obsidianj
· 13 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
Oh, Legolas. I love how he reason's himself into the wrong things. With Turgon into the mix thing only can go wrong. At least he didn't drink too much of the wine and Jardin seems also to know enough not to drink it.
What is with these trinkets? Something is not right.
Author's reply
One of the things I enjoy most about writing is getting into a character's POV and seeing how what they do and say makes total sense if you look at it from their perspective. Legolas is at the age where his father looks unreasonable and the actions he wants to take seem like an obvious choice for a sensible person! But yes, he has some sense, and while he's taken off for someplace Thranduil wouldn't approve of, he's at least on his guard enough not to compound the situation too badly. We'll see.
obsidianj
· 13 November 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
Something is not quite right. What is all the merchandise doing in Arost's home? From what I remember dealing with the men was pretty limited to items the wood-elves couldn't make themselves.
After having a pleasant domestic like first chapter we are suddenly reminded that these are dangerous times. Gelmir missiing, Eilian still suffering from Shadow sickness and now this merchant who seems a bit shady.
Can't wait to see how Ithilden's courting tactics will woo Alfirin. I know it ends well, but my feeling is Ithilden succeeds because Alfirin decided long ago she wants him not because of any of his "tactics" ;).
Author's reply
my feeling is Ithilden succeeds because Alfirin decided long ago she wants him not because of any of his "tactics" ;).
That made me laugh. I suspect you're right. Or maybe Alfirin and Thranduil between them.
Thanks for the review!
perelleth
· 12 November 2016
· Chapter 4: Playing with Fire
I'm sorry that it took me so long to review! it's wonderful o be reading another story in this universe, and then from this time, with Turgon Legolas and Annael being their troublesome terrible selves!
Despite the many years between the tales, this fits seamlessly in the period, with Elian getting in trouble whether he wants it or not, and Legolas in that difficult age..They feel the same characters though your writing is somehow livelier and lighter. It's a great story that takes us back to this Greenwood that is still living under a restless peace. What a treat to have you back!
Author's reply
I like writing Legolas at this age. He's old enough to be opening up to the wide world, but still inexperienced enough to be torn between excitement and caution.
If the writing is livelier and lighter, that's a good thing. It feels like I learn to write better only by tiny increments now.
Thanks for the review, Perelleth.
Dot
· 12 November 2016
· Chapter 4: Playing with Fire
I guess all of Thranduil's sons come to realise that when they're quoting their father in their heads they're probably doing something he wouldn't approve of...
Ah, fire jumping! I was wondering what they were heading off to do. Poor Turgon is constantly having his fun spoiled.
Annael had the sense to study a nearby maple as if he'd never seen one before That made me laugh out loud. Of course, Annael is well used to his friends being chastised by some adult or other. I actually always enjoy Legolas' cheekiness with Eilian, even though if I was present I'd probably want to slap him. But it's such a contrast with how he generally is with Ithilden and Thranduil. It's that real sibling thing. And Eilian thinking his little brother is still a baby who isn't interested in girls. Sure, Eilian.
There'd been a girl, though he couldn't remember which one. *snort*
Hmm. Jardin is a bit of a minx. Eilian could do without temptation into recklessness.
I'm looking forward to seeing how everything all comes together :-)
Author's reply
I think it would be hard to have a father like Thranduil. He loves them and pays attention to them (too much so for their taste sometimes) but he's a powerful, towering figure. It would be overwhelming.
Legolas's father and brothers probably thank the Valar on a daily basis for Annael's presence in that little group. Not so much for Turgon. And they all have trouble letting go of the image of Legolas as the baby they're raising. Oddly the one who has the least trouble is Ithilden. He seems to have a more objective picture of little brother.
When I pick myself up from being flattened by current events, I'll get on with the next chapter.
asms2
· 10 November 2016
· Chapter 4: Playing with Fire
Fire jumping! That does sound like something Turgon would want to show off at.
These trinkets that are being dispersed seem to be having some influence on the elves. Between the raft elf incident and all the party goers being a little riled up - it would seem to be connected to the men and these trinkets. I wonder if they are laced with something! And I wonder if there is a bigger angle in place than just selling the the items.
Jardin seems to be flirting with Eilian a bit. haha.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Thranduil thinks of everything! Can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Fire jumping seemed to me to be something less wise and more dangerous wood-elves would think was fun, especially those like Turgon or Eilian for that matter.
