The Spy by daw the minstrel
Angelelf · 25 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Great story. I love these characters!
Author's reply
Hi, Angelelf. I was just over on SoA checking something out on one of my stories and I realized I'd never thanked you for letting me know you loved my characters. I'm shamelessly fond of them myself so it always makes me feel good to know someone else loves them too. Thank you.
Mairi · 22 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
This was very well written, the descriptions in particular. I do think, though, that it would be nice if you could put fewer sentances in between one line of dialogue and the next.
Author's reply
Thanks, Mairi. I had an easier time with the dialogue in the second chapter than in the first because Beliond is alone or sneaking around more in the first.
Noor · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Thank you Daw...I had wondered how Beliond had been persuaded to guard legolas. This is a great prequel to the first few encounters between Legolas and Beliond. it explains Beliond's attitude. Noor
Author's reply
Thanks, Noor. Beliond takes Legolas on, assuming he's been oversheltered and might be spoiled. A bad start! Glad you liked the story.
elliska · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Oh this is a conversation I have always wanted to see and it did not disappoint. Beliond is just a riot. His interaction with the poor guard was a hoot. "Uh," I am still laughing about that. Poor thing. And I love Thranduil interacting with someone who knows him so well and shares so much with him. Of course, Beliond's reaction to Thranduil's 'request' was perfect as was Thranduil's response. I actually felt a little sorry for Beliond when Thranduil threw that out about the baby Lorellin wanted. That was the killing blow in many ways. Great choice for a gap filler. Loved it!
Author's reply
Beliond always makes me laugh. He just doesn't care about the conventions. He says what he thinks and everyone else has to deal with it. The poor guard is probably used to good manners. LOL. I wonder how well Beliond knew Lorellin? I'd have to think about that. But of course, really, the vulnerable young warrior is the thing Beliond can't pass by. Poor guy.
Redheredh · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Excellent little fic! Perfect of Perelleth! The dialogue and Beliond's internal dialogue were perfect as well! Your phrasing is so good, but I like your description very much too. Especially apprehension scuttling about and cheerily fluffing itself. The end was very emotional and touching. These sort of things always are with tough guys. Loved the end. Happy Birthday to Perelleth, and may her part-time Nana always have his job too.
Author's reply
Thank you, Redheredh. I've been working on description, which doesn't come naturally to me, so I'm glad you liked it. Thranduil is happy Beliond will look after Legolas, and I feel the same way about Perelleth's Beliond looking after her.
Dot · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
I was delighted to see a Beliond story (though I admit I was kind of hoping – it being for Perelleth and all) and even more delighted to see that it had Thranduil as well. I was grinning from the beginning. Beliond has such a distinctive voice. Though I did feel a little sorry for him and his horse, who are going to end up hanging around a lot longer than they think. Among the, er, crowd. And is that Alfirin and Sinnarn or random mother and child? The entire part with Beliond and the guard is priceless. Run along and play with the elfling indeed. "Uh," the guard said. LOL! Hey, I think I work with him. "Stop frightening the guards, Beliond," said a deep voice. Oh, how I love Thranduil. The reunion between them is gorgeous. I especially liked this line: Beliond's heart lifted at the touch of this friend of his youth, one he had known when their eyes gleamed with hope and the Shadow had not yet spread over them all. That’s so touching. We get to see the depth of their friendship and also how much they’ve changed as well as the forest. Beliond pictured himself alone among the trees, their song in his ears, the smell of green life filling his nostrils. Uh-oh. I love how you play with Beliond’s apprehension. Very effective. I really enjoy watching you try out these things. Beliond’s immediate reaction of ‘no’ actually made me a little teary. Even if we didn’t know his story it’s obvious that something more than dislike for that type of task is troubling him. Thranduil's gray eyes met his, and between them lay the shared sights of Dagorlad, of blood and terror and Elves dying in the mud. Pain swelled in Beliond's throat, and he pushed away a vision of the fragile, broken body of his son, no older than that fool of a guard at the Doors. *sigh* Really, my heart went out to Beliond. I can’t even think about that time when Beliond lost his son. How awful. I like, though, that they both know what’s stopping him from agreeing. It’s clear that Thranduil is well aware of the weight of what he’s asking but he too is troubled and wants to protect this son who’s loved no more or less than the other two but who’s special because he’s the last and was so longed for by his lost mother. But boy is Thranduil lucky he knows what he’s doing! I don’t blame Beliond one bit for feeling pressured. I really like how Beliond works through what he’s been told and starts to come around to the idea. "This is not the one I caught raising a spider as a pet, is it?" LOL!!! Perish the thought! And since when is Maltanaur a pushover?? It struck me as hilarious that Beliond smugly thinks this to make himself feel better about what he’s just accepted – it would only have been really giving in if he’d got stuck with the troublesome one! The ending is perfect. I just love these two together. If Thranduil knows what’s good for him he’ll give Beliond that skin of wine. Or maybe a key to the cellar. This was great, daw. Plenty of laughs and very moving too.
