Brazgirl
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Hi Daw. It was a lovely chapter. Gandalf's appearance is both comic and worringly and Thranduil know it. I like his letter to Celuwen and how she reactedin front of her father. Wise girl! And speaking of girl... Poor Loriel! She must be thinking she was fooled by nana! Ada wasn't there!!! Just grandfather!! No! We hope Flower Face can be with her ada soon!
Author's reply
Poor Grandfather, to know that his much longed-for granddaughter is crying because it's only him and not Ada. She'll feel better in the morning. I think Grandfather is pretty good at spoiling elflings.
You can hardly blame people who might want to bar the door when Gandalf shows up, can you? Supposedly he turns up where he's most needed, so when he comes to your house, you have to be horrified!
esamen
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Mithrandir seemed to relax a little. “I knew I could count on the Wood-elves,” he smiled. He set his wine aside. “If you do not mind, Thranduil, I think I would like to wash off the dust of the road before it is time to eat.”
This is a great cameo of Gandalf . . . dusty, charming, sincere, and always a little bit interested in Legolas. I so like it that he and Thranduil are friends. Thranduil shows a lot of sense in that friendship. (Snicker -- does he still like Gandalf when Legolas leaves for the Quest? At least Gandalf is safely off towards Mordor then and doesn't have to face his wrath.)
I love the scenes of Celuwen and her family in the settlement. That poor messenger! The look on his face when Solith suggested disobeying the king was a classic.
And you know what else -- I love Thranduil's written voice. Every time he pens a letter, it's fascinating to read. It's beautiful, different from his spoken voice in a very natural way, but with a controlled sense of power and grace that seems very Wood-elf-kinglike to me.
Congratulations on another wonderful chapter! I'm so glad this story is coming along as fast as it is. Can't wait for the next one . . . and see you Mon 5/30, at 11.
Author's reply
When you look closely at The Hobbit and LOTR, you see that there are several points of contact between Gandalf and Thranduil. They're not always without problems (one thinks of a bunch of dwarves locked up, for instance), but then Gandalf shows up at the Battle of Five Armies; he apparently asked the wood elves to help him track Gollum; and he leaves Gollum in their keeping. It's interesting to speculate on how deep that relationship ran.
I'm glad you like the letter. I always hesitate over them. I want Thranduil to be commanding, and I think his written language would be more formal than his spoken language. But he's often writing to family, so there also has to be affection.
I'm looking forward to seeing you on Memorial Day.
thechevin
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
I definitely feel the tension rising in this chapter and Mithrandir's arrival has done little to make me feel better about it all
I like the way Anneal and Legolas work so well together their friendship and his support is one of those things Legolas can always rely on
It was interesting to see the way the two brothers interacted with each other and their father as well now that they seem finally to have agreed Legolas is all grown up, although I think Thranduil will never quite think that!
As for the order couched as a request why does that not surprise me nor did the reaction to the summons of Celuwyn and her father
I hope I am wrong but there seemed something very final about Celuwyn looking back and her parents being hidden from her view and poor Loriel thinking she would find her father at the stronghold she must have been very disappointed still she will have her grandfather to play with and he can spoil her rotten just as he did Sinnarn
Another lovely chapter to read and re-read so that I can attempt to pick out the salient points and squirrel them away for later in the story I hope!
Author's reply
Oh good! As I was writing along, I thought this might seem dull. Tension is much better. And Mithrandir's arrival almost always coincides with a rise in tension. No wonder everyone cringed and called him Storm Crow.
It's been interesting for me to show these adult relationships too. Legolas, Annael, Ithilden -- they all know one another's strengths now. They've seen it tested and they trust in it. Which is good given what's ahead.
The Battle Under the Trees isn't for 60 years yet or so, but as I was writing this I was thinking about how much of the woods burned. Isn't that awful to think about? I picture them all driven right back to the stronghold.
I hope there are salient points! Today is one of those days when I think my story is boring and without plot or purpose. I think I need to go shopping or something.
Lamiel
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
I've fallen behind again. I attempted to review on FF.net back when you posted chapter 2, but the site crashed and ate my review. And I've just been so swamped with work and fighting a bout of illness that I missed your last couple of updates. I'm sorry! But at the moment I'm waiting for tech support to call me back regarding a software problem at work, so I have a few minutes to review.
So it is Gollum after all - and a vicious little beast he is! Goodness, I guess Tolkien made that pretty clear both in The Hobbit and the trilogy, but somehow I didn't take him so seriously as a threat. Maybe because of the way Bilbo beat him in the riddle game - he seemed more cunning than outright evil. But thinking back over it I don't doubt that he'd steal babies if he could get them.
Once again I have to compliment you on how well you write children. Loriel is absolutely perfect -- just exactly how I would picture a small child who misses her daddy and is overly tired. Wonderfully done. And it's something to see Sinnarn as an adult now - and bonded too! Somehow it seems strange that he bonded before Legolas (I do note the reference you made to Tuilinn regarding that), but I am not in any way suggesting that Legolas bond, ever. We've been over that.
Oops, I have to get back to work. Thank you for another great story, Daw!
Author's reply
I'm so sorry you've been ill, Lamiel. Why is it that illness always seems to strike when we can least afford to take to our beds?
The thing about robbing cradles comes directly from Chapter 2 of FOTR, in which Gandalf tells Frodo about Gollum. The first time I read it, it squicked me out. Then I stuck a note on it in my file of story ideas. It seemed to me that if it was happening in Mirkwood, Thranduil must have known about it.
