Reviews (239)

nessie6 · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

Yay! Haha! Ithilden is forced to go on leave! Silly, obsessed-with-work Elf. Now, Ithilden shirtless and sweaty WHILE ALSO wearing snuggly leggings is a god-given. I wouldn't mind Eilian like that either, or an older Legolas, OR Thranduil (you gotta admit, he'd be great to watch spar). LOVED this! Yay! Glad they're going camping together! Update asap! ~nessie~

White Wolf · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

Another little Legolas story. I love it. I know how difficult it can be to deal with Thranduil at times, even for someone as smart and level-headed as Ithilden. I love the way he faces up to the task. I hope for his sake that the swords turn out to be as good as advertised. A half-naked Ithilden facing Alfirin was funny. It's hard to think of him as being a bit tongue-tied. Since we know what happens between them, it's nice to see more of the beginnings of their relationship. Most of Legolas's stories have been with Eilian. I'm looking forward to seeing him spend some time with Ithilden.

Karri · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

A nice chapter, daw! It was fun to see Ithilden showing off a bit, especially since it was Ithilden and not Eilian, from whom such behavior would not be so unusual. Oi! This camping trip sounds like potential trouble, though. I don't doubt Ithilden will be responsible and alert, or that Legolas will be on his best behavior, but still.... Well, looking forward to the next chapter.

LOTRFaith · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

:-) I really, really liked Ithilden sparring with another warrior. That was really neat. I laughed when Penntalion walked over to Alfirin and then Ithilden was rather sharp with him. lol... That was cute. I also liked how Ithilden is starting to stand up more to his Adar... Not just because of something trifle, but because it is rather necessary. :-) So Ithilden is taking a camping trip with Legolas along.. Yay! Older sibling with younger sibling.. A time for bonding:-) Brotherly love, you gotta love it;-) Excellent chapter!

Jay of Lasgalen · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

I like seeing a younger Ithilden, less sure of himself, and tongue-tied whenever he sees Alfirin. I like his jealousy of the weapons master! The bonding with a young Legolas is lovely - I look forward to seeing what happens on their camping trip! Jay

Bodkin · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

It's really interesting to see this following on so closely from Growing under Shadow, with events still following through. Ithilden is more than old enough to be Legolas's father, isn't he? It must be odd with elven age gaps - you could end up the same age as elves generations further up the family tree. It's not surprising that he is being paternal rather than brotherly. Hasn't anyone ever sent in the Elven Social Services to deal with the incompetence of Turgon's parents? I hope Ithilden manages to speak a coherent sentence to Alfirin soon. Perhaps he should encourage his brother to become more friendly with Tonduil. (And get some advice from Eilian.

Antigone Q · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

I couldn't help but laugh at Ithilden saying his day had gone "steadily down hill" because, darn it, he is being forced to take a vacation! The horror! I think Legolas going camping with his brother is an excellent idea! I can't wait to see what happens!

Ms. Whatsit · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

You know, if I were in Legolas's position, I would probably tell Thranduil I was staying with Annael and then go to the flet. It wouldn't even be a direct lie--I'd just say "I'm sleeping over with Annael!" or something. But then I'm not an honorable little Thranduiliel. Legolas is such a good boy. Sweaty, shirtless, swordfighting Ithilden...*sigh* But, dude, he's not too good with the ellyth, is he. He inevitably ends up making an ass of himself. I like the power struggles between Ithilden and Thranduil, too. It's a dimension of their relationship that you haven't quite explored, I don't think. And I was laughing hysterically when Calith told Ithilden that he was required to go on leave. This camping trip is bound to be interesting, since Legolas never really spends time with or plays with Ithilden the way he does with Eilian. Also, Eilian doesn't have an agenda when he plays with Legolas--he's not trying to "guide" him or reform him or turn him away from Turgon the way Ithilden is. Legolas is a sharp kid and will sense this, I bet. Something tells me there'll be some kind of a spat. Am looking forward to more!

