You're a very evocative writer. That was some real horror in the end. I kept thinking to myself, " Daw wouldn't make Eilian's baby disappear would she? Nilmandra wouldn't let her do that, right? Right?!" I was getting just a bit panicky along with Eilian there. I think they need to get some locks on those doors though.
Also, my heart leaped with joy and surprise when Loriel first appeared. She's so cute! We needed a nice, adorable elfling story after that last angst filled romp. She's just so cute you could eat her. No wonder she's got Eilian wrapped around her little finger. I can't imagine what she'd do to Thranduil.
Some very interesting Solith moments in here too. I think he and Eilian will only finally bury the axe when Loriel starts dating. Eilian's going to be giving any upstart young elves the talk about how precious his daughter is to him, the Troop Commander, the King, and perhaps how it's a good idea to keep that in mind before trying anything. And oh yes, did he mention that he's armed? Solith's really going to enjoy watching Eilian squirm through that.
I found the hair comment kind of interesting actually. It seems kind of out of character for a wood elf to have a hang up about someone wearing their hair up. But then again, elves are technically behind our times so to speak and Tolkien doesn't really mention much about how elves wore their hair (color yes, style no) or how they dressed. It's an important part of their culture, darn it. Inquiring minds want to know.
So, excellent start. You've got heavy emotions and you've built up very nice suspense. I'm half-afraid to go and check to be sure whether Gandalf mentioned Gollum stealing babies. Because I think he did. :( While that would be an interesting move for Eilian's character, please don't do that. You've had enought of angst, right?
Author's reply
Thank you for saying that ending was evocative. I originally intended for this chapter to be chapter 2. I like to start with a Legolas section because otherwise there's no hope that anyone new will ever read these stories, but I did like the way this settlement chapter turned out, so I put it first. It was fun to introduce a whole new character -- and Eilian is a very good if somewhat indulgent ada. He's loving life in the settlement with his little family.
LOL about the speech Eilian will have to give to Loriel's suitors. I think he's going to be horrified when all the chickens come home to roost there.
As for the hair, I think Solith just wanted to pick on Eilian. Why not? He's been at it for a good long time now. The idea of two of them living in the same place tickles me.
rgbj
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Ah, the simple rural life. Splitting wood. I lived in the country during my Mother Earth News days. Too old and tired to put up with it now. My back hurts just reading about it.
The king wasn't very forthcoming was he? "Just the facts Ma'am." Depending on how old you are this could go right over your head. Then Eilian gets that old adrenalin rush that means danger and excitement. The warrior is still under that only skin deep settler but then we have familial expectations and obligations. Solith will blow his top.
I so loved the idea of every messenger bringing Loriel presents from aunts, uncles, cousins and ta-da grandfather king. So sweet. Then there is her reaction to the news that for the first time in her short life ada will not be there at night. She has never had to face the royal life before. Duty before family is a hard concept for a child to grasp. Eilian and his siblings had this before them at all times. She has been remarkably sheltered from the life that she will eventually lead. If things heat up I don't think grandfather king will let her stay out in those scary old woods anymore.
Told you so about Solith. I am not sure what he is referring too about Eilian not being obedient. He is a fine warrior and has been good for a long time now. If he is talking about that little hormonally induced incident, well Celulwen wasn't very obedient either and they did get Loriel after all. "I know how to manage my daughter." I had to giggle at that one. He just thinks he manages Isiwen and Celuwen. When the chips are down and the gloves are off he is totally out of control here. He just doesn't know it or won't acknowledge it. They could mop the floor with him.
We get a sweet scene with Emmelin and Sinnarn here. No lady's maid. So silly of them. I would take all the help I could get. Especially when the elflings come. I would want all my time and energy to go to important things not my dresses.
Legolas being discreet. Well I hope he has learned that by now. He was always so ticked when he got left out and now because he is an officer he has to leave Sinnarn out.
Great scene with Ithilden and Sinnarn. It must be so hard for younger elves to get treated like adults. Of course we are looking through human eyes. They might look at things very differently and just let them grow up and go on their way and be proud that they have attained this level of adulthood. We have to humanize them or where would the fun be. So Ithilden will accept that Sinnarn is old enough, wise enough, warrior enough to make this trip that could be so dangerous and terrifying. Even Ithilden has grown up. Nana is going to croak. Maybe they need another elfling of their own.
Now we have Eilian and Sinnarn on a dangerous mission. Well the king has lots of males in case anything happens.
Poor Legolas is the only bachelor now. Eilian is only a "grass bachelor" as the Indo-English would say. Ah the infamous Glade is still there. Legolas is bonded to this elf? I hope this works for your stories. At least he has some fun here on the edge of the deep, dark, danger that is to come.
Thanks.
Author's reply
I felt bad dragging Eilian away from his family. Heck, I felt bad having the messenger address him as "my lord." It was like a different life was intruding. Of course, what Eilian feels bad about is that one small part of him is pleased by the idea of danger. And Solith of course can smell that out.
Loriel has been raised as a Wood-elf. She has no idea what life in the palace is like, or that Ada has duties other than winding up the toy elephant for her. In a way, living in the woods had made her more sheltered, not less, than if she had lived at the stronghold.
I would certainly take a maid if one were offered! Although when you think about it, privacy must become an issue too. I'll bet these people get very little. Of course, most people had very little at one time, even royalty. I've read books where they slept in curtained books with attendants on pallets on the floor in the same room. That would put a damper on noisy sex, I'd say!
Another elfling for Ithilden and Alfirin? I don't care what they need. I don't need any more OCs! I have too many now.
Legolas isn't bonded to Tuilinn. There were no "hormonally induced incidents." LOL. But he feels pledged to her, promised to her, engaged if you will. He's decided she's the one for him. And Tolkien says Elves were seldom wrong about things like that. So we'll see.
rgbj
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
I was so glad to see that Annael and Legolas got to work together. Solendil(sp?)Annael's father was the Captain of the Home Guard when Legolas and Annael were little, wasn't he? Now Legolas is all grown up and a Captain. Time does fly, even for elves. Oh, now Sinnarn and Emelin (sp?) are bound/married now. So Legolas and Annael are related. In such a small, closed off society everyone must be related to everyone else in some way or another. Like the hobbits and their love of very precise genealogies. We need the stories of Sinnarn's and Emelin's courtship and marriage and Loriel's birth. You know you want to. It is nice to think that you have so many stories to gift us with. I hope you never run out.
Legolas being cranky. I do think that the kettle is calling the pot black. I had a really great Shakespeare quote for this situation but I couldn't remember the middle part. I guess it is just too late for me to be up. Anyway it is nice that you portray Legolas as being fairly easy going and mellow. I know you have given him his moments, especially when he was younger, but to end up with all those different types of people and keep his cool in the future he has to be fairly even tempered.
