Such sweet scenes of the various childhoods. Most of the time I could guess which son was the subject of the memory. But you did manage to suprise me every once and a while, especially the last Ithilien one with the elfling who broke her arm. Oh, and Annael was Apple and ... Oh, foo! I don't remember the other member of the trio's name, but he was Oats, right? I liked all these glimpses into their history, but such a sad note to end the story on. A beautiful note, but still very sad.
Author's reply
Thank you, LKK. I had a good time showing Ithilden especially as a child. Who would have guessed he had a security blanket?! Yes, Turgon was Oats (I think).
Kalima
· 8 November 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Ah! I find that I was confused throughout. I thought this entire story was before Lorellin was dead, though I began to suspect it was going to end with Legolas having a premonition that she had been killed.
I thoght again and again we were in the present, and the child was Legolas. I admit I found this irritating, and in both chapters I was tempted to look ahead to see who we were talking about, but I didn't want to learn anything out of the proper sequence. So for what it's worth, this is my "constructive criticism": I think you are irritating your readers to no purpose; I think that when you are developing character, it is a good thing to know whose character we are shaping in our minds. Right now I am totally jumbled as to which story went with which elfling, and don't know if there might be something I need to know about who was the sledder and who the otter and who the horse, etc., for future reading.
I was also constantly disoriented as to where we were in time. Well, obviously.
Still, that's my only criticism. I love these stories and kind king Thranduil.
Author's reply
It sounds as if the flashbacks didn't work well for you, Kalima. I'm sorry about that! However, you do seem to be fond of Thranduil, so that's ok. He is a good father, I think.
Author Reply: Kalima--
I hope you don't mind my replying again. I've been thinking about why this story might not have worked for you, and it occurred to me that I had written it for people who were already familiar with my OCs as adult. I didn't even think about it, but that's what I was doing. Those people would already know these characters well and have fun guessing about them.
But when I think about it, this is probably a terrible story for readers who don't already know my characters well! I never even realized that!
I think I might have to take this story off my chronological list and put it in with the other odd stories at the bottom. It's going to put people off otherwise.
Thought I'd let you know that you helped me think about this a bit.
daw
Kalima
· 8 November 2004
· Chapter 1: Pictures
I was just searching for your name in Stories of Arda, and when I saw the stories, I clicked on your name to email you to tell me what order to read them in. I'm so delighted you thought of your readers and provided the list unasked!
I did have trouble telling who was who (of the when-the-children-were-young segments), but I can see by the way you have the elfling's name only at the end that you did this on purpose. For the first segment, I assumed all the way through that we were speaking of Legolas until the end, because Thranduil had been just talking to him. In other words, the flashback wasn't clear to me, but perhaps I am alone in this. I've been trying to think of why you might want to leave us in the dark about who was who until the end of each, but I can't think of any.
But I certainly enjoyed the chapter. I am so pleased by your sure hand as you draw and draw the characters. I am reminded of when I was in art school; there was one young man, extrememly talented and who could draw quickly, I just loved to watch. I was a lot older than he, and I didn't have any designs on him (from his speech with our teacher, I don't think he was particularly interesting to me) but oh! The pleasure I took from watching him. One day our teacher was speaking to me, praising my work, and I said so he (the young man) could hear: "But I want to be able to do THAT!" My teacher laughed and didn't insult my intelligence by pretending I could ever be as good, and that pleased me somehow. He said we were all different, with our different styles, but that was the beginning of the end for me. I knew I would never be a professional artist, and I had no interest in teaching it.
But I digress. The pleasure I take in reading your work is like that: beyond enjoying the story for itself, and I always do, I take pleasure when I think I glimpse your hand working behind the scenes. That doesn't say it right: I take the pleasure in your stories that I take in any well-done thing. It's one of those things that make life worth living.
Thank you.
Kalima
Author's reply
You are so right: I did leave the children unidentified until the end of each flashback. I thought it would be fun to fool people who would never expect that Ithilden would have a "bankie" for instance. Theoretically, it's supposed to be fun to guess!
I can't draw at all, but I am warmed by your saying that my stories are well-crafted. I like to play around with things in the stories and I truly appreciate perceptive readers noticing them.
