Sacrifice Under Shadow by daw the minstrel
caz - baz · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
finally, you got it all up. i don't think i can read another one of your stories until the whole thing's posted next time. well untill the end of your next story. caz - baz
Author's reply
I'll take it as a compliment that you wanted the whole story, Caz-baz! And I will love hearing from you whenever you decide you are willing and able to read.
mer · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
The End? Not for me, I continue to think of your story. I enjoyed reading your take on Legolas protecting Eilian-it was so moving. So, when's the next story coming? Will it be forward on the timeline or back? I can't wait!
Author's reply
Mer-- I love the idea that my story continues to live in your head. I have always enjoyed writing about the bond between Legolas and Eilian, but I knew I had to let Legolas grow up. So for me, this story was a way to keep that bond but change it into one between equal adults. I'm glad you enjoyed reading about it, because I certainly enjoyed writing it. I think I'll do a couple of short fics that may take us back in time, but then I want to do the Battle of the Five Armies sometime. We'll see. Work is pressing right now, I'm sorry to say.
Kalile · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
I remember the first time I saw a deceased body and my reaction was not so far removed from that of Eilian's. What a shock to the system it must have been for Eilian to realize that violence and death has now become part of his once safe, little world. Wonderfully done. Would it be odd for me to say that it was surprisingly refreshing to see Ithilden break down before his younger brother? In front of Thranduil he is the troop commander and to Lorellin he is her oldest son, but Eilian has never really thought of Ithilden as being anything more than...well, Ithilden. It adds a welcome break from the tension the two sometimes have in their relationship. I think I'm more afraid of an angry NanaMaltanaur than an angry NanaBeliond (although I'd rather not face either.) I can't help but grin at all the scenes of those four interacting...it's so immensely dysfunctional yet undeiable sweet at the same time... Yay! A happy Eilian at the end of one of your fics...it has been a while since that's happened! (My interpretation of the note is that it said very little and instead included some "steamy elleth sketches.") Err....that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Thank you, your minstrelness. You make me want to call my mom...and I think I will. Toodle-loo.
Author's reply
I thought that Eilian's reaction to a dead elf would be especially strong since he would not be expecting any elf to die. What he was seeing would be almost incomprehensible to him. And I too enjoyed (?) Ithilden's weak moment. I figured everyone needs comfort sometimes; no one is always strong. And it was good for Eilian to learn that. My beta encouraged me to expand the scenes with Maltanaur and Beliond in this chapter and I did. And as usual, my beta was right, because readers seem to enjoy them. The keepers kind of make me laugh too. And yes, a happy (if wounded) Eilian. We'll have to see if he can manage to stay that way.
LadyJules · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Thank you for another wonderful part of this series. I found these stories a month ago and love everyone of them. Thranduil is a great father and I love reading about Legolas growing up with his 2 grat older brothers and friends. Ithilden and Eilian are both well written believable characters that I care about. Finally I love Legolas, especially your Legolas. Thanks for writing Jule
Author's reply
LadyJules-- Thank you so much for your kind words. I am always thrilled when a reader tells me they just found the stories and read them all. That tells me they were caught and THAT is so satisfying to hear. :-) I have to admit that I am shamelessly fond of Legolas's brothers. Legolas is at the center of this series, but its writing about his interaction with his family that is most fun for me.
Lyn · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
What can I say? The BEST!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lyn. That's a lovely thing to say!
Antigone Q · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Whew! So Eilian got out of it safe and sound - yay! And Eilian the younger talked to his Naneth about his worries - again, yay! And of course, he finally talks to his Adar as well, it is just many years later. But what on earth did Celuwen write? If Eilian was making Thranduil read it over and over it couldn't have been bad news, could it? Could this finally be the moment for the two of them? I hope you start a new story soon, and take over more or less where you left off (HINT, HINT). I found the scene with Eilian taking care of Ithilden very touching, and all the more powerful because Legolas had just experienced that very same kind of role-reversal. Nice story, Daw - keep them coming!