Dot · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

*gasp*...Ithilden...hot, sweaty, tight leggings...*faints* Anyway... Turgon is such a little troublemaker. “You could probably do it even if your adar says no.” Doesn't he know that Thranduil always finds out?? I like the fact that Legolas has learned that it isn't right to lie to Thranduil, but he'd want to very careful how he approaches asking him again. I really do like seeing the three of them together again. There's such a wonderful closeness in young friends in the way that they do everything together that is inevitably lost as they grow older. Although, a friend of mine has a theory that three is a really bad number in a friendship, that someone is always left out - she maintains that three people don't fit on a footpath so it's not going to work in any other aspect of life either. Tonduil! I always liked him. I'd forgotten he trained with them for a while. Daw, that whole scene with Ithilden sparring... What a treat. Let him spar with Thranduil and I'd be in heaven... I was going to say that I'd hate to have Calith's job, having to handle Ithilden's sweaty clothes. Then I thought, nope, I'd actually be quite willing to do that. I really would. It's great to see Legolas' admiration for his brother. Ithilden is so funny about Turgon - even though I did cringe at the "drive them apart forever" bit. Didn't Ithilden ever have a friend like that? Oh, yeah - I remember now that Ithilden thinks Alfirin likes Penntalion in another story. “I believe you have a class waiting for you.” Yikes. Poor Penntalion. At least Ithilden had the grace to feel ashamed, even if he couldn't exactly go and apologise. So, so far in this story Alfirin has seen Ithilden snap at Legolas and at Penntalion. Not a very good impression. Still, the fact the he "was stripped to the waist and was wearing only snuggly fitted leggings" could make up for his rudeness;) Ah, those Dwarven swords again. “The Men who brought it say that the Dwarves claim that the groove will make the sword lighter but will not weaken it.” Okay... It sounds fair enough to me but I don't have a clue so I'll just wait and see what the armorer has to say. "You, my lord." That's hilarious. Calith must indeed have taken pleasure in seeing Ithilden gobsmacked. I felt sorry for him, though, when he is so panicked at the thought of Thranduil getting his hands on his troops again. Deler...Deler...Why do I know that name...? I felt as stressed as Ithilden during his meeting with Thranduil. It really is annoying how he jumps so readily to conclusions about the Dwarves. I think Ithilden could be right that Thranduil is humouring him. I get the impression that if Thranduil doesn't feel Ithilden is letting him be more involved, then as far as he is concerned it is Ithilden's problem if anything goes wrong. If I were Ithilden, I wouldn't have said anything to the king just yet. If Ithilden is allowed some leave, does that mean Thranduil is too? I was just wondering what he might do. I suppose he'd have too many guards trailing him if he went very far... I really like the idea of Ithilden wanting to sleep under the stars. I guess it's because it's fairly rare to see a really wood-elfy side to him. How gratifying it must be for Ithilden to see how eager his little brother is to spend time with him. Whyever would Thranduil think that time with Legolas wouldn't be relaxing?? I'm so glad Ithilden agreed, even if it is to get him away from Turgon and give him "guidance". I think Eilian would be quite pleased that the two brothers are going to spend time together. Can Legolas just take time off from training like that? I suppose Penntalion isn't exactly going to argue with Ithilden or Thranduil. I'm getting really excited now at the prospect of a camping trip! I am so delighted with this story, daw. I'm thrilled you decided to give us a closer look at Ithilden - and since I'd be happy enough if you just wrote about him sitting in his office all day, this is wonderful!:)

Tapetum Lucidum · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

Archery practice - the best time of the day. Having the youngster concentrate so hard on perfecting his hold at that age was very Legolas. Sounds like the tree house will come back to haunt Thranduil again very soon. At least Legolas is mature enough to not only admit he won't like to his father but also that he doesn't like to lie to him. That is a hard thing for a pre-teen to say to his peers. Watching Ithilden spar with the other warriors must have been very exciting. I loved the pride evident in Legolas' reaction to the battle. You could see him beaming. Ithilden's reaction to Penntalion talking to Alfirin was much less mature that Legolas' little conversation. I was cracking up! It pays to be the commander, not the trainer. Dang dwarves! Maybe it is not so good to be the commander. I think anyone would be glad that they didn't have to bring this up to Thranduil. He seemed to take it fairly well. It is wise of him to leave the burden up to Ithilden. It was his little plan so he should deal with both the good and bad consequences. Calith was clever to present his need for a vacation to him in such a way he could not say no. Ithilden is sweet to take the elfling camping with him. It should be an interesting experience. Why do I think Alfirin is going to be the unhappy victim of 3 elfling's practical joke? I am starting to feel sorry for her. Good job so far!

