Alice
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
I was hoping you would do a story with Celuwen and Eilian as newlyweds. I was delighted to see this. So Eilian's a "newly-minted husband", huh? I like that phrase. It fits.
Well this one's off to a good start. Do I detect some oncoming tension between Legolas and Isendir? After all, Legolas is Isendir's age (younger as I recall) and he's now his commanding officer. I think I see some competitive friction heading their way. Poor Legolas though. He's a good warrior but there are probably always going to be unfair comments about him being promoted because he's the prince and not because he'd make a good officer. Of course, one would presume becoming one of the nine walkers would shut those people up, but you never can tell.
It'll be interesting seeing Gelmir away from Eilian. I've always liked him. He's a good sidekick to Eilian. I kind of wonder what his take is on his two best friends from childhood getting married. He's probably pleased that they've both stopped being silly.
Beliond is so cool. He's good to Legolas. And he expands his vocabulary! And we all know what a virtue a large vocabulary can be ( at least those of us subjected to SAT vocabulary quizzes).
I look forward to the next chapter. I have to admit though I was resisting the urge to scroll down and see if there were any Eilian bits. The mischievious flirt tends to grow on you.
Author's reply
I'm hoping the newlywed part of this comes off okay. I've been wanting to write it but it's hard to show both how difficult it would be for these two to adjust and yet how much they love one another and are basically grown ups who respect one another.
Legolas is in a tough position, I think. In some ways, he WAS promoted because of who he is. Thranduil would think it natural that his sons be leaders and this is a world in which Boromir and Faramir are both captains, for instance (although I supposed Elves could do things differently than Men). But he also earned it. Ithilden would never have promoted him unless he thought he could do the job.
I think the dynamics of this patrol have changed with the change in leadership and I think that's inevitable. Both Sorion and Legolas are new to their positions and everyone is going to be a bit unsettled for a while.
Shall I send Beliond on over to do SAT drills with you? :-)
Dot
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Oh, thank the stars! I don’t cope well with gaps between stories.
I can’t tell you how glad I am that you chose this particular time to write about. I absolutely loved ‘Spring Awakenings’ and really wanted to see what happened next. ‘Glorious Summer’…Shakespeare? I’m intrigued…
This was very tense for a first chapter! It’s fascinating to watch Legolas learning to be a lieutenant. Until he grows used to it, it must take a conscious effort to ensure that everyone is where they’re supposed to be. So Isendir has joined the patrol? I remember him. He was pals with Galelas but not as nasty, right? And Riolith used to hang around with Tynd but was nastier? It’s good to see familiar faces. I don’t blame Legolas for finding it strange being responsible for someone he trained with.
I had to laugh at Beliond looking ‘serene’ while they’re all poised to attack and are in such an unpredictable situation. He’s probably bitten through his tongue trying to let Legolas work things out on his own. I’d forgotten he’d captained the Southern Patrol! Wasn’t that when Ithilden went there as a very young lieutenant? I still have trouble picturing Beliond with responsibility for an entire patrol. Oh – it’s just dawned on me too how very difficult it must have been for him to go back to being just a warrior in a patrol again after Thranduil assigned him as Legolas’ keeper. I hadn’t thought of that.
How frustrating it must be if Sórion is slow to act. He couldn’t be more different than Eilian. I’d have thought he’d realise that if he let too many Orcs get ahead and they turned back he and his group would be caught.
LOL at Legolas cursing in front of Thranduil! Bet he never did that again…
What a tense moment when Legolas waits for the signal to take to the ground, then realises first that he has authority give the signal, then that he can’t yet without endangering fellow warriors. I do love these Legolas-growing-into-his-role stories. I for one am so grateful for Beliond. He helps Legolas out right when he needs it but doesn’t criticise the young lieutenant for being unsure in that moment. I love that second where Legolas almost has to force himself to stop mid-chase. Of course he has the self-discipline needed. He may be learning to be a lieutenant but he’s still a well-trained and experienced warrior. Ithilden would never give him the responsibility if he didn’t think he could live up to it.
I’m surprised at Isendir’s comment about Sórion. He’s well and truly old enough to know better than that. I thought he’d been in other patrols? Ah well, hopefully he’s realised that the other two didn’t find it at all amusing. I thought Legolas handled him well, actually – he didn’t openly reprimand him but still let him know that it’s unacceptable.
