Glorious Summer by daw the minstrel
Sadron · 22 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
I really love your stories!!! (and this one is not an exception...) I think you make some great stories about Legolas please keep going...
Author's reply
Thank you, Sadron. I intend to keep going! I'm working on chapter 5 but unfortunately my boss actually extects me to show up at work. Silly man. :-)
Mirkwoodmaiden · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Daw! You convey the divergent emotions of frustration, quietness although not quite loneliness, and giddy happiness in a newlywed quite well this chapter. Being a newlywed myself I find that there are times when I am frustrated beyond measure and times when I am very happy to be married to my husband. True life and real life are portrayed well in this chapter. I like the playful ease between Eilian and Celuwen in their conversation before they go to dinner with the rest of Eilian's family. MM
Author's reply
Wow. A real newlywed. Congratulations! I've been married so long I wasn't sure I'd remembered it right. I'm glad you thought it was both true and real. These two have known one another a long time, and I think they are comfortable although they're not used to their new roles yet. Glad you liked it.
White Wolf · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
I love the fact that Thranduil treasures Legolas's letters, even though he knows that his son isn't telling him about the dangerous things. It has to be hard for Legolas not to pour out his heart on how he feels about the things that happen. There is indeed tension between Eilian and Celuwen just like you said there would be. I did like Celuwen's backbone in standing up for her idea. However, I think she will learn in time how best to handle council meetings. I also loved the wardrobe scene---or should I say the suggestion of the scene. :o)
Author's reply
I think most warriors probably hide the scary things from their families, but Legolas has an even harder task because his father is king and his brother is the troop commander. So he has to be careful not to spy, as his captain fears he is doing. Celuwen is a strong person, but she has a lot to learn. And who knew there were so many furniture lovers at SoA? ;-)
Ms. Whatsit · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Conflicts, tensions and negotiations...this was an interesting chapter, all right. I love how you can see one situation that your characters get into grow from the stuff that happened before. It makes the story very continuous and smooth.
Author's reply
Thank you, Ms. Whatsit. I was working in those first three chapters to set up a lot of this, and I'm glad it seems to have been effective. To me, what's interesting is not so much what events happen (although that can be interesting) as what the events *mean* to the people involved.
Dot · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Only me again… Yeah, I know Celuwen’s guards aren’t staying in the settlement; I meant the three warriors that Ithilden can spare if the settlers agree to the training plan. Never mind, I was just trying to sort it out in my head but didn’t phrase it too well! LOL, it did sound like a math problem – I always hated those! Plus, I think I just figured it out – two warriors to each of the three settlements to conduct the training but only one to stay in each permanently. Yes? See, I told you I wasn’t good at this kind of thing… Feel free to shake your head in despair ;-)
Author's reply
I think I see what you mean! Math is not my strong suit either.
Dot · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Crikey, I’m tense after that chapter. It was fantastic, though. I really loved the opening scene with Thranduil sitting in the garden reading Legolas’ letter. There’s a real sense of resignation on Thranduil’s part. He’s been down this path before and knows these feelings of pain and fear, just as he knows they probably won’t subside and he won’t get the information he wants, no matter how reassuring his son tries to be. Of course, as a parent he very possibly thinks that the more his children try to reassure him, there more likely it is that there’s cause for worry. In a way I feel bad for Legolas. I don’t blame him at all for keeping a lot of things from his father because we’ve all done the same but he probably needs someone to talk to about his new role and how he’s doing and yet must feel limited in what he can say about that because his father and Ithilden have the power to interfere. I guess he can always write to Annael. The comparison to his older brothers is interesting. I suppose Thranduil can’t help comparing his sons but I like that he still sees Legolas as an individual and willingly – and indeed proudly – acknowledges his strengths. I imagine he knows Legolas a little better than he did the other two. Better than he did Eilian anyway. I absolutely agree with Thranduil that it’ll just take time for the rest of the patrol to recognise Legolas’ strengths. And I’m sure Beliond would agree that it’ll take Legolas time too. I was utterly fascinated by the council meeting! I don’t think we’ve ever seen much of one except for that bit in ‘Tangled Web’. I’m going to have to get myself a decent map. My poor brain doesn’t do very well with the what’s-going-on-wheres. Plus, I think I tend to forget that there’s life outside Mirkwood! Thranduil’s spies are certainly well travelled… The Men agreeing to pay the river toll – is that the lot from ‘Spring Awakenings’? Lol, Legolas did well, then. Poor Thrior. I think he’s lucky Thranduil is so fond of Celuwen. Her suggestion made a lot of sense. If she was going to unwittingly upset the meeting, at least it was with something worthwhile. She has some courage telling Thranduil that the settlers might not feel much gratitude towards him and practically ignoring Ithilden. It’s funny. I don’t think it’s dawned on her that she should be more wary of them. I’m kind of glad, though, that she didn’t totally get her own way just because I think it’s good for her to learn from the beginning that things actually are difficult and the king isn’t just holding back on aid. I could be a tad biased, though – those settlement elves annoy me