Author's reply
Even Legolas didn't think he should be reading that letter, Antigone! We need to leave Eilian in peace to enjoy it for a while. But then we'll see. The scene with Ithilden really intrigued me once I thought of it a few weeks ago. I wanted something that was parallel in the two stories and that seemed to do nicely. And it was just so startling to think of Ithilden breaking down and needing Eilian. I am usually bored when I am without a story, so another one will probably be along soon.
The Karenator · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Now, just wait a cotton pickin' minute, your minstrelship! What was in the bloomin' letter? You dangled it like a big, old, fat, juicy worm before your flock of readers and then snatched it back. I smell tar being heated up again, and I see a few white feathers flitting about in the breeze. I don't know that I can hold off the angry peasants again, ya know. Where's that dear, sweet-faced, adorable, well-mannered beta anyway? Well, I never! Despite the evil manner in which you left us all hanging for word from Celuwen, the rest of the story was great. Legolas is coming into his own. He's proven himself to Eilian and to the keepers. Not that Beliond will take his eyes of him, but he must feel proud that his charge reacted so proficiently in such horrible circumstances. It was a testament to how shaken Maltanaur was that he was snapping at everyone. Fortunately, he made peace with Legolas by praising him...after he had gotten himself under control. Control came a little harder to Legolas. But who can blame him? He had put his heart and soul into seeing his brother safe. I suppose one doesn't just turn that kind of concern off like a light switch. Like Maltanaur said: "He could not imagine what would separate the sons of Thranduil from one another unless true disaster had befallen them." Knowing what love and devotion there is between these two, Maltanaur's thought was truly a frightening one. And he loves Eilian like his own son. So, Beliond is expanding Legolas's vocabulary? Good. Then when the time comes for him to hang out with mangy rangers, gruff dwarves and rough-riding Rohirrim, he'll be educated. I had forgotten that you had told us that Annael's grandfather had died fighting the shadow, and I was thinking as I read that that we need to put a keeper with Annael. This 'death by shadow' is starting to look like a family tradition. Poor Siondel. Poor Annael. The scene with Eilian and Ithilden in the garden was so sad. Poor Ithilden. He's so strong and competent and for the shadow to be returning must feel like a personal failure to him. He had already seen what horrors the shadow brings and to be faced with it again was just heartbreaking. It was certainly an eye-opener for Eilian. I loved Thranduil at the end. For as tough and solid a ruler as he is, he's such a good adar. While he and Eilian may be at odds from time to time, his love for Eilian is no less strong than it is for his other two sons. I think Eilian needs to know that,too. I imagine he may feel oftentimes that he doesn't live up to his adar's expectations. It's good for them to have these downtimes when both of their defenses are lowered and they can just love each other. Too bad it has to be when Eilian has nearly been killed! They have really had to grope in the dark for each other without Naneth to be their guiding light. Okay, your dawness, another terrific tale has been laid to rest. But from this finality comes the welling of hope, for surely a new one will weave its way into our hearts soon. Good show. Karen PS. Ps.s.s.t You can tell ME! What was in the letter? I won't tell anyone...just a few people who only have Eilian's best interest at heart. I promise....
Author's reply
The letter is *personal*, Karen, PERSONAL!!! ;-0 But Eilian seems pleased by it, don't you think? Nilmandra wanted me to include a present for him from her too but I was sure I was done with this chapter at that point and I beat my head on the keyboard a few times and refused. You and she can commiserate. Maltanaur and Beliond were both scared witless. I have told several other reviewers that these two have grown on me over time. They started out as just minor ideas, but they have become interesting. And I have to say the idea of Beliond swearing like a sailor amuses me. I'm not sure that Thranduil would have chosen him to take care of the baby if he'd realized quite how broad Beliond's vocabulary was. When the idea of Ithilden breaking down like that occurred to me a couple of weeks ago, I was really struck by it because he does seem so strong most of the time. And Eilian comforting him made a nice parallel to Legolas caring for Eilian. Good!Ada Thranduil needed to end the story, I think. These are his sons and he is risking them in the defense of his people. How hard that must be. Thank you for your continued encouragement, Karen. It means a lot to me.
sofia · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Im glad they were reunited with Maltanaur's group. Maltanaur sure is stubborn when his charge is wounded. I am glad that Eilian will be going home to get better help. Good story. You better not keep us waiting for another one!
