Reviews (175)

Author's reply

You're so sweet. Thank you. I know I go back and reread some of my favorite stories from time to time, but to have someone do that with mine is just so exciting. I have a story about Aldamir and Elenna in rough draft, but I've not been able to work on it much for quite a while. Family responsibilities have kept me pretty busy for the last several years and at the moment, I'm way behind on everything due to those responsibilities. But soon, I hope, life will calm down and I'll have time to clean that story and several others up to post. I promise to try. How soon that'll be, I'm not sure, but I'll make an effort to get at least the one about Aldamir and Elenna done this Fall. Thank you again, Moonshine. You're a good egg!

Author's reply

Thanks TNT2B2. I'm working on it! Unfortunately, I'm a little slow. But I'm plugging away. :>) Karen

Author's reply

well, you see there was this HUGE spider infestation in my backyard and one of the blasted things ATE my homework... *snort* Daeron says not to believe a word of it. He'd know if spiders were within a hundred leagues. Now get out your quill and get crackin'! You do not want to be summoned by the king.

Author's reply

I'm a real ElvenKing fan too. In this chapter, I let him be the last word since his word is final anyway. :>) Those spiders were something to hate! I can't imagine. Spiders the size of Volkswagens must have been scary...and disgusting. I keep wanting to come up with a giant can of Raid to spray them with, but Tolkien didn't mention any methods of extermination other than the sword and bow. I even let Tree mention that he first thought the dead spiders were from some kind of poison, but he knew of no such thing. Gosh, I wanted to send a kingly summon to Orkin. The queen wanted the king to have a moment to himself and he spent it thinking about everything that had happened and the people he loved. Poor Thranduil understands all too well the guilt that comes from being in command and something going horribly wrong. Oropher dying was tough, but Tarondor's death was the result of Thranduil's decision. He's loved and cared for Tarondor's sons, but there will be great rejoicing when Tarondor sees his family again. I'd like to see the look on his face as well. Lalaith has been a good mate for Thranduil. She knew him before he was king and so she's not quite as impressed with the title as most. But she's very impressed by him. She's always been in love with him. He was a little slower coming around. Something happen to her? Why, Linda...I know of no such thing happening. You never know what the future holds, but no one has mentioned to me that she won't be at Thranduil's side when they finally take their leave of ME and sail west. And I believe that Thranduil sailed. I know he loved the woods, but I've always thought he was wise enough to know when to say good bye. And we know Legolas went and Oropher was there or would be eventually. I just can't imagine that family being there wouldn't be a huge draw. The bonds we share with the people we love are stronger than even our love for land. I can't imagine he stayed and simply faded from grief when there was happiness to be had with his family in Aman. So...that's my thinking...today. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the sparring match. I had a great time visualizing it myself. Putting Thranduil in the woods armed is something I love to do at every opportunity. He's a warrior. I think he misses getting to be one. The king was happy wielding a sword, but nothing made him happier than seeing his sons getting back on their feet. Legolas was well and ready to charge off into his adolescent world and Aldamir was laughing again. What more could a father want? Thanks so much for staying with me throughout this tale. It was a pleasure for me to write and knowing that someone enjoyed reading it is beyond my wildest dreams. I'm very grateful for your kind support. What's next? I'm working on it...I'm working on it. Not that I mean to be pesky either, but shouldn't we be hearing from you soon? Thanks again, Karen

