Reviews (243)

Jay of Lasgalen · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

Wow, what a tense chapter! But thank you for resolving it and not leaving another cliffhanger. I'm glad that both Celuwen and Isiwen did their bit in the scuffle - and Celuwen (and Legolas) killed the man threatening Eilian! Good for her. Although she can't have ever imagined killing anyone, I think she's too sensible to be unduly upset by it. Legolas did extremely well - desperate to go to Eilian's rescue himself, he knew he had to hold out and not risk being injured. Eilian should be proud of his little brother. And Solith is back to normal, I see. Jay

Nilmandra · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

*grin* Here I am! I really like the settlers -Legolas interaction - I laughed and rolled my eyes all at the same time. Good thing the Z guy is dead, or a few more people might hurt him. Parents having to watch a child, no matter what age, molested and threatened at knifepoint is jsut too much. Solith would have ended up dead had he seen that, because reason would have fled him. Eagerly looking forward to Ithilden's apology to Eilian :D:D:D

Manderly · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8: What Is Happening in There

I guess I can breath now, right? Or do you have something else in store for us? Another excitement packed chapter! If you keep up like this, I will need an oxygen mask each time I read your story. Excellent job! Everybody deserves praise. Celuwen was very brave. I can't imagine what would have had happened if she was a hysterical female, though I think she'll need some time to get over this nightmare. The "brat" and "what are brothers for" banter was exactly what was needed to bring back some semblance of normalcy after that adrenaline rush, as well as subtle proof of how close the brothers are. It really was a touching moment. And Solith, somebody bash him on the head again before he utters another brainless and thankless remark.

Alice · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Well, this one's has a slow start but it's certainly picked up. I'm on the edge of my seat here, Daw! Don't leave me hanging. I don't have many comments to make on this chapter. Other than that it's delightfully thrilling. My breath quickens when reading it, and I become utterly absorbed in the danger and excitement. I don't see how they're going to get themselves out of this one without someone getting hurt. Especially with that Zalan character around. He's certainly chilling. This is certainly proving the practicality of Celuwen's plan. Those settlers are capable of defending themselves as they so determinedly set out to prove to Legolas. I liked that line about Legolas realizing he didn't have a snowball's chance in Hell in getting them to listen to them if they didn't listen to his father. Being the younger brother of at times overbearing Ithilden and tempestous and reckless Eilian, not to mention the son of an impatient King, has taught him nothing if not to pick his battles. I look forward to the next chapter. It's nice knowing that Maltaunar's going to be alright though. That's what's nice about you jumping around in time. I know if a character shows up in a story that takes place later than the current one he's going to make it out okay. However, I don't recall Solith being in A Tangled Web or Isiwen for that matter, so I'm not completely free from anxiety. Update soon!

Susanlu · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Sorry--Add something. Legolas also do well at hiding his position by address his eldest brother as "Lord Ithilden", which I think just his habit, as well as call Thranduil "my Elven-lord" in Ithilien. Hereby, some fans of my country have concluded that Legolas didn't get along very well with his father, and that's also the reason he wants to move out of Mirkwood. Anyway, it's an interesing topic. My opinion is if he didn't get along with his father-king, he would not have the idea to "bring some of our folk" remove hither at all! Did he want to break up his father's kindom and start another kin-slaying? I think the background you made for Legolas and his family can explain this issue very well. I remember in "Tangled Web", you have mentioned that "Legolas did not ordinarily refer to Thranduil as his father when he was on duty, and he did not encourage others to do so either. "If he didn't like to refer Thranduil as his father in front of his own warrior, say nothing of in front of other races. A result of family education, as simple as that.:-)

Susanlu · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Daw I'm curious about the "bond" thing. So "bond" only exist between husband and wife or parent and child? Eilian and Celuwen have no same blood, but after they get married, they could not only share feeling, but also sense other's location. While though Legolas and Eilian are exactly the same born and love eachother much, they cannot spot their borther in a very short distanceT_T Now I know why Legolas writes to Thranduil not Ithilden ;-) It didn't surprise me that the settler hasn't recognised their youngest prince. In fact, sometimes I wonder if they can even recognised Thranduil without any introduction when the elven-king inspects his realm^0^. Tolkein said "The Silvan Elves hid themselves in woodland fastnesses beyond the Misty Mountains, and became small and scattered people......Under the leadership of these(the Sindar) they became again ordered folk and increased in wisdom." Thus I incline to that the slivan are natural anarchists, especially the settlers. Just see they address Eilian as "Solith's son-in-law", maybe some of them even not bother to memorize his name despite his position as a prince and a patrol captain? Well, Thranduil really should make some posters of his family and post them all over the settlements in his woods^o^