Author's reply
Maltanaur is sure that Eilian needs him and that everyone else is less competent than he is at taking care of Eilian! And mostly, he's right. But Legolas did a good job here. I usually can't stand to be without a story for too long. Thank you for your kind words, Sofia.
Estel_Mi_Olor · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
*Tear* How do you always have the moving endings? So touching. Poor Maltanuar. Having to deal with a wounded Eilian and an incensed Legolas cannot be easy. I foresee some interesting times ahead for Legolas, in the Southern Patrol with a hyperventilating Beliond. Hee. I guess that your next story will take place when Legolas is a lieutenant? I hope so, that should be interesting. Thanks for this story and keep writing!
Author's reply
Estel-- Thank you so much for telling me that you found the ending moving. This story felt emotional to me at the end too, but you can never tell if readers will feel that way too. At least, I can never tell. I suspect that Maltanaur brushes Legolas off like a fly until he's sure that Eilian is OK. Then he turns around and realizes that this person he's fond of is hopping around shouting at him and he's sorry. Beliond is a little unglued here too. The keepers have gradually taken on lives of their own, I have to say, to a far greater extent than I expected when I first made them up. I am grateful for your kind words always.
Dot · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Amazing. I’m so sad this wonderful story has come to an end, but what an incredible ending it was. I wonder what it feels like to have so much power over our emotions…;) I loved the way you wrote Maltanaur’s deduction of events. It was fascinating to watch the way he pieced everything together. What a horrible moment it must have been, though, when he saw the hole in the ice. If Legolas or Eilian had fallen through they might never have been found. “Clever elfling.” LOL! Elfling indeed. I love that after all the worry, it isn’t relief he feels, or even hope but “approval”. You just gotta love Maltanaur! It actually was frightening to see Eilian just lying there, waiting for Legolas to tell him what they would do. It really shows just how weak he was, that he would give in to his helplessness. I had to laugh, though, at poor Eilian trying to muster a sense of dignity as he is being carried, half dead, across the snow by his baby brother… Daw, you have my heart broken for Ithilden! As shocking as the realisation of the existence of death and evil and of their effect on his loved ones was for Eilian, I just felt so bad for Ithilden. I know it must have seemed incomprehensible and shocking at the same time for Eilian to discover that not only can death touch elves, but that it will now become a reality in the Woodland Realm. But for Ithilden and Thranduil…I can’t even begin to imagine how awful it was for them to know that the history will repeat itself, that everything they fought for and achieved will become undone. I imagine Ithilden has rarely felt either helpless or hopeless but this seems to be exactly what he experiences here. I had tears in my eyes when he wept in his brother’s arms. It completely captures what the return of the Shadow means for Mirkwood, that even the strongest are driven to despair. It’s such a strong image, and one that will definitely stay with me. As always, the moments between Eilian and his mother are so touching. “I understand, my sweet.” She’s so gentle and reassuring – I love the way she lets him know that she’s proud of him for being exactly as he is, rather than for things he might accomplish. Actually, I thought both of his parents handled the situation really well here. Thranduil knows his son must be reprimanded for his behaviour but nevertheless they both ensure that Eilian is left with a sense of purpose and understanding of what his place will be in times to come. “What would he ever do without his mother? […] he could not imagine how he would ever sort himself out without her help.” *sob* I’m not even going to comment…it’s just too sad for words… I can’t tell you how relieved I was when Legolas heard the elves’ signal! You did such a great job with everyone – Legolas’ reluctance to surrender his brother and the beginning of his awareness of his own exhaustion, Maltanaur’s anger born out of his worry and relief, Legolas and Maltanaur’s eventual understanding of one another… It was just such a realistic reunion, you made everyone’s emotions so believable and there was a wonderful sense of urgency to remind us not to get too comfortable about Eilian’s well-being just yet…;) “Beliond was obviously near the edge of reason and had perhaps slid slightly over it.” *snigger* That’s so funny! Methinks Legolas would want to look a little closer to home to see who’s gone beyond reason. And I’m still laughing at him speaking “placatingly” to Beliond! I really liked the last scene between the brothers. There’s such concern from both of them, beneath the