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| Growing Under Shadow by daw the minstrel | 129 Review(s) |
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| LOTRFaith | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/12/2003 |
| Hey Daw:-) Great chapter. I really like Turgon:-) He has the slight arrogance and full confidence in himself that usually seems to bode not so well. :-) I have taken your suggestion and ;-) I hope you will enjoy the results. Don't worry about reading it though. I know how busy life can get. I will most likely be posting on Sunday the 14th. But anyway enough of me. I love your stories and often go back and read them all just for the heck of it! Namaarie! LOTRFaith | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/12/2003 |
| I think one of the things that most impresses me about your writing is how I can 'see' the characters at their different ages and they ring so true in their words and actions. I might see a younger elf, or that elf grieving or hurting; or getting into mischief - but it is beleiveable and in character for the person. I also see growth in them - amazing, really, since you don't write your stories entirely chronologically. So, in this one, Ithilden is perfect. We see him later, more mature and wise, but still Ithilden - just one that has grown. Turgon is wonderful in a sad way - so in character for the young elf we know he becomes. Thranduil has grown as a 'single' father since the last story - I loved seeing him with Legolas this story - and with Ithilden. And Legolas is wonderful at this age - he is a pretty happy child, not into too much trouble, and has established his place in this motherless family so that while Nana is missed, he is not lacking. Now *evil cackle* I also know to some degree where this story is heading, and I love the setup! *gloats at all the jealous readers who aren't the beta and dont' get to know this stuff* Kidding, really, but I am excited. This is well paced. | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/12/2003 |
| Another fine chapter, daw! The part that stands out for me most this time was Thranduil's restraint after the rafting incident. I could tell that he was frightened and worried for his son. And wanted to chastise Legolas out of his concern. Yet he managed to restrain himself. That's a very nice way of showing how their relationship is evolving as the father comes to terms with his son's growth. Thranduil might not be always be so patient, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. And you demonstrated it very well. :-) | |
| JustMe | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/12/2003 |
| Legolas is certainly getting his share of excitement! A wild ride on the river and now discovering the tracks of the elusive buck. If Thranduil had any idea what these elflings are up to he would probably have a coronary! There are some things that parents are better off not knowing about. Ithilden is so suave in his dealings with the men. He reminds me of one of those people who would be able to sell you something whether you needed it or not. He has been well trained by Thranduil and definately has the personality and temperment to follow in his Adar's footsteps. His care and concern for his warriors is admirable - but I would want to always be on his "good" side. I shudder to imagine an angry Ithilden! I can't wait to see what "adventures" our mischevious trio get into next time! | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/12/2003 |
| I liked the hunting scene, daw. I literally gasped when Maltanaur was struck. (You've made me care so much about your OCs!) I have to admit I didn't pick up on the fact that the elves were in the trees while they searched until several paragraphs into the hunt itself. I guess my mind is still too mortal and bound to the earth. I loved Eilian's ending comment about having been reprimanded many times by Thranduil Oropherion and knowing how to be fearsome and cool at the same time. Legolas' idolation of Eilian just makes me go "Awwww". Even his brother Eilian said that the lessons were important, and Eilian never said things just because grown-ups were supposed to say them, even though he was grown up. If that's not the epitome of younger brother hero-worship, I don't know what is. And I just *knew* that things weren't going to go well between Legolas and the older elves when it came to that buck. Quick question: what is the meaning of Sadron’s name? Once again, a great chapter! | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/9/2003 |
| Daw, Another interesting chapter. Tinár is certainly a character! You've given us a glimpse into him in your previous stories, but I have enjoyed seeing the circumstances that Eilian described in those earlier stories. Poor Gelmir. Tinár is certainly condescending. I loved it when Gelmir told Eilian that the boorish one might not escape the other warriors' arrows. And his stray arrow hit Maltanaur! At least in Eilian's reckless behavior days, he never shot another warrior! I'd have to agree that it is time to send Tinár on his merry way. Where would you place someone like him? You can move him to another unit, but he will still be a pain. His next commander will not be pleased. The younger guys are prepped for adventure. Legolas and his buddies are off to the hunt. However, they did drift a bit further than Thranduil usually allows Legolas. It can get awfully easy to just keep going. I wonder how far they