Reading this chapter left me with some strange feeling that Tuilinn in on her way to safety. I do not know why, though. Maybe because Legolas constantly thinks about her. He would know if something was wrong, wouldn't he? But then again why did his thoughts turn to her even more… Oh, boy…
Eilian's letter was absolutely great. And that’s all I can say, if I want to avoid writing how great, amazing, sweet, funny etc. elf he is… :)
I’m sorry if I missed it, but is there a story where Eilian and Sinnarn are together in some trouble?
I’m glad that Legolas passed his brother’s greetings to Galelas.
Anxiously waiting next chapter.
~Ana
Author's reply
I don't have a story with Eilian and Sinnarn in trouble together really, although that sounds like it could be fun!
Eilian's letters have been entertaining for me to write. It's fun to hear him talk in the first person about his adventures in the settlement. I'm glad you're enjoying this Ana. I'm going to be away this weekend, so I'll probably be a little slower posting the next chapter, but I have notes on it. Shall I hold them up to the screen? :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 31 March 2005
· Chapter 6: Heading East
I love reading Eilian's letters nearly as much as Legolas does! I loved his surprise at coming across both males and females skinny dipping in the river. Even better was the image of all the flet-building elves running off to pick the first strawberries - they're just as air-headed as Anyr.
Then there's Galelas, and Vanduil, and Sinnarn, and Legolas's thoughts of Tuilinn *sigh* :( I love your cast of characters, Daw. (Oh - and Beliond throwing acorns!!)
Jay
Author's reply
Eilian's letters turn out to be easy and fun to write -- something I didn't expect. Thranduil would probably be horrified if he knew how happily Eilian is adapting to the easy ways of the settlement -- except for security. I think after what Eilian has seen, he will never be easy about that.
I'm glad you like my wide-ranging cast of characters. They sometimes intimidate me by their tendency to proliferate!
Ms. Whatsit
· 30 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Sorry I missed the first few chapters, daw. I'm really enjoying this story. I love the Eilian/Celuwen bits, and the tension between Legolas and Galelas, and Sinnarn the Bitter Cynic, and Anyr the Hippie. Of course all wood-elves are hippies but Anyr's in a league of his own.
And Tuilinn! I really want those two to be together now! Maybe she can go to Ithilien with him post-Ring War. But I doubt it--this seems like a relationship that can't really happen.
Author's reply
You're absolutely right! Wood-elves are hippies. LOL. Poor Thranduil. It doesn't seem like a lifestyle he'd embrace. Of course, maybe that's not true. Maybe he likes living among these people and they let him be a little freer. And he does have a connection to the forest. He's just not as likely to run around singing tra-la and letting the future take care of itself. Thank Eru.
tigerlily713
· 30 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
I've been printing this off at the library and then reading it every chance I get (i.e. work, school, church, etc.)! What a wonderful story! As other reviewers have mention, you are absolutely accurate and also consistent in your emotional portrayals, so much so that I feel both joy and pain when I read the stories.
I cannot wait for more, though I suppose I'll have to!
Lily
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like it, Lily. My beta says that sometimes I tend to cut off a show of emotion before it's finished, so I've been working on not doing that, and I have to say, I was pleased with this chapter. It took some revising to get it where I wanted it, but people seem to like it. :-)
thechevin
· 29 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Ah but what a lovely legomance it is and how bitter sweet because I have this horrible feeling that this can not last not given where Tuilinn is headed
The descriptions of Legolas' feelings and emotions were spot on IMO and after a long time alone he would feel all the heady excitement of thinking he has found his soul mate
Even Nana approves the only fly in the porridge being Gaeleas, I think I better read the earlier story to see if he was taking an interest in Tuilinn when they were battling the floods or is this just another thing to be jealous of Legolas for
I really enjoyed this chapter
Author's reply
Yeah, the mention of Dale is kind of cringe-worthy, isn't it?
