French Pony
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation
There have been a lot of commercials on NPR recently about how "getting involved" with one's children is The Best Way to keep them drug-free. Unfortunately, the commercials don't have much to say about how parents might usefully go about getting involved. Thranduil seems to have this problem. Somehow, he has gotten the idea that, in order to be a Good, Caring Parent, he must Get Involved when Legolas turns up with dangwath in his hand. But he doesn't seem to know how to deal with the problem, and so he puts it -- and Legolas -- away so he doesn't have to see or think about them.
If he and Ithilden and Eilian would only realize that the baby sees and understands far more than they would like . . . but then, they're males. That's probably hard for them. But really, they should have told Legolas. Joe Pistone told his family the basics of what he was doing when he became Donnie Brasco, and he did that for years on end. The worst part is that Legolas will find out in the end. He'll find out not only what Eilian is doing, but also that his family didn't trust him enough to tell him the truth, and therefore lied to him. And so that will erode a little of his trust in them. And coming up on those extremely vulnerable adolescent years, that won't be good. All this could have been prevented with a simple conversation, but Thranduil and Ithilden are both too arrogant to have it. Sigh.
Much as he hated to acknowledge it, he would simply have to accept that there with things that were beyond his control.
Mm-hmm. And if my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a Cadillac.
Alfirin's shawl reminds me of a shawl I used to have, until it slipped out of my hand on the train one day. Sniff. I miss that shawl. Maybe it vanished into the alternate dimension where Alfirin lives, and maybe she'll find it at home to replace her burned one. Yeah. That's what I'll believe from now on.
And Tonduil comes home with a nice case of épée pox. Yup. I've had it, too. In fact, my latest case is almost healed, a week and a half later. The secret to surviving épée pox is to pass it along. For every bruise you get, you dish one out. But wait . . . Tonduil's probably getting it from that horrible weapons master, Maldor, I think his name is. I remember him. He's a rat bastard, that one. If Tonduil wants, I can go a few rounds with Maldor and lay some welts on him.
So Thranduil thinks Ithilden is "reserved" around Alfirin, huh? He might want to get some of his spies to follow the lovebirds around. He'd be laughing for days.
I still want to know what it is that dangwath does and what exactly its effects and dangers are. I still don't see why it's such a dangerous drug. Other than the fact that Men and Elves can become addicted to it, does it actively hurt them like heroin, or is it basically harmless, like caffeine? Who has made it illicit? Under whose laws is it so? Do Thranduil and the Men have a mutual agreement about this, or does one submit to the laws of the other? If it is illicit under human law, that would explain why the Men cannot grow it themselves . . . but then, they use it for medicinal purposes as well. Yet another example of how outlawing a substance can, in the end, cause more problems than the substance itself causes.
Author's reply
I thought that Thranduil would not tell Legolas at first because Legolas is not good at being deceptive and this all happens in a very small community. So Legolas might give Eilian away. And now, Thranduil is worried that Legolas is going to become involved in some way because he already has.
You ask hard questions about the drug, FP! My thought was that it caused euphoria in elves who did not have shadow sickness, and I think that could get them killed. Hiolith is kind of a loner too, and I think that plays into it. But since I'm just talking out of my hat, who knows?
You don't think Thranduil can surrender control? LOL Maybe not. Thranduil would indeed be laughing if he saw any of these scenes with Ithilden. He can have kind of a twisted sense of humor sometimes.
Tonduil appreciates your concern and begs you to come over and kick Maldor's butt. Please!
esamen
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 5: An Evening's Occupation
Oh, a new chapter . . . what a gift to celebrate the end of the week. Yes, I thought that was what Eilian was doing. The story is great . . . lots of mysterious levels of understanding and discovery. AND lots of conflicting viewpoints about the problem plant. . . among both the men and the elves. Just fascinating. I love it! Happy (writing) trails to you this weekend.
P.S. Ithilden and Alfirin are too cute. Are you going to let them have ONE good date? You're being awfully cruel. And I think her family was inside, listening.
