Reviews (299)

Farawyn · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Wonderful! I wish there was more.

Brazgirl · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Another story comes to an end... I love the way you ended the conversation bewteen Ithilden and Sinnarn. Also loved Thranduil taking some time before speaking without interfering in his son's dealing with Sinnarn... and, of course, Legolas and Beliond. It was so nice to see Beliond's affection and respect for Legolas! I could read some respect there!!! Also suprising to read him talk - even just a bit - about his son. Great job, Daw!!!

Alice · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Wow. This chapter had so many touching moments. That last scene with Beliond, just wow. Poor Beliond. He needs a hug. Though I doubt he thinks so. That's ok. We know better. So, excellent scene with Sinnarn and Ithilden. You portrayed Ithilden's anxiety and emotions very well. He's such a good parent. Alfirin too. They should have more elflings. Come on, you know Sinnarn would be so into corrupting a little brother or sister. Also nice scene with Thranduil. I couldn't help but grin when I got to the line about Thranduil hoping that men were not going to become part of the people Legolas felt obligated to protect. You've done a very nice job with developing Legolas's protective to a fault personality. It's constant throughout your stories. Oh, I also liked Thranduil asking about when his grandson is coming back to his table. I get suck a kick out of how Thranduil talks to people. He always picks the best words for getting what he wants. Alfirin wasn't fooled though. She knows her rights. Poor Galelas. He needs a hug too. Darn it, Daw, you just had to kill him off later didn't you? After making us get all attached to him too. Okay, having read other reviewers' comments, maybe it's just me that's all attached. Well the scene was really nice. Like that sentence about the lonely bird, beautiful. Also, the exchange between Gewiel, Tinar's Nana, and Tinar was hilarious. Oy, they all so deserve each other. Except Galelas. They don't deserve him. So, the scene with Beliond, very, very nice. It wrapped up the story very nicely. Beliond rocked my socks throughout this story. I mean with the juggling knives, the lock picking ( excellent reward by the way), and him actually opening up for once (because no matter what the old grouch thinks, talking will help), he was just fabulous. His character got some very nice development out of this story, which I enjoyed greatly. He's one of my favorite of your OCs, though perhaps not one I would want to deal with in person. This has been a very enjoyable story. Very nice suspense, great character development, and the theme tied it all together very nicely. I greatly look forward to your next story, so please write fast.

Ms. Whatsit · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Thranduil sighed. In his more rational moments, he knew that Legolas was well on his way to becoming a strong adult, but he still worried that his youngest son was too inclined to take on the battles of others and thus place himself in unnecessary danger. He hoped Legolas was not about to add Men to the list of those he felt obligated to protect. LOL. Ah, yes, that list. I wonder how Thranduil will feel about that list post-LOTR, when Gimli and Aragorn and the hobbits are on it. “I have decided that you have earned the right to learn to open a lock without a key,” he said. Legolas blinked. “You mean pick it?” Beliond frowned. “That is a low term, but yes, that is what I mean.” Heh. That is so Beliond. "I do not pick locks. I merely open them without keys." Rather like "he ran into my knife." That Beliond-Legolas conversation at the end was fantastic and moving. And so was the part with Galelas and Eilian. Poor guy. I'm glad Ithilden's giving his son options. A warrior who resents his duty can't be a good warrior.

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Oh, I forgot - three cheers for Tinar's wife about the mending! Serves him right! Jay

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Beliond's thoughts about his son were very sad - but what nearly made me cry was thinking about how much I still miss my father, who died six years ago. Odd. This was a nice finale to the story, Daw - Beliond has finally realised that Legolas needs to be able to cope on his own without constant advice, and Ithilden has realised that his brother should be transferred to gain greater experience. But the best image was Legolas digging latrines! An unpleasant task, but vital for the well being of a patrol. And even the king's son has to do it. Ithilden was very good with Sinnarn again - so he is to be a forester in his gap year? That seems very appropriate for Thranduil's grandson! Jay

sofia · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Another wonderful story completed. I love how Beliond and Legolas tease each other most of the time. -sofia

