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Time's Turnings by daw the minstrel	31 Review(s)
Asms2	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/18/2016
I love this line: “What you want, of course, is for your children to learn to stand on their own. You want to be able to trust that their decisions are good even if they are not the ones you would make. I find that last part is the hardest.” How insightful and well worded! I imagine this is a goal for most parents. Thranduil is so wise sometimes ;) I found it sweet on the last night in Dale that Eilian and Legolas got to spend the night together while the keepers also got their own privacy. What a nice moment to conclude their successful trip. Legolas trying to prove himself as a warrior is very endearing. And Eilian the free-spirt is always so serious when it comes to Legolas’ safety which is super adorable. I love how much the entire royal family cares for each other. They don’t always see eye to eye, but they each know without a question how important they are to their family :) Author Reply: That line about trusting your children's decisions even if they're not the ones you'd make comes straight from my own experience as a parent! I find that really hard to do, and I'm nowhere near as imperious as Thranduil is. At least, I don't think I am, though I suppose my son is the one who would know. I figure Thranduil, Maltanaur, and Beliond go way back together. That's why they address one another as "old friend." So they know one another's history and have shared a great deal. And the two keepers understand one another's job in a way no one else does. So they needed a little privacy to talk. :-) daw

endorearwen	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 9/13/2013
It sometimes feels to me, Daw, that we arrive all too quickly at the end of these stories! This one was a real treasure trove for me - Ithilden, Ithilden everywhere! :-) I LOVED reading more of his history. You did a great job of taking us back and forth between the events of the present and the memories of the past, the connections between them very easy to follow! I thought it was genius to have Ithilden face the prospect of a son who didn’t necessarily want to follow in the family footsteps! Incorporating Ithilden’s memories of Lorellin as he worked through how to parent this rough patch was very touching. I wish you had written more of the time that Lorellin did have with her husband and sons... However, I digress yet again - you can blame Ithilden for that! ;-) I think this story is a really great illustration of the sense of ‘community’ that exists within the Elves. It ‘hit me’ while I was reading along just how long their lives actually are and how closely knit they are to one another throughout the entire course of that time span. You have such a good mix of ‘ages’ amongst the cast of warriors you’ve assembled that I found myself thinking about what it would be like to live for centuries and how that would affect the way I viewed life as it happened. I could almost ‘feel’ the love that permeates the generations, related or not – which is of course in complete contrast to the manner in which the race of Men live amongst one another. That is not an easy thing to convey in words and phrases, but you did a great job with it, Daw! I have a growing admiration for Beliond! I really enjoyed the scenes where you presented the interactions and relationships between the two guards and their charges. Again, I got a real sense of how ‘timeless’ the Elves lives are and of the true wisdom they have gained by watching centuries of turmoil come and go. My favourite scene was the one wherein Ithilden begins to appreciate his Adar’s struggles as a single parent to Legolas and the confidence that Thranduil shares in admitting he still is too overprotective of his youngest son. Just when I thought there was no way to strengthen the bond between Ithilden and Thranduil, you pull one of these scenes out of thin air and thus they become even more closely attached to one another – just fabulous! :-) Author Reply: I think it must not have been easy to be Ithilden as a young elf. He's so well intentioned and has such good points, but he wouldn't make friends easily, given his personality and who he is. He really needed Alfirin. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the way age would work in elves. If you're a thousand years old, do the elves who served at Dagorlad think of you as just a kid? If you have more or less forever to learn things and do things, would that change the way you thought of education or work? It's difficult. And hard too. Someone like Thranduil or Beliond had seen evil go and seen it come back again. That has to be discouraging. you pull one of these scenes out of thin air I wish I knew how to make stuff like this happen all the time, but really what happens is that I'm writing along trying to figure out what would happen next between the characters. What would they say or do, given their history and how I've tried to portray them? And sometimes it works. And sometimes it falls flat. Thanks for the lovely review. You are a true Ithilden fan.

