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The Warrior by daw the minstrel	178 Review(s)
erunyauve	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2003
Poor Eilian! Just as his mood was starting to improve, he is knocked down again. Granted, he should not have been carousing with elf-maids and wine, but it seems to me that it was hardly Solith's business and more malicious on Solith's part than anything else. Nonetheless, I'm not sure that Celuwen would not have sent the same message without Solith's gossip. It is probably the best way for her to cope with her affection for Eilian, and she might believe it is better to set him free than keep him waiting for a time she cannot even foresee. On the other hand, Legolas' arrival before Eilian seems to have softened up their father - Thranduil is not too rigid to feel grateful for Eilian's part in the battle. Is it too early to beg for the next story:p ? Author Reply: Poor Eilian indeed. I have felt guilty through this whole story because I knew this was waiting for him and he didn't! Celuwen would be so good for him. And Thranduil came through as a good father in the end. He loves them all, even the troublesome Eilian. He would be really incensed if he knew what Solith had done. I am thinking about the next story, but haven't started anything yet. What I want to do is a little complicated, so it will take some planning to make sure I don't back myself into some sort of corner. Thank you for your kind reviews.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/31/2003
It's so sad to see this story end, but I have hopes you have a new one planned. There were many things I liked about this chapter - Legolas' delight in being sent home, and the troop commander's tactic of doing it with each new warrior. Foril's song was wonderful - I wish we could hear the words. I especially liked the warrior's boasting in front of the enemy! And I knew that Thranduil would know about the trees - Ithilden really should know his father better by now. Beliond is turning out to be a very good 'keeper' - he respects Legolas's privacy, and can even defy Thranduil to do it. That takes courage! Jay Author Reply: Beliond is courageous, but then he has known Thranduil since he was a child. He's probably never going to be able to overcome that fully, thank goodness. Foril is amusing me. And I like writing about Legolas hanging out with the guys. He is fitting in nicely. Thank you, Jay.

Lera	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/30/2003
Oh, that was awesome! That last paragraph was beautiful. I love seeing the friendship between these two guys. This was an awesome story. Thank you so much. God bless. Author Reply: I am so fond of Annael and Legolas is too. And they would understand one another right now because they had both just been through some of the same upheaval. I think they trust one another completely. I made me happy to have them sharing some time.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/30/2003
Yay, you didn’t make us wait ‘til after New Year’s after all!! I was very pleasantly surprised that Legolas was being sent home so soon. What a good captain Todith is, to allow the newest warriors home to their family for a while after they are injured. I’m loving Fóril, by the way. I think they’d be waiting a while for Tinár to realise he was singing about him. He’d be more likely to think it was about Legolas than himself, I’d say. Oh to hear that song….! I really enjoyed the scene between Ithilden and Legolas. Poor Ithilden struggling not to show concern for his baby brother. I’m still laughing at the way he keeps referring to him as a “youngling” – I wonder does Ithilden realise at all that he is turning into his father?! It seems Ithilden is still holding himself responsible to a certain extent for what happens to his warriors. I hadn’t thought about it before but I suppose Eilian must have ended up with too much responsibility too young and was stationed somewhere so unpredictable that he probably needed to take some risks at a time when most warriors of his age would still be learning to follow commands strictly and stick to battle plans. I love the way you add in little details about characters. I had been thinking that the aide seemed particularly happy when Legolas and Ithilden were reunited again – and then at the three going for a ride - and it turns out he has a new son so must have been struck by the lovely family scene. How sweet! Wow, Beliond is certainly brave. Actually, no, he seems to be more at ease with Thranduil than with most others. Beliond appears to have learned quite a lot during his time with Legolas, though I’d imagine he didn’t expect to. Not only has he grown fond of Legolas but he seems to realise the importance of allowing him some privacy and to learn from his experiences himself rather than being told by others. It’s quite sad, really, because it sounds like Beliond would have made quite a good father himself. I thought Thranduil’s comment “You look well, Beliond,” was quite telling – it must be doing the elf some good to be responsible for Legolas. LOL at Thranduil trying not to rush out and find Legolas! I was so glad to see that even though Legolas appeared happy and proud, Thranduil knew better from experience. And he did what Beliond suggested! Now, maybe he should go and have a few words with Maltanaur… The scene with Thranduil and Eilian was certainly interesting. “Eilian had stood in both places stoically accepting more reprimands than he could remember over the years”. Hmmn. No wonder he isn’t always happy about being home. I suppose when you think about it, we could all probably tell how much trouble we were in by where our parents spoke to us and whether we were allowed sit our stand. I thought the bit about how Celuwen would be safer was a little manipulative of Thranduil. It may be true, but he obviously realised that she is the one way of getting through to his son. At least that part of the ordeal went a bit better than Eilian had been expecting. “Celuwen bids me tell you that she releases you from whatever commitment you might still feel toward her, and she asks that you not visit her again.” What???! My first reaction was that she would never have asked her father to speak on her behalf to Eilian and that Solith was just causing more trouble but of course, if Celuwen heard of what Eilian was up to she must have been so hurt. Still, Eilian has clearly grown a lot if he realises that if he had not committed these acts in the first place there would have been nothing for her to hear. I’m still a little afraid of the effect this will have on him, though. Act as a warrior? I hope he knows that warriors are allowed to have hearts too. Such a lovely ending. I’m so happy for Annael! I love the closeness between the two friends, and in fact it seems that their separation has brought them even closer. After all, they still have had similar experiences, despite being apart. Their lives have changed so much and they each have new roles that could easily have distanced them – Annael protecting Legolas’ family and home etc. - but each of them couldn’t ask for a better friend to share these times. It’s such a perfect closing image of the two of them at peace for a little while. Beautiful!:) Author Reply: I think that Ithilden is quite a lot like his father and that's one reason they get along fairly well. They tend to agree on judgments and so on. And I am becoming interested in Ithilden's aide (and the messenger who carried Eilian's defiant message to his father too). They would be fun to hear from at some point. I picture Thranduil and Beliond as old friends from long before Thranduil was king or even an adult. Beliond (like Maltanaur) is never going to see Thraduil wholey as king and maybe that's one reason he chose them to watch over his sons. Poor Eilian. My notes about Celuwen tell me that she sometimes has stayed away from him from pure self-protectiveness. He could hurt her so deeply that she might not survive. And Eilian gives her cause to draw back sometimes. I wanted the closing of this story to echo its opening, with Legolas and Annael next to one another. Thank you, Dot. I love these wonderful long reviews.

