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| When Shadow Touches Home by daw the minstrel | 15 Review(s) |
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| Red Squirrel | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/23/2013 |
| Thank you for pointing that story out to me...it was great! I am glad to see Thranduil visit his friends...he seemed so alone in this story so far! Also, Maltanaur provided some insight to the family situation. I really liked good Ada Thranduil at the dinner scene...very heartwarming. Legolas about broke my heart in this chapter. Poor little guy. Author Reply: Was this the chapter in which Legolas lets his brothers' horses out, trying to stop them from leaving? I think it is. Yeah, he's just frantic at the thought of people he loves being anywhere near orcs. It's hard to blame him. But Thranduil came through for him. | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 11/28/2004 |
| Legolas considered this. “What if you are busy being king?” Thranduil hesitated. He tried to be as honest with his children as he expected them to be with him. “Sometimes then, you will have to wait. But I think that sometimes I will have to tell my advisors that I am busy being Ada.” Aww. That's sweet. Thranduil seems to be catching on, and restraining himself from putting Eilian down for once! His comment about never seeing anyone so happy to have something to swing a scimitar at was funny. And Eilian is a remarkably forgiving type. He's just so happy to be allowed on the mission, and it's not really in his nature to sulk, I think. His natural state of being is happiness. I have to check to see if this is the last chapter... Author Reply: Two more actually. I think you're right. Eilian's natural state of being is happiness. He's optimistic and generous and loving. But he's just a bad match for his father and his mother is dead. | |
| Lera | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/13/2003 |
| I'm so glad Thranduil has finally figured it out. ONe thing I love in this family is their value of truth, even/especially with their children. I find it sweet that Legolas hasn't lied. If it had been me, I might ave been tempted to. And he's so innocent:"I didn't touch Anniel's Father's sword!" So sweet. Author Reply: I loved writing about little kid Legolas. Every time I got to a section that was through his eyes, I was excited. I could shorten the sentences and use a four-year-old's logic. And it pleased me to show him as obviously loved, his family's darling really, even when they are trying to curb his misbehavior. Again, thank you for these nice reviews that are brightening my afternoon. | |
| Fadesintothewest | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/25/2003 |
| So finally Thranduil sees what Eilian had seen. It must have been hard for all as they were all seeing through grieving eyes, but I am glad that Legolas and Thranduil seem to have come to an understanding. Oh no, my heart feels heavy for Eilian, something is going to happen with Celuwen, I just know it, and he is going to be hurt so deeply. As more and more of Eilian's story unravels, the more I find myself wanting to know more and more about this great character you have created. Ithilden is endearing as well, in another sort of way, but he snakes around you too and before you know it, you care deeply for this character too! It's why I love your stories so much, you take the time to really build solid OCs along with canon characters, and they all blend and make so much sense! | |
| Brenda G. | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/23/2003 |
| Well, this is just another triumph to add to your long list. The further I venture into this story, the more I become entrenched in this family and the matters of life and death that confront them. I fear very much for the heart of Eilian in the chapters to come. Celuwen is becoming very dear to him. This chapter reveals the depth of his developing attachment to her. We know from your stories that chronlogically follow this one that she is not mentioned as Eilian's mate. As logic demands, there are only so many reasons why these two who obviously love each other so much would never bond. But you are the master of their fates, nor would I assume to predict what is going to happen to the lovely Celuwen. I hope her fate does not mirror that of the queen of Mirkwood, but I would not be surprised if that does indeed become her destiny. Whether she lives or dies, Eilian will experience grief on an even deeper level than currently. Poor little Legolas! Releasing his brothers' horses to keep them from riding off into battle was so touching to me--and desperate. It allows the reader to know just what turmoil grips this little one's heart. I really thought that Legolas might go against all he had learned about daggers and swords and actually hide those weapons from the beloved hands that would wield them. But, then, perhaps he realized how fruitless that would be. There are always more weapons to be had since all of Mirkwood has basically become a battlefield populated by warriors. If Legolas were not loved so deeply and so deliberately, then I don't believe the elfling would have survived. As it is, Thranduil is finding it a battle just to keep his youngest one from being swallowed up in despair and torn from his side. What a good father Thranduil is, but I see him struggle on so many levels to be this protector and sustainer of his youngest, indeed, to the entire Woodland Realm. There is so much darkness already in Legolas' young life, especially with the loss of his mother. At least the other two sons had the benefit of Lorellin's presence in their elfling years. My heart goes out to Thranduil at the dual role he is attempting to fill (mother and father), especially during those times when he seems as lost without his beloved Lorellin as his youngest son. This is a tale steeped in sorrow, but hope remains in this, as in all life, a knotted rope from which we all cling with the fierce tenacity it breeds in us. I'm bracing myself for the upcoming chapters. The winds of fate seem set to blow. Who knows how hard or widespread will be their path of destruction? You know, of course, and your readers will be made privy as future chapters unfold. Well written. Well done. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/22/2003 |
