Oooh, exciting! It is the mark of supreme bravery to run towards a burning structure rather than away from it (which is the sensible thing to do). If anyone, any Dwarf, doubts the courage of these Elves, all they have to do is watch six of them racing headlong towards a dragon.
The whole scene kind of reminded me of an old National Geographic article that I read when I was real little, about the excavation of Herculaneum and Pompeii. It talked about how they found lava casts of bodies, of people caught right in the act of grabbing up their most precious things and running for their lives. And there were also people who tried to hide out in their cellars, thinking that would save them. (It didn't.) They had drawings, too, of what the towns must have looked like, with people running while fire rained down on them. It really made an impression on me at age seven, and this chapter was exciting and horrifying in exactly the same way.
And even in the midst of chaos, there are wonderful little personal touches. The old man who won't go without the shawl, the singed Dwarf beards, Beliond suddenly finding himself with an armful of baby and automatically jiggling it (I guess parental instincts never die). And Tuilinn is in fine form, immediately grabbing the nearest child. Legolas does get to see quite a bit of that side of her.
Unfortunately, it looks as though the girl's about to get either squashed or french fried. Sigh. Legolas is going to be an absolute wreck when this is over. And everyone thought the Northern Border Patrol would be a nice restful assignment.
I also liked the image of destruction coming with "monstrous beauty." I've had that same thought about some of the destruction I've seen, most notably the World Trade Center, and I've always felt just the teensiest bit guilty for thinking it, so it's good to know I'm not the only one.
Author's reply
I could see Legolas being driven to run toward Dale because he knew Tuilinn was there, and Beliond would have followed Legolas. But you really have to give the other warriors credit, I think. They did this from a mix of courage, discipline, and a sense of obligation. Good guys all the way around, even Galelas.
I've always wanted to see the ruins at Pompeii and haven't made it there yet. All that archeological stuff sounds fascinating to me.
I tried to think of what people do in a disaster, and I've read that sometimes they seize what's most important to them -- photo albums sometimes, although that wasn't going to work here. But the shawl seemed right for a confused old man.
Horrible things can be beautiful, I think, in an appalling kind of way.
The Karenator
· 5 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Dale
Oh my! That was intense! I sat on the edge of my chair all the way to the end. I'm pretty sure, your minstrelness, that the ending is what we would call a cliffhanger! I nearly banged my head on the keyboard in frustration. Well, people have been offering the ranger bribes...what do think Nilmandra would like? Never mind, I'll ask her myself. I don't trust you.
I was winded by the time the elves got to Dale. Of course, I was holding my breath, but you know what I mean. And the poor woman...dragon dainty. Oh my... For a moment, I thought the dragon had snatched Tuilinn and Legolas was going to have to take off to the mountain to save her. I'm glad you skipped that part. Anyway....
And then, the poor old man and his granddaughter. When you said that Sinnarn and Nithron hurried them down the street, I got quite a visual of them trying to help the old fellow 'hurry'. I was glad that Nithron just picked the old guy up and booked it. Oh, I hope they found shelter.
Of course, Florence Tuilinn Nightingale showed up with a child in her arms. Legolas shot out before Beliond could stop him AND Galelas covered him by exposing himself...wait a minute, let me rephrase that. Galelas attacked the dragon to draw its attention to him while Legolas helped Tuilinn to safety.
I loved it when Legolas shoved the screaming child into Beliond's arm and he went on automatic, jiggling and cooing. Kind of like when one is used to taking a child with them to the grocery store and even when you don't have one with you, you rock your buggy back and forth. Took me years to break the habit.
And then the roof FELL IN! I think you forgot the rest of this chapter, you dawship. Perhaps in order to prevent riots, looting and pillaging, chapter eight will appear quickly?
Man, this was good. I've got to lie down for a minute...and drink something cool and refreshing....
Karen
Author's reply
I had already written a lot and it was time to stop. :-)
In The Hobbit, Thorin Oakenshield describes the descent of Smaug on Dale, including the fact that he would snatch maidens and carry them off. Thorin was a child at the time, and I meant him to be one of the Dwarf children Legolas sees in the distance. Anyway, in The Hobbit, the tone of this is sort of light, but it struck me that it would really be quite appalling to see.
Beliond is an ada, and the instinct is still there. And it turns out Sinnarn can be responsible when he sees the need. He just doesn't often see it.
The roof fell. Yes. I'll have to get to work on explaining what happens now, but I have to teach tomorrow night. Blech!
elliska
· 5 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Dale
You are getting really cruel with these cliffhangers!
Holy cow, Daw, this literally gave me chills while I was reading it! This review is going to be shorter than normal because I want to go back and read again.
I love that the dwarves they met up with included Thror and I love how well Legolas handled that. And all the terrified, fleeing people and the snippets of their conversations, the wind from the dragon's wings, the descriptions of the streets in Dale, the warrior interrupting to report about the river, the helpless people that the elves stop to evacuate--what a phenomenal (sp?) job of portraying the chaos that this event would cause.
