Glorious Summer by daw the minstrel
Duchess · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now
A very good story! I'm sooooo glad Thranduil surprised them by saying hat he did. LOL
Author's reply
Thank you, Duchess. I was glad about that too. I decided that Thranduil could afford to let Ithilden ream Eilian out and just act as a father himself.
Manderly · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now
I am sad to see this story end. You have done a wonderful job with it and I hope you have another one brewing for us (soon?) I am glad Ithiden and Thranduil went easy on Eilian for he really did not deserve their wrath. I am sure had they been in his position, they would have reacted no differently, and I think they have come to realized that at the end. Once again, I can see the sometimes impossible task of balancing duty to the realm and duty to the family. Celuwen once again proves her worth to Eilian, and to the Royal Family. I hope she will become the bridge between Thranduil and Eilian. And Legolas is really all grown up now, isn't he? I have always wondered whether some of the more seasoned warriors would feel a sense of resentment of having to obey someone who not so long ago was but an elfling in their eyes. I am glad to see none of it so far. Thank you again for the wonderful story.
Author's reply
The more I thought about it, the more I decided that Ithilden and Thranduil would back down. They could see that Eilian was right and that this was his wife's safety they were talking about. Ithilden did have a delicate balance to strike, but Thranduil could afford to be just Adar if he wanted to, and he decided he did. Legolas is doing well. He's growing into Legolas of the Fellowship.
Antigone Q · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
Loced Celuwen's speech: “ Do you think Eilian and Legolas want to spend their lives as warriors? Do you think that they would not like the chance to live among healthy trees in harmony with the song of Arda?” And Thranduil ought to thank the Valar that he chose Celuwen to negotiate with the settlers. I don't think anyone else would have been able to accomplish so much. I wish Eilian's Adar weren't always so hard on him. Sigh.
Author's reply
I wish that too, so I decided to make things a little better. :-) The settlers respect Celuwen as one of their own, but it didn't take more than a few weeks of sitting on Thranduil's council for her to see things a little differently. Her father had no chance against her!
Antigone Q · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There
"What are brothers for?"...I remember that one all the way back from the snowball fight. Nice touch.
Author's reply
I love using stuff from previous stories, like that phrase or the necklace Celuwen finds and wears.
meckinock · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now
I forgot to say how much I liked Thanduil's self-examination, too. About time he asked himself why he's always riding Eilian. The whole family seems to be getting their heads screwed on straight. Wait- what are they going to have to argue about now? This isn't going to get boring, is it?
Author's reply
I hope not! I think they'll find some issues. They always do.
Antigone Q · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement
Whew! Things are getting tense. And Legolas and his brother are about to cross paths - that should be interesting.
Author's reply
Tense is good!
meckinock · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now
Eilian had hissed a single warning at them: “Never again let me hear that you have left someone you are guarding alone, no matter what they told you to do.” He must have looked menacing because they both had both paled, saluted, and smartly responded, “Yes, Captain.” Now he looked at them, intending to tell them to take Celuwen home, but he found that she, too, was off her horse and taking Maltanaur’s other arm. “I will help you with Maltanaur.” She smiled at the guards. “You may go.” As one, they turned to look at Eilian, who nodded resignedly. Wow, Celuwen seems to be making short work of this household (I noticed that Ithilden is afraid of her, too.) Go Celuwen! She is the anchor Eilian has needed all his life, and he seems ready to cut loose all his emotional baggage. I think Legolas isn't the only Thranduilion to grow up a lot in this story. I loved the conflict in the dining room when Ithilden asked for the use of Thranduil's office so he could talk to his "officer." Yikes. But Eilian just walked in there and took his medicine. I'm glad he didn't get stipped of his captaincy; although Ithilden would have technically been justified in doing it. He's in a difficult position. What else....I love the contrast between Celuwen and Alfirin. Alfirin, Eru bless her, isn't really comfortable with all this nasty talk about stabbings and daring rescues, but she'll make sure everyone gets fed, at least. And where would they be without her? Maltanaur, poor guy, standing there bleeding, propped up by a couple of newlyweds having a marital spat lobbing grenades over his bow. He suffers too much, dear Maltanaur. I was happy that he reminded Eilian that he did the right thing. That's all anyone can do, and let the chips fall. I liked the closing sequence with Legolas returning to his patrol and feeling at home there; "doing what he was born to do." Wow. Way to remind us what he was born to do; even though he doesn't know it yet. I feel like you've brought Legolas up, raised him, given him the room to grow into the character we love who shows up at the Council of Elrond. Thanks, Daw.
