Reviews (197)

esamen · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Along the River

Legolas looked at Ithilden. “Could you go out at night when you were my age, Ithilden?” “I cannot remember,” answered Ithilden promptly, and when both Thranduil and Legolas glared at him, he threw up his hands and laughed. “Really, I cannot, but if you will excuse me Adar, I think I will go to work and let you two finish this discussion without me.” This is great. So real for all of us . . . caught between loyalties . . . I am loving Ithilden more and more. For some reason, his character is really developing to me. I can hardly believe what a great story this is. ************************************ He seized her wrist. “Do not trouble yourself,” he said, sounding as if he was struggling for air. “I am fine.” She stared at the area to which she had been ministering and felt as if her face had gone up in flames. Alfirin’s healer mother was plainly concerned. “Are you burnt, my lord? Let me take a look.” Oh, TOO funny! I was reading this at work today (I had to come in for a while on Sunday, it's that time of year) and I just laughed my head off. Good thing no one else was around. The whole scene was hilarious, but this is completely over the top. ******************************************** Eilian turned the packet of dangwath over and over in his hand, remembering the rush of relief he had experienced the first time the healers gave it to him. He had been lost in darkness and had feared he would never see light again, and then the sun had broken through. Hmm . . . I have some experience with this kind of thing myself . . . this is a very insightful and compassionate sentence and a very, very interesting story line. I think you are dropping some clues here? Eilian and Maltanaur are more interested in the elf than in the fact that Eilian procured the leaves, eh? And they are being compassionate, of course, but something must be done? The plot thickens. I can't believe how fast you write. You are amazing. Thanks for all your hard work. I just love these stories. Esamen

Ms. Whatsit · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Along the River

Uh-oh...the ME equivalent of a drug dealer! Yikes, Eilian. But Thranduil knows about this? So is Eilian being a mole of some kind, after having been addicted for a bit? Hmm. I think in this story we're really seeing the difference between Annael's parents and Thranduil, and how that difference is disadvantaging Legolas. Thranduil's babying of Legolas means that Legolas knows less about what's going on with Eilian than Annael does, which of course makes him more curious because he can tell that something is being kept from him. Trying to keep kids blissfully ignorant never really works. When Annael said he had to go home, he was lying, right? He wanted to get Legolas away from Eilian and Maltanaur? But that seems a bit too deceptive for Annael. I laughed out loud at the Alfirin/Ithilden bit. Poor Tonduil--little does he know that the troop commander's going to be his brother-in-law!

Nilmandra · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Along the River

I did find Alfirin and Ithilden very funny. I can only imagine Alfirin's horror as she realized where she was patting.....and then her mind took her places she hadn't intended on going :D Legolas is very concerned for his brother, and rightly so. I'm nost sure Tranduil convinced him that he and Ithilden and Maltanaur are looking after him adequately.

Bodkin · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Along the River

This is a brilliant story - with the darkness touching poor Eilian in a rather different way. Thranduil and Ithilden must be absolutely worried sick. I'm not at all sure that Maltanaur is going about this in the right way, although I can see the 'he's going to do it anyway; so better if he's under my eye' reasoning. Trying to keep Legolas out of it is possibly not the best way, either - Eilian is more likely to fight to protect his little brother than to look after himself. Very clever manoeuvring of Legolas to take advantage of Thranduil's momentary slip, although he had better work hard to keep within the boundaries set or he'll be some years older before winning any more freedom. Poor Ithilden!! Why didn't he just ask her out for a walk - surely it would be less intimidating than sitting down to drink tea with the family. That wretched cat - Ithilden was almost managing to behave normally. Still, if Alfirin is not sure whether he will be back, her parents have definitely caught on that he will. It's rather lovely to see the troop commander courting in such a naively awkward way - well, real sincerity is harder than flirtation. Even Eilian is clumsier with Celuwen than with any of his passing fancies. Turgon is an idiot. I'm surprised he doesn't irritate Annael and Legolas more than he does. I have just been affected by a passing suspicion that there is More To The Situation than Eilian being a druggie. Is he acting as an undercover elf to expose the dealers? Going undercover is definitely a situation that would appeal to him. Now I'm going to have to wait days to find out what happens next. “When Eilian as my age, you let him go out after dark,” Legolas argued. Tiny typo.

