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Sons of Kings by jenolas	78 Review(s)
Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 11/1/2004
Ah yay, more Faramir and Legolas together. I find I’m growing quite fond of seeing the two of them interact with one another! It seems Eldarion almost rivals the elves in his love of dancing and merrymaking! I had to laugh at how happy Legolas seemed not to be suffering the usual demand for his presence by the maidens! I love how good he is to Sarien, so willing to provide support for someone he’s known nearly all the young man’s life. And what’s up with him anyway? Is it a secret?!! “Belts had been discarded to allow more freedom of movement and now shirts hung open where laces had been loosened by vigorous activity, the fabric clinging to sweat soaked chests, just as long golden locks and shorter midnight black hair clung to faces and necks.” Relaxed!Thranduil is always wonderful to see. And yeah, sweaty!Thranduil too! It must be such fun for Eldarion too, considering the fact that Gondor’s king is unlikely to be so comfortable and open at feasts in Minas Tirith. Actually, Thranduil and Eldarion seem to be growing very close. As a ruler it will be of use to Eldarion to have such close relations with another ruler but more than that, he can learn a lot from this elf and Thranduil himself seems to be enjoying being around a young person again to whom he can offer some guidance. It’s good to see Faramir have some of the spotlight and allow the others to see his great store of knowledge as well as his love for his people and his brother. I’m glad Legolas was able to offer him some comfort when his grief overwhelmed him. What a nice thought, that Legolas is to be gifted with the materials to build his ship. I quite like the fact that Faramir doesn’t avoid the topic either but seems to accept Legolas’ fate just as he accepts his own. And that last sentence was great – that moment of realisation for Legolas that his father knew what he was talking about when he feared for his son’s heart. At least, though, Legolas can look at his father and know that it is possible to survive even that pain. This is just such an engrossing story! And I think I’ve managed to catch up now…;-) Author Reply: Sarien's problem is no secret, and will be revealed in the next chapter...a little suspense never hurts to hold the interest at times..grin I have always been partial to Faramir and like to think that his role as friend and steward after the war would have been significant. He was also Prince Imrahil's nephew , so who better to help Legolas with his ship buliding project. I think at some point in every adult's life they find themselves thinking exactly that... "So Mum or Dad really did know what they were talking about when they told/warned me..."(whatever).

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/1/2004
Ooh, I really liked this chapter. It sounds like the lads from Gondor are having a ball! LOL at them not being able to drag themselves from their beds after the previous night. I must say, I loved the relaxed atmosphere of the contest, with anyone who wished to entering and nothing but some very friendly rivalry. I’m feeling a bit bad for not thinking of how well Faramir might do! Of course, it makes sense that he’d possess great skill. You’ve shown a wonderful sense of friendship throughout this story between Faramir and Legolas so it was lovely to see the two of them left on the field, turning the contest into an opportunity to show off and have fun. I don’t blame Sarien for feeling a little inadequate when he sees Faramir’s skill but I’m glad he had his friend there to reassure him. Eldarion is very encouraging now that he’s come to accept the different futures in store for him and his best friend. You made me laugh at the two of them plotting together for Eldarion to spend a few days now and then with the rangers! I just love the way Thranduil appears suddenly out of nowhere. I hadn’t really thought before about how Eldarion and Sarien’s friendship reflects in some ways that of Aragorn and Legolas in earlier days. And of course, Legolas was witness to Aragorn learning to be a king, just as Sarien sees Eldarion’s struggle. Tsk, is Legolas distracted from his duties again?! I LOVED the image of Thranduil and Eldarion sparring!! It was good of Thranduil to indulge the young man and give him a chance to show off his obvious talent, even if it isn’t quite to the standard of the elves. Actually, Thranduil should spar with another elf and show the men some real skill! He seems to have made Eldarion’s day too by telling him that he used some of Elrond’s moves! It’s lovely to see how proud and happy he is of this and I think it’s great too to know that something of Elrond is passed down through his line. I had to smile at Eldarion insisting on wearing his coronet! It seems that he displays his position with complete pride now and he seems so much more at ease with his role. I’d nearly forgotten in all the excitement that the parting between Sarien and Eldarion would still have to come. Eldarion seems to have accepted it but that still won’t stop him from missing his friend. Oh well, on to the next chapter… :-) Author Reply: Thraduil is definitely also wearing his 'adar'hat when dealing with Eldarion who is still very young by elvish standards, and also in his indulgence of Legolas's behaviour. In his son's case it is likely that Thranduil is enjoying seeing the carefree spirit overriding the suffering and angst of the sea longing. The time for going their separate ways has arrived but both Eldarion and Sarien have now come to terms with that particular fact of life.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/1/2004
