Bodkin
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening Activities
I had this picture arrive of Eilian (the free spirit) being the totally indignant and angry captain at Beliond and Legolas (more for involving the brat than for endangering the mission) and then being silenced by Maltanaur's complete acceptance that OF COURSE that was what Beliond was going to do when sent among Men to keep his eyes open and find out what was going on. However grown-up Eilian and Legolas think they are, they are mewling kittens in the world of Elven intrigue.
That was quite a clever move of Legolas's - even if it does give Men the wrong idea about Elves and wind up the 'they're only here for our women' brigade - and just as clever a move from Belion, who has planted the idea that Legolas is his son in such a way that the bad Men won't even realise he did it. Especially since he acted in such a wrathfully paternal way. I'm glad that he has spotted that the elfling has climbed a couple of steps on his way to mature warriorhood - if he can remember that, it should ease their relationship considerably. As should Legolas's increased respect for his keeper's skills. Lock-picking can be an unexpectedly useful talent: Legolas should insist on lessons as his price for not letting word of this adventure reach his adar. Or perhaps not.
I'm not surprised the Easterlings turned out to be bad Men. Eilian should find the information useful if he can ever get past a) shouting at them for breaking and entering. (Or, if he is trying to keep it quiet, hissing at them.) And b) if he can convince Bram that the incriminating evidence was not planted by the Elves. If I were the bad Men, I think I might try to go for that argument - if they are on the verge of believing that all Elves are evil, then it shouldn't be too hard to make everyone think that they would do that sort of thing. As well as play with ladies of the night.
This was beautifully done - full of tension. I will have to reread it shortly, now I know they have, at least, got away from the spice shop. Out of the frying pan - now they are heading for the fire.
And Sinnarn. What can I say? Poor kid. He's a mass of roiling hormones, sure of nothing except that he doesn't want to be like his adar and his naneth's care is just too smothering and the whole world is NOT FAIR. It doesn't matter how reasonable everyone around him is being, he is going to want the exact opposite, just BECAUSE. He's not going to find it helpful to hear stories that prove that adults know best, but then, he's not going to find much else helpful either. At least he will avoid the defining event of his uncle Legolas's adolescence. Which can only be a good thing.
Author's reply
Have you been looking at my notes through the computer screen again???? LOL. There is a certain contradiction between Eilian the wild child and Eilian the captain, and Maltanaur probably does need to redeem himself in Beliond's eyes from his earlier treachery in saying they should stay at the inn. And Bram might indeed wonder if this evidence really came from the shop. And I doubt if he can read it himself. But Beliond is clever. :-)
Beliond was also worried about the men identifying Legolas and he took care of that quite nicely. He kind of pushed Legolas into doing something to slow the men because he stayed in the shop too long. I'm glad you thought that was tense. I was afraid it would be too boring because I had to describe stuff to make it at all real.
You certainly seem to know Sinnarn well! Poor thing. His parents are pretty determined that he's going to make it to adulthood in one piece and with a good idea of honor and a good amount of self-discipline. Sounds simple, but isn't.
LOTRFaith
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening Activities
laughed so hard at "He shuddered to think of what Thranduil’s reaction would be if he taught his youngest son to pick locks." lol!!! Now my mind is literally whirling with thoughts of other stories with Legolas picking locks. lol...
Author's reply
LOL. Now that sounds fun! I can imagine that too, and Legolas could just say, "Beliond told me how." That would leave Thranduil sputtering!
The Karenator
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening Activities
This chapter turned out to be quite exciting.
Oh my, poor Sinnarn. I get the heebiejeebies recalling those years when you knew you wanted something, but had no idea what it was. The one thing you did know was that your parents' sole existence was to ruin your life. Now, the shoe is on the other foot. I'm the life-ruiner. I thought you captured Sinnarn's confusion and longing very well. And you caught Ithilden's desire to understand his son well too. I felt bad for him when he was trying so hard. The whole conversation he was hanging by a thread to not say the wrong thing and cause Sinnarn to tune him out. This scene turned out really sweet.
And now to Dale where the Elves have entered a life of crime. Beliond turned out to be quite a little lock-picker. You did a great job of describing the shop and living quarters. And Beliond did a very thorough job of searching.
My favorite lines: “And you are part of it! One of us needs to go inside. I was searching buildings when your nurse was wiping dribble from your chin with your bib, so do not tell me that should be you. I will go, and I need a lookout, and you are it.” LOL! And you are it!