I really enjoyed the image of those gorgeous elves haring off through the trees. Legolas reveling in spring and the peacefulness, for the most part, of the forest. With Beliond spitting mad, cursing and chasing after him. Poor Beliond still trying to keep up with his charge. Legolas has truly become his own elf.
Spiders and eggs. Well, so the forest isn't the easy going Eden it looks like right now. Nothing ever is. They may not need an army to kill orcs and protect them from the baddies at Dol Guldur but they still have things the Home Guard has to take care of. Dealing with men even isn't the easiest thing on Arda to do either.
I thought how unusual it is to have Sinnarn and Legolas together fighting. You would think they would be very careful to separate them. I know Eilian and Legolas were together for some time but that was so that Legolas could learn. I think Sinnarn is old enough and skilled enough now that he wouldn't need to be under uncle's watchful eye. Then I had a terrible thought. Now that the king has two heirs in waiting Legolas and Eilian are more expendable. Ouch. Also Sinnarn is bonded and could easily have a male elfling if one was needed. Well the reality of being royal.
Oh and thank you so much for the very intense images of Legolas dragging nasty spiders off to be burned. I really hate spiders and I really, really hate any of Ungoliant's offspring. I am scarred forever by PJ's Shelob. At least he didn't have her talk.
Legolas' musings on Tynd (I remember him) and Sinnarn's relationship was very interesting. I don't think Legolas would want to trade Beliond for anyone else now though. They have managed to forge a good common bond. Although Beliond will always be himself and no one else no matter how old Legolas gets to be. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
Poor Sinnarn lost his swan feathers. I remember when Legolas lost his peacock feathers. It was for a good cause though. I thought Legolas' attitude about cheating and his cheerful acceptance of winning was adorable though.
I'm so glad that Legolas and all the realm has had this down time to enjoy before things go bad again. The calm before the storm as it were. When we read the books it is so vague. You put a personality and a reality to what is skipped over by the good professor. Of course if he had written the definitive history of Middle Earth it wouldn't be done even now.
Now on the the good king. He really does have a way with the woodland realm doesn't he? And it is a good thing. The Dark Lord (this always makes me thinkg of Darth Vader) and his minions could easily blindside these elves if it weren't for the king and his family and their link with the woodland.
I always thought that while the "wise" were at it they should have destroyed Dol Guldur. Just because the main bad guy was gone didn't mean that other sundry bad guys wouldn't just move in and take over. Just like the "wise" let Isildur take off with that ring. Oh well if not we wouldn't have the story.
Poor Ithilden. I was glad the king told him that hope is never foolish. The king always knew that this would just be a break from evil. Evil was still there and would have to be dealt with one day. He was at Dagorlad after all. He saw the power the Dark Lord had and he knew that if the ring was found that this could all happen again. Poor elves knowing all these things and yet to be fairly powerless to do anything about it.
Here goes Eilian again. Into the breaches once more for his king and realm. I loved that Eilian and Celuwen waited a whole week. Yes she is stubborn, careful and cautious but she is besotted with Eilian and can probably never really say no about anything important. I am amazed that Loriel wasn't born at the stronghold. The king really has always done what is the best for his realm and people and his family. It is a hard task to keep all those irons in the fire at once.
Well, here go the poor wood elves again.
Thanks.
Author's reply
We need the stories of Sinnarn's and Emelin's courtship and marriage and Loriel's birth. You know you want to -- I do! I do! LOL. I've shown a little of Sinnarn and Emmelin together in "Tangled Web" but not much. I love the idea that Legolas and Annael are related now, and even more somehow that Annael is distantly related to the king. He deserves it.
I've become very conscious of the fact that we're getting close to the time of the Fellowship, so my Legolas needs to be like the one in the books. It's a little tough to be sure of much about that Legolas because Tolkien leaves him pretty vague, but we do know he teased Gandalf and went off "to find the sun" and we know that even in the middle of a battle, he could have a contest with Gimli. So I think he was a guy who could keep his head and laugh. The Legolas in my stories has been more driven sometimes when he's younger, so as he gets older, I've been trying to show him gaining a better balance.
Tolkien is like medieval and renaissance battle planners in that he didn't seem to feel the need to protect a ruler or his heir. Oropher and Thranduil were both at Dagorlad, for instance. I think they all just threw everything they had at whatever was threatening them.
I'm a kind of practical person myself, and the idea of hearing rumors from birds is one I always have to brace myself to accept! But Tolkien says it, so there you are. Thranduil must have been half expecting it. He's such a cynic.
I'm already regretting that I didn't Loriel born at the stronghold and then moving. I suppose if that becomes inconvenient, I can always change it later. :-)
rgbj
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
I have abandoned ff.net. Also known as the Evil Empire. I realize they are a huge site and have to have rules. But the quality of writing has been declining there for some time. Many good writers have left because their work is too adult thus leaving behind very young and unskilled writers. While some of them have good ideas and the execution is adequate I feel the time has come to encourage writers on smaller and more compassionate sites. I will still read there since there are a few of my favorites there and no where else.
I hope I can keep up reviewing. Both DH and I have fathers in wheel chairs now. It takes a lot of energy to just keep up with all this. We are the sandwich generation. We are in the middle of failing parents and educating our children. Makes me tired to just think about it.
I will just start with this tale and hopefully this summer I can review the three that I missed. I hate to tell you that I didn't finish the dragon one. As soon as I realized she would be there and what was going to happen I had to quit. Too much bad news in my life as it is. I will read and review when I feel a little more "up" as far is life goes. So here goes.
So, Eilian has a real wood elf job now. Here he goes wood elfing through the forest. Such a nice mental picture. Oh No. The trees are unsettled for some reason. You don't give him much time to enjoy himself before you turn up the temperature.
Great! Slinker/Stinker. UGH! Poor baby birds and poor mommy when she comes back and sees the damage. Nature, red in tooth and claw.
Eilian is an adar. What fun. It is so nice that the elves really loved the time of children. Although to tell you the truth I could never really figure out if they were talking about their childhood or the time of their children's childhood. Maybe both. I don't research as much as I should.
You know DH has decided when DD begins to get serious about guys that he can set tests for them. You know like the Greeks or Romans did. The first test is can he outrun a speeding bullet. If he passes that one he will think of one that is harder. I can just see Eilian, with his vast knowledge of young male elves, coming up with a outrunning a loosed arrow test for his future law-sons. Wouldn't it be funny if she is like Eilian and grandmother Lorelin and she cuts a swath through the Woodland Realm just like good old ada did. Eilian deserves it.
Yes Eilian would have spent a lot of time in the garden if the king had thought of it. I am sure he spent a lot of time doing other things. One day you will have to get over this OC business and just write some very OC tales of Legolas' older brothers. I like flashbacks, especially when Legolas was a youngling but we need more of little Eilian and Ithilden. Have pity on us.
