Jay of Lasgalen
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
At last! I saw last night that you'd updated, but wasn't able to get near the computer for ages. (My daughter claimed that her home work for college was more important!) It's nice to be back with Ithilden and Eilian again - how Eilian has changed, not going drinking with the lads, and forgetting the ellyths' names! Ithilden hasn't changed - when he 'straightened his already erect back' the stick comment came back to me, I'm afraid.
Tinar hasn't changed either, has he? I feel rather sorry for Calith, with Eilian baiting Tinar all the time!
Jay
Author's reply
You are so bad about Ithilden! LOL
In both the Legolas and home front parts of this story, I think there are people who are having to adjust to new situations, some of them more pleasant than others. Eilian has been married a month and is still drunk with love, the lucky guy. :-)
Jebb
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
I so much enjoyed this little peek into the new world of Eilian and Celuwyn.
Both of them are having to make major re-adjustments, Celuwyn seems to be handling the changes in her life with rather more aplomb than Eilian who is driving poor Calith to distraction do elves get awards if so I think Calith deserves one!
The idea of having to go off and scream into a pillow shows how difficult this transition is for Celuwyn, and although he is trying Eilian is only a male after all and it seems she is going to lay down the law a little in their home life for the very best of reasons
I liked that both Ithilden and Eilian can see their brother as grown up when he isn't there at least and that Legolas knowing how his father worries writes regularly what a good son
Will we see a confrontation between Celuwyn and Thranduil or will they both come to see that although they approach it from very different angles they both have Eilian's best interests at heart either way I think Eilian is well and truly snared
a lovely chapter and a joy to read
Judy
Author's reply
Calith does deserve an award! I suspect that if he ever quit, Ithilden's office would fall into chaos for a while.
I think almost everyone I've written about in the first two chapters is trying to adjust to changes, some of which they like and some of which they don't. I have to laugh at your saying that Eilian "is only a male after all." That is so true, both for good and for bad! When comes out of the bath dressed only in his leggings, it's good. But then, he's bare chested because he dropped his tunic on the floor.
Ithilden and Eilian both have quite a lot of appreciation for Legolas as an adult warrior. Eilian has been his captain even. But Thranduil has a harder time letting his baby go.
Celuwen is trying to keep from telling Thranduil off. If the two of them ever get into it, I expect everyone else will run for cover. I can just see Eilian!
mer
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
I love all your stories but I must confess to most enjoying the adult Legolas stories. This particular story has such a pleasant title so I guess that nothing too tragic will happen!
I like scenes in which the older brothers talk about Legolas and how he is doing. Will we see Thranduil included in those conversations? This is, of course, a personal preference that I don't know who else shares.
I also liked the bittersweet ending of Spring Awakenings where Thranduil and his older sons watched Legolas ride off by himself into the most dangerous patrol--so I am glad to see the continuation of the story now.
All the best for the upcoming year (with work and all).
Author's reply
I'm glad to have an adult Legolas fan! There are lots of elfling lovers out there. Oddly, I always think I like the best whatever it is I'm writing about at the time. I get swept up in it, and whether I'm showing Legolas's vulnerability or his competence, I enjoy it.
The title comes from Shakespeare's "Richard the Third": "Now is the winter of our discontent/ Made glorious summer by this sun of York." Only in this case, it's the sons of Thranduil who bring the heat. :-)
I think we do need to see Thranduil at least thinking about Legolas if not talking about him. I think Ithilden tries to be careful so that he doesn't tell Thranduil things Legolas might wish kept private. The poor guy lives his life in a fishbowl sometimes.
Work is going well, so far. I have great students.
Manderly
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
It is so refreshing to read about normal home life for the Royal Family, as normal as it can get anyway.
The little scene between Eilian and Tinar was great. Tinar is still as clueless as ever and I am surprised that Eilian even had the patience to insult him, not that the insults registered.
Celuwen is a gem and Eilian is lucky to have her. Her screaming into the pillow is something that I can definitely identify with, only I wouldn't bother with the pillow, but then I am not living under the same roof as the king and his sons. All the protocols must be driving her insane. Somehow I don't think she'll ever slip into the role of the royal daughter-in-law as Alfirin has which is a good thing. I don't think the Royal household can survive with two female leads.
What struck me about this chapter is that everyone seems so relaxed, even Thranduil and Ithilden. They deserve a little down time.
Author's reply
This did seem like a normal home scene for once. I'm just setting the stage and reminding readers of who everyone is and what new situations they're facing now. Soon the peace will end!
You are so right that the palace doesn't need two women like Alfirin. And Celuwen would not have been as good as Alfirin in running the royal household smoothly, I think. She tends to be independent minded. Alfirin is more traditional. She would go along with Ithilden unless there was some matter that she thought was a question of right and wrong or one that affected Ithilden's and especially Sinnarn's happiness. Then I think she'd be immovable.
It's interesting to analyze the two wives. I have some trouble portraying them as distinctly as I see them in my head.
Susanlu
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Woo here's the new chapter! It seems like Eilian's new life was pleasant enough despite his paperwork in Ithilden's office. Poor Calith, I was laughing out loudly when I saw he covered his ears with his hands to suffer from Eilian and Tinár, but I think he was amused at one time, given how dull this office usually was, and after all, he was a wood-elf, wasn't he?
Celuwen's situation was expectable. I believe she has hoped more than once that the elf she's been love with was just a commoner, not the king's son. Anyway, she has made her own choice, so she had to carry it out. And she had Eilian as the reward, I wouldn't complain anymore if I were her:-)
I wonder what's the content of Legolas's letter to his father, Daw can I have a glimpse at it? (Thranduil: I beg your pardon?????!!!) Surely he wouldn't write something to make his captain feels like that the youngest prince has watched over him for the king, but what was he able to write about if not the status of the Patrol?
