lwarren
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
I really like the relationship Legolas and Beliond have developed over the years. Having just reread "The Warrior", they were so tense with each other, and even tho' I knew things would improve, it seemed like dark days ahead. Beliond is now almost like an older uncle/second father to Legolas...I loved the teasing remark about asking him which maiden Legolas was thinking of (that's the one from "Spring Awakenings", right?), and the remark that he'd been teasing the boy since he was an ignorant elfling, and really, Legolas, you haven't progressed so very much farther since then! Hehehehehe!
Legolas, on the other hand, has learned alot over the years, it seems...he's not quite so eager for the excitement of battle (tho' he still feels that kick of adrenalin), and he's developed a nice sensitivity to his patrol mates. He handled the situation with Riolith and Isendir nicely, and managed to warn Isendir that working so close to Shadow had its repercussions. He even handled his very cautious, slightly suspicious captain with tact and diplomacy, when I'm sure he wanted to scream when Sorion asked about his letter. (Poor Legolas, his lack of privacy, thanks to Beliond and the captain watching his every move, word, and letter, is almost as non-existent as Celuwen's, in some ways!)
As for the new wife, I had some sisters-in-law who would come into my new home and give unwelcome, unsolicited advice when I first married. It is NOT fun. Alfirin has Celuwen's best interests at heart, however, and perhaps now that she realizes how it has been affecting Celuwen, she'll give her some space. Maybe. As for Eilian, what an elf! He recognized the signs of impending explosion (familiar territory, perhaps?), and set about defusing it in the most pleasant and memorable way possible! *looks around for a fan* Whewwwww! I repeat, what an elf!! ;-) That's one way to take ownership of one's living space...one wonders if every piece of furniture, and every room will be given the same loving initiation! :-)
Great chapter, daw, and so interesting to see all the adjusting going on! I'm sure the characters' favorite author plans to make things difficult soon...perhaps E and C should just stay in the wardrobe and lock said door!:-) (I can't wait!!!)
linda
Author's reply
There are so many Beliond lovers around that I'm worried I've made the guy too soft now! LOL. Actually, I think that looking after Legolas has been good for him. He was all alone before and pretty bitter. He needed someone to care about.
Legolas does have much the same problem as Celuwen. He's in a new role and everyone is watching to see how he does. That's natural, I guess. After all, if he turns out to be bad at it, he could get his fellow warriors killed. And I don't imagine any one has much privacy in a camp like that. But Legolas is taking small steps to prove to himself and to others what he can do.
Eilian thanks you for the idea about the way to claim all their furniture and thinks it's a spendid notion! He looks enthusiastically around at the chairs, rugs, tables, bookcases, desks, stools, benches, musical instruments, and plant stands. :-)
Dot
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
I just knew this would be there last night. Darn time differences… Still, I got it today and what a lovely long chapter you’ve treated us to!
Riolith seems in severe danger of turning into another Tinár. Clever Legolas, to realise that it’s the Shadow influencing his behaviour. I suppose they’re all slightly affected by it in that they probably have a little less tolerance than usual. I like the way Legolas uses almost the same tactic to reassure Isendir as Eilian did for him – he speaks about the way the Shadow makes him feel, letting Isendir know that these feelings are to be expected but never actually asking outright if Isendir himself has experienced this.
LOL at Gelmir! He hasn’t changed at all. The thing is, he’s just so convincing! I don’t know how the others keep straight faces but I notice they’re more than willing to play along with Gelmir. I wonder if Legolas believed the story when he was told.
I love the way it only seems to dawn on Legolas now and then that he actually has some power within the patrol. I think he’ll make a great officer – quiet but commanding – but he obviously needs time to get used to his position. That’s interesting, that he’s “ambivalent about the constant action the Southern Patrol offered.” I suppose he was never going to love it as Eilian does. The times between battles must be just as much a strain as the fighting itself because it’s such a comedown after the excitement. Not everyone is suited to the Southern Patrol and I don’t know if Legolas really is, even though he’d do a great job anywhere. Then again, this is the elf who sets off on a quest to Mount Doom so I wouldn’t want to underestimate him…
I admire Legolas for suggesting to Sórion some changes in pairings. Sórion no doubt plans battles in minute detail, but Legolas seems to have a better sense of the personalities in the patrol. I like that Sórion is willing to listen to him. He doesn’t seem altogether comfortable with Legolas but I guess that’ll come with time and it probably also doesn’t help that Legolas is so close to the king and the troop commander. I hadn’t thought about how awkward it is for Legolas even to be seen writing a letter home. He handled it with the deftness of someone well used to the question. I’m becoming intrigued by Sórion, actually. I’m starting to hope he has a story behind him!