I had an interesting time, trying to tweak the chapter to reflect the delicate nature of Legolas's feelings and also to try to suggest through his eyes what was going on with other people too. It was an enormous relief to me when I got to write about Tuilinn finally showing up and telling him how she really felt.
Galelas isn't really interested in Tuilinn. It was his brother Tinar who was at the settlement when it flooded and the only person Tinar is interested in is himself. She's just a pretty girl, so far as Galeas is concerned, but she's also one more thing that falls into Legolas's lap with seeming ease.
I think I'm going to have to give up predicting how readers will react to a chapter. I thought folks would hate this romance.
Ithildin
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Your stories just keep getting better and better, Daw, and this one is no exception. Excellent chapter and I really enjoyed it. I laughed out loud at Legolas wanting Eilian to kick that ‘maddeningly imprecise’ Anyr into the river; Beliond is terrific guarding the young lovebirds all night, and the line about him approving of love because it makes warriors cautious is just great. Beliond - gotta love him. And I’m glad he got a letter from Maltanaur. :-)
And then there’s Galelas - he’s not over the edge yet, but he’s getting there. I’m looking forward to how their interaction pans out. I like Sinnarn, but I don’t feel that I know him as well as some of the others so I hope he and Nithron get more ‘screen-time’ (page-time?) in this one. And how about a Nithron/Beliond conversation - perhaps reflecting on Nithron's days as Ithilden's keeper?
Tuilinn is a wonderful character, I like her a lot already and she and Legolas are simply adorable together. Happy is good! I enjoyed the whole scene from the ME equivalent of a ‘deer in headlights’ look to the farewell kiss. And I really did cringe when I realized she and Fyndil are headed to Dale - talk about bad timing on their part… yikes. So, is there any way she can escape dying here? A whack on the head and wandering off with amnesia to turn up again after the Quest maybe? LOL! OK, maybe that’s a stretch, but I’m grasping at straws! (Yeah, your characters do seem real!) I keep thinking about that cryptic bit in ‘Tangled Web’ where Legolas keeps looking for a maiden with curly hair… Well, we shall see. I will be patient – this is worth waiting for.
Whatever you’ve got planned – I’m hoping for the best and braced for the worst. I’m watching for each and every update, so, happy or sad, keep ‘em coming! I’ll be laughing and/or weeping along with the rest of your readers and loving every minute of it. :)
Ithildin *(
Author's reply
I'm a little worried I won't be able to get Galelas and Legolas in any sort of realistic truce, and yet I think they have to come to it. Galelas is a good warrior and his warrior role is important to him. And I don't feel I know Sinarn as well as some of the others either. I've written about him some for my own sake since starting this story and I have a better idea of him now. In this next chapter, I need to do a little with both Galelas and Sinnanrn. At least, that's what my outline calls for! We'll see.
I love jumping around in time with my characters, writing about little Legolas one month and the adult warrior the next, but it does sometimes make for problems in continuity, as I try not to violate what I've said before too badly. I had to look up that quote in "Tangled Web" before I started this story, just to be sure it wasn't too explicit. Fortunately for me, it wasn't. :-)
I'm glad you're enjoying this. I'm surprised at how well people are accepting the romance, actually.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Leaving for the Woods
Daw!
I feel as if I'm invisibly visiting Mirkwood when I read one of your stories! I like the leisurely pace of this story. I feel as if I am sitting down with old friends in front of a cozy fire to find out is happening in their lives. I can hardly wait to find out if Eilian has trouble with the "featherhead!" LOL!
Thanks for the stories so well!
MM
Author's reply
I fervently hope the pace really is "leisurely" rather than too slow! I've been working on slowing down a little so that I don't rush the exploration of emotions, but it would be easy to go overboard. From looking at other writers I admire, I can see that pacing is tricky.
Anyway, I'm glad you like the story. I'm using Legolas's POV only, mostly to see if I can do it, so communicating about Eilian is a little more dificult than usual. I've had to resort to things like Legolas overhearing him and Celuwen in the garden.
esamen
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
I told you I was going to read it again. This time I noticed something else:
Suddenly, he became aware of someone approaching, although he could not see them yet and knew he had not heard them either.