Bodkin · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

The contrast with Galelas's bunch of losers makes the family Thranduil seem even better. They make mistakes - but they are mistakes made through love and with the intention of helping each other, whereas Tinar! and Gewiel!! and his mother !!! and father !!!! I'm really not sure which is the worst. I think Tinar is a victim of appalling parenting just as much as Turgon ever was. Poor Galelas. I hope he doesn't spend long in Mandos's Halls, and then finds himself a REALLY nice, kind, generous, strong-willed elleth to look after him and make up for his hideous parents. (And that his parents and Tinar decide to stay in Lasgalen indefinitely.) Ithilden is being soooo careful not to put a foot wrong with Sinnarn - it's so easy to blow that kind of meeting, but he did well. 'Parent-induced world weariness' is such a wonderful phrase. Recognised by all parents of teens and older. Though it will be a long time before Sinnarn realises that he doesn't know everything. The image of Lorellin kicking Thranduil under the table to get him to keep his mouth shut is absolutely delicious. Such a perfect method of king-control. I long to hear more about the pair of them! And Thranduil releasing the controlled information that it was Lorellin who wouldn't give in to Ithilden's desire to become a novice early. I just love seeing his long-held beliefs turned upside down. It's great seeing an approved-of-Eilian feel able to tease Ithilden and Thranduil. He is so rarely in that position! They're all at the point of noticing that Legolas is grown up, yet they all still tend to baby him - even Beliond! And they are forcing themselves to give him a bit more freedom, even to teaching him to pick locks. He is very self-effacing, though - I suspect Eilian forced the pace a bit more, but then he would. I think he should keep trying to coax more information about Lalorn, though. And not just because I want to know about it. And OF COURSE Thranduil will know that Beliond trained his son in house-breaking skills. Who else could have done it? And Thranduil's concern that Legolas is about to take Men under his protective wing - I think he's done that before. More than once. Great story. Don't leave it too long. You'll start hyperventilating from withdrawal.

White Wolf · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Another fine layer added to the tapestry of your version of Legolas's life and family. I like the way Ithilden handled Sinnarn. I also like it when you write about Lorellin. I hate that Legolas didn't get the chance to grow up with her. There would have been a special bond between them, I think. I'm happy Beliond decided to teacht Legolas how to pick a lock. Nice scene, though a little sad because of the memory of Beliond‘s son. Do you know what age Legolas will be in your next story?

Alison H · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

"Do not talk like a halfwit"----I laughed out loud when I read that line! Beliond sure doesn't mince his words.I really enjoyed the ending to this most enjoyable story, especially Beliond teaching Legolas to pick locks and then speaking so wistfully of his son.I just wanted to hug him.You certainly have tremendous depth in your characters, Daw. Ithilden & Alfirin have their hands full with Sinnarn but he is a good kid at heart.He knows that he has the love of his entire family to help him through his formative years.He'll be all right. Once again you finish a wonderful story only yo leave your fans wanting more! Take some time and relax---but hurry with your next story.I'm addicted!! Ali.

Rose Sared · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Thank you daw, another most enjoyable story and a nice gap filler for family and other relationships. I am so impressed by your consistency of style and plot - one day I hope to get back to my own writing and you are a great role model. (awww shucks) Rose

Brenda G. · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Ahhhh! That is the sound of satisfaction coming from one of your many fans. I applaud the perfect ending to all the aspects of this story and to each character's part in it. Well, the lump in my throat from the chapter before this one has turned into full-blown tears at this chapter's end. The exchange between Legolas and Beliond about Lalorn was wrenching at first, but you handed us a hanky and a smile through those tears to conclude this chapter, always a great way to finish just about anything worthwhile. I'm happy that humans and elves all come with the same kind of hearts - those that contract and expand with same experiences. Mortal and Immortal do not differ in the inward parts that much. I was sad for Galelas and his obvious discomfort within his own family, but happy for Sinnarn to see his discomfort dispelled. It was nice to see Ithilden off balance from his own father's confession about holding him becoming a novice, and then it was Thranduil's turn to totter a bit when Ithilden announced his decision to transfer Leglas to the Northern Border Patrol. You are full of surprises, Daw, but that just makes your stories more delightful. Another great tale from our resident master storyteller. Well done!

