Duchess
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
A perfectly delightful part and I enjoyed it immensely! *vbg* I hope Rodda is better soon. Can someone smack Turgon for making him think of awful battle scenes that obviously made him sick? At least I hope that's the reason and not that the boy is carrying some kind of bug that the Elflings could catch!
Amdir is such a handful. *sigh*
Your author's note at the end answered my other question, thanks! :)
Author's reply
Glad you liked it! I think the elflings are resistant to human diseases, but your guess is a good one, I think. :-)
Amdir reminds me of all the pesky little sibs my friends ever had. He loves Turgon and finds him and his friends fascinating. Too bad the older kids don't find him good company!
perelleth
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
Let me tell you something... I.. do not like stories with lots of OCs around, and I am not particularly fond of Mirkwood fanfiction.. as can be found out there... and then... Voilá! I happened to click on this story... and read its first four chapters on a row... and then.... well since then i've been.. trying to catch up with this wonderful world you've created.
In my humble opinion (I'm neither a writer not have done a career in literature or linguistic, I'm simply a devoted reader, and not even english speaking)you've managed to build up such a credible world ,that everything in it seems...simply to fit in. I've just done some random reading of chapters and stories (neglecting your much useful index, I know) and.. everything makes sense: the characters are not only lovable but...they seem strongly familiar to me: your Thranduil comes alive as if directly taken from the hobbit: a strong willed, caring and powerful leader of his people, with an abiding love for his forest and that elven wisdom and goodness we can only assume in such a great elf. I'm awed, and I'm so glad I have run into this treasure chest that I'm looking forward to next Yule to spend sometime in your Mirkwood!
Regarding this story, well! I can only say that you are brave enough to try and make Eilian come alive from such party.. with Elrond's Terrible Twins at the peak of their rage... wow! I wouldn't be in Maltanaur's shoes for anything in this world..but then.. I suppose he has survived too many things not to be a bit amused by the prospect of this particular one. I just hope he is not the one to pay for all..
And the kids are.. so.. cute!!! Legolas would kill me, but they are cute, it's funny how those little heads work.. full of good feelings and wild imagination and complete lack of "adult" common sense. I'm looking forward to see the end of this.. "petting a human child!!!! I bet they will not understand when somebody gets enraged at their "carelessness" (Carelessness? We are feeding him!!"")
Sorry for the long review but I.. just simply had to tell you. Fantastic!!! Thanks for your time!!!!
perelleth
Author's reply
Oh wow. That is such a compliment. I know that many readers are put off by Legolas stories in general, so I am so grateful that you gave this story a chance and so flattered that you are enjoying it and even clicking around on the other stories.
Thranduil is an interesting character to me. He held onto his realm with no ring of power throughout the Third Age, and in The Hobbit, he seems to have some sort of powerful magic. I think he draws it from the earth and forest. I see him as very connected to it in a more primitive way than, say, Elrond is.
Maltanaur will have his hands full if he tries to keep all three of the E's under control. I think his main concern is to prevent Eilian from coming to harm. Thranduil chose well when he picked Maltanaur to be Eilian's bodyguard. He's obviously fond of his charge but not willing to put up with any nonsense.
And the kids are cute indeed. They do act as if they've found a stray animal and brought him home ("Can I keep him, Ada? Please!"). I don't see this as in the same category as some of the other things Legolas has done over the years, such as sneaking out at night, for instance, because it's not like he's disobeying or anything. He's just following his kid-like instinct to protect another kid and so exercising very poor judgment, even though they do feed him. :-)
"Sorry for the long review" -- Yeah. Because authors just hate that. ;-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
There are some lovely character studies here into relationships. I like the contrast of Legolas's thoughts about his father: 'Thranduil had an alarming ability to tell when Legolas was hiding something.' and then this: 'Legolas knew that his father was not telling him everything, but then he seldom did.' Like father, like son. I also like the way he senses the atmosphere between Ithildin and their father - and wouldn't have been surprised if it had been Eilian. That seems sad.