caz - baz · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

oh my god! just hurry up I've never been good with tension. I work better under pressure but tension I don't do! plus, you've got me on the edge of my seat and it's like your drawing to the end of the book and about to find out what happens then you realise there's been a major printing mistake and for the next 80 pages there's the same thing repeated over and over again. Yeah, i have to get back to waterstones before i pull the rest of my hair out. well hurry up is all i can say and tell your boss to stop being so inconsiderate and give you some extra payed days off work by the orders of queen caz baz of York! later - hopefully sooner rather than later though caz baz

Brenda G. · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Well, no need for me to take a stress test, cause I can tell you now - I'm STRESSED! This story has produced bloody stumps of what used to be nailed fingers on my hands! Easterlings in the Woodland Realm! Wasn't it Easterlings that took Legolas prisoner in one of your stories several months back? I believe that was the case. Their leader kept a wolf as a pet, and the leader also beat Legolas with a whip, as I recall. Please refresh me on the details, would you? I am going to be quite satisfied (although no where near as much as Eilian) to see that fiend Zalan get his. Eilian is just itching to kill him (and I hope you afford Thranduil's second born that privilege before the story ends). Celuwen impresses me. She's almost as cool and collected under pressure as is her steely husband. And now - TA DA! - Legolas to the rescue! The blonde bombshell is about to explode! I'm so proud of our elfling, all grown up into the wonderful warrior he is. Maltanaur HAS to live, Daw. Even though Eilian has another "keeper" of sorts in Celuwen, you just CAN'T kill Maltanaur off, okay? He's way too much of a family member, like Beliond is becoming. There needs to be a law against killing keepers. Hey, did Thranduil ever have a keeper himself? Just wondering. I can't remember you ever writing about such a person. This is a great story so far. The tension thus far rivals Legolas' bow at full draw! All right. I've taken a handful of tranquilizers which may help get me through until your next chapter is posted. May help, so hurry. You're a wonder...

emjo · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Ahhh, Daw you can't do this to me anymore! I thought the last cliffy was bad and now this! Poor Maltanaur I had to go back to tangeled web to make sure he was still alive! I was disappointed that Solith was knocked out, I wanted him to see how capable Eilian is. Legolas has quite the task ahead of him, but I have faith he'll do well! Please hurry with your next update I can't wait to see what you have in store for everyone!

meckinock · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Oh, goodie! I love hostage situations. I kind of feel sorry for these idiots Men, though. They are way outmatched. Even without the cavalry coming over the hill, their minutes are surely numbered. Three men against four Elves is not a fair fight, especially when one of the Elves is a newlywed and there's a knife at his beautiful bride's throat. The last thing he wanted to do at the moment was surprise the Man by his movements. There would be time for that later. Oh, baby. But I have a feeling that Celuwen has a few tricks up her sleeve, too. And Legolas must have about spit a molar when it dawned on him that Eilian was the factor missing from the dead-Man-bloodied-Maltanaur equation. He's taking charge of the situation quite nicely, counting all the windows and doors and setting up his perimeter. Don't keep us waiting too long - we're all on the edge of our seats!

White Wolf · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Hang on Eilian, little brother is coming. I'm glad you spared Maltanaur. I rally like both keepers. Zalan is truly the evil one, isn't he? People who like to kill for killing's sake are scary and hard to reason with. It may take brute force to deal with him. I'm curious about something. When Legolas told Celoril his name, the settler didn't know who he was. I would think that all Mirkwood elves, no matter where in the realm they lived. would know their princes' names. I found that odd. How is it that Celoril, even never having seen Legolas before, would not know that Legolas was the youngest son of his king?