lectures and the teasing. How hard it must have been for poor Legolas to watch Eilian leave. It’s really the first time he’s had to look after a loved one to this extent, it can’t have been easy to then let go again. Celuwen’s letter must have held something…reassuring;) Dare I hope?! Woo-hoo, you added Thranduil!! What a lovely image of him watching over his son. “I do not think I have ever told you how sorry I am for the trial I was to you and Naneth at that age.” Eilian must have been doing a lot of thinking after telling Legolas of his youth. I’m glad Eilian and Thranduil had that moment together, for once able to talk without arguing. I liked Thranduil’s rather mixed reaction to the knowledge that Legolas is clearly a more than capable warrior. And he is, isn’t he? You’ve showed a wonderful progression in him throughout your stories. He seems ready for anything now. I really enjoyed this story. I loved everything – the excitement and tension, the moments between Eilian and Legolas, and especially the glimpses into the past. You’ve done yourself proud again! I can’t wait to see where you take us next – that Conception day story you mentioned sounds enticing…:)
Author's reply
Wow, Dot. I am overwhelmed by your reaction. I feel as if I can see you reading this chapter and is it so gratifying for me. I have recently been thinking about what it must have been like for the Elves to see evil rise and fall so many times. They defeat it at great cost and it comes creeping back. Surely that must lead to despair. And Ithilden just seemed to me to be someone who would take it hard. And also, in this particular story, I liked the idea that the younger brother could care for the older one in both time lines. Maltanaur and Beliond have become really fun to write about over the course of several stories. At first, I thought of them as really minor but they have taken on lives of their own. And, as Legolas said, Celuwen's letter was "personal"!! So I can't tell you what was in it. But Eilian seems pleased. ;-) Maybe I will do a couple of small stories, the conception day one and another one I have mind because I want to try a technical thing with point of view. But then I want to do the Battle of the Five Armies/White Council at Dol Guldur (ie Southern Patrol) which happened at the same time. I can get the whole family in that I think.
erunyauve · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
I always end up with such a goofy smile on my face when I finish your stories (well, before the despair sets in and I realize the story is over). It was certainly a shock to see Ithilden in such a state. It's no wonder Eilian felt his world turning upside-down. And the Mirkwood 'Secret Service' was wonderful, as usual. I must say, however, that I was unable to find Beliond's rather colorful word in any Tolkien language.
Author's reply
Erunyauve, you made me laugh! I'm glad you liked the story. I too am always sad when one is over. I mope about for a while, not knowing what to do with myself, and then decide to write another one. The moment with Ithilden was the one I was most interested in in this chapter. It seemed such a revelation to Eilian and gave him a chance to care for his older brother as Legolas was doing for him in the other time line. Beliond is creative in his language. Legolas is learning a lot. :-)
Karri · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Very glad that the searchers recalled how to search and managed to find their quarry. Very glad, as well, that Eilian has survived another story, for I'm rather fond of the idiot, even if I don't care for Celuwen. I'll be watching for the next installment in the Saga of the Brothers Thranduilion.
Author's reply
Thank you, Karri. I had to redeem the searchers just for you! Eilian is charming even when he's being a jerk. I think it's because he's so well intentioned and generous. And he loves Legolas completely. The next installment will be along eventually.
ANA · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
Ahh! What a wonderful ending to a wonderful story! I can easily identify with Thranduil's sense of loss - I too miss the young blond elfling. He has grown up so quickly, it seems. And Eilian is right, Legolas is quite bossy. I have to laugh at the way he was barking at everybody in sight, from Eilian to Maltanaur to (God forbid), Beliond. Go, Legolas! You tell them! What a no-nonsense way to assert his standing as a warrior to be reckoned. No more sending this young warrior to safety at the first sign of danger. He has certainly earned the right to plunge into the midst of any dire situation. It was very clever the way you set up the parallel stories of Eilian's youth and recklessness and Legolas' maturing into the clear-headed and rather formidable warrior that he was by the end of the story. The role reversal was complete. Thank you for another great story. You have mentioned that you miss writing about a young Legolas. I certainly have missed reading about a young Legolas too.