Poor Rodda must have seen some unpleasant sights - no wonder he wants to get away :(
However, my main question is: when are we going to see E3 kick orc butt?
Jay
Author's reply
Everything is taking me longer to tell than I expect, but E3 is getting much closer to the orcs, who should be considering leaving (but aren't). :-)
I never even thought about that comparison between Thranduil and Legolas! You're so right though. Of course, given Rodda, it's probably good that some things are kept from Legolas and the other elflings. He's a kid who's seen things he shouldn't have.
I once read a book by Kathleen Kurtz (good fantasy novels) in which one character took his step son along to battle with him as a page. The kid was maybe 7 at most. One scene sticks in my head in which they were having to put down some horses that had been wounded and the step father stands with the kid's head pressed into his side, so he won't see. I was thinking about that as I wrote about Rodda.
Bodkin
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
That poor child has Seen Too Much. He is actually a reminder of how much effort is put into protecting the elflings to ensure that they do not see and know things they are too young to cope with, so that they are able to think about war and battles with stars in their naive little eyes. (They do need to steal him a more mixed diet, though. If he was a horse, he'd get colic.)
Little Amdir looks as if he might be just as much trouble now as he grew to be later - nothing like a little brother shoving his nose in to reveal secrets. Although, I wonder if his mother would notice - or if she would just smile vaguely and give Rodda some bread and jam.
I know how they could keep secrets from Ithilden at the moment, though. All they have to do is rope Tonduil into what they are doing and then get him to wave Alfirin in front of the troop commander. His nose will turn towards her like a compass to the north and his eyes will go vague and they will be able to speak softly and get him to murmur agreement to most things.
That must have been some meeting between Thranduil and Ithilden, if Legolas is picking up on the unspoken messages. Poor Ithilden. He needs paternal approval so badly - he seems to have spent all his life developing into the sort of leader of whom his adar will be proud and he doesn't seem to have many other outlets for affection. At least until he and Alfirin manage to sort themselves out.
Good for Mithrandir. Stress the prophecy angle. Get Thranduil used to the idea of Aragorn several centuries before he turns up.
I love the way that the smell of Mithrandir evokes memories in Legolas of his previous visit - scent leaps across the years more than anything. And the images - Thranduil's shoe, the smoke rings - make a lovely picture of a very sad time.
Tinar - comes over as the usual idiot even in report. Orcs - Eilian and the rest going off on a mission - it's not going to take Legolas long to put the two together. (He had a tough elflinghood in many ways, despite the love shown him. Hope he found happiness in Valinor.)
Glad Maltanaur is going with the Furies. At least he is skilled in keeping his captain in line.
Author's reply
It's interesting to realize that all of the elflings are protected, even Turgon. I think of elves as very devoted to their children, who were few and far between. And yet, I felt that Rodda would be reasonably realistic as a boy in the army, because children were in the army in some form or other when they were very young in medieval Europe. It was their career path and that's how they were trained. I suppose if you expect to die young, you have to start young.
Amdir reminds me of the little sibs of some of my friends when I was growing up. Some of them were total pests, especially if their mothers expected the older sibs to watch them or just let them play too.
Ithilden really, really needed Alfirin. I think he misses his mother too, despite the fact that Thranduil and he are quite close. Actually, he's amazing because he's been able to separate from his strong father to become a person with ideas of his own who yet usually gets along with that father. He's willing to differ with Thranduil. I wonder how he got to be that way.
Tinar is so handy to have around to act like an idiot.
And Bodkin, you know perfectly well how happy Legolas was in Valinor. I seem to recall you writing about it!
Firnsarnien
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
Uh oh, perhaps Rodda threw up because he remembered something extremely unpleasant and upsetting. At least that's what I think might have happened. And I really don't think those Elflings are going to be able to keep that boy hidden for much longer. Someone is bound to notice the food their taking, and that Amdir, *shakes head* he's a handful all right. No doubt he'll soon bumble into what their doing.
