Another good read!
I love how Anneal talks to Thranduil about Legolas’ spider encounter and then realizes too late that Legolas might not have shared all the details. Lol. I can just picture this happening. I, like Anneal, tend to assume that people share things with their family members, and from time to time, I am surprised when I learn that they haven’t.
I smiled when I read the line about Thranduil hoping there was a disbatch about the illegal logging because he was tired of pretending he didn’t know anything about it!
It was so sweet that every member of Eillian’s family individually realized that he had given up his rune of protection, and sent him a new one, without realizing that the others had done it too.
And I love how Ithilden and Thranduil are hypocrites when it comes to getting information on their sons! They both want to know everything, but don’t have a problem shielding information from the other when they think it will just cause unnecessary worry or anger. They care so deeply for their families, and it's adorable!
Great story :)
Author's reply
Poor Annael! I tend to blab indiscreetly myself, so my sympathy was totally with him. And I like that Thranduil sends his regards to Annael's mother. (He did do that, didn't he? I haven't reread.) Still, Legolas had to know his father would eventually find out about the spiders, just as Ithilden had to know his father would be aware of the logging. You have to get up pretty early in the morning to outfox the Elven Kind. He knows what's going on in his woods and with his kids.
He's not very adept at dealing with Eilian though, even though he loves him. Probably the best thing he did was make sure Eilian had a rune of protection, since that spoke volumes. Of course, Eilian wound up with enough bling to open a shop. Eilian is an interesting character to write about because he looks devil may care, but he has these fits of shadow sickness that are really dark.
Anyway, thanks for the review.
daw
endorearwen
· 9 September 2013
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Well, Daw, here we have yet another example of the delightful story telling I have come to expect from you! :-) As always, the question is where to begin? I guess, first and foremost, there is Ithilden...¢¾ ¢¾ ¢¾ I can never get enough Ithilden!¢¾ ¢¾ ¢¾ SO CUTE that after ten years of marriage he remains as modest, shy, and naive as his precious elfling son! As you can guess, my favourite scene was the revelation of the secret customs of the swimming holes!! I had to laugh at Ithilden's insecurity about Eilian when it came to his wondering just how much enjoyment Alfirin might have gotten from this custom! ;-) I think I would have learned to swim in my youth had I access to that set of swimming holes (and, no, Eilian would not have been my quarry either...) ¢¾ ¢¾ ¢¾ Let's leave that where it is - I don't think anyone needs to know anything more about how much I truly enjoyed that scene...
I just LOVED the letters from home! To me, letters are almost sacred in a way. When they feel at their most vulnerable, letters become the vehicle through which people share intimate confidences, the things you NEED to say to someone else before it's too late. It was so interesting to see Thranduil attempting to convey the depth of his love for his children when he couldn't draw them near to himself in a physical way. Even when scolding Eilian, he remains certain to add that he is Eilian's "most loving Adar". It was a simple yet compelling way to show that horn that Thranduil has to sit on between being their father and their King. Several times I thought about what a major concession Thranduil made in allowing Legolas to 'skip' the relative safety of the Home Guard for his first posting. It is the sheer force of his strength of character and principles that he manages to govern so well despite the internal struggle he's living with, which at times must be draining for him. I think Thranduil is one of Tolkien's most curious characters. I defy anyone not to have some respect and/or admiration for the Elvenking!
I thoroughly enjoyed the way you've written about both Legolas and Eilian as warriors executing their duties on different fronts. That perspective of experience vs. initiation becomes obvious the minute you start reading. You've done a great job of introducing us to 'Legolas the warrior' as he starts coming into his own! I must say, I like the choice of Beliond - he is the perfect guardian for Legolas! It's amusing to watch the new warriors have their concepts about the elders they know shaken by seeing them in a completely different set of circumstances - can you image their shock at realizing they are people too! ;-) The fact that Beliond has a sense of humour - or worse still, a fallen son - was so surprising to Legolas! Still, they seem to be on the road to understanding one another. From the start, I had my suspicions that Beliond was actually quite soft-hearted despite appearances to the contrary. Everytime Beliond did something 'unexpected', I was reminded of Legolas' utter astonishment at the sight of Maldor's wife. I guess age and experience really do teach you a lot about reading people...