Author's reply

End-of-school-itis? We're suffering that around here as well. So much is going on that I rarely know if I'm coming or going. I'm always glad to see you no matter when you arrive. Aldamir was just beginning to feel a little better when he got home and had to wield his position against three novices--two of whom were kin. That's got to be uncomfortable. Belas is a special case. He will either shape up or ship out. We'll probably see Belas again, but I don't know exactly when. I think he'll be around Aldamir's office for a while. We might get a glimpse of him down the road while he swabs the decks. Aldamir ended up giving Legolas the same advice as his adar had just given him. Funny how much easier it is to offer words of wisdom than it is to actually put them into practice. He and Legolas are both pondering doing the 'right' thing. I read an article a while back about food in the Middle Ages. Apparently the meals were quite elaborate. The cooks often did sculptures and would even cook something and then stuff it back into its skin...like peacocks. Yuk! Anyway, I thought that the artist in the cook would want to come out occasionally. I don't think the cook meant for his turtle to 'bleed', but trust Seregon to note that the sauce resembled blood oozing from the meat pastry. Aldamir was looking for a little time to simply sort out his thought when he went for the walk. He didn't anticipate seeing Elenna. He was just thinking and letting himself be 'one' with the woods. He couldn't help but remember what about these woods had captured his love and attention for as long as he could remember. He truly belongs there. When he found Elenna, he wasn't sure that he wanted to delve back into all the problems again, but she was so sincere and she said the right thing when she told him that he was the one person she cared most about. That opened the door for him to be more honest. They both need some time to sort themselves out. They really did move far too fast in the beginning of the relationship. If there had been no Calith, then everything would have probably progressed smoothly. But Calith was an indication of why it's prudent to be a little more cautious when getting to know someone. They're both young, but Elenna had gotten a little overconfident in her 'gift' and thought she knew more than she did. This has been a humbling experience for her. When she gains control of her insights and learns to trust them, she'll be a formidable ally or foe one day. She'll be the kind of partner the heir to the throne should have. She and Lalaith together will wield an insight that will be noteworthy. I'm glad that you liked Thranduil's memories of holding Aldamir for the first time. I imagine the king was similarly awed by the other two sons when he first held them as well. Thranduil is a good king and puts the realm about personal interest, but I think he's wise enough to know that his role as father is equally as important and he's unashamed that he puts his family's well-being right up at the top of his list of importance. Thank you so much for your review. I'm working on another story. I'm still trying to work out the details of how it will go, but I'm plodding away. So far, it keeps getting longer and longer. If I don't get control of this thing, it'll be of epic proportion! Oh Eru...that would not be good! Thanks again, Karen

Author's reply

Welcome! Thank you so much for going to the trouble of coming over here to review. I, of course, like SoA's review function much better than ff.net because I can reply! Ff.net, I'm told, frowns on replying to reviews at the end of a chapter. Seems kind of rude to me to not reply when someone has been kind enough to review! And I truly appreciate each and every one of your reviews. I'm so glad you got a chuckle out of Thranduil realizing that his adolescent son would be grossed out by seeing his parents being affectionate. Legolas is at the age where he'd like to kiss a maiden, but he sure doesn't want to watch his parents being all mushy. I enjoyed doing the sparring scene. I love to put a weapon in Thranduil's hand. He doesn't get to do that kind of thing very often. He was thrilled! I had a hard time deciding who would win, but Aldamir didn't feel it appropriate for him to best the king in full view of his subjects. That's his story anyway and he's sticking to it. You're absolutely right that the sound of a child's laughter is music to a parent's ears. Aldamir had a tough go of it in this story and Thranduil was worried about him. Hearing Aldamir laugh was a huge relief and a blessing for the king. I'm playing around now with what I'll write next. And if things go the way I think they will, Erelas will get to be a major part of it. He feels rather neglected at the moment. Thank you so much for all your kind reviews. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. It's always a treat for me to hear from you. Karen

Author's reply

Thanks, Nilmandra. I appreciate you staying with me through this story. Thranduil wanted to have his say and it was a bit reflective. He's got a lot of experience under the belt and I think he would be thoughtful about how to deal with sons and nutty villagers. He even has experience to draw on that helps him understand what Aldamir and Elenna are going through. I'm glad you enjoyed the little glimpse into their romance. What could I do? I couldn't let the woodland king get trounced in front of his subjects. Aldamir didn't mind too much. This is another area where the king is quite experienced. I think the old boy enjoyed working up a sweat. And Aldamir enjoyed the opportunity to spar with his father. I doubt they get to do that very often. Thank you so much for all your support and kind reviews. I had fun doing this and I learned a lot about my characters. I don't know what I'll do next. I'm thinking.... Karen

