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| When Shadow Touches Home by daw the minstrel | 105 Review(s) |
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| sofia | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/25/2003 |
| hey. i love this story. i came across it on one authors favorite list, and it is one of my favorites,too. Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the story, Sofia. I really enjoyed writing it. The sections where I was looking through Legolas's little kid's eyes were particularly fun to write. And I will admit to being shamelessly fond of my original characters, Ithilden and especially Eilian. | |
| Lera | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/13/2003 |
| I'm so glad Thranduil has finally figured it out. ONe thing I love in this family is their value of truth, even/especially with their children. I find it sweet that Legolas hasn't lied. If it had been me, I might ave been tempted to. And he's so innocent:"I didn't touch Anniel's Father's sword!" So sweet. Author Reply: I loved writing about little kid Legolas. Every time I got to a section that was through his eyes, I was excited. I could shorten the sentences and use a four-year-old's logic. And it pleased me to show him as obviously loved, his family's darling really, even when they are trying to curb his misbehavior. Again, thank you for these nice reviews that are brightening my afternoon. | |
| Lera | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 10/13/2003 |
| I wish Eilien could feel confident enough of his ability to control his temper that he could tell his father what needs to be said about Legolas. I must say I admire him in how handled Legolas at the dancing. Having your bratty sibling interupt your romantic moment like that must have been maddening. Oh, speaking of which, Eilien's nickname for Legolas later on is brat. Is that how it all started? lol. So glad Ithildien has realized he is not allpowerful. I hope he realizes he cannot live in the land of "if only." He seems ready to forgive everyone but himself. Hope he realizes coddling Eilien will only drive his brother mad. He needs to realize that all the warriors are someone's brother or son or sweetheart. But I feel for him, poor guy. Author Reply: I feel sorry for Ithilden too. He is, in my opinion, a typical oldest child, always feeling responsible and as if he has to take care of everyone. That's why I married him off in a later story. He needed someone to take care of him too. | |
| Lera | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/13/2003 |
| I am really enjoying this story. I've always imagined it must be heartbreaking to lose a family member especially a parent. As thank God it has never happened to me I have never known what it's like. Except now. You're giving me direct access to four broken hearts. It's really interesting how they all react differently. I must say I really, really like Celuwen. I think if I was an elf, I'd have been friends with her. Interesting how she was Eilien's first sweetheart. She's the opposite of him. But it's not surprising that he is attracted to her. I like that she doesn't seem like a silly, flirt. Good job on her. Author Reply: I just got home from out of town and found your nice reviews of "When Shadow Touches Home." I am so glad you liked Celuwen. I thought Eilian might be attracted to someone who was sensible and easy. And I thought that knowing her from childhood would make all the difference. I think he loves easily and then doesn't let go. Thank you for taking the time to tell me you enjoyed this chapter. | |
| sekhet | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/31/2003 |
| Well, I tried holding off on feedback for a couple of days in the hope that you hadn't really meant to end the story there, and you really really meant to post another few chapters (pick a number between another 10 and 3O or so...). But no. You meant it. That was a quite brilliant ending. All the threads beatly tied together, from Ithilden learning that he isn;t infallible, to Legolas eating again, Thranduil healing, and Eilian - well, so that's what he's doing, flirting with every maiden in the forest: he's waiting for Celuwen to see he's all grown up and to come back and marry him. Hmm. I'm sure he's a great tactician against the orcs, but I'm not entirely convinced he has that one right. And can I just say, the bathroom scene was very nice. Very nice indeed. In fact, I think I'll just go and read it again. Thank you, Daw Sekhet Author Reply: Thank you, Sekhet. I didn't want it to end either. This story was a lot of fun to write, despite its rather angsty subject. I suspect you are right in your judgment of Eilian's behavior, but then you and I can see more clearly than he can because he is a male. I have had several inquiries into the bathroom scene. People seem to think I neglected the details in that one! daw | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/29/2003 |
| ~sigh~ Poor Eilian. I doubt even the realization that his brother and father see him in a new light will be enough to soothe his heartbreak. I'm glad though that his older family members changed their opinions of him. Legolas was simply adorable in this chapter. (Actually in all the chapters!) I loved his pride over not touching any weapons while his brothers were gone. And his surety that he never looked as silly as Eilian in the bathtub. (I don't know why but his thoughts during that entire scene tickled me pink.) The elleth telling the King that Legolas and his friends weren't really warriers was a cute touch too. A wonderful story, daw, and I'm very glad that I read past the first chapter! :-) Author Reply: Thank you for giving it a chance, LKK. And I have to say I enjoyed writing from Little Legolas's point of view. Getting into his head was always fun. | |
| xsilicax | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/29/2003 |
