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A Creature of Fire by daw the minstrel	21 Review(s)
thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005
I so enjoyed this chapter I seem to thrive on all the little bits that make your story telling so fulfilling. The undercurrents between Eilian and Thranduil, the way Celuwyn 'handles' the king and her husband. The new age elf in that settlement will never know what hit him and Eilian will be so proud of his wife. Also the love Ithilden and Alfirin have for each other and their son and Thranduil has for all his family Just a few words and Legolas positively glows under his Adar's approval. As I say it is the descriptive bits and peices that makes this so good to read, the fact that Legolas waits for permission before sitting down to eat,Beliond's reaction to Alasse! The friction you can almost taste between Legolas,Sinnarn and Galelas can't wait to read more thanks Judy Author Reply: I'm glad you like those "little bits" because I was worried that that chapter was boring. I had to get Legolas out of the house and on patrol and I had to introduce some pieces of information and some characters. I kind of like just watching this family interact so I'm glad you do too, Judy.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005
Oh yeah, I’d get completely lost at times if not for that chronological list of stories! Although, a list of who’s in which patrol at what time along with the name of the captain would be very handy too…;-) Well, that week flew! I’m glad Legolas is feeling more rested and relaxed. Time off will do that. I’m indebted to St. Patrick for giving us a day off this Thursday. Yay, Sinnarn is indeed in that patrol! I’m so fond of him. The little discussion about him was rather interesting. Ithilden seems determined that posting Legolas there will be good for his son too. The fact that Legolas isn’t that much older than Sinnarn must make it a little strange that there’s no thought at all of making Sinnarn an officer or of sending him south for experience. Even in another couple of hundred years he’s still seen as a young warrior. Of course, trust Thranduil to stand up for him! He obviously doesn’t feel that he needs to tiptoe around Sinnarn’s parents in the way he had to when Sinnarn was an impressionable child and difficult teenager! I love the thought of Alfirin sending tunics to her son. She’s such a mother. I wonder if Legolas ever had packages of clothing arrive from home? Although, I recall Thranduil being quite good about sending his sons things like warm gloves. There’s an awful lot of bobbing up and down every time a female enters! I’m laughing at the thought of Eilian and Celuwen on top of the world since Thranduil agreed to their little trip. I figured he’d feel the need to remind Eilian how to behave, although an hour seems quite a long time for them to be ‘chatting’. At least Eilian doesn’t seem at all put out by the fact that his father is glad to be rid of him for a while! Anyr??? Yep, “exceedingly vague” just about sums him up. I suppose he wasn’t that bad, though. Just not a great leader and a little too trusting of people. And completely lost in nature. His settlement would be very attractive to elves looking to spend some time in peace. Now Eilian is another story. I’m starting to feel a little sorry actually for Anyr and his people when Eilian lands in their midst for a few months! Especially if it’s with the intention of persuading them to “make changes”… Ah well, if Eilian gets restless there at least there are probably plenty of people who don’t know that they shouldn’t wager with him ;-) That was a tense moment between Thranduil and Eilian. I get the impression that Thranduil had merely intended to make it clear that he trusted Celuwen and inadvertently offended Eilian by suggesting that he let his wife do the work. And Thranduil is trying to impress upon Eilian the importance of diplomacy?! Thank heavens for Celuwen’s interruption. I was interested in Legolas’ thoughts about that. I’d always just presumed that she was purposely trying to keep the peace between them but I really like the idea that she senses Eilian’s emotions and tries to ease any hurt he might be feeling. Anyway, it was great to see them all laughing and enjoying the remainder of the meal. It must be uncomfortable for Legolas to hear Eilian defend Galelas like that when Galelas has made life difficult for Legolas on so many occasions. I imagine Eilian can’t help but react when he sees something as an injustice. I always like the good-bye scenes. And, of course, they wouldn’t be complete without Beliond commenting on Legolas’ latest horse! I particularly liked the line “You look as if you had enough time at home to lift your spirits at any rate.” He must have been concerned about Legolas there for a while. It’s wonderful to see their easy relationship now too. I know Elorfin pops up now and then but I don’t recall if we’ve ever seen him up close like this. He seems very likeable anyway as well as fond of Eilian and respectful of Legolas. Nithron