JustMe
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I was really sad that my worst fears were confirmed and it was Siondel that was killed in the battle. I really feel sorry for Annael. The death of a parent never comes at a good time, but now that he has just entered adulthood it will be especially difficult for him. He will now be the "man of the family" and Ithilden may have no choice but to post him to the Home Guard. I also felt sorry for Eilian on several fronts here. First of all, he is feeling responsible for Siondel's death. I suppose this is only natural as he was in command of the battle, but there are just some things that can't be controlled. Speaking of not being able to control something, how about that temper of his? Getting into another argument with Celuwen's father was probably not his best course of action, but under the circumstances and with emotions running high, I suppose it was bound to happen. And of course the big reason I feel sorry for him is because of his situation with Celuwen. But, I do think that they have made progress. They have both admitted that they love one another and Eilian has even suggested that they be bonded (or would that be bound?). That was a big step forward for these two. Nothing would make me happier than to see these two "get together". They seem so well matched. You should take that as a compliment as these characters are your creation and they have such depth that we are all drawn into their "lives".
I hope that Legolas is able to help his friend Annael through this difficult time. He has been through this and may be able to at least offer a shoulder to lean on. I wonder if Ithilden will also post Legolas to the Home Guard if he decides to put Annael there? Legolas is sure to be disappointed that he will not be put in the Southern Patrol - Eilian made that pretty clear to him - but after this accident he will probably be lucky if his Adar lets him out the front door for awhile!
Author's reply
I think Annael needs to be home, yes. His mother will need him. But that does give him a chance to bond, which will comfort him somewhat. And maybe his mother will want a grandchild. :)
When I was writing this chapter, it seemed to me that Eilian just went from one burdensome situation to another. The poor guy. He needs a LONG vacation.
And I AM complimented that you care about these characters. Indeed, I'm touched.
Dot
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
What a sad chapter. I thought you handled the aftermath of the fire wonderfully. So much bleakness and despair in the place of anger and determination.
It was heartbreaking the way you let us know who had died – “the Home Guard warriors who would soon be following them at a slower pace, burdened by the body of their captain”…
I really liked the way most of the chapter was based on Eilian’s thoughts. It was such insight into his character. The scene when he encounters Solith was so emotional. There was a really strong sense of Eilian’s anger at what he must see as needless sacrifices. Solith really seemed to be torn between the beliefs he holds so strongly and the knowledge that elves died that day due to his choices. He and Eilian will probably never reconcile. They both love Celuwen too much.
I could hardly bear to read the piece with Annael tending Legolas, knowing what news would be brought to him. He’s such a wonderful character, strong and genuine, that it makes it so much worse that such a thing has happened. I don’t even want to contemplate the reaction of his poor mother. I’ll actually miss Siondel – he was such a realistically drawn character, always such a strong figure in Annael’s life, always willing to open his home to Legolas and look after him and always there when the three elflings were up to some mischief!
Legolas has really warmed to Celuwen. He seems to be feeling well enough to make smart remarks too - “I had the wits to ride off with a pretty maiden”. Ouch. I wouldn’t have thought that’d go down well with Eilian!
I know I’ve said it before, but I do love Maltenaur! He’s probably the one steady presence in Eilian’s life and always by his side when he’s needed. Such selflessness.
Are Celuwen and Eilian going in circles again?! I hate to see them so miserable. I loved the look at Eilian’s range of emotions during their conversation. He can’t seem to stop himself from saying hurtful things whenever she tries to explain her feelings, but then I suppose it’s probably true that the ones we hurt the most are the ones we love. *sigh* Sometimes I think Celuwen is too sensible for her own good!
I’ll admit that I got a little teary at the image of Annael holding vigil by his father’s body, surrounded by warriors. What a horribly difficult thing for him to have to do. And didn’t Siondel keep vigil with him for his coming of age? Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s just such a sad thought.
I’m glad Eilian decided to be truthful and blunt with Legolas about the Southern patrol. He might want to brace himself for Legolas’ reaction, though, once he’s recovered a bit more!