You know, I’m glad Legolas made a different decision than Eilian about the scouts venturing out of Southern Patrol territory. In a way, those scouts shouldn’t really have been asking him if they should do as his brother suggested when Sórion is the captain and unlikely to agree with them venturing into another patrol’s area. It seems Eilian isn’t the only one who sees the Southern Patrol as his.
Nana Beliond appears to have been worried about his charge. It struck me as a bit odd, him telling anyone they’re too serious! Pot, kettle and all that. But he clearly knows Legolas inside out by now. Actually, I think his years as keeper have been good for Beliond. He seems more relaxed and…likeable now. He even teases Legolas about Tuilinn. She certainly made a lasting impression on Legolas. I guess he needs something to fantasise about on those cold nights in the deep, dark wood.
Orcs and men? It sounds like there’re exciting times ahead.
Those settlements must be the bane of Thranduil’s life. Celuwen’s input on the matter will be invaluable but I imagine it’ll take her some time not to automatically leap to the defence of those elves and learn to see the situation from the other side. Another thing for her to get used to!
Excellent scene between Alfirin and Celuwen. Now, it *was* a bit much that Celuwen didn’t get to choose where the wardrobe would go and I appreciate her frustration but the more I read of her struggle to adapt, the more I feel for Alfirin. Even though she was able to go and visit her family, she really was on her own trying to find a place in a very male household. She’s probably mortified that she took over so much with Celuwen. Getting the carpets and furniture in is probably her way of ensuring that Eilian and Celuwen have a decent home together as soon as possible. It’s so like her to do that. One of my all-time favourite parts in your stories is when Thranduil is thinking about Alfirin – it might be in ‘Prodigal Sons’, I’m not sure – and how she put a new throw on his chair and pulled out Lorellin’s old ware, just to give a sense of homeliness and comfort. I think this is the same thing, just on a bigger scale. But poor Celuwen is already being called ‘my lady’ and has Thrior bowing to her. No wonder she wants to grasp at something to control. And anyone would want to decorate their own home. Hmm. They’re just so different. I think that when they have so many people tending to them, Alfirin’s first reaction was probably to be embarrassed whereas Celuwen is more likely to feel insulted because she is perfectly capable of doing these things herself. They’re clearly still sussing each other out. They could be good friends once they become a little easier with one another.
If I were Celuwen, I’d put that wardrobe as far away form the bathing chamber as possible. Why make it easier for Eilian to get his clothes when he could have to stroll across the room wrapped in a little towel?!
I had to laugh at poor, puzzled Eilian trying to understand the minds of females. “I will move it for you.” Oh Eilian, it’s never that simple. At least he can cheer her up by christening the furniture. “You are dealing with a resourceful Wood-elf warrior, my love.” I don’t doubt it for a second. Lucky Celuwen. All she needed was a reminder of why her new life is worth it ;-)
Author's reply
Legolas is doing well as a lieutenant, and I thought he might deliberately borrow Eilian's tactic to reassure Isendir. I think he admires Eilian enough that he would imitate him in that. Legolas is learning to function in a group where people can get fractious -- sort of like 9 people on a quest! I'm always trying to think of how my stories connect to Legolas's future, and I think that one thing he's learning is how to function when close to shadow. I don't think he's the adrenalin junkie that Eilian is. I think he'd be happy with a quiet life under the trees, which is why I think his sea longing is so tragic, but he has learned how to deal with stress and shadow.
I do have a back story for Sorion! I just don't know how much of it I'll get to use. I have a big thick notebook of stuff I write about my characters, so of which has never seen the light of day. And I think you put your finger on part of his problem when you say that others see the patrol as Eilian's. I'll bet most of the warriors there are chosen and trained by Eilian to like his style of command, which tends to be a little loose on the topic of following regulations. So this is a big change for everyone.
Legolas and Beliond have been good for one another, I think. Beliond needed someone to care for. He needed to be brought out of his isolation.
Like Legolas, Celuwen is learning her new role (so is Eilian, for that matter). And I think she may not quite have made the shift yet from settlement daughter to king's advisor. Actually, when you look at stuff like that, you can see how she could have put that year of betrothal to good use. But it wasn't going to happen, so she has to adjust now. And you are so sharp on the Alfirin/Celuwen relationship. See what I wanted was for them *both* to be good people, *both* to be right. I thought that was realistic, but it's really tempting to make good and bad because that's easier to write.
