Reviews (299)

emjo · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 6: Dale

humm the easterling thing should be interesting, and I love how protective Beliond is of Legolas. Just wanted to tell you I am so enjoying this story and very excited to see what you have in store for us all!

Manderly · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 6: Dale

What a colourful chapter! I felt like I was in Dale myself as you described the place so vividly. I had to laugh at Legolas' reaction. He was probably having a serious case of senses overload trying to take in everything at once. And his reaction to men's shortcomings were highly amusing - they can't tell time by themselves? (yes, we need our digital clocks and watches); juggling ball is considered a talent? (not all of us have elven reflexes). It was nice to see Beliond loosening up a bit. You keeping giving us glimpses of his colourful background. I am hoping that someday you will give us the whole picture. I am beginning to feel excitement building up. Hope to see the next chapter soon.

meckinock · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 6: Dale

Oh, Daw, what a fun chapter! Starting with the keepers' bonding session. For some reason I just love Maltanaur and Beliond together. Your descriptions of Dale were wonderful - from the visual layout to the smells and sounds and bustle of market day. The scene of the four elves making their way through the crowded streets was wonderfully vibrant and detailed. I loved - LOVED - how Beliond's grumpy admonishments about keeping a low profile got turned on their head - Beliond, the juggler! Who knew he had it in him? And Legolas's recollection of the time Eilian juggled six knives made me laugh. This chapter was just the best.

Karri · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 6: Dale

I agree with Beliond. I do not like this merchant. He seems awfully interested in Legolas, as though he recognizes him (or perhaps recognized the golden hair.)

lwarren · 26 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

That Sinnarn is enough to cause one serious case of heart failure! I wonder if it ever occurred to him just how close he came to being shot when he startled those men like that. He needs to learn to satisfy his curiosity in a somewhat safer way...I'm sure that the patrol guards would love to teach him, as soon as they start breathing again! LOL Ithilden was very composed, I thought, and I'm glad Alfirin decided this was one time things didn't need smoothing over...their son needs to realize what danger he put himself in. Of course, at his age, he's "not listening" at all! :-) I wonder if his daeradar is going to be as indulgent with his little escapade, given the rumors and trouble brewing with men and all. Yay!!! Legolas and Beliond ARE going with Eilian and Maltanaur. What FUN!!! I hope Legolas and Beliond find some way to connect. They are very tense with each other. Legolas seems to always be on the defensive...he expects Beliond to doubt his ability and reacts, whether Beliond does or not. And Beliond ...didn't he lose his son at Dagorlad? I think I read that in another story...if so, watching a youngster like Legolas would be so hard. He would want to be extra tough on him so he didn't make the same mistakes as his son did. That's sad...for both of them. Yes, a connection would be nice...Legolas needs to save everybody, including Beliond (SUPERLegolas!) or something dramatic...nah - it's never that easy. Half the fun will be watching them work out this relationship...which you are really good at, daw! Great chapter! On to Dale!

perelleth · 26 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Oh my! poor Sinnarn!!! I mean, he is a child, and the men were so frightened they could have even shot him...Sigh! What a shock for the child! ( and the elven warriors, yes...!!!)Anyway, being a kid is such a difficult task! ;-) Things you guess are innocent and fun suddenly turn out to be a potential disaster, a serious lecture from adar included!!! poor thing, he must be truly miserable!!! Anyway, I hope Ithilden remembers that a lot of explaining used to work wonders when LEgolas was that age, and that children cannot be ordered around just like warriors!!! He's doing well though, this wise Ithilden, still he canot avoid just being too much like his Adar!!! :-) So!! we're having that highly anticipated special patrol to Dale! I'm enjoying from this moment on! Shouldn't you warn the people there? ;-) Legolas is so fun with al that "all-grown-up-can-care for myself" attitude!!! It's so typical! I wonder what'd have Legolas thought had MAltanaur been his keeper. I'm sure he wouldn't have liked him better, even if he's so different from Beliond. The thing is he just has to learn to adjust to minor ( and great) inconveniences of life, and having Beliond at his back is kind of a good starter!!! I'm looking forward to next chapters. Things can be a bit tight in Dale if the Men are so nervous about the elves, and then, even Eilian's diplomacy and easy-going temper cannot be enough to uncover the evil plot! Mm I hope you give him a good chance to receive some praise from his Adar... ;-)