Author's reply
I have found that SoA readers all caught on to what Eilian was doing pretty quickly. What smart readers!
It's hard actually to work out what drug problems might look like in ME. This plant is not being used by frivolous young folks, for instance, but it does make problems for those who get hooked. At least I think it does.
PS I think her family was inside listening too. :-)
mistry89
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
This is wonderful story - oodles of suspense, a mystery, and the tension between the parties is gripping. A really original plot line (hmm, bit of redundancy there!) and it advances the story arc you've already created of this family/kingdom/world.
Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you, Mistry. I'm glad you like it. It's been a little tricky trying to fit some sort of drug plot into ME, but I hope it works.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
I love how your Legolas is so serious about his warrior training. I doubt the other elflings spend the time to test the balance of their practice swords. The trio's heartfelt discussion over Eilian was very touching. Annael's The little debate about following Eilian was great! You kept all three very much in character. Legolas' main concern was Eilian. Turgon wanted to cut class and have an adventure. Annael was worried about getting into trouble but would not abandon his friends. That was perfect!
I am glad that Maltanaur is involved in this little scheme. I would hate to see Eilian try to handle it alone. Hiolith is obviously not one for small talk. Your explanation of Maltanaur's involvement seemed logical. You kept Hiolith very sympathetic - yes, he is doing something bad but he was handed some rather poor circumstances and was genuinely concerned for Eilian as a warrior. That is a lot of Dangwath!
The elfling's little conversation ws again in character. I was glad they had no clue as to the narcotic effects of the medication. Turgon wanted to try it, Legolas wanted to get his Ada involved and Annael was worried about being late for lunch. Go Legolas! He was smart to get the Dangwath away from Turgon. Let's hope the wild child doesn't go back for more.
Galeril was certainly at the end of his rope. Standing up for lessons is a good idea. Though there are some classes that I still would have fallen asleep. His reaction to the drug was appropriate - it was a very big deal.
Legolas must have been sweating buckets at that little cross-examination. Thranduil wants to protect him but locking up a teenager is rarely effective. It would have simplified this tale if they had both taken the time to tell the truth. But what fun is that?...
Siondel's little chat with Eilian was perfect. It was quick and to the point. If Eilian's activities are leading Annael astray he is within his right to confront him. It was obvious that he also cares about Eilian. I have no doubt Eilian is ready for all of this to be over. At least it sounds like a resolution is near. Great job!
Author's reply
I don't know if you've read Meckinock's story "In the Hands of the Enemy," but she told me that she had gone to this writer's conference and one thing the fiction writing teacher had them do was think of something their character would never do. Write that down. Then write a situation in which they do it. I thought that was a wonderful idea. And for Legolas, skipping out of warrior training is like that. He's so serious about it (in my head, that has to do with his mother's death as well as Thranduil's bringing all three sons up to serve the realm). So leaving the training fields is a sign of how upset he is, and also a sign of what Eilian means to him.
When Galeril had Legolas stand, I was thinking of a teacher I had in high school for the last class of the day. We were all sleepy and she used to open all the windows (in Michigan in the winter) and make us do calisthenics. So Galeril is just imitating Sister Sheila!
It is ironic that Legolas is the one who gets into trouble when he's trying to protect Eilian and Turgon.
I love Siondel. I still feel bad about killing him.
esamen
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
“You can come here any time,” Hiolith said. “You do not need to come to the cottage again.” And with that, he turned and started for home, leaving Eilian and Maltanaur standing in the clearing looking after him.
Ah. Not exactly what I anticipated. A man of integrity, even in this busines... oh, I just love the Elves (your Elves, that is). What a wonderful world to live in.
“Eilian, I sympathize with the strain you have been under in the south,” Siondel went on. “I know that you are a courageous warrior. Use some of that courage now. Whatever you are doing is unworthy of you. Consider the example you are setting for Legolas. Let the healers help you.”
