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A Matter of Heart by daw the minstrel	24 Review(s)
Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2004
"I will bed you good night!" Hah! That was a great end to the chapter. I was grinning when Alfirin and her mother were discussing the pros and cons of Ithilden. Yeah, Alfirin decided just to go for it in the end--but still, her romance seems very civilized and orderly compared to Eilian/Celuwen. And Legolas, the poor baby. I don't know if he needs a mother so much as...well, as Eilian, really. Someone to hang around and cheer him up who he can talk to, but who won't hover over his shoulder and watch him like a hawk. Author Reply: Glad you liked the Freudian slip! Alfirin was mortified, but it kind of cleared the air. And then she got to kiss Ithilden, so how bad could it be? These two are very civilized and orderly compared to Eilian and Celuwen. Poor Thranduil. He had this responsible, obedient son for hundreds of years, and then in short order he had Eilian and Legolas, both of whom try his patience. It probably would be good for Legolas to have Eilian around now, but he's away and it can't be helped. :-(

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2004
Hi, daw. I had intended writing this earlier but after yet another six-day work-week and trying to squeeze Christmas shopping in between as well as getting soaked a grand total of three times today in the filthy weather we’re having, I was afraid I’d end up sounding really cranky! But I have a nice cup of hot tea here with me now so I’ll give it a go! Excellent chapter. You did a great job showing the awkwardness they all seem to be experiencing as well as very satisfying moments of character growth! I loved the scene with Alfirin and her mother. There’s such a wonderful sense of normality about them preparing breakfast and chatting about the night before. I happen to prefer my porridge made with milk, but I suppose that’s totally beside the point… Their discussion is so interesting. Alfirin really has some good ideas about running the king’s household. She has this very definite streak of competency that is bound to soon overcome the self-doubt she’s feeling. She certainly will make a huge difference to the lives of Ithilden and his family but I’m getting a little worried that her own parents and brother might starve when she moves out! Gwaleniel seems to think Ithilden is a bigger problem than managing the household. That sounds really bad but you know what I mean. She’s had her fair share of dealings with the king and his family and Ithilden probably turns up in the infirmary from time to time if there are seriously injured warriors. So she’s well aware of how ultra-confident and capable Ithilden is as well as dedicated to his duties, which I can understand might not make him good husband material. But there’s so much more to Ithilden! He’s handsome, intelligent, loving, tender, selfless, loyal, funny, and possesses the secret doubts and fears and a need for love and comfort that would make any female melt…;-) Anyway, she’s obviously seen how serious he is about her daughter and will be pleased at the match as long as Alfirin is happy. Oh, and I really liked the line “Ithilden is as far from being a fool as his adar is.” There’s a great sense of respect in that little line and it comes across as being for Thranduil as a person rather than just a king. It’s nice to know what people think of him! It must be a little strange for Alfirin to know that her mother is aware of what’s wrong with Legolas. And it has to be something fairly serious if it involves a healer. I like the fact that Gwaleniel doesn’t tell her but lets her know that he needs a “motherly presence”. That’s right up Alfirin’s street. I recall too Thranduil thinking that she and Legolas do get on well from the beginning and that it’s probably because she has a brother the same age and understands the awkwardness and self-consciousness that comes with the age. That might have been in ‘Joinings’, I can’t quite remember. But I think it’s very true and as well as that he will likely grow more at ease around her once he realises that she is genuinely interested in him and his well-being without smothering him as his family do. I still feel so bad for Legolas. He has these little moments of triumph and thinks all is well again and then something small will shatter the illusion that he’s recovering. Galelas has always been a royal pain but now that he’s really found a sore spot for Legolas it was only a matter of time before something happened. That he’d allow himself to lose control like that really shows how edgy and sensitive Legolas still is. Thank heavens for Annael or they would have ended up in trouble. I tell you, Annael has far more patience that I’d have. There’s no doubt that he’s a true friend and knows exactly what Legolas needs without even knowing what happened – but you’ll have to show him in a bad mood some time! I love the runes on Legolas’ knife. They seem to give it a character of its own! I thought Legolas sitting under the tree and seeing those images again was a very powerful moment. His world really has been turned upside down. I mean, he now doubts everything he held true about himself and his future and the faith in his own abilities that was such