Author's reply
I think I need to write about the elfling again. He's so sweet. Who knew he would turn intot a warrior who would kick the butts of everyone around him when sufficiently roused? I did enjoy creating role reversal in this story, right down to Eilian comforting Ithilden. No one is an adult all the time. We all need someone to comfort us. Thank you for your kind words, ANA.
Dragon-of-the-North · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
A glorious last chapter for this story - I really enjoyed it. :-) Legolas has really grown up now (LOL - but you somehow can't resist to give your elven princes an outward voice of reason, can you? Somehow, I would love to see Maltanaur and Beliond getting themselves into the most stupid sort of trouble and having to be rescued from it by their respective charges... But then, that would not make anybody very happy, would it? ;-)) - I loved that he did not back down when Maltanaur tried to tell him what to do... And the last snippet of Eilian's story was also especially poignant and wonderful - Eilian promising to change and to try to be good at least! That was really something... And Ithilden losing it completely and weeping in despair! Painful to read, but convincing! I loved his reflections on mortality - for an elf, that must be hard to understand indeed, as not *every* elf has to die... Hm, but Siondel's family seems to be especially unlucky when it comes to survival, somehow... Poor things. :-( The bit about Celuwen's letter nicely lightened the mood a bit... And I loved Thranduil in this chapter. It is always good to see him being a father, and it his bittersweet thoughts about Legolas finally having grown up were believable and fitting. Awesome job once again - I am looking forward to the next story! :-)
Author's reply
Now there's would be a rich comedic scene: Beliond and Maltanaur somewhere in stupid trouble and trying to get out before their charges learn of it. The charges, in the meantime, trying to figure out what could have happened. Surely they didn't...? But could they really have...? I love it! Given that Eilian had just been thinking proudly of how he hadn't cried, I thought that Ithilden's tears would really shock him. And you are so right about Siondel's family. It turned out that I had already given him a dead father in "Tide of Times." The knife that Annael got at his coming of age came from his grandfather, who I said was one of the first of Thranduil's warriors to die when the shadow returned. So there he was, all ready for me to bump off. What could I do?? I am so glad you liked the story.
Tapetum Lucidum · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
I enjoyed the band of elves trying to figure out Legolas' puzzle. He is a clever elfling indeed. I figured whoever found the puddle of orcs would be quite worried. Good thing Beliond didn't come along. He would have had a heart attack. Legolas' continued care of his older brother is very sweet. He does absolutely everything in his power to keep him as safe and comfortable as possible. Carrying the water skins and giving away his cloak were nice touches. It must have felt weird to wade through the snow like mere mortals. It was another good detail. Eilian's flashback did tell a lot about his character. Having never seen the effects of the Shadow it was completely foreign to him until it touched someone he knew. It must have been quite a slap in the face. His reaction to Siondel's father's death was very strong and your use of his vision fading in and out was a good way to emphsize just what a shock it was. His musings over his love of his Naneth was very touching - especially knowing he would not have her for long and Legolas would certainly not have her in his life long enough. It was very bittersweet. The scene with he and Ithilden in the garden was very emotional as well. We never see Ithilden cry - he is always strong and stoic. It hurt Legolas as much to hear it as it did Eilian to tell it. The sound of the bird whistle must have been the best thing that Legolas had heard in a long time. It was endearing that he wouldn't turn over the care of his brother to another - even Maltanaur. He kept hovering until he collapsed completely. Now that is dedication. Thranduil's musings over the changes in his sons was a good way to end the tale. I am glad Ithilden is FINALLY going to promote Legolas. I have been feeling bad for him for a while. Eilian moved up the ranks much more quickly. Now, what did Celuwen's letter say? You left us hanging on that one. It must have been good news. Great story!
