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Good Neighbors by daw the minstrel	241 Review(s)
lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
As my students say when a good story's over..."Awwwww man!" I am sorry to see this one end, though you ended things pretty perfect, daw! Thranduil is such a good father! He almost has those "kittens" when he hears Legolas' story, but restrains himself when he notices Legolas' emotional state. Then he does the fatherly thing to do - he goes to assess the situation, takes one look at the poor, frightened, grieving Mannish child and melts like a big elven marshmallow! I especially liked the scene of him on the floor eyelevel with Rodda and then hugging that poor boy when he finally breaks down. Then he takes the boy home, feeds him, cleans him up and shelters him with his own son! (And takes time to notice how his own son has given of himself and his things to comfort Rodda, too.) All through the chapter you can sense his growing pride in the way Legolas has shown such compassion (even though he'll probably still get a lecture later about the possible dangers...this still worked out ok for all concerned). And yes, I agree, this whole episode was a very Legolas thing for him to do! :-) He is, after all, the compassionate, thoughtful, worrier of the family - he always seems to be reaching out to help someone, or wondering HOW he can help! (I love this little elf, can ya tell? g) However, one of my very favorite parts in the whole story (aside from a coldly furious Thranduil stalking the cloth merchant) is the part where Thranduil enchants the river (with Mithrandir's help). I think you did a great job describing the whole process - and I dearly loved the way the trees got involved and excited. Thranduil draws his power from his forest, not a ring, and does a pretty good job of it - and look how his trees love their King! The solution of Rodda's dilemma - well done. Alen strikes just the right tone in his reaction to seeing Rodda alive, which has to be reassuring for the boy. Elian is all protective about him - more reassurance. The decision for him to go back to Esgaroth is a good one as he does belong in a familiar setting with people who know the Elvenking is watching out for the boy! I think he'll do just fine - and he has a Prince for a penpal! Glad to see E2 finally showing a little sense and some thawing! I was not comfortable with their vengeful sides and those cold, withdrawn attitudes they had. Go home, boys...get some home cooking and let your Ada and little sister (and Glorfindel and Erestor) fuss over you while you love on them some, too! Lovely brotherly support for Legolas at the end - and I loved the way the archery master didn't make a big deal of Turgon and Legolas not having their arrows. Kids are definitely sensitive at that age and more harm than good can come of making examples of them in front of their friends. (Especially Legolas who is so conscientious anyway...he would have been mortified!) But his big brothers were there for support and in their eyes, he had "shined" in more than archery that day! Great great story! It's over? AWWWWWW, MAN! linda Author Reply: I loved that scene with Thranduil comforting Rodda. I think it was because Rodda didn't know he was the king. He was just Legolas's father. He was what Thranduil would have been if he hadn't been Oropher's heir, but just an Elf with a family to love and raise and protect. I think Thranduil probably has mixed feelings about Legolas's generosity. Mostly, he's proud. But he can also see that that generosity could get Legolas into trouble -- like maybe he'll go on a quest to Mordor someday! And then, mice get brought into the palace. :-) Wood-elf magic (which Tolkien says is "strong") seems to me to be tied to Arda. It's hard to write about because it doesn't come from some exterior, flashy thing (and also because I'm a practical person). To me, it's like Thranduil draws on his connection as the king of this realm and the earth responds. And yes, the trees got "excited"! Great word for it. I considered sending Rodda to Imladris with the twins and Mithrandir, but I decided that it would be more realistic for him to want to go to a familiar place. And I think he needed to make his peace with his fellow soldiers and know he hadn't done anything unforgiveable. But it would have been good for the twins to have to take care of him for a while. It would take them out of themselves. Even helping him a little in the garden did that. The archery master has seen it all before. And he knows his students well. If Legolas has no arrows, there's a reason. And he must have some sense of the reason for Turgon's behavior too. Poor kid. Yeah. It was Legolas's day to shine. :-)

