I've fallen behind again, and only now managed to catch up with the story so far. This is enjoyable for me, as I get to read several chapters at once and see the way that they build and play upon eachother, but it isn't so nice to you. I'm sorry.
It's interesting to see a small role reversal between Ithilden and Eilian in this story. Eilian is still reckless and a bit uncautious in his grief for his mother, but the incident with the spiders shows how much he's matured. Maltanaur is having an effect on him after all. But I think this is one of the few times that we've seen Ithilden being less than perfect. He makes mistakes, and to my mind his willingness to accept responsibility for those mistakes makes him even more admirable. Particularly in comparison to the sort of leaders we seem to have in the real world.
I loved Thranduil's musings on Eilian's behavior as well, and his relationship in comparison with Legolas'. "When had his second son wandered away and become lost to him?" A beautifully poignant thought, and one that I'm sure every parent must share at some point.
I'm looking forward to seeing how you continue this story.
Author's reply
As I've working on original fic this summer, I've realized that reading a whole bunch of chapters at once can be a very different experience than reading them posted serially, so I hope this still read all right!
Ithilden is an eminently fair person. He would never let someone else take the blame for something he was responsible for. It took him a few minutes to realize that he was the one who had left Legolas unattended, but once he did, he would tell Thranduil. And yes, it would be so nice to have that kind of leadership in RL!
I think all of these people are a little lost right now. But they're working to get found!
thechevin
· 29 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
Oh so much to enjoy here as well as be worried about
The simple pleasure Legolas had from feeling the woods around him, and remembering about Anneal being a good tracker
The moment the King and Ithilden realised Legolas was missing and the way Ithilden took the responsibility onto himself when Thranduil seemed likely to blame Eilian
How Eilian had his conversation with Maltanaur in his head, his minder certainly does have an influence over his behaviour even if he sometimes thinks he doesn't.
Poor Ithilden's guilt and how his Adar did his best to comfort him and how he saw Eilian on the outside as it were looking in at a contented family, I do hope they get to talk and listen very soon
All the little bits that make your writing so good, Ithilden waiting for permission from Thranduil before sitting down in the cottage, the way the king makes sure he is not a burden to his people make them seem so real
But best of all were Legolas' reaction to being lost, orc spit could soon become a family favourite way of expressing unhappiness
and the bit that brought tears to my eyes
“I would come for you anywhere, my heart.”
I sure all those centuries later he still thought the same when he heard of where Legolas had been during the war of the ring
Author's reply
You're picking out some of my favorite moments! I've been writing about these characters for so long that it's relatively easy for me to see how they'd think about events, themselves, and one another, and when you weave those together, you get a story! Cool.
I thought that about Thranduil being willing to go anywhere after Legolas too. He must have been horrified when he realized what was happening. But by then, of course, he had problems of his own.
The Karenator
· 29 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
It's not like I didn't know it was coming, but I was still on the edge of my seat for the whole chapter. 'Hide and seek' just lends itself to losing one small elfling. Poor little fellow. He just wanted to play with the big kids. He hid quite well. Unfortunately, the kids and their caretaker didn't notice and his family was too busy to realize he'd gone AWOL. When the king and company realized Legolas was missing, however, I felt bad for them. What a rush of fear! The kid is small and the forest big and dangerous.
Thranduil managed to say, “Thank you, mistress,” before he turned to Eilian. “Where?” And: Ithilden whirled on him. “I need you to scout the area,” he said fiercely. “The rest of us will look, but you are the best scout I have. We need to know if there is danger. Use your head, Eilian!”
Poor Eilian. I felt as bad for him as I did little lost Legolas. Everyone just immediately jumps his case. What Thranduil and Ithilden said wasn't wrong, just inappropriately phrased. Like I tell my boys: It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Of course, Thranduil in the panicked-father-who-happens-to-be-king mode and Ithilden was worried too. Still Ithilden's 'use your head' comment was a tad of a low blow. He was right that he had no better scout than Eilian, but when he destroyed that praise by taking a swipe at Eilian's intelligence. Brothers! They automatically know where to aim.
Eilian did well though. He channeled Maltanaur and did his job. Again, the lines of communication went down at the end when he refused the breakfast invitation offered by his father. Thranduil recognizes the communication gap, but seems nearly helpless about how to remedy it. It's in his favor though that he wants to and he does try. Somehow his best laid plans seem to go awry though. But Ithilden does need to tell Eilian how well he performed...as his brother. Maybe the commander wouldn't say much in a normal situation, but a brother can say things the commander wouldn't.
