Reviews (406)

Calenlassiel · 27 March 2020 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Hello Daw, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your stories. I love Eilian to death. He has my heart. Oh, heck, I am in love with all of your OC. I can admit it. LOL When I read fan fiction I want to read about OCs. I have read some of your answers to other reviews and I can not understand why you are shy about embracing your love of your OCs. They are your true strength. I am having trouble transferring some of you stories to my kindle because of the format here. I am hoping that you could email me a copy of your stories in word or txt form. I know you are busy and I hope you can help me with this problem. I am feeling a little cabin feverish since this "COVID-19" has us all isolated. Maybe you could write a short story that deals with cabin fever. Beliond stuck inside the stronghold would make me laugh.. Thanks Cal

LiljeConvallaria · 27 December 2018 · Chapter 15: Celebration

I know I’m reading them out of order, I keep jumping from story to story, remembering some parts but not knowing for sure what story it was from. So I go from one story to another looking for it. It’s like visiting an old friend. I know what’s going to happen but I enjoy the journey. ;)

sosweet · 18 April 2017 · Chapter 15: Celebration

Ah, this story was so sweet. Very well done. And, I liked very much the insights into all the characters and the interaction between the brothers. I hope you continue to write! You have a talent for it!

Asms2 · 5 May 2016 · Chapter 15: Celebration

I love the scene where Celuwen tells the royal family that Legolas fell off his horse! haha. He tried so hard to keep that from surfacing, and then all those years later it comes up. And at the perfect moment for it lighted a tense atmosphere. It was neat to see Thranduil contemplating his relationship with Eilian, and the loss of his wife. His subsequent conversations with Eilian were fun to read. It was also neat to see Legolas struggling a bit with what the bonding meant for his life and his relationship with Eilian. I thought it was very relatable for him to admit that he was sad to no longer be Eilian's favorite person in life. I enjoyed the duel story lines of Legolas dealing with the flood and settlers, while Eilian was dealing with Celuwen's family. Both boys were out of their elements to some degree. I can see how being a diplomat would be a difficult job. Legolas did a good job dealing with a lot of unexpected circumstances. I enjoyed it when Beolind shows up out of nowhere holding a bow and startling Legolas and the Theives. His anger at Thranduil for not sending him with Legolas is super endearing. He loves Legolas like a son. And this is the first time I've seen someone tell Thranduil he was not being protective enough of one of his kids. haha. Beolind being protective = pulls on my heartstrings. Really everyone in the royal family being protective of each other does that to me. No wonder I love your stories so much! You are an excellent writer and have great insights into the dynamics of relationships. I love it! Also, thank you for responding to my reviews. It always feels so nice to see an author respond, and I really enjoy reading them! You rock!

Lizzie · 14 January 2015 · Chapter 9: Celuwen's Parents

Forgot to mention that I of course still love the story! :)

Lizzie · 14 January 2015 · Chapter 9: Celuwen's Parents

But what of this part of "Laws and Customs among the Eldar": "and their spirits being masters of their bodies, they are seldom swayed by the desires of the body only"? Which is what Eilian was doing, being ruled by his desires alone, which was in turn the reason why I couldn't read that part of the chapter.

Lizzie · 14 January 2015 · Chapter 6: Making Trades

I really, really like this story, it has such an interesting storyline and all of the characters are so well-rounded. I especially like the OCs, you've written them in such a way and given them such distinct personalities that I've come to like Eilian, Ithilden et al. a lot. It's also great to see Legolas being given more responsibility and representing his father in rather delicate situation. It shows how much Thranduil actually trusts him, and I think it's good for Legolas to know that. I just hope the king is not going to be angry about what Legolas did and decided. The only thing I wasn't so sure about in this chapter was the "love story" for Legolas I can see looming on the horizon. It's just a personal preference, but I guess I would've rather seen him simply get on with his mission than turning into a bit of an idiot - being distracted and speechless - because he's "fallen in love" with a beautiful woman. I've probably seen too many stories where the hero falls for the perfect Mary Sue and then turns into a complete, bumbling fool who can't manage a single complete, coherent sentence anymore and am therefore a bit wary. But I'll see how it continues. At the moment I'm just curious to see if there's going to be more flooding and how Eilian and Celuwen will resolve their difficulties.

