daw the minstrel
· 30 March 2005
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten: Seregon
I am a bad, bad professor. I'm trying to write a letter to an author and I'm having trouble, so I clicked idly on SoA and found your new chapter and immediately abandoned my task and settled happily down to read. Yay! Seregon. Good. You can see his concern for Aldamir, and someone has to be concerned. I'm glad that Tree forced him into playing.
I'm increasingly puzzled by the Calith thing. If it's not just a misunderstanding, then is he somehow forcing this? If he's not the secret that Elenna and her father share, does he know it?
The description of how wet they all were (and Seregon's wet blanket) made me cringe. My shoes got soaked when I was in San Francisco and I think my feet still feel damp.
They've made progress with their spider problem anyway. Now we need to unravel some other mysteries.
Author's reply
Nah, you're a good professor! And a good friend to hang in there with me and this story. Thank you!
Seregon is concerned about Aldamir. He knows him probably better than anyone on Arda and he's worried about him. Seeing Aldamir so hurt is just killing him. And he's pretty ticked off at the perpetrators. What he'd really like to do is knock heads. He wants to WIN! Slightly competitive to boot.
Calith is a slippery fellow at the moment. No one is quite sure how he managed to finagle Elenna into agreeing to bond with him. If Tree is to be believed, then this betrothal and Elenna's behavior is out of character. Calith must have something up his sleeve.
Wet shoes. Yuk! Seregon appreciates your sympathy. The thought of sleeping on a wet forest floor in a wet blanket makes me feel like I've mildewed.
The spiders are on the run or dead. I don't think they're gone forever, but it's a nice reprieve. Now...Aldamir has time to figure this mess with Elenna out. That is, if Legolas and Daeron don't screw things up irreparably.
Thanks, daw.
Karen
Geeee! I clicked "post" before thinking, but I had thought to tell you that Seregon's counter-fussing his naneth had me laughing for a long while. Are we reading anything else on this long-suffering and smart tactician elf's pov?
Author's reply
Thanks! Noreth is the mother of all who will allow her to fuss over them. Seregon has learned to deal with her. Daeron has not. :>)
Seregon is up next. Spiders! And more spiders! Yuk....
Thanks, Perelleth.
Karen
Uh, I’m trying here to decide which I like best: Daeron’s pov, or Daeron’s way as seen through the eyes of those who try to survive around him! Still uncertain, I believe I need far more research! ;-)
It’s comforting to see Legolas recovering. I loved that line about Thranduil fussing about what escapes his control until he has managed to bring it under his command!! It’s amusing, endearing and oh so true!
I share Daeron’s feelings about *that elf*. It is wonderful to see again these two cousins reasoning their problems out. Adolescent logic, which seems so perfectly right on general terms, and goes awfully wrong when they try to put it to work… Thrilling and adventurous as it might be to follow the Action Men, pardon, Elves, against the Awful Spiders, I think I’m mostly looking forward to seeing the “Spy Kids” against the evil “That Elf”
The punishment was well granted and I suppose Legolas' fretting is going to be part of his. Aldamir can be wicked when he tries, it’d seem, I guess Belas just bellowed for the last time!!!!
BTW, Aldamir is lucky Mirkwood has neither “papparazzi" nor "talk-shows”, (although it has Fluffy!) or his life would be sheer misery right now! I’m sure Elenna has an explanation but anyway, her reputation has been sorely compromised by this incident! no matter how much the queen tries to let them sort out their problems I fear the gossip won’t die in ten years!!(go the queen! she was so sweet and collected!)
And yes, laundry got dealt with before I could take a seat and relax.(Sigh!) You ever wondered how is it that *certain half* of human kind claims an innate aversion to washing machines?
Author's reply
I find that being in Daeron's head is much easier for me than rambling around in the others. But he's fun to view from someone else's perspective too.
Legolas is getting better. He had a rough go of it for a day or so, but he's going to make it. I see the king as being the sort of guy who doesn't like things to get out of his control too. He gives good advice--I'm thinking about when he told Aldamir that he would have to learn to accept that you can't always control the outcome of your decisions--but this trait he shares with his oldest son is something that I think Thranduil works on practicing what he preaches.
Yep, adolescent logic is at work here again. The whole spy mission sounds perfectly sane and perfectly easy to execute. Why is it that it always goes to pot? The two scamps are sure that 'this elf' is bad news. They're polishing their spyglasses and will be ready to roll at the first opportunity.
Coming up punishments that fit the crime took me a little while. The spiders muddied up the whole thing. The masters were most likely so relieved to get the novices home that I bet they would have liked to have ignored that the fight happened. But it did, and they had to come up with some punishment. And Belas had said some things that could not go unaddressed. Everyone involved, then, had to be sentenced. It'd look pretty bad if the king's son and nephew didn't get any punishment and Belas did. Plus, Legolas threw the first punch.
LOL! about Aldamir and the rag newspapers. Legolas found it appalling enough that the entire realm knew what had happened to his brother. But to see your face at the checkout at Mirkwood Market would be awful! This surprise boyfriend doesn't cast Elenna in a very favorable light.
Boy, do I know what you mean about the laundry. I asked my husband once what he would do if something happened to me. He said he wasn't worried about it; the boys knew how to turn on the washing machine!
I'm so glad that you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.
Karen
First, I have to admit I only recently discovered your stories (read "Serious Trouble" a couple of weeks ago)and have been "lurking" while waiting for some issues at home to settle down and some time to write this "epic" review. I have always loved reading reviews by you, Karen, which is what sent me looking for anything you had written (*smacks self on head* duh! it took me long enough to make the connection!) It is about 4:30 a.m. and I am giggling at Daeron and Legolas, who have encouraged me to come out and compliment them (and your fine writing!).
I was really glad to see this chapter from Legolas' POV, which meant of course, that he's finally recovered enough to wake up! I love your Thranduil and Lalaith - their refusal to leave their seriously ill child brought some of my own experiences to mind. It is not fun watching your "baby" (even grown ones) suffer...really, I'd rather do it myself! Legolas' pain throughout this chapter comes through very effectively - you never let us forget that he is just now beginning to recover somewhat. I felt achy and sick myself by the time I got through reading! LOL
Daeron - I suppose I could wax poetic about this character of yours if I could stop laughing at his little comments long enough! He's really a very intelligent, astute young elf with a cryptic sense of humor that will not quit!
Let's see, my favorite "Daeronisms" for this chapter:
(you should write a book, Karen...I know Daeron would help!) :-)
* the office of doom (words fail me)
*suffering the fires of the angry naneth (his poor mom, he won't appreciate her until he's more Seregon's age, I guess)
*his observation to Legolas - "you are not in the position to watch anything but your ceiling" (*snicker*)
*"I prefer to call him 'this elf'...It makes me feel better." (I agree, tho' I can think of other things to call that supercilious jerk!)
*Belas, the mouse (do you think Belas will learn a lesson here?...like how things can turn on you quickly if you're not careful...)
*the auspicious promotion to the exalted position of "Sword Wiper" (it's ok, Daeron, it could have been "Pooper Scooper" in the stables...we must look for the positive in this punishment, precioussss)
*various assorted jabs at Legolas (court jesters and diverter of Thranduil's wrath come to mind LOL)
*the whole confrontation with that "pretty" elf
Even Legolas is pretty good with the little smart remarks...I guess keeping company with the Master would eventually rub off on him...