I enjoy writing children, although it's more challenging than people think sometimes. It's really easy to make them too bratty or too sweet. I'm glad you liked Loriel.
Sinnarn is only 40 years younger than Legolas, so he's old enough to bond. But now I've taken care of that matter for Legolas, you'll be happy to know! No more Legomances from me.
elliska
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
I saw this notification yesterday morning and I haven't been able to sit down until now to read it. That drove me nuts.
Wow, what a scary opening. You are doing a really good job setting Gollum up as the vicious creature that he indeed is. Poor little deer. And poor woodelves--that is not something they are used to. I loved seeing Annael at work though and Legolas's easy trust in his abilities. I just love seeing those to old friends working so closely together. Also loved the comment about Beliond--he would have had a fit!
But equally enjoyable was seeing Legolas and Ithilden interacting as adults, both in Ithilden's office and later. Now that Legolas is older and has some experience (he's a captain, after all) it is nice seeing them work together.
I was so surprised to see Gandalf! And so pleased. I love him and how you write him. He's tough to do and you manage his character well. Loved Legolas's apprehension. That is too true. And I loved seeing Legolas's belief that Gandalf doesn't lack the capacity for anything--I imagine that he does get that sense of him. And I could help but think about how Legolas must have reacted to the Balrog as I read that. But Gandalf's description of Gollum must have just scared them to death knowing that the nasty thing had been creeping around Loriel's window. That makes me literally shudder. I thought Legolas's "when" we catch him was rather amusing. Confident one, isn't he. He doesn't know what he's facing.
But the whole thing around bringing Celuwen and Loriel back to the stronghold was great from The messenger would probably appreciate having a written message from you to the end. That line cracked me up. So did Celuwen's acceptance of the fact that the letter was phrased as a request but was indeed a command (I love that). I would like to see the incident that finally made her understand that--you know there was one. But everyone's reactions to this situation were so good. I definitely think that Celuwen would come back to the stronghold, no questions asked, garden or no, if Loriel were in danger. How else would anyone react, much less an elf. And Solith was great. I think he would be furious his daughter and granddaughter have to leave, furious to see signs of the Shadow, again. And he is just such a woodelf--he can't stand outside interference. I love it. And Loriel was great. You write children really well--so excited and then so tired and disappointed. Children are completely honest in their emotions. They just don't hide how they are feeling, so her reactions were perfect. I felt so bad for her when she realized Eilian wouldn't be there. Dear little thing.
I imagine it gets scarier from here. I am really looking forward to seeing how you handle this one. Great chapter!
Author's reply
I too like the relationship between Legolas and Annael. They're such old friends, and they know and accept one another so well! And they've run into something scary here. Poor Wood-elves indeed. They're about to lose something that everyone had just come to believe in and value.
Gandalf is tough to do. You are so right about that! I debated with myself about whether he really would have been in Mirkwood at this time. Tolkien tells us that he and Balin visited Bilbo in the Shire two years before this, so I know where he was then, but that didn't help much. But in Chapter 2 of FOTR, he says that the Wood-elves tracked Gollum for him after he came out to search for the ring. He says Gollum crossed Mirkwood twice, and he repeats those rumors he heard from the Woodmen. So I thought he might have gone there, following Gollum and then asked for the Elves' help. Tolkien leaves us a lot of gaps to fill in!
Your comments about the stuff having to do with Celuwen, Loriel, and Solith were very gratifying for me. And they will be for my beta too! Originally, I didn't show any of the stuff in the settlement at all, just Celuwen and Loriel arriving at the stronghold. But my beta suggested I expand that stuff, and I think it turned out well. I feel bad for Eilian and his little family. They were enjoying that life in the settlement.
rgbj
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Oh icky Gollum is up to his tricksess again.
Annael with his abilities would know if he had seen signs of this creature before and he hasn't. OH OH Legolas got to run of into the woods without Beliond. He's in trouble now. What a hoot. Just like Thranduil, Beliond can find out wherefores and whatnots.
So just like Thranduil, Ithilden keeps things close to his chest. They probably feel more in control that way. Even if control is only an illusion at this point of time.
Mithrandir is here. And the bearer of less than good news. Rohan called him Stormcrow after all. If he could he would love to bring good news. Unfortunately bad news is about all there is these days in Middle Earth.
Yes a letter from the king would be just the thing. This is such a complex family your have created. Celuwen just adds to the mix.
Solith. What is it with him? You would think his first thought would be for the safety of his daughter and grand daughter but if they leave he loses control of them. Control seems to be big in his vocabulary also.
I did like Loriel's reaction though. Happy elfling here. Got to bring everything. I think grandfather king will be glad to provide her with everything she leaves behind.
Celuwen's musings on the horse issue. Elian acting like a king's son. This is a bad thing how exactly. He is a king's son and she is a king's daughter-in-law. I think Eilian does a better job of fitting in than she does when she is in the stronghold. She seems so resistant somehow.
Poor Loriel. She reminds me of Legolas when he wanted things to be the same at the party. That nana would be there and would dance with him and the past would be the present. Little sweetlings. Things aren't going to be the same for her now. He ada is going to have to be a warrior again. She is going to miss him horribly.
Nice chapter to set us up for Legolas' adventure, Eilian's adventure and Loriel's adventure at the stronghold. This will be exciting.
Author's reply
I've always really enjoyed showing Annael as superior at woodcraft. I kind of stumbled on the idea when I was writing "Question of Duty," and I've used it ever since. I think in his quiet way, Annael is a real wood-elf, and I like the idea that Legolas is generous in recognizing Annael's abilities.