Susanlu
· 26 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Oh, I have thought it's a corpora of sweet short stories, but now I know it base on the time about Lorellin's death.(sigh) So unavoidably, there are sorrow and struggles. I like this sort of things anyway, that why I had worked so hard to translate "When shadow touches home" despite its terrible length (for me).TT Another favourite paragraph of mine is "In the silent Great Hall that night and for many nights after, Legolas had sat on his father¡¯s lap clutching his disreputable blanket. It had been months before he had moved first to sitting next to Thranduil and leaning against him, and then to playing quietly on the floor near him, occasionally patting one of Thranduil¡¯s elegantly shod feet. " Although I didn't translate "See the stars", I did tranlate this chapter as a bonus for your Chinses readers^o^. I was so touched by the description of father and son, by how they support eachother to pull through, and the graceful details you wrote down. Since then I can't help thinking that maybe Thranduil's feeling for his youngest is a little different from his older sons, for he has to foster this elfling alone, without Lorellin's help. And there is also another (ridiculous) reason-- Legolas is the only child who inherits Thranduil's fair hair^o^. I'm not saying that the elven-king is a partial father, but I think even he IS, his older sons would not complain about that.
I like the story about Ithilden and the blanket, it's obviously that you misleaded us on purpose;) The solemn Crown Prince has his own childish moment, indeed, I just wonder if he has ever made any Eilian-thing AFTER his coming of age.
I also noticed that you corrected Thranduil's birth-time. I remember you had mentioned that Thranduil's hatred to dwarves came from his father Oropher, who has witnessed the fall of Menegroth. When I wrote a description of Thranduil months ago, I looked up Tolkein's book and found the lines as below: "Oropher was of Sindarin origin, and no doubt Thranduil his son was following the example of King Thingol long before, in Doriath; though his halls were not to be compared with Menegroth..." Personally, I think that indicated Thranduil born in Menegroth and grown there old enough to memorize the benefit and structure of the cave-palace, otherwise, it's hard to explain why and how he built up his own halls among the silvan. Tolkein's world is so perplexing, while we write more about it, we learn more.:-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Susanlu. When this story started out, it was exactly what you thought: a collection of fluffy elfling stories. But then the angst about Nana crept in and my beta suggested I frame the whole set of stories so they were Thranduil's memories during this painful time. And this is what came of it.
I think that Thranduil's attitude toward Legolas has definitely been affected by the fact that he's been both father and mother. He had to think of him differently than the older two. So you are so right. And I amused myself by giving the stiff Ithilden a blankie. Who would ever have expected that? I'll bet the warriors he chews out would love to know about it.
I had a hard time deciding if Thranduil had been present at Menegroth because I thought he could have heard stories from his father. But I think your reasoning about this is good.
Elentari
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Ouch.
For some reason I had the feeling this was a fic situated sometime around Lorellin's demise. The last memory was specially close, I thought I would see Thranduil suddenly letting the book fall down, as the awareness hit him and he went off to try to save his wife.or maybe even then he knew it was too late. I find it very touching that he realises Eilian had been drinking but allowed the youngling his own way of dealing with the pain. Ithilden going off to deal with his brother was also a very inspired thing. I guess the crown prince would feel some comfort in giving it to Eilian.
And legolas crying in the middle of the night simply breaks my heart every time. It's a winner. And I feel so very sporry for Thranduil, who has nothing to comfort him but those three broken individuals... and even then he is always Thranduil. I think no one knows quite like him how it feels to have to be strong at all times.
(And it also leaves me picturng his reunion with his wife in Eldamar. I am shamelessly romantic.)
Terrific job.
Author's reply
I really like your point that Ithilden would feel comfort in giving it to Eilian. I hadn't put it that way to myself but I think you're absolutely right. When I was writing that little scene in the hall where they are all responding to Legolas's cries, I wasn't expecting Ithilden to go comfort Eilian but he just did it. I wanted to know what was said between them! Eilian is suffering openly, but Ithilden's controlled surface hides some anguish too.
Poor Thranduil. He has to keep trying to support his sons even when he's so lost and alone.
Lately, I've been thinking about what fun meetings could take place in Valamar. Not only is there Lorellin for her family to meet, but how about Legolas meeting Turgon again???
Antigone Q
· 23 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
The ending was great, Daw! I thought it made the whole story nicely balanced - gave it a point, rather than just being some fun vignettes strung together. I also thought you did a wonderful job showing Thranduil's POV, which had some very subtle undertones at times. Both in structure and style I think it may be one of the best stories you've written.