I do agree with Eilian about the lack of education on the really important things. We just don't realize it until we have children.
You have come up with some great truisms in your stories but the one about Loriel liking her grandparents despite being so bright is right up there with the best. Even Eilian would have to admit that Isiwen is a great grandmother. Solith is probably a great grandfather too, just not a great father-in-law.
I am amazed that the king let Eilian live so far away when this is his first female offspring in such a male dominated family. That must really hurt him. He is able to put Eilian's feelings first though. It must be much healthier for Eilian to be in the woods with the trees than stuck in that old delved stronghold.
I also enjoyed "the tasks that come with a simple life in the settlement." I may enjoy reading Tolkien but I would just as soon not live during that time. I live better than any king or noblemen from that time and have better health care too.
Ah, Loriel has dark curls and grey eyes with dark eyelashes like a certain grandmother. I wonder how much this gratifies the king and pains him at the same time. So sweet though that she can be a reminder for them and how nice to think of the time when Lorellin will see Loriel for the first time. You have to feel sad that she has missed Legolas' life, Ithilden's marriage and child and now Eilian's marriage and child. Lots to catch up on.
I loved the image of Eilian carefully combing her hair, gentle with the knots and the braiding. That is so hard I know. DD insisted on long hair and braids long after I wanted to mess with them. Also when he hangs on to her when he rescues her shoes and won't let go while he cleans them because one second out of his arms and he would have to clean her up all over again. Does that ever sound familiar.
Solith. Just as soon as he hears that Eilian put up Loriel's hair he has to start in on one of his asides. Poor Loriel. Dropped down a chimney by eagles. Solith just doesn't want to acknowledge that Eilian could have had any contribution to make to his sweet grandelflings existence. It's a wonder Solith's spit doesn't curdle any milk he wants to drink.
Many young girls want to marry their Daddy's and many do in one form or another. I can just see another Eilian in Solith's future. I did like Eilian's epiphany. He will have many more of those and will come to really appreciate the king's attitudes and Solith's fears. Children change everything.
I'm so glad the Solith hasn't offered to gut Eilian in some time. Not that Solith will ever admit Eilian is worth anything. He probably thinks Eilian is just playing at being a good wood elf. He is probably the most wood-elfy of all his brothers.
Once a warrior, always a warrior. We have a friend who still responds to certain things just as if he were still in VietNam. He says those reflexes kept him alive long ago and his brain still thinks along those scary lines. He can't help it and neither can Eilian. He is very chary of peace and he has every right to be. I wonder of these elves will ever be wholly at peace even in Valinor. Those born there will never understand them as they have always had more peace than those who were born in Arda in the later ages.
When I read about the empty room my first thoughts were about Jon Benet Ramsey and that little girl in Florida (Jessica Lunde?) when they went missing from their bedrooms. Every parents, human, elf or dwarf, nightmare. Sigh!
Eilian was also born during the peaceful times and he knows that she must always tell nana and ada where she is. I did like that he let Celuwen do the glare and scolding part. I had to always be the voice of reason in my family. Must be nice to let someone else do that part. I wonder if nana's glare is like the king's. Scary thought. You wouldn't want to mess with those two.
The trees know what evil lurks in the deeps of the woods and Loriel is wood elf enough to know that something not quite right is happening. Oh the tale that open window could tell. I really hate to think of what Slinker/Stinker was up to roaming around, getting hungrier and hungrier. I am glad that you didn't go into detail.
Can't wait for more of this tale. It sounds like a really scary one.
Thanks.
Author's reply
Do you think other fandoms have the same problems on ff.net? I wonder sometimes how different each subsection of that site is. Anyway, I'm happy to have you anywhere, and I'm sorry that you're dealing with such tough issues. Hang in there.
For some time now, I've been wondering what Eilian would do if peace came, and this was what I've come up with for now. I think he'd like living in the forest with his little family, neighbors, and some work to do. And I do think it would be hard work. We forget sometimes how much was involved in living in this kind of society. That garden isn't a hobby for Celuwen. It's a source of some of their food.
I also think that he was a loving big brother to Legolas, so he'll be a loving father. I suspect he'll be a little indulgent at this age. We'll see what happens when Flower Face gets old enough to really have suitors. He'll be sure to know the 'wrong' kind of guy when he sees him, because he was one himself! But oh my goodness, the idea that she would actually marry one because he was like Eilian just made me laugh. I hadn't thought that far into her future.
Have you read Bodkin's stories about life in Valinor at SoA? She shows the elves as very like what you say -- the ones who have always lived in Valinor can't always understand the ones from ME.
Yanic
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
"Legolas looked at her and Ithilden, sitting next to one another on the other side of the fire, and for a wild moment, he considered inviting his oldest brother to come out with him and Eilian." Now that's a sight I'd love to see! All three of Thranduil's son's out carousing!
Author's reply
Me too! Wouldn't that be fun? Ithilden doesn't cut loose often, so maybe when he does, he's really goes all out. Who knows? I'll have to try that sometime.
elliska
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Hi! Sorry it took a while to leave a review. I've been in an encampment all weekend (no electricity in 1597, so no computers.) This may not be the most shining example of a review either because I am exhausted. Sorry. :-)
I had to laugh at Eilian. He's probably had enough messages from his father that needed to be read in private that he was sweating the unexpected messenger. And the message was mysterious enough that I might have been having a twinge of nervousness, not excitement. But that is what makes Eilian who he is. :) Loriel's reaction to the messenger was too dear. I like her. And poor Eilian and Solith--it's situations like this where father-in-law needs to get over it, but he never will. He probably even understands that someone needs to do these duties--he just wants to give Eilian a hard time when the duties fall to him. “I know how to manage my daughter,” Not! That line made me laugh and I'm proud of Eilian for holding it in.
Seeing Sinnarn as a husband was just too strange. I still see him a a youngster, which of course he is not here, but still! :) I love seeing the doting husbands and fathers. And then when he went to speak to Ithilden! Talk about a shocker! Let me live up to them. Now that is a shift for Sinnarn. Ithilden must be proud of him here. I loved that part. I also loved the line about warriors being bigger gossips than a sewing circle. *grin*
And Legolas and Eilian at the Glade. I had actually hoped to see that in this story. I like them having the opportunity, as adults, to enjoy time together like this. Of course, my heart twinged for poor Legolas when the lady wanted to dance with him.
Great chapter. I'm enjoying the calm before the storm so much here. I love to see the family interactions as much as the scary adventure. :-)
Author's reply
You mean like a reenactment thing? That sounds interesting but I'm such a sissy! Don't you go sleep in a hotel at night? You stay there?
The messenger really felt like an intruder to me in this chapter, especially when he addressed Eilian as "my lord." He was a jarring note in the simple life Eilian is now happily leading, in his shirtless, sweaty, woodchopping state. :-)
I think Sinnarn is old enough to be an adult now. Being wounded at the Battle of Five Armies probably sobered him up a little. I told someone else that I hesitated to use that sewing circle line because I was afraid it was too insulting to the young wives!