You have to sympathize with people like the Rohirrim who were not always happy to see Gandalf. He shows up where he's needed, Tolkien says, which means that if you happen to be where he shows up, it's time to worry!
I think wants control, but I also think he feels a little -- I don't know, "ashamed" isn't quite the right word. But he feels that he should be able to shelter Celuwen and Loriel and he knows that he really can't. That has to be painful. And how do you compete when the "other grandfather" is a king? I think he's worried about losing his daughter and granddaughter to Thranduil's family. Of course, he's also a selfish jerk, so that works too.
That's an interesting thought that Eilian does a better job of fitting into Celuwen's world than she does into his, and I think you're probably right about it. Hm. Why should that be? I guess he's a wood-elf at heart, which is one of his problems in his relationship with his father. So he can live that life. His life as the king's son is unnatural for a wood-elf at some level, so Celuwen has a hard time. And I do think the Silvan were a stubborn, independent lot.
I hope this will be exciting! I'm a little worried that it's going to be flat. Oh well. I'll do the best I can and then let it go.
Kristy
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
“The messenger would probably appreciate having a written message from you to give to Celuwen, Adar,”
LOL :) This line just struck me as really funny.
Poor little girl she thought she was going to see her Ada.
And blood drinking, child snatching Gollum is creepy! Can't wait to see what happens next!
Author's reply
LOL. I have this vision of Ithilden and Celuwen clashing at meetings of Thranduil's council. And actually, I think that this family that was originally so male has learned to be careful around the female members it's acquires. I think both Alfirin and Celuwen are pretty formidable. In my head, Emmelin is a little more docile but I haven't worked much with her as a character yet. And I think Loriel will be a force to be reckoned with! Eilian's daring + Celuwen's stubborness. Ouch!
Gollum's been interesting to think about. The passage I've been working from in FOTR is pretty creepy. I think Marta has an essay posted now in which she looks at Gollum a little differently though and that's interesting too. Tolkien left us with so much room to play!
meckinock
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Poor little girl; she just wants to see her ada. I really like Loriel. For some reason the lining up of the pinecones stuck with me. You do such a great job of coming up with pastimes for children. And I felt so sorry for Celuwen, too. With Eilian gone, I'm sure the last thing she wanted was to have to leave home. At least Solith wasn't too big a jerk this time.
Mithrandir's arrival was a pleasant surprise, and I can't wait to see how are boys are faring in the south.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like Loriel. It's a bit tricky to do children so that they're not bratty but not overly sweet either. Lining up the pine cones came from a memory of my own childhood. I must have been very young -- 5 maybe -- when my family rented a cottage on Lake Huron. There was this little low wall along the sidewalk that ran along the beach. And I remember finding empty cigarette packages in the sand and lining them up on the wall. :-)
Mithrandir tells Bilbo that the Wood-elves hunted Gollum for him, so I figured he must have gone there. He's a hard one to figure out.
moonshine
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Wow, Loriel is just like my neice(who cried for a while because her mother was gone out). Poor kid. It must be so hard for her to be looking forward at seeing Eilian and realizing that he wasn`t there.
I`m wondering what the next chapter is going to be like. I`m very eager to find out! until then!
Author's reply
Poor Loriel. She just doesn't understand what's happening. Her secure little world is about to change, I'm afraid. And she misses her Ada.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Oh, poor little Loriel! I hadn't thought that she would expect to see Eilian there. Despite her disappointment, I'm very relieved that she and Celuwen are safe in Thranduil's stronghold - the thought of Gollum sneaking around her bedroom window is horrifying :( The fawn that Legolas and Annael found is horrible to think of.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing Loriel with her 'other grandfather' (when she's in a better mood). And I loved Eilian and his horse, and him behaving like the King's son without even knowing it.
Jay
Author's reply
All this Gollum stuff is appalling, isn't it? I've had this bit of canon tucked away for a while now, planning to use it someday. Gollum crossed Mirkwood twice, Gandalf says, and the Wood-elves hunted him for Gandalf. So you know Thranduil had to know about it. But what happened?
I was just writing about Loriel and her other grandfather today. And I think Eilian might be dismayed to realize how very much the king's son he is. :-)
sofia
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Have I ever told you that I love the character of Annael? Well if I haven't- I'm telling you know. At the very beginning I had thought it was Gollum and I was right, as I came to find out. (so much for my frog guess).
I feel so bad for Loriel!
-sofia
Author's reply
Oh good! I love Annael too. He's just such a balanced, generous person.
Yeah, it's Gollum. In chapter 2 of FOTR, Gandalf tells Frodo about Gollum's crossing Mirkwood, stealing babies etc along the way. Ick.
Poor Loriel. Her secure little world is about to change, I fear.
Alice
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
That's so sad! I feel so bad for Loriel. It's awful when my Dad goes on business trips and his are usually just for a few days. A few weeks is forever when you're young. Poor baby. How is she going to deal with Eilian being gone for long periods of time when the shadow comes back fully? How's Celuwen going to deal with it? No wonder Loriel can't stop crying.
Loriel comes off very realistically by the way. There's a habit among writers to make children cutesy and sweet, and while Loriel is undoubtedly adorable, you're also showing that she's a bit of a handful too. It's nice. And I feel kind of sad that Loriel is the only child in the settlement. She has no one to play with (other than Eilian, because he's the get down on the floor and play with them sort of dad). That's terrible. Those other settlement elves need to get hoping darn it. Give Loriel a little friend to get in trouble with.