The conversation with Girion's son--do I recall that only the one son (in the boat) escaped? How sad that is.
And I think Beliond might lose his mind if Legolas blows him off one more time.
I'd almost hoped Legolas wouldn't find Tuilinn--because having her right under his nose is going to make this worse. Or maybe you have decided on a different fate?
Ok, sorry, but I have to go read it again. Outstanding chapter, Daw!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you reacted strongly to it. I had to keep trying to picture the kind of chaos this would cause in a town.
Girion's oldest son was interesting to me because his armor was paid for by the emerald necklace that turns up again in "The Hobbit." And so far as I can tell, only the mother and the youngest son escaped down the river to Esgaroth to be the ancestors of Bard.
Beliond is not having a good day, poor guy.
Small Triumphs
· 5 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Dale
Phew! If you thought the pacing for the first part of the story was slow, this chapter more than made up for it! My heart was thudding the entire time reading this, and the ending has nearly put me into cardiac arrest! You are cruel with the cliffies. ;)
So Tuilinn is safe, though for how long is the question! How like her that she would be saving a child at this moment. I'm sure Beliond is definately going to have a thing or two to say about Legolas' stunt. Oh, please hurry with the next chapter! I don't think this is at all good for my health!
~Small Triumphs
Author's reply
So maybe the contrast between the calm first part and this is good. I'm glad it was a little scary. It should have been and I was afraid I hadn't done it justice.
I'm not sure how safe anyone is at the moment. :-)
Manderly
· 5 April 2005
· Chapter 7: Dale
Oh, oh, GASP! Daw, you have left me totally breathless and not knowing what to say.
That was heart-pounding stuff, the entire chapter! Everything was so vivid, the people's fears, the destruction, the helpless desperation. Amazing piece of writing!
I just wished you didn't leave us gasping over a cliff like that.
Author's reply
Then my work here is done! LOL
I'm glad it was vivid. I thought that Smaug's descent on Dale would have seemed like a fire bombing.
lwarren
· 3 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
You really do an excellent job of showing everyday life in a patrol...the beginning scenes of Legolas' group searching that cave was very well done. And of course, all the other little details of who does what in camp and how each member of the group does their job, very realistic! I really liked Beliond bouncing the acorns off of Sinnarn's head - beware of keepers lurking in trees, especially if you are going to call them Nana! LOL
Eilian's letter, though, was priceless! Anyr's little settlement sounds like some of the hippie communes of the '60's - complete with skinny-dipping elves! Of course, the whole thing is so much more funny because Eilian tried to reassure Celuwen he'd be blind to all that display of bare flesh! HA! I see Celuwen reacted much the same way! :-) Eilian is hilarious as he mentions several times what an outstanding husband he is...and thoughtful, too! *snort* He has his serious side,however, being all concerned for the defense of the settlement...tho' I'm not too sure Celuwen will like his little classes he has going on the side...I sense trouble on that front!
I'm glad Legolas made the effort to compliment Galelas and pass on Eilian's greetings - maybe that will lessen the tension between them. So, it begins - Tuilinn has not started back from Dale...and the mountain is on fire! Will Legolas lead the elven version of the fire department...or will he freak and take out on his own to find his sweetie? Great chapter, daw!
linda
Author's reply
I'm having a good time writing Eilian's letters, I have to say. I think Celuwen is right to be skeptical of his claims about how oblivious he'd be while swimming with naked maidens. And I do think it's right that he'd be serious about defending the settlement.
As I'm looking at this story now, though, I think I see a better way to do it! I should have started with the patrol and the meeting with Tuilinn and also had the patrol meet more action than usual to give a sense of things beginning to stir. Then I'd send Legolas home on leave to talk to Thranduil about Tuilinn. That would be interesting. I think Adar would want him to slow down. Then I'd send him back to find the dragon. That would give the first part of this story more tension and drive it forward better.
Sorry, Linda! I was just thinking about this so you get to hear it!
I'm working on the next chapter but was slowed down by being away this weekend.
Bodkin
· 2 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
'You can bet that if Celuwen hadn't been there, he'd have been diving head first into the Forest River!'
Maybe - but I bet that if Celuwen had said 'yes, let's strip off and join them', he would have been absolutely horrified. He's a wood-elf with a thorough indoctrination in suitable behaviour. However much he is willing to disregard convention, I'm not sure he would feel comfortable about his wife abandoning it!
And I doubt one thing will make a difference to Galelas and his resentment of Legolas's luck in being who he is - but it's water on a stone. There has to have been a fair amount of erosion. And maybe there's the knowledge that Eilian loves Legolas - and if Eilian feels like that, maybe the brat has something going for him. I'd like to see them putting adolescence behind them - they'll never be best buddies, but Galelas is grown up enough to see Legolas's good qualities. And vice versa.
