The Karenator
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 11: Friend or foe
OH MY! I have cold chills! That last paragraph did me in. You are ready to post the next chapter, aren't you? I fear there will be a revolt in your fair village of readers if you do not. Holy cow! I just get all twitter whenever Thranduil calls for his bow and sword. I love warrior! Thranduil.
Okay...I'm calm! I'm calm! Let's start back at the beginning.
Evil Elleth is still at it. I'm beginning to feel sorry for Tulus. He's messed up real bad by getting involved with Evil Elleth. And she's the sort that would slit your throat before she'd let you out of her organization. The Elven Mafia. Tulus seems a bit in over his head. He seemed to truly care for Dolgailon and Dolgailon has spilled the beans about what's going on. That could come back to bite him in the rear. Especially if Evil Elleth finds out. Dolgailon would be a good bargaining chip for her to control Tulus.
Fengel might not have been happy about Thranduil having spies among his people, but he certainly was glad to get the information the king provided him with. He seemed to get over the spy business pretty quick when he heard the news. The feast was nice. The little ones were so excited. I'm sorry we didn't get to learn the song with Legolas and his little cousins. Seeing the leader of Dale flying like a bird would be a sight, but I think the Elves would have thought more of him for seeing how kind and uninhibited he was with the elflings.
Now...back to the surprise attack. You just eased us right in there with such false security. And then wham! Very well done, Elliska! I was caught completely off guard. Oh, I love it when that happens! I could just feel Thranduil's rising fear. And you accomplished so much in such a short, few paragraphs.
Great chapter! Gosh...I won't sleep a wink tonight worrying about Lindomiel, Amoneth, and the children.
Really, really good chapter...have I said that already?
Karen
Author's reply
I am really glad that this caught you off guard and is it bad of me to be glad it made you tense? :)
Evil Elleth is going to step over a lot of bodies before she finally gets hers. And poor Tulus, indeed. He does truly care about his son. That is 100% true. He is a pawn. That is also true. But he is a pawn that is going to cause a lot of trouble because, as you said, Evil Elleth is just not going to leave anyone standing.
Fengel got over the spies really fast when he figured out that he had bigger problems to worry about. :) The way I've pictured him, he is still fairly close to the early Northmen descended from the same lines as the Dunedain, so I give him some credit for being a fairly good leader. I've grown fond of him. That whole scene with him and Legolas was actually a second version. I originally wrote a scene with them together because I need Legolas to have a decent view of Men before the next chapter. But then later I started thinking--what language are they speaking? Do I really believe Fengel speaks Sindarin? I know Legolas can't possibly speak Westron yet. So I changed it and I ended up liking this and going with it. After re-read a few hours after posting, it occurred to me that I was sorry I didn't extend that scene just a little further to actually see the song. That would have been funny.
And the surprise attack. Glad it surprised you. :) I agree. Warrior!Thranduil is just awesome. We see him in the next chapter.
Yes, both versions of the next chapter are edited and ready to post. Usually when I have a choice of what is going to happen, I pick a version and go with it and edit only it. I am having so much trouble choosing here. My beta, who has my password to all the sites I post on, has told me that if I post the wimpy version, she's going to come in and delete it and post the harsher version. Knowing her, she'll do it. :) I really am ready to post it soon (meant to post it this weekend, but I worked instead 'cause one of the new servers kicked the bucket--that's quality for you). Point is, you won't have to wait for long.
Thank you so much for the reviews. I really appreciate them!
daw the minstrel
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 11: Friend or foe
I may be slow getting this review to you because I’m doing it in Word and saving it to my desktop. I downloaded your latest chapter in the middle of an internet crisis.
Anyway, I enjoyed this. I’ve said before and I’ll say it again now that no one does politics like you do, Elliska. You’ve got all that intrigue down so realistically. You make very good use of the large sweep of ME that Tolkien gave us, with its mix of cultures and peoples. Resentments like those you describe have to have occurred occasionally. To the schemers, their own actions seem so justified and right.
It took me a while to remember who Tulus was but once I did, I was impressed by the way you’re tying these tales together. I’m wondering about Dolgailon’s trust, though. If it’s misplace, he’s going to feel terrible.
I’m now to the point that I’m very concerned about Lindomiel.
Author's reply
Oh no, Daw, I'm sorry. You are one of the few people that is simply not permited to lose internet access. Too many people will go mad if you do. :)
I appreciate you reading and leaving a review when you had to fight the stupid internet to do it.
I am glad to hear this politics stuff is interesting and plausible to someone else. :) I love the world Tolkien created (boy there's a shocker and I'm sure no one else on this site likes him even a little bit, right?). I find all the backstory that isn't explicit in the books (but is, fortunately in HoME and UT) makes everything so much richer and I love playing with it. This whole thing with the Wainriders that the spies talk about is all canon, of course, except the Wainriders wanting to expand their holdings in the Northmen's territory. I thought it would be plausible though and I love the Men as enemies. They seem scarier to me. And I'm glad the resentments seem realistic. I think that people do, unfortunately, act this way (as Dolwon and Dannenion do) and their POV does seem completely right to them. And people like the Black Swan can really play that.
Yes, I figured that most people would have a little trouble remembering Tulus (he's been gone for a while and didn't seem like much more than an annoyance when he was around). Little things like that continue to come back throughout this. It's little problems like him that can grow into big problems when exposed to the wrong influences.
Poor Dolgailon and poor Tulus. They will both remember this conversation later. Not in this story, but later. Neither will remember it fondly. Especially when discussing it with Thranduil.
Thranduil and the guards are on the way. Hope they ride fast.
Thanks again for the reviews!
Bodkin
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 11: Friend or foe
I feel sorry for Tulus. He was only foolish, really, not vindictive - but he got sucked in by the Witch Queen of Mirkwood in her attempt to twist and torment and get revenge for imagined slights. And poor young Glilavon(Gilbert) is going to get done for something that is somebody else's idea of clever. I hope he relieves Dolwon and Dannenion of the burden of their spite personally.
How does everybody get sucked in by that elleth? They all end up taking the fall out and she swans off (blackly), looking as if butter wouldn't melt in her beak! Vengeance! vengeance, I say! But I have a horrible feeling that she's going to manage lots more horrible things before somebody cottons on to the fact that whenever nasty things happens, there is the Witch Queen, rubbing her claws and cackling gleefully.
I hope Dolgailon gets out of this with his life and integrity intact - and not looking too much of a gullible elfling. And get Thranduil and his guards out to rescue the wives and elflings now! Please. I can't bear the anguish of widowed and orphaned elves!
