That was awesome! But I'm so sad it's over! My only comfort is knowing you'll write more soon. Right? Right? Please!!!
Legolas's coming of age cerimony was beautiful. I think it's awesome how the families have direct participation. *wipes tears away* Ok.
Poor Eilien. He's normally such an upbeat guy, that it's really depressing to see him down. It makes me sad!
I like Alfirin. The conversation she had with Thranduil was very necisary, but she was so sweet and tactful about it. She let Thranduil know she appreciated him, but let him know his place.
What's your next story going to be about? Hope it comes soon. I hope PJ puts the sea longing in ROTK. Actually what I'm really hoping for is the scouring of the Shire.
God bless!
Author's reply
I feel bad for Eilian too. He's gregarious and a natural optimist and he was sitting by himself and brooding. I need to fix that.
I'm in the process of outlining a story that takes up a few weeks after this one ends. :-) I too want to see the sea longing, but I hear that the scouring of the Shire is not in the movie.
mer
· 25 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Another beautifully written chapter. I was so moved in many ways. Thanks for another wonderful story. I truly hope for another one. I could say more but I am such an emotional person...
Author's reply
Thank you, mer. I've been writing fan fiction for almost a year now, and I am still enjoying it immensely, so I think you can be sure that another story is in the works. I have a long list of things I want to write about, but at the moment, I really have to see how Legolas and Beliond work things out during his first few months as a warrior!
Antigone_Q
· 25 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Lovely study in contrasts: Sinnarn-the-Elfling vs. Legolas-the-adult, desire vs. duty, Legolas needing care vs. providing for others. Also, I hadn't noticed before, but there seems to be a lot of going away from home and returning. Everything "has a season" and the cycles continue - very nice! You have also, by the way, made a very good completion of "Growing Under Shadow": Legolas goes out to hunt a buck, really not ready to hunt by himself and never catching it, but in this story, of course, he is required as an adult to go alone and bring back venison, and he feeds his friends and family.
I absolutely loved the coming-of-age ceremony. For some reason I very much enjoy reading different interpretations of Elvish customs. I thought Legolas' ceremony was very touching. Thranduil was sweet. I was sad right along with Thranduil that he and Eilian didn't connect as well as he did with his other children. Funny, because Eilian has inherited a lot of his father's protectiveness, he just shows it in a different way. The mischievous part of me sort of hopes that Eilian has children that are just like him. I think it would give him a little more sympathy for his father.
Thranduil took Alfrin's discussion very well - better, I think, than if Ithilden had brought it up. Family dynamics are funny things, aren't they?
I am glad Eilian took the role Legolas' mother would have taken in the ceremony. I remember him as being sort of the maternal character in Growing Under Shadow and When Shadow touches home. And I think Legolas must have appreciated the thoughtfulness of his brother coming home and his standing in. (Didn't I say Eilian needs some Elflings of his own? Oh, well, I know there has to be a sequel coming involving Eilian at some point, because you've left Celuwen/Eilian up in the air, and the rune of protection, too, and besides that, all the major characters have ended up in the tub except Eilian. So I'm sure you'll come back to him).
Now this is funny, because, while I'm not as worried about Legolas as his family is (after all, he has to last long enough to go to Rivendell for the Council), _I_ am sad that he has been posted on the eastern border, because _I_ am going to miss his family while he's gone. I'll be reading all about his adventures and loving them, but I'm sure I'll be wondering the whole time what Sinnarn is up to, and what's up with Eilian (ah, Eilian!) and who Thranduil is worrying about that day.
Write more, please, Daw: write lots and lots!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the ceremony. Nilmandra and I brainstormed about what a coming of age ceremony might look like when she was writing one for Elrond in "History Lessons," and a lot of the ideas emerged then. Hers is amusing because it takes place on a battlefield where they've already missed too many meals and too much sleep, so they basically toss Elrond in an icy river, warm him up again, and go straight to the feasting.
In my head, Eilian already has a daughter whom he spoils rotten, much to Celuwen's exasperation. He's a very loving guy; Celuwen is right about that. He has always loved Legolas in that unreserved way that we associate with mothers, I think.
And as an author, I am also a little worried about Legolas leaving home because it will make it harder for me to get all the characters together. Even up until now, I've had to work hard to bring Eilian in contact with everyone else sometimes. Hm. I'll have to think on that one.
Thank you for the lovely long review!
