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Good Enough by The Karenator	10 Review(s)
Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/18/2005
I enjoyed this peak into Aldamir's mind - his slight overreaction to his father, and then his being 'led' by Elenna! Poor Aldamir -he is lost for sure, a lovestruck elfling. Seregon may need to get over his politeness and slap him up alongside the head. I also thought the point about the village leaders being grateful the decision was taken from their hands was often very true. There are few who can truly lead a group of people - and you don't want too many of them anyway, as there can really only be one chief. They lead at their king's grace...and sometimes the hard decisions do need to bump back up to him. Author Reply: Seregon might slap his cousin alongside his head when they're no longer in their commander roles. He's catching the brunt of Aldamir's frustrations. And despite that he's losing his best friend to a girl, he's tried to be supportive. Life just isn't fair. The villagers have been in their homes in the western forest for as long as anyone can remember, and I think leaving would be terribly hard. But the leaders aren't dumb, just sad and reluctant to give up. I felt like they knew the right thing to do was leave, but just couldn't bring themselves to make the decision. There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief when Thranduil made the decision for them. And you're right that Thranduil is the 'big chief'. It's not easy being king. Thanks, Nilmandra, for taking the time to review. Karen

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/18/2005
Wait, wait! This is going all too fast!!! ;-) It seems Elenna’s intent in knowing him better indeed, and that suits his purpose well!!! Anyway, if we take Fluffy’s piece of gossip seriously, Elenna had a beloved back in the settlement and it was her parents’ opinion that had kept her from going any further with him…and now she’s so in love with Aldamir? Uh, uh…Time, boy, time! Poor Aldamir, anyway, the discussion with Thranduil was maddening! See, I believe that the problem is working for your family, rather than living with your family, although both things together must be truly infuriating when problems arise! You never, ever become a grown-up, even if you’re living apart. I’ve seen that in my father’s family, which has owned and ran a wine-growing company for five generations now. “Patriarchs” and “candidates” are always clashing, no matter how adult they are...or how apart they live from each other!!! And I personally think that Aldamir’s reasoning is a perfect example of “tell him what he wants to hear, for it perfectly suits your purpose presently...” Mmm it’s so difficult for both of them! Loved Tree. Truly. Above all, that sentence about how his being "disrespectful" was a sign that he trusted you. That’s a very shrewd point. A smiling guy and one who has a sense of humour do mean reliability in my book!! I’m truly expectant. Somehow I have the feeling that settlers, warriors, elder cousins, red-branded ladies and novices are going to prove again that Greenwood the Great isn’t big enough for the whole of them!!!! Hope Daeron does not disgrace himself -or his underwear- too badly! And give Seregon a hug for me! That was an awkward situation! ;-) Author Reply: I'm howling! You're the only person to recall Fluffy's gossip! Or at least the only person to mention it to me. But Aldamir doesn't know this tidbit. Daeron thought that it was way too dangerous to meddle in the commander's personal life and talked Legolas out of telling his brother. Unfortunately, we just don't know how reliable Fluffy is as a source. However, this relationship is moving quickly. Far quicker than our 'dull' commander is used to. Good point about children working for parents. Poor Aldamir lives with his parents too. Your family is in the wine business? Fascinating. My husband makes wine...much smaller operation...in our downstairs kitchen. He does it as a hobby and IMO, he makes good wine. I'm afraid I only know how to open a bottle, but he enjoys learning about how the 'real' guys do it. Aldamir's answer to his father was well thought out. He was prepared to present his case for what his job would be on the mission. He failed to plan for his father seeing right through him. Personally, I think Elenna had something to do with his decision about exactly where he would post himself too. He might have gone without her being an issue...if he had never met her...but I don't know that he would have assigned himself to command the guards responsible for seeing to the leaders' party's safety. I'm glad you like Tree. And I like how you articulated that if he is disrespectful that it's significant in how he views someone. I like a guy with a sense of humor and a smile too. Daeron is up next. I'll tell him you wish him well. He'll need to hear that. Seregon said to tell you that if you didn't mind, he preferred for you to deliver your hug yourself. He'd like to return the kind gesture. He's available, you know. :>) Thanks so much for this wonderful review. You're so much fun! Karen

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/18/2005