I'm relieved Celuwen came to the palace though. I was scared for a moment that she wouldn't and that would have tragic consequences. I'm glad she knows when and when not to take her father's advice.
I like your version of Mithrandir. Mostly what I like is that Thranduil has a friend that isn't related to him or under his command. He can be so prickly that he doesn't get along with many people, and it's nice when he does. Plus, your version of Mithrandir seems to fit well with the books. He's powerful but underplays it, wise yet playful, and shows up when he's needed most. You write canon characters really well.
So I think that's everything. Again, some chilly moments in this chapter (like that thing with the deer). (shudder) When I read the Hobbit, ( or when my Dad read it to me and my brother before my brother got nightmares from it), Gollum was really, really scary. He's not that scary in TTT or ROTK, when you can see how pathetic and tormented he is, but he's really frightening when he's skulking around stalking things. You've tapped that creepiness really well. I look forward to the next chapter. This has turned into a very exciting story.
Author's reply
I think Loriel's little world is about to be irrevocably changed, poor thing. I can't see Eilian sitting around if the Shadow returns, even if he does have a child.
I love writing kids. Their logic makes so much sense to them, but it's so unexpected to the rest of us. My beta says it's scary how easily I can think like a four-year-old.
Celuwen is a sensible person (except for marrying Eilian). And while she's a wood-elf and hates to leave the settlement to take her daughter to live in a cave -- still she'd never take a chance on Loriel's safety.
Mithrandir can be hard to get right, I find. It's easy to go too far with him. And I do think that he's an ally for Thranduil who doesn't have many. He seems to be in and out of Mirkwood and to trust the Wood-elves to do things for him.
The place in FOTR where Gandalf tells Frodo about Gollum creeping in windows and so on is really horrible. I noticed it one day and made a note to use that stuff in a story some time. After all, Gollum crossed Mirkwood twice, Gandalf says, and the Wood-elves hunted him for Gandalf. So obviously they knew something was up.
Thank you, Alice. Are you sure you're a teenager? :-) You're very articulate.
Bodkin
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Poor Solith. (I never thought I'd say those words. Even when he was unconscious on the floor of his cottage being threatened by Easterners, they were not the first words on my lips.) But it must be really difficult to deal with your adored granddaughter's other grandfather being the king. (And the provider of presents. Supplied with messengers with nothing better to do than deliver gifts. And the power to command by suggestion.) He is so defensive, poor elf. And he would be so gratified to know that Loriel burst into tears when she got to the Stronghold - although less gratified to know that it was due to the absence of his son-in-law.
I just love Annael. Him and Legolas in the woods together - that's good. Him and Legolas in the woods together, searching for little cradle-snatching, fawn-ripping, blood-sucking, web-footed Gollums. That's not so good. And Legolas's confidence in finding him is probably misled.
Good to see Gandalf. Bringing his usual quota of doom and gloom. He must have been extra glad to go and see hobbits and give fireworks' displays. At least they were always happy to see him. (Some of them, anyway.) I liked seeing Legolas and Ithilden interacting as adults. I loved this line - He doubted if Mithrandir lacked the capacity for almost anything at all.
Lovely chapter. Lovely characters. Great situations.
Author's reply
I felt sorry for Solith here too. And you're right! He was more pitiful here than he was in "Glorious Summer."
he would be so gratified to know that Loriel burst into tears when she got to the Stronghold - although less gratified to know that it was due to the absence of his son-in-law.
This made me laugh!
Indeed, Legolas is a bit overconfident, as we know. I'm having fun showing how spooky and nasty Gollum really was. I know I'm supposed to feel pity etc but I'd sooner pity Solith!
Yeah, I don't blame people who call Gandalf "Storm Crow." I might bar my door if he showed up too.
Yanic
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Oh wow, what a great opening with a mangled Bambi body... really sets the tone.
And I love that statement about Eilian unable to go without a horse, even if it is "an extravagance to keep horses" as Celuwen puts it. I bet he keeps it for the excitement of riding fast(rather like a sports-car today), because Eilian just wouldn't be Eilian if he didn;t crave excitement. I had to laugh at Flower Face's squirming around during traveling. I know that kids can barely stand long car rides, but I never even thought of long horse-rides! I'm glad that Loriel is now safe at the palace, and I can't wait to see what she gets up to next!
Author's reply
Gollum's actions really do have a sort of nightmarish quality to them, don't they? They're spooky to try to show here. (I was going to say "try to flesh out" but that seemed ill-advised, given the nature of what Gollum did.)
I suspect you're quite right about one reason Eilian likes having a horse! He may be an ada now, but he's still himself underneath it all. Celuwen must just roll her eyes sometimes at the way he thinks.
I definitely think Flower Face and her grandpa need to spend some time together. :-)
Dot
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
There’s such fantastic atmosphere in this story. Very creepy. It’s fascinating to watch them piece together what’s happening.
Where does Beliond live? Does he have a cottage for when he’s not in the woods? If so, why do we never see anyone being invited around for tea??!
And what does Calith’s son do? I was just wondering because if he was a warrior once upon a time, maybe his son is too. Or maybe he’s the same place as Maltanaur’s grandson…;-)
I really liked the scene between Legolas and Ithilden. It’s really interesting the way Legolas tries to read his reactions. My heart nearly stopped at the sentence “Loriel was smaller than the fawn he and Annael had found dead today.” Put like that, it’s so frightening.