Elena Tiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
Daw, I've doing very little reading lately -- and even less reviewing -- but I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Legolas and his family are heroes, and I was so pleased to see the beginnings of healing with Rodda and Elladan and Elrohir. And there's finally some canon (Daw!verse) on the origins of the Enchanted River! - Barbara Author Reply: Glad you liked it, Barbara. I was startled to see that discussion of the Enchanted River pop up on SoA Yahoo a week or two back because I had been planning to use this material here. Actually, showing how the river got enchanted has been on fanfic to-do list forever! Wood-elf magic seems so bound to Arda. No magic trinkets here, just the connection to the trees and the river and the stars. It's been interesting to try to write about the twins. Tolkien says almost nothing and fanfic says so much that it's hard to know what they'd be like. And then, they weren't themselves anyway.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
I think Legolas's judgement was much better than Thranduil thought it was. After all, Legolas was the one who actually met Rodda, and kids can be awfully good judges of other kids. And Legolas did think to come and tell his Ada when things were getting too far in over his head. I like Thranduil here. He behaved just like my own parents would, which is saying a lot. My parents' philosophy is that they raised me to be able to judge right and wrong, and therefore they trust me to make good friends and get away from the ones who are not so good. So their default is that they automatically like all my friends, even before they meet them, and they're perfectly willing to have someone they don't even know come and crash for a few days if need be. Rodda suddenly finds himself with all these people, Men and Elves and Half-Elves all three, all looking out for him and wanting to find a place for him. I do hope that made him feel better. He is so valuable to so many people, and now he knows that definitively. He'll grow up in Esgaroth and tell this amazing story to his children and his grandchildren. I wonder if he's in any way related to that little girl that Legolas got kidnapped with right before Sinnarn was born. Legolas does seem to be good at collecting mortal friends, and he's certainly better than Thranduil at not intimidating them. Which will, of course, be a skill he'll need much later in the future. So that's how the river got to be enchanted. Thranduil rarely gets a chance to do his magical thing, but when he does, it's nicely subtle and organic. There's no big flashes and bangs like with Gandalf, but you can just feel the magic thrumming, like a gong or a pedal point in the timpani. And finally, Legolas goes to the big archery class without his homework for the very best of reasons. I loved that both Ithilden and Eilian made excuses to come with him. It's a sign that they approve of the choices he made, that they're going to go back him up when he explains how the human ate his homework. Because, as Eilian might say, what are brothers for? Sisters, by the way, are for hugging, and I did go to my family and get to hug my sister and feast on turkey. Since this story is now over, I think I'll tell you the story of my incredibly poor (but well-meant) judgement episode. When I was eighteen years old, I took off a year between high school and college and went to Germany to do a year of high school there, so I could perfect my German. I was staying with a family who, at the time, were Old Family Friends. They had three daughters, who were at the time twenty, nineteen and sixteen. I had a great time in school, made lots of wonderful friends, and my German was getting really good. The two older daughters were off at college. Unfortunately, the mother was less than happy to have me there. It turned out that she had only agreed to take me out of a sense of obligation (we had hosted each of the daughters for a summer), she didn't really want another person, I was too bold and too American for her refined, titled taste, and to top it all off, she turned out to be nastily anti-Semitic as well. Come Christmas break, she calmly turned to me over tea (her, me, all three daughters present) and told me that The Family thought I was a terrible, uncivilized person, they didn't want me anymore, and that I should leave and never come back. It didn't matter that my parents were on sabbatical that year and didn't have a place for me, nor that I couldn't go to college a semester early all of a sudden. I could starve in the snow for all she cared. The two older daughters and I immediately ran off into the hills outside the city and came up with The Plan. We did not want to alarm my parents, nor bring publicity and dishonor to their parents, we thought there was a real danger of me ending up homeless in the German winter, and we all wanted me to finish out the year at the German school with my pals. So we agreed that I would go home and beg another chance, and they would back me up, and we wouldn't tell anyone outside their family what had happened, and it would all smooth itself over. And that's what we did. We went back, and The Family convened to put me on trial (in German!), and they agreed that I could stay as long as I remained perfectly silent and dutiful and tried not to be too obviously Jewish in their presence. So I did that. For another five months, in that cold, hate-filled house, until circumstances changed, and the family of one of my school friends rescued me. Looking back on it ten years later, it was a really stupid decision, but it did work out for the best. I'm not sure I wouldn't be tempted to do something similar again, even older and supposedly wiser. And so I can very well see and understand the logic that Legolas and Co. used when trying to decide what to do with Rodda. Author Reply: Oh my lord. I want to send Thranduil over to rescue your 18-year-old self! I want to have him tell prowl around that lady and tell her off and make her sorry she was ever born! I want her to have to beg your pardon and grovel and offer you whatever you choose by way of atonement. I want Thranduil to write a letter to the mayor and tell him what she did and warn him that she better behave from now on. Ahem. Excuse me a minute while I walk around a little. OK. I'm better now. Actually, I liked the image of Thranduil crouching by the bedside just being Legolas's father who was trying to help this other kid who didn't know squat about him but knew a dad when he saw one. You're right. He will have an amazing story to tell. His kids will get tired of hearing it! Oh no, Dad, not the I-was-lost-and-hid-out-with-the-elves story! Magic is hard to write. Actually your story about the Stag King felt really magical to me. I think Thranduil's magic comes from Arda and he gets himself in tune with it to make it work. He may not have complete control over it. And yes, Ithilden and Eilian stand and watch proudly while Legolas lines up with Turgon and has no arrows. It's a day for him to shine.