Author's reply
The thing about Celuwen is that she's not doing it on purpose most of the time. She just doesn't know the rules and acts as she thinks right, and everyone else is startled. Sending the guards on their way is just one example. She truly didn't mean to be defiant. It just seemed the right thing to do. Eilian is able to function well here because he has this new emotional support which he has sorely needed. I wondered about the captaincy thing. I thought that most commanding officers would take this pretty seriously, but really, what was he supposed to do? So Ithilden let it go and snarled a warning. I like Alfirin and don't want her virtues to get lost in the shuffle either. And Maltanaur made me laugh. He loves Eilian like his son. Thank you for your kind words about Legolas. You know how hard I find to write him well.
Antigone Q · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 6: A Settler's Alarm
Ah...so Legolas is learning about the fine line he has to walk between friend and leader. He'll figure it out though, he's a quick learner. I thought that Eilian feeling Celuwen's longing for him was a nice touch. It fits with what you have already written about the binding of feelings in marriage. I also liked that Celuwen figured out within a couple of seconds that Eilian hadn't asked Ithilden for permission to go "check on her," and her quick assesment of what that would mean for Eilian's relationship with his father and brother. I love seeing astute women in fiction! I see you ended with a cliffie - luckily, I have chapter six right here...
Author's reply
I think Legolas does figure it out, but it may leave him a bit lonely, poor guy. Celuwen is very astute, and she and Eilan are well matched. Thranduil should bless the day they bonded.
elliska · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now
I am so sorry to see this story end. This is definitely one of your best. I loved all the interactions with Maltanaur in this chapter especially his request that the conversation about the guards be taken elsewhere. Too funny. And I love the guards' reaction to what Eilian told them. I bet they would pale. Celuwen's jump in to tell how Eilian had saved the day was great and probably did save Eilian's butt. He had better keep it in line. Ithilden handled that well. So did Thranduil. I hope you write another one at some point close in time to this story exploring their relationship a little more. But the best part was Legolas. I love the adult Legolas stories and I think you do a great job with them. This was no exception. Seeing him as a new officer was wonderful. Give us a hint what your next story might be and for heaven's sake don't wait too long to start it. :)
Author's reply
Maltanaur amuses me. He's used to being alone with Eilian and he's very blunt with him. He seems to have taken Celuwen into his confidence too. He thinks she will be good for Eilian. But he doesn't want to be int he middle of their argument! In the end, I couldn't let Ithilden or Thranduil be too hard on Eilian. I think Ithilden had to exert some sort of discipline, but Thranduil needed to be Eilian's father here. Adult Legolas is touching here, I think. He's respected but he's rather lonely. I don't know what I will write next. I'll take a break for a few days and think about it.
meckinock · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now
*Cries* If I hadn't seen you with my own eyes I would have bet my house that you're an android.
Author's reply
LOL. Meckinock, you always make me laugh.
esamen · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
Legolas had opened his mouth to reply and then found he was uncertain of the answer. “I just knew,” he said, shrugging his shoulders helplessly. Oh -- I had to review again -- the sentence above seems to suggest that the brothers share a kind of kinship with each other similar to the relationship they share with the woods? Hmmm. I loved the aspect of Eilian still getting in trouble with Thranduil and Ithilden. It's so comforting that some things never change. And I really liked the concluding scene of Legolas and Eilian in the woods together. They seemed, for the moment, close to equals in each other's eyes. Now, I want to write out my wish list for double heapings of Legolas and / or Eilian h/c soon, please! I just love to comfort my heros. They're so sweet when they're groggy. There should be plenty enough danger still around for another such plot, I hope! Before Legolas rides off to the Quest, perhaps he'll need some more practice in deliberately making the decision to sacrifice his own life for the greater cause? And maybe his family will need some more practice in watching him do it? Happy typing, esamen
Author's reply
I thought that Legolas might have been able to tell just from the shape of the body in front of him etc. I thought he might respond to very small cues that would be unnoticeable to anyone else. But there could be a sort of bond. :-) And Legolas and Eilian are working their way to being equals. I think that's important. I think by the time they get to "Tangled Web," they mostly are equals. I think there will be plenty of occasions for Legolas and/or Eilian to be in danger. What's an author for?