no end! Sólith has given them all a bad name with his stubborn refusal to move nearer the stronghold while persistently demanding to be guarded. *deep breath* So, if one warrior is left in the settlement, do they then move onto the next and leave one again so that the last settlement has just one warrior doing the training? Or have I got it mixed up? I don’t know if that’s something many would volunteer for. Ithilden’s right that he’ll have to choose very carefully. “Can you be ready to leave in the morning?” Ah. I figured something like that would happen sooner or later. It looks like Eilian is about to get a taste of what it was like for her whenever he went off on patrol and what she’ll face when he eventually returns south. LOL at Eilian sparring with Tinár. I bet Eilian enjoyed that no end. Now, just who *are* these strange Men? They’ve cropped up too many times not to be important. I’m looking at the screen feeling like I should know what’s going on. Or maybe I’ve just become very suspicious of you and your fondness for leading your readers astray…;-) “Eilian, are you sure that you are disturbed by the reports and not by the fact that someone else is making decisions for the Southern Patrol?” Hmmn. I’m going to be bad and agree that there might be some truth in that. But I also trust Eilian’s gut instinct about such matters and Ithilden generally trusts him as well – he should still do so because it’d be a pity if Celuwen had to be hurt for his family to realise that Eilian was right… I had to laugh, though, when Eilian caught Ithilden in a bad mood and Ithilden couldn’t very well explain that he was annoyed by his brother’s wife! I could hardly bear to read that scene in the sitting room! I understand that Celuwen was excited but surely she has been there long enough to know that these people don’t easily separate work and home life, and can only do so if they don’t speak of work at all at meal-times… *cringe* Poor Eilian is obviously going to find it hard to come to terms with the fact that now his wife will sometimes be privy to more information that he is and answerable to his father as well. I can only imagine how tense that meal was. I can just see Alfirin desperately prattling on about everyday affairs and the rest of them glowering at their plates. “You have no idea how difficult the last month has been for me.” He probably doesn’t totally but I think he has been doing his best and is likely frustrated because he can’t do much about it, as well as trying to live with the fact that he’s the one who brought her here and thus feels responsible for any unhappiness that she experiences. I also think that it’s been tough for him in many ways and maybe she doesn’t quite realise that. He wants to get back to his life as a warrior, yet also wants to spend time with his new wife and his father hasn’t entirely forgiven him yet. Plus he has to share an office with Tinár. *shudder* “I will not be careless as your naneth was, Eilian.” Ouch. I like that she was perceptive enough to realise this was influencing him even before he did but boy, that was blunt. No matter how much he loves Celuwen, it must hurt Eilian to hear his beloved mother be called ‘careless’, even though he does know his father thinks so. And they’re at it again? Geez. I hope they used the bed this time…;-) I’m worried. I’d be even more worried if I didn’t know that Celuwen survives but still, I’m wondering if the different strands in this story will remain separate or if Legolas and Celuwen will meet again amidst danger…And if anything happens to Celuwen I’m afraid that Eilian will completely blame Thranduil and Ithilden. And Legolas is hardly in a very safe place with Shadow, Orcs and strange Men... Ah well, I guess I’ll wait and see what happens. Impatiently, mind. But I’ll wait. :-)
Author's reply
I feel very sorry for Thranduil, having to send his sons off into danger. And I feel particularly bad for him with Legolas, whom he raised as a single parent and thus, I think, is close to. I hadn't thought about the fact that Legolas can't even do the normal griping in his letters because of who his father and brother are, but that must be hard. I wonder what would happen if he did gripe. Maybe they'd mostly ignore it, trying to separate their family role from their duties, but that's a hard thing to pull off. The war that Thranduil is talking about in the council meeting is one between Rohan and various enemies. This is the summer of 2759 TA, the one after the Long Winter in which Helm Hammerhand froze to death. Corsairs attacked Gondor, making it unable to help Rohan much when men from the east attacked Rohan. The Dunlendings (Dunland is just west of the Gap of Rohan) took advantage of the situation and attacked too because they thought of the land of the Rohirrim as belonging to them (Gondor gave the land to the Rohirrim in 2510). The Dunlendings set up one of their own, a man named Wulf, on the throne in Edoras. When spring came, Gondor had driven the Corsairs away and came to aid of Rohan. The thaw was catastrophic given the depth of the snow, and the rivers all flooded, so the enemy was in a bad way. By the end of the year, they were all driven out. (I'm sorry if that's too much information!) The two guards going with Celuwen are just her escort. They're not going to stay in the settlement. She's just testing the waters here. I looked at your question about how the last settlement would wind up with one warrior and decided that it looked like a math story problem. Then I shuddered and read on. I like the fact that in the discussion between Eilian and Ithilden, you see them both as being in the right but also influenced by less lofty motives: Eilian wants *his* patrol and Ithilden is ticked at Celuwen. I like mixed, flawed characters who are basically good. I think that's realistic. I couldn't bear to write the dinner scene. I thought it would be way too tense. And I think it's interesting that Celuwen has gained power in a way as Eilian has lost it. That has to be hard to adjust to, and I'm not sure Eilian intends to do it! I also thought that she might not understand how hard this was for him. There was a reason they didn't marry for all those years and things haven't changed any.