Eeek! I sure hope Eilian is careful, especially for Legolas' sake. Leggy will get sick if anything happens to Eilian. Not to mention me too! LOL
Can't wait to read more! I thought I had this all figured out, but you proved me wrong! Let's see what other surprises you throw our way! ;) Hurry with an update!
Author's reply
We'll have to see how good your guess is, Firnsarnien. In one way, the elflings are lucky that this empty cottage is next door to Turgon's rather than Annael's, because Turgon's parent are pretty spacy. On the other hand, there's nothing like a little sibling to pry into everything!
I can't imagine how Legolas would react if anything happened to Eilian. He's turned into a pretty happy kid, given his loss of his mother, but I think of him as still kind of vulnerable.
Thanks for the review, Firnsarnien.
Karri
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
A charming encounter between Legolas and Mithrandir. They meet each in many a fanfiction, but I never grow weary of new tellings of it. :-)
Author's reply
Mithrandir must have looked totally exotic to an elf child. The beard alone would have marked this man-like person as foreign. Or maybe they can sense something about him as a wizard? I like these moments too.
esamen
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
Maltanaur looked from one twin to the other with slightly narrowed eyes. “I have seen you on the training field,” he said, a little stiffly. He bowed and introduced himself. “Maltanaur. I am this one’s keeper.” He jerked his head toward Eilian, who smiled and looked up at the rafters.
Hello, and great chapter! This is a terrific moment. The whole concept of the keepers just gets better with every story. They're so much fun. Too bad Maltanaur can't stay home and enjoy life more . . . but really, I think he likes living large and on the edge with Eilian.
I am still hoping for lots of danger and heroic deeds. . . and a little h/c always plays well too . . . . happy writing.
Author's reply
I do love Maltanaur. Beliond too for that matter, although he's not around yet in this story. They have a tough job, but Thranduil chose well. Maltanaur is a good match for Eilian. He's not going to compromise Eilian's safety at all, but he'll tolerate almost anything else. He is genuinely fond of his charge and, I never thought of it, but you're right: he probably is having fun!
I'm not sure how I'd classify this story. E3 are headed for danger and heroic deed. Legolas is probably headed for trouble!
elliska
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
Oh I do love Maltanaur and he was in fine form in this chapter wasn't he? I laughed all the way through that--his skepticism over the mission and his reaction to Eilian being in charge. Too funny.
And I loved Eilian's brief moment with Legolas. He can always tell when his little brother is up to something. Pity he can't do anything about it.
Poor Legolas. Parents can read minds, I'm sure of it, and Legolas' father certainly can. I loved the description of Legolas' reaction/interaction to/with Mithrandir. And I enjoyed seeing Legolas recognize (though not believe) that Ithilden and Thranduil had been fighting. I bet that was a hot conversation.
And the poor boy. That was very sad.
Great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Elliska. Maltanaur has really grown on me over these course of writing these stories! He's just such a good keeper for Eilian. Thranduil chose well. And he can see trouble coming a mile away (and it's initials are E).
Unfortunately, Eilian is usually amused by Legolas's mischief. You can bet that Thranduil or Ithilden would have been trying to find out what was going on.
I thought that Mithrandir might look like a Man to Legolas. He'd be fascinating really. And you're right. Legolas recognizes the truth but dismisses it when he sees tension between Thranduil and Ithilden.
Poor Rodda. How lonely and frightened he must be.
The Karenator
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
“As always, I look forward to serving with you, Captain.” Speaks volumes, doesn't it? I could almost hear his tone...one that I think was nearly imperceptible to anyone but Eilian. Oh, Maltanaur. There will be no shenanigans with him along. At least it will make it harder for Eilian. But I have to admit, Maltanaur will have his hands full.
Another interesting statement by Maltanaur was when he referred to himself as 'this one's keeper'. The nickname used by the three Thranduilions is not lost on this bodyguard. I wonder what the twins think about Thranduil's sons having bodyguards? Apparently they do not.
