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Spring Awakenings by daw the minstrel	406 Review(s)
Estel_Mi_Olor	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
Congratulations, Daw, on the completion of this marvelous work of fiction. I truly believe you outdid yourself with this one. Thank you for these characters, who are so tangible, I feel as if I have known them all my life. Thranduil's discussion with Eilian was perfect. It couldn't have gone well fromt the beginning, as Thranduil had hoped, because their personalities wouldn't allow it. Thank you for keeping that consistent. Sólith was hilarious. I do so love justice. I wonder exactly what Isiwen said to him, to make him come... The feast was fantastic! Although I am curious to find out exactly who brought all that extra food. Perhaps the answer will be revealed in another upcoming fic? Legolas was very sweet, thinking that Tuilin would come. It is difficult to forget your first love. Beliond will take care of our Prince, as usual. He will come back to his family. Thank you once more for this story. Please continue writing. I expect another masterpiece shortly...:) Author Reply: Thank you, Estel Mi Olor. I had a good time writing it. The discussion between Thranduil and Eilian was tricky to write. I had to keep stopping and asking myself what was really going on here. What was really eating at Thranduil? How would Eilian have reacted? But I was pleased and readers seemed to like it too. Legolas will come back to his family this time. But there will come a time when Beliond will come back alone and Legolas will go with the Fellowship. And when he comes back from that, the sea will be in his heart. Sigh.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
I think I had a lump in my throat for this whole chapter. I was so glad when Eilian hugged Thranduil because I was beginning to think someone really needed to… I like the way Thranduil is not just gaining a new perspective in his relationship with Eilian, but that he is aware that he is – if you know what I mean. Like, it’s almost as though he can look at this discussion between them objectively and tries to learn from it rather than get caught up in his anger. “Surely there had been a time when his child’s face had lit up with joy at the sight of him.” I hope there was such a time. In fact, I’m sure I've had a few glimpses of it before... Now, if only there was someone to write more about it…;) “But warriors can behave with some discretion, some care!” Ooh, that was slightly uncalled for. Poor Eilian. He was really in no way careless and as far as I remember he was singled out solely because he was such a threat to the Orcs. “I believe you expect me to behave irresponsibly and are shocked when I do not.” Thranduil seems to be digging himself in deeper and deeper. The way I see it, he really has two choices – walk out the door and start again or be honest with himself and Eilian. Luckily, he chose the honesty option! It brought tears to my eyes to see Thranduil so vulnerable. I was only thinking the other day that even after Lorellin’s death he rarely showed his pain and grief to his sons but I think it’s good for them to see that no matter how strong he is as king, as a father and husband he has weaknesses and feels fear and sorrow as much as anyone else. It must have been hard for him to admit that sometimes he feels angry that his wife was careless. If he felt in any way that she was somehow to blame for her own death, it’s easy to see why he would be so furious at what he saw as Eilian’s ‘careless’ behaviour over the years. Like I said, I loved that moment between them when Eilian comforts his father – Thranduil doesn’t need to feel absurd, it’s doing them both good. What a lovely idea, for Eilian to give Celuwen that ring. His mother explaining the meaning of the stone is obviously a memory he cherishes. Thranduil is right, I think, that Lorellin would have loved Eilian to give it to his beloved. “I would wedge a chair under the doorknob if I were you.” Very funny. It seems Thranduil knows just how frustrated Eilian must be to so far be allowed very little time alone with his new wife! Ah. They came. Having Sólith as his guest immediately puts Thranduil in a position of control. I had to laugh at his overly exuberant greeting to Sólith and Isiwen. I thought it was very clever of Thranduil to give Celuwen the symbol of office in front of her parents. It shows enormous respect for her and her parents as well as for their way of life and at least Sólith will see that his daughter isn’t just expected to sit around in the palace all day. Eilian doesn’t seem to have known about this new job of his wife’s, though… Sólith is really something, isn’t he? How could he insist on provoking Thranduil like that? It’s a pity he can’t be “summoned” to