Dot
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
This chapter was a complete triumph. Was it difficult to write? It just struck me as somewhat complex in the range of different emotions to the point that it unsettled me slightly – which is its genius, I think, because while Legolas takes this step into adulthood it is the emotions of those around him that show the true significance of the day.
The different parts of the ritual were beautiful and clearly well thought out. I loved the flashbacks during the ceremony itself. It’s interesting to see the scenes that stand out in Thranduil’s mind – they all seem to be filled with pride on his part and little moments of Legolas unexpectedly proving his worth. I really enjoyed watching Legolas reach this moment that he had been longing for – isn’t it strange to hear him being called ‘Lord’ Legolas?! – but like I say, I thought the best thing about this chapter were the glimpses almost ‘behind the scenes’.
I’m glad that Alfirin spoke to Thranduil. That must have taken some courage, and I’m equally glad that he accepted her views and admitted his tendency to take control.
Annael and Elowen went! Legolas will really miss his friend when they’re split up. I really like the way Annael looked after Legolas and knew what he wanted before Legolas did himself. And poor Elowen. I breathed a sigh of relief when Thelion went over to her in an attempt to rescue her from her thoughts.
Ah Thranduil. I hope he doesn’t dwell too much on childhood left behind. You did an amazing job with him here. It was such a beautiful picture of him bathing his son, just as he did when he was a helpless elfling. It was so sad that he suddenly realised that life in Mirkwood means that a weapon is considered a great gift and a sign of adulthood. I was just thinking how hard it must have been for him to watch this last child of his enter adulthood at this time when the son he last performed this ceremony with is standing by, deep in despair from the weight of the shadow and all that life has thrown at him. He must surely wonder if this is also in the future of this excited young elf standing before him.
I cried for Eilian in this chapter. I was so relieved that Thranduil reacted immediately on instinct and sent for the healer. I couldn’t bear the thought of Eilian suffering any more. The saddest part for me was Thranduil admitting to himself that his tie to Eilian was the weakest. You showed so well, though, how the shadow has affected him. His spirit seems to be completely despairing. This melancholy elf isn’t the Eilian we all know and love! Ithilden is right to take him out of the south for a while. I just wish Eilian wouldn’t fight it. I’ve become so attached to these characters that it actually hurts to see him so angry all the time! I think I had the same reaction as Thranduil, by the way, at Eilian giving Legolas his protection charm. It was such a selfless gift but Eilian without protection worries me! I really can’t wait to see how he fares. It’ll be strange now if Legolas leaves home – what’ll happen all the rest of these characters?!
I’ve probably left out half the things I should have said, but suffice to say I thought it was a truly brilliant chapter:)
Author's reply
In the last couple of days, I've been watching the extended DVD of TTT. And at one point, Peter Jackson says that when they shot the battle of Helm's Deep, he decided that they needed to see the human side of battle, that what mattered was what people were feeling and experiencing in the midst of this huge event. That rang true to me. It's what I try to do in battle scenes and in this chapter too. I think what we care about is how people feel and react.
I was afraid that this chapter, with all the ritual, would feel too distant and dehumanized. It needed to be ritualistic, which is not everyday stuff, but we still needed to feel along with these characters, so I concentrated on their feelings, working that in wherever I could. And Eilian turned out to be key. I knew I wanted Eilian present for the ceremony. That's been in my outline from the start. But when he left Legolas without saying goodbye after the fire, it occurred to me that he was unhappy. And as soon as I wrote the greeting between him and Thranduil, I could feel the whole emotional balance of the chapter changing. There was this dark piece running along side the elation and high feeling of the coming of age. It seemed to ground it.
Oh dear. I seem to be taking myself much too seriously. I am just writing fan fic after all. But I have a really good time doing it!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
I have only one thing to say - you WILL tell us how he fares on the Eastern border, won't you?
There was so much I liked about this chapter - the coming of age ritual was so symbolic, Legolas providing for his people, and I loved Thranduil's memories of his son as an elfling.
So Legolas is now officially an adult - but Thranduil and his family will not stop caring and worrying. I am reminded of my own son - 19, and legally adult in the UK, driving and working - but he is still my son, living at home, to whom I say 'Don't be too late home!' when he goes out.
Jay
Author's reply
I think a story about Legolas (and Beliond) on the eastern border is in order. I just need to devise a plot!
Thranduil still worries about Eilian, who is 60 years older than Legolas. I can't imagine he will let Legolas go very easily, but at least the kid will be out of sight.