I also liked it because it reminded me of _When Shadow Touches Home (still one of my favorites). It always struck me, in that story, how Thranduil wanted to turn to Lorellin for comfort, but couldn't. In _Paths of Memory_ we have Thranduil just beginning to come to grips with how different things will be now that his wife is gone.
I enjoyed the glimpse of guilt-ridden little Ithilden. What a foreshadowing of his personality later - he always takes responsibility for things, even if they are not his fault. I hope Lorellin did give Celede's ada a piece of her mind; it was Celede, after all, who chose to stand up in the sled. Nobody made her do it. Was Celede a good friend of Ithilden's when he was younger? We never hear much about his friends or his childhood.
I found it especially sad that Thranduil had to prioritize his sons' emotional needs. Poor Eilian. I was touched when he went to go comfort Legolas, and both surprised and pleased when Ithilden went to Eilian when he went back to his room. It made me think of how Ithilden and Eilian never seemed as close as Eilian and Legolas do. In light of that, it was especially sweet to see Ithilden going to his brother the way that he did. I would like to think Eilian just cried with his brother and "slept it off" but I do remember what happened in the weeks following.
Looking forward to your next story!
Author's reply
I will be completely truthful and say I'm stunned by how well people like this story. I have to thank my beta who suggested that I put the framing in, because that seems to have made the difference.
Ithilden as a child was amusing for me because he's hard to imagine that way. I think I need to give him a friend at some point -- maybe have a childhood friend show up and tell stories. Wouldn't Eilian like to know that Ithilden was once accused of being a Bad Influence?
I was kind of saddened by the thought that Thranduil has "no time" for his older sons' needs, especially Eilian who is quite young yet, about 70. But Ithilden, ever the responsible one, steps in, even though he's guilt wracked himself.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Antigone.
meckinock
· 23 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Thranduil's on a Class IV rapids ride of grief, all right; slipping from calm or happy memories to fresh awareness and then back again. I liked how his memories drifted towards his sons rather than (primarily) his wife. This was the less obvious path but maybe the more realistic one. He's still in shock, he has to stay strong for his sons, and he can't let himself fall to pieces. And of course it's the boys that he's most concerned about at the moment. The memories of happier times were delightful but at the same time ominous - Legolas promising never to wander far from home - you're just evil! I loved Ithilden quietly slipping into Eilian's room to offer comfort. And Legolas - the flashback to his happy anticipation of his mother's return just before the end was a poignant reminder of how quickly and permanently lives can change.
Author's reply
Thank you, Meckinock. By the time I had this mostly drafted, I was moaning to Nilmandra that it was WAY too fluffy and she suggested that I put the framing in at the start and end of the chapters. I think it made a difference. The memories took on a significance that they didn't have otherwise.
Bodkin
· 23 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Sorry to comment again, but I'm bored and just wanted to say - suppose that one of the guards who went with Lorellin and was killed defending her was Ithilden's friend from early childhood. I can't imagine he made too many close friends between his position and his character, but he would have had some surely. Or, his closest friend was an elleth - Celede, maybe? - and she was married to one of the warriors who was killed and then she sailed. Oh well, delete as required.
Author's reply
That's an interesting idea, Bodkin. Maybe I need to create a friend for Ithilden.
Brenda G.
· 23 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
I wish most human families were like this family of Elves...
This was great, Daw. Short, incredibly sweet, with just enough sorrow to keep the wound fresh. Lovely and poignant.
Your stories that explore the elfling days of Ithilden and Eilian certainly seem a developing favorite with your fans. I, for one, love learning more about the younger Thranduil. I do hope some of your future stories will go farther into this venue. Legolas is very fortunate to have been raised in such a family. Makes me wish for pointed ears.
Good, Daw. Very good.
Author's reply
I've thought that about families too! In fanfic, we so often make the love between siblings or parents and childen or friends so strong and openly expressed.
There are very few younger Thranduil stories around. I like Elliska's on this site. Although he's an adult, he's young enough to meet his future wife in Part 1 of Interrupted Journeys. Coriel is writing about young Thranduil right now.
Legolas is fortunate to have been raised by these people, even if his mother did die.