And ah yes, Eilian. We'll just leave them shut up in that wardrobe and not ask any questions, shall we? (On the other hand, I amuse myself by imagining that Alfirin forgot something and came back and found the closed wardrobe with interesting sounds coming from it. I bet she'd turn scarlet but giggle and tell Ithilden later)
sofia
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
I hope those men in the south aren't bad. The maiden that Legolas is dreaming about, are we gonna see her in stories to come, or are we just gonna hear Legolas and other elves talk about her?
I know exactly how Celuwen feel's about the furniture part. You want it to to be somewhere else, and then you realize the place the other person put it is simpler and then get mad because it wasn't the idea you had in mind. That drove me crazy.
-sofia
Author's reply
Legolas is dreaming about Tuilinn, who appeared in "Spring Awakenings," which took place right before this story does. I don't know if I'll ever let her appear again, but it seemed to me I should at least have some reference to her because he was quite taken by her in that other story.
You and Celuwen are so in sync about the furniture! She's trying to establish a little control and privacy in her new life and even little things mean a lot to her.
You're a very observant reader, Sofia, good at picking out details that might matter. :-)
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Daw!
Nice to see another story about Legolas! You have created such a full world of Legolas young life that I feel as if I'm returning home reading about many characters that I have come to care about!
In this first I really get a feel for the responsibility that Legolas now carries. And you write battles much better than I do. I tend to shy away from writing battles because the words do not flow. But yours read so well. You paint a vivid picture of the whirling action and confusion of an attack. I shall continue to chapter two!
MM
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words, especially about the battle scene. I find them hard to write too. Peter Jackson says that to make them interesting, battle scenes have to focus in on individuals rather than the large scale action. I found that helpful to think about. But they are really hard to do, I think.
Legolas is learning to function in his new role. I love capable Legolas!
Jule
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
Thank you for another wonderful story. I love reading about Legolas's first command and whats going on at home. Legolas really is a good leader, much better than I think he realizes. I like how he steps in to diffuse situations without causing a big scene. Its to bad he has to deal with Sorion who doesn't trust him and doesn't seem to be settling into the Captain role very easily.
I love Eilian. He handled the situation w/ Celuwen great. He stayed out of it. I do feel sympathetic for her even though I've never really liked the character. She wouldn't committ for centuries and yet get angry when he played w/ other maidens. I am dissapointed in her though. "the king should be able to do something" to help her useless Adar. I have never bought into the idea the settlers are holding back the shadow, though. If it were true they wouldn't be constantly whining for troops to come protect them in dangerous areas. It is another case where I am sympathetic but in some situations you have to be realistic. If she is going to be an advisor, she should look at things professionally not just as what her Adar wants.
Thanks for writing
Jule
Author's reply
Jule--
I think you're right that Legolas is doing better than he realizes. He has to learn his own leadership style, which is different from that of forceful Ithilden or charismatic Eilian. Sorion is struggling with a new role too, and he may come out all right or he may not. He's not incompetent or bad or anything. He's just trying out his own command personality for the first time, a personality that would have stayed hidden with Eilian there.
I enjoyed your analysis of Celuwen. I like seeing how other people see my characters, and your reaction tells me that she's not a flat, one-dimensional character. She's flawed. But so is Eilian, I am sad to say. I love the guy, but he can be a jerk.
mer
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
I liked that this chapter included both stories (the Southern patrol and home).
Looking forward for more and I am anxious to see what happens next--will Legolas have to be carried home injured like Eilian in the past stories and nursed back to health by his family or will he come out of this story still standing or somewhere in between? Sounds like a series announcement. I'll stay tuned for the next exciting episode (I'm glued to the set so to speak)!
You are such an amazing writer! Thanks.
Author's reply
Thank you, mer. I wasn't sure for a while that I'd have space for both the Southern Patrol story and the home story in this chapter, but they fit nicely. I don't like to make the chapters too long because I think people get tired of sitting and reading.
LOL about the series announcement. I'm gradually edging toward the action element of my plot, laying hints here and there, but I'm also interested in character growth, so that's why you're seeing so much of everyone in their new roles, trying to adjust.
Susanlu
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
That's my beloved Legolas! Gentle and smart, not very overpowering but does know how to control things if he should. I saw how helpful it was that grown up with Thranduil and Ithilden, which made him easy-going enough to survive any pressure, and if he ought to be powerful sometimes, he can just follow their steps which he was so familiar with.^o^ And thanks to his fellow warriors, whom supported him with their wordless obedience. I guess they may haven't concluded yet that they obey the new Lieutenant whether because they trust in him or because of his naturally authority from who he was, but they will learn that the young elf got this position not only by reason of his lord father or sweet face^0^.
