Reviews (406)

Tapetum Lucidum · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Ithilden had quite a morning. He must have been exhausted by lunch time. I LOVED his dressing down of Tinar. It was long over due and it was good that the source of the complaints actually came from outside of the military. He cannot blame this one on jealousy. Ithilden has learned much from his father. Tinar showed his complete lack of sense by disparaging Legolas to Ithilden. Even if it were true, it would have been a bad, bad move. Two lines really stood out: "You will do exactly as I say and will be pleasant as you are able to be while you do it," and "or I will send you home to permantly plague your poor wife instead of your fellow warriors." I was LOL! Oh to be a fly on the wall for that discussion. I am sure Eilian will occasionally have a few choice words for Tinar as well. It should be a very entertaining time. Poor Eilian! He thinks it is hard to snuggle in the mornings now... wait until there is an elfling pouncing into his bed. I thought some time in the Home Guard was an excellent idea. I guess I am not quite as dense as Eilian because I saw it coming including the real reason behind it. Maybe I saw it because the author led up to it so well... I think some settling in time is definitely in order. Eilian will have fun torturing Tinar and I am sure he will find Something to make his blood sing. Ithilden finally got a break with his meeting with Legolas. It is much more pleasant to praise someone than to discipline them. You summed up the youngest's character well with the line "I like Sorion, and I would do my best for you even if I did not." Legolas is such an earnest young elf. He really wants to please everyone. I would love a scene with Beliond and Legolas traveling back to the Southern Patrol. I imagine his guardian would have a lot of helpful advice for the cub's first command. Thranduil and Celuwen's little discussion had an excellent tone. You could sense Celuwen's nervousness and Thranduil's attempt to ease it. I think he would be smart to use her knowledg and perspective in the capacity of an advisor. Celuwen would not be afraid to speak her mind. I am looking forward to the ceremony. I am glad you took the time to flesh out all of this aftermath. It would have been easy to quit and leave us wondering but you have done a good job with all of the details.

Lera · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

That was such a fun chapter! I'm so glad you let us be the fly on the wall in Ithilden's office especially while he was "talking" to Tinar. Ithilden is not acustomed to losing battles of wills, but he'll have his work cut out with Tinar. I'm praying Tinar doesn't have any elflings. Valor have mercy on them. But oh, poor Calith. He'll deserve a huge raise by the time this year is over. Both Eilien and Tinar. Making Eilien stay home for a year seems fitting to me. I'm so glad for Celuwen. At least now she's got a job and won't be sitting around the palace and will feel useful, plus she'll be able to visit her family. Yay, Legolas! A promotion. Pretty soon he'll be ready for the fellowship I think. How long til that happens? How old is he right now? I can feel this story drawing to a close. It was so fun. It was kind of a nice light hearted change after Sacrifice Under Shadow and Fire and Shadow. I'm very sorry I didn't have a chance to review your last two chapters. I enjoyed them! Until next update then!

