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Spring Awakenings by daw the minstrel	39 Review(s)
Antigone Q	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
I was waiting for this. I've been peeking at my email all day - and last night, too! I loved Thranduil in this chapter. So he was up half the night being introspective and figuring out the rift between Eilian and him? That was a good thing. And of course, when Thranduil finally took the time to slow down and explain to his son how much he worried, and how deeply Eilian was loved, Eilian responded. I hope Thranduil notes for future reference that Eilian would never give such a heartfelt apology after being raked over the coals for twenty minutes, even if he was clearly in the wrong. I hope I see more understandings between them in the future. I was very satisfied to see Thranduil put Solith in his place, too. Totally aside from seeing Thranduil in protective-father mode, it was good for Eilian to see that Thranduil won't allow anyone to be disrespectful of his family. And clever Thranduil! It was a stroke of genius to name Celuwen one of his Settlement Advisors in front of her father. Now if Solith has problems with Thranduil's edicts regarding the settlements, it will be tantamount to mistrusting his own daughter's judgment. The ceremony was lovely. I could just imagine Eilian and Celuwen all in green - good choice of wedding color for Wood Elves! And it makes perfect sense that Eilian, who has so many friends, could count on them to be at the ceremony, make noise, and bring extra food. There was a line in "When Shadow Touches Home" that made me all sniffly: it had to do with Thranduil going to bed and staying awake all night, missing his wife deeply. There was an echo of that here. I'm glad Beliond came to comfort him, at least a little. I'm sorry this one is over; I had a good time. P.S. ...Bring on the Elflings! Author Reply: It tickles me that you looked forward to this chapter, Antigone. I am so grateful for my readers. You're right of course, that after a false start, Thranduil groped his way to treating Eilian in the best way possible to have him respond well. I think Eilian needs to feel loved by the people who matter most to him, and Thranduil is high on that list. And though he must know his father loves him, they just talk right past one another sometimes. This was better. Maybe they can do better again. Solith was in a very unequal battle, outclassed by Thranduil in every possible way. And I liked the thought of Eilian's friends each thinking they would bring some precious bit of food and then finding that others had done it too. And for Thranduil, this wedding did evoke memories that are painful as well as precious. Poor guy. No wonder he wants to protect his sons. I'm kind of sorry this one is over too. And no elflings for a little while!