Author's reply
I thought the Elven scouts were very clever even to be able to tell Legolas from Eilian by their trail. I thought that the death of an elf must have been truly shocking to one who grew up in a time of peace. How could he ever have imagined that? And while he was feeling so grown up for not crying, I thought it would be a real shock to have Ithilden in tears. No wonder the ground shifted beneath him. Legolas said it: Celuwen's letter was *personal*! You wouldn't want to intrude, would you??? :-0
naneth · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
What a wonderful ending to a wonderful story! Just as Thranduil does, I often look at my children and wonder when they grew up and what happened to those sweet little girls I remember. Gosh, you do have me rambling on! I loved all of your characterizations in this chapter. Thranduil was the perfect father, Maltanuar was so worried and in charge, Legolas was a wonderful caretaker until he finally collapsed as he so readily deserved, Eilian grew up so nicely, and Beliond was Beliond. This chapter was just about perfect...O.K., it *was* perfect. Except, what was in the letter???????? Can't wait to find out what happens to Legolas while Eilian is home. And Legolas is to become a lieutenant soon. Wow, that should be lots of fun!
Author's reply
Thank you, naneth. I felt as if I was coordinating a complex dance in this last chapter, with all the characters having to show themselves in relation to the others. And the letter, as Legolas said, was personal. ;-)
Nilmandra · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
A good end. I love Maltanur's reference to the 'clever elfling', for Legolas really did think creatively and act bravely. And I really like the scene with the keepers - it shows the care with which the keepers see their charges - enough to thrash them soundly for letting themselves get into such a situation! And Eilian is home in Adar's care, and I am glad to see him have the hope of a good letter from Celuwen. I am just sure she had sent a package with it, but you know how things get lost in the mail. :D *ducking*
Author's reply
Legolas did prove his worth in this story, I think, at least to Eilian. I can see the two of them making a formidable team against just about any foe of the realm. Still not listening.
Jay of Lasgalen · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 7: A Brother's Keeper
The End? So soon? Oh well, I hope you will be writing again before too long. What a great chapter this was. I loved the portrayals of all three brothers - Ithilden, who is clearly not as stong and invincible as Legolas - and we - thought. I liked the image of him getting drunk and crying on Eilian's shoulder. Eilian, who seems to have grown up a little at that moment - the scene with his parents afterwards was great. And Legolas, of course, who proved to all just how good he has become. And now Legolas is alone in the south, far from the protection of his family - and Thranduil worries. A wonderful ending. Thank you, Daw. Jay
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay. It was that moment with Ithilden that made me happiest with this chapter. In it, I could see the relationship of all three brothers flowing up the age scale instead of down. And I think this is the adult Legolas I have been working toward for a long time now. I'm glad to know he's appreciated.
sofia · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 6: Thin Ice
very exciting chapter. I hope the other elves come by again! Legolas has done a great deal already.
Author's reply
Legolas could use some help, but he's determined to succeed without it if he has to. Of course, Maltanaur is probably going nuts by now. :-)
Justafan · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 6: Thin Ice
I love love Eilian's and Legolas's relationship; you do such a great job of portraying them as loving brothers. Poor Legolas, now in the position of taking care of his brother without any outside assistance! Thanks for this lovely update.
Author's reply
Legolas is worried because Eilian is so precious to him. Now he should understand how his family always feels about him! I'm glad you liked the chapter. I'm working right now on what should be the last chapter in this story. I think it will be up later today.