Great chapter. My nerves are shot. You've done your job!
Karen
Author's reply
I had to think long and hard about how Legolas could get lost and how lost he could get. These are wood elves, so he's not going to get spooked by the forest. His family consists of warriors who can all track well, so I thought it was unlikely he'd get lost for too long. But given that they've faced recent loss, I thought the natural panic they'd feel would be heightened.
In truth, I think Eilian is more lost than Legolas is. He needs Ada to come and find him.
perelleth
· 29 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
and then realized that he sounded like a troop commander rather than the diplomatic son of the king. LOL! even Ithilden loses his calmness from time to time...and the three sons of the King are in need of their Adar.
It was funny to see Eilian stopping to Maltanaur's voice in his head! He can be proud, once he awakes...I'm curious to read that story! :-)
Hide and seek. One could almost see the reasoning in that little head! Poor one!
Author's reply
Thranduil's whole family is still reeling from the loss of Lorellin, I think. They're better than they were, but things still throw them off stride. Ithilden is used to giving orders and having people jump to obey. I strongly suspect he's not a whole lot better as a diplomat than his father is.
Maltanaur's story coming right up!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 29 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
'Hide and seek'. Three little words that filled me with dread the second I read them. The fear of Thranduil, Ithilden and Eilian was very vivid, and the whole scene was so tense I was on the edge of my seat. Then, in the middle of all the tension, you give us the line 'orc spit'! It's another appropriate use of the expression, I think.
Legolas was very sensible here, actually, after realising the others had lost him, but I loved the reunion with Thranduil.
The ending was sad. Eilian had been so mature and dedicated in what he had to do, and marvellously skilled as a scout in sensing the spiders, but later there's a wonderfully cosy scene with the rest of the family - and he's left out. Thranduil should listen to his inner voice - Eilian needs to talk to someone.
If my son ever wanted a respite from his little sister, he'd suggest a game of hide and seek. Then he'd go back to his Lego or train set, while she hid, and waited and waited for him to find her. It was the only time she was ever quiet!
Author's reply
'Hide and seek'. Three little words that filled me with dread the second I read them
Spoken like a primary school teacher! Your son was very clever in managing his sister. The little demon.
As for "orc spit," Legolas was trying to be tough and not cry. Maybe that's why people say the human equivalent when they hammer their thumbs or drop the full container of milk.
Poor Eilian. Ithilden and Thranduil can connect, even when Ithilden is feeling guilty, but Eilian is just at a loss as to how to talk to either one of them. He does better with Ithilden than with his father. Thranduil needs to make the effort and see what comes of it.
Purplesmackers
· 29 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
That was a wonderful chapter!
"His friend Annael was good at seeing such things, and these village children were all bigger than Annael, so Legolas thought one of them might be good at it too and use the clues to find him." - I loved this statement in the chapter...it definitely foreshadows how great of a scout Annael is as a warrior.
I loved imaging Eilian and Ithilden fighting side by side. That was a great mental image.
I have a feeling this trip is going to be a great learning experience for Eilian, Ithilden, and Thranduil. Hopefully Eilian will be able to cleanse his conscious, Eilian and Thranduil will be able to start seeing each other eye to eye, and Ithilden can stop being so hard on himself. I am also crossing my fingers that we will get a little Ithilden and Legolas bonding...definitely not enough of that! lol
Author's reply
Annael is one of my favorite OCs. His whole family is really. Legolas was very fortunate to have this normal family to visit when he was a kid. And Thranduil should be thrilled with Annael as Legolas's friend because he's such a good kid. Sort of makes up for Turgon. :-)
They're working on learning some things about themselves and one another. No big revelations, not in a few days, but little steps. I don't know about the Ithilden and Legolas bonding. I'm not sure that's in my notes. I occasionally wonder about that. After all, Ithilden was home for most of Legolas's childhood while Eilian was away. But I think Ithilden is just not as willing to focus on Legolas as Eilian is.
Vanyalindie
· 29 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
Thank-you, thank you, thank you, daw!
You had me scared to death for poor little Legolas before I even read the chapter! As soon as I saw 'Lost', I started to panic. I know you saud you wouldn't kill anyone in this story, but gosh, I was scared! When I saw the second little 'Orc spit!' episode, I burst into giggles, frightened though I was. Usage of that word is beginning to become something of a habit for him. ;) lol
That was a lovely chapter, I especially liked the ending. :) I do hope that Eilian and Thranduil can make up and truce or something.(however temporary it may be)
Thanks lots, and looking forward to more!