Oh, final thought – I think Legolas is right not to want someone to stand in for his mother. Thranduil would probably like that, do you think? If I didn’t think it’d be so upsetting for her I’d suggest Annael’s mother, after all she has taken care of Legolas in so many ways since he was young.
Anyway, I’ll stop rambling now. Will they be home soon so? And did Thranduil get lost, by any chance?!:)
Author's reply
I suspect that Solith and Eilian will never get along well. Although you never know -- elves live a long time! Eilian's manipulation of Celuwen was always fated to come back to bite him. She's more adult than he is in lots of ways, which is why his family thinks she would be good for him. Although, I shouldn't be critical of Eilian. He is carrying a heavy burden in this chapter and is heading back south.
I was grateful for Maltanaur's presence in this chapter too. He was the only character who wasn't deep in despair.
Siondel did keep vigil with his son and I thought the whole thing was very painful and sad. I wanted this story to be about the end of childhood innocence and it turned out to be Annael who really caught it in the neck.
And I actually considered having Annael's mother stand in for Legolas's! She was him mommy when he was little really - kissing his hurts and making them better. But she is in pretty sad shape right now.
Camp6311
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
Thanks for being so diligent about updating quickly. It had to be Siondel, no other Home Guard warrior was named in the previous chapters. At least having a few days to contemplate Siondel's death took the sting out of it when I did finally read about it. I feel for Anneal though, and what's his mother going to do, fade, sail West, stay with her son? Is he going to loose both parents now?
What a heavy chapter this was with so much guilt and grief resting on everyone! Hopefully some of the new growth and new life that occurs in a forest after a fire will spill over to the people of Mirkwood too.
Author's reply
I am hoping that this chapter was the bottom of the emotional barrel and things will get better, although I am thinking I might have to write about Siondel's funeral. :(
Annael's mother is strong. I think she would want to stay for her son. But this is going to be hard. They seemed like a very loving couple to me and her life seemed to center on her family.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I knew it was going to be Siondel, but I wish it wasn't. Poor Annael. I liked how Legolas stayed with him until Eilian made him sleep. Legolas feels terrible for his friend, especially as he knows himself what it is like to lose a parent.
I was wrong on one thing - I thought the settlement would be destroyed, and Celuwen's parents killed. Then she would blame Eilian for making her leave, and that would be the end of their relationship. (Can you tell I love angst?) I'm glad the village survived, even though there was loss of life, but I think Eilian was right in what he said. They have to leave and live elsewhere.
Poor Legolas, his foot - will he be able to dance at his coming of age?
Jay
Author's reply
You are a glutton for angst! I thought I made this chapter pretty depressing as it was. But then you are the one who has the twins suffering greatly now, so I should have known that you would want more!
Elves heal quickly so I think dancing might be in the plans. :-)
naneth
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
Another touching and wonderful chapter. The Brothers Thranduilion certainly excel at feeling guilty, now even Legolas is doing it. Legolas feels that he has failed Anneal, Eilian feels that he has failed both Siondel and Annael. It is *so* time for their Adar to get home and give his sons a good hug!
Eilian's thoughts about the young Home Guard warrior and the "even younger face of Annael" certainly reflects on how tired and worn down by the Shadow he has become. Maybe it's time for him to spend some time at home even if it isn't time for his leave yet.
The self-righteous Solith will probably never change his views. I suspect a royal decree will be the only thing moving him out of the area.
This very touching chapter also gave me two great laughs. The scene with Annael trying repeately to "pick" info from Legolas about his injury and Legolas giving only one word responses was great. But the most priceless line of this story is surely from Legolas..."I had the wits to ride off with a pretty maiden so that puts me one up on you." What a "hoot"!
Great job as always. Can't wait for more, and more, and more!
Author's reply
Maybe feeling guilty is a predictable side effect of being raised to feel responsible. Thranduil certainly wants them to fulfill their obligations and care for his people. But he surely wouldn't want them to be beating themselves up! He does need to get home. Next chapter.
One of the things about the agelessness of Elves is that they have to keep fighting the hard fight for years longer than Men do. It must be very difficult not to get worn down. No wonder so many of them are fading.
I always like the joking between the brothers and I'm glad you do too!