Ah, I was waiting for Mithrandir. I had to smile at Legolas’ “familiar mix of pleasure and apprehension”. That’s a perfect description and I imagine is the way most people feel when he turns up! Thranduil was having none of the small talk at any rate. In the middle of all the horror, I had to laugh at Thranduil calling it “Eilian’s settlement”. I know he didn’t mean anything but I don’t think Sólith would appreciate it! I felt sorry for them all having to listen to these tales when they know that this creature has been so close to Loriel. It’s interesting that Mithrandir tells them Gollum’s name and is so blunt about how dangerous he is. It makes me wonder why on earth Thranduil would then agree later to hold Gollum for Mithrandir, and why the elves would show kindness to him and let him have some freedom. Oh well, who am I to argue with canon. Presumably nothing too bad happens while he’s wandering around Mirkwood.
“The messenger would probably appreciate having a written message from you to give to Celuwen, Adar.” LOL. That was brave of him to point out. He’s so right, though. Only Thranduil’s well-trained sons jump at his bidding. I love the way they considerately think of the poor messenger too!
Poor Legolas, though. He seems to know deep down that the relatively peaceful home that he’s just getting to know is about to change for the worse again. It’s just awful to watch them having to admit to themselves that there’s evil in Mirkwood again.
And it sounds like Loriel hasn’t bounced back from the upset at her Ada’s departure. Everyone else in the king’s family has grown up with the knowledge that a parent could be absent due to duty, but it’s all new for little Loriel.
I liked the letter. It’s a lot different than the one Eilian got, I’d say! Thranduil seems to have taken great pains to explain not only that Eilian’s mission is an important one, but that there is definite danger out there that could threaten Celuwen and Loriel. There’s a very apologetic tone to it that I doubt many people hear from Thranduil. Of course, it’s also very clear that sorry or not, Thranduil will have them come to the stronghold!
I do feel a little sorry for Sólith as he watches them rush of to Thranduil. It wouldn’t surprise me, though, if he thinks that Eilian’s been telling tales of this mysterious creature and that’s why his daughter has been called back to the palace. “She had not told her father that Eilian had gone south.” Well, she didn’t have to. He read the letter and he’s not a fool. He’ll know the south is place with which “no one is more familiar than he is.” Sólith must be wondering if he’ll see his daughter and granddaughter anytime soon at all.
“The king is my other grandfather,” she informed him. “He lets me stay up late.” That’s adorable!
I thought Loriel’s excitement to go to her other grandfather was so cute until I realised that it was more than just seeing Thranduil. The poor child. She misses Ada, she’s had a long day and it turns out that Eilian went the completely opposite way than they did. To be honest, though, I feel more sorry for Thranduil, who didn’t get much of a chance to revel in the presence of his granddaughter! Hopefully all these people will distract Loriel once she’s had a chance to calm down. Of course, Legolas, Sinnarn and Eilian will all be missing. But there are plenty of women-folk about! I wonder how she feels not being surrounded by trees and having no windows?
So, Legolas, Annael and Beliond are going to track Gollum? Goody! Now, I wonder if there’s any possibility of old Gollum heading south…
How are Eilian & co. getting on?
Apologies that this is so rushed. I have a meeting tonight after work so if I don’t do it now, it could be tomorrow before I get a chance. I look forward to re-reading this chapter when I have more time! And as usual, you have me dying to know what happens next :-)
Author's reply
Calith's son! I'd forgotten about him. I remember Maltanaur's grandchild occasionally and wonder if I can do anything with him/her (did I ever say which it was?), but I'd forgotten that Calith had a son who was about Sinnarn's age.
I wasn't actually sure if Gandalf would tell the Elves Gollum's name, and as a matter of fact, I wasn't sure he would know it yet. I thought maybe he wouldn't learn it until Aragorn caught him. But then I realized he got his information from Bilbo and Bilbo knew Gollum's name. So I concluded Gandalf did too. And then I could think of no reason he wouldn't tell the Wood-elves Gollum's name. He wouldn't voice his suspicions about the ring. He wasn't sure yet if it was the One Ring and he'd see that as a big secret anyway. (No, PJ and millions of fangirl writers! The news that the One Ring had been found was NOT spread all over ME. And also, Elrond did not CALL a council.) And I thought he'd want to warn them how dangerous Gollum was. As for why the Elves agreed to hold Gollum and then treat him kindly, I suppose that's a story for a different day. It does bear thinking about, doesn't it?
This must have been a very hard time for the Wood-elves, as the peace faded despite their sacrifices at the Battle of Five Armies. I suppose the older generation had seen evil return before, but the younger ones, people like Legolas, had not. It must have been terrible.
I think both Ithilden and Thranduil have learned a little caution around Celuwen (as no doubt Eilian has too!). She's very independent, not in a stupid kind of way so that she'd rush into danger just to prove she could, but in a way that says "I'm an intelligent person. Give me the facts and I'll decide for myself." At least, that's what it says in my notes about her. :-)
I too felt sorry for Solith, although he is a pretty selfish guy. But it must hurt him to know that he can't protect these two people that he loves.
I wonder how she feels not being surrounded by trees and having no windows?
I thought about that. She has to feel really cooped up, I think. She's used to running out her front door and squishing her bare feet in the garden and then playing near the trees. The cave is going to feel pretty confining, I think.
You're hilarious to think that this is rushed, Dot!
Jule
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Sorry about my previous posting. I slipped and hit the send key by accident.
Thank you for another wonderful chapter. Poor Loriel. I felt so bad for the baby but hopefully Ada will be home soon. I have to admit I am thrilled they are back at the stronghold and hope it is to stay. Once again the differences between a selfish Ada and one who puts their children first is clear.