Tree is a fascinating guy. He sounds like one of those gruff old Army dudes who make everyone's life a living hell until someone discovers the marshmallow core inside them. He's probably someone that Aldamir could talk to completely honestly about his problems in a way that he couldn't talk to Thranduil or even Seregon (he's got an image to keep up there, after all). As Tree points out, he changed Aldamir's diapers and wiped Thranduil's nose,so there can be no secrets there. And he can smoosh the King's heir and military commander in a hug. He is definitely a resource. Thranduil sounds like he has developed a late-onset case of the "dealing with adolescent crushes blues." That's difficult enough to deal with when the crusher is a relatively powerless teenager, but when he's a full grown adult with serious military and political responsibility hinging on his every hormone surge, then you have a potential problem. I get the sense that Thranduil doesn't normally sit the kids down for A Long Parental Talk full of Good Advice on their love lives, but this seems to be an exception. I kind of wonder where the missus is in all of this. The spiders do look like they'll be causing trouble, and I can understand Thranduil's nervousness here -- it's his kid and nephew who are out there this time around. But it's also Aldamir's brother and his cousin, so he can feel reassured that Aldamir will be just as wary about the spiders as he will. The name bracelets are a nice touch. Elvish dog tags, to be treated as reverently as we treat dog tags today, but with the added weight that they can't be removed and cast aside in the event of capture. Kind of makes you imagine the ceremony where the queen puts them on, the unaccustomed weight of the thing, the finality of feeling it seal permanently around your arm. I guess they're made loose enough so that they don't chafe. A kissing scene. Eh. Author Reply: Tree would be a good resource for Aldamir. Unfortunately, Aldamir doesn't know he needs one...yet. Thranduil is used to his oldest son being steadfast and reliable. The whole crush thing is uncharted territory for both father and son. But Thranduil can see that Aldamir is heading down a path that could easily result in heartbreak. He tried to be diplomatic, but Aldamir is simply angered by what he sees as criticism and interference. The queen is around, but she's taken a lower-key tact with this for the moment. She's allowing Thranduil to deal with this mano y mano. But there have been discussion between the king and queen about their oldest son. Thranduil is stuck with being the busy-body. I considered allowing her to have her say, but I felt like it would only be redundant. Good call on the spiders and the king's worries. He would be concerned even if his child and nephew weren't involved, but Legolas and Daeron being on the games just ups the stakes. And both king and commander are trying to not let the fact that Legolas and Daeron are there influence how they react. Sometimes such concerns only make us not take action when we should have and would have in other circumstances. I thought about the practicality of the name bands and how they could potentially interfere with archery. So yes, they're lose enough to not become irritating and are slender enough to fit comfortably under arm braces. And they're mithril: lightweight and sturdy. I liked the idea that the warriors are permanently marked as warriors. I hope it conveyed the seriousness of accepting this duty and set the warriors aside as a group that is appreciated by the people for their willingness to serve. And for the warriors, it's a source of pride. Not to mention that in the worse case scenario, the bands are a source of identification. I've tried to imagine the ceremony of the queen placing the band on the new warrior's arm. I might work it in sometimes in the future. I'd like to see the queen place the mark of a warrior on Legolas. I'll see. Thanks so much for your review. They are always a delight. You're such a good reader. I love that I can't slip anything past you! You make me think and be sure my reasoning was sound--hopefully. I really like that. Thanks again. Karen

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/17/2005
I was truly impressed with Thranduil's ability to not micromanage. It's easy to delegate authority but when the stakes are high it's hard to resist the urge to second-guess. Now that Aldamir is reassured of his ada's undying confidence, he'll feel really bad if something goes wrong! Ada Thranduil is not quite as restrained as King Thranduil, though. I hope Aldamir takes his advice to heart and doesn't rush into things....oops, never mind. Since we're on the topic, what a really intense make-out scene. I don't know how they ever managed to stop. Elves must have way more self-discipline than humans. Tree is a great character. It's amusing to think of anyone wiping Thranduil's nose, even if it was said in jest. It's amusing to think of anyone saying such a thing, even in jest! But my favorite part, as always, was Aldamir and Seregon. What are friends for if you can't be sullen and rude around them? Poor Seregon, though - he's probably never seen Aldamir like this before. That scene was very well played. And some things never change: A quick breathe Author Reply: The king is trying to let Aldamir do his duty. Unfortunately for Aldamir, his duty does not include maidens and Ada feels he has every right to discuss where the lines blur. And yep, Aldamir promised to be cautious and to not do anything foolish. It's a good thing his parents don't know about the rock incident. I think that would fall into the 'not-cautious' category. Tree is a fun character to write. He's a good guy, but he's not overly impressed with the trapping of royalty--we have to remember that he knew Oropher and Thranduil before either one was king. I imagine that Tree had a hand in Oropher being made king. Once he was certain that Oropher would put the good of the people first, then I think he was loyal and devoted. But I also imagine he was the toughest sell on needing a king. I also see him as teaching Thranduil the ways of the forest. And Tree is probably the only living soul who would remind Thranduil that he knew him when he was wet behind the ears. I'm glad the 'rude' scene came off okay. I felt kind of bad for Seregon myself. Poor guy; he was just trying to help. Just goes to show you.... Thanks for the review. Really, that's above and beyond the call of duty. But I appreciate every single one of them. Karen Author Reply: A quick breathe I found it! Really, I'm going to have to speak to my beta. :>) I'll tell her how observant you are...oh, wait...