Author's reply

Elliska! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get to my review replies. My phone has rung off the hook. I keep having to sign back into SoA to do each one because so much time elapses between starting and finishing each reply. I'm glad that you liked Thranduil's perspective. He was mulling over the events and trying to put them in a proper light. Fortunately, he's been around the block a few times and has that experience under his belt. Of course, his experience as a father hasn't made him less worried about his sons. Perhaps it's his experience that makes him worry. His losses have been great and he knows how quickly things can go wrong. But there's only so much a parent can do and still have functional children to send out into the world. He has to rely on his sons to do the right thing and pray that this will be enough. Poor guy. I can't imagine how hard it is for parents to send their children into dangerous situations. He knows he has to allow them to think on their own and to fail on their own, but it ain't easy. I have Thranduil and Lalaith's backstory all worked out in my head. I might even take a crack at telling it one day, but I'm afraid no one would be interested but me. I'd have to come up with a way to tell it that wouldn't put everyone to sleep. That's a challenge! I could see Thranduil's eyes glaze over when Lalaith was musing over what color she wanted her gown to be. She knows he's no more interested in such things that he is in redecorating the dining room, but she gets a kick out of yanking his chain occasionally. Can't let the king think that he's exempt from his husbandly duties! Her eyes probably glaze over when he starts talking about how big the deer he bagged antlers were. Marriage. You just smile and nod. I love Warrior! Thranduil and take every opportunity I can find to put a weapon in his hands. He might have bested Aldamir in this case, but the kid knew that his father was on that field because he's loved. Aldamir didn't mind too much. He'd been much more annoyed if Seregon had beat him! Thank you so much for sticking with me for this story. I've enjoyed writing it and I've really enjoyed your reviews. Doing each chapter from a different character's perspective was an interesting experiment. I did it to learn more about each character and I think I know them a little better now. I'm glad I didn't bore you to death. I think I'll try third-person as soon as I can get up the courage. Thanks again! Karen

Author's reply

Thranduil did have a philosophical moment here. As ruler, he's in the position where he has to think carefully and analytically about what happens and how he'll deal with it. He's also got the experience of thousands of years behind him to draw on when he looks at the nature of elves, men, dwarves...groundhogs. He's been around the block a few times. I suppose I'm fortunate that my teenage sons are still pretty easy to be around. They're big boys...17 and 19...but they both still sit down and yak with me, both still hug and kiss me whenever they come in or go out and will be seen in public with me. That's not to say that we don't have our moments, but for the most part, we've never gone through the stage where they're embarrassed to be seen with us. I, however, recall being mortified by my parents. If my boys are in fear of death by embarrassment, they handle it well. They both have personalities where they're just easy going in that respect, I guess. BUT! All that said, I don't think any teenager would be thrilled to have to spent too much time in the company of their parents when there are better companions to be had. Two things are work where Legolas is concerned, I think. For one, he has a rather responsible but easy-going personality. And two, he's used to having to have his parents' permission to leave their presence. He resigned himself quickly to doing what was required of him and then found that he enjoyed the quiet moment with his father. Adolescence is often a time with wide swings of independence and dependence and Legolas was swinging along at that moment. But you're right that Legolas doesn't make a habit of hanging around when his parents get all mushy. I figured it was easier to let Thranduil win the bout. Aldamir didn't mind too much. Besides, he'd probably feel worse if he bested his king in full view of his subjects! :>) Both father and son fought hard, but in the end, they were playing and Thranduil's experience won out. But if we let them have another go at it, I don't think Aldamir would allow his father the chance to trip him again. Live and learn. Thank you so much for your support and the wonderful reviews. I've enjoyed each and every one of them. You have such a fun and very thoughtful perspective. Karen

