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All Those Who Wander by daw the minstrel	25 Review(s)
meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/24/2005
I'm interested in finding out what it is that has Eilian so guilt-wracked. So far it seems as if he was remarkably obedient to Maltanaur on the ill-fated scouting mission. He's tense as a bowstring. Can't wait to see what happens when he lets loose. I liked the way this chapter examined his relationship with his father from Thranduil's perspective. It's fascinating how they both want to make the relationship work but can't figure out how to do it. Thranduil's scrutiny of Eilian and his worry for him was genuine, but Eilian reads it as interference. The flashback to Eilian's first battle was hysterical, though. I loved Lorellin's deadpan "Good for you." And it was hugely enjoyable seeing Ithilden and Thranduil at odds. It was restrained and mature and entirely in character with each of them. I laughed at Thranduil's observation that he's no more willing to indulge Ithilden than he is Legolas. And I liked seeing Ithilden sloshing his wine cup. He's a little set in his ways, and Thranduil seems to get kick out of reminding him who's king every once in a while. Poor guy; he's worried sick over Eilian and now Ithilden is giving him attitude. But Thranduil dodged that pony issue pretty well, though. Maybe he and a dozen warriors really can handle Legolas. Hehe. Author Reply: I have two sets of Eilian flashbacks going (confusingly enough), and I'm working on the one set 20 years ago first. But I'll get to Maltanaur eventually. they both want to make the relationship work but can't figure out how to do it. Sadly, that seems to me to be the way a lot of family relationships go. This one sorts itself out gradually but it takes centuries. No wonder we poor humans struggle. Ithilden and Thranduil seem to treat one another more or less as equals most of the time. But you're right that Thranduil occasionally feels the need to show he's still the alpha dog. Males!

moonshine44	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/23/2005
It`s been a long time since I have read fanfiction. Mostly because I`ve been busy. But when I saw that you had another story, I knew I had to read it. I`m very happy to see that Eilian is a big part of this so far. He is my favorite OC out of any fanfiction story I`ve read. This is great, and I can`t wait to read the next chapter. Until then, bye! Author Reply: It's very nice of you to say that, Moonshine. I spent the summer working on turning "Growing Under Shadow" into an original young adult fantasy novel, so I haven't been writing about Legolas and his family much lately, and I've really missed them. I like having the chance to write about Eilian again too. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

ponypetter	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/23/2005
I loved most the conversation between Ithilden and Thranduil. I could totally see Ithilden's frustration with the situation. Now the whole family's going! It's always nice to see Eilian and Ithilden flashbacks. We don't know as much about them as children, and short though they are, these little glimpses are great. Author Reply: Ithilden is interesting to me. He and Thranduil interact pretty much like adults, like equals who respect one another. Thranduil is still in charge, but that doesn't seem to be the defining part of their relationship the way it is with Eilian and Legolas. I think it's because Ithilden is so much older and has proven himself. And then, his mother was around for such a big chunk of his life, and she made a place where he had room to grow I think. More flashbacks coming up!

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/23/2005
Oh dear the family Thranduil is going through a really rough time and everyone's nerves seem to be on edge. Eilian seems to feel guilt over what happened to Malantaur and I await with interest to hear more of that story. It is both amusing and sad to see that even when his minder is unconscious Eilian speaks more freely with him than his own father They really do not know how to speak to each other do they? Both bristle as soon as they come into contact with each other. At least Thranduil realises it even if he seems inapable presently of doing anything to remedy the situation and of ocurse it is clear he loves his son very much Ithilden is another worry, calm, collected, Ithilden is struggling with his own grief and guilt and is very touchy even arguing with his Adar (not to be recommended) Legolas at least seems contented here, he has all his remaining family around him and he knows just how to get his own way with all of them. Wicked Ithildn suggesting the pony, and wheedling Eilian to stay and read with him I thought Thranduil's attitude to Legolas learning to read showed what a good father he is all those centuries of practice have paid off even if he now has to learn to do it alone without the support of his wife Another lovely update thank you so much Author Reply: You're right about Thranduil and Eilian, and while Eilian is provoking, I think it's mostly Thranduil's fault. He just feels such a need to make sure Eilian toes the line and is so certain he won't. Maltanaur is much more positive with him. I think these people are recovering from Lorellin's death but they're easily disturbed again because they're just starting to do it. Eilian's arrival home in a bad state has stirred things up, as has Thranduil's trip. They need to remember what's important and concentrate on that. Thranduil is far easier with Legolas, but then I think he was easier with all of them when they were little. Poor things. Glad you liked it. :-)