~VG
Author's reply
This episode of lost Legolas was the idea that started this story. I mentioned this episode as one of Legolas's memories in "Legolas's Begetting Day," and I've intended to write about it for a while. At first, I thought it would be just a one shot thing, but then I got to thinking about the fact that all of these people are a little lost right now and decided to write about the rest of the family a bit more too. The story won't be long. Only one more chapter, I think.
Thank you, Vanyalindie!
Bodkin
· 29 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
I'm sure that if Thranduil spends the whole night cuddling Legolas, he will a) wake up uncomfortable in the morning and b) get away with the missing blanket fiasco. After all, snuggling in the strong arms of the Ada who saved you from the dangers of not being able to find your way back to camp gives you much more security than a blanket.
And poor Legolas. He was doing that child thing where you play in the vicinity of other playing children and adults think you are playing together but in fact you aren't. The maiden in charge knew that he was not really part of their games and that he was under someone else's control. Eilian might have understood the difference - he's still quite close to childhood - but Ithilden didn't have a clue. But then I imagine that he spent a lot of his time on the edge of groups, not really understanding why he didn't belong. Or even, that he didn't belong. But at least he's strong and brave and honest and is prepared to take the blame for being the one who lost sight of the elfling. (Eilian, take note. Ithilden might be irritating, but he is as protective of you as a troop commander can be of his warrior.)
Eilian done good! He let Maltanaur's voice keep him on task and let Thranduil search for the kid while ensuring that dangers were kept at bay. Perhaps he should allow Maltanaur to dominate his thinking a little more often - because the thoughts were good. And Ithilden was able to see his brother at his shining best and register that he isn't always the flaky, irritating, immature, irresponsible elf he can appear when he's home. Now Adar and big bro just have to let Eilian know that they admire his good points.
I'm glad Thranduil has decided that he has to talk to Eilian. (About time!) And preferably not with him sitting at his desk looking judicial while his son squirms on the carpet before him. It's just as well neither of them know yet quite how long it is going to take for their relationship to ease. But at least they touch every now and then before spiralling apart again.
Ithilden doesn't have too long to wait before Alfirin starts to ease his isolation and soften him. And then they will have Sinnarn. For a while.
I look forward to hearing the resolution to the Maltanaur affair.
Author's reply
Thranduil is hoping that Legolas just sleeps through the night, preferrably close by but in his own cot. I think Legolas might need a little more reassurance than that though. He was brave, but he was scared. That's why he eventually is so sympathetic to the mice who get "lost" from the mouse house in his room.
Ithilden came on the scene late, saw Legolas playing, and just assumed he was being looked after. He must have been horrified to realize the truth. Eilian saw Legolas approach the other children and had a much better sense of the fact that he wasn't really part of the group yet. Your description of Ithilden on the edge of groups made me sad. Poor thing. He does need Alfirin. She recognizes his good qualities and makes him a better person.
And then they will have Sinnarn. For a while.
Way to turn the knife, Bodkin!
Actually Eilian is made a better person by his wife too, and it's not until he marries that things ease much between him and Thranduil. They're just too different. But as you say, they can once in a while see through their mutual wariness and realize they love one another.
ScarlettPendragon
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
Hi Daw!!
Wow!! Another great chapter!! I was on the edge of my seat until Thranduil found Legolas - of course I knew he would, but I was worried what shape he would find the little one in!!
And GO THRANDUIL!! for realizing the pain that his eldest son was in, and doing what he could to relieve Ithilden's sense of guilt - poor Ithilden!! There is such a thing as being 'too responsible' sometimes!! The shadow of their Mother's death is really hanging over all the boys, isn't it?!
I do hope that Thranduil and Eilian sit down and talk, and that Eilian trusts Thranduil to listen to him!!
Eilian was amazing in the woods!! Wanting to search for his brother, but knowing that he has his duty to attend to instead!! That "Little!Maltanaur!Voice" in Eilian's head is a Good Thing, eh?! **LOL** Hopefully Eilian will continue to hear it, and to heed it, until the original is back up on his feet!!
I love, love, love when you have Ithilden and Eilian fighting together - I get a picture of the Fighting!Thranduilions in my head, and it makes me 'squee' with joy!!
Poor Legolas!! He's a little too good at Hide and Seek, isn't he?! I'm sure it's a skill that will come in handy when he'll older, but it's a bit of a liability for a little Elfling in an unfamiliar place right now!!