Tapetum Lucidum · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Hooray! Posting a new story already? That is great! It is a nice change of pace to see Ithilden arguing with Thranduil. It seems Eilian had cornered that market for a while. It must have been hard for Thranduil to accept his son as a peer but his eldest is definitely proving himself. Thranduil deserves a relaxing ride through the forest after dealing with politicians all day. His comment about their attitudes was great! Commanding the realm's troops must be very stressful at this period of time. It would be almost impossible to keep the forces of evil at bay with limited resources. Dealing with the dwarves wasn't exactly Ithilden's first choice either but necessity is a mother. I can't believe he is using his little brother as a way to catch glimpses of Alfirin. That is really sneaky. At least he seems to enjoy his youngest brother's company. I would be thrilled to finish a sentence like that in the infirmary. Trust me, cleaning bodily fluids is not a fun job. I don't think Legolas was rude, he just wanted to get home and away from the hated infirmary. I think Ithilden was being a bit high strung. I doubt the youngest son of Thranduil is clueless enough to believe Ithilden's only motivation for showing up every day is to see him. I think he is suspicious of his eldest brother. No young one likes to be told "NO" when he wants to do something. You can't really expect him to take it gracefully. I think we will hear about the tree house until Legolas figures out a way to spend the night out there. Eilian is right - Legolas does need more of his father's valuable time. He is lucky to have two older brothers to help look out for him. Talking about archery is always a way to brighten the elfling's day!

Nelsonia · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

Hello Daw! I just thought that I should drop a quick note to tell you that you made my day! I was having quite a hard day until I opened my mail at lunchtime and your story was there! First of all great handling of Thranduil on the last story, I loved it! Look forward to see what happens in the camping trip, good idea of putting Legolas and ithilden together just as brothers, should be fun! Keep writing girl! take care nelsonia

French Pony · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

Oh, boy, the joys of fencing in full gear in the summer! I know them well. You break a sweat before you've even finished warming up, and your uniform smells perpetually of gym. I've never tried fencing outside, although I'm going to grad school in the fall, and the university fencing club claims to practice outside occasionally if the weather's nice. Ithilden seems to have one of the same problems that I have, which is remembering to riposte after a parry. Are these guys using edged weapons? If so, I wonder about that horizontal guard. It seems to be either a full extension with the weapon pointed at the opponent or a modified parry five, with the blade held across the body and parallel to the ground. Either one is a very dangerous thing to do with an edged weapon, because the opponent can disengage and cut very quickly, does not have to be as accurate as with a point weapon, and the defending weapon is not providing a "wall of steel" defense anywhere on the body. The guard for sabre (the modern edge weapon) is the most vertical of the three weapons for just that reason. I did like the inclusion of the fuller in the new Dwarf swords, though. They're right; a fuller will make the blade lighter. You can tell Thranduil that I approve of this design. Sorry to make this so much about the weaponry, but I just looked at the clock, and I have to get to work. Catch you later!

Elentari · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Struggling with Weapons

Whooohooo! Ithilden shows what he's got! I absolutely adored him this chapter (not that I ever disliked him): so charming, so brave, so shy, so attentive. The awkward scene on the trainning fields was absolutely priceless. Thank you so much! And the Nice Big Brother will take his baby brother out for a camp! Go Ithilden! Hmmm... I think Thranduil has some mighty issues with letting go, even when he does acknowledge his son has good- great- judgement. I hope he fels more comfortable in time, poor darling, he does seem to go out of his way to try and understand Ithilden. If only he could be so with his other sons too. But I do not think Thranduil will find it so easy to let others do things he does not like- as he pointed to Alfirin once, he orders around naturally!

