Way to go Gandalf. I should have known he'd get involved in the whole Rodda situation. He's been pretty quiet the past few chapters, so it figures he'd show up now, just in the nick of time too.
Good chapter. It was fun watching Thranduil go all scary King on the merchant. Ithilden got in on the act too. Way to go Troop Commander. I imagine Beam will have some things he wants to get off his chest to the merchant also. I like Beam, he'll take care of that scoundrel. Boy is it a good thing for the merchant that the elf he shot at didn't die. Then he'd be doing a stint in Thranduil's dungeons instead of merely buying off Thranduil's wrath.
I liked the line about Ithilden finding Maltaunar close lipped about his activities as a keeper. Good old Maltaunar. The twins would be a bit complicated and old for Eilian to handle. It's interesting to think how the age thing might affect how elves relate to one another. I mean, here you are an adult, or so you think, and then you meet some elf who's 2500 years old. I mean geez, it would be hard not to be overwhelmed.
So good chapter. Poor Rodda though. I'm glad Legolas finally decided to tell Ada about it. His father will fix it. And hopefully not be to hard on the boys. Or the woodcraft teacher. I have this image of Ithilden giving the wood master a talking to. " What on Earth possessed you to let those three alone by themselves? Are you unaquainted with the chaos that is Turgon?" I greatly look forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
I've had a surprising amount of time using Gandalf well in this story. I think I just had too many characters to deal with him effectively. But he did well here. He was the just the one for Legolas to talk to because he's such a bridge between all the races of ME and know what men would be like.
I'm glad you enjoy reading about Scary!Thranduil because he's fun to write too. I think that Ithilden has watching him for long enough that he knows just how to assist without needing to be told, even though he was surprised by what happened too.
"Complicated" is probably a good way to describe the twins. They have a lot of layers to their personalities that we see nothing of at the moment.
I'm laughing at your description of the confrontation of Ithilden and the woodcraft teacher. "The chaos that is Turgon." LOL
Anonymous
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
Uh-Oh!
Author's reply
Now, now. Things are going to get better, not worse! Thranduil may have a little heart attack when he finds out what the kids have been up to, but then he'll fix it. ;-)
lwarren
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
Of all the dumb things the cloth merchant could have done, attempting to hoodwink Thranduil and in the process, injure one of his people, has to be the dumbest! What does the guy have - a death wish? Actually, the King must have been feeling somewhat merciful to let the merchant leave relatively intact, but I guess hitting that mercenary man where it hurts (moneywise) was the best solution. I loved the confrontation, and Ithilden's reaction to it. He could read the signs of a major storm brewing, couldn't he? Thranduil certainly has the royal part of his personality down to a fine art, complete with temper. :-)
I would love to know what happened between E2 and Elian. Maltanaur seems pleased the Elian was not too happy with whatever it was. You will enlighten us soon , right, daw? *begs nicely*
Legolas is such a compassionate child, and I was glad to see him hold the boy after hearing that terrible story. Legolas' talk with Mithrandir seems to have galvanized him to go to his Adar. I'm glad Thranduil quickly realized his son needed him, and said the right words to get his son talking.
Wonderful chapter, daw...so much action character-wise, and I always enjoy your development of the interactions between the members of this family and whatever outside forces/people happen to be on hand.
linda
Author's reply
Not only did the cloth merchant do that -- then he waltzed happily into Thranduil's palace when invited. You're right. Dumbness has to be the only explanation! I assume that Ithilden enjoyed the show. He works with Thranduil and his father must provide him with many an entertaining moment, some of them more stressful than others.
I'm not sure how much more I'll show about E2 and Eilian, other than what I did in the last chapter about him telling them off. I have plans for the twins, but I'll have to see how they go.
Legolas must have been shaken by Rodda's story. I'll be surprised if he doesn't have a few unpleasant dreams himself. But he stuck to his purpose of seeing to it that Rodda got taken care of. What a great kid! Thranduil should be very proud of him.