| Daw, What a lovely chapter. So much resolution to be found. The problems haven't gone away, but the strength of the family is coming together. Ithilden is seeing his own feelings in Legolas and Eilian's intutitive nature is being recognized. Thranduil is doing a fine job of bringing them all back together now that he has gained some insight into the interal struggles of his sons. And Eilian and Celuwen are in love. I know it's too much to hope for good things for them, but I am anxious to find out what becomes of this relationship....besides, I think Eilian has so many admirers among your readers, her life may be forfeit anyway! Fangirls can be a vicious lot! My heart went out to them all at evening meal when Legolas reacted with such fear at the news of his brothers leaving. It's so hard on a little one to still such fear after the loss he has suffered and how heartbreaking it was for his adar and brothers to know his struggle. Legolas's plan to let his brothers' horses out was a good one to his way of thinking, but aren't elven horses trained a bit too well for them to just wander off? Well, it was a good try anyway. The last scene with his ada was very touching. The world, theirs and ours, would be such a better place if we all had adas so loving. A very satisfying chapter. Thanks, Karen | |
| JustMe | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/22/2003 |
| Sorry that I have not reviewed the last couple of chapters (7 & 8), but I was out of town for a week and did not have access to a computer. But I sure had a lot of fun getting caught up! First of all - in chapter 7 - I have to tell you that I really loved it when Legolas proclaimed that Annael's Nana has powerful kisses. That was precious! I also had to giggle at Eilian and Legolas being sent off to do lessons while the "adults" discussed business. That little scene was further enhanced by the mention of counting orc toes and ears. Way to go Eilian - the perfect way to entice a youngster to complete a task that they may otherwise find unappealing. I loved seeing the "softer" side of Ithilden. Putting his head on Adar's shoulder - perfect! I actually had tears in my eyes when I read the scene between Ithilden and Legolas after Legolas tried wielding the sword. Yes, he was angry, but he was more scared than anything. Very insightful discussion he had with Legolas about feeling guilty - hopefully he comes to realize that he and Legolas are very much alike in that futile emotion. I found that I once again had tears in my eyes when Legolas released his brothers' horses in an effort to keep them from danger. That was so touching - he may be little, but no one can accuse him of not doing everything he can to protect the ones he loves. Speaking of love - I love the romance between Eilian and Celuwen. She seems like quite a girl and if anyone can tame that bad boy Eilian, I think it may be her ( but hopefully she doesn't tame him too much - we do like him to be just a little bad!!). | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/22/2003 |
| Note to author: Eilian is MINE! I think I was most touched in this chapter by Legolas hiding in the corner of the stable, crying, when he realized his plan had failed. I am sure he thought he was in trouble too. But, Ada finally sees - what Eilian has been saying and what Ithilden has been saying. Now that Ada's eyes are opened, I suspect he will begin to see things in all four of them that are signs of grieving. Now healing really can begin. Poor Legolas, though. You made me cry again. | |
| Sekhet | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/22/2003 |
| I forgot!! I meant to add how very afraid I am for Eilian and Celuwen. Given how Eilian is in later "episodes", his thoughts here of bonding with Celuwen are a little worrying and very, very poignant since it evidently doesn't work out. I can't wait to read how you'll do that, how you'll get Eilian through another loss and separation (I can only think of two ways it could happen, but I'll bet your resolution isn't what I might expect). Poor Eilian. Ithilden, we know, is going to be happy one day (despite himself, I suspect), but Eilian strikes me as such an essentially lonely character. I do like what you've done here, to create such wonderful, believable characters. Great stuff S | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/22/2003 |
| I admit that when I read the first chapter, I wasn't sure I'd continue reading. I mean no offense though. My reluctance came from a desire to not become interested in a host of OCs, not from than anything you had specifically written. But you drew me back chapter and chapter again. Now, I care as much for the king's sons that you created as I care for the son Tolkien created -- not to mention their father. You have painted a moving portrait of a family struggling to carry on after a terrible loss. I hope Thranduil's recent understanding about his youngest will expand to his middle child soon. It's high time someone other than Legolas has faith in Eilian. | |