The Karenator
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
*snif* Yep, it was what I thought. You did such a beautiful job of reaching the emotion of the moment in so few truly revealing words. The glimpses into each child's childhood were so well drawn for the adults they will become.
Seeing Eilian with his ada back when things were so much easier was sweet and sad at the same time. I think when Thranduil revealed to Eilian (after his marriage) that he was so much like his mother tells us a lot about how and why their relationship changed. Of course, her being gone changed the dynamics too. But here, we see the strong love that existed between the two. It just gets a little waylaid at times as Eilian gets older, and Naneth is not there to keep things on an even keel. Thranduil fears and Eilian just wants unconditional love.
One of the most heartbreaking scenes was when Eilian came to his door when Legolas cried out and Ithilden went to him. Like many of your readers, I would love to know what Ithilden said to him...or maybe no words were needed. I guess sometimes something more powerful than a 'bankie' is needed.
When I was reading the ending with Legolas, I was trying to get the timeline straight in my mind. Right after Lorellin died, the king and his two older sons went to 'hunt some orc'. I'm guessing this is fairly soon after they returned. I imagine the battle they engage in was satisfying to some degree, but I can also see how wrecking such vengeance also adds to the sorrow. The emotional and physical 'adrenaline' rush is gone and now they are faced with the sorrow.
Geez, daw, hand me that bottle of Dorwinion, will ya?
Very well done. A brilliantly done slice of sorrow and joy in the lives of the family. Very, very good.
Karen
Author's reply
Thank you, Karen. I was a little afraid it was too sweet, but the sorrow seems to balance it a bit.
Nilmandra said she wanted to see a scene in which it was clear that Thranduil was showing love for Eilian because their later relationship is so troubled, and I was glad to write that too. I think for Thranduil little kids are easier than bigger ones too. Once they start to grow up and resist him a bit, his controlling side comes out.
I was trying to imagine what Ithilden said to Eilian. I think it's possible he just got him some water ("You'll feel better in the morning if you drink that now") and sat with him. I think it's possible that Eilian cried and maybe they both did. What can you say, after all?
That's the timing I had in mind, yes. This would be set after Thranduil and the older two returned from killing the orcs but before Eilian had to go back south. Boy, I'll bet it was hard for them to let him go.
Jebb
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Oh this was so heartbreaking even though I knew what was to come
a family devastated by loss
wonderfully written and the strands beautifully woven together
thank you
Author's reply
Thank you, Jebb. This story was originally pretty fluffy, but my beta pointed out that there was angst and Nana in all the elfling bits and suggested I frame it with the "present" struggle of the family. And that made all the difference! Hooray for betas and mine in particular!
Author Reply: Thank you, Jebb. This story was originally pretty fluffy, but my beta pointed out that there was angst and Nana in all the elfling bits and suggested I frame it with the "present" struggle of the family. And that made all the difference! Hooray for betas and mine in particular!
Bodkin
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
I did wonder about Thranduil being reflective in the wake of Legolas going off questing - but that wouldn't explain Eilian being drunk - and his drunkenness being tacitly accepted as understandable.
Much as I love Legolas, I too could happily read stories about Eilian, Ithilden, Lorellin, Thranduil, Beliond, Maltanaur, etc, that do not feature him. I'd love to see more elfling Ithilden and good times with Eilian and Thranduil. Come to that - what actually happened in the stair-sledding incident? And where were Thranduil and Oropher when they attempted it? Who else was there? Elu, by any chance? And did Eilian teach the skill to his little brother? Or tell him a story that brought on the Shield Incident? I could go on. But I won't. Not now.
Author's reply
Yes, the detail of Eilian's drunkeness was supposed to be tantalizing. :-)
You are a font of ideas about my characters, or any characters for that matter. I think I might have to keep using Legolas as my anchor for now. Maybe someday, I'll change all the names and do an original fantasy novel. That would be fun.
Duchess
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Ohhhh, I thought it was going to be set in that time. *shaking my head sadly* So terrible a thing for them to be going through, I'm glad they all made it though.
Very well done! :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Duchess. When I first started writing these memories, they weren't set in any particular time, but my beta suggested I frame them and I thought it worked out well. I'm glad you liked it.
French Pony
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
It looks like it's going to be one of those days where the sun never quite rises here in lovely Grad School Town, and this seems to be appropriate reading for such a day. I see that I was right about Nana's fate, which is unfortunate but not entirely a surprise.
