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A Matter of Heart by daw the minstrel	167 Review(s)
Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/31/2004
Of course Alfirin takes Ithilden's treatment of Legolas rather personally--not only is she the maternal type, but also she's afraid that the same severe attitude Ithilden takes towards Legolas will also be directed at her. I was waiting for Legolas to throw a punch at Galelas. Poor kid. This refrain of "Poor Legolas!" is getting to be a bit like the "Poor Sinnarn!" chorus from A Tangled Web. Your descriptions of the woods, and later the storm, are particularly vivid in this chapter. I really liked that, especially since any story set in Mirkwood would have to pay a lot of attention to the surrounding nature. Author Reply: At her or her offspring, I'd say. Yeah, the fight was almost inevitable, although it's not the kind of thing that delights a parent. I felt sorry for Galelas too actually. He seems lonely to me. I'm glad you like the descriptions, such as they were. I don't think of myself as a very descriptive writer, I'm afraid.

Rose Sared	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/30/2004
Awwwwww, sigh. So sweet. That was very nice and I am so glad that we got the romantic proposal and all, after reading Elian's future naughtiness (which was hot) that scene was all misty and dewy eyed. Nice tale. Thankyou Rose PS In my usual tradition of picking up on great tomes when they are nearly finished I have to recommend you go read Ricky Tikki Tavi's Stardust.(Book one on HASA. Book Two, WIP, on ffnet) She has OC's that are in your league! (praise indeed) Author Reply: Ithilden and Alfirin are much more serious people than Eilian is, and then, of course, their parents approve of their match, which isn't the case for Eilian. And also, I think that Eilian is the most wood-elfy of Thranduil's sons, and Tolkien says the wood-elves are more dangerous and less wise. :-) I've read Ricky Tikki Tavi's Stardust and the sequel. They are both wonderful stories, especially the first one.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
Every family has its ways of testing to see if the kid's current main squeeze is The One, I guess. In my family, it's the Seder Test -- if the squeeze surrenders him/her/itslf to the joyful insanity that is our family seder, they're in. (My cousin's squeeze passed two years in a row! They're engaged now! Yay!) In Thranduil's family, it seems to be the Drop A Tree On Legolas Test. If the squeeze cheerfully helps treat whatever injuries result, she's in. I imagine that ol' Legolas is perfectly happy that he only has two older brothers. The wild boar sounds scary. In truth, I only know a few things about wild boar. They're Obelix's favorite food. And they are the subject of my favorite scene in Mel Brooks's Robin Hood: Men In Tights -- the scene where Robin Hood, played by Cary Elwes, schleps in this gigantic poached wild boar and thwaps it down defiantly in front of Prince John, played by Richard Lewis. Prince John looks at the boar, then at Robin Hood, and mutters, "Trayf!" “That really was well done, little one.” Legolas gave a small snort. “Not little any more,” Yeah, if he's back to protecting his status, he's not that badly hurt after all. It is good that Legolas felt he could talk to Alfirin. She's not that much older than he is, so it looks like he might have found the perfect confidante. Just related enough to keep a secret, but not Really Family, not yet. I think she handled it well. She is a good big sister to Tonduil, clearly, and she seems to be figuring out that what she needs to be to Legolas is a big sister, too. Kind of makes me wonder what that family's life might have been like if Thranduil and Lorellin had had a daughter in addition to the three boys -- if Legolas and possibly Eilian had really had a big sister. Of course, she would have been just like her mother, able to knock down an acorn at twenty paces with a knife! I didn't know that the Wood-elves wore helmets to train in. You never mentioned them before. It makes a lot of sense that they would wear them, though. First, for safety, and second, because they'd wear helmets with armor, probably. Does Thranduil get a helmet, too? And kibitzing Ithilden! I love it. Only Alfirin could have brought out this side of him. Thranduil should have done ths a long time ago. Legolas has always loved playing with him. So, one problem is solved. Ithilden and Alfirin sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes loooooooove, then comes marriage. (Then comes Sinnarn in a baby carriage, but we haven't gotten to that bit yet.) Only one problem left to go, because Legolas isn't quite as healed as he looks. Author Reply: I have to stop doing that thing with the tree! It's getting monotonous. Oh well, as you say, Legolas only has two brothers. I looked up some stuff about wild boars. They seemed like an ok passing danger for this story, one that would let both Alfirin and Legolas show they could use a weapon, but not too threatening in normal circumstances. I may have told you that my beta said I couldn't use any spiders, orcs, or bad men. She wanted me to slow down and write about people's feelings, which turned out to be both difficult and good to do. Alfirin is good for Legolas, and probably for all of them. She's not so emotionally involved with him as his father and brothers have, and yet she's caring. Re helmets. I seem to be somewhat spotty in using them. I know I've had the novices use them in the war games they play twice a year, but I think that may be it. Thranduil does, indeed, get a helmet. And who knew that Ithilden could be so smart mouthed? LOL. I like the teasing and it relaxed Legolas. And yes, Legolas is still going to do something stupid. I just filled in a gap. Sigh.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
