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| Sacrifice Under Shadow by daw the minstrel | 167 Review(s) |
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| Erendis | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/12/2004 |
| Well, now I can say that I've read every story you wrote, (or have I?) and I found them all equally wonderful. The way you handle known characters is wonderful and I find myself agreeing with your view of them. Plus, I admire your own characters (Eilian, Ithilden, Celuwen) quite a bit! I can "see" them clearly in my mind and that's what makes them believable to me. I like also how you explore family relationships and the way the characters grow and mature in every chapter of your stories. All in all, I really can't wait to see what else you've got for us in your future writings. Thank you, then, for letting me see Mirkwood and its inhabitants with your eyes! Author Reply: Erendis-- You are too kind. You must have been reeling by the time you finished all those stories. You pick out exactly what I like writing: family dynamics and characters who grow and change. I so appreciate your kind words. daw | |
| Fadesintothewest | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/7/2004 |
| Finally, I got to catch up. I have been out of town on work too much but was happy to see this story come to such a fine end. It's good to have your stories to read when I am home. Legolas really came into his own in this one and it makes me excited to read more of your stories. Again, the character development is so wonderful. These characters are all so dear to me. Ah Eilian, hope he finds what he's looking for. Author Reply: Travelling for work really eats into your fanfic time I find. Your boss should be told. Eilian hasn't yet told me what was in the letter from Celuwen (because it's *personal*), but he will eventually, I'm sure. And I was proud of the warrior Legolas has become. Years of love, training, and discipline have finally paid off. | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/3/2004 |
| This was a wonderful story with an ultimately happy ending, daw. So why are my eyes stinging from tears? Maybe because of these two simple lines: And yet, in his mind’s eye, Thranduil saw a small, blond elfling running to him with his arms lifted to be picked up. Where had that elfling gone? If anything, this story has been about loss -- loss of innocence -- and recognition of the loss. And that saddens me. Your story touched me deeply. LKK Author Reply: I am the mother of a son who is all grown up (more or less) and I sympathize with Thranduil. He has lost the baby. Legolas has lost the sense the Eilian will always take care of him and Eilian has lost the idea that he can shelter his little brother. And as you point out, the back story is all about loss. At least, Thranduil's family gains something too in their love for one another. Thank you, LKK. | |
| Nikara | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2004 |
| Wonderful job with this story. It was very well written, and very fun to read. I can't wait to read more! Author Reply: Thank you, Nikara. I enjoyed writing it too. I get wrapped up in my characters and can't bear to leave them hanging, which is why I finish the story so quickly! A new story will be along soon. | |
| Lera | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2004 |
| Oh, wow. *wipes away tear* that last part was so touching. I love Thranduil. More and more I see his side of things and right now my heart is just hurting for him when he hears that his youngest son is part of a fellowship traveling toward Mount Doom. I was so happy at his words to Eilien. So often those two clash and don't communicate well, but for once, they both just said what needed to be said. What was in that letter?! The "my dearest Eilien" sounds good, but you better be planning to reveal exactly what its contents were in the next story!(which is coming really soon right?!) Your readers are so spoiled. We feel we have the right to demand story after story, with constant updates. We love you!!! Maltaneur and Beliond have become loveable to me in their own gruff ways. It was sweet to see Legolas sagging against Beliond who's being supported by a crutch. And now Legolas is all alone. He's been so lucky to have the kind of family support he's had. K, that was a beautiful story. I loved seeing a bit of young Eilien, seeing his wonderful mother Lorrellin, and now I finally see Legolas a full fledged adult and warrior. Author Reply: Lera--How good you make me feel! And I just came from a depressing day at the office so I welcome it especially. I cannot imagine how this family I made for Legolas reacted to his going with Frodo. It must have about knocked them flat. And then, of course, the enemy attacks the forest at the same time. They must have been just insanely worried. You can thank my beta for the moments with the keepers. I had some stuff in there but she suggested that I put more, and she was, as usual, right. I'm not sure what I'm doing for my next story. Whether the letter comes into it depends on where in the timeline I write. But Eilian seems happy so you can enjoy imagining what must have made him feel that way. I will say that he has a way to go yet to get what he wants, but at least she's speaking to him. | |
| Portia | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2004 |
