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A Matter of Heart by daw the minstrel	25 Review(s)
pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/2/2005
Alfirin has a temper... she wouldn't back down to Ithilden, and he can be stubron at times... I think they'd be a good match Author Reply: You think like Thranduil and Alfirin's mother! They think these two would be a good match too. Ithilden needs someone as strong as he is, or he'd walk all over her.

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/13/2005
Alfirin's little conversation with her mother was well done. It is good to hear her voice her doubts and have her comforted as only a mother could do. Obviously the thought of supervising Legolas had not occurred to her. It shouldn't be too different than keeping an eye on Tonduil. Right? Of course, we all know not to question Thranduil's parenting skills. One of Eilian's maidens learned that early. Annael is a good friend to stop Legolas from letting his temper get the best of him. Boys are unmerciful to each other and if Galelas has found a sore spot he will keep poking at it. 10 points to Alfirin for handling a distraught elfling with skill. She made him feel better with what seemed like little effort. She even got a nice escort home. It is nice to see that Legolas admires his father and brother so much. It would be hard to learn to live with public scrutiny as an adult. Ithilden barely notices while Alfirin shudders with displeasure. Their little conversation about the stars demostrated the diversity in their backgrounds very well. I think they were interrupted by the juvenile deliquents at a good time. I was happy Legolas made the right decision. The mood certainly shifted but it all worked out well in the end. I thought the "bed you good night" was a typo, I bet Alfirin wished it was. I am glad she finally came clean and gave in to her heart. One good thing you can say about Turgon, he will stand by your side no matter what. It may be the dumbest idea ever but he will be there. He is the answer to the age old question "If Tonduil jumped off of a bridge, would you?" Turgon's answer would be "Yes, I would." What a wonderful picnic! You set a very romantic, sweet scene. The kiss was quite steamy, no wonder it was so hard for Ithilden to pull himself away. I think I would kill my younger brother. Alfirin was right, he should have trusted Legolas to get home himself, his presence was not exactly comforting to his youngest brother. It is true that Alfirin doesn't know the entire story but her instincts seem to be right on target. Ithilden seems to forget that she has a younger brother too. Go Alfirin's Naneth! I love her support of Alfirin and her willingness to stand up to Ithilden. It is just what everyone needs. Making up can be a lot of fun too. Thranduil showed himself as a master parent again. Legolas does need his support more than his punishment. Working with knives will not be easy. The king's amusement over Ithilden and Alfirin's quarrel was cute. I think he and Alfirin's Naneth will get along quite well. I tried to warn them about interfering with Legolas' parenting but they wouldn't listen. I have to take my 6 year old to drum lessons so I will finish later. What was I thinking getting a 6 year old drums for Christmas?! Oh well.. Looking forward to reading the rest. Author Reply: Holy cow. I was thinking of my response to your review as I read it and then I got to the part about the drums. You did that yourself? It wasn't a hostile relative? Wow. Someone once sent us a little snare drum as a marketing ploy -- it had "make a noise about X" on the side of it. It came while our son was not around and we threw it away instantly. I think Alfirin would be marrying into a very challenging situation and the year of betrothal is going to be useful to her. She keeps discovering new things, like people watching her in public. I don't think she's a person who would enjoy that a lot. And Ithilden is going to be oblivious to a lot of this. That 'bed you good night' comment was originally a typo I made when writing about these two for another story. I looked at it, laughed, and decided to save it for a good moment and this seemed to be it. Turgon on the other hand makes me sad. He is a good friend and he has about a month left to live. That's a crime. I comfort myself by believing that he was treated kindly in the Halls of Waiting and was probably waiting for Legolas in Valinor, where he had been taken in by much more sensible parents.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/5/2005
Turgon is a troublemaker and a bad influence but the fact is he was a good friend for Legolas in his own way. He provided a little rebellion, and Legolas needed that little streak in him to go on the Quest, and in situations like this one, he is a good unquestioning companion. I liked that part of this chapter. Poor kid. He's not long for this world and its sad to think about reading this--a big advantage to presenting these out of order. More angsty for your readers. On top, he found plates, silverware, and two carefully wrapped crystal goblets. He raised his eyebrows. He did not remember such elaborate tableware being used at the picnics on which he had gone with his parents. Very cute. I liked that little touch. I was enjoying their little picnic almost as much as they were until Legolas and Turgon showed up. That was a nasty little scene and I have to agree with Alfirin on it. It's hard for older brother/troop commander Ithilden to realize that Legolas is older and needs be allowed to made some of his own mistakes. I like that Alfirin states her opinion. Ithilden needs someone that is strong just as his father would. But of course it's a shame to ruin such a pretty day. Again, Alfirin's interaction with her mum on this was wonderful--definitely captures the perspective of the long married vs they newly in love. And Thranduil's interactions with both his sons were perfect. “Yes, she was. She said I should have shown more trust in him and sent him home alone.” To Thranduil’s ear, Ithilden sounded as much astounded as angry at the maiden’s criticism. A bubble of amusement rose in Thranduil’s chest. He tried to suppress it, but Ithilden’s sharp ears heard the slight sound that Thranduil could not quite contain. Ithilden looked at him sharply. “You find this amusing?” Relieved of having to dissemble, Thranduil grinned openly. “I do. I have always liked Alfirin, but I am beginning to think she is an even better match for you that I had originally believed.” Priceless! Author Reply: I feel so bad about Turgon, I can hardly stand it. He has a few weeks at to live at most. What was I thinking????? I have to write about Legolas in Valinor someday so he can meet Turgon again. I've been working on making Alfirin pretty deferential but still rock solid about the things that matter to her. I think she'd see Ithilden as the head of their family and would cater to him in most things. But if there was a matter of principle, she'd be absolutely unmoveable. Boy, does he have a lot to learn!