I really enjoyed this chapter, and I'm looking forward to more!!
Thanks again,
Scarlett
Author's reply
I couldn't have anything too bad happen to Legolas. When he recalls this incident in "Legolas's Begetting Day," all he remembers is being alone in the woods with no one to take care of him.
The shadow of Lorellin's death is still very close to this family. They're getting better, but they're still hurting. Eilian did do very well, though. He's working on becoming more adult and responsible, at least about some things.
I hadn't thought about the fact that Eilian and Ithilden were fighting side by side, but you're right. That is a good picture. :-)
moonshine44
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
"He looked down at his baby, who still trusted him as the one who would come when he was in trouble."
For some reason, this line made me see how much of a father Thranduil is. I know he has always been, but this line seemed to define that and bring it out more. It was very well said.
Well, now I am in anticipation to see what`s bothering Eilian. Meaning as fast as you update, I still can`t wait to read the next chapter: )
Author's reply
It's hard to see Thranduil as just father rather than king, I think. But when his child was lost, that's what he was. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Only one more chapter, I think.
French Pony
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
I remember getting lost playing Hide and Seek once with a friend when I was about that age. We somehow managed to get ourselves remarkably lost in a very small copse of trees. I guess when you're five years old, you're small enough that you can still do that. I kind of wish Thranduil had been the one to come and find us. Instead, we got our kindergarten teacher, and she was mightily displeased with us.
That was quite a communication snafu with the maiden who somehow didn't figure out that she had another kid to watch. That's sort of Babysitting 101: remember how many kids you're watching and know how to count noses. Thranduil may forgive her, but I'm sure she'll catch it from many more angles.
Thranduil and Ithilden have this unfortunate thing going with Eilian. They wait until after he's left to start talking about how well he did and how much they value him. Then they wonder why he doesn't want to be around them. I bet they couldn't see the filth in a public toilet either. He's doing so well in this story -- really trying to take care of Legolas and do what he's supposed to be doing and what others need him to do rather than what he immediately wants to do -- and no one seems to care. Of course, they do care, they just never get the message to him
Author's reply
I once got lost on a trip to Greenfield Village with the Camp Fire Girls. We were on a group tour and there were crowds, and a tour guide said, "Come this way," so I did! Only it was the wrong guide. It took me a little while to figure that out, but then I told her and she knew which group I belonged to, so I wasn't "lost" for long. I don't even know if the leader of the group I was supposed to be in ever missed me.
You're so right that Ithilden and Thranduil need to tell Eilian the good things for a change. Eilian is struggling to do some things that are hard for him and he needs encouragement.
Manderly
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
Well, that was a bit of excitement and something that I think all readers had been waiting for ever since Thranduil decided to take Legolas with him, without Nimloth.
I was rather perversely glad that Legolas had been in Ithilden's care rather than in Eilian's care, when the elfling decided to go AWOL. Eilian certainly doesn't need another reason to rake up his father's ire. And good for Ithilden to instantly taking the blame from Eilian. Ithilden may be domineering, but he's got a black and white sense of duty and responsibility.
You described Legolas' thoughts so well, from his planning his hiding strategy to realizing that he was lost. And he did behave sensibly while lost, as Thranduil said, even though he must have been frightened witless. And orc spit is certainly becoming a useful term on this journey. I think Thranduil would have been happier had Legolas resorted to tears than to spitting out those two words. Somehow I don't think we've heard the last of this priceless expression yet.
I am glad Thranduil is going to speak to Eilian. Both father and son need to give each other a chance before the rift between them grows any wider.
Wonderful chapter! Thank you!
Author's reply
I thought readers might have seen this coming since I started the story really. This story grew out of a moment in "Legolas's Begetting Day," the story with the mice. As one point, the mice have inexplicably fled the mouse house the boys made for them and Legolas thinks they might be lost. He's horrified because he remembers once he was lost when he was on a trip with his father and brothers. I've been intending to fill that gap in ever since. :-)
No way I could have made Eilian the one who lost Legolas! He has enough problems.
he's got a black and white sense of duty and responsibility.
That's an excellent description of Ithilden. He's fair and honest. He's just kind of rigid and bossy.
meckinock
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
Not like you didn't show us this train wreck coming. We didn't even need Karen's clairvoyance to figure out we'd end up with Little Lost Legolas and everybody pointing fingers like the Mirkwood version of the Katrina hearings. And Poor Legolas still thinks he's playing the Game He Doesn't Know the Rules To. At least he knows a good swear word for a really bad occasion now. It was nice of Ithilden to stop Eilian from taking the full brunt of Thranduil's fury. There's enough blame to go around, but Thranduil is less likely to take Ithilden apart limb by limb.