Dot · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Clever Legolas! He’s great at adapting quickly to changing situations. My heart was in my mouth for that whole chase scene – especially when you said he only had two arrows left! I love the way you made the whole thing completely realistic as well, with the ice creaking ominously under Legolas’ step, and the water seeping into his shoe, rather than him just skipping easily across the pond. Legolas is really pushing himself, isn’t he? Pure adrenalin, I suppose – he keeps going as long as he needs to. I had to laugh when he uses his Thranduil voice to get Eilian to obey him – and it worked! I really like the moments between the brothers in this chapter. I love the almost flippant way Eilian says that “you turned up, red-faced and squawling, in the palace nursery.” I don’t know why…I think it’s just interesting to know one of Eilian’s first impressions of his baby brother. It’s funny, isn’t it, how things people say to us, or that we overhear, can have such an effect. I imagine it’s something most people can relate to. And as is often the case, Eilian seems to be more troubled by the fact that his beloved mother didn’t come to his defence than by the actual remark. He clearly views her as some sort of an ally. Eilian and Celuwen are so perfect together; it’s just such a pity that things went wrong between them. I suppose that it’s because they were such good friends that hurts run that bit deeper. I can’t tell you how fascinating it is to see the beginning of their problems and of Eilian’s more reckless behaviour. Brilliant moment, by the way, when they are all looking past Eilian, completely horrified, when Thranduil appears behind him! But it’s sad to think that this one moment between his parents, never intended for his ears, would affect him so much. I know Legolas maintains that it is due to the Shadow but the hurt has to be there for the Shadow to feed on. Could Legolas possibly move over and let me hold Eilian for a while??! “Even his father’s voice had sounded different. It was tight, as if Thranduil were trying to control words or even a cry that was threatening to escape his lips.” What an intense moment. I felt so bad for Thranduil. It’s almost painful to watch him so strained. Is this the moment he knows for certain that the Peace is ended? And poor Siondel! Who was it? His father? Oh look, it’s Maltanaur! Looking “dismayed”, no less. No doubt he’s just realised that Eilian NEVER does what he’s told… “Thranduil must have been seriously worried about Eilian to have set a bodyguard on him even before he became a warrior.” Does Legolas actually think that Thranduil never had anyone watch *him*?! “Was Maltanaur outside the cave here, Eilian?” *cringe* Still, I have complete faith in Legolas. And it looks like Eilian does now too!!:)
Author's reply
It occurred to me that I should write a one-chapter fic about Legolas's birth, maybe during a conception day celebration. His family could remember the day he first put in an appearance. He's turning into a formidable warrior now, much to my fangurrrl satisfaction. It is sad that things are difficult between Eilian and the people he loves who so plainly love him back. But I'm afraid I already have many volunteers to comfort Eilian! My beta has long claimed that the fact that her real life name starts with C makes her a good substitute for Celuwen. Yes, this is the moment that Thranduil knows the Shadow has returned. That's the news that Ithilden brought home. As for Siondel, I remembered a moment I wrote in "Tide of Times." It's at Annael's coming of age and his father gives him his grandfather's weapons. I used that grandfather character here. Poor Maltanaur. I figured he was expecting Eilian to go to the palace and was moving alongside him and then Eilian unexpectedly turned aside. What a good idea about someone watching Legolas! I never thought of that! Poor Legolas. He knows what Eilian, in his stupid state, does not.
erunyauve · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 6: Thin Ice
It was a rather brilliant idea for Legolas to get the orcs to follow him across the ice. Certainly, if an elf can walk on snow, you would think they would walk pretty lightly across ice. Eilian's reaction to his father's words seem pretty typical - his coping skills leave something to be desired, and he tends to get himself mired further in the mess rather than get himself out of it (which only makes him a bigger headache for his parents). In this case, he certainly picks the very worst time for it, but to be fair, he doesn't know quite what is going on. And I'm more impressed than ever with Maltanaur - having to look after an adolescent Eilian should, by all rights, have driven the poor elf to seek healing in Aman.
Author's reply
Legolas is turning into a clever, brave warrior, at least when it comes to defending those he loves. Oddly enough given his proclivity to do daring things, what young Eilian needs is more self confidence. I think if he were more sure of himself, he would feel less need to prove himself (and usually he's proving himself *to* himself). I thought about having Maltanaur pop up here and there because Nilmandra wrote a one-chapter fic in which he watches over Eilian on his 20th begetting day. He's had Eilian on his hands for a long time, poor guy.
Estel_Mi_Olor · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 6: Thin Ice
That was a very riveting chapter. The beginning with the frozen pond had me a little worried. But if Elves can walk on snow without sinking, then surely they can run across a frozen pond. Ai, Eilian, does he never desist? No wonder Thranduil didn't want another child. Oh, and thanks for clearing up my previous doubt about the child thing. Legolas seems very prefessional when compared to Eilian in his younger days. I wonder how he's going to do it. I mean he will have to carry Eilian across the snow for a great distance. The Elven Patrol will move quickly, acually no. They have wounded too. So ha, that will work. Ok, well don't leave us at a cliffhanger for too long. Keep writing!