LOTRFaith	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
Am quite curious to see if Tuilinn will be in the next story... Hmm? :-) I was pleased to see Thranduil lock horns to a point with Sólith... I liked how Thranduil stepped down and explained his actions to Eilian... I know how Eilian feels at times... Being a middle child;-) Sometimes you feel like everyone is out to get you... True or not;-)... Looking forward to the next story hopefully... :-) Author Reply: I'm a middle child too, and my sympathies are with Eilian. As I was typing that though, I wondered if it would be different with elves because of the big differences in their ages. Each one of Thranduil's sons might have felt more like an only child. Or maybe not. It's really hard to guess at the effect those big time spans would have had. Solith was in a contest he was bound to lose. Thranduil is the master.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
Oh, Daw! What a wonderful chapter. I am so proud of Thranduil. He recognized the source of his fear for his son, narrowed down exactly what it was that frightened him and admitted it! It seems to me that he never meant to hurt Eilian, he simply wanted to protect himself from the kind of pain he felt when he lost Lorellin, and if possible, push Eilian into being different from his naneth so he could protect them both from this horrible outcome. I think that by explaining how he had come to set up his reaction and relationship to Eilian, it helped Eilian finally understand where his adar was coming from. I can't help but think that while it might not change who Eilian is, it will make Eilian more aware of how his behavior affects those who love him. Gee, it only took them around 350 years to figure this out. What can I say? They're males! :>) Still, it was a wonderfully written scene. It was a difficult but poignant moment for Thranduil, and such a sweet moment when father and son came to an understanding. Utmost in that understanding was that above all else, they love each other. And for Thranduil, the realization that Lorellin is still with him in the form of their son was a real tugger on the heartstrings. Eilian is the living legacy of two of the people Thranduil loved most: His wife, Lorellin and his father, Oropher. Oh my goodness. I'm a little teary eyed. Just wonderful, daw. Solith is a slow learner, but he seems to be catching on. Thranduil was the king and adar through and through at that moment when he asked if the old goat would dare to insult 'our son'. And the best blessing the old coot could come up with was one involving the political advantages of the union of one of the settlers and the king's son...and a sort of backhanded acknowledgement to his daughter's happiness! Bless his heart. He has a long way to go. There were so many nice little details that I loved. The extra food the people brought out of love for Eilian. The ring that Thranduil had given Lorellin at Eilian's conception. Legolas searching the crowd. Thranduil's sense of loss while watching Eilian and Celuwen dancing. Maltanaur riding all night to be present at the celebration. And of course, Beliond. The ending was also well done. How strange it must have felt for Eilian for Legolas to be riding back south while he stayed home. Of course, Beliond will not let the whelp out of his sight. Thranduil seemed to be in a different place with his sons, and it was doubly hard for him to see Legolas leave again. As difficult as it was, he let his son go. A very touching moment. Such a good story, daw. So much happened! I'm suffering the depression I always feel when your stories end, but I always have hope that there will be another. This was a real triumph of personal examination for your characters. Way to go! Karen Author Reply: Karen-- Thank you for that wonderful reaction to the father/son scene. Yes, they're males. But fortunately they're male elves, so they have time! I think that understanding why they act as they do will help them refrain from hurting one another so much. Solith is not an easy person to like, I have to say. I strongly suspect that Legolas said something insulting about him when he whispered in Alfirin's ear! Those details you mention all mattered to me, so I'm glad you liked them. You know what it's like when you write: each little thing is deliberately chosen. I expect there will be another story! This is the last week of classes and then final exams and then I will have time to breathe again.

nessie	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
Okay, it's about time I reviewed for this one. I loved this story, and it was sad at the end with Thranduil, having to tell Eilian how much he is like his mother and how he's frightened because of that. It was also sweet of him to let Eilian give Celuwen the ring that Thranduil gave to Lorellin. It must have been a bit hard for him, but he made a good choice at the end. Now, are you going to start writing any other stories any time soon? If so, I can't wait! I would love to see the Battle of the Five Armies, or something before that, or even the Royal family defending Mirkwood while Legolas is out killing Uruk-hai and befriending dwarves(!) and men. I would also like to see you write something about when Legolas arrives home and his family discovers his sea-longing. Just little suggestions ^_^ But anyhoo, this was absolutely spiffing, and I can't wait for more Ithilden, Eilian, Legolas, and last-but especially not least- Thranduil! ~nessie~ P.S- Only just discovered I don't have to add the sick on the end here like I have to do for ff.net! Yay! Author Reply: For Thranduil, that linking of Eilan and his mother and Thranduil's anger was a real insight. I'm thinking it may affect their relationship. They're always going to rub one another the wrong way sometimes because they're so different, but maybe Thranduil can stop hurting Eilian so much. I don't know what to write next. I'll have to think about it. Maybe Ithilden and young Legolas? I'd like to write the Five Armies, but I may do a young Legolas thing first. I miss him! daw

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
Oh, and I forgot to add that I was highly amused when Thranduil told Eilian to stick a chair under the doorknob. Except that I'm just puritanical enough to go "EWW!!" at the thought of hinting at bedroom activities in a discussion between parent and child. So it was a combination of "EW!" and "Hah!" Author Reply: LOL. It was a distant hint and they were males and one of them was Eilian!