I'm glad you liked this, Linda. Things are sort of falling together now.
rikki
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
The tapestry of this story is almost complete. And in the weave was a lot of laughing and tears here. I was laughing over the "Mae Govannen, birdies" that Amdir said as he came out of the cottage. I could just see him running amidst the flock as they were pecking for food on the ground and then flapping his arms to imitate the birds. And such a normal sound when right next door there is so much angst and dispair. Poor Rodda. To see that man disemboweled and then know his father was killed trying to protect him. He was displaying some smarts by getting out of the situation even though he thought he should have stayed and fought. He just needs an adult to let him know that he did what was right and that everything is ok. Legolas did good in getting him to talk and to comfort Rodda - a precursor to meeting and becoming friends with Aragorn? And giving away his arrows had to be very painful. But it was a true gift.
I wonder if Ithilden and Thranduil will get the whole story of the battle from Eilian. It was funny when Ithilden thought that it was no good asking Maltanaur about Eilian as he would never tell. It's nice to know that the keepers maintain some privacy for their charges. Thranduil can probably tell a lot about the battle even though Eilian doesn't go into a lot of detail. The body language where Eilian turns slightly away from E2 and gives a slight grimace would tell as much as a blow by blow description. Though I wouldn't be surprised if Thranduil doesn't have a private conversation later with Maltanaur.
Except for the fact that it was the throne room and the detective was the king, Thranduil did a good job of discovering who actually was behind the attack of the river raft. What Thranduil lacked while he was stalking around Cudry when accusing him of the crime was a briar pipe, a deer stalker cap and a country manor library to really set the scene. I love your Thranduil. He is such an intelligent, savvy and interesting elf. He is not only concerned with recovering the cloth that was lost, but he also makes Cudry apologize to the raft elf and offer him anything he wants for recompense. Any man in Esgaroth is going to think twice before trying to fool the elves again.
The entire Thranduil family was at their best here. Ithilden backs up his father without questioning what is going on, Eilian is diplomatic about reporting on the orc battle and Legolas is showing some sense in coming to talk to his father. And Thranduil is quick to realize that Legolas needs to talk to him. This is a chapter/story that I will want to reread again and again.
Author's reply
That's a great observation, Rikki -- that Amdir's morning greeting to the birds is so normal when Rodda is describing horror right next door. This story in general is about the relations between Thranduil's family and men. So it prepares Thranduil to be the friends of the Men of Esgaroth in The Hobbit, and at least as important, it prepares Legolas to befriend Aragorn. And when he does befriend Aragorn, and does all the hard things that the quest requires, I'll be he still would say that they were all easier than giving away those beautiful arrows.
I've thought about the keepers a bit, and it seems to me that their job is to guard the sons of Thranduil. And if they tell the king or Ithilden about their charges' behavior, they're going to undercut their ability to do their jobs because their charges will try to hide things from them. I suppose Maltanaur might be willing to assure the king about Eilian's refusal to be sucked back into careless despair though. That would reassure the king.
Thranduil is smart. I love him. He's a good king who be an avenging fury and then turn around and call his youngest son "my heart." :-)
Manderly
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
The scene between Rodda and Legolas was quite heartbreaking. Poor Rodda! It's bad enough to see his father killed before him, but to fear that his own people would hang him for his "crime" - no wonder he has nightmares. And Legolas, so compassionate and feeling all of Rodda's devastation. No doubt this is all bringing back the grief of losing his own naneth not so long ago. You really do make it easy to like the Legolas that you have created.
Well, Thranduil certainly kicked Cudry's butt - way to go! It was quite gratifying to watch that whole scene unfold. I can just imagine Ithilden standing with his mouth hanging open as he watched his adar in action. The image that you provoked when Thranduil said that he would shear the sheep and weave the clothe himself was hilarious (Ithilden's mouth must be hanging down to his knees by this point).
Thanduil is the ever sensitive adar - to Eilian and especially Legolas. So Legolas is finally going to spill the beans. I think Thranduil will probably go easy on him this time (fingers crossed).
Author's reply
As I was planning this story, it occurred to me that it was full of children who had lost parents to orcs. Legolas and his brothers, the twins, and Rodda have all had it happen. The fact that Legolas and his friends stand by Rodda as well as they do is sweetly touching. They understand Rodda's grief.
