Reviews (406)

Justafan · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

Yay, another update! Sorry I didn't get to review on the past update, so I'll try to make this one worthy of your two nice chapters. I really like this diplomatic side of Legolas as well as the getting to know girls side. He's never had much interaction besides Celuwen and the ellyth when he was younger and his reactions are so fun and cute to watch! (er, read) Last chapter, I loved Eilian and his dealings with Celuwen and her family. Solith's protectiveness towards his daughter is understandable, but of course, I'm rooting for Eilian. Thanks for the story!

Nilmandra · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

I think Legolas did very well in his first diplomatic situation. I am proud of him, and I am sure his father will be as well. Part of me completely agrees with Anyr - it would be very hard to watch anyone go hungry - and to share what you have and then share in the consequences, be they good or bad, is very neighborly. But, I can see where diplomatically he will need to remember that the elves near the palace have given from their need and there is nothing more to give. I demand the next chapter, I've heard rumors about it....

dr_seuss_is_cool · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

hello I really feel terrible that Legolas had to go through all that It was mind compelling just reading it I feel badly for Thranduil Legolas did wonderfully and I myself am proud of him I can just picture Tinar's reaction to the news that Annael is bringing him eek...well awesome chapter thank you for writing Au revoir

LKK · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

I think Legolas did an excellent job with his pop-quiz-like diplomacy test. He handled a difficult situation which had no easy answers with a great deal of thought and intelligence. Kudos to him! Kudos also to Anneal who quietly proved yet again what a wonderful friend and support he is to Legolas. Galivion should also be commended for providing sound advice to his young charge but allowing the prince to make the final decisions as is proper. But what in the name of Arda are we going to do with that stick in the mud, Tinar?? Finally, if you'll allow me to provide a little advice to Legolas for when he returns and gives his report to the king. He should probably tell the king about his decision BEFORE Thranduil hears about the illegal trading. Once Thranduil hears that, everything that he hears afterwards will probably receive a negative reception. It would be a shame if Legolas' good efforts go unappreciated because extremely bad news preceeded them in the telling. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Hopefully, we'll find out about the reactions of the two maidens to our two elves!

naneth · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

I have to tell you that Anyr drives me bonkers. He's the type person that drives me to distraction! I'm just imagining him tilting his head, shrugging his shoulders, and saying "whatever...". Poor Legolas! I train my teachers to use the "sandwich" approach to delivering bad news; give good news, then bad news, then end with good news. Legolas used that approach very nicely; your children can eat when they're here, you adults will have to do without as much, but when you're *really* hungry-we will help out. Well done! Indeed, you can tell that Legolas is Thranduil's son. And Thranduil has done a fine job raising his youngest son!

tigerlily713 · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

That is a tough situation. I like the complexity that you have given this chapter. It really gives an insight into each characters personality and role. Great job! Lily

Ms. Whatsit · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

Awww. Legolas is doing all his fangirls proud. Anyr is completely oblivious, isn't he? Demanding that the Men be let in on their counsels, saying "Arda will provide" and telling Legolas that he's making a fuss over nothing! I would certainly not be as patient as Legolas is. Good for him. Good for Annael, too. It seems like it's quite a relief to have someone along who'll just support him, without telling him what to do like Galivion (though he's quite useful too) or making a fool of himself (a certain other Elf who shall remain nameless...) I rather like Crydus. And this: >>Crydus gave him a long, level look. “You are Thranduil’s son,” he said dryly. “No one could doubt it.” Legolas blinked. The comment seemed slightly insulting to his mother but was evidently intended as a compliment. He did not always understand Men very well. Heh. That was amusing. As was Galivion teasing Legolas about the maiden. Was our Elf really that transparent? I bet. Ah, well.

jebb · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

So diplomatic missions are suddenly not so good? Poor Legolas caught between his own wish to help and the knowledge of what his father will expect what a way to spend his precious leave time. Galivion continues to be very supportive and I get the feeling it is going to be needed when they return home and explain what has happened a lovely update it made my day

Esamen · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 4: The Young Lord

He focused on the maiden again, and it occurred to him that he had not seen her eating yet. He rose, took the few steps toward where the maiden sat, and scooped the child from her lap. Oh, I meant to comment about this incident in this chapter . . . Jane Austen's novel Persuasion has a similar incident when Captain Wentworth relieves Anne Elliott from one of her nephews, who is climbing on her back . . . did you have this in mind when you wrote it, or was it a matter of great minds thinking alike?