I loved the Fengel bits - and the interaction between the Lord of Dale and the elflings. I'd love to hear what he thinks of them - terminally cute, I should think. And much brighter than human children of the same age. I like to see even baby Legolas developing his share of his naneth's interest in alien races. And I simply loved Dieneryn's revelations about Thranduil's reluctance to learn a common tongue as she commends her daerelfling's enthusiasm. The picture of man and elflings singing a nursery rhyme together is gorgeous. And, I should think, a great way of improving elf/man relations, given that elves are very fond of little ones.
I'm glad he survived the attack - but thoughts of treachery can't be far away now. This is so tense! I can't bear worrying about what's coming next. I shall have to go and eat chocolate to calm me down.
Author's reply
Chocolate. I always recommend chocolate. :)
Poor Dolgailon and poor Tulus and poor Gilbert :) and sooner or later you are going to be saying 'poor Black Swan.' I like playing with characters. Almost no one but elflings get to be completely innocent in this little game (and not for long for them) and no one is wholly evil. That's all I'll say on that.
How does everyone get sucked in by that elleth? That is the question. You will see. You could probably already guess the two major reasons that will eventually be clearly revealed. But you are correct that a lot of other people are going to fall before she does.
I'm glad you liked the Fengel bits. The Wainriders' plans are almost all canon, of course. Their plans to extend their control in Rhovanion is me playing a bit with the Wars against the Wainriders, but I think it's plausible that the ones already in the Northmen's former territory and making raids across the Narrows into Forthwini's territory would want to expand. And I think the Easterlings are a scary enemy. Worse than Orcs and spiders. I like them. I remember writing the part with Fengel and Legolas. I had this whole big thing written out and then later I thought, "wait, how are they even talking to each other?" So I started playing with that and left it this way. I also especially liked the comparisons between Legolas and Thranduil and the idea of Legolas being curious about other races this early in life. So I went with this version. I kind of wish I'd gone ahead and written the song they sing. :) I'm glad you liked this part.
As far as the reports go, Fengel survived.
The next chapter is edited. Both versions of it. I am so pitiful, I still haven't decided which to post. But either way, Thranduil and his guards are on their way.
Thank you so much for the reviews. I really appreciate them! :)
Brazgirl
· 21 April 2005
· Chapter 10: Innocence
Do we smeel trouble here, Elliska??? I am concerned now. I want to know the reasons that made Thranduil take this decision. It must be terrible for him to allow the elflings, as he calls them, to act on those postings. Spooky! I mean, he will receive lots and lots of critiques but at least he has two backups: Lindomiel and Legolas.
By the way, how adorable was Legolas swimming!!! Even Amglaur's heart the child melted. Well, children indeed have the power to do so, and I have a story that proves that! ;-)
The best part for me was when Lindomiel pointed out that Legolas was alike his adar: he gets cross when he is tired! That was so lovely! So mother like!!!
The river things were adorable. Nice chapter Elliska, a pleasure to read, as always!
Author's reply
Yes, there is trouble here. You will see Thranduil's reason more plainly in the next chapter. Everything comes together (or falls apart, depending on your point of view) there. :)
I'm glad you liked the river scene. I had fun writing it. I think the family needs to be seen having a few moments of fun. And I'm very glad you liked Lindomiel's comment. :) I agree mothers tend to do things like that lovingly and it is dear.
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for reading and thanks so much for the review!
Bodkin
· 21 April 2005
· Chapter 10: Innocence
I just wanted to repeat how much I loved this chapter.
Author's reply
Well, thank you very much! :) Seeing this sort of thing can just make my day. :)
The Karenator
· 20 April 2005
· Chapter 10: Innocence
I was pleasantly surprised to see this up when I came by this evening. The little swimming party was fun. The kids were excited and cute and the parents were enjoying the little guys enjoying themselves. Very nice and peaceful...and deceptive! Things are brewing off at the palace. I knew the calm was too good to be true.
Your novice program sounds great. I'm impressed! The best I can come up with is to have them shoot some arrows and track each other out in the woods. I need to hire you as my technical advisor.
Glílavan--now there's a name to remember, I think. Immediately, I don't trust him. And Dolgailon is such a happy little newlywed that he's not paying attention. Bad news...
Major military shuffling going on too. So what news did the scruffy men bring? Impending attack on the eastern border? More Easterlings showing up? Dirty guys looking for free soap and water? You've really set this up well. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This was an intriguing chapter. I get the feeling that there are hidden little jewels in there and I'm just not picking them up. You're dropping hints all over the place.
I hope this chapter doesn't mean that you won't update again this weekend, but I'll try to be understanding if you can't. I don't usually pout for long.
Karen
Author's reply
Hi Karen! Thanks for the review! I had fun writing the little swimming party. I like to give Thranduil a chance to play every now and again. I can't imagine he had much of an opportunity to do that.
Deceptive! Surely you don't think, as Bodkin does, that I would try to lull you into a false sense of security! Hmmm. Yes, I would. :) You are right. Little hints are dropping here and there and the most major pieces will all be brought together in the next chapter, including the specifics of who those dirty travelers were. Thranduil will not like that chapter very much. You just keep remembering those names and tell Thranduil about them next time you see him. :)
You want to know something really pitiful? And this just shows how I have absolutely no life! I really do have the entire training program worked out. Every class, every year, every drill. I figured it would be worth figuring out because then I can use bits and peices of it here and there in the story. This was just mentions--I had fun actually showing some of them when Legolas is older. I had so much fun researching that, it was pathetic. I had a little leg up, though. I do historical reenactments, so I went through some training myself (I'm an archer but I can fight reasonably well with a sword). But I really got into looking at medieval training manuals. There are some really cool ones, especially on sword training (I have one in english that I can send you, I think, if you want it.) I have to tell you though--I was really impressed with your training/tracking drill in your current story. So I don't get the impression you need any help.
Enough rambling. I hope to post a chapter Friday and one Sunday, to tell you the truth. This chapter on Wednesday was to make up for the lack of one this last weekend. I got buried at work and I actually took two days vacation to play with fanfiction. Did I mention my life is pitiful. :)
Anyway, thanks so much for reading!
Author Reply: Since a couple of people have asked and there might be more who are curious, I can't help plugging what I consider to be the best, legitimately researched, historical source on the web for Medieval / Renaissance combat:
ARMA (Association for Renaissance Martial Arts)--their essays on training and other weapons info can be found at: http://www.thearma.org/essays.htm. You have to browse through the essays. Some are more info than you really need for writing research. But others can give you really good ideas.