I don’t know yet what to make of Sórion and Riolith. I have a vague recollection of Legolas telling Ithilden that he liked Sórion but so far he doesn’t really appeal to me. It’s fine for him to have a close friend in the patrol. After all, Eilian had Gelmir. But there’s no way Eilian would have accepted Gelmir butting in when he was talking to another officer. I think it’s the comment “Perhaps he will not get us all killed after all” that annoyed me because it kind of sounds as though they’ve been discussing Legolas before. You really give a great sense of the different personalities that make up this patrol. I guess they have to adjust to their new lieutenant as much as he must to them. Conflict wouldn’t surprise me at all, though!
I actually felt quite sorry for tired Legolas not knowing what supplies are needed. I hate when that happens. I’ve been in my current job about six months and I keep discovering things I don’t know that I only don’t know because I never realise I should know them until something has to be done. *sigh*
Good old Gelmir. I love the way he always teases Legolas in such a brotherly way. He must indeed miss Eilian. I think he deserves some leave soon to go home and congratulate his two best friends.
Porridge made with acorn meal? And he’s grateful for it?? I wouldn’t have thought Ithilden himself would have been responsible for supplying food, actually. No wonder he always looks over-worked. But how interesting to see this side of the patrol’s duties.
“You did well tonight.” I really am so fond of Beliond. It’s really touching that he seemed to have been waiting to say this to Legolas before settling down to sleep. He obviously knows by now how much Legolas expects of himself and that he’s grateful for a little bit of reassurance from those he respects. And he chooses the healthiest trees so that Legolas can find some comfort! How sweet Beliond can be! Yes, I did just use ‘sweet’ and ‘Beliond’ in the same sentence. Don’t let him hurt me!
I’m really looking forward to more of this. How’s Eilian doing in the Home Guard? Is Celuwen settling into palace life? Has Thranduil’s blood pressure returned to normal? Is Tinár brightening up the lives of all in Ithilden’s office? And will Legolas ever wash his clothes? :-)
Author's reply
I've been looking forward to writing about this time too, Dot. The sons of Thranduil are going to burn away memories of that cold, discontented winter. :-)
You are amazing to remember Riolith and Isendir and Beliond's role as Ithilden's commanding officer when Ithilden was a lieutenant. I wanted to make this chapter show what life in this patrol as a new lieutenant was like for Legolas, because growing into that role is largely what he'll do here. It's good preparation for the fellowship, I think. And in my opinion, none of these people is bad, but in this small, stressful world, they're going to rub one another the wrong way occasionally. Sorion was in a tricky position: he knew he was letting orcs get past him but he didn't want to leave any in the cave when the elves attacked. He's a new captain too, and I expect that he's not altogether pleased to be responsible for the king's baby, who's watching his every more.
I thought Isendir's comment was probably one that lots of warriors might make. Where I work, we all gripe about our boss sometimes and we certainly are old enough to know better. But I think that's human nature. I bet Legolas did it himself except when the captain was Eilian.
And I think you're right about Legolas struggling a little: he's been watching other lieutenants forever, but that's not the same as doing it yourself. I heard someone talking on the radio about acorn mush and they said it was pleasantly nutty. :-)
Beliond has some choice words for you because you called him "sweet."
sofia
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
great start to another story. I liked it. More soon please.
-sofia
Author's reply
Thank you, Sofia. I expect to be a little slower posting now than I was in the summer, but I still should be reasonably quick, I think.
White Wolf
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
I love how you jump right into the tension of battle with the orcs and the aftermath. That is a nice grabber to start what I know will be another great story.
Since the start of the whole series, you have jumped around, covering Legolas and his family at different stages of their lives. I admire you for keeping it all straight. I'm not sure I could keep track of what all happened in which story after so many. Kudos to you.
Author's reply
Thank you, White Wolf. I don't usually start with action like this so it was hard to write. But I wanted to establish what Legolas was doing now and what his patrol was like. I actually do have trouble keeping things straight sometimes, but fortunately, I can always look stuff up in my own stories. :-)
caz - baz
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
That was an exciting start to a story. I can't wait to find out how everything's going with Eilian. This sounds like it's going to be good as usual. I just started School again and I am not entirly looking forward to this year - far too much work. I also have to write two original pieces of fiction for my English Language course, one due before Christmas the other due before Easter.
