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Good Neighbors by daw the minstrel	241 Review(s)
elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
I finally got my wonderful relatives out of my house from the holiday and I am having so much fun catching up with my reading. I was sorry to see "Complete" on this story but it was an outstanding ending. Thranduil's reaction to Legolas' story was perfect. I thought earlier how Thranduil was going to lose it when he finally heard his son had hidden a Mannish child that admitted he would be hung if caught--the danger and political ramifications in that would just kill poor Thranduil. But he handled it right. Plenty of time to deal with Legolas, he has to deal with the kid first. And what a wonderful reaction. Thranduil may be a formidable king but he is such a good ada, no matter whose kids are involved. I just loved the picture of him comforting Rodda and assuring him that he had done nothing wrong. I can so see that and I thought it was just perfect. From that whole sequence, I love this line--"Had his older sons ever been as willing to fight their friends’ battles as this one was?" Isn't that the truth. Or all of Arda's battles, as time will tell. And poor Rodda when he realized who Thranduil was. That was priceless. The kid handled that revelation better than I would have. Good for him. And the scene in Legolas' room. Again, priceless, from the bath to Thranduil's realization that he was now clothing the children of Esgaroth. Poor Thranduil, Legolas must really tax his patience sometimes. Of course, the scene in the garden was wonderful. I am glad to see that the twins are seeing something of what Eilian told them. And I'm glad Rodda got to see how relieved Alen was to discover he was still alive and how willing he was to make sure he had a good home. But it was a great touch to show Thranduil making it clear to all that he would see to the protection of the child. I wonder what they thought when they saw Legolas' last gift, the arrows. But now to my favorite part--Magic!Thranduil. Loved it! Loved it! That was so great. Ithilden's reaction was great. I loved the whole last paragraph of that sequence. Again sorry to see one end. Surely you must know what I'm going to end up saying 'cause I pester you like this everytime you end one--give us a hint what you'll do next. I can always hardly stand the wait. Author Reply: Ada!Thranduil just came through, didn't he? I gues that was his day to really shine! He left the king behind and was just the slightly uncertain parent trying to coax a scared child into trusting him. For me, it was like seeing a very private side of Thranduil that I loved writing about. I hadn't thought in terms of Thranduil clothing the children of Esgaroth, but you're right! LOL. No wonder he gets exasperated sometimes. The twins came through too, though. When the chips were down, they could ignore their own problems long enough to use their greater knowledge of men and help this child whose pain must have looked familiar to them. I'm glad you liked the magic. Are you going to do an Enchanted River scene? I'd like to see it. It makes sense that it's Thranduil's doing, doesn't it? I don't know what I'm going to write next. I looked at my list of possible stories a little while ago: little lost elfling (an idea that cropped up in the story about the mice)? The time after the Battle of Five Armies? Some other things I have down with Ithilden, etc.? I don't know. There are always more stories. :-)

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
I’m so proud of everyone!! Especially Thranduil and Legolas. Legolas has a heart of gold, even if not always the best judgement and Thranduil… see, I knew that despite any inclination to keep his distance from men, he’d try to help the boy. Children always change things and Thranduil is too much of a father not to care. Oh, and I love Magic!Thranduil too! Thranduil must have been just horrified when Legolas told him his tale. He’s right, of course, that Rodda could easily have hurt any of them. Not to mention the fact that keeping the child there could cause no end of problems with Esgaroth. But I was so glad that he realised how much Rodda and his story had affected Legolas. I thought it was so touching that Thranduil tried to live up to Legolas’ faith in him and to reassure his son while actually feeling rather helpless in the face of such a strange tale. “Had his older sons ever been as willing to fight their friends’ battles as this one was?” Oh, there’s a good question! I have no doubt that they’re all very loyal but it seems a distinctly Legolas trait to be so selfless in helping others that he risks getting into trouble himself or having people he respects, like his father and the archery master, think less of him. I love that even in this young elf trying to do the right thing we can see some of Legolas of the Fellowship. I was so surprised when Thranduil decided to go to the cottage! Legolas’ wasn’t the only face that lit up. What a