Jebb
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I was right and am so sad for Annael.
As for Eilian and Celuwen will they ever find happiness together I wonder
a beautifully unhappy chapter that had me reaching for the tissues
thank you
j
Author's reply
Yay! I made you cry! Is it wrong of me to be glad for that?
It was only as I was proofreading this chapter that I realized how unhappy it was. No one had a good time. Everyone wound up sad. Things should get better by fits and starts now.
Antigone_Q
· 13 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
Poor Annael! I thought it would be his father, although I am still sorry.
(Insert rueful shaking of head here) Oh, Eilian, Eilian how could you be so manipulative? Well, that's the flip side of reading people really well: you then have to decide what you are going to do with that knowledge. Luckily, Celuwen doesn't seem easily fooled. I'm getting a little frustrated that neither seems to be actively seeking any kind of comprimise - they are bright people; they ought to be able to work something out. But I will wait patiently for something to occur to them. Fate and author foreshadowing seem to be on their side.
Tell Legolas I hope he gets well soon!
Author's reply
It's really hard to admit, but Celuwen's father was right that Eilian manipulated his daughter. He needs to stop doing that.
Legolas is getting better, although he will be laid up for a little while.
Fadesintothewest
· 12 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I knew it was Siondel who died, but I wished it weren't, oh how tragic, poor Annael! I wanted to squeeze the settlers necks myself. Maybe Eilian is a character after my own heart b/c I was rooting for him to just twist their stubborn selves into seeing that just maybe this time, he IS right!
AI AI, Celuwen, she drives me crazy... oh poor Eilian what a wreck he must
feel like. I understand the reasoning for her argument, but I also do not agree with her and her father's that the settlers should stay. Stubborness is good to a point, and when it costs the lives of three Elves, I think no more! Both Eilian and Celuwen are sacrificing much, but they do not have to sacrifice there love! No b/c love is the fiercest victor, enemy of Shadow there is! Oh dear, I am so involved with these characters!
I love that you bring these characters so alive that I can speak of them as if they were real. I have so much invested in them, I find myself getting very emotional about the decisions they make!
Author's reply
If you are speaking about these characters as if they were real, then you are a reader after my own heart. Secretly, they are very real to me too. I am already feeling bad for Annael's mother. I keep seeing those scene of Legolas in their cottage as an elfling or of the time that Legolas and Annael came home drunk and Siondel deliberately made them ill the next morning. Wah!
The Karenator
· 12 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
What a moving chapter. Gosh, I imagine we are all grieving for Siodel and with his family. Annael was so strong, but....I'm with Legolas..it was just not right for him to lose his adar when he had just come of age. War is such an ugly business...and no one ever seems to learn anything.
I'm glad Celuwen's parents survived. The settlement took a hard hit, but I guess they're so hard headed that they will stay and stay until there is no one left to hold down the fort. I wasn't surprised that Celuwen went home. She has some valid points about Eilian being away all the time and in danger. I can understand her position, but Eilian wants what he wants. He's nearly a human male here. At least, they finally admitted to each other that they are in love.
I know Legolas was hurting for his friend and feels like he's failing him by not being physically able to stay with him. And Eilian feels responsible for Siondel's death. I'm glad Maltanaur was around to lend some strength and reason to Eilian's hurts.
The dynamics of where Annael and Legolas will be posted has changed. I suppose now Ithilden will keep then at home for a while? Annael will probably need to be close to his mother for a while anyway.
I had been wondering who would stand in for Lorellin in Legolas's coming of age ceremony. I suppose Thranduil and Ithilden could send him off. I hate that Eilian will miss it. He would have been the more maternal choice. Of course, it might just be unthinkable to an elf to have a male stand in for a female's role...or female for male.
Very well done, daw. It was a sad chapter and one that told us so much about what was going on with everyone.
As soon as the memorial service is scheduled for our favorite Home Guard captain, do let us know. I'll take a cake by to the family.....sniff....Karen
Author's reply
I felt bad for just about every character I was writing about in this chapter, with the possible exception of Maltanaur! I have always been fond of Annael and have thought of his family as a good example of a supportive and loving home. So this was hard to do to him. His mother is going to be devastated.