Dot · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Holy crap. You’re killing me here. And you weren’t far wrong when you said that poor Maltanaur was dead in a ditch :-( Great chapter, though! My pulse is still racing. Those Men are seriously scary. Especially that Zalan. Félas is dead? So, does that make Sólith the leader of the settlement now? He seemed like second in command. Eilian is amazing in this chapter. They’re basically being held captive, there’s a knife at his wife’s throat and his missing keeper’s arrow is lodged in a Man’s leg, yet he still has the wits to go into warrior-mode. Staying calm is ultimately what will help him because it gives him the opportunity to observe and file away all the little pieces of information for later. Still, the feeling that he’s not super-elf and that it’s a struggle for him not to panic comes across very well. I like the little bit about Susta seeming slightly disturbed by Eilian’s gaze. I was beginning to think that these Men had no fear of Elves – plus it reminds us of how different Elves and Men are. I’m so used to reading about Elves that I think I tend to forget! LOL at Susta resenting Isiwen’s height. I suspect it would not be wise to underestimate these particular ladies. It’s actually quite disturbing how used to dealing with arrow wounds Eilian is. Obviously he’s had to remove arrows himself, had them removed or watch it being done countless times. I think something like that would really drive home to Celuwen and Isiwen what his life is like when on patrol. Like Celuwen wouldn’t be worried enough about him having to return south at some stage… I found Eilian’s thoughts about Zalan, and Men like him, being “broken inside” quite touching. Clearly this guy has a few screws loose and is all the more dangerous because of that but it’s rather sad to look at it in such an Elven way, that his very soul is missing. How frightening for them, though, to know that he would have absolutely no remorse in killing any of them. How completely surreal to be in this situation and to know that just outside the window life goes on as normal. When Ithilden hears about all this he’ll be having fits. Accidentally wandering into Mirkwood is one thing but Men travelling through largely undetected and attacking a home should never have happened. It’s all a bit bizarre, really. That this forest is known to be the home of Elves is enough to scare off most Men and they definitely wouldn’t challenge the natives like this just for food and medicine. But then, these particular Men are hardly local to the area… I felt so bad for Gelmir finding Maltanaur like that. Apart from the fact that he’s fought with him for so long, like Legolas and Beliond he knows that Eilian has to be around somewhere. Maltanaur obviously fought well if he killed one Man and shot another. I take it the rest of the Men think he’s dead. Now, I know it’s not at all funny, and I’m blaming nervous tension, but I had to laugh at Celoril at first. He kind of gives the impression that if any of the other Elves saw the blood or heard fighting they’d have taken absolutely no notice because they know Eilian was ‘visiting’ Sólith ;-) Like Eilian, Legolas does a very commendable job of swallowing his anxiety. He even manages to think of a decent plan. Actually, it’s interesting how they both react. If either Ithilden or Thranduil were in their position I think we’d be seeing fury rather than fear. As ever, I’m glad for Beliond’s presence. He must have been worried about how Legolas would react when they piece together what might be happening and discover that Eilian, Celuwen & co. could be in danger. At least he can be reassured by Legolas’ completely competent handling of matters. Lol, I don’t blame Celoril and his fellow stubborn settlers for wanting to help. It could indeed end up in chaos, but I can see why they wouldn’t settle for “Thank you. You should go home now.” Let’s hope they do have enough sense to do as they’re commanded. I notice Celoril doesn’t recognise Legolas. He must have lived in a settlement for a long time. Right, I’m completely putting my faith in Legolas. The crowd in the cottage seem to be holding up well but I don’t see how they can get out of this without outside help… Personally, I’m hoping that all three of the Men are killed, Sólith’s head is too sore to think of a way to blame all this on Eilian (Sólith’s going to miss seeing his son-in-law be a hero, isn’t he??), Thranduil and Ithilden acknowledge that Eilian was right, even though he should have brought more warriors with him, and Legolas realises how well he’s doing as lieutenant… Well, sometimes life does have a happy ending!! But we’ll see… I’m ready and waiting – bring it on! :-)

esamen · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

The Man approached Eilian carefully and took his bow, quiver, and sword, as well as the knife at his belt. Oh, one more thing . . . this reminds me of the scene in TTT where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli all put off their weapons before entering Theodred's hall . . . the scene where they clink and clank for about 30 seconds, getting all their assorted weaponry off themselves. Beautiful details. All these things enrich the story so much. One more reason I love living in this world. Bows and praises!