I was sorry to see this story end, Daw, I enjoyed it that much! Onward now to the next!
PS - Please tell me that we get to see something more about this maiden who is so misguided she would even consider bonding with Tinar!?! I see that his arrogance has returned to to its full strength again... Sigh...
Author's reply
To my very great surprise, Nana Beliond eventually had fans. I wouldn't want to live with the man, but Thranduil knew no one would defend his child the way Beliond would. I see him, Maltanaur, and Thranduil as old friends. As a matter of fact, that's what they often call one another. And when Thranduil appointed Beliond, he was saving Beliond as well as Legolas because the old guy needed to come in out of the cold.
And speaking of saving, I think Alfirin saved Ithilden from a lonely life too. He sure learned things he never expected.
One of my favorite moments in this story is when Eilian's depression lifts a little and he realizes he's happy. Optimism is his natural state, so when he's down, that's a sign he's really beaten.
Tinar's wife does eventually show up. She's not a prize, but then, even if she started out well, living with Tinar would finish her off.
It got harder for me to include everyone once Legolas left home. Glad you enjoyed.
nessie
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Of course you can mention it on your LJ! And if I ever draw another of your characters (because Alfirin was great fun to do!) I'll let you know ;-) Thank you so much for the compliments *blush* I'm glad you like it!
~nessie~
Author's reply
Done. My LJ is at dawtheminstrel.livejournal.com
nessie
· 17 February 2008
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Beliond still makes my heart go all aflutter. And is it just me, or does anyone else find it incredibly sexy of Thranduil rescuing wayward swimming elflings fully-clothed?
I also wonder what elf-maiden in her right mind would marry Tinar and spend all eternity with him. They must love each other fiercely, or I would not think it possible.
The drawing of Alfirin can be found here: http://nessie6.deviantart.com/art/Alfirin-77606034
It is not colorful and is done in just pencil and shaded. But then again, I count coloring as my downfall, unless it is paint.
~nessie~
Author's reply
Nessie, what a gorgeous picture! You got her thick braid and everything. And I'm bowled over by how patient you were to do things like the leaf pattern you mention on the edge of her dress. Is it all right if I mention this picture on my LJ?
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Quit funny the song Foril came up with and Tinar must be dense not to know it was him in it.
Thranduil knows how to work his sons, get Legolas to talk to him and gets Eilian to apoligize. Also Beliond wouldn't spy on Legolas and tell, he is Loyal.
So sad that Celuwen sent a message from her father, it was cruel. Those other girls ment nother he loves her...Solith, I think sometimes likes being cruel to Eilian...
Author's reply
Solith is a complete jerk. Well, maybe not complete. I do think he loves his daughter. But he's not making her happy. And Tinar is indeed dense. If he weren't so dense, he might notice how people react to him and change.
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 9: The Aftermath of Battle
Beliond lost a son so sad, no wonder he didn't want this task. He and Maltanaur have something in common after all. Tinar dosen't appreciate his brother for saving him from that orc....
Author's reply
I picture Thranduil, Beliond, and Maltanaur as young friends together. Sometimes I'm tempted to write about that, but I'd have to make up a whole new setting in a competely different age, and that sounds like work.
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 8: Looking for the Enemy
Legolas finds Beliond wanting to spout advise in his ears when he dosen't want to hear it, but finds he needed the advise with the battle of Orcs and Wargs...
Author's reply
Yes, I think Legolas can see Beliond's usefulness in this situation. Still, it must feel as if his father's along with him, not a fun thought.
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 7: More News
It must be hard being the Kings son... Thranduil wants Eilian to apoligize and I don't blame him for not wanting too... And Annael accidently let it slip that Legolas lost sight of the Spider that didn't go over too well...And Poor ithilden stuck in the middle wanting a report when his own father didn't tell him about his own sons mishap...
