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Time's Turnings by daw the minstrel	299 Review(s)
pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 10/12/2005
Beliond is charming somewhat and irritating at times, poor Legols, no wonder they get on each others nerves... Author Reply: I would never, ever want Beliond breathing down my neck day and night.

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/12/2005
Eilian get to go on a mission and Legolas and company goes along... Sinnarn is scaring the wits outta his parents, he could have been hurt... Author Reply: Poor serious, responsible Ithilden and his sweet but rather conventional wife. They were dealt a wild card in Sinnarn.

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/12/2005
Its nice to have a Ithilden story of his youth, you'd think he was always responsible... Author Reply: I wish I could write more about the youth of Ithilden and Eilian, and also more about their mother, but I have to do it in flashbacks.

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/12/2005
Sinnarn wants to be a warrior already like Legolas, and Legolas sees from his fathers point of view how it was to be so young. He wants to prove himself to them and feels with Beliond watching him he won't have that chance. He needs to trust his skills is he for once unsure... Author Reply: That's exactly right about Legolas and Beliond. How's he going to know he can rely on himself?

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/12/2005
You have to feel for Galelas, his family dosen't seem to care for him and saves all the attention for his brother, he may be a better warrior than him in the end... Sinnarn, is too adventerous and feels the burden of who his family is...Poor Ithilden, he must be irritated at times... Author Reply: I do feel for Galelas. You're absolutely right about him. But I think he's better off than Tinar in the long run.

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/12/2005
It seems Thranduil sees Legolas as still a young child...Ithilden and Sinnarn are at odds a little, and Thranduil gets a kick out of it too... Eilian still cares for Celuwen and she is stubron not reading his letters... Author Reply: Ithilden is truly dismayed by being confronted with Sinnarn the adolescent. And Sinnarn isn't any happier about it, poor thing. But Thranduil is enjoying himself as a grandfather.

yanic	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/27/2005
Well I just got through a long week of reading all your stories and all I have to say is WOW! I like your stories even better than Jocelyn's "A Little Nudge Out the Door," which is saying something because I think her stories are fantastic. I like your OC's too, I once read in one of your responses that you felt that all your OC's would prevent new readers from enjoying your stories, but that didn't happen with me! In fact Eilian is one of my favorite characters in all fanfiction. I really can't wait to see what you come up with next, and while I hope you would consider doing Legolas's return from the war, I'm sure I'll love whatever you do. Author Reply: Yanic- If you like my stories better than Jocelyn's, then I am intensely flattered! She was the writer who originally inspired me to try to write fanfic. Her characters were just so real. I'm also very relieved that I can apparently still make sense to a new reader. If you can sort out who's who, then all is still well. :-) Eilian is one of my favorite characters too. He presents himself to me as nicely complex, cheery and loving but with a self-destructive streak against which he constantly struggles. I'm sadly bogged down in the work I get paid to do right now (and I do mean right now -- I've been working on it off and on all weekend). But I'll be back writing fanfic again as soon as I can. Thank you for this very kind review. daw