Jebb · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! I hear the sound of threatening music in the background and just know that Celuwen and Legolas are about to find out that there is indeed need for others to worry I loved Thranduil's musings on the strengths of his youngest son and how he compared to his older children and Legolas' letter of course. Thranduil knows all of his sons very well but his 'baby' is special I think As for the council well Celuwen is very brave to take on Adar and Ithilden who obviously did not like being challenged which meant poor Eilian was then in the firing line and why is it that when everyone should be listening to his advice and concerns no one is? As for these strange men and news of the war well it just adds to my concerns which is exactly the effect you hoped to achieve I guess thank you Judy
Author's reply
Yes, the plot is thickening! :-) I think that Thranduil knows Legolas better than the other two, certainly better than he knows Eilian anyway. And I think it's because he raised him as a single parent. He did things for Legolas that Nana did for the other two, and Legolas turned to him for the things that the older brothers would have sought from their mother. Thranduil held Legolas when he had nightmares, saw to it that he had a good time with his friends on his begetting day, tried to talk to him when his heart was broken for the first time, and generally worried about his emotional well-being. And I think that habit would be hard to break. Oh yeah, Ithilden took his annoyance out on Eilian, who is right, for pity's sake! The war really did happen in Tolkien during the Long Winter and following summer. This is the summer of 2759 TA, the one after the Long Winter in which Helm Hammerhand froze to death. Corsairs attacked Gondor, making it unable to help Rohan much when men from the east attacked Rohan. The Dunlendings (Dunland is just west of the Gap of Rohan) took advantage of the situation and attacked too because they thought of the land of the Rohirrim as belonging to them (Gondor gave the land to the Rohirrim in 2510). The Dunlendings set up one of their own, a man named Wulf, on the throne in Edoras. When spring came, Gondor had driven the Corsairs away and came to aid of Rohan. The thaw was catastrophic given the depth of the snow, and the rivers all flooded, so the enemy was in a bad way. By the end of the year, they were all driven out. That's probably more than you wanted to know. :-)
French Pony · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
You know between the Orcs and Shadow in the South and the icy relations at the caverns, Legolas may actually be the safest one in his family right now. And of course you don't go writing your parents about the really nasty stuff. Parents have a disturbing tendency to get maudlin enough. Mine did, when I left home. And, of course, I hid things from them, including nearly getting evicted into the snow in Germany three days before Christmas while an exchange student. They found out anyway, though. Parents always do. It's good to see Celuwen in action. For all that she's the newest daughter-in-law, she's always been kind of this peripheral character -- Eilian's Girlfriend or Eilian's Wife. It's good to see her on the job. The chair recognizes the freshman Senator from the settlements, and all that. Her idea about training up the settlers for defense is a good one. The settlers seem to want a lot of the benefits of the King's protection without paying the price either of service or of moving closer to home base, and it's time that they pitched in a little. I think it'll make them sit up and realize just how much the King does for them that they don't know about. Thranduil's splitting up the honeymoon couple? He's got a coupla big brass ones, is all I have to say. Maybe his room is a little too close to their Special Wardrobe and he can't sleep nights. . . or mornings. . . or afternoons. . . or early evenings just after tea-time. . . “I promise.” She looked at him for a long moment. “I will not be careless as your naneth was, Eilian.” Anyone who says something like that about a guy's momma and trusts that he won't smack her has got to feel utterly secure in his love for her. I can't picture Eilian letting anyone else get away with phrasing it that way, except possibly Legolas, who wouldn't say it anyway.
Author's reply
It's my theory that one reason kids should go way to college is so you won't know what they're doing any more. I wanted to know my kid was happy, but beyond that I really didn't want to think about it. Anyway, the family will calm down. I don't imagine this is the first time there's been a spat. Celuwen is at the stage where she can actually get some stuff done because she's the new kid and doesn't know she's not supposed to do some things. But eventually, she'll have to conform to the rules or she's likely to get fired. I suspect that Thranduil is still a little annoyed at Eilian and thus not at all averse to making him sleep alone for a while. I think Celuwen does feel secure in Eilian's love, although I suspect I could have had her phrase that a little better. It just sort of occurred to me as I was writing that that had to be a factor, and it occurred at that moment, late in the chapter.
Manderly · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
So much for the peace and quiet! It seems like everyone is on edge now. Definitely glad I am not a member of the Royal family! As much as I admire Celuwen, I do not get a good feeling about her taking off like that, especially when she makes mention of Eilian's naneth. I hope I am wrong. Elian must be beside himself knowing that he can do nothing to prevent his wife from going on this mission. It may give him a bit of what Celuwen must go through when he goes on patrol and perhaps they will come to some acceptable compromise. Strange men and a large contingent of orcs in the forest. What exactly do you have plan for us? I am holding my breath in anticipation.
Author's reply
Things blew up, didn't they? But my experience is that families have these horrible moments sometimes. They get over them, of course, but in the meantime, everyone it ticked off. That's a good observation about how Celuwen must go through the same fears when Eilian goes off to his warrior duties. I look forward to seeing Celuwen with her parents though. "Strange men and a large contingent of orcs in the forest." Hm. When you put it that way, it does sound bad!