*"Adar will not say anything until I am on my feet and he can keep me there throughout his sentencing" (of course, it kind of detracts from the lecture when you're having to pick your kid up off the floor!)
*"so if we can convince the garden spiders to insult you..." (what sympathy!)
*"What else did this clean elf say?" *snort*
The whole chapter was great - and I love the way these two cousins know each other so well. Daeron, in particular, has Legolas pegged - "seeing who he (Calith) really is would not take even you long to uncover and you always look for the best in everyone." I love watching interactions like that between them...not only related, but best friends, as well. So 'this elf' is in for interesting times...he has incurred the wrath of the youngest Thranduilion and his sharp-tongued, "impertinent" cousin. I, too, "smell a rat"...Calith is up to no good and our boys are in full "spy" mode now. It boggles the mind to think just what they will get up to in the course of their "investigation".
As for Elenna, I haven't quite figured out what her deal is...but I'm wondering if perhaps she was threatened or coerced somehow into setting Aldamir up. I sincerely hope so, for Aldamir's sake. Poor guy, I almost cried at his reaction to that betrayal. (And Legolas has big brother pegged pretty well, too - shy? A reasonable deduction!)
Wonderful job, Karen. I have been sorely in need of a smile and you provided several! Thank you for sharing with us!
linda
Author's reply
I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to wake up to your review this morning. My pleasure is only heightened by what a wonderful and in depth review you left. Thank you.
I'm sorry to hear that real life has been tough lately for you. I hope things are settling down now and you can relax a little. I'm glad Daeron made you smile.
I know what you mean about parents staying at the bedside of an ill child. We suffered a visit from the stomach virus fairy last week, and I probably drove my teenage son nuts checking on him and worrying about his fluid intake. He was a sick puppy for about 24 hours. Not quite the same as sitting by the bed of a child who has been bitten by a spider the size of an economy car, but a small taste. I'm pleased that Legolas's experience seemed 'real' to you. My hope was to show his gradual improvement as the day wore on. I figure Elves recover more rapidly than humans, but there has to be some repercussions of injury or they wouldn't die from wounds! And we know from Tolkien that they can. The best part is this fact give us, the writers, something to sink our teeth into regarding the perilous nature of life in Middle-earth for the Elves.
Daeron loves your idea about writing a book containing his 'wisdom', but alas, I'm not so sure. :>) I don't know how he'd stand up without Legolas and the world Tolkien created. Of course, Tolkien would be mortified to read Daeron! But if Daeron brought a smile to you face, then suffering the fire of the angry professor would be worth it to me.
Legolas and Daeron do know one another well. They've had years of living and playing with one another to scope out each other's personalities. And yes, I think they influence one another. Legolas has picked up some of Daeron's dry wit, and Legolas has a calming affect on Daeron. They balance each other.
Calith is in for a ride with the two little spies on his trail. If Daeron is to be believed, then 'this elf' is up to something no good.
Elenna has been an enigma to Aldamir too. She was sending all the right signals. Calith completely blind sided him. The commander is crushed. The two of them have some things to work out. I can only hope to keep Aldamir from lobbing Calith's head off when he gets home from the spider hunt.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review. You've made my day!
Karen
Sometimes it doesn't pay to read all the reviews first. They're all so thoughtful and detailed I feel inadequate to add anything articulate. Will you settle for incoherent rambling?
Loved this little exchange:
“I told him that of course, I did. Aldamir is my cousin, though I did not know him as intimately as the maiden he had been seeing. I told him he would have to ask her for specific details.” Daeron smiled. “He turned red as a holly berry.”
“You did not!” I said.
“Oh yes,” he said. “Then he drew himself up and said that she is his betrothed. And I asked him if she knew this.”
“What did he say then,” I asked.
Daeron gave me a silly flat grin. “He told me I was impertinent. Can you imagine that?”
“You are impertinent,” I said.
I love the easy relationship between these two, and Daeron is priceless. He's not just your garden-variety Comic Relief Elf. He's complex and layered and insightful as all get out. And Legolas must be just as insightful, because he sees right through him!
I thought the lying-abed stuff was nicely understated. I felt every ache in Legolas's body, but thank goodness there was a complete absence of spewing liquids (I know you did that just for me, thanks!)
Thranduil should know better than to leave these two alone.
Author's reply
Gosh, it's above and beyond the call of duty for you to even have to suffer through this story again. I don't why you think your reviews lack anything. I find them insightful and very amusing. I love your reviews.
I'm glad you like the 'impertinent' exchange. Daeron is a smart mouth when someone earns it. Calith ticked him off. I don't think anyone can play him like a fiddle...except that cute little elleth he's been crushing on since he started to walk. And Legolas is no dummy; he does see right through Daeron.
I'm glad we missed the spewing too. It was going on while Aldamir was having his say. I don't even want to think about that. I got to see that at home when the stomach virus fairy visited our house last week. Yuk.
Thanks, Meckinock, for being such a good sounding board, and suffering through reading this chapter more times than Sauron's attacked Gondor.
Karen
I’m hoping this review is going to make at least some sense because I’m one bite away from a chocolate-induced coma…
Well, thank heavens Legolas is feeling better! He may not be able to eat or move much but at least he can plan, plot and scheme. I thought you did such a great job in showing the effects of the spider bite. I felt the aches, exhaustion and weakness right along with poor Legolas!
I absolutely loved the line “Naneth has told me that this is because he is used to having his commands obeyed and when something is not within his power to command, he tries harder to bring it back under back under his control, even if it is not possible.” We probably all do that at times but it seems to me that it’s a particularly male trait and you’ve got it spot on with that line. It also really captures Thranduil. I don’t imagine he deals very well with helplessness and with a very sick child that feeling is pretty much part of it for parents.
I was surprised that Thranduil questioned him about the bruise already. But I suppose fighting isn’t something that he’d deal with lightly. Legolas knows he was wrong, anyway. I had to laugh, though, at him wondering who had told Thranduil and seemingly having no clue that parents are well able to figure such things out themselves!
It’s great to see Daeron!! It sounds like his naneth is still the same! I’m smiling at this image: “Seregon tends to fuss over her when she treats him in this manner and in the confusion of both of them fussing over one another she seems to lose sight of her original goal and ends up doing his bidding.” You are just amazing when it comes to capturing not just people’s characters but their way of dealing with others. I’d love to know more about Seregon’s relationship with his mother…;-)
Yay that everyone recognises how well Alar did! There’s something very sweet about the thought that he even surprised himself.
“We should have told him what Míriel said at the feast on the first night the villagers were.” Ack! I’m an idiot! How could I have forgotten that?? Darnit, I must pay more attention. I love how concerned Legolas is for Aldamir. I get the impression that big brother is quite a hero in his eyes and he seems to really feel for him now, knowing that he must be hurting.
