Fantasia
· 26 July 2012
· Chapter 3: All those who bring wars and destroy the peace of old
Surprise! Lord Celeborn, Elrohir, Elladan and Gandalf!
Hopefully, Tulus will tell Thranduil his suspicions regarding Manadhien.
Legolas and Galithil are behaving incredible well and they really have good instincts. I feel as if the village has already switched alliances in favor to the leader. She is so manipulative. How no one has realize that she is a Noldo?
Galithil informing the village about his new family was a piece of art.
Author's reply
Legolas and Galithil are being very mature, aren't they? They are so close to adulthood. It is a fun age to write.
Tulus's knowledge is going to be important here. The noose is getting ever tighter around his neck. Poor guy. And this village is going to have a big role in a few stories, with Galithil in it. This part is set up for that. She is definitely manipulative. No doubt.
And I loved having E/E, Celeborn and Gandalf pop in. Originally, they had more role here, but some was cut because this was crazy long. But I enjoy them a lot. And Celeborn has to be around. He ends up in Lothlorien, after all.
Galithil informing the village about his new family was a piece of art.
I'm glad you liked it! That was one of my favorite parts too. Must have just killed Dannenion!
Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them!
CandissD
· 25 July 2012
· Chapter 3: All those who bring wars and destroy the peace of old
another wonderful chapter! I loved the appearance of the twins/Celeborn and Mithrandir and also of the mischief that is going on in Dolgailon's village! Can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
The trouble in Dolgailon's village will continue to grow and grow. This is set up for several more stories to come.
I enjoy the twins and Celeborn too. I wish I could have fit them in more in this. I just had to make some cuts because it was sooo long it was crazy.
I'm so glad you are enjoying! Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them!
perelleth
· 25 July 2012
· Chapter 3: All those who bring wars and destroy the peace of old
Wow, the plot thickens!
I love to see Galithil and LEgolas being so responsible and efficient. Their discussion over the argument or debate or conlict, showed how much they have learnt -even against themselves- serving in the court, and Galithil carried himself wonderfully there.
But I really loved seeing Celeborn and the twins and Mithrandir! popping out in the middle of the forest. Terrible things were brewing in that time as well, so no wonder all the players in middle earth were around the same place. The appearance of that Balrgo must have been something like the witch king's charge in his time: a terriblbe set back. Poor Amglaur.
Author's reply
:-) Hopefully it will continue to thicken nicely for the next few chapters. :-)
I love writing Legolas and Galithil et al. at this age. They can be so good. And the have so much more ability to get in so much trouble too. Great age. ;-) But they are doing a good job here.
Yesm it is impossible for me to believe pretty much everyone wouldn't be noticing what is going on if something a major as an entire kingdom being destroyed is the event. By a Balrog, no less. They had to be all poking around and trying to figure out what happened. And Celeborn and Galadriel have to get to Lothlorien somehow.
Poor Amglaur indeed.
:-) Thanks so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!
daw the minstrel
· 25 July 2012
· Chapter 3: All those who bring wars and destroy the peace of old
Galuauth certainly hit home when he talked about spying on Thranduil's court. We'll see if Legolas and Galithil process that well enough to act on it. Either way, it's interesting. Either they're shown as changing and learning by experience, which is really cool to see, or they get themselves in hot water. Galithil's awareness of how they should behave in this village is a lovely example of the smart, grown up attitudes they're reaching toward.
Dannenion (is it wrong that his names makes me think of yogurt?) is every story teller's nightmare. Shut up, man. And if he and Dolwon are smart, they'll shut up about what they're doing here too. Fortunately, they're not smart.
I really like the linking of the story of Nimrodel to the long story you've been building of the troubles in Thranduil's rule. I love that kind of use of canon.
I had to laugh when Galithil trots out that "family" line that "made him gag" a moment earlier. He and Legolas did a great job in separating Moralfien from the crowd, though. No pushovers, those two!
Gem work, eh? Hm. The name Feanor comes to mind. An unfortunate association. And I have to say, I'd no more put a ring she made on my finger than I'd touch a hot stove.
It was fun to see Celeborn, the twins, and Mithrandir show up. One of the pleasures of fanfic is seeing characters we know turn up at unexpected moments.
I was glad to see this turn up today. I watched for it yesterday because I knew you'd been posting on Tuesdays. You know that's the day publishers release new books, right? You fit right in. :-)
Author's reply
I had fun with Galuauth in this. This chapter started out as around 15K words, which is way too long for me, so a lot got cut. But I left that part in because I just am amused by what these guards must see and how they react. Galuauth let them have it. I can't say what impression it made because I can't say yet what else is getting cut. :-) But he did hit the nail on the head.