Alice · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Sinnarn's very much a woodelf sometimes. I love how throws out the fact that he wanted to talk to the men because his Adar said they were interesting. See Ithilden, he does listen to you. Selectively. Poor guy though. He just has the worst luck. While he definitely shouldn't have gone past the borders, Ithilden was being a bit harsh with him. I'm glad Alfirin's there to sort of soften Ithilden. I have to admit though, that Sinnarn's an elf after my own heart. Ooh, new species that's armed. Let's go talk to it! Have I mentioned how much I like Todith? He's a good captain. With gumption. Legolas is the obvious choice for a diplomacy mission with men. He's also the obvious choice to send on a mission with potential danger to get you in trouble with the king. I think this should be one of those times where the information is "too unimportant" to bother Ithilden or Thranduil with. Wouldn't want to take up their valueable time after all. :) I look forward to scenes with Beliond and Maltaunar by the way. They're very different, but they have the same exact job so no one's better able to understand it. Maybe Maltaunar can convince Beliond to loosen Legolas's reins a bit. I'm enjoying the banter also. I look forward to seeing more of it. So, good chapter. Let's hope that Thranduil finds out after the mission is over who Eilian's guards are and that Sinnarn and Ithilden get along better. Update soon!

White Wolf · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

I had to smile when Beliond told Legolas to wach his mouth. Beliond being a spy is intrguing. I bet there's a wealth of material there for a story all its own. Sinnarn, when he's done something wrong and must face Ithilden, reminded me of Legolas facing Thranduil under the same circumstances. Ouch. I'm looking forward to the Dale mission. That should be interesting.

meckinock · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

I can see why Legolas envies Eilian's and Beliond's easy relationship, Eilian's and Maltanaur's relationship, I mean...long day.

meckinock · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Oh, I just love a boys' camping trip. Especially with these four boys! Maltanaur is so great! He was getting too big a kick out of Beliond and Legolas squabbling. I can see why Legolas envies Eilian's and Beliond's easy relationship, while he struggles to assert himself with Beliond. Wonder what Beliond's spy missions were; that was an intriguing line of discussion. It is so good to see Legolas and Eilian together, though. They have such a warm and comfortable relationship. I can't wait to see what happens in Dale...

Antigone Q · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

I'll bet Legolas will enjoy his assignment with Eilian. Poor Sinnarn. He couldn't have done more exactly the wrong thing if he'd tried! And poor Ithilden and Alfirin! Talk about giving your parents a heart attack.

Antigone Q · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 3: A Warrior's Lot

Loved the glimpse of Ithilden as a youth. I can just see how the smart, sensible (very stubborn) kid who outwits you might be harder to deal with than the one who is goofing off all the time. And the scene with the glove was very touching, somehow. I'm sure Thranduil misses the ordinary moments, looking for gloves and straightening clothes. I was sorry that Alfirin didn't get her story - she asked so nicely, too. I will protest here on behalf of Foril. I know just what it is like to be continually partnered with "difficult" coworkers or be given the "irritating" clients because you're the one who won't blow up or walk off the job. It really isn't fair to Foril to be stuck with Tinar all the time. Someone else should have to be paired up with him once in a while. Hmm...strange behavior on behalf of the men. I can't guess what's going on. I wonder what will happen with Legolas' horse...

Ms. Whatsit · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

I fear that Legolas has a long time to wait before "Nana" starts treating him like an equal. Even Eilian and Maltanaur see him as someone young, to be protected. I wonder if Ithilden's treatment of Sinnarn--and fear of him becoming "self-indulgent"--has anything to do with Lorellin. It seems likely. Thranduil's treatement of Eilian had a lot to do with Eilian's frightening temperamental resemblance to Lorellin. Sinnarn is also cut from the same cloth--and I suspect that Ithilden, in his heart of hearts, often saw Lorellin as impulsive and self-indulgent, and maybe he even thinks that her death was due to her own self-indulgence. And so now that's giving him issues with Sinnarn.