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 6: A Visit to Esgaroth
It was nice to see Nitha again as a young lady... Legolas and Beliond are starting to get along, you have to wonder why he is so cold and defensive at times...But he has a sence of humor after all....
Author's reply
I've gotten very fond of Beliond over the time I've been writing these stories. But I wouldn't want to have to live with him.
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 5: First Battles
Legolas did well in the spider hunt, but missed one and almost got himself hurt. But Beliond was ther when Tinar badmouthed Legolas, he needed his mouth washed out, Tinar has no respect.
Galelas is prospering under Eilian and did well if overconfident. Kinda nice how Legolas and Eilian are worried and thinking of each other...
Author's reply
Tinar is someone I wouldn't want to have around all the time. Poor Legolas. But he did do well, despite the fact that this was kind of scary. And Galelas needs someone like Eilian to bring out the best in him.
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 4: News from Home
Thranduil letter to Eilian could have been better, he was just handing out advise to the settlers nothing more. Tinar getting bonded to someone, unbelievable....
Ithilden sending Eilian a rune of protection, how sweet, how many can he get...
Author's reply
Thranduil probably overreacted to Eilian's words to the settlers. I think it must be hard to be part of a ruling family and have to watch every word you speak. Eilian must know he has to be careful. He's probably been told that since childhood. But he was provoked.
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 3: A First Patrol
Legolas did get the unfortune to have Tinar in his patrol, he is too sure of himself. Legolas seems to be doing well, and even seen Bean and dwarfs...
Author's reply
Legolas is having a good time (except for Tinar, of course).
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 2: Arrivals
Legolas is having a hard time with Beliond, he seems to rub him the wrong way. As both of them would rather not be with each other.
Eilian seems down in spirit, and that is proble the shadow. MAltanaur thought of him and brought a rune of protection, you can see he cares for Eilian very much, more friends than bodyguard now...
Author's reply
The rune of protection thing got to be kind of a running joke in this story. I have to amuse myself somehow!
pipinheart
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 1: New Beginnings
Legolas is finally a warrior and going on his fist mission, he dosent seem to like his bodyguard though...
Eilian seems sad and lonly, especially with life. The one he loves dosen't want him that is something hard to bear on his shoulders...
Annael has someone who loves him and that is to be a comfort after his fathers death...
Author's reply
I had to give Annael some comfort. I'm so fond of him! Legolas and Beliond have some adjusting to do. And poor Eilian. The Shadow has really eaten into him.
FaerieQueen
· 13 January 2004
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Why are your endings so beautiful? That was a great fic. Beliond has taken a place as one of my favorite characters. He is so funny, and so sad. The death of his son and all. Thranduil really can be merciless sometimes. Well I've just noticed that you've come out with a new fic! Must read it. And since this one is in progress I will attempt to review every chapter. Let's see how well that works out...
FaerieQueen
Author's reply
Thank you, FaerieQueen. I wanted this story to end as it began, with Legolas and Annael next to one another, only now they've been changed by their experiences. I think that Thranduil thought it would be good for Beliond to have a young one in his care again. I think that Legolas and Beliond need one another.
You've really been so nice to review all these stories.
xsilicax
· 11 January 2004
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Oh poor Eilian! And just after he was beginning to get back to some semblance of the elf we all love. I'm just a little bit wroth with Solith for taking such obvious delight in his news. Admittedly Elian didn't exactly help his situation any with his carousing about with wenches, but he wasn't in his right mind when he was behaving in such ways.
I am curious though. Surely if the rumours were that widespread that Solith had heard them within a day, then Thranduil would also have heard them. I would have thought he would have wanted to have more than a few words about proper behaviour, with his middle son.
I would have liked to have seen Thranduil's reaction upon finding out about Celuwen, he obviously seems to feel that Eilian would be well-matched with her...even if it would mean having Solith as a relative.