Tapetum Lucidum · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

That dagger is going to haunt us for a while isn't it? I think Thranduil's jeweled blade that he keeps on his desk has had a lot more character development than this one. I am sure he takes delight in reminding Ithilden that it is there. Who wouldn't? Legolas' concern for Eilian is touching. The youngest is usually the one being protected, it is nice seeing him in a more adult light. There is no way Eilian can feign health in front of the brat. The know each other too well. I guess there is even less of a chance that he can hide from Thranduil, unless Thranduil is very, very distracted. Ithilden and Legolas' little exchange over Alfirin was very well done. It is nice to see them bonding. Ithilden would rather talk to Alfirin than Beleg? Can you imagine? I don't really blame him - poor messenger. I wasn't really sure what game was being played in Ithilden's office but I know you are up to something. Did Ithilden make Glarion wait on purpose so he could see something was amiss with Eilian? Did he think having more people watch Thranduil's middle son's actions would help the situation? The royals of Greenwood rarely do anything by accident. I am glad our favorite elflings were on their best behavior. They are getting a little wiser. The archery competition would usually bring Legolas a lot of happiness but today it was only stressful. "His breath was so tight that his diaphragm actually hurt." what a great way to show his distress! Siondel was wise to send the little ones packing. It is up to Ithilden and Thranduil to handle the wayward warrior. Ithilden's thoughts at the feast were entertaining. We seldom get to see his more introspective side on anything other than business. Elflings at that age must be a lot of fun to watch - as long as they are not your own. Alfirin will soon have him quite distracted. I think I know what is missing from the infirmary... Miriwen? I had hoped she was long gone but I guess she is still around at this time. How about a curly haired elleth that needs a green ribbon... I feel sorry for Eilian.

erunyauve · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

I'm guessing the missing plant is dangwath and Eilian the thief. It's interesting that no matter how much everyone tries to steer Legolas around Eilian's problems, he's pretty perceptive about them. 'One day soon, one of them would cross the territory that separated them and, one by one, the others would follow. He wondered with some amusement if his father was ready for that.' Erm, by Legolas' reaction, I would say that say would be soon. 'Legolas usually found Turgon quite persuasive when he was suggesting things they should do, and only noticed the flaws in his friend’s reasoning after they were already in trouble.' ::g::

Jebb · 14 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Oh dear I do not like the sound of this herb at all and I am sure Eilian has something to do with its disappearence. I hope I am wrong. It would be so like him to try to hide his problems only to find himself in more trouble because of it. Thranduil is going to be very unamused and worried On the otherside I like the fact that even Ithilden can be eager to escape his duties occasionally and that Ada is very well aware of that fact. and Legolas so worried and concerned you can already see where the adult version gets his caring nature and loyalty from

naneth · 14 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

O.K., I have to wonder. Are we being set up by both you and Ithilden? There has to be a purpose for the scene in Ithilden's office with his gossipy visitor. Hmmmmmmmmmm. This was a touching and sad chapter. Well written, as usual.

The Karenator · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Why do I get the feeling that this might be a hard story to read? I don't mean that in a bad or critical way, but in an emotional sort of way. You have described such a clear picture of someone in trouble and in their own way, crying out for help, that I can't help but feel fear and sorrow for this person. We see it in his restless pacing, his shaking hand and foot, and in his boisterous behavior. And this person is our wild child and most beloved Eilian! Of course, if I didn't feel these things, then I think I would be missing the point of the story, and I hope that's not the case. I hope you know that I mean this as a compliment in that you have captured the on-the-edge personality and the erratic behaviors of someone who is teetering on the brink of disaster. To watch someone self-destruct is an emotional experience. And I've had a different emotional reaction to this story than I normally do one of yours. Again, I mean this as a note of your accomplishment. You've gone deeper into this family and their relationships and found something that all people and all families possess: darkness, the midnight of our greatest and most secret fears. This journey is more frightening than the ones we have taken before. The aftermath of Lorellin's death was terribly hard for the king and his sons, but here, we are given a complex view of far more than an immediate reaction to tragedy, but its lingering affects combined with personality traits and other external pressures. We don't know yet, or even if we ever will, what the internal workings within this character are at this point, but we can see well defined external clues as to what his mental disposition is. Certainly, the shadow is to blame to some extent, but I don't think even the shadow could create something in anyone if it is not already present. It seems to me that the shadow's greatest tool and most useful weapon is to uncover its victim's worse fears or his most sensitive insecurity and turn it against him. The shadow is the switch that turns on this preexisting and often, unstable, underlying current. We've always known that Eilian resists authority, and that he's a lovable wild card with self-destructive tendencies, but this is looking like a stark examination of who he really is and what he will make from it. The lighter side is, of course, Legolas's insight into Ithilden's 'crush' on Alfirin, the little guys seeing elleths as something possibly more pleasant than previously assumed, and Turgon's constant pull to a mischievousness that looks downright innocent in light of Eilian's troubles. You've added a whole new layer to your characters in this story. You delved deeper and found that even in dark places you can discover mithril. I know it's hard to tell by this windy review, but I'm nearly speechless. Wow! Karen