Esamen · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

“We will feed the children when they are here,” Legolas went on, “and if your adults are in great need, you need only to ask us for help. Ethau took food you can have tonight. And once you have some sort of agreement on what will happen when your fields are flourishing again, other plans can be made, I am sure.” Crydus gave him a long, level look. “You are Thranduil’s son,” he said dryly. “No one could doubt it.” Thanks for updating so quickly! I have my Legolas cravings met for a while now. Nice work on building such a tense, dramatic scene. This is just as good as an battle (almost--I like battles because someone almost always gets hurt and needs some comfort afterwards--got to have that too sometimes!). Wonderful job building the picture of the different agendas and worries. And the common drive of all people to meet children's needs is an inspired way to bind these different folks' aims together. Marvelous, marvelous. Esamen bows with hand over heart! I really love the moments, like the one above, when Legolas turns up the intimidation-factor heat and imitates his father when it suits his purposes. We wouldn't want him to be a child forever. Those flashes of steely leadership plus his vulnerable romantic reactions make him absolutely charming to me. Just love that Elf! Thanks for writing him!

French Pony · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

These settlers! They're almost as shortsighted as the ones who think that building towns on Palestinian land is a Really Good Idea. They're lucky that they are under the rule of Thranduil and not Ariel Sharon. So they want to move to the trees entirely, huh? Think they'll be safest there? I would guess that they have thought of some sort of contingency plan for if another flood comes and the trees with their house-flets come crashing down like their supply-flet did, but then I remember who these Elves are and that they haven't got the good sense that God gave Congress. Their intentions are noble, I suppose, but they're just so everloving dumb! "As Legolas moved to follow him, Galivion touched his arm. “The king will not be pleased if Anyr and his people give his gift away to Men as if it had no value,” he warned in a low voice." Thank you, Captain Obvious. It strikes me that Tínar would have a grand time living in the settlement. He's just as self-centered as they are. Hmmm. Now there's a punishment. . . whether it's punishment for Tínar or for the settlers is anyone's guess. Sorry this is so short, but I really must trot my little self off to work now. Catch you later!

Tapetum Lucidum · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

I am so glad I am not a politician. Sounds like you have some negotiating experience. Legolas is doing very well - I like how he has some self-doubt regarding the whole thing. It is very appropriate for his first "mission." Interrupting Anyr was a small error but one easily made when the leader is rambling on about future plans. It is hard to plan for the distant future when the river is about to rise and swallow you again. Tinar - tactful as always - stuck his foot in it this time. Somehow I don't think he gently stopped Ethau and the two children. He can always make a bad situation worse. Giving the men the elves meager supplies? That is not a good thing. At least everyone agreed with feeding the children. Poor Legolas is trying to handle a very difficult situation and he keeps getting distracted by a pretty girl. I guess he has been on patrol a little too long. The conversation with Legolas, Anyr and Crydus was excellent. The young prince handled himself well and did little to compromise his father. Everyone seemed fairly satisfied with the results. You did a good job fitting a lot into a short conversation - solved the food problems, set up future trade, made plans for shelters and worked in a reprimand for Anyr. Your negotiating skills are very good. Sending Annael to give Tinar the bad news was great. It made Annael happy and kept Legolas from having to talk to him again. I imagine it is much easier to battle orcs but keeping company with Eilian isn't the same as a wild haired maiden. Great chapter!

