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A Spring of Joy by daw the minstrel	270 Review(s)
meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
Wow. OK; well, I was sad thinking about Sinnarn on my way to work today, but there is definitely no way I can top that review! I was awestruck enough by Dot's poem! So I guess what I take away from this chapter, being a mercenary, analytical type who kinda guessed where you were headed and was willing to shove you off the end of the high board if you started to back away, is the phenomenal power of what you've created here. You are the maestro! I can't be the only one who feels like I've known these characters my entire life - who feels like I've watched Sinnarn grow up in real time. I had to stop and remind myself that I've been reading your stories for less than two years. You built an entire world up around Legolas, populated it with engaging, lovable people, and made us fall in love with them. You played on our heart-strings like a virtuoso, and we loved you for it! We knew Sinnarn as the dark-haired sprite, the wonderfully sullen adolescent, the hilariously challenging son of a father who had been so sure he could do a better job than his own father did, the maverick with a cynical streak, and finally, the warrior who accepted his duty. And knowing him so well, and knowing those who loved him, made us all feel like we've all lost a beloved family member. There must be no greater triumph for an author than to mercilessly crush her readers' emotions. Admit it. Pass the Kleenex! And my hat is off to you, Professor. Author Reply: I feel bad that people are still sad. You all do know that Sinnarn isn't real, right? I appreciated your support in going ahead with this. I was suprised by the strength of the protests I got at the end of chapter 7, and I wavered just a little, but I did think it was unrealistic to believe that none of those warriors in the king's family would die. I think what I really am is awestruck about people's reactions. I can't believe I evoked that. It's a little scary. I think readers' reactions really come from exposure to Sinnarn over the course of many stories, not just this one, so it's cumulative. Anyway, no more character deaths for a while. Enough!

ScarlettPendragon	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
Hi Daw!! But.. But.. But.. This was supposed to be a happy story!! Remember we talked about how this was going to be a nice change of pace from the unrelenting angst of the last story, remember?! And then!! Sinnarn!! And Tynd!! And Annael's Naneth and daughter both leaving for the Grey Havens!! And Thranduil's far too many losses!! And Angry!Legolas!! Aaarrgh!! You have torn my still beating heart from my chest and stomped on it!! You are an EBIL, EBIL WOMAN!! ;>) OK, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I have to complement you on yet another fantastic story (even if you're EBIL! LOL!) You are truly a great author, and I always look forward to seeing a new story from you!! I am also writing you to thank you - and I think you'll get a kick out of my day!! I have been doing documentation on a huge software rollout (which is why I haven't had much of a chance to review lately, btw), and we finished up on Monday (Canadian here, so no long weekend), so I've been catching up on my admin stuff and doing some surfing. So at lunch today I was merrily reading away your story, and I started to get a bit worried, but then I thought "No, Daw said this would be a happy story (see rant above!)!" and I get into the final chapter. At first I didn't understand what was wrong with Emmelin, and if I'd been a little quicker I would have stopped reading then and there and waited till I got home!! But No, I kept on reading facepalm!! And then I thought "This will be a false alarm, and Sinnarn will be wounded but recover!" and I still kept reading!! Well, of course the inevitable happens, and tears start running down my face, so I grab a bunch of tissues trying to stem the tide and I keep reading!! (Occasionally I'm an idiot!! LOL!) Pretty soon I'm a complete mess and trying to hide my face and take deep breaths to keep from sobbing out loud, when my Project Manager walks by my cubicle - fortunately I had my email program running so I was able to bring that screen up. So she stops and asks me what's wrong, and the first thing I can think to blurt out is "I just heard that a friend died." She was very sympathetic (and I just kept getting more and more mortified), and wanted to know if there was anything she could do for me, and I said "No, it was more just the shock of finding out than anything." So she insisted I take the rest of the day off!! So I pulled myself together and spent half an hour in the Ladies room redoing my makeup (which I had managed to utterly ruin - no wonder the poor woman thought something was wrong!), and then I went out and had a lovely afternoon of shopping and bought a floaty blouse and some funky sandals!! And I thought "I have to tell Daw what happened today!!" So I do thank you for a great afternoon off, and for such a terribly wonderful poignent story!! Thank you, Scarlett Author Reply: Oh my god, that is one of the funniest stories I have ever read. Your project manager is a very nice person, and I hope she never finds out who the friend was. The blouse sounds very pretty. I need new sandals too. I'm sorry the story was so sad, but it seemed realistic that one of Thranduil's family might die. I promise there will be no more character deaths for a long while. I have a single chapter story in mind to do, and then I think I'll spend some time turning one of my stories into a fantasy novel for young adults. Then I can write fanfic while a million agents and publishers send me kiss off letters.