valjean	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/26/2007
Hah! For all Legolas knows, it could have been Thranduil who taught Beliond how to pick locks! Author Reply: LOL. That's very true! The old ~~man~~ elf probably knows lots of things he doesn't want his sons to pick up.

erunyauve	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/30/2006
I see Beliond appreciates Legolas' taste in horses nearly as much as Gimli! It was fun to see Beliond misbehaving a bit - and I loved the whole scene at the inn. Author Reply: I love Beliond. This was the first time I ever wrote from his POV and being inside his head was a trip. He has such a distinctive voice! Who else would consider 'beating the snot' out of Legolas? Who else would think of himself as 'an elf on a mission'? I know it's sad to be so enamored of my own character, but geez, I can't help myself. Thanks for the review, Erunyauve.

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 10/12/2005
Nice it seems Legolas is getting along better with his keeper and they are litening to each other too. Tinar had the nerve to ask his poor wife to mend his clothes I'd slam the door in his face too... he needs he to show him a lesson or two... Great job... Author Reply: Tinar is the limit! Who on earth would marry him????? But everyone else is doing better, at least for a while. Thanks for reading, Pipinheart.

yanic	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/27/2005
Well I just got through a long week of reading all your stories and all I have to say is WOW! I like your stories even better than Jocelyn's "A Little Nudge Out the Door," which is saying something because I think her stories are fantastic. I like your OC's too, I once read in one of your responses that you felt that all your OC's would prevent new readers from enjoying your stories, but that didn't happen with me! In fact Eilian is one of my favorite characters in all fanfiction. I really can't wait to see what you come up with next, and while I hope you would consider doing Legolas's return from the war, I'm sure I'll love whatever you do. Author Reply: Yanic- If you like my stories better than Jocelyn's, then I am intensely flattered! She was the writer who originally inspired me to try to write fanfic. Her characters were just so real. I'm also very relieved that I can apparently still make sense to a new reader. If you can sort out who's who, then all is still well. :-) Eilian is one of my favorite characters too. He presents himself to me as nicely complex, cheery and loving but with a self-destructive streak against which he constantly struggles. I'm sadly bogged down in the work I get paid to do right now (and I do mean right now -- I've been working on it off and on all weekend). But I'll be back writing fanfic again as soon as I can. Thank you for this very kind review. daw

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/24/2005
Daw, this story is just fantastic. I can’t believe it’s over. I never want your stories to end, but normally it’s more to do with the fact that I don’t want to have to wait for a few weeks for another one – with this I would have just kept reading it forever! I really enjoyed this chapter. I like the idea that young elves can’t prevent their emotions showing on their faces as easily as adult elves can. Although, as Ithilden feels, it is quite sad that parents can’t read their children and that such wonderful feelings as hope can be hidden. I remember thinking that before – I think in ‘When Shadow Touches Home’ – when Thranduil wonders what Ithilden is thinking but even he can’t really tell. It must have been difficult for Ithilden to offer Sinnarn the chance to turn away from becoming a warrior, but I’m so proud that he did! And I must say, I think it’s great that you’ve given Sinnarn some doubts and uncertainty and that he’s not as wholeheartedly determined from such a young age to become a warrior as the rest of his family were. I felt bad for Sinnarn in that moment where he wondered if maybe his father didn’t think he’d be a good warrior but I thought Ithilden handled the situation very well by letting Sinnarn feel that the decision was his own to make and allowing him to see that there were other ways in which he could serve the realm. Being amongst trees must sound like quite an enticing prospect for an elf! I’m interested to know what an elven forester does, though, as I presume they wouldn’t exactly be felling any trees. Do they ever try to help the trees in the south? Maybe it’s too dangerous. Oh, and if Sinnarn does choose to do this, he can understand Emmelin’s job too further down the line. That’s handy! “You have told me several times.” You know what I loved about that? The fact that Ithilden obviously speaks about his mother a lot. Of course, Sinnarn has probably exaggerated the “several times” but still, once upon a time they hardly mentioned Lorellin at all so it’s great to see how