“He is…pretty.” LOL! I nearly choked on my tea at that point. I can only imagine what sort of image Legolas has in his head now. Daeron sounds like he was wonderfully cheeky to Calith. He obviously cares for Aldamir but he seems so perceptive of people too. He definitely seems to have sized Calith up fairly well. I like the thought that he has something of his aunt’s insight. Why does Calith want to know about Aldamir anyway? I’m suspicious. I also feel like I’m not seeing something I should…
So Daeron and Legolas want to spy on “this Elf”? At least if Legolas is allowed out of bed soon but not back to training, he can do it so that Daeron won’t be trying to fit it in with his hectic schedule!
I’m still laughing at Belas’ punishment!! Bravo for Aldamir! Belas must be mortified. Especially as Aldamir knows what he said about him and he’s the one upon whom Belas’ future as a warrior depends. Brilliant.
And I can’t wait to find out what the outcome of the little scheme these two have concocted will be! I have a horrible feeling that you’re going to make me read about spiders first, though…
Author's reply
I know what you mean. I'm one bite away from exploding from banana pudding. Boy, was it good! Still, I'm glad you could shake yourself from your stupor and drop by. :>)
Thanks for the compliment on poor Legolas's recovery. Yes, he is slowly getting better. The more hours that pass, the more control is gaining of his muscles.
I agree that Thranduil doesn't like to be out of control of any situation. He admitted to Aldamir in the last chapter that some things are not controllable, but that doesn't mean that he still doesn't want to bring everything back into line. And you're right about parents. It's tough to see your child ill. You'll do almost anything to make them feel better. I think most parents would rather be sick themselves than see their child have to go through such.
I thought about the bruise and whether Thranduil would mentioned it and decided that as a mother, I would ask what the deal was as soon as the kid was awake and stable enough to give me some explanation. Thranduil also has to weigh whether there will be any repercussions to his son getting into a fight. Well, I would be concerned about fallout too. I don't expect that Thranduil is nearly as upset as Legolas thinks he is. Adar is not happy about it, but he's raised two sons already, and I doubt this is the first bruise he's seen from fighting. I don't expect much more from him than a discussion on using your head instead of your fists. Besides, Legolas has been through enough. But now the air is clear...though I'm not sure Legolas realizes this entirely.
Daeron's mother has had so few lines, that I've had a hard time capturing her. We've seen her mainly through Daeron's eyes. Legolas is a counter balance in that he can see her a little more realistically. I've come to the conclusion that she's an earth mother type. A natural caretaker. Seregon's figured her out. Daeron is still too young and under her control to see that Seregon even deals with her differently than he does.
Alar did do well. He was probably the most surprised of anyone. He'd been feeling so inadequate.
Daeron took an immediate dislike to Calith. The queen's family is known to have insight and Daeron looks like he's beginning to show some of these traits. That's probably why he has such a wry view of the world; he's always had a different slant on what he sees. He sees the hearts of people. As he's gotten older, he's discerning what he sees more accurately.
Yep, the double-o-elves are getting ready to get to the bottom of this Calith guy. As soon as Legolas is on his feet, the mission can get underway.
Belas bit off more than he could chew this time. He's scared stiff. And completely mortified that he's going to have to spend two hours a day with the commander he called a fool. His warrior career is hanging by a thread.
Oh spiders...well, there are a few out in the woods that need slaying. We'll be very quiet.
Thanks, Dot. As always, I love your reviews. You don't miss much!
Karen
I feel so so so sorry for poor Aldamir. Good on Daeron for wiping the smirk off Calith's face. I look forward to seeing the final confrontation!!!
:)
Author's reply
Aldamir did have a terrible day. Daeron is incensed on his behalf. And Daeron was greatly insulted that Calith tried to pump him for information. It's hard to pull one over on Daeron. He's pretty quick on his feet.
Legolas and Daeron are planning. They're hoping to gather some good intelligence on their spy mission.
Thanks, Tinnuial, for reading and reviewing. It's nice to see you over here at SoA. But I'm always pleased to hear from you anywhere. :>) Thanks again.
Karen
My, Daeron and Legolas are certainly scheming little elves - I love it! And what Daeron said to Calith about whether Elenna knows that she is betrothed - what a hoot! Good for Daeron for scoring some points for Aldamir.
Daeron and Legolas are certainly up to their neck with plans but I can't help but feel a little apprehensive about their successs. Their track record is not the best, you know, but I am really looking forward to see how this will all spin out. That Elf/pretty elf/Calith is certainly an interesting character. I wonder what he's up to. You've certainly thrown a twist into this story.
Another great chapter, as usual.
Author's reply
Legolas and Daeron mean well. It's just that...well, things always kind of go south. Daeron took an immediate dislike to the Pretty Elf. And he knew that Calith was pumping him for information. That didn't set well with Daeron at all. He might be young, but he's not dumb. How insulting!
The guys are planning. If they can just figure out how to get Legolas out of bed and spy on this guy, then they'll be in the short rows. Sounds simple enough.
Thanks, Manderly. I appreciate you taking time to read and review.
Karen
I’m sorry I’m late reviewing this thrilling chapter, but I took a well-deserved Easter vacation…
So! Aldamir had one of *those* days! Poor commander! By the end of the day he was negligent, a bad commander, a worse big brother and son, a fool who’s been fooled and one with no time to indulge in serious personal relationships! It’ll take him some time to come up from deep down that bottomless pit you threw him into!
It was very realistic to see him overreacting with guilt (it was understandable, too) for it is so common in efficient people, when things go wrong, and they react blaming themselves when there’s no one to blame but circumstances. The best boss I ever had used to say, “incidents will happen” every time the unexpected showed up.
Thranduil’s been so understanding! I really liked how he dosed his approach, knowing exactly how much support his son would be ready to gulp down each time! (Once he overcome his first shock, though!)
And Aldamir’s reaction when he discovered Elenna had fooled him was priceless too! His painful introspection was so well –done, it was such a deep blow after the nightmarish ride and Legolas injury that it seemed only too much for him to cope with...it moved me.
“…in a primal release that harkened back to a distant pain that was born out of the birthing of Arda.” Wow. I loved that sentence. It so wonderfully sums up their (our?) inner connection with Arda!
I think Seregon’s been quite a patient and supporting friend through all this, but now Aldamir really deserves a smack upon his head! Let her explain, man!
This time the changing POV proved a big surprise for the reader, too! It was great to know they had been up there for the whole incident and before! (a bit chilling, though, did they get to read the reviews too ?;-) (Fervently hopes she hasn’t written anything unseemly) And the fight with the spiders and its aftermath was… wow! I was sitting on the brink of my chair by the end of it all! I loved the hissing spiders. It scared me to death the first time I read The Hobbit, and I still find it wonderfully creepy!!!
And Daeron did behave! Poor thing, though, having to remain there for the sake of the “public eye” I felt deeply for him!
I hope we’ll get to hear Elenna’s version soon…I’m sure there’s an explanation for this, and I hope we’ll yet see poor Aldamir blush and pound his head against the nearest tree-trunk! For now, things look pretty dark, though! Great chapter! Now I’m on to the next one, to see how off the mark I am!
Author's reply
Easter vacation? You go, girl! I hope you had a good time. But we're glad to have you back.