Author's reply

Hey Dot, What a great review! I have mixed feelings about this story being over. I think I even procrastinated a little in getting up the last chapter because it's kind of sad to say goodbye, but there was also a sigh of relief when I finally posted it. I guess I'm sharing Thranduil's feelings about seeing both sides of 'our baby' and being torn. The king was rather reflective. His age, experience, and position probably lends for him to do a lot of reflecting about what goes on. So much depends on what he thinks. And so much of what he has to rule on and direct involves personal feelings that I would hope that he would think seriously about what goes on in his realm. But sometimes, such inner thoughts can get awfully boring for a reader. I hope he didn't beat you to death with his mental wanderings. Being a parent is often a bevy of conflicting emotions. On one hand, you want your children to grow up to be good caring individuals who make good decisions and on the other hand, you hate to see the child lose their innocence. You're absolutely right that it's hard for Thranduil to surrender control, but there are some things that are simply outside his ability to direct. He's trying to acknowledge his limitations, but it ain't easy! I have this whole backstory in my mind about Thranduil and Lalaith early life. She was a firecracker of an elleth and set her sights on Thranduil when she was very young. He was a little slower in coming around to seeing things her way. Actually, I see a parallel between the queen and Elenna. Unbeknownst to him, Aldamir has fallen in love with a girl very much like his own mother...not in a yukky way, but in a way that sets Elenna up for being the kind of elleth that could be an effective and loved queen in her own right if it ever came to that. The males of Oropher's line are very duty oriented and they tend to draw women who are strong enough to challenge them, support them and not be eaten alive by such forceful male personalities. Elenna is a version of possibly the way Lalaith was at her age...similar personality traits and gifts. I've considered writing the story of Thranduil and Lalaith's earlier life and their courtship, but I'm not sure that it wouldn't bore everyone to tears. I could be the only one interested in how Oropher came to the Greenwood and when Thranduil noticed that Lalaith wasn't a little girl anymore. Thranduil loves Seregon and Daeron like his own. He feels responsible for their father's death and has really tried to be a father figure for them without encroaching into Noreth's territory as their true parent. Of course, Seregon was grown when his father died--protecting him--so he's needed less fatherly guidance than Daeron, but I think Seregon knows that his uncle is always there for him if he needs him. Thranduil is proud of both Tarondor's sons and eagerly awaits the time when his old friend will see how wonderful his sons have turned out. Legolas was ready to fly off and hang out with his buds, but since that wasn't going to happen right off the bat, and might not happen at all if he didn't settle down and hang with dad for a few minutes, he figured he could handle it. Besides, I think Legolas is a happy kid for the most part--rolls with the punches--and does treasure the time he gets to spend with Ada. The king's a busy guy. Even though Legolas was fine for a short time with Ada, I don't think he would have been very happy if he had had to sit there all day. Seregon was a little disappointed that he didn't get to spar, but he was thrilled to see the king in action too. And the author would have had a hard time deciding who would have won a bout between Seregon and Aldamir. It was much easier to let Thranduil win. Besides, I love Warrior! Thranduil. I still get goosebumps when I think of the king dressed and armed as a woodland warrior in 'Serious Trouble' and riding out into the woods in search of his son and nephew. And I wrote it! How pathetic is that? I can't resist any chance to put a weapon in the king's hand. You're absolutely right that Thranduil and Aldamir both needed a little 'playtime'. Thank you so much for the kind comments about the POV. I've always liked first-person in printed works, but I have to admit that I don't usually seek them out either. I didn't even realize how drawn I was to them until I started naming off all my favorite novels on some meme or another. I love rambling around in characters' heads, but first-person can be tricky. People either love this POV or hate it. I'm so pleased that you were willing to give my story a try and I'm even more pleased that you enjoyed it. That means a lot to me. Go on...give it a try yourself. :>) It really is fun to see everyone's deepest, darkest secrets! I've not decided yet what I'll do next. I'm playing around with some ideas. I'd like to try third-person, but that terrifies me! I awed by how well those of you who write it do and I'm afraid that I'd fall flat on my face. Thank you so much for your support and reviews throughout this story. Your reviews are wonderful and such fun for me to read. Thanks again. Karen

