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| Good Enough by The Karenator | 175 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Galathil | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/30/2021 |
| Hi The Karenator. I hope you get this review. I love your story. Am hoping you will start writing again. Now off to find and read your other stories. Galathil | |
| moonshine4488 | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 8/13/2006 |
| I re-read this story. It seems just as great and enjoyable as the first time I read it. You said at the end that the saga of ELenna and Aldamir is not over. And that Legolas and Daeron still having growing up to do. I was just wondering, will you be writing more about them anytime in the future? I really enjoy these stories about them. Thanks for writing such a wonderful story. Bye! Author Reply: You're so sweet. Thank you. I know I go back and reread some of my favorite stories from time to time, but to have someone do that with mine is just so exciting. I have a story about Aldamir and Elenna in rough draft, but I've not been able to work on it much for quite a while. Family responsibilities have kept me pretty busy for the last several years and at the moment, I'm way behind on everything due to those responsibilities. But soon, I hope, life will calm down and I'll have time to clean that story and several others up to post. I promise to try. How soon that'll be, I'm not sure, but I'll make an effort to get at least the one about Aldamir and Elenna done this Fall. Thank you again, Moonshine. You're a good egg! | |
| TNT2B2 | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/12/2005 |
| I can't wait to read your next creation. Author Reply: Thanks TNT2B2. I'm working on it! Unfortunately, I'm a little slow. But I'm plugging away. :>) Karen | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/12/2005 |
| *in response to "shouldn't we be hearing from you soon?"...well, you see there was this HUGE spider infestation in my backyard and one of the blasted things ATE my homework... yes. linda Author Reply: well, you see there was this HUGE spider infestation in my backyard and one of the blasted things ATE my homework... *snort* Daeron says not to believe a word of it. He'd know if spiders were within a hundred leagues. Now get out your quill and get crackin'! You do not want to be summoned by the king. | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/11/2005 |
| The idea to use Thranduil as the POV for this final chapter was inspired, Karen! He was the perfect one to sum up all the action and growth experienced by the other characters throughout the story! Besides, have I told you? I dearly love the ElvenKing! :-) I don't know if I can do justice to all the neat little parts and snippets of this chapter that caught my eye or my heart - let's see: Thranduil still ticked off about the Great Spider Experiments - you know, I've read that the elves bitterly hated the spiders, especially these spawned by evil. I suppose that goes all the way back to Ungoliant and the destruction of the Two Trees. (LOL That's my scholarly effort for the evening!) I loved his reflections about Legolas and Daeron. He was very thoughtful about all of his family, even Tarondor and his hope to be there in Aman when his friend first sees his strong, handsome sons. Such a nice thought! I think I loved best Thranduil's thoughts about his Queen...about how he is hers to do with as she pleases...how she is the heartbeat of his realm. *sigh* (So tell me, in your M-E, what happens to the Queen? Inquiring minds want to know, and if it's bad, say "linda, you don't want to know!") The little moment with the venerable old beech tree was so elfy and Thranduil - I loved it. The sparring match with Aldamir was perfect, right down to the sparring going on between them with words! :-) The last thoughts of the King about Aldamir's laughter being the most joyous sound of all was wonderful! In fact, this whole story was wonderful! So, I told you before I'd bother you in this review, too...what's next...huh?huh? What's next??????? linda (sorry, was feeling somewhat pesky tonight and you got to suffer for it!) :-0 Author Reply: I'm a real ElvenKing fan too. In this chapter, I let him be the last word since his word is final anyway. :>) Those spiders were something to hate! I can't imagine. Spiders the size of Volkswagens must have been scary...and disgusting. I keep wanting to come up with a giant can of Raid to spray them with, but Tolkien didn't mention any methods of extermination other than the sword and bow. I even let Tree mention that he first thought the dead spiders were from some kind of poison, but he knew of no such thing. Gosh, I wanted to send a kingly summon to Orkin. The queen wanted the king to have a moment to himself and he spent it thinking about everything that had happened and the people he loved. Poor Thranduil understands all too well the guilt that comes