It seems that Thranduil is beginning to do some serious thinking about how he'll manage without Lorellin. He is now the central theme of these memories, in all of his different aspects. To Eilian, he is the strong bulwark who cannot be hurt (everyone over the age of eight years [human] who believes that, raise your hand. . . what, no hands?), to Legolas, he is the everlasting source of love who will always make his sons feel as though someone in the world needs him, and to Ithilden, he is a fair judge and source of comfort when the world turns unhappy. He will need to be all that and more in the years to come.
(Although I have a hard time believing that prim, proper, stick-up-the-hoo-ha Ithilden could ever have been considered a "bad influence." Eilian should probably hear that story sometime. He'd laugh himself silly. And then Celuwen would tickle him in a personal region. But I digress.)
I think the detail that I liked best was the little glimpse of Ithilden going to Eilian's room to comfort him when Thranduil went in to get Legolas. That's so Ithilden -- no, it's so big-sibling. You always look out for the littler ones. Right now, Ithilden has two hurting little brothers, and there's only one parent to go around. Legolas is smaller, so he gets Ada, which means that Ithilden has to step in for Eilian. You so rarely see those two together and not at odds with each other, but you know it had to have happened, and it just seems so natural here.
It reminded me of some of the loneliest moments you can have at college, the times when a roommate or a hallmate gets sick, or has a nightmare, and you are both hundreds of miles from home, and you both wish that someone's parents could deal with it, but the parents aren't there, and you have to take care of each other now.
I think I vaguely remember seeing a sequel to Bambi once, but I didn't get a chance to read it. It would be terribly sad if his daughter got adopted by humans and lost her wildness, because I know that the same thing happened to his cousin Gobo (Faline's twin brother) in the original.
Author's reply
It's gloomy here to day too. I get depressed and my husband went out and bought me some of those full-spectrum lights that are supposed to help cure Seasonal Affective Disorder.
I was struck by your analysis of how Thranduil relates to his sons. I thought it rang true of them not only as children but as adults, at least in what they want from him. I suspect that all of them still think of Thranduil as indomitable. He's kind of like that. It must have been disturbing to the older two to see him suffering after Lorellin died.
You made me laugh at the idea of Eilian being told that Ithilden was a "bad influence." I think I may have to use that sometime! He would fall over laughing, you're right.
Ithilden kind of surprised me when he walked across the hall to Eilian's room, but I liked that detail too. I like the sense of things happening that I don't quite know about, such as whatever passed between them behind the closed door of Eilian's room. And Eilian is quite young here -- about 70. So he's technically of age, but may not have reached his adult form yet.
Maybe it's Gobo I'm remembering. I have no idea. That was a long time ago.
Creashuns
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Excellent story so far! Great characterizations!!
Please continue!
Creashuns
Author's reply
Thank you, Creashuns. I have to admit to being shamelessly fond of my OCs.
I think this story is done now though. At least, I hope so! I need to get back to something longer and with an actual plot. But this was fun.
Bodkin
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Now, when I was reading part one, I thought Thranduil was probably remembering from the time of Lorellin's death . . . and I started wondering what other time it could be set in . . . and I thought that Celuwen might just have died in childbirth. I'm so glad it wasn't. Lorellin's death is a constant - tragic, with long-term effects all round, but already part of the tale. I don't want anything nasty ever to happen to the rest of this family, (well, apart from a few wounds and a lot of angst) because they are just too lovely. Author to bear in mind: nothing terminal to happen.
Let me see: Apple (green, sweet) definitely Annael. Oats (make ponies frisky) Turgon. "'You know better than to wander away like that, Carrot,' he said, glad the forester was out of earshot." I hope he wasn't - I hope he went home and giggled about the incident with Mrs Forester. Ahh, the irony of Carrot's desire to stay home.
Eilian, even sitting still, cannot avoid movement and noise. (Love the essay.) It must be strange to have your children writing about ancient history when you lived through it. It is difficult for the young to visualise their own parents as children at any time - but then to place Thranduil in Menegroth with Elu. And all Thranduil's thought are bound up with keeping his offspring safe - and knowing he probably can't.