Author's reply
Legolas is very competent, isn't he? Still, you are right. He has a tough task ahead of him. The Elves' camp (where the wounded and blissfully ignorant Beliond is) is about 15 miles away, although the patrol that came out to do battle took shelter from the storm closer than that. The patrol's wounded were sent back to the camp and may have reached it by now, in which case Beliond is probably making a pain of himself. :-)
Any · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 6: Thin Ice
You updated! :) Finally!!! :) You wouldn't believe how many times I checked this site to see if there was a new chapter! I still love every bit of this story - well, just like all your other stories as well. Legolas is acting very smart in this chapter. His masters and father probably wouldn't approve his little frozen-pond-stunt but, hell, it was the best thing to do in this situation. Wouldn't have expected anything less from him! :) I might be wrong but I take it you wanted to characterize him as a responsible and cold-headed yet bold, maybe even somewhat reckless warrior here. No way would he take the safe path if taking the dangerous one could help keep his beloved brother safe! I like that characterization! I think in some ways he's the perfect cross of Ithilden and Eilian. Like, his brothers are the trial runs and he's the perfected end product. *lol* I also like the way Eilian reacts to Legolas taking care of him in this story. First he seemed to be a bit ashamed that his little brother has to take care of him because he's injured and too weak to look after himself. And maybe he also feels a bit guilty because there's no way he could protect Legolas should something evil, orc e.g., come upon them. But after realizing the "brat" is a mature, skilled warrior, he allows himself to lean on him, not only physically. I mean, in this chapter here, he seems to feel utterly safe with Legolas at his side ("What ever you say, brat"). That's a very nice point in this story. For the flashback-part: I think the way Celuwen reacts to Eilian's "macho"-behaviour (sorry, can't find a better word for it at the moment) is very realistic! I would react in no other way! *gg* Men can be so stupid at times! *lol* I mean, Eilian is too stupid/occupied/self-blinded he doesn't realize that he actually is falling in lover with her - or already is in love with her. And of course, he also has no clue that she's in love with him and that he's hurting her feelings all the time. What a twit! *argh* But typical male! Anything else I'd like to say? Mhmm... Ah, yes, I love Legolas' and Eilian's mother in this story. She seems to be a very nice, caring character. And her motherly gentleness is the perfect counterpart to Thranduil's fatherly harshness. It's very realistic, I think. Well, sorry for rambling on endlessly, but I just couldn't help it. I'm really looking forward to the next chapters! Update soon, hear me?!! SOON!!! ;)) ~Any
Author's reply
I was a little slow updating this time, I know. Work was really busy and depressing this week. But now it's the weekend! Yeah! I loved your analysis of how Legolas combines the best of his brothers. He is so lucky to have this loving family, and also to have had older brothers who softened his adar up a little! The relationship of Eilian and Legolas is shifting, but I hope it is still as close and loving as it has always been. I can see them being a really dangerous team of warriors because of their deep understanding of one another. Maybe they could even sense one another more, and certainly they could read one another better. Clueless!Eilian is so frustrating to watch. Poor Celuwen. She doesn't admire him without question and she doesn't baby him and he isn't adult enough yet to respond to those qualities well. Lorellin's death was a true loss for her whole family. I think it did push Thranduil into being a little softer with Legolas than he was with the older two because he was the only parent.
LOTRFaith · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 6: Thin Ice
Whoa... Legolas is on thin ice;-) Usually either thin ice or hot water, lol... Hmmm. Very interesting... You have a very good grasp on the birth order. Eilian was the baby of the family and then Legolas came making Eilian feel rather left out. I know exactly how he feels... But very well done! :-) Namaarie~
Author's reply
Young Eilian is on thin ice, too, actually. I don't think Thranduil is going to put up with youthful nonsense for too much longer. I have sometimes wondered about sibling rivalry among Elves, and I do think that Eilian might have occasionally felt that his parents loved Legolas more than they did him. But I also think that Elves love children and I think that Eilian would have been charmed by the baby immediately. That's my theory, anyway! Maybe I'll write about that some day. They can all remember Legolas's birth, maybe on his begetting day or something.