JustMe
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Your description of the coming of age ceremony was awesome! I could visualize the entire thing based on your verbal description. I really loved the little "flashbacks" running through the minds of the participants. That really made me feel like a part of the family!
I was really glad that Eilian could make it to the ceremony, I think it meant alot to Legolas to have him there. It was really thoughtful of him to take his naneth's place and present his brother with a token. I had to laugh at Eilian's reaction to the news that Legolas would be posted to a border patrol! Of all the people to worry about an assignment being dangerous...! The "dance" between Sinnarn and Ithilden was precious beyond words. These are the moments that an Ada has to make the most of, because as Eilian points out, they won't last long enough!
A commander's job is never easy, is it? On one hand he has made one brother very happy, but the other one is very much less than pleased with his decision. I loved Ithilden's thought that Eilian was a pain in the "backside". That was great!! Made me giggle out loud! I can't wait to see how you develop the relationship between Legolas and Beliond. Sounds like neither one of them is too pleased with the "partnership" right now. Once they get over their initial displeasure, I hope they are able to come to some sort of understanding - it sure will be interesting to see what happens next!
Author's reply
I enjoyed writing the flashbacks. The chance to do them was the primary reason I didn't tell that part of the story from Legolas's point of view. And there is a lot of irony in Eilian's sheltering of his little brother. When he came of age, he spent 6 months in the Home Guard and made such a pain of himself that Ithilden agreed to send him to the Southern Patrol!
The idea of serious, overburdened Ithilden laughing and dancing with his son in his arms made me smile too. I hope it will be a few years yet before Sinnarn drives him as crazy as his brothers do.
I think I'll have to write about Legolas's first few months as a warrior next. He and Beliond are too good to resist!
caz - baz
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
we won! yay we won the rugby world cup! we are the champions! yay!
but my brother plays rugby for his 1st team and he always comes home bruised so far this season he's been - kicked in the face - 4 black eyes (not all at once) - bruised ribs and other parts cuts and scrapes all over and you get the picture his best friend broke his arm but the stupid NHS said it was nothing to worry about and he carried on playing rugby with it for 7 weeks before the doctors finally realised it was broken, stupid NHS! any way thats great! yay. better go got histoire.
Author's reply
Congratulations! Your brother sounds tough enough to withstand warrior training!
LOTRFaith
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Poor Ithilden. In some ways he has more responsibilities than Thranduil does. And he probably has to face more irrate warriors than Thranduil does as well. lol.
Poor Eilian, a break is just what he needs, but is something that doesn't seem to rest upon his shoulders to well. I can see how Thranduil and Elilian can't really get along, in many ways they are both the same, and in that they seem to differ. :-) If that makes any sense.
I loved how Alfirin asked Thranduil to not interfer with parenting Sinnarn. I liked how despite Thranduil is her father-in-law, she still feels as though she can approach him as if he was her own adar. :-)
Namaarie!
LOTRFaith
Author's reply
I suspect Thranduil sees his share of irate visitors. The settlers are his responsibility under normal circumstances, for instance. But Ithilden does carry a heavy burden and he does it so well.
In my opinion, if Thranduil would make it clear that he approves of Eilian, Eilian would make more effort to behave in a way his father approves of (if that makes any sense!).
naneth
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
This chapter had too many wonderful moments to mention them all. This truly was a bittersweet chapter. The joy of seeing their son/baby brother grow up was so wrapped up in memories and the sadness of seeing their son/baby brother grow up that it tugged powerfully on my heartstrings. They grow so quickly!
Thank goodness for those moments Legolas was called "my lord"! His bemusement gave me a chuckle each time. But his reaction to Maldor was the best, along with Eilian's statement that tomorrow he would go back to being "Legolas are you bored?" on the training fields. That was one of your best lines ever.
Again, I am just amazed at your ability to "give birth" to these incredible ceremonies and traditions. What an amazing and complex mind you have!
I am really looking forward to Legolas and his "keeper" working things out, that promises to be interesting! The two of them are in for some grand adventures , I'm sure.
This story is just so wonderful. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Author's reply
Legolas's family is having a hard time letting him go and so am I!
I have to share credit for the coming of age ceremony with my beta, Nilmandra. We brainstormed about what one would look like when she was writing about Elrond coming of age in "History Lessons." Mine shares many moments (a bath, for instance, although poor Elrond was tossed in a cold river) and also differs because it does not take place on a battlefield and is carried out by Wood-elves millennia after Elrond's. But I think you could see a thread connecting them.