Bty, there was something weird in my last review, like all the content in < > vanished, and the "'" were all show as strange codes. See the below paragragh:
"So far, I’ve translated "When Shadow Touches Home""Battles Won""Legolas's Begetting Day", and Sarah has finished"Heart's Ease"and"Watch This!". I’ve also picked some part of"See the Stars"(about the death of Legolas’s naneth) and "A Question of Duty"(about the first meeting between Legolas and Glofindel) and introduced them to your Chinese fans." Bet you wasn't able to understand them exactly without the vanished words. I don't know how to edit the reviews after their post, just hope it will not happen again.
Author's reply
Eilian is lucky! If this is the worst punishment his father ever gave, life would be easy in the Woodland Realm.
I think that Calith likes Eilian and finds him amusing, but he must cringe when Eilian eggs Tinar on. Calith is more likely to just tell Tinar to be quiet.
I wouldn't complain if I were Celuwen either! But I suspect she does have some adjustments to make. She's used to a simpler life that is more in her own control.
I don't think Legolas would complain about his captain at all. I suspect he's used to keeping information from his father so that he doesn't look like he's spying. I think he would write about the small things that happen on a daily basis -- jokes that Gelmir tells, how hunting for food has gone, stuff like that. As a parent, I have to say it's really quite frustrating when my son keeps from me the stuff I would most like to know!
I figured that paragraph got scrambled, but I could tell what you were saying. :-)
Author Reply: Susanlu--
I have a question for you. Another Chinese reader just contacted me. She wants to know if she can post a translation of "Heart's Ease," and I said I would check with you first because I gave permission for you two to translate the stories first.
How do you feel about this? Will it harm you if someone else posts a translation too? What shall I tell her? You can write me offline if you like at: dawinsor@mchsi.com.
daw
Rose Sared
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Ah, domestic bliss. Why am I waiting for the other shoe to drop? Hah. Lovely writing as ever. thanks Rose
Author's reply
You mean he leaves his shoes lying around for her to trip over too?!! Hah!
There will be plot complications eventually, yes. ;-)
Bodkin
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Actually, this may sound insane, but I'm really feeling for Alfirin in all this. She's about Celuwen's age, but never been close to her, because she was the sort of little elleth who would soend her days stitching dolls' clothes, whereas Celuwen was out throwing knives with the ellyn. She undoubtedly found settling into palace life seriously difficult, even with the betrothal period and the approval of all parents, and, I suspect, did not really begin to settle in until Sinnarn was born. She's doing her best to smooth Celuwen's path by giving her a crash course in palace survival, and irritating her by so doing.
I'd like to see Alfirin and Celuwen really talking to each other - they are now natural allies and they can say to each other things they could never say to anyone else.
Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
I don't think that's insane at all. I kind of feel for Alfirin too. The addition of Celuwen to the mix in the palace has to really change the feel of the place. And I think that Alfirin is a kind, gentle person, with a backbone of steel, but she and Celuwen are, as you say, very different.
I confess I find it hard to capture that difference on the page sometimes. They seem to come out as generic females even when they're very different in my head.
tigerlily713
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Celuwen doesn't like being catered to, huh? A reluctant princess? Well, no worries, she'll have plenty of work to do with Eilian as her husband. I look forward to more!
Author's reply
LOL. I was thinking about what it would be like to have servants around all the time. I work away from home three days (and nights) a week, and I clean the place I live then. So I hired someone to clean the house in which I live with my husband the rest of the time. Occasionally, I'm there when they come and I feel very odd sitting around while someone else cleans my house. I thought Celuwen might feel that way.
And then I also think that I know and love this house less than I have other houses we've owned just because I'm not caring for it myself.
She's going to want privacy and some control. But she's going to need help too. She can't do continue to live as if this were a tiny cottage.
And then, there's Eilian. :-)
French Pony
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Hey, kids! It's the Eilian and Tinár show! [musical theme: something jazzy, with lots of wah-wah trumpets and a tinkly piano] What can Eilian do? He can walk and think and read all at the same time! But the big question: Can he chew gum while he does that? Or, the even bigger question: What can Tinár do while he chews gum?
Poor old Calith. What did he ever do to deserve this?
There was something not quite right about someone who could anticipate such a wide range of disasters, he thought in disgust. Not only Orcs and spiders, but floods, dragons, drought, fire, blight, invasion, earthquake, coming singly or in any combination: the quarter master was anxious about them all.
I used to work with people who were like this professionally. Only we added murder, rape, kidnapping, torture and bizarre sexual practices to our list. It's one of the things that drove me to grad school. Really, all they can do is stockpile non-perishable food, water, first-aid kits, bleach and plywood. I'm not sure why the last two, but the newscasters always seem to think you should have some. Perhaps the plywood is for whapping Tinár with when he gets too annoying, and the bleach is to drink when that doesn't work.
stopping here and there to consider an account of some battle and place it on the map of the Woodland Realm that he carried in his head.
Does Ithilden's office not have a map on the wall? That's the classic prop for a military commander's office. If you have nothing else in a stage set, a desk with a large map will say "military commander" right there.
Eilian should go with his friends sometime. He never got a stag party, and I'm sure Gelmir is just itching to throw him one.
I think that when Celuwen really gets her new job going, she'll be glad of the servants. That's the heartfelt wish of every working woman, after all: someone else to do the washing up. She, at least, won't be one of those career women who flops down in a chair and cries, "I want a wife!"