having his own family has allowed Ithilden the peace to share his memories. “It would not hurt for Sinnarn to realize that he did not know everything.” LOL! Ithilden has taken a leaf right out of Thranduil’s parenting book there!! “He hoped Legolas was not about to add Men to the list of those he felt obligated to protect.” Umm… There may be a problem there in the future… Actually, you really are clever for giving Legolas this tendency from such an early age and making loyalty and the desire to protect such an innate part of him, as well as his curiosity about the world outside his home. Oh yeah, he’s well on the way to becoming Legolas of the Fellowship. I love the thought that Ithilden and Alfirin come into the sitting room hand in hand! That’s lovely. And it’s good that Thranduil appreciates the sight instead of feeling sad. And that image of Lorellin kicking Thranduil under the table when Eilian wanted his freedom! I love those little moments and this story is full of them, which is why I think I love it so much. Poor old Thranduil actually has it quite tough in this story. I mean, everyone else may have their own struggles but he has to bite his tongue and let Eilian do his own thing, let Legolas grow into his position without interference, let Ithilden and Alfirin decide what’s best for their son… And keeping his thoughts to himself is not something that I imagine Thranduil finds very easy! I had to laugh at Eilian’s reaction to Ithilden’s heartfelt wish for Sinnarn to simply make it to adulthood. There are two fathers thinking about how sometimes that’s really the only thing to focus on and that anything else they want for their children can come later and Eilian responds with ““I suppose one needs some basic goals.” He’s so funny. Wait until he’s a parent. I just knew Thranduil would have considered allowing Ithilden to become a novice early, even just for a moment. After all, at that time Thranduil really would have needed him and some part of him must have felt good about the fact that Lómilad believed that he would do well. But, of course, sense – and a mother’s insistence – prevailed. “You have much to be proud of in him, Adar,” Ithilden said gently. “I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for you to be his only parent.” Ah, what a great moment. Thranduil doesn’t really have anyone, I suppose, to tell him that he’s done a good job and we all need that from time to time. It must also mean something to him to know that this son, at least, knows that he didn’t have an easy job in being a single parent. And some things never change… “How long are YOU going to keep MY grandson from MY table?” LOL… It seems Gewiel didn’t quite appreciate the little gift her husband brought home as much as he thought she would… At least Galelas can escape for a while now that his parents have Tinár to fuss over again. It was good of Eilian to go and see him again. I feel bad for Galelas living in a place with such a sense of chaos to it. And that poor bird singing away and no-one but Eilian noticing! Eilian’s diplomacy skills seem to be still at work. He’s cheered Galelas up a little anyway. I’m glad Galelas really has found a life that he likes. Obviously I’m going to ignore anything I know about his future. Digging latrines? You think of everything! I love how they just accept it as part of a warrior’s life. It sounds like Legolas has been able to take a step back and see when Beliond is being protective and when he’s really reprimanding him for something he’s done wrong. That’s a bit of progress! I thought Beliond’s version of rewarding Legolas was very amusing: you deserve a reward so sit down here and do as I tell you!! The description of how to pick locks was very interesting. I can just imagine Legolas practicing at home! The thought of Beliond treasuring the items belonging to his son brought tears to my eyes. It was brave of Legolas to ask about Lalorn but it was probably good for Beliond too because I imagine nobody else ever does. I wonder, though… Beliond could easily have removed the items and placed them in the trunk for a while so maybe in some ways he was allowing Legolas in a little. I’m glad he was honest, although I imagine being furious is probably easier in some ways than being completely devastated. It must have been such a strange and difficult time if Beliond and Thranduil were friends, particularly if Beliond was that angry at Oropher. Thranduil probably helped Beliond out at the time by sending him off as a spy and thus allowing him time to himself. I bet there were times Thranduil wished that he could have gone off on his own. “Is that so bad? I wish someone had been around to protect my son.” Ouch. That’s so sad. I almost felt as though I were intruding on the personal thoughts of an intensely private person. But it was good to see this side of Beliond. And more than that, Legolas needed to see it to understand why Beliond treats him as he