lwarren · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Well, when RL has you by the throat and you want a little relaxation, with a side of elves, go read a story by daw! NOT!!!!! EEEEVVVIIILLL daw - to leave us hanging there by our fingernails! :-) Had a second or two before class and had to review this chapter (plan to catch up later on the others.........maybe :-( ). Eilian is such a cool character when things really get tough...and I loved the way his warrior side took over after the initial shock. You made really good use of the clenched fists, amongst other things, to communicate his fear and tension. Control...control...time enough for a panic attack when this is over! As for the ladies, Isiwen is impressive here...no dissolving into hysterics for her...and I sincerely hope Celuwen unmans that freak holding the knife at her throat...she deserves to get a good lick in before all is said and done! An unconscious Solith can't be angry at Eilian, but he can't see him being all cool and heroic either! lol You really ratcheted up the tension in the cottage...and then *bugle sounds loudly* the elven calvary arrives!! You know, watching Legolas act so competently is like watching your own kid, or maybe a promising student, come into their own...I was so proud of him, especially after they found Maltanaur and he began to realize just who might be involved in this mess. Even Beliond was impressed *g*! Maltanaur - I'm holding my breath about him...at least a healer has hold of him now. Stubborn settlement elves!!! I'd say let this be a lesson to them...but I'm not sure they'd learn anything from it!! Well, wonderful chapter...best update soon, my friend...or half of your readers will expire from holding their breaths! *vbg* linda

LOTRFaith · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Hmmm. So Legolas is coming to Eilian's rescue this time:-D lol... Legolas has a good sense of command and seems to take it easily. The settlers tend to get on my nerves. They are very stubborn and don't seem to have a good grasp on reality. While they know they can't really fight they want to charge into battle. But their courage is certainly admirable, but as they say. "This is either brilliance or madness." :-D

The Karenator · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Oh, my! The plot thickens. What a wonderful job our mild-mannered Professor has done with stirring up sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense! I'm glad it was a short chapter or I would have passed out from lack of air. This Zalan is going to be a challenge. He's reckless and unafraid to cause harm. Not exactly the kind of guy you can reason with. I hope Eilian does Arda a favor and takes this creep out. And Susta seems to have problems with their unconscious leader. Ah, internal strife. I'm sure Eilian didn't miss that point. I can't help it, but I get all hot under the collar that the men dismiss Celuwen and Isiwen as inferior. This prejudice might serve our hero in the end, but still... Jerks. Tell Eilian that he can wipe the floor with them. Better yet, maybe Celuwen will use Zalan'a head for batting practice with her iron frying pan. Go girl. I'm rootin' fer ya! What a heart-stopper when it finally dawned on Legolas that where goes Maltanaur, there goes Eilian. Or the other way around. At any rate, he has quite an incentive to see this operation come off smoothly. He would have done his best anyway, but knowing your brother is most likely in the clutches of the enemy kind of adds another dose of stress. Poor Maltanaur. At least he got in some good licks before he went down. One of my first thoughts was for his wife. She's probably back at the ranch pacing the floor and telling herself to be calm; it's not the first time she sensed danger where her mate is concerned. I envision Maltanaur waking to find Eilian (Maltanaur's wife just stepped out for a moment) at this bedside, his feet propped on the bed, and a look of mischief in his eyes. Just think how much delight Eilian will get out of telling his keeper how he and Legolas saved his hide. So who's the keeper now? As I said, poor Maltanaur. Loved the settlers not being intimidated by the danger. After all, they live in these woods and have to know how to protect themselves to some degree. I imagine they're pretty doggone good with those bows. They just lack the formal training of warriors. Legolas made it known that he is in charge here, and there will be no chaos on his watch. Wise move. I'm looking forward to seeing how Legolas and Eilian get the hostages out of this situation. Remember ( I learned this in my investigation for 'Serious Trouble') shoot first, ask questions later. :>) I was a little slow catching on to this concept, but I don't Eilian or Legolas will have any problem with that. There's too much at stake. I'm having a great time at the expense of some of my favorite Elves. Carry on, Karen

Karri · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Urgh! Those must be some pretty narly men to have gotten past Maltanaur -- I was glad to see the keeper did some damage on his way down, though. I hope Legolas will save the day and not end up in trouble himself. But on the bright side, Eilian is not in trouble with Solith. ;-)

Jebb · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Well it couldn't get much worse could it? Eilian must get the others to take notice of his bad feelings in the future he was right all along and although their situation looks grim at least they have support from the patrol and Legolas who is coming very much into his own as commander, thank Eru for Beliond and I do hope Maltanaur will make a full recovery So many question still to be answered this was so tense and frightening I had to wait to review so I could become at least semi-coherant Judy