“She led me straight to you last night,” Beliond murmured thoughtfully. “That was how I knew where you were.”
Oh, no. They're getting that bond. Now this IS going to be heartbreaking.
Ah well . . . tell your story . . . We'll all have a good cry together. Or maybe you've got some way out of this that I haven't figured out yet. Well, it's OK. I'm up for a really heartrending romantic tragedy. I hope that you will please, please indulge me one time and serve up some good old-fashioned Legolas h/c along with the love story.
Author's reply
Yeah, that bit in Chapter 1 in which Ithilden senses Alfirin's presence was a set up for this, as is the way Legolas resists all the maidens Annael's wife produces for him.
I think this is a story in which love and h/c are inevitably intertwined.
esamen
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Ooooo! Ohhhhh! The most wonderful love scene I've ever read in my life!
This was so much fun to read that I kept on stopping and then going back later, trying to prolong the delight.
Nicely, beautifully written. I really, really like the way that you went after the loneliness/companionship/love/completion angle instead of the simple physical attraction. The maturity and depth that you, as the writer, bring to this scene just makes it incredibly thrilling. I think that you have just written the only love scene that I think is worthy of such a hero.
Galelas -- whew, you are cranking up the friction on this one, aren't you? What on earth are those two guys going to do next -- duel?
Beliond -- aw, he's so good to take care of Legolas like that. What a lovely picture, Beliond walking the two lovers in to breakfast the next morning. He is such a truly original character. He's devoted, but not exactly like Sam was to Frodo. Nor is he like an under-educated Jane Austin-type retainer to a master -- as in Persuasion, when Anne Elliot meets Mr. Elliot for the first time at Lyme, and Jane A. penned something like "master and man were both wearing black" when referring to Elliot and his manservant. Beliond is so much more than that. His age and wisdom make him more, and although Thranduil assigned him this job, he now really seems to look after Legolas out of love as much as duty. Nice job with that line about love making warriors cautious. I think that the line really showcases Beliond's feelings about Legolas.
Fyndil -- "Fyndil was dark haired, with even features, and a pleasant aspect." Talk about Austen! "even features" ???? "aspect" ???? Are you priming your younger readers for their first read through Pride and Prejudice?
Well, Austen's my second-favorite writer, after Tolkien, so I'm enjoying the fun. Someone should have an Austen-Tolkien crossover challenge. Now, that would be a riot. "It is commonly known that a good-looking, eligible Elf Prince is in need of a wife."
Now, having gushed and praised, I have to get mad. You're going to kill off that lovely young woman and break Legolas's heart, aren't you???!!!! Well, if so, count me in for the ride. I just love a good love story and I haven't read one for a long time. I'm counting on you . . . bring on the heroics and the rending heartstrings . . . you can't make it angsty enough for me. Get the whole family involved and wring all the emotion you can out of this plot. I'm going to love every minute of it. I'm going back right now to reread the whole chapter. Would you please post your next chapter soon, maybe a little later on tonight?
Author's reply
Wow. I'm speechless. I seriously don't know what to say to that kind of praise except thank you. It took me a while, but I eventually had this worked out so that Legolas and Tuilinn could gradually edge toward one another, but even then, she was very brave to approach him, not knowing how he'd react. I'm glad you liked it. :-)
I'm hoping I haven't made Galelas so far gone that I can't get him back. I'll work on him a little in the next chapter, I think. And I have to tell you that Beliond is here and he's spurting new words (in Sindarin, thank Eru, so I don't understand them) about the comparison of him and anyone's manservant! I pointed out that you said he wasn't like that, and he's calmed down some, but he's still snorting.