Eilian and Legolas are quite pair. I really do need to write about them in battle together sometime. I've done it only for very brief glimpses, but I think they'd be really tuned in to one another.
Go sleep!
Antigone Q
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Family life has been really steadying for Eilian, hasn't it? I feel sorry for Celuwen, though. I am afraid for Eilian, and I am not even his wife!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, it's very interesting to see how so many different generations are doing under one roof. It's been a common thread of yours, hasn't it?
I look forward to more!
Author's reply
Eilian surprised me by settling down very happily into settlement life. I've been wondering for a while now what he would do in a time of peace andt this seems to be it!
And if you're an elf, the number of generations that could be living together is staggering. No wonder they felt the need to flee Valinor!
Manderly
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
I cannot help but feel apprehensive about Eilian and Sinnarn going on this scouting mission to the south. At least they will both have their keepers with them.
Sinnarn is developing into a very interesting character. His personality is so different from the other males in his family. His strong sense of responsibility is there, but he's also very much attuned to the reality of the realm, more so than the others, except for Thranduil perhaps. I am looking forward to see how he does on this mission.
Solith is still as unreasonable as ever. I am glad Isiwen shut him up in a hurry. Eilian's combatting emotions comes as no surprise. I can't see him ever being content living a peaceful life and not jump at the first chance of excitement. I think Loriel's protest at Eilian's leaving is probably more persuasive than what Celuwen could have said. I think Eilian will be cautious and not take undue risk (fingers crossed).
Author's reply
Sinnarn is an interesting mix of most of the other males, I think. He has his father's intelligence and openness to other races, his grandfather's cynicism, and his Uncle Eilian's daring. He lacks Legolas's idealism which is why it's someone like Legolas who goes on the quest rather than someone like Sinnarn. But he's interesting to work with.
Eilian is really torn about leaving his family. I think he's surprised himself by how much he enjoys living in the settlement. I know he's surprised me!
meckinock
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
As usual I love seeing Eilian and Legolas together. The dancing in the glade was wonderful. Eilian is so cute - "Celuwen would be disappointed in me if I did not." Poor Legolas. That would be awfully awkward, being pledged to a dead woman and nobody knows it. One of the downsides of immortality, I guess.
I liked Eilian's musing about whether the fact that he and Sinnarn are being sent on the mission is good or bad. And I liked Legolas's defense of Sinnarn - he kept me from getting a spider down my neck - LOL.
Sinnarn has really grown up. Something you said really stuck with me - the line about him being a natural cynic like his grandfather. I realized that's the big difference between him and Eilian. On the surface they were both rebels, both risk-takers, both black sheep in the family, but beneath the surface they're opposites - Eilian has a natural optimism and carefree spirit that gets pummeled by running smack up against the flawed nature of the universe, while Sinnarn seemed to instantly recognize how screwed up the world is and figure, why bother following the rules - it doesn't matter anyway. It's amazing how in your stories more and more layers keep getting peeled back, and characters that we thought we knew well keep showing us new aspects of themselves.
Author's reply
I can remember back when I first started trying to think about who I could give Eilian as a romantic interest, and I thought that despite his mercurial nature, he's very constant in his emotional commitments. So I thought that a childhood friend would be the natural mate for him. He'd have given his affection very young and then it would have matured into love. So I think that the two of them know one another and trust one another in a way that happens best over the very long term. Celuwen would not be at all surprised to hear that Eilian had been dancing in the Glade, and she would never doubt his fidelity for a single second.
Thank you so much for saying that nice stuff about my OCs! I'd say you're right about Sinnarn and Eilian. That seems to describe them to a T.
meckinock
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Legolas is so close to the Legolas of the Fellowship now, and it's amazing how everything that has happened to him in your series up until now has brought him to where he is now. It's interesting, though - we talk about how important it is for characters to change and grow, but sometimes it's a nice counterpooint to have a character who never seems to change - I mean Beliond, of course! He's such a wonderful, curmudgeony constant. I'd hate for him to change. I loved his growly exchange with Sinnarn:
Just behind Legolas, Sinnarn gave an incredulous laugh. “Are you saying that Legolas is the one who gets cranky?”
Beliond gave him a cool look. “What are you suggesting, Sinnarn?”
Sinnarn grinned and held up his hands, palms outward. “Not a thing. I have frequently noticed how bad-tempered Legolas is.”
The wagering on the body count was wonderful also, and what a nice foreshadowing of the Fellowship. Once again, Beliond gets the best line:
Sinnarn’s eyes narrowed. “Are you counting that last one?” he demanded.
“Yes, I am. My arrow was first.” Legolas grinned as Sinnarn spluttered.
“Nonsense,” said Beliond, coming up behind Legolas. “My arrow was first. Are you two going to count bodies or play games?”
Interesting that Tynd is Sinnarn's bodyguard. I liked the concept that he wouldn't take well to someone "nipping at his heels." Poor Legolas. As much as he has learned to endure Beliond and we all love the grumbly old codger, I bet he does wish he could do a simple thing like run through the trees without getting a lecture. But his banter with Beliond is as delightful as ever.
I liked Annael's sarcastic remark about Legolas not feeling the need to see what the troops were up to when it was freezing rain outside. RHIP, indeed!
It's sad to read about everyone being happy in the woods only to find that the Shadow is back again. Looks like Thranduil saw it coming, the crafty devil, but Eilian obviously didn't. I think about his dream and his wonderful life with his family and realize that going into peril when he has such dear hostages to fortune will be the hardest thing he's ever done.
Author's reply
I think you're right about Beliond. Minor characters sometimes need to stay the same. The poor reader can only deal with so much at once! I personally would not want to have spend all my work time with Beliond in the immediate vicinity, but I suppose Legolas has learned to tune him out some of the time.
meckinock
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Settlers
Oh, Daw, I'm speechless. OK, wait, I'm frequently speechless, or at the very least, speech-impaired, so let me re-word that. This was fabulous. I love it. I want to live in Eilian and Celuwen's house. They need a second daughter, don't they? Eilian Tamed is just too adorable. I love all the little bits of insight into the daily work of their lives (the dialogue about the peas and the weeds was wonderful), and the little bits of introspection into his relationship with his father and her father, and, er...other people ("And indeed, he worked rapidly with a skill whose origin he had decided it was better not to explain to his wife") And I dearly love little flower face. The wonderful thing about what you've done with Eilian is that none of this house-husband routine has diminished him at all. He's the person he was meant to be all along. Though I did love it when the sword came out. Yes, I did.
Author's reply
Ada Eilian, living in the settlement with his little family and his in-laws close by, has been a lot of fun to write about. I can see him enjoying this life and being enriched by it. He surprised me by not being diminished at all. There's something about him watching over his family and caring so capably for them that's still very attractive. And I'm sure they need a second daughter!
