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| Paths Taken by daw the minstrel | 239 Review(s) |
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| sofia | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Oh! how a sweet ending. Very exciting story. I cant believe its over so soon. I hope you dont keep us waiting too long for another story! -sofia Author Reply: This story went fast. I wrote it quickly and really enjoyed doing it. I'll probably start on another one soon. I am lost when I don't have a story going. I'm glad you liked the ending, Sofia. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Darnit, it’s finished already. Such a lovely ending, though. So, Thranduil ‘convinced’ the healer to allow Ithilden home. How could he interfere with a burgeoning love affair like that?! Oh well, at least Ithilden seems to be having pleasant dreams. It seems as though Thranduil and Legolas had a little talk. I get the impression that Thranduil realises that Legolas knows what he did wrong and is satisfied as long as Legolas apologises to Ithilden. “Adar says I can learn a lot from you, and he is right.” That’s lovely! And Adar is right. Although, maybe not when it comes to talking to maidens…;) Ithilden also seems to see things a little more clearly. I agree with him that Legolas behaves better when he understands the reasoning behind instruction. I’m glad he praised Legolas because his baby brother probably didn’t feel very brave at all. “Ithilden had the eerie feeling that his father knew exactly what he was planning.” Of course he does! The healer was right that Ithilden wouldn’t admit to his pain at home and there’s *no way* Thranduil will let anyone in to ‘brief’ Ithilden. Thranduil’s sons really seem to object to his fussing as soon as they’re on the mend but I’d say they’d easily be just as bad if ever Thranduil were injured. I was surprised Ithilden told Thranduil about spanking Legolas. Obviously Legolas wouldn’t say anything but I didn’t think either of them really would. I’m glad Thranduil didn’t have several fits about it, but then he’s probably come close to smacking a bottom or two himself with all of his sons and undoubtedly sees Ithilden’s guilt and regret. “I usually found that with you and Eilian fear of me was enough.” LOL! How very…self-aware of him. It must have startled Thranduil a bit when Ithilden gave him the same advice that Lorellin always did. I actually felt quite sorry for him. It’s almost as though everyone else can see what he should be doing but he still hasn’t got it right. I just wanted to hug him and tell him that he’s a great father! Anyway, Ithilden has learned a lot of lessons that will surely stand to him when he has a son of his own. Ithilden escaped! If he needs to use a tree to steady himself just on the walk to his office it really doesn’t sound like he should be there. No doubt his father will frown a lot and make him nap before dinner. I had to laugh at Eilian’s letter – though I doubt it would have stopped Ithilden going. Eilian will be in for a shock if he ever finds out what happened. I’m glad Ithilden and Penntalion are on better terms again. Poor Penntalion didn’t really seem to have recovered from Ithilden snapping at him! I was delighted that he told Ithilden that Legolas is “self-disciplined for his age”. It reminds Ithilden that he’s still young but is also a huge compliment. Plus, I think Ithilden needed to see that Legolas is a totally different person when it comes to his training. Alfirin’s appearance is a nice surprise for Ithilden! Maybe he should indeed have vomited in front of her before. He certainly seems to have started off a bit braver here anyway. There’s something so sweet about seeing him all shy and awkward. It’s such a pity he believes that Alfirin likes Penntalion. Self-doubt does not sit well with Ithilden. If he had any sense he’d use a couple of spies and find out instead of just wondering. There was something really amusing about that scene between Thranduil and Siondel. I think it was the idea of Thranduil thinking he was chatting to the father of his son’s friend and Siondel clearly too wary to be comfortable. Who knows why he thought he was ‘invited’ there. “If a warrior were to choose to camp in this copse, do you think the elflings would be aware of his presence?” Nice one, Thranduil. What a clever elf. I always thought he might do that to Legolas at some stage. It’s such a perfect solution to easing Thranduil’s own fears, even though the elflings in question might not quite appreciate it. Turgon wouldn’t anyway. It sounds too as though Siondel has been staying awake incase they were in trouble – or go looking for it – so it’s nice to think Thranduil can put Annael’s parents’ minds at rest too. Isn’t it such a pity that for a while Legolas’ love of the woods was marred? Yes, he learned his lesson about not venturing into the woods at night without an adult but it’s quite sad that it’s a lesson that needs to be taught. And he still hasn’t killed a deer… But Turgon seems impressed enough that he shot a spider. It’s such a lovely image of the three friends singing softly to the night and then Annael’s mother answering with a lullaby of her own. It’s just such a wood-elfy picture and so comforting, which is exactly what Legolas needs to help him feel safe again. *sigh* I loved this story. Ithilden is definitely one of my favourites so I really appreciated this chance to spend some more time than usual with him. I think we learned a little more about Ada and baby brother too! Where do you suppose you’ll take us next? I was thinking the other day that I’m looking forward to a Five Armies story, largely because I’d love to see the Elvenking get a bit of action! But then, elflings can be fun too…:) Author Reply: Someone else mentioned how amusing it would be to see Thranduil be the injured one! I thought it was a funny idea. Here's what I picture happened when Ithilden crawled into his office. His aide jumped in alarm and said he hadn't been expecting Ithilden. Ithilden makes it in triumph to the door of his own office and then turns around and tells the aide not to even THINK of sending a message to the palace saying he's there, and it's obvious that that's exactly what the aide was getting ready to do. But Thranduil notices he's gone and comes after him--I think himself, but maybe he sends the healer. Ah, I love spinning stories. Thranduil is such a good ada. He was happy to have Legolas care for Ithilden and apologize and that's all it took. Legolas is pretty subdued at the moment anyway. But he did get to sleep on a flet: a small adventure but within the sound of Annael's nana's voice. That's far enough for him right now. There will be time for danger and daring, but not yet. I'm still thinking about the Five Armies. It would be a nicely complicated story that could involve all three brothers and Thranduil. | |
