Reviews (239)

Dot · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

That elfling is so bold! I just read the chapter and was so stressed by his impertinence that by the end of it I had to get up and walk around for a while before I settled back down to write this! It all began so well for them… I loved the start of this chapter, with the two brothers enjoying each other’s company and being outdoors. Legolas really does seem to like being given some responsibility and I had to smile at how eager he is to get on with the hunting. He’s so cute when he’s being good. I suppose that’s true of most children, though… I liked the little remark about Annael’s adar showing them how to clean fish. I think it really shows how fatherly Siondel is, not just with his own son but his son’s friends too and it’s good to know that Legolas gets to learn these things that would probably only have come up in a situation like this camping trip, whereas Siondel was probably preparing the fish for their meal at home. If that makes any sense… “Ithilden was increasingly pleased with Legolas today.” You know, I think that good manners and the ability to command respect are completely innate to Ithilden at this stage in his life so I can see how he becomes frustrated with Legolas when he’s rude and feels proud of him when he behaves, but I think that what also comes through here is a genuine desire to see his little brother happy and I get the impression that even though it is supposed to be his leave, he’d be more than satisfied if at the end of it Legolas went home and was able to say that he had a good time. My heart stopped when Legolas disappeared! Then to discover that he had simply climbed up a tree… What was he thinking! I mean, if even I know from listening to Thranduil that you can’t properly track a deer from the trees, then Legolas should certainly know this! “You do not have to keep on about it!” Wow, you really know all the catchphrases that annoyed children use, don’t you?? I suppose, at least it means that he’ll obey that particular rule anyway. “He had probably not wanted to admit he was getting tired, Ithilden thought, and softened at the idea that his brother had been quiet about his discomfort.” Um, am I the only one who thinks he was quiet because he was sulking?? Oh dear. I’m really going to have to start being more sympathetic towards Legolas. After all, the poor guy is obviously just trying to prove himself and is being thwarted at every step. The swimming scene was wonderful. And no, not just ‘cos Ithilden’s naked… It’s just great to see them having fun together and so completely relaxed around each other. Of course, that makes it all the more pity when they clash. I still think that it’s not totally the fault of Legolas being at a difficult stage – in a way Ithilden has to remember that he’s Legolas’ brother, not his father but it’s so difficult when he’s that much older and, like Thranduil, feels the weight of responsibility and the fear of Legolas rushing headlong into a world that is so very dangerous. “For now, I am going to keep him safe whether he likes it or not.” I really liked that line. I thought it summed up perfectly the attitude of all of Legolas’ family. Where on earth did he get a dagger??! “Why had none of the weapons masters ever told him that Legolas was so undisciplined?” I think Ithilden should go and watch Legolas at training some day. It seems to be consistently an area where he is most assuredly not undisciplined. He would definitely have reason then to feel proud of Legolas, both as his brother and as his future commander. “He missed his footing…” Two shocks in one chapter?! My nerves can’t handle this at all… I felt *so* bad for Legolas, though, when his arrow hit the branch. He must have been so disappointed. I’d say he probably genuinely just misjudged the distance when he jumped rather than taking a chance. He probably didn’t expect to be scolded after it. LOL! He put a snake in Ithilden’s pack?! I thought it was funny even if Ithilden didn’t… “Before he had time to think, he seized Legolas’s arm, turned him sideways, and delivered a hard slap to his backside.” My jaw dropped at this part. I can totally see how the snake was the last straw for poor Ithilden, who probably had too many frights and too many arguments that day. It looks like he isn’t quite so capable of dealing with one elfling as he thought – I imagine he never had to slap the backside of any of his warriors;) Great chapter, daw. Ups and downs indeed. Well, as “maddening” as Ithilden finds Legolas, at the end of the day Ithilden is the adult here and I can’t wait to see if he comes up with a solution to their problems or if Thranduil is going to get his sons back sooner than he thought.