endorearwen · 6 November 2013 · Chapter 15: Celebration

You’ve done a great job in this story, Daw, of illustrating how the character differences between Eilian and Legolas affect the outcome of the 'missions' they are executing. The very strengths that make Eilian a competent warrior are the same flaws that lead him to disaster in his personal life. Where Eilian completely disregards anything that poses a problem in securing the end he wants, Legolas is constantly reminding himself of his duty - to his father, his family, his people, and his realm. Unlike his brother, Legolas has little difficulty foregoing a personal pleasure if it conflicts with the task he's been assigned to complete. In some ways, Legolas has a more 'elven' view of life than Eilian. For Legolas, there will always be time in the long term to enjoy whatever he must sacrifice in the short term. That attitude wins him the respect of his King and the pride of his Adar. Given what I just said, it is not unexpected that I was not surprised at all to see Eilian take matters into his own hands to ensure he could satisfy himself. I think Solith has been wrongly maligned for his part in the drama between Eilian and Celuwen. He is Celuwen's father and he was correct about Eilian's self-indulgent character. History had provided Solith with very sensible reasons for believing that Eilian couldn't make his daughter happy and that he was not suitable as a potential mate. Solith had seen his daughter cry a river over Eilian's antics for years and then had to suffer the misery of watching her fade, completely helpless to stop it. In the end, Eilian did exactly what Solith expected, he used Celuwen's weakened state to achieve a goal he wanted instantly fulfilled. I like that Solith's convictions in the matter were so strong and that he stayed true to himself even when he was being obviously manipulated by Thranduil. Both of these fathers have met their match in one another. If Thranduil didn't have the authority of his position to curb Solith's determination, I think Solith could have given him a real run for his money! The role that Celuwen could play within the palace was clear from the outset. Thranduil is too astute to have missed the strategic advantage she could provide in dealing with the settlements and it was logical that he conferred upon her the role of advisor. I'm curious, though - did you plan from the outset for the settlements to become an issue that Celuwen would be drawn into helping Thranduil manage or did this plotline develop on its own as the story/ies were written? It was quite an ingenious way to resolve the drama! My favourite part of this story was when Beliond upbraided Thranduil (King or not) for sending Legolas off on a diplomatic mission without him. I roared with laughter when I read the line - “... He (Thranduil) strongly suspected that Beliond intended to make him be the one to rue a day, this day probably...” The imagery of that entire scene was hilarious and I just loved seeing Thranduil being treated as 'just another friend with whom I need to clear the air' - absolutely priceless! As always, the great Elvenking graciously concedes to Beliond's demand realizing that the request has resulted from genuine concern. Perfectly written, Daw! :-)

Hisie Lome · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

What can I say? Well done, Daw. The celebration was quite nice. Please continue to write about this family. Any words about Sinnarn? I hope spring has begun where you are, as it is always the beginning....I look forward to more. Again, Thank you for all of your hard work. Please let your family know how much joy you have gifted us. Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome P.S. Yes, Thranduil is a wiley king! Perhaps the relationship between Thraduil and Eilian will improve alittle. Their is always hope.

meckinock · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

That was great, Daw! I especially loved the father-son heart-to-heart. Eilian's been waiting a long time to get some things off his chest. "I believe you expect me to behave irresponsibly and are shocked when I do not." So true. I'm glad Thranduil was willing to listen this time. Now that he's worked things out with his troublesome middle son and found some acceptance of his intrinsic nature, the king really ought to turn his attention to those unresolved issues he has with his wife and realize that "those qualities" didn't kill her. Orcs killed her. He needs to progress a little further through the grieving process and stop blaming her for it. People come in complete packages, and there's no volume button on their personality traits (gosh, I'm on a rant- been spending too much time with Kaladriel, huh?). Moving right along, then...the family gathering was wonderfully tense. Thranduil disarmed Solith effortlessly, as expected, and his irony-edged observations were wonderful - he "regretfully supposed that he would have to stop being so frank" about Solith once his daughter started attending his meetings. Solith is such an unreconstructed bonehead I can scarcely believe it. The nicest thing I can say about him is that at least you can't accuse him of being two-faced. I would love to see what Isiwen has to say to him when she gets him alone... Eilian's friends, whooping and hollering out at the barbecue. Another downside of the elopement - we evidently missed out on the bachelor's party of the millenium. Good old Beliond, always showing up just where he's most needed. It was moving when Thranduil had to avert his eyes from the joyful embrace of the newlyweds. Legolas - well, I'd like to tell him it's better waiting, but I'm sure he's not ready to hear that. He has a long road to go alone, unfortunately, and I'm afraid it will be a long time before he sees the beauty in that. Wonderful story, as always, Daw. Thank you.