Eilian was tempted to draw himself up into the best imitation of his father that he could manage, but instead he bit his tongue and kept quiet. He supposed that if he acted the way he been acting, then Siondel had a right to rebuke him. After all, the well-being of Siondel’s son was one of the things at stake here.
Siondel waited for a moment, evidently to see if Eilian was going to respond. “Good evening to you,” he finally said. “May the stars shine on your path.” And he veered off again, as suddenly as he had come.
And here's more about (your) Elves for me to love. Oh, I wish we were all as civilized at Siondel and his family.
This is quite a remarkable story. I feel as if you are weaving many layers here. We have our preconceptions of the problem based on our own culture, but we are visiting a different culture where the problem plays out differently. And even more, we bring our own personal experiences and invest these emotional memories into the characters. How fabulous! And then to top it all off, I will bet my house that you have some sneaky surprise plot twist that is finally going to come out in the next chapter.
Marvellous reading. I am so busy right now with classes starting that I can hardly think straight, and I save reading the new chapters for a treat at the end of the day. I'm really looking forward to more. Keep 'em coming . . . they keep me sane. That's a pretty sorry statement -- fan fic keeps me sane and the real world drives me crazy? I'm just relieved to think that someone else out there loves this stuff.
Esamen
Author's reply
I love Siondel. His main concern has to be for Annael, but he is also worried about Eilian even though he's angry at him. I still feel bad for killing him off.
When I started this story, I was worried about making it fit into ME rather than bringing our own cultural notions about drug use. My beta brought that topic up too and we talked about it a fair amount. So I hope that Hiolith and all of this seems elfy and a little unexpected.
I know what you mean about classes starting. Ours start on Monday. Boo!
Rose Sared
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Poor old Leggy in the poo again!
Tough life when even Thranduil knows Elian is undercover, you have to feel for them all.
Rose
Author's reply
Poor Legolas indeed! It really stinks that he's trying to help Eilian and Turgon and winds up in what must look to him like far bigger trouble than either one of them gets in. But Thranduil is not an elf who would fool around with something like this.
The Karenator
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Just when you think things cannot get any worse...you get your own personal guard. I have to admit, I would probably do the same thing with a 14 year old...if I had guards to order around. Legolas is quickly getting in over his head. Thranduil had enough to worry about without Legolas showing up with his own stash. Of course, if the king had just sat his youngest son down and explained the situation... But, Legolas is still his baby.
Hiolith is an interesting character. Sad, but interesting. I can't help but feel sorry for him. He's lost everything, ended up dependent on dangwath and unable to function in society. And he's slipped through the cracks of society helping him. He must really feel all alone. Wonder why he didn't sail? I hope you plan to admit him to the Mirkwood Rehab Hut. Still, the way you described him shifting from one foot to another and drumming his fingers was a good characterization of someone who is really wired; he doesn't have time for chitchat. And he wouldn't take any payment. Interesting little facet of his personality.
This is just getting better and better. I'm really looking forward to seeing where we go next.
Karen
Author's reply
Thranduil wants Legolas as far away from events as he can get him. His heart must have about stopped when the tutor dropped that dangwath on his desk.
I thought that Hiolith was probably too attached to the woods to sail. I think that woodelves were slow to sail. But he sure has slipped through the cracks as you say. Eilian is right to wonder how he himself would have fared if he had been left as alone as Hiolith is.
Nilmandra
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
I have so little to say here, cause you've already heard it all. :D Did I mention I loved Ithilden and Alfirin last chapter?
Author's reply
LOL. I think you did. As for events in this chapter, Legolas says (in a sarcastic tone of voice), "Thanks a heap."
meckinock
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they come for you...
Wow, Daw. Nothing slows you down, does it? I trust everything went well today.
Great chapter. Poor Legolas. He really has perfected the art of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just hope Eilian figures out he's got a guardian angel on his tail in time....
Author's reply
I'm writing whenever I can this week because school starts on Monday. Sigh.
It really is too bad that Legolas is trying to protect Eilian and Turgon and himself winds up as the one in the deepest trouble. Thranduil is not fooling around on this one.