pitiful image of the boy crouching in the corner, petrified at the sight of Thranduil. I loved the moment when Thranduil realises that this is just a child who needs to be helped, not a representative of his race who needs to be judged by the actions of all other Men. It was incredible to witness how gentle he became with Rodda. I mean, I’ve seen him be tender with his sons but never, I think, with someone outside the family. Rodda seems to recognise a loving father and responded to him. He’s always been great at getting to the root of any problems with his sons and I think he did the same here by reassuring Rodda that he did the right thing with the Orcs. And I genuinely had tears in my eyes at the sight of Thranduil cradling the child to him. I always enjoy seeing Thranduil all riled up but it’s just wonderful to see this side of him as well. “I live here, and my adar is the king. He already judged you, I think.” Oh! I love that line! Very wise. I had to laugh, though, when Thrandul “gravely inclined his head”, having a regal moment in the midst of all this. But I liked that he obviously realised that Rodda was truly trying to show some respect and chose to accept it for what it was. Still, he has to get a kick out of the reputation he seems to have! I didn’t realise that it was his new clothes that Legolas gave away. I hate to admit it, but it would have been my old, short cloak Rodda would have been given… I like that Legolas stayed with Rodda while he bathed. They seem to have become quite attached. I thought the little scene between Thranduil and Ithilden was fascinating. Ithilden is right, I think, to try to be more open than his father and strive for good relations with his neighbours, forming allies where he can and he clearly doesn’t want any harm to come to Rodda, but at the end of the day it’s Thranduil who reacts almost as Legolas does to the boy, with sympathy and a desire to do what he can to help. Though Thranduil can obviously do a lot more than Legolas! Sometimes politics need to be set aside for a while. Thranduil’s internal struggle really moved me. It can’t be easy to let go of old prejudices and grievances. And he probably never fully will, but while it’s easy for him to scare Men who threaten his people, it’s quite another thing to be faced with a child who is frightened and has been touched by tragedy in so similar a way to his own sons and the sons of Elrond. That thing that both he and Ithilden do where they run their hands over their hair when they’re anxious or stressed – do you do that by any chance??! “I have something else in mind to help defend us from that direction.” I looked at that in puzzlement for a second before realising what he might mean and then I got so excited that I had to stop myself from scrolling down to see! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved the part with the enchantment. It was all so…well, magical. The idea that he seems almost casual as he does it, as I recall he was in ‘Tangled Web’ as well, just seems so completely Thranduil to me! You described it all so wonderfully. I loved everything about it – the suggestion that he drew strength from the stars, the way the forest responded to him, almost reaching out to him, a sense of life and ancient power stirring in the earth… Who needs a Ring of Power, eh? I think too that seeing it through Ithilden’s eyes made me feel some of his amazement and awe. Of course, I know Mithrandir helped out but I’m afraid that I’m too dazzled by the Elvenking at the moment! I imagine Thranduil knows exactly what Ithilden is thinking too and is feeling rather satisfied with himself! Poor Legolas. He must have been worn out after the last few days. I thought it was a lovely image of him asleep on the rug in front of the fire. Adar has obviously put his mind at rest. “I would be in serious trouble if I lost you.” Somehow I don’t think Eilian would have any difficulty finding him again – but I suppose he had to warn him! I thought Eilian’s less than enthusiastic reaction to the sight of the twins was very amusing. And for all their interest in Rodda and Alen’s obvious relief, I get the impression that Eilian would fight them if they were anything but gentle with the child. Hmm. Maybe Legolas isn’t so different from the rest of his family. Elrohir is very good with Rodda. Obviously he has a lot more to do with Men than Eilian does and seems to respect their customs but this child’s tale in particular seems to have brought him out of himself. Maybe, like Thranduil, they find childish grief in a way easier to deal with than adult grief. “Thranduil may find that fostering a Mannish boy is a demanding task.” Well! Anything Elrond can do… And Elladan! Yes! I’ll have to take back all the negative things I was thinking about him… It seems everyone is showing their caring side in this chapter. I’m so, so glad that he’s beginning to find his way out of his anger and misery. I guess Eilian’s words did get through to some extent but it was only in seeing this child and the