White Wolf · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
Good chapter title. Celuwen's arguments to her father were quite good and obviously convinced him of the wisdom of her plan. I love the private conversations between Legolas and Eilian, rate though they are, and this one was no exception. Legolas will always be his 'little brother', but he is now seeing first hand how good an officer he has become. Having Beliond order Legolas to bed was great and so was the fact he sat down next to him, prepared to stay with him while he slept. Eilian facing Thranduil will be explosive I fear.
Author's reply
All it took was a few weeks sitting on Thranduil's council for Celuwen to see things differently. And Solith had gotten on her last nerve. And I enjoyed writing about Eilian's pride in Legolas and Beliond's solicitude for him. Beliond might bark orders at Legolas, but he is genuinely fond of him.
esamen · 9 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
“But my leave will be here soon, and I will see you then, always assuming that Adar and Ithilden have left you in one piece.” Ah, lovely. Thranduil's family is just the greatest thing. Wonderful story. Am I a real pyscho to keep wanting more trouble for them, just to enjoy the TLC that comes afterwards? On to the next adventure! Can't wait for your next gift!
Author's reply
LOL. I don't think that's psycho. Thank goodness that they can offer comfort to one another and that you enjoy reading about it. :-) I do like writing about family dynamics. I think it's my favorite part of these stories.
Dot · 9 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
*sigh* Believe it or not, this is my seventh attempt to sit down and write this since last night. And in the meantime I’ve lost total track of my thoughts… Anyway, there was something very poignant about this chapter. It was just wonderful. I guess in the bittersweet aftermath they all see both themselves and others in a new light. Go Celuwen! She’s just said everything that Thranduil has probably been bursting to say to those settlers for years. I must say, I’m very impressed at how aware she’s become of the reality of the realm’s situation. Those council meetings have paid off. But it’s quite sad too how the information she would have been told has now been driven home so violently. I can see why Sólith would not be happy that the settlers will have to be trained as warriors when they all chose such a very different life. But Celuwen is right, not all Mirkwood’s warriors would have wanted such a life but it’s necessary because of the world in which they live. Plus, Sólith’s neighbours did seem very willing to help defend their home and protect their people against the Men. Isiwen appears to agree with her daughter… I imagine if Celuwen hadn’t lost her temper, she’d have had a fine go at her husband later. Maltanaur seems to be a very obedient patient! I’m glad he’s doing well. I loved the scene with Eilian and Gelmir. I think Eilian is lucky to have someone who knows him so well. “How sharp did it have to be to make sure that no danger ever touched Celuwen again?” Oh, that’s so heartbreaking. It’s been hard enough for him at times to know that his little brother is in dangerous situations but how awful to realise that danger can and will touch his wife and no matter how hard he tries or how prepared he is, he might not be able to prevent it. The easy banter between Gelmir and Eilian always makes me smile. And Gelmir deserves a nice maiden for himself! I really like how genuinely happy for his friend Gelmir is. I get the impression they’ve never really talked about Eilian and Celuwen’s relationship properly before – but then again, it was a fairly sore topic for Eilian until he finally threw caution to the wind and they bonded. It seems that Gelmir had been waiting along with the rest of us for them to come to their senses ;-) Eilian’s definitely become a lot more self-aware. Even admitting that his father might be right shows that he is looking at himself in a new light. He’s already done a lot of growing up, I think. I mean, he still craves the excitement of the south but at least he’s realised how it affects those he loves and acknowledges that maybe he’ll have to reconsider the life he’s used to. Even by thinking of it as a dilemma is a big step up from thinking that everything else has to fit in around his life in the south. I imagine there’ll have to be an interesting conversation or two between him and Celuwen before he does go back. Actually, it’ll be a great pity now if Thranduil is very angry with Eilian, from the point of view that Eilian’s really doing well and doesn’t need to be made feel bad about himself. Having said that, he really should have at least brought more members of the patrol with him… But surely that’s the worst of his sins? And I know that it’s a totally different situation because it was completely unexpected but Thranduil and