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| All Those Who Wander by daw the minstrel | 25 Review(s) |
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| Lamiel | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| I've fallen behind again, and only now managed to catch up with the story so far. This is enjoyable for me, as I get to read several chapters at once and see the way that they build and play upon eachother, but it isn't so nice to you. I'm sorry. It's interesting to see a small role reversal between Ithilden and Eilian in this story. Eilian is still reckless and a bit uncautious in his grief for his mother, but the incident with the spiders shows how much he's matured. Maltanaur is having an effect on him after all. But I think this is one of the few times that we've seen Ithilden being less than perfect. He makes mistakes, and to my mind his willingness to accept responsibility for those mistakes makes him even more admirable. Particularly in comparison to the sort of leaders we seem to have in the real world. I loved Thranduil's musings on Eilian's behavior as well, and his relationship in comparison with Legolas'. "When had his second son wandered away and become lost to him?" A beautifully poignant thought, and one that I'm sure every parent must share at some point. I'm looking forward to seeing how you continue this story. Author Reply: As I've working on original fic this summer, I've realized that reading a whole bunch of chapters at once can be a very different experience than reading them posted serially, so I hope this still read all right! Ithilden is an eminently fair person. He would never let someone else take the blame for something he was responsible for. It took him a few minutes to realize that he was the one who had left Legolas unattended, but once he did, he would tell Thranduil. And yes, it would be so nice to have that kind of leadership in RL! I think all of these people are a little lost right now. But they're working to get found! | |
| thechevin | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| Oh so much to enjoy here as well as be worried about The simple pleasure Legolas had from feeling the woods around him, and remembering about Anneal being a good tracker The moment the King and Ithilden realised Legolas was missing and the way Ithilden took the responsibility onto himself when Thranduil seemed likely to blame Eilian How Eilian had his conversation with Maltanaur in his head, his minder certainly does have an influence over his behaviour even if he sometimes thinks he doesn't. Poor Ithilden's guilt and how his Adar did his best to comfort him and how he saw Eilian on the outside as it were looking in at a contented family, I do hope they get to talk and listen very soon All the little bits that make your writing so good, Ithilden waiting for permission from Thranduil before sitting down in the cottage, the way the king makes sure he is not a burden to his people make them seem so real But best of all were Legolas' reaction to being lost, orc spit could soon become a family favourite way of expressing unhappiness and the bit that brought tears to my eyes “I would come for you anywhere, my heart.” I sure all those centuries later he still thought the same when he heard of where Legolas had been during the war of the ring Author Reply: You're picking out some of my favorite moments! I've been writing about these characters for so long that it's relatively easy for me to see how they'd think about events, themselves, and one another, and when you weave those together, you get a story! Cool. I thought that about Thranduil being willing to go anywhere after Legolas too. He must have been horrified when he realized what was happening. But by then, of course, he had problems of his own. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| It's not like I didn't know it was coming, but I was still on the edge of my seat for the whole chapter. 'Hide and seek' just lends itself to losing one small elfling. Poor little fellow. He just wanted to play with the big kids. He hid quite well. Unfortunately, the kids and their caretaker didn't notice and his family was too busy to realize he'd gone AWOL. When the king and company realized Legolas was missing, however, I felt bad for them. What a rush of fear! The kid is small and the forest big and dangerous. Thranduil managed to say, “Thank you, mistress,” before he turned to Eilian. “Where?” And: Ithilden whirled on him. “I need you to scout the area,” he said fiercely. “The rest of us will look, but you are the best scout I have. We need to know if there is danger. Use your head, Eilian!” Poor Eilian. I felt as bad for him as I did little lost Legolas. Everyone just immediately jumps his case. What Thranduil and Ithilden said wasn't wrong, just inappropriately phrased. Like I tell my boys: It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Of course, Thranduil in the panicked-father-who-happens-to-be-king mode and Ithilden was worried too. Still Ithilden's 'use your head' comment was a tad of a low blow. He was right that he had no better scout than Eilian, but when he destroyed that praise by taking a swipe at Eilian's intelligence. Brothers! They automatically know where to aim. Eilian did well though. He channeled Maltanaur and did his job. Again, the lines of communication went down at the end when he refused the breakfast invitation offered by his father. Thranduil recognizes the communication gap, but seems nearly helpless about how to remedy it. It's in his favor though that he wants to and he does try. Somehow his best laid plans seem to go awry though. But Ithilden does need to tell Eilian how well he performed...as his brother. Maybe the commander wouldn't say much in a normal situation, but a brother can say things the commander wouldn't. Great chapter. My nerves are shot. You've done your job! Karen Author Reply: I had to think long and hard about how Legolas