Bodkin · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

OK, I should still be working, but it's 8 pm and I want to wallow in a world of elves. I love it when Eilian and Legolas get together - they are the two who are best at just being brothers, although Eilian does have moments of getting all protective and maternal. (Does he realise? I'd have thought he would have been horrified.) I'm glad to see Legolas has absorbed the need for cleanliness. It's a very important element of warriorhood. That and enduring Tinar. I'll bet Beliond is as sick as a pig. How can he keep his charge safe when surrounded by MEN. It will do him a lot of good to have some conversations with Maltanaur on the skills involved in keepering. I sense a touch of renegotiating of the L/B relationship. I hope it comes with Legolas being brave, sensible and open-minded - and maybe inserting a tiny wedge in Beliond's prejudices - rather than an equine-inspired disaster. Love Maltanaur's reminder of the dangwath incident. It's about time that Legolas and he got to know each other a little. (There seem to be a lot of stories here asking to be told.) Poor Sinnarn. What an unthinking, headstrong, impulsive wood-elf he is. He must drive his adar absolutely insane. After all, why would he ASK if he could go to see the eagles? Where would be the fun in that? Hasn't the elfling realised yet that when your adar is in charge of all the troops, you have no chance of getting away with stupid behaviour? Legolas would recognise the scenario. Lessons, training and confined to his room. And lucky to escape so easily. I don't think he'd have enjoyed being on the receiving end of one of those arrows. Of course, neither would the men - who would have quickly resembled porcupines. An incident that would definitely have worsened man/elf relations. Good thing Legolas was able to pass on the toy sellers worried to Eilian and back up Educ's words. “I am one of the guards here,” Legolas said dryly. “I am supposed to be insuring your safety, not the other way around.” Note it, big brother. The brat is there to look after you. And, hopefully, the keepers will have lots of interesting chats.

The Karenator · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

“I was up keeping the realm safe all night,” Legolas grinned back. I love this line. So droll and to the point. Legolas is doing his job. I'm sure I'm not alone in looking forward to this trip to Dale. The thing I enjoyed most in this chapter was how well you drew the contrast of relationships that the youngest sons have with their keepers. Maltanaur seems to have an easier-going personality than Beliond to start with, and he and Eilian don't seem to have had as much trouble negotiating a companionable relationship as Legolas has had trying to settle in with Beliond. From my perch in the tree, Beliond and Legolas struggle more because of both their personalities. Legolas is more serious--and sensitive--in his make-up than Eilian, and Legolas is more inclined to be offended by Beliond than Eilian probably ever was with Maltanaur. And Legolas has something to prove. So, he and Beliond end up like two huffy goats butting heads. What we have here, ma'am, is a personality clash. Neither one of them helps the situation. They have negotiated a relationship, and it's much better than it was, but Beliond still rubs Legolas wrong, like a burr in his boot. Finding out a little more information about Beliond would be interesting. He's been as stingy with us as he's been with Legolas. Perhaps he'd like to lie down on my couch and tell me about his childhood. Sinnarn, Sinnarn, Sinnarn. A typical teenager. Long on excuses and short on common sense. Fortunately, most kids grow out of this, and we just have to weather the ever-changing storms of moods and stupidity until they stop acting like blockheads. In the meantime, they have no idea how their lives hang in the balance with angry parents. Can't you just hear Ithilden's thoughts? He's the commander of the troops, fer cryin' out loud; he's used to being obeyed, btw, and this kid wants to be warrior. Adar is wondering how HIS kid could be such a moron. Of course, Ithilden loves him more than his own life and is awfully relieved that the kid is safe. Sinnarn's not a bad guy, he's just at a hormonally-challenged age, but this is HIS kid and he's a moron...at the moment; he'll grow out of it. I feel for Ithilden's desire to bang his head against the wall. Kind of makes you wonder what you were thinking when you decided to procreate. Fortunately, this too shall pass. Thranduil tried to warn him that boys were a great source of joy...and irritation. The king is smiling into his Dorwinion. I just love it, too. Ithilden thought he knew so much... Bless his heart. The commander is adorable. I'm sorry we didn't get to hear more of Ithilden and Alfirin's discussion. Ah, parenting the child with more bravado than brains. As the mother of a son past this age, reassure me that everyone survives, and the kid turns out to be more wonderful than you ever dreamed. And say it loud enough for Ithilden to hear. He's beginning to wonder. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to Dale. The big Elves can find out what's behind the rumors and hopefully, we'll get a chance to glimpse a little more of Beliond and his past, or at least, come to understand him better. An exciting trip, I'm sure it will be. Great chapter, Karen