I think I need to improve my grammer somewhat. I'm also not used to writing non fan-fiction stuff. oh well at least it should be fun.
Author's reply
Can't your write fanfic for your assignment? Or you could write a fanfic story but rename everyone and set it somewhere else. :-)
I'm glad you liked the start of this one. I don't usually start with action so this was different.
esamen
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Oh, another gorgeous story . . . I get to go live in the Woodland Realm for a while. Blessed relief! That tree comforts me, too. I live in south Texas where most of the trees are small because of the heat, and I get homesick sometimes for a lush, tall stand of verdant Iowan oaks or pines.
I love all the detail you have included in this story . . . the staging of the battle, the requisition and responsibilities of a lieutenant, the supplies of arrows, and the moment of dropping off to sleep. Just beautiful. And I love the dramatic tension already building amongst the characters. Another great daw tale is on its way!
Can you please get Legolas into some warrior-type difficulties again? My work is so stressful this month that I would really enjoy some tender h/c moments, even if it's only the vicarious-reading-type kind.
Thanks and praise, and please update soon,
Esamen
Author's reply
Thank you, Esamen. Somehow, I thought you lived in Florida. Actually, I find Iowa rather treeless compared to Michigan where I'm from.
I'm so glad you see the tension among the characters already. I wanted this chapter to orient us to Legolas's current life and companions, and show how he was reacting, so it had a lot of weight to bear.
Warrior-type difficulties are in the works. :-)
Naneth
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Yipee! A new story! I am always excited to see a new story from you, and this is one I have been waiting for. This time period in the life of both Legolas and Eilian should be lots of fun to learn about. I'm so glad you chose this as your next story.
Can't wait for more...and more...and more!
Author's reply
It's nice to be greeted with enthusiasm!
I agree that both Legolas and Eilian have lots to learn just now. It's taking me a while to think about it and then figure out events that would show it, but I've been looking forward to writing this too.
Jebb
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
I was so happy to see a new story from you Legolas seems to be adapting to command well and even earned a word of praise from Beliond he better make a note of that as I don't suppose it will be repeated too often.
Still Beliond like Thranduil seems to know just when to give support and praise to make a point do we get to see the new husband next?
Can't wait
Judy
Author's reply
Thank you, Judy.
I think that Legolas is doing well. He's watched other lieutenants for a long time and Ithilden judged he was ready for command so he probably is. But he still has things to learn too. Knowing what you have to do and doing it are two different things.I think about teaching. New teachers have watched other teachers for years, but standing up there yourself is a whole different thing! Legolas is lucky to have Beliond, I think.
And yes, Eilian will be in the next chapter. As will all the other folks as home. We'll see if Thranduil is cooled down yet. :-)
elliska
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Oh wonderful! I was going through withdrawal without your stories! And I am so happy to see this topic. It is going to be great. Poor Eilian. I think he is probably in for some interesting lessons :) And I love your explorations of Legolas in new roles. This one started out so well. I do love Beliond. And Gelmir is great! So happy to see you start a new one!
Author's reply
I'm glad to have a new story underway too. I've been busier with work than usual so I've been slow getting started again.
I think that both Legolas and Eilian have things to learn. I adore him but I think he might be tough to be married to. In the next chapter, we'll see how people at home are doing.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Legolas seems to be making a good impression in his new post - I liked this part: Then, with self-discipline he was relieved to find he had, - he's developing as a warrior nicely.
Beliond is great, as always. I like him saying a word that got poor Legolas punished, but then finding the two of them a spot near a healthy tree for Legolas's peace of mind.
Do I see problems ahead with Sorion?
Jay
Author's reply
Legolas is doing well, although I think he's still learning. He's at that stage where you scrutinize all your own actions because you're still afraid of making a mistake that will get someone else killed.
Thank Eru for Beliond. Legolas needs him, I think.
I tried to introduce a mix of characters in this first chapter that I could then use to show what this little world of the patrol was like, with all its strengths and weaknesses and conflict and loyalty.
Bodkin
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
PS: Like the Shakespearean reference.
Author's reply
You're so clever! In this case, it's the sons of Thranduil bringing the heat. (I've always liked that pun.)
Bodkin
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Oh, splendid. I was just beginning to gibber from the lack of one of your stories.