Legolas did well too. He was quick on his feet when the men turned up and even though he had protested loudly in the Inn that he had no interest in the human females, he seized that excuse fast enough. I wonder what the shop merchant thought. He was most likely rubbing his hands together with glee that he had more ammunition against the Elves...all the while Beliond was gaining his own ammunition against him.
The chapter turned out great. But tell Beliond that I think he does need to teach Legolas to pick locks. This is skill that might come in handy one day. You never know...
Lots of fun, Daw. I'm looking forward to what happens next.
Karen
Author's reply
I've really come to appreciate Ithilden through the last few stories. It worked like a charm to write about him more. He is so in control in the rest of his life, but with Alfirin and Sinnarn, who are most important to him, he's not. He loves this kid and has to watch him turn away. He has to because that's one way Sinnarn is declaring his independence and growing up. Sinnarn needs to remember the music he made with his parents, and still let that be part of his life, but he needs to make his own music. And in his future, there's Emmelin. Also some bad stuff about escaping Dwarves, but we won't go there.
I think Beliond is much funnier at a distance. I wouldn't want to be Legolas! The search was one of the moments we this non-descriptive writer hesitated. I didn't want to rush but man, surely this building is kind of boring? Anyway, as you know that scene was also rewritten. At first I had Legolas going inside too and most of it was from his POV, so then I had to change it all around, showing the same scene from Beliond's POV, and the inside of his head sounds quite different from Legolas's.
Legolas did do well and thought fast. We'll see how all this flies with Bram.
I think lockpicking might be essential!
Manderly
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening Activities
Another great chapter!
The pains of an adolescent and Sinnarn is getting it all. The immortal line of "I do not know what I want sometimes. I just want." That just about sums up those dreadful years of adolescent. My sympathy goes to Ithilden as I have two of my own and can so easily identify with his frustration of trying to get through to his son. I suppose the problem is compounded even more for both father and son as they are members of the Royal Family. Not a fun situation.
You certainly did not disappoint with the break-in scene. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and had to make a major effort not to jump ahead in my reading to see whether Beliond finds the incriminating evidence or not. And what he planned to do to Legolas if he disobeyed - "beat the snot out of him". I laughed so hard that I nearly fell out of my chair. I must remember to use that line on my daughters sometimes. Really has quite the ring to it.
Beliond must have been quite the undercover agent in his days, picking locks with such ease and knowing exactly how to search a place. And Legolas wanting to learn to pick locks! Thranduil's reaction to that would be priceless.
Legolas did very well as the lookout, especially that little act of a lusting young fool. Even Beliond was impressed and Beliond is certainly not one to be easily impressed.
"You are the limit, Beliond!" Another line that had me guffawing.
A very entertaining chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you, Manderly. Poor Sinnarn. I know he hurts, but I also feel badly for Ithilden who loves him and can't get through to him at all at this age. At least time cures it.
I actually looked up the word "snot" in the Oxford English Dictionary to be sure it was old enough to use in this story and it first turned up in written English in the 15th century. I was surprised. So it was fun to use. It was rough but not vulgar and since I was in Beliond's head, that was a fine line to tread!
Beliond and Legolas both had quite the night and it's not over yet. We'll see how Eilian reacts.
meckinock
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening Activities
It's always intriguing to see the family from Sinnarn's unique perspective. Dad is such a huge drag! Hehe. Sinnarn is a free spirit but no dummy - he doesn't miss a beat when it comes to the interpersonal relations of his relatives. Except I think it came as a surprise to him that his father was ever on the bad side of his grandfather! And poor Ithilden - it must be a shock to hear his own son scoff at the idea of duty, but he handled it very well! Good for him - he's following the Coaching Model (tm): Step 1: Be supportive. Stop me before I start quoting the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Elves...
Poor Legolas; well, someone has to watch the back door and it ain't gonna be Beliond! I was intrigued that Beliond actually realizes he's indulging his curiosity at the expense of his good sense and doing something he would have kicked Legolas's tail for! But obviously he is quite experienced in being sneaky. The interior of the spice shop was very well detailed. I never thought about what would be in a spice shop before. And Legolas proved he can think on his feet! I'm not sure if it's a warrior that Beliond is going to make out of him or a spy, but either way I think the old guy is suitably impressed for once. And this is DEFINITELY something that they need to leave out of the report!