does. He also gets to see him as a real person who has suffered and feels emotion, who has lived for a long time and has experiences and skills beyond any of Legolas’. He’s not there simply to annoy Legolas. In turn, Legolas expressed himself very well and has proven to Beliond that he is capable and trustworthy. I’m so glad these two are on their way to a better relationship. This was a perfect ending and a really wonderful story. I’m actually so disappointed it’s over! Oh well, I can look forward to whatever’s next! :-) Author Reply: I'm really flattered that you liked this story so much, Dot. My beta says I'm doing better at not rushing and including some character development (like that moment when Lorellin kicks Thranduil under the table that you mention), so maybe she's right. :-) I did think that working with a forester for a while was a good idea for Sinnarn, given his future romance with Emmelin. I was thinking about the character I've given the more adult Sinnarn, and I think he's a little more skeptical about a lot of things than his father and uncle are. He's less hopeful that good will triumph, and he eventually sees the Home Guard as the place to be because he thinks the battle will come to their doorstep. And he's right, as it turns out. Of course, Thranduil's warriors held it off long enough to do some good. But I think this little streak of skepticism shows in Sinnarn even now. Ithilden was good to compliment Thranduil on how well he did with Legolas. Of course, right now Ithilden understands just how hard fatherhood can be, so maybe he recognizes his father's success more. And Thranduil does need to hear how well his kids are doing from someone he trusts. I'll bet he'd like to hear Maltanaur or Beliond praise their charges too. I felt bad about Galelas too. Eilian sees his potential and so that potential blossoms a little. Too bad no one else saw it. I did look up how to pick locks but I finally just sort of faked it. It's a really complicated process and you need two tools, and I just didn't want to go there. And I knew I wanted Beliond to give in and teach Legolas how to do it, but then I was stuck trying to think about what would have a lock on it in a warriors' camp. And then I thought of this box and since I wanted them to talk about Beliond's son a little, I got all excited. :-) I love it when things work out! So Beliond and Legolas are making some progress. I have to write a paper for work and I'm making myself finish that before I start another story. It's a good incentive.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/22/2005
Ithilden did well in his encounter with his wayward son. He didn't scold, kept his composure and put the ball in Sinnarn's court. Good tactics when dealing with hormonally-driven teenagers. And Sinnarn does have a lot to juggle. He's trying to learn to be himself while following in the footsteps of some powerful personalities. Fortunately, he wants to be a warrior and that's a load off his father's mind. Though, I know Ithilden would allow him to do something else if he wasn't suited to the warrior life. But it would still be tough. Eilian shrugged. “Surely you do not want his spirit to be destroyed by life in the palace?” He shot Thranduil a provocative grin. LOL! That Eilian. He's always such fun. “What I want is for him to survive to adulthood,” Ithilden said emphatically. Thranduil could only sympathize. At times, he had been reduced to wanting the same thing for each of his own sons. As the parent of teenage males, I can say that I identify. All you can hope for sometimes is survival until they can gain some sense. And Eilian's right; sometimes all we have are the basics. I love how Thranduil was wise with the distance of not interfering in Ithilden's parenting of Sinnarn, but the worm turned when the commander said he was going to reassign Legolas. The father-role was sliding all over the place in that scene. Very well done. And poor Galelas. He needs someone like Eilian. Not only is Eilian his captain, but he's a good friend. Eilian has always been perceptive about people and this is one example of how Eilian has put his gifts to use. Galelas is a sad figure. He's trying. And of course, knowing his fate, makes the kindnesses shown by Eilian even more poignant. I was glad to see Beliond teaching Legolas to pick locks. I think that speaks of his acceptance of Legolas's ongoing maturity. And I was pleased that he spoke some about his son. They are beginning to understand each other better. Beliond might be a grouch, but I think he's a kind, caring grouch underneath the rough exterior. I love this last chapter, Daw. So much subtle growth and understanding in every paragraph! As always, I hate to see your stories end, but then I always have the next one to look forward to. Carry on, Karen Author Reply: Ithilden is turning out to be a good father, a little more inclined to analyze his child than Thranduil ever was, and I think that's a good thing. Ithilden is willing to wait for Sinnarn to come to maturity. Of course, Sinnarn doesn't need to be hurried in the same way Ithilden was. I feel bad for Galelas. He could be so much happier and better than he is with a different family. But he's lucky in having Eilian and I think he likes being a warrior. Writing about Beliond was a lot of fun. I got to know him quite a bit better. I hesitated about being explicit about his son, but it seemed the time had come to do that. Glad you liked it, Karen. I'm swamped at work right now, unfortunately. But I'll get back to writing before too long.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/22/2005