Legolas has become so grown-up! Ithilden was right really to give him longer to grown into his role as warrior / son of the king / officer etc. Eilian coped with being thrust into command quickly - but he is a different character; better at taking authority than accepting it. And it would still have been good for him to have the chance to grow more slowly - though after his mother's death, what he needed probably changed anyway.
In some ways, it must be really handy for Legolas to have Beliond on hand to observe, because he knows his minder wouldn't let him make a mistake that would kill elves, but, on the other hand, what must it be like to have every step watched and noted!
(Do you think that Beliond will end up going to Ithilien?)
I hope Sorion's caution doesn't lead to trouble - and that Isendir learns to keep his mouth shut. With luck Riolith will keep him in order. And at least Tinar is far away - just getting used to being squashed by Ithilden, I believe.
Love the Legolas half of the story. Looking forward to the Eilian side.
Author's reply
You must be feeling withdrawal from finishing your own story, although I guess you have others. Always have a story going!
Legolas needed the time to grow into this role, I think. I think he's slow to mature in a lot of ways, which may be normal for elves who in normal times have forever. Eilian probably had kids following his lead from the time he was small. I'll bet that when the other elflings' parents asked them "If Eilian jumped off a cliff, would you follow him?", they all thought "Yes! Yes!" And Eilian's leadership style and instincts were well matched to the Southern Patrol, which Ithilden was smart enough to see. I don't think Eilian would have made a good captain of a border patrol at the same age.
In my opinion, Beliond would certainly go to Ithilien. He has no family in ME and I think Legolas is the substitute.
Eilian will be in the next chapter. :-)
Rose Sared
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Well it is nice to be back on patrol. Looking forward to spending time in the South again, daw, thank you for your usual action packed writing.
Author's reply
Thank you, Rose. As I was writing this chapter, I kept thinking how hard Legolas's life seemed to me. What a stressful way to live! It's amazing they don't all drink, or have ulcers, or go crazy.
Ms. Whatsit
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Yay, a new story! Sorry that I have no time for a long review--school just started last week--but I'm liking this a lot so far. I like the way you describe Legolas's battle-lust especially. It's so easy to cast him and other Elves as ethereally above that sort of thing, but it's much more canonical to acknowledge that wood-elves are feral and deadly. You had me feeling all tense and wanting to hit something right along with Legolas.
And I'm looking forward to the resumption of Eilian/Celuwen *g*.
Author's reply
Yeah, school started for me too. That's why this story has taken a little more time to get launched.
I like the idea of wood-elves as 'feral and deadly.' Tolkien says they're 'more dangerous and less wise' than the Noldor. And if the battle felt tense, I am enormously pleased. I kept going over it, shortening sentences and changing words, trying to make it tenser.
Eilian/Celuwen will be along next chapter, as will Thranduil, Ithilden, Alfirin, and let's not forget, Tinar, who is working in Ithilden's office. :-)
French Pony
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
I have a favor to ask. Can I borrow Beliond for a few days? I'll feed him well, and he can sleep on my futon couch. See, UPS has been holding one of my birthday presents hostage for three days, and they're threatening to send it back without me even finding out who it's from, all because I live in an apartment and have work and school and can't wait around all day for them and I don't have a car so I can't pick the thing up at the UPS office in the next town over. I need Beliond to come and beat the bejeezus out of UPS and make them cough up this package. Then I'll send him right back, soon as my birthday present is safely in my hands. You'll never miss him, and Legolas might enjoy the time off.
Good for Legolas, learning to make a grocery list. It's a skill surprisingly few people have. Nice to get a glimpse of what everyday life as a lieutenant might be like. And the other characters have lovely cameos -- each one is really crisp and clear, like you get a good glimpse of who they are. I particularly like Riolith. He's got to be the grizzled old sergeant of the company, the one who smokes cigarette butts and bosses the fresh-faced young lieutenant around. You get on the good side of one of those guys, and you'll learn the most valuable life lessons.
Question: How did Beliond get out of being a captain alive? I mean, you had to kill off Todith to free up his spot. Can the captains just retire? Or was he promoted straight from captain to bodyguard?