Author's reply
LOL. I suspect you're right. I think that Eilian might be rather possessive about Celuwen, and would be most unhappy to see her swimming with males other than himself.
And see, that's what I thought about Galelas too. I didn't want to show a radical change, but I did want to show what you call a drop!
Bodkin
· 2 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
I hope, in Valinor, Galelas becomes a husband and adar. He is good with young'uns and he would never, NEVER let an elfling a) suffer neglect as he did or b) grow up like Tinar.
Maybe he needs to know something about the pain of escorting the bodies of young warriors home and feeling that he is responsible for their deaths - for not foreseeing the unforeseeable or preventing the unpreventable. Although I hope he doesn't have to carry out that duty himself.
I loved Eilian's letter - it made me laugh out loud (rare). So Solith would not approve of mixed bathing? Quelle surprise! And Eilian felt that, had Celuwen been his naneth, he would be confined to his room to 'think about his actions'. (How familiar that sounds!) And the 'sufficient perseverance' reference! Anyr's wood elves are so wood-elvish that they are almost incapacitated! They flit! And gambol! Grasshoppers to Eilian's ant. And that is so remarkable I feel need to stress it as I laugh - Eilian is the ant!! Eilian is preparing for winter and hard times, while shaking his head over the irresponsibility of others!
And Legolas is beginning to think beyond the moment with Tuilinn. But, unlike his brother, he is considering how to make the transition easier for her - and how he can accommodate her desires and needs. I suppose Eilian did know Celuwen - and very well - from their earliest childhood, and she was ill - but he still dived in headlong and sorted the situation out later.
Poor Sinnarn. He does find taking responsibility for the whole world a difficult concept - although I don't think ignoring it will work for too long. I seem to remember that he is fairly convinced of his need to protect by Tangled Web, so he must find his own way of dealing with the pressures. And it's a good converation for Galelas to hear - I doubt he's tried looking at it from the point of view of the Thranduilionnath. But, on the other hand, I loved Beliond pelting him with acorns - and I'll bet Nana can throw HARD.
Seeing Galelas concerned about Eilian's health will touch Legolas's heart, too. And a few stilted conversations might ease the tensions a bit.
But fire on the mountain. Oh dear.
Author's reply
I hope that for Galelas too. I even hope that in the Halls of Waiting he's treated like a hero for his actions at the Battle of 5 Armies. He'd like that. And while I didn't think that overhearing the conversation between Legolas and Sinnarn would change him in any significant way, I thought it wouldn't hurt him to hear it.
Eilian does indeed find himself in an odd situation -- compared to these elves, he's like his adar or Ithilden or something! And yet, Thranduil would be horrified to see how easily he fits in in some ways too. You can bet that if Celuwen hadn't been there, he'd have been diving head first into the Forest River!
Assuming that Legolas ever gets the chance to talk to Thranduil about Tuilinn, I think that Adar might try to slow this romance down a little so that the couple has a chance to get to know one another a little better. But according to the story Nilmandra wrote about my Thranduil meeting Lorellin, he loved her at first sight, so I don't think he has much room to stand on. And, like Tuilinn, she was playing with children when he caught his first glimpse of her. :-)
Karri
· 1 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
I am glad to see Legolas making an effort to let bygones be bygones. He will be glad to have done when he thinks back after the Battle of Five Armies.
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas will be glad he did that. I thought it was his own joy that made him able to be generous.
ziggy
· 1 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
I have so enjoyed reading your stories - 'discovered' them earler this year and have spent many happy hours getting to know all the characters over a number of wet weekends- I have to say, Eilian is perhaps my favourite, but I love the way you have depicted them all. And there are really good lessons in them for parents- and grandparents! Such good advice wrapped up in the tales. So thank you- I think is the first review I have left becasue I have been'catching up' and have a few of the ones of younger Legolas to read- usually I cant bear the very sentimental treatment writers give younger Legolast but you have drawn the family so beautifuuly and it is so accurate in terms of what life is like for famileis, espeically bereaved families, that I am looking forward to them. Thank you so much for just keeping on writing!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for letting me know you're reading and enjoying these stories. I love my OCs quite shamelessly, so I always like to hear that other people appreciate them. I've had a good time trying to work out the family dynamics here and make the characters distinct and rounded.
I hope you like the kiddie stories too. I try not to sentimentalize little Legolas, but it's tricky to avoid.
thechevin
· 1 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
There I was enjoying Eilian's letter as much as Legolas obviously was, smiling about the swimming and Eilian's attemptes to keep his training activities quiet, poor deluded male elf Celuwyn is bound to find out sooner or later!