Author's reply
Over the last few stories, I've really come to feel for Ithilden. I could just picture him loving his son and knowing the kid was irritated at him all the time and not knowing quite what to do about it except stick by his guns. And in the long run, I think that's right, except that it's painful just now. I think of Sinnarn as quite sharp. He's just not ready to settle down yet.
Beliond was definitely enjoying himself. He must really be bored a lot of the time he's guarding Legolas. And he has skills that Legolas is dying to learn but the old guy won't teach them to him!
The Karenator
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
Wow! The Inn sounds like a 'delightful' place: hot, stuffy and smelly. Yep, Beliond is not happy with the arrangements. But the young one is having a blast...while doing his job.
Great confrontation between keeper and 'cub'. Legolas seems to be finding his legs. He has a point; he's either a warrior or he's not. There's an inherent risk in choosing to be a warrior that not even Beliond can do anything about. Then there's the keeper's problems. I can't imagine he'd want to be the one who had to go back and tell Thranduil that he had let something happen to his 'baby'.
The lady of evening was a hoot. She was so obvious, yet sweet little Legolas had no idea that he had just been propositioned. If this woman had not frightened the wits out of Beliond just by her close proximity to his charge, then he would have probably found it rather amusing to see Legolas caught so off guard. Just drives his point home; Legolas doesn't know all there is to know. Still, Nana Bear doesn't care what you might want, don't be putting your hands on his cub.
Okay, we know now who is stirring up trouble in Dale for the Elves. I'm looking forward to finding out what's in it for the Easterlings. And I'm looking forward to finding out what's in the man's 'spice' wares.
Eilian and Bram are still dancing around one another. And the queen's joined in. Everyone is feeling out everyone else. I do have to say that I'm with Eilian about putting one's finger in the sauce. Considering the bathing habits of men, that would be a little disconcerting. But I guess it gives new meaning to 'finger-lickin' good'. Yuk.
The tension builds. Things are beginning to fall into place for something exciting to happen. I'm ready when you are for the next chapter.
Great fun as always, daw.
Carry on, Karen
Author's reply
Yeah, and besides Beliond's fears about having to tell Thranduil if anything happened to Legolas, there's his own history and the loss of his son. So he's not always rational in dealing with his charge. And then Legolas kind of provoked him too. It's almost irresistable to do it.
Beliond was a little amused by Legolas's reaction to the prostitute -- at least, once she had left he was amused. A prostitute is just so far from elven expectations that Legolas had no idea what he was facing. One of the things that I liked though is that his politeness (Thranduil did a good job there) and his own good intentions led him to behave well. Of course, it's a good thing that he didn't decide she needed to be escorted home. He might have gotten a big surprise.
I found that finger in the sauce thing at a site about medieval food. You weren't supposed to lick your finger though. That would be icky!
emjo
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
oh the prostitute thing cracked me up poor inocent Legolas. And Beliond was brilliant! This story just keeps getting better, can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Glad you like it, emjo. Legolas is a little at sea in a foreign culture, and he's been raised to be polite. The lady of the evening came was just not what was he was expecting!
White Wolf
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
The whole scene in the inn was great. I loved it when Legolas asked Beliond if he was going to let him be a warrior or not. I also loved Legolas's reaction to what Beliond told him the woman in the common room really wanted. :o)
Author's reply
The inn scene was fun to write once I got going on it. It took me a while because I wanted to try to develop Beliond and Legolas's relationship as well as play with the culture clash between men and elves. Poor Legolas. He was just lucky Beliond decided to take him at his word and not give him any sort of sex education lecture.
Karri
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
Oi! Legolas is feeling his oats a bit, isn't he? Beliond is being impressively patient, but I can't see that lasting much longer. Trouble is definitely looming. I hope for Legolas's sake some mischief find the Thranduilions, so that both Beliond and Legolas have a distraction to keep them occupied until tempers settle.
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas is ready to rebel a little and I think it's time. I know Beliond is right about certain things, but Legolas needs to speak up for himself too. Trouble find the sons of Thranduil? Surely not! :-)
Dot
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
You are an absolute legend, daw! I really needed some entertainment and boy did this fit the bill! My Dad’s been in hospital since Tuesday and between being there and being at work, I’ve barely had a moment to myself so this is a wonderful way to spend some of Sunday night. *snigger* Poor Legolas.
