Reviews (59)

endorearwen · 1 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Battles

I think this is the most amusing chapter I've read yet, Daw!! I had a ball living the fun that Eilian and Legolas shared through these pages! There bond is so touching - and strong. I wouldn't have thought to use winter as a setting for a story... yet, it was the most perfect time to let our warrior recover from the stress of his duty! And, I loved the poetic justice of the 'winter's war' ending! I'm happy to see Eilian's mischievous character hasn't been irreparably damaged by Shadow - how I would miss him if that were to happen! I really like the way you have used Lorellin's memories to help 'guide' Thranduil in his quest to better understand his middle 'problem' child. Despite Eilian's antics, I think there is much comfort for the King in seeing how much of her character this son has inherited. I wholeheartedly agree with Eilian about Ithilden's needs! I do hope you've taken care of that in coming chapters... :-) PS - I'm totally enjoying reading these elfling stories all together! Although they may have been written years apart, being able to read them in one fell swoop is like becoming a part of the family! I get to share in the everyday adventures they encounter, experiencing the waves of trial and happiness right along with them. Besides, who could ever have enough of an elfling Legolas - repetitious or otherwise?! ;-)

pipinheart · 19 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Battles

This was a sweet story with Legolas and Eilian playin gin the snow, even at his age.... Also loved the end where thier father and older brother get involved, they all need a day to relax a bit from the duties they have...And Eeilian was surprised at his father hugging hi... He was always the playful child anyway... Loved it...

nautika · 19 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Battles

I came here looking for another one of your fics, but I'm really glad to have discovered this one. I dont remember reading this series before, even though I'm sure I've read some of your fics. Now I have to read them all. Is there somewhere that you have them flagged or are all of them with the same big brothers? I love how each character is so developed and how well they interact with each other. Thanks for sharing! nautika

Rede · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

I fell out of my chair from laughing so hard. Twice. Brava!

Kalima · 8 November 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Warm a heartwarming gem! As I mentioned last night, I've been archiving the connections to everyone's stories, but I've rarely found time to read them. I'm so glad I decided to play hookey from my duties this morning to read yours. I was a good player, and I loved digging out caves in the snow drifts over the steep edge of the hill our house was perched on. This story made me very nostalgic, and I wonder that my own children need to be forced outside. Times have changed, and not for the better. These passive entertainments are not good for kids, not a lot of them anyway. (My mate and I don't see eye to eye on this: I keep them away from TV etc. while it's daylight most of the time, but I'm not always here.) I'm thinking I will tell them that they are now in elf training: they both love the LOTR story, and my daughter has read it as well. So thank you -- I didn't think to use this angle before. I can't think of any constructive criticism, and to tell the truth, I used to try to think of something to say in that vein because the review sites often prompt such. After the discussion we've had in the "group," I'm becoming shy of saying anything anyway. But truly, I think this story was just right. I've printed it to reread and for my daughter. I hope this is okay with you. Kalima

Emily · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Dear me! You had me so scared at the end of part 1! I had Legolas's caretaker's words about staying out of trouble in my mind, and then they built the elvish equivalent of igloos. Just what my siblings and I did one year after a blizzard. It was fun until the snow collapsed on my one brother and he couldn't get out. I'm so glad you had a different plan. This story was fun! I think I'll enjoy Eilian's POV even more once I know the character better. I loved the part when Eilian threw the snowball at Legolas's tutor. Even better was when Legolas threw the snowball at the novice master! And the little guy had the guts to face his victim! Priceless. More good Ada Thranduil. And good big brother Ithilden. I'm very jealous of Legolas. He's so blessed to have such a loving family, even though Nana is gone. It's the times of grief that either bring a family together or drive it apart. I'm so happy that this family is hanging in there. A very nice day in the snow! A welcome relief to a hot August night.

rhiannon · 12 April 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Another great story, although 'Watch This!' is still my favorite. I love reading about Legolas as a little elfling. I can just picture as a little elfling running around, getting into trouble. Love the message about play being so important, even to 'grown-ups'.

Avon · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

That was very nice. I haven't read all the rest of the series so I daresay I am missing some things - but it stood well on its own. I'm fond of 1st person and I thought you managed it well here. I did think that you got more comfortable in it as time went on. I love the love the family have. I'm jealous of the snowball fights though - how come it doesn't snow over here in Sydney, Australia? ;-) Avon

Lera · 11 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

I enjoyed that so much. I like reading about battles against the real enemy but sometimes it is refreshing to read about a battle like this one. Snow caves are so fun. My best one was demolished by the snow plow. I love Annael and his family. I'm glad they got a pass. It's sweet how Annael feels protective of them and the part they've played in Legolas's life is wonderful. I know you've mentioned Gelmir at other times, but I've never really paid attention to him before. I like him. For whatever reason I really noticed him when he stopped Turgon from launching an assault on Galeril. He knew what Eilien was doing I guess. As close friends they have an understanding. The whole thing with Maldor was hilarious. Brave Legolas had no idea who he was attacking. And then he so politely greets Maldor, that made me laugh. I wonder if later on in life Legolas remembers this episode and wishes he'd thrown the snowball harder? It's so good for Thranduil and Ithilden to play too. Nobody's ever too grown up to play. It amused me to see Ithilden wrestling like a typical brother with Eilien, especially after their little chat earlier in the day. You have a talent of ending all your stories on such a warm note. I think Thranduil needs to hug Eilien more often. God bless.