Nimrodel's attitude was what really got this story rolling in my head when I first read UT. It made me wonder if there were other elves that felt that way and what impact it would have if some of them responded more directly than she did. So, I had to work her in somewhere, and this is the place. :-)
I had a lot of fun with Legolas, Galithil and the 'family' comment. I couldn't resist it. It would just infuriate Dannenion (I'll never enjoy that yogurt as much again).
The name Feanor comes to mind. An unfortunate association.
Yep, sure does. And Feanor had a grandson who was pretty good with rings too. ;-)
I'd no more put a ring she made on my finger than I'd touch a hot stove.
Smart. There's another quote that always interested me, from Fellowship (its Gandalf, of course): In Eregion long ago many Elven-rings were made, magic rings as you call them, and they were, of course, of various kinds: some more potent and some less. The lesser rings were only essays in the craft before it was full-grown, and to the Elven-smiths they were but trifles – yet still to my mind dangerous for mortals.
I always wondered what happened to the lesser rings. UT and the especially the Silmarillion suggest that Sauron took them all when he destroyed Celebrimbor and the House of the Mirdain. Maybe. But even so, what happened to them. I just think those ideas are fascinating.
You know that's the day publishers release new books, right?
LOL! No, I didn't. You crack me up. It's finals week and I needed a new final because I recycled my last one once. So that kept me busy (and then grading them yesterday and today). That and cutting stuff from this over-long chapter kept me behind. I'll be back on track from here on out.
Thanks so much for the reviews, daw! I appreciate them so much!
Dot
· 22 July 2012
· Chapter 2: All Evil Things Were Stirring
Oh no! Moralfien AND Dannenion AND Dolwon AND a Balrog!
Great chapter. I'm really enjoying seeing Legolas and Galithil being not only responsible and mature but proving how much they understand the workings of the realm - from knowing the difficulties in providing weapons to realising the implications for their own home if even the dwarves couldn't withstand this new enemy. Galithil in particular seems to have a very shrewd mind. They're also both genuinely decent people. I love their worrying about the injured dwarves and not wanting to trouble the "child"! Nis, by the way, is wonderful! So determined and strong and yet not beyond teasing two young elves. I laughed at the reminder of them spying from behind the tapestry.
I'm worried about Amglaur.
And there's definitely something odd going on in this village. Poor Moralfien (I say that sarcastically) obviously didn't take into account that Lothlorien elves, dwarves and thus Thranduil's family and their guards would all end up on her doorstep.
I'm also a bit concerned about Galasserch. He's so pleased with his sword and so nice and a little naive - and that never bodes well. Although, not everyone has daw's penchant for killing off characters so maybe he'll be ok...
I'm sure I had loads more to say. Oh well. I'm engrossed now. More please.
Author's reply
Oh no! Moralfien AND Dannenion AND Dolwon AND a Balrog!
LOL! Yeah, this can't bode well, can it?! ;-)
Legolas and Galithil are very mature in this one, especially Galithil, since it is his (at at least, his brother's) village. He feels responsible and responsibility is good for him. He responds really well to it. Next chapter, he's really in full swing, as you'll see. I like Nis too. She had some other parts in this series before here, but they got cut. I might try to fit one of them into a short story soon, because I like her.
This village (and Moralfien) are going to be a constant source of trouble for the next few stories. Galasserch, I will tell you, makes it through this story. But he will be back.
Although, not everyone has daw's penchant for killing off characters
ROTFL!! You spoke too soon. :-)
Thanks so much for the reviews Dot. I really appreciate them!
perelleth
· 19 July 2012
· Chapter 2: All Evil Things Were Stirring
This was moving, worrisome and hilarious in all the good places, elliska. From what Galithil might be thinking, being back in his adar's village, to the shrewd, amused she-dwarf knowing all about Thranduil's temper to the increasing worry, Amglaur's new responsibilities and of course, the dark shadow of this she-elf who keeps changing name but not ways, this is shaping up to be a quite dark story in very troubled times. I'm having a great time!
Author's reply
Excellent! That is exactly what I was going for! I couldn't resist the dwarf being female. And I love this: this she-elf who keeps changing name but not ways. That describes her very nicely. It is actually a pretty dark story in the end. I'm glad you are enjoying it. And thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them!
Fantasia
· 18 July 2012
· Chapter 2: All Evil Things Were Stirring
Moralfien is not that Noldo that try to kiss Thranduil and lead a revolt? I have to re read now the old stories. They are always conspiring, Dannenion and Dolwon, I still don't see why the King did not exile them.
