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The Warrior by daw the minstrel	27 Review(s)
Asms2	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/15/2016
Another good read! I love how Anneal talks to Thranduil about Legolas’ spider encounter and then realizes too late that Legolas might not have shared all the details. Lol. I can just picture this happening. I, like Anneal, tend to assume that people share things with their family members, and from time to time, I am surprised when I learn that they haven’t. I smiled when I read the line about Thranduil hoping there was a disbatch about the illegal logging because he was tired of pretending he didn’t know anything about it! It was so sweet that every member of Eillian’s family individually realized that he had given up his rune of protection, and sent him a new one, without realizing that the others had done it too. And I love how Ithilden and Thranduil are hypocrites when it comes to getting information on their sons! They both want to know everything, but don’t have a problem shielding information from the other when they think it will just cause unnecessary worry or anger. They care so deeply for their families, and it's adorable! Great story :) Author Reply: Poor Annael! I tend to blab indiscreetly myself, so my sympathy was totally with him. And I like that Thranduil sends his regards to Annael's mother. (He did do that, didn't he? I haven't reread.) Still, Legolas had to know his father would eventually find out about the spiders, just as Ithilden had to know his father would be aware of the logging. You have to get up pretty early in the morning to outfox the Elven Kind. He knows what's going on in his woods and with his kids. He's not very adept at dealing with Eilian though, even though he loves him. Probably the best thing he did was make sure Eilian had a rune of protection, since that spoke volumes. Of course, Eilian wound up with enough bling to open a shop. Eilian is an interesting character to write about because he looks devil may care, but he has these fits of shadow sickness that are really dark. Anyway, thanks for the review. daw

endorearwen	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 9/9/2013
Well, Daw, here we have yet another example of the delightful story telling I have come to expect from you! :-) As always, the question is where to begin? I guess, first and foremost, there is Ithilden...¢¾ ¢¾ ¢¾ I can never get enough Ithilden!¢¾ ¢¾ ¢¾ SO CUTE that after ten years of marriage he remains as modest, shy, and naive as his precious elfling son! As you can guess, my favourite scene was the revelation of the secret customs of the swimming holes!! I had to laugh at Ithilden's insecurity about Eilian when it came to his wondering just how much enjoyment Alfirin might have gotten from this custom! ;-) I think I would have learned to swim in my youth had I access to that set of swimming holes (and, no, Eilian would not have been my quarry either...) ¢¾ ¢¾ ¢¾ Let's leave that where it is - I don't think anyone needs to know anything more about how much I truly enjoyed that scene... I just LOVED the letters from home! To me, letters are almost sacred in a way. When they feel at their most vulnerable, letters become the vehicle through which people share intimate confidences, the things you NEED to say to someone else before it's too late. It was so interesting to see Thranduil attempting to convey the depth of his love for his children when he couldn't draw them near to himself in a physical way. Even when scolding Eilian, he remains certain to add that he is Eilian's "most loving Adar". It was a simple yet compelling way to show that horn that Thranduil has to sit on between being their father and their King. Several times I thought about what a major concession Thranduil made in allowing Legolas to 'skip' the relative safety of the Home Guard for his first posting. It is the sheer force of his strength of character and principles that he manages to govern so well despite the internal struggle he's living with, which at times must be draining for him. I think Thranduil is one of Tolkien's most curious characters. I defy anyone not to have some respect and/or admiration for the Elvenking! I thoroughly enjoyed the way you've written about both Legolas and Eilian as warriors executing their duties on different fronts. That perspective of experience vs. initiation becomes obvious the minute you start reading. You've done a great job of introducing us to 'Legolas the warrior' as he starts coming into his own! I must say, I like the choice of Beliond - he is the perfect guardian for Legolas! It's amusing to watch the new warriors have their concepts about the elders they know shaken by seeing them in a completely different set of circumstances - can you image their shock at realizing they are people too! ;-) The fact that Beliond has a sense of humour - or worse still, a fallen son - was so surprising to Legolas! Still, they seem to be on the road to understanding one another. From the start, I had my suspicions that Beliond was actually quite soft-hearted despite appearances to the contrary. Everytime Beliond did something 'unexpected', I was reminded of Legolas' utter astonishment at the sight of Maldor's wife. I guess age and experience really do teach you a lot about reading people... I was sorry to see this story end, Daw, I enjoyed it that much! Onward now to the next! PS - Please tell me that we get to see something more about this maiden who is so misguided she would even consider bonding with Tinar!?! I see that his arrogance has returned to to its full strength again... Sigh... Author Reply: To my very great surprise, Nana Beliond eventually had fans. I wouldn't want to live with the man, but Thranduil knew no one would defend his child the way Beliond would. I see him, Maltanaur, and Thranduil as old friends. As a matter of fact, that's what they often call one another. And when Thranduil appointed Beliond, he was saving Beliond as well as Legolas because the old guy needed to come in out of the cold. And speaking of saving, I think Alfirin saved Ithilden from a lonely life too. He sure learned things he never expected. One of my favorite moments in this story is when Eilian's depression lifts a little and he realizes he's happy. Optimism is his natural state, so when he's down, that's a sign he's really beaten. Tinar's wife does eventually show up. She's not a prize, but then, even if she started out well, living with Tinar would finish her off. It got harder for me to include everyone once Legolas left home. Glad you enjoyed.