is another person that I don’t feel I know very well. Not that I should get too attached to him :-( At least Beliond seems to have a pal in him. Galelas doesn’t appear to have softened much towards Legolas. They didn’t even greet each other! Can you imagine if Galelas and Legolas had to share a flet?? Even Beliond in the earlier, crankier days would be preferable. So Galelas isn’t particularly friendly with Sinnarn either? That’s interesting. I had to laugh when Legolas innocently asked if Sinnarn was paired with a more experienced warrior. I admit, though, that I was also a little startled to realise that Sinnarn is one of those who would be training others. LOL at Beliond dropping onto the flet and surprising them. He’ll be smiling to himself all night now. “Legolas, has it ever occurred to you that we members of the king’s household are much put upon by those who are supposed to guard us?” Surely that thought never crossed Legolas’ mind?! It’s nice to know that Nithron does his job just as well as Beliond and Maltanaur, though… So you’re gone for a week? Oh well, at least you didn’t cliff-hanger us. Legolas is content and all is right with the world. For now. I know it’s work but still, have a good trip. :-) Author Reply: Yay, the hotel has an internet connection! And I just got here and my conference doesn't start until tomorrow, so I have some time to catch up. I'm having some trouble picturing relative elven ages, I think. I suspect that they don't all mature at the same rate, that the king's sons had responsibility early, and that the degree to which one has a wood-elf temperament affects how one acts even as a "mature" adult. I think Sinnarn, like Eilian, is pretty wood-elfy (and mixed with the blood of Oropher, who was not know for prudence or patience that has to be a heady mix). I had trouble writing about Legolas standing when his sisters-in-law entered the room. It felt silly to keep writing that he stood, but I think he would. I think all of Thranduil's sons would be raised to stand when a woman enters the room, so I had to try to work it in. I'm worried about Eilian at the settlement. Actually, I'm worried about what he's going to do when Sauron is defeated. Has he been ruined for living happily in the woods? Maybe it's just that settlement that's a bad match for him. Or maybe he just needs challenges that engage him so he doesn't get restless. And you nailed Thranduil's intent when he said that Celuwen could do the diplomacy. Eilian had just said he wasn't good at it, so what's he getting huffy about? He just expects his father to criticize him and reads that into Thranduil's comment. I wrote about Galelas on the plane today so there'll be more about him in the next chapter. As always, thank you for this very nice review, Dot.

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005
Another wonderful chapter and as usual, I find myself wishing for more as I reached the end of it. That was a nice scene in the family's dining room, a bit of everything from everybody present and everybody stayed true to his/her character. Thranduil's relief to see Eilian leave to spend time at another settlement reminds me of a stressed out mother at the end of the summer holidays, counting the minutes to the first day of school. And once again, Celuwen proves her worth to the family by smoothing things over between father and son. I think Thranduil is coming to realize how much of an asset she is, not only as advisor to him, but also in her role as his daughter in law. Legolas and Galelas - are we to see a continuation of the tension that existed between them when they were novices together? I am now more sympathetic to Galelas knowing what he has to put up with at home and hope that he and Legolas come to some form of quiet tolerance for each other. It's nice to see Beliond the grouch back and the obvious comfortable relationship that he and Legolas now shares. "Do you need me to put you to bed?" I can just imagine how Legolas would have responded to that question a few stories back. Author Reply: I laughed at your comparison of Thranduil and a mother at the end of summer vacation. I'm sure you're right about the king's appreciation for Celuwen. Not only does she smooth things over, but she also kind of interrupts the pattern that Thranduil and Eilian had established where they expect things to go wrong and they do, so maybe there won't need to be as much smoothing over in the future. I think you can count on some time between Legolas and Galelas. I too feel really sorry for Galelas. But he's a pain in the butt for Legolas. Legolas and Beliond have come a long way. I think Beliond has more respect for Legolas and Legolas is not so automatically resentful. Glad you liked it, Manderly.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2005
