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Sons of Kings by jenolas	78 Review(s)
Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/13/2005
Lovely concluding chapter, jenolas – although I admit I’m sorry to see this one end! I enjoyed the part with Legolas, Maerrin and Arwen. It was already a cosy and close scene between mother and daughter and I love that Legolas doesn’t disturb it at all but rather is welcomed easily into the picture. I felt so glad for Legolas when he realised that this tough question was actually a sign of how comfortable they feel with him and how much they value his opinion! I had to laugh at the thought that his ‘diplomatic’ answer was based on what Aragorn was likely to respond. Sarien seems to have thought of the perfect solution! You really made me smile to see how happy Maerrin is with the news that he does indeed love her. I imagine it must have been a joy to Legolas too to be the one to share such wonderful news with her. And of course now both of them will be as free as possible from hopeful suitors ;-) As always, I love the way you write the friendship between Aragorn and Legolas. It’s interesting that Aragorn still feels bitterness that Thranduil didn’t approve of their friendship. I suppose it can’t have been easy, especially knowing how important Thranduil is in Legolas’ life. That dinner sounds like a fun time! The type that can only happen amongst very close friends and family. And I was absolutely delighted with the chat between Thranduil and Aragorn. I felt so sad for Thranduil as he allowed himself to remember Elendil and the times they shared. You wrote it so well. I almost felt as privileged as Aragorn did to be able to see this side of Thranduil. I like the way they become just two fathers for a while as they try to accept the idea that greater happiness often does come at some cost but that it can be worth the pain. And as Aragorn has seen with his son, so many things have to be denied out of necessity; surely any other chances for joy should be taken. I can’t blame Thranduil for wanting to spare his son the pain that he has felt, and apparently still feels, but I’m glad he realised that the good memories are something to be cherished. I suppose he knows too how much it would have meant to him at the time to have his own father’s approval. I love the line “Thranduil held Aragorn’s gaze unflinchingly as he spoke, unafraid to admit his mistake whilst remaining as majestic and powerful in his humbleness.” It must have been an incredible moment. And that last part… What a wonderful way to finish. It’s almost as though Aragorn’s realisation of Legolas’ destiny should be sad but somehow it isn’t because you’ve written it with such a sense of rightness. As though in a moment of clarity he sees, understands and accepts the fate of all elves. Legolas is more than just his friend, he’s an elf, and as such will travel to his rightful home where another life awaits him beyond these days of love and friendship with Aragorn and his family. It must comfort Aragorn too in some way to see how much Thranduil still loves his one-time friend because he knows that Legolas will still hold him in his heart forever. I’m actually looking forward to re-reading this in one go now that it’s over, at least as soon as RL allows me to. Eldarion has a come a long way in not only accepting his duty but developing a sense of pride in who he is. And along the way everyone around him has learned a little something of themselves too. Great story, jenolas. You give your characters so much life! I hope to see more from you sometime soon. :-) Author Reply: Ai Dot! As ever your comments have captured the essence of what I was trying to say. It is an incredibly uplifting feeling, and truly amazing to know that someone I have never met can 'see' the meaning of my words so well. I guess this is every writer's aim to be able to draw the reader into the story and have them understand my portrayal of the various characters. I thank you for you reviews, they are always muvh appreciated, jenolas, (who understands completely about RL drama, more's the pity!)

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/13/2005
I loved this story and I am sad to see it end but it did so with a wonderful last chapter. I loved Legolas's thoughts as the ladies asked him to help chose dresses. As sweet as it is to see him drawn closer into their family, it is sad as well for one day he will lose them all. As Thranduil worries. I loved that part--between Thranduil and Aragorn. Very well done. Tying all the fathers' dilemas over their children's happiness/welfare together like that. And the stories they told (both about Legolas and Thranduil's younger days) were great. Great story jenolas. I really enjoyed it. Author Reply: Of course, I am assuming that Legolas has no sisters or mother to make such enquiries of him, although he has a very good sense of style! As the years went by, Aragorn's life experiences lead him to have more in common with Thranduil than Legolas, at least as far as family matters go, and thus a new understanding developed between the two. I really apreciate your comments and the fact that you liked this story so much. It was somewhat of a challenge to write, but an enjoyable one, rewarded by a reader's appreciation. Thank you, jenolas

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/13/2005
I've really enjoyed this glimpse of Thranduil with his son and then with Aragorn's family. I'd never thought about him being friends with Elendil and if that might have affected him. Author Reply: Thanks daw, as always I was trying to see the character's lives and motivations from a different perspective, and it seems to have worked out. jenolas

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/5/2005
Sorry this review took a while--been on vacation. This was a great chapter. I especially liked Thranduil speaking to the tree in Quenya because that's the language it recognizes--one of the few instances where this would be believable. Clever. And I liked Thranduil's introspection at the end. Very moving. Author Reply: As did this reply, I am sorry to say... I am pleased you liked this chapter and my notion that although Quenya was the language of the High Elves, and not spoken by the Sindar, it is possible that Thranduil may have learned it all the same in centuries past. thanks for the comments, jenolas

