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Spring Awakenings by daw the minstrel	24 Review(s)
Fadesintothewest	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
Poor Celuwen, I feel her worry over starting a new life at a new place with someone you love, but it is better for her after all rather than fading. I feel for Eilian, and in the end I think Thranduil will come around and rejoice and understand it was the only decision for Eilian and Celuwen. He is a wood Elf after all, at least in spirit and he needs to remember and rejoice this quality more. Author Reply: Eilian is sure a wood-elf, just like nana, and that's what Sindarin Thranduil is worried about. I suspect that nana's adventuresomeness pleased Thranduil. It was one of the things he loved about her until it got her killed. :-( The newlyweds have only been home for half a day, so there's lots of time yet for things to get better. And even so far, I suspect they've had moments that more than make up for the tension at the lunch table. ;-)

Molly	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
While reading this I remembered a song from, amusingly enough, a Muppets movie that seemed appropriate for Eilian and Celuwen. I won't copy all of the lyrics, but you can find them at this site: http://www.elyrics.net/go/m/Muppets%20Lyrics/He'll%20Make%20Me%20Happy%20Lyrics/. But I think some of the most fitting lyrics are, She'll make him happy/Now and forever/Until forever/Their love will grow/She only knows/He'll make her happy/That's all she needs to know/They'll be so happy/Now and forever/Until forever/Their love will grow. The newlyweds might not be completely at ease at the moment with their place in Thranduil's household, but I have no doubt they'll work things out eventually. Poor Legolas. It seems as if everyone is part of a couple now except him! Ithilden, Eilian, Annael... And we know he's not likely to marry anytime soon, if at all. I wonder how his family feels about that. Author Reply: OK, call me sappy. I went and looked at the lyrics and actually got tears in my eyes. Here they are: He'll make me happy Each time I see him He'll be the reason My heart can sing He'll stand beside me And I'll have everything She'll make me happy Each time I hold her And I will follow Where my heart may lead And she'll be all I'll ever need Days go passing into years Years go passing day by day She'll make him happy Now and forever Until forever Their love will grow She only knows He'll make her happy That's all she needs to know They'll be so happy Now and forever Until forever Their love will grow I'm tearing up again. How sad is THAT!