Mithrandir must seem nearly like a fairy tale person to Legolas. I see that his only vague memory of Gandalf is after Lorellin's death when he was glued to his adar's shoes. That must stir some kind of emotional response in him...but perhaps he has other things on his mind at the moment. And he was feeling a little queasy when the subject of men and the cost of having them in their lives was brought up.
Poor Rodda. Just how many apples did the child eat anyway? I'm sure he's been traumatized by whatever has happened to him and such a memory could make him have such a physical reaction. Still, I couldn't help but wonder if the kid is getting sick and not just from post traumatic stress. He's human after all and susceptible to the big bad germs of the world. Now that would be a problem. Time to confess. Of course, Amdir could be the little bug that causes the pox on the terrible trio's knotty heads.
BTW, the sword training was interesting. Well done.
Karen
Author's reply
I love Maltanaur. He makes me laugh, and he's such a good match for Eilian. He's obviously fond of him, but he's not putting up with a thing. The twins are considerably older, of course, and grew up in a much safer time and place. Also they had one another (for good or for bad) and were under Glorfindel's command. I suspect they didn't need a keeper as much as Eilian does.
I liked writing that little shoe memory for Legolas. He is pretty distracted right now, though, as you say. I thought Mithrandir might look rather like a man to him, and he'd have to figure out what the wizard was like.
Poor Rodda, indeed. I felt bad for him. He's very alone in an alien place. The kids are kind but he needs an adult to love and care for him.
Glad you liked the sword stuff. Bless the internet!
rikki
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
Oh my, bringing home strays can lead to trouble. I have hid my fair share of kittens, baby chicks and even a baby rabbit before my Mother found them. And the trio is courting disaster with Amdir if he thinks that his big brother is hiding something from him. The truth may out sooner than later. I feel sorry for Rodda, an orphan alone in the woods. And he's got to be feeling a culture shock being sheltered by a trio of elflings, fed apples and bread, hidden in an abandoned house. Perhaps, when the whole rescue comes out in the open, Mithrandir can come up with a home for Rodda. I don't see him going back to Esgaroth since he ran away from there to begin with. I do laugh thinking what Thranduil is going to have to think up to do with Legolas when all this comes out. He has restricted him to his room, had him working in the healing halls, there is not much left but confining him to the dungeons until he comes of age. I sure that there are many parents who wish they had dungeons sometimes to contain their erring children.
I wonder what the twins think about Maltanaur. They don't seem to have ever had any guardians beyond Glorfindel who was more of their trainer than keeper. And it sounds like Maltanaur is not impressed with the guests from Imraldis. Even though Eilian was rolling his eyes when Maltanaur was talking to the twins, I don't think he would consider going on this hunt without his keeper. Eilian also presents a more family oriented elf - would Elledan or Elrohir show as much affection to Arwen as Eilian does to Legolas? Maybe Eilian and Maltanaur can control some of the rage that the twins have against the orcs. Nothing like Thranduil having to write Elrond that the twins were injured during their visit.
Author's reply
The elflings do treat Rodda a bit like a stray dog they found! Your description of the "culture shock" gave me the shivers. Poor lonely kid. Legolas isn't exactly being bad here. This isn't in a class with sneaking out at night in my parental handbook. But he is courting trouble.
We don't really know much about the twins. Tolkien tells us so little. Nilmandra shows them as very affectionate to their little sister, and they could have been. They're not their normal selves right now, and may never be again. :-(
And no, no, no. Writing such a letter to Elrond would be bad!
Nilmandra
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
Poor Rodda - apples on a empty stomach is probably not the best, poor thing. He needs hot soup and bread, and someone to take care of him.
Well, with Maltanaur with Triple E, I wonder if the keeper will feel overwhelmed by overzealous orc killers, or if he will be a good calming influence on everyone?
Author's reply
I need hot soup and bread. That sounds so good.
Maltanaur is guarding his charge carefully right now, making sure those bad Rivendell boys don't lead him astray. :-) You know what Elladan in particular can be like!