Thranduil let Elian and Celuwen move to the settlement even though it meant missing out on seeing his Granddaughter raised and having his son home to stay for the first time since he came of age. Solith wants them to stay even when the danger to Loriel is clear. He was hurt but it was a selfish kind of hurt even trying to deny Thranduil's place in Loriel's like by calling him the King. I also felt bad about there being no other children in the settlement. The little girl needs friends, hopefully she will find them at the stronghold. I actually like Celuwen here. She did what was best for her daughter not what she wanted. I also do sympathise with her being worried about Elian. That has to be scary.
Gollum is in the Woodland Realm! Ahh!. Hopefully he won't be there long. The scene between our boys and Mithrandir was wonderfully done. You really showed the terror at the thought of a monster who snatched children under the window of their niece/granddaughter. Legolas' horror at the point he saw the fawn felt so real. I was sad for the poor baby deer.
I can't wait for the next part.
Thanks for writing.
Jule
Author's reply
OK, Jule, I saved you from yourself and deleted the blank and repeated review. :-) Way to artificially jack up my review count! Go, Jule!
I admit I felt sorry for Solith as he watched Celuwen and Loriel leave. He probably knows he can't protect them as well as Thranduil can and that may hurt. But you're right, of course, that he reacted selfishly in contrast to Celuwen, for whom this move must have been unwelcome but she did it anyway.
Gollum is indeed in Mirkwood. In chapter 2 of FOTR, Gandalf tells Frodo that Gollum crossed Mirkwood twice, trying to find Bilbo and the ring. The first time I noticed that, I thought "Aha!" And then I made a note in my list of possible stories. It struck me as a good possible plot element.
I feel bad for the animals Gollum is killing too, but I thought that the Elves might be close enough to nature that they see predator and prey in action all the time. Still, this was an unusually nasty predator, and Legolas felt it.
Thank you, Jule.
The Karenator
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
I'm with Legolas. I'm horrified by what 'the ghost' has been dining on. I also like Legolas's observation about Mithrandir. You never know whether to be pleased or worried when the wizard shows up. As it turns out, the wizard was the bearer of unsettling news. I'm glad to see that Mithrandir isn't mysterious about what he thinks, but came right out and told Thranduil and company his suspicions. He didn't reveal everything, but at least he did tell them about Gollum.
What would you like us to do with him when we find him, Mithrandir?”
I love Legolas's confidence that they would find the slimy little critter.
Ithilden raised an eyebrow. “The messenger would probably appreciate having a written message from you to give to Celuwen, Adar,” he observed mildly. “She will not like leaving their home.”
Ithilden knows his sister-in-law well. But I think he and Thranduil know that Celuwen will do what's necessary to protect Loriel. But just in case...that messenger will have instructions!
Sólith can't stand that he's not in control. He just won't give up trying to manipulate things to his liking. He loves Celuwen and Loriel--that's obvious--but he's as hardheaded as they come. I'm sure he would do his best to protect them, but even he's got to see the wisdom of Celuwen and Loriel being protected in the stronghold. The woods are far more open. I imagine he does know, but just can't admit it! And Celuwen was wise enough to know that she had received an 'invitation' to the stronghold, but a command. As much as she hates it, I think she's comfortable with doing what's best for her daughter. But poor Sólith thought he was being tossed aside in his granddaughter's affections. It's hard to compete with the king.
The trip to the palace was so well done. All of us with children heard our own experiences in Loriel. “How much farther is it?” Are we there yet? Time just crawls by for an excited kid. But they at least had the horses to make the trip a little faster. I loved Celuwen's observation that Eilian couldn't help being the king's son even where it came to just having a horse around. I imagine that's kind of a warrior thing too. Eilian is used to moving quickly when needed. Horses are sometimes better than taking to the trees.
Poor little Loriel. She thought Ada was going to be there waiting for her. You handled the tired child well. She's wasn't bratty, just tired and disappointed. “We came the wrong way?” Loriel wailed. This was a great line.
I loved this chapter. I was relieved to see Celuwen and Loriel get to the stronghold and in the meantime, we got to see Legolas, Thranduil and the most satisfying appearance of Mithrandir. Things are heating up! I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Karen
Author's reply
Isn't that stuff about Gollum creepy? I had to go back to FOTR and make sure I'd read it right. He creeps in windows to rob cradles?! Words aren't strong enough to describe how horrible that is.
I amused myself by having Ithilden advise Thranduil to put his request in writing. In my head, Ithilden and Celuwen have occasionally clashed at Thranduil's council meetings, and Ithilden has long ago decided that his sister-in-law is a pretty formidable opponent. She has to be. She's married to Eilian.
I felt a little sorry for Solith when he saw how excited Loriel about going to the stonghold. He must occasionally cringe when he sees the gifts that come from the palace too. But Loriel is a wood elf and living in the forest is precious to her, although she doesn't know it yet because she's always had it.
I love writing about kids. Their logic is their own, and poor Loriel was sure she was going to see Eilian. This was where he went after all and I'm sure no one had told her that he went off into danger.
Manderly
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
So nice to see another chapter.
The situation is unravelling pretty quickly now with the confirmation by Mithrandir of Gollum stalking the woods, but at least the elves know the creature is no phantom. It's interesting to note Legolas' mixed feelings about Mithrandir's appearance. Wonder if he has some sixth sense feeling on what's in store for the Mirkwood elves later on.