¡°I am sure you know how it is when one writes home. One does not like to worry those who can do nothing to change the situation one is in. So, of course, I do not tell him everything.¡±What a fluent speech! I'm sure he has repeated it more than once to more than one captain T_T. It's alway interesting to see family stuffs and political stuffs mix up in the royal family. When S¨®rion asked "You are writing to Ithilden?", that mean "you are writing to my direct superior on your own?" and then Legolas emphasized "I am writing to *my adar*"----not "the king", just a parent who cared for his son. Well, I think one of the advantages in Eilian being the captain is ,he will never ask Legolas such kind of questions.^o^
It's obviously that both keepers had treated their charges with kind of fatherhood, I just doubted that is there anyone who dare to mention that in front of Thranduil.^o^
Eilian is indeed Eilian, hope he has enough patience for his position-jugding wife as long as possible.
P.S.daw I've sent a email to your mailbox about those Chinese translation things.
Author's reply
That's a good analysis of Legolas, I think. I've been trying to make him consistent with book Legolas who is very capable and responsible, but tends to be quiet. He can tell a joke in times of stress though, witness his ragging Gandalf about going to find the sun on Carhadras of in the Orc-killing contest with Gimli, so I was aiming for that too.
And I think you're also right that the other warriors (and his captain) haven't quite decided yet if he's capable and trustworthy. The patrol is trusting him with their lives when they follow his orders, after all, so they would tend to be cautious at first, I think.
I think you're also right that Legolas has answered the question about letters before. Even on his first posting to the Eastern Border Patrol, his captain eyed him a little cautiously when he talked about withholding news from Ithilden. But Legolas knows his place, and neither Thranduil nor Ithilden would have much patience with tale bearing, I think.
I saw the email. Thanks. :-)
Jebb
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
It was a real joy to find this today and I enjoyed reading it so much.
Legolas taking steps within the patrol that show how he is settling into his new role and his captain's wariness over the letter, it must be difficult to balance his own role and know his second in command is the king's youngest son.
But I doubt it would ever occur to Legolas to criticise his captain in a private letter he is too well trained for that and would use proper channels if he needed to and anyway I expect he must have learned long ago to properly censor what he tells 'Ada' while away from home.
Beliond is a treasure 'ignorant elfling' indeed! But he knows just what to say to keep his charge on the right path. I think his input is going to be needed soon given the tensions that are growing in the patrol.
Ah the joys of moving house and having help you didn't ask for only to find it was good advice which makes it doubly difficult to swallow luckily Eilian has the perfect answer to that problem I shall never look at a wardrobe in the same way again.Celuwen is a very lucky elf!
I note Eilian was a little more cautious trying to decipher what was wrong with Celuwen maybe he is learning as well
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Jebb.
I think that Legolas is doing well. I'm trying to show him taking small steps at a time so that big steps will be possible later. Sorion is gradually learning too, and in this case, he's deciding whether he can trust Legolas. They each have their own leadership styles, which are different from Eilian's, and I expect the change is unsettling for everyone in the patrol.
And of course he can trust Legolas. As you say, Legolas had learned to keep his mouth shut sometimes. And Thranduil would never put up with inappropriate whining anyway. But Ada did a smart thing in providing Beliond as a guide for his baby.
Celuwen is, in most ways, a very lucky elf! She gets upset and Eilian turns up to remind her of why this is all worth it. He has to learn a little husbandly caution, I think, but of course, he's probably been quarreling with Celuwen from the time they could both talk. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
Elves do it in the wardrobe? I hope Alfirin doesn't remember something and walk back in! Nice scene, Daw, with great visuals!
I felt rather sorry for Legolas about the letter. He wants to write home like everyone else, but Sorion thinks he's reporting back to the Army Commander or the King. I still think Sorion seems a little hesitant and uneasy about something - is the shadow getting to him?
Jay
Author's reply
That's why they closed the doors to the wardrobe. ;-)
The shadow probably is bothering Sorion, making a naturally cautious person even more hesitant. I think there is probably room for more than one style of leadership, but it's still an open question whether Sorion will settle down enough to do this long term. Not that Eilian intends to let him do that anyway.
