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| Spring Awakenings by daw the minstrel | 24 Review(s) |
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| tigerlily713 | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/23/2004 |
| Finally Eilian and Celuwen will communicate without a middle-man, or should I say a middle-elf! Great chapter! Lily Author Reply: Lily-- I have an Eilian and Celuwen chapter almost ready to do. I hope you like it. daw | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/21/2004 |
| Sorry I'm so late. I went away for the weekend, to a wedding, and I just got back to find this chapter. It was a lovely wedding, and now that I think about it, the bride and groom are an awful lot like Celuwen and Eilian, except that their two families get along. Interesting thought about why the Silvan Elves have a Sindarin King, and the unwritten contract between ruler and ruled implicit in their relationship. And it is also interesting to see these glimpses of Legolas thinking of himself as Silvan -- he's the second-generation immigrant, the child of an immigrant, who calls himself a native. I am of the Old Country; my child is an American. It must make it difficult for Thranduil to understand his kids sometimes. Eilian seems to have his head screwed on right for the time being. Good thought with the rabbits. One day Sólith will realize that there comes a time when all children must tell their parents to shove it, and Celuwen is fast approaching that time. Author Reply: I got your review just as I was posting the next chapter, FP! But spring break is over now, so I have to go back to work, a very sad state of affairs. I'm glad you liked the political stuff. I needed to get the situation with the settlements clear in my own head, but I was afraid readers would be bored. I do like the idea of the House of Oropher ruling by the people's consent. Eilian is doing his best, but I don't know how long that can last! | |
| hisielome | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| More responsibilities for Legolas and finaly the chance of happiness for Eilian. This family is just so much fun. Author Reply: Glad you liked it, hisielome. Legolas is growing into Legolas of the Fellowship, the one who took the message of Gollum's escape to Elrond. Here's his chance to practice! And Eilian seems pretty determined that this time Celuwen is not going to get away. We'll see! | |
| Erendis | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| Well, I don't usually review stories by chapter but at the end of them, however this chapter inspired me to do so! I really liked how you combined the 'serious' part of Legolas' diplomatic mission with the romance of Eilian&Celuwen's love story. Legolas is clearly on his way to become his father's ambassador to Imladris a few years from now, and it'll be definitely interesting to see him through this mission (which, I'm sure, won't go as smoothly as planned). Accepting that his leave wasn't as important as the settlers' needs is a big step forward down this path. Can't wait to see exactly how smooth will it be. ;) Now, praise Daw with great praise! Eilian and Celuwen's reunion and subsequent moments together are definitely praise worthy. Of course she thought he wouldn't come! I'm trying hard not to hate Solith because I know and understand his reasons for acting as he did, but still it tickles me that he decided that his daughter couldn't handle the situation by herself. I loved it when Celuwen simply puts her hand on Eilian's arm and everything else seems to vanish from the room for them; that's exactly how it feels when you're in love. I only wish things would be more simple for them, but I don't see how that can be. They have a a hard road ahead before they can make it all work out, don't they? And Solith will be a rather large 'obstacle'. *looks back* Ok, can you tell I really liked this chapter? I can't really ask you to update faster, because you already do it and beyond my wildest expectations. Keep at it, Daw! You have a few of us quite hooked. Author Reply: Thank you, Erendis. I'm having some trouble balancing the parts with Legolas and Eilian as well as I want to because, in truth, I'm having a lot of fun with Eilian and Celuwen. But in the next chapter, I'll get into Legolas's mission more and we can see him trying to rise to the responsibility that Thranduil has set for him. He's such a good son. Eilian, on the other hand, is going to have to struggle to make Adar happy at the same time he goes after what he wants. ;-) | |
| Tapetum Lucidum | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| Wow another update! I guess Nilmandra thought it was ready too. I loved the meeting in Thranduil's office. You put Legolas on quite the emotional roller coaster. His initial dismay was very apprpriate. I had forgotten that he didn't know the reason he was personally selected for this mission. He must have felt very frustrated to have his leave interrupted, then proud his father trusted him with the mission. His intelligent assessment and inquiry must have relieved his father's advisors. They seem apprehensive about his new appointment. Sending Legolas to supervise the food preparation was a great idea - it is always smart to be well informed. Special thanks to Ithilden for sending Annael. It was very thoughtful. Eilian showed remarkable restraint in not riding pell mell to Celuwen's cottage. I was happy to see him think over his father's words before his arrival. His initial greeting with Solith was very tense - nice job. It seems that Isiwen is going to have her work cut out for her as a mediator. Celuwen and Eilian's greeting was worth waiting for. I really liked how the two of them exchanged glances in the presence of her glowering father. What father on Arda thinks any male is good enough for his beloved daughter. It was very realistic! Eilian's flashback to a sad little Legolas was very sweet. It must have scared him to death to realize just how much Celuwen cared for him. Their good night kiss and joy over their time together was heartwarming. I am hope they will have some happy time together and that Solith softens up a little. Now, what was it that ached for her? (evil grin!) Author Reply: His *whole being*, Tapetum! His whole being ached for her. Well, maybe some parts ached more than others. I couldn't say. I'm writing about Legolas's mission right now. He's pleased with the trust Thranduil has placed in him but a little on edge about doing it right. I enjoyed writing the Eilian scene in this chapter but also struggled with it because Eilian is dealing with a lot of emotions - love, lust, anger, fear. It was hard to work them in without making him sound a little crazy. But I suppose it's true that he's not thinking completely straight, poor guy. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| This is absolutely fascinating! I really thought the part with Legolas being informed of his mission was so interesting. I had to laugh at the way he thought at first that he was being sent merely to deliver food, and then Thranduil suddenly realising why his son was so bewildered! I loved that Thranduil obviously feels great pride in his son when he reacts not by questioning his assignment but by expressing a willingness to serve, despite the fact that he should be on leave. Thrior’s little history lesson was completely engrossing. I liked seeing Legolas’ behaviour – he is willing to listen but still remains quite formal and lets Thrior know that he is more than aware of the great history of his family, he is a part of it: “The House of Oropher rules with the consent of the realm’s people.” I hadn’t really thought much about the situation with the settlers before, but of course they really would be a threat if they gained many more followers. It’s kind of amusing that Legolas had just presumed that the tension was because “Sólith hated Eilian”. If that were the case Thranduil would have put a stop to such nonsense long ago. “You will express my deepest concern for these Elves and let them know how close they are to my heart.” Such, um, diplomacy! I’m really intrigued to know how Legolas will fare. No doubt it will be a lot tougher than he thinks. Still, it should provide good training for diplomatic missions – like maybe a certain Council that might take place one day… Did Eilian really turn up at their door with rabbit carcasses?? Obviously it is a great gift in such lean times but it just struck me as a strange image! I felt so good for Eilian when he was able to tell Sólith that he had been invited! I like his wife. She seemed to know immediately what Eilian’s presence would mean for each member of her family but she seems determined to just make the best of the situation. She seems to have a certain amount of influence too when it comes to her husband. I wonder did she lecture him just a little when they left their daughter outside with Eilian. That moment when Eilian and Celuwen are reunited was so moving. There’s such a feeling of desperation in both of them. I really loved the way you showed the huge attraction between them, the little touches and glances, the way Eilian seems to almost forget the presence of her parents every time Celuwen looks at him. My heart nearly stopped that moment when Eilian realises that Celuwen is fading from grief. I can’t even imagine what it would do to him if that happened. It was so interesting to see Eilian’s thought process, the realisation first that she is unwell and then that just maybe it is his presence that is helping her. Still, I don’t know how he can ever turn around and leave her now, knowing what it would do to her. I really can’t wait to see what happens between them. Crikey, imagine if he decided not to go back south. Still, if he doesn’t look after his hip a bit better he might be around for a while yet. Not that I’d want him to be in pain or anything… “I think I will camp outside,” he finally managed. Everyone in the room let out simultaneous sighs of relief.” LOL! You did such a great job at creating the tension in the room. I love the way they each know that the atmosphere is strained but are all barely clinging onto a sense of propriety. I doubt it would take much for that crumble, though. Sólith is plainly on edge. I’m so tempted to hate him but I think that in this chapter we can’t help but see that he is also a father who clearly loves his daughter. He might not realise that he contributed towards her grief by hiding the letters and keeping the two apart but he surely can’t help seeing how Eilian’s mere presence and the thought that he loves her has given her so much hope. He seems to be realising that even though she might succumb to grief should anything happen him, being parted from him without hope means nothing but pain and a slow passing into grief for her. I don’t know, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see;) Author Reply: Thranduil is proud of Legolas and with good reason. I'm glad you liked the politics and history lesson. I was afraid it would be boring but I needed to know for my own sake just what was going on here. And I love the idea of the king ruling with the consent of the people and of Legolas taking pride in that. Think of the rabbit carcasses as the ME equivalent of a bottle of wine you take to your host! Celuwen's mother probably finds Eilian as attractive as every other female does. I really worked at showing how they were attracted to one another. In that tiny cottage, it had to have been awkward. I think that if Celuwen knows Eilian loves her, she may be able to deal with his absence better. It's the fact that she wrote and, as she says, she thought he wouldn't come. In my opinion, your analysis of my characters is really sharp! | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| I love Celuwen. You already know all my favorite parts, esp the line about Legolas nearly fading as a little elfling. Celuwen is great in this chapter - Eilian can have no doubt of her love. Um....now I *really* want to see my other little thought in chapter format soon. *grin* Author Reply: Did I tell you I have to be away all next week? That is going to slow things down, I'm afraid, but you keep thinking good thoughts! | |
| Estel_Mi_Olor | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| Another great chapter! Was Celuwen grieving for Eilian? It does not seem possible, what with their previous history and all. Interesting...now I can't wait to find out what it is. It couldn't have been Eilian, I mean her parents would have invited him to visit if it really would help their daughter. I wish Legolas much luck, and he will need all the luck in the world, if he is to be dealing with a settlement full of Sóliths. Good thing Annael is going with him. Keep writing! Author Reply: Solith and Eilian are going to have to talk about who is doing what damage to Celuwen, I think. Solith is hopefully one of a kind, so Legolas may have a better time that Eilian does. We'll see. | |
| LOTRFaith | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| Am happy to see Celuwen and Eilian together. I think Sólith is finally starting to realise that though he can do quite a bit to keep the two apart they keep managing to find each other. :-) I hope Legolas doesn't run into any trouble with the settlement. Poor hungry elves... Namaarie~ Author Reply: Solith is up against two young elves who have been sweethearts since they were children. Their love has deepened and become passionate over the years, and I'm not sure that a father is strong enough to stop that. And what would be the fun if Legolas doesn't run into any problems?!! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/20/2004 |
| Poor Legolas was a bit fed up at first to miss his leave, but I'm glad he realises the trust Thranduil places in him. How nice of Ithilden to send Annael as well - he's being a kind older brother here I think, he'd not do it for just any warrior. The reunion between Eilian and Celuwen was lovely - they so clearly love one another, but I still wonder if they will ever work out all their differences and bond. What disasters do you have planned for Legolas next chapter? Jay Author Reply: This is another new task for Legolas. He's growing into Legolas of the Fellowship, I think, but it's not easy. None of Thranduil's sons has it easy, I'd say. Eilian is contemplating the task before him too, and trying to decide what tactic to use. We'll see how he does. Thanks for the review, Jay. | |