“Eilian,” she said, and he glanced back over his shoulder with one eyebrow raised. “What do you think is going to happen to the tunic you dropped on the floor?”
Surprised, he turned to look at the offending garment as if he had never seen it before. “A servant will come and tidy the room and put it in the laundry basket.” He glanced at her, looking for all the world like an elfling eyeing his tutor to see if he has given the right answer to an unexpected question.
On the other hand, she certainly does have a husband. . .
Author's reply
Poor old Calith indeed! And Ithilden better watch it. I suspect that if Calith ever quits, that office is going to descend into chaos mighty quick.
Hm. Bleach and plywood? I can see that the first is probably for disinfecting things, but plywood? I guess those in the path of hurricanes use it to cover windows. Thank goodness the part of the country I live in doesn't deal with that. We have tornados but you can't predict or prepare for those.
I actually thought about putting a map of the woods on the wall of the office and maybe there's one in Ithilden's office even now, but I decided that Eilian wouldn't need one. Given who he is and what he's been doing all his life, I thought he'd have a very good sense of the woods in his head.
I think Eilian will have to go with his friends sometimes. He still needs his friends. And it wouldn't surprise me to find out that he eventually looks at a pretty girl again. But he's still in the honeymoon phase of marriage.
And you are so right about Celuwen needing servants. I remember reading something --was it about Virginia Woolfe or by her? Anyway it talked about how much work was involved in making a cup of tea in an earlier era. You had to fetch the water, chop the wood, make the fire, etc. Someone is going to have to do stuff like that on the large scale the palace needs. And she is going to have things to do too. But she needs to figure out how to manage her home too. What does she want servants to do and when? What does she want to keep for herself? And how is she going to break the news to Alfirin???
PS. Hope grad school is going well.
Antigone Q
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
New stories! Wow, am I happy to have internet access on a regular basis again - I can already see there's quite a lot of reading I'll want to do!
I'm enjoying seeing Legolas in his position of authority, although I'm sometimes filled with amazement that there was this energetic little elfling and sometimes sulky adolescent who turned into this wonderful, responsible leader. I wonder if Thranduil is ever astonished at how quickly his child grew up, too? I'm not surprized that Eilian and Ithilden refer to Thranduil still thinking of Legolas as a child sometimes. Probably time passes pretty quickly for a parent, especially with the "baby."
I am enjoying Eilian in the office with Tinar, too. “I suppose you might find that puzzling, Tinár, but unlike you, many people can walk, read, and think at the same time.” Oh, LOL, that is just the kind of thing I thought would happen!
What a nice window into Eilian's marriage. I'm so glad he picked Celuwen; I do like her! “Eilian...What do you think is going to happen to the tunic you dropped on the floor?” That was much more subtle than I would have been: she truly is a diplomat! She seems to be getting on well with the extended family so far, but it will be interesting to see how things go on that front.
Author's reply
Glad to have you back, Antigone. I've thought about you occasionally, so I, for one, was glad to see your personal life splashed on the Yahoo list!
I like jumping around to different times in Legolas's life and trying to figure out how his childhood and youth helped make him the person he turned out to be. For a long time, it seemed to me that I was never going to get to write about a responsible Legolas, because he did have his moments as a kid!
Poor Calith! Here he is just trying to do his job and he winds up with Eilian and Tinar for office mates. Eilian enjoys tormenting Tinar far too much. He's bored otherwise.
You know, the funny thing about that question of Celuwen's is that in some ways it's a genuine question, not a sarcastic one. She isn't just moving from her parents' cottage to one she shares with a husband who drops his clothes on the floor. She's still working out how domestic work is going to be done in the palace, and especially how it's going to be done in the apartment she and Eilian will share. Will servants come in at intervals throughout the day? Are there tasks she will want to keep for herself or even be allowed to keep for herself? I think she needs the help of servants because she's going to have her hands full, but she also needs to feel in control of her life and she doesn't quite know how to do that yet.
Dot
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Fantastic chapter, daw. A nice glimpse at people trying to adapt to situations they’re not entirely thrilled about.
It seems Eilian still hasn’t learned to sit still. That wound is taking its sweet time to heal – but I’m glad we get to see Eilian in his brother’s office. Poor Calith has my sincerest sympathies. That’s some list of disasters! The quarter master (I never heard of such a creature before) must either be very thorough or seriously pessimistic. Of course, now that I think about it, quite a lot on that list happens at some stage. At least in *your* Mirkwood. Hmmn. You know, there’s something not quite right about someone who would inflict such a wide range of disasters…;-)
“Lord Ithilden would like you to try nonetheless.” That made me laugh. I get the impression that Eilian amuses Calith no end, he just doesn’t get any work done with him around.
Ah, Tinar! The guy just asks to be made a fool of. “I can walk and think at once!” How did he not see this one coming? Ah well, he made Eilian a happy bunny for a few minutes. Btw, decapitate a chicken???
I really liked the scene between Eilian and Ithilden. They actually work well together, I think. Ithilden is more than competent but he really seems to respect Eilian’s opinion. In turn, Eilian is very open with him, even if he disagrees with something. It seems to me that Ithilden knows that Eilian will rise to any challenge and do his best if he knows that his efforts will be appreciated and respected – something that took Thranduil a very long time to figure out.
Alright, then. I’ll be nicer about Sorion. I didn’t mean to judge him particularly harshly; I just find him frustrating. But he has a lot to live up to, especially as his leadership style is so innately different to the charismatic Eilian’s. He might be more suited to a different patrol but then, Eilian clearly has faith in him and he probably needs time to grow into his new role. How difficult it must be, writing about the king’s youngest son to his eldest. Poor Legolas still isn’t far enough away for his family to cease keeping an eye on him.