The Karenator · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Ya know, I kinda hope that Celuwen won't get too acclimated to walking on egg shells around Thranduil and Ithilden. I'm a firm believer that everyone in power needs someone who will tell them the truth. Thranduil's balance (Lorellin) is gone. Might tick off the good king every now and then, but it'll do him good to have Celuwen's uncensored opinions. And the one thing that Celuwen has to offer that no other advisor has is the king's son's happiness. Thranduil can always be sure that she is on his side, even if she disagrees with him. Ithilden seems a little testy when he met with Eilian back in his office. He asked Eilian for his opinion and then accused him of not liking that someone else was captaining his patrol. Ithilden needs someone to tell him to get over it too. He *knows* he should trust Eilian's sense of the forest! Males are all the same...pointy ears or not. The pre-meal confrontation was great. Everyone is in their own corner. The bell has rung and the fight is on. *“Control your tone of voice, Eilian,” Thranduil interrupted sharply. “Celuwen has duties as my advisor, and neither she nor I have to consult you as to whether they should be fulfilled.”* Okay, this made me laugh...in a sarcastic way. Yeah, Thranduil, let's back this train up. Switch the names to Lorellin and Oropher and let's see how Thranduil feels about the whole thing. Yep, yep, yep... In the scene where Eilian and Celuwen go to their apartment, I thought it was very insightful of Celuwen to realize that Eilian was subconsciously thinking about his mother. (What Thranduil was thinking is still a mystery...other than he's still mad at Eilian for the insubordination of bonding without consent.) Well, in my not-so-learned opinion, Eilian is the only one acting sane at the moment. He's the only one at home who is still serving in the forest, and he's well known for his intuitiveness about the dangers. And lo and behold, no one is listening to him. That does not bode well for Celuwen...or Legolas, I bet. Great chapter. I do love a good row. Eilian is going to be fit to be tied. I can just feel it... :>) Karen
Author's reply
Thranduil sees Celuwen as an ally in settling Eilian down and, as you say, making him happy. He thinks of her as having good sense, although I think she's a little off her stride in the palace just yet. And actually, it would be very funny if Thranduil and Ithilden both learned that Celuwen speaks her mind, not shrewishly or nastily, but respectfully and honestly. At the moment, she's getting the new person's pass -- the one you get when you don't know any better than to do something. You can actually get a number of things done in that mode, but it doesn't last for long. I think that Ithilden actually took his annoyance at Celuwen out on Eilian. I love flawed characters! So you think that Thranduil might not have liked it if his father send Lorellin off somewhere Thranduil thought was dangerous? Why, Karen, I think you might be right! LOL Eilian might indeed be fit to be tied. I have plans for him! And Legolas too.
esamen · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
I am well, and you may believe that I speak truly when I say that Beliond uses every means possible to insure that I remain so. There are times when I am surprised he does not tuck me into my bedroll and sing me a lullaby. Legolas's written voice is different from his speaking voice, hmmm. Like most of us . . I like very much the way that you have Thranduil contrasing him with his other two sons. Lovely moment. It was my business,” Eilian snapped. “She is my wife.” “But not your property,” Celuwen said heatedly, her face flushed. “I want to be one of the guards,” Eilian told Ithilden, ignoring Celuwen. “You are not on active duty yet,” Ithilden retorted, his own voice growing severe. “And you have other duties.” “Control your tone of voice, Eilian,” Thranduil interrupted sharply. “Celuwen has duties as my advisor, and neither she nor I have to consult you as to whether they should be fulfilled.” “Please stop,” Alfirin pleaded. “I do not want us to quarrel during this time or during our evening meal.” Oh, I love it! Everybody, argue! Heh-heh-heh . . . family time. Bring on that Legolas action . . . I'm glued to the monitor waiting . . . THANKS for writing this story! happy typing!
Author's reply
My beta asked me if Thranduil worried about Eilian when he was away in the same way he worried about Legolas, and sadly enough, I think the answer is no. I think Thranduil is still fretting about his baby, the child he raised on his own. He does have fears for Eilian, but I doubt if he worries in quite the same way. I thought the argument went along quite briskly and might be something we all could recognize unless we were raised by bears or something. Legolas will be back in the next chapter I think. I need to do some more stuff at home too, just to get things really heated up.
meckinock · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
He glanced around the room, taking time to smile at Celuwen, who still looked a little dazed to find herself at the king’s council meeting. She got over it pretty quick, though, didn't she? Whoo-ee! Nothing like an off-agenda proposal from the King's new upstart daughter-in-law to wake everyone up. If it were anyone but Thanduil, I'd say he bit off more than he could chew. But Celuwen might be the one who finds herself off-balance - it's starting to dawn on her that for the first time in her life, she won't be free to speak her own mind. Wait until she shows up at the settlement and finds out she's now considered The Establishment. Ouch. Eilian's reaction was understandable, given what happened to his mother, but the fact that he realized he can't keep Celuwen in an ivory tower is a good sign. I just hope nothing bad happens or he'll never let her out of his sight again...