I worked on the new chapter a little today, but tomorrow I have to go to my office all day and then go out to dinner with a graduate student who's on Cloud 9 because she got the job she wanted. It's nice when they're happy! Sometimes they come and cry in my office. This will be much better.
sofia
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
I could not keep the grin off my face while reading this chapter. At first I thought that Tuilinn was trying to stay away from him but then as the chapter progressed it showed other wise, which I am thankful. I was feeling sorry for Legolas with his older brothers both married and he wasn't. I wonder what Thranduil's reaction will be, I'm guessing it will be interesting. As long as Legolas doesn't run off and bond with Tuilinn then I think Thranduil will approve!
-sofia
Author's reply
I like picturing you grinning as you read this, Sofia. It sounds as if your understanding of Tuilinn's feelings grew at about the same rate that Legolas's did, and that's good. That's what I wanted.
I think Thranduil will be happy for his son, although he'll also be quite aware of how hard it would be to be a married warrior -- and to a settlement girl at that! But Eilian and Celuwen are happy.
And I can't picture Legolas doing anything as rash as Eilian did!
Brazgirl
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Thank you Daw, for two reasons: first for your wishes for my birthday. Thank you sooooo much. Second, for saving my day... I was in a really bad mood and then I opened my mail and this! What a wonderful chapter!
When Legolas approached Tuilinn for the first time I really felt he was all grown up. Sometimes I read your Legolas thinking like his brothers and his father... probably because elfling Legolas is too cute for us, we all tend to keep him in mind! For me, Legolas got his independence from me there: when he realized he was in love with Tuilinn!
I wonder what will you write in the next chapter... all the patrol know about their lieutenant affair... or his feelings for the maiden. And as always Beliond comes up in the right times. I just love the guy... and I am glad your beta loves him too!!!
Galelas... jealous even of Legolas' affair! Those two will end up quarreling again, and this time there is no Eilian around.
Author's reply
Isn't it odd sometimes how little it takes to turn our mood around in either direction? It's sunny here today, after a long winter, and I feel terrific.
Legolas does seem like an adult here to me too. The only stories I have set later than this one are "Tangled Web" (about the Battle of 5 Armies) and "Question of Duty" (about the forming of the Fellowship). He's an adult in those stories too, a young adult by Elven standards (even in the last one, he's younger than Ithilden was when Legolas was born), but an adult. And he's making a decision for himself here. Truly, I think his family would be happy for him.
I think in the next chapter, we need another letter from Eilian and then a little patrol action. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
perelleth
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Wow! Look what you had up your sleeve! Who cares for action and fast paced stories, with this kind of things coming instead?
I loved it when Legolas compares her to a doe; it’s so accurate he would come up with something “natural”! so wood-elvish!
I enjoyed this chapter very much, his awkwardness and her hesitation! His doubts and her courage! My! I wouldn’t go back to that time for anything, but it is great fun to read about it, and he definitely needs some joy in his life. And he seems to have realized that, too! (after eleven years! Lovely!) Well, we know Eilian took his time before “dragging Celuwen to the forest” (great line, Sinnarn!) and we can guess Elrond and Celebrían, too, endured quite a long courtship before marrying, so I do not see a reason for assuming Legolas of the fellowship was a single, all alone, free ellon…;-) So please, tell Tuilinn to take care in Dale!!!
BTW, Galelas is an efficient elf; he took care of the visitors while the lieutenant was in shock! ;-) Pity these too will never get to understand each other!
This story is going on wonderfully daw!Their feelings are so natural, and the reactions in camp too! Beliond was great! as well as the wide-eyed younger warriors!!! She could have been covered in mud, and they'd still be gaping!! ,-)
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the doe comparison. I'm working on my figurative language! :-)
Getting Legolas's emotional ups and downs was hard in this chapter. At first, I had things on their way to resolution by the end of the first page! But in the long run, watching them inch their way toward one another was a lot of fun. I thought she was very brave indeed to risk rejection and come after him.
Galelas did a very good job, and it occurred to me that he was doing what Legolas should have done but was too stunned to do. Eilian always says there's good stuff in Galelas, buried there somewhere.
