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Time's Turnings by daw the minstrel	21 Review(s)
sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/11/2005
I did not know Ithilden liked music. I guess you learn something new everyday. I love how Beliond is acting all excited on going on a 'mission' I have to wonder what exactly did he do when he worked as one of Thranduil's spies. I can't wait to see Eilian's reaction to the paper. More soon please! -sofia Author Reply: I usually forget that Ithilden loves music. I mentioned it in a few of the first stories I ever wrote, including "Joinings," the fic in which he and Alfirin bond. I have a theory about where he got his love of music and why he seldom plays now except with his own small family. I'm going to try to work it into this story if I can. I have an outline of the next chapter but haven't done much yet. This weekend I should have time to write. :-)

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/11/2005
Oh, c'mon, Beliond! Teach Legolas how to pick locks! Can we have a fic about that, please? The part with Sinnarn and Ithilden was touching. I hadn't realized before how suffocated Sinnarn must feel at being the heir's son. And I like how Ithilden was being a typical Annoying Parent, saying all the things Sinnarn knew he would say. Beliond and Legolas were hysterical. Maybe you should start writing a series about them--the adventures of Beliond and Legolas in Dale. Make Legolas a spy, too! They can run around Middle Earth like a funny Elven Odd Couple and wreak havoc. Author Reply: Beliond is just being stubborn. Picking locks could be so handy! Eilian should know how too. Think of how proud Adar will be of his boys! I had to think about the fact that Sinnarn was in line for some heavy responsibility. It probably won't happen, given the life spans of elves, but Oropher died, and the times are dangerous. It must be scary for Sinnarn, who isn't big on responsibility yet. He's just a kid! Oh god. An elven Odd Couple. Now there's an ff.net story waiting to happen!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/11/2005
Yep!. Another end-of-the-week treat! This is getting quite intriguing, chapter after chapter! I was almost frantic trying to learn whether they were discovered or not!!! You see... Legolas and Beliond are beginning to be truly comic with that strained relationship in which annoyance and care are mingling in everything they mean to say to each other... I can't help but see Eilian and Maltanaur shooting quizzical looks at each other and trying to hide their amusement while these two try to explain why they were "elves on a mission (not previously cleared with their ranking officer!) By the way, such a great sentence!!! ( “An elf on a mission”) it sounded self-important and sarcastic at the same time! (a case of character/author’s differring view of the same situation? ;-) Anyway, Beliond being bored and recognizing Legolas usefulness are two new variables one needs time to process!!! And yes, the Easterlings, both merchant and king’s advisor’s advisor, (hey, I got it right this time!!!) seem quite evil! And Sinnarn!!! Poor one!!!! I think judging own parent’s trade and life is one of the cruellest and most unfair mistakes any adolescent can make… and useless as well!!! For most of what we ever become is rooted in our past… Life’s sense of humour I'd guess… But that thought was truly cruel... Understandable but cruel (on the child’s part, not yours!!!! I think Ithilden is managing the situation very well!! and poor Sinnarn eventually will learn to cope with.. his hormones!) On the other way, I just winced out of sympathy... family trade can be terribly daunting for one that age, you feel as if you hear doors closing noisily upon your face everywhere you turn to… (And I know what I’m speaking of!!!) Maybe it is time uncle Legolas has a long talk with his nephew? Anyway what I liked most in this chapter was a short sentence “... Made him spit out a word he had learned from Oropher…” Mmm I’d love to read which word was it, and how and why Beliond learned it or earned it? Which leads me back to my ” Wouldn’t it be good to have a look at Thranduil’s youth?” refrain ;-) Nice weekend and fruitful plotting!!!! Author Reply: Well this is good. Several people have now told me that the search part was tense, which I'm relieved to hear. I was a little concerned that there was too much description of all the bric-a-brac. I'm an impatient soul myself and have been trying to slow down a little and savor my chances. How often do I get to write from Beliond's POV after all? Not very! And he's fun because he's so cranky. It seemed to me he would be bored lots of the time keeping an eye on Legolas. I think he could solace himself with the forest, but then he would have other warriors around almost all the time and he'd been a loner for a long time before Thranduil made him Legolas's keeper. I don't think that was good for him, but changing must sometimes be difficult. A few stories back, I decided I didn't know Ithilden well enough, so I tried to write more from his POV and I've been learning about him as a result. And I felt so sorry for him here. He loves this child and he has to let him go. And Sinnarn loves his parents but has to step away. No wonder it's so painful for all of them. Thranduil's youth? That could be fun. It would mean creating a whole different world though, set in a different age. I'll have to think about it!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/11/2005