choice he’ll have to make between allowing his grief to take over so much that he turns his back on his friends and neighbours or going home and opening himself up to any pain with the knowledge that there will also be comfort that really helped Elladan take a step back from his own situation. I must say, though, that I thought you did the right thing in only having this be the very beginning of some sense of healing, that this isn’t some dramatic change but tentative steps on a long road to finding peace. They were all so shocked to see the quiver full of Legolas’ arrows! For a second I thought Thranduil might say something but he must realise the sacrifice his son made. I was really happy that Rodda went back to Esgaroth. It’s probably the best thing for him and even though he would have given the twins, and perhaps Elrond, something to focus on, I think this is a better ending. I just loved the supportive big brothers. Their arrival would certainly signify to Penntalion that something was up with Legolas and I think Legolas really appreciated their presence – and their praise for his archery skills!! I felt sorry for Turgon. It was so nice of Legolas to go and be by his side. I suppose, though, that Penntalion would know what’s involved in making arrows and would have some clue why Turgon didn’t have any. Lovely image too of Alfirin and Ithilden together! No doubt Tonduil won’t be the only one of the class who will wonder why Legolas has no arrows but even though it’s hard for him, I doubt Legolas would regret parting with them. He really does deserve the pride his family have in him. And so another one ends… I really enjoyed this tale – lots of surprises with angst and humour in just the right amounts! I think all of Thranduil’s family learned a little of themselves in their dealings with others and I loved being there learning right along with them! :-) Author Reply: I really did see Thranduil in fatherly mode with both Legolas and Rodda, and it kind of startled me. I loved Angry!Thranduil and the merchant, but then along came this guy who doesn't quite know how to handle these kids, but follows his son around behind Turgon's cottage and then crouches down next to the bed and coaxes the most frightened one out of a corner. And Rodda has no idea who he is except that he's Legolas's father. Somehow that felt like looking at a very private side of Thranduil. That paragraph in which Thranduil wonders about the nature of men is really the central theme of this whole story. Ithilden would never let a child come to harm either, but he hasn't seen Rodda and he's worried. I don't think I run my hand through my hair when I'm stressed! I get a little tic under my eye though. My graduate students point it out to me when it happens (and they are too often the cause of it!). Like you, the trees got all excited when Thranduil enchanted the river! And somehow, the fact that he's casual makes it seem all the more powerful. He connects to Arda and, as the king of the woodland realm, he draws on its power. One of the things I think about Ithilden is that he is the heir to that magic. That's really why he was there. I thought the twins might see themselves in Rodda and it might help them. They need to see someone else's suffering and they do react to a child. I think it's natural for elves to love children, which is why the few who do dreadful things to them(I'm talking about you, sons of Feanor) are so appalling. I did debate sending Rodda home with the twins, but it just seemed more realistic for him to go the familiar place. I've been feeling bad for Turgon so I was glad Legolas could comfort him. And I figured Penntalion has seen it all. He'd be prepared for the kid with no arrows. Any kid who showed up without them is going to feel bad enough already. There's no need to make an issue of it. I'm glad you liked this story, Dot. It was tricky because I hadn't written the twins much before and I had a lot of plot lines going, but I was pleased in the end.

Brazgirl	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
Hi. This was such a wonderful chapter! The best end you could give to your fic. Thranduil was wonderful! And I loved when Ithilden thought he was getting wiser than his father... which he was not!!! Hahahah now I understand why you call him cocky. But I like him, though I prefer Eilian. Rodda had a nice end, I think. He got surprised to stand before the Elven King... poor soul. I guess even Legolas is better... the twins! I love what you did to them, what they said... I need some food now. I love your fics, Daw! You are the best! Author Reply: You're funny, Brazgirl! I'm going to tell Ithilden you were laughing at him. You'd better watch out! The twins were intriguing to write about. I was really feeling my way along with them, but eventually they seemed to shape up as slightly mysterious and suffering, but basically noble people. Of course, what else would you expect from the sons of Elrond? Thank you for you kind words, Brazgirl. You're making me blush.

Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
Oh, that was just so sweet! Legolas is such a good person. I'm just so proud of him. Excuse me while I take a few moments to collect myself from my ravings about how sweet Legolas is. I've been rereading FOTR by the way and I thought the comment Thranduil made about Legolas being willing to fight his friends' battles particuarly apt. I also really liked the comment about taking in a stray boy being such a Legolas thing to do. This chapter really explored Legolas's character well. That's the nice thing about your stories: they show how Legolas developed into who he is in the LOTR. He is just so awesome! Okay, I'm done rhapsodizing now. Thranduil is awesome in this chapter. That's the Elvish King I love! I was waiting for Rodda to realize who Thranduil was. That scene where he realizes that he's being led to the Palace is so funny! Legolas really doesn't think a whole lot about the fact that he is the King's son, he just is. I think that's very telling of Elvish society, or at least Sindarin society, that rank really isn't that important. Of course, considering how the Mirkwood dynasty was established, it's not surprising. Anyway, Thranduil is cool. He definitely went into Ada mode with Rodda. I think he did have kittens also. I would too. Just wait until Legolas brings home a dwarf! LOL. I'm having fun picturing his family's reaction. Alfirin will attempt to feed Gimli, Thranduil will have kittens (meaning he will freak out " You brought home a what?!", wring his hands, and just give Legolas this look saying," I don't know what goes on in your head but it worries me deeply"), Ithilden and Sinnarn will be fascinated, Eilian will be taken aback and write it off as a Legolas thing to do, and Celuwen will defend Legolas and use her immunity from Thranduil's wrath. Of course, I think everyone will just be relieved to see Legolas, which will probably result in them being gentler than they would normally. I'm having a lot of fun picturing his family's reactions. I loved how Ithilden and Eilian decided to walk with Legolas to the field. They need to team up more often. They're very proud of their baby brother. And Ithilden managed to hold a conversation with Alfirin without his brain turning to mush! Go Ithilden! I liked how you offered up an explanation for the river enchantment. I had forgotten that it was there and Tolkien never explains how it happened. Also nice wrap-up with E2. They needed someone little to remind them of others' needs just like Eilian did. And it's good they're no longer being stupid. I greatly look forward to your next story. I just love your original characters and your characterization of Legolas. Write fast! Author Reply: Oh Alice, you know just what to say! All of these stories are supposed to lay the groundwork for Legolas of the Fellowship. To me, that's what gives interest to pre-quest stories. We know the future and the characters don't, but we can see them approaching it and getting ready for it. I don't see elves as all that impressed by rank either, especially wood-elves. Thranduil is of service to his people and his sons are raised to think of their position in those terms too. And Legolas is young enough that he just takes his father's role for granted. As you say, it just is. Your picture of what happens when Legolas brings Gimli home is priceless! And so accurate! I know that "having kittens" isn't particularly a ME phrase, but it struck me as a good, irreverant Eilian phrase! I'm thinking about how proud Ithilden and Eilian are of Legolas, and wondering if maybe that surprises them a little. Maybe they think of him as a baby still, and he does this very hard thing. I'd be tickled pink if he were mine. (Wait! He is!) The twins reacted to Rodda, whose loss is enough like their own to make them pause. They needed that!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
Well… Mithrandir may just have popped in but now we know he is always useful! ;-) Oh my, that part when enchanting the Forest River.. it was sheer beauty…it really moved me, it reminded me of the words of the Lorien elves when the hobbits ask if the cloaks are “magical”.. “… the magic of the rocks, the trees the waters, the things that we love..” they answer something like that..I think that’s how Tolkien saw the firstborn: deeply tied to Arda, with better understanding of its song and its needs than the secondborn.. and thus able to use its powers… so I understand this is more or less what Thranduil does here...It is so powerful and moving.. yep, a sheer force of nature our king, I insist on that….