I am glad that Celuwen and Loriel are now in the stronghold, though I felt bad for Celuwen's parents having to see them go. I had to laugh at Loriel's restlessness during the journey to the stronghold. I guess even for elflings, there's the concept of "are we there yet?" when travelling.
Author's reply
Mithrandir's arrival must sometimes have evoked mixed feelings, I'd think! Although the Hobbits seem pretty glad to see him. I guess he mostly sheltered them from what was going on until he couldn't do it any more. Although maybe marking Bilbo's door (burglar) falls somewhat short of sheltering!
I felt sorry for Celuwen's parents too, but Thranduil was determined to get his granddaughter into the cave where guards are around and I don't blame him. I so wanted to write "are we there yet?" That and how "many more miles?"
Socket
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
*rubs hands with glee* This story is just getting better and better, and the way you're building the tension is superb.
I just adore the scene with Mithrandir; I hear his dialogue in Ian McEllan's voice, of course. And nice job handling the tension between Celuwen and Solith -- very realistic! Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
I'm glad it feels tense! I've been worried that it's just meandering along.
Poor Mithrandir! I'm sure people flinched when he appeared. Storm Crow indeed.
I kind of felt sorry for Solith. Not only are Celuwen and Loriel leaving (at the king's command), but Loriel looks thrilled. Of course, she thought they were going where Eilian was, but Solith doesn't know that. Ah well. Perhaps he deserves a few blows to his stubborn head anyway.
French Pony
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
I always like seeing Legolas and Annael teaming up to do something. Whatever they plan together, they do well. In a way, Legolas is probably safer with Annael around than with Beliond, because they have a lifetime of teamwork behind them, and if danger interrupts that, they'd both know instantly. And they're certainly on to something dangerous here.
I do like that, when Legolas considers the idea of personhood for the "ghost," that he considers that it might be either a "he" or a "she." You have to train generations of human males before they catch on to that kind of thinking.
You know, all this time, I had kind of figured that Ithilden's office was somewhere in the caves. This is the first time I've realized that he has a separate building. What else is in there? I'm guessing just regular army support HQ.
And up pops Mithrandir, hot on the heels of the worst bits of bad news. Typically, he's being cagey. I wonder if the Wood Elves see him more as a help or a hindrance. He never does seem to give them much actual assistance, but whenever he crops up, you know that the world will go wahooni-shaped in short order. Still, I suppose it's nice to have a barometer for one's suspicions. Thranduil is probably a very wise Elf to move Celuwen and Loriel to the palace.
Speaking of which, I always knew Sólith was headstrong, but I never before figured him for an actual idiot. Predatory critter, species unknown, has been prowling through the woods preying on the vulnerable young of woodland species. Has been seen beneath his own granddaughter's window. Said granddaughter is the only Elf child around for miles. You'd think he'd jump at the chance to have her safely underground in a cave system with a phalanx of guards around to protect her. And you'd be wrong.
I liked the description of the traveling party with extra small child. All that was missing was the incessant whining of "Are we there yet?" And poor Loriel, to discover that they weren't going to see Ada after all. Thranduil may be overjoyed to see his granddaughter, but we all know where he stands in Loriel's pecking order.
Author's reply
I love Annael. And when Elves have a life-long friend, they must really have time to get to know one another! The friends you've had forever like that are special I think. They know so much about you and share memories.
That debate about the personhood of Gollum was one I had with myself. Should I write about him as an 'it' or a 'he.' I knew he wasn't a 'she'! So I just figured I'd give the question to Legolas to consider.
I don't know if there's anything much else in the building with Ithilden's office. I figure these are small buildings. And I've always thought of it as by the warrior stuff -- the training grounds, the Home Guard headquarters, supply places, armorers, etc.
You really can't blame people for calling Gandalf "Storm Crow." He does tend to bring bad news.
I'll confess that I felt a little sorry for Solith. He's probably wrong, although as it happens Gollum hasn't been seen near the settlement recently, but still it has to hurt to see his daughter and granddaughter ride away.
I'm working right now on a scene in which Thranduil gets to spend time with Loriel, but she really does miss Eilian.
Elvenesse
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Comings and Goings
Poor Loriel, I felt really sorry for her at the end. She's just a little girl (elfling) and she thought she'd be able to see her daddy again.
Nasty Gollum. Goodness knows why Gandalf babbled about pity. He goes around eating little animals and babies.
Celuwen's prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her daughter, even if it means leaving her home because of orders from Thranduil. It's a shame that Sólith doesn't feel the same. He probably can protect his daughter and granddaughter - but the king can do so much better and surely that's what matters. I hope Eilian is okay whilst he's off 'gallivanting' in the south.
Author's reply
I love writing about kids. Their take on the world is so unpredictable sometimes. When my son was about 7, we moved, and it took me forever to realize why he liked some houses we looked at better than others. He liked the ones that had toys. He thought we were just going to leave all our stuff behind and take over the other people's stuff along with their house.
Yeah, that stuff about Gollum is appalling. I noted it down some time ago as a good story element. I think we forget how evil Gollum was. And yet, the idea of pity is attractive too.
We'll get to Eilian soon. I figured the journey south would take a while and not much might happen during it, so I've been letting him just get a move on.
Templa Otmena
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
OK... lets try that one again *shakes head* It's not even /that/ early, lol.
