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| Growing Under Shadow by daw the minstrel | 129 Review(s) |
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| caz baz | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/9/2003 |
| hey! sorry i didn't leave a review on the last chapter but i only just realised that i could get past the school system by leaving a review here instead. the school has banned us from going on certain web pages so i can't log on to fanfiction.net any more or leave a review but can do everything else i find that very pointless, but anyway i'll shut up now. i don't think it's a great idea for Legolas to try and be more like Eilian! haha, that was great. i loved the last two chapters. stupid human. Legolas finaly told the truth, i don't think i could ever imagine an elf hitting his child, but they probably did do. Eilian is very persistant. i wonder if she'll just shut him out or die or something. i mean she hasn't appeared in the stories further on than this one, so something must have happened between them (or to her). - i have nothing in for her, honest. Thranduil was quite angry wasn't he! oh dear, i would hate to be cleaning up after peoples sick - i had to do it when i threw up all over the floor cause i couldn't make it to the bathroom quick enough - luckily it was on the stone floor but unluckily for my friend she skidded in it, yuck! i hate cleaning up after my dogs when they have *accidents* on the carpet, but i don't mind shoveling my horses mess! which reminds me i have to go and muck out know - we've just started stabeling the horses again after not having to muck out (apart from the field) during the summer. can't wait for the next chapter caz baz Author Reply: I'm so glad you are using this site. It's got great stories on it without the silliness of ff.net. I am inclined to believe that Elves did not use physical punishment much. They were so smart and subtle. I have plans for Celuwen. ;-} Legolas appreciates your sympathy over having to work in the infirmary. | |
| Fadesintothewest | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| Well you managed a surprise ending, that is as concerns Cadoc. I did not expect him to be killed and by Eilian no less. You know, not to sound too smug or self centered but your Legolas sounds a lot like me as a child. I like to think I had a great childhood, the youngest, wanting to grow up faster, but with a loving and solid discipline to guide me. As I read your story it saddens me to think that too many kids do not have the guidance of parents, but I digress. I love Legolas as a child, how you describe him, it is so realistic, so on target. I look forward to whatever you conjure up next. More Eilian please! Author Reply: I love the fact that you find Legolas so realistic that you see echoes of your own childhood. That tells me that I did something right anyway! I have plans for Eilian. ;-} | |
| Brenda G. | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| Hurray! All neat and tidy and terrific the way you brought this story to closure. Thranduil knows himself well in that he stayed away and allowed his anger to disperse before confronting his youngest son about his wayward behavior. Good for Adar! Cadoc got what was coming to him. I'm glad he placed the noose around his own neck. Although I know Thranduil would have had no trouble stringing the Man up, I'm glad he was spared the effort. Eilian is to be captain, Legolas is learning to listen, Ithilden is becoming interested in Alfirin (he noticed her pretty pout), the Big Buck lives to be hunted another day, and Turgon has finally been caught! I know that in the future Legolas continues to listen to Turgon against his better judgment(i.e., Prodigal Sons), but he is learning, albeit slowly, what it means to take on responsibility, not only for others, but for also for himself. Good, good, good! That last little bit about Legolas resisting his father's embrace before finally relaxing into it made me smile and get misty-eyed. What a precious moment that was. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, Daw, from first word to last, and I am looking forward to many, many more to flow from your talented pen. I'll be watching and waiting... BG Author Reply: I was really worried about what was going to happen to Cadoc. I think that if I had been a serious novelist, I would have had to show Thranduil taking the responsibility for whatever grim punishment the man had earned, but I just couldn't face it, so I had Cadoc bring his fate on himself. Legolas is such a good kid who still manages to get himself in trouble. I guess that's what happens when you have 50 years of childhood! | |
| TolkienFan | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| Aaaaaaahhh! I am basking in the warm afterglow of yet another thoroughly satisfying chapter. Even without dessert (*snicker*), it was quite a feast! Couldn't help but notice how strongly you established the tension level in a few words. "Thranduil put down the scroll he had been pretending to read", indeed! Your seemingly "little" details convey so much! I jumped and almost fled myself when Thranduil snapped “Now!”. Your Thranduil makes *me* relive my guilt for everything *I* did as a kid! I was feeling sympathetic terror for Legolas. It was a surprise and a pleasant lull to see Alfirin in the story, and to hear her healer mother brag about her. Almost distracted me from the tension level, then BAM! The hostage-taking and death scene was awe-inspiring: "with agonizing slowness, he crumpled to the floor" -- you made me see it all too clearly in my mind's eye. I thought that Thranduil was a little too harsh in his implied threat to Rudd, who was honorable. However, given that Thranduil almost started an unjust war with the Dwarves over the issue, I guess his slight overkill can be excused. I was very impressed by how generously Thranduil then praised Ithilden and recognized his value. The gentle way that Eilian helped Legolas to understand the consequences of his misbehavior was very well-written. It is so clear that Eilian, too, is maturing throughout this story; he not only understands that misbehavior (recklessness, for example?) carries consequences, but he understands it well enough to explain it to Legolas in a way that the elfing could understand. I thought that Thranduil's confrontation with Legolas (good thing he waited to cool off!) and the elfling's punishment were very believable. You did an especially good job with Legolas' dawning awareness and sense of responsibility. Overall, I was very struck by how much your characters think of others' needs and support others. Ithilden was concerned (even before the danger) that the healer and Alfirin shouldn't witness his father's wrath with Cadoc. The healer demanded to be able to attend Cadoc, even though he had threatened her own daughter. Ithilden comforted Alfirin (hmmm, wonder if there's any future there?) Eilian helping Legolas to understand without his father's heavy-handed tactics (which Legolas resists). I especially like Eilian's response to being promoted. He was concerned about Todith. He wanted Tinar to be transferred, not to avoid the responsibility of dealing with him, but because the patrol's teamwork has already been compromised by Tinar's actions. (And the sword to Gelmir - how sweet! - but don't tell Eilian I said that ...) All in all, a very worthy wrap-up of a very enjoyable story. I'm almost sorry this one has to end, but maybe there'll be others? Hmmm? Your idea of doing a story incorporating long flashbacks into Eilian's and Ithilden's childhoods is inspired -- I humbly hope to see the result some day. Thank you for granting us the very great pleasure of reading this story! Author Reply: What a wonderful long review -- dessert for me! I suspect that Eilian is better at helping Legolas understand their father than he is at understanding Thranduil himself. But I think that Thranduil has done a wonderful job overall of raising his sons. As you say, they are devoted to the realm and their first instinct is to put others' needs ahead of their own. That's why Legolas confessed, after all. I have to work for the people who pay me for a while but then I will be back. I love writing these stories. Your reviews are icing on the cake. | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/8/2003 |
| Well, the Evil!Beta is pleased. This turned out well. I am still delighting in the little details that Ithilden noted about Alfirin even in the midst of that situation. I for some reason am glad Eilian did Cadoc in. I love that Thranduil might have gotten through to Legolas. I'd be sorely tempted to thrash him too, or lock him up until he's an adult :D Another great story. What's next? (she whispered evilly.) Author Reply: Get thee behind me, beta! I have to work. But you know I can't stay away long. Thank you again for all your help on this. Ithilden is really a goner, isn't he? And that's particularly fun because he's so controlled in other situations. | |
| 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 | |