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
Thranduil handed the news of the boy well. That was a great ending to the story. Its nice to read about Thranduil acting like a father figure, in a way, to Rodda. -sofia Author Reply: Thranduil was very fatherly and I loved seeing it. So far as Rodda knew, he was just Legolas's father and that's what he needed. I'm sad the story is over, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
Daw, you wrapped this up beautifully. Despite Thranduil's concern over how the boy would effect the realm's relationship with Esgaroth, he steadied himself and put the child's need before his own. What a surprise for Rodda when he found out who Legolas's father was. In the end, everything came full circle. The twins understood, even if they weren't quite ready to deal with going home just yet. I liked the way they were kind and gentle with Rodda. And of course, Alen's positive reaction to seeing the child made all the difference. The enchantment-of-the-river scene was great. Nothing showy for Thranduil, just a calm, matter of fact, everyday enchantment. Very graceful and very powerful. The ending was particularly nice. Seeing the older brothers escort and offer support to Legolas was very touching. I'm sure Legolas was nervous about not having his own arrows and knowing his brothers were proud of him and supporting him was wonderful. I was even proud of Ithilden for holding it together when Alfirin showed up. I think this was the moment she was certain that he was 'the one'. What woman can turn down a guy who looks at a child with the kind of love that shone in Ithilden's eyes at that moment for his little brother? And he wasn't even trying... Delightful story. I'm looking forward to the next one. Karen Author Reply: Thank you, Karen. Rodda needed a parent, so Legolas went and got one. And as it happens, this one can make sure the boy is well treated, much to Rodda's surprise! I see the twins as just temporarily unbalanced, but all those years of being Elrond's children have to have a lasting effect and come through in the end. Magic is hard to write (understatement). I think that Thranduil's comes from Arda, so that's what I wanted to show, but it's tricky to tread that line and have it be magic without being hokey. At least, for me it is. What a good thought about Alfirin! You must be right! She has to love him for that.

ScarlettPendragon	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
OK, you have me in tears again - only this time they're tears of joy! It is indeed Legolas' "day to really shine"! I'm so glad he has Ithilden and Elian to stand beside him, and I knew Thranduil would come through!! I'm sure, even though he didn't say anything, that Thranduil must be so proud of his little elfing for giving up his arrows for his new friend, and Ithilden is master of the understatement, as always!! And in an strange way, I'm glad that Turgon isn't the only one who is without his own arrows - and how much do we love Penntalion for not making a fuss, and marking out the little ones without!! I'm sure Penntalion's seen it all over the years he's been Archery Master, and I can't imagine anything disconcerting him! I love your take on how the Enchanted River GOT enchanted in the first place - Go Thranduil!! And I must admit, I thought Mithrandir might take Rodda back to Imladris with him, but I really like how you resolved the story - Rodda should be at home with people he knows and is comfortable with, and now he's got an ElvenKing looking out after his welfare!! Again, this was an absolutely wonderful story, and I very much look forward to the next adventure in the lives of Mirkwood's Royal Family!! Thank you!! Scarlett Author Reply: Thank you, Scarlett. It may be sick of me, but I'm glad I made you cry. :-) I did like the brotherly support at the end. It's odd to think of them proud of the fact that Legolas has NO arrows, but they are. And I too wanted Turgon to have some company. I've been planning to have this happen all along, so I felt better when poor Turgon couldn't make the arrows. I also thought just as you did, that Penntalion would know that not all kids would show up with the arrows and would have the armory arrows ready for them to use. Any kid who shows up without arrows is going to feel bad enough already. No need to make him feel worse. I actually did consider having the twins and Mithrandir take Rodda back to Imladris with them. I thought it would be good for the twins to think about someone besides themselves. But then I decided that Rodda would be more comfortable in a familiar place and also that he needed to face the people at home and know that he was accepted, not an outcast. I'm glad you liked it. Very glad. :-)