French Pony
· 20 April 2005
· Chapter 10: Innocence
Sounds like things are going down in the woods. Any time cadets get called to serve, Something Is Not Right. I am slightly confused as to how they could have fourth- and fifth-year cadets when the training program has only been up for three years.
I liked the day of playing by the river. It's probably healthy for all the adults to get out there and enjoy the forest that they work so hard to defend. And I remember playing so many of those games when I was little -- diving to find things (we had rings), splashing adults, hoping adults would duck us, trying to drag my friend Melissa into the deep end of the pool, cannonballing. . . do the Elves follow the "no swimming for an hour after eating" rule? Nanas always say it's because your stomach will cramp up and you'll drown, but I think it's more likely that the adults just want an hour of peace and quiet.
Author's reply
Hi French Pony! Thank you for the review! Yes, things are indeed going down...down the tubes. :) Something is not right and you will get to see most of this pulled together in the next chapter and the aftermath in the chapter after that.
But pleasant things first...I also liked the day by the river. I played all those games too! That's why they're there, I guess (we threw pennies and plastic rings). And I loved swimming with my dad. That man took a lot of abuse from his daughter not too different from what these elflings inflict upon Thranduil and Celonhael and he took it just as cheerfully. I think you're right. "No swimming after eating" is just an hour long "adult swim." I never followed that stupid rule.
As for 4th/5th years, I think Dolgailon says something about there being very few people in those years because they got there by testing out of the simpler classes...or at least he's supposed to say that. I hope I didn't cut that while I was editing. If I did, I'll have to go put it back. :( But anyway, I figure they'd have to have some kind of tests to determine people's level of skill because, as you said in an eariler review, a lot of elves would already have a lot of weapons skills. So, the intent there is that the 4th/5th years would not have actually been training that long, they just tested to that level.
Anyway...blah, blah, blah I am long winded as usual tonight.
Thanks for reading! :)
Author Reply: Ooo! I forgot. I happened over to FF when your fic was on the first page and I saw it says chap 5/10 in the summary there. Yeah! That means we get to see a lot more! Cool!
daw the minstrel
· 20 April 2005
· Chapter 10: Innocence
The children were charming. It's great to see Thranduil as a doting ada who's struggling not to be overprotective. But then the ending really disrupted that mood, and I have to say that I like kingly, masterful Thranduil even more. Sad, but true. It sounds to me as if things are going badly in the Woodland Realm. Those travel stained men can't have brought good news.
Author's reply
Hi Daw! Thanks for the review! I had a lot of fun just writing about Ada!Thranduil playing with elflings here, to tell you the truth. I always liked swimming with my dad. I just kind of let that run for fun. But it also gave a little peek at the elflings and their families.
Yes, the end kind of snapped the mood, didn't it? Things are indeed about to go down the tubes. No the travelers brought no good news at all, as you will see next chapter. And soon (chapter after next), you will get a peek at Warrior!Thranduil, which I personally love to see in any story where he appears. Can't help writing him when I get an excuse.
Thanks again for reading! :)
Bodkin
· 20 April 2005
· Chapter 10: Innocence
I'm being lulled! There is too much happiness going on. I'm going to start feeling all soft and warm and then you're going to come in with a real sucker punch.
Thranduil and assorted loving adults taking gorgeous cute little elflings on a swimming party - with games and pretty fish and birds and otters. Even - note even - with an approving adar-in-law! This was simply lovely. I only wish I could have been there. (Although I think I would have stayed on the blanket. Safe from water-elflings.) The story of Thranduil and Ninglor in the Esgalduin could do with a story of its own, I think. I would really like to see young Thranduil and his parents. (When you've finished this, perhaps? Please?)
But things are starting to unravel a little, it would seem. Tulusion is in the capital, yes? And on the receiving end of more information than the suspicious Aradunnon would like to impart. And the ecstatically newly-wed Dolgailon is affected by rose-coloured-spectacle syndrome?
I don't like to think of the Stronghold left under the guard of a squad of partially-trained warriors together with a few old hands. It sounds Not A Good Thing. And it might be unfair, but I'm not happy about Gilbert. Even though he's barely entered the picture yet. And Lotheril sounds a bit of a liability.
Lovely chapter. Enjoyed every minute. I hope the next chapter in the saga will not be too long delayed - it's just too tense!
Author's reply
Hi Bodkin! Thanks for the review and I'm glad you liked the chapter! Well, strictly speaking, you are not being lulled. It is actually Thranduil & Co. that is being lulled. :) Ya' think you're being lulled?
You know it must be the begining of the end when Amglaur is happy in Thranduil's presence. :) Yes, things are starting to unravel. Thranduil is going to see that in the next chapter but unfortunately he is going to see it a just a little too late. And you know, sometimes you say things that make me go check to make sure that the rest of this story really isn't anywhere it could be found from the Internet and that's all I'm going to say about that.
As for young Thranduil, it is written (including the full version of the river incident) through the end of the First Age and up to just before they go east in the Second Age (I planned on carrying it through the War of the last Alliance). I was really cranking on it until I hurt my back but I just can't seem to get caught up on anything since then. I had hoped to start posting it when Summer term started but I think it will be more like Fall now. :(
I actually hope to post the next chapter Friday evening and possibly the last one Sunday night (there should be only two more and an epilogue--but then when we originally split this up in December, it had 8 chapters total so I am pretty bad at splitting up chapters). I took some time off work today and tomorrow and I editted this chapter today and hope to finish the next tomorrow. We'll see.
But thanks so much for reading!
PS: Refering to your review response from Eärendil’s Tale, I have to ask: you seem to know your birds really well but I am not certain you intended the joke about the water fowl of sable plumage and coots as I took it because I'm not sure if you think of a coot as I do. I get the impression from your spelling and some turns of phrase in your works that you do not live in the USA. Here (at least in the south) coots, in addition to being another term for idiot cronies, are duck-sized pure black water birds (I know they call them gallinules in London). Does coot have the same meaning where you're from? I about died when I read that because it is sooo in line with the running joke. :) Just had to ask.
The Karenator
· 11 April 2005
· Chapter 8: Imminent Arrivals
What a great chapter. I loved Thranduil's sleepy council meeting. He's so keyed up about the impending arrival of his son that he's not with it at all. Interrupting the council meeting to see the baby take his first steps is such a parent thing to do. And elflings were so precious and rare, I can imagine that everyone celebrated each milestone.