a deep part of his character has been shaken. I’m starting to feel as helpless as his family. I wish I knew how to help him! I still think Alfirin can do it. To a certain extent anyway, considering the start of the next story!! Patience and time too, I guess. Although, someone should really tell him that tears aren’t “shameful” but might actually help. I liked the fact that Alfirin sat with him and just talked away about nothing in particular. Legolas’ family and friends are all involved in most aspects of his life, especially his warrior training but here he has someone who knows very little about that and can’t possibly judge him, whether intentionally or not. She should weave him something calming for his chamber. Apparently she’s good at it!! “Ithilden is very thoughtful.” Yes, he is. Now wouldn’t he make a fine father?! LOL at him not mentioning who made the knife in front of Thranduil! How would Alfirin recognise Dwarf work when Thranduil and Legolas didn’t? Just wondering. “May I walk you home?” There’s a well-trained lad! It seems Tonduil isn’t the only one suddenly doing things without being asked. And if chatting with her and walking her home without having all sort of paranoid thoughts about what she does or doesn’t know isn’t progress, then I don’t know what is. Ah, the scene with Ithilden and Alfirin! It seems Ithilden is getting a rather startling lesson in how strange others might actually find his lifestyle. At least he realises that she’s uncomfortable with people staring. I just adored the fact that he held her hand and then put his arm around her! So sweet. “Unusually lovely” music my foot. Methinks he’s seeing the world through a haze of love! The little part about Eärendil was interesting. Family versus duty. A rather apt discussion for these two. You made me smile when Ithilden thinks that it’s not so bad if Legolas is out without Thranduil’s permission. I bet Legolas would be very surprised to know that his older brother thinks that. So Ithilden tried not to show that he was worried about Legolas?? It’s rather funny that he has no clue that not only does Legolas himself know it but now even Alfirin can spot how worried he is. I was hoping he wouldn’t get up and head towards Legolas and pals with the intention of putting an end to any thoughts of the Glade. But I suppose he can’t help himself. I felt quite sorry for Alfirin, who must be wondering if he’d be such a good father after all. I was glad to see her question him. Sometimes it takes an outsider to make you see things in a new way. Bravo for Legolas resisting Turgon. It’s good that Ithilden saw that too. And poor Ithilden, being a typical male, hasn’t the faintest idea what’s going through her mind. Things would not have gone well if it wasn’t for one of the funniest slips of the tongue I’ve heard! LOL. I love the way she handled it too. She just figured what the hell, and gave in. Yay! I hope he remembers what she said, though, because she just nicely summed up what the problems are. Nobody could put up with having their opinions dismissed. The kiss was simply beautiful. I’m so happy for the two of them! And it’s a lovely, intimate moment when he runs his fingers through her hair. I’m laughing at the thought of her arriving home with her hair all over the place. Although it can’t be as bad as the time she came home with her dress torn!! Wonderful chapter – you’ve cheered me right up! :-) Author Reply: You're the second person who's told me that they delayed reviewing because they were cranky. It's such a stressful time of the year. Why are you working six days?? I had to look up how to make porridge that wasn't "instant," and I thought that the elves might not have lots of milk, so they got what you saw. I too wondered what her family would do when she left. She's been taking care of them for quite a while. Maybe Tonduil needs to marry and bring home a wife! It's a little early yet, I suppose. It's his wedding we finally see in "Tangled Web." And you're right that her mother is sure she can manage the palace, but not so sure she can manage Ithilden. Gwaleniel has undoubtedly seen the troop commander, but I'm not sure anyone outside his family gets to see his softer side. Maybe Calith. I think she will be good for Legolas. She's sort of on the edge between insider and outsider to his family, so he can relax with her but he's not emotionally tangled with her the way he is with everyone else. I like the idea of Annael in a bad mood. He needs a chapter or so told from his POV, although I don't think it will be in this story. I thought that Alfirin would recognize the style of art on the knife's hilt. I suppose the weaponry might be recognizable as dwarf work too, and if it is, Thranduil has certainly realized it! Ithilden may think he's slipping one by the king, but I doubt it. The scene between Alfirin and Ithilden along the river gave me lots of trouble. It was about feelings, not external action, and it turns out that feelings are hard to "show," not "tell." And one of the things I find hardest to do sometimes is just think about what people would talk about in a normal conversation. I mostly wanted all of Alfirin's worries to surface -- the public nature of his life, his occasionally overbearing nature, his commitment to his duty. But that wasn't the only thing that surfaced, fortunately for Ithilden! She's hot for him. ;-)