What a wonderful chapter! I love the way you’re building the story at such a tantalising pace, with some new development in every chapter instead of all in one go, and the added tensions between the characters makes this great reading. I really enjoyed the adventure Beliond and Legolas have in the spice shop but my favourite part of this chapter is the Sinnarn/ Ithilden moment. Sinnarn seems to have inherited his love of being out at night from Uncle Legolas. Of course, add boredom and frustration into the mix and no wonder he’s feeling sorry for himself. You captured the sense of feeling misunderstood and that longing for anything other than what he has really well. And while Sinnarn feels misunderstood, to Ithilden he’s incomprehensible. I just loved the idea that they would all sing together and especially the insight into Ithilden’s love of music. I remember Legolas being astonished when Ithilden sang to Alfirin so I can see why his son, who is under his authority all the time, would find it hard to reconcile this aspect of his father with his otherwise serious nature! Anyway, I’m glad you’re giving music a more important place in Ithilden’s life than we knew previously. Except now I want to know when and why he got his first harp!! I thought Sinnarn actually managed quite well in attempting to voice his thoughts. I feel sorry for him because I hate to see him feel so trapped but at the same time it’s mostly just adolescence and there isn’t anything anyone can say or do that will help. I had never stopped to think, though, that Sinnarn might have to more or less follow in his father’s footsteps. Thranduil is lucky in Ithilden but not everyone is suited to that life. I felt most sorry for Ithilden. How hard to know that your son is constantly irritated by and angry with you. He seems to be making an effort to understand but I think he really did the right thing in the end by just letting Sinnarn know how much he loves him. And wow, the depth of his love for his son comes across almost painfully. Sinnarn wasn’t the only one blinking away tears. It’s good that Ithilden was so open with him. Sinnarn needs that. I guess they’ll just have to let time take care of this one. And Ithilden should take comfort from the fact that even the great Thranduil was better with elflings and adults. Maybe Sinnarn should have a chat with his doting grandfather. If nothing else, he’ll make him feel better for a while. Beliond was particularly marvellous in this chapter! I loved the chance to be inside his head! I had to laugh at him secretly unable to resist a little excitement. “If Todith or Eilian or anyone else was leading this little foray into crime, would you challenge his right to use his warriors as he thought best?” Well… technically Legolas could argue that Todith or Eilian would actually be commanding officers and thus entitled to order him about…but I’m kind of glad he had the sense to realise that Beliond really is trying to involve him and keep him safe at the same time. Beliond’s thoughts about Legolas are just hilarious. “Beat the snot” out of him indeed. It would seem Beliond has done this before! He seemed entirely too comfortable picking locks and searching through things. A little jumpy, maybe, but he certainly knows what he’s doing. You did such a great job in writing the search. Admittedly I had to stop myself from scrolling down to see what happened but I’m glad I didn’t skim over it because you really made the scene come alive with the wonderful details you included. LOL at him learning his colourful language from Oropher. I’m thinking Thranduil must have learned a thing or two from his adar as well so. And it made me pause for a moment to think about how far back Beliond’s connection to this family goes. I don’t know if it was meant to be funny or not but something about the phrase “an Elf on a mission” really tickled me. It was very clever of him to realise that there might be something behind the drawer. And clever too of Legolas to pretend to be looking for Raena! It won’t help relations between him and these particular Men, but at least Beliond managed to make it look as though Legolas was just an ignorant youngling – and someone else’s son other than Thranduil’s. These two are certainly quick thinkers. So they have their evidence? Something tells me that Bram might not willingly believe that the Elves happened to just find this paper. And I also have my doubts that he would be able to read the language either. But I’ll have to wait and see, I suppose…;-) At least Legolas has earned himself some respect at last! And in turn he seems to be starting to accept just how exasperating Beliond can be. Eilian won’t be too thrilled when he hears of their escapade, but I suspect that it’ll be more the fact that baby brother was in danger than anything else. And a little jealousy at what they were doing while he was eating dinner! Besides, it’s my guess that Maltanaur will be more inclined to agree that Beliond and Legolas took the only real option open to them considering that they’re supposed to be learning who’s behind the rumours. You have a great story here, daw. It’s one that I really look forward to re-reading in one go when it’s over - and whenever RL decides to get back to normal, which won’t be for a while yet - but at the same time I don’t want it to end because I could keep reading this forever! :-) Author Reply: I'm so glad you think this is well-paced. I tend to be impatient and I've had to work at slowing down a little. It made me sad to think of Sinnarn and his parents making music together, which his parents undoubtedly loved and would love still, but now he wants nothing to do with them. I'm also thinking about your question about Ithilden's harp. I wonder if he got it from Naneth? And maybe he played it far less often after she died? Hm. I think I need to throw that in somewhere! Poor Ithilden. Alfirin and Sinnarn are both so precious to him. They were such surprises of happiness in a life that