Dot · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Thanks for the congrats, daw. I was only kidding about the “go me” so you had me chuckling for the day after I read your reply:) Excellent, excellent, excellent! I was so happy when I saw the title of this chapter and I don’t think I stopped grinning for the entire thing. Well, maybe for some of the Eilian parts… *sigh* I do so love Ithilden when he’s like this. He’s almost as scary as Thranduil. I can only imagine how shocked Ithilden was when Galivion told him of Tinár’s behaviour. Obviously he’s had problems with him before but the way he behaved on this mission was just so appallingly disrespectful… I don’t know how Ithilden had the restraint to stop himself flattening Tinár the moment he set eyes on him. “I suppose Legolas complained.” I actually have fingernail prints on the palms of my hands from trying to suppress my irritation at him! I’m even getting stressed reading back over it now…! “Orc dung” LOL! That’s brilliant. Can I use that? Not that I generally have need to be insulting people but if I did… I loved the bit as well where he tells him to “think about what you might be doing other than being wonderful.” Wow, Ithilden could really cut a person in two with that tongue of his if he wanted. He’s going to be a messenger?? That’s perfect! Let’s hope that there are suddenly a lot of dispatches to be delivered or Ithilden – and poor Calith – will have to put up with him hanging around the office. Seriously, however you came up with that one, it was inspired. Oh, and I really want to meet this wife of Tinár’s. Any chance she might be attending the feast?! “You have terrible timing, brother.” How frustrating it must be for Eilian to be constantly, uh, interrupted;) “And what else has Adar been doing?” Ah, spoken like someone who has a *lot* of experience with Thranduil scuppering his plans. I can see how this would upset Ithilden, though. It must be annoying enough that sometimes he will have to follow Thranduil’s orders instead of his own decisions but then to have someone, especially Eilian, presume that everything he does is according to what the king dictates must be rather hurtful. Routine paperwork, eh? Poor Eilian. Still, Ithilden has always seemed genuinely happy to have his brother’s help – he clearly values Eilian’s experience and judgement no matter who else does or does not. That’s such a funny picture of him wandering around outside, reading dispatches. Wound or no wound he isn’t going to sit down for very long. Especially if Tinár is around! Eilian was hesitant about the south! He was hesitant! He really does love his wife. Obviously he wants to go back to the south at some stage but I’m so, so glad he doesn’t want to rush off back there just yet. I admit I was half afraid that Eilian wouldn’t realise just how hard things would be for Celuwen – but he does, and he wants to stay and support her and I’m just so proud of the scamp right now! “Eilian looked startled. “Really?” You know, it’s quite sad, actually, that he is so surprised at this. No matter what, Thranduil has always been worried about his sons when they are injured and cares for them unfailingly. I was going to say that I wish Eilian could see that not everything Thranduil does is an attempt to annoy him, but it’s not really that – it’s more that Eilian jumps to conclusions and often presumes the worst of his father before remembering all the good in him. Anyway, if Thranduil were that angry, surely he could have just sent Eilian off and then he wouldn’t have to put up with him around the palace. I love the idea that elves place so much importance on the concept of family. I mean, that even the king, who is determined that his sons perform their duty, would rather Eilian stay at home with his new wife and help build their marriage than return to protecting the realm. I think it says a lot about their culture, and even more so about Thranduil himself as king. “You fight with discipline and courage. You get along well with your fellow warriors. You are a quiet but trusted leader.” How wonderful for Legolas to know that his captains think so highly of him. It must be great too for Ithilden to hear such glowing reports about his baby brother. And yay, Legolas gets a promotion! He really deserves it, especially after being so disciplined when dealing with an injured Eilian and then having to negotiate with that infuriating elf, Anyr. “I like Sórion, and I would do my best for you even if I did not.” Aaw. That’s such a Legolas thing to say. And it must seem even more endearing to Ithilden after dealing with Tinár! By the way, it’s just amazing the way you’ve managed to move everyone around like that – not just Eilian and Legolas, but Elorfin and Sórion too. I’m beginning to think your job is just as hard as Ithilden’s is! I was delighted with the little chat between Celuwen and Thranduil. I had to laugh at Celuwen being put to work sewing a dress – I take it she didn’t have “a suitable gown”, then! I was glad to see him acknowledge how difficult it was for Alfirin, and clearly Celuwen too, to adjust to palace life. And he’s so sweet about making sure she looks after herself. I’m not used to sweet Thranduil, it’s rather unsettled me…;) I love that he obviously likes her so much. It’ll probably be beneficial to her too. And she did get a job! Good. It sounds like something she’d be good at and that she might like too. Hopefully, anyway. It’ll be kind of amusing now if she’s off visiting settlements and Eilian’s the one at home worrying about her instead of the other way around! I can’t help but wonder, though, what would have happened if she hadn’t agreed to Thranduil’s “suggestion”… Anyway, I absolutely can’t wait to find out what happens between Eilian and Thranduil. Oh, and will Celuwen’s parents turn up for the feast?? Are you sure you can’t get, oh maybe ten or so more chapters out of this…?!!