Author's reply

LOL! You certainly know how to make a girl feel good. Daeron is always a little antsy to tell his side of every story so I'm sure he'll want to get his two cents worth in soon. I've not decided what I'll write next, but I have some outlines done. One of them has Daeron's first kiss with Flouncy. That would be fun. I like the idea of exploring the queen a little more too. She's just had a supporting role so far. Erelas feels a little slighted too. Yep, the queen booted the king out the door so she could get done what she needed to do so she could go to the games. I could just imagine that Thranduil had not scheduled much for that morning and was probably under her feet. She couldn't get anything done until she shooed him out of the palace. Adolescence is such a funny time. One day the kid thinks he's all grown up and the next day, he wants to be a kid. Pretty wishy-washy time. Legolas did have plans to scoot off and be with his friends and was most surprised when he ended up keeping Adar company. The poor kid not only had to honor his father, but his king wanted his presence too. And he's well trained to obey...unless he doesn't think anyone is watching. But you're right; Thranduil knew that his time with his last child was passing quickly. As a parent, he wants Legolas to grow up to be a good, responsible adult, but he also cherishes the time he has left to enjoy Legolas's youth. Thranduil's been around for quite a while and probably felt like he had seen it all. The villagers breeding spiders even shocked him. I'm sure that in his book, this kind of thing was irresponsible. Well...mine too. Thranduil has looked after Tarondor's sons and wife well. They're family. I hope Thranduil gets to see the look on Tarondor's face too when he sees his sons again. Daeron was just a baby when his father died, so that would be a nice meeting to see. Challenging Aldamir was sort of an impulse for Thranduil and I doubt he's given to too many of those. But what a fun one. Aldamir enjoyed the surprise too. Thank you so much, Bodkin, for staying with me throughout this story. Your reviews have been wonderful and such a pleasure for me to read. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. Karen

Author's reply

Thanks, Elliska. I've had you on my mind. I'm trying to get in touch with the guy I know about the dress to find out what he knows about it, but I've not been able to track him down. Just wanted to let you know that I've not forgotten about you. And thanks for being a brave girl and reading at work. I'll see you at your other review! Karen

Author's reply

Thank you, Manderly. I'd like to clone Thranduil too. He's a good ada. Being king and doing a good job in all the other roles he has must be tough. Sending his sons off into battle must be the hardest job he has. I would think that a father who is as capable a warrior as he is, must really go nuts staying at home while his sons are in harm's way. I very pleased that you've enjoyed the story. I'm thinking about what I'll do next. I've not decided yet, but there will something more to come. You reviews have been wonderful and I've enjoyed them every much. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to read and review. Thank you! Karen

Author's reply

Gosh, I'm glad you got the notice too! Your reviews have been an absolute delight. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the time you've taken to read and to review. Two months? I didn't realize that much time had passed. You really have been a kind trooper to stay with me for that long! Thanks! Since the king is the final word in the realm, I thought he'd make a nice final word for this story. He was involved in everything that went on, but his participation was such that he had a different overview than anyone else. He was a nice summary reporter. Ya know, as I got toward the end of this story, I was starting to miss Daeron and Legolas myself. Their roles dropped off as I tied up the thread with Aldamir and Elenna. I'm sure Daeron has more to say. I'm not sure what I'll write next. At the moment, I can't settle on which outline I've already got done. I might even go in an entirely different direction. Flight of ideas. I had a hard time deciding who would win the bout between Thranduil and Aldamir, but I think it would have been even harder to decide who would win between Aldamir and Seregon. They both wanted to win. Aldamir could graciously concede defeat to his father. I took the easy way out. :>) Thank again, Perelleth. Your reviews have meant a lot to me. Karen