Poor Ithilden. Even as an elfling - bravely facing his adar and confessing his actions rather than hiding and letting trouble find him. And with the touch of arrogance that is part of his character - and the responsibility that makes him believe that everything is his fault. I love the picture of Lorellin coming in as the fierce she-wolf to protect her cub from attack. That indignant adar is going to go away apologising for his daughter's behaviour - and thanking Ithilden for bringing her home.
I am just loving the pictures of Ithilden's childhood - I would love to know more about him. And Thranduil / Oropher would be an interesting sidelight.
Legolas's - and the rest of the family's - last happy night, spent in the anticipation of Lorellin's return, and then the sight of her menfolk broken. I'm glad Ithilden went to Eilian.
Lovely sweet / sour combination in this tale. It doesn't take millennia of knowledge to know that nothing will be the same for them again.
Author's reply
It also occurred to me that people might think that because Legolas wasn't in view in the "present" in chapter one, the family might have just heard that he was off to Mordor. But then, neither Alfirin nor Celuwen was in sight and they would have been around by then, assuming nothing "terminal" ever happens to them. :-)
Poor Carrot. I think he's a person who would never want to make his family unhappy and yet who rather liked wandering a bit and exploring Arda. Maybe that's one reason he ends up in Ithilien eventually. Interestingly, for all of his love of excitement, I don't think Eilian has the same wanderlust.
When I was writing about Eilian and Elu Thingol, I too thought about how odd it must be to study history that your parents have been part of or even to know that you could meet Elrond or Cirdan if you traveled far enough away.
You made me laugh at the idea of the other father winding up thanking Ithilden for bringing his daughter home. He thinks he's brave facing Thranduil! He doesn't know where the true danger lies. For some reason, I enjoyed the pictures of Ithilden's childhood the most too, I think because he's so hard to picture as a child. And that moment when he crossed the hall and went into Eilian's room rather surprised me when it happened. Dot says she wants to know what went on in that room. I do too!
Thank you for the lovely review, Bodkin.
Rose Sared
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Well that killed the fluffies! Sad sad and most touching. Well done, enough with the interludes, I sense a story brewing?
Rose
Author's reply
I hope you sense correctly! I haven't got anything in mind yet, but this weekend, I'll sit down and look at my list of ideas and think about what I want to do next.
elliska
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Sorry, just can't help myself--I will cast another vote for the 'what happens in Mirkwood while Legolas is on the Quest' story. I just think that would be spectacular and since you mentioned it again... :)
Author's reply
LOL. I don't want to do this for a while, but it's occurred to me that I could cut back and forth between Legolas on the quest and what's happening at home. Maybe someday!
esamen
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
“I will stay with you always, Ada,” the child pledged, hugging Thranduil fiercely around the neck. “I will not frighten you by wandering far away.”
Ah, a lovely clue there. Promises, promises. What a delicate masterpiece this story is. Speaking of Legolas wandering far away . . .
I'd still love to see the scene when Beliond comes back from Rivendell without Legolas. I don't mean the thunder and lightning of the king's wrath . . . I mean the depth of both Thranduil and Beliond's love for Legolas, and their knowledge, as elves of long life and long memory, of what Legolas will be up against . . . or, maybe, if dont' want to get that close to quest action, you could make Legolas cross the path of some stray Nazgul while in the Southern Patrol . . . of course these characters are all yours and not mine, but I can dream!
Author's reply
Yeah, I was thinking of the same thing, I'll bet. Legolas eventually does wander about as far off as he can go and still stay in Middle-earth. Poor Thranduil.
You are full of good ideas of what can happen! The Nazgul is possible. They didn't come to Dol Guldur until after the Battle of Five Armies, so that's beyond most of what I've written so far. And off course, Beliond's return to Mirkwood is beyond anything I've written. I think the story of what happened in Mirkwood while Legolas was away would be stunning to tell.
Tinnuial
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
That was a lovely, but sadly tragic set of memories...
Thank you for sharing it with us...
Author's reply
Thank you, Tinnuial. I originally thought this would be just a fluffy elfling fic, but then the tragedy kept creeping in. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
sofia
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
oh that was sweet. Everytime I read about their nana being killed and seeing how upset they are afterwords... it makes me cry...
Great story.
-sofia
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the story, Sofia. I meant it as a mixture of sweet and sad and it seems to have worked that way for you, so thank you for letting me know. I'm even glad I made you cry, sick as that might be of me!
Dot
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
*sigh* You have my heart just about broken, daw.
