Reviews (59)

Jay of Lasgalen · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

What a lovely, happy family tale - it's good to see Thranduil and all three sons laughing and playing together. I love the collusion between Eilian and Legolas - 'what are brothers for?' - and the 'little talk' Eilian promises himself. But best of all is staid, straight-laced Ithilden pushing snow down his brother's back, and Thranduil throwing snowballs and threatening to drop elflings in the snow. The final scene, where Thranduil remembers how important it is to play is so very poignant and sweet. Great stuff, Daw. Jay

Estel_Mi_Olor · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

That was very touching. I knew Thranduil and Ithilden would show up and get pelted by snowballs sooner of later. I was rather surprised at Thranduil's reaction, but only initially. I understand that large family quarrel would have ensued. That is not the goal with Lorellin so recently dead. Again, you really see how Lorellin's death was so devastating and how it affected young Legolas especially. Eilian can be so thoughtful at times. Thank you for this fic. Keep writing!

ANA · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

That was so wonderful! Much laughter, action and of course, a little emotional hiccup at the end to make us teary-eye. I really do love all your characters and hope you will never tire of writing about them. And OMG, was Ithilden actually having fun?! Wonders never cease!

Dot · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Loved it! This chapter really made me laugh. Eilian is really quite, uh, inventive, isn’t he?! I get the impression from the way he issues instructions that he’s perfectly happy with this excuse to pelt people with snowballs again! “Legolas crept next to me, and I could feel him quivering with anticipation.” I love that line! Not only could I feel his excitement but it’s such a wonderful image of this adorable little elfling, huddled next to his beloved big brother, totally captivated by this new game. Crikey, if I were Miriwen I’d be getting quite paranoid – in another story weren’t they flinging mud at her?? “For Legolas, almost anyone’s nana was untouchable just now, and I strongly suspected that Annael’s nana in particular was dear to his heart.” Poor Legolas. It’s so touching that he just doesn’t want to harm Annael’s mother in any way, even if it is just fun. It’s a lovely little reminder too of the way Legolas feels about her, and the love that she shows him. I’m glad Eilian realised this and prevented Turgon from hurling snowballs, something which in all likelihood would have upset Legolas and ruined the fun they were having. *snigger* Eilian’s grand gesture of taking it upon himself to toss the snowball at Galeril so that Leoglas wouldn’t get into trouble was hysterical. Did it even dawn on him that they didn’t actually have to throw one?! Although, I can see how tempting it would be to throw something at an old teacher… It’s so lovely that Galeril is willing to forgive as long as his young pupil is enjoying himself. Ai, Maldor!! “Let me do this,” he said grandly.” Oops, I think Eilian may have just taught baby brother that it’s alright to throw snow at tutors… I’m still laughing Eilian cowering in the tunnel and this tiny elfling facing up to Maldor! Yay, Thranduil and Ithilden joined in! Ithilden seems to be taking a scary amount of delight in tormenting Eilian! Poor Gelmir…;) What a lovely image of Legolas skipping alongside his father, chattering happily. Of course, there was no hope that he wouldn’t tell what had happened with Maldor! I’m guessing Thranduil and Ithilden knew exactly how much glee Eilian probably took in it, even if he wasn’t actually the one who threw it. That last scene between Thranduil and Eilian was beautiful. It must have been wonderful for Thranduil to see Legolas so happy, and then to be able to experience a closeness with Legolas that wasn’t born out of his youngest son’s misery. I’m so glad he expressed this to Eilian. “Sometimes I forget that a gift for play is one to be treasured too.” It’s so good that Thranduil is willing to see that Eilian understands his mother’s view and knows it is one that should be valued. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you let us see this joyous day that they all shared. This story was a wonderful glimpse at this family and I loved the way this style allowed us to see more of Eilian and even understand him a bit better. Like I said before, I tend to veer away from stories written in first person but you really helped me to see that not only does it allow us to feel more of the emotions of the narrator but actually gain a deeper understanding of those around him, and give us a closer view than we might otherwise have had. Thanks for sharing this!:)

Any · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

How do you just do this? You really amaze me with your great talent, Daw! Most authors would fail awfully using a POV they're not used to use, but not you! :) I mean, I guess it was hard to switch from your usual POV, but you worked this story out so wonderfully, I'm almost speechless. Well, but only almost *lol* So I can still bother you with just another review (aren't you getting tired of me? ;)) Anyways, I don't know how to describe what I felt when I read this story. I think I must have been smiling like a lovesick idiot while reading this - at least it felt like it :). If I was/am in love either with little Legolas (just adorable, cute, sweet...) or with Eilian (big brothers can be so damn sexy just being big brothers!) I don't know myself. Probably both! *gg* It's so beautiful how you made me actually feel in my own eyes that sparkle of deep affection and gratefulness and care Eilian must have in his eyes, when he watches happy little Legolas play. Do you know what I mean? Awesome. :) I also like it that, even though this is a first person-POV-story, you still manage to show that there are things even the main character doesn't seem to comprehend/know about himself but the reader might know them. E.g. when Eilian prefers to push thoughts about Celuwen away because that's a "tactic" that worked so well for him so far. I mean, hello, how could one say it "works well" when one can't be with the woman one loves???!!! He (still) doesn't seem to understand the way he feels about Celuwen, does he? Or if he does he still doesn't know what he should do, eh? Oh my... poor Celuwen, poor Eilian! *sigh* I can't wait to read the story in which Eilian and Celuwen will finally get their reward you mentioned to me in a reply to another of my reviews! :) You did a wonderful, wonderful job, once again! :) You're definitely my favourite author (even beating Cassia & Sio from the Mellon Chronicles!)!!! ~Any