The Karenator · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Hey Daw, Interesting chapter. I really enjoyed it. I can understand both brothers' perspectives here. Ithilden was smugly congratulating himself on bringing Legolas along as long as his little brother was compliant and marching to his tune, but alas, little brother hears his own drummer. Ithilden's lack of experience with elflings is showing! Legolas has plenty of history with adults, but little with being commanded solely by the military. Thranduil may be exacting in his directives, but he's already raised two children and does know how to finesse. I actually sympathize with Ithilden that he has reached his last straw. He hadn't slept well, Legolas frightened him out of his wits by disappearing, the knife thing--which he handled poorly--and then the snake was the icing on the cake. He just reacted. Legolas, on the other hand, was just out for a good time with his brother in the woods. At his age, pushing limits comes as easily as breathing, and there was no maliciousness, just the youthful bravado of wanting to play grownup--and a good practical joke to get even. With Ithilden's constant command, he just 'reacted'. Okay, now that they have butted heads like two territorial moose, maybe they can step back and get on with the camping trip--which is still headed for disaster it seems. My favorite lines: “Everyone hears you” and “Annael’s adar showed us.” The Annael's father line was quite revealing. I'm surprise that Ithilden didn't pick up on it, but that's evident in the way he continues to order Legolas around like he's a warrior under his command rather than a sibling in his care. Great little line, daw. And Legolas is wanting and needing his own family's male guidance, and he screws the whole thing up by trying to assert his own independence. It seems they are at cross purposes here. Ithilden's the adult, and he's not dumb. I think he may figure this out pretty quickly--once he's calmed down. Children are not warriors for a reason! But there is battle to be won here, and I think Ithilden looks like a guy that can rise to the occasion--when he has his clothes on. Oh dear! I would have listened to anything he had to say while swimming...I would have tried anyway. I can't wait to see where this is going. I have spiders in my crystal ball. But not even the wisest knows all ends, and since I'm not one of the wisest, and I'm so easily distracted by naked Elves, I could be wrong. Great chapter, daw. Carry on, Karen

LOTRFaith · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

lol....I think that is exactly what would happen if I took my little brothers out... They are just like Legolas.. The think the world revolves around them and don't understand what the meaning of 'danger' is;-)

Bodkin · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

And it all started so well! The good parts were still outweighing the bad until the Grass Snake Incident, but Legolas has a lot to do to win Ithilden back now. (And he really should stop rolling his eyes and answering back if he doesn't want to infuriate his poor older brother.) Looking after an elfling still a simple task compared to warriors, is it, Ithilden? Love the way Mr. In Charge tells the Home Guard that WHEN Deler wants his help, he will be there. That's showing confidence in your subordinates! Slapping the elfling was understandable, but not a good tactical move - he wants to be treated like an ADULT, Ithilden. Regardless of the fact he is not behaving like one. And don't generalise - he was actually rather endearing for large sections of the day. Criticism needs to be specific and focus on behaviour, not personality. He clearly hasn't read the right books. I can't wait for more.

jebb · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Oh a bratty Legolas and so true to life no wonder Ithilden lost patience with him that must have come as a shock to both of them but certainly doesn't seem to have slowed Legolas down any. Why do I have a bad feeling about that snake?

mistry89 · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Just read chapters 3 and 4 - I could see in chap. 3 that Ithilden was about to receive an education in elfling behaviour, but now I am on tenterhooks! I suspect that Legolas, too, is about to learn something! Thank you.

Camp6311 · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Ai, both brothers had moments this day that they should be ashamed of, and they were having so much fun fishing and hunting and swimming! Ithilden is the adult though, and should be the one to take the steps to put things right between them. Hopefully he will also reflect on this day and figure out what techniques were effective in manipulating a youngling's behaviour and which were not.

erunyauve · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Aw, Legolas was not so rotten, though I can understand Ithilden's frustration. I've done enough babysitting to know the horrors passing before his eyes. Of course, the snake was a bit much. After I finished screaming and running away in terror, I think I would cheerfully strangle the little elf. Still, Ithilden is just a bit bossy, so he deserves some of the blame. He could have handled the dagger more tactfully.