Author's reply
Celuwen apparently took the king's smile to mean make herself at home, and she did! She took on Thranduil AND Ithilden. But I think they both kind of gave her a pass, especially Thranduil. She may find that her ignorance helps her get things done now because she doesn't know better than to ask, and they are still being nice. But I doubt if she can do this for long. Eilian was in a tough spot. He really fears she's in danger, but what can he do? She never did pay much attention to him when she thought she needed to do something else. And I think in an odd way, he's jealous. She goes off and he's left reading reports.
meckinock · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Small Moments
Whew. Makes you think about furniture a whole new way. These two better start pacing themselves --they have to last for eternity, after all. The Alfirin-Celuwen showdown defused itself pretty well, I thought. Obviously they're both trying very hard. I liked that Celuwen felt a twinge of guilt at realizing she was spoiling Alfirin's enjoyment of arranging her apartment, but resolved to not let it stop her from speaking her mind. Better to be clear about what she wants up front than let it simmer for a couple of centuries and then blow up in the biggest explosion since Mount Doom. Legolas seems to be settling into his new position very well. His leadership style is more reasoned and analytic than adrenalin junkie Eilian's, but he's no less purposeful. He wisely sidestepped the pitfall of policing the sandbox in favor of a little private mentoring, and he cleverly defused the chief bellyacher by taking him as a partner. Yes, I think Beliond will have no trouble at all dealing with Riolith! Poor Sorion. I can just imagine what's going through his head as he watches Legolas compose letters to his "adar": Dear Adar, How have I so displeased you that you would subject me to the command of such a knucklehead as Sorion? I have never encountered such an competent individual in my entire life! He is every bit as pathetic as Eilian described him. The Southern Patrol is falling apart. Morale is in the toilet, supplies are running low, Orcs are on the verge of overrunning us, and this idiot you call a Captain is going to get us all killed. Can't he be reassigned to the Royal Quartermaster Service or something? Your affectionate son, Legolas
Author's reply
There's a joke about human newlyweds that goes something like this. For every time you make love in the first two years, you put a dollar in a jar. Then after that, you take a dollar out every time. Supposedly, you never get your money back. :-) I don't know how that would work with elves. I think both Alfirin and Celuwen are mature people, so they're going to try to be considerate of one another. The danger of that is not speaking up for yourself. But Celuwen seems to do ok in that area, and when it matters to her, so does Alfirin. These two will eventually be ok, I think, although it may take a while. That chapter was meant to show both Celuwen and Legolas having small victories in learning their new responsibilities. I didn't want anything dramatic right away, but I thought Legolas would do all right, probably better than he realizes. LOL at your letter! It would be hard. When I taught at General Motors Institute, I once had the daughter of the president of GM in my class. Actually, I think that would be easier than having the child of one of my colleagues.
sofia · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Eilian needs to trust his wife more. She can't stay there forever! It's gonna be intresting to see how the negotiation between her and Felas will turn out. So they have moved into the new apartment? Dont keep us waiting for to long. -sofia
Author's reply
Yes he does, but he's so sure that she's going into danger and he remembers his mother. He must be in despair to see her go. I'm *hoping* it will be interesting to see Celuwen in the settlement, but you never know!
Elena Tiriel · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Oh, dear, Daw. I have a *very* bad feeling about Celuwen's trip. *whimper* Please don't let her get hurt... that would destroy Eilian! He's been through too much already... - Barbara
Author's reply
You make me sound cruel, Barbara! This trip should provide some excitement to all involved, I hope. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Lots of good things in this chapter, Daw! I liked seeing the letter that Sorion was worried about, and Thranduil's reaction. It must be hard knowing his son is in the most dangerous patrol in the realm. Celuwen at the council was great - so she put her foot in it by bringing up a matter she should have mentioned before, but she stood up to both Thranduil and Ithilden! Go Celuwen! Then she has a different sort of battle with Eilian. Thranduil's response was great: “Celuwen has duties as my advisor, and neither she nor I have to consult you as to whether they should be fulfilled.” I found a couple of typos, though: In Ithilden's office: 'Eilian frowned. What in Arda was Eilian talking about?' Two Eilians - (not that that's a bad thing! Also, in the Council, 'The king very must disliked being surprised by his own advisors. What's going to go wrong on this trip to the settlement? Jay
Author's reply
Oh thank you for telling me about those two things. I changed them right away on SoA. Ff.net is just too hard, but I should try to remember to changes them in my file. Lots of family tension in this chapter, preciptated in all innocence by Celuwen. I think that Thranduil is gentler with her than he would be with anyone else and he's still ticked enough at Eilian that he takes her side. Poor Eilian. Ithilden was also caught unaware and I thought he might be taking it out on Eilian a little in his office too. You think something is going to go wrong? Why, Jay! You think like an author. I was just thinking about "With Friends" today and wondering when you would have time to update. Soon I hope, but I don't mean to push. I just like the story.
Bodkin · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
With a chapter title like this, what else are we expected to do!! The tension just builds throughout - Legolas's letter, Ithilden's office, the council meeting, Thranduil, all just lead us to Celuwen / Eilian trauma and first (married) spat and Celuwen going off into the woods with just two guards, just like Naneth. At least Eilian has the innate honesty to admit to himself that he hates being caged and should not want to cage Celuwen - and knows her well enough to realise that there are arguments he just can't win. But I have a bad feeling about this! Thranduil was less that impressed with Celuwen's unscheduled intervention - if anything is worse that endless council meetings, surely it must be endless council meetings where you know exactly what is going to be said, because it has all been past the censor before you start. And Celuwen's plan is not bad - although anyone else would have been eaten by Thranduil or Ithilden or both. There are some advantages to being the newly-wed daughter-in-law of the king. I think Celuwen has more to grasp yet than the etiquette of what frock to wear and how to deal with servants. And I'm not talking how to put things on the council's agenda! (Or marital matters.) She is now vulnerable in the woods in a way that she wasn't as the settlement-dwelling daughter of her adar. Just as Legolas was the object of a kidnapping attempt in OYIM, Celuwen has a greatly increased market value now. I can't wait to find out what happens.