Rose Sared · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Oh the tension!! Sorry to have missed a couple of reviews, RL and all that. This story marches on with great energy, thank you for a wonderful break from reality at the end of some difficult days. Rose

Bodkin · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

What tension! It just continues to build. Even as I was scared about Zalan the knife-happy, I was worrying about Maltanaur. He took on four of them! Killed one, incapacitated one, injured the third - what an elf! Should have aimed at Zalan, but, hey, it's a bit difficult to make character judgments in the middle of a fight. Just as well that Susta decided the situation could do without Solith rather than Eilian - I wonder if he knocked Solith out because he thought that the older elf was more likely to be the leader? However, it's a shame if it means that Solith won't see Eilian doing what he does best - that might improve his opinion of his son-in-law. Poor Felas - not a good way to go. And his death is bound to shake Isiwen and Celuwen up rather. Not only is he a friend, but they are unfamiliar with such a direct demonstration of mortality. I hope Celuwen gets a chance to show her quality. (That expression is, I think, probably Peter Jackson's biggest crime against humanity.) The worst quality of nightmare is the ordinary becoming extraordinary - listening to normal life outside while you are in some Dali-esque twisted universe. Bird signals soon to announce the presence of the cavalry? Good for little brother - there, on the ball, keeping control, using the settlers, getting Maltanaur treated. Now he's just got to work out how to get them out of there. Without anyone else (except the Men) getting hurt. Which could be the tricky part. At least Eilian has been proved right. Which once the adrenaline and blood stop flowing, should make Thranduil's and Ithilden's dismissal of Eilian's worries less tenable. He might survive their wrath yet. Another brilliant chapter, making desperation for the next instalment even stronger.

esamen · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Out there things were still ordinary, he marveled. It was only in here that a nightmare had sprung to life. Oooooo . . . very different. Pushing that edge of danger way out there. Graphic. I just love that sentence above. This is just cinematic! The only fault is that it's too short! Looking forward to more, Esamen

sofia · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

this chapter had my heart pounding, to be honest. When we were reading about in the cottage, i was thinking ' Legolas' has got to come, LEGOLAS HAS GOT TO COME' and he did! I can't wait to see what will happen next. -sofia

Jay of Lasgalen · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Oh, Daw! Another cliff hanger. Poor Legolas, I can imagine his growing shock when he realised that if Maltanaur was around, Eilian probably was too, and that he had to be in the cottage with the men. Eilian is still very cool, despite his fear for Celuwen. He's thinking very clearly, and proving what a very good commander he is. I hope he and Celuwen come out of this unscathed. Jay

Manderly · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Thank you for posting so quickly, but why am I still holding my breath? A very tense chapter that had me sitting on the edge of my chair throughout. As much as Solith is an irritating fool, I cringed when he got bashed on the head, especially in front of Celuwen. I wonder if there were any mixed feelings going through Eilian at that moment. Probably not. He is too good a warrior to get any satisfaction out of anyone under his protection getting hurt. Legolas to the rescue! Eilian must be used to getting bailed out by his baby brother after this little adventure. Am I the only one to be feeling maternal pride on how well Legolas is conducting himself?

French Pony · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7: Men in the Settlement

Something's a little weird here. And no, I'm not referring to the hostage situation. That's clearly not a normal state of being for the Elves, I know that. The strange thing is, how did the settlers miss the Men's invasion? There was a fight, Maltanaur (not an easy mark) got sklonked, the settlement leader got stabbed in a place that produces a slow and painful death -- shouldn't there have been some noise? They might be clueless settlers, but they're presumably not deaf. And they're Elves. Superior hearing and all that jazz. Gotta wonder what they thought was going on Chez Sólith. All that aside, Eilian is doing marvelously in a tight spot. He's keeping his eyes and ears open and is doing nothing to cause things to erupt further. He's even announcing sudden moves, bless his warrior's soul. Just the thing they used to tell pilots to do when they got hijacked. (This was in the days when all the hijackers wanted was to go to Cuba or something like that.) You know, Maltanaur is a nice guy, but he seems like an awfully ineffective keeper. He doesn't ever seem to be around when Eilian is in trouble, and he goes and gets himself sklonked. But fortunately, little bro is on the ball here and in command. He's got a good sense of command, getting the settlers to help without alarming them unduly. All is in good hands now that Legolas is here.