Fadesintothewest · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

What a great ending! I am happy that both families were able to celebrate the bonding of Celuwen and Eilian. And oh what great things await Celuwen and Eilian. It is good that he is staying and he will realize this soon enough. Our Legolas, searching and scanning teh crowd, hopefully he too can soon find what he needs.

Laura · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

So whats next? I can't wait for your next story. I've read each of them about 5 times. I love your writing. Please write another one soon!

Any · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

Ah! So good! :) Sólith more or less powerless and forced to give his blessings... hehe :) Thranduil making peace with Eilian... :) and Legolas, well, hm, poor Legolas leaving all of his family behind, heading southwards. But at least he'll return to his patrol as its lieutenant :). I liked this story very much - especially the heroic-Legolas-chapters :) So, what'll be up next? I just love your stories and almost can't wait for a new one to begin. So I hope you'll post a new one soon. Hehe :)) All my best wishes & thanks for sharing this beautiful story with us! You're the best! ~Any

Tapetum Lucidum · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

This chapter left me feeling so melancholy for the youngest prince that I almost found myself wishing for a romance for him. Pretty scary. I really enjoyed Eilian and Thranduil's little discussion. It was very good to clear the air between them. I agreed with you earlier when both Celuwen and Legolas felt that Thranduil under-valued his middle son. The father rarely showed him his approval. You made his feelings more clear in this scene - he does truly value what Eilian has done as a warrior, he just lives in constant fear that his carelessness will allow him to come to harm. You did a good job of letting both of these strong personalities show their emotions without letting them get too sappy. I don't think all of their conflict will be suddenly resolved but it should help ease the constant tension between them. Definitely a good thing with Eilian serving in the home guard and starting a life for himself in the castle. (That jeweled dagger has become a regular character - I think it appears in most of your stories - grin). Thranduil's reaction to Solith's arrival almost made me feel sorry for the hard-headed elf. Your use of the royal "We" for the scene between them was a great way to set Thranduil apart from the rest of the elves present as the one in unquestionable authority. Every time the king opened his mouth he subtley reminded Solith of his position. He handled the insult with great diplomacy and hopefully helped settle things between the young couple and his in-laws. Usually it is the mother-in-law who is the challenging one. Thranduil's gift to Celuwen was most appropriate and Solith's lack there of for Eilian suited him as well. The little stroll to the feast grounds was the first place I felt truly sorry for Legolas. Neither he nor Thranduil had a partner to walk with but somehow Legolas felt more alone. The extra food at the feast was a good way to point out to the king and his family just how loved Eilian truly was. Apparently they did not realize it. Legolas' search for Tuilinn was very sad - I don't think he had ever been lonely in such a big crowd. Having him dance with Annael's wife was a good way to distract him but still not enough. Having Maltanaur ride all night to be there was a nice touch as well - I had forgotten him. Favorie line - "You had to hand it to Thranduil: He was as wily as they came." Isn't that the truth? It was wonderful that his entire family came out to see him off so early in the morning. I got choked up as he said goodbye to them all. It was definitely one of your sadder moments. There are a lot of big adjustments coming up for the family in the near future - Alfirin has another woman to run the house, Celuwen has a new home and position, Eilian has a new wife and postion, Legolas' promotion... I hope your next tale picks up where this one left off. (Get her, Nilmandra!) Great job! Your further development of Alfirin's character in this story was enjoyable. I think it is great that you made Sinnarn so much like Eilian. It must have vexed both his parents greatly!