I hesitated to start the story with this chapter because it's all OC. I wrote what's now chapter 2, thinking I'd start with that, but then this was too much fun and I thought that returning readers would enjoy it.
Elvenesse
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
I'm glad Eilian is still Eilian - though he'll temper his excitement and try to come out unscathed for his wife and daughter.
I like that Sinnarn is still cynical (practical?) about peace in the forest, and gets Ithilden to allow him to go with Eilian. Will it just be Sinnarn, Eilian, and their keepers going to Dol Guldur?
Please keep everyone safe. I'm not so worried about the unscathed aspect - just the alive one. You wouldn't be so cruel as to let Gollum near Loriel... I'd love to see Thranduil with his granddaughter.
Author's reply
It's tricky to let Eilian grow a little but still be himself. I'd hate to see him settle down entirely. :-)
And yes, it's just the four of them going to Dol Guldur. This is a scouting party so I think it should be small in order to avoid detection. Their job is just to see what's going on and then go home and report on it.
Thranduil has announced to me that he too thinks it's high time Flower Face came to visit.
The Karenator
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Things were just too quiet, weren't they? Eilian's life as a wood-elf is coming to an end. I like how you allow Eilian and Celuwen to communicate without coming right out and saying what the deal is. Eilian referring to his father as the 'king' carries an entirely different connotation that if he had said that he had received a message from his father. Celuwen catches the meaning quickly. Poor little Loriel has no idea what's going on. She just knows her ada is going to be away. Even as young as she is, she probably still has picked up on the 'nervous' energy of her parents over the footprints--even if she doesn't know about them specifically--and now, that her ada is going away. On her own level, she's probably 'worried' too.
“I knew you would never be able to stay here, quietly carrying out your responsibilities,” he spat. “Just as I expected, you are haring off after adventure again.”
Oh, get a grip, Sólith! Did he think that Eilian's duty as a warrior and a son of the king ended when he married Celuwen? AND the king sent for Eilian. It's not like Eilian put in an application to go 'haring off' again. Isiwen needs to slap him! Telling him to be quiet was effective, but there's more satisfaction in whopping him upside his dense head. :>) Okay...it would be for me. Anyway, Eilian pointed out his father-in-law's leap of illogic. I'd feel better if Eilian took Celuwen and Loriel with him to the stronghold, but I'm not surprised that Celuwen would be reluctant to go. Now why do I think that there's going to be trouble in this quiet little village and Sólith isn't going to be in control as much as he thinks he is? Sólith has set himself up.
“You have owed the king your obedience for a good many years, but I know for a fact that you have not always given it,” Sólith snapped. “Why now?”
Now that was a low blow and even though Eilian might have been a wild child, he is a good warrior and has done that duty to his king and realm quite well, thank you very much.
Sinnarn has grown into his role as second in line for the throne quite well. Emmelin is good for him, but the experience of the Five Armies made him grow up quickly too. I'm worried about him too, your minstrelness. You're not planning on hurting him, are you?
I was a little surprised to see Legolas tempting all his married relatives into a night of frivolity. Of course, it's rare that the brothers are all together now and some male bonding time would be nice. :>) The ending was lovely...but I hear those drums of doom steadily picking up. Oh dear...
I'm really enjoying this story. I love this time you're in now, and I love the story. I can't wait for the next chapter.
Karen
Author's reply
I'll bet you're right that Loriel is already upset. Kids (like dogs) are pretty sensitive to your mood. And she knows she's been returned to her parents' bed instead of her own big girl bed. And Ada is going away! That has to horrify her. She hasn't experienced it at all before and her mother is going to worry and Loriel will know it.
Solith is kind of fun to write about. I expect he'll carry a grudge until the day he sails, and even then he'll be telling everyone in Valinor what an irresponsible Elf Eilian is.
Sinnarn is indeed growing up. I figured it was time. He's been interesting for me to try to characterize. I see him as wood elfy like Eilian, but with a strong streak of his grandfather's skepticism. And I think he's smart, like Ithilden, and has been encouraged to be rather open to other races. So he's a good Elf for the time and place where he lives.
sofia
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Solith really needs to get a better attitude. You'd think after years he would think Eilian capable and responsible, but I guess thats not the case.
I love Ithilden's : “Warriors are a bigger bunch of gossips than any sewing circle of young wives.” so true and so humorous. I love that line!
All in all, an nice chapter. can't wait for more.
-sofia
Author's reply
Solith is just a jerk. Of course, Eilian has occasionally been irresponsible in the past, so I suppose he has a long history to overcome in order to convince Solith that he's really changed.
I hesitated over that line of Ithilden's because I was afraid it was insulting to young wives!
thechevin
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
I knew the happiness was too good to last! LOL
Once again you weave a wonderful tale where there is so much richness to savour in the descriptions and more in the idyllic life that the elves in the settlement are enjoying presently- but at what cost!
I am glad Celuwyn will have her parents to support her and her mother seems to know just when it is necessary to show who is in charge in theri household, her daughter takes after her and no doubt her grand daughter as well
Sinnarn going south I don't like the sound of that at all I don't think Thranduil will either
But the final scene with Eilian and Legolas is one of my favourites and the fact that they both recognised they had to take this moment of joy makes it all the more poignant
Author's reply
I've really enjoyed writing about Eilian's life in the settlement. It's taken me a while to picture him there, but I can see how the life would suit him far better than hanging around the palace. And I think that among Elves, extended family was a big deal. Tolkien says they were organized into "houses." It's true that wives seemed to become part of their husbands house, but I'll bet in the settlement, extended family was necessary for everyone. Taking care of a kid and running a household would be almost impossible unless you had it.
That last scene with Eilian and Legolas was slow to come together for me, but once it did, I liked it too.
Bodkin
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Now we have four VIE on their way to Dol Guldur and NONE OF THEM IS WEARING A RED SHIRT, right? If you need an extraneous victim, add Tiondir or Belaral to the mix, but please don't inflict any more than artistic injuries on Sinnarn, Eilian, Maltanaur or Tynd. You know the kind - a slight gash along the cheekbone, or the torn shirt kind of injury that just displays an elfly chest. (Really the stories placed earlier are much easier on the nerves, because you know who survives.)
It's very brave of Eilian to confront Solith when he knows that his adar-in-law is going to assume that he is just heading off for a party. (Is Solith irredemably thick? Surely he has learned by now that when the king's sons refer to their adar as 'the king', that means that they are obeying him as subjects, not sons. And Eilian might take some enjoyment from being a riotous son, but he is a serious warrior and captain. Perhaps Isiwen needs to put Solith in his place more often.) And I hope they do manage to protect C and L from Mr. Creepy. I'm rather glad Loriel will be sleeping with her nana. And I hope Celuwen's knife-throwing skills have remained as sharp as her blades.
