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All Those Who Wander by daw the minstrel	25 Review(s)
White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/1/2005
Very clever of Legolas to go to the stream, thinking that's where the camp would be. It was a scary moment, when his foot went into the water. Thank goodness he didn't fall in. His poor family's emotions covered some ground, going from terror to relief. I hope that Thranduil and Eilian can find some common ground soon before they get so far apart they can't reach each other. BTW. to answer your question from my last review: I live two hundred miles north of Houston, and was directly in Rita's path, but thankfully, by the time she got here, all we had were high winds and lots of rain, resulting in a few downed tress and power lines. I lost power a couple of times, but all is welll now. Thanks for asking. Author Reply: Legolas kept his head very well. I thought he might do better in the woods than a human child. It wouldn't be frightening to him at all, although he wasn't happy about having no one around to take care of him. I'm writing about Thranduil and Eilian now. They're a frustrating pair. They love one another but they're not a good match in temperament. They really miss Lorellin. I'm glad Rita didn't do too much damage in your neck of the woods. This storm season has really been sobering.

Lianna	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/30/2005
I can't help but wonder what Thranduil felt about thirty seconds after Legolas jumped into his arms. I figure it would have taken about that long for the cold water from Legolas's foot to soak through Thranduil's clothing and for Thranduil to realize just how close his elfling had come to falling in the river. That would be a bad moment for any parent, even a king of elves. It seems that both Thranduil and Eilian are learning that listening to the voices in your head may be a good thing. ;) I like it, though. It means that Lorellin and Maltanaur are still with them. Sort of. Author Reply: I wondered about Legolas falling in too. Thranduil must have noticed the wet foot eventually. He's probably the one who's going to be helping Legolas dress and undress. Scary, as you say. Maltanaur is still there for sure, and Lorelling is in the Halls of Waiting probably. But some day, if Thranduil can bring himself to sale, they can be together again. Just not now when his kids need her and so does he.

Rose Sared	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
Ah me, can you be my parent, daw?- your wisdom as filtered through your characters is so true (Nah, wouldn't wish it on you, hah. But I do get fed up with being grown up all the time.) Loved this chapter - pain in the past always seems to magnify the present pain, and they really have not at all got over losing Legolas' mother. Wonderful portrayal of both Elian and Thranduil calling on the memory of loved ones to guide their present actions. Brought a tear to my eye - (What again, rose - you're soft!) Thanks Author Reply: LOL. You'd have to ask my son how wise I am in RL. I doubt if he'd be so enthusiastic. Thranduil has another son who needs to be "found" I think. He and Eilian need to talk. I should go write about that!