Ana
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Hi!
Well I did something unusual for me… I’ve read some reviews before writing this. So I know I’ll sound silly, but I cannot help myself. Please… please… If there is a way for Legolas to stay single for few more decades or stories, without him hurting or without anything bad happening to Tuilinn… She truly is wonderful elleth, but … For some reason I really like reading about single Legolas and Eilian without Celuwen. Not that I dislike her, because I adore all your characters, but… There are just too many buts.
I hope Tuilinn will live and Legolas will have his love, because he truly deserves to be happy. And killing his love would truly be cruel thing to do to him. I believe/hope, you’ll let Tuilinn live. And now I’m babbling. I apologize. After rereading paragraph in “Tangled Web” where Legolas is searching the crowd for elleth with “wild, untidy curls” I became concerned. That event will happen 171 years after this story… Legolas looking for elleth that is not there makes me very afraid and not so hopeful anymore. I do know something: you are great writer and everything you do is there for a reason. So I’ll just wait and see and hope. Because rereading the chapter made me see that Legolas and Tuilinn together isn’t something bad. Actually it is great! :)
Just one more thing: Beliond is such a great Nana. ;) And I really look forward to next letter from Eilian.
~Ana
Author's reply
I enjoy writing about single Legolas and Eilian too, and I always tell myself that I can, thank goodness, go back in time and write about them when they were younger. I'm thinking about writing a story set just before Lorellin dies. Or another possibility would be to write about Legolas getting "lost" as he remembered happening in "Legolas's Begetting Day."
As for Tuilinn, I have to make some choices, I think. This is one of those areas in which I can't have everything. So you may have to cover your eyes one way or the other, Ana!
I love Beliond. He's very fond of Legolas and he's had a rather sad time himself. I just spent a couple of hours roughing out the next letter from Eilian. I hope you like it. It's always fun to try to catch his tone.
I have to say I'm flattered by the fact that you react to these characters as if they were real. :-)
Yanic
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
This chapter only makes me love Beliond more, and Legolas was just too cute - a complete wreck over Tuilinn! Although I have a bad feeling about her going to Dale...I can't wait to see where this leads!
Author's reply
Beliond was a good keeper in this chapter. He watched over the young ones and made a quick judgment of Tuilinn. I suspect if she makes Legolas happy, she'll be all right with him.
I knew people would cringe at the mention of Tuilinn's destination. Sigh.
White Wolf
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
What a lovely chapter. Seeing Legolas so smitten made me smile. I'm so glad that Tuillinn returned his affection.
Thinking of Beliond standing guard over the young ones while they spent the night together also made me smile.
I can only imagine what was going through Galelas's mind when Tuillinn kissed Legolas goodbye: Even on patrol Legolas gets a girl! I can't say I'm sorry he's unhappy.
Author's reply
I was happy for Legolas too. It was nice to write about him in full joy for a change. Beliond approves too. He wants his charge to be happy, and he's seen how good Celuwen is for Eilian.
Poor Galelas! He needs some fans too.
Bodkin
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Well, we have now returned my mother to her house and I can review properly.
The way Legolas is acting in Tuilinn's presence (good name, by the way) is so perfect - as is his realisation that he has spent the last 11 years loving her. He tries so hard to be cool, poor boy, and yet he is wrecked by having her there and not knowing what it means.
And she is so brave - donning the green ribbon and going looking for him must have taken a lot of courage. (Although if she has any grasp of male behaviour, she must have suspected from his complete collapse that he was pretty interested. And the staring. And the blushing. And the loss of limb control.)
And I am so happy for them. Legolas has had a whole night of happiness and a romantic involvement so powerful that he is already talking of visiting her parents to get their OK and banning Sinnarn from sending messages home before Legolas can speak to his family.
Only . . . Dale? Now? It sounds like offering her tickets for the Titanic. It's all very worrying.
I hope heartbreak is not required to make Galelas realise that being Legolas is not all he might imagine. And that his mentor's little brother is an all-right sort of elf with a lot of courage and a massive sense of responsibility.