from being in command and something going horribly wrong. Oropher dying was tough, but Tarondor's death was the result of Thranduil's decision. He's loved and cared for Tarondor's sons, but there will be great rejoicing when Tarondor sees his family again. I'd like to see the look on his face as well. Lalaith has been a good mate for Thranduil. She knew him before he was king and so she's not quite as impressed with the title as most. But she's very impressed by him. She's always been in love with him. He was a little slower coming around. Something happen to her? Why, Linda...I know of no such thing happening. You never know what the future holds, but no one has mentioned to me that she won't be at Thranduil's side when they finally take their leave of ME and sail west. And I believe that Thranduil sailed. I know he loved the woods, but I've always thought he was wise enough to know when to say good bye. And we know Legolas went and Oropher was there or would be eventually. I just can't imagine that family being there wouldn't be a huge draw. The bonds we share with the people we love are stronger than even our love for land. I can't imagine he stayed and simply faded from grief when there was happiness to be had with his family in Aman. So...that's my thinking...today. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the sparring match. I had a great time visualizing it myself. Putting Thranduil in the woods armed is something I love to do at every opportunity. He's a warrior. I think he misses getting to be one. The king was happy wielding a sword, but nothing made him happier than seeing his sons getting back on their feet. Legolas was well and ready to charge off into his adolescent world and Aldamir was laughing again. What more could a father want? Thanks so much for staying with me throughout this tale. It was a pleasure for me to write and knowing that someone enjoyed reading it is beyond my wildest dreams. I'm very grateful for your kind support. What's next? I'm working on it...I'm working on it. Not that I mean to be pesky either, but shouldn't we be hearing from you soon? Thanks again, Karen | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/11/2005 |
| Oh heavens above! How on earth did I miss reviewing not only the last chapter of this story, but this one as well?? Do forgive me...I can only claim end-of-school-itis which has struck not only my kids, but me as well! :-/ I did read this as soon as it was posted and loved every minute of The Return of Aldamir! Bless his heart, he was greeted with a deluge of 'stuff', wasn't he? First he has to deal with wayward novices - very masterful speeches to all concerned. Are you going to show us Belas as he serves his time with Aldamir? That would be verrrrry interesting... Later when Legolas and Daeron come to apologize personally to him, I thought that was a very 'Kodak moment' for sure! ;-) Aldamir is really very selfassured about his place in the realm...it's his personal life he'd like to auction off right now! Karen...ummmmm, a bleeding turtle? a horse pie? On second thought, true cooks are artists and must be afflicted from time to time with creative demons that must be dealt with (I suppose bleeding turtles are as good a way as any! LOL). The walk through the woods and Aldamir's reflection on the bridge was very well done...I had forgotten how poignant that moment was when he remembered the leaf boats in the stream. Nice, very nice moment and he was gaining a measure of peace...things were kind of calming down inside...deep breath, Aldamir... And then Elenna appears...so much for peace! The whole conversation between them was great...you didn't allow either one of them to give in too quickly. After all, a lot of words and hurt was thrown around by both of them. I'm glad that she is going to 'find' herself after being manipulated by Calith. And I am really glad Aldamir is going to try again - I had my doubts for a while. Aldamir's talk with his father was also very poignant, especially when Thranduil is remembering the first time he held his newborn elfling! *sigh* And he's right...he may be Aldamir's King, but Aldamir is the only Aldamir he'll ever have and viceversa. I love Thranduil - he's such a good adar! :-) So, I'm going to that last chapter to review it...