French Pony · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Okay, we've mastered key locks. Next up, deadbolts and combinations. Legolas is going to be quite the holy terror on his next leave, running around leaving all the locks open on everything. Ithilden and Alfirin may have to pack Sinnarn off on his gap year early so that he doesn't pick up questionable skills from his favorite uncle. And Eilian will be so jealous! It occurs to me that there aren't a whole lot of skills that Legolas can teach Eilian, so that would be some nice brother bonding time right there. And for extra good measure, it's the sort of thing that will have Thranduil just tearing out his long blond hair. Speaking of Thranduil, it looks like the second phase of Operation Beliond is working. The old crab is starting to open up a little and rejoin the Elvish race. This looks to be the very beginning of that wonderful relationship where Legolas looks after Beliond's heart as much as Beliond looks after Legolas's tuchus. Alfirin has a lot to learn about marketing. You don't go to the king and mention that the spit broke and dropped the meat into the fire. You invent a term like "char-broiled" and charge an extra $1.50 for the privilege. All that discussion about the wisdom of keeping kids back a year reminded me of something my mother said. We had asked her which she preferred, the 1960s or the 1990s. She said that she liked the 1990s because there was less rigidity in the social program of growing up. If you felt a kid needed it, you could keep them back a year or let them have a gap year, or noodle around with how you distributed four years of college. There's even grade schools now that have an extra year between kindergarten and first grade -- my cousins go to one of them. Sounds like the Elves are right about to hit that point in their notions of what constitutes acceptable child-rearing. Oh, what I wouldn't give to see the look on Thranduil's face when Lorellin kicked him under the table! He seems pretty well in control of things now, though. The kids are doing well and are able to take care of themselves, the grandkid is under control, the daughter-in-law is smoothly integrated into the family, there have been no elopements or suspicious runnings off to join the Fellowship. This must be a good time to be Thranduil Oropherion.

Frodo3791 · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

A perfect ending. Did you have that planned or did it just kind of come out that way? It worked amazingly either way. You made me actually pause after Beliond remarked, “Is that so bad? I wish someone had been around to protect my son.” in response to Legolas wanting to be more independent. I had never thought about that before, and it really gave some more pain to the character of Beliond and showed the fortunate side Legolas and all of the Thrandulians get for being who they are, despite how annoying their keepers may be. It was really a powerful line. I enjoyed the story, and can't wait for another one. I hope you have a nice break between stories, though, because you deserve it. -Frodo

meckinock · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

LOL. Come on, admit it. You said a bad word when I posted chapter 12 before your reviewed this one. :-) You're an android, aren't you? When they come to your house to get your computers, the truth will come out. I think the prostitute story is one of those what will never grow stale -- at least in Eilian's eyes. And they all do need to see that Legolas is good at what he does, but I think that's hard for family sometimes. My mother is still wondering when I'm going to get a real job. My mother wonders the same thing. :)

meckinock · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

So Sinnarn is pioneering the ME version of Gap Year. An elegant solution. It was fun to finally hear The Rest of The Story about Ithilden's attempted deception of Lomilad. Grandpa Thranduil is so funny - after the way he treats Eilian it's amusing to see him meekly take a backseat to Ithilden and Alfirin's discipline of Sinnarn. It's nice to see Eilian standing by Galelas. Poor guy. It's a messed up family, but it's the only family he's got. But the best part was Beliond teaching Legolas to pick locks. And how interesting that the only lock available for practice was the one holding his son's memorabilia. Brilliant. What a touching peek into Beliond's personal conflicts. It sounds like he's ready to give Legoalas a little leash now, which is probably healthy for both of them. Although not too much, or Thranduil would kill him, LOL! This story has been so enjoyable; I am really sorry to see it end.

meckinock · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Legolas better hurry up and get some dirt on Eilian or he's going to get mighty sick of that prostitute story. And Eilian - good thinking. Never lie about something Ada's going to find out anyway. It's certainly no surprise to Thranduil that Beliond is good at "finding" things! It was nice to see Thranduil proud of his second son for once. And it's good that everyone is finally coming to terms with Legolas's job description (as well as the realization that he might actually be GOOD at it!). Lorellin's conversation with Ithilden was very poignant.