My guess is that Maldor would be extra careful to keep "Lord Legolas" in line the next time he shows up on the training field!
Jebb
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Good job I stocked up on tissues as this had me crying from start to finish.The coming of age ceremony was stunning the detail amazing and exactly what I would think such a ceremony would entail.
Poor Eilian so much angst but I am glad he was able to be there for Legolas.
Thranduil and Alfirin come to an understanding but I don't think he will let go that easily! Especially since his own baby will soon be gone and of course Ithilden the rock on which his brothers and father have come to depend.
So sorry this story has reached its conclusion but I look forward to many others some with Legolas exploring his new status as an adult and some I hope as an elfling Legolas with much interaction with his adar and brothers
thank you for your wonderful writing
Author's reply
Is it wrong of me to be glad I made you cry?
One of the things my last couple of stories have done is given me a much firmer grasp on the character of Ithilden, who was the OC I had the hardest time pinning down. I have come to admire him and think that his family and people are lucky to have him.
I do want to do some more young Legolas stories. It's too much fun not to.
Fadesintothewest
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Oh my, I am now so worried about Eilian, but at once pleased. I do hope that being in the Border Patrol will give him time to really consider and spend time with Celuwen. I think this next part of Eilian's life will bring a strange peace for him despite the encroaching Shadow.
I look forward to reading about Legolas' experiences in the Border Patrol. Although probably a busy time with Thanksgiving and all, I do very much look forward to your next story!
Author's reply
I have to cook turkey, so I'm not sure how much I'll write this week, but I'm looking forward to doing a border patrol story. I'm thinking that Eilian and Celuwen may have to wait a while yet to have a peaceful time together. :-(
Fadesintothewest
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 12: Children
Ah, it's nice to sit down after a long trip and find I have 2 chapters to read! So Legolas will serve in the Border Patrol, it seems like the best place for him. Oh I can so understand Thranduil's desire to keep Legolas safe, to keep him from growing up. And again, what a lovely beginning to Legolas' coming of age.
Author's reply
The Border Patrol is a nice compromise and gives me interesting stories to write, I think. All of them find it so hard to let Legolas go. It's a good thing they have Sinnarn.
Arbelethiel
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
I’m not sure whether to be happy that the story reached a conclusion, or sad because there will be no more chapters for a little while.
I loved the ceremony. I like the idea of a formal ritual to mark the coming of age, and yours was really interesting. Beginning with a reminder of what life as an adult is and then renouncing knowingly to childhood to step into adulthood. And it felt decidedly Elvish and non-human.
From experience, I can tell you that the next time you are on the training fields you will once again be ‘Legolas-am-I-boring-you?’
LOL I can imagine that Eilian, being Eilian, had a number of let’s say disagreements with Maldor when he was himself a novice.
At least we of the House of Oropher are all consistent
Well, Legolas don’t seem to agree :)
Alfirin may be all soft, but she hides a spine of steel :)
It takes some getting used to, as I recall
Legolas is not the only one who has to get used to it, and “Lord Legolas” definitely sounds strange to my ears too ;)
Congratulations on finishing another wonderful story, and please do not let us waiting for the next one too long,
~Arbelethiel
P.S. Typo alert! The purpose this bath is to cleanse your body The “of” is missing.
Author's reply
I would imagine that Maldor believed that Eilian needed a fairly firm hand and was willing to provide it. I have in mind someday to write a story in which Legolas hears stories of his brothers' youths. I can picture Eilian as a novice, resisting Maldor and behaving badly toward Celuwen. That would be fun to write about.
It actually felt odd to type "Lord Legolas" too.
I think that next I need to do a story about Legolas and Beliond getting to know one another a little. I hadn't planned to do that next until I wrote the scene in which they meet. Then suddenly I could see all kinds of possibilities.
Thanks for the typo alert. I fixed it on SoA.
Elena Tiriel
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 12: Children
What a beautiful chapter!
I especially liked the novice masters' well-reasoned recommendations, and Legolas' vigil. Definitely a huge transition point in his life!