It was very interesting comparing Thranduil's, Ithilden's, Eilian's and Legolas' situations. All of them are at various stages of their life and yet still the ties of family were strong between them. I especially liked Ithilden's reactions as a father, and his greater understanding of his own father through them. It was also good to see Thranduil interracting with Beliond. It is nice to see something of the warrior he used to be, resurfacing.
I have to wonder though...what is Eilian going to do with all those runes?
Cathy,
xx
Author's reply
Hm. Good question about whether Thranduil would know about Eilian's bad behavior. I thought he would certainly know about the drinking. Eilian was showing up at home drunk, after all. But I thought people might hesitate to tell Thranduil about the girl. I would not have wanted to be the one to do so! But you may also be right. He seems to know everything that goes on in his realm. Maybe there was a scene we didn't see? Yes! That's it!
I had a tough time getting Thranduil and all his sons in the picture in this story because of how widely they were scattered. I'm glad you still reacted to all of them.
Thank you for the review.
meckinock
· 10 January 2004
· Chapter 10: Warriors
It was so nice to see this family all together again. Ithilden's determination to conceal his alarm at Legolas's first battle injuries and his combination of annoyance and amusement at the young warrior's pride in them showed all the pragmatism and wisdom of a commander as well as the love of a brother. Legolas wants to badly to be seen by his family as a warrior and his big brother is trying just as hard to respect that! The exchange between Ithilden and Legolas about withholding information from Adar was delightful. Thranduil was also making an extra effort to avoid embarrassing his "long-legged warrior". I guess Eilian will be the last one clucking...
Some of my other favorites: Ithilden's comment to Sinnarn that his grandfather has never felt that his adar and uncles were two big to have an ada, Beliond's comment to Thranduil that Legolas is somewhat more biddable than his father had been, Thranduil's revelation that he's not quite as senile as his kids think he is, Eilian getting outsmarted by his old man (once again!). The scene between Beliond and Thranduil was great; I don't believe you've given us another character who goes back quite as far with Thranduil and who can be quite so familiar with him. This adds a nice dimension to Thranduil's character.
Eilian learned a very hard lesson this chapter but I think in the long run it will build character (doesn't everything that doesn't kill us?) and I don't think he has anyone to blame but himself (although Solith certainly must have been delighted to be given the ammunition). It'll be good for him to have some time (a few months, or maybe, centuries) to think about what it is he really wants.
Nice closing with Legolas and Annael that really shows us how far they've come.
Thanks for another wonderful story, and I can't wait for the next one!
Author's reply
They do have a hard time letting Legolas go, and I'm glad! You pick out some of my favorite moments to comment on. And I do feel sorry for Eilian too. He just can't get a break, and he's such a great guy (I realize that I made him up and am therefore prejudiced, but he is!).
I suspect that Oropher had his hands full with Thranduil. A young Thranduil story would be interesting to do.
LKK
· 9 January 2004
· Chapter 10: Warriors
An excellent story, daw. :-)
I found my reactions to it very fascinating. At times, I'd be on one person's side during the emotional conflict. Then I'd switch around and be on the other person's side of the same issue. A testament to your ability to portray all your characters with sympathy. Even those I didn't want to feel sympathetic for at first like Beliond. (Although Tinar never quite won me over, now that I think about it. LOL)
Speaking of Beliond, assuming that he remains Legolas' keeper throughout the Third Age, there might be an interesting tale in why Beliond did not accompany his charge on the journey to Mordor. How Beliond was convinced to let Legolas go alone, and how Beliond explained it all to Thranduil. After Beliond's refusal to spy on Legolas' non-warrior activities, I could see him being able to explain to the King just why he let Legolas go on the journey without his keeper.
My heart went out to Eilian through this entire story. I think, but I'm not sure, that you have written a story which tells Eilian's fate. Yes? I fear, it is not a pleasant one. He seems to feel little hope for his own future, foreseeing only long lonely years of Shadow fighting. I would love to know more about what happens to him. Of all your wonderful original characters, Eilian has touched me the most.