Lera · 11 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

What a sweet story. First person is hard to write in, but you pulled it off well. When I first saw it was going to be in first person, I kind of went "bleeeh," but as soon as I started reading, I was drawn in, just like I normally am when reading your stories. Feel free to write in first person whenever you want! I thought I knew Eilien well, but it was amazing how much more I saw of him when I was hearing his thoughts. It cracked me up to hear him think things, he'd never be able to say aloud, like about Ithilden needing an elleth in his bed. I like knowing Ithilden'll get what he needs. I seem to remember him saying, he never knew he was lonely until he met Alfirin and he didn't know he lacked joy until they had Sinnarn(or something). Eilien knew a long time before Ithilden did. It was funny and sort of sad that Eilien was apprehensive about talking to Ithilden. It reminded me again how hard it must be in a military family where you're under a brother's authority. And sorry, Thranduil, but Eilien will never be too grown up to play! It was so sweet to see Eilien and Gelmir, two dangerous warriors playing with the elflings. "We can be warriors together." If they only knew.

Fadesintothewest · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Oh Daw! This was quite beautiful. Touching, funny, full of warmth and love all at once. It was great to see Legolas and Eilian enjoying each other so much and the last scene with Ithilden and Thranduil was as much fun as it was touching!

caz - baz · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

it was really my fathers fault he helped build the igloo and he's also helped us to build dens in the hay with much the same effect but usually we threw the mud pies that we'd just made at the oncomers then. although i do remember trying to play gladiators on this stack of hay which was in the shape of a pryamid my older brother and his friend won rather unsurprisingly. I must say the best was when we'd hide in the willow tree and wait for someone to come down are drive and then throw water bombs at there cars i used to think that was the best as we usually didn't miss because the cars had too slow down to go over the sleeping policeman.

FirstMate · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

This was such a great story! I really enjoyed reading this happy little account of the family. There is so much hardship later on, so it's comforting to see some of the happy memories they have stored up which can help them through the dark times. Uhm, I know this comment refers to your first chapter, but I also wanted to say specifically that I enjoyed the scene where Ithilden promotes Eilian. Throughout all your stories, you've given these characters such depth and that scene sums things up so nicely--Eilian, who has turned in to a great warrior but is still insecure and Ithilden who is reluctant to give him added responsibility, not because he can't handle it, but because he doesn't wish to burden his brother. It just helps develop them as characters and I liked it! Well, another wonderful story to add to your collection! Can't wait for the next one!

Nilmandra · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

I laughed myself silly at the snowball fight, and am glad Legolas has this memory of playing with Ada - he will long remember this - his whole family in a snowball fight! The pov was carried off well - and I do like the ending with Thranduil and his elfling all cuddled up together.

Justafan · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

How adorable! I love this little snippet of Legolas's younger life. Eilian playing snow tunnels with them seems so right and cute.

LOTR lover · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Terrific! Everybody's happy (except maybe Maldor) and relaxed, even His Majesty. What a lovely interlude in all their battle-torn lives. I think you did a fine job with the first-person narration. I really like Eilian.

caz-baz · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

i believe chapter 2 was better than chapter 1 in the way of your writing and it did work, personelly i prefer to read things not from the 1st persons percpective but it was well written for a first attempt - take that as a compliment i'm british. very amusing i remember building igloo's like that with holes in the roof and then throwing snow balls at people as if the igloo were my castle i also remember getting my mum's friend who wasn't expecting someone to jump out of an igloo and throw snowballs at her, or my brother squirting her husband with his water pistol. we both got a thorough telling off. haha that was fun.

Jebb · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

This was so lovely and such wonderful interaction between all the 'players'. I loved Legolas's helpful comment re.Meldor Indeed what are brothers for? Also the way Legolas wanted to protect Aneal's naneth poor little lost elf. The ending was superb good for Ithilden and Ada and for Ada seeing how much the day with his brother had helped with Legolas' healing process and acknowledging Eilian's role in his brothers life I htink it wasn't just the elflings who benefited from the snow play but the whole family thank you