Author's reply
The novice masters did well. They come across as very concerned about their charges. But they did not want to be the ones to tell Thranduil!
kalile
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
I really love all the characters here: Thranduil wanting to be happy for Legolas' achievements...but also mourning the loss of his elfling. Ithilden always ending up on the wrong end of a decision dealing with his brothers...and of course, Eilian, our always wonderfully stubborn Southern Border Patrol Captain.
In 'Question of Duty' Beliond and Legolas seemed to still be at odds with one another, but I think that's more Legolas resenting any sort of keeper than anything personal to Beliond. As warrios at least they should learn to respect and trust one another on the battlefield and I look forward to seeing that happen. :wink wink:
I enjoyed Alfrin's talk with Thranduil...It would seem likely with the advent of losing his youngest son, that he would want to do some parenting with his grandchild, so I hope Alfrin won't stick to her guns too much on letting Thranduil spoil him a bit. =D
It really upsetted me to read of the rift between Thranduil and Eilian and I hope their reconciliation will be part in Eilian's recovery (which Ithiliden wisely understands won't be an overnight sensation.)
Thanks for updating so frequently, daw. My thoughts will be pleasantly filled with dancing elflings tonight.
Author's reply
You know, Tolkien gives us this wonderful sweeping epic story about good and evil and a desperate struggle for survival. But what I am really interested in is how the people caught up in that struggle react to it, what it does to them and to their attempts to live just normal lives. And of course, even families not in such a pressured situations are usually not free from conflict. So the things you pick out are the things I really like to write about.
I think a story about Legolas's first few months as a warrior should be next on my list.
The Karenator
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
A very nice wrap-up, daw. The symbolism of the ceremony was well done, but it was Thranduil's remembrances that got to me. Oh my. I was very glad to see Eilian and had wondered if it was acceptable for someone of another gender to take on assigned roles. I always thought that Eilian was the best choice to take his naneth's role. The funny thing about Eilian feeling weighed down by shadow..though I didn't know that was what it was at the time...was how strongly I felt it. You did a terrific job of giving him that heavy slow feeling of despair.
Sinnarn was a sweet note...sort of that circle of life thing. And what Eilian said about him being grown in five minutes...well, it's so true.
Legolas was certainly thrilled at the news of his posting...Eilian was not. "At least we of the House of Oropher are all consistent, he thought." I chuckled at this...very good. I hoped there for a minute that Ithilden was going to post Eilian to the eastern border, too, but I suppose that would defeat the purpose of giving Legolas sometime without his family hovering.
This ended very nicely, but gives you some good fodder for the fire. Eilian and Legolas in new roles...and Thranduil with only Sinnarn to fuss over....yes, new things to consider. I really enjoyed this...just as I do all your stories. Thanks for sharing. Karen
Author's reply
I really enjoyed writing Thranduil's remembrances. It was the opportunity to do those that led me to tell the scene through Thranduil's eyes rather than Legolas's. And Eilian *had* to be there. He has always seemed to me to be maternal toward Legolas, and I don't think he gives a damn about gender roles. Now all he needs is a long vacation. And a bath. Definitely a bath. He missed out in this story. I shall have to atone for that.
I know that Legolas needs to be apart from his family. It's right for the character. But I have to say that it makes for challenging writing because it's much harder to get everyone in the same place, and I like family dynamics. I suppose there will be plenty of dynamics with Beliond if I write about that next.
Aly
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
I really enjoyed Legolas' coming of age ceremony. Having Eilian show up for it was a nice touch, along with giving Legolas his own protection charm. I just hope that's not forshadowing of something bad happening to Eilian! I don't want to loose him as a character in your stories. Hopefully this time away from the southern patrol will help him to heal from shadow.
I'd really like to see some more interaction with Legolas and his keeper. hehe...but that can also come in future stories (HINT!).
Wonderful writing as always.
Aly
Author's reply
I need to do something about that rune of protection for Eilian. I can probably make a nice plot element out of it if I try! ;-)
I think you are likely to get what you are asking for. I hadn't planned to write about Legolas's first patrols until I wrote the scene in which Legolas meets Beliond for the first time. And then suddenly, I could see possiblities.
meckinock
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Ithilden and Eilian at each other's throats, Eilian having adjustment issues, Legolas just happy as a clam with no idea what he's getting into - this is wonderful! Wait - the story can't be over!! Hey, that's not fair!
Author's reply
LOL. There will be another story. There always is. I think I have to start the next one soon after the end of this one because, as you point out, there's a lot going on.
When will we see a new story from you?
