her, but for all of his trying so hard, he's not doing so great so far. g Still, he's doing okay, but he probably thinks he's just messing it all up. Looking forward to more, Daw! Author Reply: I thought the family would try to keep Legolas out of it. He's not good at being deceptive and he's protective of his family. I thought that for his own safety (and Eilian's) they'd want him far away. I think that Thranduil would be very hard to live with, especially for sons. I think he's such a strong personality himself that they must have to work very hard to have any space for themselves. And if Ithilden doesn't get cracking, he's likely to find that Thranduil has planned the wedding and tells him when to show up!

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