Aldamir did have a bad day. Nothing went right and to his way of thinking, it's all his fault. Like Thranduil tells him, he's young in age and young in his duty. A little hyper-efficient at this point. Also as Thranduil told him, the longer he does this job, the more he'll come to realize that he can't control everything. But I think this is a trait that Thranduil recognizes and has most likely spent many years dealing with himself. And Thranduil's immediate reaction was to hold Aldamir responsible, but once he had a moment to think--and listen to the queen--he realized that he should take his own advice.
Aldamir was completely blind-sided by Calith's announcement. Right out of the blue. Talk about sucking the wind out of your sails. I imagine he was thinking how he needed her after the spider fiasco and then to find out that he had been deceived was more than he would wish on his worst enemy. I'm glad you like the line about pain. Such deep pain does seem primal and basic to our existence on Arda/earth.
I'm pleased that you thought the changing POV worked. I wanted to see the events of this chapter from Aldamir's perspective since he was going to be in the thick of things. And we got to get an adult's POV...though filtered through Aldamir's personal reaction.
Spiders...I hatesesss them....
There must be more to Elenna's story. She didn't act like she wasn't interested. And Calith looks like a piece of work.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I'm sure if you've been out vacationing that your laundry must be calling, so I doubly appreciate you taking the time.
Karen
French Pony
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: Legolas
If Legolas is already up and scheming, he can't be feeling too bad. I suspect that if Aldamir knew just why Daeron was volunteering to babysit Legolas so much, he'd be alternately horrified and heartwarmed. While it is true that having little siblings and cousins prying into your personal life is just about the most mortifying thing ever, at least he knows that he's loved and that he has his whole family behind him and backing him up.
Interesting that Daeron would use the phrase "before he exacts his pound of flesh." I did not know that Elves read Shakespeare, much less The Merchant of Venice. I read that in high school, and I can't say that I enjoyed it much. Usually, I love Shakespeare, but that particular combination of anti-Semitism and romantic comedy just doesn't sit well with me.
Also interesting that Thranduil can immediately tell a novice-squabbling bruise from a battle bruise. Though I suppose he had some help. The masters probably filled him in on what had happened, but it seems like he knew anyway and would have known even if no one had told him. He is a very clever ada. I suppose that, after raising three boys, you learn to notice things like that.
Calith's punishment for smugness is to have two adolescent boys stalking him. Probably inexpertly. Somehow, it seems that he deserves it. And whoo! Old Belas gets to go to the principal's office. . . for a long time! I'm sure that'll be worth whatever punishment Daeron and Legolas have to endure. Though I'm kind of hoping we get to hear from Seregon some time soon, I really want to hear from Aldamir, just so we can see the smackdown that Belas has coming to him.
I had to laugh at the description of the meal they were eating at the end. It sounded just like the sort of meal my mother or my aunt or my cousin would cook for a holiday. Potatoes, a roast, and carrot tzimmes -- who knew the palace cook was Jewish?
The story of the kidnapping sounds intriguing. Have you already written it? Where can I go read it?
Author's reply
Legolas is feeling better. He's getting better control of his muscles as the hours pass. Slowly, but surely. And yep, he's feeling well enough to start planning the big spy mission. As long as he doesn't have to do too much moving, he can handle it. His brain is working fine...until the healers knock him out with their potions again.
Interesting that Daeron would use the phrase "before he exacts his pound of flesh." I did not know that Elves read Shakespeare, much less The Merchant of Venice
What? You didn't think Shakespeare made up all those nifty lines, did you? Daeronisms have been handed down through the ages, father to son, mother to daughter, like cake recipes and how to mix mortar. Heck no, the elves didn't read Shakespeare; Shakespeare read Daeron. :>)
In the last chapter, when Thranduil saw the bruise, he asked Aldamir what had happened. He guessed that such a black eye most likely didn't come from a spider attack but from a fight. Aldamir didn't give the king any details, but he didn't deny it either. As a mother, I can say that there are characteristics of the bruise, the child, and the circumstances that are dead giveaways. Not always, but it's not hard to put two and two together. Thranduil got confirmation from Aldamir's 'no answer'. And I would have asked about it when the kid was awake and stable enough to give me an answer. That's the mother in me. The king in Thranduil also had to know what kind of repercussion there might be.
From appearances, it looks like Calith is up to no good. The terrible two are not going to let this pass. The spiders and the fight are in the past and now there are bigger fish to fry. With no MTV, what a recovering elf to do? Plot, plan and scheme.
I didn't know the cook was Jewish either! That's encouraging. The Jewish ladies I know are some terrific cooks. I might have to sample the next meal in the palace! :>)
The kidnapping story is archived here. It's called 'Serious Trouble'. It was my first multi-chapter story. Cut me some slack, okay? I was trying! :>)
Thanks, French Pony. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and write such nice reviews.
Karen
It's morning, and my brain is pretty foggy, so I'm going to be rambling a bit.
"The Pretty Elf" Such a 'Daeron' description :D
he is usually quite astute in his assessments of people I would imagine having that slight distance from the situation, Daeron would see things Aldamir and even Legolas might not. And I think Daeron's assessment of Calith being a manipulator is going to be spot on. ;)
I'm also glad to see the masters were not too harsh on Daeron -- after all he was trying to break the fight up.
I liked how you had Daeron saying that Belas shook like a leaf afterwards -- that was a nice touch. I had wondered how he would handle it.
Your descriptions of what Legolas is feeling physically are really good, you're letting us see just how weak he really is, but also that he's gradually getting some strength -- like pulling himself up against the headboard.
And now I'm very interested to see how Aldamir and Belas get along.
Author's reply
I'm pretty foggy myself at the moment. A nice day, but a long one. I'm just now settling in to answer reviews. And there are a few stories I need to catch up on. :>)
Daeron is emerging as a little more gifted in this area than he was in the first story. His father's family is known to have insight into people. Lalaith, his aunt, certainly does. I think he's beginning to show some of those qualities. Legolas has learned to trust his judgment....which is not always a good thing. :>)
The masters were so relieved that everyone was home and in one piece that they couldn't stand it. But they had to address the fight. Belas made it impossible for them to ignore it. And you know how kids are. They speculate that things are HUGE. The masters were fair about the punishments.
Belas was exactly what the guys thought: full of hot air. He wasn't any better than anyone else when the chips were down. Hopefully, this was an eye-opener for him as well.
Poor Legolas has felt like death on a stick. But he's getting better. I figure Elves are pretty fast healers anyway. He'll have to deal with it for a few days more.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's always a treat for me to hear from you.
Karen
Ah, what a pleasant surprise. Excuse me while I go get paper towels to clean the orange juice off my monitor. I forgot that Daeron comes with an automatic spew warning. His view of life in the realm makes me giggle like an elfling too. For some reason, I think Daeron might be fun to have for a big brother.
Legolas is miserable, but at least he is a well taken care of miserable elf. I half expected him to ask his parents to make sure none of his masters visit. I can see him digging a hole through his bed to escape.
Their planning is endearing, however wrong we know it will go. We can only hope that Elenna herself sets some things to right before the younger brothers make Aldamir's life even more interesting.
I am really enjoying this Karen.