I just love Thranduil in this kingly, kick-ass mode. He's completely uncompromising. This guy did something unforgiveable and he's going to pay. I'll bet Ithilden enjoyed the show in general!
Thranduil is tuned in to Legolas in particular, although it's nice to note that he's thinking about his wayward middle son too. And it looks as if Legolas finally decided that Rodda needs help and he goes to the strongest person he knows to give it.
emjo
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
So it's thanksgiving and I am thankful for Daw's story! It was so touching when Legolas gave up his arrows. Yeah for Thranduil getting a confession and resolving the cloth problem. I can't wait for the next chapter and Thranduils reaction to what Legolas has to tell him. Please hurry!
Author's reply
I think I'm thankful for the great web home Nilmandra has given us and the wonderful, smart readers at SoA. The reviewers here are so great, I can hardly stand it.
I expect that even when Legolas is an adult, and has walked through Moria, befriended a dwarf, and stood before the Black Gate, he'll still say that one of the hardest things he ever did was give away those arrows.
In the meantime, Thranduil is royally ticked off and kicking butt. The nasty merchant never had a chance.
Dot
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
*claps* That was brilliant! Thranduil was in fine fettle, and there were some hysterically funny parts in this chapter too.
Rodda absolutely breaks my heart. What a pitiful image of him curled up and in the grips of a nightmare that is all the more horrifying because it’s based on real events. The line about him giving off the same smell as a rabbit caught in a snare shocked me for a moment. I though it really drove home that what caused his fear has struck him to the very core, that it’s real terror and abhorrence that he’s experienced - something that clearly needs more help than even the most well-meant sympathy from three elflings.
And in the midst of it all is one of the funniest lines ever: “Mae govannen, birdies!” And the poor birds get the hell out of there as fast as possible…
Even knowing what had happened to the men, it was still so painful to read. I was so torn between disgust at what happened, pity for Rodda and regret that Legolas has to hear this when he finds the idea of Orcs hurting anyone so difficult to deal with, not to mention that this child’s parent being killed by them is a little too close to home for him. Poor Rodda. Running was the only thing he could have done, but how awful it must have been for him to leave his father behind when he probably knew what the Orcs would do. It was so touching when Legolas puts his arms around him. And he gives him the arrows! He was so proud of them, with their beautiful feathers and the crest he and his father had created. How generous of him. Especially as at this stage no one knows about Rodda and Legolas is expected to bring the arrows with him to his next archery lesson. I had tears in my eyes when he straightened one so that it wouldn’t be crushed!
That scene with E3 was…odd! I loved that we saw it as Ithilden did as he tried to figure out what in the world was going on. Oh, and I nearly cheered at the line “If Ithilden could bind them to him as allies, he would be foolish not to do it, no matter how angry at him his father became.” Yes! I love Thranduil but it’s always great to see his sons think for themselves and try to separate themselves a little from their father’s views. Ithilden does seem to still be trying to convince himself but still, I enjoyed that little moment. It made me smile too to see the way Thranduil has not only realised that something is up, but has honed in on those twins as the cause. “It was our pleasure.” Uh-huh. I bet it was. I like the way Maltanaur seems pleased at how Eilian is reacting to their display of such enjoyment in the kill. He still has a long way to go but at least he seems to have learned a little about battle behaviour and has apparently decided that Elladan and Elrohir aren’t very good for him to be around.
I really liked the scene between Legolas and Mithrandir, with poor Legolas desperately trying to polite when all he wanted to do was keep going. Mithrandir is a great source of information about men. I hadn’t really thought about that before. I love the idea that Legolas obviously feels really comfortable with him and seems to respect his knowledge. Of course, with Mithrandir suggestions like “Just talk about whatever you like to help me pass the time” are unlikely to be as innocent as they seem. I’m so glad he was able to reassure Legolas to some extent. And even though I didn’t think Rodda would be hanged, he kind of reassured me too!