The boys have been out wandering. It's time to take them back to the feast and see what happens.
Thank you for taking the time to review.
PSW
· 9 November 2016
· Chapter 4: Playing with Fire
Hmm. Looks like someone's switched her loyalties (as it were). This is likely to go over well... Also, Legolas will not be pleased if he finds out Eilian went fire-jumping right after sending them home. :-P By that point, though, it seems no one may be happy w anyone else anymore... I'm curious if Thranduil will manage to stay outside of this tangle...
I would also like to just say ... Anneal's such a good, good kid, and a good friend. Where would Legolas be without him? He has always been one of my favorites. :-)
Thanks so much for writing!
Author's reply
I love Annael. I've always thought it was to Turgon's credit that he chose Annael and Legolas as his friends rather than seeking someone as wild as himself.
I think Thranduil needs to make an appearance in the next chapter and find out what's been going on.
Dot
· 7 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
Seriously, what's up with Hoth and Jardin? I'm intrigued...
Lovely to see Miriwen and Aerlinn. Girls being girls and boys being boys, no matter what race they are!
"Oh good," Hoth said. "Three extra coins for us."
Legolas snapped his glance Hoth's way. What was he talking about? Camil had made a gift of the charm.
"Hoth!" Camil scowled.
"Am I mistaken? One coin for men, three for elves?" Now that's interesting. Camil is clearly up to no good. Hoth may act like an arse but I'm willing to bet he has his reasons for being so disgruntled and he's definitely taking offence on his mother's behalf. Ok, so he shouldn't have have gone after Miriwen when Legolas obviously likes her. But at least someone gave the poor girl a bit of fun.
Woohoo, Turgon has arrived! That usually promises all sorts of trouble. Legolas is hilarious at this age. He could convince himself of anything, even when his conscience wants him to think otherwise. Personally, I wouldn't be trying the you said I should be a good host line on Thranduil...
Oh, Eilian. Who's this idiot elf draped in Camil's goods? Someone really could have been shot.
"I know something much better than dancing." Turgon glared at Hoth. "Something very Wood-elfy." Part of me is groaning and part of me is just plain excited to see what happens next!
Author's reply
he shouldn't have have gone after Miriwen when Legolas obviously likes her. But at least someone gave the poor girl a bit of fun
That made me laugh. The girls are a bit more ready to be asked to dance than Legolas is to ask one. Though Miriwen probably wouldn't have approached the boys without Aerlinn dragging her. It's a painful age, much more fun to read about than to be.
Legolas is indeed talking himself into trouble. That internal dialogue sounds so plausible until it all goes wrong.
Thanks for the review, Dot. Always nice to see you.
Naneth
· 6 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
Always a delight to find a new story from you-heaven knows, I've read the older ones so often that I could quote most of them! This is a perplexing story so far. Can't wait to find out what is going on. My favorite part has to be Legolas at court. Such a bored teenager!
Author's reply
It always makes me feel good to know people find these stories re-readable. I guess whatever satisfaction is getting doesn't come from plot suspense.
Legolas is adolescent enough to feel entitled to his boredom in court, but not quite ready to ask Miriwen to dance. Next time, he thinks, and that could be right.
Good to hear from you, Naneth.
curiouswombat
· 4 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
I do love teenaged Legolas - he is really at the in-betweener stage. And at the moment he is in between impressing his guests, wanting to impress Merilwen, wanting to do what his friends want to do, avoiding both brothers and Thranduil... That is going to need such a juggling act that I really can't see him keeping everything in the air for very long.
And I am very curious about what the merchant is up to, why people are arguing more than seems usual, and why the story is called The Enemy Within!
Author's reply
When you spell out what Legolas wants in a list like that, it does seem daunting. And yet, each thing seems so simple and obvious to him as it comes up. Why can't he have those things?!! He's lucky he has adults who are determined to keep him from going too far wrong, though he's not very grateful at the moment.
Thanks for the review. Always good to hear from you.
asms2
· 3 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
Hoth seems to be enjoying getting under Legolas' skin. He knows how to stir the pot. And here comes Turgon into the equation! This should be fun. I wonder what he has in mind :)
It's interesting to see how Legolas is trying to be impressive to his guests while attempting to avoid detection from his father and Eilian. lol. I wonder if Jardin and Hoth notice his 'discrete' avoidance techniques.