Ithilden’s office as well… “We repeat, do you mean to insult our son? We ask because that is something that we could not allow any more than we could allow someone to insult Celuwen.” I actually physically shuddered at this point. I think it was the scary repetition of the royal “we” that had me quaking even more than the thinly veiled threat. Sólith is indeed a bit of a fool. I wish his wife had got up and decked him one right there and then. I thought it was very amusing that Legolas doesn’t want to walk with Sólith. Good old Alfirin for including him. I’d love to know what he said, though… Oh, and I had to laugh at Thranduil hoping his “children” would behave! I loved the slight touch of informality about this celebration – due, of course, to Eilian’s rowdy friends. At least their presence ensured that any tension disappeared for the time being. “The guests brought it, my lady,” said the steward happily. “Lord Eilian has many friends.” Oh, daw! What an amazing show of love and support for Eilian. Wow, he really is loved by the whole Realm. “So you will see the rainbow in the stone and think of me even when I am far away.” sob That’s just so beautiful. I suppose as well that Celuwen could easily have known the significance of the ring considering her close relationship with Eilian – and his naneth too – when they were growing up. It’s sad, though, that they live in a time and a place where the gifts they give are intended to serve as a reminder to the other of their love when one is away. He wanted Sólith to speak?? Nice one, Thranduil. Put him on the spot. Well, at least he spoke…and he wasn’t exactly rude…I imagine it was enough to ease Celuwen’s mind anyway, which is what’s really important. Oh look, there’s Maltanaur! He must be thrilled to bits. Of course, he’s seen Eilian mope about Celuwen for a long, long time now… “And suddenly, he found he could not bear to watch these two Wood-elves, who were so obviously in love, and had to turn away.” That’s so heart-breaking. Memories must be very near the surface if he finds it so painful to watch them. At least Beliond was there, someone who knows what Thranduil is thinking and who shares his sorrow. Beliond is a wise old elf. Who knows what the future has in store but at least Eilian and Celuwen always have this one moment of absolute joy. I guess we just have to hope that they will always treasure it but never have to dwell on it as a time they will never have again – as Thranduil and Beliond must do with memories of their lost loved ones. I loved that last part, with Legolas setting out again. He certainly had an action-packed leave! It’s a pity he spent most of the feast looking for Tuilinn, but I suppose love definitely was in the air and I don’t blame him for longing for her company again. It must be hard for him to leave when everyone else, except Sinnarn, is at home. If Eilian finds it this difficult letting Legolas go, methinks he isn’t quite ready to have any elflings yet! It amazing, though, how worried they all still are about letting him out into danger, but it must be comforting for Legolas too. I guess he just has to go off and prove himself now as lieutenant. I never like it when your stories come to an end but I really am particularly sad that this one has to finish. You really spoiled your readers with it, daw – thank you. RN (?): Lol! How many people asked for Tinár’s wife that you felt compelled to apologise?! It’s o.k. I’m kind of half afraid to meet her anyway – I wouldn’t know what to expect. I’ll bet the whole Realm didn’t turn up with gifts of food for their wedding. Although, maybe they all came with popcorn… Author Reply: This chapter was Thranduil's all the way, I thought. He managed to achieve some sort of understanding not only of Eilian, but what was far harder, of himself. He's learned some wisdom in all those years. I wish I could show the elflings Ithilden and Eilian but I hate to write a story without Legolas, who is the one Tolkien treated as important. It would be kind of fun though. I'm sure they loved their Ada and Nana like all kids do and Nana was around all the while they were growing up. And I do think that Nana would have approved the use of the ring and thought that his bonding was romantic, even if Ada was ticked. Your line about Isiwen decking Solith made me laugh. I don't know if you are married, Dot, but you write like you are. I would have had to smack my husband a good one. I figure there are no locks on the doors in Thranduil's stronghold. The Great Doors seal by magic and Elves respect one another's privacy. At least most of the time they do. Anyway, I figure Thranduil may have wedged a chair or two when his kids were small. I did feel badly for Thranduil at the party though. He so plainly misses his wife. I truly enjoyed writing this story and I'm sorry it's over.