Kristy · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Sorry I've missed reviewing the last couple of chapters. I have read and enjoyed them! This was an aptly named chapter. Yay for Thranduil! He gets major points for showing Celuwen that she is valuable, respected, and welcomed in the family. He's also given her a job. I was very worried that she would go from her useful busy fulfilling life in the settlement to frustrated, boring idlleness in the plalce. That kind of thing can be miserable. And make you doubt you worth. Thranduil has prevented that. I do not envy Ithilden's job at all. But he does a very good job of it. You can see his affection for his family and the relm in his actions and decisions. And I will thoroughly enjoy watching him bring that thick-headed fool Tinar in line. Eilian is mature enough to see the good sense in Thranduil and Ithilden's plan for him. Or maybe he just wants plenty of chances to finish what he started before he was summoned this morning ;) Seriously, he did handle the decision to keep him home for a while well. I'm proud of him. Legolas got promoted! Good for him. That's a fitting reward for the great job he did in the settlement. It also has the added bouns of being sure to irritate Tinar. I'm hereby adding my vote/pleading to the request for Elian and Tinar in Ithilden's office stories. I think that could be howlingly (is that a word?) funny! Great chapter! I can't wait for the feast!

Jebb · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

So Tinar is to become Ithildens bane for a while or is it the otherway round? I was pleased to see Tinar get what he deserved what a foolish elf to talk back to his commanding officer although I do think the words banging head and brick wall will be coming into play for Ithilden with Tinar and Eilian in a confined space! Eilian is far more fortunate than he realises Adar has been very kind and thoughtful although having his second son under his feet for a year may be trying for them both thank goodness for Celuwyn who is beginning to find her place once again at the behest of Adar what a good father he is to all his children Congratulations to Legolas on his promotion he must be feeling lonely now with both older brothers bonded and the celebration will probably bring that home to him even more! A lovely chapter

Camp6311 · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Yeah, Legolas finally gets his promotion!, and I liked this line: “I like Sórion, and I would do my best for you even if I did not.” Sounds like an elf who could be part of a fellowship with a stinky dwarf.

Lamiel · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Legolas is promoted! Yes! Hooray! Break out the Dorwinian, because with that and Eilian's bonding, there's plenty to celebrate! Plus there's the added benefit of seeing Tinar brought down a peg or two. Hee hee. Oh, I did like seeing Ithilden discipline him. Although I fear it might take more than that to get some sense into that Elf. He might be good at weapons, but he isn't the best. And it takes more than weapons skill to make a good warrior. I do feel sorry for Ithilden's assistant, though, having Eilian and Tinar as office mates. Oye. And the clashes when those two come together . . . watch out, daw, you may have started a whole new warren of plot bunnies breeding. And bravo to Thranduil, too, for finding a useful and profitable role for Celuwen in the palace. Now there's an Elf who doesn't let anything pass him by. Brilliant. Now on to the next chapter! Let's party! Lamiel P.S. Please respond to this review in the next chapter's posting on FF.net, if you feel so inclined, daw. I try to be consistent and only review at one site, but since FF.net is down currently I'm over here. But I'll likely see your next chapter back there.