thechevin · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Hope my half finished review does not post I blame my cat who sat on the computer mouse, the cat's name is Orlando by the way guess who he is named after As I was saying I am glad I guessed right but have to agree with Maltanaur that Thranduil will not be pleased to learn that both Eilian and Legolas are on their way to Dale It was interesting to see the different ways the two keeper's interact with their charges I think Maltanaur's ease has as much to do with his character and Eilian's as much as the extra time they have been together As for Legolas one more thing to remind him of his comparative youth but at leasr he is not in Sinnarn's boots he is really in trouble it seems and all for the best of reasons and of course the two travellers reappeared I really do not like them at all and hope our elves do not run into them in Dale although I guess they very well might thank you for another lovely update Judy

Bodkin · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

This isn't a review, because I don't have time to do it justice right now. It's just a passing thought. If Beliond (and other elves) dislike men because of Isildur's weakness in retaining the One Ring, how do they balance that against Feanor and his sons and their possessive greed for the Silmarils? All men bad / all elves good? Doesn't quite work. As generalisations never do.

Elemmíre · 24 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Thank you for another wonderful chapter! I've been re-reading all your stories, a few a night. They are all quite good, of course, but I can see the improvement between the first few & your latest! And your stories often provoke tasty dreams... ;) Now if only Eilian would stop running away from me... & I can't believe you almost killed him off! I'd forgotten about that. Then he had to go & get married. Maybe I should go back to adoring Legolas. That got a little off-track...anyways, I may not be much of a reviewer, but I never miss a chapter! I find myself constantly hopping on to see if you've updated...very bad habit. I am looking forward to the next chapter...Legolas & Eilian! I like Maltanaur & Beliond too–your OCs are exceptionally good. I can picture them so vividly! You capture each personality so well in words. Enough rambling. Keep writing. ;) One of your many adoring fans, Elemmíre

French Pony · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

From somewhere nearby, a robin warbled a three part song. A real robin, Legolas thought, That struck me as a potentially great opportunity for comedy -- maybe not in this particular story, but an opportunity nevertheless. Two Elf patrols, sneaking sneakily through the woods, both patrols are expecting a robin signal for something completely different, a real robin sings, and wacky hijinks ensue. I see Thranduil's army does have some small perks, like letting people sleep till they wake up. That probably leads to better soldiers in the long run, anyhow. Legolas seemed to require more sleep, a need that probably arose from the fact that he was still growing, Oh, you are such a mom. My mom always used to say that to me, generally on nights when something interesting was going on past my bedtime. although he rolled his eyes in annoyance whenever Beliond smugly pointed that out. Which is, of course, the traditional reply. And then the instant that Legolas is an inch taller than Beliond, he'll start rubbing that in Beliond's face. He stripped and waded in, flinching slightly at the temperature of the water, still frigid from the spring melt of snow in the mountains of Mirkwood. Bleh! I suppose that this little bit of unpleasantness is the price to pay for the privilege of sleeping in? I wonder why Elves always bathe directly in the rivers. It's a pretty vulnerable position to be in, not to mention with sharp rocks on the riverbed. Bucket baths would be safer, because you could have them in the camouflage of your flet, and one could still have one's nekkid-Elf-writing jollies anyway. “I grant you it has been a while,” Beliond said with a faint smile. “Let us keep it that way.” I bet Beliond is the kind of person who also says things like, "It could be worse. . . it could be raining." And then the heavens open. Legolas 'n' Eilian 'n' Beliond 'n' Maltanaur. Somehow, I don't think that's quite what Thranduil had in mind for this particular outing. What he doesn't know won't hurt him. The trick, of course, is a) making sure that there's nothing to know or, since a) is highly unlikely, b) making sure that Thranduil doesn't find out about whatever will happen. Too late for poor Sinnarn, of course. He does have a case -- a weak one, but a case. There was no way he could know about the issues that the Men and the Elves have been having because Ithilden has inherited Thranduil's habit of not communicating with his offspring and hasn't told him anything. I just realized. . . way back a few chapters ago, I was going to tell Alfirin how to cook parsnips real tasty, and I forgot. So, here goes: The Carol Parsnips. Peel and chop some parsnips into bite-size chunks. Put them in vegetable broth to which you have added some rosemary leaves and a bay leaf. Simmer either until tender or until you are done with three pages of research paper and remember that you have parsnips cooking, whichever comes first. Drain the parsnips and set them aside. Heat some olive oil with more rosemary and another bay leaf until it is warm but not smoking. Pour it over the parsnips (the hot oil will hiss, but don't let that stop you), salt and pepper them puppies, and toss so that the parsnips are dressed. Turn the whole mess out into a serving dish and make a nice wreath of bay and rosemary around it. This dish is in honor of The Parsnip Carol, which is the vegetarian (or kosher) version of The Boar's Head Carol, which begins, "The boar's head (or parsnip) in hand bear I / Bedecked with bays and rosemary."