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2004
This was a jewel of a chapter so sweet and soothing, Alfirin is fortuante in her parents and her mother offers very good advice as well as showing her daughter that she is more than capable of beinning to run such a large household Ithilden is beginning to see what he is asking of this maiden he loves and how his role will impact on her life which may make him think a little more about how to handle her in future to give her more support But poor Legolas he really is struggling isn't he? Thank goodness for Annael what a good friend he is I enjoyed every word of this thank you Judy Author Reply: My beta said I should write a story without battles, and this is it! Well, I guess there are battles but they're internal mostly. No orcs, spiders, or bad men. I suppose for most of us, that's where the real battle lies anyway. Alfirin's mother is elfy-wise, which is fortunate indeed because Alfirin would be taking on a big task. And her mother is far less worried about running the palace than about running Ithilden, who can be difficult, I think. He's only just realizing what he's asking. His life seems normal to him, after all. And yes, poor Legolas is still struggling. One step forward, two steps back.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2004
Yes, yes, yes!! I'm still wiping my eyes! I could not stop laughing!!! Oh it's truly great, such a slip of the tongue!!! and what's more, her explaining... simply following her train of thought, never mind she had not shared even the remotest trace with him... I can imagine Ithilden's baffled look...oh my! what is she talking about? who cares?She's suddenly welcoming his advances and he even gets to undo her braid!!! Not that bad for a second date!!!! I quite like this couple, and I think Ithilden's going to be so fortunate, for Alfirin, despite being an artist, seems to be a very practical woman as well, and very capable of managing "earthy" affairs, which is great for that all-boys household. As I'm pretty new to this story-arc, these are among my first glimpses of Alfirin and Ithilden's interactions, (I've not yet read about them as a married couple, I mean) but I'm enjoying them inmensely.. I fear Legolas' affairs are going to be more difficult to resolve, though! Thanks a lot! it's a wonderful respite from RL seasonal harassment!!! ;-) Author Reply: I'm glad you liked it, perelleth! That slip of the tongue originated in a typo I made writing about this pair in "My Brother's Keeper" and I decided to keep it and use it elsewhere. In "My Brother's Keeper," these two have some disastrous dates, poor things! Alfirin is just what Thranduil's household needs, even though they don't know it yet. She'll manage their home and sweeten all of their lives. I'm always really interested to know what new readers think of things, so I was particularly glad to hear you like these two. It took me quite a while to get a handle on them because they're not as wayward as Eilian and Celuwen are. But it's been fun to show their growing attraction to one another. So I hope she will bed him a good night!

Brazgirl	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2004
Yes, Alfirin likes to see Ithilden's body... but who doesn't? You made me laugh when her mother said Ithilden is not as fool as his father!!! Why does she think Thranduil is a fool? I find it funny... Legolas going after that boy was very nice indeed. I love it. And what a nice ending! I so wanted to cuddle Ithilden when she pulled away from him... he is so cute thinking about his little brother. Author Reply: LOL. I wouldn't mind seeing Ithilden's body myself! What I meant about Ithilden and Thranduil was that neither one of them is a fool. Ithilden is as un-foolish as Thranduil is. Hm. I guess that sentence is a little ambiguous. LOL. Alfirin's mother had better not go around saying that Thranduil is foolish. Legolas lost his temper, which is unusual for him, I think, and a sign of how stressed out he still is, poor thing. I think that Alfirin must like it when she sees Ithilden being concerned for Legolas. He's a good ada waiting to happen.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2004
Although Alfirin thinks running the King's household would be a major task, she's clearly thought about it, and knows exactly what to do there. Now she just needs to get Ithilden to unwind a little ... Poor Legolas. He seems to be getting better, but it takes very little to upset him. He's still very touchy and sensitive. Alfirin is going to have to pick her moment, but I know she'll get through to him in the end. I was impressed that he turned down Turgon's suggestion of The Glade though - he's maturing nicely (hmm, that makes him sound like a cheese or fine wine!) Jay Author Reply: I think Alfirin's mother is right in seeing Ithilden himself as a bigger challenge than running the king's household. He's so driven and competent that it's hard for him to slow down and let things happen and listen to other people. Your description of Legolas is right on, I think. He's gradually getting better, but he's still on edge. He'll get better in this story, but not all the way because he needs to still be doubting himself at the start of "Prodigal Sons."

