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| Eilian and the Lembas Maiden's Kiss by daw the minstrel | 62 Review(s) |
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| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/20/2006 |
| Eilian possibly wouldn’t be so suspicious about people watching him if he didn’t have a guilty conscience most of the time. Life held so many good things. What was wrong with reaching for them sometimes? Hmm. Fair enough, but I think he has yet to realise that it depends on how he does the reaching and who gets hurt along the way. I’m laughing at the idea that Fendir is always hovering around Alfirin when Eilian turns up! But it would take a lot more than that to turn Eilian from one of his schemes. He’s far too clever at thinking up mischief! And apparently Gelmir’s mother thinks so too… I do always admire the nerve of Thranduil’s sons, though, in just walking out past the guards like that. Without being able to say how, he knew when he and Gelmir drew near the first pair of lembas maidens. The life of the forest flowed around them, as a stream flowed around pebbles lying in its bed. Oh, I love that. You do a great job in creating the idea of something sacred and special. And then along comes Eilian. What an actor! Of course, Celuwen knows exactly what he’s up to. The funniest part of the whole piece is when he tries to get rid of her. Or sorry, help her think of an excuse to leave, I should say. Retreat to the bushes indeed. I like how Eilian picks up on the tension, even though he can’t quite put his finger on what’s happening. Well, he found out pretty quickly when Alfirin slapped him away… Go Alfirin! It was great to glimpse how strong a person she is. (Sorry Eilian.) I was very glad that Celuwen told Alfirin what they were up to. She didn’t deserve to be used for a wager. I think Celuwen could forgive a lot from Eilian because she knows what kind of a person he really is but she can’t see him treat other people badly. “You are my friend, and you are upset, I think, probably by something that happened at training or at home, and when you are upset, you do stupid things. I hate seeing you get swept away into actions you regret when you come to yourself again." She understands him more than he does himself yet. It was such a lovely moment when she kissed him. I thought it was rather brave of her when she is starting to feel something deeper for him and she knows that he still thinks they’re the same friends they always were. "I deserved it. I was being a troll's tail end." But she got that much through to him! That part and his thoughts about hiding things from his mother show just how much Eilian is influenced by the females in his lives. Yet he loses both of them for a while. *sigh* But for now I’m glad he’s ending the night feeling happy and at peace, even if he can’t quite figure out why. Oh well, one day he will. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the next morning! Author Reply: Thranduil has always said that Eilian sees no reason he shouldn't have what he wants, and in some ways, he's right. Eilian puts the realm first and serves as a warrior, and he'd sacrifice for his family or even his warriors, I think. But beyond that, he sometimes flounders. He needs Celuwen, but even she waits for him to settle down a little before she's willing to let him too near. She knows he could hurt her. The lembas stuff was interesting to me. At first, I was just trying to think of what the girls could be doing that would keep them out all night because I needed Eilian and Gelmir to be out all night. So I had to think of girl elf things, and lembas came to mind. Then, as I started to imagine it, it kind of took hold in my head and I liked the idea of the feminine realm that will always be a mystery to Eilian and Gelmir. It sort of fit with the kiss wager too. Celuwen sided with Alfirin on that one. I think Celuwen is so firmly lodged in Eilian's heart that he almost doesn't notice her presence there. But he was hers from the time they were little. There never would have been anyone else. Not really. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/20/2006 |
| But if I were in a position of responsibility in relation to Eilian, I'd watch him like a hawk, too. That boy just doesn't know the difference between can and should. And I'm with Gelmir's mother! I'd sit outside Gelmir's door armed. With Gelmir's father under the window. And be deeply relieved that Thranduil's finest warriors were keeping them safe when Gelmir stayed with Eilian. Of course, she's deluded - teenage boys are only safe chained in dungeons. And even then ... Thranduil is going to be so displeased when he finds out. And if Lorellin digs beneath the surface she might be even more displeased - even if Eilian has sensed the edge of a lesson here. Then there are the girls - Eilian has probably just mortally insulted every lembas maiden in Mirkwood. And he still won't understand. Testosterone poisoned, the poor boy. I love Alfirin. She's so soft and gentle that it is a delightful surprise to see her administer a jolt to the self-assured Eilian. And great to see Celuwen disconcerting him further. I hope Eilian pays up the swan feathers and keeps him mouth shut. I so enjoy spending time in this world. I get withdrawal symptoms without regular doses. And this story is a delight. Author Reply: That boy just doesn't know the difference between can and should. Oh, that captures it exactly. He needs a strong dose of sense, and I'm afraid only time will provide it. I recall my son being that way with what he could do on the computer. His skills so exceeded his experience. I'm trying to remember if I've ever shown Gelmir's mother. I know I haven't shown his father. Maybe she hauled him home in "Celuwen's Begetting Day"? She must want to tell Thranduil to get ahold of his kid. Of course, the king would be only too happy to do that if he could figure out how. Alfirin is one strong person. It's a good thing she mostly lets Ithilden think he's in charge. And when she doesn't, I'll bet he backs down fast. | |
| Lady Esyllt | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/20/2006 |
| Your stories were the first fanfiction I really enjoyed and are what lead me to SOA, so I'm so excited you've written another story. I'm glad Eilian got a kiss to sweeten his loss! Author Reply: Thanks, Lady Esyllt. I miss writing these stories, but I've been trying to write original fic lately and between that and work I don't seem to have enough energy. Eilian is a lot of fun to write about. He's such a guy. But yeah, he's lucky. Celuwen ratted him out and then kissed the hurt to make it better. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/20/2006 |
