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| Spring Awakenings by daw the minstrel | 26 Review(s) |
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| Antigone Q | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| I loved this chapter. My favorite part was when Celuwen told Eilian ever so matter-of-factly that his adar was wrong. Bet poor Eilian doesn't hear _that_ very often (at least, not from someone else). And Celuwen was right, I think, Thranduil _was_ wrong insofar as the relationship between Eilian and Celuwen is concerned. I couldn't speak to Thranduil's being wrong as far as the settlement Elves are concerned. I guess we'll have to see. I expected Thranduil to really fly off the handle and he pretty much did that, but his concern for his son's welfare has come first, which was a good thing. I liked the way he showed restraint and respect toward Celuwen, too. In fact, everyone is doing a wonderful job of making Celuwen feel at home - although whether that means she actually will feel at home is another question all together. Living in a cottage in the woods with all the freedoms the settlement Elves have is quite different from living in a cave/palace with all the restrictions of a royal family. And, LOL! I can't believe that, after all Legolas' sneaking around and lying and getting easily frustrated when he was younger, Thranduil is now holding him up to Eilian as a paragon of loyal obedience. Smirk. But seriously, Legolas has gone out and done some things that will (hopefully) make Thranduil very proud, and Eilian has gone out and done...other things. I hope it doesn't cause a rift between the two brothers. Thranduil shouldn't have been comparing the two like that, in any case. And what about that remark Thranduil made about Eilian being like his Naneth? I don't know if Thranduil had been conciously thinking that or not, but I bet it is at the root of a lot of the arguments Thranduil had with his two younger sons. When I read stuff like that, by the way, not only do other pieces of your series fall into place for me but I get to thinking later what a brilliant piece of writing you were doing. Did you know that about Thranduil when you started writing these stories, or did that come to you later? So, Thranduil is concerned about Eilian being away from Celuwen so much. So is Celuwen, and so are Celuwen's parents. In fact, the only person who doesn't seem to be concerned about this is Eilian - the very person who could actually _do_ something about it. Well, I suspect the matter is going to be decided for him one way or another very soon, but it still annoys me that he hasn't at least thought through the possibility of staying closer to home. There was some truth in it when Thranduil said Eilian always does as he pleases. Send Eilian my congratulations and tell him I wish him all the best in his marriage - I'm not sure he quite understood what he was letting himself in for (not that any of us ever do). Oh, hey, plot bunny - unexpected things about marriage for Thranduil's sons. I'm watching Celuwen's interactions with Alfirin with interest. Good for Alfirin for being concerned about Celuwen's health! I know they are very different people, but they both have lots of common sense and they are both women - I wouldn't be surprised if they formed a sort of Female United Front in the face of all the testosterone. That's certainly what happened with my sister-in-law and I - heaven knows we haven't got much in common other than being rational in the face of family squabbles. I hope you write the next chapter soon. This has been an absolutely fabulous story and I've learned so much about all the characters. Author Reply: I laughed when I read your question about whether I have known from that start that Eilian's resemblance to his mother was at the root of his problems with his father. You cannot imagine how late that came to me -- like 8:00 last night when Nilmandra pointed it out. I knew Eilian was like his mother, that her impulsiveness got her killed, and that Thranduil feared for Eilian's safety. But pulling those three threads together came to me at about the same moment it did for Thranduil. Legolas did childish things when he was a child, but I'll bet he was a much better behaved child than Eilian was. And in Thranduil's mind, Eilian still behaves like a child sometimes. Celuwen and Eilian have some things about their life together to work out. I'm spent some time this morning making notes about it. I have to go work now, unfortunately, but this weekend, I can write. And I had this idea that pleased me mightily this morning: a story told purely from the POV of the two wives. | |
| LOTRFaith | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| I must say I was laughing through some of it... Especially when Ithilden walked in on them... lol.... *I only hope you survive to enjoy your good fortune.”* lol... that nearly sent me in convulsions.. Very cute.. Very cute.. Lots of tension for our youngest prince it seems... And he only has a few more days leave... Poor laddie.... Author Reply: I guess you had to laugh at parts of this, if only to relieve the tension that came in between the loving, funny parts. I thought about it and decided that there were no locks on the doors in Thranduil's stronghold. There are guards and magic Great Doors after all, and the Elves within respect one another's privacy. Ithilden just never dreamed that there would be anyone sharing Eilian's bed! | |