lwarren · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

First... Legolas and his not-so-subtle reminder to Ithilden that "I am OLD enough now to carry a dagger - so there! *VBG* Ithilden and Alfirin - the chase is on! I like watching the oh so proper Ithilden get all bothered when Alfirin's around! :-) (If you ever watched the original episodes of Star Trek, there's one where the Enterprise takes some hippie-types to a type of Eden...the loose and easy "flower children" call Capt. Kirk "Herbert" cos he's so "stiff"! Ithilden is definitely a "Herbert"! *grins - imagination is out of control here!*) The festival/party - the girls walking back and forth in front of Legolas and friends - how uncomfortable was THAT time of life? :-/ Now, Eilian (did I finally spell his name right?) - this is surprisingly hard reading about how Shadow has affected him, and how he is now in the process of falling apart! After the last story where he was so funny and carefree and flirting and getting up to his usual tricks, to see him so...weighted down with despair, and denying it, is terrible! And poor little brother is seeing it clearly, while the others...well, I'm wondering if they have even the slightest inkling what is going on with Eilian. I know they know he's sick...but do they KNOW how sick? Something missing from the infirmary? Gee, I wonder what THAT could be? This is a SAD circumstance...*sniff* Great chapter, daw! *sniffsniff* linda

Rose Sared · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Aarrgh, Elian really likes to push his luck, doesn't he? What lovely interactions, your stories weave like the most inticate tapestry. Most enjoyable. Thanks Rose

tigerlily713 · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

I love all of the subtlties on your story! How Legolas makes sure that people know that he has a dagger. How he teases Ithilden about Alfirin without being obvious about it. Lovely stuff! Can't wait for more!

Alice · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Uh oh. I have a bad feeling about this. Something tells me that the "something" missing from the infirmary is dangwath. Oh Eilian, whatever are we going to do with you? I really wish Legolas wouldn't have to deal with this. He's too young to be worrying so. I really like watching Ithilden with Alfirin. He's so cute and unconfident. He's so in command most of the time but put him within ten feet of Alfirin and he doesn't know which way is up. Her being shy doesn't help either. Poor guy. Ithilden's so different from Eilian and Legolas with the girls. Eilian just smiles and maidens fall into his lap. Legolas is, as usual, a mix between the two. I'm glad you updated today. School started this week so I'm glad you started a new story this week also. I look forward to the next chapter. Hopefully Legolas will sense that now is not the time to tell Thranduil that he is old enough to be unsupervised. Somehow I doubt that though.

Nilmandra · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Poor Eilian - humiliated in front of the warriors and his brothers, and then public humiliation at the feast. And Legolas is not seeing his brother at his best, is he? Ithilden courting Alfirin is almost too cute for words. But though she might be hesitant in the public eye, I rather think she likes Ithilden, serious though he may be.

nessie · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

I think Eilian took those herb things that they use for Shadow sickness, and he got a little...er...tipsy with them. Or he could have had too much wine too, but it could be both also. Poor, Eilian. I really feel sorry for him. It must be frustrating. But yay for Ithilden! He asked Alfirin to dance! I'm so glad they eventually fall in love! And Turgon! He's always looking for ways to getting his friends in trouble, although not on purpose. Well, loved this chapter and can't wait for the next one! Update asap! ~nessie~

Ms. Whatsit · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Oh, poor Legolas. And poor Eilian. Though on the funny side, our little Elfling is growing up! And the Ithilden/Alfirin stuff is funny. Ithilden would be a bit intimidating as a date, I think. Now what will Thranduil say about Eilian's plight, I wonder. Hmm...

