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Spring Awakenings by daw the minstrel	36 Review(s)
Dragon-of-the-North	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/10/2004
What a wonderful, excellent chapter! :-) I think I may safely call myself a Solith fan now (ack! Maldor, Solith... Why is it always the difficult old elves I fall for? But I fear I really like him!). The sentences that convinced me completely were the following: "“Smile. We are having a friendly conversation. My wife and yours are both watching us.” I simply loved that moment, and also that you brough across so perfectly that Solith's actions are mainly motivated by his worry for his daughter. It was also very good to see the interaction between Solith and Isiwen - although Isiwen is quieter and acts more from the background, it was fascinating to watch her in this chapter - the title is very fitting. And Eilian and Celuwen together... It is so good that you describe their relationship as something so wonderful and loving without hiding the difficulties that are there - brilliant, realistic, touching. Hm, but I suppose Eilian is right - Thranduil will not be happy. Knowing your Victorian Adar Thranduil, I venture to guess that he will decide (or cause Ithilden to decide) that the Southern Patrol does NOT need so irresponsible and careless a captain for the next few hundred years, and the charming young husband will find himself stuck behind a nice, boring desk for quite some time, fretting about the "brat" all alone out in the South, and having all the time to make his relationship with Celuwen more stable and enjoy quiet years before the... fun begins again. (No, sorry, don't take me seriously - that was a very mean guess! Blame the annoying essay I am working on and my aching brain ;-)). Awesome job! :-) Author Reply: Solith surprised me when I wrote this chapter, because he insisted on becoming a more rounded character rather than a two-dimensional villain. His love for his daughter just came to the fore, and his wife and his daughter both knew it was there even though Eilian didn't. I think that Eilian and Celuwen have some problems to work out. How will she live after all? No comment on your guess though!

Tapetum Lucidum	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
Ok, I know you probably did not intend for this to be a "funny" chapter but I found myself LOL for a lot of it. I garnered a lot of strange looks from my husband who was reading a paperback like most normal people. I liked your little wake up scene. It is very nice to start the day snuggled up next to your spouse. It is very hard to get out of the cozy bed - even for elves. Celuwen ogling Eilian was one of the things that had me giggling too. I can't imagine strong Eilian as being embarrassed over his bare ass. (sorry couldn't resist). The thought of a furious Solith storming into camp was pretty funny too. The whole clothing game and wearing of stockings was great. How many times have you wondered how your socks remained on your feet? I was very proud of the warrior in Eilian accompanying Celuwen back to face her parents. It was extremely brave when he had the opportunity to chicken out. Celuwen showed her own intestinal fortitude when she stood right up to her father. I was relieved to have her do so. Isiwen, at least, is very supportive. I think she will be a big help in the years to come. Her smacking the table certainly got everyone's attention. It was a good way to shove some sense into her husband's thick skull. I actually felt a little sorry for Solith when he fretted over his only child's future. Where will she go and what will she do while he is on patrol? It was a very tender side of Solith that you don't often see. Eilian and Solith's little father-son chat was quite amusing. They both seemed to grimace more than smile but at least they didn't come to blows. Solith's threat to the prince does not sound like an idle one. Isn't that treason? "I will stay away as much as I can," was my most favorite line. The happy couple's quiet time in the forest was good for them. It was a nice way to start things as a couple rather than be surrounded by overbearing families. They probably won't get enough time alone together. I am sure they were both relieved not to have to face Thranduil as soon as they arrived. It will make an interesting chapter all to itself. I think Ithilden will be very happy for Eilian but disappointed in him for not "doing his duty" as far as a betrothal period and formal ceremony. I am sure Ithilden followed all of the rules of etiquette for his marriage. It would be the only way he knew how. I am also sure that Legolas will be happy for Eilian - once he gets over the embarrassment of having being seen naked by his new sister-in-law. That should turn those pointy ears red! Looking forward to the waters receding in one part of the forest while Eilian gets in deeper in the castle. Author Reply: Actually, parts of this chapter were the first parts of the story I wrote. I did it months ago, and at that time, I thought of this as primarily a funny story that was only about the impromptu bonding and then breaking the news to both adas. So you are pretty perceptive, TL! Then in February, when I was outlining the whole story, I found myself making it longer and more complicated, drawing in the whole Legolas-politics-Tuilinn part, seeing the serious side of things, and so on. I strongly suspect that Eilian is not particularly embarrassed about much of anything! He doesn't seem the type. And I also think that Celuwen is a strong person. She's chosen her own route for a long time now. She's letting Eilian make some decisions at the moment, but he will find that's not always the way it works. If Thranduil thinks about it (after he's done kicking Eilian around for a while), he may find that he has a pretty good ally in his campaign to make his son be more careful and behave himself in general! I loved your question about wondering how socks were still on. I think you and your husband must be lucky people. ;-)