By the way, I love picturing Eilian sitting on the floor winding up Loriel's toy. I'm not quite sure which of the two would find the experience more entertaining. It would be one of the moments when Celuwen would realise that she is the only adult in the household.
Sinnarn and Emmelin. How lovely. I wonder how long it took Alfirin to get used to the idea of ladies' maids? And whether Celuwen and Emmelin will ever accept some of the limitations of marrying into the royal business? (Poor Eilian - everyone always assumes that he is/could be in trouble. It must be very bad for him psychologically.) It's lovely, if a bit worrying, to see such a grown-up Sinnarn accepting his responsibilities as second in line for the throne. He did his best to hold it off as long as he could, but it's got him in the end. (I wonder if a certain frivolity is linked with being the second in line? Eilian was second in line until Sinnarn was born - and, looking at various royal scions from history, the second in line (no real role but a hanging around to be a genetic spare) does seem to have trouble with responsibility that the first in line doesn't.) I just hope he and Emmelin can fill their apartments with elflings - in a few decades.
He was probably wise not to share Beliond's - er - facility with language. Not if he wanted his adar to take him seriously. And he used just the right arguments. I don't think Alfirin will be happy, though.
Sinnarn and Ithilden sitting sedately at home with Thranduil, while grass widower Eilian and pledged-but-alone Legolas go off to party in the Glade! It would be great to see all these males off doing something frivolous together - Ithilden being light-hearted and free of worry. (Not a lot of chance of that. Not until/unless he ends up in the Blessed Realm.) I like seeing Thranduil being benevolent towards Eilian; long may it continue. And how old do you have to be for your parents to stop telling you to behave yourself? As elves, the answer could go into six figures.
'I simply cannot decide if the fact that Sinnarn is going means that Adar and Ithilden think that things are not serious so it is safe to send him, or if they think that things are so serious that they will not be able to keep any of us out of it.' The latter, I think, Eilian. Definitely the latter.
Tomorrow morning would come soon enough. For tonight, he and his brother would seize the moment of joy. Oh no, this has a very ominous ring to it. Poor Wood Elves. Moments of joy are going to be a bit sparse in the next few decades. (Just no permanent damage to my favourite elves, right?)
Author's reply
Eilian did a brave thing by going to Solith despite how much he hates the guy. He did it for his wife and daughter, and that's an admirable thing. (Of course, I admire him in many ways! I'll take the torn shirt thing into consideration.)
He enjoys the life he's leading now, much to his surprise I think. It even felt intrusive to have the messenger address him as "my lord."
Your observations about the problems of second-in-lines were interesting. I think you may be right. It's hard for them to assume other responsibilities so they wind up being irresponsible. And in Sinnarn's case, I think the amount of responsibility he saw Ithilden wrestling with scared him. But he's settled down now. And a true peace isn't very far off in Elven terms.
In my list of possible stories, I have one line that reads something like "Legolas and Ithilden should do something outrageous together." I still think that's a good idea.
Socket
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
I was going to ask whether Legolas's statement that he is pledged to Tuilinn means that he would never bond with another elf, but I checked the reviews, and it seems that someone else asked that question, and your answer is that he won't. OK, now I have some related questions, if you don't mind. I know that it doesn't involve this story, but in the story when you described Thranduil's flirtation with his wife's cousin, was that flirtation on its way to bonding or closer to the social dancing that Legolas indulges in in this story? It seemed to be the former, but maybe I'm just reading too much into the story.
The Legolas of your stories is so vibrant, and has such a loving family life, that it's very, very hard for me to imagine that he would not return to Mirkwood at the end of the quest and stay forever, rather than journey with Gimli and then sail west. That's a compliment, I assure you, not a complaint. Thanks!
Author's reply
Oh geez. You're asking me about the first story I ever wrote, and if I had it to do over, I'd do it differently! Anyway, here's a long-winded explanation. Elves bond (marry) only once. Even if a partner dies, he or she is still married because the partner isn't going anywhere permanently. Elves are bound to Arda until it ends. The spirit of an Elf whose body is destroyed will go to the Halls of Waiting for a while, but eventually he or she will be re-embodied. Tolkien changed his mind a bit about how this happened. For a while, he toyed with the idea that the person would be reborn as a baby, but in the end, he settled on the idea that the person would be re-embodied in a body like their destroyed one in Valinor. Then they could return to ME if they wanted to, but most did not. That's what happened to Glorfindel. Sooo, Thranduil isn't going to bond with anyone new.
As I read LACE, what bonding consists of is the will to bond, the speaking of the blessings, and then consummation. I don't think sex by itself constituted bonding. Otherwise, a rape would be a bond, and that doesn't seem to be true. As I recall, a rape is such a violation of an Elf's spirit, that they usually die.
Now what Tolkien says about Elves is that "deeds of lust seldom" occurred among them. I think that's due to the control that he says their minds have over their bodies (which I think is also why they heal quickly). But it does say "seldom," not never. So what I was doing in that first story was having Thranduil be tempted to have sex with his wife's cousin, but it wouldn't have been a bond. If I were writing that story today, I wouldn't have done that. I've learned more about Elves and just wouldn't have Thranduil losing control like that.
So that's probably way more than you wanted to know!
Author Reply: And even with all that, I forgot to say that Legolas isn't bonded to Tuilinn yet because they didn't have sex or say the blessings. He thinks of himself as pledged or promised to her. That could change, of course. It's not binding. But Tolkien says that elves rarely made a mistake in choosing their mates.
moonshine
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Aw, poor Loriel. She doesn`t understand why her ada is leaving. I don`t blame her, I wouldn`t either if I was her age. It is nice to see Eilian and Legolas enjoying themselves. I can`t wait to find out what happens next!
Author's reply
She really doesn't. She's too young and she has no idea what's going on, poor thing, just that her ada is leaving her.
I like seeing Legolas and Eilian together doing just about anything, but it was good to have a chance to show them just relaxing and having a good time. They don't do that enough.
dr_seuss_is_cool
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Hello.
I love the story! It's great! I love how you managed to make Loriel cute but not create a child who would ruin my Eilian. Hah. My Eilian. Celuwen's Elian, I'm sorry. I have to warn you...I will be extremely depressed if either Eilian or Sinnarn die. I may be thinking ahead of myself but if anything happened to either one of them I would cry so much and wouldn't be able to bear reading the stories without Eilian in them. I love the story. Emmelin is great. I love how you put her and Celuwen on the same plane. They are such great characters. Well, thank you so much. The story is just amazing so far.
Have a great day.
Bye Bye!
Author's reply
It's fun to think of Eilian as a father. He was a good big brother (still is, for that matter), so I think he'd be a good father. And it was also fun to give Thranduil a granddaughter. That household was so male for a long time, and now all the wives and a granddaughter!