Ugh, I can just imagine how horrible the inn must have seemed to the two elves. That smell of onions will cling to those two if it was in the air, you know. They might want to find a large supply of water somewhere. Just one bed? Would they have to share? I suppose sharing was fairly common, though. I had to laugh at Legolas’ determination to make the best of things since he’s the one who landed them in this position.
The clash between Beliond and Legolas was written so fantastically well. I always end up agreeing with both of them! Legolas could be right that eating downstairs would be a good way to gauge the general feeling of the town, but then Beliond could be right that there’s no point in just sitting in the middle of a potentially volatile situation, especially when they know nothing about it. I really feel bad for Beliond, though, because the guy is just trying to do his job and seems to be losing any control he has over Legolas. Of course, Legolas probably feels that he isn’t looking for any more independence that the freedom to do what he is there to do. I cringed at that comment about Beliond not being his father, even though Legolas likely didn’t mean it as harshly as Beliond would have taken it. Did they have cotton wool back then, by the way??
Maltanaur and Eilian’s relationship is certainly an easier one and they’ve both achieved a sense of respect for each other that Beliond and Legolas have yet to develop, but I think Legolas is also seeing only the good parts. They’ve had a long time together, which certainly counts for something, but Maltanaur would still try to stop him doing anything he felt was stupid or dangerous.
Actually, Legolas is lucky he has Beliond with him here. At least Beliond is familiar with the way an inn is run, otherwise the two of them would have looked completely ignorant and probably be still waiting for their dinner.
LOL at the ale-tasting. If things weren’t so tense, Beliond could really enjoy himself. And that woman! I’m still laughing at the way Legolas automatically reached for his knife – at least he managed to stop himself before he put it to her throat! Try explaining that one to Eilian. And he was so polite to her! I didn’t realise at first that he didn’t know she was a prostitute so I did a double take at the part about not being “sidetracked into pleasantries with a woman.” You’re too funny, daw! And you write prostitutes very well! Legolas is not going to forget sitting in an inn while Beliond explained what she was doing. It must be incomprehensible to elves. No wonder it wouldn’t have occurred straight away to Legolas. And I’d personally have paid to listen to Beliond “explain further”.
That spice merchant definitely seems to be trouble. And he’s not even bothering to hide it really.
I thought Legolas handled the drunken men much better than he did Raena. The way the dwarf came to their rescue was priceless. I can believe that they don’t want to damage any trade relations either but the insult that left Legolas slightly puzzled was hilarious.
“A year or two perhaps, but his brother has lived here much longer. He is an assistant to one of the king’s advisors.” Ooh, that’s interesting. Certainly a way for rumours to reach the king’s ear anyway.
So Beliond and Legolas are about to break into a spice shop? I hope for both their sakes that this goes well. But I don’t know what the chances of that are. Oh well, at least they’re starting to compromise, I guess… ;-)
Eilian seems to be getting on fairly well. Thranduil has called the Woodland Realm Mirkwood before, I think, but I really like that Eilian is annoyed at how men see his home.
Bram does seem to know a lot about Thranduil’s council meetings, doesn’t he? Hmmn. If Thranduil uses spies, I suppose Bram probably does too. I don’t know how *men* would get far enough inside to find anything out, though. Even if they were disguised as toy-makers… You know, I had never thought about the fact that Eilian might be seen as not being fully in his father’s confidence when he was supposed to be representing the king. But he could make that work for him too because it would be less likely that he’d intentionally keep anything from Bram. It was a wise decision, I think, not to press Bram for more information. They need to build up some more trust. Still, it’s going well so far, and the queen will amuse him in the meantime.
I’m really looking forward to finding out how things go, though – and what’s happening with Sinnarn and co.?? :-)
Author's reply
I hope your father is feeling better, Dot. It seems to me you've had quite a few medical things in the last year or so. That's just draining.
I thought about the one bed thing and decided that sharing was probably more realistic. I know it seems really odd to us, but I don't think it would to them. And I'm glad you could see both sides in the argument between Beliond and Legolas. It seems to me that if you have two intelligent people, then there should be some point to both sides. The degree of control Beliond ever had over Legolas is a good question, I think. He doesn't have official command of him, but I've shown Maltanaur issuing orders to Eilian before, and Eilian obeys them. Legolas needs to see that, because he hasn't done so before.
I'm trying to decide if the fact that you think I write prostitutes well is a compliment or not! LOL. I'm like Legolas trying to decide if the dwarf had helped them or insulted them. Poor Legolas. He suffered enough. An explanation of the birds and the bees from Beliond would have killed him.