| So it's not just Legolas who sneaks out of the palace, eh? They've got kids, hobbits, dwarves, everyone running in and running out at all times. Thranduil seems to have employed the TSA to guard his realm. Go Celuwen! Even at such a young age, she is much more totally with it than Eilian, Alfirin, or any of the boys. Eilian is a very lucky Elf indeed to have her respect. Author Reply: The sneaking out is the hardest part for me to imagine! Because of what Bilbo says about the caverns in the The Hobbit, I've always imagined them without windows or balconies. He says there are just two entrances: the Great Doors and the trap door to the river. The trap door seems a little drastic to me, so the kids are going through the front. I guess they just need nerve. I was telling someone else that I was a little afraid I'd made Celuwen too perceptive, but I think she's particularly so where Eilian is concerned. And he's lucky. You're right. She respects the person he is underneath, the one she's seen on uncountable occasions over the years, so she sometimes ignores the stupid things he does. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/19/2006 |
| What a lovely chapter. Really. I know Eilian lost the bet...as he should have...and I know he was embarrassed by Alfirin's stern refusal, but he discovered something far better. He just doesn't know it yet. Eilian might pull some really stupid stunts, but he's not dumb. He learns. And one of the things he learned was that the girls stick together. Just like the guys, but I'm not sure he would acknowledge that. Celuwen more than made up for squealing on him though. That was a sweet moment. Even if I didn't know the outcome of their relationship, it's plain to see that she loves him. Maybe only as a friend at this point, but she's loyal and loving enough to want him to do the right thing. I'm a little concerned about this unauthorized camping trip though. I have a feeling the piper will have to be paid in the morning. Nana might not run intervention for him when he's slipped out--a slippery genetic trait, like blond hair, that reappears in the royal line down the road. I love this line: In his experience, people did not keep an eye on him out of an overflow of enthusiasm for his behavior. Oh, Eilian, does that not tell you something? Terrific chapter. Despite Eilian's embarrassing moment, it was a sweet chapter, salvaged by the Lembas Maiden's Kiss. Ahhhh. Author Reply: he discovered something far better. He just doesn't know it yet. You're right. He's happy and doesn't quite know why. He's so lucky to have Celuwen. She puts up with a lot because she sees his essential goodness. Also he's gorgeous and can be charming, but I'm sure she hasn't noticed. :-) Still, I thought she'd see that wager as an affront to girls in general. He needed smacking down. Then he needed a kiss to make it better. | |
| pipinheart | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/19/2006 |
Lovely, Eilian always trying to outdue himself and things didn't quiet go as planned. And as always Gelmir stuck in the middle with him. Alfirin was warned with Eilain that may be good....but Celuwen gave him something to remember for the night... I wonder what Alfirin thinks years later and Eilian's older brother as well... Love it...I like seeing Eilian, when he was younger.. he's a great character.. Please continue... Author Reply: In another story (I think "Joinings"), I had Eilian say that he'd once made some approaches to Alfirin and she'd refused him. He told Ithilden that and it made Ithilden happy. Eilian did NOT tell Ithilden any details, not being insane (and also they weren't written yet so I didn't know them). Anyway, Alfirin is a little standoffish with Eilian at first but then softens when she sees he's no longer a stupid kid. I'm glad you liked it, Pipinheart. I'm having fun writing it. | |
| Yanic | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/19/2006 |
| So Eilian is trying to hit on his sister-in-law to be, lol. It seemed a bit weird to be reading that, but it was before Ithilden, and she has a good head on her shoulders. I loved this line from Celuwen "Unless I decide to find someone to kiss, because after all it would only be a kiss," and the reactions from Eilian and Gelmir, very telling. I love Celuwen's spirit and boldness. She's the perfect maiden for Eilian. Can't wait for more. Author Reply: Alfirin as sister-in-law is so far from Eilian's mind right now that the idea would probably make his head spin around. And she's about the last maiden in Mirkwood to be taken in by charm and a glib tongue. Look how tongue tied Ithilden was! Celuwen is ticked off though, and for good reason. Thanks for the kind words, Yanic. | |
| Gwynhyffar | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/19/2006 |
| Awww, that was actually sweet. Even though Eilian got a well-deserved smack, he got a smacker too. I was wondering if Celuwen would tell Alfirin about the bet - I think if it had been me I would have told. ... especially if I had a pseudo-secret crush on the guy! Author Reply: Eilian needs to realize that there are occasions on which girls stick together, and if he messes with them then, he is in BIG trouble. He got off easily. Some day his wife and daughter may repeat the lesson. | |
| Idhreniel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/19/2006 |
| I wonder about the true reason in Celuwen's actions... hehe Author Reply: LOL. You doubt her selflessness? There's a long row to hoe yet before these two are ready to be together, but the seeds are there now. | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/19/2006 |
| Celuwen is wise beyond her years, and she actually knows Eilian pretty well! And Alfirin dealt with the whole situation as it could be expected from her, firm and collected. Like Gelmir, I too winced when she rebuked Eilian so effectively. But Eilian's reaction was perfect, as well. He is a sensible young one, when he can stop long enough to think, so it did not take him long to understand that Celuwen was right, and that she was still his friend. And Gelmir is such a hoot!. "but sometimes I have a hard time keeping up." Poor one! Now, I wonder, what was doing Ithilden there? Going to take a bath in the river? Or was he too trying to kiss a lembas maiden? ;-) I'm looking forward to the last chapter. YOung Eilian's stories are always delighful. Author Reply: I was a little afraid I'd made Celuwen too perceptive, but I think she's very tuned in to Eilian. Eilian is slow to pick up on things, but Alfirin made his faults pretty clear. Silly boy. And he got distracted pretty well by Celuwen. Ithilden isn't there. He's home. Where Eilian is going in the morning. | |