We have an entry for understatement of the year! “You would be difficult too if Tinár were your brother.” Offers open for words or phrases to replace 'difficult' - I think I might go for 'in Valinor'. That or 'psychotic'. Have you ever worked out how old Ithilden was when he became an officer? Because Eilian was 100 or so (I think. Can't be bothered to find out more precisely.) Legolas was 280 ish - but Sinnarn is still an oily rag (and one capable of getting in BIG trouble) in his 400s. So becoming an officer is not necessarily tied in with being a royal - although, of course, it helps! It's a shame we won't see Eilian dealing with Anyr. It could be seriously entertaining to watch him turn into Ithilden or his Adar. Especially the moment when he hears himself giving Thranduil's speech on responsibility. It's sweet seeing Alfirin fuss over mother-stuff, like new tunics for her boy. Though I am pleased to see her getting out of the Stronghold every now and then for a picnic. She does seem rather stuck in the nurturing role. I wonder if she ever resent Celuwen's position in the family - and her ability to swan off and do what she wants? A few weeks in the woods with Ithilden might be good for Alfirin, too - but she's unlikely to get them. Nurturers tend to get rather taken for granted, and Alfirin is so good at palacekeeping that nobody really notices her skills. Legolas really is coming over as an adult son here. He is so self-controlled and sensible. Still, I suppose after 240 odd years as a warrior, he has just about got used to the routine by now. His maturity in the way he deals with Beliond, too. Last story, he would have thrown a hissy fit at Beliond treating him like a baby - but now, it's almost part of a joke between them. And you have to do a Lorellin story (please) - by the way Celuwen gets away with manipulating Thranduil, he must have been putty in her hands. I just love the thought of seeing him helplessly going along with whatever she charms him into doing. I expect Alfirin can manage him, too, but I suspect she is a lot more subtle and focuses on household things. Except when it comes to Sinnarn, of course. Good stuff. Author Reply: That's a good observation about how the royals became officers at different ages. I think the older two were promoted young partly because the realm needed them. Ithilden was the oldest and Thranduil needed someone to direct his troops, and Eilian became a warrior soon after the Watchful Peace ended, so the number of warriors was smaller at that time (in my head, of course). But within a few years, elves had responded to the returning danger and joined the fight to guard their homes so Legolas and then Sinnarn were able to wait. And in Sinnarn's case, the wait will be mighty long! Thank goodness for the deathlessness of elves or they'd all be really worried because in looking at Sinnarn, they'd be looking at a future king. LOL about how horrified Eilian would be when his father's words came out of his mouth. Maybe he can leave things to Celuwen and go off and enjoy himself in the woods introducing the innocent youths of the settlement to racing and gambling! I'm reading your comments about Alfirin and thinking that I'm having trouble seeing her as an individual right now so perhaps I too am taking her for granted. But I also think that she's happy in what she's doing. She feels useful. She runs a huge household, the equivalent of a small business. But I suppose those picnic breaks are necessary. :-) On my list of stories to do is one shortly before Lorellin dies. Legolas would be little, which might fun.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/14/2005
I'm really looking forward to seeing Legolas and Galelas in the same patrol after their previous history. Now that they're adults, the relationship--good or bad--should have a new twist on it. I've wondered since first meeting Galelas how he and Legolas would relate to one another when they grew up. Sometimes rotten kids grow up to be great adults. (Sometimes not.) Considering that Eilian sees something good in Galelas, I have hope. Eilian has such a good sense about people, I trust him that underneath all the prickly behavior that Galelas has exhibited over the years that there's somebody good in there. So Eilian and Celuwen are moving to Anyr's settlement. I love this. Eilian will go nuts with this guy in charge. Let's stop to think about the guy he's used to being in charge and compare them for a moment. I think Eilian's standards might be a tad different than Anyr's. Of course, Eilian could always decide that he likes NOT having anyone in charge. And Beliond is around to tuck Legolas in. I was glad to see Nithron. Two more keepers together. YAY! I looking forward to seeing where this will go. Lead on, your minstrelship. Good chapter. Karen Author Reply: There's a lot of possiblities here. I'll have to see if I can work them out with just Legolas's POV to work with. I don't know how you manage to work with just first person all the time, Karen. It would make me crazy. I feel sorry for Galelas, and I think there are possibilities there too. He's never going to be easy to get along with, I think, but I'd like Legolas to at least see Galelas's good qualities. I'm off for San Francisco in about an hour. I'm hoping the hotel has internet hookups and I have time to use them.

