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Time's Turnings by daw the minstrel	26 Review(s)
pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/12/2005
You have to feel for Galelas, his family dosen't seem to care for him and saves all the attention for his brother, he may be a better warrior than him in the end... Sinnarn, is too adventerous and feels the burden of who his family is...Poor Ithilden, he must be irritated at times... Author Reply: I do feel for Galelas. You're absolutely right about him. But I think he's better off than Tinar in the long run.

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/20/2005
Nice start to the chapter. Annael has always been such a good friend to Legolas, it is not surprising they would have a great time even cleaning fish. I think the youngest prince still has a little crush on Annael's mom. It has evolved but there is still a lot of affection between them. Beliniel and Legolas have not spent a lot of time together in your stories. I am glad they get along. I wonder if there would ever be jealousy between them regarding Annael's time. Since elves do not consider it the way we do is it a problem for them like it is for us? Yes, an elfling is definitely in their future. I think Eilian stepped out of the woods and into hell (or at least Walmart). It was sweet of him to think of Galelas - the boy did need a mentor and Eilian was more than qualified to provide him one. The younger son's wounds even had to be in competition with his brother's. Poor kid. Gewiel seems pretty horrible as well. No wonder Tinar wanted to postpone his leave. "his fellow warriors had undoubtedly been most dismayed." LOL. I can't believe they had the nerve to push Eilian about a promotion for Tinar! He was most wise to roll that one over onto Ithilden. I don't blame Eilian for fleeing from the cabin. It was way scarier than an orc den! Very Funny! Shudder... Jumping the river that way nearly gave me a heart attack. My husband likes to jump off a cliff into our lake - it is a 40 ft drop and I get ill every time he does it. I was glad Sinnarn recoginized the danger of the boulders though I wish he had mentioned it to his Eilian-like friends. The Minstrel's lyrics were very amusing - I guess you were living up to your own pen name. I would think Legolas would be particularly mortified. Are Legolas and Sinnarn going to get to talk about their similarities? They both spent a part of the day wishing for a different life than the one they were given. Seems that they have a lot in common. Great job! Author Reply: I love writing about Annael and his family. I still feel bad about killing the husband/father. I'm not sure the Legolas would be jealous of the time Annael spends with his wife, but he might be jealous of the intimacy. I think he might sometimes feel shut out (and rightly so). You made me laugh equating hell and Walmart. I think I know what you mean about both Walmart and Galelas's family. At least they made Eilian grateful for his own family. And it would amusing to watch them approach Ithilden about a promotion for Tinar. I can just see the incredulous look on Ithilden's face. I'm sending Legolas back to his patrol in the next chapter, so he and Sinnarn aren't going to talk much more. But Ithilden needs to think about his own youth a little, I think. I don't even like to think about your husband making that jump. He must have some Eilian in him.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/17/2005
Sorry. I'm behind on my reviews. All the while I was reading about Sinnarn's river-jumping escapade, I couldn't help thinking of how much like Eilian he is. I hope for his family's sake, he doesn't turn out to be quite as much of a daredevil. Now I'm off to read the next chapter! Author Reply: I wrote a lot over the weekend and posted quickly, so I guess I sort of strained a lot of people's reviewing patience. :-) Sinnarn is like Eilian. What a curse for his two rather conventional parents! What did they do to deserve this?