The part with Thranduil and Cudry was so fantastically well done. That poor fool just kept yammering on with no clue that he should just give up. I think what made it so good was the sense that Thranduil himself was actually really enjoying making Cudry pay for what he did to the elves. The use of the royal ‘we’ would have been enough to have me trembling but apparently Cudry is either made of sterner stuff or is a bit of an idiot. Ithilden only figuring out what was going on just before Cudry did really added to the scene too. Thranduil is just so impressive when he’s doing his threatening and dangerous act. Him circling the man was such an amazing image. Cudry made a big mistake the day he decided to try to get one up on the elves. It all played out so beautifully.
“Indeed I will sheer the sheep and weave the cloth myself if I have to before I will deal with the likes of you again!” LOL! I’m still laughing at that. And Ithilden’s apparent difficulty with such an image was comical.
For a second I thought Legolas might change his mind about talking to his father when he witnessed him being rather less than gentle with a man. What a relief when Thranduil realises that something is troubling his son and encourages him to tell him. I sincerely hope that Legolas does indeed tell him and that you don’t have any tricks up your sleeve! I can’t believe you left it there too! *sigh* This truly was such a great chapter. I loved it. And as it’s late here and I read it in kind of a rush, I get to read it properly tomorrow and savour that wonderful scene in the Great Hall!!
Isn’t it Thanksgiving there tomorrow? Enjoy whatever it is you do for it! Turkey? Pumpkin pie? Or have I just been watching too much American t.v.??!
Author's reply
I'm so glad that someone else laughed at Amdir greeting the birds, who immediately flew away. Sometimes I think my sense of humor is too odd, and no one else sees the funny lines in among the bad stuff. I mean, we all need to think about Hobbit the Dwarf Child once in a while!
Even writing about Rodda was painful. I think he truly is terrified, so much so that Legolas would be able to smell his fear. He's so alone. That's what really gets me. The kids are trying to help but this is just beyond them. I'd planned for Legolas to give away the arrows from the start, but even so, it was kind of wrenching to have it happen. I'll bet that even as an adult, he remembers that as one of the hardest things he's ever done. He loves them so, and they represent not only his own pride in his archery, but also the time he spent with Thranduil and Eilian making them.
You are such an Ithilden lover! I do like the fact that he's managed to separate from his father and establish himself as an adult. You have to hand it to him. That could not have been easy with such a domineering father. And I love Thranduil too, but that's the truth.
Mithrandir is an interesting bridge among the races of ME. He is trusted by them all apparently (except for Denethor, I guess). Legolas needed to edge his way toward telling Thranduil and Mithrandir was just the one to help him do it.
Thranduil is a scary guy when he's ticked off, and he was royally ticked off (hence the royal 'we'). Having apparently spent centuries observing the master, Ithilden caught on quickly and played his part so that poor Cudry was caught between them. I'll bet he's whimpering somewhere in Esgaroth and it serves him right. Idiot.
So you don't fancy Thranduil as a shepherd or weaver? Ithilden found it hard to picture too.
Legolas is indeed about to spill the beans. I probably won't get to that for a while yet because tomorrow is indeed Thanksgiving. I'm having company and cooking turkey. I made cranberry relish yesterday, and poached a turkey breast on the bone today and then reduced the stock for gravy and the stuffing tomorrow. I'm going to make sweet potatoes too. And I make apple pie. Pumpkin is good, but apple is better! :-)
ScarlettPendragon
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
OMG!! Who is the best little Elfling in all of Middle Earth - why, your darling Legolas, of course!!
He gave away his special arrows that his father and brother helped him make, just because he knows that Rodda will need them far more than he does!!
I could just huggle and squeeze Lil!Legolas too death!! **g**
And Go Thranduil!! I love when your Thranduil gets all masterful, and in a towering rage, and throws Wicked Humans out on their bums!
I hope that Thranduil won't be too crispy with Legolas, and I'm sure that they'll know what to do with the poor little boy - and I have every faith that Mithrandir will no doubt play a part!!
A fantastic story, as per your usual extraordinary talent, and I am very much looking forward to updates!!
Thank you again for writing my favorite Lil!Legolas stories!!