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/14/2005
A lovely, light chapter, daw. You have done a marvelous jog of making the ordinary, every day sort of stuff entertaining. :-) Author Reply: Thank you, Karri. This is the kind of stuff we were talking about that is most hard to write, I think. I beat my head on my keyboard trying to think about what Legolas and his new captain might talk about, for instance.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/14/2005
You know, I re-read Spring Awakenings just a few hours ago! Is that wierd or what?! :) I think this will be very interesting to follow Legolas all through the story. I was thinking about that when I read your review reply and my initial thought was, oh that will be easier for her. It took about one minute of thinking about it to realize that was certainly not the case. Part of the reason I like your stories is because you always share with us the little challenges you set yourself and we can all learn from them as you do. I've learned a lot, I think, by looking at your writing here. I bet your classes are great. Anyway, on to the chap: I was amazed how much you packed into that opening dialogue. It was great. All the fun references to Spring Awakening (tied for my favorite story of yours along with A Question of Duty--depends on what day you ask me which I like best at the time). And all the nuances of everyone's relations--especially Celuwen's ability to difuse situations between Thranduil and Eilian and Thranduil's deference to her. Thranduil needed a daughter! I just went back to think about which lines from that dialogue were my favorites that I might want to call attention to and I realized I had highlighted about all of them. Great dialogue! And so we are going to see Legolas commanding Sinnarn and Galelas. I think I would have refused that duty. Poor Legolas. And he has already put Galelas off by displacing him. That whole dynamic, along with helping new warriors along ought to be very interesting. And once again I will say, I just love Beliond--from his approval of Legolas's new horse to his sneaking up on them in the talan to his offers to put everyone to bed. He is a great nana for Legolas. I love how you use him in these stories. I am certain I am going to love this story already. Author Reply: You really know how to make a fellow writer feel good, Elliska! I'm already tearing my hair out about having to limit myself to Legolas. I'm suddenly thinking about things I've seen in other writer's work and realizing what they're doing. I was thinking about how JK Rowling always follows Harry. So how does she get around the need to know what other people are doing and feeling? That's what a huge amount of the magic is for -- extendable ears, bowls of thoughts that you can read, etc. Once I thought of that, I could see it everywhere. Another thing I've been working on is showing, not telling and that's why there's so much dialogue at breakfast. I was trying to get them to reveal themselves without getting into their heads. I'm glad you think it worked. I'm hoping the Galelas/Sinnarn/new warriors stuff is interesting. I need to start the next chapter with that. I'm flying to San Francisco for a conference early tomorrow and won't be back until Saturday, so I don't know how much time I'll have to write other than on the plane. My beta loves Beliond. She makes me put in everywhere. :-)

LOTRFaith	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/14/2005
Horray!! A new story! :-D lol... I must say.. I do not know how in the world you can write in between stories! I would go insane trying to remember what I wrote in the previous story and making sure it also fit within the next story.. I can barely write my own story as it is let alone figure out any of the stuff you have to :-) But I must say.. You do an excellent job! I too have wondered why Eilian easily took Galelas under his wing when Galelas quite obviously doesn't like Legolas. Perhaps he is jealous of Legolas? That Legolas has a loving older brother and Galelas does not? And that Legolas gets at much attention at home as his brothers? Hmm.. Now there's a thought... And unless you clear that up;-) I will continue to think as such :-D With your permission of course ;-) Winces... Boy.. Thranduil can really go straight for the heart can't he... Sometimes I wonder if he really even knows how he can so easily slip past Eilian's defenses and strike at his vulnerable spots... But anyway.. excellent chapter! And I look forward to seeing what trouble Legolas can get himself into ;-) Author Reply: I confess I have to read my other stories to remember who's where and when. I made this list of stories on my author page and it's been the most useful thing! It has the stories in order and lists Legolas's age. I consult that all the time. I think Eilian is one of those people who can't resist trying to help someone in pain, and he sees that Galelas is in pain and that's why he acts like he does. That's harder for Legolas to see because he and Galelas are the same age, and Eilian has never been Galelas target like Legolas has. That's an interesting observation about how Thranduil can always hurt Eilian even without meaning to. Eilian is much more vulnerable that he'd like to admit. Thanks for the review, Faith.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/14/2005