rgbj · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Ah Ithilden's morning. I'm glad that nothing spoils his meals or breakfast would have been a nightmare. Tinar - Smackdown time for sure. Ithilden is going to put him on a very short leash. He is a walking disaster as far as having any kind of ability to get along with people. I liked Ithilden not losing a battle of wills to anyone except his king/adar. I have always said don't engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent and I don't think Tinar is armed here. He just kind of folded up his tent and snuck away. It is sad in a way. With his skills he could be a real force to reckon with but his upbringing has put up a huge blockade in his way. I doubt he will ever be anything other than what he is now. No one would watch his back in a battle if he were their commander. I appreciate you telling us that yes Tinar has a wife. Can you imagine how she would feel if Tinar were home all the time. I would think that she would like him in the South Patrol. I may be maligning her. Eilian - Ithilden's bad timing again. Smirk. What does Eilian really want. Does Eilian ever really know except he wants a lot of excitement. Now he is going to have to think about life, the universe and everything. The answer is not going to be 42. He realizes the answer may be Celuwen. Ah amibivalence as to where he wants to be. Being newly bonded does that to you. He never really thought about Celuwen and the role that she would have. Hindsight is better than foresight. Eilian seldom uses foresight so at least hindsight is 20/20. The bottom line now, Eilian will be Captain of the Home Guard so that he can have his year with Celuwen. And yes it was adar's idea. Good for him. If any elf in Arda needs some time to make a new life it is Eilian. I think Celuwen will be the making of Eilian but it isn't going to be easy for either one of them. I hope they wait for elflings so that Eilian can grow up and be ready for them. In time he will be a fabulous father. Adar's insistence on family and bonding time is so in keeping with his love of his family. Ithilden would have tried to do this for any other warrior so Eilian can put away his over zealous protect the realm persona and put on his happily bonded self. I'm glad Eilian is beginning to realize that Celuwen is going to need time to carve out a life for herself at the stronghold. She needs him so much right now. Yes there will be great benefits for both of you Eilian. Enjoy them. Also Ithilden notices that despite the bad news he and Eilian are more comfortable with each other. See Celuwen is having a good affect already. OK set up for your next chapter. Eilian now gets to go see ADAR. Poor Calith, his life will definitely not be dull and boring. Legolas - Finally good news for Ithilden to pass along. Our favorite warrior elf got a promotion. Tinar will be burned about that. Everyone who works with Legolas gives him great praise. Although this news is bittersweet because he will lose Eilian as his Captain. He is so sweet though he will do his best no matter what situation. You can count on him and all of Middle Earth does in the future. You are doing such a good job with him. Celuwen and Adar/king - Nice little scene here. My the king doesn't let any moss grow on him. He is quick to set his plan in action. Slowly leadig Celuwen into the path he hopes she will take. Call me adar. Oh yes. He is really good at getting the best out of his family but of course first he has to see where they will be able to do their best and he excels at this. Celuwen is no slowpoke about things either. I think she will be very good at this. First she has to see the whole picture. At this point she knows the settler's POV but there are other POVs she is going to have to be open too. No one is wholly right or wrong but there has to be a happy medium that will work for everyone. Can she do this? We'll see. Yes Adar I too think that Eilian has more than met his match. I can't wait to see how this all works out. My daughter will be going to Oregon Institue of Technology. She wants to be a Radiological Technician. She will be doing ultra sounds, mammograms and MRIs. She was going to go into computers but got very sick and one of the tools used to diagnose her was an ultra sound. That changed everything. It sounds good so I hope she is happy. She does a lot of writing on the side and is very good so I hope she keeps that up. Maybe one day she will write fanfiction. That would make me happy. Thanks for such a nice chapter. I await with anticipation the "party". I love parties. And this one should have it all. Angst from the king and family about Lorellin not being there, Legolas having to leave almost immediately to go to the South Patrol, Eilian not leaving for the South Patrol, Solith and the king doing who knows what. Wow the possibilities are just unlimited. Ain't we got fun in store. FarFlung

sol 3 · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Well done, Thranduil! What a terrific way to welcome his new daughter into the family -- load her down with work of the realm. At least she knows she is welcome, trusted AND appreciated for her own strengths. Clever King, that :)

meckinock · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

If Eilian has met his match in Celuwen, then so has Thranduil! I'm glad he's decided to make her the Mirkwood Intern, but I wonder what his reaction will be the first time she makes a recommendation he doesn't like! As far as Eilian goes, bravo for Ithilden and Thranduil for making him pay the piper. As much as I adore seeing his adorable little Elvish tushy in danger, it's about time he learned to think about someone besides himself, and that time-honored "Sorry about leaving to go back to my patrol three days after dragging you off to live in the palace, dear - duty calls, you know" excuse isn't cutting it. A little one-on-one time with his old man might do them both some good, too. Or else Eilian will find himself the next Mirkwood Ambassador to Far Harad... Ithilden made short work of Tinar, though I was surprised the miscreant whelp was dumb enough to show Ithilden attitude. Maybe Ithilden really should re-evaluate his IQ, after all. But has Ithilden bitten off more than he can chew this time? Will Tinar and Eilian in his office on a daily basis be enough to upset his well-ordered world? Will we get to see if he inherited Thranduil's bellow? I'm staying tuned...