Purplesmackers	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/22/2005
Once again, wonderful chapter! I love how this chapter sort of focused on Eilian. He is my favorite character - I think in your stories, he is the one with the most humanistic qualities. He is such a well rounded character. It is so fun watching him grow and mature throughout this universe you have created. I loved the interaction you wrote between Eilian and Maltanaur. In past stories, you can definitely see the 'easy-going-ness' between the two characters, but I find that this chapter definitely gave a unique look into the relationship between these two. And poor Maltanaur! If I remember correctly, he was injured in the story that falls before this one (When Shadow Touches Home). This year...or I should say time period, is just not working out for Maltanaur! I think that elf needs a nice vacation. lol I also liked seeing the interaction between Thranduil and Ithilden. It is most likely just me, but most of the time it is really hard for me to figure out Ithilden. You know of his deep love of his family, and the range of responsibility he places upon himself when it comes to his duties, yet as a character, everything about him always seems so guarded. I love rereading sections written about him...for I find I could change my point of view and read different things into his actions. I liked the pony reference...it will be interesting to see Legolas get his pony. Having just reread 'When Shadow Touches Home', I am a little confused with this chapter. In that story, Thranduil states how Legolas is ready for a pony, yet in this chapter it seems he is thinking just the opposite. I am sure I am just confusing myself here... But my favorite interaction between characters is between Eilian and Legolas. With them being so far apart in age, they seem to complete each other perfectly. It is as if they both find balance when they are around each other. I love how they both love each other so strongly, and it is so apparent, yet it is as if they do not quite realize the other feels the exact same way. Finally (since I feel I am just rambling here...) I loved the flashback of the young warrior Eilian coming home from his battle with the spiders. The funny thing is that the way that you wrote Eilian in this flashback is exactly how I could see Turgon turning out if he would have made it to his first battle as a warrior. It is fun to think about - with how Eilian and Turgon's behavior sort of runs in parallel. Anywho, wonderful chapter, great story, and looking forward to more as always. Author Reply: I have to confess that Eilian is my favorite OC too. It took me much longer to get to know Ithilden. But Eilian is such a nice mixture of flaws and admirable qualities that he's very appealing to me. Ithilden doesn't open up much until Alfirin comes along, I think. Did Thranduil really say Legolas was ready for the pony in "When Shadow Touches Home"? Yikes. Sometimes I have a hard time being consistent with myself because I write the stories far apart and out of order. Let's assume he just changed his mind after he had time to think about it. Ithilden and Eilian are at a time of change in their relationship in part of this story. Like Thranduil, Ithilden is used to thinking of Eilian as a kid, but he has to learn to respect Eilian as one of his warriors. And oh yeah, if Eilian hadn't had firm parenting, I think he could have gotten into the same kind of disastrous trouble that Turgon did. Glad you liked it.

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/22/2005
another lovely chapter. It should be really interesting on who will care for Legolas when he goes on the trip and what he might make of it. Author Reply: Thranduil thinks he's going to pass Legolas around to his older sons but we'll see how that goes. :-)

Yanic	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/22/2005
Oh boy this little trip is going to be quite an affair! I can't wait to see what happens. I'm also really curious about Maltanaur, and I like how this chapter shed a bit of light on him. So he has a wife? Although at his age, it's probably to be expected. And now Nimloth can't come and Eilian and Thranduil are butting heads. This is really going to be some trip! Author Reply: I've shown Maltanaur's wife once or twice before. He has a daughter too. She's married to Thranduil's stablemaster and they have a child. I'm writing about the trip now. I hope it's fun. For us anyway.