Author's reply
Thanks, Dot. I love writing Beliond. Until a couple of reviewers mentioned it, it never occurred to me the mother and child could be Alfirin and Sinnarn, but now I think I have to say that's what I meant all along. It would certainly explain Alfirin's indignation every time Beliond appeared. :-) One of the best things about writing Thranduil and Beliond is observing the balance between valor and despair. Older elves have seen the shadow go, at great cost to people they loved such as Beliond's son. And then it returned. How awful that must be. since when is Maltanaur a pushover?? It struck me as hilarious that Beliond smugly thinks this to make himself feel better about what he’s just accepted Hey, everyone knows Maltanaur is putty in Thranduil's hands while Beliond is not! What's wrong with you?
ziggy · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Beliond- Middle Earth's very own Grumpy Old Man! I love Beliond- he is just so gruff- all that defensive mechanism hiding a truly loving and affectionate heart- look at his total loyalty and dedication to Thranduil, and then Legolas. I dont think Legolas ever really appreciates him as much as he should you know- I know he respects and cares for him, but perhaps takes him a bit for granted- and there are wonderful bits showing this. Beliond seems indestructible- which is a Good Thing! I love the way you do Thranduil- you know EXACTLY where you are with him-the guard skipped out of the way- love it; it builds nicely on your earlier story, Woodelves- which is beautifully wicked. Wonderful stuff as always. PS: In one of your author repsonses, quite some time ago (you can see I am on holiday and have been re=reading your stuff - you said you would like to write the Quest froma dual pov- with flashes between Legolas and hte Fellowship and what is happening in Mirkwood and the Battle beneath the trees etc...that would be great!! I know - Greedy Greedy Readers!
Author's reply
I've been working with these characters long enough that their lives have taken on a fair amount of depth. So readers have seen Thranduil, Maltanaur, and Beliond and young elves forming a friendship. I've always had them address one another as "old friend," and that's what they are. So as you say, Beliond is loyal to Thranduil and Legolas (who probably does take him for granted--because really Beliond would be annoying to have around all the time, fun as he is to write about) and Thranduil is thinking of Beliond too, when he makes him Legolas's keeper. That Quest story would be fun to write but it would take me two or three months and I don't know that I'm ready to commit to that. I'm still working on original fic--just got back from a two week novel writing workshop, as a matter of fact. But the story isn't going anywhere. I can still do it sometime. Maybe. :-)
meckinock · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
I love Beliond's idea of a crowd. It happens to coincide with my own, at the moment. I adore this story, and this extra chapter is just perfect. Beliond is just so perfect I could reach out and...try to avoid his disapproving glare... The guard's eyes widened. He had a round, boyish face and the bony-wristed look of one who still needed frequent feedings. Beliond resisted the temptation to tell him to run along and play with the elfling on the Green. "Uh," the guard said. Beliond sighed. "The king did send for me, lad, to my dismay as much as to yours." "Stop frightening the guards, Beliond," said a deep voice. LOLOLOL. I love Beliond with Thranduil. There are so many wonderful lines here, daw. Beliond's instinctive rejection of Thranduil's task was just perfect, as was Thranduil's gentle but firm insistence. And Maltanaur, a bit of a pushover! And I laughed out loud when it was revealed which son of Thranduil's had stuck in Beliond's memory. Eilian, of course! This was such an enjoyable interlude, daw. Happy Birthday to Perelleth.