French Pony
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
So the troops are coming together. And given the amount of joy they are taking before the mission, I have a feeling it will end up not going exactly as planned.
“Then change the assignment. I am an experienced warrior, Adar. Moreover, I have responsibilities to the realm that other warriors do not. Let me live up to them.”
Who is this Elf and what has he done with Sinnarn?
Legolas still seems to be feeling his way around in regards to Tuilinn. The dancing in the Glade seems like purely social dance, where the flirting is fast and furious but ultimately not binding. Even Married!Eilian flirts there. But Legolas is still having trouble distinguishing between flirting at a social dance and the real thing.
Sorry I can't write more. My brain is officially on vacation and is currently sloshing around between my ears in a manner not unlike salad dressing.
Author's reply
And given the amount of joy they are taking before the mission, I have a feeling it will end up not going exactly as planned
Do you think? LOL. Maybe I'm just using the well known Wood elf inclination to party whenever they have a chance?
I kind of thought that about Sinnarn too, but I think that being wounded at the Battle of Five Armies sobered him. And even in "Tangled Web," he's pretty serious about protecting his home. If only there hadn't been that unfortunate incident with the Dwarves!
Have a very good time letting your brain rot. Watch junk TV. Read mysteries or something.
Brazgirl
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Sinnarn is going too... I hope everything goes well. For the king's sake. I like the talk between Eilian and Sórion. Those two will never get along! Too pity Celuwen did not go with Eilian! Also like Sinnarn's courage to speak to his father and commander. He is an adult now and wants to be treated like one and when he felt he should be a part of that mission he just presented himself. I like him. I guess Thranduil should be proud. As should Ithilden.
Author's reply
Both Eilian and Sinnarn took their courage in hand and talked to fathers -- Celuwen's and Sinnarn's own -- because they believed it was the right thing to do. I guess they are all adults now. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
*Sigh* This is rather a sad chapter - Eilian being summoned away from his wife and daughter (for six weeks!); his realisation that it must be serious, or Thranduil would never have sent for him - but I liked his leap of excitement at the thought of danger. He's still Eilian!
Sinnarn - he's so grown up now! Married, and contemplating elflings. Being more cynical than his father: he's not that surprised the shadow has returned. So he *and* Eilian are off south? Please don't do anything fatal to them!
And Legolas - still pledged to Tuilinn, but I'm so glad he was able to enjoy the moment of the dance.
When will we get to see Thranduil with his granddaughter??
Jay
Author's reply
Eilian likes the way he's living, but his heart is going to jump at the idea of excitement until the day Arda ends. It's a good thing Celuwen is a patient person.
It seemed to me that it was time for Sinnarn to grow up. He doesn't want to be in charge of anything, but he does care about defending his home. His parents should be proud of him.
When will we get to see Thranduil with his granddaughter?? The elvenking just asked me that same question!
Anonymous
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
Wow, what a great chapter. I like the way it starts, the way it moves, and the way it ends. Seeing Eilian splitting wood like any other settlement Elf is quite a change from the flirtatious, reckless warrior that you wrote about several hundred years ago. I grinned when I read this sentence:
Messengers from the palace almost always brought something for Loriel – an embroidered shift, a package of candied fruit, and on one memorable occasion, a toy Mûmakil from the market in Dale.
I thought about the gifts and wondered if the shift was from Alfirin, the candy from Thranduil, and the Mumakil from Legolas.
I think that Sinnarn is really becoming his own man. I think that the key thing that makes him seem different from his uncles is, as you say, the cynicism that he shares with Thranduil about the presence of evil. Because he grew up with it, he seems to accept its presence in a way that his brothers do not. This is a great insight.
I like seeing Ithilden's special powers glint out into the open once in a while. Hmm, he can open and close the stronghold doors . . . and sometimes shows a spooky prescience about other people's thoughts . . . very much his father's son, and obviously the heir. I enjoy those preternatuaral moments.
And it would have been wonderful for Ithilden to go dancing by himself! I don't think we've ever seen him do something like that. Walking along the river with Alfirin and clumsily setting her on fire doesn't count as a moment of joy.
The scene of Legolas and Eilian dancing together in the glade was wonderful. And although it's sad, it feels right that Legolas's bond with Tuilinn is very much alive. It seems necessary now, for his mindset about the Quest. But I have to say, I just didn't think that the scouting party would leave without him. Who's going to protect Loriel from Gollum? And when will Legolas run into a Nazgul? Doggone it, how long will I have to wait to find out??? ;-) Whatever you said, it's too long. Please update soon, and happy typing.
Author's reply
I hadn't though about who would have picked out which presents! I think Alfirin would certainly be the one who embroidered the shift, but Grandfather and Uncle Legolas might have to compete in sending candy and toys. I was pleased when I remembered that Dale was famous for its toys. Bilbo gives them away at the Long Awaited Party, but I couldn't find any details about them so I had to make up the Mumakil. Eilian enjoyed playing with it. :-)
Sinnarn is a lot like his grandfather, with a less domineering personality, I think. He doesn't want to be in charge the way Ithilden or Thranudil does.
Walking along the river with Alfirin and clumsily setting her on fire -- this made me laugh. I'm not sure Ithilden is a dancing-in-the-Glade kind of guy.
Legolas has things to do closer to home so I couldn't send him to Dol Guldur. I don't know when he'll run into a Nazgul. Sometime in the next 60 years, I guess.
Dot
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
I’m so happy with the speed with which you’re updating this! Hurrah for summer vacation!!
It still took me a minute at the start of the chapter to adjust to Eilian living in the settlement. Oh well, it looks like I won’t actually have to get used to it. I can just see Eilian being completely intrigued by this mysterious summons from the king. I like the way he immediately knows that it’s something important and possibly dangerous because of how much information Thranduil left out. It’s actually probably a good thing that Celuwen is experienced in dealing with Thranduil and knows how things are run because she recognises immediately, as Eilian does, that he has no choice but to go and so she won’t protest in the way others might. Of course, she’s clever too and I imagine only ten years into a time of peace, a lot of people are aware on some level that it could end.
Poor Loriel seems very upset that her beloved ada is going away. Six weeks is a long time for such a young child. I presume they don’t have gift shops in Dol Guldur. Speaking of which, I just love the thought of the pressies that come for her!! She’s even more spoiled than if she lived in the palace ;-) And a wind-up Mûmakil??! Eilian sounds like a very indulgent father but I wonder if Flower-Face or Ada got more fun out of that particular toy…?!
That was brave of Eilian to go and speak to Sólith and Isiwen, but it was absolutely the right thing to do. I just knew Sólith would react like that, seeing it as an excuse for Eilian to go off gallivanting. It was a bit unfair of him to say that Eilian isn’t always obedient to the king. He may not always have been the most compliant son, and he sulked every time he was transferred out of the south, but the way I see it, he’s always done his duty. Sólith always seems to be itching for a fight with him. Yay for Isiwen telling him to shut up. I’m feeling a bit nervous about Celuwen and Loriel being on their own, though… At least Loriel has moved into her parents’ bed.