especially Ithilden spent so long accepting that it wouldn’t have made a difference if they had sent more guards to meet Lorellin or the patrol had gone earlier or whatever and then Eilian acts on nothing but an instinct and is proved right… Well, lets hope they don’t think of that. That image of Isiwen weeping in Sólith’s arms was so touching. She’s such a strong character but must have been frightened out of her wits underneath and she needs to be able to release that. For all that I dislike about Sólith, I will admit that he genuinely loves his family. “I keep reliving the moment when I threw that knife at Susta and it landed in his chest, and all I feel is glee.” Ah. That must have been a tough admission. I guess she’s just realised what it’s like to destroy that which threatens her loved ones. Actually, in a way it might help her to understand a bit more about what drives Eilian. I found the part at Félas’ funeral quite sad. I think part of it is that even though we’ve heard of trouble at the settlements before, this is the bit we don’t really see. I loved that bit about Beliond sending Legolas off to rest. As with his father, Legolas is needing his keeper less as he grows into his role and finds confidence but sometimes still just needs him to be there. That’s interesting, that Legolas’ sword was already in motion when they entered the cottage. Legolas has always had more or less tunnel vision when it comes to those he loves, maybe he still needs to work on that. Like he says, he was right this time, but he could easily have been wrong. Khi has to face Thranduil?? Ouch. He was better off unconscious. Legolas’ realisation that he probably should have left Khi’s fate to Eilian really brought home how very competent Legolas has become. He obviously took immediate control of the situation and did it extremely well, no matter how strange it felt to him. And it’s definitely a good sign that his protective brother didn’t jump in and try to help him. It always makes me smile to see how happy Legolas is when one of his family praises him. LOL at the thought of Ithilden kicking the guards back to Celuwen! She did promise Eilian that she wouldn’t be careless but I suppose she did consider the settlement to be completely safe. There’s definitely some of that odd settlement-elf mentality in her. She suggests to them that they be trained as warriors, yet she feels safe enough there to dismiss the guards. I don’t know how she thought she’d get back to the palace – with a bit of luck the guards are safely hiding in the forest until it’s time for her to leave and Ithilden won’t have to add their names to the increasingly long list of incompetent guards hanging out at the palace… I wouldn’t mind seeing him give Celuwen a bit of a rollicking, though! I’m so glad that Gelmir is going home with Eilian for a while. Both of them need their best friend for a bit, I think. Although, Gelmir might want to loiter in the vicinity of the settlement a bit longer ;-) And good, Riolith is getting his leave. Are we going to see any more of Sórion? Lovely ending to this chapter with the brothers clinging to a bit more time with each other. But Eilian has to go home sometime – and I’m just dying to know what happens!! :-)
Author's reply
It may have taken you seven attempts to get around to writing this review, Dot, but from my point of view, it was worth the wait. :-) In this story, I've been trying to show Eilian, Celuwen, and Legolas all trying to adjust to positions that were new for them, and I wanted that to come through in this aftermath chapter. Legolas is a competent officer, and begins to feel that way partly through his own actions and partly through having his brother's respect for him be clearly apparent. Celuwen has been adjusting to life in the palace and has concluded that it's home now. All it took was a few weeks on Thranduil's council for her to start seeing things completely differently, and thus to make her less patient with her father. And Eilian is struggling with his desires for adventure and his wife. He hasn't resolved that one quite, but he's at least acknowledged it and is making progress. I've really enjoyed writing about Gelmir, as I also enjoy writing about Annael and Turgon. I think that I get to know Eilian and Legolas better by seeing them with their friends and letting them talk to them. And of course, in Gelmir's case, he's been the third member of this trio, so he knows both Eilian and Celuwen quite well. The other characters who are useful to me are the keepers. I love Beliond and Maltanaur. And Beliond is keeping a close eye on Legolas in what must have been an unbelievably stressful situation. So he orders him to bed, but then he sits next to him too. :-) In the next chapter, I plan to show Eilian arriving home and Legolas arriving back at his patrol. I've just gotten slower in the last couple of weeks. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at work.