Gelmir seems to be feeling a little like a fifth wheel here, and who can blame him? He must feel that it's nice to have Legolas around, but Legolas isn't Eilian, and he probably reminds Gelmir even more that his best friend isn't there. Poor old Gelmir. He does seem to end up as the odd Elf out quite a bit.
Author's reply
Oh how evil! My husband is an e-bay addict so our UPS guy knows us by name and will leave things on the porch. Of course, he's probably encouraged to do so by the way I yank the door open and snarl, "Now what has he bought?" You may borrow Beliond if you think he could help. I'm sure he'd be happy to come over and straighted out anyone who was annoying you and you too.
I'm so glad the characters come through here. One of the functions I wanted this chapter to serve was introducing the characters in Legolas's life now. Riolith has been in my stories before but only as a kid. He was Tynd's buddy in "Growing Under Shadow," the story in which Legolas was learning to hunt and the older guys told them to clear off, that the deer they were stalking belonged to them. And he was in "The Novice," doubting Legolas's reliability while they were on a novice exercise. So he's not much older than Legolas, but he does have that mind set you describe, I think.
Beliond became one of Thranduil's spies during the Watchful Peace. He was in his "I want to be alone" phase and spying was good for that. I think a captain could retire though. Mirkwood doesn't seem to have a draft.
Gelmir is in an interesting situation, the opposite of the one Riolith is in. He was the patrol's old captain's buddy. With the change in leadership, Gelmir's role changes a little too, and not just personally.
Manderly
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
It's so nice to come back after being away (battling Hurricane Frances, no less) to see a new story from you.
So Legolas is an adult again in this new story. It's almost a shock to see him acting so much like a seasoned warrior here when in the last story he was but an adolescent being sent to his room for misbehaviour. The joys of fanfics!
I can really feel the maturing in Legolas in this first chapter. There's a certain hardening about him while he's in battle. Beliond must approve of the change as he managed to squeeze out a praise for his charge.
I am looking forward to see how you will weave the two different storylines of the brothers. Personally, I think Legolas will have the easier job adjusting to his position as the new leutenant than Eilian as the new husband.
Author's reply
I hope all the hurricane stuff leaves you well, Manderly. It seems as if the people in Florida are really getting battered over and over.
When I switch ages for Legolas, it always takes some readjustment on my part to remember what he can do now. Actually that's true for my other characters too. They should be different when Legolas is little than a couple of hundred years down the road. They're still learning too.
Glad you liked the "hardening" of Legolas in battle. I've been trying to write him with a sort of concentrated fury in battle. It's there in his brothers too. It's like they enter another zone.
Eilian will turn up in the next chapter and we'll see how he's doing now. :-)
meckinock
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
I can't even imagine how hard it must be for Beliond to not just step in and take over the battle from all these wet-behind-the-ears elflings. He shows remarkable restraint! But Legolas has good training and good instincts; he's showing himself well in his first turn at command. Sorion seems to have mastered the first principle of management: delegate the crap work! Riolith and Isendur look like they will be a couple of interesting personalities to watch. Hope Legolas keeps an eye on them. Thanks for posting so soon; what a pleasant surprise!
Author's reply
Beliond is focused mostly on Legolas's safety now, so I suppose that helps him let go of command a little. And he was one of Thranduil's spies for a long time before he was given charge of Legolas, so it's been quite a while since he commanded this patrol. Ithilden was a young lieutenant in it when Beliond was captain. :-)
I think Legolas can be a good leader but he's a very different kind of leader than either Ithilden or Eilian is, so it's going to take him a while to learn his own strengths. And I think that as the king's son, he's probably unconsciously assumed he was supposed to be a leader all along.
Sorion is new as a captain too, so I imagine this isn't easy for him either.
Thank you for all your advice on this, though. It was just invaluable.
LOTRFaith
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Horray! A new story from Daw:-) Very exciting chapter to begin with:-D A battle, but I think perhaps that the next chapter will be a little slower and move to Eilian.. Am I correct? :-P I don't care if I'm not, I always did like Legolas fic's :-P lol... Great chapter and looking forward to more!
Author's reply
This is the first review I've gotten of a brand new story. :-)
Yes, in the next chapter, I'll show how things are going at home with Eilian and the rest of the family. But I like to start with Legolas. I'd like to keep him the center of the show if I can, but Eilian sometimes comes in and steals the scene.
Thank you for the welcome for this story, Faith.