Brenda G.	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/29/2003
Ahhhhhh! Now that was a good story, and this last was a fine chapter. I like reunions, especially those among this family of Elves. I thought Thranduil took all things in stride, like the king he is. He learned that his last chick bleeds blood as red as any other Elf's when wounded in battle, that Legolas' once childhood is no more. He also learned that his sons are not the only ones who defy his commands or keep secrets from their king, and that sometimes the defiance and/or secrets are disguises for love and respect and a wish to shield. The meeting with Beliond was very enlightening. So Thranduil was a handful as a youngling? Well, nobody is too surprised to learn that! I would imagine Eilian is more like his dad at the same age than any other of the king's sons. I agree with one of your other reviewers - a story about young Thranduil and his own Adar would be quite an indulgence for your fans (hint-hint). I about fell out of my chair when you revealed that Thranduil already knew about the cut trees and was growing weary of having to pretend to Ithilden that he didn't know! So wool is reversible and also indiscriminate of whose eyes it covers! I was proud of Eilian as he humbled himself before Solith (as Thranduil had wished) and apologized, but then in the next breath I felt like strangling Celuwen's father for being so coarse when he gave Eilian Celuwen's message. My heart goes out to Eilian and his ladylove, and I wonder if Eilian will ever get it all "together" so that at last the two may formally bond. Poor Eilian! One reaps what one sows. I'll bet this is one crop Eilian wished had never come in. His behavior is understandable. I mean, most of us act foolishly when angry, and Eilian is no exception. I guess that's why I so identify with him - I've done damage to my own self by hurting others in the past. In Eilian's case, he could almost quote that someone who said, "I have found the enemy, and it is me!" But I love this troubled Elf. I want to cuddle him close and whisper in his pointed ear that time heals and love conquers all eventually. Celuwen told Legolas once that Eilian was the most loving person she knew. That is the Eilian that will finally emerge as victor over shadow, over adversity, and over himself! I have faith in him. Was good to see Annael again and to know that he and his lady will soon bond and that life is going well for Legolas' closest friend. Legolas is growing up. Thranduil could see it in his face and in his eyes, but the smile is the same, and the spirit as bright, and every day brings Legolas closer to the legend he will become. Can't wait for your next installment, Daw. And let me just say from my heart that you and your stories have been an unceasing source of joy for me in 2003. There have been days when about the only reason I had to smile was because you had posted a new chapter in one of your stories. You touch so many in a good way. I'm grateful to you. Keep up the good work, and best wishes for the New Year! BG Author Reply: Young Thranduil in the same house with Oropher would be quite an explosive combination! I'll have to think about it, but it does have some appeal. I have faith in Eilian too. He is a fundamentally good person, but he needs steadying down, and I think he needs to accomplish some of that himself before he asks Celuwen to help him do the rest. She doesn't need to be responsible for him as well as for herself. And I have decided that Annael is one OC who is untouchable for me. He is so sweet that I could never bear to kill him off. Thank you for your kind words, Brenda. Your reviews, along with those of the other wonderful readers here at SoA, have been very rewarding for me.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/29/2003
I have to say that growing up is agreeing with Legolas. It is nice to see him maturing, becoming not only an expert at weapons, but skilled in battle, and getting along well in a company of warriors. Family life has never seemed better either. Being away is, I am sure, hard on Adar, but it only makes Legolas more appreciative of his family. Hopefully warriors have long periods of time at home between patrols, so that they can have a life outside of just their jobs. And poor Eilian. I must go comfort him. I also would not entirely believe what Solith says, but it will take time for Eilian and Celuwen to both get over this. Another good story completed. Looking forward to the next one :D Author Reply: I could not have done it without you, Beta. And I agree. Legolas did rather well in his first patrol. His captain and his fellow warriors are all relaxing around him as he is around them. And I think that even his family will eventually come to see him as competent and separate from them, and then they can all move closer again. Eilian is so grateful to have you!