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
I can't imagine a better development for the settlers than having one of their own turn up as the King's daughter-in-law. It's good fortune that Celuwen and Eilian came up with the idea themselves - in less enlightened societies, their adas might have cooked up the marriage for them as a way to ease the tensions between the palace and the fringe element...I feel sorry for Celuwen, though. She clearly has a huge adjustment to make, and it will be difficult if Eilian leaves again. I hope that Thranduil will recognize her unique talents and give her a chance to demonstrate them and not just leave her to swap lembas recipes with Alfirin... Speaking of Alfirin, her role is changing, too. She's been the undisputed Female Head of Household for an awfully long time, and the arrival of a sister-in-law surely will bring adjustments for her, too. I'll give her credit for welcoming Celuwen despite her discomfort with the unconventional circumstances of Eilian and Celuwen's bonding, but I'm wondering whether she's really ready to accept Celuwen as an equal (which of course she is) and not just a subordinate. I guess we'll find out the first time Celuwen decides to assert herself and change the table settings... Gotta love Ithilden. As the Good Son, I thought he'd be more upset at the Prodigal Eilian, but I guess he's a more easy-going guy than I gave him credit for! I'd love to overhear a bedchamber conversation between him and Alfirin on the topic (hint). Thanks for another great page-turner, Daw! Author Reply: Oh! Oh! An excellent idea! It's going into my outline for the next chapter. Thank you! It's hard to see the time distribution in this story because I've been moving more slowly than usual, but Thranduil has known about this marriage for only half a day now, and all he knows so far is that he's ticked off. But eventually he'll settle down and remember that he loves Eilian and see the good in this marriage. I think that everyone in this family has to adjust, right down to Legolas having to sit somewhere different at the table, and Alfirin is no exception. I think she would have a hard time surrendering her own role. I thought that Ithilden would feel responsible for Eilian in his role as a warrior (and in that capacity, this marriage might make problems for him that he'll deal with) but not as a son. Rather he's Eilian's brother and wants him to be happy. And I thought that his own marriage has been so good for him that he would be really sympathetic.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
LOL! I’m glad you don’t think we’re demanding. And we’re the lucky ones, getting such amazing chapters and so regularly:) This chapter was fabulous – such a great look at Thranduil’s family and their life in the palace. I felt so sorry for Legolas, the way the guards and attendants keep smirking so that he knows something is up. And then to discover that it involves Eilian…well, as he thinks himself, that’s nothing new and I wouldn’t blame him if he felt a little annoyed that they’re arguing again, just when he has unpleasant news to deliver. For some reason, though, I do grin a little at the thought of a tetchy Thranduil frightening the living daylights out of any elf that comes near him! “If that is the case, then you did well, Legolas.” Aaw, it’s nice that he’s quick to praise his son. If I were Legolas, I’d have thanked him and then run off back to the south for a couple of centuries… “There was not enough even to meet all of their own needs. Did Elves who live close to our stronghold make do with less so that Men could eat?” Ah, yes – the same as Legolas and Galivion first thought, and no doubt exactly what Legolas expected his reaction to be. It’s interesting that Thranduil seems to sense Legolas’ anxiety and then looks to Galivion almost as though to substantiate what Legolas has said and for judgement of his son’s actions. I suppose that as much as he trusts Legolas, as king he has to know that the best possible solution has been reached and so he turns to someone more experienced. I really do like Galivion. He seems genuinely fond of Legolas and it’s so good of him to not only let Legolas know that he felt he had done well but he ensures that Thranduil knows this as well. “What in Arda was Eilian doing?” That’s priceless. I can just see him utterly shocked at the thought of Eilian and Celuwen so openly “on intimate terms”! Even Eilian hasn’t lost all reason. snigger Can you just imagine if that’s what was going on – poor Thranduil would probably explode… Oh, daw – Eilian was so happy to see Legolas and would have been so crushed if Legolas didn’t accept what they did. That moment actually made me quite teary! I’m so glad Legolas was perceptive enough to notice Eilian’s unhappiness fairly quickly and reassure his brother. “It is about time.” Well, that’s an understatement if ever I heard one! I loved the dinner scene. You did a great job of showing the tension at the table. I really admire Celuwen for attempting to make them all feel a bit more at ease, especially when they should make the effort for her. Alfirin is going to great lengths to feed Celuwen! I like the way you showed Legolas’ assumptions and perceptions because he doesn’t know that Celuwen was ill. I suppose he doesn’t know what a fading elf looks like to the same extent as the rest of his family do. “Do you remember falling off your horse?” LOL! Nice one, Celuwen. It’s absolutely hilarious the way they all turn in utter surprise at this. I really enjoyed their teasing. There was still a certain tension but I like that they all make the effort and are genuinely enjoying teasing Legolas. And good old Thranduil trying to show that it was Pilin’s fault rather than Legolas’. I’m still laughing at the thought of Legolas riding back south on a pony… Oh, I nearly forgot – “Very little disturbed Ithilden’s appetite.” I don’t know why but I LOVED that sentence. But then, Ithilden is still my favourite… I’d love you to write that POV for him that you mentioned (but I’m not demanding it!). “Legolas wished he could read the message that Thranduil planned to send.” Me too! That was brave of Alfirin, to suggest a ceremony. I kind of feel bad for her because she’s so lovely and seems totally uncomfortable with the way all this happened. I had never really thought before about what Alfirin does, or her role within the family and I admit that I was pleasantly surprised that she is so capable. I mean, I knew that she was in terms of her family but this seems like so much work for her and yet she doesn’t appear to mind. I wonder who did it before she came along? She’s honest too with Celuwen. She seems to feel sorry for her and admire her in equal measure. I hope Celuwen’s parents do turn up, if only to make her a little happier. “What am I doing here? she suddenly wondered. And even more, what am I to do here?” I’m glad you gave Celuwen this doubt. It makes it so much more realistic than if she was immediately very happy. It’s only to be expected that as much as she loves Eilian and doesn’t regret bonding with him, she has to wonder at her future. It’s probably a little scary for her as well because she is likely comparing herself to Alfirin – but Alfirin has had a long time to get used to palace life. It wouldn’t have been easy for her in the beginning either. I think as well that the fact that she was so overcome with grief and is still unwell has to be contributing to her anxiety. I know there’s little likelihood of herself and Eilian having children yet but somewhere along the line at least it would give her something to hold onto when he is away. I have to say, I’m really interested to know what will become of Celuwen. No doubt that’ll be another story, though…;) Author Reply: I imagine there are days when Thranduil's advisers wish they could just go back to bed. I suspect he can be hard to deal with. But he had enough self possession to praise Legolas and was undoubtedly pleased that Galivion seemed to think his son had done well. Galivion has developed oddly. When I first started to write about him, I had him almost as a cliched dithering adviser, but then he turned real on me, someone who is experience and is willing to support his king's youngest son with that experience. Yeah, Legolas doesn't know what a fading elf looks like in the same way the others do. So he sees Celuwen being fed but can't really make sense of it. The dinner table scene was one I enjoyed writing. If your family has never had a tense meal like that, then I envy you! Mine occasionally has. And Legolas was certainly horrified to have the little horse incident brought up. At least she didn't tell about having to bathe him! One of the things I did when getting ready to write this chapter was make a list of what Alfirin might do all day (I've done that before: what does Thranduil do? what does a young Legolas do?). It was amazingly long and demanding. She's running a small business really, ordering supplies, hiring and firing, supervising, planning. Just think of the constant stream of visitors that probably has to be entertained. But Celuwen has to find something for herself too. We'll get some sense of what that will be in this story, I'm happy to say.