Antigone Q · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

P.S. Where the heck did Legolas get a dagger from, anyway? Turgon?

Antigone Q · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Believe it or not, you are making me want to go camping with all your descriptions of cooking fish and trees and bird noises. And nude Elves. No, wait, we don't have any of those in the Pacific Northwest. Sigh. Too bad ;-) I hope Legolas has fun hunting the deer. I remember my first - and last - hunting trip. I was about 12, and I was so excited to be able to go with the adults, but when the deer got shot it didn't die right away, and I ended up by crying about the dead deer pretty much all three hours home. Ithilden isn't having an easy time with his little brother. No big surprises there - I remember the doubtful look Annael had when he said it would be "fun" for Legolas to go camping with Ithilden. They are certainly at cross purposes: Legolas wants to grow up and be a warrior and do all the things his brothers do, and Ithilden wants to keep him safe from that as long as possible. Legolas is certainly doing things that might be dangerous, and I can see why Ithilden gets annoyed. That being said, nobody, whether a child or not, likes to be ordered around in a severe tone or asked to do things without a polite "please" or "thank you," or even an explanation. Ithilden talks to Legolas as if he is commanding troops, and needs to remember that his little brother is not one of his warriors. And whether Legolas deserved a swat or not is beside the point, to my way of thinking: Thranduil has gone a long way out of his way to avoid punishing his son physically, and I'm not sure he would have given Ithilden license to do so. I hope Ithilden will calm down a little and think about adjusting his tactics: the ones he is using right now are not working very well, after all, and Ithilden does know something about strategy, if nothing else. Poor Ithilden and Legolas. I hope tomorrow will be better for them. Maybe a good night's rest will help. Then again, I've just looked at the summary of the story. Maybe a good night's rest will only lead to a much more interesting day.

Ms. Whatsit · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Oh, I'm totally on Legolas's side here. Ithilden's not very good at the whole "older sibling" thing, is he--older siblings wield authority by being *cooler* than parents, not by trying to *be* parents, and certainly not by getting all hot and bothered about a silly grass snake! It's not like the thing was *dangerous*, for heaven's sake. The correct response would have been to play a revenge prank on Legolas. I was laughing when Legolas told Ithilden to shut up. Ithilden doesn't get told that often enough, I bet. He needs an uppity younger sib to keep him humble.

Lera · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

I'm kind of sad. The day started off so well and they had fun swimming. However they both contributed to the blow up at the end of the day. Ithilden was so happy that Legolas's mood had improved and he was promptly doing his chores, but all I could think was, Wow, Legolas is certainly reacting well to Ithilden ordering him around. There is such a thing as politeness. It would not hurt Ithilden to ask, even though he still has the right to expect Legolas to do it. Then, I bet Legolas wouldn't have strayed from his adar's side when they were hunting. And you think he would have seen that he'd scared Ithilden and a little apology from him would have helped the situation. The whole dagger thing...all Legolas wants is to be grown up. I admit it is dangerous, but if I'd been Ithilden I'd have let Thranduil handle it. But then that's not really in Ithilden's nature is it? The snake did not help things. I would probably be seeing Legolas's point of view more than Ithilden's right now, if I did not have a younger sister who exasperates me to no end. I would love to be friends all the time, but I've lived longer and am wiser so I feel she should just respect that and listen to me. I usually regret it afterwards. And I admit I've felt like slapping her. The farthest I've ever gone is shaking her though. I didn't think Legolas deserved a spanking. It probably was a bit of a shock considering that's not Thranduil's usual form of punishment. I think you've said that. What made you decide Elves didn't really use physical punishment? But anyway, Legolas has pulled enough stunts that I'm surprised Thranduil hasn't spanked him before, but it was definitly not Ithilden's place. You can kind of respect your parent's right to do it, but not your brother's. Then it's just embarrissing and definitly didn't help their relationship.