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
If looks could kill, Eilian would be no more. I'm certainly glad that Celuwen's mother was around. She seems quite sensible to me. I can't wait for the confrontation with Thranduil. I've never 'seen' a purple-faced elf before. Would rage and fury be too tame to describe his reaction, or will the old boy surprise us? I think not. Still, I'm glad Eilian and Celuwen bonded. It's been a long time coming! Author Reply: It's too bad that Eilian's mother isn't around too. I'll bet she would soften Thranduil's reaction quite a bit. The 'old boy' is sleeping peacefully at the moment, but he will have some things to say to his second son. And yet, I think he'll also see how good she is for Eilian. And he does love his son.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
First, I just want to say thanks for your kind words. Yeah, RL can leave us reeling when we least expect it… I was thrilled to see a new chapter so soon. I’ve been trying to get a chance to read this properly all day but it turns out that with all the different ceremonies, Good Friday is actually pretty busy… Anyway, I’ve found a few minutes and wow, daw, what a great chapter. My one complaint about it is that you’ve left me absolutely dying to know what happens with Thranduil! I loved the opening scene, with Eilian awakening and slowly discovering what it means to be bonded to someone. You created a wonderful sense of newness, of a closeness between them that we can only imagine and of an unbreakable bond that they both need to explore and learn about. It’s a lovely idea that he feels her now as a part of him but is still slightly unsure of this feeling; he knows it is pleasant but is something to which he is quite unused. I like too his obvious concern for her and as much as his body wants her he is able to look beyond this and just see that she is warm and comfortable and allowed some peace. And they’re so at ease with one another! sigh I think I had a silly grin on my face for most of this chapter… The fact that elves can tell if another elf is bonded is rather interesting. I suppose I always thought it was a nice idea but now I’m thinking that it’s actually unbelievably awkward in circumstances like this! Still, at least they didn’t have to try and explain anything if everyone can just tell;) It must have been so difficult for Eilian not to say anything to Sólith. It’s not his usual inclination to stay silent but then, at least he had the sense not to interfere between Celuwen and her family. “Suddenly, there was a sharp, cracking noise.” Well! Good one, Isiwen. I’m glad someone finally lost their patience with Sólith. Apart from the fact that she probably doesn’t mind Eilian as much as Sólith does, she must have been terrified that her daughter would fade and thankfully she can see that even if they lose their daughter to Eilian, it would be far worse to lose her to grief and death. “What will you do now, little one? Where will you live? What will you do with the empty hours and days and weeks when he is away?” Ah, that nearly broke my heart! I mean, much as I dislike the guy, there’s never been any doubt about his love for his daughter, misguided or otherwise. That moment when Sólith approached Eilian and they both pretended to smile was rather surreal. I can just see them trying to appear friendly to onlookers and actually almost snarling at one another. As a daughter I will say that I thought his threat was fair enough, though – I’m sure similar words have been uttered by fathers everywhere! “Thank you. I will stay away as much as I can,” Eilian promised. That’s hilarious. So polite as he promises his new father-in-law to avoid him as much as possible. I’m guessing there won’t be too many family gatherings for this lot… Hopefully, though, they will just be able to avoid each other and Sólith won’t make too much trouble for the king – after all, Celuwen is Thranduil’s daughter now too. “Celuwen never giggled!” Ah, she must be in love…;) Why are they all in bed??? Not fair. I want to know what happens. I feel bad for Celuwen starting off on this new life. I hope she gets on well with Alfirin and at least Thranduil and Ithilden are at home, even if they are usually busy. Still, there’s bound to be ructions between Thranduil and Eilian and I’m really looking forward to it! I just realised that Ithilden and Legolas will have to find out as well. Oh goody! I’m getting excited now… Of course, chances are that the next chapter will be a Legolas one…not that I’m not worried about the flood… Author Reply: The more I thought about the idea of a newly bonded couple, the more interested in it I became. There are facets of bonding that are very Elfy and thus hard to understand. And then there is the whole issue of how she is going to make a new life and what adjustments he might have to make. I enjoyed writing about Solith in this chapter. His love for his daughter suddenly emerged and made him more real, less a cardboard villain. But I also found that I could not help veering into occasional moments of comedy, such as Eilian's promise not to visit. I think comedy is probably natural in moments of strain. I'm working on getting Legolas off that flet right now, but I have notes on Thranduil too. I'm going away this weekend, unfortunately, and the next few weeks will be intensely busy at work, so I may be slightly slower than usual posting. I hope not.

