Ces · 2 June 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
Oops! That should have read I'm now going to go back and read all your stories!
Author's reply
LOL. I thought that might be what you meant.
A Question of Duty by daw the minstrel
Reviews (58)
Ces · 2 June 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
I think you'll find that there are a lot of fans still around waiting for another story of our favorite family! Thanks so much for giving us this look into what happened in Mirkwood while Legolas was away. It's always good to see Beliond again and the long friendship he and Thranduil share. Elian is still the same I see and of course came through without a scratch. Thranduil's welcome to Gimli shows just how far he has come. Not totally accepting dwarves but seems to realize what Gimli means to Legolas. Please think of doing another story with all our old friends! I'm not going back to read all of your stories.
Author's reply
I love Thranduil. And I've never made a big thing of it, but he, Beliond, and Maltanaur call one another "old friend," because that's what they are to one another. They go back a long way and have a deep sense of the way evil comes and goes. I'd like to write more fanfic. At the moment, I'm outlining a new original story and I have trouble generating more than one story at a time. I'll finish the outline and see if I can come up with some fanfic ideas I like. Ithilden does have that daughter waiting to be born. Thanks for the review, Ces.
Dot · 31 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
My nerves have just about recovered from the excitement of seeing an alert for a new chapter by you. I miss these characters! Well, mainly Ithilden, but all of them really. And the world and lives and relationships that you built for us. Thranduil's anxiety about Legolas really came across but I was particularly moved by the way he sees empty spaces where his son should have been. And poor Beliond. Having to leave Legolas and then tell not only Thranduil but Ithilden and Eilian too. I love that Thranduil and Beliond can read each other so well - Beliond answering what Thranduil really wanted to know and Thranduil realising, depsite his own shock and fear, how difficult it is for Beliond. They're both doing a hard thing trusting in Legolas to be the warrior they've made him. "Ithilden's office," Eilian said. Hee! Eilian hasn't changed too much ;-) Legolas' return was gorgeous. Particularly the way Thranduil is restless and seems to feel something is going on. Then when he touches his son to reassure himself, it was a lovely gesture that tells us what a void he'd left. Though I was braced for him discovering Legolas isn't back forever. Gimli! His appearance made me smile. Thranduil, of course, is wonderful. But my own heart lurched when he caught the look that told him all is not well. The ending was heartbreaking. They're both being brave in the leaving and the letting go. A poignant image to finish on but a really great chapter that's the perfect addition to the story and such a fantastic surprise for us all! Best of luck with the book. I'm dying to get my hands on it. I found your short story 'Winterturn' on Goodreads and really enjoyed the glimpse of your original characters so will be looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I figure this was the first time Legolas was away from Mirkwood for an extended time. They'd miss him even if he weren't doing something insanely dangerous. Thranduil had to have felt helpless, and for him in particular, that's a horrible feeling. Poor Beliond. It's not like he thought this was a good idea, and he's a father who's lost a son. But again, Thranduil comes through. It's very odd but the look between Gimli and Legolas about sea longing was something I really liked writing. I like character with secrets, and while this wasn't exactly a secret, it was something Thranduil didn't know and needed to be told. Glad you liked it, Dot. It was fun to write these guys again.
Fantasia · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
OMG, OMG! I will consider this my early Chritmas present, Thank you, I will always read your stories. I have missed them a lot. Finally your book is out. Good luck, I'll buy iy for sure. Will you be writing more fanfic?
Author's reply
You're very kind, Fantasia! I'd like to writer more fanfic. I've one other idea sort of stirring around too, and I do miss Thranduil and his family. The trouble is I seem to be able to work on (obsess over?) only one thing at a time, and lately, it's been whatever original fic I'm trying to write. I'm glad you liked this. daw
Lyllyn · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
Always delighted to read your stories. What is your original fic about?
Author's reply
It's a YA fantasy. I call it my Mayan Calendar book. The calendar is about to change to the year 4000 and bad things will happen unless the kid and the girl thief who recruits him can save the day. I think of the MC and his older brother as younger versions of Eilian and Ithilden, born into a different world. Their father is dead and their mother has vanished, so the older brother keeps frantically trying to keep the younger one safe. Author Reply: Lyllyn: I meant to tell you the other day and totally forgot. I wrote a short story about the characters in my book. It's posted on my web site, where people are welcome to read, download, share, whatever they like. No obligation, of course. Turns out most people have lives to lead. :-) http://dawinsor.com/winterturn
Radbooks · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
What a wonderful addition to the story! I'm currently re-reading your series so it was really nice to have something new to read about your characters - a little shocking in fact to click on SoA and see this after all this time. Thank you for taking some to write this for us. I liked reading the first meeting of Gimli and Thranduil from your perspective and the bittersweet talk between Legolas and his father about his impending departure. Very nicely done.