Manderly
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Comings and Goings
What exactly is Rodda hiding? Something obviously traumatic to make him sick like that. I certainly hope he isn't the one who's been shooting at the elves on the river. The elflings have so far succeeded in hiding Rodda, but I wonder how long the charade can be kept up. I am cringing already for Thranduil's inevitable lecture (to put it mildly) when he finds out what these three have been up to. Legolas might find himself cleaning up vomit once again as punishment.
I had to laugh at Eilian's advice to Legolas about looking cool when plotting something. Speaking from experience, I suppose, deep, deep experience. Somehow I don't think Legolas will ever reach his brother's level of expertise in this.
Well, you have given us another chapter and my mind is still swimming with endless possibilities of where you will be taking us. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
The elflings are acting from the goodness of their hearts (well, that and the fact that this is exciting!) but they are probably going to be in trouble, depending on how all this comes out.
Eilian is not only experienced at getting into trouble himself; he's also amused by most of what Legolas gets up to. Of course, he doesn't know the half of it here.
I sat down tonight and spent a fair amount of time trying to work out the time line for unravelling all the threads, trying to make sure I don't miss any. I hope I get them all. I always feel as if I spend chapters and chapters setting things up and then "bang!" My story's over.
Bodkin
· 13 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest
'I know it's nuts but I'm sitting here feeling completely tense over "that" and "which." There's this little twitch starting underneath my right eye! Sigh. Did these "editors" know the difference between a restrictive and nonrestrictive clause?'
This is wonderful - it has brightened my morning!
Author's reply
This is sick, actually, but Meckinock let me explain the difference to her and I felt better. :-)
White Wolf
· 13 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
I knew Eilian would be licking his chops at the idea of going after those orcs.
When Turgon suggested he, Legolas and Annael hide that boy, I couldn't help but think of the time the three of them hid those mice in Legolas's room. I can't wait to find out how this plays out. That trio remains really good-hearted, no matter how much it may get them into trouble.
Author's reply
Eilian is charmed by the twins. They're warriors after his own heart. Fortunately, I remembered in time that Maltanaur will have to go too, so he can ride herd on all of them. Poor guy!
Bodkin mentioned the mice too and I also thought of them. It's like they've brought a stray animal home and hope to be allowed to keep him. The three friends are good hearted. They're also excited and fascinated by the kid, and doing something the adults wouldn't like is fun too!
Bodkin
· 13 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
Do the elflings not remember the mice? If they couldn't hide Green-y and the others, what hope to they think they have of concealing a man-child their own size who wears the uniform of Esgaroth? He's not going to survive on crumbs! Although, I concede, he is also not likely to climb on the apple tarts, or set up home in Thranduil's office. The child seems traumatised - and they are acting out of kindness (combined with a desire to push the boundaries), but they are going to be in so much trouble. And the child must have been famished to eat quantities of raw mushrooms - I hope they were edible. (Picked by Annael? Of course they would have been!) I wonder why he didn't try picking berries himself?
Poor Annael - he is so used to being the star of this class. He is so embarrassed by his failure to bring back the food they need. (Legolas stars in archery - what does Turgon star in? Trouble-making doesn't count.) Sorion is a brave elf, but not a suspicious one - I somehow think he is not a father.
The age thing is really odd with elves - age differences are so huge. I think there is a lot of 'stages of life' rather than years about it. Hindus, apparently, (yes, I was looking at somebody's RE work the other day, but my knowledge is limited to a 12 year old's textbook), put people into stages - the student stage being the first and equating with a lack of responsibility. I think that, despite being 2500 years old, the twins are still in that stage. Yes, they take certain responsibilities on patrol and behave like Lords in diplomatic situations, but it is really Elrond and Glorfindel who are running things. The second Hindu stage comes with marriage and the duties of a householder. Well, Ithilden may only be a mere 600 or so, and (as yet, until he learns joined-up talking) unwed, but he has the responsibility of caring for the military safety of the realm and he is definitely at this level of maturity. Eilian - maybe, as a captain he is second stage, whereas, at home, he is still first stage - which is why Ithilden wants to put him in charge and force him to behave with a maturity which, at only 90, should really still be quite foreign to him.