Jebb · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

This made my day a new story and an elfling one at that loved Ithilden and Thranduil at odds it is good to see them befre their relationship settled into one of mutual respect here Thranduil still has his doubts and his eldest son a desire to be proved right As for Legolas as soon as the name Turgon appeared I knew we were in for trouble Loved the scene between Ithilden and Alfirin so sweet

Estel_Mi_Olor · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

How do you do it Daw? Another fic already? Well congratulations to your organization. I absolutely love reading about little Legolas, he is so adorable! Ah, yes I recall the spending-the-night-in-the-woods-incident very well. Legolas is incorrigible, but then aren't most young children? And now we get to read about how Ithilden met Alifrin! It seemed rather sudden in your other fic...erm not quite sure which one...:) It's nice to meet a clumsy Ithilden who is stupefied by the mere presence of Alifrin. Well, another big cheer for this fic and I can't wait for an update! Keep writing!

nessie · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Yay!!!! A little Legolas fic! Or, little-but-not-so-little Legolas fic. This was great! You just gotta love Thranduil. Just something about him...Well anyhoo! This was great an fun like always and can't wait until the next chapter! ~nessie~

Dot · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Woo-hoo, elflings! I actually would have reviewed this earlier but I decided to re-read “Growing under Shadow” again first – and what an ideal way that was to spend a Bank Holiday Monday! I got so engrossed that I think that one of these days I’ll have to re-read them all in order. Anyway, I love your stories about Legolas as an adult but I have to say, I’m really excited at the thought of seeing him as an elfling again! You write children so well. I think as well that we get to see a different side to the rest of his family in the way that they deal with him at different ages. By the way, you did an amazing job in terms of consistency and in bringing the characters right back to where they were at this point in time. I was so impressed by your ability to do that - practical things like the need for spider venom antidote and Legolas’ punishment and then character things like Legolas testing his boundaries and longing to be seen as an adult, Thranduil in his constant struggle between letting go of and holding onto his children as well as his frustration over Legolas’ friendship with Turgon and then Ithilden still having to try to prove himself to a certain extent. Oh, and his increasing infatuation with a particular maiden! I really liked the opening argument between Thranduil and Ithilden. It’s interesting because Thranduil never lets anyone argue with him for very long but I like that Ithilden didn’t give up but rather pressed his point and that Thranduil listened to him long enough to realise that he has to have more faith in his son, or at least show him the faith that he does have in him. “But as the Shadow had spread further and Ithilden had immersed himself in his warriors’ struggles, he had begun to believe that he had a far clearer sense of what they were facing and what they needed than Thranduil did.” I thought this and Ithilden’s subsequent thoughts about his father were fascinating. I had honestly never thought about the fact that Ithilden might feel that he is in a better position to make judgements about the Realm’s warriors. I suppose I just thought of it in terms of it being Ithilden’s responsibility and that was reason enough for Thranduil not to interfere. But I guess he does know the minute details that his father would never hear of. Still, Thranduil strikes me as someone who would want to know everything that happens in his Realm, and he has fought against the Shadow before. But I definitely agree with Ithilden that Thranduil is still influenced by old grudges. It’s a pity, really, but it fits in with what I have always understood of elves, particularly these elves, from Tolkien’s writings and I admit I can’t blame Thranduil either but I can see how it would frustrate someone from a younger generation of elves. How sweet is it that Ithilden hopes to run into Alfirin?? Aaaw, he’s so cute when he’s in love… It sounds like Legolas has done well in the infirmary. I don’t know what I’d have done if my father had ever inflicted a punishment that involved vomit or bed-pans… You have to hand it to Thranduil, he certainly knows how to think of fitting punishments. Even though, something tells me that Legolas’ new-found sense of responsibility may not last quite as long as his father would like… “Do not track dirt on the wet spots.” That’s hilarious, the thought of Ithilden being ordered around in such a manner… I had to laugh at Legolas thinking Ithilden is “bossy”. I suppose to his baby brother it must seem that way, even though he gets so much respect from every other elf. I loved the awkward scene between Ithilden and Alfirin. He’s so besotted! It seems from the way they stood looking at each other that she might just feel the same way too. Legolas really just does not get this whole attraction thing, does he?! It looks like Celuwen isn’t the only one to have memories of her brother-in-law as a rude young elfling! “When it is finished, they are going to sleep in it. Can I do that too?” *gulp* Did he really think Thranduil would say yes?? I think I cringed when he tried the “and you said” tactic. Thranduil needs to be handled a lot better than that! I’m kind of torn between thinking that Thranduil was too harsh and agreeing with him. On one hand, he could have said he’d talk to Annael’s parents to get the full story because he knows they’re responsible people so it’s quite possible that they would be keeping an eye on them, but Thranduil and Legolas have just recently argued about Legolas being outside at night and he is supposed to be learning to obey his father and it’s entirely possible that with Turgon around they wouldn’t stay on the flet for very long… *sigh* I’m glad I’m not a parent…;) “How was archery class today?” LOL! Magic words indeed. Thranduil is a wily old elf when he wants to be. “If only he could see that Legolas needed his attention even when he was not in a foul mood.” Is that a hint about the direction of this story?! Just wondering… I’m intrigued by the idea that it’s about a practical joke gone wrong. Whatever do you have up your sleeve?!:)