(Breathes in deeply, still carried away by that image) And having Ithilden witness it is a smart trick from both of you! (Thranduil and you..) He is lovable, this sensible, too serious and responsible crown prince trying to learn his role.. he seems to be doing well, and I can only guess this has been a very powerful experience for him too!! You see, I think that what’s got me with this story (apart from being wonderfully written) is the depth of care devoted to make the different conflicts apparent, and how the love and respect the characters have for each other rule their interactions and their conflicts. Everything has different shades of good and bad, and there’s no clear “winner”: Thranduil is right in his being wary of men and his sons are right too in being carefully optimistic and open to them, the twins are burdened by their grief but still they are ancient wise half elves, capable of compasion and sensible behaviour, and there’s good and bad to be found among Men. I feel your Thranduil and his wife were able to craft a very sensible, caring and responsible family...(look at those big brothers proudly hovering around their littlest!) and realm, much different from the Noldor point of view we are used to but still amazingly beautiful. I am delighted by your cast! May the muses never leave you nor you ever tire of them! You’ve managed to get yourself another eager reader! Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the magic. I tend to be a pretty prosaic person, so I was intimidated by writing it, but in a way, I think the simplicity of it is better. I like that quote you give from the Lorien elves. I had forgotten that, but it seems apt. Ithilden has been the OC I've had the hardest time pinning down. It's taken me a long time to see him well. It helped when I wrote a story with no Eilian, just Ithilden and Legolas together mostly. That gave me a better perspective on him. I'm sitting here rereading (again and again) the comments you make on my characters and their mixed motives and successes and failures. And I'm smiling. :-) I'll take a week or so off and then I'll drag out my list of possible stories and see what I want to do next. I get bored when I'm not writing. So I expect I'll be back.

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
What a heart-warming ending to another wonderful story. Everything just fell in so nicely - very satisfying. Thranduil is such a good adar, not only to his own kids. He was absolutely wonderful with Rodda. That poor kid really needed a good parental hug, not to mention the assurances from an adult figure. And sweet little Legolas, suffering all of Rodda's fears and heart-break right along with the Man child. Really want to have a son like Legolas, but I suppose Thranduil would object. I really liked the scene with Rodda, Eilian and the twins. The way you worked the story, there was some closure for the twins as well. And the final scene on the archery field was very touching - Legolas standing by Turgon in support, while Ithilden and Eilian standing by their little brother in support. A heart-felt sigh is the only reaction to such a scene. Once again, thank you for another wonderful story. I will wait a week and then start holding my breath for your next story. Does that give you enough time? Author Reply: Thank you, Manderly. Thranduil did come out very fatherly in this story, particularly when he crouched next to the bed and talked to Rodda, who had no idea who he was other then Legolas's father. His experience in dealing with his own kids came through there and Rodda knew it. Sadly, I expect you're right. Thranduil is not loaning Legolas out to anyone. As a matter of fact, even hundreds of years down the road, he's pretty ticked off at the unauthorized borrowing that Elrond did! The scene with the twins went through several revisions in order to try to make things come to some sort of closure. They're very slippery to write about for me, probably because I haven't done it much. And I did love Legolas with Turgon on the archery field. What a great kid! And his family knows it too. I'll probably start another story reasonably soon because I get bored when I'm not writing, but I haven't thought about it too much yet. :-)

Duchess	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
Aw, what a wonderful way for the story to end! contented sigh I really hope Rodda and Legolas manage to continue to be pen pals. g I absolutely love it that Thranduil basically told Alen (and through him the rest of Esgaroth) that the boy was under his protection. I'm also glad he went home to the friends of his family and I hope he had a happy life. Sweet that Legolas put himself on the same footing as Turgon there at the last, intended or not and it made him feel lots better I see. vbg Yet another darling story! Thank you very much for sharing it with us. :):):) Author Reply: Thank you, Duchess. I considered sending Rodda to Imladris with the twins and Mithrandir, but I decided he needed to be in familiar surroundings and Thranduil would keep an eye on him. I'm sure he did have a happy life. :-) I've been fretting about poor Turgon, so from the start I planned to have Legolas stand with him on arrow day. I really think the Elven Child Welfare Association needs to look in on Turgon and Amdir.