Hisie Lome	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
Well, Eilian and Celuwen seem to have gotten off fairly easily from her parents. Yes, her naneth realized that it is better to have a hastily joined child, than a fading child. But her father still seems to not be too overly happy. What an understatement?! (“I have something to say to you, and this is probably going to be my only opportunity, so listen attentively. If you ever do anything that makes my daughter unhappy for even a single second, I will filet you like a fish. Do we have an understanding?” He grinned horribly, and Eilian bared his teeth in response. “I believe we do,” Eilian answered. “Good. Send my daughter to visit us in three months. You do not need to come.” “Thank you. I will stay away as much as I can,” Eilian promised.) This does not even remotely sound like a truce, welcome to the family, or even in the next forever I could learn to tolerate you....I hope that for the young couple, Solith can learn to bite his tongue and attempt civility. Although Eilian is becoming aware of just how much he is asking from his bride, I do believe he will do everything in his power to make her happy. This young prince has been raised with expectations of duty, protecting what one loves, and basic Silvan "maleness." How very much like this captain to act first and then think about how to "justify" his actions latter. He did actually think and try to do what was the right and expected thing to do, but Solith did tie his hands. Did Solith not understand than his attitude could be interpreted as a challenge? Did Solith think that Celuwen was so weak that she did not have a clue as to what she wanted from her life? She evidently had strong opinions. ( I can make Adar understand, I am certain.) I am very certain that Thranduil will indeed understand. He just will not be overly happy. However, I have a little bit of help for the Captain of the Southern Guard....This information was taken, (illegally by Turgon and Annael- much to Legolas’s chagrin, and for many years was a source of constant amusement) from Thranduil’s own personal diary: (The lady Glilan, indeed tried my patience this evening. She worried about whether the lanterns hung on the green needed to be wreathed in flowers or could be left as they were. Each little decision seemed to take on huge proportions... The lady Galenadiual did not help matters much either. By the Valar, with that smile of hers she dared me to keep a sober face. Me, her king... I felt as though I was in the midst of petitioners who had become overwrought. I am so glad that Lorellin's kin were present for this wedding, yet how Glilan fussed! When in that fell voice I heard, “It is raining,” And I vow it looks as if it will rain all day. Thranduil, you must do something!” What could I dare say? I felt as though I needed to be "summoned". Luckily, my steward Nyndir rescued me....Bride's gift indeed?! As if I do not know at customs of such as ceremony? Well, Alfirin seems to make Ithilden happy. Oh Lorellin, has it really been 30 years my love? .....) Eilian, look at your adar and in your most modest voice say, "It is raaaiiinnnnniiiinnngggg!" Your adar may be quite perturbed by "quick" betroythal, however, if you say those three words just right- I am sure he will immediately begin looking for his steward and whatever boring reports may yet need to be finished! Protocol be dammed! How often must the King suffer Lorellin's kith and kin this . Again, thank you for all of your hard work. Mina Sedth, Hisie Lome Author Reply: Eilian is a male, the son of a king, and a warrior and those three things have conditioned his thinking. He has some learning to do, I think! "I am very certain that Thranduil will indeed understand. He just will not be overly happy." This made me laugh. It so sums up what's going to happen. And you made me very happy by citing my story. Maybe when Thranduil has a chance to think about it, he will decide that staging a royal wedding was a pain and will pat the young couple on the head for eloping. Or maybe not. daw

Justafan	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
How perfectly lovely! I'm so glad that Celuwen and Eilian have finally made it to each other, but I don't think for a moment that their trials are over. Poor Solith; you did a great job with characterizing the father who doesn't want to give up his daughter, especially not to someone he has disapproved of for so long. Hopefully Thranduil will be understanding and not antagonize Eilian! Author Reply: Thranduil? Understanding? When? I wouldn't count on it at first! He's going to be hopping mad. But Celuwen and Eilian love one another and there's time for Ada to cool down.