Dragon-of-the-North · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

These last chapters were very good - sorry I only find the time to leave a quick review now! I enjoyed the development of things between Eilian and Celuwen, and for once, Legolas seems to have stumbled across a potential love interest that seems nice and normal and not too immature. ;-) I enjoyed this diplomacy chapter even more than the previous ones, showing the gap between official politics, things that will please the king, and the inofficial relationship between the elven and human neighbours. LOL - I must admit, though, that you had me chilled for the one moment that I really believed that someone was stealing food - I fear I flew into full "actually-nice-thief-protection-mode" until I knew that there was no real theft afoot. I think Legolas handled the situation admirably - and, most importantly, he managed to keep his authority and not let Galivion decide, at least, after the slip with being unable to convince Anyr & Co. to discuss things without the human chieftain present. Thranduil should be pleased (I had to chuckle when Legolas tried to look exactly like his father at his most intimidating ;-))! The ending made me grin - "I believe it will be a relief to go back to battling Orcs again" In my wicked mind, the idea was born that the *really* demanding thing would be do deal with orcs diplomatically... (And apart from all those official things, I am still asking myself in what sort of trouble Beliond is going to get on his solitary camping trip). Awesome job once again, and forgive me for reviewing so irregularly!

meckinock · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

"Diplomacy is stressful". No kidding! I'm exhausted just from watching Legolas pick his way through that minefield. I bet he would have welcomed the timely arrival of a few dozen orcs. He did a great job, though. The kid really is growing up...super chapter, Daw!

LKK · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

I am trying. I am trying. I am trying *really* hard. Honest. I'm trying to be impartial and see thing from Solith's viewpoint. But he's making it awfully difficult! I know he loves his daughter and wants the best for her. But he's wrong! Just plain wrong! argh! Eilian did good in this chapter. For such a temperatural elf, he managed to hold himself in quite well. Slip of the tongue regarding the betrothal notwithstanding. I like how he handled the returned letters issue with Celuwen. Even though he admitted suspecting Solith, he didn't acrimoniously accuse him. He was very even tempered about the whole thing, considering the circumstances. I hope though that Celuwen's upcoming talk doesn't result in Solith forbidding her to see Eilian. (Do elves do that sort of thing? I'm not sure.) I didn't get a chance to review the last chapter before this one was posted. But I want to say that Legolas did a remarkably fine job for his first day at diplomacy. He may not have gotten the elfling to eat the vegetable, but there are lots of parents who never accomplish that particular feat! LOL Good chapters, daw! And welcome back from your break. :-) LKK

Jay of Lasgalen · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Poor Eilian is still feeling the effects of his wound. I think that Celuwen will help his healing a lot, and he will help her as well. I do hope that Eilian did the right thing in telling her about her father withholding the letters like that - she's furious, and rightly so, but words could be said that are later regretted. I have one BIG complaint about this chapter - there's no Legolas. But Eilian's musings about the weather and the river has got me worried ... Jay

Estel_Mi_Olor · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Oh dear, that's not working out very well is it? Poor Eilian, and Sólith. Love can be so blinding at times, and when it is aided by fear then it it impossible to see. Celuwen and Sólith need to talk, with their tempers in check. Sólith and Eilian need to talk to. Gees, what a mess! I'm glad Isiwen has become Eilian's ally, for something tells me he shall need her before the end. As always, excellent chapter. I can't wait for an update, and some sort of conclusion to the situation that poor Eilian has to face! (I know, I know, I take too much pity on him!)

tigerlily713 · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Solith's in trouble! Great chapter! I can't wait for more.