Siondel's death does seem to solve Ithilden's problem of where to place Annael and Legolas, doesn't it?
Ithilien
· 12 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
Coming out of lurker status to let you know that I have really been enjoying this tale. I practically leap to the pages when I see your update note. I apologize for being remiss in my duties as a reviewer though. No excuse will do, so I'll just ask for forgiveness. In any case, you have a wonderful writing style and such beautiful grace with words. Add to that an enthralling story, and we have a really great mix. I think Celuwen is one of my favorite OC's in fanfiction. What a strong female character you have drawn! Keep up the great work as I quietly sink back into the shadows. Although I will pop out for a moment more so that I may ask for more soon please.
Author's reply
Now I'm really flattered. I know people are busy and if they write stuff for me to read, I don't mind them not reviewing at all! But I am pleased to hear from you. I kind of like Celuwen too. What I've been trying to do is think about a completely adult person might act (in other words, someone not like me or anyone I know!).
nan
· 12 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
I have never actually reviewed your writing before, mainly because the other reviewers always have such interesting and intelligent comments to make. All I can seem to say is: WOW, I love it. Please write more. Gush Gush Gush!
I eagerly await each new chapter, and have read all your stories several times. You have truly created a world that stays with the reader long after the last word has been read. Thank you.
Author's reply
"Gush Gush Gush" may not seem profound to you, but believe me, it's poetry to a writer! I am so pleased that the world I created stays with you. I think about these characters a lot, often when I'm supposed to be doing other things. They are very real to me, which may say something about my psychic health!
Karri
· 12 November 2003
· Chapter 9: After the Fire
*sniffle* Poor Annael! I figured you were going to kill Siondel, but I was hoping you'd change your mind. Glad to see Legolas is recovering well, though. Can't say I feel much for Celuwen's father though. Its very aggravating when people's stubborness cost other people's live. Its a bit unfair of him to ask the warriors of Mirkwood to give up their lives to defend his pride, I think.
Author's reply
Poor Annael. I know. He is coming of age with a vengeance. I felt bad about it, but I think that life in Mirkwood is dangerous and the reality would have been that people died. It's hard to sympathize with Celuwen's father. I have to work to keep giving him halfway reasonable arguments!
meckinock
· 11 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
My heart just broke for Celuwen. Even though her choice mas made, the look on her father' face must have driven a spike through her heart. But I am really taken by your portrayal of the boys. Legolas - fire breathing down and he's worried about appearances, and Eilian, consumed with blood-lust until the fire darned near catches his hair on fire (any Eilian bathing scenes coming up, by chance?). Both such typical MEN, if you don't mind my using the term. This is also the one time I'm grateful to be blessedly ignorant of your OCs - I'm probably your only reader who's not losing sleep waiting to find out who's dead!
Author's reply
Poor Celuwen, indeed. She was in a bad situation with no good choices to be found, and I'm afraid that to some degree, Eilian pushed it on her. He wanted her out of there and her wishes and problems were not his concern.
I did think that the Brothers Thranduilion were pretty typical males. I amused myself by writing about Legolas's horror that he had fallen off his horse in front of a maiden and a warrior.
Things should be less hectic in the next chapter, but now the characters will have to deal with the aftermath of the fire and their own actions.
Nilmandra
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
What a great world we live in. This review comes to you from a hotel room in Denver :-)
Legolas was great comic relief in this chapter - I just love him needing his clothes and to sit on the horse, and now the poor thing is injured again. I think I will need to care for him again.....er..I mean, Celuwen (my alter-ego) will need to care for him. More sponge baths.
As I know I have said, this read so fast - it truly engaged me as the reader and I read through it as lightning speed, so caught up in the moment. Truly wonderful, and I can't wait for the next chapter either. :-)
Author's reply
Glad to see you made it to Denver!
I think Legolas *does* need more care. And Celuwen is going to have other matters on her mind so she needs someone to take over. It is very nice of you to volunteer.