dr_seuss_is_cool · 28 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

Hello. I must apologize very profusely firstly for not reviewing earlier than now. I am very sorry. Hopefully this will not be your least fullfilling review. :) The talk with Eilian was very interesting. I loved Eilian's behavior. Thranduil is so different. He can be very interesting and confusing at the same time. Even with those things I still love him. Alfirin is so adorable. Ever since she was introduced to your characters she has be in my heart. Solith, even if he is a semi-bad guy, is very special to me. He is almost the exact same as my dad. I can just imagine the necklace that Thranduil gave to Celuwen. The bonding ceramony was very sweet, much fluffiness. Tears came to my eyes when Beliond came to Thranduil. Beliond is so wise, I had never ever thought of why someone would not want to have foresight. Tears also came as Legolas was leaving. To wrap up this review, and the last of my reviews on this story, I will say that I have loved this story very much, along with all other stories of your doing. Thank you very much for writing. Bye bye :) I await the next story with eager eyes.

rgbj · 28 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

You jumped right into the angst in this chapter. When was the last time that Eilian's face had lit up at the sight of his adar? How do things go so wrong in a family that loves each other? Well it is all those little things. The rubs, tugs and tweaks that can really have a corrosive effect. A great paragraph about the wood elf lightness of spirit of his wife and the impulsiveness of his father. Poor Thranduil and Ithilden are the solid as a rock elves in this family. Legolas has enough of the solid Sindar blended with the lightness of the wood elves to be on the cusp. He can please his adar most of the time but I can recall how Thranduil reacted to Legolas' struggle as an elfling. All the king's actions driven by fear have really alienated him from his middle son while his youngest son has managed to cope. The scene between Eilian and Thranduil was so good I had to read it three times before I finished the whole chapter. It was great. Finally Thranduil knows his emotions are based on fear and Eilian can sympathize with him. He can't really empathize since he is who he is. He has changed as much as he can up to this point and bonding will also change him some but on the whole he is Eilian and the king and Celuwen will have to at some point accept that if they expect to have a good relationship with him. I don't think the king is very used to having to accept the inevitable. He seems to feel he can sway things. My special favorite was when the king had to accept comfort from his son. This makes him very uncomfortable. Since when can we not accept comfort from our children? That is not in my parent handbook thank you very much. The king better get a new one. This was a lovely Thranduil moment. Facing his fears finally, his angst over the loss of his wife and his love of her and all this leaking into his relationbships with what is left of his family. My ring. The rainbow stood for him. That brought a lot of memories back to the king. Yes new marriages always bring the movement of time and the pain of loss home to roost. Thank goodness I have a little time left before I have to worry about this. My family still calls me when they see a rainbow and I have to go look or they won't leave me alone. They will yell Eilian until I go look. We have had a lot this spring and quite a few doubles too so I have been busy. I enjoyed Lorellin liking Celuwen and probably approving of their bonding. I think the bonding would have been sooner and not as cataclysmic for the family if she were still alive. I like to think of the silvan elves as saying how nice about this bonding and the sindar elves as being shocked. Oropher would have been approving also. Now if they can just get through this party intact all will be fine. Forced smile here. Both parents are here. OOH! This is where fanfiction.net ran true to type and screwed up again. The chapter stops right here. So I came here to finish the chapter and to review. I see Solith is going to be as big a pain in the er, neck as he possibly can be. After all this can't be the first time a couple in Arda who just eloped or whatever. What really clad them was the glow of happiness. That was so sweet and Thranduil's sudden memory of newly wedded bliss. Sigh. So nice. Oh you make Solith such a hard headed elf and I bet you love writing him. All around him trying to ignore his anger about the whole situation. I bet he was hard to get there but I have total faith in Isiwen keeping him in line. I actually felt that Thranduil wouldn't hold with a Noldor tradition either since his father kept moving to get away from their influence but maybe Thranduil is more pragmatic about them and doesn't try to disassociate his realm from them. I loved Thranduil's royal WE and OUR through this whole scene. Reminding Solith of who WE and OUR family are and how Celuwen will now be a part of US as well as part of you. Upper and lower case on purpose here. Giggle. Now we get to the good stuff. Do you mean to insult OUR son? and all his children, probably including Alfirin tense up. They know what is going on here