Author's reply
Daeron as a big brother? We'll have to ask Seregon what he'd think about that. LOL! I can just see that now. Come to think of it, Daeron would be fun to have around anytime. He can't help himself. The world is fun to him.
Legolas did have a tough go of it, but he's slowly recovering. I imagine a part of him is happy to let some of the steam dissipate from the masters before he shows back up and another part of him is dying that he's missing all the action. But yeah, he's a well care for elf. Lalaith is not one to be crossed where her children are concerned. Not even the king would dare cross that line.
The two little scamps are having a blast planning their big spy mission. The spiders and the fight are a thing of the past. There's more important stuff going on. And Eru knows that it can't go on without them!
I'm so pleased that you're enjoying this, Nilmandra. It means a lot to me that you are.
Thanks for taking the time to read and review.
Karen
Boy, you picked a tough POV for this chapter--Legolas trapped in bed. I have never read a first person POV that I liked even a little bit before I read Serious Trouble (and I love that). Everytime I read one of these chapters I am amazed at how well you do this. One person's POV throughout an entire chapter and then first person, at that. And it really enhances the story that way. It blows my mind. I couldn't do it. I can barely stay in the same person's POV within one scene. I am always having to correct that and even conscious of it, I don't always catch it. This chapter had to have been difficult to write and you did a really good job with it.
The description of over medicated, in pain sickness was spot on. Trust me. Spot on. Kind of made me regress a few weeks reading it.
The analysis of Thranduil being out of control of a situation and so striding even harder to bring it under control was soooo perfect. I copied to this 'quotes file' that I have (good descriptions that struck me when I read them etc) for easy reference for future inspiration. That just struck me as so true.
And I woke up the household snorting in laughter at Daeron's description of his conversation with The Pretty Elf (that name in itself was funny).
You should ask your adar to assign you to court jester.”
“I have,” I said. “He does not think I am very humorous.”
Great lines! And Daeron is impertinent! And such a little smart mouth!
“You will notice that you are not in the position to watch anything but your ceiling. I could copy/paste a whole page of examples here. I just love Daeron. He kills me. Just my type of humor.
“An auspicious title, it is: The Sword Wiper.” What a brat! But these were good punishments. I especially liked Belas's and Daeron's glee over it. It is a good punishment. The little fool will get a chance to see exactly how complex Aldamir's job is and how good a job he does of it while Aldamir will get a chance to determine if Belas is worth the trouble/can submit to command. Perfect! Poor Legolas--it's worse to wonder what your punishment will be.
And worse for both of them is wondering what the adars' punishments will be. Maybe they will get lucky and the adars will decide the masters have punished them. Hmmm. Maybe.
And Elenna and Calith. I am not a patient person. I am just dying to know what Calith's deal is.
Great chapter!
Author's reply
I didn't realize what a corner I had backed myself into until I started trying to write an entire chapter while looking up at the ceiling of Legolas's chamber. Everyone had to come to him. What was I thinking? I'm so relieved that it came off okay to you. I'm in awe of those of you who can write from third person. I'd be in everyone's head, rambling all over the place. You do a terrific job. If you're wandering, then I'm so enthralled in your plot and delivery that I don't notice. I'm happy as a clam while reading your story. But thank you for the compliment. I feel better.
I took my own experience with a spider bite and magnified it a thousand times to try and imagine what the venom of a spider the size of a great dane would do to you. You really were the test case in what it feels like to be over medicated and goofy! Poor thing. I hope you're finally feeling better.
I'm shocked, but honored, that you'd fine one of my lines worth keeping. Wow! I don't know what to say. Thank you. What a nice compliment.
No matter what else you can say about Daeron, he was practical in this instance. Legolas isn't in the position to do much. But Legolas knows Daeron well enough to know that he won't turn down a challenge. Two goofballs heading for more trouble.
I think the two little miscreants were a little obsessive in their worries about the punishments to come. They knew they had screwed up and thought the wrath of the realm was going to descend on them. The masters were probably as shaken up as the novices. They were just glad to get everyone home in one piece. And the king isn't likely to do much more than deliver a lecture on the whole incident. Legolas was punished enough. But I couldn't see the masters just ignoring the whole thing. Belas made that impossible. I tried to fit the punishment to the crime.
There's more to come with Aldamir and Elenna. But first, we have some spiders to slay!
Thanks so much, Elliska, for reading and reviewing. Your reviews are always such a delight.
Karen
daw the minstrel
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: Legolas
These two lines cracked me up:
Daeron sighed heavily. “You are so funny, Legolas,” he said dryly. “I can hardly contain my laughter. You should ask your adar to assign you to court jester.”
“I have,” I said. “He does not think I am very humorous.” As best as I could with limbs as sturdy as straw, I punched my pillow up to raise my head. “What else did this clean Elf say?”
And then I was completely enthralled by Daeron's report of his encounter with the clean elf. Wow! What a wonderfully useful smart mouth. Daeron is perceptive and cynical. What a great combination. It's interesting to speculate if he has sight like the queen does.
And now the dynamic duo is planning to find out what's going on and, no doubt, fix it. Poor Aldamir. But in terms of their plan, it's good that Legolas can't go back to training for a while. That gives him time to play spy.
And Poor Aldamir again -- he gets to have Belas in his office!
Author's reply
LOL! I'm glad that Daeron amuses you. He's pushes the envelope sometimes with his comments, but he's at least discerning about who he targets. The Pretty Elf has ticked him off. Legolas merely can't decide if Daeron is offended by this guy because he's party to the Elenna debacle or if Calith is just a jerk.
I'm beginning to see shades of Lalaith's family traits coming out in Daeron. Legolas is tuned into the forest like the Oropherion, but I don't think he has as keen an insight as Daeron into people. Though I don't think Legolas is completely without perception of people, he's more like his adar's side of the family. I think the laundress told him that he's a lot like his paternal grandmother.
The dastardly duo have some tricks up their sleeve. They're young enough to throw off the spider business and their obsession with what the penalty of the fight will be and move on to the next mystery to be solved. And being spy sounds like so much fun.
Thanks daw for all your support.
Karen
Great - more from the mouths of Daeron and Legolas. They make such a hilarious team! I just love to picture them scheming as they combine to make the 'pretty elf's' life a total misery in typical younger brother defence of an older sibling. Only they are allowed to torment Aldamir! Woe betide anyone else who attempts it - whether the bellowing Belas or the conniving Calith. And Daeron is a clever reader of people - whereas Legolas likes to think the best of them. I can't wait to see them persecuting the pretty elf.
Although they are being just a little optimistic to think that the conniving will wait for Legolas to be freed from his bed and Daeron to finish his lessons and his sword polishing duties.
I love to think of Belas being forced to spend some time in close contact with the troop commander he insulted so thoroughly (- see, idiot ellon, you should have kept the insults personal. Avoid politics at all costs.) And both Legolas and Daeron are subject to very good parenting - both at home and as novices.
I just love images like - 'my shoulder ached as if I alone had been holding up the walls of my father’s stronghold against the tide of ruin'. So clever. (I think my very favourite line anywhere ever is the Daeronism that involves melted butter and toast. I'd look it up to quote it properly, but I'm sure you remember it!)
Looking forward to the next episode.