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/17/2005
I like Aldamir. In fact, I have a very soft spot for him. But really… “there were also days when I wished to place duty into someone else’s hands and simply be a wood-elf enjoying his land and his family […] I am also my king’s subject. I feel for you sonny, I really do, but try being the king, eh? He’s not having such an easy time lately either. On top of everything else, he has to be concerned about his normally sensible son’s brain being ruled by his… something else. Come to think of it, Karen, why aren’t we seeing Thranduil’s point of view?!! Oh, does he know too much? I thought the little mention of the village leaders probably being secretly glad that the decision was out of their hands was one of those moments that ring true for everyone. Sometimes it is just easier to have no choice but to give up our fight. These people obviously love the forest and the life they live and can’t very well be seen to give in easily now, even when it’s for the best. I’m loving Tree!! He sounds like an elf with a story. I was touched by the reference to his obvious anger at Oropher’s death and how perhaps he never recovered. He seems to be one of those marvellous people who are so close to the king and his family that it’s perfectly natural for him not only to be informal but to treat them as he would his own. It speaks volumes of the type of person he is too that he would still come and do anything they ask of him, no matter how dangerous. I have to apologise now that I kind of have to skip over the discussions of spiders. I realise it’s hugely important to the story and you’re creating a wonderful sense of tension but I can’t quite make myself dwell on it. Sorry. Should I just presume that these newer, hardier ones are being bred by something evil and maybe wait for the poor novices to get more of an idea of a warrior’s life in the Woodland Realm than they had perhaps bargained for (while I cover my eyes)? The discussion between Thranduil and Aldamir was very well done. I nodded along with both of them. All of Aldamir’s arguments seem very well-considered, but I can see why Thranduil would feel he had to ask about Elenna. It’s certainly a fair point that she should know exactly what she’d be getting into if she married a son of the king. And dismissing his mother’s concerns doesn’t sound like it would be a wise move at all. If it weren’t for this ‘secret’ and the threat of the spiders hanging over them, Aldamir’s parents would probably be getting great amusement out of his love life. “Then do not!” I snapped. Ouch. I think Aldamir is feeling slightly confused and very much picked-on by his parents – which he more than likely isn’t all that used to. He’s an elf used to being in control of pretty much everything. Still, poor Seregon. Actually, I feel bad for him. It’s horrible when your friend abandons you because there’s a new love interest, and even worse when they get all moody because of it. If he’s trying to be “no one but myself”, can she not call him Aldamir instead of ‘my lord’?! I love watching these two together. They really are in love! I’m still hoping that whatever her secret is, it won’t affect their relationship because it sounds like he, at any rate, feels a real bond with her. I just loved the part about the flowers. What an original idea! It’s wonderfully symbolic and I particularly like the idea that everyone knows what is meant by looking at what colour is worn. The warrior bands are a symbol so full of meaning that I had a lump in my throat reading about them! There’s something very sad about a still-grieving Thranduil determined that no warrior would ever be forgotten. It gives a warrior’s life such significance too, that he’s forever part of something special. Ah. I was wondering what you felt needed a warning. I found it!! Aldamir forgets everything he told his father. I think seeing their passion for each other was important for us to realise that this isn’t something Aldamir can easily put out of his mind. It’d be very hard to turn away from her now. And you brought it so far that I thought for a moment… but they still have some sense, it seems! Whew. I’m just dying now to know where all this is headed! :-) Author Reply: LOL! All Aldamir's looking for is a little sympathy and obviously, you're not the one to give it to him. But you do have a point; Thranduil is up to his eyeballs in spiders, reluctant villagers and a son who has lost all reason. I have intentionally left the parents out so far. However, Thranduil will get his say. I would imagine that it would be tough for the villagers to give up the home they love, but I can't see them being stupid. They held on to last minute, hoping for a miracle, I think. Since one doesn't look like it's coming and making the decision themselves to leave was almost too painful, I think they would be relieved to have someone simply make it for them. But it put the burden of doing the right thing on the king. The king appreciates your sympathy. Tree does have a story, but most of it's in my head and backstory about him. He's a wood-elf through and through. Before Oropher came to the Greenwood, he was involved in the defense of the woods. He and Oropher were tight. Losing the king was quite a blow to Tree. Not only did he lose his king, but