Manderly · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Ahh, kids, you've got to love them even though you would like to throttle them most of the time. Ithilden is finding out first hand what Thranduil had warned of earlier, that an elfling is more difficult to control than all the troops of Mirkwood put together. At least Ithilden can smack his little brother's behind for such insolence, something I doubt he ever had to do with his warriors. Legolas is being a brat, but so typical of a child his age, one minute an angel and the next, the child from Mordor. You've captured it brilliantly. Being a parent myself, my sympathy is with Ithilden here. Thankfully, my kids are now beyond that age, but sometimes I find myself thinking back to those days with some nostalgia. Childhood is really too short sometimes.

French Pony · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Yeah, I'm siding with Legolas here. Ithilden really is being too uptight about things. Whacking your little siblings is only done to establish proper dominance, never as punishment for stupidity. Simple mockery takes care of that well enough. Ithilden seems to be trying to be a parent here, but he does not now and never will have that parental je ne sais quois that will get Legolas to obey him. He's not ada, and it's no use him acting like it. He also needs to let his hair down and be a kid along with Legolas. Or maybe at six hundred years old, he's forgotten how. Nah, that's not it. Ithilden was born grown up. Still, fresh fish for breakfast! I know you don't like fish, but first thing in the morning when they were alive not half an hour before you eat them, they are delicious. My grandfather taught me to catch and clean fish, although we mostly got sunfish and perch from the pond we used. So when do the Elves start carrying boot daggers? Is that a coming-of-age thing? Do the girls pack heat, too? It's probably a good thing for Ithilden's blood pressure that switchblades haven't been invented yet, because Legolas would surely get his hands on one of those. Probably a begetting day present from Turgon. And once again, Ithilden handled the dagger issue wrong. Prime blackmail material, and he wasted it in scolding and confiscation. Someone needs to go back to Big Sibling Training.

Duchess · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

I laughed at the snake in Ithilden's bag and was very surprised that he actually hit Legolas over it, the creature was harmless after all. Thranduil has had far more provocation and never hit the boy. I'm betting Legolas goes off on his own during the night or some other equally foolish thing. *sigh* WHY do kids all have to go through this rebellious stage? It's not fair to them or the parents...or the siblings. *giggle* Great part! Loved it a lot. *vbg*

Nilmandra · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

I have been pondering the question of what it would take for me to tell Ithilden to shut up...and have decided Legolas is very brave or very stupid. Judging by age, I'm gonna go with stupid. Poor dumb elfling. Poor deluded Ithilden. I think they definitly ended the day on a 'down'. At home, Thranduil is sitting back with a nice glass of wine.....and laughing one minute and beseeching Elbereth to protect the brat the next.

rikki · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Oh my, the pre-teen monster has awoken! Legolas has an attitude that Ithilden never even dreamed about. I don't think that Legolas deserves a spanking, but he certainly needs the fear of what could go wrong put on him. They are not near the palace and there are no guards if something goes wrong here. No wonder Thranduil was warning Ithilden about taking care of Legolas before they left. At least Ada recognizes the symptoms and after two other sons has some experience. It is funny in a way to have read about Legolas when he is older and his strong sense of duty and obedience, and read here about his rebellious tweens. Good portrayal of the older brother younger brother interaction.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Good grief-I never thought I would say this but Legolas is annoying! How does Ihtilden put up with him? I would have given him a spanking he wouldn't have forgotten his entire life. The cheek! I do hope a night's sleep improves his temperment, because the camping trip is so amusing. I especially love the trees. The whole bond thing really gets to me. I hope you update soon! Keep writing!

nessie · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Aww, and I was enjoying the bonding they were having too! Legolas must understand that the reason Ithilden scolded him for the jump was because he nearly pissed his pants with panic! Heh, some alliteration there. Now, is the snake thing the prank? And now it ruined it the whole day! *Shakes head* Impossible elflings and bossy commanders. Although I think that Ithilden took it a little too far when he spanked Legolas. At least he didn't slap the poor kid across the face. But then Legolas shouldn't have put it in Ithilden's pack, because he's rather the 'I-don't-take-practical-jokes-too-well' kind of guy, whereas Eilian is more like that. But anyhoo! More shirtless Ithilden! Oh, I could just drool... Glad you put that in there, cause it would be wrong for me to ogle at a an elf that's eleven in human years, and if I did, I'd be a creep. But yay! Glad this chapter got posted so fast! Love the quick updates, I don't know how you do it! Update asap! ~nessie~