tigerlily713 · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Yay! A new story! I've always loved reading about young Legolas. He seems a bit of a menace in this chapter. Should make for some creative punishments on Thranduil's part. Anyway, I am excited to see what else you've got. Lily

Elentari · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Darling, this is absolutely fabulous1 Ithilden and Alfirin's courtship, hell yeah! I wish to ´point out that Thranduil's prohibition was a teeeny bit ungrounded. There cannot be much wrong in sleeping in a flet with your friends., specially when the flet is behind the friend's parents' house. And while I loved everything in here - Lil' legolas is SO cute! I fall for it all the time!- I truly reviewed to warn you that there is a problem with this page. Every 'father' word has a link to some commercial page, and it's really hard to return to the story page afterwards... I also saw one link on the word 'finger'. Most unaware readers (*points at self*) think it may be a drawing concerning that scene and... just saying. may be a prob with the server or anything.

Esamen/ Karen · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Responding to your response . . . I like prose that is so clear and liquid that it's invisible. I like being immersed in the total theater of reading without the distractions of fancy footwork in the writing. If an author can do both, that's fine, but I want the story, not the author (apologies to writers everywhere). So I really appreciate what you do with words.

esamen · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Gosh, you're prolific! Done with one story and up with another! I look forward to every new chapter. You have an absolute gift with brothers, fathers and sons. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble everyone's going to get into . . . and I can't wait to see this new phase of Ithilden and Alfirin's story. I'm loving every line! It took me two weeks to figure out what LOL meant . . . here's my contribution to the acronym soup: LEL means "loving every line." And your prose just inspires me. I have never noticed a bump or an error in your writing. I don't know how you keep it up . . . you must have been hit over the head with the creative writing stick at birth. Deep bows with hand over heart for blessing us with another wonderful story . . . is there a crown of laurel leaves or some such thing that you would like to have? Would you prefer Cristal champagne?

LOTRFaith · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Yes! Another story from Daw... Am happy... Was sincerely depressed after my story finished out but am happy that you are posting again. :-D Am very curious to see what the joke gone wrong is... I shudder to think that the joke might be pulled on Thranduil... But then again it does hold a certain ring to it doesn't it;-) A flour and water covered king? lol.... Great chapter!

Lindelea · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

I'm sorry, this is not a real review. Hopefully that will come later. I'm only commenting because when I read the title I thought it said "Baths Taken". Being so late (way past midnight), somehow the summary made sense, in a weird kind of way. I found myself speculating on how a practical joke in the bath could go wrong... "Brides in the Bath" comes to mind, and rubber duckies going missing, and who knows what else? Anyhow, it is too late to make any sense at all of what I read, so I'll just go to bed and hope to get back to this story with a bit more brain.

Rose Sared · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Ahhh, all's right with my world, Daw has another story on the go Its a bit of a wrench to go back to earlier days but it will be fun to follow Ithilden's courtship. yummy writing as always Rose