Legolas does well with the drunken men because that encounter is more in line with what he deals with as a warrior and has been trained for. He's calm about that and understands how to assess an opponent. Maldor would be proud of him!
I figured that men might know who goes to Thranduil's council meeting, but they're not going to know what went on there. That's inconceivable to me.
And I was just making notes about Sinnarn. He's bored in his room. We have to check in with him again, I think.
Alison H
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
I was reading this wonderful chapter again and then I checked out a couple of the reviews, which I love doing anyway--but I have a question.I am relatively new to fan fiction and I have noticed LACE appearing a few times in stories concerning elves.Could someone enlighten me? What does it mean?
Thanks
Ali.
Author's reply
LACE stands for "Laws and Customs of the Eldar," an essay that Tolkien wrote on elven marriage customs, sexual mores, naming and a bunch of other similar stuff. It appears in a volume of The History of Middle-Earth, a collection of materials that Tolkien's son, Christopher, put together after Tolkien died. The volume it's in is number 10, Morgoth's Ring. But there's an online version on the SoA Yahoo site. Go here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stories_of_arda/?yguid=134075656
And then look under "files."
Jay of Lasgalen
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
The room where they were to stay had one bed and one chair? Who was going to sleep where, I wonder? (Though Beliond probably wouldn't have slept at all. He'd be guarding.)
The scene with Raena was wonderfully funny, Daw. Poor Legolas - he seems so innocent, not knowing what she was after, but it's not that surprising for an elf. I like the dwarf's not-very-helpful comment: 'This one probably could not bed your woman if he wanted to.”
Legolas puzzled over that for a moment. The Dwarf had vouched for his truthfulness, but he felt vaguely and wrongly insulted.' *snort* Poor Legolas!
I wonder how Eilian would have reacted if she'd propositioned him?
Jay
Author's reply
Oh good. You asked about a detail I spent some time thinking about and assumed no one else would notice: the fact that the room had only one bed. I finally decided that that was more realistic that two beds. Historically, hotels in the American west sometimes rented out spaces in a bed, so a bunch of guys would wind up sleeping in one bed. I think they had a different sense of privacy and personal space than we have. And I thought that two bed would just seem too Hilton-ish.
I'm a LACE kind of writer, and I thought that Legolas's understanding of and expectations for sex would be so different than what men's were that, while he theoretically knows that prostitutes exist, it just wouldn't occur to him that that's what she was. And in that same vein, I have to reluctantly conclude that Eilian might have enjoyed a little cuddling but probably wouldn't have sex with her. (Geez. Do I sound like Bill Clinton?) I think he might be tempted. In my head, what LACE means is that elves have a rational control over their bodies that we lack, but Eilian is the most wood-elfish of my characters and, as Tolkien says, they're more dangerous and less wise. Still, I think that deep down, he's too in love with Celuwen to have sex with anyone else.
Ms. Whatsit
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
Heh. Poor innocent Legolas! This was a very funny chapter.
Legolas handled himself quite well, though, for someone who had no clue what was going on. And Beliond was hysterical as always.
Author's reply
Legolas did do well. I think his native courtesy let him handle himself well with the woman, and his experience as a warrior left him cool and sensible in facing the drunken men. And he's learning. :-)
thechevin
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
I really enjoyed this chapter of course this had something to do withthe fact thaty I knew that it would be a bad idea for Legolas to go to the inn and I was right! On this occasion my sympathies are definitely with Beliond who I am sure wishes he had grabbed Legolas by the back of the neck and run him out of there before the trouble erupted
This was so clever, Legolas wanting more experience but at every turn showing how little he understands of a man's world. Drinking ale, I am sure he can get a taste for it in say a thousand or so years, not knowing how to get a room or order food, as for his introduction to the 'lady of the night' that was a real gem did he need anymore explaining to him I think Beliond saying anymore would have been as embarrassing as having Thranduil do so.
Legolas has a point he is a warrior and eventually Beliond will have to let go of the reins a little but his keeper has the experience of what can happen to young warriors like his son and is following the king's instructions to keep his youngest child safe this is building up into a fascinating contest between the pair and I already wish Beliond had put his foot down and refused to take Legolas to the spice merchants only ill can come of it, Thranduil is going to be livid!