A great ending to yet another wonderful story. Of course, we know Ithilden and Alfirin finally got together, but it was good seeing the acuual proposal. Having Legolas realize that when danger threatens, he can use a knife to defend himself and anyone else needing his help, was handled that very well. I like the way Legolas leaned on Ithiden's strength, when he needed it most and that he trusted Alfirin enough to tell her what had been bothering him. I loved the sparring match between Legolas and Thrnduil. That was really nice to see father and son enjoying that interaction. Author Reply: I enjoyed seeing the proposal myself. I learned a lot about Alfirin by writing this story. I could really imagine what it must have been like to decide to take on Ithilden and the palace household. And Legolas is getting better. Alfirin was the right person for him to talk to. She's maternal, but isn't hovering over him like his family is. The sparring match was my favorite part of this chapter to write. Who knew Ithilden had such a smart mouth.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
Oh, daw, thank you so much for such a wonderful chapter right when I needed it. This was so great. You had me all weepy until I got as far as the sparring session and now I can’t stop smiling! You know, for a wood-elf, Legolas does have some bad luck with falling trees. Still, Alfirin and Celuwen don’t seem to mind looking after him! Great job on writing the confusion of the moment when the tree is falling and they all react to it. I love the way that Legolas responds to Ithilden almost as he would his father, to the authority and comfort he offers. And while of course I feel very sorry for Legolas, I was so glad that Alfirin got to see Ithilden combine hero-mode and competence with such tenderness. How could she not love him?? I like your phrase about “hunting flowers”. It sort of combines strength and gentleness that’s so very Alfirin. I loved her in that scene with the boar. I nearly laughed when it appeared. Like, of course there was a wild boar. Why wouldn’t there be?? Mirkwood sometimes seems to be one great, big wildlife reserve. I felt a bit sorry for it, though. It seemed really scared. Anyway, if Ithilden wants to know what kind of a mother Afirin would be, he just has to think of her ready to throw a knife at a wild animal, with his injured baby brother sheltered behind her. And yay, Legolas’ first instinct was to draw his knife, ready to throw it. That says a lot, that no matter what his reaction afterwards is, he still did it. But how scary to think that Alfirin was between him and the boar when he doesn’t yet trust his skill. I got all teary when Ithilden tells him that he was very brave. I mean, it’s absolutely true and coming from Ithilden it must mean a lot. I loved the line “That really was well done, little one.” It’s never any harm to annoy your younger brother but I think that even though Legolas is certainly no child any more, he’s feeling very vulnerable now and probably doesn’t object at all to Ithilden’s comfort and reassurance. It seems Legolas was rather surprised that Alfirin could use a knife. I suppose all of Thranduil’s people need to know how to defend themselves to some extent. I really liked the fact that without knowing what the matter was, she still managed to say just the right thing: “I have to admit I would have felt much better if I had known you were there with your knife ready too. I was terrified.” And she deals with him so amazingly well once he does confide in her. She wasn’t there and isn’t one of his family, she’s just one of the ordinary people that he is training to protect and her genuine gratitude must mean more than even the support his family offers. I suppose that as well as judging Ithilden by the way he treats his brother, Alfirin can judge him by the rest of his family and this brave and loving soul lying in front of her speaks volumes of the type of upbringing he had and the love he receives at home. “He was the king’s son and the leader of the king’s warriors, and she respected and admired him for the skilled, graceful way he met those responsibilities, but the person she loved was Ithilden himself, the Elf he was in the center of his being, the one who could be strong when those who depended on him needed strength and yet be tender when a suffering youth needed someone to comfort him.” Oh, wow. I could read that over and over again. That really sums Ithilden up, doesn’t it? Of course his position as king’s son is part of who he is, but I think he really needs to be loved for just himself too. And besides, we all know how good she’ll be for him and how much he deserves the happiness she brings to him – but she’s a damn lucky elf too!! I always enjoy the scenes with Thranduil at Legolas’ bedside. It seems to be the best place to get Legolas to actually confide in his father. I was so glad that not only did he decide to tell him what Galelas said but was able to share his doubts about himself with his father. I was kind of surprised that Thranduil