Manderly · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Things are not looking well for Eilian. When Eilian was being escorted from the feast by Ithilden and Maltanaur, I cannot help but think of a similar scene when Legolas was carried off crying and kicking by Eilian from another feast so many years ago. Only I think Thranduil will be little bit more unforgiving toward Eilian this time. Something missing from the infirmary? Sounds rather ominous, especially when Eilian is displaying all the signs of being either drunk or high on something. I cringe to see Thranduil's reaction, and Ithilden will not be indulgent either. I get a laugh every time Ithilden approaches Alfirin. Such a far cry from his usual dead calm as the almighty commander of the king's troops. Legolas seems to be more receptive of his brother's prospective maiden companion now - changing hormones or whatever else that makes an elf click?

French Pony · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Thranduil isn't the only one who sees Legolas as The Baby. Ithilden, too, is ignoring Legolas's observations about Eilian. He also seems to have inherited Adar's blind spot regarding the emotional status of family members, which is odd, because siblings tend to be fairly well attuned to each other. I wonder . . . Ithilden is radically older than the other two, right? And the younger ones are fairly close in age? I'll bet that's why Legolas and Eilian seem to have more of an understanding and why Ithilden can't figure either of them out. Legolas may be The Baby, but Eilian is probably also still A Baby to Ithilden. And, as every adult around Legolas believes, since he's Just A Kid, he can't possibly know what's going on with Eilian, which is a foolish thing to think. Reminds me of an old "For Better or For Worse" cartoon where the grandmother has just died, and the father has just received the news over the television. The teenage daughter comes in and asks what's up, and the father, knowing that the little sister is just outside, tells the teenager in this sort of hush-hush tone, saying, "Shh, I don't want April to know." And outside, the little one, who has heard everything, thinks, "They always think I won't understand." Despite Legolas’s claim, he was not certain he was going to get what he wanted with Alfirin, so he was moving cautiously. He did not want to make a fool of himself in public. Too late, Ithilden. Although I did appreciate the snide commentary from both Ithilden and Legolas on the state of the other's love life. Do I know Glarion? I went through your sword drill while I read it, and it seems somewhat similar to a drill I did with a few of my coaches. It looks like it's based more on sabre than either of the point weapons, which are my specialty, so I'm not sure how well I got it. The foil drill that it reminded me of is a drill in evading the opponent's blade. The coach, from the guard position, moves his/her weapon through the four major lines of defense, and the student (Legolas) disengages his weapon to meet the coach's, but does not parry. All this continues, fluidly and quickly, until the coach suddenly attacks. If Legolas has been following well and has not let himself get confused by the coach's bladework, he will be able to retreat, disengage, parry and then riposte. It's a great foil drill, though my épée coach hasn't taught me an equivalent for that weapon. Eilian is well and truly ill, no doubt about it. But no one seems to know what to do about it. Does no one else ever get this sick? Do the Wood Elves not know how to treat such a severe case of shadow sickness, or are they just intent on proving again that denial is not just a river in Egypt? Of course, Eilian, with that high-strung, adrenalin-junkie personality of his, is likely a more difficult case of shadow sickness than they're used to seeing.

Karri · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Ai! I worry for Eilian and feel bad for Legolas. Excellent chapter!

Duchess · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Yikes! I'm thinking we're about to find out that Elves can become addicted to that plant too, aren't we? All the signs seem to point in that direction, but I'm hoping I'm wrong. Oh dear, oh dear!