I was even happy to see the effect Eilian's remarks had on Galeas and Beliond's acorn tricks and then whoosh we have a mountain of fire and something wicked this way comes
What is worse you then leave us hanging by our fingernails to find out what is going to happen next
Another excellent chapter, cliffie notwithstanding
Author's reply
I'd say Celuwen is certainly going to find out, and when she does, she won't be happy. But I doubt if she'll shake his resolve. This is an area in which he's dead serious.
I needed to get to some action! This story has been pretty quiet, you have to admit. Now we're going to go take a closer look at Dale and the mountain, and things will get a little more lively. Sigh.
perelleth
· 1 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
He, he, such an ending! as on tiptoes! ;-) great. Wonderful daw, seriously, all that day-to-day routine and now he can hardly believe what his eyes are telling him. I could almost figure what he was feeling. It was wonderfully done, the contrast between their peaceful day and the tragedy striking down there in the east.
Eilian's letters are getting even funnier... he's master of sarcastic euphemism! Mingling in the bare! that sent me howling! And Celuwen seems to have developed an "Ithilden syndrome" A list of lengths, indeed! I was reminded of some experiences I've had in situations quite... similar (not with elves, unfortunately) and I couldn't help shaking my head in sympathy, I think Eilian has chosen a safer course.
Am I allowed to pity Galelas? I know he behaves horribly with Legolas, but his captain seemed happy enough with him before Legolas arrived, and as Eilian remarks, he's a good warrior, and good at teaching others, which is something not easily found! Poor one!
Beliond was great with Sinnarn. I wonder. Are they all aware that should anything happen to Ithilden, Sinnarn would be the next "heir" in the list? I guess they all rather ignore that chance!!! Poor Sinnarn. He seems to feel overwhelmed by his father's example and his own sense of inadequacy! Maybe they need a little time together?
Where is Tuilinn? (look at me, reading and reviewing at work! shame!;-)
Author's reply
One of the things I've been a little worried about in this story is that all the relationship stuff and everyday activities would be boring. But I wanted to lay the groundwork so that readers could see the significance of later events. A lesson I think I'm taking away from this is that I might need to use more "action" openings.
I love writing Eilian's letters. It's so much fun to take on his voice. I have to confess though that I got "mingling in the bare" from The Karenator, who says she got it from Daeron. It sounds like him, doesn't it?
Please do pity Galelas. I do. He's not evil. He's just unpleasant in Legolas's presence. I'm trying to drive tiny wedges in the wall between them, although I don't think they'll ever be buddies.
It's kind of scary to think of the fact that Sinnarn is his father's heir. And it's not like bad things couldn't happen to Ithilden or Thranduil. Oropher died, after all.
We're going to go looking for Tuilinn in the next chapter.
emjo
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
NOOOOO Daw you can't do this to me. Please update as soon as possible! Oh and another plea to you asking you please don't make this story sad I can't handle that! Love it so far!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it, emjo. We're seeing a bit of Mirkwood's history here, and much of that was unhappy, I'm afraid. We'll have to see how it goes.
Brazgirl
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Legolas is in love! That is so sweet! You are right Daw, Eilian's letters are always fun!!! This line really made me laugh: "Sólith is about as likely to allow mingling in the bare as he is to send me a scroll declaring what a fine son-in-law I am." He is so fun!!!
Those wild elves swimming all together! They know how to enjoy life. I wonder what would be of Eilian if he had been born in a settlement.
Sinnarn... the poor babe. I think he misses Ithilden in his life, as just an adar. Or ada! He worries over his too right father and thinks he is all unhappy with his duties. I see some of the queen in Sinnarn on this. Am I right? When he started to talk to Legolas I felt like hugging him.
I did not think Legolas would speak to Galelas, even more after he heard the talk.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like that line in Eilian's letter! The Karenator suggested the phrase "mingling in the bare," which I thought was clever. Eilian's father-in-law would have a stroke if he knew what his little girl was being exposed to.
Like Eilian, Sinnarn is quite a bit like Lorellin. You're right about that. And he can see that he might have a lot of responsibility some day. After all, Ithilden is the king's heir and Sinnarn is Ithilden's. That has to be scary.
Legolas is happy enough that he can be generous with Galelas.
elliska
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Finally got home from work so I could read this. Work is getting in the way of my fan fiction reading so much these days! How dare it! :)
I like how you have handled Galelas and the young warriors. You are really good at making your 'not so nice' characters have balance. It's still hard to like the guy (even knowing his fate in Laketown later on) but it's impossible to just dislike him too. It's fun for me to think about that but poor Legolas is struggling with it right now.
I loved Eilian's discovery. That was hilarious. Poor Celuwen--I bet Eilian had fun teasingly trying to convince her to join in. And you had some great description and some great lines in that section too. I doubt any letters Celuwen's father sends Eilian ever sing his praises.
Eilian is going to be in sooo much trouble with Celuwen when she finds out about his extra curricular activities (unless, of course, they end up saving lives when all you know what breaks loose). How is it that I can so see him doing that?