Author's reply
Writing from Beliond's POV is fun. Four people passing one another on a Green is a 'crowd.' A kid runs "as if his arse were on fire.' The guard should be sent to play with the other boys. LOL. That's stuff I'd never say in RL. And it feels great to write it. Eilian, Beliond, and the spider appeared together in a story Nilmandra wrote for my birthday last year: "Be Careful What You Wish For." Thank you for telling me you enjoyed it.
sofia · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
I always wanted to read about how Thranduil broke that particular piece of news to Beliond. He doesn't know what he's getting into, though Thranduil, it seems, does. Its funny how the tough (sometimes mean) ones grow on you, and Beliond is no exception. I would hate it if he died. Can't wait to read more.
Author's reply
When I introduced Beliond, I never expected him to become a loved character. But he grew on me and on readers too. I think he'd be annoying to live with, but he's wonderfully entertaining to write about.
erunyauve · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
>>"The king did send for me, lad, to my dismay as much as to yours." Wonderful Beliond! Though Thranduil is the star here - he knows that Legolas will do Beliond a world of good, and that there is no one better than Beliond to watch his 'baby's' back. And that would be little Sinnarn buzzing about on the lawn, I think?
Author's reply
You know, it never occurred to me that was Sinnarn until a reviewer at ff.net made the same guess. Now I think I'll have to say that was what I meant all along. :-)
Bodkin · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Apprehension scuttled into the back of Beliond's mind and made itself at home. Gorgeous line. Love it. Of course, I love everything to do with Beliond. I adore the way he want to tell the young warrior to go and play with the other elflings. The way he complains even as he tells the mother to look after her son. The comment to his horse about whether royal grass tastes better. His determination to go off on his own - with a skin of Dorwinion. His reluctance to take on Thranduil's brat - and his conviction that Legolas must be a brat. While his pleasure that he hasn't got landed with Eilian is delightful. The two of them wouldn't have lasted the first tour of duty. "He is my last, Beliond, the baby Lorellin wanted when the world began to slide back into shadow. No one else would look after him as you would." Thranduil is a clever elf. How could his friend deny him the care for his child? Especially considering what Beliond has lost. While Thranduil should spend more time with Beliond. His irreverence is actually very good for the king - and renews his ties to the days of his youth. Perfect, daw. We need more Beliond stories.
Author's reply
I try to picture Eilian and Beliond together and am horror struck! Occasionally I toy with the idea of putting Legolas and Maltanaur out of commission so Beliond has to guard Eilian. That might be fun. :-) Because we do need more Beliond stories.
obsidianj · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
LOL! This was too funny. Especially the guard at the door. >"Uh," the guard said. This eloquence put Beliond in the right mood to care for Legolas . I like the way you portray gruff Beliond here.
Author's reply
This eloquence put Beliond in the right mood to care for Legolas LOL. I think you've hit the nail on the head! Beliond is just so much fun to write.