White Wolf
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Leave it to Legolas to be the one who gets 'caught', when he is the most innocent one of all. Being confined to his room and the library under guard is really difficult, but I admire the fact he continued to try to protect Eilian and Turgon. Unfortunately, I don't think it will help much. Thranduil has a way of finding out everyting he wants to know.
Author's reply
Ain't that the truth! Typical Legolas, he was just trying to protect Eilian and Turgon. Sigh. But Thranduil wasn't fooling around. He thought Legolas might be getting himself into danger and that was the end of that, so far as Adar was concerned.
Levade
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
I'm trying to think of what to say, other than I love these stories of yours.
I think I'll have to email you response to this, Daw. I wish all parents could be like Thranduil.
Peace,
Levade
Author's reply
Thank you, Levade. I look forward to hearing from you.
When I first started writing, one of the things I wanted to do was show Thranduil as a good father. At that time, there were a ton of abusive Thranduil stories around. They seem to have diminished in number recently. Anyway, I'm glad you thought he acted appropriately. He's taking no chances with Legolas's safety.
Emily
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Things fall apart! I don't know where to begin. My heart bleeds for all of them. Legolas is killing me! From one viewpoint I understand and completely accept Thranduil's decisions. But then I think as Legolas and I feel wretched right along with him.
And Eilian! I have a hard time believing he is an OC. He's so real. I loved Annael's adar taking him aside. Eilian is worrying me more and more. Even so, things might be looking up. It seems that Thranduil's not going to sit on the sidelines any more. His one word: "Well?" Eilian might have a rough night ahead of him.
Update soon!
Author's reply
Poor Legolas. He's trying to protect both Eilian and Turgon and winds up in trouble himself. But Thranduil is taking no chances with his youngest son's safety.
Eilian comes alive for me very easily. I have sometimes deliberately left him out of a story because if I let him in, he steals the scene. Annael's parents seem to me to be ideal really. They are wonderful people, both of them, although I assume you haven't met his mother yet. And as a consequence, Annael is a sweet, generous, well behaved, well adjusted child. Legolas is lucky to have him for a friend.
Emily
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 3: Along the River
Legolas's night was rather ruined. Eilian is worrying me more and more. I like his companion/bodyguard very much. A voice of reason!
Ithilden at Alfirin's cottage amused me endlessly. Although, at first I thought he had come to fetch Alfirin's mother, the healer, because something was wrong with Eilian.
Eilian nodded and then looked up into the branches overhead, trying to let the trees’ song bring him comfort.
That was heartbreaking! He wants to be well but won't accept that recovery will take him longer than he thinks it should.
Author's reply
You must be channeling my beta. She loves Maltanaur (Eilian's bodyguard, or his "keeper" as he sarcastically calls him). Thranduil has made him responsible for keeping Eilian safe and that's what he intends to do.
The scene in Alfirin's cottage made me laugh shamelessly as I wrote it. This rather reserved maiden mops away at the crotch of the king's eldest son and then her mother offers to 'take a look.' If I were Alfirin, I'd have pulled up a floorboard and crawled under it.
Eilian has a hard time accepting his weaknesses. He's not a patient person.
Emily
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 2: Summer Solstice
Y'know what? I believe I like Ithilden even more than Eilian. But then again, I suppose I'm not seeing Eilian in his best light. Even still, I'm loving Ithilden.
Eilian is definitely not doing so good right now. It was a very strong scene where Legolas doesn't watch the arrows but rather his brother.
What it must mean to be a son of Thranduil--practised at experiencing boredom at feasts! It's very sad that Ithilden takes it so matter-of-factly.
Ahh. Something missing from the infirmary. I wonder if it's coincidence, or if Eilian has been out a'thieving.
Author's reply
Oh that's so interesting to know. Ithilden was the OC I had the hardest time getting a fix on, and I've made a concerted effort to flesh him out more in the last couple of stories. Maybe I'm actually succeeding!