And I think that Legolas must always feel a little like an outsider. He has Beliond permanently at his side and he writes letters to the king and the troop commander. How likely is that to allow for forming close friends?
caz - baz
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
That's made may day better. I'm glad I had something to smile about. If you can't tell then I'm just a little depressed - my dog got put down, I have a ton of work and I've only had about 4 hours sleep last night. Isn't life grand.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the chapter, Caz-baz. I am so sorry about your dog. I have had two dogs be put to sleep, and I know how heart breaking it is. They are such sweet animals. I hope you feel better after getting some sleep.
Bodkin
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
And what line sticks out for first mention?
“Gowns,” she spat out. “It seems I will need a great many of them.”
I do so empathise. Celuwen is not a girl to spend hours fussing about frocks! Although Alfirin is right - she will need lots, of all sorts of different degrees of formality. Maybe Celuwen should focus on the things that matter to her and let Alfirin deal with the dresses.
Naughty Eilian - it seems that his centuries of mass flirtation have not been wasted. He knows how to improve the mood of a stressed-out elleth - and he is good at picking up clues about hidden dangers. An interesting way to develop Celuwen's feelings of ownership for the furniture. Is he planning on repeating the process on/in all the other items?
Celuwen probably needs to know a bit more about military matters before she really understands Thranduil's point of view about the settlements . . . Eilian could be quite useful to her there as well - in those intervening moments when they need to talk about outside affairs. She dealt with Alfirin quite well, I thought. Not too aggressive, but getting her point across. Alfirin is trying to save her some of the learning process that I'll bet had her in tears on many occasions while Ithilden was off being troop commander - but you can't do it, Alfirin-love, Celuwen has to make her own mistakes. Perhaps then she will come for help.
I love how annoyed Celuwen was because Alfirin had chosen the best place for the wardrobe - she couldn't even have the pleasure of moving it.
Poor Sorion - probably chosen for his caution, to act as counterpoint to Eilian and now captain with the king's youngest son as his shiny new lieutenant. He would worry about letters being sent home.
Legolas is doing pretty well as yet. Intervening just enough to keep things running smoothly, not afraid to state his opinion, exerting a little authority - (must help if you can put on the Thranduil expression) - and having Beliond at your elbow probably isn't too much of a handicap. I like the repeat of the Eilian initiation talk.
How old will Legolas have to be before Beliond sees him as adult? Ain't never going to happen! (And actually, Legolas would miss it terribly if it did.)
A lovely chapter. More. Please.
By the way, I love the expression 'newly-minted'. All shiny and fresh, and excited with newness, with none of the corners rubbed and none of the tarnishing of age.
Author's reply
I think you're right that Celuwen should stick to what matters to her and let Alfirin manage the rest, but I think it's taking the two of them a while to negotiate about what matters to Celuwen. Celuwen probably doesn't even know herself entirely, because she can't anticipate what's going to happen as well as Alfirin can right now. She's feeling her way along. Same in her role as advisor: she knows what the settlers feel and can tell the king that, but she doesn't yet have a good idea of how to see things from Thranduil's pov.
As for Eilian, it wouldn't surprise me at all if he had plans to christen all the furniture! He's waited for this for a long time, and he's an elf who's always liked women.
Sorion is in a tough situation, and if he thinks Legolas is spying on him, it's going to feel even tougher. I have a backstory for Sorion all written. I just have to find a place to work it in.
Legolas is taking small steps toward feeling competent as a lieutenant. Everyone in the patrol is probably watching him too, trying to make sure they're in good hands. I'm old enough to remember VietNam and there were terrible stories about infantry tossing grenades at green lieutenants who were leading directly into situations that the grunts knew were dangerous.
French Pony
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
Class, watch Eilian. See how well he identifies the signs of women staking out and defending their turf. Notice how he avoids being drawn into the conflict, and observe his adroit methods of defusing the situation. Everyone got it? Good. There will be a quiz tomorrow.
It must be more difficult to decorate Eilian and Celuwen's apartment than it was to do mine. They seem to have quite a lot of furniture, and they don't have anything like electrical outlets or heating elements that sort of define where you can't put stuff. And there goes Alfirin, the Boss Princess. I'm surprised she let Celuwen pick out her own furniture.
And in the Southern Patrol, the part of Eilian will be played tonight by his understudy, Gelmir. Board stretchers and left-handed monkey wrenches. . . ahhh, the classics! Of course, old Isendir falls for it immediately. What's next? S'mores and campfire songs? "The biscuits that they give us / They say are mighty fine / One fell off a table / And killed a friend of mine / Oh, I don't wanna go to [Girl Scout/Army] camp / Gee, ma, I wanna go / Back where the toilets flow / Gee, ma, I wanna go ho-o-ome!" Were you ever a Girl Scout? Did you ever sing that song?