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/29/2003
I'm suffering from a combination of delight at finding a new chapter and shadow sickness that it's the last. You wrapped this one up with your usual skill of insight into your characters and balanced it with an old fashioned good read. I'm glad you have insight, because poor Tinar is blind as a bat. Foril's song was a hoot and it was one that everyone 'got' but the victim. Tinar is so much fun to hate. Certainly, it was good to see Legolas get a chance to go home. I had wondered if Thranduil sensed something was amiss with his youngest when Legolas was wounded. Ithilden handled himself well when faced with the injury of his 'baby brother' and even gained some insight into his own mistakes with Eilian. BUT, my favorite scene was with Thranduil and Beliond....and that says a lot since Eilian did drop his clothes all over his chamber on the way to his bath. The more I see of the Beliond, the more I like him. He's not just a good babysitter, he's a wise elf who was not afraid to be honest with his king about his task. I loved the line where he said Legolas reminded him of Thranduil at his age, but was more biddable. Well, that was a good reminder to the king that he had once been a handful, too....and still is in his own way. Fortunately, Thranduil was able to put aside his fatherly fear and see the wisdom of Beliond's words. I stood up and cheered! Eilian...Eilian...Eilian...When will he ever rein in his own demons? He may still be young, but he should know better. My heart goes out to him, but I also want to thunk him upside his thick head. What was he thinking partying hearty and hanging out with other maidens when he made a promise to Celuwen. I'd say that while he does love her, he's just not reached a maturity level to understand the committment of such feelings. At least, he was able to swallow his pride and do what it took to see her safe. Still, I hold that the sour old Solith has also contributed to the problems. Not to mention that I continue to think he's a poor leader if he lets his own personal feelings about his daughter's choice of 'friends' influence the decisions he makes in regards to his people. “Knowing we are respected by those who guard us will help us to feel comfortable in our new home.” Baloney! He was mainpulating the circumstances in order to drive the wedge between Celuwen and Eilian even deeper. I'm sure he loves his daughter, but he has not acted wisely as a leader..and, maybe, not even as a father. As a matter of fact, I may just bang his and Eilian's heads together. POOR Celuwen. She's surrounded by idiot males. A bright point was certainly the news of Annael's betrothal. I hope we all get invited. I've already started looking for the proper frock. Wonderful as always, Daw. I can't wait for the next story. Take care! Karen Author Reply: Thranduil chose well for his son when he appointed Beliond to guard over him. But then, he has known Beliond a long time. And I imagine that Oropher held his head and moaned a few times when he was raising good king Thranduil. Legolas is a much more easy going person than his father is, but Thranduil and Oropher were in the same household! Now that must have caused occasional fireworks. I am copying your review and forwarding it to Solith, Eilian, and Celuwen. They all need to straighten up! "Poor Celuwen" is right. And Annael is becoming happier again. I made him so sad in the last story that I just couldn't stand it. He is such a sweetie.