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/24/2005
Daw, this story is just fantastic. I can’t believe it’s over. I never want your stories to end, but normally it’s more to do with the fact that I don’t want to have to wait for a few weeks for another one – with this I would have just kept reading it forever! I really enjoyed this chapter. I like the idea that young elves can’t prevent their emotions showing on their faces as easily as adult elves can. Although, as Ithilden feels, it is quite sad that parents can’t read their children and that such wonderful feelings as hope can be hidden. I remember thinking that before – I think in ‘When Shadow Touches Home’ – when Thranduil wonders what Ithilden is thinking but even he can’t really tell. It must have been difficult for Ithilden to offer Sinnarn the chance to turn away from becoming a warrior, but I’m so proud that he did! And I must say, I think it’s great that you’ve given Sinnarn some doubts and uncertainty and that he’s not as wholeheartedly determined from such a young age to become a warrior as the rest of his family were. I felt bad for Sinnarn in that moment where he wondered if maybe his father didn’t think he’d be a good warrior but I thought Ithilden handled the situation very well by letting Sinnarn feel that the decision was his own to make and allowing him to see that there were other ways in which he could serve the realm. Being amongst trees must sound like quite an enticing prospect for an elf! I’m interested to know what an elven forester does, though, as I presume they wouldn’t exactly be felling any trees. Do they ever try to help the trees in the south? Maybe it’s too dangerous. Oh, and if Sinnarn does choose to do this, he can understand Emmelin’s job too further down the line. That’s handy! “You have told me several times.” You know what I loved about that? The fact that Ithilden obviously speaks about his mother a lot. Of course, Sinnarn has probably exaggerated the “several times” but still, once upon a time they hardly mentioned Lorellin at all so it’s great to see how having his own family has allowed Ithilden the peace to share his memories. “It would not hurt for Sinnarn to realize that he did not know everything.” LOL! Ithilden has taken a leaf right out of Thranduil’s parenting book there!! “He hoped Legolas was not about to add Men to the list of those he felt obligated to protect.” Umm… There may be a problem there in the future… Actually, you really are clever for giving Legolas this tendency from such an early age and making loyalty and the desire to protect such an innate part of him, as well as his curiosity about the world outside his home. Oh yeah, he’s well on the way to becoming Legolas of the Fellowship. I love the thought that Ithilden and Alfirin come into the sitting room hand in hand! That’s lovely. And it’s good that Thranduil appreciates the sight instead of feeling sad. And that image of Lorellin kicking Thranduil under the table when Eilian wanted his freedom! I love those little moments and this story is full of them, which is why I think I love it so much. Poor old Thranduil actually has it quite tough in this story. I mean, everyone else may have their own struggles but he has to bite his tongue and let Eilian do his own thing, let Legolas grow into his position without interference, let Ithilden and Alfirin decide what’s best for their son… And keeping his thoughts to himself is not something that I imagine Thranduil finds very easy! I had to laugh at Eilian’s reaction to Ithilden’s heartfelt wish for Sinnarn to simply make it to adulthood. There are two fathers thinking about how sometimes that’s really the only thing to focus on and that anything else they want for their children can come later and Eilian responds with ““I suppose one needs some basic goals.” He’s so funny. Wait until he’s a parent. I just knew Thranduil would have considered allowing Ithilden to become a novice early, even just for a moment. After all, at that time Thranduil really would have needed him and some part of him must have felt good about the fact that Lómilad believed that he would do well. But, of course, sense – and a mother’s insistence – prevailed. “You have much to be proud of in him, Adar,” Ithilden said gently. “I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for you to be his only parent.” Ah, what a great moment. Thranduil doesn’t really have anyone, I suppose, to tell him that he’s done a good job and we all need that from time to time. It must also mean something to him to know that this son, at least, knows that he didn’t have an easy job in being a single parent. And some things never change… “How long are YOU going to keep MY grandson from MY table?” LOL… It seems Gewiel didn’t quite appreciate the little gift her husband brought home as much as he thought she would… At least Galelas can escape for a while now that his parents have Tinár to fuss over again. It was good of Eilian to go and see him again. I feel bad for Galelas living in a place with such a sense of chaos to it. And that poor bird singing away and no-one but Eilian noticing! Eilian’s diplomacy skills seem to be still at work. He’s cheered Galelas up a little anyway. I’m glad Galelas really has found a life that he likes. Obviously I’m going to ignore anything I know about his future. Digging latrines? You think of everything! I love how they just accept it as part of a warrior’s life. It sounds like Legolas has been able to take a step back and see when Beliond is being protective and when he’s really reprimanding him for something he’s done wrong. That’s a bit of progress! I thought Beliond’s version of rewarding Legolas was very amusing: you deserve a reward so sit down here and do as I tell you!! The description of how to pick locks was very interesting. I can just imagine Legolas practicing at home! The thought of Beliond treasuring the items belonging to his son brought tears to my eyes. It was brave of Legolas to ask about Lalorn but it was probably good for Beliond too because I imagine nobody else ever does. I wonder, though… Beliond could easily have removed the items and placed them in the trunk for a while so maybe in some ways he was allowing Legolas in a little. I’m glad he was honest, although I imagine being furious is probably easier in some ways than being completely devastated. It must have been such a strange and difficult time if Beliond and Thranduil were friends, particularly if Beliond was that angry at Oropher. Thranduil probably helped Beliond out at the time by sending him off as a spy and thus allowing him time to himself. I bet there were times Thranduil wished that he could have gone off on his own. “Is that so bad? I wish someone had been around to protect my son.” Ouch. That’s so sad. I almost felt as though I were intruding on the personal thoughts of an intensely private person. But it was good to see this side of Beliond. And more than that, Legolas needed to see it to understand why Beliond treats him as he does. He also gets to see him as a real person who has suffered and feels emotion, who has lived for a long time and has experiences and skills beyond any of Legolas’. He’s not there simply to annoy Legolas. In turn, Legolas expressed himself very well and has proven to Beliond that he is capable and trustworthy. I’m so glad these two are on their way to