And the conversation with Sinnarn about his letter and Ithilden was well done. Poor Sinnarn needs more self confidence. It sounds to me like he generally does a good job (when dwarves aren't around). I feel for the kid. He's in a tough place having his adar's example to live up to and not really wanting to.
Poor Legolas. I am dying to find out how he manages to control his reaction to the mountain being in flames. Knowing the lady that he cannot tear his thoughts from is right under that mountain is going to make it hard for Legolas to react like an officer (or at least it would be hard for me not to go running off straight there--I imagine Legolas will do better than I would. He always does. :) Thank heavens.)
And just because I can't leave a review without saying this: I love Beliond! He's great. Sinnarn deserved the acorns.
Don't wait too long to update. This was a really cruel place to leave it. :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you find Galelas complex enough to be hard to classify. I don't think of him as evil or as meaning to do harm. He's just a guy whose family is not very nice and he's struggling to become a decent person in spite of that. He'll never shake them entirely. Oddly enough, the only thing that's saved him is that he's not his parents' favorite (which is also the thing that's soured him).
To me, Eilian is likely to go along with what Celuwen wants most of the time because he's pretty easy going. But he's never going to let his guard down when it comes to protecting people from the forces of Shadow. Celuwen can rage all she wants. This is the one thing he's serious about. He's seen too many bad things to ever let it go.
Sinnarn is feeling overwhelmed. He's deeply afraid he's going to have to live the life his father lives and he doesn't think he's up to it. He just wants to be sure no one else expects him to do that either, and he's doing his best to convince them that he's not capable.
I think you may find that your reaction to the fire on the mountain and Legolas's are more similar than you might anticipate!
Yanic
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Thank you so much for updating, it really made my day! I keep telling myself that I should wait for the stories to be completed before I read them, that way I won't have to keep checking everyday, but I just can't keep away!
I really was struck by how mature Legolas has become, I know that it must have been hard to tell Galelas considering his behavior towards Legolas.
And the letter from Eilian was priceless, I would have paid good money to frolick in a river with a bunch of elves "clad only in water drops and sunshine." And Sinnarn's reaction: "Perhaps I should go and visit him!" was just great!
I think that this story is shaping up to be a tragedy, but I'm actually ok with that. So long as Beliond stays safe, I say bring it on!
Author's reply
You don't know how happy it makes me to hear you can't keep away!
Legolas is maturing indeed. You're right about that. And I think that happiness makes him generous too. When you're full of joy yourself, it's easier to give other people a break.
I think I'd like to go for a little swim too!
And it seems your another Beliond fangirl. I don't know what it is with you people! My beta loves him too.
meckinock
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Oh, geez, I got so sidetracked I forgot all about Beliond and Sinnarn. It's hysterical that Beliond seems to like playing with Sinnarn so much. The acorn-throwing had me laughing, but not as much as taking the plate of food away from him. "Thank you, young one." LOL. I wonder if Beliond recognizes in Sinnarn someone who still needs a little mothering...
Author's reply
I'm going to tell Beliond that you all but called him Nana.
Ms. Whatsit
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Oh, and I forgot about Tuilinn--it seems like the relationship got really serious really fast, at least on Legolas' side! They hardly know each other and yet Legolas is blathering on about marriage!
Author's reply
Legolas is sure she's the one. And maybe she is!
But I think Adar would make them wait at least the year so they would get to know one another. Assuming he gets the chance, that is.
Ms. Whatsit
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
I loved Eilian's letter. So very funny and breezy, even when talking about important things. And of course Anyr's hippie elves would be utterly unconcerned with modesty! Woohoo! I like the way you've created cultures within Mirkwood--not just the settlements vs. the strongholds, but also the differences within the settlements.
I like how Legolas tries so hard to be nice to Galelas but even then just decides that Galelas probably finds him patronizing. Poor Galelas--I can see why he'd be jealous of Legolas. Eilian vs. Tinar...not much choice there!
Author's reply
I've had a lot of fun with Eilian's letters. They turned out to be easy to write, and I liked experimenting with putting Legolas's thoughts in the middle of the letter. Eilian seems to be having a good time mostly. :-)
Legolas's happiness makes him feel rich. He can afford to be generous to Galelas. And maybe it will do a particle of good. Who knows?
French Pony
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
So Legolas has spent all of maybe a week and a half with Tuilinn ever, and he's already thinking about marrying her? And he's thinking of Ithilden as being too serious? Kiss of doom for Tuilinn, it looks like.
It's interesting -- the more you write about Beliond, the more he lightens up. He used to be just inescapably dour, but then you did that bit from his POV back in that other story, and now he seems so much. . . well, happier. Bouncing acorns off Sinnarn's head, stealing food from him. . . old Beliond is just the life of the party these days.