| OK, flattery time here. If you ask anyone who knows me, they will all tell you that I am *not* a Legolas fan, and that could possibly be understating my feelings on the matter. So, that you have me hooked (an avid reader of all your fics) and wanting to just pick him up and wrap him in a warm hug is nothing short of a miracle. Of all I think this is my favourite of your tales, simply because there is so much emotion and evolving of characters in here. Eilian in love *sigh* would it could be me, but I think he was well matched, and it would be interesting to hear if anything ever came of it. Somehow I think he would be a great father, watching him with Legolas, although perhaps a favourite uncle would be a better role. That way he can give them back when they're trouble. Ithilden and Thranduil both learned a part of the same lesson, I think. That in working hard to try and protect your family, you can lose sight of what they really need. Thankfully they all realised that to love and be loved is what is important. I think they have actually become a closer knit family since the tragedy. There certainly seems to be a lot more of an understanding betwen them, although in some ways 'naneth' would provide the bond and conciliation between them, that they have just formed. Either way I loved it! Now I only have one wish (well two). One, that it had never ended. And two, that the bath scene had been a lot more...extended. And wow, that could possibly be the longest review I've ever done. Author Reply: I am very flattered that you have made an exception for my Legolas. Of course, he comes as part of this family, which is what I have become really interested in writing about, so I appreciate your comments there. As for the bath scene, there was a little kid there! I couldn't say too much. But use your imagination. This a fully grown, um, fully adult Elf who undoubtedly doesn't have an extra ounce of fat on his well-muscled body. He moves with Elven grace and he has a devilish grin that you will notice if you look at his face. ;-) daw | |
| JustMe | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/29/2003 |
| The more I read about Celuwen, the more I like her. You have to admire her spunk - just like Eilian, she knows where her duty lies. And just like Eilian, she means to see to her duty. Yes, these two make an incredible couple. I am glad to see that you have left the question of their future relationship open - could this mean we may see more of her in other stories? I look forward to it! The scenes between Legolas and Thranduil were really cute and touching. I especially like the way Legolas feels the need to comfort everyone else now that he is beginning to recover from his trauma. "You still have me" was maybe my favorite moment of all. How utterly sweet. You just feel like you want to grab him and give him a great big hug! And by the way, you can put me on the list for comfort-giving to any of these characters - they are all hug-worthy! Author Reply: I am hoping to use Celuwen again some day, although I have no definite plot line worked out. I think that she could handle Eilian quite well and he would enjoy every minute of it. I told Nilmandra that I stole the "you still have me" line from my own son when he was a preschooler. It is still one of my favorite memories of him and he is an adult. Thank you for consistently reading and reviewing this story. daw | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/29/2003 |
| Daw, Oh my. I'm sorry this has ended. It was such a touching ending where all seem to be coming to grips with change. I'm still not sure how I feel about the elves in the settlement seeming so reluctant to heed the advice of Ithilden and Thranduil. A part of me would feel the same way if forced to leave my home, but another part recognizes that not all things can be controlled. I can't say I think they are wrong, but neither can I say I think they're right. Sometimes, being right is not the most important ingredient in outcome. They do have a hard decision. The return welcome for the warriors was a nice greeting. I'm with Ithilden. It can never be taken lightly. I was as glad as Little Legolas to see his brothers home and safe. And Thranduil, of course. I can not imagine what it would be like to send one's son to war. I have great respect for the parents of soldiers and for the soldiers themselves. No, I don't think any return would be taken lightly. (This is the mother of sons worrying!) Thranduil seems to have finally recognized Legolas's needs, (as well as the needs of his older sons), and found that sometimes just being Ada is most important in healing them all. It was a sweet moment when Thranduil felt Lorellin's presence. He needs her. And then we have Celuwen. She must be as fiery as Eilian in many ways. Truly, they are a good match. I'm glad she survived this first story and offers hope of a future. Maybe if we could ask the older Legolas of your later story where he decides to accompany the Fellowship, he could clear up the burning question inquiring minds want to know ...Did Eilian and Celuwen get together later and bond? Again, it raises questions with me about the wisdom of her decision even if I can see her point. We know, from our lofty position, that the shadow presses Mirkwood to the point of having to withdraw the southern forces even closer home. So I suppose she will have to return or will not survive for that to even be a question. Ah, fodder for the creative fires! I hope you will, eventually, let us know what happens. (Though if you marry off our favorite bad boy, hordes of fangirls and old fan-moms might just be knocking furiously on your computer screen! I'm sure after a moment of reflection, we will all be happy for Eilian. We'll try anyway.) It was nice to hear Legolas tell Eilian to hurry with his bath because he was hungry. (I was far too focused on the dropping of the leggings, so it was good to be reminded that there was a child present and that his appetite had returned!) Good story, Daw. I enjoyed every word and still say that your original characters are among the best. Looking forward to the next tale. Karen Author Reply: In truth, I also have ambiguous feelings about the elves in the settlements. I think the day will come when they will have to give up. I just hope Celuwen is still around then! The bath scene appears to have provoked some interest. Let's just say this is a healthy, graceful, strong adult Elf. Using a bow must give him nice shoulders and I assume the hips are narrow and legs are long. (Excuse me a minute while I jump into a cold shower.) Thank you for your careful responses to this story. They mean the world to me. daw | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/29/2003 |
| I think that fulfilled my need for Little Legolas :) A lot seems to have happened at home in the three weeks the warrriors were away. Thranduil seems to have seen the light, so to speak, and he is making conscious changes to his parenting because of it. That is wonderful - it is good to see even old elves willing to change when needed. Legolas' healing does come through nicely - I am glad he is hungry, I am glad he is sorry, I am glad he is spending time with Ada and I am especially glad he is loved. Crawling into Eilian's lap and saying 'you still have me' was adorable. Unconditional love is a wonderful thing. So, this journey is over. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. :) Author Reply: I confess I stole the "you still have me" line from my son when he was preschooler and found me in tears over something I now have memory of. I thought it captured the love and egotism of four year olds quite nicely. But then, I thought that most of what he said was brilliant. Thank you again for all your help with this and all my stories. You are endlessly creative in suggesting ways to make things happen. I could not ask for a better beta or virtual friend. | |