Manderly · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Another wonderful chapter! Ithilden was great. Orc dung! How apt when it comes to Tinar, but unfortunately I don't think Ithilden really got through that thick wall of self-importance that Tinar apparently had built over the years. I must say Ithilden is very courageous to take on both Tinar and Eilian under his direct command. I think he'll need the patience of a saint. I am surprised that Eilian accepted his new post so calmly. Married life is already having an effect on him. This chapter really made me realize what a heavy burden Ithilden carries. It's like being father, brother, commander and friend all rolled into one when it comes to dealing with his younger brothers. Cannot be easy! I am glad Thandruil is making use of Celuwen's abilities. Hopefully it will help her adjust to her new role within the Royal Family. I guess there's one more chapter before this wonderful story ends?

erunyauve · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

"Ithilden let the silence lengthen while he sat immobile and looked unsmilingly at Tinár. Tinár met his look longer than most of those whom Ithilden summoned did, but eventually he shifted his weight from one foot to the other and flicked his gaze to one side without turning his head away." I loved this description - Ithilden is definitely his father's son. I almost feel sorry for Tinar. I feel more sorry for Eilian having to occasionally put up with Tinar. But I think I feel most sorry for Ithilden, who will have both of them on his hands. And Thranduil gets a sensitivity medal for realizing that standing up when you are in the middle of sewing something disturbs everything. And I love the idea of Celuwen serving as an advisor. The Silmarillion is full of wives and daughters who clearly played an important role in their realms (or gave good advice which their husbands and fathers foolishly ignored).

Dragon-of-the-North · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

No time for many words once again - but the last chapters were absolutely lovely, and this one had me LOL almost all the time! Poor Eilian! Why did I see something like that coming...? ;-D But one sentence had me absolutely ROCL - "“I believe that time in bed with one’s wife is particularly useful in healing a hip wound.”" - Why does that make me draw strange conclusions about Ithilden's, hmmm, most private behaviour mirroring his professional style almost too perfectly? Ignore my musings - it is very late, and this will not be a logical review, but this is still a very wonderful story, and I still enjoy the portrayal of all characters (especially Thranduil) thoroughly. And it is good to see Legolas rewarded for his successful mission with this promotion - more responsibility will do him good. :-)

JastaElf · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Well there's a surprise, ff.net down again... (grin) Thank heaven for SoA! And what a geat chapter--Tinar really *IS* the most awful butthead, isn't he?? Snarking off to Ithilden is NEVER a good idea; even far less so when the subject under discussion is Ithilden's youngest brother.... You do realize now we must get at least a one-chapter one-shot of Eilian working with the Obnoxious One in Ithilden's office, don't you?? *Anime begging eyes of Doom...* :-) Poor Eilian, in some folks' eyes he will always be that stern-faced Elfling getting into trouble and squaring his shoulders to go see Ada... while Legolas, bless his heart, keeps going from strength to strength as a sweetie. :-) Not that Eilian isn't a sweetie too--I certainly think he is!--but little brother seems to have the market cornered on being thrifty, trustworthy, loyal and brave... Do they HAVE a boy scout troop in Greenwood?? (grin) And Celuwen as a royal advisor--PERFECT!! There, Ada, what do you think of THAT?? And she'll be very good at it, I have no doubt at all!! VERY fine chapter, nin mellon. Thank you!

Nilmandra · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Ah, Tinar has been taken down a notch. He is so arrogant that when he tells others what he is now doing, he'll make it sound like a promotion, that he is now Ithilden's right hand elf. Hmmpphh... I hope Eilian takes him down a notch or two as well. I like that wily Thranduil now looks at Celuwen and sees an asset. I can see him enjoying the effect she has on his son!

Any · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Thranduil's plans for Celuwen are very good! She will have that one year Eilian will be captaining the Home Guard to get acquainted to her new home and her new duties and when Eilian will eventually return to the Southern Patrol Celuwen will be busy attending to those council meetings, visiting some settlements and so on - she will be very useful and helpful plus her new role will allow her to continue serving her beloved settlements! So she will not have abandoned her duty completely for Eilian! And her father will probably have a reason to approve of her marriage, too! Very good solution here! Let's hope this will work! I must say, even though I am happy for Legolas to have been promoted I also feel a bit sorry for him. Now he is the only one in his family who has no wife at his side (well, of course Thranduil doesn't have a wife at his side, either, but he had one for a very long time, so...). There's an air of loneliness surrounding him and I wish you'd bring Tuilinn back into his life some day :) ~Any

dr_seuss_is_cool · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Hello. I wish i could have like been right outside the room and heard Ithilden and Tinar. Oh well, too bad. I am very shocked as to Eilian's 'punishment'. But in some ways, I am very glad that he will be staying in the Home Guard for at least a year because then that will give him and Celuwen some time together. I am so proud of Legolas. I think he deserves it. I loved your insert about how Ithilden's wedding ring flashed in the light. It didn't seem necessary, but I absolutely loved it. I rejoice that Celuwen and Thranduil seem to have a relationship brewing in the midst of all that has happened. Thank you for writing. Bye Bye.