Firnsarnien	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
sniff, sniff Oh gawd! I knew something horrible was going to happen, but I didn't know something this horrible would happen! Poor Sinnarn and Ithilden and Emmelin and Legolas and Thranduil and...and...well, just poor everyone! sob Their peace coming to an end. How horrible to just have to stand by and watch it happen. 'Cause we all know, no matter how hard they fight and how many of them die, there is no holding back this darkness. This was so sad! I have this huge lump in my throat now and an ache in my chest. I'm beyond coherent words now, so I think I'll stop here. I look forward to another of your stories. crawls off to quietly cry in the corner Author Reply: When I started counting up all the people who would be affected by Sinnarn's death, I realized it was a long list. The long life of the elves must have been a curse sometimes as they saw evil go and come again. But really, only 60 years down the road, Sauron will be gone, and things will be much better in ME. Feel better, Firnsarnien. Sinnarn is happy in Valinor.

caz-baz	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
oh my god! you killed Sinnarn you ******! Sorry been watching too much South Park. I can't believe you did that though he was ace. I was crying my eyes out - still am. gotta run and clean up theres someone at the door oh dear this is going to be embarrassing. Author Reply:* I know. It was bad of me. He was just coming into his own. But that's life in Mirkwood.

Legolas4me	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
What a sad, sad chapter. I had a lump in my throat the entire time. I hate death. It is so frightening. I hate to see it come to these good woodland elves who are battling the Shadow. But I really did enjoy reading this story. I am sorry to see Sinnarn go. I think you are right when you said that he tends to get lost in many stories. It must be very difficult to pay adequate attention when you have such a large cast of characters. I liked him better as an elfling. He was so cute. It struck me odd to see him married. I am sure there will be references to him in other stories. I am going to miss his comic relief and humor. I enjoyed this character. I often marvel that these elves have such a bond with those they love. It is really neat to see how they know when something is wrong with their loved one when they sense a distrubance with the bond. I really liked how you wrote Thranduil in this chapter. I love how you make him a very fierce warrior and give him such an intense personality. However, you make him very realistic. I really do believe that Thranduil, no matter how strong that he is, is going to feel weary with the grief and sorrow he feels over losing his father, wife, grandson, comrades, and fighting his never ending battle with Shadow. This was a really nice touch. I will also be sad to see Elowen go. She has sort of been like surrogate mother to Legolas. Poor Annael will be losinghis mother and daughter when they sail...though it is not nearly the same as death. I wonder if Thranduil would have chosen to do so if he was not king. I think that his duties nad resposibilites prevent him from doing so if he wished. What an excellent story you have written for us. As always, thank you for sharing it. Do you know what you might write about next? Until next time ~Legolas4me :-) Author Reply: I felt bad about Sinnarn too, but it seemed to me to be realistic that at least one member of Thranduil's family would die. I can always go back and write about him as a kid, and in the meantime, he's going to be happy in Valinor. I think I made up some of that bond between Elven loved ones. There's probably a canon basis for it but I blew it up. And sometimes it's a pain to work with. You can't have surprises. But in this case, it was useful to have Emmelin anticipate Sinnarn's death. I love Thranduil. He's so tough but devoted to his people. He held that realm with no ring, and in the long term, defeated Sauron's forces in the Battle Under the Trees. You have to wonder what led various elves to go or stay. Thranduil seems really linked to the woods, but the time of the elves is over and he could have gone. I have a single chapter fic in mind to do next, and then I was thinking about taking some time to see if I could turn one of my stories into an original young adult novel. Then I can write fan fic while I get turned down by a jillion agents and publishers.

Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
I think a fluffy elfling story is a very good idea. Man, two character death stories right in a row. It's interesting on how different the two stories dealt with death though. The other one was sad because of Legolas's reaction and this one was sad more through it being a beloved character that died. I think we were all a tad bit more fond of Sinnarn than we realized. I like this story better though. I think it may my favorite one that you've written. The scenes are tied together a lot better and the pacing is better too. Also, the suspense and stuff was a lot of fun and really well done. There was definitely building tension through the entire thing that worked really well. I love this story. It all ties together so nicely and it's a very effective gap filler. So this chapter, oh my god was it sad. I freaked out my brother who was in the room while I was reading it. He got a little concerned until I told him why I was crying at which point he rolled his eyes and had yet another " God my sister's weird" moment. It was just so moving. It really hit home how bad the darkness coming back was. They were all so hopeful and they only got ten years! Sinnarn didn't even get to have kids. It makes me really sad now to think that Legolas started the counting game with Sinnarn who's now dead. I liked the funeral scene. Beliond was awesome. The old grouch came through. I loved the scene with Elowen. Legolas was sort of adopted by her and he's going to miss her. I feel bad for Annael though because both his mother and his daughter are leaving. Just him and Beliniel now. Poor woodelves. I reread this chapter and get all sad again. They put up with so much. So excellent, excellent chapter and story. I love it even if it's going to be a while before I reread it, it's so upsetting. I look forward to your next story greatly. Even if it is another tear-jerker. Author Reply: Yeah, I think we reacted to Tuilinn because of Legolas's pain. But here it turned out readers (and I) were attached to Sinnarn. When I think about him as a child, for instance, I get really sad. But I like to think of him happy in Valinor. I'm comforted by the thought of Elowen and Emmelin being with one another. Elowen will understand what Emmelin is going through. Pacing is hard for me. I tend to hurry because I'm impatient. My beta helps me but there's only so much she can do. I thought of Beliond fooling around with Sinnarn, teasing him, and I decided that he needed to be one to speak. Thanks, Alice. The next story should be a bit lighter.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
Wow! You must be drained! If this has been painful to read through, it must have been tenfold worse to write! Now that everything is over, I must confess that I almost gave up reading this particular story in chapter three. ...he said and went on his way back to his own apartment, feeling the satisfaction that came from believing that he had done the right thing.” That sentence sounded like death toll to me. Believing.Ooops. Anyway, I chose to read on, so I’m not blaming you for this overly sad ending. Now, your OCs have taken over the scene, and you must have a whole fan fiction community mourning one of them! That’s something to be proud of, for it means that you’ve managed to bring them to life pretty well…Congrats there! The narrative device was fantastic, as usual, I like the way you try different approaches in different stories. This one had an almost movie quality, in the way you kept moving from one place to another, following the thread, and slowly giving away small details. I agree with you that Tolkien’s world is one of loss and sacrifice, but then, most deaths he shows under a light of hope, or just glides over, or simply happen to characters we are not all too familiar with, or we hear of them as in a long forgotten tale, as in the Silm... What ff does, and you have particularly mastered this trade, is approaching the characters and the situations, as if through a lens. Focusing on family relationships, as your series does, makes the reader feel closer to the characters, because he/she can relate to their feelings and emotions better. And then we come to Sinnarn, and you get him killed and the shadow returns, just once again. It is interesting to see changes in your approach. I find that this level of angst and detail is uncharacteristically in other stories of yours. We never get to read what happened to the queen,through a close, inmediate pov, when the shadow returned before and Siondel’s Adar was killed we see it through a very young Eilian’s eyes, and such. Now, the scene where you describe how Eilian finds the bodies is, as I’ve said, uncharacteristically raw and detailed in your writing (that doesn’t mean I don’t approve of it!) and painfully… I can’t find the word, suggestive? I mean, Tynd must have been hit first, on his back, and as he fell forward, maybe trying to push Sinnarn to the dubious safety of the trench, Sinnarn must have turned around to help him and three arrows hit him. Wow. It says so much, but, then, what is hinted at is doubly painful. Another subtle difference I found in Ithilden’s reaction. He was fretful and out of himself in Tangled Web, but here he’s so collected that he’s almost frightening. The difference between hope and certainty, again greatly conveyed. What I miss here is hope. This is hopeless despair, and no ray of hope can be seen, except the sheer determination of the king and his people (I love your Thranduil, he’s great!) Not that you could ever find another, for this was such a bleak moment for them, but... well, let’s come to the point, I read fan fiction for evasion, and I fight to find sense in senseless grief and unfair bereavement almost on a daily basis in my professional life, so being confronted with this kind of actual, almost hopeless despair here is kind of, man, there’s no escape! ;-) No, seriously, it is my fault, for I knew at chapter three. I cannot say this is one of my favourite stories of yours, I still prefer Tangled Web, but I do think it is a good one, and a fitting piece in how your story arc is evolving, so congratulations again. Only... may I ask for a fluffy elfling story with a happy Ithilden on it anytime soon? I'm sure you're needing that, too! :-) Author Reply: may I ask for a fluffy elfling story with a happy Ithilden on it anytime soon? I'm sure you're needing that, too! You better believe it! I do need something lighter, and that's what I'm planning. I know what you mean about wanting escape from fanfic, wanting to know that even if bad things happen, the ending will be happy. Most of my stories are like that. I just didn't think it would be realistic for this story to be that way. As you say, the hope lies in the determination of Thranduil and his people. As readers of Tolkien, we know this eventually turns out OK, but at this stage, things look pretty dark. You're very kind to say nice things even though this story probably left you unhappy. Sorry! I promise the next one will be easier to read.