Brenda G.	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/24/2004
Hi, Daw. This is a great story so far, and (as usual) I am enjoying every word of it. Legolas just melts me (much like he does his father)in his current struggle to come back to himself. I was so glad that Thranduil let his heart and not his head rule when he confronted Legolas about skipping training with knives to go fishing with Turgon instead. Can you even imagine what it would feel like to know that you were responsible for someone's death? Even in defending one's self or another, it would still be an incredible weight to heft around, especially for such young shoulders. I thought Thranduil was extremely wise and gracious in the handling of his son. His embrace "without thinking" was quite telling indeed. I'm loving the tale of Ithilden and Alfirin! Oh ho! So, Miss Alfirin can speak her mind and stand in the gap for someone else! That sort of put Ithilden on his ear (right where he needed to be, I thought). Thranduil's response to Ithilden's news about Alfirin was great! As stern as the King comes across most of the time (and what he must be on most days), it is nice to see the lighter side of Thranduil. I'm looking forward to future chapters and for resolution to Legolas' reluctance to pick up his knives once more. He's a sweetheart, no longer an elfling, to be sure, but still a sweetheart. You write him so well. Keep up the good work, and Merry Christmas, Daw. I hope 2005 will be a particularly great year for you and yours. BG Author Reply: It is hard to imagine how that must feel to Legolas. I think we take the killing these warriors do too easily in fanfic sometimes. A ritual vomit at their first kill and presto! They're ready. But althought Legolas knows he did the right thing, his body and heart have not yet caught up with his head. Thranduil sometimes finds Ithilden very funny, which is cool because he's so serious. He laughed at Ithilden taking a younger Legolas camping, for instance. I think Ithilden needs that. Legolas won't get completely over his upset in this story because he's still ready to do a stupid thing at the start of "Prodigal Sons," which is set a month or so later. But he's getting better really. He's back at training for the most part and taking tiny steps forward. Have a Merry Christmas yourself, Brenda. Keep warm.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/23/2004
I'm glad that Thranduil handled Legolas the way he did. Just a small smile from Legolas made his father so happy. That was great. Ithilden deserves someone, who can match him in temperament when the need arises and not always give in to his formidable nature. I agree with Alfirin's mother: good for her. Author Reply: Thranduil was a good father in this chapter. He has a hard time sometimes balancing demanding the best from his sons with sympathizing with their troubles. This time, he knew that sympathy was needed and he gave it. I think all the parents know that these two are likely to marry, and they've probably been worrying if Alfirin can stand up to the pressures of life in the palace and marriage to such a strong male. But she seems to be doing just fine! :-)