The merchant seems to have dispersed this goods quite well this party. I wonder what he is up to/what his motives are.
I can't wait to read more!!
Author's reply
Good analysis of Hoth. He's in some emotional pain, I think. Now, Turgon just plows ahead with no doubts whatever! He's very useful to an author.
Also a good analysis of Legolas. He thinks he's thinking, and he's old enough to be testing his wings a little. We'll see how it comes out.
Noor
· 3 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
Oh dear....things can only get worse! My only consolation is that Gelmir is in many of your later stories so can't be killed off in this one.... Thanks Daw. Can't wait for next chapters.
Author's reply
I box myself in by jumping around in time sometimes! Still, it's nice because readers seem to be willing to pretend to be more worried than they really are sometimes.
Thanks for reviewing, Noor.
meckinock
· 2 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
oh, god, Turgon. If there was ever any doubt this situation was going to go south...wine and archery is also a great mix LOL. I'm still trying to work out these kids and what they have to do with whatever their old man is up to. And I hope someone catches up with Legolas before he carefully rationalizes his way into a Very Big Mistake. Don't wait too long to update, daw!
Author's reply
I like getting into Legolas's head and going along for the ride as he convinces himself he's not afraid to ask a girl to dance for instance, and is showing the Mannish boy and girl around for only the best of reasons.
sofia
· 2 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
Another new story!? YAY! And congrats on having your book published- so exciting!
Oh teenager Legolas, I almost forgot about him lol. And why do I have a feeling that this wood elfy thing is going to end up bad? Can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Well, I'm excited about the book being published! As always when I write about characters, I wind up loving them quite shamelessly.
Teenager Legolas is a hoot to write about. He's still not quite ready to ask a girl to dance, though he wants to be ready. And he can almost convince himself that he's just being a good host, though he's careful to slip away when Thranduil isn't looking!
PSW
· 2 November 2016
· Chapter 3: Old Enough
Hmm... I still think they already know who Legolas was. But in any case, ivory trinkets and arguments abound. Somehow they've managed to spread them all over very quickly. This is definitely a concerted effort, and I feel like the daughter is in on it -- not sure yet what I think about the son. I'm anxious to see where this is going and what is the goal of this. I get a bad feeling, but am not sure exactly what all will fall apart and when.
It took me a minute to remember where things stood w Miriwen at the moment -- apparently this is before all the drama ... :-P
I'm so enjoying this -- thanks so much for writing.
Author's reply
When I jump around in time on these stories, I often have to read what I wrote to remember where the characters are. Legolas's romance with Miriwen isn't really off the ground yet. He kisses her for the first time at Ithilden's wedding, and we're obviously a ways away from that! (Much to Thranduil's dismay)
Legolas is taking advantage of his unexpected night out. :-)
I'm glad you're enjoying it. You've given me many pleasant moments of reading too.
curiouswombat
· 31 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
Oh-ho - there is something a bit 'off' with this merchant.
And poor Ithilden; Gelmir to worry about, and Eilian should he hear that Gelmir is missing, and the BIG difficulties courting Alfirin afford him!
Author's reply
Ithilden has a tough job. Of course, he thinks of himself as a tough guy, but it still wears on him. He needs Alfirin!
Dot
· 31 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
Yikes, Gelmir is missing. Something tells me Eilian will see this as a sign he should be there and not as a sign that these are the dangers of the Southern Patrol and he should stay away until he's fully ready...
What an awful job Ithilden has, knowing something so potentially terrible and having to keep it from the warrior's family. If only he had the luxury of later stories :-) Though then it wouldn't be half as sweet watching him try to win Alfirin over. Giving himself time to scout out the situation before he approached her was a good idea. That made me laugh. Yes, view it as a battle, Ithilden.
I loved the scene with Ithilden, Arost and Ilenia. All these little bits of information slowly filtering out. Ithilden is actually quite calm and I get the impression he's trying not to roll his eyes at the carry-on when he has bigger problems but his very presence is so intimidating that Arost just can't help confessing. Ilenia doesn't seem quite as intimidated...
Ithilden shoved away the thought of how furious he'd be if Laketown's mayor encouraged one of his people to flout Thranduil's laws. Men's blindness was not Ithilden's problem. Ooh, interesting. And that last thought is very... Thranduil.