Author's reply
A 'Pretty Elf' is certainly cause for suspicion in Daeron and Legolas's book. They're used to being around the alpha male types and this dandy is just too much for them to trust. Calith looks kind of slimy to me too.
As best as he can, Legolas identifies with Aldamir having his heart stomped. He knows enough to know that his older brother must feel awful. And true, only he's allowed to torment to his brother. Aldamir saved his life years earlier and Legolas has developed a sense of over-protectiveness about his brother. There might be a tad of hero worship involved too. The Pretty Elf's carefree days are numbered.
Belas is mortified that the commander heard what he said and he's scared out of his wits. He knew he was crossing the line, but at the moment he said these things, he was more interested in 'winning' against Legolas than using good sense. His future is up in the air.
I'm glad you liked the aching shoulder line. I was trying to get across that exhausted, achy feeling that muscles get when they've been overworked and are tender. IOW, everything hurt! I do remember the 'melted butter and toast' line. Daeron was so glad to see his dull older brother! It pleases me to no end to know that such a line stayed with you.
Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Spider fight up next.
Karen
Humblest apologies. I’m really behind on my reviewing this week.
So the whole sorry scene has been witnessed by the master and the commander (there’s a Russell Crowe joke in there somewhere)?? That could have interesting repercussions…
My God, that whole battle with the spiders was tense! Aldamir must have been frantic. All the novices seem to have done exceptionally well but I must say, Daeron was amazing. This is his worst nightmare, but he just got on with the job at hand until it was over. I’ve discovered too that hissing, speaking spiders scare me a lot less than ones that creep along the trees. *shudder*
“Then come for me!” I loved that moment. Aldamir is just getting p’d off now. I get the impression he probably treats errant warriors the exact same way!
There’s something so moving about the image of Seregon holding his younger brother while poor Daeron retches. And Legolas!! I nearly fell of my chair when the knives suddenly dropped to the ground!
You did a great job portraying Aldamir’s fear and desperate attempt to keep his self-control and tend to his brother. I feel bad for Erelas too, having to let them go, even if it is only for a short while. But aaww come on, why couldn’t they take Daeron home with them. Not fair!! I guess we wouldn’t know what happens with Belas and Alar unless he stays, though ;-)
The ride home must have been hell. Imagine knowing how bad things can be with a bite from the black spiders and having every reason to expect that it could be worse with these new ones. I almost cried for Aldamir when he felt his father look at him with such blame. My mind was telling me that this was just his interpretation of it but still, it was so hard not to scroll down and see what happened between them!! And I was definitely seeing the screen through a blur when his mother held his hand for that moment.
Thank heavens Aldamir finally got some good news about the spiders. He needed to be able to take some decisive action and stop brooding on things for a while.
“I am pleased to say that Elenna and I are to be wed.” Eh??? How much more is Aldamir going to have to take?? His flight from the palace just about broke my heart! Apart from not deserving any of this, he certainly doesn’t deserve to feel like a fool. I’m a little suspicious anyway that there’s more to this. Is that betrothal something her parents wanted more than she did, maybe? Of course, if she’s betrothed she shouldn’t have acted that way at all and definitely should have told Aldamir. But I’m going to wait (impatiently) and see what happens! After all, no silver rings means they haven’t had a ceremony yet so she can still change her mind without causing too much scandal!
Seregon is wonderful! I’d definitely want him around if I needed some support. I just love the thought that he shoved the report into his tunic and took off after Aldamir because he knew he was upset.
I really liked the scene between Aldamir and Thranduil. His father gave him as much reassurance as he possibly could but it was still a reminder of how much more experienced Thranduil is and how resigned he has become to making difficult decisions and knowing that things will not always turn out as they should, and that sometimes people get hurt. His pain for Tarondor was tangible and difficult to watch but at the same time at least Aldamir knows that his father understands.
“I suppose this is what your naneth sensed.” I know she’s worried about Legolas but I wish she wasn’t distracted because I really want to know if this is all that she sensed about them!! I suppose it is. And Aldamir has learned a painful lesson about dismissing his mother’s feelings. I really feel for him at the moment. Apart from his pain and confusion, I hate to see him question his own worth and feel undeserving of the support of others.
This was a really great chapter, Karen. I’m becoming far too affected by these people’s lives! :-)
Author's reply
Please don't apologize, Dot. I'm thrilled to hear from you anytime.
Yes, Russell Crowe, I mean Aldamir, was in the tree the whole time. Belas and company were putting on quite a spectacle. Belas has bellowed one time too many and he's been caught red-handed.
The spiders caught everyone off guard. Poor Daeron. He came through, but it sure did upset his stomach. The difference in hissing, talking spiders and the nasty brown furry ones in the trees is that this time it was fight or be spider lunch. When the chips were down, Daeron's training and survival instincts won out.
Not to be morbid or anything, but I'm glad Legolas's being bitten surprised you. I was hoping that I didn't give this away too soon.
The trip back to the stronghold was probably the longest trip of Aldamir's life. He had no real idea what to expect from the red-banded spider's bite, but he felt sure that it wouldn't be good. And not only had his brother been bitten and he was scared to death about that, but he was going to have to tell this kid's father, who also happened to be his own father and his king. And for him to have to tell his mother was even worse. Poor guy felt terrible and assumed all the blame.
Even I felt bad for Aldamir when Calith dropped the betrothal bomb. Talk about being blind sided. For the first time in his life, he loved someone truly and wholly and then this crap! True, she doesn't have a silver ring and this leaves open that there might be something more. She sure did act like she returned Aldamir's affection. And you're right; she should have told him about Calith.
Seregon is going to need a vacation after all this. He's taken it on the chin nearly as much as Aldamir. He is a good and loyal friend and he loves Aldamir like a brother.
I think Thranduil's immediate reaction to Legolas being bitten was anger. When he had time to calm down, and I think the queen was able to point out that this anger was not necessarily or appropriately directed at Aldamir, Thranduil was able to take a step back. He was a good person for Aldamir to talk to. Thranduil has made many hard decisions and he truly understood where Aldamir was coming from. Good ada. Aldamir did learn some lessons of his own and he won't repeat the mistakes again. On one hand, this is good, and on the other, some things shouldn't be avoided for fear of a pain.
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this chapter, and that you feel involved in the lives of the characters. Aldamir will be back. Right now he's lying down with a cold cloth on his head. Seregon is in the Dorwinion.
Thanks so much, Dot.
Karen
Gosh, I read this yesterday at work and forgot that I didn't leave a review. Sorry!
This was a great chapter! Poor Aldamir! I about had a stroke when I realized that he had heard everything Belas said. It would have been bad enough to hear a report about what happened. He heard it first hand. And saw it. Older brother Aldamir might feel sorry for Legolas/angry at Belas but Troop Commander Aldamir had to be furious.
And the spider fight was well done. For some reason I like writing spider fights better than fights with orcs but I still think fight scenes are hard to do. Good job and good job showing the aftermath. I think the young warriors' reactions were very realistic. And I was really surprised to see Legolas get bitten. Aldamir is really having a horrible day. All the interaction between Aldamir and Thranduil were great.