Thank you for giving so much pleasure through your writing
Judy
Author's reply
Legolas is in a cleft stick here. He needs to get more experience, and in a way, his ignorance shows that. But when he tries to get more experience, he runs into situations he doesn't understand and so can get into trouble. Beliond needs to let him do this stuff and watch his back while he does them. It's the only way that Legolas is going to learn.
But Beliond also has to be careful that nothing too bad happens. And his own son's fate warns him how bad that can be.
Still, I expect Legolas was glad that no further sex ed took place!
Nilmandra
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
I think the part that I enjoyed the most in the Legolas-Beliond squabbles is that you managed to make them both 'right'. Legolas does need to be allowed to act as a warrior and 'Nana' needs to quit hovering.....and Legolas really did need Beliond to get him out of some misunderstandings there!
Beliond going rigid when Legolas reminds him he is not his adar was telling of a reminder that not even adars can keep their sons safe all the time. Yet, Beliond was kind in not further embarrassing an innocent Legolas as to what the prostitute wanted!
Author's reply
Beliond has quite a delicate task, when you think of it. He has to keep Legolas safe and he has to be firm to do it. Legolas has to follow his orders sometimes. Eilian follows Maltanaur's sometimes -- orders of the "don't even think about it" kind. But Beliond also has to gradually let Legolas take over control of his own actions. And if he makes an error, he probably wants it to be on the side of being too careful. The results of being too loose could be disastrous.
And of course, Beliond has his personal history, which clouds his judgment to some degree.
perelleth
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
Oh, my! cross-cultural learning is such a difficult subject!!! The thing is, despite such experiences with men and dwarves (cheeky dwarves!) we get to see the same unprejudiced Legolas during the Quest...he's truly a very special person. The common room "arena" had the atmosphere of an old far-west movie, it was fun to read!.
The plot is getting dark enough, but I cannot help foreseeing more funny situations, such as these two caught up at the merchant's while they heatedly discuss their own duties and boundaries, and being brought to Bram, Eilian choking on his wine at the situation... NO! that would almost certainly cost the four of them a life long posting as Tinar's personal guard or something!!!!
Anyway, it's a curious thing that King Bram should have a southerner among his advisors... am I being prejudiced? Eilian is doing fine, I think, for the situation is quite tricky, and the signs are confusing...Maybe Thranduil and Ithilden did not think he would be considered a lesser messenger because he is not privy to the King's council, so men can now think the King is truly deceiving them... Oh my, I'm getting paranoid! it's been a bad bad week!!
Please, go on! the plot and the unfamiliar setting make it even more exciting than the rest!!!! :-)
Author's reply
Legolas was raised in one of the few areas of ME with Men, Elves, and Dwarves living near one another, so he could be less isolated than, say, the elves of Lothlorien were. I think of him as someone who is pretty open to other races, although Tolkien does show him as wary of dwarves at the start of the quest, so I try to make him happier with men than dwarves. I've given him several encounters with them so that he'll be ready not only for the quest, but even for the Battle of Five Armies.
LOL at being Tinar's personal guards! Surely not. Surely they can manage better than that.
The spice merchant's brother is an aide to an advisor, not an advisor, and he's an easterling, not a southerner. I wondered the same thing you did, but I thought a lot of men got driven into Dale and Esgaroth when the Balchoth were sweeping through the area south of those towns, so newcomers might eventually get accepted.
What Bram is doing is trying to figure out how much Eilian actually knows about Thranduil's plans. I think he's decided that Eilian is honest but he might worry that Eilian isn't really in his father's confidence.
Bodkin
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
How many time did Legolas blush in this one evening? It must have been quite an education for him - though not one that Thranduil was likely to have provided. It's probably as well that he had Beliond with him during his encounter with a lady of easy virtue - he would have been Very Surprised if he had agreed to walk her home.
Well, the Easterling definitely seems to be at the heart of the trouble. Winding up drunken men to challenge our heroes is not a good thing - but I am worried that using the opportunity to spy out the herb shop is not the wisest plan either. I hope Beliond's experience pulls them through this safely, with plenty of added respect for his talents from Legolas as a side effect. And that Legolas behaves with maturity and skill so that his keeper realises that he can be trusted to behave with some sense.
That inn must have been horribly smelly to the elves - and I was most amused by Legolas's reaction to ale. Which is tongue-curlingly disgusting on first exposure.
I'm glad to see Eilian's flirting skills are coming in handy. Perhaps, if he, Bram and the queen get past the dance, they might actually be able to say something valuable to each other. I hope Maltanaur has spotted the spice merchant's brother, while he is keeping an eye on his Thranduilion.