although Solith has no idea what he is getting himself into. He has crossed the line and is about to pay the price. Now we get king mode here. Solith is in for it now. WE cannot allow anyone to insult our son or daughter. Yes now Celuwen is part of the royal family and Solith will never be allowed to forget. If he wishes to not accept Eilian that is fine but Thranduil will not ever allow his son or daughter to be denigrated in any way. Gleeful here. Some elves have to learn the hard way what the warning almost threatening tone of voice from the king means and Solith is one of them. He got slammed and will eventually learn not to press Thranduil's buttons or he will always be paying the price. This won't always help Eilian but at least Solith won't be allowed to make a fracas at family gatherings. One wonders why Solith is so dense. Even my father knows better than to butt heads with my husband. He tamed me after all which is something my father never did. I loved the pleasant kingly smile and his children relax. Legolas won't go near Solith. No one wants to be near him in case he starts in again. No one is brave or stupid enough to be in the line of fire with this dense elf. Give him lots of room to stew in his own juices. I think I am glad not to hear what Legolas had to say to Alfirin. He is such a gentleman for the most part and I want this idea of him preserved. I am sure adar would not think this comment good manners but his children behave admirably as they always do. Ah those elves know how to party. It was so sweet of Eilian's friends and probably many of his ex-flirts over the decades share this special night with Eilian and his new mate. He must be great to have so many who love him. And of course the king can't let this great opportunity go by. Yes more than just his family love him. He picked the only elf in Arda who hates him for a father in law. Gotta love this irony. Ah Legolas eyeing the crowd. Another puzzle for the king to figure out. And he will. I think Legolas has plenty of time ahead of him to pursue an elleth. He is a warrior now and that's hard enough without extra pressure. The belated blessings of the parents. Gulp. I see Isiwen is holding on so Solith won't bolt. Also she can squeeze him till it hurts if he doesn't behave. The king is a master tactitian here, turn up the music so Solith is cut off before he can rant. I have attended a few weddings that turned into battle royals by the families of the participants. Such bad manners. Nice to know the king had his hand steady on the helm here. Ah Maltanaur. I agree that this will be the making of Eilian. It won't be easy for either one of them but they do have forever. He rode all night in dangerous territory, something he would never let Eilian do. The 'keepers' take their job very seriouly. Beliond and his angst. I am glad that Maltanaur is a happier elf. Beliond would never do for Eilian. Who would want Galadriel's gift of fore sight? It didn't help her with her only child, Celebrian so what good is it? Well it did seem to help during the War of the Ring. Legolas has to ride off his headache from last night. He *was* disappointed about his maiden wasn't he? Wily Adar indeed, he just snuck up on warrior Legolas after all. More praise for the new Lieutenant (that doesn't look as if I spelled it correctly,sigh). Big family moment here. They all show up to say fare well. Beliond will not let him ride into danger. Oh really. Off to face whatever awaits them. Great chapter, great story. I hate the end but then of course you always come up with another one to impress us with. Sorry to be so verbose but because of ff.net I am stymied about reviewing and you got the burden of it. Sorry.

mer · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

It is hard for me to see your stories come to an end but I tell myself not to worry, there will be another one soon. Right? I am addicted! Need another story! Hey, I saw you reply to some one that there will come a time when Beliond will come back alone when Legolas goes with the fellowship. I would love to see that story from you about the at home response of Legolas' absence into the...unknown....(I recently read the one you wrote about Legolas' choosing to join the fellowship). Am I right to assume that even though you need to focus on (ahem) other things you will also be planning another story?Did I say I was addicted? Me?

Jay of Lasgalen · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

This has a nice, satisfying ending, Daw. I love to see Thranduil in full Elvenking mode, using the royal 'we'. Solith is indeed a fool to have ignored that even once! The tentative understanding between father and son is good to see too. I do hope that we (and Legolas!) will see more of his maiden before too long, though. Jay

Camp6311 · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

Oh daw, this was terrific. I think it is the best ending that you've written yet. Ditto all the accolades from everyone else. I liked this scene: "suddenly Eilian rose and came around the desk to put his arms around Thranduil’s shoulders. Immensely gratified, Thranduil rose to embrace him." This sounds just like something an impulsive Eilian would do, and this time, Thranduil is immensely grateful for his son's impulsive nature. Very nice touch.