mistry89 · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

I am delighted to see you write another young Legolas story. I think it is easy for readers of JRRT to forget that the elves we know best are extraordinary (not that we know any well, but they are generally far from your average elf-about-wood) and that things happened to contribute to the character we see. Legolas *had* to have had momentous things occur - things that made him open to experiences not commonly sought after by elves - particularly one with an ada with such a very good memory! It's lovely to see Legolas having fun - "I am Ada!" is a classic! And the bond across the (very many) years separating brother/s and parent dissolves for this little piece of time. Seeing Turgon again was lovely too, and I suppose that future Daw-ed readers will miss that little (poignant) nod to him, but then they are lucky, as they will have the rest of the fabulous story arc to read! “Ithilden directs warriors, not elflings.” I smothered a grin. Her tone left no doubt as to which task she thought was harder. How very .... restrained of Eilian, and it is another lovely line. Slowly, Legolas smiled. “We will be warriors together,” he announced happily and crouched to his tunneling. I grimaced. I hoped not. We come (well, most recently)from reading _Fire and Shadow_ to this, so this is a poor-doomed-to-disappointment Eilian, and very farseeing Legolas. (ducks in a row!) I thoroughly enjoyed this and always look forward to your writing. I confess, I am not a big fan of first person stuff, I think that writers live so much with their characters inside their heads that it gets difficult to separate the thoughts :) - so often 1st person work comes across as if the character is either orchestrating the events (even to knowing the inner thoughts of other characters) or utterly passive (a narrator in costume). This is not a criticism of fan fiction, by the way, this is true (in my very humble opinion) of original fiction (what a silly term!). However, Eilian comes across as part of an ensemble, rather than the epicentre, indeed much of his attention is on Legolas, as is (in his opinion) the attention of the the other (related) characters. For me, this is why it reads so well .... and the fact that Eilian has a *voice*, and it is true to the character we have come to know. It has also reminded me that it is good to step outside your comfort zone - even when reading! I'm no expert, I only know what I like ....... and I like this. There are very few (that I know of) sites/places to read pre-lotr fiction that deals with Legolas as a child/youth, and with that increasingly threatening backdrop spreading rumblings and rumours of unrest, to add reality (I can't believe I wrote that!) to the story, so thanks again - a favourite character/time of mine, written beautifully. Cheers, Helen

Camp6311 · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

That was a fun story to read. It was good to see Thranduil's family in a happy moment. My favorite part had to be Thranduil and Ithilden joining in the snowball fight, but having Legolas plunk Maldor with a snowball was a close second, and he was so polite about it too: “Mae govannen, Maldor”. I don't have any expertise to comment on POV, all I know is that it worked for me.

fan81981 · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

It has been so long since I have reviewed that first I must apologise. You update so fast that I only have time to read your fics and never enough to review. Actually, I am extremely lazy but I do religiously read whatever you write so ... I know you must have become sick of hearing how wonderful this ficlet was and how well you write - so I will not repeat it (since it goes without saying). What really caught me about this fic was the change from your usual style. It is in first person but even so the tone is so relaxed and mischevious. More like conversation playing in someone's head - very real. Now I don't sound this clear in my own head but I wish I did. I think you got the balance between aware observer and cluless son/Eilian very well. I guess he is not clueless but the uncertainity all of us feel really comes through. The last bit - where he is confused at Thranduil's affection really got me. We tend to forget how important we are to our parents and loved ones - it's nice to know that elves are not different. Now i am going to finish the last few chapters of Sacrifice Under Shadow that I missed. I am never going to get any work done today. Joy!

Iraci · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Just read the end... lovely... Please write others soon.

erunyauve · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

I loved the way Maldor dealt with the snowball Legolas threw - he knew who was putting him up to it. But somehow, I think Maldor remembered that when Legolas came to him as a novice. It was good to see Thranduil recognize Eilian's worth. He's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder regarding his father and older brother's opinion of him - probably more than he should have. He understands that their anger stems from the things he does and can even see that it is justified in some cases, but I think he confuses their feelings about his *actions* with their feelings about *him*.

rikki · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Wow, this is wonderful to be able to finish the story tonight. I had read the first chapter Sunday night and meant to leave a review then when I got side tracked. Tonight I came back to review and the second chapter was up. I enjoyed this story as I have enjoyed reading your entire series. Little Legolas is one of my favorites and I love Eilian. Hehe! Your use of first person was very good, you didn't lose it and start sounding like the author talking instead of the character. I think that shows your ease of portraying Eilian, you know him well. I especially liked Ithildin in this story, he was more rounded and I was able to see him clearly. Perhaps because it was Eilian reacting to his big brother. I laughed almost the whole way through this story. Eilian doing the *count your sins* when Ithilden calls him into his office, the *Scarlett O'Hara* Eilian who thinks about it later and the *little boy* Eilian who builds snow tunnels and pelts other elves with snowballs. Even with everything going wrong around them, you have given your readers a very loving and close-knit family. If you ever decide to do first person again, I think that doing Ithilden's POV would be interesting. Looking forward to the next story.

Tapetum Lucidum · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

The snowball fight was a lot of fun! It was nice to see two of my favorite elves having such a great time. I really liked how the brothers targeted their siblings nemesis. Eilian was sweet to target Legolas' tutor. It probably gave him a bit of satisfaction as well. Legolas was brave to clobber Maldor. If he only knew... Maldor's response was clever - inviting Eilian to the practice field so he could soundly kick his booty. I liked how Legolas had so much reverence for Annael's mother. I remember him eating jelly toast in her kitchen and he was truly content. It was wise of Eilian to pick up on that and let the parents pass peacefully. Elleth are another matter entirely. The family bonding at the end was very sweet. I thought it was funny that Gelmir was way too scared to target Thranduil or Ithilden. I would have been terrified as well. It was nice to see the usually tightly reined leaders of the realm having a great time playing in the snow. Their Nana would have been proud. Thranduil's praise of Eilian was a great ending!