Antigone Q	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
I am going to be charitable and think that Eilian's behavior in this chapter is because he is stressed and not because he thinks he is going to be making all the decisions for Celuwen all the time. In fact, all the males in Celuwen's life need to be giving her a bit more credit. And it worries me that Eilian has not yet even considered asking to be stationed where he will be closer to home and around Celuwen more - a little give and take would be nice, here. I'm not surprised Eilian's stomach is in a knot thinking about Thranduil. My stomach is in a knot and I don't even have to do any explaining. Then again, Thranduil will without a doubt have concern not only about settlement politics and the disobedience of his son, but also about Eilian's happiness - and it seems as though Eilian and Celuwen really will be happy. Now, what's happening with Legolas and the pretty Elleth on the flet? Author Reply: I think Eilian is acting out of stress and Celuwen is going along because getting out of the cottage is the wise thing to do. But she's completely capable of standing up for her actions if and when she chooses to. And Eilian has not considered changing, no. He tends to think he should have what he wants. He's a loving person, but he's also rather self-absorbed, just as he always says he is. Thranduil is not going to be happy, but he does love his son and I think Celuwen is good for him. We'll see.

Estel_Mi_Olor	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
Aw, they are so cute! I know it seems rather base of me to reduce your well written words to a simple "cute," but no all of us are masters of words. Could Sólith have been any more aggressive? I would terrified to be in Eilian's position, with such a father-in-law. At least Isiwen has some good sense and can see that Eilian and Celuwen love each other and always will. Their love is also very touching, so deep and pure. Eilian does bring up a couple of good points though, such as Thranduil's reaction. Something tells me he won't approve. I'm sure Alifrin and Celuwen will get along beautifully, and Ithilden is also very charming. Legolas will be surprised to come home and discover his new sister-in-law. However, I do feel rather sorry for Celuwen. She has to live every day alone, content only with Eilian's promise that he will return to her as often as possible. After more lovemaking, he will leave again. What kind of a future is that, I ask you? Goodness that's depressing. Well I can't wait to see if my predictions are correct. No, wait, next chapter is about Legolas-so I can't wait to see how he's going to get out of that flood. Keep writing and thanks! Author Reply: You have named the issues exactly: Thranduil's reaction and Celuwen's life. I have plans, but we'll see how they work out! Legolas will indeed be shocked by what he finds, especially given that he has touchy news of his own to deliver about the settlement. He's going to groan at the mood his father is in. What are brothers for indeed!

esamen	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
Oh, Lovely! Elf-love must be the most terrific thing in the world! This chapter just takes my breath away. What a masterpiece! But poor Solith--and Celuwen--will you please, please find a way for Elian to win the favor of his father-in-law? I have three awesome daughters and three terrific sons-in-law, and I know all too well the pain of a son-in-law not getting along with his father-in-law even when he tries. It is a tribute to your talent that I feel the hurt of both these hearts so deeply! So, our beloved bachelor is tamed now . . . I will kind of miss his winks and flirtations . . . do you plan to allow Legolas to step into his former role? Congratulations on producing a work of beauty! Author Reply: Wouldn't it be amazing to be bonded body and soul? It's a staggering concept really and when it first happens, the newlyweds must need some time to adjust. You are so kind about this chapter. Assuming that nothing happens to Eilian (or Solith), they have a long time to work things out between them (or get more hostile, I guess). And in my opinion, Eilian will never stop turning his head to look at a pretty girl! He just won't follow her any more.

Jebb	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 4/9/2004
Am I allowed to go ahh!!!? How happy Eilian and Celuwyn are and good for her mother for making things as asnormal as possible oil on troubled waters Celuwyn must take after her i think. As for Solith well I am glad he had enough about him to think of his daughter but was sorry he could not bring himself to hide his hatred of Eilian all he will do is drive a wedge between himself and his daughter I know I have been there. I can hardly wait to see what Thrnaduil's reaction will be no doubt he will 'know' before they tell him but I do not envy Eilian his interview with his own Adar Solith will seem like a kitten. Perhapd Celuwyn and Ithilden's wife will form a female elf alliance they need it in the face of all those males Author Reply: You are allowed to make contented sighs, Jebb, and I'm glad you want to. Celuwen does take after her mother, I think, although she can be stubborn too. You're right about a possible wedge between Solith and his daughter if he continues being so hostile. And in all truth, at some point Thranduil is not going to be pleased with Solith either, I think. This is his son after all. I've made notes to myself on how Celuwen and Alfirin would get along. I think Alfirin is more conventional, but she's also a loving person.

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