The beginning of this chapter was very interesting. It was a stark reminder when that messenger arrived from the stronghold just how different Eilian's life is now. It was not just out of the blue, it seemed foreign and Loriel's reaction to the news reflected this immensely. Aah... I do love Daddy Eilian. He has always been nurturing and mothering and it is lovely seeing this side of him in an even more official capacity. And Celuwen was wonderfully supportive. As Eilian mused, having spent time in his father's court would have educated her (and then some) about what the omission meant. She proved only to clearly in 'Glorious Summer', I think ;) when confronting her father over just how many sacrifices the royal family have to make how readily she respects what they do over there in that cave :)
This is the second time now in what must be so many days that Eilian has identified and empathised with Sólith... too much time in that Settlement Sun I think... It is wonderful though and tragically ironic and I love it. Eilian will be hard pressed when those suitors come a-knocking at his door... if any dare! Isiwen asserting herself there was a lovely touch and I hope to see more of it.
Having a peek at Sinnarn and Emmelin was nice. Sinnarn seems to find it hilarious... these maidens who just will not adapt to what is his grandfather's way of life. I seem to remember him having a thing or two to say about Legolas and another Settlement maiden so soon after the shock of Celuwen, lol.
The evasiveness with which Loriel and Sinnarn and Emmelin's marriage have come about really leant it's strength to that scene between Ithilden and his son. It is obvious after 'Tangled Web' just how much Sinnarn has matured and readily accepts this. And it is so poigniant that he is to go with Eilian.
And finally, Legolas. He is certainly shaping up to be, if not already Fellowhip Legolas. He is so comfortable in his own skin and it is lovely to read. He and Eilian both dropping by The Glade with Eilian married and very domesticated and Legolas /so/ grown struck me as being /very/ sweet. It is not a case of 'Full Circle' but... that place remains the same bawdy little alcove while everyone else changes ;)
Thank you for another excellent chapter. I cannot wait to read more!
Take Care and UPDATE SOON!
Author's reply
Even having the messenger call Eilian "my lord" felt out of place to me. His life in the settlement is really quite different. His daughter is being raised with a window in her room, one step away from the forest, not in a cave with guards. Of course, that presents problems too.
Eilian did the right thing in going to Solith and Isiwen, even though he knew Solith would give him a hard time. But he loves his wife and daughter too much to take a chance.
I thought it was time for Sinnarn to grow up. Between what he saw and experienced at the Battle of Five Armies and being loved by Emmelin, he's got all kinds of reasons to feel ready to defend his home.
I'm very glad you see Fellowship Legolas here! I've been a little worried that my Legolas is too serious, but he's loosened up some over the years.
The new chapter is ready to post, and I'm off to do it.
Bodkin
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
I was thinking about elves and water - and recalled how Eilian felt about mixed bathing in Anyr's settlement. I wonder how he will react to the idea when he imagines Flower Face as a participant? Which got me thinking about poachers turned gamekeeper, of whom he is a prime example. And wondering whether Solith had been a prime example of a poacher in his younger, irresponsible years. This would, of course, have contributed considerably to his loathing of Eilian - just as Eilian is unlikely to be fond of elves like he was coming to flirt with his little Loriel.
I like imagining Solith as a wild youth. It adds to the irony.
Author's reply
It's hard to imagine Solith as a wild youth, but they say girls marry men like their fathers so maybe he was!
Alice
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
And so the tension builds once more. I'm really enjoying the suspense actually. It's present, but not overstated.
And yay, more Sinnarn! I LOVED Sinnarn in this chapter. I think at this moment, I decided that even if something horrible happened (God forbid) leaving Sinnarn in charge, they'd be okay. His family really does underestimate him though. He steps up when the need calls for it. He just doesn't relish it, like any other sensible person. He's such a nice mix of cynicism and joyfulness. I really do love adult Sinnarn. He's a lot more interesting old than he was young.
So we have the scouting party assembled, the baby and wife left in charge of the in-laws (and Solith acts like such an idiot sometimes that it's a really good thing Isiwen's there to poke him), and the respective parents left to worry, so looks like we're ready to roll. Bring on the rest of whatever action or angst you have planned. I look forward to it.
Author's reply
Here again Sinnarn kind of surprised me. I think being wounded at the Battle of Five Armies must have sobered him a little, and Emmelin's love helped him too. (There was just that little incident with the wine and escaping Dwarves that caused problems.)
I'm a little worried that this story won't have enough action in it. Oh well. We'll see how it goes.
Alice
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
So far this has been really nicely built up. You can feel the tension in the main characters. It's an interesting time period to cover. Poor elves, just when they thought it was safe too.
I love adult Sinnarn by the way. He's one of your more interesting characters. He's developed really nicely. It's so tempting to just create trickster sort of characters and leave them at that, but you go so much deeper-- into their motives, their fears, their dreams, etc. It makes your stories a lot more fun.
Oh! And I love how Legolas started the counting game with Sinnarn. That seems to fit really well into his character. Plus, it's a good sort of Uncle thing to do. Hee. I wonder how he first suggested it to Gimli.
So good chapter. There was a nice mix of action and tension in this story. This looks like it's shaping up to be one of your darker stories, despite the cheerful title. I love that by way. It's ironic. Sweet.
Author's reply
I like finding bits of canon that I haven't seen used much and trying to build a story around them. And this time when the Shadow returned to Mirkwood yet again is one of those bits.
Sinnarn has been interesting for me to work with too. I like thinking about what he's inherited from various family members. I can see his father's sharpness and his grandfather's cynicism.
I've also been trying to make sure that Fellowship Legolas is in sight here. The Legolas of my earlier stories is sometimes pretty earnest, but I think he's old enough to have some perspective now and play a little.
The title comes from near the end of The Hobbit, where Tolkien says that the Wood-elves were looking forward to a spring of joy after long winter.