could get lost and how lost he could get. These are wood elves, so he's not going to get spooked by the forest. His family consists of warriors who can all track well, so I thought it was unlikely he'd get lost for too long. But given that they've faced recent loss, I thought the natural panic they'd feel would be heightened. In truth, I think Eilian is more lost than Legolas is. He needs Ada to come and find him. | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| and then realized that he sounded like a troop commander rather than the diplomatic son of the king. LOL! even Ithilden loses his calmness from time to time...and the three sons of the King are in need of their Adar. It was funny to see Eilian stopping to Maltanaur's voice in his head! He can be proud, once he awakes...I'm curious to read that story! :-) Hide and seek. One could almost see the reasoning in that little head! Poor one! Author Reply: Thranduil's whole family is still reeling from the loss of Lorellin, I think. They're better than they were, but things still throw them off stride. Ithilden is used to giving orders and having people jump to obey. I strongly suspect he's not a whole lot better as a diplomat than his father is. Maltanaur's story coming right up! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| 'Hide and seek'. Three little words that filled me with dread the second I read them. The fear of Thranduil, Ithilden and Eilian was very vivid, and the whole scene was so tense I was on the edge of my seat. Then, in the middle of all the tension, you give us the line 'orc spit'! It's another appropriate use of the expression, I think. Legolas was very sensible here, actually, after realising the others had lost him, but I loved the reunion with Thranduil. The ending was sad. Eilian had been so mature and dedicated in what he had to do, and marvellously skilled as a scout in sensing the spiders, but later there's a wonderfully cosy scene with the rest of the family - and he's left out. Thranduil should listen to his inner voice - Eilian needs to talk to someone. If my son ever wanted a respite from his little sister, he'd suggest a game of hide and seek. Then he'd go back to his Lego or train set, while she hid, and waited and waited for him to find her. It was the only time she was ever quiet! Author Reply: 'Hide and seek'. Three little words that filled me with dread the second I read them Spoken like a primary school teacher! Your son was very clever in managing his sister. The little demon. As for "orc spit," Legolas was trying to be tough and not cry. Maybe that's why people say the human equivalent when they hammer their thumbs or drop the full container of milk. Poor Eilian. Ithilden and Thranduil can connect, even when Ithilden is feeling guilty, but Eilian is just at a loss as to how to talk to either one of them. He does better with Ithilden than with his father. Thranduil needs to make the effort and see what comes of it. | |
| Purplesmackers | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| That was a wonderful chapter! "His friend Annael was good at seeing such things, and these village children were all bigger than Annael, so Legolas thought one of them might be good at it too and use the clues to find him." - I loved this statement in the chapter...it definitely foreshadows how great of a scout Annael is as a warrior. I loved imaging Eilian and Ithilden fighting side by side. That was a great mental image. I have a feeling this trip is going to be a great learning experience for Eilian, Ithilden, and Thranduil. Hopefully Eilian will be able to cleanse his conscious, Eilian and Thranduil will be able to start seeing each other eye to eye, and Ithilden can stop being so hard on himself. I am also crossing my fingers that we will get a little Ithilden and Legolas bonding...definitely not enough of that! lol Author Reply: Annael is one of my favorite OCs. His whole family is really. Legolas was very fortunate to have this normal family to visit when he was a kid. And Thranduil should be thrilled with Annael as Legolas's friend because he's such a good kid. Sort of makes up for Turgon. :-) They're working on learning some things about themselves and one another. No big revelations, not in a few days, but little steps. I don't know about the Ithilden and Legolas bonding. I'm not sure that's in my notes. I occasionally wonder about that. After all, Ithilden was home for most of Legolas's childhood while Eilian was away. But I think Ithilden is just not as willing to focus on Legolas as Eilian is. | |
| Vanyalindie | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| Thank-you, thank you, thank you, daw! You had me scared to death for poor little Legolas before I even read the chapter! As soon as I saw 'Lost', I started to panic. I know you saud you wouldn't kill anyone in this story, but gosh, I was scared! When I saw the second little 'Orc spit!' episode, I burst into giggles, frightened though I was. Usage of that word is beginning to become something of a habit for him. ;) lol That was a lovely chapter, I especially liked the ending. :) I do hope that Eilian and Thranduil can make up and truce or something.(however temporary it may be) Thanks lots, and looking forward to more! ~VG Author Reply: This episode of lost Legolas was the idea that started this story. I mentioned this episode as one of Legolas's memories in "Legolas's Begetting Day," and I've intended to write about it for a while. At first, I thought it would be just a one shot thing, but then I got to thinking about the fact that all of these people are a little lost right now and decided to write about the rest of the family a bit more too. The story won't be long. Only one more chapter, I think. Thank you, Vanyalindie! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005 |