And a new mystery to me, why Lord Amglaur is not the King of Lothlorien? Lord Celeborn is the Lord, as far we know (hopefull, Lord Amglaur will survive!).
And I wish that Nis had shared her tale with Elrond and Glorfindel, the last one could has recognized Durin's bane
Now, the best part is the cousins reactions to a bearded female and how not to insult a beard! priceless.
The maturity of those two is incredible, they are thinking as proper princes now.
Author's reply
Moralfien is indeed that Noldo. She along with Dannenion and Dolwon are trouble, no doubt about that.
We will be solving your mystery of Amglaur fast enough. Not the next chapter, but the one after that ought to clear it up.
I always wondered why there was such mystery around what was in Moria at the time of the Ring War. Dwarves obviously escaped. They surely must have told someone why they left. And you'd think if the descriptions got back to Glorfindel (or really any Elf alive in the First Age, since Balrogs took part in the War of Wrath), they'd figure out what it was in there. Of course, maybe they knew but hoped it had moved on since it never reappeared (as far as they knew) after this. But I'm enjoying playing with what Legolas knew. He did vote against going through Moria when the Fellowship voted, but he did not say why. He did seem to know how grim the situation was when the Balrog was identified. And he did know quite a bit about Nimrodel, for example.
I absolutely could not resist the bearded female dwarf. Someone put that into my head in another part of this story (that Legolas should meet a female dwarf) and I decided this would be a fun way to do it. It will put him on his toes every other time he meets a dwarf! :-)
I'm glad you think Legolas and Galithil come across as mature. That is exactly what I am going for.
Thanks so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!
daw the minstrel
· 18 July 2012
· Chapter 2: All Evil Things Were Stirring
I was reading along, looking ahead to enough problems created by the dwarf's story of the Balrog, and then you hit me with Moralfien, Dannenion, and Dolwon. Why does that sound even worse? LOL
Interesting to see Galithil's old playmate well-armed and serving as a guard. That certainly suggests something odd is going on. I know Thranduil needs Dolgailon, but his absence seems to have left room for problems here.
Of course Galithil and Legolas are both functioning in pretty adult roles too, and they're handling them well. Their experience in Thranduil's court comes in handy when they sit with Amglaur to hear what's going on in Lothlorien. Really, you have to ask yourself what Amroth was thinking. Did you plan the theme of absent ruler = problem? Or am I making that up?
The stuff about the maggots was disgusting. Accurate, I have no doubt, but disgusting. I'm with Legolas on that one. But he and Galithil shine with the kindness of their conversation. No wonder the short-bearded "child" was willing to speak to them. :-) I liked the connection to your previous story where the kids eavesdropped.
If he is a child...and maybe one of those injured dwarves is his father...and neither of them appears to be his mother...."
Galithil shook his head and practically flinched away from looking at the dwarves, obviously sharing the pain of the young dwarf that had likely lost one parent and might still lose the other.
I really liked that little snip of conversation for the way it gives the reader just information to figure out "dead mother?" and "Galithil thinking of his own parents." There's always little flash of pleasure at figuring these tiny things out as a reader.
Author's reply
Moralfien is going to be more trouble than the Balrog for at least a few people before this story is over, but even knowing that, that comment made me giggle. :-)
I did intend to play around a bit here with the idea of absent rulers and the problems that causes--you are not making it up! Everything that happens in this story, especially the oddness we see in this village, is really set up for not the next story, but the one after that. It is all motivation for some of Galithil's future decisions, which cause their own problems. :-) But this seemed like a good place to do it, paralleling Amroth's actions with stuff going on in the Woodland Realm. :-)
Legolas and Galithil are being very adult here. Thranduil will be proud of them on several occasions. And they may learn some things about adulthood too.
I couldn't resist the maggots. They are actually used in modern, 1st world medicine for severe burns in some hospitals (properly raised, sterile ones, of course). It really does work. But it is so disgusting. I just couldn't resist having Legolas have my reaction to first learning about that. :-)
And I'm glad you liked that bit of conversation. It was almost cut (a lot of that conversation was cut and added back and cut again as I tried to find a balance between slowing things down too much and showing Legolas and Galithil's concern for the dwarves), but I liked that it showed Galithil is still sensitive to that topic, so it stayed.
Thanks so much for the reviews, Daw. I appreciate them so much!
CandissD
· 17 July 2012
· Chapter 2: All Evil Things Were Stirring
Another great chapter! I loved how Legolas deduced Nis was a child only to find out she was a lady dwarf and that he had insulted her beard. :D
My favorite line of the whole chapter :" When your adar hears it...well, I think that to say he is going to react very badly would be a rampaging understatement."
haha I can't wait to see how he reacts and cannot wait to read more :)
Author's reply
I couldn't resist the lady dwarf thing. Someone a while back put it in my head and it made me giggle. :-) I'm glad you enjoyed it. And, that line about Thranduil. I bet Galithil is right about that. It is fun to picture Thranduil's reaction to something this potentially serious. I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much!