Scarlett
Author's reply
Thank you, Scarlett. I was charmed by Lil!Legolas too. I'll bet even when Legolas is an adult, he'll remember giving away those arrows as one of the hardest things he ever had to do. What a sweetie! He looks like someone who might go on a more or less hopeless quest to save the world, doesn't he?
Thranduil is so scary when he's ticked. I'll be Cudry is whimpering in a corner somewhere in Esgaroth. At least, I hope he is.
You're very kind to tell me this stuff. I'm smiling from ear to ear.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
BTW, you 'shear' sheep, not 'sheer' them. I'd love to see Thranduil doing it though!
Jay
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay. Fixed it! Me too. Ithilden seemed a little skeptical though.
Duchess
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
*raised eyebrows* Is Legolas about to tell his father about the boy? I certainly hope so, or Rodda could get into serious trouble if he's found with Legolas' distinctive arrows. Just thinking of how angry Thranduil would be if he thought this kid had stolen them... Eep!
The poor little boy, all he saw and went through and thinks will happen to him if he's found, it's too much for a young child to deal with! I certainly hope you let them find out that he eventually got the loving care he needs, when this fic ends. *sigh*
Ah, when Thranduil reacted that was to what his aide told him in the last chapter I was wondering if you were gonna let it be the other cloth merchant that was the culprit who attacked the raft and now I see I was right. I didn't like him, he seemed quite smarmy and arrogant and am glad he got dealt with so well. *vbg* Will we get to see what the raft Elf asks for in compensation? Because I wanna know. ;)
Another fine part, Daw, thank you kindly for sharing. :)
After you've finished this one, do you think you could revisit an older Legolas? I'm curious as to whether or not he ever finds that elusive Elleth that caught his eye during the flood. *snicker*
Author's reply
Yes, it looks as if for once Legolas is going to do the smart thing and confide in his father. Rodda needs to have some caring adults making some arrangements for him. The elflings are doing the best they can, but they just can't manage this.
You're smart to suspect the other merchant, Duchess! You and Thranduil. He's a clever king and not pleased at the thought of someone trying to put one over on him, much less shooting at one of his people!
I don't know what I'll write next. Probably an older Legolas. You know, I screwed up with that elleth. I meant to have him catch a glimpse of her in "Tangled Web" when Thranduil's people were helping the people of Esgaroth and I totally forgot!
French Pony
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
Wow. Thranduil went through an entire conversation using the Royal We. He's such a low-key King, he never, but never uses the Royal We except on really uber-formal occasions. And here he is in full Pissed-Off Kingly Mode, throwing out the Royal We right and left. And who knew he was such a detective. He thinks just like Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe: who stands to gain from the crime? Who knew what, and when did they know it? Cherchez la femme, though that one doesn't really apply here. He is clearly the smartest ruler in the Greater Mirkwood Area. He thinks circles around the Men, and presumably the Dwarves once they move in. I think I mentioned to you earlier about how he was the only market economist in the company of hoarders.
Legolas is finally doing the smart thing and telling Thranduil his problems before the mess blows up in his face instead of after. He's got such a good heart, and he's letting Thranduil in on the secret early enough that Thranduil, wise ada that he is, will probably let him off with only a mild scolding. And the fact that it's a kid in trouble. Thranduil strikes me as the sort who can never resist a kid in distress.
Rodda is certainly in a great deal of distress, and he needs grownups now. I knew he couldn't have done anything that was a hanging offense, and I think that the Men will be so happy to have him back that they probably wouldn't even beat him that hard. Legolas has a good heart, but he knows when he's in over his head. This time. And poor Legolas for having to sit through such a graphic tale of an Orc attack. He's never yet seen an Orc, right? He's probably never had the knowledge to imagine what happened to Nana, and now he'll have nightmares about Nana being run through and her insides coming out. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
But that'll be another thing to get Thranduil on his side. All Legolas needs to do is invoke Nana's name, and he may be able to escape punishment altogether.