Firnsarnien	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/23/2004
Ah, so they had their first quarrel hmmmm? LOL I'm glad Alfirin sticks up for Leggy. Ithilden was much too hard on him this time. He should have asked why Leggy was missing class instead of jumping down his throat right away. I think Alfirin is good for Ithilden. She's going to make him think more before he says or does anything. I think it may have been her influence on Ithilden that turns him into the Elf he is today that Thranduil respects and listens to often. He doesn't usually let other people tell him what to do but Ithilden does it in such a way that Thranduil cannot help but do it and not be resentful. That's all Alfirin right there, me thinks! ;) Poor Leggy. Seeing those knives must have surely freaked him out. sniff Poor Turgon too, always so willing to help out his friend without worrying what will happen to him. Everyone thinks so badly of him. sob And really, his heart is so in the right place all the time for Leggy and Annael. I always cringe knowing what his future holds for him. sniff But, I'll try to just enjoy his presence in this story without the feeling the bittersweetness of it. sniff See, it's your fault! You made me love him despite his mischievousness. sigh Great chappy as was the last. I can't wait for another. :) Hurry, hurry hurry! Yup, that's me, always impatient! LOL :) Author Reply: I'm glad Alfirin stuck up for Legolas too. I think it was tough for Ithilden to ask what was going on with Legolas, given that Alfirin and Turgon were both there and they don't know what happened. And Eru only knows, he's right to fear that Legolas might disappear into the forest. In a few weeks, that's what he and Turgon will do with disastrous results for Turgon. But Alfirin is also right that Legolas needs gentler handling. He needs kindness and she provides it. And she will be very good for Ithilden. I like to think that Turgon spent only a short time in the Halls of Mandos. He's a child after all. And then he was surely released into the care of more sensible, vigilant adults in Valinor.

Ms. Whatsit	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/22/2004
It seems to me that Legolas could, theoretically, "serve the realm" even while not being a warrior--as a healer, for example. Thranduil wishes to make sure his sons set an example by shouldering burdens, I know, but there are many different--and equally important--burdens to be shouldered. I'm getting an AU in my head now wherein Legolas becomes a healer... I liked the quarrel--in a relationship, fights are often a great way to learn the true character of your SO. And Alfirin's mom and Thranduil are right in that this quarrel resolved the one problem about the relationship: whether or not Alfirin could handle Ithilden's domineering ways. I feel terrible for Legolas. The poor baby has every right and reason to be traumatized. It's good for him that Thranduil isn't as strict and uptight as Ithilden. Author Reply: You're right about Legolas, of course (and thus should think really hard about that AU!). I think that in the Middle Ages, kings and their sons did serve as warriors. Kings led from the front too. You still see that in Tolkien's world in Aragorn and Gil-galad and Oropher. But Thranduil would eventually come to terms with Legolas not being a warrior. It's just not what he's always thought would happen. I think Alfirin's parents and Thranduil might be worried about whether she was strong enough for life at the palace because she has a very gentle surface. But she's shown that she has a backbone of steel underneath. Thranduil did a good job with Legolas. And Sinnarn is lucky that Ithilden had years of training with his younger brother or Sinnarn would have had a tough childhood.