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/17/2005
Whoa! Two at a time, or almost! Seems you've had a very productive vacation indeed!! (Claps hands excitedly). I loved the title of this chapter, and how it evolved, it was quite moving to see the three children interacting around and just looking at others and then back to themselves...so in character with each of them...I suppose everybody has that kind of insecurities when growing up and trying to find the place you fit in... and this sons of Thranduil have so little to none chance to simply be themselves. I like the introspective mood it's getting...I mean, it makes sense with that quiet moment in the garden in the first chapter, when you show Alfirin and Ithilden so happy and relaxed, and the uneasiness in Eilian and Legolas.. sure they're still trying to discern their way to adulthood, and it is a good way to show it... Legolas finds comfort in the quiet ordered life of his best friend, though knowing he would not be content with that for long, and Eilian being Eilian simply discovers that there are worse parents than his, even whole families of them! And Sinnarn!!! Oh my! poor Ithilden! It's funny, this family has hardly survived an adolescent and they're now graced with another! Time flies! Anyway, Ithilden is a quick learner and has seen his father deal with Eilian and Legolas...and has Alfirin too.. Mmm I think that can make for some funny situations... I can almost picture the troop commander cornered by wife and son... ;-) And now to chapter three!!!! Author Reply: I'm an unnaturally fast writer, I'm a little embarrassed to say. And this is a long weekend. Anyway, I always enjoy a chance to look at life outside the palace in Mirkwood, and I particularly love a chance to write about Annael's family. I still feel bad about killing off the father. This cottage has been a refuge for Legolas his whole life, and it makes me happy to see Annael happy too. Oddly enough, he's the head of his household. That's quite a contrast to Legolas, who is barely allowed to move without someone keeping an eye on him. One of the things about the long elven childhood is that they'd be more or less adolescent for 20 years. Maybe that's one reason the children are usually far apart! Alfirin has high standards and probably isn't going to indulge Sinnarn, but I'll bet she's fierce in his defense too, and she's had some experience of how difficult it can be to live in the restrictions of the royal family.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/16/2005
Good grief, Daw, I just barely got this one reviewed. This chapter just reinforces the importance of what I like to call the "One Time Zone Rule." As in, that's the minimun level of geographic separation required between grown offspring and their parents. No wonder the males spend so much time "deployed" in the far reaches of Mirkwood! Pity their poor wives, though - chained for all eternity to their in-laws. It's enough to make one start to think longingly of the sea... I pity Galelas. Playing second fiddle to Tinar AND watching his parents embarrass themselves in front of one of Thranduil's sons. At least Eilian has a renewed appreciation for his old man. Now if only Sinnarn did! That kid is going to have to learn everything the hard way, just like Eilian did, I'm afraid. It was touching that both Legolas and Sinnarn envied their friends' "normal" lives. Legolas would have liked a normal life, I think, but he's such a trooper. No wife and elflings for you, Legolas, but hang on a few hundred years and you'll get a hairy opinionated dwarf! Sometimes it is so good that we can't see the future. Sinnarn is so lucky that he has Alfirin for a mother, to cover his bony little elvish tail quarters. Wonder if that causes any marital friction? Legolas laughed. “We would not know what to do with a daughter in my family.” People without daughters ALWAYS say this. But people without sons never say the opposite. Why is that? Well, off to read the next chapter. I can never get caught up... Author Reply: All I can say is elves must be more tolerant that we are because living in "houses" would drive me wild. But really, through most of history, people have lived in extended families, not always in the same house, but near one another. In some ways, you'd always have help and support. But you'd sure have to learn when to speak up and when to let things slide. Sinnarn is indeed learning things the hard way, but maybe Ithilden will benefit from his father's experience and his own with Eilian. Or maybe not! And I suspect that Sinnarn is a topic of some dissent between his parents. I feel bad that Legolas is lonely for so long! No wonder he latched on so tightly to his friends in the fellowship. That thing about daughters is interesting. I hadn't thought about that. Maybe people find girls more complicated?

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/16/2005
I found this chapter fascinating the way you show the importance of family structure in the life of elves and how different families function within that society then there was the way the trio saw different families, only Eilian seemed grateful that his family was not similar to the one he glimpsed I suspect Galelas might feel similarly While Sinnarn is definitely showing signs of 'Eilianitis' good job his father does not know why he was late thank you Author Reply: I've been curious for a long time about what family structure might mean among elves, especially when combined with their deathlessness. One thing is that I think it must be hard to know when others see you as an adult. Sinnarn felt that Ithilden had no need to know what he'd been doing other than that he'd been with his friends, which Ithilden already knew. And as a parent, I think that may be wise. Some things you're better off not knowing!