was all set to give the speech about how Legolas didn’t have to be a warrior. I knew he’d been thinking about it, but I don’t think I believed he’d say it yet. I could have cursed Legolas for interrupting because I really wanted to know what else he would have said! Ah well, at least Thranduil was able to comfort him. And trust him to slip in a reprimand while he was at it too. “She could knock down an acorn at twenty paces.” I wonder how he found that out?? It sounds like Celuwen, actually. It’s so sweet how Eilian fell in love with someone so like his beloved mother. “Good,” said Legolas. “I like her.” Yes!! Well done, Alfirin. That sparring scene! I loved, loved, loved it! So many things that we don’t normally get to see – Thranduil sparring, Ithilden teasing his father, Legolas and Ithilden just being brothers… Thranduil was great in this scene in the way he was simply there for his youngest son. And I’m so glad that Legolas is improving. But the best thing has to be Ithilden. He doesn’t let the session become too serious for a second. “He is old and will eventually need to sit down if you keep him on his feet long enough.” ROTFLMAO! That’s too funny. Any nearby guards must have bitten through their tongues trying not to laugh. That was a very well-timed story about Eilian and Maldor as well. The funniest thing is that they all know about it except Thranduil. I’ll bet Eilian wasn’t all that young when he did that either. Legolas really needed that time with his father. I love that both Ithilden and Thranduil responded to his needs in this chapter and were able to give him back some confidence in himself. You showed the proposal! Thank you! And it was so beautiful. Imagine being told that you make someone a better person. He was so open and honest with her, which has never really been easy for him. Seeing their happiness and the way they both feel so lucky to have found the other is just so heart-warming. I’m so very grateful to you for writing about this time, daw. It fits so easily in with the next story – Legolas is improving but not quite there yet, Annael is learning to resist Turgon, Turgon is determined to show that he is ready to be a warrior, Ithilden and Alfirin have finally acknowledged their feelings… Your pacing with both the relationship between Ithilden and Alfirin and Legolas’ recovery was absolutely perfect. I always liked Alfirin too but was thrilled to get this chance to get to know her better and as always when you choose to focus on someone else’s point of view, I feel I’ve really got a better insight into this family of yours through her. Ithilden deserved the spotlight for a while too, and boy did he shine in the end! Thanks again. I’m back to work tomorrow but if you’re still on holiday, take it easy and I’ll be here as always when you have more for us. :-) Author Reply: If I brightened your day, that's only fair, Dot, since you often brighten mine. Like now. :-) My theory about Legolas and Eilian with Ithilden is that when they're kids, they see him as like their father, although without the same authority, of course. Little Legolas thought of him as someone who made you feel safe, but he didn't like to be bad in front of him. It's only as they near adulthood that they begin to establish a more brotherly relationship with him. Legolas is creeping up on that age, but he still does what Ithilden tells him and is very grateful that Ithilden is there when he's in need. And I thought it was good for Alfirin to see that, because she doesn't have perfect understanding of them either. She needs to see that Legolas trusts Ithilden, will obey him, will bury his face in Ithilden's shoulder. That has to make her love Ithilden more, I think. And if Alfirin saw the potential father in Ithilden, he saw the potential mother in her. She'd defend her young very fiercely. Indeed I think that's one area where he better tread carefully in the coming years. She'd be adamant on what she thought was good for Sinnarn. Her maternal qualities are also part of what Legolas responds to, I think. He doesn't have to prove himself to her. She accepts him and values him. Ithilden has been in a difficult position all his life, I think. He's Thranduil's heir and he's a rather reserved person. I think those two things together might have made it difficult for him to have a lot of friends. So I think that Alfirin's love for him is like water to a thirsty plant. He's going to thrive with it. He'll be happier and better. I think that Celuwen is a LOT like Lorellin, and indeed, so is Eilian. They're wood-elves, the most so of any of Thranduil's family. Tolkien says the wood-elves were more dangerous and less wise than the elves of Rivendell, and you see that in these three, I think. I can't imagine Ithilden and Alfirin bonding like Eilian and Celuwen did, but I can imagine Lorellin thinking it was a good idea. :-) The sparring scene was the most fun to write in this chapter. Who knew that Ithilden could be so smart mouthed? LOL. And Sonny, you'd better watch yourself. My guess is that dear old dad could still knock you on your back if he decided you needed knocking. I'm still undecided about how old Eilian was when the bucket of water fell on Maldor. It occurred to me it could have happened almost any time, like in the last five years even. And yeah, it's funny that Thranduil doesn't know. At least, I thought it was. Even Legolas knows! I have learned a ton about Alfirin in this story and some about Ithilden too. I'm glad you liked it, Dot. I'm on holiday until January 10. We're going to Caribbean next week. I'm sick of cold and snow already, so I'm looking forward to it, but I'm taking my laptop and writing if I can. I enjoy it. We've done this several years in a row. Last year, I wrote the first two chapters of "Fire and Shadow" and the year before I wrote my first fanfic ever. :-)