I really liked this chapter. You got to see almost all the characters at their shining bests. But my lunch (yes, it's 3 o' clock. That's why I'm hungry) is ready, and it smells really good, and I'm going to end this review and go eat now.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Author's reply
Except for the part where he volunteered to sheer sheep and weave cloth himself, yes, Thranduil did use the royal we. I'm sure Ithilden had a tough time picturing the sheep stuff, but he knew how to back up his father in a threatening moment.
Legolas wavered for a moment when he saw his father scary the wits out of Cudry, but in the long run, he decided to trust him, I think because he knows, like you do, that Thranduil will help a child and keep trouble away from him come hell or high water.
You're right that Legolas hasn't seen an Orc yet. This story is full of children who have lost parents to Orcs. A theme seems to be emerging here!
I've been making an apple pie and doing turkey stuff. I hope you're feasting somewhere tomorrow too.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
I'll get this part out of the way first, or I may forget - thank heavens Legolas has decided to talk to his father! His talk with Rodda and Mithrandir has made him realise that there is no way poor Rodda was in the wrong, and that Thranduil would never allow him to be punished.
Now for the fan-girl moment. I love to see Thranduil like this! So majestic, so powerful, so magnificent. 'A look of wolfish satisfaction had settled on Thranduil’s face.' I can just imagine him. This was wonderful - poor Cudry; not that I felt the least sympathy for him. And Ithilden was marvellous - he said not a word, but was a silent, threatening presence.
Very nice chapter, Daw. (And I haven't mentioned the twins once!)
Jay
Author's reply
Yeah, it's a relief to know that an adult is about to be called in on the case. Rodda needs someone who can help him, not just sympathize.
Thranduil was scary bad and in full regal mode. Cudry is very lucky that Thranduil kept hold of himself and was, by his standards, incredibly merciful. I hope he's in a corner in Esgaroth somewhere, getting drunk and whimpering pitifully.
Thanks, Jay.
Bodkin
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
PS: (I really should have thought this through before reviewing) And Legolas's nobility in gifting his peacock feather fletched arrows to Rodda is amazing.
Author's reply
I think that even when Legolas is an adult, he'll remember giving those arrows away as one of the hardest things he's ever done.
thechevin
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
How fortunate for me that I happened to be browsing and the alert came up this was such a wonderful chapter, Legolas is so caring and thoughtful of others I am glad he finally goes to his father and giving up his arrows what a sacrifice.
Eilian has certainly had what has probably been a painful lesson in vengeance from the twins they could do with an Adar like Thranduil to point out the error of their ways and put them bakc on the straight and narrow
As for the human merchant well of course he deserves everything he gets and I am glad it isn't just me Ithilden was surprised as well wasn't he? Please say yes it will make me so much happier to know that Ithilden doesn't always know what his Adar is going to do next
This story gets better and better
judy
Author's reply
Thank you, Judy. Giving the arrows cost Legolas a great deal, but he's such a sweetie. He couldn't send Rodda out unarmed. Of course, now he has a better idea of what to do for him.
Eilian is better off for learning some things about himself here, I think. He was charmed by the twins, and it's a shame that doesn't last. But maybe someday, he'll get to know them when they're in better shape. Why not?
Yes, Ithilden was surprised. Thranduil is a wily fox and he chewed Cudry up and spit him out again. All Ithilden could do was watch and admire!
Nilmandra
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
I am glad you added the last part - it makes the chapter feel more complete and I enjoyed Angry!Thranduil. I am also glad that Legolas is maturing enough to know that adults, in particular his parent, are trustworthy people that you go to for help.
So, Maltanaur enjoyeed that little exchange, huh? Poor Eilian...what goes around comes around. :-)
Author's reply
After I sent you the draft, I was still unhappy with where I ended. And then I realized I had way too much stuff for the next chapter anyway and this made more sense here. I'm glad you think it worked.
Thranduil is scary when he's mad, and Legolas almost backed away, but in the end, he decided that he trusted his father. :-)
Bodkin
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
Running away from orcs and the unexpected and revolting horror of the reality of death in battle, that is.
Author's reply
Poor Rodda. He saw things a child simply should not see. I'm not even sure an adult should see them! He's terrified and alone in the world. My stomach flutters even now at the thought of it. I have to fix it soon!