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/15/2005
There was a bit of everything in this chapter. I can't help but notice the different paths that Legolas and Annael have taken since their childhood together. It's almost as if Annael is in a different generation now, happily bonded and ready to become an adar and I still see Legolas as a youngling somehow. Ah, Tinar - what can I say about him other than the fact that his parents must be total twits if they actually believe their son to be as invincible as he claims. But then, the way that Tinar has turned out must have received much encouragement from his parents along the way. I just feel sorry for Galelas. No wonder he is so competitive - it's probably the only way that he thinks he can make his parents notice his existence. I really do wish that you would have Tinar's parents harass Ithilden about the promotion. It would give me endless satisfaction to see them deflate under Ithilden's lashing tongue. BTW, Eilian's silent thoughts about Tinar during the visit were hilarious (somebody would actually marry Tinar?!) There is so much of Legolas (and Eilian) in Sinnarn. And Ithilden is remarkably like Thranduil in the way he interacts with his son. Author Reply: Annael does seem older and more responsible, doesn't he? I think it's because he's had to be that way. Of course, he was also ready to be that way. He's a great friend really. You want me to turn Ithilden loose on Tinar's family? You're so cruel! I don't know whether he'd be more incredulous or furious at their interference, but he wouldn't put up with it long. I think there's a lot of Eilian in Sinnarn and it doesn't surprise me that Ithilden is like Thranduil. Thank goodness Alfirin is there.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/15/2005
What an interesting look into the lives of the ordinary elves. I'm not surprised that Legolas longed for the unencumbered life that Annael has. He's always wanted a simpler life, but does well with accepting that he has a duty and responsibility to his father's people. I guess he can't help a little twinge of longing on occasion. Galelas's family is a hoot. I loved this line:“But I forgot! You have been his captain, so you know first hand what a dab hand he is with weapons.” I'm sure Eilian hasn't forgotten the time he's spent in Tinar's presence...captain or not. And Tinar's wife! She fits right in. Yeah, somebody else can bring in the wash. Just who does she think is going to do it if she doesn't? Wounded Galelas? Tinar's not home. I doubt Dad would lower himself. So in essence, she's telling her mother-in-law to get it herself if she wants it in. What a sweet daughter-in-law. She and Tinar deserve each other. Dysfunctional elves...what a sight. I'm with Eilian...kind of makes one grateful to be the son of Thranduil. Sinnarn is a hormone damaged teenager. He's a chip off the old uncle block too. His jumping contest was right out of the Book of Eilian. But like Legolas at this age, he wants to be with his friends and is rather out of sorts at being required to 'hang' with the old folks. Oh, the horrors of adolescence. The minstrel's song was amusing. But even more amusing was your admission of paying for Ithilden's song to Alfirin. Your sins will find you out, your minstrelship. The L.A. Times! Really, go big when you draw attention to yourself. I can see why you write them yourself now. You did pretty good for a self-admitted poetry no-talent. And you managed to embarrass the Thranduilions. Good chapter. Fun, but revealing. Sometimes you have it better than you think. And others, you might think someone has it better, but even when that is evaluated, you can find that you have much to be grateful too. Nice. Looking forward to the next chapter. Karen Author Reply: I love Annael's family. And oddly enough, he's the head of it. Isn't that peculiar? Of course, that means he's responsible for seeing that enough fish is dried to last the winter, for instance, but it also means that he's treated with respect at a young age, just as his father was. I think Annael is ready fo rit. Basically, I agree with you about Tinar's wife, but then, if I'd been living with his family for, say, thirty years, I might be a little crabby too. You want the wash? Get it your damn self! I think Sinnarn is a lot like Eilian. To me, Legolas has always been more serious about being a warrior. Sinnarn wants to be a warrior too, but that's because he thinks he'll be having adventures and doing what he likes. Boy is he in for a shock! The LA Times thing was just bizarre. My family thinks it's a hilarious story, even my son, who supposedly was getting the poem.

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/15/2005
Aw, poor Sinnarn. I really liked the minstrel's song. I found it quite humorous. -sofia Author Reply: I'm glad you thought the song was funny, Sofia. That's the only kind of poetry I can write, I'm afraid. Sinnarn isn't so badly off. He did kind of screw up and things could be worse. He could be a member of Galelas's family.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/15/2005
I couldn't help it. I just had to review again. “…and terror strikes the foe,” sang the minstrel, “but the ladies his softer side know.” Everyone laughed and clapped and the minstrel moved on to Eilian. “As bold as a boar in a battle, as merry as otters at play, Lord Eilian pleases the maidens, who admire him whichever way.” LOL . . . then stop and think, when I have read verse this BAD before? Daw, you know I bow down in worshipful respect to you with every new story you pull out of the hat, but . . . my God . . . is this really what they sing at Thranduil's feasts? Can't someone go stop them? Author Reply: LOL. Bad poetry is a specialty of mine! It's the only kind I can write. I knew I couldn't do anything really well-written here so I had to make it parody like. Did I ever tell you about the time I bought the poem for Ithilden to recite to Alfirin at their betrothal? I think it's in "Prodigal Sons" somewhere in the opening part. Anyway, the creative writing students at my university write valentine poems as a fund raiser. You fill out this information form about your valentine, and for $5, they write you a poem. So I filled one out for my husband and then one for Alfirin. Some of the information was hard to fill in. Who is the valentine? My son's fiance -- a little lie but my characters are sort of like my children, right? Where did they meet? They grew up near one another. What's their favorite place? The woods near home. What do they like to do? Sing. And dance. In the woods. You get the idea. So they wrote me the poem and all was well. Then I went home and there was a message on my answering maching from a reporter for the LA Times. They were covering Valentine's Day stuff and had heard about this poetry write in. Would I call them back? Or would I give them the contact information for my "son" so they could ask about this poem? I was horrified. I tell one little lie and it ends up in the LA Times! Is that fair??? I don't think so. So I wound up not answering my phone at home or work for two days until Valentine's Day was past. Now I write my own bad poems.

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