Estel_Mi_Olor · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Brothers

Ithilden is so understanding! I'm so glad he later became a parent himself. Sinnarn (I think) is lucky. How old is Legolas? I can't put my finger on it, but I guess ten or so? I foresee Legolas's stubborness leading him and Ithilden into trouble on this trip. Fortunately, the Home Guards are near by... But he may learn obedience, which is one of the hardest lessons to learn. He will need it though, to become a warrior. Sorry this review is short, but you've already updated and I can't wait to read the new chapter! Cheers!

Jay of Lasgalen · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 4: Ups and Downs

Oh dear! Ithilden and Legolas are not happy campers! ;) Neither is treating the other in the best way - Ithilden is being far too bossy, and Legolas is reacting childishly. The stunt with the snake was silly. And Ithilden lost his cool and smacked Legolas! The trouble is, I think he deserved it. What other fun and games do you have in store for them? Jay

Dragon-of-the-North · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Brothers

“I can command obedience from a troop of Wood-elf warriors, Adar. I think I can exact it from one elfling.” - famous last words, hm? I really enjoy this new story very much, daw - it is good that we get a bit closer to Ithilden in it (with the focus most often on Eilian and Legolas elsewhere, there is much that we do not know yet about him). I loved how he was tricked into taking some days off, but it is also most amusing to see him interact with his father - the subtle struggle between king and heir is very well described and a joy to read. I liked Thranduil immensely in this chapter - it was very sweet how he bade Legolas farewell, but I enjoyed his amusement at Ithilden's self-confidence very much. LOL - and I have to agree... Eilian needs a whole lot of troublesome sons. ;-) The interaction between the two brothers is also interesting - it is very telling that Ithilden sees dealing with a child as basically the same thing as dealing with a warrior, very much a matter of command and obedience... only that an elfling's mind might still work differently than a warrior's, as Thranduil apparently knows... but Ithilden may yet have to discover that. Legolas' childlike perspective on his father's role and his own position in the family is also exceptionally convincing and "real". Wonderful chapter once again! :-)

French Pony · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Brothers

I love it. I love seeing the older sibling through the eyes of the younger one. It makes me wonder what my little sister is thinking about me. But I also recognize the thrill of being able to get away from the family, just the two of us, so we can dish and gossip and talk about our parents. It's neat and a uniquely grownup feeling just to be alone and to be siblings together. So Ithilden managed to get Thranduil to back down on the question of the swords! I suppose he's got mixed feelings about that. On the one hand, Ada actually listened to him and took his advice. On the other hand . . . well . . . Ada listened to him and took his advice. It seems like Ithilden is just starting to see his father as fallible and occasionally wrong and in need of protection and correction, and it's scary when you start to realize that your parents are just people like everyone else.

