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Sons of Kings by jenolas	7 Review(s)
Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/17/2004
I’m enjoying this story so much! I really liked the part with the banner. It’s such a lovely thought that Aragorn treasures the one Arwen made for him and ensures that it is always the one used when he travels. After he’s gone it would be a wonderful reminder to Eldarion of the history his parents shared and the great battle that heralded the more peaceful times into which he was born. Arwen’s great love for and pride in her son really comes through too in her gift of a banner to him. That moment of pride that Eldarion then feels in his royal house is great to see. LOL at Faramir and Sarien staring in utter awe at Thranduil! I imagine he’s probably used to it by now, though… I love the thought that the trees have such respect for the rangers. I’d say it made Faramir’s day to be told that the trees know him. It’s just so sad that Legolas can’t understand the trees as much as he wants to and I thought it was a really touching image when Thranduil puts his arm around his waist to try and offer some comfort. I do like Sarien. I agree with Thranduil – there’s nothing wrong with him recognising how good he is, especially when he doesn’t have an iota of arrogance about him. And ah, an archery contest! Your characters are extremely fond of those! It should prove very interesting. “Is there not something you are forgetting my son?” I had to laugh at Thranduil’s little reprimand. It seems that it’s just as strange for Legolas to see these guests as official visitors as it is for the guests themselves to act as such. And they’ve built their own cottage??! It’s good to see that Eldarion and his friend are so very much at home here, even if they were in Ithilien rather more often that they were supposed to be! That whole part about deciding what to wear was so funny, especially when Eldarion is reminded of conversations his sisters and their friends have. I felt kind of bad for them when they were so overdressed, though. I was so glad Thranduil chose to see it as respect for himself and immediately put them at their ease. Oh, I just loved the description of the freedom and informality of the feast. It’s so very wood-elfy to dress so simply with flowers in their hair and bare feet. What a beautiful image. I see Legolas wears a mithril circlet when in Minas Tirith. I suppose they’d all think he was a bit mad if he turned up with leaves around his head. That conversation about stewards and stubborn kings and their sons was brilliant. I love to see them all so at ease with each other. “Tell me, my lord, what was the first official duty you performed as King?” cringe I know that was probably pure thoughtlessness on the part of Eldarion but…ouch, poor Thranduil. Those were certainly not memories he would have wanted to relive on such a happy occasion. I really felt for him too being the one who has to help Eldarion see the reality of his position as crown prince. I suppose Eldarion must have known the circumstances that would lead to his ascent to the throne but no doubt he never really thought about it. Ah well, a perfectly good night is ruined for them now. Thranduil’s own loss has been brought to the fore again and it must have been a terrible shock for Eldarion to suddenly realise what has to happen for him to become king. It must be really hard to be trained all his life for a position he can only take up on the death of someone he loves. Can’t wait for more! :-) Author Reply: The archery contest...perhaps a bit of male posturing or Elves versus Men beneath the fun, do you think? Yes, Eldarion is still immature enough to suffer from the old 'foot in mouth' problem but Thranduil knows how to deal with Eldarion's realisation and the pain of grief in a gentle manner, have no fear on that point. More soon, updates are taking longer because I am indulging myself and savouring the very great pleasure I am experiencing in writing this tale.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/16/2004
Another great chapter. I like the bantering between Eldarion and Thranduil about stewards. That was great. The ending was certainly a shocker--perfectly true, but one heck of a thing to think about for Eldarion. Author Reply: The truth of Thranduil's words can not be denied, but his response will certainly be an eye opener for the young prince.

Tinnuial	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/16/2004
Oh dear....I hope Thranduil is not offended. A lovely chapter as always and I love the Thranduil you have written. Such a refreshing change from the beastly elf-kings floating around elsewhere.... Your Thranduil is playful yet serious when he needs to be, majestic, a wonderful father and absolutely gorgeous (I imagine ;) Just Perfect!!!! Thanks for the new chapter... :) Author Reply: Do I sense you are another admirer of the stunning, majestic and most definitley gorgeous King of Eryn Lasgalen? You are not alone in this, you know!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/16/2004
Eldarion can do the formality, if pushed, but he really doesn't have the intellectual maturity for this yet - which is hardly surprising - considering he's - what? - somewhere between 16 and 20 or so. What did he think would be the first concern of a new king? Since you only inherit the throne on the death of the previous incumbent! (Except Aragorn, of course - he's rather a heap of centuries too late to have to see to the obsequies of the last king.) I rather enjoyed seeing the Prince of Mirkwood being picked up by his adar for not behaving in a suitably host-like manner. Parents never change! And the trees being aware of the rangers and approving of them - lovely image; although it's a shame that Legolas doesn't have the understanding of the trees that his adar does. Author Reply: Closer to 20 at this stage, which is still quite young considering his life span is likely to be longer than most due to his Numenorean/elf blood heritage, at least that is how I see it. Legolas is also still quite a young adult (for an elf), and is doted upon by his adar. The sea longing is to blame for Legolas's loss of rapport with the trees, who seem to be developing as a character in their own right...hmm.

Lianna	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/16/2004
Poor Eldarion. He sure didn't see THAT coming. Author Reply: No, but remember he is still very naive in his thinking on some matters.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/16/2004
Oh dear. Eldarion can still be rather crass at times, can't he? That was a rather unfortunate question - poor Thranduil. I was a little disappointed in the feast - I'd hoped to see both Thranduil AND Legolas in formal regalia, complete with crowning circlets. King and Prince, in all their glory ... sigh. Maybe another time? Jay Author Reply: There is a reason for the informality which will come to light in the next chapter, and of course Thranduil and son are yet to attend the banquet in Minas Tirith, surely a formal enough occasion to suit your fancy, Jay! :)

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/16/2004
That is a shocking thought for Eldarion! I liked the part earlier in the chapter where Eldarion thinks that his experience has taught him that his wishes were not always to be granted. That harkens back to earlier chapters quite nicely. Author Reply: Thanks, I am delighted to know that you find some plot consistency in the story. (Was that on the list of 'guidelines not rules'? hehe.

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