he had thought was good enough. It must kill him to watch his son pull away and yet he has to let it happen. This was the first time I've written from Beliond's POV (I think). He is a ton of fun to write about. And I too thought about what kind of authority he might have over Legolas. It's informal, unfortunately for Beliond, so he tries to intimidate Legolas. I've suggested before that the keepers might manhandle their charges a little. I don't think Thranduil would object for a second if he thought it was done to keep his sons safe. As a matter of fact, he would be likely to be angry at the son. Of course, when they're on patrol, this is all complicated also by the presence of officers who theoretically command both Legolas and Beliond. They must have to back off sometimes. I thought a lot of the things Beliond thought were funny, including "and elf on a mission." And also his self-righteous scorn for the locksmith who created the locks he picked. It's pitiful but I laugh at my own jokes. I hope RL is being kinder to you. Spring is coming and there's at least sun on the snow here today. I hope things are good where you are too.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/11/2005
You can think what you like about the advantages of Elven immortality. The extended "carefree and innocent" days of childhood. . . eternal youth and beauty. . . ever-growing wisdom. . . but the price you pay, that ol' J.R.R. conveniently neglected to mention, is having to deal with extended adolescence. First your own, in which you remain in the ugly-duckling stage (of course Elves must have an ugly-duckling stage. For a given value of "ugly duckling," but still.) for twice as long as a human, while your hormones rage and you can't do what you want and nobody ever tells you anything. And then, once you've finally gotten past all that, you get to do it all over again with the kids. Who may come centuries apart. No wonder the Elves tended to have few children. I think Sinnarn has really managed to verbalize everything that frustrates an adolescent: “I do not know what I want sometimes. I just want.” That's adolescence right there in two sentences. I would say that I'm glad I never have to go through that again, but I strongly suspect that I haven't quite left it to begin with. Does it ever go away? Or do you have to be 600 years old like Ithilden? Speaking of Ithilden, he did well tonight. Bet that sort of talk was something he learned from Lorellin. I strongly suspect that, whatever Eilian might officially have to think about Beliond and Legolas's little breaking and entering spree, he would really have been amused and fairly jealous that he wasn't along. Sometimes I think Beliond gives Eilian too much credit for being grown up. I also strongly suspect that, any day now, Legolas will figure out that Beliond takes the interesting jobs upon himself partially because he's bored and wants something fun to do. The day Legolas realizes that is the day that Beliond will stop having abnormal amounts of authority over him. “If Todith or Eilian or anyone else was leading this little foray into crime, would you challenge his right to use his warriors as he thought best?” The flaw in Beliond's statement here is that both Todith and Eilian have official rank over Legolas. Beliond does not. He's older, he's a bodyguard, and he has a certain amount of authority, but he doesn't have the rank that would make that statement really hold up to intense scrutiny. Fortunately, Legolas is still too inexperienced to make that connection. Mm-hmm. Beliond is enjoying his little lockpicking spree. We always knew he had it in him. Poppy syrup, he thought. More than he would have expected, but not precisely incriminating for a seller of herbs and spices. Interesting statement. Do you think that poppy extract is regulated in Middle-earth? To what extent? So Beliond learned to swear from Oropher. I wonder who else might have learned to swear from Oropher. Perhaps Thranduil has a more colorful vocabulary than you've led us to believe. I imagine him receiving news that Legolas won't be coming back from his little trip to Imladris and letting loose a rip-roaring stream of invective that will leave even Beliond astonished and impressed. At the moment, he should be impressed with Legolas's acting abilities. "Capable young fool" is pretty accurate, and Legoals did save Beliond's butt back there. Maybe he could be trusted with learning to pick locks. Of course, the real risk is that he would then teach the skill to Eilian. Author Reply: Ah, Ithilden learning how to talk to angry adolescents from Lorellin! I was just thinking about that. I think young Ithilden needs a little heart to heart with his naneth. Maybe next chapter, maybe not, depending on how long it takes me to deal with things in Dale. I thought a fair amount about the authority of the keepers, or lack thereof. You're right. Beliond isn't a parent and isn't a superior officer, but he's still charged with keeping Legolas safe, and he's expected to put his own life on the line if that's what it takes. So what's he going to do? I've hinted before that the keepers might occasionally manhandle their charges a little or try to intimidate them in general, and I think that's what Beliond is doing. Now Maltanaur has Eilian mostly "trained." But they might have had a few rough years there. I don't think that poppy extract was regulated, but I think that it was recognized as potentially dangerous. How could it not be? So having a lot might look like having a big store of weapons or something. My guess is that Thranduil can cuss if he wants to. He would certainly blow his sons' minds if he did! I think Eilian and Legolas both need to learn to pick locks. Think of how proud adar would be.