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
“I live here, and my adar is the king. He already judged you, I think.” LOL! Poor Rodda! I'm so glad he got his hug from Thranduil before he found out he was the king. Hugs from Thranduil are very powerful! Although his apoplectic outburst at Legolas's revelation was amusing - I swear it sounded like he was saying Legolas could have caught something from the unwashed mortal. But talk about Thranduil having kittens - I'm glad he wasn't there to hear Eilian of all people promise that Rodda could stay and live in Mirkwood as long as he wanted to. Interesting thought that Elladan and Elrohir might have been able to find the young'un a home with the Rangers - I have heard tell that they occasionally take in strays - but I agree with Elladan that the boy really belongs with his own people; and it's good that the twins, too, seem ready to go home and begin healing. Legolas's generosity and openness really shines through in this story. I loved the ending, with Ithilden and Eilian standing side by side watching in pride as Legolas shows up with no arrows because he gave his beautiful blue-feathered ones to Rodda. Author Reply: LOL. Are you thinking of Annael's nana's kisses? Thranduil hugs are powerful. I really liked thinking about Rodda seeing Thranduil just as Legolas's dad (not the king), who was crouched by the bedside offering to help. Rodda needed a dad just then. I figured Eilian was just repeating what the kids had told him Thranduil said about Rodda staying with Thranduil. They were a bit optimistic, I think. He should have known better! Yeah, the rangers are like that, I hear! And the sons of Elrond do know about fostering mannish children. The brotherly support at the end was my favorite. :-)

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
A wonderful conclusion, daw. Thranduil was wonderful with Rodda. Eilian's protectiveness was as endearing as Eilian always manages to be. I liked that Rodda's beliefs about his reception by the Men was mistaken. Author Reply: Glad you liked it, Karri. I kind of liked the idea of Thranduil crouching next to the bed on which Rodda cowered, being just Legolas's dad who was willing to help Rodda too. Rodda had no idea he was the king. :-)

Lamiel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
I like Thranduil's musing on whether Legolas' brothers had ever been so eager to fight another person's battles as Legolas was. It's a good point, and this story demonstrates the idea clearly - especially when Legolas gave up his peacock feathered arrows. Poor dear. I feel so proud of him. Wonderful, wonderful scene with Thranduil enchanting the river. Ha! That was just brilliant. And I'm glad that Rodda got off home safely, and no worries about beatings or anything else so unpleasant. I wonder if the same could be said of that merchant, when his neighbors find out how he's damaged their trade relations with the Elvenking. Oh, and a nice bit of character growth for the Twins, too. I was grinning to myself when they discussed the challenges of raising Mannish children. Thanks for this lovely story. It's been a treat! Author Reply: Thank you, Lamiel. I think it may have been you who made that comment about Legolas shining and I just had to use it here. I knew he was going to give away the arrows, but I thought that was shining too. I'm glad the river thing worked. Magic is hard to write without getting hokey. I hope the merchant got kicked around. He was slimey and nasty. And the twins should know about raising Mannish children. All those heirs of Isildur! Glad you liked it, Lamiel.

Leaward	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/28/2004
I love the amount of detail you use without getting in the way of the story. This really stood out ... "The river ran fast and deep but was no more than a dozen yard across. In the chilly autumn evening, it burbled soothingly of the mountains from which it came and the forest through which it ran." I really struggle writing such descriptive prose. And there was one line that really got me giggling: "Hiding a stray boy was such a Legolas thing to do" I really enjoyed this story, Daw. Thanks! Leaward Author Reply: Truth be told, I struggle with description too. I hardly ever use it actually. Most of the time I don't care what someone is wearing or how the room looks. But in this case, I wanted to make the Nature/Elf connection to suggest that that's the source of Thranduil's magic. I'm glad you liked that line. It is a Legolas thing to do though, don't you think? :-)

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