Author's reply

When the day comes that you suddenly realize that you have to look up to scold your 'little ones', it's quite a shocker, isn't it? I can hardly believe how quickly they've grown up. I sympathize with the king. I'm glad you liked the sword bout. I like Thranduil all...warrior-y. I had a hard time deciding who would win this bout, but Thranduil reminded me that no matter how good his son was with his weapons, he was better. I just bowed and said, "Yes, my lord." And Aldamir didn't mind losing to his adar. Now if it had been Seregon.... :>) Thank you so much for all your support and kind reviews. I've truly enjoyed discussing writing, plots and all my boo-boos with you. I look forward to more chats in the future. Thanks again, Leaward. Karen

Author's reply

Thanks, Daw. I thought the king should get the last word. We've been in almost everyone else's head, so I was interested in what Thranduil's perspective was. He was appalled that the villagers would do such a thing. And...he mentioned something about your involvement...something about your influence on the villagers. I assured him that such talk was only rumor. Thranduil is a good dad. In this case, he was also a relieved dad. Everyone was safe and things were looking up for Aldamir. Time to go claim that kiss from the queen. Thank you so much for your support. You're not just a good comma mechanic, you're a good friend. Thanks again. Karen

Author's reply

Please! Don't apologize. As you can see my tardy response, I've been going in 40 directions too. I'm happy to hear from you anytime. I had to think about what sort of games teenage elves would play too. I'm sure they had competitions of some kind. But racing, shooting and dagger throwing wouldn't always be appropriate, so I figured that strategy games would interest young males. As you know well, boys are going to be competitive. Once I decided on that, I had to come up with something that fit into Middle-earth. I'll remember the 'Houses and Human' game next time. Maybe my guys can play 'Palace and Stern Adar and Stuffy Brothers'. :>) I'm pleased that you caught that Aldamir was giving advice to his younger brother and cousin that he should be taking himself. Funny how everything looks different when the shoe is on your foot. I read an essay a while back on foods of the Middle Ages and apparently they were big into the production of meals. Very elaborate dishes. I pared it down a little to an eccentric cook who got all into his 'art' every now and then and how the royal family indulged his bouts of creativity. I'm sure they were amused by it. The male members of the family could care less how it looked; they only cared how it tasted. But the queen keeps her eye on the cook, so the guys can be sure that cook won't go too overboard. Aldamir needed a little time to reflect on his life and duty. I'm glad you liked the leaves floating along the stream. He had a chance to compare how he saw the forest as a child and how he sees it now. Aldamir and Elenna have taken the first steps to reconnecting. They still need a little time to step back and figure out what went wrong. I have a story planned that will bring them back together. We'll have to see how things work out. But I think I'll not do that one next. I'm still trying to decide what I'll work on next. I'm thinking.... Thanks so much for reviewing. I know you've got your hands full. Take care, Karen Author Reply: I don't know why everything is in italics. I didn't use any HTML codes at all. Oh well... :>)

Author's reply

Aldamir and Elenna have been through the wringer. They do love one another, but they started out a little fast. I think it was you who told me about having your characters do something they would never do and that's what Aldamir did. Elenna too, but she's better at being less inhibited than Aldamir. Traditionally, Aldamir's been a little shy around elleths and hasn't really felt much more than a passing crush on a girl; Elenna rang his bell. Rational and love...go together like oil and water. At least in the beginning. Being practical doesn't seem very romantic, but when the first bloom of attraction begins to fade into everyday routine, the practicalities start to show up. Yep, Thranduil was right that the love birds were a little too hasty...that's phase one: irrational behavior. Thranduil hasn't had much of a chance to have a sense of humor. I think I like Funny! Thranduil too. To deal with that bunch of male offspring of his and his brother-in-law's, I think it would be a necessary weapon of self defense. Legolas and Daeron survived the dressing down. I'm sure they'd say that their character is taking an overhaul. Aldamir felt bad for having to knock heads, but he couldn't deal with Belas effectively without dealing with his kinfolk who were involved. All three munchkins got their toast burnt. No, Belas didn't have any pointers that day for the commander. He'd screwed up and he knew it. Aldamir was ticked off, but I think he realized that Belas's problems went beyond this one episode and the little jerk wad had to be confronted and dealt with. Having to be mature and in charge isn't nearly as much fun as just punching the little twerp. Perhaps, he envied Legolas and Daeron a little that they were freer due to their youth to just let Belas have a knuckle sandwich. But Aldamir gave Belas the spanking that he deserved. That must have been satisfying to some extent. Thanks, meckinock, for all your help and support. Karen