| I'm sure that if Thranduil spends the whole night cuddling Legolas, he will a) wake up uncomfortable in the morning and b) get away with the missing blanket fiasco. After all, snuggling in the strong arms of the Ada who saved you from the dangers of not being able to find your way back to camp gives you much more security than a blanket. And poor Legolas. He was doing that child thing where you play in the vicinity of other playing children and adults think you are playing together but in fact you aren't. The maiden in charge knew that he was not really part of their games and that he was under someone else's control. Eilian might have understood the difference - he's still quite close to childhood - but Ithilden didn't have a clue. But then I imagine that he spent a lot of his time on the edge of groups, not really understanding why he didn't belong. Or even, that he didn't belong. But at least he's strong and brave and honest and is prepared to take the blame for being the one who lost sight of the elfling. (Eilian, take note. Ithilden might be irritating, but he is as protective of you as a troop commander can be of his warrior.) Eilian done good! He let Maltanaur's voice keep him on task and let Thranduil search for the kid while ensuring that dangers were kept at bay. Perhaps he should allow Maltanaur to dominate his thinking a little more often - because the thoughts were good. And Ithilden was able to see his brother at his shining best and register that he isn't always the flaky, irritating, immature, irresponsible elf he can appear when he's home. Now Adar and big bro just have to let Eilian know that they admire his good points. I'm glad Thranduil has decided that he has to talk to Eilian. (About time!) And preferably not with him sitting at his desk looking judicial while his son squirms on the carpet before him. It's just as well neither of them know yet quite how long it is going to take for their relationship to ease. But at least they touch every now and then before spiralling apart again. Ithilden doesn't have too long to wait before Alfirin starts to ease his isolation and soften him. And then they will have Sinnarn. For a while. I look forward to hearing the resolution to the Maltanaur affair. Author Reply: Thranduil is hoping that Legolas just sleeps through the night, preferrably close by but in his own cot. I think Legolas might need a little more reassurance than that though. He was brave, but he was scared. That's why he eventually is so sympathetic to the mice who get "lost" from the mouse house in his room. Ithilden came on the scene late, saw Legolas playing, and just assumed he was being looked after. He must have been horrified to realize the truth. Eilian saw Legolas approach the other children and had a much better sense of the fact that he wasn't really part of the group yet. Your description of Ithilden on the edge of groups made me sad. Poor thing. He does need Alfirin. She recognizes his good qualities and makes him a better person. And then they will have Sinnarn. For a while. Way to turn the knife, Bodkin! Actually Eilian is made a better person by his wife too, and it's not until he marries that things ease much between him and Thranduil. They're just too different. But as you say, they can once in a while see through their mutual wariness and realize they love one another. | |
| ScarlettPendragon | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/28/2005 |
| Hi Daw!! Wow!! Another great chapter!! I was on the edge of my seat until Thranduil found Legolas - of course I knew he would, but I was worried what shape he would find the little one in!! And GO THRANDUIL!! for realizing the pain that his eldest son was in, and doing what he could to relieve Ithilden's sense of guilt - poor Ithilden!! There is such a thing as being 'too responsible' sometimes!! The shadow of their Mother's death is really hanging over all the boys, isn't it?! I do hope that Thranduil and Eilian sit down and talk, and that Eilian trusts Thranduil to listen to him!! Eilian was amazing in the woods!! Wanting to search for his brother, but knowing that he has his duty to attend to instead!! That "Little!Maltanaur!Voice" in Eilian's head is a Good Thing, eh?! **LOL** Hopefully Eilian will continue to hear it, and to heed it, until the original is back up on his feet!! I love, love, love when you have Ithilden and Eilian fighting together - I get a picture of the Fighting!Thranduilions in my head, and it makes me 'squee' with joy!! Poor Legolas!! He's a little too good at Hide and Seek, isn't he?! I'm sure it's a skill that will come in handy when he'll older, but it's a bit of a liability for a little Elfling in an unfamiliar place right now!! I really enjoyed this chapter, and I'm looking forward to more!! Thanks again, Scarlett Author Reply: I couldn't have anything too bad happen to Legolas. When he recalls this incident in "Legolas's Begetting Day," all he remembers is being alone in the woods with no one to take care of him. The shadow of Lorellin's death is still very close to this family. They're getting better, but they're still hurting. Eilian did do very well, though. He's working on becoming more adult and responsible, at least about some things. I hadn't thought about the fact that Eilian and Ithilden were fighting side by side, but you're right. That is a good picture. :-) | |
| moonshine44 | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/28/2005 |
| "He looked down at his baby, who still trusted him as the one who would come when he was in trouble." For some reason, this line made me see how much of a father Thranduil is. I know he has always been, but this line seemed to define that and bring it out more. It was very well said. Well, now I am in anticipation to see what`s bothering Eilian. Meaning as fast as you update, I still can`t wait to read the next chapter: ) Author Reply: It's hard to see Thranduil as just father rather than king, I think. But when his child was lost, that's what he was. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Only one more chapter, I think. | |