I hope 3E have fun with the orc-slaying and learn a lot from each other. Eilian may be very young in comparison, but he has spent 20 years dealing with a problem that is fresh in their hearts. And actually, seeing men deal with grief might be good for all of them.
And as for L, A and T - I hear ominous music. But I hope the boy can look forward to an improved quality of life as a result of their reckless? foolhardy? impulsive? kind? curious? actions.
Author's reply
I thought about the mice too! "Can we keep him, Ada?" LOL. I don't think so. I figured the child had probably foraged some but had been hiding and fleeing mostly. I also thought he might not be as good at living in the woods. He's from the plains where there are farms and stuff, and in the army, he'd be fed from a supply wagon. At least that's what I thought. I just hope he washed the mushrooms. Good point about Sorion not being a father!
I like your theory of the stages of life. I remember in your story you talked about something like this too, although that was probably in a review reply. I think you're right that the twins are not running things at home, or they'd probably be there. The responsibility would hold them there. It's hard to imagine what it would be like to have 2500 years of experience though, isn't it? These are not students like I see! On the other hand, Thranduil's two older sons have been pushed into early responsibility and I think that's hard on them.
I'm still working out how the interactions of the Orc patrol will go. It's a challenge.
The Karenator
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
It looks like the Three Amigos got their way...with no real concessions. Ithilden, however, was the one to watch. “But,” he said, holding up his hand, “we will do this in a way that will be most likely to serve our purposes and get you all back safely. If the Men will not cooperate, you are to come home immediately, and you are to take no unnecessary risks.” And here: In the moment before Eilian had arrived, Ithilden had decided that he was willing to allow the sons of Elrond to lead a force of Men in pursuit of the Orcs,... So Ithilden was 'willing to ALLOW' the sons of Elrond to pursue the orcs. Uh huh. Ithilden doesn't seem to get it; the twins were there for information, not permission. Don't you just love this oldest son of Thranduil? He's so used to commanding everyone that it never occurred to him that the twins were not under his command, even after they pointed it out. He was still thinking in terms of having some say-so about they did or did not do. Of course, he's right to be concerned about the Three Blood Brothers going off in pursuit of the orcs, but unfortunately, he controls only one of them.
This kid that Legolas and his group found is an interesting fellow. What is he really running from? I can see how he would wish to get out of serving since he is so young, and he most likely was witness to the horrors that befell the men when the orcs attacked. Poor kid. He's young, and he's scared. I hope something good happens for him...because nothing good is going to come from hiding him for the Merry Little Band of Elves.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Things are really heating up, and I don't want to miss a thing. (Does anyone hear Steven Tyler singing in the background?) Good show.
Karen
Author's reply
Oh you are so right! The twins were amused, fortunately, rather than offended. They knew they could do what they wanted to do and from their point of view, a visit to Ithilden is just a stop at AAA to get a road map. We'll see how things go on the mission.
The kid is indeed in trouble, and being taken home like a stray dog is not the solution. But then the elflings really know that there's no long term future in what they're doing. They just couldn't leave him.
meckinock
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest
Did these "editors" know the difference between a restrictive and nonrestrictive clause?
Uh, doubtful. But they make more than I do, so that makes them right. Also the sooner I got my paper signed off the sooner I could go home, so I would have written the danged thing in Gullah if that's what they wanted.
ranger ambles off to do an "Ask Professor Language Person" post...
meckinock
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Animals in the Forest
Gandalf sure has his hands full. He's gonna have to stay scarce from Mirkwood for a while if this deal breaks bad. E3 is an apt acronym - something makes me think that the amount of trouble the those three boys can get into together will be cubed.
The painstaking diplomacy between the men and Thranduil is excruciatingly well done.