Camil sent these, wanting to have them already here once he located buyers. Did he now. Something's not right. A wager. Unusual drunkenness. Goods being shown off and being stored in an elf's home. Camil's two kids clearly not happy. And what's up with these ivory carvings? And Ithilden is now wracked with doubts. And in the middle of it all he's supposed to use one of the trinkets to woo Alfirin. Not to even mention a suspicious and annoyed Thranduil, an angry Eilian and a restless Legolas. Oh God, I can hardly bear to watch!
Author's reply
Ithilden "scouting out the situation" made me laugh when I wrote it too. The poor guy has trouble adjusting from battle to romance, much as he'd like to. If Amazon ever coughs up Deep as a Tomb for you, you'll see I used the same weak joke there too.
I think Ithilden is a lot like Thranduil. In a way, they're each other's best friend. He admires his father and is much less intimidated by him than other people are. He intuitively understands why Thranduil does certain things and imitates him if he can.
Thanks as always for the review, Dot.
Maering
· 30 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
AHH! I'm so unbelievably pumped for this story! Your Thranduilion family has always been my absolute favourite and I frequently do rereads.
I have such sympathy for poor responsible Ithilden feeling guilt over his warriors! Although, I cannot help but laugh at his fumbling attempts at love (especially since we know it ends well!)
The one thing I always wished for is more Gelmir (my favourite supporting character) and I can't believe my wish is coming true! Eilian is not going to take this news well I am suspecting.
Author's reply
Oh geez, I hope I don't disappoint you.
Ithilden's POV is fun to use because he's usually so tough. He even knows he's tough and takes pride in it. But once you get into his head, you see these insecurities that are kind of moving because he keeps them so well hidden.
I should write more about Gelmir. Maybe he needs a love life. :-)
daw
someone
· 29 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
It is really interesting to try to guess from the title where this story is going. I'm still wondering if the "enemy within" is the merchant, one of his assistants, a stray group of orcs within the forest or even the raft Elf!
Ithilden is a very entertaining elf from a reader's perspective, and he even acknowledges to himself that he is much better at scaring people than at courting. Perhaps he will get the chance to do both in this story.
"Dare a Wood-elf, but pay a Man"? That does sound very accurate!
Author's reply
I'm glad the saying sounds right! I made it up. I love that kind of thing.
It took me quite a while to get a good understanding of Ithilden. Eilian was easy, but I had to write from Ithilden's POV to understand his vulnerabilities. I remember doing that on purpose. I wrote the story about him taking Legolas camping so I could see things from his angle. POV is such a powerful tool.
Thank you for taking the time to tell me you're enjoying the story.
Noor
· 29 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
Thank you thank you Daw for another story. really enjoying it. I was in the middle of my annual reread of your stories ( I have got to "The Warrior" ) when I got the alert for a new story. Just a query because you have set this after " A matter of heart" but Ithilden had already asked Alfirin to bond at the end of that story and she had agreed.... Why is he being so uncertain again? Obviously these lovely characters are yours and you have literary right to do anything with them but just wondered. Being an obsessive fan of your great stories I only noticed as I reread them frequently. SO glad you didn't kill off Eilian! Thanks once again and well done. Best wishes Noor
Author's reply
Thank you, Noor. It makes me feel really good to know you still read these.
Do I have it wrong in the list on my author page? I have to go look. I belongs after "My Brother's Keeper," where Legolas sneaks out at night to "help" Eilian. I'll go fix it.
I must have been out of my mind to consider killing Eilian.
Author Reply: Yup. I had it wrong. Thanks for telling me!
asms2
· 28 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
Ooh the mysteries are picking up! Camil is seeming pretty sketchy at this point - assuming he's going to find buyers, and it seems like he may have been involved in the Arost incident somehow. I wonder what he is up to!
The Glimir situation is sad. It would be difficult to be Ithilden and carry around knowledge that would devastate a family, and Eilian. Hard to be dancing and having fun when someone is likely dead. Ithilden and Thranduil really do have a lot of burden on their shoulders in handling sad information, and making decisions that effect their people's lives. But they handle it well all things considered- which is impressive mental toughness!
I suspect Glimir may be alive simply because I don't remember him being dead later - but then again he wasn't in a ton of story lines so I don't know. Guess I'll have see how it plays out :)
I can't wait to read more!!