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
I'm sure Ithilden and Alfirin are very grateful to you for such a wonderful story! You've put them through such a tender,loving, funny courtship, dealing death blows with amazing regularity! from physical awareness to that clear realization of each other! lovely, truly! I liked this chapter very much...when everything seemed to fit into place almost effortlessly! Ithilden truly loves his brother, so he had no problems in recognizing he might have been wrong, and Alfirin was showed the ultimate sight: The guy you love selflessly taking care of a helpless one! Truly, I cannot think of a better way to finally overcome her! (you are quite evil, you know?;-)). Seriously, it was fantastically build up, not major angst and the way they all reacted to it showing they're caring people... it was sweet. I'm glad Legolas managed to find the courage to react to danger and to tell Alfirin about it, too... I'm sure he'll feel beter from now on! and Ithilden must be stil considering the sight of Alfirin with a knife on her hand! behave, crown prince!!! ;-) And the sparring scene was so fun...Thranduil really loves the way his sons behave as brothers, I'm sure, after all, despite the age (Age?) difference, they are on the same side, and that's good! Do you think Alfirin would mind my starting an Ithilden's fan club? ;-) I think you deserve a more-than-well-earned respite, but... any hint of what's coming next? Maybe which story should I go reading? (perelleth winks conspiratorially and reminds you she surely is the latest addition to your band of followers and is still engaged in lots of pleasant catching up...) Best wishes for next year! Author Reply: I've had a lot of fun with Ithilden and Alfirin, who are so serious that they were just irresistable targets for disastrous dates. But I learned a lot more about them in writing about them, and in particular about her. I understand her better now, and can sympathize with how hard it must have been for her to take on Ithilden and the management of Thranduil's household. And you're right about the sight of a guy with a kid in his arms, taking gentle care of him. Alfirin just could not resist. But then, I think she'll be good for all of them, especially Legolas. Well, especially Ithilden, but Legolas too. She was a sympathetic outsider, just the person he needed to open up to. I'm glad you thought this wasn't too angsty. It's tricky to convey emotions with out being either too flat or too exaggerated. Ithilden is about 600 years older than Legolas. That's a lot. I always wonder how elves deal with those generational things. Ithilden is Legolas's brother, not his father, but he's not really of the same age cohort that Legolas is. In the end, I think of them as brothers who can tease one another and sometimes even their father. I'm sure Alfirin wouldn't mind a fan club, as long as they keep their hands to themselves. :-) I'm not sure what I'll write next but I'm thinking of a young warrior Legolas story, maybe set after "The Warrior." I'm just not sure though. I have to think of something to do with him that I haven't done already.

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
great ending. There was a lot in this chapter. Like: Legolas getting injured, telling Alfirin what actually happened, the spar match, the proposal... But it didn't seem overdone. Looking forward to another story from you. -sofia Author Reply: Thank you, Sofia. I particularly appreciated your sense that this wasn't overdone. I was afraid I was getting too sappy at the end. I'm looking forward to another story too!

Alison H	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
What a sweet ending to a truly wonderful story! I think I smiled for the entire time it took to read it.I am such a sucker for the brothers caring for each other and Ithilden really does love Legolas.I can understand Alfirin's adoration for Ithilden when he's so gentle with Legolas--maybe she can imagine how Ithilden would be as a father.Your OC's are so beautifully written and charismatic and I particularly love how you weave your stories around their relationships with each other.So addictive! I really enjoyed the sparring with Ithilden encouraging Legolas from the sidelines.It was so funny to see Thranduil flustered for a second when Ithilden threw in the tale about Eilian! I think it's wonderful when a child can tease their parents and feel comfortable doing it.I just adore this family and I can't wait for another story.Thanks again for the enjoyment you bring to all of your fans. Author Reply: I'm glad I made you smile, Alison. This ending is a little sappy, I know, but this was a story about people's feelings, so it seemed appropriate. And yeah, you're right. Alfirin would be lost from the moment she saw Ithilden being so gentle and loving with a child. Heck, I liked it too! The sparring scene was fun to write. Ithilden has a wicked sense of humor, and Thranduil was happy to see it, I think, because it helped Legolas relax. Thank you for your kind words, Alison.