Right, I’ll try and go back to the start and forget that I read the end…
There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to switch your mind off even when you’re physically exhausted. I really felt for Thranduil trying so hard to get the rest he needs. I see he doesn’t even consider disobeying Ithilden, though! Random question – if there are no windows in the caverns, how are they lit during the day?
I really liked the image of Thranduil sitting at his desk while Eilian did his work on the floor. There’s just such a sense of normality about it. I just knew this elfling had to be Eilian. Who else would have been so attracted by the prospect of excitement? It must be very strange for Thranduil when his sons study the lives of those he actually knew, especially when they have such an outsider’s view of it and can so easily praise or criticise without really knowing the personal costs. It’s so very touching how much faith Eilian has in his father but wow, my heart stopped with the words “He also remembered Dagorlad.” None of us want to think that our loved ones are far from invincible and I don’t blame Thranduil for sheltering his child a little longer. I think he did completely the right thing too in reassuring Eilian that children will always be protected, even if it does nothing to quash Eilian’s longing for excitement. Since they were in a time of Peace then there seemed no reason for Eilian to learn of the bad in the world. Oh, and it’s just so endearing the way Eilian wants to be “like Ithilden”, the way Legolas always wanted to be “like Eilian”!
Carrot, Oats and Apple?? Very cute! Children’s games are sometimes just utterly bizzare. I like Thranduil indulging them and taking them with him to his meeting. I’m presuming that’s Annael and Turgon there. I could really feel Thranduil’s panic when they disappeared. How awful to know all the dangers that are around – and of course the very worst run through his mind – and these children have simply have no idea. He seems to get through when Legolas realises that he was frightened, though. At least Thranduil was honest about that. Although, Legolas’ tendency to wander off will no doubt resurface again… A lot. I notice that just as Thranduil hoped the Peace would last when Eilian was young, he hope that it would return for Legolas’ future. It’s really rather touching to see even the very practical and really quite cynical Thranduil cling to some hope.
As with the last chapter, I particularly loved the Ithilden bit. Very cute the way he just confesses it all in one go and Thranduil has to try and pick out the bits he actually needs to know. Ah, the First Snow incident. Vague memories stirring of Thranduil telling Alfirin about this. This is the same story, right? I should probably check. No other child would not only go and confess before being found out but would have enough presence of mind to take the injured elfling home and then accept responsibility to the point where he truly believes the criticism he receives. Boy did he turn out to be anything but a ‘bad influence’. I felt so sorry for him because that must be just about the worst thing he could have been told. It’s something that Eilian would probably shrug off but Ithilden obviously takes it to heart. What a pity if it stops him having fun. But at least he still has plenty faith in himself! “She should not have tried to beat me though.” And I bet she never tries again. LOL too at Thranduil summoning Lorellin. What mother would take kindly to someone criticising her beloved only child??
That scene in the nursery… As soon as I realised it was Legolas I had this horrible sense of foreboding. The two of them are so content and so eager too for Lorellin’s return. How truly awful to know that this little cocoon in which they are living is about to be shattered irreparably.
I was actually thinking in the last chapter that if Thranduil did fall asleep Legolas would probably wake him. I found it really moving to see how quickly all three of them responded to his distress. Eilian is clearly struggling with what has happened. And Ithilden goes to him? I’d give just about anything to know what happened in that room. I had kind of thought that they all more or less shut themselves off around this time but maybe the eldest sons can find some comfort in each other while Thranduil struggles with his own grief and that of his youngest child. Legolas’ anguish is just heartbreaking. But still, even though I know that there are tough times ahead for him, at least he is still young enough to scream and cry and seek comfort from others – something that the rest of his family obviously need to do but clearly don’t seem to be able to, or think that they can. I wonder if Ithilden had anyone to turn to? He seems to be doing a lot of the care-giving here.
How strong Thranduil is, though, even at such a terrible time. At least he seems to be able to relive good memories and even though he wishes for such simple times again, he seems to be able to enjoy them too. I loved being able to see some of those memories, and they mean so much more in the context of his great loss. Apart from the joy of seeing glimpses of childhood, especially of Eilian’s and Ithilden’s that we don’t ever really see, I had always wanted to see more of this family after Lorellin’s death, considering how much it changed all of their lives. I’m so very grateful you decided to write this and I loved everything about it.