| I have loved all of your fics for a while, but I am a terrible reviewer *hangs head in shame* and so I've never told you so. Sorry! You've completely reinforced my shameless Legolas love and Thranduil love, and you've made me like Ithilden and Eilian almost as much. I really like the glimpse into the Shadow returning that you give us in this chapter. Drunken and sad Ithilden...poor boy. And everything he says is so natural and just what one would expect from someone in his position. "I have been contemplating mortality. I find I do not like it." Aww. Legolas and Eilian in the caves are incredibly touching, as are Beliond and Maltanaur when they find their charges. Legolas is such a clever Elf. And of course the glimpse into Eilian's novice days is intriguing. And imaginative! You seem to know all these different ways for people to do reckless things and get themselves into trouble. And now I want to know what the note from Celuwen says. Too bad this is the last chapter! Author Reply: I am always so thrilled when another reader tells me they like these stories. I think that most writers feel a little unsure of themselves even when reviewers say nice things (well, we say, they're just being kind). So I really appreciate your telling me that you've been reading all along. I felt bad for Ithilden too. I think he would take the return of Shadow hard. And why not? It must have seemed miraculous when Mithrandir drove it out and there was a mostly peaceful interlude in the forest. And to have to start over again is just heartbreaking. The relationship between Legolas and Eilian has always seemed a special one to me and I was anxious for them to negotiate an adult version of it. I'm glad you think it worked. | |
| Justafan | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2004 |
| What a great ending! Thanks for writing this story; I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I'm all anxious to know what that letter said... Author Reply: Yes, the letter. :-) Well, as Legolas says, it's personal. Glad you liked the story, Justafan. I was pleased with the way the ending worked out. What will I do now? Oh yeah! Another story! | |
| tigerlily713 | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2004 |
| Was it good news from Celuwen? Will I have to wait and find out? Is Poor Eilian finally going to get a break? I am going to be severly crushed if it isn't? Too many questions! Wonderful chapter! Wonderful story! Lily Author Reply: Well, Eilian seems reasonably happy. He may not have everything he wants yet, but he seems to have more hope of getting it eventually. Thank you for your nice words, Lily. | |
| Lamiel | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2004 |
| I'm swapping over to SoA for this review since FF.net is being such a pain. Another great story come to an end, and while I'm sorry to see it go I know that there'll be another one soon to take its place. Goodness, what will we ever do if you decide to give up fanfic, daw? The developing bond between Eilian and Legolas is so lovely - I rather expected Legolas to go home with Eilian, but I guess the patrol can't afford to lose him. "Clever Elfling" indeed. The scene with Eilian and Ithilden in the garden was another nice touch, a balance to the role reversal of Eilian and Legolas. And I especially liked Eilian's shock at seeing a dead Elf. It's enough of a shock for a mortal to see a dead body, what it must be for an Elf before the coming of the Shadow... that reminds me of Orlando's comment on the FOTR DVD about Elves not understanding death. I always thought that wouldn't be true for Legolas, or any Elf from Mirkwood, though it might work for an Elf of Rivendell or Lothlorien. But in Eilian's case, before the return of Shadow to Dol Guldur, it's very true. Sigh. I wish the Mirkwood Elves could have kept their innocence. But ultimately, it's for the good of Middle-earth that they did not. Lamiel Author Reply: Legolas just got to the patrol and so is not yet due for a leave, and that's one of the realities of his life as a warrior. He wasn't wounded severely enough to be sent home. He has to stay where he is. So for once, he's the one in danger while the rest of his family are all at home. I have thought that about Orlando's comment too. No way a Mirkwood warrior would have been unfamiliar with death at the time of the Ring War. The Battle of Five Armies was only around 80 years earlier and Tolkien says lots of elves died there, not to mention men and dwarves (and orcs and wargs). And that leaves aside any question of what else they've been dealing with as the enemy occupies their forest. I have to work this week but then I'll start thinking about the next story. I'm bored when I'm not writing one. | |
| Kay | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2004 |
| I am sad to see this end, but I know it won't be long before you'll be entertaining us with another delightful tale. I think I've mentioned before that I don't usually enjoy flashbacks, but yours in these last two stories are definitely the exception to the rule! It was the best of both worlds - a current story with my favorite elf, and glimpses into the past of my two favorite OC's! Thanks so much as always, Daw, for sharing your talent with us. You sure have the gift! Now, about that letter.... Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind words about the flashbacks! They were the only device I could think of that would allow me to keep Legolas at the center of my stories (where I think he belongs) but also show his brothers when they were younger. The letter, as Legolas said, is PERSONAL! I'm sure you wouldn't want to pry into Eilian's love life! What's that? You do? Hm. I'll have to think about it. Eilian hasn't told me yet what Celuwen wrote but he does seem happy. | |