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Paths Taken by daw the minstrel	25 Review(s)
Elentari	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/17/2004
“Get me a healer!” Thranduil snapped, ***** Dunno about you but I L.O.V.E. Authoritative Thrandy. Nobody can do it like he does. And it also made me giggle out loud imagining the scene and the apprentice having to swallow the retort he/she would undoubtedly have at the tip of the tongue. Go King! ***** “I am sorry, my lord. We tried to take him home because we thought you would not want him here, but he--” he paused, groping for a word. “He protested,” the guard finished lamely. Thranduil eyed the guard’s red face and rumpled tunic. “Evidently,” **** Whooohooo! That was hilarious! I guess it WAS too much to expect Legolas to just go home when he did not know if his big brother would be all right. He'd wish to see it for himself. He had enough trouble t6hat he neds that one worry off his list. ***** The care Thranduil displays for Legolas in this chapter is absolutely fabulous. It is really touching how legolas opens up with adar when he knows there will be consequences but little Legolas trusts his dad just too much not to do it. It's something I have noticed consistently through your stories- Legolas always tells. He's a brave little boy. you deserve a big trophy for parent/child interaction. the hesitation of Thranduil between sitting there with his oldest and going home to care for the youngest is a treat. Cheers for Gwaleniel for realising his dilemma and solving it for him with no blood spilt. **** “I can take a bath here,” Legolas insisted. Thranduil had a sudden glimmer of how unpleasant it was going to be if Legolas chose to “protest” being removed from the infirmary. He was steeling himself to be firm when Gwaleniel interposed. ********* That's art. The whole bathing scene, too. I cannot speak often enough how glad I am that you can portrait dad and child so well. It's the kind of thing that makes me want to go hug my own dad. Ithilden is a darling in this chapter, yet again. In a way I am glad you haven't explored him before because he's coming around nicely in this fic. His incapacity to hand command over shows even when he's in the infirmary, lol! And he's such a darling, anxious to hear of his baby brother. * “How are you?” she asked, seeing that he was awake. I ache for you, he thought, to his own astonishment. “Better,” he croaked. “Not much, I think,” she smiled. “But you will be. My naneth will take good care of you.” He smiled weakly back at her. And then, suddenly, his treacherous stomach rebelled again, and he could feel cold sweat on his face. She must have had enough experience with sick people that she saw what was happening, for she jumped forward and held his head over the basin that had been left on the edge of his bed. To his utter mortification, he retched repeatedly. When he had finished, she lowered his head back to the pillow. And then, miraculously, she did not take her hands away. Rather, she stroked his hair gently. He tried to open his mouth to speak, to tell her she did not need to stay here while he was so disgustingly sick, or at least to thank her, but she hushed him. “Do not worry, my lord,” she murmured gently. “You do not need to talk.” He lay as still as could, not wanting her to move away. And before he knew it, he had slid away into dreams again. This time, someone bent to kiss him softly on the forehead as he lay in an unfamiliar bed. **** Evidently there ARE some positive pints of being ill. Hmmm.... Author Reply: Authoritative Thranduil IS very appealing, isn't he? ;-) Unless you're one of his kids, I guess. Although even then, they seem to appreciate his strength when they need him. And I think that Legolas is, in a way, closer to his father than either of his brothers was because Thranuil is his only parent. It occurred to me that Ithilden had not seen Legolas since he sent him off by himself. He wakes up in the infirmary and really doesn't even know how he got there. For all he knows, the Home Guard found him and Legolas is wandering somewhere. And I amused myself by making him surrender command to the healer. It's hard for him, poor thing.

Jebb	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/17/2004
What can I say? Stunning and so beautifully done From the bit where Thranduil holds Legolas between his knees onwards I was crying and the way Ada offers help in a way Legolas can accept without loss of dignity was so good too. Did Thranduil consciously wait until Legolas would not have to look at him before asking the awkward question I wonder? Knowing Adar he did. Also no need for scolding the lesson has already been learned by both sons and very painfully too. Ithilden not in control how will he manage? Still Alfirin having seen him at his weakest and most needy will never be afraid of his more dominant personality traits she knows he needs her quiet strength and now it seems so does he Simply lovely although I read the dreaded word of maybe only one more chapter more tears! Author Reply: You're good, Jebb! Yes, Thranduil waited until Legolas was looking away and also until he was gently touching the kid's head. And Legolas confessing was the best thing he could have done. He got it off his own chest and made it completely unnecessary for Thranduil to tell him what he should have done: he said it himself. Ithilden not in control and enjoying it! How about that??