nessie	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 2/17/2008
Of course you can mention it on your LJ! And if I ever draw another of your characters (because Alfirin was great fun to do!) I'll let you know ;-) Thank you so much for the compliments blush I'm glad you like it! ~nessie~ Author Reply: Done. My LJ is at dawtheminstrel.livejournal.com

nessie	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 2/17/2008
Beliond still makes my heart go all aflutter. And is it just me, or does anyone else find it incredibly sexy of Thranduil rescuing wayward swimming elflings fully-clothed? I also wonder what elf-maiden in her right mind would marry Tinar and spend all eternity with him. They must love each other fiercely, or I would not think it possible. The drawing of Alfirin can be found here: http://nessie6.deviantart.com/art/Alfirin-77606034 It is not colorful and is done in just pencil and shaded. But then again, I count coloring as my downfall, unless it is paint. ~nessie~ Author Reply: Nessie, what a gorgeous picture! You got her thick braid and everything. And I'm bowled over by how patient you were to do things like the leaf pattern you mention on the edge of her dress. Is it all right if I mention this picture on my LJ?

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/12/2005
Quit funny the song Foril came up with and Tinar must be dense not to know it was him in it. Thranduil knows how to work his sons, get Legolas to talk to him and gets Eilian to apoligize. Also Beliond wouldn't spy on Legolas and tell, he is Loyal. So sad that Celuwen sent a message from her father, it was cruel. Those other girls ment nother he loves her...Solith, I think sometimes likes being cruel to Eilian... Author Reply: Solith is a complete jerk. Well, maybe not complete. I do think he loves his daughter. But he's not making her happy. And Tinar is indeed dense. If he weren't so dense, he might notice how people react to him and change.

FaerieQueen	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/13/2004
Why are your endings so beautiful? That was a great fic. Beliond has taken a place as one of my favorite characters. He is so funny, and so sad. The death of his son and all. Thranduil really can be merciless sometimes. Well I've just noticed that you've come out with a new fic! Must read it. And since this one is in progress I will attempt to review every chapter. Let's see how well that works out... FaerieQueen Author Reply: Thank you, FaerieQueen. I wanted this story to end as it began, with Legolas and Annael next to one another, only now they've been changed by their experiences. I think that Thranduil thought it would be good for Beliond to have a young one in his care again. I think that Legolas and Beliond need one another. You've really been so nice to review all these stories.

xsilicax	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/11/2004
Oh poor Eilian! And just after he was beginning to get back to some semblance of the elf we all love. I'm just a little bit wroth with Solith for taking such obvious delight in his news. Admittedly Elian didn't exactly help his situation any with his carousing about with wenches, but he wasn't in his right mind when he was behaving in such ways. I am curious though. Surely if the rumours were that widespread that Solith had heard them within a day, then Thranduil would also have heard them. I would have thought he would have wanted to have more than a few words about proper behaviour, with his middle son. I would have liked to have seen Thranduil's reaction upon finding out about Celuwen, he obviously seems to feel that Eilian would be well-matched with her...even if it would mean having Solith as a relative. It was very interesting comparing Thranduil's, Ithilden's, Eilian's and Legolas' situations. All of them are at various stages of their life and yet still the ties of family were strong between them. I especially liked Ithilden's reactions as a father, and his greater understanding of his own father through them. It was also good to see Thranduil interracting with Beliond. It is nice to see something of the warrior he used to be, resurfacing. I have to wonder though...what is Eilian going to do with all those runes? Cathy, xx Author Reply: Hm. Good question about whether Thranduil would know about Eilian's bad behavior. I thought he would certainly know about the drinking. Eilian was showing up at home drunk, after all. But I thought people might hesitate to tell Thranduil about the girl. I would not have wanted to be the one to do so! But you may also be right. He seems to know everything that goes on in his realm. Maybe there was a scene we didn't see? Yes! That's it! I had a tough time getting Thranduil and all his sons in the picture in this story because of how widely they were scattered. I'm glad you still reacted to all of them. Thank you for the review.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/10/2004
It was so nice to see this family all together again. Ithilden's determination to conceal his alarm at Legolas's first battle injuries and his combination of annoyance and amusement at the young warrior's pride in them showed all the pragmatism and wisdom of a commander as well as the love of a brother. Legolas wants to badly to be seen by his family as a warrior and his big brother is trying just as hard to respect that! The exchange between Ithilden and Legolas about withholding information from Adar was delightful. Thranduil was also making an extra effort to avoid embarrassing his "long-legged warrior". I guess Eilian will be the last one clucking... Some of my other favorites: Ithilden's comment to Sinnarn that his grandfather has never felt that his adar and uncles were two big to have an ada, Beliond's comment to Thranduil that Legolas is somewhat more biddable than his father had been, Thranduil's revelation that he's not quite as senile as his kids think he is, Eilian getting outsmarted by his old man (once again!). The scene between Beliond and Thranduil was great; I don't believe you've given us another character who goes back quite as far with Thranduil and who can be quite so familiar with him. This adds a nice dimension to Thranduil's character. Eilian learned a very hard lesson this chapter but I think in the long run it will build character (doesn't everything that doesn't kill us?) and I don't think he has anyone to blame but himself (although Solith certainly must have been delighted to be given the ammunition). It'll be good for him to have some time (a few months, or maybe, centuries) to think about what it is he really wants. Nice closing with Legolas and Annael that really shows us how far they've come. Thanks for another wonderful story, and I can't wait for the next one! Author Reply: They do have a hard time letting Legolas go, and I'm glad! You pick out some of my favorite moments to comment on. And I do feel sorry for Eilian too. He just can't get a break, and he's such a great guy (I realize that I made him up and am therefore prejudiced, but he is!). I suspect that Oropher had his hands full with Thranduil. A young Thranduil story would be interesting to do.