But as if that wasn't enough, then he meets up with Elenna and her surprise (she says trying not to put no spoilers in the reviews). I definitely was not expecting that! I am dying to hear the rest of the story with that!
Author's reply
Oh please, don't apologize; I'm thrilled you read it and enjoyed it. And it was really nice of you to come back and leave a review. Thanks.
Yes, Aldamir heard the whole he's a fool speech Belas gave. The commander is none too happy. Belas is on thin ice. His mouth really did get the best of him this time. The commander will have some hard decisions to make when this kid comes up to pledge his faith to the king. Belas is good with his weapons and shows some leadership ability, but you can't have someone with such a bad attitude in the ranks. What's a commander to do? :>) Aldamir was touched that his brother and cousin came to his defense, but here was another example of things the commander could not allow to go on. And it was his brother of all people.
The spiders are so creepy. They make good enemies. I agree with you that battle scenes are hard to write. I've never been in such a situation and hope I never will, so all I have to draw on is imagination and a really good beta. I'm glad that it rang true to you.
Really, as if Aldamir didn't have enough to feel bad about, Calith shows up to put the icing on the cake. I'm glad you were surprised and that this wasn't predictable. And yes, there is more to the story.
Thanks again for taking time to read and review.
Karen
It's reassuring to know there's someone who had an even longer day than I had - poor Aldamir! I just want to send him to bed. His emotions are very vivid- his anger at Legolas, his fear for the younguns during the spider battle and when he realized Legolas was hurt, his guilt, and then Elenna's betrayal. Ouch. The subdued but tense demeanor in the aftermath of the spider battle was great. The little details made it real - Aldamir panting, shouting for the troops to check in; calling for Erelas and finding him at his shoulder, treating Legolas with quiet urgency. Erelas's little cameo was intriguing. We don't see much of him, but his whispering to Legolas was very touching. And I loved Seregon standing with his bloody sword in hand, holding Daeron as he emptied his stomach. And then on the long ride back to the stronghold, when Aldamir's guilt started working on him, remembering when Seregon was bitten (there's a story you should write!). And then, when they got back to the stronghold; Thranduil's piercing stare. I would not want that stare directed at me! It was good of Thranduil later when he had the heart to heart with Aldamir to bring up Tarandor's death. That must be a hard one to live with. Aldamir must have been running on fumes by the time he got hit with the big revelation about Elenna and Calith. How agonizing just when he really can't take much more. His sense of duty carried him through, though. It was painful to watch him fall back into "well, I'm really too busy to think about romance anyway" mode. I liked how Seregon sought him out. I really think the shifting POV worked well here. After having the last chapter narrated by Daeron, it was intriguing, in this chapter, to shift to Aldamir's POV and see Daeron as just one of a hundred things he has to worry about. It's quite entertaining to jump from one person to another and see them from one another's point of view! I wish I could remember who's next...
Author's reply
What a nice review! Thank you.
Aldamir did have a no-good-rotten day. I'm pleased that you found his emotions vivid and realistic. He was on an emotional roller-coaster that he just couldn't get off. Falling back into the 'I'm never doing this again/too busy to be bothered with romance' mode felt sad to me too. I can recall that feeling once or twice in my life. :>)
We don't know much about Erelas. He's out in the field so much that we've had little chance to get to know him. I'd like to investigate him a little more, see what he's got going on. Eventually, maybe he'll show up for longer than 10 seconds.
Poor Daeron. If the spiders weren't bad enough, he lost his aewbas in front of his brother. Seregon was a good big brother here. I imagine he remembers his first battle, and he probably didn't feel too well afterwards either.
Seregon and the Spider Bite, huh? I'll have to think about that. Wonder when that happened?
I'm glad the shifting POV has worked out well for you. I enjoy seeing what's going on in everyone's head too. Of course, the challenge is to 'hear' the different voices, and that was the reason I wanted to change POVs. I hope I've heard them correctly.
Thanks so much for all your help. You keep me on the straight and narrow...or try to. I can still botch up simple sentences.
Oh! Spider snack is next.
Karen
Here I am at work, reading. Shame on me. It was worth the risk... What an intense chapter!
I knew eventually we'd see those wretched spiders. With on everything you've given us about Daeron before and on what you show us now about him, it's easy to conclude just how competent he is; he's an elf you can trust to have at your back, even when fighting spiders.
Poor Aldamir. Nothing seems to be going right for him. I'm also betting Legolas will be none too happy when he awakens.
Author's reply
LOL! I hope you didn't get caught reading at work. But I'm so pleased that you read it.
Yep, those spiders were bound to show up. Daeron did do well, especially under the circumstances. He's going to be a competent warrior, even if he never gets over his hatred of creepy crawly things.
I don't think Legolas will feel very well either when he wakes up. Being an elf, of course, he'll heal quickly.
Aldamir might need more than a wafer of anti-elleth to get over this.
Thanks, terryb. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this chapter.
Karen
A very intense chapter. It made me all teary for Aldamir.
Author's reply
Ah, thanks, Karri. Aldamir appreciates your concern. And I'm glad that you felt the tension of the chapter. That's gratifying to hear.
Thanks, Karri!
Karen
First of all, I just want to thank you for such a wonderfully long chapter and not leaving us dangling over a nasty cliff, though the chapter certainly did not lack breathless moments and thumping hearts.
Aldamir certainly had a rough time of it in this chapter. First his little brother gets bitten by a spider and then Elenna abandons him for another. I'm surprised that he's functioning at all, let alone doing such a good job of it. I guess it must help to have everyone being so supportive around him. I certainly hope he gets over the guilt of his perceived failure, and Elenna. Knew there was something off about that elleth. Now I can officially declare my dislike of her, regardless of what reasoning she may have for what she has done.
Poor Daeron. At least he only emptied his stomach after his worst nightmare, rather than something more embarrassing. And definitely poor Legolas. This little novice outing will certainly leave memories for all concerned.
Author's reply
This one was a long chapter, wasn't it? I'm most pleased that you weren't bored stiff!
Poor Aldamir. He's barely hanging on by a thread. His duty has been a life-saver for him, I think. As bad as the spider situation is, he's able to do something useful to keep his mind off Legolas and Elenna. And yeah, Elenna doesn't appear too endearing at the moment. But there seems to be something else going on. Calith is too happy.
Daeron hasn't felt this sick since he stuffed himself with aewbas. Not only did he get sick, but he found his cousin had been bitten. He had a rather bad day too.
Thanks, Manderly, for reading and reviewing.
Karen
Wow, Karen, you had me on the edge of my seat through that one! I think the novices got a heck of an initiation into the rites of warriorhood. But, it sounds like they fought pretty admirably. Daeron managed his fears, and it sounds like Alar did just fine too. Will Belas perhaps see that, I wonder?
And poor Legolas. The spider bite sounds immensely painful and terrible to go through. I felt bad for Daeron being left behind - for all the novices actually.
I actually found it funny that as Legolas is unconscious they are thinking about his discipline for fighting! This is one case where I say I hope the lessons learned in the battle outweigh the need for punishment (assuming punishment is for learning and not for well, just punishment).
And poor Aldamir. In one day, he is doubting everything about himself - his ability to command, the harm he feels Legolas suffers because of it, and now that Elenna would just a dufus over him. I think we might find she is at least partially a victim of someone's manipulation.