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/17/2004
Ahh - Ithilden and Alfirin. He's actually managed to speak to her! And she stroked his hair! I bet Legolas didn't mention Ithilden slapping him - a) embarrassing and b) sneaking. I don't expect he mentioned shooting the spiders himself either - a)boasting and b) shooting near another person. Children that age are so funny - they cannot tell the difference between actions that will be approved / disapproved. Thranduil is a super-adar. He is dealing with both of them very well. And Gwaleniel is clearly good as healing and parenting. Lovely chapter. More! Author Reply: You are absolutely right about the things Legolas left out. Now, when Ithilden gets better, he'll be wanting to talk to Thranduil too, and I suspect both of those details will come up. Maybe. I haven't written it yet actually, so I'm not sure. The thing about Thranduil is that he can seem really remote when his kids are doing well, and he's not particularly flexible usually, but when they need him, he's there.

Hisie Lome	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/16/2004
Daw, I am so pressed for time this evening... thus a very short review. Well done. I loved how Legolas was full of guilt, terror, and pain and his adar was so comforting. I loved how Ithilden was full of concern for his baby brother. I loved how Gwaleniel did not broke warrior nonsense and yet was able to be tender and reasonable to Legolas. I loved how Ithilden tried to be strong, only to lose control. Alfirin will be such a blessing to Ithilden...he will need to regain his footing. You have woven a fine peace. I look forward to more. Thank you for all of your hard work... Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome Author Reply: Poor Legolas. All Thranduil had to do was get him started and everything came pouring out. And it occurred to me that Ithilden had not seen Legolas since he sent him off on his own. After all, Ithilden was unconscious when help arrived. So when he woke up, he had no way to know if Legolas was ok. Plus, of course, he had bad dream. And Gwaleniel does have a good bedside manner. Let's hope Alfirin does too!

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/16/2004
Terrific chapter, daw. Thranduil handled Legolas well. Author Reply: He did, didn't he? He can be so hard-nosed when he trying to prevent trouble, but when his kids need him, he almost always comes through.

erunyauve	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/16/2004
Wonderful! I can't think of a better nurse for Ithilden than Alfirin. If he weren't so wretchedly sick, this could be a rather enjoyable experience for him. And Legolas is adorable in this chapter. Obviously, this is one of those situations in which the crime has already handed out its own punishment, but it also proves the adage that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Legolas has learned quite a bit about his brother's wisdom. Author Reply: I think Ithilden may find having Alfirin around an enjoyable experience anyway. At least, as much as he is capable of enjoying anything right now. Legolas is so full of guilt and fear that all Thranduil has to do is get him started and it all spills out. Poor baby.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/16/2004
Thranduil had to move further away from the bed to get out of the way, drawing a clinging Legolas with him. He sat down in a chair against the wall, pulled Legolas between his knees, and wrapped his arms around the child. So many gorgeous moments in this chapter! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the first line about Thranduil with his son in his arms, kicking in the infirmary door . . . and then this one where he's cuddling Legolas . . . and the bath scene was so beautifully tender! Are you going further with this story? Are Ithilden and Alfirin going to spend more time together? Can't wait . . .!!! Author Reply: I think one more chapter, Esamen, although my beta says maybe two. I'm just tying up threads now and it depends on how long it takes me. Thranduil was a good father in this chapter, determined to get care for his oldest and aware of the emotional strain in his youngest. I'm very glad you are enjoying it.