Brazgirl	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/22/2004
First I have to thank for updating today. I was so upset and then I read this... it made me feel better. Because it was so, so sweet! Ithilden was arrogant here... but a good one. He is such a real brother! And he was so into Alfirin... ahahaha no wonder his mood changed dramatically! And for one who thinks he is wiser than his father (I think I'll never forget that line...) he took quite a lesson from Thranduil in the end. And Alfirin with her mother! It was so nice... parents can be wise sometimes, when it comes to love; and both Thranduil and the healer proved that to their children. Poor Legolas! The guy has a serious problem... tell him I fully understand him, right? At least he did not pull away from his father's embrace. This was very sweet, Daw!!! Author Reply: Glad I could help, Brazgirl! :-) Poor Ithilden. He was kissing Alfirin and planning to do it a lot more and then these two bad boys showed up, having cut class. He does what is from his point of view the valiant thing and stops kissing her to escort his little brother safely home, and she gets ticked! But the parents were all amused. These two serious lovers provided Thranduil and Alfirin's mother and father with a good laugh, so that's ok. Legolas is suffering, but in time he'll recover. It's just hard for him to see that now.

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/22/2004
Well I never thought I would feel grateful or sorry for Turgon the terrible but today I did. He supported his friend without question and then still got the blame not that it seemed to faze him at all! As for Legolas what trauma he is going through and how well Adar handled it no scolding just simple qeustions that allowed Legolas to tell him what had happened it must be very hard to be a parent in this situation however Thranduil seems to be able to cope with both his youngest and oldest son's troubles It was amusing to see that Alfirin's mother and Thranduil had the same thoughts about the argument As for Ithliden I think he could do with a little fatherly advice as to how to handle a female, it is good to know that even capable Ithilden can make a mess of things so spectacularly Another lovely chapter Happy Holidays Judy Author Reply: Turgon made me laugh. He was like Ferris Bueller, declaring he and Legolas needed a little vacation. Unfortunately, Ithilden hadn't seen the movie! Thranduil did very well with both Legolas and Ithilden. Legolas needed to be left alone but still lovingly supported, which is an almost impossible trick. But at least for a while, Thranduil managed it and Legolas responded. Poor Ithilden! LOL. Still, I think he deserves credit for doing what he thought was right in taking care of Legolas. Sigh.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/21/2004
Well, that picnic went up in flames, didn't it? For every step forward that Ithilden takes, he takes two back. He's denser than mud. And Alfirin has turned out to be a spitfire when riled. I loved her line about walking herself home. Ithilden was beyond shocked. The parental advice was great. They've been watching these two dance around each other for so long that I imagine they have a pretty good perspective on this relationship. And Alfirin's mother felt certain Ithilden would be back. After all, he's come back after every other disaster. Poor Legolas. He's still struggling. Ithilden's line about fearing Legolas might take off alone in the woods was somewhat sobering since we know that this indeed does happen...only he's with Turgon and it goes horribly wrong. But even if I didn't know about the trip Legolas and Turgon took, I would still find that thought chilling. Ithilden has legitimate concerns, unfortunately, he reacts badly. Thankfully, Thranduil is patience and understanding. Of course, by 'Prodigal Sons', Legolas is also weary of his family's 'concern'. Poor kid. He's doing the same dance steps as his oldest brother. One forward, two back. Great chapter. I'm looking forward to the next one...and making up. Karen Author Reply: Even I have to laugh at Ithilden so it's no wonder the parents all did. Poor guy! He was doing his best and his concerns were valid. And I think he deserves credit for giving up his time with Alfirin to escort Legolas home. Granted he should have spoken more kindly. But when it came to a choice between his own enjoyment and what he thought Legolas needed, he didn't hesitate. I think the parents know these two are going to bond so they're glad to see that the relationship might be a little more balanced than they had feared. Thranduil did do well with both sons. He's deeply sorry for Legolas, for the fact that he came to that killing much too young. Legolas needs all the support he can get until his own inner strength can heal him. The making up will be delayed a bit. I have other plans first. :-)

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