I'm so impressed...again...with how well you do the military stuff. The planning of the training program is detailed and well thought out. If I ever need defense of my realm, I'll think I'll appoint you as coordinator! However...I see where the 'son of the bad guy' is going to come in now. Or I think I do. I can't wait to hear Aradunnon's 'one word' about this guy and why he hasn't promoted him. Is it: "His father?" That's two words, but you get my drift.
Glad to see Dolgailon finally pop the question. Joy abounds in the woodland realm! The scene in the trees with Arthiel was very nice.
I think the most fun was the family gathering in the royal bedchambers to watch the expectant queen sleep! I admit that that kind of gave me the heebie-jeebies to think that my parents would have been sitting there watching me as I slept in my own bed, with my husband piled up on the bed next to me. But for the family structure of the elves, it seemed appropriate. They were all lending her support. Amglaur is finally losing it! He's beginning to see Thranduil as an 'alright guy'. That was surely a shock to him!
And then the sweet new baby arrived. I admit I was kind of disappointed that we didn't get to attend the birth, but the story lost nothing by it not being on stage. I just wanted to see Thranduil and Amglaur in a tizzy! :>)
The naming of Thranduil was cute. I'm sure the king was mortified to have his mother reveal such intimate details, but they're all adults and thousands of years old to boot. I imagine it didn't come as too big of a surprise to anyone that Thranduil was conceived in the regular way. Nice laugh at the king's expense.
As always, I really enjoyed this chapter. I'll look forward to the next one!
Karen
Author's reply
Yes, I agree that elflings would be pretty rare and I think family would get pretty excited about seeing 'elfling activities.' I mean, if you're 5000 years old and there even 10 or 20 people in your family that you've seen through childhood (and even as big and extended as I've written it, there aren't that many in Thranduil's family), that's still a long time that you've probably gone between seeing babies. Baby things are going to be pretty distant to you and therefore special, I would think. My sister-in-law made me come over to her house when her first child took her first steps and when she finally coaxed 'mama' from her. :) My coworker video taped his son and had us all watch it. :)
Yes, Aradunnon's one word is a patronymic--I haven't decided if I want to show that discussion or not but I'm leaning towards it. But you've got it alright. :)
When I wrote the scene with Lindomiel, I was actually thinking about the birth of my niece. My sister-in-law was super pregnant (like two weeks overdue). She soooo did not want an induced labor because she'd had one before and it was really intense (2 hrs to full dilation and 15 minutes of delivery--sounds good until you feel the accompanying pain that accomplished that speedy delivery). So the day before they were going to induce her, we all got together and walked her around and drove her over bumpy roads (and all the other stupid things that don't really induce labor but you can pretend). By the end of the day, we all fell asleep talking in her living room. It was really a nice day and she woke up in the middle of that night in a natural labor. :)
LOL. Amglaur and Thranduil in a tizzy. I think they would have been. I've never had a baby myself but I've been the birth coach for my sister-in-law twice and I've been present throughout the births of many of my younger family memebers. I just couldn't write that scene though. I tried it a bunch of times and it just never seemed right for a variety of reasons. I would have liked to have included it though, I agree.
Poor Thranduil, I think he was pretty shocked with the idea that his mother and father would do anything not completely mainstream. :) I guess I like to have his family tease him a little.
I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the review!
Brazgirl
· 10 April 2005
· Chapter 8: Imminent Arrivals
Trully receive my hug for this chapter. What a delight to read it from you! Wonderful, beautifuly written. I like the way you described Thranduil's anxiousness and his brother's little terror throwing things! That was more than lovely!
Dolgailon and Arthiel how cute is that? They are the most cute couple ever! I love them.
Thranduil, Thranduil. It seems he is more alike his father than he would have thought. Their estravagance to conceive their children, the choice of names... and his mother really embarassed him there! ;-)
Amglaur... I knew some day he would be charmed by his son-in-law's powers of seduction! Really, Thranduil is this awsome elf that everyone loves. Not the creepy elves, of course. Those hate him. Poor one.
Anyway, the chapter was wonderful, a delightful reading. Thank you Elliska!
Author's reply
Thank you, Brazgirl for your review and the hug. :) I liked writing this light little chapter. Galithil is exactly that, a little terror. :) I enjoyed writing Amglaur encouraging him to throw things at Aradunnon and Thranduil. And I agree that Dolgailon and Arthiel would make a very cute couple. Relationships built on years of friendship are wonderful. Yes, poor Thranduil is thoroughly embarassed by his mother! At least she didn't tell more! And even Amglaur is coming around. How could he not? :)
Look out for creepy elves and creepy Men.
Thanks again for the review!
Bodkin
· 10 April 2005
· Chapter 8: Imminent Arrivals
What a delightful chapter - filled with babies and betrothals and happy things. (Mostly.) And even discussions about training elflings in the business of war are not all that horrific. Especialy if it encourages Dolgailon to stay home and concentrate on Arthiel for a little longer. Because I have little doubt that horrors are to come - assisted by the lovely Silvan elf, Glílavan, (or Gilbert as I call him).
Galithil is gorgeous, Legolas is adorable, even Amglaur is weakening. Something must be about to go wrong.
(I might well come back to you when I have more time and brain power.)
Author's reply
Yes, I was up for something happy so I am glad this chapter fell on this week. I like picturing little elflings and betrothals. I think elflings would have to be very cute and quite a handful given what LaCE says about elven children. And I am glad that they came across ok to you. Indeed even Amglaur is coming around (surely after 2000 years, he would).
I think you are right about this being the calm before the storm. It would be nice if Dolgailon would just stay at home. And Glílavan...hmmm. Btw, if I accidently type Gilbert as I'm am editing at any point I am going to hold you personally responsible :) You know now I am going to call him Gilbert in my head too! But yes, I'm afraid it goes down hill from here. I have chosen the most conservative path at most points when I have had choices to make thus far. I have promised my beta that I am not going to do that here. So...
Thanks so much for the review--especially when you are low on brain power--I know that feeling all too well. :)
daw the minstrel
· 10 April 2005
· Chapter 8: Imminent Arrivals
I remember when my son took his first steps! We have pictures of it. He's just thrilled with himself. Someone I read referred to those first few weeks of walking as the baby's "drunken dance of delight." Amglaur is so bad!
The argument over who should captain the training was very well done. It felt tense and realistic. There was a nice mix of emotions and reasoning there. And as it was going on, I too was wondering how in the world the very pregnant queen got down on the floor.
Dolgailon's discussion with Arthiel was interesting too. I like picturing them as children together, "hiding" in the trees. I was so thrilled when he finally stopped being stupid and asked her to marry him!
And finally Legolas makes his appearance. But I'm with Thranduil: The public garden??