Speaking of things I would love to learn more about .... the quick reference to Legolas and the human girl being kidnapped by orcs. There's a story in there. I can tell. hint! hint! (Don't you just love how I come up with all this extra work for you? As if you weren't clever enough to think up stories on your own? LOL)
Anyways ..... I say again, this was a wonderful story. I look forward to your next one, whatever the subject might be. :-)
LKK
Author's reply
NOw this is really flattering and I thank you. If you sympathize with all the characters, then I succeeded and I am so grateful to you for telling me.
I have not yet written about Eilian's ultimate fate, and to be truthful, I'm not sure what it is. I know what happens with Celuwen, but that's about it.
I already wrote about the kidnapping in a story called "One Year in Mirkwood." That story kind of rambles on and it's at the end.
bryn
· 6 January 2004
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Your tales never fail to captivate, daw! :) I enjoyed this one as much, if not more so than the others. It seems Legolas has finally become the warrior he has tried so hard to be. Granted, he's still a little green, but a warrior nonetheless. The final scene between he and Annael was magnificent and poignant. Thank you for another brilliant glimpse into the lives of Mirkwood's royal family. ...And Beliond isn't quite so bad a guy after all. *grin* Am I allowed to request something? I would dearly love to see how Ithilden handles the day his son begins training. Oh, and also: PLEASE DON'T KILL OFF EILIAN. The poor Elf just needs a break! ;)
Author's reply
Bryn--
I have plans to kill Eilian. Not that I know of anyway. I have plans for him to do all kinds of other stuff, so I need him around.
You know, the scene you ask for would be fun to write. I'm outlining a story now in which Sinnarn is a new warrior, but I didn't put in the stuff you asked for and I'm not it would fit. I'm already a little worried about relying too much on my OCs and not enough on canon characters. But for a future story, I could do it. It would be entertaining. Poor Ithilden!
Author Reply: Wait!! Let me edit that! I have NO plans to kill Eilian.
sofia
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 10: Warriors
This one was great too. I dont know why i put it off to read for so long. So it seems Legolas gets the adventure he's seeking for. Eilian seems to be recovering from the shadow sickness (yay!) but then Sólith has to come and ruin it!
Author's reply
Solith is a jerk. Unfortunately, Eilian loves his daughter. :-(
And Legolas is learning to be a real warrior, which turns out to be fortunate for Middle Earth. Thank you for the review.
erunyauve
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Poor Eilian! Just as his mood was starting to improve, he is knocked down again. Granted, he should not have been carousing with elf-maids and wine, but it seems to me that it was hardly Solith's business and more malicious on Solith's part than anything else. Nonetheless, I'm not sure that Celuwen would not have sent the same message without Solith's gossip. It is probably the best way for her to cope with her affection for Eilian, and she might believe it is better to set him free than keep him waiting for a time she cannot even foresee.
On the other hand, Legolas' arrival before Eilian seems to have softened up their father - Thranduil is not too rigid to feel grateful for Eilian's part in the battle.
Is it too early to beg for the next story:p ?
Author's reply
Poor Eilian indeed. I have felt guilty through this whole story because I knew this was waiting for him and he didn't! Celuwen would be so good for him.
And Thranduil came through as a good father in the end. He loves them all, even the troublesome Eilian. He would be really incensed if he knew what Solith had done.
I am thinking about the next story, but haven't started anything yet. What I want to do is a little complicated, so it will take some planning to make sure I don't back myself into some sort of corner.
Thank you for your kind reviews.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 10: Warriors
It's so sad to see this story end, but I have hopes you have a new one planned. There were many things I liked about this chapter - Legolas' delight in being sent home, and the troop commander's tactic of doing it with each new warrior.
Foril's song was wonderful - I wish we could hear the words. I especially liked the warrior's boasting in front of the enemy! And I *knew* that Thranduil would know about the trees - Ithilden really should know his father better by now.
Beliond is turning out to be a very good 'keeper' - he respects Legolas's privacy, and can even defy Thranduil to do it. That takes courage!