This story is fun to write because I can show a lot of it through Legolas's young eyes and when he's confused, we're confused too.
tigerlily713
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Great chapter! I hope that Legolas and Eilian are able to communicate to each other and their father. Nothing hurts more than the loss of trust. I can't wait for more! ~Lily
Author's reply
You are so right about the loss of trust, Lily. And I think that the members of Thranduil's family all need one another. When you see Hiolith (the elf growing the herb) you can see what happens to someone who slips out of sight.
Emily
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 1: Lessons
Wow! I'm amazed! Your characters are so real. Such personalities! I love it. Poor Legolas, having to run and do push-ups all day because of his classmates. Not exactly fun. I can sympathize with him, as I went through the same thing myself several times during basketball practise. It's very hard to afterwards not be angry with the instigators. I like that Turgon, though. He seems as mischevious as a monkey!
Legolas's brother I like a lot. Eilian, I think his name is. How sad that he's sick from merely being in the south! I loved Legolas's concern for him.
The essay was a very nice scene. I liked how Legolas struggled over what he thought. Maybe that's one of those essay questions that doesn't have a "correct" answer (and how irritating those essays are!.
That plant looks very suspicious to me. Could it have something to do with Eilian? I think it does, but I really don't know how you're going to work it in. Is Legolas going to try to play healer? I guess I'll read on and find out.
Author's reply
Thank you, Emily. I've been working with these characters for a while now, and I shyly admit that they feel real to me too. Do you mind if I ask if this is the first time you've read one of my stories? Because if it is, I'd really be interested in hearing if everything made sense to you. I've written a bunch of stories now and I'm afraid I might no longer be making things clear to readers who stumble on them for the first time.
Eilian is my favorite OC. I like writing about him in himself, and I like the relationship between him and Legolas. Eilian has a tough time sometimes, and he really values the uncritical love that Legolas gives him.
If there's a correct answer to that question abous Isildur, I sure don't know what it is. But I thought that as the son of the king, Legolas would be learning some politics and history.
Jebb
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Oh wow!
Poor Legolas trying to help and getting into so much trouble and still protecting his brother and friends
I think I see more clearly what Eilian is trying to do but I don't think Thranduil realises it and he will not be a happy bunny when he does!
I feel so sorry for Legolas although I know Adar is doin what he thinks is right in the circumstances
Author's reply
It's ironic that Legolas is trying to protect these two crazy people and winds up as the one in trouble. Although Eilian looks to be in trouble too, although I suppose one could debate what kind of trouble that might be. :-)
Ana
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
The door opened and Thranduil entered, drawing Eilian to his feet. He said nothing but poured himself some wine and then turned to Eilian, with his face grim. “Well?” ... Great ending... So scary... Poor Eilian.
I've read the discusion about reviews at Royal Mirkwood Home and consequently I feel bad, because I do not review storys I read. Well usually. So I'm back with my favourite lines. :)
Annael’s reluctance was almost painful to see. “He said that the healers use an herb to treat bad shadow sickness, and sometimes people cannot stop taking the herb and it makes them act foolishly.” He looked miserably at Legolas. “He said that we should be grateful to warriors like that for what they have done for us and not scorn them but try to help them get better.”
“Legolas is worried,” Turgon declared, “and your adar said we should help warriors like Eilian.” ... Turgon is troublemaker, right? But he would help his friends always, right? Even if that would mean he'd had to do something really, really boring?
“Tell the master we were called away,” Turgon answered over his shoulder, as Legolas broke into a run. ... I can see that in my head and it looks cool.
Eilian did not want Legolas around at all as he tried to find out if Hiolith had enough of the stuff to function as a continued source. ... funny that he doesn't realise that Legolas worries about him and wants to know what's going on and it's relly too late to hope that he'll stay out of it.
“If he already needs more of what I gave him last night, then he is sicker than you realize.” ... I suppose I'm missing something, because there must be a really good reason, besides that one that he is responsible for Eilian safety, that Maltanaur allows him to do this.