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/11/2005
What a tremendous chapter this was I admit it I had a peek at the end to make sure they were not caught I couldn't resist, sorry. Belion'ds thought about his charge were so funny as were his musings on what he would do to him if he didn't do as he was told, and this exchange was brilliant "you were a very convincing angry adar. At first, I was not entirely sure you were acting Beliond glared at him. “I was not entirely acting!” This really had me laughing out loud Beliond is so crusty but also proud of his charge as he reluctantly acknowledges much to Legolas surprise I do not think Eilian will be so happy however even with the information they have found Poor Ithilden and Sinnarn so close and so far apart the horrors of youth are so well drawn here as well as the confusion and hurt of the adult struggling to help In case you didn't know I am really enjoying this story Judy Author Reply: If you had to peek, then that's great because it means the chapter was tense. I was worried it might be boring with too much description of the inside of the herb shop. So good! This was the first time I've ever written from Beliond's POV (I think), and being inside his head was fun. I had originally sent Legolas into the shop too and told stuff from his POV, and then I had to rewrite much of it so it would sound like Beliond instead of Legolas. He's fun to write. I don't have a single other character who would consider "beating the snot" out of someone! I feel sorry for Ithilden. I know Sinnarn is in pain, but Ithilden is just so lost and he loves the kid. Ah well. Time will cure this particular ailment. I'm glad you like it. :-)

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/11/2005
I had this picture arrive of Eilian (the free spirit) being the totally indignant and angry captain at Beliond and Legolas (more for involving the brat than for endangering the mission) and then being silenced by Maltanaur's complete acceptance that OF COURSE that was what Beliond was going to do when sent among Men to keep his eyes open and find out what was going on. However grown-up Eilian and Legolas think they are, they are mewling kittens in the world of Elven intrigue. That was quite a clever move of Legolas's - even if it does give Men the wrong idea about Elves and wind up the 'they're only here for our women' brigade - and just as clever a move from Belion, who has planted the idea that Legolas is his son in such a way that the bad Men won't even realise he did it. Especially since he acted in such a wrathfully paternal way. I'm glad that he has spotted that the elfling has climbed a couple of steps on his way to mature warriorhood - if he can remember that, it should ease their relationship considerably. As should Legolas's increased respect for his keeper's skills. Lock-picking can be an unexpectedly useful talent: Legolas should insist on lessons as his price for not letting word of this adventure reach his adar. Or perhaps not. I'm not surprised the Easterlings turned out to be bad Men. Eilian should find the information useful if he can ever get past a) shouting at them for breaking and entering. (Or, if he is trying to keep it quiet, hissing at them.) And b) if he can convince Bram that the incriminating evidence was not planted by the Elves. If I were the bad Men, I think I might try to go for that argument - if they are on the verge of believing that all Elves are evil, then it shouldn't be too hard to make everyone think that they would do that sort of thing. As well as play with ladies of the night. This was beautifully done - full of tension. I will have to reread it shortly, now I know they have, at least, got away from the spice shop. Out of the frying pan - now they are heading for the fire. And Sinnarn. What can I say? Poor kid. He's a mass of roiling hormones, sure of nothing except that he doesn't want to be like his adar and his naneth's care is just too smothering and the whole world is NOT FAIR. It doesn't matter how reasonable everyone around him is being, he is going to want the exact opposite, just BECAUSE. He's not going to find it helpful to hear stories that prove that adults know best, but then, he's not going to find much else helpful either. At least he will avoid the defining event of his uncle Legolas's adolescence. Which can only be a good thing. Author Reply: Have you been looking at my notes through the computer screen again???? LOL. There is a certain contradiction between Eilian the wild child and Eilian the captain, and Maltanaur probably does need to redeem himself in Beliond's eyes from his earlier treachery in saying they should stay at the inn. And Bram might indeed wonder if this evidence really came from the shop. And I doubt if he can read it himself. But Beliond is clever. :-) Beliond was also worried about the men identifying Legolas and he took care of that quite nicely. He kind of pushed Legolas into doing something to slow the men because he stayed in the shop too long. I'm glad you thought that was tense. I was afraid it would be too boring because I had to describe stuff to make it at all real. You certainly seem to know Sinnarn well! Poor thing. His parents are pretty determined that he's going to make it to adulthood in one piece and with a good idea of honor and a good amount of self-discipline. Sounds simple, but isn't.