Dot
· 15 July 2012
· Chapter 1: The terror of Moria
I'm really delighted to see you (and all these characters!) back again :-)
Though I had goosebumps right from the start. I loved the way you contrasted the tension of Dolgailon's activities and the news Thranduil has to give Amglaur with the wild, carefree, very woodelfy fun of the horse race.
I'm looking forward to seeing your version of events around this time.
And whoa, it's strange seeing Galithil determined to be so responsible!
Galithil might manage to kill an orc or two before he was killed himself if he found himself in a position where he was forced to defend himself unaided.
Oh. Well. That's ok then.
Author's reply
I am so glad you noticed and enjoyed that contrast--that is exactly what I was going for! You made my day! And Galithil is going to be very much the young adult in this one (mostly). ;-)
Oh. Well. That's ok then.
LOL!
I am glad to be back and posting! I so thrilled people are stilling willing to read! Thanks so much for the review! I really appreciate them!
perelleth
· 12 July 2012
· Chapter 1: The terror of Moria
I was do glad to see a new installment! And what a moment in time! But you are evil, warning in advance of OC's death! :/
THe tension in the opening scene was very well done. THat they`re almost caught by an orc relieving itself was hilarious and stressful at the same time!
I was happy to see Dolgailon back, but now I´ll keep myself on my toes for the whole story till we learn who dies. Sniff. Great chapter, elliska, please keep them coming! :-)
Author's reply
Yes, there is lots to work with in this point in ME history, all of it right near Mirkwood, so it will cause them all sorts of trouble. :-) I had fun with the opening scene. I was quite pleased with it when I was done with it. ;-) Poor Dolgailon. He gets a lot of grief in these stories.
But you are evil, warning in advance of OC's death!
LOL! Normally I wouldn't because it gives away a good deal, but when Aradunnon died a few stories back, I didn't have a warning and the surprise hurt someone who had just lost someone in real life. I wouldn't risk doing that to someone again. I felt bad. So, I remembered the warning this time. And if it makes people wonder who it will be, I am happy with that (yes, I am very mean). :-)
I hope you enjoy!
CandissD
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 1: The terror of Moria
wonderful beginning - glad to have another installment and can't wait to read what happens :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are still reading and that you enjoyed the first chapter! :-) I hope you continue to enjoy. Thanks so much for the review!
daw the minstrel
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 1: The terror of Moria
I'm impressed that Dolgailon's first action when he got back to the crypt was to report on what they'd found. Mine would have been to WASH MY HANDS, FOR ERU'S SAKE! Ack, ack, ack! I suppose that's why Dolgailon is a warrior and I'm not. Though I notice he's still plenty wary of Thranduil's opinion of what orders he might choose to give. Smart guy.
OTOH, Legolas seems less worried, or rather not worried enough, I guess. Not only racing through the woods, but doing it on Thranduil's horse with wagers all around. LOLOL.
So I saw that "OC death" warning and was cringing for Dolgailon and thinking surely not. Surely she means one of the red shirts. And then Galithil pipes up and volunteers to go talk to the dwarves. OMG. These two have recently lost their parents. So really. It's a red shirt, right?
Galithil might manage to kill an orc or two before he was killed himself
Wow, Tulus! Don't get all carried away in your endorsement! What do you say when your wife asks if this outfit makes her look fat?
Author's reply
ROTFL! I like to assume that somewhere between Dol Guldur and their camp they ran into a relatively clean stream!
I had fun making it be Thranduil's horse that Legolas had...borrowed. I couldn't resist doing that. I can definitely see Amglaur persuading him to take that particular horse from the barn. :-)
What do you say when your wife asks if this outfit makes her look fat?
ROTFL!! You will notice that Tulus's wife faded and is in the Undying Lands now. Maybe this is why. ;-)
It's a red shirt, right?
Nope. Well, yes, four of them. But not just them. Obviously not giving that away though. :-)
Fantasia
· 10 July 2012
· Chapter 1: The terror of Moria
What a good news, you are writing again! I have missed the whole gang and i'm already worry.
And Dolgailon is in there, did I ever tell you that he is my favorite character from your stories?
Thanks Elliska.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are still reading! I hope you enjoy this installment. Dolgailon has a fairly good role in this one, so hopefully you will. I like him too. He is a good guy. :-)