I can't wait for what happens next. I'd plead, but I don't think it would make a difference.
Author's reply
It took me quite a lot of rewriting to try to capture Legolas's slow movement toward understanding his own feelings and Tuilinn's. I'm so impatient! And she really is brave. She doesn't know how he'll receive her. She's heard nothing from him after all and doesn't know why. And she was rewarded by the night in the tree. A moment for joy, as Lorellin would say.
I'm thinking I need to do something with Galelas next chapter, but he's a tough nut to crack.
Dot
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
What an excellent chapter! Fantastic.
I had a silly grin on my face for the whole thing. I loved the comparison of Tuilinn to “a doe who cannot decide if she is alarmed or charmed by the Elf who is approaching her.” And Legolas seemed to be in a complete haze. Very amusing for Elorfin, I’m sure. He’s certainly giving the rest of the patrol something to talk about.
I thought it was hilarious too the way one minute he’s realising that he knows nothing about her and the next he’s thinking that helping others is so like her. Legolas is almost as amusing as Ithilden when he’s in love.
So Tuilinn was called home that time and didn’t actually intend to disappear without saying goodbye? Good.
“I am sure that both of our guests would like some stew.” LOL. The whole patrol are just too funny. They’re practically falling over each other in order to please this maiden. They all need to get home more often if this is the reaction they’re going to have when a member of the opposite sex appears. To be fair, though, it’s probably only once every couple of hundred years or so that a female actually turns up at a patrol camp.
I cringed when Legolas snapped at Vanduil. It wouldn’t have been too bad if it had been anyone else but Galelas’ protégé was already slightly wary of Legolas and I’d hate to think he’d tell Galelas.
Galelas is quite the gentleman, isn’t he? He actually seems to be on of the few not making an idiot of himself in front of pretty maiden. Fyndil is going to stay with him? It would be so funny of he tried to find out from Galelas what Legolas was like and what was happening between Legolas and Tuilinn. From Galelas.
Poor Legolas. The guy really is in love. My heart went out to him in his confusion and despair. It sounds like there really is that connection between them that elves supposedly feel. That’s serious stuff. I kind of felt sorry for the bemused sentries too…
She wore a green ribbon for him! I can’t tell you the relief I felt that she feels the same way about him. It had never even entered my head that she might have been wondering why Legolas never tried to find her. LOL, by the way, at the image of Eilian kicking Anyr into the river. That’s not so very far-fetched, really.
You’ve just got to love Beliond. He clearly approves and it was good of him to sacrifice a night’s sleep to protect these two ;-)
“What will Grandfather say?” Good question, Sinnarn. I somehow think Thranduil has a little more faith in Legolas’ discretion and self-control than in Eilian’s. But I guess what Thranduil says, or if he’s even told, will depend on what you’re going to do with Tuilinn…
Galelas’ reaction was interesting. He obviously knows she didn’t spend the night on her flet. I don’t imagine he’d be particularly pleased at having to wait on Legolas’ girlfriend. I thought “venom in his eyes” was a strong reaction, though. Oh well, at least Legolas is too happy for the time being to care much.
“And then, suddenly, she turned, ran back, grasped his tunic in both hands, and drew his head down to kiss him firmly on the mouth.” Yay!! I was hoping one of them would do something like that.
“I approve of love. Love makes warriors cautious.” Oh, how wonderfully Beliond! It’s true too. I love that he seems so happy for Legolas. And at least Beliond will have something to write to Maltanaur about now. Surely keepers can share secrets??