Justafan · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

How perfectly lovely! I loved the anxiousness of Legolas as he looked for someone that he could not find in the crowd. In a way, it's very nice to see him experiencing the pangs of first love. I enjoyed the way that Thranduil handled the situation both with Solith and Eilian. I hope Eilian stays careful now!

Estel_Mi_Olor · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

Congratulations, Daw, on the completion of this marvelous work of fiction. I truly believe you outdid yourself with this one. Thank you for these characters, who are so tangible, I feel as if I have known them all my life. Thranduil's discussion with Eilian was perfect. It couldn't have gone well fromt the beginning, as Thranduil had hoped, because their personalities wouldn't allow it. Thank you for keeping that consistent. Sólith was hilarious. I do so love justice. I wonder exactly what Isiwen said to him, to make him come... The feast was fantastic! Although I am curious to find out exactly who brought all that extra food. Perhaps the answer will be revealed in another upcoming fic? Legolas was very sweet, thinking that Tuilin would come. It is difficult to forget your first love. Beliond will take care of our Prince, as usual. He will come back to his family. Thank you once more for this story. Please continue writing. I expect another masterpiece shortly...:)

Dot · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

I think I had a lump in my throat for this whole chapter. I was so glad when Eilian hugged Thranduil because I was beginning to think someone really needed to… I like the way Thranduil is not just gaining a new perspective in his relationship with Eilian, but that he is aware that he is – if you know what I mean. Like, it’s almost as though he can look at this discussion between them objectively and tries to learn from it rather than get caught up in his anger. “Surely there had been a time when his child’s face had lit up with joy at the sight of him.” I hope there was such a time. In fact, I’m sure I've had a few glimpses of it before... Now, if only there was someone to write more about it…;) “But warriors can behave with some discretion, some care!” Ooh, that was slightly uncalled for. Poor Eilian. He was really in no way careless and as far as I remember he was singled out solely because he was such a threat to the Orcs. “I believe you expect me to behave irresponsibly and are shocked when I do not.” Thranduil seems to be digging himself in deeper and deeper. The way I see it, he really has two choices – walk out the door and start again or be honest with himself and Eilian. Luckily, he chose the honesty option! It brought tears to my eyes to see Thranduil so vulnerable. I was only thinking the other day that even after Lorellin’s death he rarely showed his pain and grief to his sons but I think it’s good for them to see that no matter how strong he is as king, as a father and husband he has weaknesses and feels fear and sorrow as much as anyone else. It must have been hard for him to admit that sometimes he feels angry that his wife was careless. If he felt in any way that she was somehow to blame for her own death, it’s easy to see why he would be so furious at what he saw as Eilian’s ‘careless’ behaviour over the years. Like I said, I loved that moment between them when Eilian comforts his father – Thranduil doesn’t need to feel absurd, it’s doing them both good. What a lovely idea, for Eilian to give Celuwen that ring. His mother explaining the meaning of the stone is obviously a memory he cherishes. Thranduil is right, I think, that Lorellin would have loved Eilian to give it to his beloved. “I would wedge a chair under the doorknob if I were you.” Very funny. It seems Thranduil knows just how frustrated Eilian must be to so far be allowed very little time alone with his new wife! Ah. They came. Having Sólith as his guest immediately puts Thranduil in a position of control. I had to laugh at his overly exuberant greeting to Sólith and Isiwen. I thought it was very clever of Thranduil to give Celuwen the symbol of office in front of her parents. It shows enormous respect for her and her parents as well as for their way of life and at least Sólith will see that his daughter isn’t just expected to sit around in the palace all day. Eilian doesn’t seem to have known about this new job of his wife’s, though… Sólith is really something, isn’t he? *How* could he insist on provoking Thranduil like that? It’s a pity he can’t be “summoned” to Ithilden’s office as well… “We repeat, do you mean to insult our son? We ask because that is something that we could not allow any more than we could allow someone to insult Celuwen.” I actually physically shuddered