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks. You can't possibly be more surprised that I wrote more fanfic, but I miss these guys, and it was meckinock's birthday. Also, I'm grateful to PJ for the movies, but I knew I was going to hate his Thranduil, and sure enough, I did. I, personally, love the guy. He's tough and you wouldn't want to cross him, but he's also smart and devoted to his people and his family. The king I saw at the end of Tolkien's Hobbit is not the one PJ shows. So it was nice to be able to slip into his POV again. PJ made me do it. daw PS. Is it summer yet?
meckinock · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
Wow, daw, what a great birthday surprise - it feels like my birthday and Christmas wrapped into one. I think I'd given up on ever seeing another one of your fanfics. I suppose we've all moved on to other things, but I'm so happy you decided to take a detour back to this world where we spent so many happy times, just for a little while. Reading this chapter reminds how much you made me love these characters - your signature interpretation of Legolas and Thranduil as well as the whole cast of original characters that rounded out their world - Ithilden, Eilian, and especially poor Beliond. I think this story has always been one of my favorites, with its intersection of daw-verse and the Fellowship's quest. Thranduil's stoic acceptance first of Legolas's joining the Fellowship and then mirrored at the end with the revelation of his sea longing, really brings home the grim resignation that's at the heart of Tolkien - nobody really ever gets a happy ending, do they? But happiness is fleeting and love is forever, or something along those lines seems to be what Tolkien wanted to tell us. Your characters are full of love for one another. I loved Thranduil's reaction to Gimli, and the humor and dignity in his acceptance of his son's choice of friends. The optimism of them all in the face of a new world to rebuild, even as they know it too will be left behind before long. It's what we all face, I suppose. Daw, thanks for the birthday present and for bringing me back here where we had so many smiles and good times. Good luck with the book launch, I look forward to reading it in print!
Author's reply
Thank you, meckinock. Happy birthday, old friend! As you say, I think Tolkien's endings are melancholy rather than happy. His most noble characters seem to be able to accept that and take what happiness they can but not expect anything to stay the same. It's a high bar, when you think of it, if it's what he's offering as a goal. I started thinking about Thranduil again after I saw PJ's version. I'm grateful for the movies, but on Thranduil, I think PJ went awry. When you read The Hobbit, the king looks frightening to the dwarves in the forest, but by the end, the person we see is certainly not a loveless monster. He's able to joke with Bilbo, for instance. He's complex in a way that differs from the disturbed nature PJ gives us. So anyway, it was nice to be in Thranduil's POV again. I'm glad you liked it.
obsidianj · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
What a lovely surprise. Luckily, I get notified when you post something new or I would probably have missed it. Poor Thranduil. His baby comes home only to leave again. But there is still some time before Legolas sails. Beliond has a lot of courage to face Thranduil with the news that he let Legolas go. Although, what he could have done to stop him, I don't know and Thranduil probably doesn't know either. It's the worried father speaking here. If Thranduil would think it through he would realize it. I haven't read your stories in ages, but with a few words I was right back in your universe. Your description of Thranduil's family makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I think I have to read the stories again.
Author's reply
Writing this came as kind of a surprise to me too! I've been thinking a lot about The Hobbit movies, though, because I have the EE of the first two and find the commentary interesting. As you might expect, I don't like PJ's Thranduil. So yeah, poor Thranduil. He's fighting the long battle and it's never truly over, which seems true to life to me. And since I think of him as a loving (though not gushy) father, Legolas's sea longing would come as a blow. He's worried for months, and then, against all odds, Legolas survives, and then Thranduil finds out his son is inevitably going to leave. But Thranduil is tough and, as always, he puts his own feelings aside. Glad you liked it. daw
rikki · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
OMG! I logged on today and saw your update listed on the new stories. I almost logged out and logged back in as I thought something was wrong with the system. (smile). But it was true, you have put in a new chapter to one of the stories that I adored when it came out. I love this new chapter and I love how you have developed your writing over the years. Things are tight, you are able to paint a scene with just few sentences. It had just enough in it for me to connect this story with the story of when the rest of the family sailed. So much is in this chapter without having to rehash the battle in the woods and the fight to destroy the One ring. The only regret I have is that it is too short. It would have taken another chapter, but I would have loved to have seen Legolas and Annael meet again. Greedy soul that I am. Do make sure that you let all of us know when your book comes out so we can get a copy. Excited for you and hope you have a long career writing.