he lost his friend. He felt he had failed in his duty. Poor guy. There's only so much any guard can do in the midst of a battle. The spiders are creepy. I'll tell them to be quiet when they show back up. We don't want to upset Dot. I'm sure they'll oblige. :>) The discussion between Thranduil and Aldamir started out well. But Aldamir didn't take kindly to the king giving advice. Thranduil had a good point and I think he saw that his son is head over heels in love and had completely dismissed what his mother had sensed. The whole affair is moving far too fast. Dad was just offering a few words of caution. Aldamir, of course, was most offended that he was being treated like a child--in his opinion--but what did he do? Exactly what he had promised his father that he would not do. Love might be blind, but the king and queen aren't. Aldamir was a tad rude to Seregon. Spiders, parents, novices and nosey cousins were just too much for Aldamir that day. Poor Seregon got the brunt of his irritation. Personally, I consoled myself by telling myself that Seregon has probably bitten Aldamir's head off too at one time or another. I've go to go back and look to see where Elenna referred to Aldamir as 'my lord'. I think you might be talking about when they left for the walk and he told her she was beautiful? I'll check, but I think at that point she was saying this sort of tongue in cheek. She certainly called him Aldamir later on.... :>) I'm glad you liked the flowers. They came out of the blue and were just there when the two lovebirds arrived. The flowers gave them a chance to say what they felt, but sort of hidden behind the meaning of the yellow flower. With the losses that Mirkwood suffered at the Last Alliance, I've always wondered how they recorded the deaths to take back home. The number must have been staggering. And in the midst of war, days must have gone by before the elves could collect their dead. Possibly that's a little too much contemplation on my part, but the band gave Elenna an opportunity to let it sink in what Aldamir did. I don't think everyone would be suited to being a warrior's wife. She needed to contemplate the implications of Aldamir's duty. The whole purpose of the rock scene was to show that Aldamir is truly in love with Elenna. He's never allowed anything like this to happen before. This is one of those cases where the writer allows the character to act completely out of character. But it was with purpose! I'm glad you're still hanging in there with me. I can't tell you how much I love getting your reviews. You're such a good reader. You catch so much of my intent and really have a good grasp of the characters. That's very satisfying to me as an author. Thank you! Karen

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/17/2005
I have to say that I immediately liked Tree. :) I like the bit of his history that you showed us and his description and of course, his name. And poor Aldamir. If I ever feel well enough to give it one final edit, the next chapter I will post in my story has a somewhat similar conversation and these conversations just amuse me. Can you imagine being several hundred years old, still living with your parents as you said and having to quietly listen to their advice on your love life! Of course this is just how life was for everyone ('cept we don't live to be several hundred years old) until just a few decades ago, but it still seems so funny to me. How uncomfortable! And I do think Thranduil would be right to question whether Aldamir was making decisions for personal reasons. That was a great conversation. And you cannot imagine my relief when the warning was for a passionate little scene rather than for violence as I had feared. I am just looking for spiders at every turn. Aldamir certainly does seem serious about this lady. I don't know though. She's a quick thing. Maybe the parents' advice is good advice. Slow is always better. Looking forward to the next chapter. :) Author Reply: Tree's been around the Greenwood far longer than Thranduil. I see him as possibly one of the elves who refused the call of the Valar. The independent sort of cuss. He's as loyal as the day is long, but he's not shy about telling any of the royal family that they're barking up the wrong tree. Thranduil tolerates him because I think he knows that Tree is devoted and Tree was one his father's closest friends. Tree takes something of a paternal tact with Oropher's line. And there's true affection between him and the royal household. I feel for Aldamir too. I'd have to be shot for insubordination if I had to live with and obey my parents. The thought gives me hives. Thranduil is very observant about his oldest son. Aldamir's reasons for going on the trip are valid, but I'm not sure that things would have played exactly the same if there had been no Elenna. Dad was just checking. You were looking for spiders? My, aren't you suspicious? :>) Nope, just a little grubbing on a rock. You know, you're right: Elenna does seem a bit forward. But in her defense, I think she's just less restrained than the good commander. Still, makes Thranduil's advice all the more poignant. Thanks so much for your reviews, Elliska. I hope you're feeling better soon and can run through the next chapter of your story and get it up. I'm looking forward to your 'advice' scene. Karen