“Do not tell Adar.” I love how well these two know their father. I think Adar is all too aware that his elfling has grown up but has refined the art of ignoring such facts by now.
Ithilden seems to be in a good mood. I’m glad he’s going a little easy on Eilian and letting him go training. Of course, he has to live with a cranky Eilian who has been cooped up in an office all day.
Oh, that scene with Eilian walking home was hilarious! I can’t believe he didn’t even notice the two maidens, not to mind remembering their names, as well as giving up the opportunity to spend time with his friends. Celuwen would be very pleased. Well and truly snared indeed. But quite willingly so.
They get a suite with *several* sleeping chambers? Just how many elflings does Thranduil want them to have?!
That part with Celuwen screaming into the pillow was perfect. She must get very frustrated. I think she and Alfirin could be good for each other as long as they realise how different they both are. Alfirin is extremely capable but she never had that independent streak that Celuwen does. I think Alfirin is more used to taking care of others whereas Celuwen seems to be used to looking after herself. Not in a selfish way, I just mean that settlement life probably made her very self-sufficient. She seems very determined to learn all she can about her role as advisor and I like how she really wants the best for the elves of the settlements and some good to come of this situation for her father.
I had to laugh at their struggle to be on time for dinner and not get distracted… Their intimacy is wonderful to see after so very long and such a troubled relationship at times. Thranduil and Ithilden are right that they need this time together. Their bond is still so new that it seems a shock to be able to read each other’s mood so easily.
“What do you think is going to happen to the tunic you dropped on the floor?” LOL! Looks like they have to learn each other’s bad habits. It really and truly doesn’t seem to have occurred to Eilian to put the tunic in the laundry basket. Whatever would Nimloth say?! Clearly Celuwen has no intention of doing it for him. Oh yeah. He’ll be whipped into shape in no time.
So Thranduil is still less than pleased with Eilian? Tsk. I had thought they had sorted things out quite well. Eilian clearly knows his father and is willing to wait it out but I sense there’s only so long Celuwen will keep quiet. I wouldn’t mind seeing a showdown between Celuwen and Thranduil, actually ;-)
Right, it’s almost 2am and my bed beckons. I’m loving this story already. Please, daw, can I have some more?! :-)
Author's reply
One of the themes I was trying to work through both parts of this story is people in new positions that they are trying to learn to function in. And some of them are much happier about it than others!
You made me laugh about the disasters. I actually thought of that myself, that many of them had happened. I don't think I've used a plague of locusts yet but perhaps I will be reduced to that in the end. :-)
I am more than certain that if Calith had to choose one of his office mates to keep, it would NOT be Tinar. Eilian is reasonably amiable, although if he has to sit around for much longer, he may start to get cranky. Ithilden is wise to send him to work out. And I think you're right that the brothers work well together. Ithilden can see Eilian's strengths far better than Thranduil can.
Perhaps Thranduil wanted them to have several sleeping chambers so that her parents can come and visit frequently. LOL. Oh god. What a thought. Now that would be amusing to write about.
I loved your analysis of Alfirin and Celuwen. Indeed, it matches the one I recently wrote for myself. Alfirin is traditional and motherly, which, btw, I think was very good for Legolas when she married Ithilden and Legolas was still a novice. She fed him seed cakes and stuff. But Celuwen doesn't want to be mothered. She's very self sufficient, I think, and I think that's one reason Eilian is attracted to her. I think she feels elusive to him, even now that they're married.
You have an amazing memory to remember that thing about Nimloth! As little Legolas thought, she would not approve if she were taking care of Eilian.
A showdown between Thranduil and Celuwen would leave everyone else running for cover, I think. :-)
Go to bed! The library will need you in the morning.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Ok, maybe going over requistions is worse than fighting orcs. That would put anyone to sleep. I think Thranduil's quarter master is well suited for his job. Tinar and Eilian's little exchange was very amusing - and satisfying. I think I feel sorry for Calith.
Dispatch papers are much more interesting than supply lists, better suited to Eilian's talents as well. Sorion is very cautious. I liked your point that everyone was more cautious than Eilian but it works for him. It must be hard for Sorion to assess Legolas. Luckily the youngest prince is well suited for his role and certainly a hard worker. "Little brother is growing up." "Do not tell Adar." The parents are always the last to know. I liked how Eilian is so wrapped up in Celuwen that he doesn't want to share her. A wise bonded male never notices maidens wandering by. (Ok, my husband has to overlook my Legolas obsession).
It is a huge change for Celuwen to move to the palace. It took a big sacrifice on her part - though she didn't really have a choice. Her reaction to Eilian's emergence from the bathing chamber was very sweet. Sounds like she is well on her way to taming her bachelor. It was nice to end the chapter with a happy, unified family.
In a Question of Duty, Legolas mentions his experience with the Ulairi but has yet to have any. Is this going to be his big encounter?
Author's reply
Hm. The Nazgul. Are they around now? I think not. Sauron is tossed out of Dol Guldur along about the same time as the Battle of Five Armies, and the Woodland Realm has relative peace for about ten years. Then Dol Guldur is reinhabited, this time by three Nazgul. So that's when I thought Legolas might have encountered them, and that's a while down the road yet. I think.
Calith must be cursing his fate. Ithilden needs to put his foot down though because I suspect this is one of those offices that if Calith quits, all hell will break loose.
Eilian's talents and personality are very well suited for the Southern Patrol. He inherits traits from both him mother and his father that allow him to do well there. But he's generous enough to believe that Sorion can do well too.