Elena Tiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/29/2003
Daw, do you know how much I love this story? Had a really bad night last night -- couldn't sleep. Got up, logged on, and looked for something to read that would soothe my troubled spirit... When I saw your update, I knew that I had found exactly the right story... Read all ten chapters and went back to bed feeling like all was right with the world! Okay, that's a slight exaggeration -- the REAL world does still exist -- but it was definitely a calming and pleasurable interlude. I enjoy your writing. Your characters embody the principles of love, caring, honor, duty, and competence (I'm sure I left some out...), and they live, breathe, and GROW during the course of each story. They are delightful to read about. And this last chapter was also lovely, although I do have one complaint: it's the last one! Somehow, I missed that until I read the other reviews... Hope to see a new story soon! - Barbara Author Reply: Wow, thank you. I got back from out of town to find this very nice review and now you are making me feel good! I try to respect the values that Tolkien honored when he wrote, but I also try to make my characters a little more flawed than they are by the time we see them in LOTR. They weren't born as the heroes they turned out to be. Their strength is to their own credit and to that of everyone who taught them along the way. I have been thinking of a new story. I'll be away the week after New Year and I'll think some more then. Thank you again for this lovely review.

tigerlily713	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/29/2003
Poor Eilian. I say that every time, I think, but it is true! He keeps digging himself into holes, the poor boy! It seems Thranduil is communicating better with his children, which is a good thing, especialy now that they all have such heavy responsibilities. Great chapter, Lily Author Reply: I think that Thranduil has stood by his children many times over the years, so when the chips are down, they do well together. But he still has his moments of being demanding or overprotective or just irritated. And Eilian does indeed dig himself into holes. Good observation. He really needs Celuwen. I think she would steady him down some.

Antigone_Q	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/29/2003
Oh, look at me, recklessly reading and reviewing at work! I have short-timer's syndrome I guess: my last day is Wednesday. I liked this chapter so much! Whatever reservations I may have had about Beliond are completely gone now. (Insert regal wave of the hand here) He has my permission to continue to protect Legolas in whatever way he sees fit. Seriously, that conversation between Beliond and Thranduil was priceless. Good for Beliond for not being intimidated by his king and laying down some ground rules. It sounds as if Beliond has known Thranduil a very long time. I also liked that in private, Beliond tells Thranduil all about what a great job Legolas is doing in his patrol, and how he has begun to like him. Very sweet! Speaking of knowing the king a long time, my imagination was caught by this little gem: "He reminds me of you when you were young, although he is somewhat more biddable." It suddenly occurs to me that Thranduil would have to have been as much of a handful as Eilian when he was younger, if not more so. Someday, Daw, I hope you write a Young Thranduil fic. I bet it would be a kick to see him as a young Elf...although if any Elf would be a scary father, Oropher would likely be on the top-ten list. It's nice to see the whole family gathered together for a day or two. I had a ball with the family dynamics. Not to mention there were some lines that just cracked me up. For example, when Legolas talks about meeting Eilian's patrol and fighting Wargs and Orcs: " 'That is good news,' [Ithilden] lied calmly." Also when Thranduil says he hopes that one of the letters contains news about the men cutting down trees - because he is tired of pretending to Ithilden that he doesn't know about it. And Foril's little song at the beginning, which was "very amusing, and Legolas had finally decided that washing dishes with his friends was a small price to pay for the entertainment." Oh, LOL! and it is such a good thing Tinar is a little slow on the uptake sometimes...size of his weapon indeed (snort). Thranduil, I thought, handled Eilian very well. Rather than resorting to all sorts of threats, he gets them both comfortable and tells Eilian that the safety of other Elves, including Celuwen, will depend on him. And Eilian naturally swallows his pride and apologizes. That Solith - the more I see of him the less I like him! I hope things work out for Eilian and Celuwen...they really are awfully good for each other. Author Reply: I am sorry to say I sometimes read and review at work, but only when it's really necessary! A young Thrandil fic would be fun. Actually, I have just been thinking about my next fic, which would have a tale of a young Ithilden embedded in a story about Legolas. One could do the same thing with Thranduil, really. Beliond could even tell the tale. That would be fun! And I liked seeing Legolas comfortable with his fellow warriors who were now his friends. He is learning to be away from home. The only one I feel bad about here is Eilian. I had this bad news planned for him from the start and felt guilty all along, as he started to feel happier. Oh well, I will reward him one of these days.

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