What a treat to see Sinnarn and Emmelin together! She sounds rather independent too. At least Alfirin had enough experience dealing with Celuwen trying to settle in to know not to push her into making any sweeping changes to her lifestyle! I bet it’s a struggle not to hover around her new daughter-in-law, though.
“He did not seem angry, which was the other possibility, of course.” For some reason, that struck me as hilarious. It seems to be just widely accepted that Eilian frequently annoys his father.
I knew the second I read about Tiondir and Belaral that they were so not going on this mission. New OCs involved in such a central role? Hmm. Only if you wanted to kill them… Sinnarn really has grown up. I feel sorry for him in a way because he is so certain that peace won’t last and as a result is reluctant to start a family, but I also really admire him for his devotion to both family and duty. He doesn’t have the highs and lows of the rest of his family in striving to protect the realm, seeing peace come and hoping that it will last and about to see evil return again. I wouldn’t necessarily call him cynical, but he seems to have an acceptance that there is evil in the world that may threaten those he loves and a desire to protect his family and those who cannot protect themselves that shows a lot of wisdom. I can’t see him taking off on a quest to Mordor in order to save Middle-earth, but Legolas would and even Eilian might if he had the chance. I don’t think Thranduil would do it very easily either. I imagine he would be able to see the bigger picture but he and his grandson put their home first, while Legolas had the belief that trying to destroy the ring would ultimately do what fighting from Mirkwood would never achieve. Neither way of thinking is better than the other, but it’s interesting to see the differences.
“Warriors are a bigger bunch of gossips than any sewing circle of young wives.” What a great line!!
“I am the king’s grandson, his oldest son’s heir. How can this not be my worry?” Bravo, Sinnarn! That is such a difference from resenting the responsibility of being Ithilden’s son. Even though the last thing I want is for Sinnarn to be in danger, I’m glad Ithilden listened to him and accepted what he was saying. I wouldn’t like to be the one to tell Alfirin, though. Or Thranduil.
“Legolas looked at her and Ithilden, sitting next to one another on the other side of the fire, and for a wild moment, he considered inviting his oldest brother to come out with him and Eilian.” *g* Loved that moment! Especially Ithilden’s reaction. Legolas should just invite Thranduil while he’s at it.
I was glad for the opportunity to see Legolas and Eilian together. Eilian still seems to have to educate baby brother about maidens. I was glad he let Legolas know that it’s o.k. to dance with others. He needs to be able to enjoy himself like that. It must be odd, though, that most people wouldn’t know about Legolas and Tuilinn.
Lovely ending. Pity you’re probably going to ruin their happiness ;-) *sigh* They might as well take any chances for joy that might present themselves. So Eilian, Maltanaur, Sinnarn and Tynd are heading off? Ominous, but very exciting! And I suspect the rest of them won’t exactly be sitting around bored while they’re gone…
This looks like it might be a long one. Will it?? Please say yes! I’m really enjoying myself so far :-)
Author's reply
Celuwen is a really good match for Eilian in experience as well as in temperament. She does know how things are done in the palace, and she accepts that Eilian has a duty as the king's son. That doesn't mean she has to like it, but she understands it. Now Loriel doesn't understand a thing. She's too little. And Eilian swallowed his dislike of his father-in-law to make sure that Celuwen would get the help she needed. I see extended families as very important in this kind of living.
I'm still excited by the idea that Annael is related to the king through his daughter now. I love Annael, and this just seems right! You so have Sinnarn pegged! He's going to stay home and take care of his family and people, just like Thranduil.
You made me laugh at the idea of inviting Thranduil dancing. Wouldn't that create a stir in the Glade! LOLOL
I figured the stuff with Legolas and Tuilinn happened far away. I suppose people might know about it if they thought, but he's not going to make a big deal of it.
I don't know how long this story will be. I never know. I always think the stories will be short and then they kind of grow. This one has a couple of threads but they're not very complicated. We'll see. :-)
rikki
· 14 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Scouting Party Assembles
How very enjoyable to click on SoA and find a new chapter of your story. I think that is one of your best tales so far. Your word picture of the daily life of a peaceable Eilian chopping wood and Celuwen peeling asparagus makes things seem so natural and homey. Loriel talking to her dolls and wondering if the messenger brought her a package shows that she is well loved by her Adar's family as well as Celuwen's parents. It's too bad that Eilian must leave the females of his heart and go away for so long. Though Celuwen has her parents there to support her, I almost wish that she had said spit on the garden and left with Eilian to visit Thranduil. Let's hope that any surprises have left the area or they go visit Solith instead! Bad tempered in-law!
Sinnarn also going south! That was a surprise though it makes sense that he feels that he should be involved in this mission. He has grown up a lot and has shown his worth as a warrior who is devoted in protecting his home and family. As it was, I had to laugh when he almost repeated Beliond's "word" as he was talking to his Adar. Sounds like it would be something you would hear in the barracks and not in the palace. Though he is Ithilden's son, Sinnarn seems to be more like Thranduil in his actions and beliefs. He has a more than healthy cynicism regarding the quiet times that the realm has been enjoying. If Thranduil were not king, I think he would be leading this expedition.
Eilian's and Legolas' final evening in the glade dancing the night away is so very WoodsElfie and such a lovely memory. The interchange with the two brothers is funny and evokes a lot of other nights spent in the glade together. It was nice that Eilian prodded Legolas into enjoying the dancing even though he is pledged to Tuilinn. It shows that he can still have fun and be true to his beloved. Your Legolas here is so near the one that goes on the quest. Mature, a leader, a excellent warrior, discreet (though Sinnarn is not impressed by this), and one who will take chances and look for new adventures. I think I will reread this chapter and then go back and read your story "A Question of Duty" again. Do update soon.
Rikki
Author's reply
I thought it would be very hard for Celuwen to leave the settlement and go to the palace. That garden, for instance, isn't just a hobby for her. She's growing part of what they'll eat for the rest of the year, fresh in the summer and probably canned in the winter. But I also think that she and Eilian both like living here. It must have seemed an intrusion even when the messenger addressed Eilian as "my lord." Of course, Loriel doesn't seem to mind the intrusion of presents from the palace!
I also thought it was time to let Sinnarn grow up. His wife wants elflings of her own, so he needs to get stop being a child himself. And trouble is coming to the Woodland Realm. Someone needs to be ready to defend the stronghold when the Orcs attack during the Ring War.
I thank you mightily for saying that Legolas of the Fellowship is in sight! I'm not quite sure how he'll compare to the Legolas I wrote in "Question of Duty." I wrote that story a long time ago it seems like.