All the class clowns together in two lumps, eh? Eilian, Celuwen and Anyr all sharing a settlement, that oughta be fun. I suspect that no one is more surprised at seeing Eilian in a position as The Responsible One than Eilian himself. But it's probably a sobering learning experience for him, suddenly having to be responsible. Thranduil can yell at him all he wants, but at home, Ithilden is always there. Eilian is one of those guys who have to learn to be responsible by doing it. And the Northern Border Patrol. Elorfin must be having kittens at the thought of having the King's baby boy and the King's darling grandson both under his command at once. I mean, yes, he gets to have Beliond and Nithron in the patrol, but the stress must be overwhelming at times. Add Galelas into the mix, and you've got The Three Stooges, The B Cast. Galelas and Sinnarn ought to be an interesting mix, given Galelas' feelings toward the royal offspring and Sinnarn's tendency to cozy up to misfits. It looks like Thranduil has decided that the lesson that worked with Eilian will also work with Legolas, teaching him responsibility by setting him to watch over someone else. In Legolas's case, it kind of works -- he learned a lot by adopting Amdir, though it didn't seem to do Amdir much good. But he's always been the sort to indulge Sinnarn, probably because they are so close in age, and Sinnarn, being younger, is someone he can indulge. My sister was like that when our little cousin was born. She wasn't the baby of the family any more. Author Reply: Eilian does well as captain because he won't risk other people like he risks himself. But as a captain, he pretty much can issue orders and watch them get carried out. Anyr is not going to respond well to that. He'd be maddening, actually. I did wonder if it was realistic to have Legolas and Sinnarn in the same patrol, but decided it had to happen sometimes. Family members did serve together (Thranduil and Oropher, Eomer and Theoden, etc). But it still must make Elorfin nervous. At least the patrol is a safe one -- usually. If I were Sinnarn, I'd be ticked off that everyone still thinks he's a kid. I think he's pretty shrewd too. But he's not always the most responsible person around. Sometimes things slip his mind -- 13 dwarves, for instance.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/14/2005
Well, that was a tense breakfast. Something makes me think Thranduil was only too happy to get Eilian out of his hair while they were still on speaking terms. I can't really imagine Eilian getting along with the hippies too well, though, especially if Celuwen starts wearing flowers in her hair and playing a ukelele. Beliond hasn't changed. Still as carefree and lighthearted as ever. Legolas's arrival at the camp was nicely edgy. Geez, first impressions. How are they going to react to him? He can't be too soft or too stern. Wow, they're young. It's amazing when they start to look young. And Legolas cracked me up, calling Sinnarn an inexperienced warrior. He's what, 350 to Legolas's 390? Hoot! Just throw Galelas in for a monkey wrench and we've got warrior stew. He's an interesting puzzle. Legolas's speculation about why Eilian is the only Thranduilion that Galelas tolerates was interesting. Oh, and I loved the little scene with Beliond dropping in on Legolas and Sinnarn, and then almost pushing Sinnarn off the flet. Entertaining, and a nice reminder that these are Elves. And it was good to see Legolas enjoying being out in the woods. Author Reply: Eilian and Anyr is a happy thought, isn't it? LOL. Almost makes me wish I hadn't decided to follow Legolas around in this story. Maybe Thranduil is amused by the thought. He does seem relieved to have shipped his son off where at least he won't have to see what's going on and Celuwen will keep things from getting too out of hand. I had to keep reminding myself that there were about 200 years worth of warriors who were younger than Legolas now. Some of them, like Sinnarn, are also experience (although Uncle Legolas has trouble remembering that), but there must be quite a few who will indeed look young to Legolas. (In that category, the one that bothered me was when my doctor started looking really young!)

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