Socket	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
Whew! I thought this was going to be more traumatic than it actually was. I'm glad you resolved poor Legolas's adventure in the woods in this chapter than giving us a cliffhanger. And how resourceful and brave was our little elf? I'm very proud of him. I really love the way you are weaving the stories of Thranduil and his three sons, and how they interact with one another. Thranduil seems so sensitive to his three very different sons, but we also get a real sense of how frustrating it must be for him to deal with the son he is most different from, Eilian. As an Ithilden groupie, I really appreciate you showing him in a moment of vulnerability and pain, when he confesses his feelings to his father about his role in Legolas becoming lost. We don't often get to see Ithilden that way, and it's a revelation. Just in case it's not clear, I'm truly loving this story! Thanks so much, Daw. Author Reply: When I thought about it, I didn't believe Legolas could get too lost with his family right there. They could probably track him, just as he thinks they could. And then really what was most interesting to me was how everyone is reacting. I think they're all a little lost in some ways. Thranduil and Eilian are just not a good match temperamentally. Lorellin was the parent who was best suited to helping Eilian mature, and they're missing her. And poor Ithilden. No one beats themself up more than he does. I'm glad you like it, Socket.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
Yeap, this was bound to happen given the circumstances. I loved the detail of Legolas remmebering how good Annael was at tracking. And he was just so dear--so proud of himself for being good at the game. Smiles Oh I felt so sorry for him because I knew he was going to hide himself too well. And then we are led down a merry little path where all is going well for Thranduil with his meeting with the villagers--until Eilain comes in and asks where Legolas was. I could just see the look and all three of their faces. We all have our stories of moments when we lost track of a child and the heart attack it instantly produces. I thought they all did much better than I would have done. The poor maiden--I would have taken a step back too. But Thranduil at least managed to conculde the conversation well and everyone really did a wonderful job of searching for him. I really felt for Eilian, wanting to search but being sent of to be a guard. I know that makes sense and Ithilden really paid him a compliment saying he was the best scout--but at that moment, I'm sure Eilian wanted to be a brother, not a warrior. But he did his duty well, with thoughts of Maltanaur to help him. (I am dying to see what's behind that). And again, I felt so sorry for him in the end when he goes off to duty, leaving the family in the tent. He needs Thranduil to take his wife's long ago advice and go listen (not talk) to him. Legolas is not the only person 'wandering' here--so is Eilian, of course. Poor little Legolas was even more dear when he was lost--I thought he was very wood-elfy. Comforted by the trees but frustrated they weren't pointing the way back to the village. :-) I agree with Thranduil, he did very well. And the image of him curled up in Thranduil's arms was very sweet. And I felt sorry for Ithilden--this is something he will beat himself up over for ever. Such a scary day for them all, but it could have been worse. Even knowing this was coming and knowing Legolas had to be found whole, it was still a very tense chapter. Full of wonderful details about these characters. Loved it, daw! :-) Author Reply: One of the things I like about writing from a little kid's POV is that he makes sense of the world in a way that's logical enough but is just off center for an adult. Legolas has things on his mind when he hides -- he's proud of himself and is being as sly as he can. And it just doesn't occur to him that if he's been sitting in the woods for a while and no one is coming, things might have gone wrong. Well, it occurs eventually, I guess. And then he handles himself quite well, although I think it's a good think Ada came along when he did. I thought all of these people were a little lost, and maybe Eilian most of all. Ada should go find him too. Ithilden is not one to forgive himself easily. I do feel for him. He's such a perfectionist. He really needs to have Alfirin come along, but that won't happen for a little while yet.

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
Poor Thranduil- he seemed to be in a right state most of the chapter... its starting to seem it was a bad idea to bring Legolas. You've made me curious- hopefully whatever is bothering Eilian isn't too serious. And I can totally picture Thranduil 'tucking in' Ithilden... AW! Author Reply: Dealing with Legolas has been far harder than Thranduil imagined it would be. He's never tried this without Nana before. But I don't see how he could have left the kid home either. Maybe this will be a good bonding experience for all of them. I'm glad you can picture Thranduil tucking Ithilden in. I'm not sure I can!

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
"He looked down at his baby, who still trusted him as the one who would come when he was in trouble. He had held Eilian like this, and surely Eilian too had trusted him. Why did he not trust him now? When had his second son wandered away and become lost to him?" Ooo, this is beautiful. I am so looking forward to that Thranduil-Eilian moment that I hope is coming soon. I really liked your use of the word "buzzed" when you described the maple tree. I love that mystical connection to the woods. That verb really made it come alive. Really! I love the story . . . I'm so glad you're writing Legolas again . . . this is still my favorite fan fic universe. Author Reply: This story is about people who are all a little lost right now, but are working on finding one another. Legolas isn't the only child who's wandered. One of the things I had to decide when I planned this story was how lost Legolas could get. After all, he's a wood elf! He's connected to that forest and it doesn't frighten him in the same way it might a human child. Thank you, Esamen.