Author's reply
I imagine you do remember! I do not have children but I think things like this must just be the most amazing milestones for both the parents and the child accomplishing them. My mom has pictures of my first steps too. My grandda was there. Very cute (read:embarassing) pictures. I love 'drunken dance of delight.' That seems just perfect.
Glad you liked the captain argument and picturing Dolgailon and Arthiel as children together. I actually had a story in between this one and the last one with his birth and some canon event in Rhovanion but I was left it out and I am having fun hinting here and there at stuff that happened in it. Can you imagine being frieds with someone for 500 years? What a rich friendship that would be.
Poor Thranduil. But we saw that little conception scene. It was the middle of the night so it wasn't too bad. Still, I think Amglaur is right: no need to share too much!
Thank you so much for the reviews!
French Pony
· 10 April 2005
· Chapter 8: Imminent Arrivals
Is the circumstances of one's conception an everyday topic of conversation among Elves? Most people get weirded out just contemplating the fact that their very existence proves that their parents had sex at all -- I can't imagine kids really wanting to know all the details. But Dieneryn certainly has a pointy sense of humor to bring it all up in front of the entire family, both sides, at a public ceremony.
Welcome, Legolas! Mazel tov, Lindomiel! Legolas is certainly a very alert little baby. Most newborns I've met have seemed kind of shell-shocked by being born and aren't really capable of thinking much more than "Huh?" for the first few weeks. But I guess that goes along with Elvish babies developing a little faster than the children of Men, learning to walk and talk earlier, that sort of thing.
Of course, as The Family has just discovered, that's just an extra few months for the kid to spend getting into mischief.
Dolgailon seems to have a real ego problem there. It's all about what he wants, whether or not it's the best thing for the realm. We all know he's a great warrior, and he probably is the best choice to captain the training program. But he's too bound up in his image as a warrior to see that he might render a greater service to the realm as an instructor. And he certainly doesn't seem to have a whole lot of respect for the "children" he'd be training up. He definitely needs time to hang with his brother and his nephew and his fiancée and have them all knock him down a few pegs.
Author's reply
:) At least Dieneryn doesn't go into anymore detail than to mention where it happened. Poor Thranduil--I think Amglaur is with you: keep it to yourself!
As for elven babies, you do have to wonder, don't you? If they are walkin' and talkin' so quickly, at what pace do all the other little baby milestones happen? It seems hard to imagine--frankly it always made me think of horses when I read the stuff in LaCE about elves. They are up and scampering around in a few hours too. (Stupid, I know, but the fist time I saw a horse born, I was just floored by how fast that little sucker got up on those scrawny little uncoordinated legs).
I'm not sure Dolgailon is selfish, I think he is just very single minded about serving in the patrols. "Too bound up in his image as a warrior" is definitely a description I think is right in the sense that he is completely convinced that is the best way to serve the realm. He's young (around 500) so he has things to learn. And he'll be learning some things.
Thanks for the review!
lwarren
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Joy amidst doubt
What an exciting chapter! Babies and traitors and Thranduil in full rage! Oh, and an elven baby boom...oh, and Amglaur!!!! :-) What fun!
Let's see, I thoroughly enjoyed Thranduil's talk with Celonhael about he and his wife having another child (and the mural, too). The King showed himself a good friend and was totally honest about his own feelings of becoming a parent in such dangerous times. I thought it particularly interesting that Ollwen is past the Years of Children - and I'm with Ollwen; she's a wood elf and very strong, drawing some of her strength not only from her husband, but from the forest around her. So Amoneth is uncomfortable, is she? And the other ladies have 'circled the wagons' so to speak! :-)
Golwon's report on the villages = a very irate Elvenking. Off with their heads! (oops, sorry!) Then Aradunnon senses Amoneth's labor has begun and the fun really begins. The birth of the little elven general Galithil is great - including Engwe grabbing the baby from Thranduil! LOL I loved the mental picture that suggested! And silver hair - shades of Oropher indeed! I had to laugh at Thranduil encouraging Dolgailon to get into trouble with his little brother, the same way he and Aradunnon did when they were small.
Dolgailon and Arthiel and her parents - what a funny encounter...Dolgailon was trying so hard to be diplomatic, he blew any chance of quality alone time with his lady by practically agreeing with her father about the importance of art (when she wants to be a forester)! And the elfling boom - everyone has decided that if the King/Lindomiel are pregnant, then it must be the fashionable thing to do. Permission given by the King, after all!
Amglaur - he was such a pain in your previous stories, I see he hasn't changed much! He really knows how to push Thranduil's buttons! And to top that off, we have the interview/interrogation of the 2 leaders. I LOVED this - Thranduil is so smart - his questioning techniques flawless! And boy, was he HOT (angry!)!! I love the implied threat and can only hope the King will uncover the worst of the conspiracies before something bad happens.
Wonderful wonderful wonderful!!!!
linda
Author's reply
Yes all these babies are starting to make everyone else want babies. As Bodkin said--babies are infectious. :) Poor Ollwen and Celonhael. That is part of the story that can go two ways in the last chapter and I haven't decided what to do yet.
I think elves would just go goo goo over babies for some reason, so I had fun with that scene--especially having the normally gruff Engwe melt a little. Dolgailon would probably be a really good older brother or older cousin. But I think it will be his younger brother that causes trouble in Mirkwood. :)
Yes, Thranduil is not a happy elf when it comes to the Easterling situation and he works out a bit of his anger in that last scene. His threat is completely idle. But I think he was angry enough to have fun making it. :) I admit I kinda like Angry!Thranduil.
Yeah, Dolgailon just didn't learn last time when she explicitly told him that he was supposed to be on her side, did he? :) No holding hands by the river for him tonight.
Assuming the next chapter doesn't change too much, Amglaur will be back in it to push Thranduil's buttons some more.
Thank you so much for all these reviews! They really made my day! It probably shouldn't be, but I am always so much more inspired to work on the next chapter after answering reviews. Part of it is just that it's nice to see the reviews, I am sure. But part of it too is that reviews get me thinking about what people are seeing and what I want them to see so I'm 'in gear' to think about the next chapter. Thanks again. :)
Brazgirl
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Joy amidst doubt
May I tell you it was a delightful chapter Elliska? A wonderful reading, very fluent... a delightful thing, indeed. I am so glad I follow this story, you have no idea. All that baby talk brought good memories to me. The little changes you are making in Thranduil's mood are so nice! I love the way he treats Lindomiel and his nephew. I love when he hits the table and startle his brother! That was so real for me, somthing I imagine him doing so! I hope to read more from Amglaur and Thranduil... I miss their quarrel! And talking about our favorite king, he will be kind of shocked when his nephew tells him people are conceiving because of him... hum... there is a difficult point for him. No creepy elves in the end but bad-mood Thranduil. I like it ;-)
Anyway, thanks for sharing your wonderful story with us Elliska!