Author's reply
This chapter was fun to write. I've been doing set up for three chapters now, and in this one, I could sort of start to let my plot unwind a little. So yeah, some worrisome things happened. :-) Eilian is a good husband but apparently even good husbands can be possessive and bossy at times. But he's worried! He can't just let her go! One of the first things I was taught as a new faculty member was always let your dept chair know if something bad is about to happen so at least he doesn't get caught off guard. I thought Thranduil might prefer things that way too. But he is much gentler with Celuwen that he would be with anyone else. Thank goodness.
Alice · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Tactical error indeed. Well at least Eilian eventually stopped being an idiot. He learns. That was one tense meal. I feel bad for Alfirin though. She really hates fighting and suddenly there's all this tension and then arguing. Things are complicated in this family, even more so now that Celuwen has not only been added to the mix but is also now a counselor. Eilian is going to have to learn to live with her and her job and Celuwen, Thranduil, and Ithilden are going to have to learn to leave any counsel annoyances behind in the counsel room, like the boys have to leave any warrior issues between them behind. I liked reading the bit in the office. I imagine Eilian took Tinar out to the training field with a very strong blessing from Ithilden. Ithilden only getting denied by his father is a good observation. Though having someone else stand up to him isn't exactly a bad thing, though I think he's going to have to get used to it. I really like Celuwen that way. She doesn't back down when she thinks she's right. Which she is in this circumstance. It should be interesting watching Celuwen visit her own settlement. It's probably a very good thing that Eilian isn't accompanying her on this trip. I doubt Solith has forgiven him yet. That's probably going to take several years and a grandchild. I laughed at the thought of Beliond tucking Legolas in and singing him a lullaby. Also at the thought of what Beliond's reaction might be to reading that particular part of Legolas's letter. Beliond's sweet, but privately so, very privately and he's willing to show you just how private that should be. I look forward to the next chapter. I would enjoy reading something from the POVs of the wives and the keepers. They have interesting views of being a warrior and what goes on in the kingdom.
Author's reply
Eilian has a problem here. He is almost certain she's going into danger, so his instinct to protect her is strong, particularly given his mother's fate. But Celuwen is a separate person who needs to make her own decisions and is feeling kind of closed in right now. Of course, Eilian has found this month hard too, and I'm not sure she's as aware as she should be of that. I'll be that meal was really tense. I didn't have the heart to show it. This family's life is so complicated because of who they are. Celuwen stands up to Ithilden and Thranduil partly out of ignorance. She just doesn't know that she's supposed to cower. And much as he likes her, Ithilden is startled. I think he took it out on Eilian a little in the office when he got back. So you think Eilian should stay away from the settlement? Hm. Beliond agrees with you totally. The thought of singing a lullaby makes him want to smack someone. Although, I'll bet if Legolas ever married (maybe in Valinor?) and had a kid, Uncle Beliond would be putty in the kid's hands.
elliska · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry
Do not worry, adar--yeah, right! Thranduil is the least worried amongst us after reading this chapter. I don't even know where to begin with this one. Celuwen just rushes right in where everyone else would fear to tread, doesn't she? Her idea is definitely a good one and how could she possibly know the 'right way' to make proposals but I can definitely see how putting the king on the spot like that would raise the tension. And it sure did. I was cringing and forcing myself to read that part, too afraid to see how it would turn out. It turned out well for her. Luckily. And Eilian's reaction was exactly what he would do. He walked right into it. Telling both Celuwen and Thranduil what they can do? Right. When Celuwen was so proud of her her news. Obviously he is right to be worried and they should all trust his instincts by now but of course people never do. This will be bad. I hope poor Legolas is not going to be in the position of having to make difficult decisions to defend Celuwen during this little adventure. Great chapter! You sure do know how to weave a complex, tense plot. I love how you start it out with Legolas telling his adar not to worry and then you lay out this whole string of things that we'd better be good and worried about. Why don't you apply for a sabbatical so you can dedicate an entire semester to writing (fanfic). Just don't include the word fanfic in your proposal. :) Think that would work?
Author's reply
Celuwen doesn't even know she's being daring. She hasn't lived among court rules and she doesn't even know she's flouting them. Plus Thranduil is gentler with her than he would be with anyone else I can thing of with the possible exception of Alfirin. "I hope poor Legolas is not going to be in the position of having to make difficult decisions to defend Celuwen during this little adventure." Yes, and people in hell hope for ice water. I'm glad you feel the plot is tense. I was beginning to feel I was letting the opening set up go on for too long. What a good idea about the sabbatical!
Antigone Q · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Small Moments
Legolas seems to be doing well with his new responsibilities - Beliond is right though, he had better be careful to cut himself some slack. It's not surprising, what with the achievements of his father and brothers, that he expects a lot from himself, but I'm sure that in the Southern patrol with the Shadow looming any pressure he feels is going to be very intense, so he'll have to be extra careful. And Celuwen has a lot to deal with in her new role, too, doesn't she? Good for her for standing her ground but still trying to be tactful with Alfirin! I think that they will become a strong united front in the mostly testosterone-filled household, once they work out their differences. I laughed through the whole last half of the chapter, because I remembered when I was first married and the trouble we had with our first apartment, and all the unsolicited advice I had from my mother-in-law, and the way every room and piece of furniture was just another place to...(cough) have lots of fun. It would probably behoove Eilian to learn soon not to smirk when Celuwen is feeling annoyed; it's funny now but one day it's going to come back and bite him in the butt, for sure. Lovely story so far! Your characters have become so real to me that I get anxious for them, so I hope another chapter comes soon.