Duchess · 9 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
I am soooooo GLAD you didn't let anything permanently bad happen to Celuwen or her family... sorry about Felas though. Thank you for Maltanaur surviving. *g* LOVED how Celuwen came up with the idea of training the settlements to defend themselves and then handled her stubborn father. *chuckling* I really hope Ithilden and Thranduil will understand Eilian's instincts concerning his wife's safety were valid and will pay closer attention to that in the future instead of dismissing them out of hand like they did. Thranduil has the excuse of his wife being gone for some time now to have forgotten such things, but Ithilden has none. *glowering* Legolas is turning out to be a wonderful officer and I'm truly loving this story. :):):)
Author's reply
You know, I had the thought that if I were writing a real novel instead of fanfic, I'd have to let Celuwen die and have the brothers spend the rest of the novel dealing with the aftermath. But I didn't have the heart to do it. Celuwen did very well with her father. I'd say she knows him well and is not at all intimidated by his manner. Now I have to go write about Eilian's return home and Legolas's return to his patrol. :-)
Jebb · 9 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
This was a lovely contemplative chapter after all the tension of the previous few. Everyone had an opportunity to begin to come to terms with the changes in their lives and to see themselves as others see them I was pleased that Solith has come to his senses over the guards, Celuwen's comment about the king's sons and their lack of choice was very telling Also Eilian and Legolas they make a great combination. Although I think Eilian will forever call Legolas 'Brat'he has come to accept that his youngest brother is now a competent leader in his own right. Beliond and Maltanaur however will probably never see their two charges as anything more than wayward elflings! I think Legolas is quite right about returning south even there he may hear the explosions when Eilan and company return home!
Author's reply
I was a little worried that this chapter would seem like a letdown after the previous ones. But they all needed time to recover. Celuwen seems to have decided that "home" is in the palace now, which is good. She sees things differently after having lived there even for a short time. And Eilian and Legolas are both accepting Legolas's position as an adult who is more or less Eilian's equal, despite the fact that Eilian might always feel a bit protective of him. The keepers always amuse me! Thranduil did such a good job of choosing them.
Bodkin · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
What a deeply satisfying chapter, (well, except for Felas and Khi, presumably). Deep sighs all round. It's funny to think of Khi being taken to Thranduil for interrogation and disposal - 'Just what happened in the settlement, evil Easterner?' 'I was unconscious the whole time and have no knowledge whatsoever of the assault on the elves.' It will be very frustrating for the interrogator. And depending on how soon Maltanaur got him, he might not even know much about the time before they arrived in the cottage. I remember when Eilian bonded so precipitately, Legolas felt a sensation of loss - his precious brother had moved on. Well, in a way, this is the good side of that, because Legolas has been allowed to grow up. Eilian now perceived him as adult, competent and mature in a way that he probably wouldn't had Celuwen not become part of his life. Good to see that Celuwen knows how to deal with Solith: first whack him on the head so that his brains are sending off little sparks of agony, and then shout at him. In a way, the settlement elves will not be doing very much differently. They were up there in the trees with their bows when it counted, after all. They will just be doing it all more competently - and then extending the co-operation that settlers show each other to let the central authorities know what is happening. I love the picture of highly incensed Ithilden booting the guards back - can you imagine being a guard caught between Ithilden and Celuwen? Not a role I would fancy. I think I would have hidden in the woods near the settlement - except the settlement elves would have known. Poor Eilian is so deeply in trouble over this. I don't think even being right is going to save him. His main consolation will be that it did help save Celuwen. If all those Easterners had invaded the settlement without the damage inflicted by Maltanaur, it would have been a more dangerous situation. Maybe Maltanaur will have to do a Beliond and accost Thranduil and Ithilden and demand they take his point of view into account. I can certainly see Celuwen going against all protocol and walking in on the unpleasant interview to come. And maybe that would be the most effective way for Ithilden to get her to accept the need for guards. I am glad Gelmir is going home with them - I like seeing Gelmir with Eilian and Celuwen. I love Annael, too. In fact, all your characters. Maybe Ithilden did have a good friend when he was younger - he is old enough for time, duty etc to have divided them. I don't like to think of Ithilden as having been a lonely child. Good chapter. Glad there will be another. Wouldn't want to be Eilian in it though.
