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| Growing Under Shadow by daw the minstrel | 26 Review(s) |
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| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| Daw, What a grand conclusion. It came together just perfectly. When Thranduil snapped at Legolas to go to his chambers,"now", I was certainly ready to obey. I'm not sure Legolas really "got it" at that point. I, particularly, got a kick out of Ithilden seeing Alfirin. The palace is in a crisis and he meanders over to speak to her. And she has a dimple....he noticed. The boy is gone and just doesn't know it yet. The contrast in Eilian's expression when he killed Cadoc and when Ithilen looked at him and thought him more normal was excellent. You offered us another good look at the many facets of his personality and the many faces of a warrior. Ithilden was glad Legolas missed the whole death scene and I have to admit, I was, too. I was glad for the obvious reason that he is still so young, but I thought as I read that part that he was entirely too young to understand the many faces of his beloved brother. I think seeing Eilian so fierce may have been more frightening than seeing Cadoc die. Eilian seemed genuinely surprised and pleased at his new appointment. Ithilden and Thranduil handled the promotion well, giving Eilian praise and confidence in his abilities. Thranduil is very proud of his sons and it really showed in his words to Ithilden and Eilian. And Tinar is going to be changing company and Gelmir is getting his new sword! I'm so happy for him. His mother will be so proud. Thranduil handled his wayward son quite well. He was wise to take a breather before confronting him. It seemed as if Legolas was beginning to understand what his adar was trying to tell him and understood even better after he saw the warriors in the infirmary. We know that it doesn'take completely, but I suppose all learning and all experiences are just building blocks that will eventually construct understanding and behavior. I always enjoy your stories and this one was just as wonderful as the others. I'm looking forward to what you come up with next. Good show, Daw. Karen Author Reply: Legolas is totally clueless for a lot of this chapter. Eilian gives him a lot of guidance which his mother might have given him under better circumstances. And Ithilden is just dumb-struck by Alfirin! You are so right that he is "gone" without knowing it. Eilian is becoming ever more complicated in my head. He can be gentle with his little brother but almost alien in his battle lust. | |
| naneth | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| O.K., my stomach feels much better after this chapter! You resolved everything very nicely. But I had to laugh because you *never* get used to strong-willed children, no matter how many you may have! I'm glad that you made Alfirin stronger than the man expected and a fighter-good for her. I delighted in the scene of Legolas and his toy soldiers, especially that he is beginning to change the "hero's" name from Eilian to Legolas. I chuckled that Legolas was suprised that his adar was still angry with him. Children forget and forgive so quickly and don't understand why we grown-ups don't do the same. And hooray for you and Eilian-Gelmir finally gets his sword, even if he is too sick to enjoy it right now. Can't wait for your next story. Your mind travels to such wonderful, imaginative places in Mirkwood. Looking forward to seeing what this entertaining family will be up to next! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Naneth. I did like the idea that Legolas hero worships Eilian but is gradually seeing himself as the one who will be the warrior. And you are so right! Kids are always surprised that adults hold a grudge so long. I look forward to seeing you on line again when the next story comes. The folks that pay me think they need my attention for a little while, but I can't stay away for long. | |
| TolkienFan | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| You're absolutely right! I FINALLY found the phrase when I dusted off my old thesaurus. (However, I do feel *slightly* less embarrassed to know that at least that usage of "desert" is pronounced like "dessert".) Thanks for educating me! Ah, the joys of English -- such an unruly language ... If you ever need an expert on chocolate mousse ... ;-} P.S. I couldn't wait until evening. Going to read your chapter now! Author Reply: Oh good. I was worried that I might have stupidly relied on a web source and been misled. Dessert is good. Chocolate mousse is excellent! | |
| TolkienFan | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| Hi Daw, Won't have a chance to read your chapter until this evening, but I wanted to mention something about its title: I believe that you mean "Just Desserts", not "Just Deserts", assuming you are referring to the English colloquialism that means something like "reaping what you have sown". If, instead, you were doing a sophisticated wordplay on "Desert" (an arid land), please forgive me my obtuseness. I'm really looking forward to reading it! P.S. I'm not an expert on writing, but I do know about making (and eating) desserts! My specialty is chocolate mousse ... Author Reply: I actually was uncertain enough about this that I looked it up. The word comes from the same root as "deserve." Here's what I found on line: The noun "desert" (accent on the first syllable) is generally used to refer to an arid, barren expanse of land; the noun "dessert" (accent on the second syllable) is a sweet course or dish usually served at the end of a meal. However, the word "desert" -- when spelled like the former but pronounced like the latter -- also refers to a deserved reward or punishment. Therefore, someone who does wrong and is punished in a suitable manner has received his "just deserts." I think that's right but I'm willing to learn. :-) daw | |
| Strange Blaze | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| another great ending. Thranduil was scary in the beginning of this chapter too, but I love how in the end he just wants to be Ada to his last baby. I liked seeing Alfirin again too. The scene between Ithilden and Thranduil was well-done also. Thranduil is scary, but it is easy to tell that he appreciates all of his children very much. Eilian is still himself, but it seems that even he is still growing up, much as Legolas is. I'm looking forward to your next story, as always. :) Author Reply: Thank you so much for the kind words. I do think that Thranduil's tie to his children is deep, like most elves I guess. But he is also scary in an almost supernatural kind of way because he's so powerful. I have to catch up at work for a couple of weeks and then I can think of an story again. In the meantime, I'll read yours. daw | |
| TigerLily713 | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| That was a lovely chapter. "Usually the captain was named ‘Eilian,’ but lately, he had begun to be called ‘Legolas.’" That was really subtley brilliant. You definitely have an understanding of the child psyche. I also love these short introductions of Alfirin and Ithilden. I'm wondering when Ithilden will begin losing sleep over it. Well done, I can't wait for more. Lily Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. If Ithilden loses sleep, it won't be in this story because I'm done now. But it IS a nice thought. ;-) I appreciate your continued reading and reviewing of this story. daw | |