LKK	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
I missed another chapter's review. Sorry! I was doing some internet research for a friend. :) Ah! An understanding of sorts between Thranduil and Eilian! I'm sure there will be times when they both forget their understanding. Centuries of behavior aren't changed by one conversation. But hopefully, they have built the foundation of a better relationship. :) I absolutely loved Thranduil taking down Solith! Solith didn't stand a chance against the king -- as it should be. It was a pleasure to watch Thranduil in full Father/King mode. :) This has been a great story, daw. I have really enjoyed it. I look forward to whatever you turn your imagination to next! Author Reply: LOL. I should go and add to the author's note, making the point that "eilian" is the Sindarin word for rainbow. And I thank you for the research too. I don't suppose that either Thranduil or Eilian is going to change much, but at least for now they understand one another and recognize the love between them. They'll probably have to keep reachieving that. Thranduil was in full kingly flight and Solith never had a chance. I love the Elven king. Thank you for your kind words, LKK. If I ever need to hire someone to do internet research, you'll be the one.

White Wolf	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
I love the way Thranduil handled Solith, who never realized what thin ice he was standing on. The celebration was lovely. Legolas's farewell to his family was very touching. I'm looking forward to your next story. Author Reply: I love kingly Thranduil! He was so in control and Solith didn't have a chance. Legolas's family was sorry to send the baby off while the rest of them stayed home. It would seem very unnatural. I'm going to take a couple of weeks off to do the work I'm paid for and then I'll have to start writing again. It's too much fun not to.

sofia	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
Ah! Another story done! i hope we hear again from you soon. I enjoyed reading this story. Poor Legolas! all his brothers are married and he feels alone! I'm shocked that Sólith would say such things to a King. He really must be unhappy. Dont keep us waiting for long! -sofia Author Reply: Sofia, you made me stop and think with your observation that Solith must be very unhappy to have spoken in such a way to Thranduil. I think you must be right. He angry and unhappy. Poor guy. But poor Isiwen more, I think. Legolas is feeling a little lonely, but he has lots of people to love him and he has important work to do. It's hard to ask for more than that I think. I need to take two weeks to get some stuff done at work, and then I'll be ready to write again. Thank you for the review.

tigerlily713	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
Great chapter and beautiful story! I cannot wait until we have more from you! Lily Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. I enjoyed writing this story. I need to take two weeks to finish my semester and then I'll be ready to write again, I think.

Elentari	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
I nearly cried at Thranduil and Eilian's talk. Seriously. It was such a touching scene of a stern man who suddenly sees hiszeal may have caused more harm than good- it really hurst to see how much he put on him, even if it was of love and fear, and how badly Eilian craves recognition. Loved the eye stone story. And wanted to put Thranduil on my lap when he became hurt as he watched the enamoured couple dancing- too many painful memories, it seemed. It is a good thing Thranduil has good friends of his own, people in whom he can trust and that will stand for him when he needs it (whether he wants it or not, I can hear Beliond say). I also want to applaud you for your dealing with Sólith- and many, many hugs to the lovely Isiwen who is, it seems, the only one to hold the brat in place. That, ecxept when thranduil is playing the over-protective father (and it's great to see him like that, I say!) threatening to make the settler's life hell if he does not go easy on the king's son. And take it, Sólith! Eilian has so many devoted people in his life, if only he could see it. Even in times of dire need they are willing to share what few they have with him, because he is important, damn it! I think it kinda caught poor Eilian off guard, he wasn't quite ready for such overwhelming show of affection. It seems the old saying rings true on their family as well: We are the only ones that can talk about our own. Pity those who dare do it. Poor Legolas. I think he will not see Tuilin for a while yet, if ever. Poor, poor lad indeed. Come here, darling, i will do what i can to ease your plight. Bravo! I loved this story, daw; and I am sorry to see it end, even if it ends so perfectly and - dare I say it- with such an elven mixture of hope and sadness, of renewal and longing. Hmmm... maybe we get to see lorellin next? I could do with the lack of Tinar's wife, if I got some more of Thranduil's wilful wife. I'd like to hear some about her. By the way, I saw Nimlandra's fic about the royal couple's first meeting and was enchanted. thank you for leaving a note- I would never have found it otherwise. Cya! Author Reply: Oh wow, I am so glad you liked that scene between Thranduil and Eilian. It took me quite a while to write it because I wanted it to be honest and painful and that's not easy. Eilian needs his father's love and approval more than either of them realizes, I think. The affection that was showered on him by his family and friends at the celebration was just what he needed. It's one reason that the party needed to happen. I was particularly struck by the appropriateness of an opal in the ring that Eilian gives to Celuwen because "eilian" is the Sindarin word for rainbow. Thranduil misses his wife. Her absence is a hole in the family that I don't think has healed even yet. Legolas is grateful for your offer of comfort. He'll be right over! And did you see Nilmandra's story "Eilian's Begetting Day"? I like that one too. daw