Author's reply
Poor Khi! Imagine Thranduil holding you responsible for what happened in the settlement when you were unconscious! "You were the Men's captain. Of course I am holding you to account." LOL I thought your insight about the effect of Celuwen on Legolas's relationship with Eilian was interesting and probably right on. He lets Eilian go a little, and in the course of that is forced to stand on his own feet. And he finds he can do it, a little to his own surprise. Celuwen is a force to be reckoned with. All it took was a few months of sitting on Thranduil's council for her to see the flaws in her father's reasoning. Now she just needs to accept the need for guards. It really isn't fair for her to reject them. And your idea that Ithilden can use Eilian's problem to get her to accept the guards is a good one. Maybe Ithilden did have a friend. I'll have to think about it.
Manderly · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
That was a wonderful chapter. Every one of your characters came through so clearly that one could not help but identify with them in some way. First of all, Celuwen was great! I can see Solith cowering before her as she blasted him, and he deserved every word of it. I wonder how he has managed to survive all these years living with such strong females in the household. I don't imagine Isiwen is any less fearful when she is angry. The scene between Eilian and Gelmir was very nice, and entertaining too. Gelmir is a very loyal friend. The final scene between Legolas and Eilian was very touching. Seeing them interacting with each as adult warriors has made me realize that they have come a long way. I can still remember Legolas grabbing onto Eilian's braid as he cried himself to sleep in his brother's arms. It must be hard for Eilian to let go of Legolas as his baby brother and recognize him as a responsible and capable commander.
Author's reply
Thank you, Manderly. I'm so glad you liked it. For some reason, this chapter was hard to write. I tore out several scenes and redid others from different characters' points of view and finally just decided to go with what I had. So you're making me feel good by saying that it worked. I think it's to Solith's credit that he married Isiwen, who is a strong characters. She's quiet enough to defer to him most of the time, but that's her choice. And you can see where Celuwen gets her stubborness and backbone from. Gelmir *is* a loyal friend and I'm glad Eilian has him. And you made me smile reminding me of Legolas clutching Eilian's braid. In a way, it's a wonder that any of these elves can see the younger ones as adults, but Eilian seems to be managing that with Legolas, something that almost startles Legolas.
meckinock · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
Eilian regarded the blade, in his mind’s eye seeing it once again sailing through the air to lodge in Zalan’s throat. Was it sharp enough? How sharp did it have to be to make sure that no danger ever touched Celuwen again? I love this line. But what I really love about this chapter is that most of the rest of it is so relaxing! Reading this chapter was like curling up in a beanbag chair with a puppy. It was really wonderful how everyone settled down and just enjoyed the comfort of one another's company (except for Solith, of course!) I especially loved seeing Legolas and Eilian settling into a comfortable relationship as adults. Legolas no longer needs to idolize Eilian or worry about his troubled relationship with their father. He's fully come into his own identity and can psychologically distance himself from Eilian's self-imposed predicaments. Like the one he's in now... There were so many great moments in this chapter -- understated insights into these wonderful characters' personalities and relationships, like Celuwen's disclosure that she felt glee at the memory of killing, and Eilian's response: He tightened his arms around her but could not think what to say. Then there's Legolas's delightful, shocked realization that Eilian thinks he's competent: Eilian grinned at him. “You are doing well enough on your own, Legolas, and I have enough sense as a captain to let any competent lieutenant who wanders my way do as much work as he likes.” Legolas felt a warm flush of pleasure. Eilian thought he was doing a good job. He thought that Legolas was competent. And best of all, the easy warmth of their relationship: “I am too.” Legolas felt the truth of the simple words. “But my leave will be here soon, and I will see you then, always assuming that Adar and Ithilden have left you in one piece.” “Yes,” Eilian agreed, “always assuming that.” Legolas knew he should go and ready his patrol for departure, but he could not bring himself to go just yet. A few more minutes in these green woods with his brother were surely not too great a self-indulgence. Nice.