Author's reply

I had to think a little to come up with some kind of game. Then...being the obsessive sort that I am...I even started trying to work out how the game would be played. I decided that it's a strategy game. Everyone has their own pieces that they own and they bring them to the game. So you can have 2 to as many players as you can fit on the board. They form alliances and then fight battles. There would be wizards and dragons, of course, in the pieces, but also Elves, Men, trolls, Dwarves, balrogs and maybe some other pieces to represent inhabitants of Middle-earth. I've not worked out the exact rules to use, but that was my overview. How sad is that?

Author's reply

LOL! Don't worry; I understood what you meant. I'm so unorganized that I can read between the lines and follow along happily. Thanks again, Karen

Author's reply

Hi! Goodness, don't apologize. I understand completely! I'm pleased that you came back! And you took the time to write such a nice review. I'm certainly not complaining! I'm so glad that you've enjoyed the story. It's about to wrap up. I think there will be one more chapter. Elenna and Aldamir have had a time trying to make a go of this relationship. They did dive in a little too fast, but now that the truth about several things has come out, they have an opportunity to start again. A little slower, I think. Yes, they do love one another and I think Elves are pretty tuned into that sort of thing. But reality still shows up. The practical matters of making a life together have to be addressed whether it's romantic or not! :>) They've had very different lives and need to work through a few things. And...well, get to know themselves better too. The novice trip was one to remember. Belas is just a garden variety bully, but he let his own anger lead him into saying things he really should not have. He was already on thin ice with the masters, but he sunk like a rock when the commander heard what he said. Legolas and Daeron were right at home trying to find out things that were none of their business. Everything was cool until the queen showed up. Then they went from bad to worse. Calith did get what he had coming to him. He was not happy. Nothing has turned out the way he planned. He's lost the girl, humiliated himself in front of everyone in court and got sent home like a bad little elfling. Sheesh. He's stewing. Thanks so much, Barbara. It means a lot to me that read this whole thing...you probably needs something for a headache by now...and that you took the time to review. What a nice surprise for me this evening. Karen

Author's reply

Wow! Thanks for reviewing when you're obviously pressed for time. I really appreciate this! We've almost wrapped up this story. One more chapter to go, I think. I'm glad that the way Aldamir dealt with the novices seemed sensible. He was struggling with the brother/commander distinction and wanted to make it in a way that was impartial. He let everyone hold it! Of course, Belas got the worst end of the deal, but he deserved it. Yep, I recall that Thranduil tried to caution his oldest son too. But Aldamir was so in love that he was just annoyed by his father's advice. Poor guy; it's tough to be hurt and to have to acknowledge that your parents were right! What a blow! I don't know if we'll ever hear a recounting of the Tree escort from the stronghold, but I'm sure it was a memorable one. But Calith is as hard-headed as Belas, so only time will tell if he took the lecture (threats?) to heart. Personally, I wouldn't cross Tree anymore than I would the king, but we all know how ticked off Calith was by the king's reprimand and sentence. That does not look good for the worm. Thanks, Perelleth! Hope you have a good trip! Karen