I really and truly enjoyed this chapter so much. I didn’t want it to end. Of course, I’m completely ignoring the fact that they’re heading to Dale and possibly death and destruction. There’s only two stories after this and the fact that she’s not mentioned doesn’t mean anything because Legolas was very much otherwise occupied in both. O.k, so he was still looking for maidens with untidy curls at Tonduil’s wedding, I think, but that could be because he missed someone who was away in a settlement. Or Valinor. Yes, that’s it. She’s injured in Dale and goes to Valinor. No? Alright, I’ll go back to pretending all will be well. Because it might be. Anyway, incase I didn’t mention it – I just loved this chapter! :-)
Author's reply
I'm sure the whole patrol (with the exception of Galelas) is amused by Legolas's foggy behavior. Poor Galelas. I'll have to see what I can do with him in the next chapter. I hope I haven't sent him so far into bad temper that I can't get him back.
I've been thinking about comparisons between people and nature (or the rest of nature, depending on how you look at people, I guess), and I thought about how we often anthropomorphize nature in a comparison. So we see might see rustling leaves as being like clapping hands, for instance. But I wondered if elves might see things the other way around and see people in terms of nature. So Tuilinn is like a nervous doe. (Long explanation there, but this is my first chance to trot those thoughts out for inspection!)
It never occurred to me to have Fyndil quiz Galelas about Legolas! You are so wicked, Dot! That would have been fun. I think I need to let things with Galelas start working themselves out a little though.
You may remember that way back in the first chapter, I had Ithilden be aware of Alfirin's presence before she actually was there. That little thing was there specifically to prepare for Legolas and Tuilinn sensing one another now. I wanted them to have the beginnings of a real bond.
And Tuilinn was brave. She didn't know how Legolas felt, but she went to her flet, combed her hair, put on the green ribbon, and took her in courage in hand to go look for him. And then she was rewarded. :-)
Alison H
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
What a wonderful chapter! It was so heart warming to see Legolas so happy, after his initial fear that Tuillin was already taken, but I have a great fear of my own......please don't kill Tuillin off! I don't think I could read of Legolas being in so much pain if that were to happen.See.....your original characters are so well written that they're almost real.You are very talented in that respect.
Sorry I haven't reviewed this excellent story before but I've had the flu and I've been catching up.
I'll be biting my nails for the next chapter!
Ali.
Author's reply
So sorry to hear about the flu. Is it that kind with the nasty cough that lasts forever? Being sick can really put you behind with everything, so you have my sympathies.
I hoped that readers would feel that hope when Tuilinn seeks him out and then feel his almost overwhelming happiness. He deserves to be happy. I feel like his mother! I want him to be happy! And thank you so much for saying that my characters feel real to you. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Well!! Legolas is utterly besotted with this maiden - and she seems equally taken with him. It was funny to see him so tongue-tied, and snapping at the other warriors eyeing her.
I have a bad feeling about all this, though - they're on the way to Dale, and Smaug hasn't turned up yet. What's going to happen to Tuilinn? And Legolas of the fellowship isn't married. I have a bad feeling about this ...
Jay
Author's reply
It's hard to rejoice for Legolas when you have that bad feeling, isn't it, Jay? But for now, he's walking on air. I assume the other patrol members will understand why he was both stupid and snappish. :-)
Bodkin
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Superb on many levels.
Author's reply
Thank you, Bodkin. This chapter was tough to write, mostly because I was worried the romance would be either flat or over the top, so I appreciate your approval!
ValkrieCrow
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
I LOVE Tuilinn.
Author's reply
That's so good to hear! Sometimes readers hate any female I bring anywhere near Legolas. And I kind of like her myself. She's a good person and she was brave to go make her pretty and then come looking for him when she didn't know how he felt. She took a chance for joy, as Legolas's mother would have said, and she was rewarded.
SmallTriumphs
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Okay, I don't have much time for a review, but had to write one after reading this chapter. I am admittably a long-time reader/lurker/admirer of your amazing series, and always am looking forward towards your next update! All of your characters have complexity, believability, and an overall roundness that makes them more than just OCs, but actual characters that readers can laugh with, care about, and relate to. Your portrayal of the Royal Family most of all is a joy to read about!