Ms. Whatsit · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Hehehe...Tinar gets his comeuppance. Poor kid, he has to work under Ithilden's supervision. Though I'm sure many an elleth is jealous of him for that... My real sympathy is for Calith, though. Eilian *and* Tinar? Damn. It was nice to see some bonding among the brothers Thranduilion. The conversation between Eilian and Ithilden was nicely edgy, as was the contrast between Thranduil's motives and what Eilian *thinks* are his motives. And he gets to hang around and live with Celuwen! Yay. And Legolas getting promoted was also very sweet, and so was the hug. Aww. I think my favorite bit was the Thranduil-Celuwen conversation, though. Somehow those two interacting make me laugh. I love how Celuwen cuts straight to the point while Thranduil sort of sidles up to it. And from what Celuwen's been saying it seems like she will, to Alfirin, be "one of the boys" to be clucked over rather than another maternal figure. And this isn't the last chapter! Yay!

Bodkin · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Oh, bliss. Tinar squashed. Eilian manipulated. Legolas promoted. Thranduil and Celuwen coming to an understanding. Alfirin acknowledged. Ithilden in charge. Love it. May come back with more later.

Legolas4me · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

I am glad that Ithilden (this was probably fortunate for Tinar that he handled it instead of the king) handled that blasted Tinar. Perhaps we will learn some humility and learn to bridle his fresh mouthed tongue! Legolas certainly deserved his promotion. What a wonderful family you have created in that Ithilden shared in his brother's joy and took pride in him. IT was a very sweet moment. I think that Thranduil will certainly benefit from placing Celuwen as his advisor. She certainly was the wits to do it. It is also good for Eilian to be home for the year. It is not so easy being newlyweds. When I first was married it did take some time getting used to each other, settling in to new role of husband and wife, and getting into a routine. It was a wise decision.

Elentari · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

*jumps up and down* I was so glad to see you have updated! Celuwen was unoficcially(as of yet) added to the team of royal advisors! I loved the way she cut to the heart of mthe matter, when Thranduil was walking around the bush. Poor king. He'll learn yet that subtlety is totally wasted on her.

Jay of Lasgalen · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Way to go Ithilden! It's about time Tinar got his comeuppance - though I still don't think he realises it's *his* fault! And Eilian is going to stay near home for a while, Celuwen has a useful role to fulfill, and Legolas has been promoted. Happy endings all round. I have the feeling this story is near the end, unfortunately, but hope you have another in the pipeline! Jay

LOTRFaith · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Thank you so much for raking Tinár over the coals... I was especially happy to read that part:-) Tinár drives me crazy..... lol... A promotion, a demotion of sorts and a new advisor.... :-D Am happy to see that Thranduil is doing his best to try and make Celuwen feel at home hopefully.... :-) ... more chapters to come right?

naneth · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

These were truly wonderful conversations. I enjoyed each of them. What wonderful plans you have for everyone! Loved this chapter, it was lots of fun.

French Pony · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 14: Conversations

Carlith may not mind, but I think that Ithilden has not quite fully understood what he's done to himself. Eilian and Tínar in the office under his command . . . the poor Elf's gonna regret this sooner or later. On the other hand, Eilian will probably have fun watching Ithilden lean on Tínar, so at least one of them will get something out of the deal. Who in their right minds was desperate enough to marry Tínar? Lieutenant Legolas, hut hut! Going to see Ithilden must be very much like being sent to see the principal. It's probably good for him that he has Alfirin to love him, because it must be kind of sad to see the same "oh, shit" look on everyone's face when they come to see you. And she can also cut him down to size when the power trip gets to be too much for him. Go Celuwen! A woman's place is in the House and the Senate! Eilian better take good care of her, else Sólith and Thranduil might have to duke it out for the honor of filleting him. All in all, Thranduil has gained by this marriage. Clearly, he likes Celuwen and will be able to make use of her mad diplomacy skillz. I wonder what he might have been like with a daughter of his own, given his evident pleasure in his daughters-in-law.