Nilmandra · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

This was a big step for Legolas and Beliond, I think - they have a better understanding of each other, why the other thinks and acts the way he does at times. I really do like Beliond, the grouchy old nana. I can't wait for Tinar to be under Eilian's command. I think someone needs to rip all of his leggings so he is forced to learn to mend them!

elliska · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Oh hooray. Obviously I knew you were working on this given your question in the forum but I never expected to be so lucky as to see a chapter tonight. Poor Ithilden. This made me remember a similar incident between my father and I and I remember clearly how hurt he seemed that I did not respond to him as openly as I once did. I really felt for Ithilden here. But he handled that conversation well. Too right that when pushed, teenagers will revolt just because! Loved this line: He hoped Legolas was not about to add Men to the list of those he felt obligated to protect. That is so perfect. Indeed, he vividly remembered her kicking him under the table the first time Eilian had said he was going out after his coming-of-age ceremony. And I would have paid money to see this acted out. Too funny. The entire conversation ending here: Eilian laughed. “I suppose one needs some basic goals, and that one sounds pretty rock bottom. I will be on my way now, with your permission, Adar.” Thranduil nodded, and Eilian was gone. was great. I am very glad that I do not have any intentially 'provocative' sons like Eilian! I am so glad you told us (and Ithilden) what Lómilad said. That was great! And Ithilden's manipulation of that conversation to Legolas was very clever! I burst out laughing at Gewiel's reaction to Tinar's 'gift' for her entertainment. Good for her! How did Eilian contain himself hearing that! I really enjoyed the part with Beliond and the lock picking lesson. Legolas must have been pretty shocked to hear Beliond say he had been looking for excitement while criticizing him for the same thing. You did a good job with the lesson. Very believable. And the suggestion he should practice on leave was great! Yeah, I can see that happening. And Thranduil having a stroke!. But I loved the peek at the keepsakes in the box. And the conversation about Lalorn and Beliond backing off a bit. That was particularly well done. Very moving. I really like Beliond. The first two stories of yours that I read were Spring Awakenings and A Question of Duty and I loved him in those. And in this. Really well done. Hate to see it end. But thankfully, that only means you'll start another. :) See how good I am--I didn't even ask you for a hint of what's coming next. Hmm. Oh well, guess I did. Thanks for the entertainment Daw.

Manderly · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 12: Families

Another wonderful story, Daw! There was much to smile about in this chapter, but there was also quite a bit of underlying sadness. I suppose it's all to do with letting go for everybody here, or at least how much to let go. Hindsight is always 20-20, but at the time when the decision is made, it's almost like groping in the dark so I do feel for everybody here, especially Ithilden. So Gewiel does not live just to mend Tinar's leggings. I wonder how she keeps her sanity in that household, with Tinar as a husband and Tinar's mother breathing down her neck. I don't supposed she's considered building herself a separate flet or cottage as Eilian has suggested to Galelas. Poor Galelas. Gewiel chose to marry Tinar but Galelas didn't have much choice in being stuck in such a family. I am glad Eilian has taken him under his wings. So Beliond is sharing his talent of picking locks with Legolas? Thranduil will find out anyway, but will he approve? Really like that bantering between Legolas and Beliond. I think they've come to a new turn in their relationship which will make life much easier for both of them. Thank you for this wonderful story. I just hope you have another one in the planning.

Nilmandra · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

I like how Thranduil knew exactly how Beliond 'found' that letter :) I rather suspect that Thranduil might sit down with Maltanaur and Beliond and drink to oldtimes, and we would learn of many things that they know about each other. Tinar is a jerk, btw. And I nicely imagined that unwritten scene in my mind!