Dot · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Welcome back! And what an excellent chapter you’ve returned with! I’m really getting worried about Eilian. Whatever about feeling stiff for a while, it doesn’t seem right for him to be still in so much pain. Maybe if he didn’t spend so much time trying to hide the fact that he’s in pain… I’d say the healer will have a thing or two to say to him when he returns. He did seem to manage with hunting and with running along branches but still, I am starting to feel apprehensive about what you have in store for him;) I thought you did a great job with Celuwen’s emotions in this chapter. I could really sense the confusion in her. It’s as though the moment she has longed for has arrived but now she isn’t so sure what to do, as if she has never really thought past that moment when Eilian would return. She seems to be really struggling with the thought that she will have to live up to her promise that she would be able to let him go again. I really do like Isiwen. She seems at ease with Eilian, at least as much as she can be with Sólith around. Like you say, she probably finds him just as charming as most females do but still, I’d imagine that if she felt he wasn’t good for her daughter then he wouldn’t have found himself very welcome either. “Good,” said Sólith. “I will go with him.” The other three all paused with forks halfway to their mouths.” LOL! That was hilarious. You had me laughing so much it took me a while to be able to concentrate on the rest of the chapter. It’s just such a funny image – the notion of Sólith accompanying Eilian (with weapons) seems so completely absurd to them all…*has fits of giggles again* … “I want you to break things off with my daughter,” Sólith said.” What??? Alright, any sympathy or understanding I might have had for him has just gone out the window. Yes, he loves his daughter but he is not stupid – in fact in the past he has seemed quite wily and aware – so he has to see that Eilian cannot take the full blame for the situation. Eilian is right, it is up to Celuwen to decide of she can bear him being a warrior, but having said that they really need to both discuss it. I wonder how much Eilian really needs the South. It seems to me that the main reason he was drawn there was to escape his life at home as well as craving excitement. But at this time, with the Shadow growing stronger and reaching further there is evil to be fought in probably most parts of the realm, not just the South. I wonder if he had a home and happiness with Celuwen, would he really feel the need to go back South. She might be willing to let him go as long as he wasn’t in the most dangerous place in all of Mirkwood and he could still do his duty to his father by serving elsewhere. I know, what he really needs is a child! Ah well, I don’t even know why I’m rambling on like this when I know very well that at least at the time of the Council of Elrond, Eilian is still captain of the Southern Patrol (I haven’t checked but doesn’t Beliond or someone mention it to Legolas in ‘A Question of Duty’?). Sorry for letting my thoughts wander there…! I’m glad Eilian told her that his letters had been returned to him. Even if it damages her relationship with her father she still deserved to know. You know, I’ll have to apologise profusely to Sólith if it turns out not to have been him but rather Isiwen or someone else who sent back the letters! Oh, and his mother helped Celuwen put a snake in his bed?? Sometimes even I miss Eilian’s naneth… It just struck me how much Eilian really has grown. He seems… I don’t know…more aware of himself, and of others I guess. I mean, to a certain extent he still wants to make life easy for himself and seems to resent Thranduil a little - resent is probably too strong a word but he does seem to feel that he would have done things differently if not for his father’s expectations - but at the same time he appears to be able to judge his own actions, past or present, for their own worth rather than just by what others think. Anyway, I really enjoyed this chapter. Even though you came back from your trip even more enigmatic that you were before. I can’t believe that after all this time I *still* don’t know what’s going to happen between Celuwen and Eilian…;)

The Karenator · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Welcome home! I hope the trip went well and was productive. And now...Operation Celuwen. That Solith is going to hang himself quicker than Eilian can bring home supper. While I can appreciate his desire to 'protect' his daughter, I can't help but be amazed at how dense he is. His daughter is fading because of her separation from the elf she loves, and the old coot is still trying to get rid of the guy. I hope Isiwen can help her poor misguided husband learn to add things up. I kind of like Celuwen's mother, and I think she's just the gal to knock a little sense into the brick-head. But there are still problems to be addressed. I don't doubt that Eilian loves Celuwen, and I don't doubt he would be faithful. I don't even think Celuwen is worried about that anymore. The long absences and the danger of Eilian's job is still a fly in the ointment. If we can just tie Solith to a post somewhere out in the forest, then the two youngsters just might can work this whole thing out. I hope Celuwen will give us a hint as to what was said after she charged into the cottage like the Light Brigade. Inquiring minds want to know! 'Duck, Solith! The wrath of the fading elleth is upon you!' I mean, for Eru's sake, she a few centuries old! It might be Elven culture to have the parents' blessing, but when one of the parents is an interfering knuckle-head, then sometimes an elleth has to do what an elleth has to do. Good show, daw. I can't wait to find out what Celuwen decides...though I have my suspicions. Can you tell Solith gets me all worked up into a lather? I'll calm down before the next chapter. Carry on, Karen