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2004
I just love the way you are developing Alfirin. She is sensible, but sensitive, kind and thoughtful, apprehensive at the idea of the responsibilities she will be taking on, not afraid to tell Ithilden what she thinks - (although he needs some training in listening), and in lurve. With more than just his body, too. Legolas will be very lucky to have her supporting him at this time. She is quiet, but easy to be with. Maybe, between her and Annael, he will be able to come to terms with what happened. (Sometimes, I think, being made to talk about things is not the right thing. Some things need to be internalised before you are ready to speak - and having pairs of anxious eyes watching you is probably less than helpful.) Good for Annael! He interceded at just the right moment, in just the right way. What a star that elfling is. And, actually, Tonduil is great, too. Do you know, I was wondering how many inappropriately parented elflings there are in Mirkwood. Turgon and Amdir, it goes without saying. But Galelas is in there, too, with those idiot parents who think the sun shines out of Tinar. And bad parenting in elflings could have very very long term repercussions. Perhaps Thranduil should set up parenting classes. “It grows late,” he said. “May I walk you home?” He did not think she should be in the woods alone. Protective Legolas. Probably the quality in him that will help him adjust. (And so sweet.) I like the contrast of their views on Earendil - Alfirin taking the family's side and Ithilden viewing the necessity. Very them. Alfirin was very brave in the way she dealt with her slip of the tongue! No blushing and running this time - but laughter and an invitation to kiss her! I think she'll have Ithilden trained in no time! Especially if he thinks over what she said just prior to the kiss. Author Reply: It's been interesting to develop Alfirin a little more. She's a minor character in most of my stories that are set later, and I had a pretty good idea of what she was like but not of how the world looked to her. She does love Ithilden and he's lucky to have her. But Legolas is lucky too. He feels smothered by his family, and she's a sympathetic, undemanding outsider. I think the fact that she's female probably helps him too. He may feel she's less likely to judge him. And she rouses his protectiveness, which is good I think. His killing of the other elf grew out of his protectiveness too. I was thinking about Tonduil just yesterday. He's a sweet kid who has not yet found his path in life. I think Annael is a bit fiercer. He's cut out to be a steady warrior in a way that Tonduil is not. But they're a lot alike in other ways. One of the things that's difficult about writing this story is that it's about feelings, not lively action. And it's harder to "show" rather than "tell" feelings like Alfirin's ambiguity about Ithilden in that last section. I hope Alfirin does "bed" Ithilden a "good night" eventually! And that's what he's hoping too.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/17/2004
He bent and kissed her again, and as he did so, he reached behind her to untie the ribbon securing her braid and then began working his fingers through it, unraveling the glorious cloud of her hair. Hello! So nice to see you again! I love that line--I think it's perfect for Ithilden and Alfirin. It's pure, not rushing into intimacy yet, but it shows the new relationship they have . . . a sense of possession and privilege on his part, and a sense of permission and enjoyment on hers. Delicately done. Very tactile. Ah, what a gorgeous read for a Friday night. I was on the lookout for this chapter. I hope you spend a good amount of time with them in this new phase. It's such a sweet and fleeting moment in a courtship. Although I guess Elves have a lot to look forward to in marriage. Thanks for a real treat! Author Reply: I did think that Ithilden's unbraiding Alfirin's hair was an intimate act for them. It's something only a family member or lover would do. And I try to picture her going into the cottage with her hair loose and having her family give her startled looks. ;-) The events of this story take place in the stretch of about a week, so time is limited, unfortunately. Then, unlike Eilian and Celuwen, they will have a year of betrothal, which I imagine is sweet torture. I'm glad you liked it, Esamen.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/17/2004
So I'm done, done, done with two of my classes, and partway done with the other two. I've just got two more papers to revise, not write, and then I'll be done, done, done with this semester. So I'm taking a nice evening for myself, and lookee here is a new chapter! I think the smartest thing Alfirin did this chapter was the way she dealt with Legolas. He's not the sort to like being fussed over, but he needs attention. His shrink is giving him too much attention, and The Family isn't giving him enough. I think what Alfirin did was just perfect. Just come and sit with him and either conspicuously ignore him or make small talk. Do that long enough, and eventually he'll start talking at his own pace. The thing is, that takes time, and no one (except Alfirin) really seems interested in taking time with Legolas. They're Elves, for cri-pete, they have plenty of time, but it seems they're just as impatient with psychological problems as humans are. Awww, and now Alfirin's getting all Freudian with Ithilden. Her hair is going to look like a rat's nest tomorrow morning. If someone were to undo my braid and run their fingers through my hair, it would wind up standing straight on end, and I'd wake up the next morning looking like the Moss-Haired Girl. Alfirin's mom has clearly given her daughter's situation some thought. She's got her oldest baby's future all planned out. She knows just what Alfirin will need to learn, has helpful hints on how to do it. and has even begun sorting out the details as to