Author's reply
Ithilden does carry a lot of responsibility, and Thranduil is lucky to have him. I also picture Thranduil as linked to his forest strongly enough that he feels the damage being done to it. The more I write about him, the more I admire him.
meckinock
· 27 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
Oh, not Gelmir! I can't remember if I knew something happened to him. Anyway, poor Eilian. I don't imagine they'll be able to keep this from him for long. It is so good to see Ithilden again, though. I had to re-set my memories of your stories back to when he and Alfirin were just at the flirting stage. It made me smile to think of him worrying about impressing her. But his warrior's confidence and his dry humor are always the same. "Is the king angry?" she asked. "Yes, but he has yet to decide how angry and with whom." Hehe. Can't wait to see what's up with Camil, he certainly seems dodgy.
Author's reply
I like being able to jump around in time with these characters. I box myself in sometimes, but it's still worth it.
It's always fun to show Ithilden deliberately intimidating people and being secretly amused by his ability to do it. I wish I shared his talent!
PSW
· 27 October 2016
· Chapter 2: From Court to Courting
Oh no! :-( I like Gelmir! (At least, I'm pretty sure I do, it's been a while... :-P) I hope that situation is soon under control, both for his sake and Eilian's .... but Eilian down w shadow sickness and his best friend missing sounds like a recipe for disaster...
So, more wonky vibes from the merchant's direction, and he was not really even in the chapter. This whole bit about the drinking seems odd to me...and the little ivory charm. I don't know. I may be reading too much into this, but the mean little voice in Ithilden's heads didn't really start until that thing made its appearance. Maybe I'm going all conspiracy theorist here :-P...but I'm not ready to call it that quite yet...
I'm really enjoying, thanks for writing!
(And you'll notice I got Ithilden's name right this time... :-)
Author's reply
Sometimes I think I should write more about Gelmir. Maybe he needs a serious romance. Mostly he's been just a sidekick. I have too many characters to deal with them all well.
You read like a writer. :-)
asms2
· 24 October 2016
· Chapter 1: An Appeal to the Court
A new story! I can't tell you how happy I am to see this. Discovering your writing this spring and being able to go through all the stories was so much fun. And, in fact, it was difficult for me to read anything else for a while afterwords because it didn't seem to compare to how much I enjoyed your writing. You really do a great job.
I like the way you described Legolas' boredom at the beginning...complete with him tuning out on the end of a the first meeting. Missing an important note is something most people can relate to.
It's fun that both brothers seem to be in town for the moment. I enjoy reading about family dynamics and you write it so well.
Can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
You are making me feel really good here! And I have to say, I'm enjoying the chance to play around in fanfic for a while. It's pure play and a joy to do.
Legolas is not the best record keeper for Thranduil's court, but it occurred to me he was probably learning more than he realized about how his father governed. Now we'll see how he does hosting some guest at a party.
daw
curiouswombat
· 24 October 2016
· Chapter 1: An Appeal to the Court
It was so good to see your note telling us that you had written this - and a pleasure to have time to sit and read it in comfort and at a leisurely pace.
I do love Legolas losing interest to the extent that he missed the actual decision his father made, and Thranduil's interaction with the merchant.
I almost dread to think what can possibly go wrong with Legolas let loose at the festivities with two young mortals in tow. And look forward to finding out!
Author's reply
I'm really enjoying the chance to dip back into fanfic again. I miss these characters. Sadly I also miss the lively social interaction that used to exist around LOTR fanfic, but I fear the moment for that is over.
I'm working on an Ithilden chapter at the moment, but Legolas will be exploring his unexpected freedom, much to his father's frustration.
Tari
· 24 October 2016
· Chapter 1: An Appeal to the Court
I just tried to comment on your story, but something went wrong and I don't think you got it. So here goes again.
I was very excited to see a new story being posted by you. I read everything you wrote on HASA. It's so sad that they decided to shut down. There were many stories left that I wanted to read. Can you repost your stories here? (I hope.)
I look forward to the next chapter to see what that rascal Legolas gets into next.
Author's reply
I was sorry to lose HASA too. They were a good site.
All my stories are on this site. If you look at my author page, I think they're all listed there, with the links at the bottom of the page. At least I hope so!
daw