What a beautiful ending! I loved the way the Queen manages to be around for the two thirds of this chapter! It was great fun to see Thranduil and Ithilden playing "ping-pong"... Everytime Ithilden thinks he's got his Adar, Thranduil comes with the proverbial card under his sleeve... Good for him to know he's still his Adar's son!. He did well with Sinnarn, too, let's hope the elfling chooses the forest to overcome his "don't know what I want" stage... You got me there with Elian!;-) I was so sure he was going to his usual revelries that I could not hold back a "Go you!" when I realized where he had gone... good old Elilian, he's found someone who's even more needed of approval and support than himself! It was lovely, and again, I guess I can see the Queen's compasionate ways there. Meanwhile and far away... Legolas is learning to pick locks... yep! there's something in which he is ahead of his brothers and Adar.. or is he? One can never tell with this family... ;-) I think his relationship with Beliond's been much improved after this side trip. It's been my pleasure, daw, not only reading the story, but others' reviews and your answers as well... You're so kind to take time and answer each reviewer.. it's truly appreciated. May your muses never leave you... while we sit and impatiently wait for more!!! (greedy creatures!) ;-) Author Reply: I'm glad you liked it, Perelleth. I find endings hard to write, so it's a relief when one seems to work. Thranduil never fails to impress. :-) One of the fun parts of writing this story was getting to know Beliond a little better. I particularly enjoyed writing from him POV, which I'd never done before. And I do think that he and Legolas are working things out a little. In all truth, I don't think I'd want Beliond following me around all day critiquing my performance. I think in some ways he's been a drag on Legolas's confidence, but Legolas is gradually recognizing his own strength. I gotta tell you I love chatting with reviewers about my stories. So the thanks run all in the other direction.

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/22/2005
This was such a satisfying last chapter that I can hardly bring myself to complain that the story has ended! Ithilden and Sinnarn, Thranduil and Ithilden what an astute Adar the king is and how much it must hurt him to see his sons and grandson growing up and away from the protection he wants to surround them with and yet he still allows it to happen, even against his better judgement. I was pleased that Ithilden felt he could compliment his Adar on the way he had brought Legolas up. It is rare that someone tells the king he has done well I suspect and Ithilden is the closest thing he has to someone he can fully confide in. It was touching that Thranduil noted the togetherness of Ithilden and Alfirin it must hurt him very much to be so alone. His thoughts on Eilian made me smile as usual, not quite damned by faint praise but almost But most poignant of all was the scene at the end between Beliond and Legolas both have grown during this story and learnt more about each other and their roles, the 'old grouch' really does care for Legolas and it seems Legolas cares for him. There was so much more but suffice to say I have loved every chapter and now look forward to reading a new tale very soon thank you Judy Author Reply: Thranduil is a good father, I think, and he's learned a great deal from raising his sons. Lorellin was around for most of that, thank goodness. Still, he had his hands full with Legolas, and I was struck by your observation that people probably seldom compliment Thranduil. As you say, Ithilden is the closest thing he has to a confidante and a compliment on how he raised Legolas would be especially precious, I think. He probably is lonely, and he has such a heavy weight of responsibility. But he's so used to it that he doesn't even notice it, which is almost sadder. I learned a lot about Beliond while writing this story. That scene in which he and Legolas talked about his son struck me as central to understanding him (and Legolas too). Glad you liked it, Judy. I have to work for a bit at what I get paid to do, but then a new story will be along.

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