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
Ah, happy ending. Interesting that Thranduil compares Eilian to Oropher as well as Lorellin. Has the poor elf always been surrounded by impulsive enthusiasts? I don't know why Eilian was surprised that he is being kept home - he's been allowed to ride for less than a week and he's still in pain. He was bound to have to spend some months as a pen pusher until his hip improved and then some time in a less demanding posting. Perhaps that's one of the reasons he managed to stay quite calm about it. Apart from the obvious benefits, of course. Thranduil should note that it was when he showed his weak point regarding his sons, rather than when he was 'being king' that Eilian came round - and bear in mind that taking charge of the Southern patrol made him behave responsibly. Moreover, five minutes with Solith must have made him realise that Eilian could not have done anything other than elope with Celuwen. Even her fading was not enough to make him bend. I like Thranduil's use of the royal 'we' to intimidate - and the way he asserts he is defending Celuwen as well as Eilian. Fun to see Legolas make Alfirin giggle. I'd like to see more of her and Ithilden. I feel with her that, as well as being conventional, she's so much younger than Ithilden, she was probably quite willing to follow his lead - making him boss elf (although not like Tinar). And as for her attitude to the king - he was an authority figure rather than someone she knew personally before her marriage. In short, the only thing I can see her getting ferocious about with either of them would be Sinnarn. Celuwen, on the other hand, was childhood friends with Eilian, so their relationship is much more equal from the start - and the two of them and Gelmir must have had their moments of trying to evade the righteous wrath of Eilian's adar, so she's probably more willing to try to get round him. I hope the introduction of Galadriel's gift of foresight to the conversation with Beliond is not suggestive of any future unpleasantness. Author Reply: I'm sure Eilian expected some period of recuperation, but he may have been hoping to do something more fun: play with the novices maybe. He's never been particularly realistic about stuff like that. I think the reference to Oropher shows that he comes by his impulsiveness honestly on BOTH sides of the family. And yes, scolding is probably the worst possible way to handle Eilian. Thranduil needs to get hold of himself. Apart from that, Thranduil rules! Figuratively as well as literally. He outclassed Solith in every possible way. What a sharp analysis of the differences that the histories of the two wives would make in their relationships with their husbands and father in law. I'll be you're right every step of the way. One of the things foresight would have told Thranduil was that he was going to lose Legolas to sea longing. I think it's better he didn't know that. Thank you for this nice review. daw

	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
Thranduil drew him into a close embrace. “Take care, Legolas. You will make a fine lieutenant, but you must take care and come home again whole. I have had enough of wounded sons for a while.” For a moment, he paused, scanning the much-loved faces turned up to him. Alfirin looked motherly and anxious, and a serious-faced Ithilden put his arm around her shoulders. Legolas knew that it had always pained him to send his brothers into battle. Eilian stood unhappily near Legolas’s left side, his hand still on Legolas’s leg, and Celuwen waited a little behind him. But it was Thranduil upon whose face Legolas focused. His father looked grave, but when the moment came, he raised his hand in farewell and let his son go. Daw, you have absolutely outdone yourself. I want to cry and clap. I feel like I'm sitting in the theater at the end of a movie, waiting for the credits to roll. How have I possibly fallen in love with all these people so much? This story of Thranduil and his family is a total gift to read. This is the best work I've read in a long time. Absolutely awesome. Thanks so much for all your time and hard work in writing it. Esamen Author Reply: Thank you, Esamen. I am immensely flattered by your reactions and your praise. It seems to me that it must have been hard for Thranduil to let his sons go into danger when he could have stopped it with a wave of his hand. But he couldn't do it. It wouldn't have been right and he knew it. So he sent off the most precious things in his life, much as he might have liked to keep them locked in a storeroom with his other jewels.

caz - baz	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/27/2004
that was a nice end to a lovely story. i must say i very much enjoyed that one. you're very talented in writing stories of different natures, alot of people stick to a certain style of writing but yours is very varied, it intrests me every single time as well. Author Reply: Glad you liked it, Caz-baz. Endings are hard to write actually. I'm glad you think my writing is varied and interesting. I truly enjoyed writing this story.

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