The best place to shoot an Orc is not necessarily in the face. When in need, you can always aim for what Bored of the Rings described as "the one area neither protected by his armor nor by his group insurance policy."
Everyone would be interested in Lt. Legolas's letters home, wouldn't they? Sorion has nothing to fear. He's doing well, especially considering that one of his tasks is the thankless one of taking over from and setting up a distinct identity separate from an extremely charismatic previous commander. He's a smart cookie, and he has nothing to fear except the author herself.
Author's reply
Eilian has had a lot of experience with women that he's putting to good use now. And Celuwen is reaping the benefits. ;-)
Alfirin is doing her best, FP! And really, Celuwen is lucky to have her. For one thing, I doubt very much if Celuwen would want to do the job that Alfirin does of managing the king's household. And Alfirin backed off when she realized that Celuwen was disappointed. I figured these were grown ups and they were elves, so they'd be pretty good at living up to their best sides. But I think there has to be some friction as everyone settles in.
I was a Camp Fire Girl actually, and yes I did sing that song, along with a million others, particularly on long bus trips. Looking back now, I can't imagine how the poor driver stood it.
Sorion is doing well but he's very different from Eilian. And the sad thing is that no matter how well you do, no matter how cautious or daring you are, you're not going to be right every time and bad things happen.
esamen
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
Beliond smiled blandly. “Not from me. I have kept watch over you since you were an ignorant elfling, and since you are only a little less ignorant and a little bit older now, I intend to continue keeping watch.”
Ahhh. I just love Legolas-Beliond moments. All that tenderness under the crust, so to speak. Just love it. Can't wait for more! I'm hoping for some heart-thumpingly serious Legolas warrior trouble . . . it's so great to see our hero shine.
Author's reply
Beliond and Legolas have certainly developed a better relationship, which no one could have predicted, given their rocky start. But I think that Thranduil chose well in his son's keepers. And he matched them well too. Beliond would not have dealt well with the wilder Eilian, but Maltanaur is (secretly) charmed by all that.
I'm hoping for some heart-thumpingly serious adventure too eventually, or my plot will have failed!
Manderly
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
I have been looking forward to a new chapter to this story and today I am finally rewarded. Thank you.
Once again, I am struck by how difficult it must be to be the King's son and still maintain some level of normalcy as a warrior. Legolas must be feeling pressure from all sides, living up to the standards set by his older brothers, dealing with his new role of authority/responsiblity and still have to be on the lookout for orc attacks. Talk about stress! Good thing Beliond is there every step of the way, setting things in perspective for him. That old warrior is getting to be more and more lovable. It looks like you are going to give us some excitement soon (fingers crossed).
I like the scene between Celuwen and Alfirin. I can understand Celuwen being upset to have someone else arranging things in her little domain, but it must also be difficult for Alfirin as she is used to running the Royal household for quite some time now. Good thing Celuwen is not as domesticated as Alfirin or there will be endless trouble.
In the wardrobe?! That's a novelty! Trust Eilian.
Author's reply
School has started so I'm a little slower in updating, but I'm glad you found this chapter to be a reward!
I think that Legolas does feel pressure from all sides, as you say. He's gradually feeling his way along and doing one small thing after another, and he and his companions will soon judge whether he's a leader or not.
I like both Celuwen and Alfirin, and in a way that makes it harder to write about conflict between them. These are two good people, but for Celuwen, it's not easy to move into a new home in the palace, and for Alfirin, it's not easy to make room for someone else.
Yes, in the wardrobe. :-)
Ms. Whatsit
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
Oh, I loved that ending! It was so very naughty and Eilianish. I liked the conflict between Celuwen and Alfirin as well. Celuwen seems to be dealing with it fairly well.
I like the way Legolas deals with Isendir and Riolith and Sorion. He's becoming a real leader. And I love Beliond, of course.
Author's reply
Eilian is Eilian, luckily for Celuwen (most of the time). Celuwen and Legolas both had good moments in this chapter. They are adjusting to their new roles and ejoying what pleasures they can find.
So now everyone is in place and things can start to unravel. :-)
Elena Tiriel
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
P.S. I love Beliond, too...
- B.
Author's reply
Oh yes. He's as bossy as they come, but he's genuinely fond of Legolas.
Elena Tiriel
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
Oh, my! What a lovely ending to the latest chapter of what is shaping up to be another fascinating story. (Oh, and the rest of the chapter wasn't bad, either...)