(I'll tell you here and there also...I miss having a story from you, m'dear...think up something really tense/funny with Daeron, Legolas, and maybe Erelas. Aldamir needs a vacation for awhile - he's got lots to think over....) ;-) Great chapter! linda Author Reply: End-of-school-itis? We're suffering that around here as well. So much is going on that I rarely know if I'm coming or going. I'm always glad to see you no matter when you arrive. Aldamir was just beginning to feel a little better when he got home and had to wield his position against three novices--two of whom were kin. That's got to be uncomfortable. Belas is a special case. He will either shape up or ship out. We'll probably see Belas again, but I don't know exactly when. I think he'll be around Aldamir's office for a while. We might get a glimpse of him down the road while he swabs the decks. Aldamir ended up giving Legolas the same advice as his adar had just given him. Funny how much easier it is to offer words of wisdom than it is to actually put them into practice. He and Legolas are both pondering doing the 'right' thing. I read an article a while back about food in the Middle Ages. Apparently the meals were quite elaborate. The cooks often did sculptures and would even cook something and then stuff it back into its skin...like peacocks. Yuk! Anyway, I thought that the artist in the cook would want to come out occasionally. I don't think the cook meant for his turtle to 'bleed', but trust Seregon to note that the sauce resembled blood oozing from the meat pastry. Aldamir was looking for a little time to simply sort out his thought when he went for the walk. He didn't anticipate seeing Elenna. He was just thinking and letting himself be 'one' with the woods. He couldn't help but remember what about these woods had captured his love and attention for as long as he could remember. He truly belongs there. When he found Elenna, he wasn't sure that he wanted to delve back into all the problems again, but she was so sincere and she said the right thing when she told him that he was the one person she cared most about. That opened the door for him to be more honest. They both need some time to sort themselves out. They really did move far too fast in the beginning of the relationship. If there had been no Calith, then everything would have probably progressed smoothly. But Calith was an indication of why it's prudent to be a little more cautious when getting to know someone. They're both young, but Elenna had gotten a little overconfident in her 'gift' and thought she knew more than she did. This has been a humbling experience for her. When she gains control of her insights and learns to trust them, she'll be a formidable ally or foe one day. She'll be the kind of partner the heir to the throne should have. She and Lalaith together will wield an insight that will be noteworthy. I'm glad that you liked Thranduil's memories of holding Aldamir for the first time. I imagine the king was similarly awed by the other two sons when he first held them as well. Thranduil is a good king and puts the realm about personal interest, but I think he's wise enough to know that his role as father is equally as important and he's unashamed that he puts his family's well-being right up at the top of his list of importance. Thank you so much for your review. I'm working on another story. I'm still trying to work out the details of how it will go, but I'm plodding away. So far, it keeps getting longer and longer. If I don't get control of this thing, it'll be of epic proportion! Oh Eru...that would not be good! Thanks again, Karen | |
| moonshine44(ff.n) | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/6/2005 |
| Hello! ff.n isn`t letting me review so I decided to leave one here. “looking to spend his time with his friends and not his disgustingly affectionate parents.” Now that was funy! The spar with Aldamir and Thranduil was great! I loved the one on one with those two! The ending was very sweet, and also very true. I think every parent likes the sound of their child`s laugh most of all. This story was fantastic. I can`t wait for the next. And I`m hoping Erelas will make his appearance! Lol, so I`m wondering what you have planned for the future? Well, I can`t wait! Until then! Author Reply: Welcome! Thank you so much for going to the trouble of coming over here to review. I, of course, like SoA's review function much better than ff.net because I can reply! Ff.net, I'm told, frowns on replying to reviews at the end of a chapter. Seems kind of rude to me to not reply when someone has been kind enough to review! And I truly appreciate each and every one of your reviews. I'm so glad you got a chuckle out of Thranduil realizing that his adolescent son would be grossed out by seeing his parents being affectionate. Legolas is at the age where he'd like to kiss a maiden, but he sure doesn't want to watch his parents being all mushy. I enjoyed doing the sparring scene. I love to put a weapon in Thranduil's hand. He doesn't get to do that kind of thing very often. He was thrilled! I had a hard time deciding who would win, but Aldamir didn't feel it appropriate for him to best the king in full view of his subjects. That's his story anyway and he's sticking to it. You're absolutely right that the sound of a child's laughter is music to a parent's ears. Aldamir had a tough go of it in this story and Thranduil was worried about him. Hearing Aldamir laugh was a huge relief and a blessing for the king. I'm playing around now with what I'll write next. And if things go the way I think they will, Erelas will get to be a major part of it. He feels rather neglected at the moment. Thank you so much for all your kind reviews. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. It's always a treat for me to hear from you. Karen | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/2/2005 |