When I get the next chapter drafted, you'll be the first to know. ;-)
Lera
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
That was mean. I'm torn between my happiness in this update and my worry over who it is that died.
Aw man, I really feel for Celuwen. I'm sure this will really improve her father's feelings toward Eilien! She seems like she's pretty close to her parents and to have to leave them alone in that kind of situation...talk about being pulled in two!
I don't blame Legolas for demanding his clothes. You know how much it would hurt to ride bareback naked?! And embarrissing?! I wouldn't have wanted to do it. It was good to have some comic relief in that tense situation.
(My orc-begotten foot?!)
It's hard for me to imagine killing anyone, so it's really hard to imagine enjoying it. If Eilien didn't have a loving family, I think he'd have some serious problems. (If he ever needs counseling let me know, lol!)
Thank you for the rain!
Author's reply
I feel bad for Celuwen too. The thing is, I think the divided loyalty was already there and this situation just forced her to make it clear where she stood. Not that that will make it easy for her to go on with her life, which she has to do. The Shadow is falling hard on all these people.
Celuwen would not have made Legolas ride naked (although that is an image over which I pause). She planned to wrap him in a blanket and have someone carry him cradled in their arms. Actually, he probably would not have reinjured his foot if they'd done that. But I can understand his feelings too.
Thranduil would have been shocked by his youngest son's language in front of a maiden!
And Eilian has had to learn to take joy in what he does, seeing it as protecting those he loves. I think all these people probably need counseling!
Lamiel
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
Cliff-hanger! Daw! Ah well, at least you update frequently. Goodness, I am amazed at your sheer volume of work, and everything is of such high quality too! Incredible.
Lovely, poignant scene where Celuwen had to leave her parents to fight the blaze alone. And I'm not objecting in the least to Legolas demanding his clothes--seems very like him, and I'm glad he did it. I work in a hospital, where people are frequently robbed of their dignity in the effort to cure them. But you can't expect a teenager to willingly go naked, even if there is a fire.
I agree with your point about the less formal atmosphere of Thranduil's court. I've been following "The Green Knight" as well, and I'm impressed by that author's knowledge of customs in medieval times, but it doesn't always seem true to Middle Earth. Your version seems right. But I do like that the Wood-elves are more formal around their king than the Elves of Rivendell or Lothlorien.
Marvelous action sequence here, and I loved the detail about the fire pulling up the air so that the Elves and Orcs were short winded. Just wonderful work, as always. Must go now, more sick people to examine.
Lamiel
Author's reply
I liked your insight about the need of sick people for dignity. Even in his somewhat dazed state, Legolas knew what he wanted and Celuwen was good to give it to him.
Elves (especially wood elves) are interesting because they seem simultaneously primitive (close to the earth, hunter/gatherer, etc.) and so deeply civilized that we can't even fathom it.
daw
Dot
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
What in Arda are you trying to do to us, woman??!! Who’s dead? Who’s dead? O.k., deep breaths....
As always, you did a great job portraying the chaos and tension of battle, as well as Eilian’s determination and focus. Although, I did wonder why he was spending so much energy chasing already fleeing orcs when a fire was raging...
Legolas is getting better, yay! Not too quickly, though – I’m afraid I’m far too fond of angst to wish him a speedy recovery!
That was incredibly brave of Celuwen, to stand up to her father. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to turn and leave her parents in such a terrible situation (you wouldn’t be thinking of killing them off, now would you?!). I suppose if anything good can be said of the situation it’s probably that it finally forced her to make the choice she knew she needed to make.
Legolas was utterly brilliant in this. I love the way he’s in a completely vulnerable situation, yet he just sits there and demands his clothes! And then ‘“I fell off my horse!” he exclaimed in horror’! Oh, the shame of it! At least he didn’t fall out of a tree. Or get killed by orcs or the fire, but then that doesn't have the same humorous quality about it...
Ah, I was wondering when Eilian would remember the fire. Absolutely amazing descriptions. I particularly liked the phrase, ‘for fire defied the force that held the rest of them to Arda and ran ever upward’. It just seems so relentless and invincible somehow.