Author's reply
Hi Brazgirl! I'm glad you liked the chapter. I like playing with Thranduil's mood. He must have a rough life with all his responsibilities but also a happy one because he has a loving family, so there is a lot to work with there. But I admit I get a kick out of him when he's angry (as long as his anger isn't directed at me!).
If the next chapter gets posted without too many changes, you will see some of Amglaur and Thranduil's interaction. They are just not friends! And also the creepy elves make another appearance.
Thank you so much for reviewing. I really love seeing what people think of each chapter and I appreciate so much people taking the time to review.
lwarren
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Changes
Why, that horsey hussy! Imagine flicking Aradunnon in the face with her tail! What a flirt, and easily tempted away with treats! Shame!! (I loved her! LOL)
So now Thranduil has been apprised of the possibility of elves treating with Easterlings! This would have to seriously tick him off! I like watching the meetings he has with his counselors - the way all contribute and the way Thranduil runs things - watching his mind work, and the temper fray! :-) The news was enough to put him in a fierce mood - he will definitely need Lindomiel to take his mind off traitorous elves (more steam seems to be called for!);-)
Dolgailon and Arthiel - (after a very interesting conversation between Dolgailon and Aradunnon). I meant to mention this maiden last review, but if you remember, I was having trouble keeping things in order *LOL* so I'll just say I really like her! She's funny (you are supposed to be on MY side) and she obviously loves her "friend" and she's not pushy...she says I would wait a season to be with you, no problemo...and even if there's peace, you'll still be a warrior, so what's up with that? See? She's blasted every doubt of his to bits, but still pats him on the arm and says 'think about it, ok?'. I like this girl. Give Dolgailon a little nudge; he needs a strong elleth by his side.
Thranduil's 'office' - I'm not sure why he argued about giving up his work space with his wife - you know she had him at hello! ;-) A nursery... (Thranduil was so funny)...already? She's only 2 weeks along...obviously he is not acquainted with the nesting tendencies of a breeding female. But he will be...oh yes, precioussss, he will be! And of course HIS office will be willingly offered up as the sacrificial space for baby Legolas!
The conversation between Lindomiel and Thranduil is very good on several different levels - he snapped at her and tries to make amends, she hears about the traitorous elves and tries to soothe him, he has a name picked out for the baby (ala Noldorin custom *snicker*) and she's plotting 101 different ways to seduce that name out of him *g*. But I liked where Thranduil is telling her he will try his best to leave the burdens of the realm in the throneroom and not bring them home to interfere with family/baby time. I've taught 9-year-olds since my firstborn (had 3) and I can tell you it is HARD to leave school at school and not transfer the frustrations of 20 children on to my own. My sympathies to the King! Also the idea of him taking up his art to help decorate - good idea, Lindomiel...art can be most therapeutic! All in all, a wonderful chapter, elliska! On to the next (and then I'm caught up for a time! Yay, me!) :-)
linda
Author's reply
Don't you love that horse! Making it a mare was French Pony's idea and I thought that was hilarious because the ladies do just rule this chapter. :)
I'm glad you like Arthiel. I think she knows how to handle Dolgailon. I can't imagine being super pushy would get anywhere with any elf and least of all Thranduil's family but she can definitely hold her own, she knows her own mind and now Dolgailon knows it too! I think they would work out as a couple if he'll give it a chance. Time will tell you if that is meant to be.
Poor Thranduil doesn't get the 'nesting' thing does he. Thankfully Lindomiel can handle him. And you're right--I really like showing them supporting each other. I definitely think that would be important for someone in his position and I think he would return the favor. They are a great couple. But I liked joking about the name/Noldorin custom. Couldn't resist that. I bet they had fun while she tried to convince him to tell and he tried to resist doing so. :)
I didn't know that you taught! Cool! I used to too. Adults. And I found that hard to leave it school. I can't imagine teaching children and having them. I can definitely see how you could easily transfer some of those frustrations.
I think the painting will be good for Thranduil. He needs a relaxing hobby. :)
Again--thanks for the reviews. It is so much fun to go to my email and see them.
lwarren
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 5: Bound by fate
I'm keeping this review short so I don't mix up the chapters again LOL!
The whole scene with Thranduil and Lindomiel coming in late and looking ridiculously pleased with themselves and the world was outstanding! I love Thranduil's relationship with his pesky, smart-aleck brother! They are good together and seem to balance each other nicely...when Thranduil is not contemplating the best way to skewer Arudannon (sp?) that is! :-)
Trial? What trial?
The whole last part with that mysterious trouble-making elf is really starting to scare me. She's up to no good, and drawing others in with her. Not good, not good at all. (BTW, you are really good at writing intrigue and politics!)
Great chapter!
linda
Author's reply
LOL! I thought that two people who just spent a marvelous night might appear a little ridiculous sitting around the family breakfast table the next morning. I couldn't resist doing that. I like Thranduil and Aradunnon too. I think a brother like that may make Thranduil want to skewer him sometimes (had a good laugh over that comment) but they love each other and are good for each other. Aradunnon helps Thranduil remember to have fun.
The part with the troublemaking elf is scary. She is very good at causing trouble and she has a lot of material to work with in a place like Mirkwood. Thranduil has trouble on his hands and he's only seen the tip of the iceberg. I'm glad you think the intrigue and politics come across ok. It is hard for me to tell if they are or not because I know the whole story with the troublemakers. It is hard for me to measure if that storyline is too heavy-handed or too confusing. So I appreciate the feedback.
Again, thanks so much for the reviews! It was just so much fun seeing all of them!
lwarren
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 4: Light against the Shadow
OOPS! It would appear I have jumped the gun on the trial and Dolgailon's attendance! It's in the next chapter, not this one! See!? I am reading each chapter, elliska, I just can't keep up with the reviews and now I'm mixing the chapters up! *sigh* Oh well, it was a great trial! :-)
linda
Author's reply
:D Do you honestly think I can keep up with what is in which chapter either?! Not a chance. I wouldn't have even noticed if you hadn't commented. :)
But I am glad you liked the trial. I had cut that part and then decided to put it back in against the advice of my beta. So it is quite a relief to me that people liked it.
Again, thanks for the reviews!
lwarren
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 4: Light against the Shadow
*sigh* I love this story! I wish I had time to sit down and write looonnng reviews and list all the little parts that make this so enjoyable, but RL and work interfere (how rude!) and so this will be fairly short.