Sorion is in a tough spot though. He's a new captain, with a new lieutenant who happens to be the king's son. How's that for pressure?
Celuwen is working on Eilian, but I think he may take a while to shape up. But then he wander into the room dressed only in leggings and she remembers why an occasional tunic on the floor is worth it!
Tapetum Lucidum
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
I am so glad you are back!
You threw us right into this one. Waiting for orcs to come out of a cave in Southern Mirkwood is a bit harrowing. Waiting has always been hard for Thranduil's youngest. I don't know if being in his chambers in anticipation of his displeased Adar's arrival is better or worse than crouching in a tree waiting for orcs. His concern for his troop is very much in character for Legolas. He has always been protective. Now he can officially act upon it. I am glad you gave him Isendir to hover over. Beliond is wise to keep some of his opinions to himself.
An estimate of 30 and there were only 29. I guess we will let the scouts slide this time. Apparently Sorion had waited a little too long - being overly cautious. Legolas did well pinning them down, then waiting for the opportune moment. "...leaving Legolas leaning after him in almost physical pain..." that was very well put. It surely must go against all of their natures not to pursue. The new lieutenant handled Isendir's barbs well. He put him in his place without making him angry. It is good that he supported his captain.
I am glad Gelmir is there to keep Legolas' spirits up. He and Eilian must have been quite a handful. The new responsibilities are wearing him down a bit but I think your young prince is up to his new assignment. Two weeks?!... Ugh! I probably would not turn him out of my bedroll anyway.
Author's reply
I don't usually start with action but I wanted to try it this time. And I wanted to introduce the Legolas part of the story, time, place, companions, quirky personalities, etc. So it was fun! I think waiting for something bad is probably hard on all of us. But I *AM* going to tell Thranduil that you compared him to an Orc and weren't sure which was worse.
The change in both captain and lieutenant has to leave everyone a little unsettled for a while I think until the new officers learn their roles and the warriors decide to trust them. Legolas is in a tough position between the captain and the troops. He's a good second in command though, someone who will stand by Aragorn some day!
I don't know, TL. Stinky Orc smell? I suppose he could just take the clothes off. :-)
esamen
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Oh, a second chapter (reads hungrily):
Eilian did not think he was careless with the lives of his warriors, but he had found that he had an intuitive sense of what was going on in the forest that other people seemed to lack, and he was quite willing to rely on this intuition to make quick decisions and change his plans on the fly. Privately, he suspected that his feel for the forest had something to do with his being the son of its king, but he had never voiced that suspicion to anyone.
Aha. There's that magical, organic connection again . . . I think that this is such a fascinating thread among these stories. Very special, very rich. It just kind of vibrates on the page.
******
He was bare-chested, except for the rune of protection he always wore on a thin silver chain around his neck, and his leggings rested on the bones of his lean hips.
Now, here's a treat for an evening at home on the computer. You go, woman. I just love to look at Eilian with his shirt off.
*******
“Then I suppose I had better start putting my dirty clothes in the laundry basket myself.”
He's being awfully good here. The man is really calming down/growing up/getting whipped into shape, huh? Just like his keeper predicted. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble he's going to get into, though . . . thanks for the update, and happy typing!
Author's reply
I think that Eilian is *very* good at what he does with the Southern Patrol and that has everything to do with his being a son of both his father and his mother. No one can read the woods for danger like he can.
I rather enjoyed that picture of Eilian in his low riding leggings myself. :-) And it certainly reminded Celuwen of why she didn't mind leaving the settlement.
I'm sure that whoever had charge of Eilian when he was a kid made him pick up his own clothes and toys, so there's a foundation for this somewhere. We'll see how deeply the change in him runs.
meckinock
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
“As you can see from the fact that she married me, Celuwen is a patient person.”
Ain't that the truth! But the ultimate test of her patience will come as she attempts to train a male to pick his clothes up off the floor, I think. Eilian really seems to have no idea yet what he just signed up for; and why do I think that all the memos in Mirkwood are going to be printed on pink copy paper for the foreseeable future because Eilian couldn't be bothered with details when he ordered supplies? Contrast with Legolas, whose brow is surely wrinkled with earnest and heart-felt effort as he bends over the same task...
My sympathy lies with Sorion. Talk about living in a fishbowl. I know that Thranduil would smack down Legolas in an Elvish nanosecond if he displayed disrespect for his commander, but will Eilian be able to resist the urge to meddle in the affairs of his old patrol while he's laid up back home playing General's Aide? Taunting Tinar will get old pretty quickly, I think. Can't wait to see....
Author's reply
You're making me laugh, Meckinock! Other reviewers sympathize with the adjustment Celuwen is making and you zero right in on how Eilian is going to have to adjust too, only he hasn't noticed it yet. Well, he's noticed he's not happy in Ithilden's office, and he's noticed that Celuwen is having a harder time than he expected, but that's about it so far. I'm not sure that Eilian is best suited for working at headquarters. He may need to be off some distance away, flying by the seat of his shapely pants!
But not to worry. Eilian will soon have things to do and people to see. :-)
Btw, I'm drinking my after dinner coffee from a mug with your employer's name on it.
Bodkin
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
H'mm - there's Calith in the office - and suddenly Eilian and Tinar are added. I know which one I would prefer to join me - Eilian is impatient and irritated by office life, but intelligent, amusing and prepared to co-operate (as long as he can see the ticket out), but Tinar! My goodness, how his parents can have preferred him to Galelas is beyond me. He is so self-satisfied he almost melts in a puddle of his own smugness.