Nice job on first person voice - I truly felt in Aldamir's head.
Author's reply
The novices did get a crash course in the real life of a warrior. They did well overall. Funny what one can do when it's you or them. Daeron was able to react appropriately to the threat. The masters should be proud. They've done a good job preparing the spider-phobic nephew of the king.
As I mentioned several times before, I've been bitten. I took my symptoms and exaggerated them greatly. I also did a little research about bites, blended it all together and got Mirkwood spider bites. So yes, the bites are nasty. I really hated to leave Daeron behind too, but I couldn't see Seregon removing him. In fact, had Legolas not been bitten, Aldamir would not have removed him from the ranks either. That, I think, would be a hard decision for the older brothers.
Yes, Adar knew exactly what Legolas had been up to when he saw that bruise. He's already raised two sons and the telltale signs were too obvious. I think Legolas will expect some sort of punishment from his parents, but the masters will handle infractions that occur on their time. Legolas did learn a hard lesson. While he and the other three sprang into action when the time came, they were a beat behind by not paying attention as they should while in the forest.
Aldamir has never had such a rotten day, I don't think. He feels responsible for all the ills of the world at the moment. He's having a tough learning experience too. But there does seem to be more to Elenna's story. Something is not right.
Thanks for the compliment on the POV. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters from their perspective. I'm very pleased that you felt like you were truly inside Aldamir's head.
Thanks again for everything, Nilmandra.
Karen
Ak! So many emotions in this one.
The pacing of the fight against the spiders was incredible -- you kept up the tension and maintain the beat of urgency all the way through. The way the novices reacted afterwards was realistic, and Legolas, well, I didn't see that coming!
Once again, your imagery, "it hissed with a sound like wet wood thrown onto a hot fire." I can hear that in my head!
His hand drifted over Naneth’s shoulder as he walked past her. A married couple who know when a simple touch is needed as comfort, 'drifted over' what a perfect description.
And Calith and Elenna! You really captured Aldamir's pain -- the way his breath is driven from him and he reels and seeks the trees.
Another one of those chapters that made me ignore all the stuff going on around in RL until I finished this ...
I love how you write -- it's so filled with emotion, it just sucks me in!
Author's reply
Thanks, Leaward. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Trying to write battle scenes or scenes where the author wants to keep the action tight is tough for me. I want to put everything under the microscope and do an analysis. What can I say? I have a good beta. :>)
I'm glad the spider 'voice' seemed real to you. That's another one...how exactly would a spider talk if it talk? I think Tolkien said that sounded rather raspy. Yuk. Yuk. Yuk.
Thranduil letting his hand drift over Lalaith's shoulder is a 'Thranduil-ism', I think. It's a mannerism that I see in him over and over when she's around. He touched her often like she's his anchor--his grounding.
Poor Aldamir. I don't think I like Calith very much. He sure caused the good commander a lot of pain.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I love hearing from you!
Karen
daw the minstrel
· 23 March 2005
· Chapter 8: Chapter Eight: Aldamir
Oh, goody! I love this story.
I just read the first paragraph and I feel so sorry for Legolas, and I really see the value of your shifting POV. Because we've been in Legolas's head, we know how earnest and well-intentioned he is, so when Aldamir is angry at him, we can feel both Aldamir's fury and also how Legolas is going to react. Just brilliant!
What a creepy spider attack. The image of them as a undulating darkness make me cringe. What a horrible initiation for the novices, espcially for the spider-phobic Daeron. And of course, Aldamir blames himself. You know, I've been wondering what Elenna's secret is, and speculating that it might have something to do with these spiders, and if that's the case, that's really going to cause problems. But I had never expected the betrothed to turn up! You're so cruel to poor Aldamir, Karen. His musings on his own failings and his father's reaction to him are so touching.
I'm now half an hour late leaving for work, but who cares?
Author's reply
Thanks, daw. That means a lot to me coming from you. I'm really glad the shifting POV hasn't driven you crazy. This has been a wonderful exercise for me to learn about each character from the inside out.
Legolas was trying so hard, but all Aldamir got to see was the flying fist. The commander got an idea of what a pain Belas has been, but to his way of thinking...the commander way...Legolas's behavior is just terribly undisciplined. Can't have that!
I'm so glad the spider attack was creepy! YAY! I can't think of much that would be creepier than spiders the size of Volkswagens. And they can talk! Yuk.
Aldamir was simply floored by this news. He could not have been more unsuspecting if he had tried. And that knowledge just kills him. Like Legolas, he's trying so hard to be the kind of commander his father needs and this is such a kick in the teeth. He feels he failed not only in his protection of his brother and the novices, but he also failed to see that he was being deceived. I even feel sorry for him and I did it to him.
Late for work? I'm thrilled that my chapter could keep you reading. And I'm really glad you don't punch a time clock!
Thanks so much, daw. Your support is invaluable.
Karen
Hah! Under observation all the time. Have they worked out yet how the masters manage to be omniscient? I should think they were lucky, in a way, that the spiders arrived when they did - or our little bunch of novices might have encountered some rather more dangerous creatures. Daeron managed very well. He can cope in a crisis - even if giant, fierce, venomous, talking spiders to make him throw up afterwards. (I hope Belas doesn't look on that as something at which he can jeer, or he might end up with another punch on his elegant elven nose.) He is going to be shattered by Legolas having been bitten, though. They were all doing so well, too.
And poor Aldamir (and Seregon, too). He's in charge - and guilt has little to do with logic. Sometimes, those who should feel responsible just don't - they're too self-centred to see that anything is ever their fault. Others, among whom I suspect Aldamir ranks highly, take responsibility for things they could not possibly change. I loved Adar's words about his own experience and loss. And then - then, another bombshell, just when he is least able to cope with it! Though most of the information seems to be coming from Calith - and has yet to be confirmed by Elenna. I thought Tree's report was interesting. Maybe Elenna is a victim of stalking. After all, elves aren't supposed to involve themselves in frivolous hanky-panky - and she was pretty involved in that little session with Aldamir. It might well be that both parties are being manipulated here. But poor Aldamir doesn't need emotional angst just now.
Perhaps he needs to indulge in a little spider-slaying - and then talk to Naneth. (Or possibly Elenna.)
Author's reply
Although Daeron might have given the masters a little too much credit for knowing 'everything' that went on, he wasn't too far off the mark. The masters weren't about to leave the little whelps all alone in the forest, and besides, what they got to see when the kiddies thought no one was watching was very telling.
Overall, Daeron did well. Hopefully no one other than Aldamir noticed the trip to the woods. If Legolas didn't see it, and I doubt he was in shape to notice, then I don't think Daeron will ever bring it up. Let's hope that Belas was too busy being scared out his leggings to notice too.
Aldamir really did have a no-good-rotten day. Just when things looked like they could get no worse, Calith shows up on his doorstep. Something is not right here, but Aldamir is so shocked and hurt that I don't think he's realized that yet. And you're absolutely right that Elenna would not have been involved in hanky-panky as a recreational sport.
Aldamir does need to work out a little frustration on those spiders. The spiders have no idea....
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Bodkin.
Karen