Author's reply
Legolas is doing well but I'm not sure he realizes it quite yet. He's so earnest. He just tries to do the right thing as each occasion arises, but sometimes he even forgets that he's the one with power and responsibility to take action. I'm sure the rest of the patrol is watching him too, trying to decide if they can trust him with their lives. They're probably doing the same thing to Sorion, so it's kind of an unsettled time in the patrol. I'm having fun writing about Celuwen and Alfirin, trying to make them as real as the male members of the household are. I find it hard, for some reason. They tend to merge into generic female and I have to keep consulting the analysis I wrote of each of them and how they're different and how they get along (or not). I wanted them both good, but both flawed. And indeed, Eilian better learn not to smirk because one of these days (soon!) she's going to be ticked at him. He finds your comment about the furniture interesting, btw. ;-)
The Karenator · 18 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Small Moments
Hi, Finally...I've caught up with everyone else. Unfortunately, I feel like I've come in in the middle of the movie and I'm trying to figure out what's going on. Forgive me if my review is slightly confused. Looks like Riolith has been inhabited by the spirit of Tinar instead of the shadow. I guess every patrol has at least one who secretly harbors the desire to be arrogant and a complete jerk. It took the shadow to shake it out of Riolith; Tinar came by it naturally. And Gelmir is a brother in the spirit with Eilian. Someone has to carry on now that the good captain is off learning to be a good husband. (And son. Woe is Thranduil. What's a dad to do with a wild card? Celuwen seems to know how to 'handle' him. Perhaps, she can come out of the 'closet' and take over that job.) Legolas is doing quite well in his first taste of commanding. Of course, Belowen is there to keep watch and make sure his charge doesn't get too overconfident. SO...has Legolas been talking in his sleep, calling out the name of a certain elleth? I just love old Belowen. He's so good for Legolas and Legolas is good for him. He's such a caring old goat, the sort who cares deeply, but would rather be riddled with arrows than act like it. Fortunately for us and for Legolas, Belowen's concern slips out in odd sorts of ways that just makes him even more endearing. (Don't tell him I said he's endearing, okay?) It's been interesting to watch Celuwen adjust to living in the palace. What a change from living in the relatively uncomplicated lifestyle of the wood-elves in the settlements. She seems to be doing well, but her frustrations are realistic and her rewards are found in the wardrobe. I think Lorellin would have really liked her new daughter-in-law! And bless Alfirin's heart, she just wants to help. I get the feeling that she's so excited to have another female around and there is no one who knows better what sort of adjustments Celuwen is going through than she does, that Alfirin just got a little over excited in trying to smooth out the way. Alfirin handled Celuwen's frustrations well. I loved the little hug. Again, I'm sorry I'm so far behind the crowd, but I really enjoyed catching up this morning. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. I'm looking forward to more. Karen
Author's reply
Welcome back, Karen. I hope your life is settling down a little. I think you're right that Riolith is affected by the shadow. Actually as I was writing this, I was thinking about the idea of the effect of shadow you expounded so well when I was writing "My Brother's Keeper" (you know, when you were explaining why Eilian was now a drug addict ;-)). It fits well here. The shadow is affecting all of these people, and I think one of the things that Legolas is learning is how to function well when he's so close to shadow. That will stand him in good stead on the quest. You are so bad about the 'closet'! LOL. Eilian and Celuwen intend to stay there for a while and just closed the door because Alfirin might come back. I can just picture her blushing face as it occurs to her that something odd is happening in the wardrobe. She does want to help though. I've been trying to show that the two wives are different and so there's some conflict, but it's not because either one of them is bad. You might like one more than the other, but that's just the way life is. Belowen snorted when I told him about the 'endearing' thing (and Legolas laughed). :-)
Rose Sared · 18 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Small Moments
Oh how wonderful, wardrobe sex! Hah, they had better be careful or they may get stuch in there. Poor old Leggy languishing in the south, tough job for any elf I think. Lovely story much enjoyed as ever. Rose
Author's reply
Stuck? Now that's a concept. LOL. I don't think so. I think Eilian knows what he's doing. ;-) Legolas is handling a tough job very well. I'm proud of him! daw
Brenda G. · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Small Moments
Well, this was a completely satisfying chapter (as they all have been). Legolas taking "small moments" and writing about them to his father. It is interesting to see the lay of his mind now that he is an adult with so many responsibilities. Beliond is simply marvelous as the keeper of Thranduil's youngest, and it is gratifying to see how mild, affectionate and comfortable Legolas has become with his bodyguard. I remember when Beliond was first appointed to the blond elfling and how thorny Legolas found the entire situation at the beginning. How many years has it been to this point since Beliond became Legolas' keeper? Celuwen made me smile and shake my head. So stubborn. So contradicting. So female! I laughed at the wardrobe incident, almost as bemused by Celuwen's streak of willfulness as was her Wood-elf husband. Lordy, Eilian makes me sweat! Just reading about his very charming self and his desire to please his wife and please himself in the bargain by making the wardrobe his and Celuwen in their own special, and most inventive way. Mmmm,what a delicious devil he is! Another helping of Eilian, please... You've certainly whetted my appetite for the next chapter: a rumble in the South and a tumble in the wardrobe! Can I stand the wait? Not a chance! Bring it on!