Still maybe Eilian will learn the diplomatic way of expressing his opinions - maybe. Oh well - actually, of course he won't.
Poor Sorion - penning reports that will not only be analysed by Ithilden, but will have Eilian picking holes, having to be carefully tactful about mentioning his new lieutenant, and knowing that the king will be extra interested in what he is doing.
Not only does Eilian not want to go out with his drinking buddies, he is not even noticing the existence of ellyth. Celuwen has him in willing captivity.
This must be a really difficult time of adjustment for Celuwen. She is recovering from illness, she has moved into a completely different environment, where she does not know the rules and she knows that Thranduil is still angry with Eilian. It's not as if she and Alfirin seem likely to become soul-mates. I think they will become closer - they are the only people in the kingdom in their position and that is bound to build a certain feeling of kinship, but first they will have to get over all sorts of irritations. Alfirin does know what she is doing - she has learned from experience. She could help Celuwen - but Celuwen probably doesn't want too much help and advice. Alfirin is still rather shocked by the whole spontaneous bonding thing - and I bet it's obvious, too. Celuwen isn't really going to understand the limitations of life as a royal daughter-in-law until she's lived it. Still, she's doing a good job of training Eilian - she should take advantage of his current willingness to comply - it's unlikely to last long.
I look forward to seeing how the situation develops! (I look forward to the elflings. In a couple of hundred years or so.)
Author's reply
I think Eilian might be capable of some diplomacy if it matters to him, but nothing here mattered to him a lot, except the reports from the patrols. He's willing to be very frank with Ithilden under normal circumstances. And I think he and Calith might get along okay. But Tinar, Tinar, Tinar. He just can't help himself.
I thought Sorion must be in a very stressful position. Poor guy. He's just a very different kind of leader than Eilian is, but to Eilian's credit, he's willing to see the virtue in that.
Celuwen and Alfirin are different kinds of women, I think. I like your observation about how only they can understand the position they're in. I laughed when I read your comment that Eilian's willingness to be trained is not going to last forever. And frankly, I suspect there are some things he'd balk at even now. But then so would she.
Elflings eventually, yes. Or at least, an elfling.
elliska
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
Ok, a lot of the time I like to single out a particular line that I like best in a chapter...not going to happen this time. Every line in this chapter is my favorite. It teeters on the edge with, "There was something not quite right about someone who could anticipate such a wide range of disasters, he thought in disgust. Not only Orcs and spiders, but floods, dragons, drought, fire, blight, invasion, earthquake, coming singly or in any combination: the quarter master was anxious about them all." and comes crashing down. I laughed all the way through the entire interchange in Ithilden's office. Poor Calith with his hands over his ears. Eilian really got Tinár good. That was hilarious.
And then after practice, Eilian doesn't even see the maidens or remember their names. His friends must be busting up laughing at him both to his face and behind his back. That was classic.
I can almost say though that my favorite part was Celuwen screaming into her pillow. Too much but I can sooo see it! Can you imagine what it would be like to suddenly have all these people doing everything and hovering over you? I would go mad. I thought all of her observations on the oddness (is that a word) of her new life were right on. And I couldn't help but feel sorry for her thinking about her parents. But her reaction to Eilian's arrival was great. I know you have a lot of Eilian fan girls out there who are probably drooling over the imagery you created in this chapter I fear I may be becoming one of them. Eilian would know how to do a girl's hair, wouldn't he? Wonderful chapter. Absolutely perfect! This is definitely going to be one of your best stories.
Author's reply
Elliska, you are too kind!
Eilian has changed. He is in some ways still the same person (he torments Tinar with great glee) but he is bonded to Celuwen and that will be good for him, I think. I suspect he may occasionally look at pretty girls again some day, but not quite yet. He's only been married a month!
I think that Celuwen has a particular problem (and strength) because she has a real independent streak, so all the hovering and having to think about how others will judge her actions makes her crazy. But then Eilian walks into the room, dressed only in his leggings and she remembers what she's here for!
sofia
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
I thought Eilian was funny at the office. nice chapter. It is going to take a while for Celuwen to get used to palace life, i would worry if she didn't.
-sofia
Author's reply
Yes, Celuwen has some adjusting to do, and unfortunately Eilian isn't particularly happy where he is either. Except for tormenting Tinar. He enjoyed that part!
LOTRFaith
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Well and Truly Snared
I am glad that though Celuwen is a bit homesick she is doing her very best to keep busy and keep her husband in line:-) I remember when my brother finally got married... My sister in law is actually from Texas a long way from Wisconsin and so she had to adjust quite a bit. Celuwen reminds me a little bit of her. She dug her heels in and was determained to be happy.
I also like how Celuwen put her foot down about Eilian's tunic.. A simple reminder that though servants can be a good thing but at times;-) lol... Very cute chapter. I loved it:-D On to Legolas? :-P
P.S. I know what you mean about Eilian stealing the show. After I wrote about Thalion suddenly everyone wanted to know his trials more than Legolas';-D lol..
Author's reply
Celuwen is trying her best to adjust but it must be difficult. On her side is the fact that she truly loves Eilian and has done since she was a child. But even people who love one another have to learn about things like leaving your dirty clothes on the floor.
I personally *love* Thalion. :-)
nessie
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Now, I haven't seen Isendir in awhile. I actually almost forgot about him! I really love Gelmir, but I think I've said that enough already. Anyways, it seems Celuwen's parents are still mad about that whole bonding thing. They should really lighten up a little ;) Anyways, can't wait until the next chapter! Update asap!