Brazgirl	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
Nice chapter! It was interesting - and sad - to see the despair growing inside those three and powerful elven warriors because of the escape of one elfling. Ah, what love and fear can do in one's feelings! I love to read about Eilian's inner struggles. He thinks about Maltanaur even when the elf is away. Maybe he is a better pupil than everybody thinks. Plus, Daw I was wondering if you picture Eilian as a hyperactive person??? Author Reply: I do indeed think of Eilian as hyperactive! He needs to be on the move and can't stay still very easily. He's also an adrenaline junkie. He loves excitement and wants stimulation all the time. Celuwen had her hands full settling him down, but it's a tribute to her and to the maturity he gained with age that she succeeded.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
I really enjoyed this chapter. I was waiting for Legolas to get lost but whispers to be honest, I was most interested in the reactions of his family – so this is wonderful! Green refuge? Ah, the elf version of Tip the Can. At least Legolas can introduce this new game to his friends at home. Well, he could if he understood it! I love seeing children playing games that they don’t really understand. I definitely sat up a little straighter at the mention of Hide and Seek. I love the reference to Annael being good at tracking and Legolas being so careful to hide any evidence of where he went. I’m glad Isemir isn’t good at everything as well :-) Ithilden was glad he had been able to return to the negotiations. He was sometimes able to temper his father’s more volatile reactions. Hmm. Ithilden may be more restrained than his father but I think Eilian is the diplomat of the family. He’ll charm rather than intimidate. Ithilden thought it had probably made the village leaders warm a bit to his father, seeing him less as a remote ruler and more as someone like themselves, whose children’s actions did not always make them puff with pride. Oh yes! I kind of thought that myself. As long as their own children don’t pick up the phrase, I imagine they should surely find it more amusing than anything else. I got a great kick out of the idea of Thranduil and Ithilden eating in Feldor’s kitchen. They’re probably the only two of the family who don’t ever get to do that kind of thing. Although, you could have waited until they at least had some food before ruining their day! I cringed through most of the conversation when Eilian arrived. They all quite neatly blame each other without saying much. Until they have time to blame themselves, of course. I must say, though, I like the way that responsible Ithilden took the blame that Thranduil might place on Eilian onto himself, whether he realised it or not. I felt rather sorry for that maiden! So maybe she could have kept track, but if I was looking after children and a strange one joined in for a while and then disappeared I probably wouldn’t be too worried either… Most heartbreaking lines of the chapter: He had not walked away and left his little brother in the woods with no one to care for him. That could not have happened. Poor Ithilden. Once again control has slipped from him. And right now, losing anyone he believed was supposed to be in his care must be his absolute worst nightmare :-( Of course, the other two must be frightened out of their wits too. I think Ithilden was right that Eilian should go and scout for danger, and really it was a compliment because he’s trusting Eilian to keep danger away from their little brother. I think Eilian probably realised that too, even if he wanted to be more involved in finding Legolas. The whole part with Legolas realising that he’s lost and trying to figure out what to do is done very well. I can really see his thought processes. He’s a smart elfling, but also one who needs security a little more than most right now. For a minute, he thought he might have to cry, but instead he said the only thing that seemed right for the occasion: “Orc spit.” I melted at that! That summed up his dejection and frustration so well, much better even than tears would. He has a lot of faith in the adults in his life. The story about Annael’s Nana and the baby bird was sweet. I’m so proud of Eilian! It’s interesting, though, that it’s Maltanaur’s voice that he turns to in a time like this, whereas Legolas always seems to have the ‘voice of Thranduil’ in his head, even as a warrior. I suppose Maltanaur has seen what Eilian is like in battle and has seen why he does the things he does, whereas his family only hear about it and can’t really judge it properly. I think Maltanaur would be proud of him too, because Eilian has been incautious in situations where there was much less anxiety for him, so to rein himself in now when all he wanted was to find Legolas is really commendable. Eilian is not having a good time at the moment. I know it’s a bad situation, but it’s kind of a good that Legolas’ tracks are hide to find too, right? It shows he’s been learning… “I would come for you anywhere, my heart.” I love that moment. I love any time that we get to see Thranduil as Ada. There’s such a special bond between these two because Thranduil is now his only parent. I can’t help thinking of Legolas’ future, when Ada really does have to let his son go. My favourite is the last part, though. I just adore the image of Thranduil sitting under the stars with his sleeping child in his arms. I’m so, so glad that Thranduil noticed Ithilden’s pain and tried to ease it a little. Ithilden had suffered in the months after his mother’s death, suffering that was no less real because it was quieter than Legolas’s noisy childish grief and less wild than Eilian’s self-destructive rush into danger. I think that maybe Thranduil can understand Ithilden more because his own grief too is very private. Perhaps deep down he envies Legolas and Eilian for their ability to find expression, even as the father and king in him disapproves of Eilian and worries about Legolas. But he obviously feels that he needs to be strong and to keep his personal feelings to himself. Ithilden is in the same position but Thranduil would never really question him because he doesn’t question himself. It’s good that he has these little moments of realisation. “I once lost track of Legolas, Turgon, and Annael in the woods near home." Yes, and that was three elflings. Near his home. I was going to bring that up if he was too hard on Eilian or Ithilden ;-) And Eilian! My heart went out to him when he had to leave that cosy scene. Yet a little part of him doesn’t seem ready to be among them. You must tell us more of the Maltanaur story!! “I probably should ask, if it has anything to do with Maltanaur being hurt. But Todith sent me a report on the incident, and I did not want to undermine him by going around him and questioning one of his warriors. Do you want me to speak to Eilian?” This is what frustrates me! Why does he have to talk to him as commander and warrior? Why not knock on his brother’s door, go in and sit on his bed and ask him what’s troubling him so much? Or go for a ride together. Geez. “Not that he is likely to confide in me in any case.” Wow. Did Thranduil just say that out loud?? He seems a little hurt by Eilian’s distance from him. Maybe guilty too. And I’m sure Eilian is equally hurt. sigh Those two. “I will talk to him. I will even try to listen to him.” I know there isn’t much of an improvement for a long time yet, but this is a start. I’ll just keep hoping that they can each manage not to let annoyance or resentment get in the way. Maybe they both just need a hug! “You must be tired, Ithilden.” He grinned. “Come and I will tuck you and Legolas both in.” I have the most idiotic grin on my face! Great lines!! And a wonderful chapter :-) Author Reply: It turned out I was most interested in the family's reactions too, because I didn't think Legolas could really get very lost in this situation. Separated from his family for a while, yeah. But missing for a long time? I didn't think so. Not with a bunch of wood elf warriors searching for him and him little and on foot. Besides, we know he survives and so on. So the people who were most intriguing, I think, were the other "lost" people in this family. Poor things. I've thought at some point about the kinds of leaders Thranduil's three sons are, but never about the kind of diplomats. I really do think Legolas grows up to the be the best one. He combines Ithilden's and Eilian's strengths. Eilian is charming but likely to blurt out unfortunate truths if the people he talking to tick him off. Ithilden is a little too bossy. Thranduil can be charming, but I think at some point he's likely to stand up and say, "Enough!" I'll bet his advisors get to recognize that point coming. My sympathies were with the maiden too. She genuinely thought Eilian was watching Legolas, which he was! And Ithilden is a really upright guy. I love that in him. He'd no more let Eilian take the blame when it was his than he'd strip naked and join in the dancing at the Glade. I found Ithilden touching in a lot of this, particularly when Thranduil recognizes how he's suffered. Legolas does have a lot of faith in the adults around him. He's a lucky kid in a lot of ways. Unfortunately, he does know that sometimes the people who take care of you go away even when they don't mean to. He's still missing Nana. Good point about how Legolas hears Thranduil's voice while Eilian hears Maltanaur's. I think in this case, Maltanaur's the one who's been continuing his training as a warrior, but also I think he just finds it easier to listen to Maltanaur, sadly enough. Author Reply: I was also just thinking that, oddly enough, a word that describes Ithilden very well is generous. He gives his all, and he doesn't begrudge what other people get. But then, maybe that describes Thranduil's family in general.