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I don't know, Nilmandra. I think Aldamir might welcome your counsel. I actually considered that Legolas wasn't responsible for the fact he was bitten, but I let Aldamir use this as a point because he was trying to drive home that being distracted in the woods could prove dangerous. True, the bite could have happened even if Legolas had been on his toes, but Aldamir was hoping the novices would understand the ramifications of not paying attention and that these ramifications could be deadly. At the time Aldamir met with the three wayward novices, his job was to reprimand. That's what he did. As a parent, I can say that sometimes we do play dirty. We drag out the worse case scenario just to get the kid to think. I also decided that Aldamir was so emotionally invested in Legolas's safety that he was slightly flawed in his approach. He was trying to balance brother and commander. The novices had been told that they responded well to the spiders. The masters have already talked to everyone. We just didn't get to see this. And then when Legolas and Daeron came to Aldamir to apologize, he had the chance to tell them he was proud of them and that they would make good warriors one day. Belas is a rare bird in many ways. I don't think that the average elf is such a jerk, but jerks can be found everywhere. You're right that the masters and the commander will be better prepared if they run across another one like Belas. The prevalent thought had been that Belas would grow out of his nasty behavior and the masters had been working with him. Unfortunately, Belas wasn't catching on until everything came to a head. We'll see how he internalizes his mistakes as time passes. The master will have to rethink their approach too. Alar is around, but sort of on the fringes right now. Daeron and Legolas have taken him in as a friend. They went over to his cottage to play board games and I think a fast friendship is in the making. You're absolutely right that sometimes overcoming difficulties at the beginning of a relationship makes for a more solid bond. Excellent observation! They were both so head over heels in love that they weren't exactly with it for a while. A little common sense and honesty goes a long way. Now they can step back and start to build something lasting. We need to hear from one more person to wrap this up. We need a nice kingly overview, I think. Thank you so much for your support while I muddle through trying to tell a story. This means more to me than you'll ever know. Karen

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The dust is beginning to settle and everyone is moving toward going on with their lives. There was hope! Legolas and Daeron were rather mortified by the whole experience of being hauled before the commander. They not only upset the commander, they disappointed their brother/cousin. Shifting relationship lines can be tough to maneuver. Poor guys. They screwed up. I'm glad you thought Aldamir seeing the negative first was realistic. He's so embarrassed. Aldamir is a private sort and having his personal life on display is hard for him. And everywhere he turned, it kept coming up. This drove home to him exactly what he was trying to tell Legolas when they talked privately. The sons of the ruling pair are held up to scrutiny whether they like it or not. He was suffering the ill effects of this as well as Legolas was. The cook made life a little more real for Aldamir. Hearing his father joke about the things that continued to go on, helped Aldamir steady himself in a world that had invaded his personal life and his professional life in an unpleasant way. That happens! Routine can be comforting when things go to pot. So your mother got creative at times, huh? I bet my family would question my creative abilities too. I try....:>) Everyone is trying to navigate the shifting roles they all play. Even the king has to draw lines and distinctions about what his priorities are at times. I think it helped Aldamir to hear this. Then he in turn tried to explain it to Legolas. Legolas got the more cut and dried version, but I'm sure as he gets older, he'll grasp it better. Or at least, he'll grasp that there are no easy answers. The conversation between Aldamir and Elenna took me some time to get straight in my head. I wanted them to move toward reconciliation, but I also wanted them to realize that they had moved entirely too fast in the beginning. But that's love. They do love one another, but sometimes that's not enough. Aldamir's position as commander and heir makes his life complicated and anyone he should marry will have to be prepared. He and Elenna come from such different backgrounds that they need to be on the same page before they can go any further. But she's actually good for him. He's so serious all the time and she's so lighthearted as a rule, that they balance one another well. She'll loosen him up and he'll give her stability. And they support one another...or should. That's my thinking today. It might change tomorrow. :>) Only one chapter to go, I think. The last word is to come. Thanks so much for your support and kind reviews. I always look forward to reading what you think. Karen