If the Thranduilionnath call their bodyguards 'keepers', what do the keepers call their charges?
Author's reply
LOL. If Legolas had accepted the walk home (the lady needs an escort to walk home in the dark, thinks Thranduil's gallant baby), he would have been very surprised indeed. But he had work to do and stuck to doing it. Beliond must have had a scary few seconds though.
The Adventure in the Herb Shop has yet to be written, but I'm hoping for some fun times.
I love your last question. Hm. I don't know what the keepers call their charges. Maybe a little keeper scene would be amusing sometime!
French Pony
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
What a delicious setup. Beliond and Legolas are heading out for a night of adventure and wacky hijinks while Eilian exchanges pleasant, witty, sophisticated banter with the King and Queen all night long. The Wood-elves as screwball comedy! Perhaps Katharine Hepburn could play the Queen. . .
Legolas certainly got himself an education in the few hours he spent in the inn, now didn't he. Cooking smells, unwashed bodies, ale, drunks and prostitution, all in one swell foop. Beliond seems to be perpetually hovering on the brink of a coronary. One can only imagine the fireworks if he'd been assigned to Eilian.
He and Legolas are going to need to sit down and work out their boundaries sooner or later. Thirty years, and they still haven't talked? Males! Beliond'll have to learn that Legolas's job involves a certain level of risk, and that he'll never completely be able to keep the kid out of the action. And Legolas will have to learn that Beliond can be a resource as well as a ball and chain.
Is Nithra (or whatever her name was; the little girl that Legolas was kidnapped with) still alive? Is this the town where she lives? It'd be amusing to run into her. . . she'd be solidly middle-aged by now, I think, probably with children, possibly grandchildren. The spice merchant, who seems to be bad news, but you never can tell, is already bringing back interesting flashbacks. What a shock for Legolas to see his darling little girl friend as a grandmother.
Author's reply
Yeah, things are popping in Dale. We'll see how it all works out. My outline for this next part is a bit sketchy. That tends to happen when I outline the story ahead of time (which I do). As I get to the later chapters, I find it's less detailed.
Beliond and Eilian would have been disastrous together. Clever Thanduil to give his second son into Maltanaur's keeping. But in Beliond he saw someone who had lost a son of his own and would protect Thranduil's baby with a ferocity that would scare away most enemies. Legolas and Beliond do need to negotiate a little. I think that Legolas's declaration of independence here will help.
Nithra lives in Esagarth, not Dale. I thought of her and Rodda too (he's the little boy in "Good Neighbors" and also lived in Esgaroth). She'd be in her 50s. Rodda would be older yet -- in his 60s probably. An encounter between Legolas and either one of them would really drive home the different time scales for men and elves, but I don't have any plans for that right now.
Alice
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
Oh, Eilian, flirting with the King's wife? Not a good move, boy. Though nice try with the weeding of information. Interesting tidbit indeed. One hopes that Bram knows this only through merchants' loose lips gaining knowledge from elvish gossip. I pity the poor spy otherwise.
Well, look who finally asserted his rights. Right on Legolas! Beliond needed to be told. Which he's graceful enough to know, if not graceful enough to not look at men like they're orcs. (sigh) I love Beliond and all, but he's not someone I would want to be aquainted with.
That scene with the scarlet woman was really funny. (snicker) Poor sheltered Legolas. I think Beliond should so totally use this information to blackmail him though. Because they would never, ever shut up about it.
I liked how the dwarves helped out the elves. Granted, they threw in an insult, but it was good of them nonetheless. Beliond's still suspicious though. He's just going to loooove Gimli. Poor Beliond. He lets Legolas loose for an adventure and what does he do? Brings home a dwarf, falls in with men and hobbits, and decides that a change of address is necessary.
Anyway, I look forward to the next chapter. The Inn scene was wonderfully set up by the way. Update soon!
Author's reply
Eilian is just making friends, like he always does. :-) He'd be cautious around any married woman, I think, but he certainly enjoys female company.
I so agree about Legolas. He needed to assert himself. It was the only way things were going to change. He couldn't expect other people to hand him his independence. On the other hand, he does need Beliond, if only to explain what's going on in the common room. LOL. Legolas knows about sex. But he thinks about it like an elf and men are just foreign and strange.
I suspect that Beliond and Gimli might clash strongly. Should make for an interesting time in Ithilien.