Author's reply
Geez, SoA readers are nice. I knew this was short and after I posted it, I thought wow that was kind of a cheat, but sometimes I think that in terms of writing emotion, less is more. And in both halves of this, Thranduil is only just finding out that a terrifying thing is threatening his baby. Thranduil is tough, but he's loves his woods, his people, and most of all, his family. So shut up, PJ. Annael! Yes! It made me really happy when I married his daughter off to Thranduil's grandson, because then Annael was part of Legolas's family. He's the kind of friend we all want, I think. The books due in September. I hope, anyway. Things don't always run on time, it turns out. daw
Zardi · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
I discovered your stories probably about a year ago, but since they were written so long ago, I figured you were long gone and never left a review :( I wish I had. It was so nice to see this random new chapter pop up and get to read a bit about Eilian and Ithilden again. If you ever get the itch to write more, I will be around to read :)
Author's reply
I always wonder how new people ever find these stories because they're buried pretty deep in the archive, and I'm always thrilled when they do. It's like having a friend I didn't know about. I enjoyed having a chance to write about these guys again. Thanks for the review. daw
curiouswombat · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
I am certainly still here reading. And how lovely to see this extra chapter to round things off. I have often wondered what sort of welcome Beliond would have had when he returned home, and quite what Thranduil would have made of Gimli, and now I know. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thranduil is a complicated guy. I think he probably has some opening emotional response to events--anger or historically rooted suspicion, but he's also too smart to leave that emotion unreconsidered. I suspect it took him a while to really feel comfortable with dwarves though. Gimli must have had interesting times.
Molly · 30 May 2015 · Chapter 10: Returns: A Missing Scene
So much fun to see these characters again! I've imagined Legolas's homecoming in your universe many times. Poor Thranduil, welcoming his baby home only to hear that baby is destined to sail--though probably not as soon as Thranduil thinks he will. This was a great Saturday surprise. Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
It was kind of a surprise to me too. But I wanted to say happy birthday to meckinock and this scene had been on my mind for some reason. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it. daw
endorearwen · 16 December 2013 · Chapter 9: The Decision
So, it is over, Daw. I thought I'd have a novel of feedback for you when I finally got here, but everything was as perfect as anyone could ever have imagined writing it. There is nothing I could say that would do it, or you, justice. So, THANK YOU from the very pit of my broken heart for creating such a wonderful life for the Legolas I love in Tolkien's works! I will miss you and your characters always and will re-read these stories repeatedly whenever the loneliness gets too bad... sniffle... :-)
Author's reply
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all these encouraging, comforting reviews. It's wonderful to see these characters through someone else's eyes, and know that they live for a while in another reader's mind and heart. daw
Annariel · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 9: The Decision
Magnificent, enthralling serie, minstrel! I just read to last story in chronological order and i'm very impressed with the universe you have created where to OC's are dear to my heart. I would like to know if someday you are going to write about Beliond come back to Mirkwood with Legolas, the Thranduil and Legolas' brothers reacton about the inclusion of Legolas in the Quest; the return of Legolas from the Quest; his longing to dwell in Ithilien, and the most important: the Mirkwood reaction about the friendship betwwen Legolas and Gimli. Some things and I hope you will animate to write some day ;) Many greetings and well met Annariel
Author's reply
I don't have any plans to write about the time of the Quest or afterwards. I know lots of people are interested in that but for some reason, it doesn't catch my imagination. I'm so glad you liked these stories, Annariel.
mer · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 9: The Decision
I love all of your stories but this one often brings me back. I was enchanted with your portrayal of Legolas in this well known situation--mature and away from home with no brothers or father around. This story is so well written and flows smoothly and the characters are richly portrayed. I have asked before and I will repeat it once again for the record. Could you please, someday, write an epilogue to this story about what happens when Beliond returns without Legolas?
Author's reply
You know, I've felt no desire to write the story of Beliond's return, but an epilogue might be just the ticket. I'll think about it.
MaxMacGyver · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
I have spent the last week reading all of your stories posted here. (yes, ALL) I followed the chronological list you have in your profile, and just finished this last one. I am so impressed with your writing, that I cannot even begin to praise you as much as you deserve. This is the first review I have posted here on Stories of Arda, and I can only think of one thing of import to say: I became so immersed in your stories and they were so well written, that I quite often forgot that I was reading fanfiction, and thought I was reading Tolkien himself. That is the highest praise I can think of to give. I will now forever await new stories from you with anticipation. I cannot bring myself to read works in progress, because I simply can't stand not knowing what happens next! But I will be diving into your current WIP, "Good Neighbors" as soon as it is complete. Thank you for contributing your works to Stories of Arda and sharing your amazing talent with those of us who hunger for stories of Middle Earth written as Tolkien envisioned it.