I had been wondering if Legolas might figure out that a good way to approach Galelas might be through their shared concern for Vanduil. But it seems that Eilian beat me to that suggestion. Eilian really is very good with people. He also seems to have a much broader range of mood swings than either of his brothers. When he's happy, no one is happier or more excited. When he's down, no one hurts more than he does. He really seems to know all the extremes of Elvish experience, and I think that must be frightening for him sometimes. Maybe that's part of why he's so close to Legolas -- Legolas has always been someone who gives Eilian reason to anchor his mood swings. He becomes stable because Legolas needs him to be stable. And now he has Celuwen in his life doing much the same thing when Legolas can't be there for him. So it all works out. For someone as swingy as Eilian, the more people there are in his life who love him, the better.
And it looks like he'll need all the help he can get with Anyr. I think I've figured them out. Anyr's settlement is one of those places where literary worlds collide and leak. The residents may look like Tolkien Elves, and that fools the other Elves, but underneath, they're really Kipling's Bandar-log: "Now you're angry, but -- never mind! Brother, thy tail hangs down behind!"
Author's reply
I'm guessing that Thranduil would agree with you about the fact that Legolas is rushing things, assuming he ever gets the chance to comment.
Beliond is lightening up gradually over the years. He was very isolated after his family left. Working as a spy suited him. And I think that when Thranduil assigned him as Legolas's guard, the king was thinking of both their goods. And Beliond has come a long way, drawn out of himself despite himself, but his affection for Legolas and just being around other people.
I like your analysis of Eilian. It seems true to me.
I laughed about your Kipling thing, but I have to confess, I've never read whatever it is you're talking about!
meckinock
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Eilian is going to be in so much trouble. Covert warrior training! I can't wait to see what happens when Anyr finds out. Reminds me of a case we studied in the class I was in this week (featuring real live college professors, not the usual rabble of self-taught experts). Shell Oil, Greenpeace, and the disposal of the Brent Spar, which was a big huge oil tank in the North Sea. Shell did studies and decided the most environmentally safe way (this turned out to be true) to dispose of the Brent Spar was to drain it of oil, tow it out to sea and sink it in about 11,000 feet of water. Versus option B, towing it to land and taking it apart. Unfortunately option A happened to also be the cheaper option, arousing immediate suspicion, so Greenpeace managed to incite a huge European boycott and they attacked the Brent Spar with a water cannon from the Rainbow Warrior and in the end Shell ended up towing the spar to Norway and dismantling it just to make everyone happy. The moral of the story is that now oil companies involve Greenpeace from the beginning in these types of decisions so there are no surprises. I don't know if there's a moral for Eilian there or not but I hope Anyr doesn't have a water cannon...
Great letter from him, by the way. He cracks me up. I think he gets a kick out of the naked coed bathing. He sounds so natural in his letters to Legolas. His concern for Legolas's mental health was also very touching.
Legolas is handling Galelas very well. I was cringing when he was tempted to avoid contact to spare himself the inevitable surliness, but he did the right thing. The only way through this is to stay engaged. Complimenting Galelas's mentoring ability and pointing out their shared affection for Eilian was a good start. Galelas probably will think Legolas was being condescending, but it's a knee jerk reaction. Right how he'd think Legolas was condescending if he said, "Good morning." Sooner or later, like Legolas hopes, he'll get tired of the snarliness. Especially if Legolas can't be perturbed and Galelas can't recruit anyone else to his cause.
Where was I? Oh, yeah. Legolas's love life. Talk about thinking with your you-know-what. The fog of love! I loved this line: For a moment, he wondered if his father would object to his own plans to bond with Tuilinn, but he rejected that thought out of hand. Tuilinn had no irate father forbidding the match. At least, Legolas assumed she did not. Oh, great. All ready to order the monogrammed bath towels and he doesn't even know if she has a father. You'd think he would have learned from Eilian's father-in-law experiences.
Well, I just hope she's around long enough for it to become an issue....Fire on the mountain does not bode well for this romance...
Author's reply
You and Celuwen would get along well because she's trying to involve Anyr too. After all, she's the one who's on Thranduil's council. She's learning to think that way. But Eilian is somewhat less patient! And it won't be only Anyr who's ticked at him, I fear. His loving wife will have a thing or two to say.
I was thinking that Legolas's joy made him more willing to be generous with Galelas and less likely to hold a grudge. He's at a good stage to make a move toward Galelas. Someone has to make that first move and be willing to let go of the past just a little.
If Legolas ever does get to talk to his father about Tuilinn, I think Adar is going to put the brakes on hard. He won't stop the romance, but he'll sure as Mordor make them get to know one another better.
Dot
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Vanduil seems to be doing better. A lot of credit has to be given to Galelas for that too. Actually the two of them really seem to get on well. I don’t know why, but I’d always pictured Galelas as not getting on particularly well with anyone. I like seeing these two together.