Nilmandra
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
So many good things about this chapter - the coming of age ceremony was beautiful. Naked elves, tending their naked elfling - truly a lovely idea :D
The words were beautiful, and I am glad Eilian came home - and not just for Legolas' coming of age. The effects of shadow are great on him, and he does need to cycle home for a while.
Sinnarn was as cute as Legolas so long ago, and Thranduil and Alfirin were quite good together. She has been a wonderful presence in the life of this family.
And, I am still voting, now that this story is done, for you to write about Legolas' first real patrol and learning to work with Beliond. :D:D Pretty please?
Author's reply
As I recall, the nakedness was your idea! I was just going to have Legolas remember all this stuff. But as it happens, I am not made of stone and had a good time writing about it. A really good time.
Once I wrote it, I was actually charmed by the picture of serious Ithilden laughing and dancing with his little kid. And poor Eilian. I have to remember to do something about that rune of protection.
As always, thank you for all your help. The story is much better because you beta read it.
tapetum lucidum
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
I am glad he was able to catch a deer for his feast. There must be some pressure to get one. Your ritual descriptions were excellent as usual. Eilian's home! I am so glad he made it to his brother's big day. What is wrong? Obviously Thranduil has what ever it is under control as usual.
Ritual bath? What a great idea! Naked Legolas, Thranduil and Ithilden. Why don't you send in Eilian and just kill me? Does he need any more help washing?
Legolas heart felt welcome to Eilian was very sweet. The are obviously a little closer than he and Ithilden and they have a lot more in common.
Thranduil's flashbacks to his baby's growing up was incredible. What a great idea! It must have been a bittersweet day for him indeed. It is very sad that their gifts of adulthood were weapons. Excellent point.
You handled the "My Lord" thing very well. I knew you would. Somehow I didn't think his commanders and instructors would be required to call him that in a military situation. A new salutation always takes time to adjust to but it is a happy adjustment.
Eilian and Ithilden's conversation was very productive. No wonder poor Eilian is such a wreck. He has been through a lot recently and I am glad you are giving him a vacation. My favorite line: "Perhaps all warriors were plagues to their families and he simply did not know it." LOL - that was a great one.
This one seems to be winding up. :-(
Tapetum
Author's reply
It *is* wound up, I'm sad to say. It would have wound up even sooner but my beta wanted to see the last scene with Ithilden and his brothers. That wasn't in here at first, so you have her to thank for your favorite line. Actually, I think she also requested the naked elves. I would have sent Eilian in (after all, he'll be all sweaty from travel and stuff ;-)) but he was too depressed.
I loved writing the flashbacks. I thought of doing them while I was writing Annael's coming of age. Up until then, I wasn't sure whether to do Legolas's through his eyes or his father's eyes, but after I had done Annael's through Legolas's eyes, I realized I could use Thranduil and do these nice flashbacks to the baby, the kid, and the adolescent. I'll probably write about Legolas's first patrols in the next story, but I'm going to have to go back and do more with young Legolas too. It's too much fun not to.
Elemmire
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 13: Adults
Hm...you managed to get Thranduil naked again, which is always a good thing, but I was hoping for Eilian too. ;)
I really like the coming-of-age ceremony that you have written - it feels just right for them. But I feel sorry for Thranduil now - Legolas of age & off to the border, and unable to assert the control he wants to over his grandson.
Elemmire
Author's reply
Naked elves are good! Eilian was too depressed to strip for this story. I think I have to work on that, though. I am sure he has a good body and is very good looking in general. Ahem. I must meditate on that for a while! Excuse me.
Molly
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 12: Children
The thing that struck me most about this chapter was how bittersweet the ending was. Legolas doesn't realize it right now, but he should enjoy the connection he has with Arda while he can because presumably he won't be able to find it again after the war. Or, if he does, it will be much weaker after he hears the call of the sea. Poor thing! I'm looking forward to the rest of the ceremony.
Author's reply
Oh wow, Molly. What an excellent reminder. That was what Galadriel told him: that if he heard the cry of the gulls, he would no longer live in joy under the trees. How sad. I think that Tolkien's story is really melancholy. It's about loss as well as victory and no one comes through unscathed. I wonder if PJ will do the sea longing.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 12: Children
I seem to remember that jeweled dagger being a problem once before... He should put it away before Sinnarn finds it. I enjoyed the King and Wizard's discussion about the council. It is always good to hear another perspective. I wonder if Gandalf suspects which way Saruman is headed. Sinnarn's comment about Mithrandir's beard was very cute. Kids can always take us down a notch when our heads get a little too big.