Author's reply
I am speechless. I truly don't know what to say except thank you for telling me this. The fact that you read all those stories in a week is enough to make me want to lie down, but then you go and say such nice things! I had never written fiction at all until I started writing these stories, and you could probably tell which ones were written earlier because I've been learning the craft slowly. But the characters have gradually come alive for me, and I'm having a good time trying to fit them into Tolkien's world. Thank you. You've made my day, and possibly my week.
esamen · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Those Who Wander
Elrohir nodded. “Stay and eat with us,” he invited both of them. “We have asked for food to be sent here so that we do not have to go to the Hall. I intend to go to bed early and I believe that Elladan does too, so you can still go to the Hall of Fire afterwards.” They both readily accepted and, joined by Elladan, they sat at a table on the balcony, sharing news. Hello there daw -- I was scrolling through some stories and found this gem of a moment . . . . and I about fell over as I pictured it . . . all four of the biggest studs of Middle-earth gathered around one table on the patio! . . . . oh, my goodness, what I wouldn't pay for tickets to see this scene on film. I am still rolling around on the floor. You must have had a great time writing this one. Do you keep all these fellas locked up in your closet and just let them come out to play once in a while? Can we come over? Loving every word of it . . . esamen P.S. Now, I'm picturing Thranduil when Beliond comes back without our blond one . . . do you have that crystal moment up your sleeve as well? There might be quite a story there, crisscrossed with flashback scenes of Thranduil when he was young and did similar things perhaps . . . I wouldn't want to inspire you or anything . . . but these words are just jumping out of my keyboard. Happy writing
Author's reply
It *is* a pretty moment to picture, isn't it? :-) In "Tide of Times," Thranduil thinks about going to Rivendell for the first White Council meeting and taking Ithilden with him. He thinks that Ithilden spent time with the twins. That's another moment I like to picture. I've have several people ask me to write about Beliond's returning to face Thranduil without Legolas, and truthfully it's not very high on my list right now. For some reason, I have not been as interested in post-quest stories as I am in these pre-quest ones. But I am increasingly thinking it would be possible to write about what was going on at home while Legolas was on the quest, maybe cutting back and forth between them. The idea of using flashbacks to Thranduil's youth is intriguing too. At the moment, I'm outlining an adolescent Legolas story though. So it' wouldn't be any time soon.
Bodkin · 29 June 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
Got it!! As far as I can recall without excessive rereading, didn't Eilian's novitiate take place at the end of the Watchful Peace - when Annael's grandfather died? And Lorellin was wanting another baby, and Eilian thought his parents decided against it because he was so difficult? Then, I seem to remember he told Legolas that he was twenty years younger than he should have been.
Author's reply
That's all true, Bodkin, but I wrote that long after I had written "Question of Duty" and a number of other stories in which Legolas's birthdate was already in my notes.
Bodkin · 29 June 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
Well - I have been looking through this to see if I can read between any lines to find out who will be safe from the Battle of the Five Armies! H'mmmm. I fear for Todith. I've also noticed that Legolas now has a date of birth! Any reason why you picked 2480 of the Third Age? Or is it randomly decided to fit your world? So Eilian was 348 when he married Celuwen - and they've been married for the best part of 200 years. Elflings definitely due. And little nephew Sinnarn is 418 - he's old enough to marry Emmelin, no question. This elven age thing is interesting. Sorry this comment is not about QofD, which I have enjoyed several times.
Author's reply
I am trying to remember why I picked 2480. I know I wanted Legolas relatively young for the Quest, so I chose to believe that he was born around the time of the Watchful Peace. But why did I say he was born 20 years after it ended? I can't remember. :-) I liked your speculations on how becoming an adult might be affected by the fact that the older generations don't die.