Alison H	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/29/2005
This was such a wonderful chapter! Like everyone else I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen to Legolas once he began playing with the other children--and the title of this chapter made me even more nervous! I love how you get in to the mind of young Legolas.As he hid from the others I was comforted by the fact that the trees comforted Legolas! How I would love to be a wood-elf! It's heartbreaking to see Thranduil and Eilian so at odds and Ithilden didn't help when he told his brother to use his head! Ithilden was as panicked as he'd probably ever been but he should have thought a little before speaking to Eilian so tersely.At least Ithiden came to Eilian's defence later. I hope Eilian is responsive when Thranduil decides to speak with him.They are both stubborn and Thranduil should listen to his wife's advice more often--as Eilian listened to Maltanaur.Eilian needs Thranduil as much as Legolas, I think.He's still very young and I feel so bad for him, that he feels he has to push his father away. As usual you manage to weave such emotion into your stories and I've really missed these wonderful characters over the summer.Looking forward to the next chapter--even though it will be the last.I hope you have another story planned soon! Take care. Ali. Author Reply: I'd love to have that kind of link to the woods that wood elves have, but I'm not so big on sleeping outside and having to kill what I eat. So I think I'll just enjoy this vicariously through fanfic. :-) Legolas isn't the only one who's a little lost here. Thranduil needs to go retrieve his second son too. Because you're right: Eilian is very young about 70 in the "present" and 50 in the flashbacks to the time he first became a warrior. And he's lost his mother, who was the one person who seemed to bring out the best in him. He has a long way to grow yet, I think.

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