esamen · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Oh, I am happy. Keeper action times TWO! This is great! I saw the contrast in relationships coming right away (aren't you proud of me, your clever reader) and I was in heaven the whole time I read it. "Legolas could hear Maltanaur chuckling softly as he started back to meet Eilian, leading their two horses. Clamping his mouth shut to avoid saying something he would regret, Legolas threw his pack across Tavor’s back and started after Maltanaur." Oh, yes. Legolas has a lot of growing up to do. Still pretty insecure, huh? "Legolas listened attentively as Maltanaur described Dale, but part of his mind was busy noticing the easy relationship between Eilian and his keeper. Beliond had told Legolas almost nothing about himself, and Legolas could not imagine his keeper saying he would take his cue from Legolas. He wondered how long it had taken before Maltanaur began treating Eilian as a friend, as an equal. And he wondered if he would ever be able to get Beliond to do that." Too funny. Legolas is trying to "get Beliond to do" something? Does that boy EVER have a long way to go. It seems to me that there's a long road for these two to travel before they get to the relationship they have in A Question of Duty. I am going to enjoy every chapter of the trip. And Sinnarn -- too cute -- oh, that boy is trouble on the run. Leads right into your Sinnarn of Tangled Web. You really have this universe organized! Do you keep it locked up in your closet, and take it out at night to play with? Or do you go look at it to see what your characters have done while you were gone? I just watched the film Troy, and I have to say that I have a really good idea now of what young Legolas looks like in leggings (heh). Happy travels with your warriors, Esamen

Karri · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Oi! Two Thranduilion on their way to Dale! I can't wait to see what comes of this. :-)

Karri · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 4: Taking on Responsibilities

Seeing Ithildin in his difficult age is too entertaining for words! :-D And Eilian on his way to Dale with eyes all alight...can't be good, but is sure to be a good read. ;-)

sofia · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

In a way I'm glad it was Ithilden who saw Sinnarn with the guard rather than Alfirin. Shock Legolas' tender ears... I love that line!

Nilmandra · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

My favorite part of this chapter really was the contrast in relationships between the brothers and their keepers. Maltanaur and Eilian have fallen into an easy comraderie, with Maltanaur not forgetting his position but respecting Eilian's abilities. Beliond is more elusive than Maltanaur - less friendly, mabye, and less likely to fall into friendship with you charge. Legolas does want what Eilian has, and wonders if he will get it. I do like the addition of the comment...poor Legolas, to be reminded of that, and yet it was also a great thought about the elves...in our lives, we would hope he would have retired by now, but no, they watch each other grow up and only physical death separates them! How different..not sure I would like that.

Jay of Lasgalen · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 5: Trust

Oh, my. Sinnarn, when will you learn? You are not the first in your family to learn the hard way about disobeying and exploring too far afield. Thank heavens those guards were there, or poor Sinnarn may have been stuck as full of pins as a hedgehog. I'm glad that Legolas is 'guarding' Eilian on this mission - though who is guarding whom is a moot point. There seems to be chance for lots of brotherly interaction, as well as fun with the minders. I look forward to the visit to Dale! Jay