Elvenesse
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
I really enjoyed the scene between the merchant and Thranduil. I was laughing (gleefully) through much of it - Cudry certainly deserved to come up again Thranduil in one of his angry and intimidating moods. I liked the part where Thranduil starts circling him and he steps back only to find Ithilden there, lovely father-son teamwork.
Legolas showed maturity in the way he dealt with Rodda and then, once he realised that Rodda had been mistaken, decided to tell his father. There was some interesting thinking going on during that discussion. Legolas knew that his own people would never expect him to fight because he is too young and at the same time he holds himself too old to hug someone - 'though he did so anyway, and that coming from a boy is lovely. And again, Rodda is (and was during the battle) a frightened child, which he himself does not see but Legolas does.
Author's reply
What a sadist you are, Elvenesse! LOL. I enjoyed Thranduil taking Cudry to pieces too. And Ithilden has been learning from the master for years now, so he knew just where to stand. I'd hate to be caught between the two of them in a bad mood!
That's a cool analysis of the I'm-too-big-no-I'm-not thinking that Legolas engages in. Legolas is sort of teetering between childhood and adolescence here, as is Rodda, I suppose. They're both growing up, but the world is too much for them and they need the help of caring adults. I'll have to see if I can find some for Rodda.
Bodkin
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
So Legolas is showing an unexpected moment of maturity, when he realises there are some things that are beyond a kid. What a good thing that he had Mithrandir to reassure him that, even in the world of men, a child of Rodda's age would not be hanged for being frightened and running away from orcs. It says a lot for his relationship with his adar that he knows just who to go to when the complications of the adult world grow to be too much for him. (At least, I hope that's what he's doing!)
I love watching Thranduil being deadly and dangerous. I'll bet Cudry wishes he had never had such a smart spiteful idea. (I hope him turning up next door to Rodda's hiding place doesn't prove to be ominous. Although it could be.)
I think Thranduil and Maltanaur could be very pleased with themselves over the reaction Eilian has experienced to the twins.
What a very satisfying chapter.
Author's reply
In the long run, Legolas trusts Thranduil to straighten out the things that have gone wrong in his world. Mithrandir let him see that at least Rodda wouldn't die if Legolas told what he knew, and he just couldn't send the kid off into the woods, even if he did have the cool arrows.
I enjoyed writing about deadly, dangerous Thranduil. He is so scary! Cudry must be whimpering in a corner somewhere.
And yes, those who love Eilian are glad to see him turn away from the twins rather than toward them. What a relief.
Karri
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
I feel badly for Rodda. Life been harsh for him. I think, though, that Legolas isn't going to get things past Mithrandir as easily that. Mithrandir was in fine form, handling the youngling beautifully. I enjoyed Thranduil's perceptiveness. :-) Terrific chapter!
Author's reply
I felt horrible for Rodda as I was writing this. And he has a long way to go before he feels better. But at least now an adult is likely to try to help. The kids were in so far over their heads that they couldn't see daylight. Mithrandir could see something was up, but in the long run, Legolas trusted his father. Which we like!
Leaward
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Revelations
It amazes me how skillfully you can weave together so many storylines, Daw! And the scene at the end between Legolas and Thranduil was very powerful. I could feel Legolas' anguish, as well as his father's once he realizes Legolas wouldn't have interrupted him without good reason. Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Leaward. I was a little worried about the multiple threads in this one, but they seem to be coming together. I still have some stuff to sort out, but I think I can do it in one more chapter. Of course, that's what I thought before I started writing this one. :-)
Thranduil would be horrified if he knew how close Legolas came to leaving without spilling the beans, but in the end, Legolas decided to trust his father. And with good reason too!
White Wolf
· 24 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Setting Plans in Motion
Oh my. Now we know what is wrong with Rodda. Poor boy, having to see what he obviously saw. I'd be sick, too.
I think Eilian seeing the brutal effects of the pain the twins are in has brought his own pain at his mother's death back to him rather forcefully. It doesn't look like he's adjusted as well as he thought he had.