Kendall · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
Dear author, Wauw, what a wonderful story! I had read several other stories of you before, but I didn't realise they were actually written by you until I saw your biography. Your style seems to be changing throughout your different stories, a thing that shows to me that you are progressing in your writing! I love the beginning of the story, as well as the end. Very well written. Actually, I love the entire story :) You have told about Legolas and his thoughts in a very capturing manner and I am very glad I came across this story on the net when I did. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Author's reply
Thank you, Kendall. I hope I'm learning to write better. I had never written any fiction at all until about year and a half ago when I started writing fanfic. I still feel like I'm learning the craft. I have a very good beta reader who prods me along ("Show! Don't tell!" "That's not what Tolkien said!" etc.) This story was fun to write. I enjoyed thinking about Legolas might react if he'd never been to all these places before and was encountering so many new things. And I do think it must have been hard for him to decide to go with Frodo instead of defend his own people. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ValkrieCrow92 · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
I have to say this one is my favorite of your long series of stories. It's so addictive I keep coming back to it! I'd love to see what happens when Legolas returns home from the quest, and his family's reaction to his decision.
Author's reply
Thank you, Valkrie Crow. If the story will stand rereading, I take that as a good sign. :-) Legolas's return from the Quest must have been a mixed experience on all sides. From what Tolkien sayd, the battle raged hot and heavy in the woods and many trees were burned. So his family would have had many other problems to deal with on top of their crushing worry for him. And then he would come home to a lot of destruction. It might indeed be interesting to write about some time.
Aloysius · 21 May 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
It's interesting to see the Fellowship just meeting and starting to get to know each other, and you convey Legolas' thoughts and feelings about the situation really well. I like your portrayal of the other elves with him and I enjoyed seeing how his original mission developed into him joining the Fellowship.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Aloysius. This time in Rivendell seemed like an interesting gap in the story to me. Tolkien tells us so little about it. So it was fun to try to figure out one possible way things might have happened there.
Anonymous · 20 May 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
I would dearly love to see Thranduil's interaction with Legolas when he returned from the quest. I hope you write that sometime.
Author's reply
It would be interesting to see. Poor Thranduil. He loves his kids and he has to send them off into danger. No wonder he wants to protect the little one.
Anonymous · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
I've been reading Spring Awakenings since you started posting it. That was my first fic of yours to read. I happened to be poking around and I noticed you have this whole series of them, so this Saturday morning I sat down to read one--figured I'd give one other a try since I like Spring Awakenings so much. Except for 4 hours sleep last night, I haven't walked away from the computer--even called in sick today becausee I couldn't quit. I have now read every one in the series and some twice. These stories are phenomenal! Best OC's I have ever seen and believe me that is saying a lot because normally, if I start reading a Legolas fic and he's got extra siblings, I just quit. I've never bought that idea before. With your OCs I completely can. Your character dev. is absolutely stunning. Your characterization is abolutely on target given the situations. Your Thranduil is outstanding. I love your plots--absolutely believable, unique, creative and tense. And your use language (both in character mouths and in description) is sharp. I have to beg a favor--PLEASE write a sequel to this from the end of RotK when Legolas has to 1) face Thranduil/his brothers 2) see the damagee to Mirkwood in his absentia and 3) ask to take elves to Ithilien. I know Coriel is writing a great fic on this (I return) but I'm dying to see your Legolas and Thranduil and family--especially since your Thranduil told him to come home asap. PLEASE consider it!!! Even if it is just a short one.
Author's reply
Holy cow. I feel like I've been corrupting you or something, maybe offering you an addictive drug! I don't even know what to say to this absolutely wonderful praise. I guess 'thank you' is going to have to do, although it's inadequate, given how beautifully specific you've been in saying what you like. I have a whole file of story ideas and the one you propose is in there. But even as quickly and obsessively as I write, I can't keep up with the ideas that keep flowing. I look at the "Tale of the Years" at the end of ROTK and I get ideas. I have wonderful readers who send me comments, and I get ideas. My beta suggests stuff, and I get ideas. I am blessed or cursed with an apparently undampable imagination. The major problem is that I've been obsessed with these characters and have blown off a great deal of work in the last year (I'm an academic and am supposed to be writing scholarly stuff instead of fanfic) and at some point I'm going to have to do it. But what the heck. I'm tenured! What can they do? ;-) Thank you so much for this fabulous review. I have to print it out and leave in sitting in front of my husband's computer screen now.
esamen · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 9: The Decision
A kingdom may come to me. It would be my right by birth. But if I seek it, I do so because I believe that my leadership could help to draw together the people of Middle-Earth to fight Sauron and to build a world in which we would wish our children to live.” Sigh. Yes, that's Aragorn. What a tremendous king he will make . . . not to mention husband and father. Lovely story! Thanks again! I will have to go and read more about Legolas who can command the hearts of warriors but who still has a tender spirit. Salutes across the miles, Karen
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it, Karen. Your own story shows that you are a wonderful addition to the LOTR fanficdom. Welcome.