Glad you liked it, Alice.
Manderly
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
OMG! I just realized that I spelled Eilian's name wrong. What was I thinking of? (gives wrist a big slap). I must have been laughing too hard. My apologies!
Author's reply
He forgives you. He sends you a nice kiss.
Manderly
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
I hope you had as much fun writing this chapter as I did in reading it. The giggles were bubbling up quite uncontrollably throughout. Poor Legolas. I don't suppose it was quite the way that he wished to be introduced to the coarser ways of Men. You've really captured his endearing innocence and unworldly ways, everything from ordering the food, his reaction to the ale and (oh, major giggles) his encounter with the soliciting female (and what the dwarf said!). His line of vision when the woman stood by him and the subsequent blushing (the giggles are starting again) - priceless. Even Beliond cracked his impassive mask at that scene. The evil part of me wants Eliond to find out about this incident - his teasing would no doubt be hilarious. Thranduil's reaction to his baby's encounters would be priceless as well, if he ever finds out.
So the two elves are off to break into the spice shop. I will hold my breath for the next chapter.
Author's reply
You're so mean to poor Legolas! I can't let Eilian know about this. He'd be on Legolas forever and ever!
Legolas was experiencing a little culture shock, but in the long run, it'll make him better able to function in places like Minas Tirith. :-)
Elena Tiriel
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
Well, that's quite some pub Legolas and Beliond visited... What's it called, Ye Olde Tipples & Nipples?
- Barbara, enjoying this story tremendously...
Author's reply
LOLOL. That's clever. Legolas's education was certainly added to, although I suppose not as much as it might have been if he'd accepted the invitation to go for a walk with the lady of the evening.
Glad you like it.
Sofia
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
For some reason I think Legolas and Beliond will get caught or find something shocking.
-sofia
Author's reply
Well either of those options would be fun! :-)
Brazgirl
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
That scene with Legolas and the woman was too much fun. Beliond certainly wnated to tell more... he wanted to give Legolas a lesson! Very nice, Daw!
Those men were so typical! They need to drink to gather courage to speak. The whole interaction was very nice. I think that mechant was making people's mind in that inn... I wonder what Beliond was up to. Really, I laughed so hard when the woman touched his nose!
It happens to me that Eilian wants to charm the queen... I am sure he will succeed.That was not good to hear about the king of Dale speak about Thranduil's court like that... seems that something is going on there. Excellent chapter.
Author's reply
LOL. Legolas knows about the birds and the bees. He's had girlfriends. And he knows that men use prostitutes (which puzzles elves) but it just didn't occur to him that that's what this woman was. In truth, I think even human males may not recognize a prostitute the first time they lay eyes on one.
The merchant is up to something, and Legolas and Beliond are off to find out what it is. They hope. :-)
Glad you liked it, Brazgirl.
esamen
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Dining in Dale
I laughed SO HARD that my dog got upset . . . that has got to be the funniest chapter you've ever written. Legolas tussling with Beliond (poor Beliond, no more choice with this young warrior than before--that was a somber note) . . learning how to order food . . . tasting nasty ale . . . fending off random women . . . and the Dwarf's comment about Elves' interest in sex, or lack thereof, being both a relief and an insult at the same time! How do you come up with this stuff?
You are drawing the Legolas-Beliond dynamic beautifully. Their weaknesses come into play under stress . . . and yet they really do love each other, silly male things that they both are. Will they ever admit it?
And Eilian is just being himself and doing a super job at everything. Some things never change. I love watching him eat dinner and charm the queen.
This is a wonderful visit! I want it to last forever! I can't wait to find out about the nasty spice keeper. And compare more about keeper relationships. What does Eilian say to the random women? Will we get a chance to find out?
Thanks for a great read! Update soon!
Esamen
Author's reply
My apologies to your dog! I'm glad you found poor Legolas's troubles amusing, Esamen. He's such a sweetie and he's been raised to be polite, but he's in another culture and is a little bit at sea.
I'm interested in Legolas and Beliond and how hard it must be to make that relationship work, given personalities, their personal histories, and the stress they live under. I think Legolas is trying to declare independence and that's probably good, but he also needs to understand Beliond a little more. I'll have to see what I can do for them.
Eilian is staying away from random women on this trip. He has work to do! And at bottom, he's an elf, so he's got pretty control over his libido anyway.
I'm having some fun with this visit, so I'm glad you are too.