| Kristy | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| This was wonderful! I could feel Thranduil's frustratration and love for Eilian in equal measures. You made him very angry without making him the bad guy. I actually think I like and understand Thranduil better after this chapter. And aren't Eilian and Celuwen sweet as newlyweds! Author Reply: Thank you, thank you, Kristy. That's exactly what I wanted with Thranduil. It might have been fun in some ways to make him angry beyond measure, but that would have been for my own convenience as an author who wanted an angsty chapter, and not true to the character. I had a lot of trouble balancing the portrait of Thranduil and relied even more than usual on advice from my peerless beta, Nilmandra. | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| I'll admit this chapter surprised me greatly, daw. The confrontation was much calmer than I expected although I doubt it's far from over. I think both Eilian and Thranduil received some surprises in their "discussion". Thranduil surprised to hear Celuwen was fading. Eilian surprised by Thranduil's reference to the queen. Thranduil wasn't in control of the conversation as much as he had thought he would be --- and that surprised him. (I hope I'm making myself clear.) Ithilden's and Alfrin's reactions amused me. They provided a nice counterpoint to Thranduil's barely controlled anger. I liked that Celuwen wanted to be a part of Thranduil and Eilian's discussion. Despite what the males want, I doubt they'll be able to keep her out of any future discussions. She's a strong-willed elf. Should be interesting to see Legolas' reaction. Next chapter, perhaps? Author Reply: In my first draft of this chapter, Thranduil was much harsher, but I thought that might be too unidimensional. He loves this difficult son and I wanted that to shine through too. I think the degree to which it did surprised Eilian, which is a good thing (that he saw it, not that he was surprised by it). I think that Thranduil may be on the verge of some realizations about the source of the trouble between him and Eilian. I just spent a couple of hours working out the details of the rest of this story. Legolas is on his way! | |
| vic | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| Daw, The chapter was very well named! Really, one word was able to sum it all up 'Thranduil'. Once again I loved this chapter. Strong family ties and love of the newly bonded pair really shone through. I am glad that Eilian was able to weather the storm that was his father and that Celuwen is strong enough to stand up to anyone, including the King himself. I think that actually that's why Thranduil likes Celuwen- she is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in; she reminds me of Alfirin a bit. A few points that stood up for me: *Thranduil did a naughty thing and compared two siblings. He showed Eilian his approval for Legolas. A parent should never do that. Luckily that both brothers love each other, not to let these things get in the way. *Love the fact that Eilian was relying on his younger brother to be there to support him! sweet *Thranduil is a softy at heart(if you know where to look. Like a creamy Easter egg...hard of the outside, but nice and sweet on the inside. I'm making the analogy while at the same time trying to finally finish off all my eggs. My theory is that I have to get rid off of temptation by Monday. Out of sight, out of mind. Mmmm yummy... May be Legolas could help me out here? oops, I think I just broke a taboo for this time of day: thinking of Legolas and chocolate before 11am may be hazardous for one's health... and may be back...) I think I better finish off for now. Can't wait to find out how Legolas is going to react to the family news. I think he doesn't need to worry about his father, as he will be quite preoccupied with Elian! Vic Author Reply: Thranduil did do a bad!Ada thing in comparing the two brothers. He knows better. He was just too newly angry to think straight. Even after all these years, Eilian sometimes surprises him, and not always in a good way! You are making me drool with all that talk about chocolate. I think I need a snack. | |
| elentari | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| *jumping up and down* bloody hell! That was absolutely hylarious. I particularly enjoyed the concern Eilian's family had not to overtax Celuwen even before most of them realised what she had been through. And in all honesty, I do not think Thranduil would have been much better than Sólith had Eilian brought celuwen to the palace unbonded. That's an elf as traditionalist as one might hope to see- in fact, I remember a confusion about that very thing, eh, with a nandor elf and Eilian's mother's cousin? And Legolas had to kill the insane maiden? So truly, Thranduil is one heck of an elf, and venerable and all, but he has not that much room or basis to complain. Not that it would help matters any to point that out to him. *mutters about sexy broody elves* And honestly, Alfirin. they are just going to nap. Truly! (lol) Author Reply: I am worried about you, Elentari, if you thought that this chapter was hilarious! I tried to make it tense! I guess we all enjoy different things! :-0 I think that Eilian's family could sense that Celuwen was not quite right even without thinking about it. Thranduil and Ithilden had both seen Legolas as an elfling, when he was close to fading in his grief for his mother. And Alfirin has heard her mother talk and been with her in the infirmary What Eilian thinks would happen if he had brought Celuwen home unbonded is, in my opinion, exactly what would have happened. But Thranduil is still sure that Eilian would have done better to act less rashly. As Celuwen says, he's wrong. Of course they're napping. What else could they be doing? | |