Author's reply
I actually had a hard time writing this chapter because it seemed so flat after the tension of the previous chapters. I'm glad you found it comforting, Meckinock. The characters needed time to comfort one another. Legolas, Eilian, and Celuwen are all in new roles in this story and have not been entirely comfortable in them. I wanted to show them growing a little, and I think Legolas is doing well. It's a shock to him to realize that he can run things in the settlement, and Eilian is happy to let him. I think that might be a shock to Eilian too!
French Pony · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
Well, it seems as though everyone's doing as well as can be expected. They all have psychic aftershocks to work out, so it's good that they can have a few days to chill before packing up and going home. I'll bet that this time to hang out with Celuwen and Gelmir and Legolas is something that Eilian is going to treasure in his heart for a very long time. So, it turns out that the only way to get something through Sólith's skull really is to beat him over the head with it. . . Veddy interestink. Thranduil should probably make a note of that and have future negotiating teams arrive at the settlement bearing an assortment of coshes, brass knuckles and blackjacks. You've called this story "Glorious Summer," but I'll bet that the main characters would be inclined to take exception to that, what with the Shadow and the in-law arguments and the troop tensions and the hostage situations and whatnot that they've been going through. It's like one of those vacations that's so stressful that by the time it's over, you need a vacation to recover from the vacation. Okay. You'll have to excuse this next comment, but I'm back in college now, so I can think like this. I'm imagining Eilian wearing his rune and Celuwen wearing her necklace, and the two of them going at it on the furniture, and what an awful clanking that must make. And before you ask, I did eat dinner at a reasonable hour tonight. I'm taking a class where we routinely sling around words like "dominant-hegemonic" and "recontextualization," so my brain needs all the help it can get! Fortunately, the first thing I learned in that class is that the phrase "the dominant-hegemonic cultural paradigm" is in fact a meaningless bit of academic gibberish that has no meaning in real English and can thus be safely ignored. Apropos of nothing at all except that I'm telling everyone I know, I just found out on Wednesday night that a choral piece I wrote a few years ago is going to be published in March!
Author's reply
First of all, congratulations on the publication of the choral piece. That's wonderful! And I should tell you that I, too, live among people who say things like "dominant hegemonic pardigm." Also "paralogic hermeneutics." Lots of big abstract words in a row make my head hurt. So you're right. This chapter was about the psychic aftershocks. I tried to think of a way to make it more active and less talky, but this is what came out. The title of this story is taken from Shakespeare's Richard III: "Now is the winter of our discontent/made glorious summer by this sun of York." And then hell breaks loose. Why I chose it, I don't know since it probably makes no sense to anyone else. Hm. So you think the jewelry might be a bit much? Could be. Maybe they think of ways around that. ;-)
Alice · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
Eilian is wise beyond his years. I wouldn't question Celuwen about the guards either. Best to leave that in Ithilden's capable hands. Those two butting heads is not a happy thought. I'm glad Gelmir gets to hang out with his two friends. I kind of grinned to myself when I read about him knowing that Celuwen and Eilian were in love before either one of the two lovebirds themselves knew. He's a good friend. Legolas is so funny as an officer. Scratch that actually, it's fun seeing Eilian react to the thought that he's an officer. You just know he's picturing some little elfling with a lieutenent's uniform. He is his little brother after all. I also enjoyed Celuwen yelling at Solith. He needed to be yelled at. Wake up Solith, the entire kingdom's in trouble, not just your little settlement. I keep kind of thinking of the settlements in terms of the former American colonies, which isn't entirely accurate. The American Colonies were much more independent. They didn't depend on the King for their protection for instance. They were just as small picture though. I look forward to the next chapter, if not Eilian facing Ithilden and Thranduil. Always assuming Ithilden and Thranduil leave him in one piece indeed.