at this point. I think it was the scary repetition of the royal “we” that had me quaking even more than the thinly veiled threat. Sólith is indeed a bit of a fool. I wish his wife had got up and decked him one right there and then. I thought it was very amusing that Legolas doesn’t want to walk with Sólith. Good old Alfirin for including him. I’d love to know what he said, though… Oh, and I had to laugh at Thranduil hoping his “children” would behave! I loved the slight touch of informality about this celebration – due, of course, to Eilian’s rowdy friends. At least their presence ensured that any tension disappeared for the time being. “The guests brought it, my lady,” said the steward happily. “Lord Eilian has many friends.” Oh, daw! What an amazing show of love and support for Eilian. Wow, he really is loved by the whole Realm. “So you will see the rainbow in the stone and think of me even when I am far away.” *sob* That’s just so beautiful. I suppose as well that Celuwen could easily have known the significance of the ring considering her close relationship with Eilian – and his naneth too – when they were growing up. It’s sad, though, that they live in a time and a place where the gifts they give are intended to serve as a reminder to the other of their love when one is away. He wanted Sólith to speak?? Nice one, Thranduil. Put him on the spot. Well, at least he spoke…and he wasn’t exactly rude…I imagine it was enough to ease Celuwen’s mind anyway, which is what’s really important. Oh look, there’s Maltanaur! He must be thrilled to bits. Of course, he’s seen Eilian mope about Celuwen for a long, long time now… “And suddenly, he found he could not bear to watch these two Wood-elves, who were so obviously in love, and had to turn away.” That’s so heart-breaking. Memories must be very near the surface if he finds it so painful to watch them. At least Beliond was there, someone who knows what Thranduil is thinking and who shares his sorrow. Beliond is a wise old elf. Who knows what the future has in store but at least Eilian and Celuwen always have this one moment of absolute joy. I guess we just have to hope that they will always treasure it but never have to dwell on it as a time they will never have again – as Thranduil and Beliond must do with memories of their lost loved ones. I loved that last part, with Legolas setting out again. He certainly had an action-packed leave! It’s a pity he spent most of the feast looking for Tuilinn, but I suppose love definitely was in the air and I don’t blame him for longing for her company again. It must be hard for him to leave when everyone else, except Sinnarn, is at home. If Eilian finds it this difficult letting Legolas go, methinks he isn’t quite ready to have any elflings yet! It amazing, though, how worried they all still are about letting him out into danger, but it must be comforting for Legolas too. I guess he just has to go off and prove himself now as lieutenant. I never like it when your stories come to an end but I really am particularly sad that this one has to finish. You really spoiled your readers with it, daw – thank you. RN (?): Lol! How many people asked for Tinár’s wife that you felt compelled to apologise?! It’s o.k. I’m kind of half afraid to meet her anyway – I wouldn’t know what to expect. I’ll bet the whole Realm didn’t turn up with gifts of food for their wedding. Although, maybe they all came with popcorn…

LKK · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

I missed another chapter's review. Sorry! I was doing some internet research for a friend. :) Ah! An understanding of sorts between Thranduil and Eilian! I'm sure there will be times when they both forget their understanding. Centuries of behavior aren't changed by one conversation. But hopefully, they have built the foundation of a better relationship. :) I absolutely loved Thranduil taking down Solith! Solith didn't stand a chance against the king -- as it should be. It was a pleasure to watch Thranduil in full Father/King mode. :) This has been a great story, daw. I have really enjoyed it. I look forward to whatever you turn your imagination to next!

White Wolf · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

I love the way Thranduil handled Solith, who never realized what thin ice he was standing on. The celebration was lovely. Legolas's farewell to his family was very touching. I'm looking forward to your next story.

sofia · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 15: Celebration

Ah! Another story done! i hope we hear again from you soon. I enjoyed reading this story. Poor Legolas! all his brothers are married and he feels alone! I'm shocked that Sólith would say such things to a King. He really must be unhappy. Dont keep us waiting for long! -sofia