Back to my question, who’s dead?! It’s not...it couldn’t be...you wouldn’t...it’s not Siondel, is it?! *racking brains for who deserves a cliffhanger* Aaargh, I give up! Next chapter please!:)
Author's reply
To Eilian, the only Orc it's possible to contemplate is a dead one. Otherwise, they just come back. Mercy is a mistake that costs someone. So he got carried away a little. But the fire eventually got his attention!
You're right that Celuwen's loyalties were made clear. But how hard for her. There was no good choice available.
I know I should be ashamed of myself for getting comic relief from the injured Legolas, but I couldn't resist. He was just lucid enough to realize that he was in a humiliating situation without being able to reason as to why it was better than being burned or eaten by an orc. He's on the mend.
I'll start drafting the next chapter tonight. It's coming!
daw
Lamiel
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 7: Making Plans
Not only naked, but also getting a sponge bath?! My goodness, daw, you improve by leaps and bounds! Although I don't know if everyone would consider it an improvement. But certainly you have the whole-hearted approval of every red blooded female reading this fic.
It must be difficult for Solith, having the son of the king as an unwelcome suitor. Although he certainly seems stubborn and determined enough to handle it. He reminds me of Thranduil, in a small way--so certain that he is right, and ready to sacrifice in order to preserve what he thinks is important. Although I'm with Eilian on this one--that kind of risk, for a few homes that can be rebuilt and have only stood for a few hundred years anyway--seems pretty crazy. But then I've never had my home threatened like that. Pray that none of us ever do.
Upon re-reading that last scene (after recovering from the sponge-bath visualization) I see that Legolas and Celuwen are approaching some understanding, too. And my, he is perceptive! Ah, spring, when romance blooms among the forest fires. Speaking of which, there are Orcs coming too. I see more action in the next chapter. Which I will read soon. Must get to chart rounds now.
Thank you again for another wonderful chapter!
Lamiel
Author's reply
Some of Celuwen's chores didn't look too bad, did they? LOL
I don't think Solith is unduly impressed by Eilian's status as the king's son. Wood-elves are not big on rank, I think. I've been trying to make Thranduil's situation regal but still more down to earth then we sometimes think of royalty as being.
Legolas is softening toward Celuwen, which is a good thing. I think it would be important to Eilian to have them get along.
daw
tigerlily713
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
Oh, so you're going to leave us there are you? That's really rather wicked. I guess I'll *have* to tune in next time to find out who dies. Darn.
Great chapter. Legolas's embarrassment regarding being unclothed is priceless. Males crack me up; but then again, not many females would want to go outside naked either, even in the face of death by fire. Odd how our brains work.
Lovely chapter, Lily
Author's reply
Yes, I suppose that many of us would have a hard time choosing between embarrassment and death might hesitate. But Legolas was also humiliated about falling off his horse. That also seemed higher in his mind than the fire.
I'll start drafting the next chapter tonight once I finish my current work project. I'm all excited!
Camp6311
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
How rude!!!! Leave the story hanging like that, and then, tell your faithful readers you have "real" work to do so don't expect a quick update!! I think I see why you can write Maldor so well. :)
I suspect (but hope I'm wrong)that the dead warrior is Siondel. If so, that makes what, two dead Home Guard captains in less than 10 years. Now we know what is truly the most dangerous assignment in Mirkwood! If not Siondel, maybe one of the new young warriors, Galelas perhaps. Hope that's not right either.
Exciting chapter though with the fire and the battle. Forest fires are so unpredictable, you're never quite certain what they will do. It was so easy to picture Eilian getting caught up in the battle and not even realizing he could be surrounded by the fire.
Still uneasy with the relationship between Celuwen and Eilian. She scores points though with her resuce of Legolas. And, at least she and Eilian both share a common goal in fighting the Shadow, even if they do it in their own ways. The two strong wills in that relationship ought to make for some intersting times ahead.
Author's reply
Maldor and I have a lot in common! :)
This chapter was a challenge to write. I have trouble writing battle scenes and I was really tentatively feeling my way in writing about the fire so putting them together seemed kind of daunting. But I was kind of pleased by the way it turned out and I am deeply grateful for the nice response I've been getting.