Sorry, sorry, sorry. I was in London for a week with no Internet access and managed to miss three chapters… It seems that Eldarion’s shocked realisation of what his future holds has also driven home the fact that he may have been insensitive towards Thranduil. I thought Thranduil handled the situation very well, letting him know that no offence was taken and also offering him some advice. “[…]my stern glare is rather intimidating” LOL! Never! I love the idea that Thranduil counted Elendil as one of his friends. I can only imagine his reaction when it dawned on him that he reacted to Legolas’ friendship with Aragorn and Gimli in the same way as Oropher did to his choice of friends. I like the fact that Eldarion not only noticed a similarity but took it upon himself to stand up for Legolas. It sounds like there’s an interesting conversation in store between Thranduil and Aragorn – I’ll look forward to that! The image of them all listening to Thranduil as he wove stories of times past for them was just wonderful. And boy would he have some tales to tell! I just loved the thought of Legolas resting his head on his adar’s shoulder as they sang together. The closeness between them is just so heart-warming and it’s good to know that his father can bring Legolas some peace. It must have been very hard for Legolas to leave his father behind when he did eventually sail. “Making a silent vow to no longer avoid his responsibilities, nor give his father cause to reprimand his behaviour, Prince Eldarion of Gondor said a final farewell to his youthful naiveté and willingly stepped onto the path that would one day lead him to the throne.” Oh, how beautifully expressed. Eldarion has obviously learned how precious those he loves are to him as well as to accept with grace that which life has given him. I think his father will be proud to see a change in him when he returns. See, all he needed was some time with Thranduil! ;-) Author Reply: Not doing a little OB spotting in your spare moments by any chance were you, Dot? Eldarion is certainly reaching a new maturity with a little help from Thranduil ( and Legolas who is leading by example), but I think they are simply bringing to the fore the character traits Aragorn's son already posssesses.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 10/31/2004
I love the picture of Thranduil and Eldarion all disheveled from dancing. I forgot to mention in my review of the last chapter how much I liked the idea that it was Faramir who was Legolas's competitor at archery. Author Reply: A good time was obviously had by both the King and the Prince. Yes, I also thought that Faramir's skill and experience as an archer would provide a challenge for Legolas that Sarien could not match.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 10/31/2004
I liked the Faramir / Legolas archery competition. Faramir would be much better than an novice ranger - he's had years of practice to go with his perfectionist nature. Eldarion's coming to terms with his role - now we don't want him becoming arrogant. What a fine line to walk! Good match between Eldarion and Thranduil - very father / son in nature - encouraging, making it hard enough, but not too hard and coming out with the kind of comments designed to make Eldarion feel proud. Liked Thranduil's comment about Legolas being too busy playing to look after his guests. Author Reply: Thranduil is a role model for Eldarion that possibly not even Aragorn could be in some ways. Thranduil is certainly very indulgent of his own son, carefree young Wood elf that Legolas is at times.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 10/30/2004
I really like the way that Eldarion is developing here. He's a believable young adult who is coming to understand himself and his role in the world. Author Reply: Yes, he is becoming a very mature young man.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 10/30/2004
Another great chapter. I like the comparison of Eldarion and Sarien to Legolas and Aragorn. That must have made Eldarion think about some things. But I loved Thranduil sparing with Eldarion and pointing out that he sees some of Elrond's skills in the boy. That would make you extremely and rightfully proud. I'm glad to see that Eldarion is saying he is the son of the king with pride now. It won't always be easy, but he has learned some things. Loved it. Post again soon. Author Reply: Eldarion's learning process is also having a positive effect on his elders as they come to see some things in a new light. Next chapter is posted.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/24/2004
I love this depiction of Thranduil. I can definitely see him as a great story teller. I bet he told some great ones that night. And I like the thought of Thranduil being friends with Elrond and Elendil despite Oropher's opinions. Again, I can see that as firmly in line with his personality and also it is amusing as Eldarion points out since he likely was not immediately approving of all of Legolas' friends. But this was my favorite: “An affliction suffered by the young of any race, in my judgement, but one a future ruler must learn to avoid. It is also wise to learn to keep your feelings from showing too readily on your face, especially when involved in delicate negotiations or in sight of your Steward,” he advised, inclining his head to where Faramir was standing and watching the two with some concern. “Faramir can see that you are upset yet he dares not approach to ask you the cause because my stern glare is rather intimidating, or so I am told,.” Thranduil added with a chuckle pleased to see the smile that the young man now wore. Too funny. Great advice but great comedy at the same time. Looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: I like to think of Thranduil as having a dry sense of humour as befits the carefree spirit of the Wood Elves.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/24/2004
Lovely picture of Thranduil and Legolas. I'm glad to see Eldarion accepting his fate - it's the first step to being happy with his lot. And the lot of a Crown Prince isn't too bad. There are worse things to be. I like Thranduil's acceptance of Legolas's friends - it seems he's realised that you can't make your children's friends for them. Author Reply: No, and even Thranduil has learned some lessons over the years since he became a father..it works both ways.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/24/2004
What a nice ending sentence! Eldarion is really learning from his experience and observations here. Thranduil was generous, seeing what Eldarion needed and gently providing it. Author Reply: Thranduil's (good!)parenting skills are certainly on display even when aimed towards another's son.

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