This chapter, like all others, was absolutely great to read. Even the romance! Now, no one is opposed to Legolas-romances more than I am, yet even I am reading and hoping these two can continue their affair and find happiness together. It's a shock even to me! lol The POV in this story is excellent- and I know difficult to do, but you pull it off so well. For the whole beginning of this chapter, I could feel Legolas' awkwardness and squirm with him! I love the subtleties and details, and I love that you make the romance not over the top but genuinely sincere.
Loved the chapter, waiting for the next anxiously! Oh my, whatever will Eilian or Ithilden say about Legolas' new-found love? We all know Thranduil's reaction will certainly be interesting! I'm getting the feeling there won't exactly be a happy-ending though, will there? Something tells me Galelas will soon discover that Legolas' seemingly perfect life is not all that grand.
~Small Triumphs
Author's reply
Oh wow. What a nice thing to say about my characters. I am shamelessly fond of them myself, so it's really gratifying to hear that someone else enjoys reading about them.
I'm also deeply grateful for your kind comments about the romance here. I really hesitated to do it, but I thought it was a part of Legolas's life that might be worth thinking about. And then I'm not a naturally patient person, so it took me some time to make it go slowly enough that we could see Legolas's feelings. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me that you thought it went well.
I think that Legolas's family would be happy for him, although I suspect that Thranduil would also see all the problems. But then, Celuwen has kind of broken him in a little. :-)
Rose Sared
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Awww - so sweet! But I am deadly afraid she is wearing a red shirt, say it isnt so, daw.
On tenterhooks
Rose
Author's reply
Love is sweet. I'm embarrassed to use such a source, but on the old "Love Boat" series the title song used to call love "life's sweetest reward," and while most of that show was crap, that line was true.
lwarren
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Ah, daw...you wouldn't, would you? I am sitting here trying very hard to forget that Tuilinn is headed for Dale and the intro to this story speaks of disaster waiting to hit that place! You wouldn't have him so very happy and just yank it away...would you? :-( (*sniff*) Of course, such an event in Legolas' life would explain a great deal...
The chapter itself is great...you said you don't do romance, but I think you did a very good job portraying Legolas' shock at seeing Tuilinn again, his utter inability to think straight, his realization he's loved her all along, his despair that she's taken (ah, the ability of the young to "assume" astounds me continually!)...then the total turn-around to JOY! She was wearing a green ribbon...how sweet was that...she led Beliond right to him...I really like this girl (*sob*)! The whole idea of them staying in the tree all night talking and lip-locking (etc.,etc.,etc.)was just perfect.
There were funny parts, too...Eilian throwing Anyr into the river being my favorite...Sinnarn's shrewd look the next morning -another. Galelas, poor sod, is having a rough go. I foresee an eruption between him and Legolas some time in the future. Beliond keeping watch is wonderful, as is his approval of love for warriors! :-)
So, I will love this chapter while fervently praying that what I fear is coming is just the over-active imagination of a teacher with too much time on her hands (Spring Break, don't ya know?)...or maybe it was the onions earlier...
linda
Author's reply
I probably shouldn't have announced the date of this story so bluntly at its start. As it is, I knew people would flinch when Tuilinn's guard announced their destination.
I really hesitated to do a Legomance since I think there are a good many already out there and lots of them (althought obviously not all) are bad. So I'm deeply relieved that people seem to like this chapter. Patiently working my way through Legolas's emotional ups and downs was kind of fun once I saw how to do it and stopped moaning and whining. I thought Tuilinn was very brave. She didn't know how Legolas felt, but she brushed her hair, put on her ribbon, and went to find him. I don't know if I could have done that. And then she got her reward -- the night in the tree. :-)
Everyone else in camp was mightily amused, except for Galelas of course. I think he and Legolas need to go on another patrol together, maybe heading east this time. And it's about time for another letter from Eilian!
emjo
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Tuilinn
Oh no I just remembered when this story is set! Please don't kill Tuilinn off I like her and I would be so sad!
Author's reply
I never should have announced the date so clearly like that. Sigh. Oh well. We'll see how this goes.