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/17/2005
Nom d'un chien, but I love this. Poor Aldamir - it doesn't make any difference how sensible Thranduil's advice is to take things steadily - a wife is not just for Christmas, but to infinity and beyond. He's fallen in lurve - and he's thinking with parts of his anatomy other than his brain. (I had a word to use, but thought it was possibly impolitic.) I hope Elenna's secret is merely that she dyes her hair or something - I wouldn't want our favourite crown prince to end up with his heart broken. (Even though romance is coming between him and his best friend. Poor Seregon will have to get himself a girlfriend in simple self-defence.) The mirithil flowers sound very symbolic - I was relieved that Aldamir was being discreet - well, until they got into the equivalent of the back seat and started to get a little more friendly. Tree sounds very impressive - and like someone about to develop into a more significant character. I hope so anyway - I'd like to see more of him. And there is certainly plenty to see. Poor Thranduil. He's having a tough time. Between villagers, sons and prospective daughters-in-law, his diplomacy chip must be wearing out. At least the spiders don't require tact. Looking forward to more. Author Reply: Hi Bodkin, What a great review. Yeppers, the boy is in lurve. His head is so far in the clouds that he's raining. I'm getting kind of tired of Elenna being secretive too. Spit it out, girl! I wonder how Seregon will handle it if this relationship works out? His fishing buddy won't be as free to hang out as before. until they got into the equivalent of the back seat and started to get a little more friendly. I just wanted to repeat that. I'm still laughing. That's exactly it! Making out in the backseat. Oh dear.... Tree is a fun character to write. He's got history and he's very much an individual. Also, there's no bowing and scraping for him. Okay, he bows, but he's almost a surrogate parental figure to the House of Thranduil. His devotion and love for them is great, but he's not afraid to swat any one of them across the noggin' and tell them to fly right. I hope he'll round out well. And Thranduil is grateful that you noticed that HE'S having a bad day too. He feels like he's beating his head against the wall. His diplomacy chip is shot. Now where's that Dorwinion? Thanks, Bodkin. I can't tell you how much I enjoy your reviews. Karen

Manderly	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/17/2005
Well, you certainly put us through a myriad of emotions in this chapter. The scene with Tree was certainly amusing and I hope we will see more of him in this story. I must admit that I can't picture Tree wiping Thranduil's nose (so to speak) as I can't imagine Thranduil being anything else but the imposing king that he is now. The agelessness of elves strikes again! The father and son discussion between Thranduil And Aldamir was very well done. Even though it was written in Aldamir's POV, both characters and their respective reasoning came through clearly, making it hard to choose sides with either one of them. I just hope that Elenna is as serious as Aldamir is about their budding relationship. And that final scene - certainly not the stuff for elfings. Good thing nobody stumbled upon their intimacy. (Goes off and fans herself). Author Reply: Thanks, Manderly. Tree will be around for a while. In my backstory that no one ever sees but me, Tree has been around for a long time. He was in the forest when Oropher came. Thranduil was an adult when they arrived, but a young one. Tree was sort of joking about wiping the king's nose. Though I think he did teach a great deal about forest life to Thranduil. And I see the wood-elves as having a different fighting style than the ones who lived in Doriath or any other city, for that matter. I see the wood-elves as sort using 'gorilla warfare' instead of everyone lining up in a nice straight line and standing there as the enemy's arrows begin to fly. Tree is a master at this type of gorilla warfare. Thanks for the compliment about the father/son talk. Both do have valid points, I think. And the king is right to be concerned since Aldamir has know Elenna for such a short time. And Aldamir is right that he's an adult and can handle his own personal life. Both parties were trying to be civil until the king said that he didn't think that Aldamir had been as attentive to this mother's concerns as he should be. The commander was not happy. He was downright angry. Don't you just hate it when your parents are right? Aldamir does. Yeah, it is a good thing that no one stumbled on the happy, but half-dressed couple. Hopefully, the reader got a sense of how much in love with Elenna that Aldamir is. He feels like he's discovered the wheel! Still, this is serious to him. He's never allowed himself to feel so much for anyone. Thanks so much for the review! I really appreciate you taking the time to do it. I'm always happy to hear from you. Karen

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/17/2005