Gwynhyffar · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Yay! This is one of the scenes I had been hoping would show up! I love how Beliond thinks he can handle Thranduil when, really, noone handles the king! I also love that to Beliond Thranduil being king seems like it's just his job. Having that shared background gets them beyond all the high-falutin' stuff. They both remember the other when they were different people. I think that's good for both of them. Seeing Beliond snort at Thranduil and flat out tell him no really is a joy. ... as is having him refer to Thranduil hare-brained offspring. :D
Author's reply
Thanks you, Gwyn. I love writing Beliond. He's such a nice mixture of rash, gruff, and softness.
perelleth · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
LOLOL! Daw, this is hilarious, from the conversation with his horse to the last line! :-) The Spy is a favourite of mine! and Beliond is so pleased with himself after his last adventure that he is in the best of moods for Thranduil to deflate his ego with the news! :-) And still there is the glimpse of the inner good person and the hurt that he carries inside. And the weight of what Thrnaduil is asking of him. Although, being wise, Thranduil knows that he is doing both of them a favour, not to speak of Legolas. Adn yet I chuckled at his malicious gleee when he learned that Maltanur had to cope with Eilian! ;-) Hilarious and delightful, Daw, thank you very much for this wonderful tale.
Author's reply
You're welcome, Perelleth. Happy Birthday. I always enjoy a chance to get into Beliond's head again. He thinks like no other character I write and I find the oddest things popping up on my computer screen.
Idhreniel · 9 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
Oh my... I love the dialogue!!! Beliond is just the best, as it was his last line!
Author's reply
Beliond is so much fun to write. I'm glad you liked it.
Jay of Lasgalen · 9 August 2007 · Chapter 2: Beliond's Task
I've said it before - but I love other people's birthdays (and I still owe Bodkin a birthday story!) Beliond is my second favourite OC (after Eilian), but there are times when it's a very close call. His interaction with Thranduil here is great - I love his recall of the early days when 'their eyes gleamed with hope'. It makes them both sound so young and carefree. Beliond's reluctance - and his reasons why - are heartrending, but Thranduil is an unstoppable force. And with foreknowledge, we know what a perfect choice Beliond is going to be! Happy birthday, Perelleth - and give my greetings to your Beliond!
Author's reply
Writing from Beliond's POV is one of my favorite things to do (along with writing from Turgon's). He thinks things that *I* would never think, and I get to say them in his voice. So he's outrageous and fun. But he's also touching. I just love him. Geez. That sounds a little self-serving. Well, I guess we're allowed to love our characters. Thanks for your kind words, Jay.
erunyauve · 27 June 2006 · Chapter 1: The Spy
>>Abun glared after Thade, opening and closing his fists. “Arrogant, pus-filled pimple on an orc’s privates,” he fumed under his breath. “Witless little wiper of a warg’s backside.” Beliond’s respect for Abun soared. He liked a man who could express himself well. ::g:: Yes, I'm sure that Beliond would admire Abun's choice words, being something of a creative linguist himself. >>Whatever the king wanted, Beliond would deal with it and be on his way on his own again. Oh, he has no idea! I can never hear enough about Beliond. He's a wonderful character, perfectly suited to Legolas.
Author's reply
Thanks, Erunyauve. I had a great time imagining Beliond as a spy in the days before he acquired the nickname "Nana." And I think Thranduil named him Legolas's bodyguard for Beliond's sake as well as Legolas's. This is an elf who will not protect people's sons to the death, given what happened to his own, and he's also one who's been alone too long.
Nettlette · 18 May 2006 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Absolutly hilarious! Thank you so much for the stories. I have really enjoyed them.
Author's reply
Thanks, Nettlette. Beliond has really grown on me over the years. I wrote this story for my beta's birthday last year. I'm thinking that this year maybe she needs one about Thranduil, Beliond, and Maltanaur being young together. :-)
Phoenix · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Loved it, as always! Your stories are wonderfully written with comedy/action/drama all in one. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Thank you for entertaining all of us!!!!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Phoenix. Beliond is a hoot, but I suspect he's about to acquire the nickname "Nana" and I'm not sure he'll like it!
amokeh · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
I know this is late in coming, but wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your stories! Really loved this tale, and as soon as Nilmandra has new forms made for the Beliond Fan Club, I definitely want one! Good luck on your novel, and I hope you return to fanfic soon. DEFINITELY experiencing daw withdrawal. Or is that withDAWal? ;) At any rate, miss your contributions to this site and am looking forward to the next one. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, amokeh. I had a lot of fun writing this story. Beliond has surprised me by being a far more sympathetic character than I originally thought he would be. And being Nana to Legolas has been good for him. I miss fanfic too. I especially miss my OCs. But I seem to have a limited amount of creative energy. Maybe I should write a short fanfic in between struggling with this novel.