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/22/2005
Hello !!! I am so glad to be back in Legolas-land again. I bet all your readers are thrilled to have another visit. You sure are letting Eilian be a snot. Was he really that impolite when he was young? And now he's almost cost Maltanaur his life? You should have let little Legolas kick him. Here's a little something I'm including for all of us to grin about. It's not Tolkien at all, but it's funny. I hope you enjoy. I'm ordering the Jackasspirin. Breaking Research: NEW DRUGS FOR WOMEN D A M N I T O L Take 2 and the rest of the world can go to hell for up to 8 full hours. ST. M O M M A'S W O R T Plant extract that treats mom's depression by rendering preschoolers unconscious for up to two days. E M P T Y N E S T R O G E N Suppository that eliminates melancholy and loneliness by reminding you of how awful they were as teenagers and how you couldn't wait till they moved out. P E P T O B I M B O Liquid silicone drink for single women. Two full cups swallowed before an evening out increases breast size, decreases intelligence, and prevents conception. D U M B E R O L When taken with Peptobimbo, can cause dangerously low IQ, resulting in enjoyment of country music and pickup trucks. F L I P I T O R Increases life expectancy of commuters by controlling road rage and the urge to flip off other drivers. M E N I C I L L I N Potent anti-boy-otic for older women. Increases resistance to such lethal lines as, "You make me want to be a better person .Can we get naked now?. BUYAGRA Injectable stimulant taken prior to shopping Increases potency, duration, and credit limit of spending spree. J A C K A S S P I R I N Relieves headache caused by a man who can't remember your birthday, anniversary, phone number, or to lift the toilet seat. A N T I-T A L K S I D E N T A spray carried in a purse or wallet to be used on anyone too eager to share their life stories with total strangers in elevators.. N A G A M E N T When administered to a boyfriend or husband, provides the same irritation level as nagging him Author Reply: LOL. Esamen, you're wandering from the point here! LOLOL It's interesting to me to see how people react to Eilian. You can tell how tolerant their own families are with mouthy kids.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/22/2005
Oh, great chapter. The quarrelling is leaving me a bit on edge but it’s fascinating to watch them all try to adjust and to try not to let normality be a challenge to them. Eilian does seem bored. And the more he thinks about it, the unhappier he’ll become. His worry about Maltanaur is probably making him restless too. I was glad he decided against going into Ithilden’s office. That would not have been wise! I really liked the scene in the infirmary. Eilian’s tenderness and guilt are really touching. I love the way he speaks to Maltanaur – just like talking to a friend. I’m really curious now about what happened. Elian obviously received the shock of his life when his keeper was so badly hurt. "Surely you recall learning how captains react to warriors not returning when they are expected?” LOL. I should think that’s something that Eilian is very familiar with. I always enjoy seeing the relationship between Eilian and Maltanaur. Maltanaur lets Eilian know that he recognises his strengths – and Eilian has always needed a certain amount of praise – and he does so in a very matter-of-fact way. By not being negative about him all the time, Maltanaur ensures that Eilian has greater respect for his opinions when he does decide to say no. Plus, Maltanaur generally has a good reason for doing/not doing something and lets Eilian know. I think that’s where Thranduil (and Ithilden, although he manages a bit better) goes wrong a lot of the time. He tells Eilian to grow up, but treats him as a child. It seems to me that for all his sensitivity and wood-elfiness, Eilian needs a logical reason for things and a “because I said so” answer will just make him resentful. Sorry, I’m rambling… So… Maltanaur and Eilian split up. Hmm. I’m dying to know what happened then. Maybe it turns out that Maltanaur doesn’t always know best. Although, Eilian certainly feels pretty guilty. Nindwen! The poor thing. At least she has her daughter, I guess. “Look, Ada. I painted a picture of the pony you are going to get me.” LOL! Nice one, Legolas. I just loved that scene with the whole family. Such tension! No-one is outright arguing but the comments and the way they try to get the better of each other is just great. I actually caught my breath in that moment when Legolas tells Eilian that he’s going on the trip. “Perhaps Nimloth will agree to look after me, so I can go too.” cringe I can’t blame Thranduil for wanting to slap Eilian and Ithilden. I’ve never seen them all like this at the same time – and I’m enjoying it immensely!! The little part about helping Legolas to read made me a bit teary, though. I really like Thranduil’s acceptance that the child will learn when he’s ready. That’s a nice attitude. Clever elfling, though, knowing exactly how to get his big brother to stay home with him. I like Eilian’s solution. He’ll make a good Ada some day. “We will come back,” he said mildly, “so you should talk