- Barbara, *who has the sudden urgent need to fan herself vigorously -- and then go re-read the chapter...*
Author's reply
LOL. Eilian has that effect on women, including his wife!
I'm glad you liked it, Barbara.
elliska
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Small Moments
Legolas handled himself very well, didn't he?! Getting rid of the irritant, delivering the speech Eilian gave him and handling his captain's questions with grace. It would be hard to issue orders to the commander's brother. Loved that part. I love adult Legolas. My favorite was his conversation with Beliond. That was priceless.
And Celuwen handles herself well too. Much, much better than I would have if I walked into my house and somebody was making choices about the way my furniture was laid out. That would not cut it at all. Alfirin takes the hint very calmly. That had to be hard to hear but she obviously really cares about Celuwen. Love the way Eilian made her feel better. :)
I am so glad you posted today. It was kind of a rough day. This was a wonderful pick me up.
Author's reply
And if I may say so, I'm glad you posted too!
Yes, both Legolas and Celuwen had good days, taking small steps toward doing well in their new roles. I think that Alfirin actually cares about Eilian more than Celuwen, but she is trying to accept Eilian's wife and make her happy for the good of everyone concerned. I don't mean she dislikes Celuwen, just that she hasn't yet developed the affection for her that she had for the rest of Ithilden's family.
caz - baz
· 16 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Yes i am well and truly bloody snared the !"£$%^&*( !"£$%^&* banned hunting! I think i'm going to go and huddle up in a ball and die. How the hell am i going to sell those !£$*&^%$£" horses now.
ummm... yes i'm a little too pissed off to leave a proper review maybe i'll try again later after i've been Rioting. My friends boyfriend broke into the house of commons. haha.
Author's reply
Caz-baz--
Sounds as if you've had an exciting week, for good and for bad. Hope you're feeling better.
White Wolf
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Living in a palace after growing up in a settlement where Celuwen did the chores herself will take some getting used to. I could easily understand her screaming into that pillow. But all was made better when Eilian got home. I just love those two together. They are so perfect for each other.
Author's reply
I love writing about these two too, but I think this will not be an easy marriage, at least at first. Each of them would like to be somewhere else and is here because of the other. That has to make tensions.
lwarren
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Ah yes, the many faces of Eilian...
Eilian the impatient...what in the world could that quarter master be thinking anyhow? He's also funny about this posting...you can practically hear him thinking, "that is not my desk...I don't have a desk...I am an elf of action!!!"
Eilian the merciless - in dealing with Tinar the oblivious! LOL (Eilian the gross - decapitate a chicken? YUCK!)
Eilian the practical - yeah, Ithilden, store up a few months worth of supplies around here somewhere, and deal with the other stuff IF it happens! :-)
Eilian the Captain - this was so cool..."stopping to consider an account of some battle and place it on the map of the Woodland Realm he carried in his head"...
Eilian the Wood-elf - this was even better...ooooohhhh, that "intuitive sense" of connection with the forest
Eilian the "SMART" husband - refusing the elfs' night out with the guys (somehow I don't think Thranduil would have been the only one put out with him if he'd gone)
Eilian the besotted - truly ensnared indeed! Way to go, Celuwen! LOL
He's so versatile...he's so elfy...he's so...so...hot!...:-):-) (Leggings and rune only....things that make you go hmmmmmmmm!)
Celuwen is just right for Eilian - that fact is really starting to show. Anyone who would scream into a pillow, I can relate to! Also, she's made a good start at training that husband of hers! *vbg* And I love the way she is watching Eilian and Thranduil, and thinking she might need to intervene in that little situation...especially since she feels Eilian has done nothing wrong! She's great!
Just the right change of pace after the tense battle scenes of Ch. 1! :-)
linda
Author's reply
LOL. Loved your list of the many faces of Eilian! He's always fun to write about, although I'm not so sure that Calith wants him in the office. And I have to admit, I enjoyed writing about him coming out of the bathing chamber.
I'm having an interesting time trying to develop the character of Celuwen a little. I see her as very different from Alfirin, who is kind, motherly, traditional, gentle, and just right for Ithilden. Celuwen is more self-sufficient and more likely to tell her husband or father-in-law that she's so sorry, but they're wrong. The two of them are natural allies in that they are in situations that no one else will understand, but they need to learn to get along. Alfirin is trying to help. She knows how rough this transition was for her. But Celuwen doesn't want to be mothered. So we'll see.
lwarren
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Yay!!!! Another story, and it's off to an exceptionally rousing start! This opening very clearly showed the combination of fear, expectations, and excitement faced by a young warrior in a new position of responsibility. You really caught Legolas' emotions as he waited in the trees for the Orcs to emerge. I was practically holding my breath with him! *LOL* But Legolas handled himself well throughout the battle (I just happened to reread your story of his first posting...hey, I was in withdrawal after the last one ended!!!... and it made for a good comparison of the new warrior with the somewhat seasoned one...also interesting how his relationship with Beliond continues to grow). How long had Legolas been with the patrols by the time this story takes place?