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
As ever I am disappointed that we have reached the end of this tale I have really enjoyed the different perspectives of grief and loss and the importance of family solidarity that you have woven for us I am constantly surprised and yet shouldn't be of the capacity of Thranduil to show love and caring not only for his children but so many others It struck me while reading this chapter that Legolas has a great deal of his father in him, and his ability to care for others is limitless and not hampered by the need to rule a kingdom either SO that is how the river became 'Enchanted' I am glad Ithliden was there to see it and wonder once more at his father And the ending was lovely with all three brothers showing solidarity I don't like to nag but I hope we see a new story very soon thank you so much for sharing your talent with us Author Reply: I'm so glad you liked it. When I'm struggling with a bunch of plot lines and trying to tie it all together, it sometimes seems hopeless, but then it comes together in the end, and I'm so pleased (and surprised)! I love your comparison of Thranduil and Legolas. It makes such sense. Somewhere, Legolas learned to accept responsibility for others, and his father is certainly a good example of that. As I write about Legolas and his friends, it's often struck me that Legolas must see the world in a wider way than they do. He hears things around the dinner table and sees his family doing things that make him aware of ME and of what's going on there. And as the king's son, he's been raised to think of himself as having a responsibility for the public good. Yes, that's how the river got that way! LOL. Writing magic is tricky, I find, but Thranduil's comes from his connection to Arda. At least it seems that way to me. So enchanting a river would be right up his alley. I don't know what I'll write next. I haven't even thought about it, actually. I'll go look at my list of ideas one of these days.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
'In harmony with the woodland, Ithilden’s beat quickly.' Typo. The power of the magic is in its apparent simplicity. Far more effective than hocus pocus. Author Reply: Thank you! Fixed it. And thank you again. I think Thranduil's magic comes from Arda, from his connection to it as the king of the wood-elves. So I think it should look kind of "natural."

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/29/2004
I'll bet Penntalion knew that Legolas had made beautiful arrows, though. And that Turgon hadn't. If nothing else, the shoulder to shoulder arrival of the guard would have warned him not to mess with their brother. It's a shame he didn't get to see the arrows, though, even if they weren't there for the lesson. Thranduil made such an excellent display of his fatherly skills here - and I love the way Legolas and his friends never thought to mention that his father was the king. I can just see Legolas spending his life downplaying his royal origins - proud of his family, but not rubbing others' noses in their position. Rodda needed the father first, before meeting the king. So many things to enjoy here - Eilian on babysitting duty, the effect of a distressed child on E2 and how they found it easier to let him in, Thranduil's magic, wise old Mithrandir - all of it really and I don't have time to go into detail. Just - loved it: want more. (Your stories are just too short, daw! But fortunately, you always seem to be ready to start another.) Author Reply: Penntalion probably knows his students pretty well, so I wouldn't be surprised if he knew that Turgon was unlikely to have arrows and did suspect that something was up with Legolas, especially since he arrived with both brothers, as you point out. I wonder if that made him nervous? Normally, I think of wood-elves as unimpressed with royalty. I think they see Thranduil as there to serve them. So I don't think of Legolas's teachers as nervous about teaching the king's son. But being watched might make him jumpy! I think that Legolas was raised in the noblesse oblige tradition. He would see denying his royal role as shirking his duty, but neither he nor his brothers are likely to go around lording it over others. It's just not the wood-elf way. And it's not the Thranduilion way either! I was worried about writing the magic. I tend to be very realistic so this is not my natural bent. I'm glad it came off ok.

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