fast.” choke Sometimes I wonder that he survived at all, though! Showing cheek to Thranduil… I guess no-one can question his bravery anyway! So Eilian does get to go too?! Yay! You know what the elves need? Someone to write fiction. I’m sure there’d be a market for it. Then they wouldn’t have to read about Numenor at bedtime. You’d think there’d at least be children’s books… Perhaps he should have insisted that Ithilden tell Eilian tonight that he would be one of the guards for the trip to the village. Ithilden had wanted to follow the chain of command and tell Eilian’s captain and have the captain tell Eilian. I’m not sure Ithilden was right. I can understand the way he wants to do it, and it’s technically the correct way, but he had a means of stopping his brother feeling hurt here and he didn’t do it. I’m kind of feeling bad for Ithilden in this story, actually. Thranduil is worried about Eilian and Legolas but I don’t know if Ithilden is doing all that well either. He’s used to being confident and in control but now he, understandably, wants to protect his family as much as possible and yet Thranduil seems to be taking that away from him, whether he means to or not. It seems that Ithilden has become a little more needy in terms of Thranduil’s approval of his decisions, yet at the same time he wants to show his old self-assurance and confidence in his decision-making. Thankfully we know he become himself again but at the moment he seems a little… torn. Or edgy maybe. That probably makes no sense to anyone but me! I loved the flashback to Eilian and his parents. It’s wonderful seeing him so happy – as Eilian is meant to be – but at the same time we see the beginning of a lot of things, such as his relationship with Maltanaur, his talent as a scout, and his dealings with those in authority. Thank heavens for Lorellin explaining so simply that he’d do a better job of proving his ability by showing it than by trying to persuade Ithilden to do anything. She put a stop to it just like that. Unless you counted the outrageous behavior with the webbing, of course. ??! Tell me more! Nimloth’s not going?? Uh-oh. Thranduil, Ithilden, Eilian and half a dozen warriors will not be able to do her job. I can’t wait! “We can manage,” he vowed. “I am sure you can,” Eilian said coolly. See, he should have been told before it looks like he’s only being brought as a babysitter. Oh well. Things will sort themselves out in another couple of centuries. I’m really looking forward to you getting this lot on the road :-) Author Reply: I hate to say it, but I think Eilian being home is the disturbing factor here. He's upset and he's spreading it around. Thranduil's need to be away from home would have been a touchy situation no matter what else was happening, but you throw Eilian into the pot and things really get difficult. But he can't help it. He's in pain himself right now. Maltanaur is very good for Eilian. He's obviously affectionate toward him, but he doesn't have the years of emotional conflict to dig his way out of. He's dealing with Eilian only as a young adult who has a talent for scouting that Maltanaur can help him channel. Eilian is also a charismatic leader, and Maltanaur has the opportunity to see situations where that can be good, whereas Thranduil and Ithilden have often seen Eilian leading friends into trouble. Because Eilian really is NOT easy. I love the guy, but I can see that he's a pain sometimes. In "Spring Awakenings," I have Legolas remember Eilian holding him on his lap and encouraging him to read, and I was picking up on that memory here. But I had a lot of trouble deciding what Thranduil would be reading. He doesn't seem like the poetry type, and so many of the tales of ME are grim.

Socket	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/22/2005
Thanks for producing Chapter 2 so fast! Wow, where do I start? The tension among Thranduil, Ithilden, and Eilian is so realistic, it's starting to give me a headache, just like the tension in my own family does! Thank goodness Legolas is there to help relieve some of it. Could you imagine how bad things would have gotten with the three adults without Legolas? I wonder if they realize how important a role he plays in healing their family after Lorellin's death. I hope that Thranduil realizes that his serious son (Ithilden) is probably just as affected by Lorellin's death as Eilian and Legolas, even if he doesn't show it as much. Sometimes, it seems that Ithilden gets the short end of Thranduil's concern stick (or maybe I'm sensitive to that because Ithilden is my favorite, after Legolas). So, Nimloth won't be around to look after Legolas -- great plot twist! I can't wait to see how this turns out. I'm grinning already. Author Reply: I think you're right that Legolas played an important role in healing his family. His own grief is very open, and they all minister to it. And his affection for all of them is clear, and they kind of try to live up to his opinion of them, I think. It's interesting that Ithilden is your second favorite. It took me a long time to pin him down as a character. Eilian was much easier for me to write about, but Ithilden has grown on me over time.

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