Tapetum Lucidum · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Your little interlude at the warrior's camp was great! Having Legolas so eager to spend just a little more time with his brother was sweet. His restraint about not interrupting his captain also showed his new maturity. Praise from Eilian is very heartwarming. It was clear how much the youngest looked up to his older sibling. The relationship between Maltanaur and Beliond is really developing. I enjoy their little conversations. I would think Thranduil was quite the mischief maker when he was young. Throwing Tinar into the scene was like icing on the cake. He always makes me laugh. I feel so bad for his poor wife. She must have a very dull life if darning his leggings makes her happy. Poor Eilian and Maltanaur - it must have been a long trip back to the palace. Eilian used good judgement in relaying his trip to Thranduil He told the truth and left out just a few incriminating details. He did a good job walking that line. It was much better to clear the air before he went south. No one would want the wrath of Thranduil hovering over their head for 3 months. I think the iron merchant is going to have a very hard day. Ithilden's little flashback to his Naneth was sweet. She did a great job using "Mommy Guilt" to see the error of his ways. It is a lot more effective and painful than yelling and screaming. I am looking forward to seeing how Ithilden deals with Sinnarn!

Alice · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Yay, a scene with Lorellin! I really do like her. I love how she leaves Ithilden with a nice thought about him being her favorite harpist. I feel really sad now for Legolas that he had to grow up without her. Stupid orcs. I am however anxious to know what plan Ithilden and Alfirin are planning on presenting to Sinnarn. Especially since we all know he winds up being a warrior. So we're back with the patrol are we? I really like the scenes of daily life of the patrols. It's fun watching the warriors interact. I like the comradery of it all. Though I personally think that if you threw Tinar into any situation, camradery would arise just from being united against his general presence, as happens with many annoying people. His wife enjoys his mending indeed. Nice to see how well he knows her. Not. I'm begining to wonder if perhaps he took a blow to the head during his formulative years and lost some brain cells. It's beginning to be the only explanation that makes sense. And I don't know whether it's a good thing or a bad thing that I know people who are like him that make you wonder that. Good for your writing skills I guess, bad for the world at large that must put up with them. Eilian is never going to let the whore thing drop. Legolas is going to come back from the quest and Eilian's going to ask him, " So find any pretty scarlet ladies in Minas Tirith?" Oh siblings, such unending sources of joy and irritation. Oh! And perhaps my favorite moment of this story: mentioning Thranduil's juggling of the knives. Even our favorite stormy king was young once. As were the two keepers who were young friends with him. I'm curious about their youth. And Oropher. Perhaps you would like to enlighten us more about the seven knives and other such incidents? Pretty, pretty please? Oh and I thoroughly enjoyed Eilian's thought processes on telling Thranduil what exactly went on. I liked the style in which it was written. Eilian's POV was distinct in that scene. I liked it. So, good chapter. I look forward to the next. Which isn't surprising really as my first thought after finishing your latest chapter is, "Great, now I have to wait another 2-5 days for her to come out with the next one." Keep up the good work.

Jay of Lasgalen · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

I love the closeness you show between Eilain and Legolas in this chapter - the way Eilian teases his brother, and the way they laugh together about Thranduil and Tinar. And oh, Tinar - saving all his mending so dutifully to take home to his little wife! That was a wonderful scene, made all the better by Eilian's aside. I like the entertainment value of Beliond teaching Tinar how to do his own mending! I found the pride and pleasure Eilian and Legolas found in simple 'well dones' from those they really cared about - Thranduil, Beliond, Eilian himself - very touching. They, of course, are the ones whose opinions really matter.

Ms. Whatsit · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Doing Well

Heh. "Yes, Adar, Beliond 'found' a letter. Really. It was just lying around." Thranduil seems to have had a sense of humor about the whole thing. Legolas is never going to live down the prostitute incident, is he? And now Ithilden's going to talk to Sinnarn. Dun-dun-dun!