Legolas bit his lip and remained silent. He saw no way to answer that question without implicating both Turgon and Eilian.
I really liked the whole scene with Sionden and Eilian too.
Thank you and “May the stars shine on your path.”
~Ana
Author's reply
Ana, you are extremely sweet to do this, but much as I love hearing from you, you shouldn't feel obligated.
You ask a very good question about Turgon, one that made me laugh! Somehow I think he might be less eager to do something boring to help than he is to skip out of class and follow Eilian. Although, sometimess he can surprise you. I am thinking of a scene I wrote in which and Legolas had been out at night hunting, and Legolas was frightened by a mother wolf. Turgon stayed with him and tried to comfort him. He can be sweet sometimes, poor kid. What a waste.
But Annael and his father are both so great. I still feel bad about killing Siondel. He was trying to teach compassion to Annael and then he acted on it himself when he approached Eilian.
May the stars shine on your path, too, Ana.
Duchess
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
"Well" I want an answer too! Please tell me Eilian isn't really addicted to this herb?!?
Will Thranduil blast Eilian now for the fact Legolas must have followed him? *wincing* There will be shouting, won't there?
ACK! I need more story! *whimper* I want to know everything will be all right.
Author's reply
One of the things that's fun to do in this story is show Eilian's actions through the eyes of others, especially Legolas, so that the reader is trying to figure things out, just as Legolas is doing. We'll see Thranduil and Eilian's conversation at the start of the next chapter. :-)
Bodkin
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Your writing just gets better and better. It was good to start with and now it's heading for great.
Just thought I'd add that.
Author's reply
Geez, Bodkin. Thank you. You're making me blush.
sofia
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
I cant believe you left us off there! I wanna know what they are gonna talk about. It seems legolas is like a prisoner in a prison cell... more soon please ;)
-sofia
Author's reply
Legolas is being kept out of sight and out of danger so far as Thranduil is concerned. Think of it this way: suppose you knew that your 14 year old son had been out and about and had brought an addictive drug home. Wouldn't that scare you? It would me!
Ms. Whatsit
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Oh, poor Legolas. Confined because he doesn't want to tell on everyone.
This story is somehow darker than your others--the enemy isn't just some nebulous Shadow but an actual Elf who has succumbed to it. I hope nothing terrible happens to Hiolith.
Siondel speaking to Eilian was an interesting part. Of course all of Legolas's escapades would concern Siondel as well, which would mean he'd have concerns about Eilian.
Author's reply
Confined because he doesn't want to tell (anymore than he wanted to tell about the archery contest in chapter 1) but also for his own safety. Thranduil is scared witless.
Siondel is one of my favorite OCs. Actually, Annael and his whole family are. I like writing about them, and I still feel bad for having killed of Siondel in another story.
French Pony
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Interesting. It seems the Elves are coming smack up against the problem of regulating drugs. They do have a problem here; even with twenty-first-century technology, marijuana remains one of the most difficult drugs to regulate. People can grow it in large fields deep in the woods in Alabama, and it's a real headache for the DEA to find the fields. Marijuana looks an awful lot like the regular vegetation that grows in Alabama, and the narcs have to get an informant to give them a general location and then fly over the area several times in a helicopter to locate the fields, staying in contact with each other and with HQ by radio. Without helicopter or radio, the Elves will have to rely on really stupid pushers like Hiolith, who does not display the brains Eru Iluvatar gave a goat, much less the average Alabama marijuana farmer, for information. They can't all be that dumb.
See, if I were Hiolith, I wouldn't have a single big field of it. It seems to grow naturally in Mirkwood (else the healers wouldn't have found it in the first place) and be a fairly small, unobtrusive plant (unlike marijuana, which grows tall and spiky), so the smart thing to do is to have several smal patches scattered around the woods. Since Hiolith is such a natural loner anyway, he clearly would have the time to go and take care of these patches. That is how you grow what is laughably called a "controlled" substance in the deep woods.