Celuwen and Eilian have some things to work out yet. He is rather too inclined to think he should have something simply because he wants it.
naneth
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
AAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!! That simply cannot be the end of the chapter. What an evil thing to do to us! Just tell your "real" work that you are very sorry, but you need a day off to write. Now!
Wow, what a great chapter. My heart was racing, my adrenaline flowing, I could actually feel the heat from the fire on my face. Wow!
I think some really bad news is coming in the next chapter. However, since you didn't kill Eilian when you were planning to, I think that we have to give you a break on this one. Or maybe not.
Legolas was hilarious. We needed that comic relief, and it was well done. I don't think that I would want to be dragged naked thru a forest fire either!
Can't wait for the next chapter, even though I know it will be painful. Thanks for your hard work and quick writing (you are writing quickly, right??)!
Author's reply
The next chapter is all worked out in my head but I haven't actually started drafting yet because RL work is bringing me down. But tonight I'll start. Of course, my beta is going out of town, so we'll have to see.
Celuwen really didn't plan to make Legolas ride bareback bareback. She was going to wrap him in a blanket and have him cradled in someone's arms. But his young male dignity just would NOT allow that.
I'm so glad the chapter made your heart race. I had a really good time writing it because it was a little bit of a stretch because so much was going on. I love that kind of stuff.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
By the Valar!!! What are you doing to Eilian?! If you kill Celuwen he will never be able to live with it. Her Father will blame him and every time he looks at Legolas he will think that he sacrificed her to save his brother. That would send anyone to the West. I am so worried. Plus you killed one of the Home Guard (Please, please not Siondel - it is Legolas' only glimpse of a normal home life). He has to deal with that as well. He needs to have a long talk with his Adar about dealing with "Leader guilt" when Thranduil finally comes galloping back into the forest at full speed.
OK, I had to get that off my chest first, now I am ok.
I am relieved that Eilian was able to push his loved ones out of his mind and divert his full attention to the orcs at hand. It sounded like they required his full attention. Great set up and battle scene. It is very rewarding to have their throats slit and heads roll. Oh, don't forget the forest is on fire.
I am glad Legolas is improving (not really, please make him suffer some more). Celuwen did a good job standing up to her father. It must have been extremely difficult. You are right, she made her choice a long time ago. Sometimes you have to follow your heart. I blame Celuwen for not dressing Legolas sooner. She was way too busy sponge bathing him, playing with his hair and ogling him to let him put clothes on. Now it is time to go and he is not ready. Of course, I can't really blame the poor girl. Legolas fell off his horse! How humiliating for him - talk about adding insult to injury - literally. At least the nameless warrior had enough sense to move them to his more calm horse so they would not be thrown again. I had noticed that you incapacitated Legolas very well. He cannot run or fight and now they are headed into the orcs. Why am I the only one who thinks you are going to kill Celuwen? It is like those extra crewmen who always beam down with Cpt Kirk. You just know they are going to die.
Eilian had no choice but to stop the confrontation with the orcs and escape the fire. Now there will be even more guilt that he couldn't stop all of the orcs.
shudder.
Is Legolas' keeper going to be Meldir (sp?)- the unarmed combat instructor? If so, I feel sorry for him. If the position is not filled, can I volunteer?
You are killing me.
Tapetum
Author's reply
Tapetum-- You crack me up! I nearly fell out of my chair laughing.
Not to worry. The Home Guard camp and the Orc battle were on opposite sides of the settlement. Celuwen is going away from the Orcs, not toward them.
"It is very rewarding to have their throats slit and heads roll. Oh, don't forget the forest is on fire" -- LOL. Eilian is pretty ruthless in hacking up Orcs. I think Legolas is going to need to toughen up some before he matches his brother's attitude.
Celuwen says that SHE is Legolas's caretaker at the moment and she is not sharing.
Thanks for the review.
daw
Jay of Lasgalen
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
It's Siondel, isn't it? Poor Annael! I suppose you could go and prove us all wrong and make it someone else, but I doubt it. I'm glad that Legolas and Celuwen got away in time, even if Legolas was injured again - and more worried about his dignity that his safety! He sounds a typical young man(elf).