Jay
Author's reply
Beliond is courageous, but then he has known Thranduil since he was a child. He's probably never going to be able to overcome that fully, thank goodness.
Foril is amusing me. And I like writing about Legolas hanging out with the guys. He is fitting in nicely.
Thank you, Jay.
Lera
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Oh, that was awesome! That last paragraph was beautiful. I love seeing the friendship between these two guys.
This was an awesome story. Thank you so much. God bless.
Author's reply
I am so fond of Annael and Legolas is too. And they would understand one another right now because they had both just been through some of the same upheaval. I think they trust one another completely. I made me happy to have them sharing some time.
Dot
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Yay, you didn’t make us wait ‘til after New Year’s after all!!
I was very pleasantly surprised that Legolas was being sent home so soon. What a good captain Todith is, to allow the newest warriors home to their family for a while after they are injured. I’m loving Fóril, by the way. I think they’d be waiting a while for Tinár to realise he was singing about him. He’d be more likely to think it was about Legolas than himself, I’d say. Oh to hear that song….!
I really enjoyed the scene between Ithilden and Legolas. Poor Ithilden struggling not to show concern for his baby brother. I’m still laughing at the way he keeps referring to him as a “youngling” – I wonder does Ithilden realise at all that he is turning into his father?! It seems Ithilden is still holding himself responsible to a certain extent for what happens to his warriors. I hadn’t thought about it before but I suppose Eilian must have ended up with too much responsibility too young and was stationed somewhere so unpredictable that he probably needed to take some risks at a time when most warriors of his age would still be learning to follow commands strictly and stick to battle plans.
I love the way you add in little details about characters. I had been thinking that the aide seemed particularly happy when Legolas and Ithilden were reunited again – and then at the three going for a ride - and it turns out he has a new son so must have been struck by the lovely family scene. How sweet!
Wow, Beliond is certainly brave. Actually, no, he seems to be more at ease with Thranduil than with most others. Beliond appears to have learned quite a lot during his time with Legolas, though I’d imagine he didn’t expect to. Not only has he grown fond of Legolas but he seems to realise the importance of allowing him some privacy and to learn from his experiences himself rather than being told by others. It’s quite sad, really, because it sounds like Beliond would have made quite a good father himself. I thought Thranduil’s comment “You look well, Beliond,” was quite telling – it must be doing the elf some good to be responsible for Legolas.
LOL at Thranduil trying not to rush out and find Legolas! I was so glad to see that even though Legolas appeared happy and proud, Thranduil knew better from experience. And he did what Beliond suggested! Now, maybe he should go and have a few words with Maltanaur…
The scene with Thranduil and Eilian was certainly interesting. “Eilian had stood in both places stoically accepting more reprimands than he could remember over the years”. Hmmn. No wonder he isn’t always happy about being home. I suppose when you think about it, we could all probably tell how much trouble we were in by where our parents spoke to us and whether we were allowed sit our stand. I thought the bit about how Celuwen would be safer was a little manipulative of Thranduil. It may be true, but he obviously realised that she is the one way of getting through to his son. At least that part of the ordeal went a bit better than Eilian had been expecting.
“Celuwen bids me tell you that she releases you from whatever commitment you might still feel toward her, and she asks that you not visit her again.” What???! My first reaction was that she would never have asked her father to speak on her behalf to Eilian and that Solith was just causing more trouble but of course, if Celuwen heard of what Eilian was up to she must have been so hurt. Still, Eilian has clearly grown a lot if he realises that if he had not committed these acts in the first place there would have been nothing for her to hear. I’m still a little afraid of the effect this will have on him, though. Act as a warrior? I hope he knows that warriors are allowed to have hearts too.
Such a lovely ending. I’m so happy for Annael! I love the closeness between the two friends, and in fact it seems that their separation has brought them even closer. After all, they still have had similar experiences, despite being apart. Their lives have changed so much and they each have new roles that could easily have distanced them – Annael protecting Legolas’ family and home etc. - but each of them couldn’t ask for a better friend to share these times. It’s such a perfect closing image of the two of them at peace for a little while. Beautiful!:)
Author's reply
I think that Ithilden is quite a lot like his father and that's one reason they get along fairly well. They tend to agree on judgments and so on. And I am becoming interested in Ithilden's aide (and the messenger who carried Eilian's defiant message to his father too). They would be fun to hear from at some point.