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
Not the last chapter! Noooooo! stomps feet and throws tantrum Okay, tantrum over. The conversation between Eilian and Thranduil was...just...wow. That was an eerily perfect parent-child conversation, especially for those two. Thranduil wants to make Eilian understand how much he's loved, but he just can't break his habit of judging and criticizing and lecturing, and it all ends up coming out wrong, and Eilian reacts defensively. At least Eilian managed to get the most important points: that Thranduil loves him, appreciates his service and that Lorellin is the reason for a lot of Thranduil's concern. And yet they both know that Thranduil will always be especially worried about Eilian because even when he's being responsible he's just less cautious than Thranduil; it's just a difference in attitude between them. That was perfect. And the bit about Lorellin approving of Eilian's hasty bonding made me laugh. I can see it: Thranduil being furious and Lorellin saying, "But darling, it's so romantic!" And then the celebration. Solith was funny, but even more than that, he shows how much class Thranduil has, especially in comparison. The way he maintains that he's happy for the couple and the way he calls Celuwen his daughter--he's great. I wonder what Legolas whispered to Alfirin. He can be a smart-aleck. And I felt bad for him looking for Tuilinn. I liked that Maltanaur showed up, though, and I liked the Beliond-Thranduil bit at the end, and everyone's reactions to Legolas riding back to his patrol. This was a great story, Daw--I look forward to seeing what you write next! Author Reply: I think that Thranduil and Eilian will always drive one another crazy (because, as you say, they're so different), but the more they understand one another and themselves, the better they can keep from hurting one another. And yes, "But darling, it's so romantic!" is probably exactly what naneth would have said! Thranduil is a wily elf. And he does, indeed, have class. He will welcome Celuwen and treat her well, and Solith had better at least make a semblance of politeness to Eilian when Thranduil is around. I thought Maltanaur needed to be at Eilian's wedding reception, if not at the event itself (that would have been awkward!). Glad you liked the story, Ms. Whatsit. daw

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
That was truly beautiful - you had me teary-eyed, but then I've always cried at weddings. It's wonderful how you've brought everyone into the celebration, even Lorellin. Thranduil is really a shrewd elf. He had everyone where he wanted them to be, and basically saying things that he wanted them to say, especially Solith. I still don't like that old grouch and I really wish someone would give him a good smack. However, it was very satisfying to see him being cornered by Thranduil. The scene between Thranduil and Eilian was very touching. Perhaps Thranduil should resort to being the loving adar more often - Eilian seems to be so much more receptive to tender words than to rules set out in black and white. Though Thranduil clearly loves all his sons, it amazes me sometimes that he can be so abrasive toward Eilian. I guess it all stems from his love for Lorellin. Thank you for such a wonderful story! Author Reply: Thranduil did indeed have everyone where he wanted them. I suspect that's a common situation for him which is one reason he's so ticked off when Eilian follows his own drummer. But as you say, Thranduil did a better job of approaching Eilian in this chapter too. Naneth used to say that if he gave approval, Eilian would try to please, but Thranduil wanted those things in the other order. Eilian is soft-hearted. Love speaks to him in a way that discipline does not.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
Your Thranduil really shines in this chapter. He is enlightened about his son, almost an epiphany in seeing why he is so hard on Eilian, and then he manages Solith very well. He makes it impossible for Solith to not go along with the celebration, and then nicely stands up for his son. Maltanaur and Beliond are great as always, and I enjoyed the send off Legolas got at the end. I am rather sure Beliond will keep him out of trouble. Oh, and I vote for an elleth for Eilian. That will drive him both crazy and make him very happy. :D Author Reply: Thranduil is smart, and when he is confronted with an important problem, he can often figure things out. And this time, the solution jumped out of his own mouth and he saw something important about his relationship to his son. Eilian and Celuwen are going to WAIT to have elflings. They are being patient!

naneth	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/26/2004
A fine ending to a fine story. Well done as always. Your stories always leave me happy but wanting more, more, more! Author Reply: Thank you, Naneth. There are always more stories. :-) This one was fun, though, and I'm sorry to see it end.

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