| Thranduil's perspective was a nice way to wrap this up. I liked his musing on his sons, nephews and wife, and recollections of his own romance with Lalaith. Aldamir really had no chance in the sparring bout with his father - what was he to do, beat the king? If he wins, it could lead to rumors of a coup to overthrow the king and take the throne! Okay, not, but still . . . A Mirkwood Revolution does sound enthralling ;D I look forward to seeing Aldamir's and Elenna's romance develop. Author Reply: Thanks, Nilmandra. I appreciate you staying with me through this story. Thranduil wanted to have his say and it was a bit reflective. He's got a lot of experience under the belt and I think he would be thoughtful about how to deal with sons and nutty villagers. He even has experience to draw on that helps him understand what Aldamir and Elenna are going through. I'm glad you enjoyed the little glimpse into their romance. What could I do? I couldn't let the woodland king get trounced in front of his subjects. Aldamir didn't mind too much. This is another area where the king is quite experienced. I think the old boy enjoyed working up a sweat. And Aldamir enjoyed the opportunity to spar with his father. I doubt they get to do that very often. Thank you so much for all your support and kind reviews. I had fun doing this and I learned a lot about my characters. I don't know what I'll do next. I'm thinking.... Karen | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/2/2005 |
| Ok, now I'm home and I can have fun. Here's a shocker for you--I love Thranduil and I was so happy to see this chapter was from his POV. I think wrapping up this story from the from the POV of king and father was great. I loved seeing his thoughts/analysis of the less than brilliant actions of Calendon and how they affected him in those roles. And his thoughts on Elenna and his son--that was sweet. There are so many great truths in here. I found that I was no better at it the third time than I was with the first two. I liked that and I think it would be true--you are still going to worry no matter that you've seen it before. no appropriate or successful warning existed that could be given to someone who has tasted the first fruit of a blossoming love. Sooo true. Great line. And I liked the peek into Thranduil and Lalaith's past. This was merely one of Lalaith’s ways of never allowing me to forget that while I am the king, I am still hers to do with as she pleases. This line had me chuckling and then this line: she is the center of my being; indeed, my queen is the heartbeat of this realm. just made me smile--so very sweet! I loved the image of him with the beech. The conversation about color schemes (and lack of memory thereof) is another one of those truths (a universal trait of males) and cracked me up. And another truth is Legolas being torn between his friends and his parents (I did not realize that spending time with me is akin to punishment! Great line!) And I absolutely adored the opportunity to see Thranduil and Aldamir spar! The dialogue there was great! This was a wonderful story. I hate seeing it end and I sincerely hope to see another one soon. I really enjoyed how you managed the POV's. That was really well done and technically very interesting too. The last chap must have been a difficult choice to make--who gets the last word. But I loved your choice. Great job. I'll miss this one. Author Reply: Elliska! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get to my review replies. My phone has rung off the hook. I keep having to sign back into SoA to do each one because so much time elapses between starting and finishing each reply. I'm glad that you liked Thranduil's perspective. He was mulling over the events and trying to put them in a proper light. Fortunately, he's been around the block a few times and has that experience under his belt. Of course, his experience as a father hasn't made him less worried about his sons. Perhaps it's his experience that makes him worry. His losses have been great and he knows how quickly things can go wrong. But there's only so much a parent can do and still have functional children to send out into the world. He has to rely on his sons to do the right thing and pray that this will be enough. Poor guy. I can't imagine how hard it is for parents to send their children into dangerous situations. He knows he has to allow them to think on their own and to fail on their own, but it ain't easy. I have Thranduil and Lalaith's backstory all worked out in my head. I might even take a crack at telling it one day, but I'm afraid no one would be interested but me. I'd have to come up with a way to tell it that wouldn't put everyone