Author's reply
Poor Rodda, indeed. He breaks my heart. The elflings are doing their best to care for him, but he's really suffering.
I think that you're more or less right about Eilian. That's why he reacted to strongly to the twins. It was his own feelings that really shook him.
caz-baz
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Setting Plans in Motion
I've only just caught up with this story. the past few weeks have been a little bit hectic. I like the story though. I really just want Legolas to tell his dad or at least Mithrandir, I'm sure if they knew the facts then they'd be more than happy to help the little fellow.
I feel sorry for Elladan and Elrohir and it's intresting how Eilian has realised that the pain he felt isn't all in the past.
Caz-Baz
Author's reply
"Eilian has realised that the pain he felt isn't all in the past." -- That's a very sharp observation, Caz-Baz. You're right. And knowing this has shaken Eilian a little.
Legolas definitely needs to tell an adult. The kids are in way over their heads. I think it's hard for kids to do that though, especially when another kid has begged them not to tell. We'll see.
thechevin
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Setting Plans in Motion
And of course everything begins to fall into place and once again I had not made the connection!
I thought it was telling that Thranduil thought nothing of the silk for his robes but would fight to get the wool for his people's cloaks and of course Legolas giving away his clothes at this time is bound to lead to questions
The twins are frightening and their grief is so raw and visceral I was afraid for Eilian that he would be drawn into their fury thank goodness for Maltanaur who radiates calm and control and quiet support just when it is needed most
Fascinating study of grief and despair and what it does to you
Judy
Author's reply
Yay! I'm glad I surprised you. As I wrote this chapter, I was pleased to sort of snap the Rodda and Orc raid puzzle pieces together. Everything looked much more orderly after that!
I love Thranduil. He really does think about the good of his people. And Legolas is generous. Of course, if he's like a 12-year-old human boy, he doesn't care about clothes at all and would happily wear the same thing day after day until it fell to pieces. But I do think that the adults around him are more likely to notice a few items of missing clothing than he thinks they are.
Eilian was a little frightened himself. That's why he reacted so strongly to the twins, I think. But it didn't hurt them to hear what he had to say.
Grief and despair. Yes. More of that coming right up!
lmw
· 22 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Setting Plans in Motion
It's interesting to see Eilian concerned about the 'risks' that the twins take! I'm sure he's heard those words himself. This is the first hint I recall that Turgon is bothered by the lack of parenting, it does show why he is the way he is, I guess. Quite the cast of characters in this story, sometimes I forget that this is possible. As always, enjoyed muchly, waiting for more.
Author's reply
I'm having fun writing about the twins, but in this story, I'm really interested in them, not for their own sake, but for the effect they have on Thranduil's family and particularly Eilian. That's why I haven't been inside their heads at all. And Eilian is so upset at them, I think, mostly because of his own reaction.
Poor Turgon. The Elf Child Welfare Society needs to send a SWAT team into his house to kick his parents' butts.
Manderly
· 22 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Setting Plans in Motion
Poor Rodda. What exactly has he done that he thinks his own people will kill him on sight? Perhaps he is overreacting and blowing everything out of proportion? Kids do that on a regular basis. I hope that is the case. It is touching though how the elflings are helping him, but I am waiting for adults to burst in on them any time now.
That was some fighting scene! All three E's in action. What else can we ask for? I really like the way that you let us into Eilian's mind as the attack unfolds. Seeing the twins being so reckless in action may be more useful than all the lectures that Maltanaur or Thranduil may pile on him. Perhaps Eilian can now let go of some of the grief for his nanneth and go on with his life, as Maltanaur has suggested.
What he said to the twins about Legolas, and himself, being unhappy if he had been killed was both funny, and touching. His little brother's well-being is never far from his mind, even during battle.
Author's reply
You're right. It's best to keep in mind that Rodda is just a kid and may not have the best perspective.
I find battle scenes hard to write, but this one was kind of fun because of the three E's. To me, the most interesting part of any battle scene is the reaction of the people involved.
I thought that crack about how he'd be unhappy to be going home dead was funny too, although no one else seems to have noticed. :-)