I like Dolgailon - he has turned out to be a strong, steady warrior (rather strait-laced when compared to his Adar) but very likable. He did well representing the elves at the trial...I was very impressed with his thoughts on men and their justice and the trial in general. But he exceeded everything in this chapter, standing up to Thranduil the way he did...and so passionate about his feelings too! I was reading going - alright! go on, boy, tell him how it is! He did a wonderful job of presenting his arguments about training the younger elflings and made Thranduil stop and consider his own motives for saying no. The King's memories of the loss of all those family members, especially Ninglor, was chilling and so sad. No wonder he wants things to be different for his Silvan people.
The little elleth that runs the realm is charming! I loved it when she stole Thranduil's crown and appropriated it for her own necklace! Sweet little elfling! No wonder Lindomiel is pushing for a child of their own.
But now it seems she doesn't have to push any further - Thranduil has decided there is more than one way to defeat evil and darkness. So romantic (rather steamy, too, elliska!) and a perfect end to a great chapter :-)! I loved them laying together listening so carefully to the new lifesong they had created out of their love for each other! *sigh* Wonderful!
linda
Author's reply
I so agree with you that RL has deplorable manners when it comes to the important things in life like fanfiction! :-) You know you may be addicted to fanfiction when you actually spend time wondering if there is anyway to get paid for doing it. Sorry...work is driving me insane right now.
But seriously--It was so cool to open my email this morning and see all those reviews. I just love reviews and I know they are such a privilege to get so I am thrilled to read them whenever anyone has time to make one. So thank you.
I'm glad you like Dolgailon. I think for a young elf, he is impressing his elders with his ability to handle situations like that trial and Thranduil in council meetings. I think he has even surprised himself a few times. He is very different from his adar. He has seen different things in life--the sort of things Thranduil would not have wanted him to see given Thranduil's own background. I inlcuded those scenes from Thranduil's past to give an idea of what I picture as his fears for his children given his own life experiences. I think those types of things would have to have a long term impact on you. And they are pretty realistic fears given where he lives and will be raising his children now.
I am so glad you mentioned Eirienil. I liked that little scene too. Can't you just see a daughter wrapping Thranduil around her little finger! I can.
And I'm glad you liked the part where they finally conceive Legolas. :) I'm glad it came across as a little steamy. You'd want it to be a very joyful event. ;-) I liked them listening to the new song too. It would be a wonderful thing to be an elf and be that aware of the life around and within you.
Thanks you again for the reviews. Whenever you have time, I appreciate them!
The Karenator
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Joy amidst doubt
The conversation between Thranduil and Celonhael was nicely done. You captured Celonhael's anguish over desiring a child and knowing that desire is not particularly practical. But then, matters of the heart often aren't. I felt for him...and his wife...being surrounded by all the happy parents and parents to be. I like Thranduil's question to him about whether he would have had his first son even if he knew that he would lose him. Weighing the natural desires of the heart against the dark times they lived in made for a thought provoking scene. I really liked this scene.
I also found it interesting that other babies were on the way soon after the royal couple announced that they were expecting. Legolas will have lots of playmates! I was startled that Arthiel's parents are expecting too. That's sort of like finding out that your parents...do it.
Thranduil handled the village leaders beautifully. Boy, he had them shaking in their boots. I loved the way you portrayed Thranduil in this scene. He was strong, in control and very menacing. Not an elf to cross. And it didn't bother him a bit for the two elf leaders to think that he would execute them. Smart cookie.
I also liked the part during the council meeting when Aradunnon senses Amoneth's labor. Nicely played. Everyone went from serious to joyous.
And the sweet baby. Ah... I loved it when gruff old Engwe turned to mush. I bet Legolas wraps him around his little finger.
Wonderful chapter, elliska. I enjoyed every word of it. You continue to weave this story so well that I feel like I'm on a 'happy' ride. I'm looking forward to more.
Karen
Author's reply
Hi Karen!
First things first: That's sort of like finding out that your parents...do it.--That just cracked me up! I'm still giggling. Thanks!
I'm glad you liked the conversation with Celonhael. That part was in and out literally 50 times as a re-wrote this chapter the last week. It used to have a flashback in it to Celonhael's son's death and Oropher's but I decided to save that flashback for later. Then I thought about taking the whole scene out. But I left it because it kind of sums up some emotional things. I'm glad it was thought provoking regarding "desires of the heart vs dark times" because that is exactly the theme here but I can never tell if it comes across. :)
Yes, Legolas needs some playmates. I like everyone to have a lot of friends. Can't help it. :)
I think elven babies would just be able to rule the lives of the adults around them. LaCE says children are precious to elves and they could not be all that common either (else there would be way too many elves--they are immortal). So I think they would just dote on them.
Yeap, Thranduil was tough in that last scene. His advisors all have a little of the info. Celonhael knows they were followed out of Dale, but he doesn't know what was said during the Men's trial. Golwon knows he was sent off to question village leaders because of some Mannish accusation (which he probably thinks Thranduil doesn't trust) but he doesn't know Men tried to capture the Queen. Engwe knows Thranduil has been analyzing the invasions of the Easterlings (since Thranduil mentioned he did that with Engwe), but he doesn't know about the Men's accusations or that Men tried to capture Lindomiel. Dolgailon and Hallion are the only people other than Thranduil that have the whole picture. And Thranduil is no fool He knows the whole picture is scary. He wants to know what's behind it and he's willing to play some hardball to get his information. He's going to take this very seriously. But this is going to be a hard nut to crack.
Thanks so much for the reviews! Since I know the whole story (and so does my beta), it is very hard for me to measure how this is coming across. I really appreciate the feedback. It makes a big difference.
daw the minstrel
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Joy amidst doubt
Great! I just got home from a quick trip to see my son and I found this. You do a really nice job of mixing family concerns and the problems of a realm under shadow. Thranduil is very impressive in his dealings with the village leaders but I am worried about that "unjust" remark. Maybe Dolwon needs to see Thranduil in action in court.
Author's reply
I hope you had a fun trip! And I appreciate you taking the time to read as you are trying to get everything settled for the workweek to begin tomorrow. Sunday nights are always busy for me.
I'm glad it seemed like a good mix. This chapter has been 'remixed' more times this week than I can count. :) The unjust remark is scary. Thranduil sees it as a sign that these people are up to more than they are admitting (and he is correct about that) but he may not be taking it seriously enough. But Dolwon and Dannenion are going to have plenty of time in the capital to see Thranduil in action. They are in for a nice long stay.