to sleep. That's a challenge! I could see Thranduil's eyes glaze over when Lalaith was musing over what color she wanted her gown to be. She knows he's no more interested in such things that he is in redecorating the dining room, but she gets a kick out of yanking his chain occasionally. Can't let the king think that he's exempt from his husbandly duties! Her eyes probably glaze over when he starts talking about how big the deer he bagged antlers were. Marriage. You just smile and nod. I love Warrior! Thranduil and take every opportunity I can find to put a weapon in his hands. He might have bested Aldamir in this case, but the kid knew that his father was on that field because he's loved. Aldamir didn't mind too much. He'd been much more annoyed if Seregon had beat him! Thank you so much for sticking with me for this story. I've enjoyed writing it and I've really enjoyed your reviews. Doing each chapter from a different character's perspective was an interesting experiment. I did it to learn more about each character and I think I know them a little better now. I'm glad I didn't bore you to death. I think I'll try third-person as soon as I can get up the courage. Thanks again! Karen | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/2/2005 |
| An unexpectedly philosophical ending, that. But it's nice to see what Thranduil thinks of all that's been going on. He's been indirectly involved with every event in this story, as a force to be reckoned with. And here we get his perspective on it all. He sounds ancient and wise, wondering at the foolishness of young people who meddle in the muck of genetic engineering, but still able to rise above it all. The conversation with Legolas was interesting. It seems that recent illness has brought out Legolas's softer side, for I don't know of any other adolescent who'd stick within a hundred yards of parents who were even just beginning to make googoo eyes at each other. Even though no one has ever actually died of the embarrassment, no adolescent wants to be the first. And then Legolas sat and talked so honestly with Thranduil. You can just feel the bond between them, and it's kind of nice, though I suspect that it's at least partially wishful thinking on the part of an author who maybe knows some adolescents herself. I know I wouldn't have ever spoken to my parents that way very often when I was sixteen (messed-up adolescent that I was), and I imagine that Legolas doesn't make a regular habit of it either. And then bouting with Aldamir! Just what he needed, to have his damaged dignity completely and lovingly eradicated so he could build up a new one again. Yes, Thranduil does know what to do with his kids. Author Reply: Thranduil did have a philosophical moment here. As ruler, he's in the position where he has to think carefully and analytically about what happens and how he'll deal with it. He's also got the experience of thousands of years behind him to draw on when he looks at the nature of elves, men, dwarves...groundhogs. He's been around the block a few times. I suppose I'm fortunate that my teenage sons are still pretty easy to be around. They're big boys...17 and 19...but they both still sit down and yak with me, both still hug and kiss me whenever they come in or go out and will be seen in public with me. That's not to say that we don't have our moments, but for the most part, we've never gone through the stage where they're embarrassed to be seen with us. I, however, recall being mortified by my parents. If my boys are in fear of death by embarrassment, they handle it well. They both have personalities where they're just easy going in that respect, I guess. BUT! All that said, I don't think any teenager would be thrilled to have to spent too much time in the company of their parents when there are better companions to be had. Two things are work where Legolas is concerned, I think. For one, he has a rather responsible but easy-going personality. And two, he's used to having to have his parents' permission to leave their presence. He resigned himself quickly to doing what was required of him and then found that he enjoyed the quiet moment with his father. Adolescence is often a time with wide swings of independence and dependence and Legolas was swinging along at that moment. But you're right that Legolas doesn't make a habit of hanging around when his parents get all mushy. I figured it was easier to let Thranduil win the bout. Aldamir didn't mind too much. Besides, he'd probably feel worse if he bested his king in full view of his subjects! :>) Both father and son fought hard, but in the end, they were playing and Thranduil's experience won out. But if we let them have another go at it, I don't think Aldamir would allow his father the chance to trip him again. Live and learn. Thank you so much for your support and the wonderful reviews. I've enjoyed each and every one of them. You have such a fun and very thoughtful perspective. Karen | |