I had some demanding betas on my trip. You would be dismayed to know how many times I was ordered to change "that" to "which." I was tempted to call you and put you on the phone.
Author's reply
OK. I know it's nuts but I'm sitting here feeling completely tense over "that" and "which." There's this little twitch starting underneath my right eye! Sigh. Did these "editors" know the difference between a restrictive and nonrestrictive clause?
It's interesting to me that by the time of The Hobbit, the men say that Thranduil is their friend. So how did we get to that? I'd like to show that happening over time.
meckinock
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
Turgon's in fine form, as usual. And Legolas is still in that agonizing phase where he wants to do the right thing but can't quite figure how how to counter Turgon. The boy Rodda sure is a mystery. What is he hiding from?
Has Ithilden been drinking too much Dorwinion? Eilian's supposed to be taking it easy and Ithilden's letting him go on an orc-hunt with revenge-mad Elladan and Elrohir? And trusting him to be the mature, rational one? I can't wait.
Author's reply
Turgon is an author's gift! To myself in this case. :-)
I have a general sense of how the Orc hunt will go, but the dynamics between the characters are much harder to write. I'm still feeling my way. I'll let you know when I have it figured out!
meckinock
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 2: Visitors and Families
Look what happens when I leave town for a few days. Mayhem breaks out; I'm, what - five chapters behind on your story? Not that I'm complaining. And her queenliness attributes all manner of base appetites to me on Live Journal. She knows me too well.
Speaking of appetites: thanks for the cameo by Sweaty Eilian. And yes, it is true that I would be most pleased to see Angsty Elrohir and Elladan take a few swings at some orc on their little outing. Which is already promising to be an interesting experiment. I don't think anyone's ever told Ithilden to pound sand before. I'm trying to imagine who would prevail in a battle of wills between Eilian and two very purposeful and single-minded sons of Elrond.
Eilian shrugged again. “It sounds rather boring to me. I would like to meet Glorfindel, but I think that everyone should come to the Woodland Realm.” He grinned again, but Legolas rather suspected he was only half joking. Eilian liked excitement, but he tended to see most other places in Arda as irrelevant to his concerns.
What a fascinating insight into Eilian's personality. I hadn't considered it before, but it fits. What a typical guy. He seems like a lot of cops and firefighters - brave and daring, loving and gentle to their families, and fiercely protective of their loved ones and their neighborhoods or towns; but completely incurious of anything happening in the outside world. Happy to hang around with their high-school buddies and man the dunk tank at the parish festival and knock back Old Style at the corner tap every Friday night.
While Legolas...I love it when you plant pointed little reminders of the future he can't yet imagine; like his bewilderment at the notion of sea-longing and inability to comprehend leaving the forest.
Author's reply
I hope you had some fun on your trip, even if it was mostly work. We missed you though.
I'm looking forward to writing E3 on an orc hunt, because I think it will be challenging. I'm making notes for it now, and it turns out to be complicated by a number of things. Thranduil is right that a mixed bag of warriors is hard to manage.
It was odd when I thought of it, but I could see Eilian a someone who was happy to get his excitement in the woods at home. And he's a wood elf, his mother's true child. He can't think of a better place to be. He's tied to the woods in an almost organic way.
thechevin
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
Well I didn't expect either of those two scenario's which either means I have no imagination or rather (and more acceptably) you are a very clever author
I know I should have forseen Ithilden's reaction he is his father's son after all but to place Eilian in charge well I guess the same argument holds true!
As for the human child yes I know there were man ypointers twards this but I still thought it was a dwarf
Must pay closer attention
Judy
Author's reply
You know, I'm always certain that I'm completely predictable so I'm glad to hear that I'm not! The fact that you thought the boy was a dwarf made me laugh because it reminded me of Hobbit the Dwarf Child, who wandered into my story "Tangled Web."
sofia
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
it seems to me that that boy was the one who shot the elves on the raft. If the boy is the person who shot it then it is intresting to notice the uniform he is wearing. Next chapter should be intresting to read.