LOTRFaith	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/10/2005
laughed so hard at "He shuddered to think of what Thranduil’s reaction would be if he taught his youngest son to pick locks." lol!!! Now my mind is literally whirling with thoughts of other stories with Legolas picking locks. lol... Author Reply: LOL. Now that sounds fun! I can imagine that too, and Legolas could just say, "Beliond told me how." That would leave Thranduil sputtering!

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/10/2005
This chapter turned out to be quite exciting. Oh my, poor Sinnarn. I get the heebiejeebies recalling those years when you knew you wanted something, but had no idea what it was. The one thing you did know was that your parents' sole existence was to ruin your life. Now, the shoe is on the other foot. I'm the life-ruiner. I thought you captured Sinnarn's confusion and longing very well. And you caught Ithilden's desire to understand his son well too. I felt bad for him when he was trying so hard. The whole conversation he was hanging by a thread to not say the wrong thing and cause Sinnarn to tune him out. This scene turned out really sweet. And now to Dale where the Elves have entered a life of crime. Beliond turned out to be quite a little lock-picker. You did a great job of describing the shop and living quarters. And Beliond did a very thorough job of searching. My favorite lines: “And you are part of it! One of us needs to go inside. I was searching buildings when your nurse was wiping dribble from your chin with your bib, so do not tell me that should be you. I will go, and I need a lookout, and you are it.” LOL! And you are it! Legolas did well too. He was quick on his feet when the men turned up and even though he had protested loudly in the Inn that he had no interest in the human females, he seized that excuse fast enough. I wonder what the shop merchant thought. He was most likely rubbing his hands together with glee that he had more ammunition against the Elves...all the while Beliond was gaining his own ammunition against him. The chapter turned out great. But tell Beliond that I think he does need to teach Legolas to pick locks. This is skill that might come in handy one day. You never know... Lots of fun, Daw. I'm looking forward to what happens next. Karen Author Reply: I've really come to appreciate Ithilden through the last few stories. It worked like a charm to write about him more. He is so in control in the rest of his life, but with Alfirin and Sinnarn, who are most important to him, he's not. He loves this kid and has to watch him turn away. He has to because that's one way Sinnarn is declaring his independence and growing up. Sinnarn needs to remember the music he made with his parents, and still let that be part of his life, but he needs to make his own music. And in his future, there's Emmelin. Also some bad stuff about escaping Dwarves, but we won't go there. I think Beliond is much funnier at a distance. I wouldn't want to be Legolas! The search was one of the moments we this non-descriptive writer hesitated. I didn't want to rush but man, surely this building is kind of boring? Anyway, as you know that scene was also rewritten. At first I had Legolas going inside too and most of it was from his POV, so then I had to change it all around, showing the same scene from Beliond's POV, and the inside of his head sounds quite different from Legolas's. Legolas did do well and thought fast. We'll see how all this flies with Bram. I think lockpicking might be essential!

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/10/2005
Another great chapter! The pains of an adolescent and Sinnarn is getting it all. The immortal line of "I do not know what I want sometimes. I just want." That just about sums up those dreadful years of adolescent. My sympathy goes to Ithilden as I have two of my own and can so easily identify with his frustration of trying to get through to his son. I suppose the problem is compounded even more for both father and son as they are members of the Royal Family. Not a fun situation. You certainly did not disappoint with the break-in scene. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and had to make a major effort not to jump ahead in my reading to see whether Beliond finds the incriminating evidence or not. And what he planned to do to Legolas if he disobeyed - "beat the snot out of him". I laughed so hard that I nearly fell out of my chair. I must remember to use that line on my daughters sometimes. Really has quite the ring to it. Beliond must have been quite the undercover agent in his days, picking locks with such ease and knowing exactly how to search a place. And Legolas wanting to learn to pick locks! Thranduil's reaction to that would be priceless. Legolas did very well as the lookout, especially that little act of a lusting young fool. Even Beliond was impressed and Beliond is certainly not one to be easily impressed. "You are the limit, Beliond!" Another line that had me guffawing. A very entertaining chapter! Author Reply: Thank you, Manderly. Poor Sinnarn. I know he hurts, but I also feel badly for Ithilden who loves him and can't get through to him at all at this age. At least time cures it. I actually looked up the word "snot" in the Oxford English Dictionary to be sure it was old enough to use in this story and it first turned up in written English in the 15th century. I was surprised. So it was fun to use. It was rough but not vulgar and since I was in Beliond's head, that was a fine line to tread! Beliond and Legolas both had quite the night and it's not over yet. We'll see how Eilian reacts.

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