I picture Thranduil and Beliond as old friends from long before Thranduil was king or even an adult. Beliond (like Maltanaur) is never going to see Thraduil wholey as king and maybe that's one reason he chose them to watch over his sons.
Poor Eilian. My notes about Celuwen tell me that she sometimes has stayed away from him from pure self-protectiveness. He could hurt her so deeply that she might not survive. And Eilian gives her cause to draw back sometimes.
I wanted the closing of this story to echo its opening, with Legolas and Annael next to one another.
Thank you, Dot. I love these wonderful long reviews.
Brenda G.
· 29 December 2003
· Chapter 10: Warriors
Ahhhhhh! Now that was a good story, and this last was a fine chapter. I like reunions, especially those among this family of Elves. I thought Thranduil took all things in stride, like the king he is. He learned that his last chick bleeds blood as red as any other Elf's when wounded in battle, that Legolas' once childhood is no more. He also learned that his sons are not the only ones who defy his commands or keep secrets from their king, and that sometimes the defiance and/or secrets are disguises for love and respect and a wish to shield. The meeting with Beliond was very enlightening. So Thranduil was a handful as a youngling? Well, nobody is too surprised to learn that! I would imagine Eilian is more like his dad at the same age than any other of the king's sons. I agree with one of your other reviewers - a story about young Thranduil and his own Adar would be quite an indulgence for your fans (hint-hint). I about fell out of my chair when you revealed that Thranduil already knew about the cut trees and was growing weary of having to pretend to Ithilden that he didn't know! So wool is reversible and also indiscriminate of whose eyes it covers!
I was proud of Eilian as he humbled himself before Solith (as Thranduil had wished) and apologized, but then in the next breath I felt like strangling Celuwen's father for being so coarse when he gave Eilian Celuwen's message. My heart goes out to Eilian and his ladylove, and I wonder if Eilian will ever get it all "together" so that at last the two may formally bond. Poor Eilian! One reaps what one sows. I'll bet this is one crop Eilian wished had never come in. His behavior is understandable. I mean, most of us act foolishly when angry, and Eilian is no exception. I guess that's why I so identify with him - I've done damage to my own self by hurting others in the past. In Eilian's case, he could almost quote that someone who said, "I have found the enemy, and it is me!" But I love this troubled Elf. I want to cuddle him close and whisper in his pointed ear that time heals and love conquers all eventually. Celuwen told Legolas once that Eilian was the most loving person she knew. That is the Eilian that will finally emerge as victor over shadow, over adversity, and over himself! I have faith in him.
Was good to see Annael again and to know that he and his lady will soon bond and that life is going well for Legolas' closest friend. Legolas is growing up. Thranduil could see it in his face and in his eyes, but the smile is the same, and the spirit as bright, and every day brings Legolas closer to the legend he will become.
Can't wait for your next installment, Daw. And let me just say from my heart that you and your stories have been an unceasing source of joy for me in 2003. There have been days when about the only reason I had to smile was because you had posted a new chapter in one of your stories. You touch so many in a good way. I'm grateful to you.
Keep up the good work, and best wishes for the New Year!
BG
Author's reply
Young Thranduil in the same house with Oropher would be quite an explosive combination! I'll have to think about it, but it does have some appeal.
I have faith in Eilian too. He is a fundamentally good person, but he needs steadying down, and I think he needs to accomplish some of that himself before he asks Celuwen to help him do the rest. She doesn't need to be responsible for him as well as for herself.
And I have decided that Annael is one OC who is untouchable for me. He is so sweet that I could never bear to kill him off.
Thank you for your kind words, Brenda. Your reviews, along with those of the other wonderful readers here at SoA, have been very rewarding for me.