Author's reply
Eilian is very smart to stay out of the way when Ithilden tries to give Celuwen a Talking-To. I look forward to it! I enjoy Gelmir and don't get to write about him enough. Eilian has been lucky to have a friend like him, just as Legolas has Annael. I kind of feel sorry for Ithilden because I haven't given him someone like that. Alfirin is really the closest he has. I'm smiling at the thought of an elfling in a lieutenant's uniform, all dressed up to play pretend! And I think Legolas kind of feels that way sometimes too. I think his brother's endorsement is important to him. You are so right that Solith needed yelling at, and Celuwen was ready to do it. Go her!
Karri · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
Truly astounding! For a brief moment there I actually liked Celuwen. =-O It is very odd to see Maltanaur off his feet, instead of Eilian.
Author's reply
Ah, Karri! You're so cruel! LOL Maltanaur is off his feet, as you say, but he did a good job on the men. He killed one, put another one out of the picture, and wounded a third before that snake Zalan knifed him in the back. I love the guy.
sofia · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
yes, i kind of missed the last chapter. All i have to say about that is that it was very exciting. This chapter had a lot of reflection on the day before, which is understandable. very good. -sofia
Author's reply
Thank you, Sofia. I was a little slower than usual getting this chapter up because I was struggling to find some way to make all that reflection a little more exciting. I finally just gave up!
elliska · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
So many great conversations here. Celuwen reminds me of Thranduil banging her fist on the table. I really like the conversation between Eilian and Gelmir. It was good of Gelmir to tell Eilian what he didn't feel he could ask about Legolas and the joking about Celuwen was funny. It must be strange for Eilian to interact with baby brother Legolas as a fellow officer. They both do a very good job together. The conversation about the guards is good...funny really. Like the bootprint line. :) I think my favorite line in this chapter though was: “All we want to do is live peacefully in the forest,” Sólith said at last. “I hate the idea that we are now to be trained as if we had chosen to be warriors. Is that the only fate left for any of us?” That just seemed very powerful. It's so true that no one wants to be in that role, as Celuwen said, but they spend thousands of years with no choice. How sad. I am so glad that we get at least one more chapter to see Eilian go home. That ought to be a fun chapter...not for Eilian though. By the way, I realized that I hadn't commented in any of my other reviews in this story what a good job you did showing Legolas growing into his first command. That was really well done. Legolas did a good job and so did you. :)
Author's reply
I wish I could use Gelmir more. He and Eilian and Celuwen have been friends for a long time and the dynamics between them might be interesting. But I just can't seem to include him much without going off on a tangent. SoA reviewers helped me a lot with deciding what to do about Celuwen's guards. I loves them. One of the things I've been trying to do with Solith is see his point of view on things. It's hard because he's such a good foil for Eilian, so it's fun to make him stubborn and unreasonable. But when I try, I can see what he's driving at. How sad for the wood elves. This was not how they were meant to live. Thank you so much for your comments on how Legolas is growing. He's really slippery to write about, much more so than Eilian.
lwarren · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Doing Well Enough
You are SO right! Female elves kick butt...and Celuwen finally had enough of her Adar's stubborness and let him have it full blast! :-) This was a great chapter to tie up loose ends at the settlement: Celuwen accomplishes her mission for Thranduil and quietens Solith's complaints/gripes/sour grapes for the time being anyway. Legolas gets some well-deserved praise and time with (and from) his brother. And Gelmir gets a trip home!! Celuwen's guards LOL...LOL...!!!! Enough said! :-):-) Eilian begins looking to the future and his confrontation with father and older brother...(I'll bet Celuwen has something to say about that, too!) Maltanaur is on the mend - his little conversation with Celuwen was great!!! :-) Khi...well, he'll get to see justice first hand as dispensed by the Elvenking! Great chapter...update soon! I'm nervous waiting to see Eilian meet up with Ithilden and Thranduil again!! (sympathy pains, ya think?) linda
Author's reply
I was happy writing Celuwen's little speech to her father. She loves him, but all it's taken is a few weeks on Thranduil's council to show her how limited his view of things is. Legolas has grown into his officer role quite nicely, and the praise from Eilian meant a lot to him. The keepers always amuse me. I think Maltanaur sees an ally in Celuwen. I thank all SoA reviewers for their thoughts on Celuwen's guards!