~nessie~
Author's reply
Gelmir must be in an odd position because he was the previous captain's pal and now there's new captain. But I suppose that's happened before when Eilian was sent elsewhere.
Celuwen's parents should indeed lighten up, but I'm not sure they will. :-)
And the draft of my next chapter is at my beta's, so it won't be long.
tigerlily713
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Wonderful chapter of a marvellous new story! I am excited to hear more about this point in the lives of you characters. I eagerly await more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. I've been looking forward to writing about this time too. I think that both Eilian and Legolas face changes in their lives and those are always interesting to write about.
Nilmandra
· 11 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
I am sure this will be quite the new experiences for both Legolas and Eilian and I look forward to seeing them grow into their new roles. Legolas is fortunate that he has Beliond to keep him on track.
I am thinking about borrowing Beliond, btw. I have nothing I need from him, i just think he needs someone to take care of him for a change :)
Author's reply
Beliond probably does need someone to take care of him. Maltanaur has a wife, a married daughter, and a grandchild, but Beliond is on his own, poor guy. I'm not sure he'd be easy to take care of though. He doesn't strike me as the kick back and relax kind of guy.
Author Reply: Also, for a wild moment after reading your review, I considered giving him a romance, but then I remembered that he's already married. His wife in just out of town in Valinor.
Susanlu
· 11 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Dear daw , I¡¯m sure I am a stranger to you at the moment, but I¡¯ve read all your lovely fanfics for at least half a year long. Moreover, I¡¯m not sure whether you still remembered that you¡¯ve given your permission to a fan name ¡°sarahfriend¡± to translate your fics into Chinese. Sarahfriend and I have made an agreement that we would like to translate them together, because I am a Tolkein¡¯s fanfics author too and she believed I would understand and expatiate your stories better, which I was really flattered.^_^ So far, I¡¯ve translated , and Sarah has finishedand . I¡¯ve also picked some part of (about the death of Legolas¡¯s naneth) and (about the first meeting between Legolas and Glofindel) and introduced them to your Chinese fans. The links of our work as follow:
When Shadow Touches Home: http://www.obbbs.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=12&ID=3125
Battles Won: http://www.obbbs.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=12&ID=6691
Legolas's Begetting Day: http://www.obbbs.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=12&ID=10025
Heart's Ease: http://www.lotr.cn/bbs/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=10&topic=503&show=80
Watch This!: http://www.lotr.cn/bbs/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=10&topic=514&show=80
They will be showed as Chinese language, of course, and I¡¯m afraid your PC may not able to work it out properly. Anyway, I¡¯d like to translate some reviews into English for you in the future, for as a fic author myself, I know how much they mean to you:-) Right now I just assure you that there are so many Chinese fans love your stories as much as I do, and Valar know how I admired you(weeping).
Perhaps you¡¯ve noticed that Sarah and I both chose these ¡°Little Legolas¡± stories in your corpus to translate firstly, for we indeed love the cute, smart, kind-heart , sad-some elfling and his family then. Thranduil and Legolas have always been my favorites , I admit, and in my opinion, the kingly, proud, solemn, strict but family-loving Thranduil you described is mostly like the one in canon. When I read , I was so moved by the struggle he fought to protect his sons (especially his youngest) from the sorrow of his wife¡¯s death while he himself was suffering it so badly. His busyness and impatience had hurt his two younger sons, but I was glad to see they finally understood each other and made more communications. It was both funny and warm to see the little Legolas tried his best to protect his brothers by his childish action of releasing their horses ^o^. He has been a really clever elfling, hasn¡¯t he? As I remind, he has never failed to fool the poor guards and gotten out of the palace, sometimes, he must been a disaster to them, given how protective his lord father was ^o^. And the part in your stories which I love the most have always been the sweet moment between father and sons, and brothers of course. For example, I smiled silly at the screen when I read the part of to see Thranduil drove out that stupid Amelith and promised Legolas he would free his friends to company him the next day. A little misuse of authority, I thought, but who care? I¡¯d like to see the severe elvenking spoiled his little angelic son whom indeed was worth it. So could you please pay more attention to the relationship of King Thranduil and his baby (even has already grow-up now^0^)? I haven¡¯t decided which story I¡¯d like to translate the next, I hope it¡¯s this one.
Talk about Legolas¡¯s two brothers, I must tell you something marvelous in advance. As I ¡®ve mentioned , I write Tolkein¡¯s fanfics myself, in Chinese of course, and just before I saw your stories online, I created two big brothers for Legolas on my own and posted their stories on our Chinese-Tolkein¡¯s fans-site, on September last year mayhaps. A severe and responsible Crown Prince of Mirkwood, and a flirt who was not get alone very well with his father, exactly like Ithilden and Eilian T_T. When I posted my translation of your stories on our site I also mentioned that, and some fans confirmed me by the old Chinese folksay ¡°the heroes¡¯ ideas are always similar¡±-_-|||. So you can image how exciting and familiar I feel for the two elf-princes, as if they should existed in ME at any rate. Shameless to say, I want to marry Ithilden and keep Eilian as a lover (Leave me the last gasp please ^o^.) I knew Eilian has been more popular in Daw¡¯s world, as my own second Thranduilion in my fans¡¯ world (Dunno what¡¯s the problems with the current girls:P), and I had to agree with Lorellin, Eilian was a pure wood-elf, while Ithilden was inclined to a Sindar I thought. I¡¯m regret to say that I donnot like their wives very much, although I confess that they¡¯re nice and good for the two Thranduilions and the entire family, I can¡¯t help be jealous of them T_T. As I remind, Ithilden once has been mad at Legolas for Alfirin¡¯s sake, so I was mad at him ,too. I am unfair, I know, leave me alone.