will get before they get into trouble. Turgon's family is interesting and it was sad when Legolas realized Turgon had never spoken of hunting with his father. I don't get the impression that his parents are bad folks, just not too clued in. They seem to take too much for granted. Kind of reminds me of parents today who are so busy with their own lives and responsibilities that they miss the warning signs of something amiss with their youngsters...or they simply don't know how to deal with it and chose to ignore it. I can't decide if they are blissfully ignorant or suffer from voluntary ignorance. Either way, poor Turgon suffers the neglect. Legolas and Annael fill a real void in his life. In the end scene, I loved the sweet little hug Thranduil gives Legolas and couldn't help but smile at the elfling pulling away because he was too old for such displays. Finding that separation from parents is sometimes hard, especially for the parent! I've been lucky, my boys never went through that...they have other separation behaviors. At 15 and 17, they still hug and kiss me in public and tell me they love me. Many of their friends do, too. But I guess Legolas's reaction is more the norm. I've seen this with many of my friends and I know they are good parents. It's just the kid's way of developing. It just kills the poor parents! (Thanking my lucky stars!) As for Legolas, later, we see that he is able to feel secure in Thranduil's love and doesn't push him away overly much. I'm glad. Thranduil needs hugs, too. Waiting eagerly for the next installment. Karen | |
| Brenda G. | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/8/2003 |
| Very satisfying chapter. Spiders...they give me the creeps! Giant spiders is something I am glad only elves know about. Tinar needs to be taken down a notch or two. He really didn't seem all that upset that he had shot a fellow warrior. Maybe if the roles were reversed, he'd wake up and smell the coffee (I mean, tea). I have a feeling his "day is coming." I'm so delighted that this chapter had so much of Eilian in it. Love that Eilian Thranduilion! He speaks to me more than any of your characters. Maybe its his sense of things that I find appealing. He's a bit reckless and all rascal. You've never described him in much physical detail, but I'll bet he's drop-dead gorgeous to boot. Eilian rules! Legolas is so endearing at this age. I can just see him at his books, one eye on the text, one eye on the door. Just like a kid. You make him so adorable in the way he thinks and feels and the things he does and doesn't do. I love his friends, and my heart goes out to Turgon because I now know that his father has never taken him hunting. Ah, well, his buddies will soon help make up for that lack. Daw, you never cease to amaze and delight me. Thanks for this chapter. What a nice way to end the day. BG | |
| JustMe | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/8/2003 |
| So we get a chance to get to know Galelas' older brother a little better. I think my favorite line belongs to Gelmir this time - "Not if one of us shoots him first". Positively priceless!! I laughed out loud at that one. Tinar really is an overbearing braggart. Eilian enjoyed seeing Gelmir lose his cool, but he had a different reaction to Tinar's reckless behaviour when it resulted in the injury of one of the warriors. Ah the temper of Oropher rears its head again! So the elflings have once again encountered the "older" ones. Those older elves should not underestimate the determination of these youngsters! This can only lead to conflict - and with Turgon around, who knows what trouble that can result in. And by the way, I do not have a way into your PC - but after reading all of your LOTR stories, I guess I just have a sixth sense as to how these characters will react to certain situations! It's like being able to figure out how a member of your own family will react to something! I guess that's how I've come to think of these delightful characters you have created. | |
| Lamiel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/8/2003 |
| Someone needs to smack Tynd. Sigh, I guess even Elves have to put up with bullies in their youth. But Legolas handles it well, and he's as honest and polite as ever, even when it's to his disadvantage or a blow to his pride. I do love that little Elf. And Tinar is going to be a problem too. He isn't related to Tynd by any chance, is he? One small critique: the first part of this chapter felt a little rushed to me. All dialogue, rather quick, and not a lot of time for character reflection or feelings. It works fine here, but that's something you might watch for in future chapters. Eilian is in the Southern patrol, and he's got to be feeling some extra tension and fear from the darkness of the Shadow there. I'm having some trouble keeping up with everyone posting on all the different sites. I did review your first chapter on ff.net, but I'm not sure it sent. I got an error message. I guess I'll have to try again later. Many thanks for another great story, and for your frequent updates! Lamiel | |
| naneth | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/8/2003 |
| I most loved the end of this chapter. I can just picture Legolas leaning against his father until he remembered he was "too big" for such things! Why do boys do that, anyway? They grow up much too quickly for our liking. Makes me thankful for my girls-they still like to get hugs, as long as it's not TOO public! | |