how. I suppose that's part of the job of being a Mom, right? It's kind of hard to know who will be more intimidating, Alfirin's father-in-law, or Ithilden's mother-in-law. Right now, I'd bet on Ithilden's mother-in-law. We know that underneath Thranduil's formidable exterior beats a heart of marshmallow, but underneath Alfirin's mom's exterior is a healer. And you don't want healers mad at you. How much does Annael know? Far less than he should, I bet. He's a good guy, and he could be a lot of help to Legolas, but he's just not quite old enough to do that yet. And it's funny (funny strange, not funny ha-ha) how everyone says that Turgon is such a bad influence on Legolas, but no one ever stops to think that Legolas might be a good influence on Turgon. I'll bet that the only reason Turgon is as together as he is, is that he has Legolas and Annael to pay attention to him. But again, they're just too young to help each other. And between the three of them, they've only got one and a half stable families to go around. No wonder the Unholy Trinity is so dependant on each other. I presented one of the two half-finished papers in class yesterday, and the professor told the class collectively (which includes me), that he thought our work was interesting enough that we should consider making our papers as good as we possibly can and then submitting them for conferences. I think I'm going to do that. Maybe next semester, or next year at the latest, I'll be up at the SEM conference and presenting! That'd be way cool! Author Reply: Being done with a semester is the best feeling! At first, you don't know what to do with yourself, but then you realize: sleep! eat! read! do nothing! Alfirin did do well with Legolas. I think he's less emotionally entangled with her than he is with his family. I thought that with them he would both want them and not want them, and that would make problems. But she's a friendly outsider, so he can relax. You're making me laugh about Alfirin's hair. I have stick straight hair, so I can't quite imagine what you're describing. But Ithilden loves her hair, and undoing her braid seemed nicely intimate. I think that Ithilden comes to have a healthy respect for his mother-in-law. I doubt if he'd want to be on her bad side. Annael doesn't know anything more than anyone else does, which maybe is a pity. I hadn't thought of that. I think there are occasions when the three buddies do get a little Lord of the Flies-ish and determine their own behavior standards. Turgon is especially that way. Way to go about the conference papers! Conferences are kind of fun, especially if they're in good places.

Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/17/2004
Methinks I spot a freudian slip. I glanced down the page and thought it was a typo at first. (snickers) Nope, just Alfirin's libido making itself known. I'm glad she leaned in though. It's wonderful that Ithilden is so respectful. Really it is great. However, he so needed to make a move. I was restraining myself from telling him to kiss her or he might lose her. Yes, I talk to ficitonal characters. They don't answer, which is probably a good thing. So, interesting chapter. I was so shocked when Legolas went after Galelas. Granted he had it coming, but still it's just not like him. I understand why Annael was all concerned. Annael's a stand up guy. Good going for him getting in the way of Legolas's lunge. I'm so glad Turgon and Legolas have him. Three-way friendships are hard to work(I know having been part of one where I was left out a lot and one that works fabulously). I'm actually very impressed as to how you handle this one, or how secure the guys are. It could just be that guys aren't as sensitive as girls are to the whole, are they closer to each other than to me, how does our friendship work, how does the dynamic change thing(ok, maybe just me), but whatever is in it, it works real well. And thank goodness for Annael because I shudder to think what Turgon would talk Legolas into if it were just the two of them. Though I'm having fun picturing that thought crossing Thranduil's mind. Alfirin is coming off nicely in this story. She was really good for Legolas there. That was an interesting point her mother brought up. A very valid one also. Something tells me though she felt up to the task. I'm glad she's decided to listen to her hormones. Usually not a wise decision, but Ithilden and Alfirin are such sensible people, that listening to their hormones for once won't do them much harm. I look forward to your next update. I've gotten spoiled with your quick updates. I was all set all week to have a new chapter to occupy me while I procrastinated on studying. You know how you had exams to grade? I had them to take. Exams interfere with fanfiction. I do not approve. Anyway, it was nice having the next chapter. Mostly because I knew Ithilden was going to make a move(or I was going to yell at him to make a move or lose her forever via the computer screen, odd looks from my family be hanged) so I was particularly anxious. And very well rewarded when it finally did appear. So. Update soon! Author Reply: LOL. Actually, that line about "bedding him good night" originated in a typo that I made while writing another story -- "My Brother's Keeper" I think. I saw the line I had typed and laughed and decided to save it for another story because it was such a good Freudian slip. Legolas and Turgon are lucky to have Annael. He's such a sensible kid and they both benefit from that. He acted quickly here too. He could see what was coming and knew Legolas was not himself, although he doesn't know why. I think Alfirin is good for Legolas too. She's an outsider and at the moment he feels kind of smothered by his family. He's in a tough situation because he needs attention but also doesn't want too much. I was slow with this update because I was grading. But I guess I'd rather grade exams than take them!

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