Dot · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Brothers

Well, that flet certainly sounds like a lot of work. It’s kinda cute that they’re so enthusiastic. And it’s rather wise of Legolas not to tell Thranduil about the frame falling out of the tree! At least Siondel is helping them and checking the safety of the whole thing. I really like the way Legolas – and apparently Turgon – think of Elowen and Siondel as ‘nana’ and ‘ada’. I suppose to these two elflings they represent a sense of love, warmth and security that at their age they might not see in their own, somewhat unusual, families. I thought that it was interesting that the idea of one of Eilian’s warriors being killed affects Legolas, especially in the physical way that grief has affected him up to now. It made me wonder if he has realised at all that this could be his future. He seems to have a rather idealised view of what it means to be a warrior - as though he wants to protect others but hasn’t realised that even his brothers cannot always do that and that they themselves are often at risk too. “That will be fun,” Annael said, a little doubtfully.” That’s priceless! I really loved their reaction to the idea of going on a trip with Ithilden. Poor Ithilden… Counting the days ‘til he can join the Realm’s forces?? Uh…even if he were doing that, I imagine it’d be with dread rather than anticipation. I like the idea that Legolas wants Ithilden’s approval. I think it shows a lot of respect for Ithilden, even at Legolas’ young age and probably contributes to the high standards of weapon training that Legolas sets himself. I’m so happy for Ithilden that the swords turned out to be strong enough! I too took a little satisfaction in him proving Thranduil’s doubts unfounded. Like he says, now he knows that he can stand up to his father again if need be. Not that Ithilden really needs any more confidence but still, it was a nice little victory for him. Aagh, Legolas brings up the flet again! I suppose at the end of the day I really do agree with Thranduil. I mean, if Legolas behaves himself on this trip, then maybe he could reconsider. Of course, that’s a very big ‘if’…! “When you return, we will discuss the matter of my guards again.” I really enjoyed this conversation between Thranduil and Ithilden! It just amuses me no end that in this area of his life Thranduil seems to have no say whatsoever. I get the impression that he gets completely exasperated having the two guards trail him but good ol’ Ithilden sticks to his guns! “Your brother is at an age when obedience does not come easily,” he finally said.” What? No way! Where did he get a mad notion like that from?? “I can command obedience from a troop of Wood-elf warriors, Adar. I think I can exact it from one elfling.” Oh dear. Poor misguided Ithilden. He seems to have forgotten that he’s only big brother now, not the troop commander. I think as long as nothing too bad happens, Thranduil could get quite a kick out of Ithilden being driven to distraction by baby brother. He obviously hadn’t realised quite how naïve his eldest son is! Spider venom, eh? That’s cropped up a few times. Should I be worried?! I was really touched by the way Thranduil didn’t seem to want to let Legolas go. I do love when he’s being all clingy-parenty. “He noticed first the piercing sweetness of birdsong, but then, beneath that, he heard the welcoming rustle of trees in full summer leaf and inhaled the earthy smell of soil, and rotting wood, and living things.” That’s so beautiful. What a wonderful sense of how he is in tune with every single aspect of the world around him. I thought you really captured so well the essence of a forest in summer sunshine. The part about Ithilden sharing his father’s magic startled me for a moment. There’s such a sense of power about that, I think. Especially when he is the only one of Thranduil’s sons to be able to seal and open the Great Doors. You’ll have to let us see Thranduil showing the magic of elves at work some day! I really hope Legolas gets to kill a deer soon! It seems almost an obsession with him now – though I suppose like any child of his age, he doesn’t want to feel left out. I’m starting to think that Ithilden is going to need another holiday after this trip! “And anyway, he is not like Annael’s ada. He mostly just tells me what to do.” Ah, see, I feel bad for Thranduil now. I can see how Legolas would feel this way but he surely has to understand that his situation is different. I suppose any of us would resent it at some stage, though. I wonder if Thranduil realises that his son feels this way. Maybe he does and regrets it but there’s just not much he can do about it. Of course, if Legolas were a teeny bit more obedient, then he wouldn’t have that problem! Ithilden already seems surprised that Legolas wouldn’t obey him. I was just thinking, though… Ithilden may be the adult and responsible for Legolas’ safety but he’s also on this trip as Legolas’ brother so really he doesn’t *have* to give orders all the time – he could easily have just asked Legolas if he’d collect firewood instead of “go and do it”. He’s obviously just used to giving orders and being obeyed so maybe this will be a positive learning experience for him as well as just one where he learns that his baby brother can be a tad bold at times;) I loved the closing image of the two brothers so happy under the stars. I’d like to think that this trip away will do them both a world of good but I’m too afraid of what you might have in store for them!:)

LOTRFaith · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Brothers

I love Ithilden protectivenes and his 'obey me or go to Adar" attitude:-) My two younger brothers are at the point when the question authority just as Legolas is... How I wish so many times my own Adar would take them over his knee just as he often did with me;-)But alas, my Naneth says that she is getting tired of punishing children.... :-p But I am glad to see that Legolas does listen to Ithilden, it is quite the opposite effect with my little brothers and I:-)