Author's reply
Legolas and Beliond have been good for one another. Legolas has done a lot of growing up, and Beliond has learned to allow himself to care for someone again. I figure they've been together for 170 years or so now. A long time! I think that Celuwen is a reasonable person most of the time, but she's off balance right now because she's in such a different environment. And actually, I think she was trying to be reasonable with Alfirin too. But she couldn't make all her feelings go away. And Eilian certainly turned the situation into a win-win one for him and Celuwen! LOL
Tapetum Lucidum · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Small Moments
Thanks for a well timed update. I was having a really big fight with my 100 year old computer after a major crash. Your chapter brightened my mood! Small moments was a great chapter title. The little interactions among the patrol members were very entertaining. I love your elves' sense of humor. Those beetles would definitely give me a nightmare. I think I have seen roaches that big in my college dorm. Legolas handled both Isendir and Riolith very well. He seems to be a natural. The conversation with Sorion went well and your warrior dispersion plan was very good. I am sure Legolas' letters have made a lot of captains nervous. That was funny. Swapping partners would be tough when you are accustomed to a specific person. That was a good point too. Beliond's little comment about Legolas' mistakes was very appropriate. I know many people who are their own toughest critic. The third son does have some big shoes to fill and sometimes that is part of the problem. Dreaming of the curly haired maiden? Poor guy has no privacy. Sorion does have some tough choices to make. It is lonely at the top. Hmm... I wonder what those men were doing... Celuwen sounds like she is handling her new position pretty well. OK, maybe the stress is getting to her a little bit. Poor Alfirin, she was trying to help and got blasted. I would have wanted to be consulted as well. To add insult to injury, the position was a lot better. I think Eilian' solution to the Great Wardrobe Problem was excellent! I highly recommend it.
Author's reply
Crashing computers bring me to tears. Get a new one! I'm glad you liked the little things in this chapter. I'm trying to show character cevelopment in small ways before we get to more dramatic situations because I thought it would be unrealistic to have big stuff first. Legolas, Celuwen, and Eilian all need to feel their way along a little first. And I think Legolas is doing well, although he may not recognize it quite yet. He's very modest, I think, especially for an elf. And while he's likeable, he's never going to be one of the guys, not with a bodyguard and letters home to the king. So he's in a tough position. And so is Sorion. This patrol is Eilian's and he knows it, and he has a different style of leadership that may not be the best for this shadowed area. Eilian thanks you for the recommendation and says he intends to repeat the treatment as needed. Which will be often. :-)
Alice · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Small Moments
Well that's one way to break in new furniture. (grin) Ah, those crazy newly weds. I'm enjoying their interactions. They're so happy. It's hard not to go awww. I'm enjoying the Alfirin/Celuwen interaction. They're both so different but I think they're going to make good allies. Alfirin's all motherly and docile but I have the feeling she knows where to make her stand and god help you because she's not going to changer her mind. And Celuwen will tell you flat out when you're wrong. Nicely and politely of course, but still tell you that you're wrong.I have this vision of them teaming up on something and the rest of the house of Thranduil running in fear. Somebody's gotta keep those menfolk in line. Legolas is doing real well. But was there any real doubt about that? I love how careful and serious he is about his job but still knows how to laugh. He's a mix between Eilian and Ithilden that way. I also love how Beliond looks after him. And knows things about him, like that he has a crush on a certain disappearing maiden. (grins) Poor Legolas, no privacy at all. I like watching the interactions between the warriors. Gelmir's such a trickster. He's funny, though he hopefully has enough sense to not toy with Beliond. Poor Isendir though. Getting used to the shadow and being the butt of the jokes. I look forward to the next chapter. And I personally would love something from Calith's point of view. He's obviously very patient to not have told Eilian to just be quiet already and to not have tied Tinar up and gagged him. Now there's a fun image. I don't suppose I could convince you that that would be a good plot device? Seriously though Tinar's a fun character. He's annoying but he creates conflict and someone for the other characters to harrass guilt free, an important service. Update soon please!
Author's reply
Ooh you are so good on the wives. That's exactly how I picture Alfirin too. She would let Ithilden be in charge until there was a question of what she took to be right and wrong or the well being of her family, and then she'd dig in her heels and be immovable. And Celuwen is quite capable of thinking that Thranduil is wrong and maybe even telling him. She's heard her father say so often enough! Legolas is so earnest that he's sweet. He is trying out little things that show both him and the people around him that he's capable and that he cares about his troops. But he's still unsure of himself. I don't think he gives himself enough credit. Gelmir is looking after Isendir now. So aside from a few practical jokes, which may help his mood, Isendir is in better shape. I have thought about doing a whole story from the POV of the wives and keepers, and I thought about using Calith in that too because Ithilden doesn't have a keeper right now. Someday!