sofia · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

good story so far. Is Eilian drunk? He seems that way... -sofia

Dot · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

This was such a really great chapter. I love Ithilden. I really, really do. Legolas drawing attention to the fact that he has a dagger is very amusing. He probably never forgave his brother for taking the last one from him. I like the way Legolas confides his worries about Eilian to Ithilden. I think telling Legolas that Thranduil won't send him south until he's fully healed is probably the most reassuring thing that Ithilden could have said. You made me laugh when Ithilden suddenly speeds up when he spots a certain maiden. “She just does not yet realize that you always get what you want.” LOL! How completely unromantic. Still, at least Legolas doesn't seem bothered any more by his brother's interest in Alfirin. Interesting that Ithilden isn't quite as sure as Legolas is that he will succeed with her.His communication skills around her have vastly improved, I must say. I can only imagine the look he gave that poor messenger. "He did not want to make a fool of himself in public." That's hard, isn't it. I mean, it's bad enough trying to find out if someone you're mad about actually likes you without having to do it under public scrutiny because you're the king's son. Eilian's in a bad way, alright. What a pity Glarion had to witness his suffering. I bet Ithilden wishes he'd just ushered Glarion in the moment he arrived. I suppose Calith immediately realised what would happen but couldn't very well tell Ithilden. It must be quite difficult for Calith to sit in the same office as Eilian. Actually, I thought you did that scene very well. I know Eilian has never been one for sitting still but presumably he could make some effort at it under normal circumstances but now he seems completely on edge. A very close friend of mine suffers from a form of depression and I can always tell when she's about to suffer a bad attack because she's exactly the same - constantly moving, can't sit down for more than a few seconds, has to be doing something. Anyway, I really get the sense of Eilian starting to spiral out of control. It brought tears to my eyes when he had such difficulty with his bow. How frustrating for him. And in front of everyone! At the moment it's probably hard for him to see that he will be well again and that he is only making matters worse for himself by pushing himself and then feeling like a failure. Siondel is right, of course - Ithilden probably heard about the incident straight away. I must say, hats off to Ithilden and Thranduil for being so understanding. They seem to accept the fact that Eilian isn't around for meals, even for the one at the Summer Solstice. I don't know how much longer that'll last, though. There's only so much a family can take when a member is only hurting himself by shutting them out. Ithilden on the edge of his seat waiting for the dancing is just so sweet! He's really fallen for her if his ultra-professional manner is starting to slip a little. I imagine he's amusing his father no end. Ah, Miriwen and Aerlinn again. I love watching them all so awkward with each other. It's so true, the boys going quiet and the girls pretending not to notice. I bet the two ellyth dared each other to walk back that second time... Something missing from the infirmary? Eilian with perhaps too much wine? Was there aught in that wine, then? *sigh* I'll stop thinking about it and just wait and see. Aagh, lunchtime is over. I really enjoyed this chapter. I hope what I wrote made sense 'cos I'm in a bit of a hurry! :-)

esamen · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

" One more time,” the sword master said, and Legolas nodded, rolled his shoulders, and slipped into a defensive stance. The sword master started with a slow overhand strike that Legolas brushed away, but then he advanced with vertical and diagonal blows that gradually increased in speed. Legolas blocked and danced out of harm’s way, as he had been taught, waiting for the horizontal blow that meant he was to attack rather than simply defend. When it came, it was such a departure from the rhythm of the vertical and diagonal strikes that he almost let it reach him. But he managed to dodge beyond the sword’s reach and then immediately press forward, coming in behind the sword master’s weapon and stabbing at his belly." Daw, dear writer, are you taking fencing lessons? this sure is interesting to read . . . I just love it; the imagery is fabulous and it is so vital to Legolas's life story . . . But there's more detail to the swordfighting here than our gentle minstrel might be expected to show us. What's up, songstress? "Eilian and Maltanaur were walking along the edge of the green, and Eilian was talking animatedly and waving his hands about." Oh, no. Not Eilian. Not our gorgeous, brave-hearted, beautiful Eilian. Oh, please don't say so. (Esamen hides her eyes and only peeks between her fingers at the next chapter.) Update soon, now, or your readership will all die of suspense, and then where will you be? Love across the miles, and happy typing (hint, hint).

Bodkin · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

stitched wound - wound - sorry.

Bodkin · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Summer Solstice

Oh happy day. More story. Dear little Legolas and his boot knife - and making sure he rubs in its (legal) existence to big brother. It would seem as if Legolas has begun to grasp the difference between boys and girls and has finally understood why Ithilden likes to talk to Alfirin. Legolas won't be the only one worried about Eilian - he seems in a very bad way. Shaking hands, restlessness, bad temper, irrational outbursts. And yet, unfortunately, nothing like a broken bone or stitched would which would make him rest - and which he could blame for the rest. He is an accident waiting to happen - and I am fairly sure the train is approaching. (Is the mood-enhancing drug supply missing???) Legolas is good at recognising that Turgon is remarkably persuasive, isn't he? He has even spotted that when Turgon is in full flow, he makes the problems and likely trouble disappear from the mind. (Turgon's career, had he made it to a sufficient age: working in advertising. Or selling encyclopedias.) Not easy for Alfirin to be courted by the Crown Prince - he will have to be very clear that he is not just doing an Eilian (meaningless flirting) or she will not be prepared to endure the difficulties. Although possibly it is not only Ithilden who always gets what he wants! Lovely surprise at this time of day. Look forward to more.