I’m hoping as always that we see more from you soon… I’m away next week on a trip to London so I might miss some if you do post around then (no pressure!), but I’ll be looking forward to whatever it will be! :-)
Author's reply
Ithilden can be very bossy when he chooses!
Re windows in the cavern. Until Bilbo discovers the trap door in the cellars, he thinks that the Great Doors are the only way out of the caves. That's what leads me to think there are no windows or balconies. As for how they light it, I'd have to say lanterns of some sort, whether those are lit by burning oil or by some sort of Wood-elf magic. But who knows? Tolkien doesn't always tell us this stuff, drat the man.
I too liked the image of Eilian doing his lessons under Thranduil's eyes, lying on the floor and kicking his feet together. And even though Eilian probably wanted to be outside, I'll bet he valued the time alone with his father. As I was writing this, I did think that studying history must have been odd for elves when they knew people who had lived through that time. And it also struck me that it must have been scary for elven children to realize that their parents had lived through such peril as what happened in the First Age. Eilian does tend to see it only as exciting though. Sigh. A sign of what's to come, I guess.
When I wrote the pony story, I wasn't sure at first whether to give it to Legolas, Turgon, and Annael or to Eilian, Gelmir, and Celuwen. But the theme of wandering off struck me as relevant to Legolas, who is going to scare the bejeebers out of his family one day by going off with the Fellowship.
This is the same First Snow incident that is mentioned in "One Year in Mirkwood." There Ithilden laughs when Thranduil recalls it and says that surely it must have been Eilian who did that. But he didn't laugh it off as a child. As you say, being told he was a 'bad influence' is not something he would shrug off easily. (Gelmir's parents told Eilian that so frequently that it just rolled off his back.)
I loved the idea of Ithilden going to comfort Eilian while Thranduil went to Legolas. Eilian is quite young here -- about 70. And he's having a hard time. Ithilden seems to see himself as responsible for everyone else, now that he 'let' Nana get killed. How alone he must have felt.
I have to go to a conference in Boston next week, so I don't think I'll be posting much. I suppose it depends on whether I get inspired this weekend, but I usually outline quite a lot before I start writing, which is why I then can post so quickly. I haven't decided what to write next.
Karri
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
A lovely fic! The ambiance is very much that of a man who has survived the initial weeks of grief and begins finally to reconcile himself to his loss – an excellent job creating that feeling. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Karri. Yeah, I thought this would be after Thranduil and his older sons hunted down the Orcs and came back, but before Eilian had to return to his patrol. Poor all of them. They have a hard time ahead yet.
Manderly
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
I had an inkling when I was reading the first chapter where it would lead us to and unfortuntely, I was right. The sweet innocence of Thranduil's memories is such a stark contrast to the heart-rending scene at the end. It has left me quite numb and speechless, but then death does that, I suppose.
I hope that you might consider expanding this story in the near future. It really is too well written to stop at just two chapters.
Author's reply
When I started this story, I thought it would be pure fluff, but the angst kind of crept in anyway. Poor Thranduil. For him, these times with his children were idyllic interludes that he's afraid will not come again.
Thank you for your kind remarks, Manderly.
Alice
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Very sweet story though the last bit makes me sad. Poor Legolas. Poor all of them for that matter. The rest of the story was heartwarming though. There were a lot of little things that made me enjoy it. Like Legolas promising his ada not to wander far away. Poor Thranduil. I enjoyed Ithilden's scenes. He's a cute elfling, and much like his adult self only more cuddly. I liked the line about Thranduil missing the happiness caused by his mere existence. That's how I remember me and my brother being about my Dad when we were little. So, overall, good story. Very sweet. It made me want a cuddly elfling of my own. Oh, and I liked the line about Lorellin leaping to her son's defense. Little did the other concerned father know that Thranduil had just called in the big guns: Mommy. I look forward to the next story.
Author's reply
I know -- the ending was sad. Actually, the whole "now" was sad. But the elfling stories were fully of joy.
As I'm sure you realized, Legolas does wander far away eventually. Poor Thranduil indeed. If only he knew. And I enjoyed showing Ithilden as an elfling because he's ordinarily so grown up.
I remember my son being thrilled when I showed up. Needless to say, he soon grew out of that! And Lorellin doted on all of her sons, I think. Clever Thranduil to call her in to handle to complaining father. I'll bet he never does that again!