Meanwhile, what's happened to the settlement? Will Celuwen blame Eilian for making her leave instead of protecting her home? I can't wait for the next chapter.
Jay
Author's reply
It's a sign of the deep trouble I have my characters in that Legolas was the comic relief in this last chapter. He wanted his clothes! He fell off his horse in front of a girl and a warrior! Ack!
I'm getting ready to write about the aftermath of the fire in the settlement and in the Home Guard camp, but I have to do some work work first. I think Celuwen and Eilian are in for some more rough times, poor things.
JustMe
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
Wow! Not only was that a quick update, but it was exciting as well! There were so many things going on at once and they were all so intense that I am still trying to catch my breath.
Both Eilian and Celuwen had difficult choices before them, and both of them responded as I would have expected them to. Eilian had to keep his focus on the task before him in order to protect the lives of those under his command. Even though he was worried about Legolas and Celuwen, he maintained his composure and did what he had to do. You just have to love this guy (oops, sorry, elf!). And Celuwen had to choose between her family and seeing to the safety of Legolas as she promised Eilian she would. That was not an easy choice and I hope that it does not cause even more problems in an already uneasy relationship. Your descriptions of the battle and fire were so realistic to me that I could picture the entire thing in my mind. I am a little worried about the identity of the victim from the Home Guard. I am hoping that it is not Siondel. I would hate to see Annael put through any more misery on this expedition.
Speaking of misery, I do not blame Legolas for not wanting to be dragged around the forrest naked (although I must admit that thoughts of naked Legolas leave me feeling like I am in a fire zone), but the exchange between he and Celuwen about this matter were rather amusing. I also had to giggle over his exasperation at "falling" off his horse. I am not sure his Adar would approve of his colorful language over the reinjury of his foot, but still it was rather "cute". Hopefully the injury is not so severe that it will endanger his coming of age ceremony!
(Thoughts of naked Legolas are remaining in my mind...turning into thoughts of naked Orlando. Whew! Is it me or is it getting hot in here? Calm down old girl!)
Author's reply
I was both worried and excited about writing this chapter because I knew I had a lot going on. I was pleased with how it turned out and eager to post so I could see if other people liked it too. So I really worked on this weekend.
Eilian and Celuwen both behaved admirably in tough situations with very little hope that they will be rewarded at any time soon. They just get to keep doing their duty, poor things.
Thranduil most definitely would NOT approve of any of his sons swearing in any company other than that of other warriors, but Legolas is still a little in a daze - coming out of it, but not there yet. And his dignity is all important to him at this age.
Arbelethiel
· 10 November 2003
· Chapter 8: Enemies
I have no idea how you manage to update so quickly, but I certainly won’t complain about it.
Thank Eru for the comic relief provided by Legolas. I laughed out loud at the “I fell off my horse!” So typical! Nevermind that he probably injured his foot again, no, all that matters to him is that he fell off, and in front of a female and a warrior. :)
I’m not sure how I feel about Celuwen’s choice. It was headed towards that, but there will probably be hell to pay when all is settled. Her father will probably have difficulties stomaching the fact that she chose Eilian over her family and her duty as he conceives it. And it won’t be made any easier by the fact that they still can’t bond. Or will they bond anyway? Somehow I can’t quite see them do that. And as A Question of Duty is the only story set after this one chronologically, and Eilian is not in it, I can’t even try to pick cues elsewhere *scowl*. Well I suppose I’m stuck with waiting for an update. (Me, caring a little too much about your OCs? Why would you think that?)
And speaking of caring for OCs, I really like Siondel, so I hope it wasn’t him that Manaltaur was speaking of. Besides, Annael would be devastated, and just after his coming-of-age ceremony, too.
Waiting for the next chapter with impatience,
~Arbelethiel
Author's reply
There was no good choice for Celuwen, I think. Sorrow lay either way.
I wanted this story to be about coming of age, and I think that part of being an adult is accepting the fact that bad things can happen and we are powerless to prevent them sometimes. My characters here choose duty as well as they can. They all need a reward! This is much too gloomy.