a better relationship. This was a perfect ending and a really wonderful story. I’m actually so disappointed it’s over! Oh well, I can look forward to whatever’s next! :-) Author Reply: I'm really flattered that you liked this story so much, Dot. My beta says I'm doing better at not rushing and including some character development (like that moment when Lorellin kicks Thranduil under the table that you mention), so maybe she's right. :-) I did think that working with a forester for a while was a good idea for Sinnarn, given his future romance with Emmelin. I was thinking about the character I've given the more adult Sinnarn, and I think he's a little more skeptical about a lot of things than his father and uncle are. He's less hopeful that good will triumph, and he eventually sees the Home Guard as the place to be because he thinks the battle will come to their doorstep. And he's right, as it turns out. Of course, Thranduil's warriors held it off long enough to do some good. But I think this little streak of skepticism shows in Sinnarn even now. Ithilden was good to compliment Thranduil on how well he did with Legolas. Of course, right now Ithilden understands just how hard fatherhood can be, so maybe he recognizes his father's success more. And Thranduil does need to hear how well his kids are doing from someone he trusts. I'll bet he'd like to hear Maltanaur or Beliond praise their charges too. I felt bad about Galelas too. Eilian sees his potential and so that potential blossoms a little. Too bad no one else saw it. I did look up how to pick locks but I finally just sort of faked it. It's a really complicated process and you need two tools, and I just didn't want to go there. And I knew I wanted Beliond to give in and teach Legolas how to do it, but then I was stuck trying to think about what would have a lock on it in a warriors' camp. And then I thought of this box and since I wanted them to talk about Beliond's son a little, I got all excited. :-) I love it when things work out! So Beliond and Legolas are making some progress. I have to write a paper for work and I'm making myself finish that before I start another story. It's a good incentive.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/22/2005
Ithilden did well in his encounter with his wayward son. He didn't scold, kept his composure and put the ball in Sinnarn's court. Good tactics when dealing with hormonally-driven teenagers. And Sinnarn does have a lot to juggle. He's trying to learn to be himself while following in the footsteps of some powerful personalities. Fortunately, he wants to be a warrior and that's a load off his father's mind. Though, I know Ithilden would allow him to do something else if he wasn't suited to the warrior life. But it would still be tough. Eilian shrugged. “Surely you do not want his spirit to be destroyed by life in the palace?” He shot Thranduil a provocative grin. LOL! That Eilian. He's always such fun. “What I want is for him to survive to adulthood,” Ithilden said emphatically. Thranduil could only sympathize. At times, he had been reduced to wanting the same thing for each of his own sons. As the parent of teenage males, I can say that I identify. All you can hope for sometimes is survival until they can gain some sense. And Eilian's right; sometimes all we have are the basics. I love how Thranduil was wise with the distance of not interfering in Ithilden's parenting of Sinnarn, but the worm turned when the commander said he was going to reassign Legolas. The father-role was sliding all over the place in that scene. Very well done. And poor Galelas. He needs someone like Eilian. Not only is Eilian his captain, but he's a good friend. Eilian has always been perceptive about people and this is one example of how Eilian has put his gifts to use. Galelas is a sad figure. He's trying. And of course, knowing his fate, makes the kindnesses shown by Eilian even more poignant. I was glad to see Beliond teaching Legolas to pick locks. I think that speaks of his acceptance of Legolas's ongoing maturity. And I was pleased that he spoke some about his son. They are beginning to understand each other better. Beliond might be a grouch, but I think he's a kind, caring grouch underneath the rough exterior. I love this last chapter, Daw. So much subtle growth and understanding in every paragraph! As always, I hate to see your stories end, but then I always have the next one to look forward to. Carry on, Karen Author Reply: Ithilden is turning out to be a good father, a little more inclined to analyze his child than Thranduil ever was, and I think that's a good thing. Ithilden is willing to wait for Sinnarn to come to maturity. Of course, Sinnarn doesn't need to be hurried in the same way Ithilden was. I feel bad for Galelas. He could be so much happier and better than he is with a different family. But he's lucky in having Eilian and I think he likes being a warrior. Writing about Beliond was a lot of fun. I got to know him quite a bit better. I hesitated about being explicit about his son, but it seemed the time had come to do that. Glad you liked it, Karen. I'm swamped at work right now, unfortunately. But I'll get back to writing before too long.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/22/2005
What a beautiful ending! I loved the way the Queen manages to be around for the two thirds of this chapter! It was great fun to see Thranduil and Ithilden playing "ping-pong"... Everytime Ithilden thinks he's got his Adar, Thranduil comes with the proverbial card under his sleeve... Good for him to know he's still his Adar's son!. He did well with Sinnarn, too, let's hope the elfling chooses the forest to overcome his "don't know what I want" stage... You got me there with Elian!;-) I was so sure he was going to his usual revelries that I could not hold back a "Go you!" when I realized where he had gone... good old Elilian, he's found someone who's even more needed of approval and support than himself! It was lovely, and again, I guess I can see the Queen's compasionate ways there. Meanwhile and far away... Legolas is learning to pick locks... yep! there's something in which he is ahead of his brothers and Adar.. or is he? One can never tell with this family... ;-) I think his relationship with Beliond's been much improved after this side trip. It's been my pleasure, daw, not only reading the story, but others' reviews and your answers as well... You're so kind to take time and answer each reviewer.. it's truly appreciated. May your muses never leave you... while we sit and impatiently wait for more!!! (greedy creatures!) ;-) Author Reply: I'm glad you liked it, Perelleth. I find endings hard to write, so it's a relief when one seems to work. Thranduil never fails to impress. :-) One of the fun parts of writing this story was getting to know Beliond a little better. I particularly enjoyed writing from him POV, which I'd never done before. And I do think that he and Legolas are working things out a little. In all truth, I don't think I'd want Beliond following me around all day critiquing my performance. I think in some ways he's been a drag on Legolas's confidence, but Legolas is gradually recognizing his own strength. I gotta tell you I love chatting with reviewers about my stories. So the thanks run all in the other direction.

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