LuthienNenharma	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/3/2005
That story was excellent XD 4.8 stars Author Reply: Thanks, glad you like it. jenolas

lwarren	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/3/2005
I reviewed the first chapter of this story back in August, and while I've kept up with it (who ever knew those speed-reading lessons would come in so handy?), I have been so swamped with school (teaching a class of third grade killer squirrels) and my mom (who's been sick alot lately) that I have not reviewed the other great chapters...and they are great. The contest, making up with Legolas, Eldarion's mission to Ithilien with Sarien, meeting Thranduil, his growth and acceptance of his legacy as the prince and heir to the throne of Gondor...wonderful stuff! So I'm on Christmas break right now and everyone is GONE from the house (heaven!!!), and I am bound and determined to review this new update! Eldarion's leavetaking with his best friend had to be difficult, given he would love to have the freedom to explore and learn as a Ranger, but he is maturing in his thoughts of his responsibilities nicely, isn't he? I thought Thranduil did a very fatherly thing, teasing both "boys" about dancing with the maidens as he clasped each by a shoulder to lead them to the horses...Eldarion especially would benefit from some fatherly contact in the absence of Aragorn. Arwen and Aragorn noticing Eldarion's new bearing when he returns - very much a glimpse of the closeness these two have with their offspring (as well as elven perceptiveness). Thranduil and Legolas and the other elves greeting the white tree - what a great moment when the elven King whispered his greeting to the tree, and in Quenya (jenolas, that was so very elf-y), and I love any mention of the close connection of the love between the Wood Elves and their trees. You did a great job communicating the awe that Thranduil obviously felt in seeing this direct descendant of the blessed trees of both Numenor and the Undying Lands. Nice moment between between Aragorn and Eldarion (the hug, and in public, no less!), and how very fatherly of Aragorn to bristle slightly at the mention of a message brought by Legolas from Sarien to his daughter! :-) But I almost cried (and cheered) at the end when Thranduil realizes he will eventually sail West, to see that family of his son yet to be. And so sad for Thranduil to realize that there will never be enough descriptions/stories for Elrond to compensate for his absence from the lives of his grandchildren. sniff Lovely, lovely chapter. linda Author Reply: Hi, thanks so much for taking the time to read and review despite your difficutlies. Real life can be a bit overwhelming at times! This chapter turned out to be a very "Thranduil" one, although it did not really start out that way, but one must go where the muse leads. I can easily believe that the thought of never seeing his possible future grandchildren would be enough to make the king decide to leave his forests eventually. I hope you continue to enjoy the story. jenolas

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/3/2005
A wonderful chapter, Jenolas. Thranduil was just as charming as can be with Arwen and his daughters and very insightful at the end in coming to his realization. Author Reply: in my (admittedly biased), I do not think Thranduil can be anything other than charming,loving , adorable... sigh jenolas

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/2/2005
Oh good, they’ve made it back to the city! I loved the opening with the two friends bidding one another goodbye. I thought you wrote it so well, allowing us to see their sorrow at having to part and their pride in each other as well as Eldarion’s acceptance of the role he must play but still never intruding too much. It sounds like having to dance with rather eager maidens is something that Legolas and his father are very familiar with! LOL, at least there are only a certain amount of years in which Eldarion will have to suffer that. Poor Legolas ;-) I like the part about Eldarion having earned the respect and loyalty of the guards. I hadn’t really thought about that before, what it must mean to have them protect him not just because it’s their job but because they are so loyal to him. It must make Aragorn so proud. But my favourite part – predictably! – has to be Thranduil and the Tree. I laughed at Eldarion’s surprise that even Thranduil would find something that would cause him to feel such wonder and admiration. And trust Thranduil to realise what the Tree would understand and to use that language. I just loved the idea too that the Tree responded with such warmth to the elves. You really do know how to make things extra-elfy! It was great to see Eldarion turn back into the older brother once he got home and had to humour his young sisters. “Silly child you have it backwards, ‘tis Legolas who wears his father’s beauty.” That’s so funny! But as Thranduil says, it was hardly offensive! I really like how at ease these children immediately are with Thranduil – it really shows how regular a visitor Legolas has been and how much they enjoy his company. I like that the room Thranduil gets seems to have been assigned to him because of the access to fresh air – this household has obviously encountered elves before! What a sad thought that Elrond doesn’t know these wonderful grandchildren of his. It’s hard to know if it would be good or bad that Thranduil can bring tales of this family to Elrond when he eventually sails. Good, I suppose, but it would still be painful. I don’t blame Thranduil for being grateful that Legolas doesn’t have a family that he’d bring with him when he left. I just loved the ending and the sense that Thranduil will sail, not just for the family he once knew and will meet again but for the family that might be some day. It’s a lovely thought too that in looking at Aragorn’s family, Thranduil realises that he wants this for himself and his son. Plus, Elrond doesn’t really know what he’s missing but Thranduil is witness to it now and that must make it all the more difficult to sacrifice any part of that. I’m thrilled that this story is back and I look forward to more! :-) Author Reply: Hi Dot, it has been a while but now the story continues. Thranduil knows when and where respect of a high order deserves to be paid, and apparently the regard is mutual, (as one would expcet between wood elves and trees!). I lkie that you think it is 'elfy', it is exactly what I was aiming to convey. Seeing Elrond's grandchildren as his firend never would made Thranduil realise he might someday have some of his own, but they would be in the Undying Lands and out of his reach unless he sailed. Eldarion's growth is changing the perspective of those whoi are offering love and guidance, and in return it is giving them new insights about their own wishes and dreams. At least that is what I am hoping the message is! More soon (days, not months this time!) jenolas

washow	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/1/2005
I just wanted to let you know how much I was looking forward to reading your story and how disappointed I am that you haven't updated in a long time. Would you please consider finishing this story for those of us who were enjoying it? Author Reply: I apologise for neglecting this story, but between a series of real life issues and a muse that directed me elsewhere for some time, I have not been able to complete this fic as yet. However, I am now returning my attention to it and will post the remaining chapter it in the near future. Thank you for your interest (you are the only one who has asked about it), jenolas

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 11/2/2004
Sorry to be so slow to review this one. It's been a rough weekend. Another great chapter that I was very happy to see. The imagery surrounding Thranduil and Eldarion dancing was very nice. :) How sad to see Faramir and his story. And then to see Legolas' little moment of clarity at the very end. Well done.

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