Socket · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Hi, daw! I'm the same Socket who posts on eff-eff-dot-net. I hope it's OK to ask you when we can expect your next story. I'm a huge fan of your fiction, and I'm really missing reading about Legolas and his family right now. Thanks!
Author's reply
Hi, Socket! I'm glad to hear from you. I know I've been missing in action since June. I've been working on converting "Growing Under Shadow" to an original young adult novel. I just finished a draft and am letting it sit for a while before I edit it. And I'm thinking about a second novel as a sequel to the one I just wrote. Come fall, I'll probably start sending queries out to agents to see if I can find one willing to represent me in trying to get the thing published. I gather the odds are not good, but that's okay. I'll learn something and I'm enjoying myself. I do miss writing fanfic. I particularly miss writing about Ithilden, whom I cut from the novel. I may have to write another story about him, or Little Legolas, or whatever. At the moment, though, my creative energy is caught up in this other project. I just hope someone besides me eventually gets to read it!
Joee · 6 July 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
Haha, that was great. Just one question though...where do we sign up for the Beliond fan club?
Author's reply
See, I told you this story was happier! Beliond has ripped up all the application blanks, muttering something about squeeing fangirls. I'll ask my beta to get some more made. :-)
White Wolf · 2 July 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
I'm tardy on my review again. I'm almost finished moving. I have most of my stuff at my new place and only the big furniture the movers will do left to go, but I had to read this. I really like Beliond and was glad to read about one of his spying adventures. That whole part about the mintrel's coat being too short to hide his bottom from the ladies was so funny. And, of course, any good spy worth his salt is a good pick-pocket. I hope there will be more like this in the future. Maybe something with Beliond and Maltanour together (hint, hint). Another great story.
Author's reply
Oooh. Beliond, Maltanaur, and Thranduil together as wild young warriors! How would that be? It's going on my list of stories to do. I'm writing an original fantasy novel right now, but I'll be back at fanfic one of these days. Thank you so much for taking the time to writing this, especially since you're moving. I hate moving. Every time we do it, I swear I'll never do it again.
nedieth · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
I'm so sorry I just kinda disappeared for a few weeks. I had a vacation, a wedding 2 plan, and several other things to orginize. And in the middle of it all, my great grandmother gets up and dies. Your getting into a bad habit, killing people (or elves). Tolkien does that in Narn i hin Hurin, and that is the most depressing story around. But yours was not completely depressing, in fact, I liked it alot. But now, onto this story. As i've said b4, I love Beliond. This story was extremely interesting, it shows what Beliond used 2 do. I especially liked the end, kind of leads up 2 where he is now. Your 2 mortal girls remind me uncannily of people i know, namely, my best friends. Ever since you told how to pick a lock, i've wanted 2 try it on my door, never got around to it though. Nedieth, whose not going to get around to reviewing any stories you happen to put out until august probably.
Author's reply
Hey, this story was funny and no one died in it! I needed that. Who's getting married? I've wondered sometimes what Beliond's life was like before he got stuck with Legolas and this was what I came up with. Beliond is a hoot. I don't expect to be posting fanfiction for a little while yet. I'm working on converting "Growing Under Shadow" into an original young adult fantasy novel. But when I'm done with that, then I can write Little Legolas stories to my heart's content.
caz-baz · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 1: The Spy
i take it beliond isn't on his way again in a hurry and doesn't manage to handle the king on this matter. Lovely story, quite comical, i really enjoyed it.
Author's reply
Beliond won't win this argument with Thranduil! He's off to become nana to Legolas. I enjoyed writing the humor. I don't do that nearly enough.