naneth	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
Poor Legolas goes from being Lord Legolas, son of the king, diplomat, and master negotiator to "picked on" youngest child all in one day! Poor guy! He handled it all with grace, but I still hope that Beliond and Galivion let Thranduil know that his youngest son is truly exceptional in all that he does. Author Reply: I hadn't thought of it, but you're right! That must have been quite a transition. Beliond and Galivion are coming up in the next chapter I think. I thought they'd be in this one but I always underestimate how much space it's going to take me to tell a story.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
I so want to be a fly on the wall when Beliond has his discussion with Thranduil grin. I would be curious to hear Beliond and Galivion's assessment of how Legolas did, because really, he faced quite a series of tests and handled himself quite well. I think Alfirin is already recognizing Celuwen's strengths and weaknesses, and the royal men of Mirkwood better beware if they team up together. The two of them can manage these guys quite well, I think. Author Reply: I think you might get your wish about Beliond and Thranduil, and even Galivion and Thranduil. It's Tinar and Ithilden that I think will be the most fun to write about! Alfirin is pretty sharp. She's willing to let Ithilden be in charge until it comes to something that she thinks is right or to protecting her family and then everyone else had better get out of her way!

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
I'm glad to see Legolas back at home again - I hope he has at least a little leave left. Everyone is trying very hard to be as normal as possible, but things must be very strained. I loved the way Celuwen thawed the ice, even if it was unintentional! I, too, would love to see what Thranduil writes in his invitation, and to witness the confrontation between him and Solith. Happy families! Author Reply: You're not going to see the invitation but you will certainly see the meeting! Legolas was lucky Celuwen didn't talk about giving him bed baths and probably holding the cup he peed in. daw