Great beginning, daw, and since Eilian is at home with his new wife, I'm looking forward to that little strand developing, too...oh yes, preciousssss, I am!...
linda
Author's reply
I had to go look up my time line, but I think Legolas has been a warrior for about 220 years or so. So he has plenty of experience by our standards, but is still young for an Elf. I'm interested to know how this story sounds if you've just read "The Warrior." When I write, I have to keep reminding myself of where my characters should be in terms of development and maturity.
Several characters in this story are dealing with new situations and responsibilities, some of which they like more than others.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Linda.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Great chapter! I love this fic's subject matter! I love reading about Legolas in command! And I hear we are to read more about Eilian's marriage-yay!
The fight was very well done. You conveyed the sense of urgency when the battle took an unexpected turn very well. I really like battle sequences, so I'm sorry this one didn't last very long. But then again, it might have gotten boring. *sigh*. I would like to agree with Beliond, Legolas is doing a great job. But I think he really needs to take a bath...
Cheers and keep writing!
Author's reply
It's fun to write about competent Legolas, even if he's still learning his lieutenant's job. And yes, Eilian is coming along. :-)
Glad you liked the battle. I find them hard to write and I can already see that this story will have several such sequences in it.
Maybe if Legolas just took his smelly clothes off that would be enough.
Alice
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Score, a chapter with Eilian! He's a fun character to read about it. So is Tinar for that matter, but unlike Eilian, I do not think I would enjoy spending time in his company.
Poor Calith. I get the impression that bickering between Eilian and Tinar is a normal occurence in his formerly peaceful office. I have this image of him popping a bottle of champagne the first time Tinar's gone after Eilian has been reassigned. " Ah yes, the office is all mine again. And what is that I hear? Why it's silence!"
I loved the scenes with Celuwen. Her characterization is coming off really well. I sympathize with her with the palace thing. It would be weird to live in a place where the things you used to do are now inappropriate. It's interesting to watch her adjust because we didn't really see how Alfirin adjusted when she first moved into the palace. Of course, Alfirin had a year to prepare for it. I sense some upcoming tension between Alfirin and Celuwen though.
I enjoyed this chapter immensley. Eilian really is well and truly snared. They are so sweet together. I look forward to more.
Author's reply
Poor Calith indeed. I loved the idea of him having a little celebration when the two trouble makers leave. I may have to write a short little story from Calith's POV sometime.
As I was writing about Celuwen, I had the same thought about Alfirin: I didn't show her adjusting and I'll bet it wasn't easy. But yeah, that one year betrothal would have given Celuwen some time anyway. Alfirin and Celuwen need to work things out between them. They're quite different. I think they're kind of natural allies because no one else understands their positions like they do, but they have to figure out where they can support one another and where they have to back off. I think Alfirin is motherly (which was probably good for an adolescent Legoals when Ithilden first married her) but Celuwen does not need to be mothered. She's very self possessed.
Ms. Whatsit
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Yay, more Eilian! In fact, it's the "Eilian, Calith and Tinar" Show! What happens when one arrogant lout, one charming-but-married rascal and one anal-retentive beaurocrat are confined in one office together? I appreciated the humor of that part, especially Eilian teasing Tinar and Calith clearly wanting to get the live wire out of his office.
I like the part with Celuwen very much as well. It's a testament to how much she loves Eilian, that she could give up everything she knows to live with him. I especially like the way you showed the invasive nature of a royal's life, having servants everywhere, and how Celuwen is starting to make a stand against that, and how Alfirin's attempts at kindness don't come across right for a wood-elf.
Author's reply
Calith must be going out of his mind. At least Eilian's presence is only temporary. But then, Calith kind of likes Eilian, at least when he's not tormenting Tinar. I hope Ithilden is paying him a lot of money!
Celuwen is going to have to accept some help from servants, I think. She's not living in a cottage any more and she won't be able to manage without them. What she needs is privacy and a sense of control over her own life, which much feel like it's spinning away from her.
I think that she and Alfirin are different types and are going to have to come to terms somehow. Neither one is bad; they're just different.