naneth · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Welcome back! We all missed you bunches while you were gone. Thanks for the quick update. I know how tired one is after one of these trips-I admire you for posting after a long week! I have to give Eilian a gold star for trying so hard with Solith. He kept his temper longer than I thought he might. Just shows you how much he loves Celuwen. You know, this time when he was hurt he wasn't ready to go back south. Then during this chapter he mentioned that he couldn't go back on patrol yet. I'm thinking that, even though he may not realize it yet, Eilian is finally getting ready to concentrate more on Celuwen and less on the Southern Patrol. Well, I can hope, anyway!

Esamen/ Karen · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Oh, my. This is killing me . . . a real Everest of a cliffhanger. How can you do this to us? We will all die of suspense, and then where will your readership be? And I am so conflicted about the future of the lovers . . . Of course I'd like to see them happily ever after and indulging in wedded bliss, but I can totally see the father's point of view, and I even think that maybe she'd be better off with someone who is at home with her and not constantly putting his life in danger. But poor Elian! The golden boy is limping, rejected, and rebuffed! How on earth are you going to bring back our beloved super-warrior-Elf? Are you going for a major character life change here, as a result of all this difficulty? Best wishes for happy writing . . . be merciful and update soon!

Jebb · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Life for Eilian is never boring at least poor elf! Parents for all their support and love can be difficult and that seems to be something else Eilian and Celuwen have in common although Thranduil would not like to be thought of as difficult I am sure he only has the best interests of his sons in mind just as Solith does his daughter I hope all works out for them in the end she certainly has enough about her to 'deal' with Eilian and I think Thranduil might like that very much.LOL And the rain sounds very ominous for Legolas and the settlers good to have you back

vic · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

Daw, What an incredibly long week! I had a feeling you were going to update today. I hope you had a good time on your trip and didn't do too much work-you had much more important things to worry about... like Legolas and Eilian! I feel sad that Solith, although acting in what he believes to be the best for his daughter, manages to do the opposite and drive a wedge in their relationship. He does have some good point though: would Eilian be mature enough to leave all the other maidens behind for Celuwen? Would he be prepared to sacrifice Southern Patrol for his daughter? Vic Ps I stand by my theory that Legolas' first word was 'Eilian' or something of that nature... Afterall, that's what I did! My poor mother tried to get to say 'mum', but I was stubborn and insisted on saying "aiya" or 'Alex' in adult talk!

French Pony · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Campaigning

I think that I do not wish to fall in love. Ever. It does not sound at all like a happy state of being. Looks like things have come to a head with Celuwen and Eilian. I suspect there will be many more agonizing Discussions before a decision is made. But it also looks as though a decision will have to be made, for the health and sanity of all parties involved. Sólith seems well and truly concerned for his daughter, but I wonder if he is not being too narrow-minded about his problem. Surely there are married captains in Thranduil's army with some sort of family leave schedule. I have a hunch that if Eilian and Celuwen married, Eilian would have something else to do besides hang with the Southern Patrol and would be able to divide his time fairly well. But Sólith needs to bend a little, else he will end up causing some serious family tension. He wouldn't want his own (future) grandchildren to dislike him for hating their father. He really wouldn't want that. But in the meantime, yum! Fresh fish for . . . well usually you call it "morning meal," but it seems these folks call it "breakfast." Soda and pop, it seems. Anyway, fresh fish in the morning are one of life's great treats, and it's a good thing I just had dinner, else I'd be getting hungry. I hope your trip was, if not fun, at least productive.