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
Well, Legolas is home, delivered his news to his adar and caught up on the news at home. And what news that was! I'm sure he was more than a little shocked, but pleased at Eilian's obvious happiness. I think his approval was important to Eilian. Even though he assumed Legolas would be supportive, it's always nice to find out that your hope was not misplaced. The dining room scene was great. Celuwen bringing up the horse incident was such fun. Poor Legolas was a bit embarrassed. But it did lighten the mood somewhat. And nothing disturbs Ithilden's appetite! I could see him shoveling away while watching in complete amusement as his whole family dithered about in discomfort. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop when he gets Eilian alone. Ithilden is as conventional as Alfirin, and I can't believe he doesn't have something to say to Eilian about his hasty marriage. Perhaps we will see this in how he deals with Eilian's posting back to the south? Not only has Eilian directly defied his father, but he now has a new marriage to make work. Oh, the consequences. I'm interested to see how Celuwen and Alfirin forge their relationship. While I think Alfirin is happy for Celuwen and Eilian, she is scandalized! And Celuwen is not as comfortable as Alfirin in delegating duties. Of course, Alfirin has had centuries to adjust, I suppose. And her personality is more suited to running the household. Maybe Celuwen can take over overseeing the gardens or something that has to do with growing things. Or she could be Thranduil's new liaison to the cranky settlers. :>) Which brings me to another point...the settlers. Thranduil's worry about the settlement Elves seems a little misplaced. I mean, what are they going to do? Thranduil is worried they will break with the rest of Mirkwood. Just exactly where are they going to go? I can't see them leaving the forest they love, and Imladris and Lorien are hardly going to send troops to protect them or see to their needs. None of this is to mention that Celuwen is a consenting adult. Eilian did not force her to do his bidding. She chose to bond with him. So Solith is not happy. So what? It's not the business of the other settlers. It's a family problem and would be inappropriate for the other settlers to get involved, even if Solith tries to make it a settlement issue. Surely, these Elves would be wise enough to realize that Solith is out of line in trying to enlist them in revolt against the king. Hopefully, Solith will come to realize that his daugher's happiness outweighs his own designs. And hopefully, Thranduil will realize this, too. He certainly has cause to be angry with Eilian, but the issue is that Eilian disobeyed him. It's not the bonding and it's not the settlers. It's insubordination, and like Thranduil told Celuwen, it's a matter between father and son. They will all recover from the slight insult of protocol, but the issue is not so much a political concern (though that's a side consideration) as it is a family one. As a parent, I can certainly understand Thranduil being incensed over the disobedience. Bonding is irrevocable, and the consequences of Eilian's spontaneous behavior has come home to roost once again. Personally, I think Thranduil has a right to his anger, but the settlers are not as important as trying to smooth things over with Celuwen's parents...for the happiness of Celuwen...and ultimately, Eilian's. Hopefully, Thranduil will come to grips with this and set aside being a politician and just be a father in this situation. The only political fallout I can see is Solith revealing his own manipulative tendencies to his people if he tries to start trouble over this. At least, I hope the settlement Elves are wise enough to see through his ruse. OKAY! Now that I've gotten that out of my system, let me say that I love this story. You've created wonderfully flawed characters that are so realistic that they make flawed decisions and have to deal with the consequences. Just think, daw, you may not agree with my assessments from above, but you've got your readers thinking, taking sides, and ready to take on your hardheaded characters that we disagree with. Brilliant! This is why I so love your Mirkwood. Your characters and situations make me think and try to understand them...just like real life. They have depth and complexity. You give the reader credit for being a thinking readership and do not over-tell your story, but give us what we need to see the story unfold...warts and all! We get to see the characters we so love, struggle, make mistakes and grow from them...most of the time. We're still watching some of the characters with rapt interest to see where they'll go. Just brilliant! Carry on, your dawness. What a good story! Karen Author Reply: Karen-- You're great! I loved the rant, and mostly I have to say I agree with you. But do you want to be the one to tell Thranduil that? OK. Maybe you do. ;-) As it happens, I have someone else in mind for some of that job though. I think the consequences of Eilian's behavior are going to rest heaviest on Celuwen's shoulders and his, but they probably feel they are well compensated. Everyone else has to adjust too though, and Eilian didn't consider that at all, I think. He's only noticing it now even in things as small as Legolas having to take a different spot at the table. It's interesting to think of the fact that Ithilden can be happy for Eilian as a brother at the same time that he sees the problems this is going to make in deciding what to do with the captain of his southern patrol. He seems to be able to separate those roles mostly. Thranduil, on the other hand, has trouble letting go of the king sometimes and I think his children suffer for it, especially Eilian who has some emotional scars to show for it. I have had the most fun making these characters flawed and having them grow. It's one of the things that I miss in a lot of stories of these very heroic and wonderful characters that Tolkien gave us.

erunyauve	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
It occurred to me that Legolas might feel a little hurt that Eilian had bonded without telling him. The circumstances, of course, made that impossible, but I can't help the feeling that Legolas is squashing some of his own feelings. Celuwen's place at the table illustrates that to some extent. I can also imagine that it's quite an adjustment for Alfirin, too. Without a queen, she would assume many of the duties that Thranduil's wife would have managed, and she's more or less been left alone to do these things as she saw fit, I would think. It might be rather difficult to find ways to involve Celuwen in those duties, especially since she and Celuwen are very different in temperament and experience. Author Reply: Legolas resented Celuwen's taking Eilian away when he was little and he might feel a bit that way now, I think. He and Eilan have always been very close and now Eilian will be primarily tied to Celuwen. I wanted to hint at that a little. And Alfirin has been taking care of things for Thranduil for a long time. Yet she's not the queen, not someone who would be motherly to Celuwen (although that might present its own problems). These are issues that only occurred to me as I started to think about this situation and ask myself how everyone was going to react. The fun of having a large cast!

dr_seuss_is_cool	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2004
hello. I am very glad that Legolas is back. He seemed very diplomatic and some other emotion or feeling at the same time. I loved that. He has all the qualities of being a great king if need be. I couldn't resist myself from laughing at Legolas when his family was teasing him. They all seem such the perfect picture of family when they were eating and teasing Legolas. Too bad Alfirin semi ruined it. Oh well. I still love her character much. I am very worried about Celuwen. She seems very confused. I feel very bad for her. Well, thank you for yet another wonder-filled chapter! Bye :) Author Reply: There would have to be real disaster in Mirkwood for Legolas to wind up king. Ithilden, Sinnarn, and Eilian are all ahead of him, for which I can only assume he's grateful. I doubt if he would enjoy being king. I thought it was very good of Legolas to take the teasing well because it made everyone feel better. Alfirin is thinking of the future. She believes that the ceremonies are important and she wants people to treat Eilian and Celuwen's bond with respect. Glad you liked it!

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