jlmart	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
I read somewhere that Tolkien hoped to create a universe which other authors, artists etc would want to work in and add to. (Sort of blows objections to fanfic out of the water doesn't it!) You have created a remarkable world within that universe full of fully fleshed out characters that wrap themselves around your heart and make you smile, cheer and cry for and with them. I have read all the stories in chronological order and have enjoyed my visits to your world enormously. Your stories have been happy and sad, funny and poignant, fluffy and dramatic, but never heartbreaking. Lorellin was gone before we met the characters and Turgon's death was almost inevitable given his recklessness. I was most affected by Galelas' death but it aroused pity more than anything. In short, your stories were a safe place to go, where life was exciting but those I was most emotionally vested in were safe. I should have realized that you are far far too good an author to overlook reality. This is a world at war, and in war no one is safe. Tuilin's death brought tears to my eyes because of the effect her loss had on Legolas but Sinnarn's death was truly heartbreaking in that it affected everyone. Still, it was how the other characters reacted that brought tears to my eyes. Eilian's initial numbness and guilt followed by his despair at having to face his father and brother. Thranduil's sudden realization watching Emmelin followed by his visualization of a young Sinnarn frolicking beside them on the way back to the palace, Sinnarn and Tynd's bodies being claimed by their fathers, Ithilden and Alfirin drawing strength from one another and Legolas desperately holding on to the slimmest of hopes as long as he can. The funeral, however, was the killer as Thranduil, the remarkable leader that he is, rises above the last in a lifetime of losses to become the strength and rallying point that his people need in a time of crisis and growing darkness. We see the result as Legolas steadies and continues growing towards the elf who would soon join the Fellowship to try to destroy the destroyer forever. You have done a fabulous job - Bravo! (Now could we have something lighter? I am running out of Klennex!) Author Reply: I absolutely love hearing from new readers and finding out that they can stumble on my stories and be caught by them. I don't think I could have killed Turgon if I'd written about him for longer, but that was the third story I ever wrote. Like you, I felt pity for Galelas, whose family had not given him what he needed in life. But Sinnarn was someone I've written a fair amount about. He's still a minor character, but I knew more about things like his struggle to accept his role as the son of the king's heir. Still, as you say, it didn't seem realistic for Thranduil to have all these warriors in his family, to have the world be dangerous, and to have them all come through safely. Sigh. Thranduil is just wonderful. I love that stubborn, valiant king, who held his realm even though he didn't have a ring. If you admire him, you're on my A list! I think the next story will have to be something lighter. No more dead characters!

Rose Sared	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2005
Oh how sad, and how sensitive. You are a story telling genious, my dear. I am too full of sniffs to do your work justice but you have inspired me. Thank you Rose Author Reply: I hope I inspired you to write a story I can read! Thank you for your kind words, Rose Sared. I hate killing an OC but it seemed realistic here.

emjo	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/1/2005
Oh Daw sorry I haven't reviewed this story my boyfriend was in an accident and life has been a little crazy, but I've managed to keep up with this story (actually one of the few things that brighten my day right now). I loved this story even though it made me even sadder. Legolas is definatly ready to go help save middle earth, and in my head Sinnarn will be with his family again eventually. Anyway great job. Can't wait to see what the next story will be! Author Reply: I hope your boyfriend is doing well, emjo. RL can be terrible sometimes. In my head, Sinnarn will be with his family again eventually too. The idea of reuniting in Valinor must be very comforting for Elves who have lived through so many centuries of loss.

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