“Surely Galelas was getting tired of his surliness by now, he thought.” You’d think so, wouldn’t you? It’s absolutely draining to be around people like that. I’ve often wondered myself how they don’t get fed up with being sulky or hostile themselves. Sort him out, daw!!
Eilian’s letter was just so hilarious. I almost choked on my pick ‘n’ mix while reading it. It sounds like he’s had time to think about things, though, and dwell on Legolas’ trouble with the Shadow a bit too much. I hope he receives Legolas’ letter. Although, Legolas could have worse things than Shadow sickness to deal with soon…
Are these letters difficult to write? Eilian comes across as so completely himself in them! I’m so glad he recognises his worth and contribution as a husband ;-) He paints such a funny picture of the settlement. I’m still laughing at the thought of the maiden “skipping through the woods gathering roots”. And they bathe together??! Personally, I thought that was a rather elfy thing to do, especially as they apparently have enough self-control not to be tempted left, right and centre. But I can see how it would be completely scandalous behaviour to anyone not from Anyr’s settlement! I remember Ithilden being mortified at the thought of Alfirin wading fully-dressed into the males’ pool one time but free-thinking Eilian doesn’t seem to have any problems with his wife swimming around naked and “frolicking merrily” with nude settlers. Celuwen is wise to suspect that he might enjoy it himself more than he admits.
I thought the funniest part of the whole piece was the line “Sólith is about as likely to allow mingling in the bare as he is to send me a scroll declaring what a fine son-in-law I am.” LOL. Nah, I can’t see that happening either, somehow.
That part about “sufficient perseverance”, did you invent it for this or is it based on someone? I was just wondering. It painted a wonderful picture of Eilian’s younger days. Poor Galeril.
Eilian is doing what??? Teaching them to use weapons??! It’s good to see that he’s determined to keep them safe, and even better to know that not all of the settlers are as ditsy as Anyr but crikey, Eilian could end up in a lot of trouble. And Celuwen would have a fit. *sigh* Does he really think no-one will find out? It’s sad in some ways, though, to hear about their idyllic life and to know that they have to learn to protect themselves and fight in battle because danger is not far from their door.
Ródien!! Good to know he’s still around. I can just imagine Eilian’s face when he realised that the “captain” was Legolas.
I loved Beliond throwing acorns at Sinnarn! He’s so much fun when he’s relaxed. Or bored. Whatever. He’s great!
Legolas seems very serious about Tuilinn. I knew they had the start of a real bond but I didn’t expect Legolas to be trying to make such concrete plans so soon. But talk of formally bonding, of telling Thranduil, wondering how Tuilinn would feel about palace life… That’s serious. And nobody else knows he feels this way! Except Beliond, of course.
I’m still feeling sorry for Sinnarn. I doubt Ithilden would suddenly have developed a tendency to talk about all his duties in great detail so I’m guessing Sinnarn is at the stage where he’s even reacting to little things. Although, I wouldn’t put it past Ithilden to try and impress upon him how he should live up to what is expected of him. The very idea of “duty” seems to frustrate Sinnarn, although whether it really is resenting his father putting his duty first, worry that this is what his own future holds or fear that he’s not as capable as Ithilden, I can only guess. I get the impression that people – Ithilden – thinking that he may not be able for responsibility hurts him, for all that he dismisses it and claims not to want additional responsibility anyway. Legolas should be able to understand that to some extent. At one stage he wondered if the fact that he wasn’t made an officer at the same young age as Eilian or sent to the southern patrol meant that Ithilden didn’t trust him to be able to do it, even though he probably didn’t actually want to be an officer at that time. I’m not making sense now. It’s all the sugar.
I’d like to know what Galelas made of all that. I wonder if it’s a good thing that he knows that Legolas was “worn down” enough for his family to be worried.
I was so glad that Legolas decided to pass on Eilian’s message to Galelas. It is possible that Galelas will think he’s patronising him, but it seemed to me that he was just pleased with Eilian’s words. At least Galelas had something pleasant to think about that night.
And the mountain is on fire. That was the most dramatic cliff-hanger I ever read! I’m really not good when it comes to having to wait and see what happens. I suppose another couple of chapters tonight would be too much to ask…?! :-)
Author's reply
Galelas kind of surprised me too when he turned out to be good with younger warriors. Truthfully, I credit Eilian for that. I think that Galelas feels like he's doing for others what Eilian did for him, and in so doing, he's claiming a little bit of Eilian for himself. Because really, deep down, it's not Legolas's rank and "privilege" he's jealous of. But I'm not sure how much of that he realizes. And that's one reason I wanted him to overhear that conversation between Legolas and Sinnarn. I don't want to make too much of that one small incident because it's not likely to change anyone by itself, but I still thought he should hear it.