There is another topic I wish to discuss with you, it¡¯s about Thranduil¡¯s behavior in < See the Stars>. I liked the feature of Thranduil you described, for my blond Elvenking was nodoubtfully handsome ^_^, but it¡¯s made me uncomfortable to see he, well, ¡°flirted with¡± his wife¡¯s cousin while he accused Eilian because of the similar behavior (). I can accept Thranduil as an incurable flirt, but I hate to connect him with any duplicity.
It¡¯s not surprised at all to see Legolas became to the finest archer of Mirkwood and a deadly warrior whom was on his way to Mordor already, is it? I must say I was so relieved when I saw Turgon died in < Prodigal Sons> ( May his fea rest well in Halls of Mandos), for finally he cannot entangle Legolas into troubles at all. So far as I recall, Thranduil hadn¡¯t been mad at Legolas seriously since Turgon¡¯s death, it that right? I have been puzzled about Legolas¡¯s innocent and lack of leadership when I read , given that who he was and the prerogative of elves in ME. But if Legolas had such great father and brothers, as the family¡¯s baby, he might been that way^_^. For the same reason, I understand that when he became a leader of the Patrol, his way of command must be different even difficult. After all, he has grown up with the ¡°be good, listen to Ada/ big brothers/tutor/novice masters/captains/keeper~~, we will protect you and guide you, etc¡± ^o^. Thereby, I¡¯m eager to read more of the story, please update early.
It¡¯s always an agonizing pain for me to express myself in English, and I¡¯m sure it¡¯s pain for you too if you have read my review till now.ToT With some translating software¡¯s help, I can read English smoothly, and I can write my mother tongue good enough to translate your fanfics into it, but I¡¯m not able to manage a long English paragraph correctly and fluently, the grammar kills me. Thus you may forgive me for giving my first review just now, after so long time¡¯s enjoyment from your work without any repayment.
Author's reply
Oh my goodness, how wonderful to get this review and know that you are enjoying my stories so much that you are making them available to others too. I am so honored that I don't know what to say. I went and looked at the site, and I can see the Chinese characters but, of course, can't read them. The site is very attractive though. If you are willing to take the time to translate some reviews for me, I would be deeply grateful, although I don't want to take any more time than you are already giving by translating them.
I am glad you enjoy reading the elfling Legolas stories because I enjoy writing them too. I love the way his family tries to protect him and loves him, and I love the way he loves them back. He is so lucky to have this family, but I also think they are lucky to have him because his innocence and affection keep them anchored to Middle Earth even when they are in sorrow. It's amusing that you thought of two older brothers who are so similar to mine. Perhaps there are no new stories under the sun!
"See the Stars" was the first story I even wrote and if I were writing it now, I would do it differently because you are right about Thranduil. I've learned a lot about Tolkien since then. Still, I do love the Elven king and think of him as attractive. It's just that he's married and Elves took that sort of thing so seriously, as you know.
I'm looking forward to figuring out what kind of leader Legolas would be in this story. In LOTR, he did not seem to me to be very forceful. He seemed happy to follow Aragorn, but he was also a person who could think for himself. So we'll see if I succeed in making that come alive.
Thank you so much, Susanlu. This review was such a nice surprise.
Bodkin
· 11 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Just felt the urge to tell you, if you don't know already, that a Lord Lieutenant is a quite different animal in the UK. I've nicked this from a government website:
The office of Lord-Lieutenant is of military origin and dates back to the time of Henry VIII when they were appointed for the maintenance of order and for military purposes relating to local defence.
The Lord-Lieutenant is Her Majesty's representative in his/her lieutenancy.
Lord-Lieutenants have five main duties:
1. Arranging visits of members of the Royal family and escorting Royal visitors;
2. Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty;
3. Participation in civic, voluntary and social activities with the Lieutenancy;
4. Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces; and
5. Leading the local magistracy as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace.
They are generally oldish and a bit stodgy - Legolas would make an interesting variation, but I don't think he'd like the work! Not much orc slaying required.
Author's reply
I didn't know this at all! Gelmir was just being smart mouthed when he called Legolas that. I'm reserving 'brat' mostly for Eilian's use. :-)
Brenda G.
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 1: My Young Lord Lieutenant
Oh, joy! Another story! And a good one so far. What an opening - on the battlefield with our new Lt. Legolas. Sounds like he is becoming the warrior he always hoped he would be for his people, his father and himself. It is sweet how he misses the brother he admires so much. I am assuming much of this story will also revolve around Eilian and his escapdes at home with his new wife? A dash of spice, Daw? Celuwen, Eilian, Thranduil. Sounds like first rate ingredients for a delectable tale to me. Eilian has always been one of my favorites since you created him so long ago. Now, he is as much a Tolkien figure to me as Aragorn or Frodo.
Well, I am delighted so far. How much do you wish to wager that I will remain so to this story's conclusion? I'm ready for the next chapter when you are.
Hope school is being gentle to you so far. Thanks for keeping us fans happy!
Author's reply
Legolas is already a competent warrior and now he's learning to be a good second in command. I've found it interesting to try to think of the leadership style I'd attribute to him. I think he's probably diffent than forceful Ithilden or charismatic Eilian, but I'm not sure that he knows himself yet just how he will be as an officer.
And Eilian will be back in the next chapter. I've been looking forward to writing about this time in his life. Much as I love him, I'm not sure he'd be an easy husband to live with, especially not in a palace, while he's doing work he dislikes, under the eye of his already ticked off father. :-)
School is going well. My students are wonderful this year.