Thanks so much for taking the time to review. It means a lot!
Bodkin
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Joy amidst doubt
Great chapter.
Baby production is definitely as infectious as measles. Amoneth should look at what she has started here - and either pat herself on the back / feel horrified, depending on the outcomes. Celonhael is right to be concerned - it sounds as if he and Ollwen are no spring chickens. I hope they check the possibilities with a healer specialising in older mothers before deciding to go ahead.
It was good to hear more of their families - and to hear Duinion and Ninglor spoken of shortly after their deaths might have been painful, but by this time it is probably good for their parents to hear them spoken of fondly and know that they are not forgotten.
I loved the distant Aradunnon unable to keep his attention on the council meeting - I'm glad that imminent fatherhood was a good enough excuse to divert his brother's wrath. And that Dieneryn dragged him from the meeting to attend his wife. (And that Thranduil kept his mind on the job and sent warriors to keep an eye on Dolwon and Dannenion and their villages.)
(Celonhael doesn't stand a chance of resisting his wife's pleas now that the little one has appeared.)
Dolgailon is dealing well with brotherhood - although he seems a little disconcerted at the dive of all the elves around him into parenthood. (I hope a fair number of them are planning on producing female babies or they're going to have a very skewed population.) And, like it or not, Crithad father of Arthiel, young elves are going to have to grow up to be warriors - that or die - they are going to have little choice in the matter.
Rather entertaining to see Amglaur arrive and watch Thranduil totting up the number of days remaining to Lindomiel's pregnancy - and think how long he might want to stay after the infant arrives. I just hope Thranduil and Lindomiel still manage to sneak away and spend quality time painting the nursery.
And back to business - a good bit of intimidating there, Thranduil. You managed to impress Dolwon and Dannenion - but they've been exposed to an insidious poison for a long time, and you're nowhere near the (what did FP call her) long-necked waterbird of sable plumage? Get ferreting, my lord king, if you want to protect your extended family.
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yes, I think when you see all your relatives with their precious little ones it is hard to resist yourself. And that is exactly what is happening here. Poor Celonhael. He was having trouble resisting before. Galithil really pushed him over the edge. But I think it would have to be a difficult thing to consider at their age.
I had fun making Aradunnon a bit of a flustered adar. And I have a lot of fun with Amglaur in the next chapter (I suspect Thranduil will be doing a lot of sneaking off in his own realm--poor guy). And I do think Dolgailon will make a good brother, even for his cousins. In truth though, I had a lot of trouble nailing down all the family reactions/emotions to all the new children. There was a lot going on here and it was tough to juggle.
Thranduil has a good deal of ferreting to do and you are quite right about the nasty influences he has to try to overcome. Thranduil is indeed no where near the Black Swan's league in that arena. She has some things working in her favor that Thranduil would never use even if he had them. As you will see.
Thank you so much for the reviews. This chapter and the next one stressed me out so the reviews mean especially a lot to me. :)
French Pony
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Joy amidst doubt
What really stood out for me in this chapter was the complexity of all the personalities that you show. The debates about the proper time to have children struck me as very real, especially in the tentative ways in which the participants talked. Sometimes they addressed the subject, sometimes they talked around it. And there was always the sense that there were events they weren't talking about which nevertheless informed their conversation in significant ways. Discussions about Amoneth's baby stand in for discussions about children killed at Dagorlad. It's very much the way real people talk, but it's so hard to capture in writing because so many of the cues are nonverbal. You really pulled it off, and I think it resulted in some of the best writing I've seen from you.
I also enjoyed the messiness of things. Babies don't quite come on time, expectant fathers get anxious and distracted -- but nevertheless, life goes on. The world does not take a break just so that a new baby can be born, and families must find ways to integrate birth and business.
Dolgailon took the birth of his brother very philosophically, I thought. He does not seem to mind having been dethroned. Or else it hasn't quite sunk in yet. But he's an adult, so he's probably more able to see the fun in a new baby than a kid who just sees competition for parental attention.
And the Elves are having a baby boom! Legolas will have lots of little playmates. It also looks like he'll be among the oldest of his cohort, so he'll have just that little bit of natural advantage. It'll really turn him into a leader.
Thranduil and the village leaders was a wonderful scene. He just played them like a flute. He's clearly done his homework, and he never gave up control of the situation for an instant. And he played the execution angle just convincingly enough. He's really learned the art of Kingship well, and he's at the top of his game. In five months, he'll be absolutely at the end of his rope as he realizes that he'll have to learn a whole new art of leadership.
Author's reply
Wow, FP, I am so happy. This chapter was a challenge to me for a variety of reasons. I have completely re-written it more times this week than I can tell you and I was really worried about it. I was going for exactly what you described so I am very glad it came off ok.
I also enjoyed the messiness of poor Aradunnon's experience. There were just so many suprises for him. It's a good thing that he is easy-going so he can bounce back. :)
Dolgailon is doing well now. It's easy to do well for the first three days as a sibling. His challenges are ahead of him. :) But I think he's ok with being a brother. He is secure in his place in the world. For now.
And I am so glad the scene with the village leaders seemed good to you. I really like that scene. I think Thranduil had complete control there and I'm glad you could see that. But you are exactly right--his world will turn up-side-down when he becomes a father. And I find that so much fun to contemplate. :)
Thanks so much for the review! As I said, this chapter stressed me out so I was so happy to see it turned out ok.
Brazgirl
· 29 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Changes
Finally I took some time to review, Elliska! I read the first part of the chapter yesterday and finished today! I so loved that part between Thranduil and Lindomiel! There are few people who can describe with such grace those simple things of life. And you did! Ah... could you be more mean? I envied Lindomiel when she took her husband's robes, and his shirt... that was good to read!
And Dolgailon and his maiden was so cute! Ah! I guess he will be entrapped soon! Father will be happy! And I believe uncle will be too.
Well... those elves in the end... they unnerve me! I want to spank that lady!!!
Author's reply
Yes, I loved writing that part with Lindomiel and Thranduil and I was jealous of her as well. :) I really like the thought of Thranduil and his wife together. He deserves it.
And the scene with Dolgailon was fun to write too. Poor, serious elf didn't really see that coming. As you said, everyone would be happy if they had heard that conversation.
Those elves at the end--they are definitely trouble and will be for a while. A little angst for Thranduil will be interesting too. :)
Thank you so much for the reviews. Believe me, I understand about not having much time. And these last two chapters have been super long so I know it's hard to find time to get all the way through them. So I very much appreciate you taking time to review. :)