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Sons of Kings by jenolas	7 Review(s)
Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
Ack, poor Thranduil. I guess that even though he knew his son had been touched by the sea-longing, it’s only when he is in this place and hears the trees lament the fact that Legolas’ heart cannot find true solace in their song that it really drives home what he’s suffered. I’m glad Legolas finds the sound of the stream soothing rather than a torment. Oh, I just loved the image of Legolas tugging on Thranduil’s sleeve. For a moment it’s as though he’s a child again, excited about his new project and wondering what his beloved adar will think. Actually, my favourite moment from this chapter has to be the silent communication between Thranduil and his own father and it’s kind of similar in a way, albeit with a poignant sense of longing to know how Oropher would feel if he could see what has finally been accomplished. It must be hard for so many of those left to know that even though peace has been achieved and the elves can live as they were intended to do, so many of those who fought longest and hardest for something in which they truly believed aren’t around to see it. But then, sadly that’s the way of life and it’s nice to think that Oropher was at least there in spirit to share the joy of his son and grandson. LOL at Thranduil teasing Legolas about Gimli. Excellent judgment in choosing friends, indeed. But it shows tremendous courage and generosity on his part to put past grudges behind him and recognise how the war and all its tragedy affected everyone and should bring them closer rather than separate them further. Plus, he loves his son and it’s just wonderful to see how much he wants him to be happy. Btw, I really like the fact that there are specific tables there for the Dwarves – it shows that they must be regular and very welcome visitors. “Then rather than come here alone you should have shown a little more respect for your father’s wishes, and arrived with your escort as your status demand. No doubt those chosen to protect their prince consider it an honour to do so.” Oops, guess he never thought of it like that. I have to admit, I didn’t either but of course it could be viewed as an insult to both the escort and his father if Eldarion just rides off and leaves them to follow whenever they realise he’s gone. Thranduil will definitely be good for Eldarion, I think. He’s experienced life as a prince and king and though elves would have different customs, he still might have a better understanding of Eldarion’s life than even Aragorn, who led a completely different life until he found himself quite suddenly king. Ah well, we’ll see how things turn out ;-) Author Reply: Yes, there is still a very hard lesson for Eldarion to learn, and it will be Thranduil who will teach it in the upcoming chapter. I am rather fond of the part you like as well, after all, Elves love their children dearly and although Thranduil has been an adult for goodness knows how long, he is still Oropher's son. I am certain his Adar watches the tapestries and is very proud of both Thranduil and Legolas.

Nikara	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
It is a relief to see Thranduil finally making peace with the dwarves. Great job on this chapter. Author Reply: Thanks, I hope you enjoy the rest jut as much.

Wantanelf	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
I really love how you have handled Legolas and Thranduil in the last two chapters. Their relationship is so touching and bittersweet. This story is really taking unexpected turns. I can't wait to see what comes up next. Author Reply: There is much love and respect between father and son and I hope that is the message you read.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
Thranduil must indeed have felt pain when he saw Legolas's sea longing. It's interesting that the stream comforted him. I liked the ending, with it's reminder of the restrictions that Eldarion has to live under. Author Reply: As he is learning, the life of a royal is a lot harder than it appears.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
An absolutely delightful chapter! I love the interaction between Thranduil and Legolas and Thranduil's reflections both on living in the trees vs the caves and Legolas' sealonging were well done. But the end was classic. I can just see Thranduil telling Eldarion to go behave like a prince but I will bet it stung when Legolas agreed. Great chapter. Author Reply: Thanks. Eldarion was surely surprised at Legolas's reaction, but had he thought about it, he would have realised that Legolas was actually trying to be supportive.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
Oh poor Eldarion - he's still in trouble! It must be difficult to remember to act in accordance with his rank all the time. On the other hand, I'm delighted that Thranduil accepts Gimli so warmly, and can even tease Legolas about his friendship. Jay Author Reply: And no wonder, Gimli is such a likeable character, after all!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/10/2004
I somehow have the feeling that Eldarion will find it easier to take instruction on royal behaviour and kingship from Thranduil than from his own father. Quite apart from the fact that it is almost always easier to learn from non-family members, Thranduil has such a presence and so many centuries of experience and seeing Legolas in his adar's company will be a teaching experience that needs no words. It probably doesn't help Eldarion that he is the first in his family to have to come to terms with the rules governing his existence. Faramir probably has more idea of the implications than Aragorn, who grew up as Elrond's foster son, but went out into the wild to learn to do things his way. And even Faramir would have far less idea of the pressures of being the heir to the ruler than Boromir would have done. And all the stories with which Eldarion has grown up are about adventure and excitement and freedom - and he is stuck with etiquette and guards and control. Author Reply: Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the more salient points of the story so far. It gives me great plesure to learn of any reader's interpretations, and even more so when they are in agreement with the message I am trying to convey. Yes,I agree with you in regards to both Eldarion's interaction with Thranduil and Legolas and his place as the first of the 'new' kings of men. Aragorn lived a completely different life, but he is also surrounded by an entirely different set of circumstances, not the least of which is his mixed heritage which may become a problem in the future..but that is giving the plot away. In many ways it is all new to them both, thus the 'growing pains', some of which Legolas probably empathises with, but more likely it is Thranduil, who was brought up as the king's on and then became the king (a role that Legolas is not expecting to have to assume), who can assist the young prince (and later even Aragorn to some extent) the most..at least that is my direction for the next chapters.

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