| esamen | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| Daw, this is great. I thought that we were losing our Playboy of the Western World, but instead we are gaining a deeper character! I absolutely love the depth of the characters and the unpredictability of the story. You have so many surprises up your sleeve for us. Thanks so much for writing this. And please, please update soon. . . . why do you write these cliffhangers? How on earth can I possibly concentrate on my own writing when I am worried about Thranduil's next report, Eilian's hip, and Legolas's mission . . . not to mention love life? What kind of bribe will it take to get you right back to your keyboard? Godiva chocolates? Champagne? Name your price . . . we'll take up a collection . . . Author Reply: I'm so pleased by these comments, Esamen. I struggled with this chapter, trying to make everyone as realistic as possible and avoid turning them into predictable, cardboard actors in a cliched confrontation. It was tough because there are lots of angry scenes between fathers and sons in fanfiction, so there are set moves one can have the characters make. ("I am not a child." "You act like one." etc.) I had an especially hard time with Thranduil. In my first draft, he was quite a lot more angry with no real hint of the reason. | |
| mer | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| Wonderful chapter DAW! Now that it's over it wasn't so bad. Confrontations are worse before they happen, because it is all in people's minds. I also liked the way you included how Eilian missed Legolas' presence. Heck, there was nothing not to like. Though I believe you write for yourself you never disappoint me--the way you write is how I would write it if I could! Does that make sense? Looking forward to more Legolas! Bye, Mer. Author Reply: Mer-- If I'm giving you the story you like, then I am very pleased. One of the reasons I write is that no one was writing the story I wanted to read. (It's not an accident that I started writing soon after Jocelyn finished "A Little Nudge Out the Door." That was a story I wanted.) It was only as I was writing this chapter that I remembered that Eilian did not know Legolas had been sent to the other settlement. That struck me as something he'd regret for various reasons, as someone looking for an ally, as a brother wanting Legolas to enjoy his leave, and as a captain concerned about the well-being of his warriors. | |
| Jebb | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| “On your knees, Eilian,” oh that poor prince you could feel the anger roiling off Thranduil although he kept himself well controlled I thought and welcomed his new daughter I think she may well prove as much of an asset to the king as her new husband But above all else was the sense of love and anguish Thranduil feels when he 'deals' with his difficult second born he does cherish him but doesn't understand him still I would not bet on Solith getting a warm welcome if he ever visits Adar may criticise his sons but others had better not! A most wonderful chapter thank you Author Reply: Have you been looking at my notes, Jebb?!! You put your finger on several things I've told myself to remember. I had a hard time writing the scene in Thranduil's office so that his love did show. I had him too angry at first, but my beta helped me work things out so that we see as the father he is, wanting his son to be wiser and more obedient and angry that he is not, but still loving that son. In a way, the love makes the anger over his rashness even stronger. If Thranduil were unconcerned for Eilian's safety and happiness, he would be able to ignore some of this stuff. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/16/2004 |
| Well, that wasn't quite as bad as I feared, but it must have been bad enough for poor Eilian. 'On your knees' was NOT a good start! Your Thranduil continues to surprise me - I love his unpredictability! In between his furious reprimands, he says things like 'Sólith has always been blind to your worth.” And what was the comment about Eilian's mother about? Loved Ithilden's reaction, BTW - he also is growing on me more and more! Jay Author Reply: I originally wrote a version of this chapter in which Thranduil was considerably harsher, but I was worried I was making him too one-dimensional and having him be over-the-top angry just because it would make a more dramatic chapter for me. After consulting with my invaluable beta, Nilmandra, I toned it down a fair amount and, at Nilmandra's urging, concentrated on the reasons for Thranduil's anger that went beyond just surface irritation. He's not done yet, of course, but he and Eilian may be coming to an understanding of what lies at the heart of their long-troubled relationship. | |