This was a really sweet image: He strained with all his senses to feel any disturbance in the woods and could not help but hope that what he would find was trees humming contentedly at the presence of a wood-elf child.
Thranduil was very good with Ithilden after finding Legolas, but I cringed when Eilian rebuffed his father's invitation to breakfast. Ouch. I'm glad Thranduil realizes he's going to have to be the grown-up and pursue the reason for Eilian's backsliding.
Author's reply
Poor Legolas still thinks he's playing the Game He Doesn't Know the Rules To
Man, that is just the story of my life. No one tells you until it's waaaay too late.
I really do think that Ithilden deserved more of the blame than Eilian did, although all of them were doing their best. These things happen, although most of us don't lose sight of our kid when spiders the size of Volkswagens are on the way.
Nilmandra
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
You know I'm yawning, but that change did it. I liked the four of them together at the end. :)
Author's reply
I thought it was better too. Thank you so much for you consistent (and time consuming!) beta reading.
Kat
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Lost
Yikes, even reading about Legolas being lost gave me the same feeling as when I lost sight of my little cousin one time! I love your description of Thranduil just holding him... Very nice chapter. I can't wait for more, keep up the good work.
Author's reply
Little kids can slip away in the blink of an eye and leave you panicked. Thranduil must have been frantic. He's finding it very satisfying to hold the kid. Glad you liked it, Kat.
Noor
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
Thank you Daw for another story..........I was suffering from not hearing about Eilian and co....I remember in Times Turning when a reference was made to litttle Legolas' cold feet........
I have just come back from aholiday to mountains of paperwork so it was a joy to have your story to read!
Author's reply
I'm glad to be writing about these people again too, althought this story looks like it will be short. I think it's only 5 chapters. And this has grown from references in several other stories -- the cold feet, Eilian's behavior just after he came of age, Legolas with his father and brothers in the woods, Eilian's caution while on patrol because he doesn't want to put Maltanaur in danger.
Holiday, yay! Paperwork, boo!
Nilmandra
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
I love Wetblanket!Ithilden and Always-in-trouble!Elian, but I think they are all going to manage to misplace Legolas. He may have real reason to call something orc-spit soon. Clearly Alfirin was very good No-no-no!Ithilden, which means Sinnarn (may he rest in peace) had a much more reasonable childhood that he might have otherwise. :D
Author's reply
I think Legolas probably wore some sharp edges off Ithilden and then Alfirin was a nice balance too. Ithilden is not at his best right now. He's still trying to recover from not having guarded Naneth sufficiently.
Nelsonia
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
Hi Daw!
Great chapter as usual, you had me grinning all the way through! I was just thinking, it must be hard for Thranduil as he has literally no one to turn to for advice in the handling of sons! I am looking forward to see what happens next! I will write a longer review as soon as I finish this (submitting next friday yay!)
best wishes
Nelsonia
Author's reply
That's a good point about no advice, and that must be unusual for an elf. They'd have all those older relatives in the normal course of things, not to mention a spouse of course. And Thranduil's people, who live in those villages, could ask one another. He's much more isolated, poor guy. He must be lonely. In a way, Ithilden is his closest friend.
perelleth
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
I was called to embark yesterday just when I was beginning togo through Eilian's flashback , and i was so curious to read about the webbing and eilian's creative mind! that was hilarious!
It is so painful to watch Thrnaduil forcing his own grief back, and dealing with his children's, in its different manifestations.... I laughed whe he thinks he's not going to indulge Ithilden, even if he might be indulging LEgolas!! It's a slow recovery and I believe that Thrnaduil has been so strong, for we only get glimpses of his own pain, yet he's always concentrating in what his chilren, or his people may be needing... go Thranduil!
Seeing Eilian back to his troubled an uncertain youth is amusing.He was such a pain for those around him! so full of energy, and boredom is danger in such a creative mind!
And now, having all four chidlren of oropher out on assignment is such a treat daw! it's going to be full of unexpected turns, I bet!
Author's reply
Eilian was a very difficult youth. He's settling down a bit now, but he's still no cup of tea. There are apparently penalties to be paid for that long, slow elven maturation.