Eilian's letters turned out to be amazingly easy to write. You know I don't write first person often and that's what these letters are. But I must know Eilian pretty well by now, because letting him speak for himself has been just a delight.
This line -- Sólith is about as likely to allow mingling in the bare as he is to send me a scroll declaring what a fine son-in-law I am -- I need to confess that The Karenator gave me that "mingling in the bare" phrase because I was stuck. The scroll was my idea, and one that Solith would indeed never share.
I made up "sufficient perseverence." I suspect that Eilian would not be one to keep at anything that bored him and that would be a whole lot of what the tutor was doing.
It seemed to me that defense is one thing that Eilian would be absolutely serious about and even Celuwen wouldn't be able to keep him from doing what he thought was right there.
If Legolas ever gets a chance to ask for Thranduil's permission for this marriage, I'm willing to bet Thranduil will insist on at least the customary year. These two need to get to know one another better. And I think, unlike Eilian, Legolas would do that.
I think that Sinnarn sees the possibility of huge responsibility in his future and doesn't know if he's up to it. I know Elves don't die in the normal course of affairs, but the times are not normal. Sinnarn is second in line to rule the Woodland Realm. That has to scare the pants (leggings?) off of him. And I think he's trying to make sure that no one expects too much of him. Poor guy.
sayre
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Thank you for this new installment. As always, I'm enjoying your tale immensely -- and as always, am remiss in telling you this. The character of Tuillin is nicely drawn, and it's good to see some happiness for Legolas. I find myself fearing, however, that she shall fall prey to the Curse that plagued the Cartright brothers of Virginia City, whose dates always died or left town by the end of the episode. Please tell us she's not going to end up quick-fried crunchy dragon snacks?
Looking forward to more (greedy, me? Oh yes!)and thank you again.
Author's reply
I'm really glad you're enjoying the story. I hesitated to give Legolas a romantic interest but it seemed unrealistic that he would never have one. On the other hand, Legolas does not sound married when he's running around with Gimli after the quest. So what to do? :-)
I'll start on the next chapter tomorrow maybe, but I'll be away this weekend, so it may take me a little longer than usual.
Manderly
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Anyr is just running a regular hippie commune at that settlement of his, isn't he? Mixed bathing. I wonder what Thranduil would have to say about that. Though I can see Eilian fitting in easily in this relaxed environment. At least he's making an effort at training some of the elves in the art of self-defence. I am glad we are getting our fix of Eilian, even if it's through his letters.
Legolas is really smitten with Tuilinn, isn't he, to be thinking of bonding and how she would adjust to life in the stronghold. I hope you don't have anything nasty planned for her.
I am glad Legolas decided to pass on Eilian's greeting to Galelas. Maybe this will encourage Galelas to shed some of his prickly armour.
Things have been proceeding quietly so far, too quietly. So you've decided to stir things up? What's next?
Author's reply
I admit I think about hippie communes when I'm writing about Anyr's settlement. I kind of think of wood elves as being a bit on the hippie-ish side. And I too thought that Eilian might be able to fit in, although he's never in a million years going to let up on the need to defend the place.
Joy has made Legolas generous with Galelas. He can afford to be a little easier on others because he's so happy himself. And yeah, we're getting to crunch time around Erebor.
The Karenator
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
Oh Daw, you're going to kill her, aren't you? Legolas is thinking bonding and well, I saw 'Bonanza'. Everybody any one of those Cartwrights fell in love with was a walking bull's eye. I have a bad feeling about this. However, Tuilinn could decide to stay in Dale and 'help' the people...she was sort of like the Mirkwood Red Cross when she visited the flood victims. That could happen. And that would make Legolas most unhappy.
Eilian's letter was priceless. Daeron was envious of some of his lines. Really good lines. I loved the one about wearing water drops and sunshine and all the ones where Eilian is extolling his virtues as a husband. There are too many to list. But it was just great.
Legolas's rather cautious praise of Galelas shocked the old boy. I really do like how you've shown Galelas's strengths. Knowing all we do about his background and the fact that Eilian finds such good in him, I can feel his pain and jealousy. What he wouldn't give to have Eilian as his brother?
Tell Beliond he has good aim. Bouncing acorns off the kid's head. LOL! Legolas got a quick glimpse into Sinnarn too. A nice revelation.
And now, the mountain is on fire! Tell me when it's over. I can't look.
Really!!! wonderful chapter.
Looking forward to the next one.
Karen
Author's reply
As I recall, Daeron provided me with one of those lines! But as I've said before, he and Eilian would get along. Of course, Daeron would need to get a little older before his naneth would allow him near that settlement without putting her hand over his eyes.
Galelas would love to have Eilian as his brother. He's jealous of Legolas and he thinks it's because Legolas gets favored treatment. But deep down, that's not what he really envies.
I've beent thinking about Sinnarn lately, and trying to figure out what makes him tick. Legolas is doing that too.
Thank you for your support, Karen.