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Sons of Kings  by jenolas 5 Review(s)
DotReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/1/2004
Sorry, sorry, sorry. I was in London for a week with no Internet access and managed to miss three chapters…

It seems that Eldarion’s shocked realisation of what his future holds has also driven home the fact that he may have been insensitive towards Thranduil. I thought Thranduil handled the situation very well, letting him know that no offence was taken and also offering him some advice. “[…]my stern glare is rather intimidating” LOL! Never!

I love the idea that Thranduil counted Elendil as one of his friends. I can only imagine his reaction when it dawned on him that he reacted to Legolas’ friendship with Aragorn and Gimli in the same way as Oropher did to his choice of friends. I like the fact that Eldarion not only noticed a similarity but took it upon himself to stand up for Legolas. It sounds like there’s an interesting conversation in store between Thranduil and Aragorn – I’ll look forward to that!

The image of them all listening to Thranduil as he wove stories of times past for them was just wonderful. And boy would he have some tales to tell!

I just loved the thought of Legolas resting his head on his adar’s shoulder as they sang together. The closeness between them is just so heart-warming and it’s good to know that his father can bring Legolas some peace. It must have been very hard for Legolas to leave his father behind when he did eventually sail.

“Making a silent vow to no longer avoid his responsibilities, nor give his father cause to reprimand his behaviour, Prince Eldarion of Gondor said a final farewell to his youthful naiveté and willingly stepped onto the path that would one day lead him to the throne.” Oh, how beautifully expressed. Eldarion has obviously learned how precious those he loves are to him as well as to accept with grace that which life has given him. I think his father will be proud to see a change in him when he returns. See, all he needed was some time with Thranduil! ;-)


Author Reply: Not doing a little OB spotting in your spare moments by any chance were you, Dot?

Eldarion is certainly reaching a new maturity with a little help from Thranduil ( and Legolas who is leading by example), but I think they are simply bringing to the fore the character traits Aragorn's son already posssesses.

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/24/2004
I love this depiction of Thranduil. I can definitely see him as a great story teller. I bet he told some great ones that night. And I like the thought of Thranduil being friends with Elrond and Elendil despite Oropher's opinions. Again, I can see that as firmly in line with his personality and also it is amusing as Eldarion points out since he likely was not immediately approving of all of Legolas' friends. But this was my favorite:

“An affliction suffered by the young of any race, in my judgement, but one a future ruler must learn to avoid. It is also wise to learn to keep your feelings from showing too readily on your face, especially when involved in delicate negotiations or in sight of your Steward,” he advised, inclining his head to where Faramir was standing and watching the two with some concern. “Faramir can see that you are upset yet he dares not approach to ask you the cause because my stern glare is rather intimidating, or so I am told,.” Thranduil added with a chuckle pleased to see the smile that the young man now wore.

Too funny. Great advice but great comedy at the same time. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Author Reply: I like to think of Thranduil as having a dry sense of humour as befits the carefree spirit of the Wood Elves.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/24/2004
Lovely picture of Thranduil and Legolas. I'm glad to see Eldarion accepting his fate - it's the first step to being happy with his lot. And the lot of a Crown Prince isn't too bad. There are worse things to be.

I like Thranduil's acceptance of Legolas's friends - it seems he's realised that you can't make your children's friends for them.

Author Reply: No, and even Thranduil has learned some lessons over the years since he became a father..it works both ways.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/24/2004
What a nice ending sentence! Eldarion is really learning from his experience and observations here. Thranduil was generous, seeing what Eldarion needed and gently providing it.

Author Reply: Thranduil's (good!)parenting skills are certainly on display even when aimed towards another's son.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/24/2004
I'm glad to see Eldarion finally growing up and accepting responsibility! That last image of Legolas and Thranduil was beautiful, especially the observation that Legolas was at peace when with his father. Not many stories show that love between them.

Jay

Author Reply: Yes, he is maturing much more rapidly as he grows older. Legolas and Thranduil share a bond of love as father and son that I believe is as strong as it is affectionate.

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