Thranduil does his best for his sons, as he does for his people, but he can't anticipate everything, poor guy. :-)
Rhiannon
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
Uh-oh, no special blankey???? Talk about the makings of a major meltdown! Poor Thranduil will come to regret leaving that blanket behind when he is kicked in the ribs by a sleeping Legolas. LOL, I love little Legolas saying orc spit in front of all the whole village. Of course, only a male would let a little one try to cut his own meat while balancing a plate on his lap. I know some adults who can't do that. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yeah. My kid had a special blanket and if we'd left it behind like that, I'd have seriously considered sending a messenger home to fetch it. Those cots are quite a lot narrower than the beds in the palace!
Thranduil begs to disagree with you on the amusement level produced by Legolas saying orc spit in front of the Valar and everybody. (But I thought it was amusing and am glad you did too.)
daw
thechevin
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
First off apologies for late review life seems very chaotic presently
still it is as ever a pleasure to sit if only for a short while and visit with the family Thrandullian on their trip into the forest
Now they see what Nimloth has done all this time!!
No special blanket how will Legolas cope?
I had to smile at the thought of Thranduil sharing his narrow cot with a wriggling elfling I am surprised any of them got any rest no wonder Eilian is sleeping with the warriors, for which I am sure he was very grateful when Legolas came out with his new saying this had me laughing out loud it is so true of young children that they seem to to find the worst possible time to show how good they are at speaking amongst strangers
It was interesting as well to see the different way the two elder brothers approached their spell of elfling sitting I guess that shows their differing personalites up perfectly
I am so enjoying this story
Author's reply
Chaos seems to have set in for a lot of online folks. I hope you and yours are all right.
I have to admit I flinched at the idea of sleeping with a kid in a cot. I picture Thranduil sort of hanging off one edge! And you may have laughed when Legolas let loose with his new vocabulary, but Ada Thranduil was not amused. Poor Eilian. He never meant for that to happen.
Eilian probably enjoys sitting around watching Legolas play games. Ithilden probably thinks of that as wasting time. And in that case, poor Ithilden. He needs to unwind a little.
Socket
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
Poor Legolas! He left his security blanket at home, his food spills on the floor, and he realizes too late that repeating Eilian's "orc spit" is not acceptable behavior. It's a not-so-good trip so far for the sweetling, is it? At least he's finally playing with some children (although that is no doubt fraught with potential disaster).
It was a nice touch to have Ithilden acknowledge that he's sometimes jealous of the close relationship his two younger brothers have (but not when it comes to having the youngest brother sleep with him on a narrow cot). It's not easy being the serious older brother, is it?
Author's reply
Poor Legolas indeed. He was so excited and then things went wrong. At least Eilian was there to try to make things better and Ada carried him back to camp.
You're the first reviewer to mention that thing about Ithilden's jealousy! I was interested in it when I thought of it. It seemed to me that he occasionally has to feel a little excluded from the cosy affection of the younger two. He really, really needed Alfirin.
White Wolf
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
After dealing with hurricane Rita's aftermath, it was nice to be able to enjoy a new chapter.
I wish that Thranduil and Eilian didn't have such a difficult relationship. I know they love each other, but things can sure get quickly out of hand between them.
I nearly fell off my chair when Legolas said "Orc spit" after he dropped his plate. That was so funny.
It was nice to see Ithilden spending some time with Legolas. That doesn't happen very often.
Author's reply
Were you in the path of the hurricane, White Wolf? I hope everything is calmer and all right now. That whole thing is very frightening.
Thranduil and Eilian seem to snipe at one another almost as a matter of habit. It's like they expect to quarrel, so they do.
I liked writing about Legolas and Ithilden together, but I'm not so sure Legolas had a good time. Ithilden said "no" about every two minutes. It's a good thing for poor Sinnarn that Legolas softened Ithilden up a bit before he was born.
moonshine44
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
Great chapter. My neice did something similar in a store. She swore in front of ten other people. My sister and I still don`t know where she learned the word from, but we laugh about it now. Children always amuse me, and I still think I`m one myself sometimes : )
Until the next chapter, bye!
Author's reply
I think every parent has been there at some point! Those words do sound really bad coming from this innocent looking little kid though. I'm glad you were amused.
Brazgirl
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Representing the House of Oropher
That was really a nice chapter to read! Really funny. Oh my, Thranduil was more certain of the source of the that bad word than Ithilden! I wonder what will Eilian hear from his father. It's always great to read from you, Daw!
Author's reply
If I'd been Thranduil, I'd have thought of Turgon right away, just like Ithilden did. But Eilian was there, looking guilty, so what could he do?
Glad you liked it, Brazgirl.