LKK	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/9/2004
An excellent story, daw. :-) I found my reactions to it very fascinating. At times, I'd be on one person's side during the emotional conflict. Then I'd switch around and be on the other person's side of the same issue. A testament to your ability to portray all your characters with sympathy. Even those I didn't want to feel sympathetic for at first like Beliond. (Although Tinar never quite won me over, now that I think about it. LOL) Speaking of Beliond, assuming that he remains Legolas' keeper throughout the Third Age, there might be an interesting tale in why Beliond did not accompany his charge on the journey to Mordor. How Beliond was convinced to let Legolas go alone, and how Beliond explained it all to Thranduil. After Beliond's refusal to spy on Legolas' non-warrior activities, I could see him being able to explain to the King just why he let Legolas go on the journey without his keeper. My heart went out to Eilian through this entire story. I think, but I'm not sure, that you have written a story which tells Eilian's fate. Yes? I fear, it is not a pleasant one. He seems to feel little hope for his own future, foreseeing only long lonely years of Shadow fighting. I would love to know more about what happens to him. Of all your wonderful original characters, Eilian has touched me the most. Speaking of things I would love to learn more about .... the quick reference to Legolas and the human girl being kidnapped by orcs. There's a story in there. I can tell. hint! hint! (Don't you just love how I come up with all this extra work for you? As if you weren't clever enough to think up stories on your own? LOL) Anyways ..... I say again, this was a wonderful story. I look forward to your next one, whatever the subject might be. :-) LKK Author Reply: NOw this is really flattering and I thank you. If you sympathize with all the characters, then I succeeded and I am so grateful to you for telling me. I have not yet written about Eilian's ultimate fate, and to be truthful, I'm not sure what it is. I know what happens with Celuwen, but that's about it. I already wrote about the kidnapping in a story called "One Year in Mirkwood." That story kind of rambles on and it's at the end.

bryn	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/6/2004
Your tales never fail to captivate, daw! :) I enjoyed this one as much, if not more so than the others. It seems Legolas has finally become the warrior he has tried so hard to be. Granted, he's still a little green, but a warrior nonetheless. The final scene between he and Annael was magnificent and poignant. Thank you for another brilliant glimpse into the lives of Mirkwood's royal family. ...And Beliond isn't quite so bad a guy after all. grin Am I allowed to request something? I would dearly love to see how Ithilden handles the day his son begins training. Oh, and also: PLEASE DON'T KILL OFF EILIAN. The poor Elf just needs a break! ;) Author Reply: Bryn-- I have plans to kill Eilian. Not that I know of anyway. I have plans for him to do all kinds of other stuff, so I need him around. You know, the scene you ask for would be fun to write. I'm outlining a story now in which Sinnarn is a new warrior, but I didn't put in the stuff you asked for and I'm not it would fit. I'm already a little worried about relying too much on my OCs and not enough on canon characters. But for a future story, I could do it. It would be entertaining. Poor Ithilden! Author Reply: Wait!! Let me edit that! I have NO plans to kill Eilian.

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