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
I have so enjoyed this story and am sad to see it reach its end. I loved being able to peek into the past and see how Ithilden and Alfirin chose each other and how they grew to recognise each others strengths and weaknesses I smiled when Ithilden suddenly doubted Alfirin would wish to bond with him it is good for him to be a little unsure I think As for Legolas he still has a way to go but he seems to be recovering very nicely and as ever has the support of his Adar Ithilden was very naughty to distract his father with that tale and to teas ehim about his age but I expect Thranduil knew the reasoning behind it and appreciated the effort his eldest son was making to help his brother. So many lovely things in this final chapter but I particularly liked Alfirin and Legolas I can see that she will be good for him he has never had a female in such close proximity so it will be good for him. It might make for some interesting changes for the whole royal family too! Thank yo ufor sharing your talent with us Judy Author Reply: It's taken me a long time to realize that I needed to figure out the romance of Ithilden and Alfirin. I enjoyed Eilian and Celuwen and that came easily. This romance is quieter, as you would expect with these two serious, dignified people. But it's just a passionate. I can see that now, and I had a good time learning it. Thranduil knew that Ithilden was trying to help Legolas relax. I think of the relationship between Thranduil and Ithilden as being one of almost equals. Thranduil is still the king and father, so it doesn't quite make it, but he trusts Ithilden as he trusts no one else. I've shown Thranduil teasing Ithilden before, but never the other way around, so this was fun to do. Legolas will benefit from having Alfirin around. They all will actually. :-)

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/29/2004
What a nice ending. Very satisfying for your readers. Poor Legolas. He has a tough time with falling trees and his brothers' girlfriends. Alfirin and Celuwen have both ended up nursing him and his leg. :>)Lucky ellyth. I think my favorite part was when Legolas told Alfirin about the spy. I imagine he thought that Ithilden had already told her, and it was probably a relief to him to find out that Ithilden had kept his privacy, even with someone Legolas knew his brother was close to. Sort of reaffirms his trust in Ithilden. Nice touch. I like to think that Ithilden would have been gentle with Legolas under such circumstances even if Alfirin had never said anything to him. That's just the complexity of relationships. Ithilden was angry on the day when he caught Legolas and Turgon fishing, and he had a right to be stern when finding his brother skipping lessons--he's the commander of the troops after all and ultimately in charge of training too. He botched it a little and that gave Alfirin a look at the miffed commander, but not necessarily the brother. Seeing the 'adar-material' came at a good time. Despite all of our modern leanings toward feminism, there are some things that are just hardwired into the genders. Females look for the guy who will be a provider and protector of her and her children, be a good father, and perform all his roles with gentleness and wisdom. Now whether we, as females, always chose wisely is another subject. In this instance, Alfirin certainly did. Thranduil sparring with Legolas was great. Ithilden as the peanut gallery was a hoot. I suppose it was so far after the fact, that revealing that little tidbit about Eilian was safe. Of course, I expect that Thranduil will bring it up one night over a glass of Dorwinion when Eilian least expects it. I'm sorry though that Alfirin missed this sight--though it's best that she did, guy moment, ya know--but she would have seen what a wonderful role model Ithilden had. Ithilden popping the question was sweet. And I kind of like his line about being selfish anyway and wanting her with him. Ahh.h.h And I loved her line about already being bonded to him in many ways. She has made her choice. Just great. I'm always sad to see your stories come to an end, but I always look forward to what will be next. Any hints? Karen Author Reply: I hadn't thought about the falling tree/girlfriend connection. Ack! I'm falling into a rut! Oh well. Both brothers are married now, so maybe I won't be tempted to do that again. I think that Legolas trusts Ithilden completely. Even when he was little, he saw Ithilden as someone who made him feel safe, and I think he still feels that way. Ithilden annoys him sometimes, but when the chips are down, there's no one Legolas would rather rely on. Was it you who made the comment about "Good Neighbors" that Alfirin must have fallen in love with Ithilden when she saw him watching Legolas with love after he'd given away his arrows? I thought of that as I was writing here. She really responds to the love and care that Ithilden gives. Who knew that Ithilden had such smart mouth? LOL. What I liked best about that Eilian story is that Thranduil is the only family member who hasn't heard it yet. That would drive him crazy! I almost didn't show the proposal but then decided I had to because that was what this story had been building to for them. I don't know what I'll write about next, but I'm inclined to think it will be young warrior Legolas. I'll see.

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