Only two novices graduating? I thought it would be more. I liked how you gave Annael exceptional skill with woodcraft. It seems like he should excel at something. Posting him in the home guard is a good place for him for now. It will take him time to get over his father's death. Penntalion's gushing over the prince was very cute. It is nice to see an old stoic warrior get excited about something. It was clear that the instructors took a lot of time preparing their arguement. Apparently they were ready for some resistance from Ithilden. Perhaps he is not as objective as he wants to be.
Ahh, Grandparents interfering in child raising. That is NEVER a problem. (hahaha). It would be worse for immortals because all of your parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents, etc are all still alive and well. How many generations of criticism can one set of parents put up with? shudder... I completely understand Ithilden's mixed emotions when confronting his father. You handled it very well.
Legolas' vigil was very well written. From his fear to being weaponless, releasing his problems and finally bonding with Arda it was a nice emotional ride. Well done!
Tapetum
Author's reply
When Legolas started novice training (in "The Novice"), I had him start with Annael and Tonduil but then Tonduil dropped out. I thought that there would be few children among the elves at any given time because if that were not so, the population would soon outgrow its environment, given that, theoretically at least, they did not die.
I am trying to write a little scene between Alfirin and Thranduil about how grandparents should behave. We'll see how it goes!
The Karenator
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 12: Children
“The shadow does not wait. I will soon send my last son into the fight against it, Mithrandir, and still we retreat before it.” Thranduil grimaced.
This seems to cut to the heart of the matter. It's not just Thranduil, personally, but all of the Woodland Realm continues to make sacrifices and yet, they continue to be beseiged by shadow. The king's frustration was readily apparent in his words and even his body language. Well done, Daw.
I felt like a fly on the wall during Ithilden's meeting with the novice masters and I have to say...I liked eavesdropping on a gathering of elves. The novice masters always amaze me at how well they not only know their charges, but how much care they put into their decisions and in this case, recomendations. Ithilden does a good job of trying to separate his personal feelings from his professional ones, but I think his heart still did clutch a bit at the thought of sending his youngest brother into danger. Of course, all those big strong male elves turned tail when the subject of telling the king came up. I couldn't help but laugh.
The ceremony was lovely. What a nice touch for a part of the purpose of the vigil to be for the young elf to take stock and find balance in his life. For some reason I thought that Thranduil and Ithilden would stay with him, but I liked your way much better. I guess that's why their presence is called 'keeping watch'. I also thought about how vulnerable Legolas must feel being in the forest...unarmed. I hope Thranduil isn't too rusty if trouble shows up!
Well, the grandfather Thranduil....He painted himself into a corner with Ithilden about Legolas...much to Ithilden's advantage...and, I'm sure, Thranduil's chagrin. Funny how grandparents are more lenient with grandchildren than they were their own offspring. I look forward to seeing how this plays out. Another wonderful chapter. I look forward to rest of the Legolas's coming of age and pledging his service to the king. :>)Karen
Author's reply
Mirkwood is in deep trouble. How maddening it must be to have these other powerful elves seemingly ignoring them.
Ithilden was appalled by the masters' recommendation but he rose to the occasion and tried to do what was best for his brother and the realm. I love the guy. And I don't blame the masters for not wanting to tell Thranduil about where his baby was going. Ithilden was lucky that his father gave him an opening.
I'm not sure I'll get to the pledging ceremony. I had thought I would but the chapter is already getting long so maybe I'll let it go.
meckinock
· 22 November 2003
· Chapter 12: Children
As always, I loved Thranduil's frustration and impatience with the worsening situation and with Elrond - loved the line, "Time rushes past us." Great solution to the problem of where to post Legolas, and it shows Ithilden's leadership abilities and sense of fairness that he would not only accept that recommendation but defend it to his father. I think Legolas could have some rough times ahead with Beliond, though. The vigil was very moving - "the sleepy murmur of the trees" -in the way it calmed Legolas and eased his fears.
Author's reply
I'm intrigued by the idea that the Elven rings stopped time and that the Elves in Lorien particularly, but also in Rivendell, tried to preserve the past. But I think the Elves in Mirkwood, where there was no ring of power, were immersed in time as we know it and that time was running out for them.
I am looking forward to writing about Legolas and Beliond!