-sofia
Author's reply
The boy is a mystery, that's for sure. :-) I'll get to him eventually. The elflings are bringing him home like a stray dog at the moment.
elliska
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
You know, I was thinking about that boy again. Apart from the fact that Legolas & Co is going to be in so much trouble (and that's if the boy doesn't kill someone with one of their monogramed arrows--if he does they are going to be beyond trouble), you know that boy is in a lot of trouble too. The punishment even in current day USA for desertaion during wartime is death. Even Turgon can't hide that kid forever. If he doesn't get away, something bad is going to happen to him and that is going to be hard on Legolas and his friends. There is really nothing good that can come of that.
And I noticed in some of the other reviews that you were going to bring in Maltanaur when Eilian goes out with the twins. Goody. I love him and it hadn't ocurred to me yet that he'd have to have a part once Eilian goes orc hunting.
As for 'themes' in your works--honestly that is one of the things you do that I admire most. It is definitely not preachy. They unify your story's plotlines. More than that, I think they are what makes your stories a cut above most that are simply 'action' pieces. Don't get me wrong. You've got enough action/tension in these things--please don't turn it up or I might have a heart attack. But you've got more than that. If makes wonderful reading.
Have a safe trip and enjoy visiting with your mother.
Author's reply
The arrows are still the ones from the armory rather than the ones the boys made but those would surely be identifiable too. The boy certainly does look to be in trouble.
I've been writing about Maltanaur this afternoon and was glad to see him too. I imagine he'd take a jaundiced view of the twins. :-)
Thank you for the nice comment about themes. I sat here and smiled a lot about that one.
Author Reply: Elliska--
I just got back into town and found the Yahoo discussion about the Enchanted River. I swear to you that I had plans for that river in my notes for my current story before that discussion started. I don't want you to think I stole your idea. Maybe this is just an idea whose time has come!
daw
Duchess
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
To Dot and Daw both...
Huckleberries are the smaller, wild version of blueberries. It's really freaky when you're out picking these things in the woods, busy stuffing your face when suddenly you smeall and hear something quite large on the other side of the small thicket of bushes and realize you're sharing personal space with a bear. Yes, personal experience and I ran like the wind! LOL
I'm actually kinda surprised the Elflings didn't cross paths with a bear (considering they'd just been tracking that particular animal) when they found the berries to pick. I really hope Turgon and the Man child don't have a brush with one in the dark later as that's infinitely worse than a daylight encounter! Yeah, again that's personal experience and NOT recommended. *chuckling*
Author's reply
Oh cool bear story! My brother was out walking his dogs once. They had wandered off in the woods and then he could hear them coming back toward him barking excitedly. They had driven a deer across the path once and he thought they must have found another one, and then he realized that they were driving a bear toward him.
He had been told that he should play dead, but what he did was scream and run as fast as he could. The dogs shot past him on either side and then slowed down, presumably because they didn't need to outrun the bear, just my brother.
Anyway, eventually he had to stop running and the bear was gone, so it worked out.
Duchess
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Alliances
Loved both the new parts! :)
Oh my, you'd think after all this time they'd know not to do something like this, but nooooo. *chuckling* And lending Rodda an arrow each? *shaking my head* Completely incriminating! *sigh* Boys, boys, boys.
Poor Ithilden, he soooooooooooo got played and doesn't even realize it yet. Oy ve!
Author's reply
The boys are still using the armory arrows rather than the ones they made, but those arrows are pretty identifiable as coming from the Mirkwood armory. I don't think it would take a genius to guess where Rodda got them, especially if he's tucked away in the cottage next door to Turgon's.
LOL about Ithilden. I don't think he scared the twins much. They were going to do what they were going to do. It's Eilian Ithilden is concerned about. And I think he's also a little concerned about the men who died on his borders. He feels some obligation there, I think. It's interesting to me to think about the weight of history on an elf like Thranduil. For him, Dagorlad is part of his lived experience. It leads him to think in certain ways. Ithilden is not as caught up in history.