Looks like Thranduil's lack of honesty with Legolas is coming back to bite him in the butt. Legolas should have dropped the dangwath leaves or shredded them when Turgon gave them to him, but he didn't. Why? Perhaps he intended to show them to someone and ask for help. . . but then he doesn't seem to feel safe or respected enough to do that, and that leads back to Thranduil's closed-off-ness.
Legolas displays some of the leadership skills Thranduil is always trying to instill in him, and of course leads himself and Turgon and Annael straight into trouble. Methinks this was not quite what the King had in mind.
I'm having a great time here pondering the issue of the Elves trying to control a substance like dangwath in the first place. They seem to have all the problems that the U.S. does with marijuana with none of the technological advantages that allow the DEA to keep deluding themselves that they can control it in the first place. I'd like to know more about this plant -- aside from the fact that it can be addictive, I wonder what exactly it does. That is, is there any real physical danger from prolonged use? If so, what is that danger? If not, why is the plant controlled in the first place? It can't be economic -- there's clearly no lack of supply, so no danger that a limited resource will be overdrawn. Perhaps it's the idea that addiction to dangwath is somehow a moral failing? That's a whole nother can of worms right there.
Sorry . . . I do go on about this. But I have strong feelings about the legality of marijuana (I think it should be as legal as alcohol, for it's much less dangerous than tobacco), and I find the internalized attitudes of the U.S. in regards to marijuana fascinating. In order to keep it illegal, despite study after study that proves that it's not as dangerous as, say, heroin, the government keeps on inventing new stories about it, the best being the 1930s classic "Reefer Madness." I won't bend your ear too much about the issue, but if you have a chance, do see a film called "Grass" which is a documentary about the U.S. government's prohibition of marijuana, from the 1910s through the 1990s, when the film was made.
Author's reply
When I was outlining this story, one of the things I wrestled with the most was trying to make it fit into ME culture. It doesn't seem to me that there would be a group of bored young people using drugs for fun. Life was too hard. But warriors were treated with various drugs and some of them would be addicting. That seemed plausible. Also I thought most Elves would be too wise to harm their bodies but there could be people under particular stress who might. And of course, men are probably more susceptible.
I kind of liked the moment when Legolas demanded that Turgon hand over the herb. He must have sounded like his father! And in his care for his friend and his brother, he's probably acting out of attitude that Thranduil would encourage, although probably would not want to see done quite like this.
I think you're right about marijuana. I'm appalled it can't be used for medical purposes for instance. But I'm not really very knowledgable about addiction. My beta is a pharmacist who has worked in a VA hospital so the character of Hiolith reflects some things she's seen.
LOTRFaith
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Hello there... Have been gone thus the lack of reviews:-) So the dangwath is a sort of drug that can be addicting? Like say Codene? Hmmm.. Poor Legolas is in a small predicamate...
Author's reply
Dangwath can be addicting, yes. I don't know enough about Codeine's properties to say if it's like that, and I made dangwath up. But my beta is a pharmacist and she helped me put together a scenario that is plausible in terms of drugs.
Legolas is indeed in trouble. His father is not fooling around for a second on this one.
Manderly
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 4: Helping Out
Wow, that was some chapter and you left us hanging! Whatever relief I felt last chapter is totally gone. Eilian is in SERIOUS TROUBLE. For once, I hope Thranduil gives him a hard time, if only for his own good.
I am rather surprised that Thranduil didn't press Legolas for more information, or is there something that I am missing? There are just too many possibilities.
I really love Siondel. His few simple words may do more for Eilian than anything else. The only person who seems to have any impact at all on Eilian at this time seems to be Legolas. Let's hope it does pull him back from the brink. Unless I am totally wrong as to what Eilian is up to. You really do leave me guessing!
Author's reply
Thranduil is giving Legolas a hard time for his own good. We'll see how he does with Eilian.
Siondel is a gem. I love Annael's family in general, and still feel guilty about killing Siondel. You can see him here practicing the compassion he is trying to teach to Annael. No wonder Annael is such a great kid.