| esamen | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| He would live in the woods forever, he thought dreamily. He would never leave. The path of dreams came up to meet him and he ran along it with his arms spread wide in joy. What a beautiful ending. The vision of the boys singing in the trees is just magical. This is a great story, full of action and tenderness and real feeling. I loved it! Thank you! Have you ever thought of writing about Legolas post-Quest, for instance when he comes home again? I think that you could come up with some fantastic scenes! Author Reply: Glad you liked it, Esamen. I have thought about writing a post-Quest story, but frankly, I think they're hard to do well. For me, a lot of the interest in these pre-Quest stories comes from the fact that we know the end to which they are heading. So everything building to that end seems to assume significance from it. But after the defeat of Sauron, the future becomes more open for these characters. We know some stuff about them, but what we know seems scattered and ordinary compared to their role during the Ring War. At least that's the way it feels to me today! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Like you, I don't like to see 'the end' on a story - either my own or anyone else's - but I hope you have another planned soon? This was great - but I confess I liked the previous chapter better, because of the angst - but I love all the loose ends tied up neatly. Best of all is Legolas finally being allowed to sleep on the flet; I'm so glad Thranduil found a compromise without *seeming* over protective! It reminds me of the time my own children wanted to sleep out in the garden in their tent for the first time - a quiet back garden, away from roads etc. I persuaded our dog to stay with them, gave them one of the house phones, and left the back door unlocked 'just in case'. My son now camps alone in the middle of Dartmoor (the only sizable expanse of wilderness in south west England) and I still worry. I know just how Thranduil feels! Jay Author Reply: The angst was fun to write, I have to admit. I liked your story of your kids sleeping in the back yard. And you didn't even have the possibility of giant spider! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Start another story right away? Well, if you must. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| 'I found that with you and Eilian fear of me was enough.' Oh yes, Thranduil - no need to bring the Valar into it! Most perceptive of him. (Only problem with this as a Legolas-controlling technique is the lack of naneth to act as counterweight.) Lovely end to the story - (start another one straight away). Ithilden and Alfirin have moved on an inch or two. Legolas is happy again for a while. Good stuff. (Start another one straight away.) Siondel and Elowen are happy to have a warrior guarding the elflings - they are excellent parents. Can you just imagine Eilian as a parent at this point? (Start another one straight away.) Did Thranduil ever learn about Legolas shooting the spider? By the way - work is a greatly over-rated activity. You would be much better starting another story or six right away. Author Reply: It's funny, but I suspect that the fact that Thranduil has been both mother and father to Legolas means that the kid is less afraid of him. I'll bet he could be a little more remote with the older two. He loves them, but he saw his role as making them toe the line. But with Legolas, he can't do only that (and sometimes he can't even do just that!). LOL. Maybe I'll start another story right away. Do you think that would be all right? | |
| Duchess | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Awww, Legolas is sooooo sweet in this part. I'm quite hard pressed to reconcile him with the impudent little rascal who got Ithilden and himself into so much trouble earlier on. lol Ithilden DOES need to loosen up quite a bit, doesn't he? My my my, what a silly Elf he is! *chuckling* As always, I'm enjoying this story immensely so do please continue as soon as you can? *vbg* Author Reply: Legolas is a little subdued right now. He was genuinely scared. When he gets his confidence back a little, he'll be testing the limits again. He has to in order to grow up. Ithilden is just dense! | |
| tigerlily713 | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Wonderful story! Beautifully done! I cannot wait for your next gift to us! Lily Author Reply: Thank you, Lily. This story was fun to write, and I got to know Ithilden a little better. | |
| Kristy | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Oh daw! That was the perfect ending! Along with the Spring Awakenings sequel, I want to request a "how Ithilden got over his stupidity and got together with Alfirin story" We've seen how the impulsive, irresponsible Eilian came to his bonding. I think it would be a cool contrast to see how the proper, responsible Ithilden comes to his bonding. Kind of like a prequel to Joinings. Whatever you decide to do next, I know I'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed this one. Author Reply: Thank you, Kristy. That sounds like a fun story! I'll put it on the list. I'm always sorry to see stories end, so I'm looking forward to the next one too. | |
| Jebb | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/19/2004 |
| Triple aah! this was a lovely ending for almost everyone although Ithilden was being a little dense I thought, males!! And sneaking out to go to his office not a good example to set for Legolas although duty is already firmly entrenched in all the sons of Thranduil Ada allowing the sleep over with suitable provisos what an elf I become more and more enamoured of this monarch Even Elilian got in there good advice I expect Ithilden wishes he had gotten it before the camping trip! Hope to see a new story very soon as I am already getting withdrawal symptoms thank you for shating your gifts with us Author Reply: Ithilden was doing so well talking to Alfirin and then he just lost his head. Stupid male. Stubborn too. Off to office and happy that his warriors salute. Thranduil tries to let Legolas go, but it's hard, I think. They live in a very dangerous world, as they all just learned all over again. Thank you for your kind words, Jebb. | |