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/16/2004
Heh. I just knew Ithilden's getting hurt would be the catalyst for a romance with Alfirin. That last part was very sweet. And we got to see Thranduil being a good father and taking care of poor, guilty little Legolas and worrying about Ithilden. Thranduil's quite perceptive--doesn't miss much, does he, even when Legolas is not in the mood to talk about certain subjects. I like Gwaleniel. She's very no-nonsense and won't take any warrior's stoicism from Ithilden. Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the little start of romance here, Ms. Whatsit. Ithilden needs someone who will treat him and love him as just himself, not the strong person who has to save everyone. And Gwaleniel let him know that he wasn't the commander in the infirmary. He doesn't have to be the commander with Alfirin either. Legolas was so choked with guilt and fear that he needed his father to talk to and all Thranduil had to do was get him started. Poor little guy. He feels better now.

rikki	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/16/2004
Do elves have angels? 'Cause I think Ithilden just found his. What a sweet chapter in all this chaos. Thranduil must have ridden like the wind to get back to the palace. And then to run to the Healing rooms to find a healer rather than call them to the palace is a good indication of what he is feeling for his eldest son. The training that Legolas has had with Gwaleniel shows up here too. Though he is distressed, Legolas can give coherent replies about the treatment that Ithilden has received so far which is a relief for the seriousness of this illness. Otherwise, Gwaleniel would be trying to give Ithilden more antidote and getting liquid down a person who is unconscious is very difficult. Legolas also shows a surprising jump in maturity here. He may have protested about leaving Ithilden and staying in the Healing rooms, but he was very forthcoming about telling Thranduil about what really happened out in the woods. He could have kept quiet until Ithilden was awake again, but he took the initiative to come clean to his Adar. Though Thranduil has had to raise Legolas on his own, he has done a good job in giving Legolas the strengths and honesty he will need in the future. Now if both sons could be in the same room or Thranduil could duplicate himself! He is going to be one tired Adar keeping up with all the nightmares these sons are going to have. It is a good thing Alfirin is on hand. What a way to say Ithilden got to know his future wife. Author Reply: I liked the idea of making Legolas's time in the infirmary useful here, even though it was a punishment. He learned some things that will stand him in good stead forever. And Legolas was so stressed out with guilt and fear that he was dying to confide in someone. Ada was there and he was being loving and that's about all it took. I imagine it was a relief to let go rather than try to hide what happened. If Legolas had been feeling better, he might not have done it. Alfirin MUST be growing fond of Ithilden if she can hold his head while he pukes. I think it was that stripped to the waist look he was wearing in an earlier chapter!

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/16/2004
The ride to the infirmary must have been one of the longest of Thranduil's life. No pressure Gwaleniel. "He protested." "Evidently." LOL - I imagine his youngest had a screaming, cursing fit and there was no way in Morgoth that Legolas was staying in the palace. Thranduil was wise not to send the hysterical elfling away. The guard was obviously not a parent but Gwaleniel is a master of motherhood. She handled the young one well and gleaned the necessary information with little trauma. "I had to get it," not a lie but not the entire truth. What a little diplomat. I am glad you let him stay with his brother. It would of been devastating for him to have to leave. His little bath scene with his Adar was very sweet. Legolas definitely needed a little TLC. The confession will do a lot to calm the poor little guy. Thranduil did a good job listening without being judgemental. I liked how supportive he was and the compliments to his courage will go far. It is amazing how fast a kid can fall asleep. Your elven dreams are always very scary. I loved how Ithilden's first word upon wakening was Legolas. He is a great big brother. Apparently nightmares are contagious - at least when you are thoroughly traumatized. I am sure Thranduil is ready to have the pair in the same room for a while. Something finally went right for Ithilden - he got some alone time with Alfirin. H/C is a great way to start a relationship! Author Reply: I would not want to have the king's son and heir in my care. I once had the daughter of the president of GM in my class and that was bad enough. Legolas is on the edge and he could not be expected to stay by himself. As you say, the guard must not be a parent. Otherwise, he would have seen that the kid was not to be reasoned with. Gwaleniel has an excellent bedside manner! Plus she has Alfirin and Tonduil, the son who is Legolas's age. She is a really good nana. Guilt and fear were eating at Legolas and he just couldn't wait to get rid of them. There was no question of holding back once Ada got him alone and started asking questions. Poor vomiting Ithilden! I'm sure that was NOT how he wanted to look to this maiden. But it's probably better that he looks vulnerable. She won't be scared off.

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