I actually logged on from my hotel room this morning, hoping I'd find the next chapter of this story, and then I was rewarded with the "must be an adult" page. Oh goody. What an interesting character Tree is. He's melancholy but also smiles when he see others, so it's like he keeps his troubles to himself. Aldamir's discussion with his father was well done. He's reasoned this all out well and I was convinced by his argument. But I'll bet a little personal feeling was in there too. And then Thranduil was a very good father to counsel him on the importance of making sure Elenna understood what his life was life. But poor Aldamir hears it all as criticism of him and of Elenna. I liked the comparison of Elenna to a summer flower. I think Elves must have seen people in natural terms like that. Aldamir's doubts about adults living with their parents rang true for me! He has my entire sympathy. I was struck by the finality of the wrist band Aldamir wears. The fact that it marks him forever seems symbolic of the way a warrior's experience must mark and change him forever. I thought the band was probably for ID purposes, like dog tags. Ah, he loves her and he wants her. That's wonderful. I think he really needs her and this secret needs to be revealed soon. Well, I'm off to get ready for my breakfast meeting. Author Reply: I'm so glad that you have Internet access, but just knowing that you're in the 'wrong' place, makes me miss you. Tree, in my mind, is an ancient elf, one who most likely refused the summons of the Valar. When Oropher came to the Greenwood, I think Tree was already leading elves in defense of the woods. Oropher would have had to prove himself to Tree, but once he did, they became very close friends. Tree is loyal to a fault. I also thinks he looks at Oropher's line and feels somewhat paternal toward them. He's respectful, but not overly impressed with titles. Says what he thinks...appropriately, of course...usually...sometimes... You're right; he is melancholy, but even with all he's seen in all his years, he still loves his home, his people and the king he serves. Aldamir and his father's discussion sort of fell apart. At least, it did for Aldamir. He thought he was prepared to talk to his father, but Thranduil blind-sided him with moving into personal subjects that Aldamir did not want to talk about. When Thranduil pointed out that he was concerned that Aldamir had not paid the queen's concerns their proper due, Aldamir passed from annoyed into fire-breathing mad. Perhaps, it was because the king was right? I think that being a soldier or warrior would always have an impact on a person that would remain for the rest of their lives. Yes, you're right; the band is like dog tags. I came up with for two reasons. One, I always wondered how in the world the elves handled Dagorlad. What a grim job. Two, I wanted to bring home to Elenna what exactly Aldamir did. Knowing something in theory and getting up close and personal with it is often quite different. Yep, he loves her and needs her. She's like no one he has ever known before. She's a little like Tree in that she's respectful, but not overly impressed with titles. She sees Aldamir for who he is, not the title. I consider that to be a good thing. Hope the conference is going well. Thanks for the review. Karen

Leaward	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/17/2005
Wow! Emotions galore in this chapter! The scene between Thranduil and Aldamir was superbly done -- you really captured how Aldamir felt and I could feel his tension. And the scene later with Elenna, Phew! Hot, erotic ... and yet sensuous and tender. The Mithiril were interesting -- you combined the idea of the meaning of flowers into a single one that could change as it matured. That was really inspired. And LOL about Tree! I used to have a friend who was 6'8 and we called him Tree too -- and ironically, he took a forestry program in college. I bet your Tree will be handy to have around in battle later though. Another great chapter, Karenator! Author Reply: Thanks, Leaward. Aldamir was a little miffed at what he saw as his father's interference. And the king was right; Aldamir had completely put his mother's concerns out of his head. I don't think the commander liked having that pointed out. I'm glad you liked the flowers. It is symbolic and I hope that the flowers will become important at some point to the two lovebirds. Reoccurring theme or running gag? Fine line, a mighty fine line... Well now, the rock scene. I tell ya, Leaward of the Dunadain, I found out that I might be more suited to writing dialogue for Daeron than whispering sweet nothings in someone's ear. I must have written that scene two hundred times. I hoped to show that the commander did, indeed, throw all good sense out the window and did exactly what he had, just hours before, promised his father that he would not do: something foolish. (Remember, they've NOT known each other very long and the king had made it plain that he would not approve of a betrothal at that point.) I also wanted this scene to show that Aldamir is 'that' much in love with her. This kind of thing doesn't happen everyday to him. Her either, I imagine, but we were spying from his point of view. Phew! I'm glad that's over. I'm sure I must have stolen the 'Tree' name from so many basketball players being called that. I love that you actually knew one and that he went into forestry is just a great story. Thanks so much for the review. You always make me smile. Karen

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