Elvenesse · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

I must have missed your A/N, because it took me a while to work out what was different. Then I realised it was written in first person, it works fine, it's just a little strange since you normally write in third (maybe you could try second next!). I love the way you write Legolas and his family so much, and your OCs are just as real as the canon ones. I'm so so glad you changed your mind and didn't kill Eilian in your earlier story, please never kill him. I see that Eilian is having problems Celuwen as usual; did his last letter from her contain good news? I'm slightly confused as to why Eilian doesn't like Maldor's teaching methods. It's annoying when teachers are too rough and teaching through fear and pain isn't always the best way of doing so. My instructor's broken my nose, it’s more embarrassing than anything else, these things happen.

tigerlily713 · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

This was so sweet. It was nice to have a first person story that gave us a bit more of a personal insight into Eilian's mind. Very well done!

Antigone Q · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

I think what I liked best about this story was seeing Eilian's adar praising Eilian's playful nature, and seeing the positive side of it. It was also good to see, from Eilian's perspective, how he views people around him, and especially how much he loves his little brother. No family therapy needed in this story! Getting into Eilian's head was an interesting experience. He's been complemented by others about how perceptive he is about other people, but you can really see here how well he "reads" people - in the snowball fight, for example, when he guesses Legolas' feelings about Annael's Nana. Interestingly, I could also see some of his leadership qualities popping up (no pun intended) even in a silly thing like a snowball fight. But we also got to see what goes through his mind before one of those not-so-well thought out incidents: "I did not have time to consider my actions because..." Well, done Daw. For an experiment, it seems very successful. Are you going to write in first person again, or was this it?

The Karenator · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Wow, Daw, you're faster with posting whole stories than I am with writing a few paragraphs for a review. I really enjoyed this short tale from Eilian's perspective. Of course, I like first-person and the chance it gives us to delve into the private world of a character. Eilian is such an interesting character anyway. He's a complex but fun character from any view you wish to write him. My favorite part was where the two younger brothers pelted their Adar and older brother with the snowballs AND Gelmir was conspicuously absent. Gelmir is no fool. Let Eilian take the heat over this one. I also got a chuckle out of Gelmir jumping when Thranduil spoke to him. It was a sweet moment, but also a sad reminder of what these brothers had lost, when Legolas was distressed at the idea of throwing snowballs at Annael's nana. Eilian was very perceptive to catch that and give Annael's parents a 'pass'. You added such nice little touches to the tale. One of the best was when Gelmir reached up and caught Turgon's wrist to prevent him from hitting the tutor again. There were more, but I won't try to list them all. But, I just say one more thing on the subject: Ithilden laughed! The ending was very nice. A warm hug from Thranduil would make anyone's day I suspect, but for Eilian, it was a wonderful gift of love. You did an excellent job with this tale. It flowed smoothly and took the reader right into the action. Your experiment was a great success and I(one of the odd people who likes first-person) would love to see the perspectives of your other characters from first-person sometime. That is, should you ever be so inclined again. I truly enjoyed being in Eilian's head. By the way, what does he sleep in? No particular reason for asking. Just curious.:>) Karen

Sofia · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Nice story. Its a new way of reading it like this from you, but i like it. On Eilian's point of view, its funny to read about the relationship between him and his younger brother. I love how Legolas and Eilian throw snowballs at their Adar and other brother. and then they attack them. verry good... :)

LKK · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

What a fun afternoon everyone had, daw! I wish I could have been there playing with them. I liked the indirect references to Heart's Ease and Legolas' secret crush on Annael's mother. That was nicely worked in. I thought it was cute how Legolas went after Eilian's "nemesis" because that's what brothers are for. (Along with an oh-so delightful head pat, too!) How wonderful that Ada and Ithilien joined in on the play at the end of the afternoon. A beautiful family moment. I loved this little story. It's going on my favorites list. LKK

esamen · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Adar took Legolas’s hand. “Come, my heart, we will get you home and into dry clothes and see if we can find you something hot to drink in front of the fire.” Hand in hand, the two of them started toward the path, with Adar shortening his usual long stride and Legolas skipped happily along beside him. Hey, I really needed a good dose of Elf-love today . . . what a wonderful story. I am just fascinated by the relationships between the brothers and between the brothers and father. It's just always great. I am looking forward to a little more fire and brimstone from Adar, though. That stuff is fun to read too. I plan to eventually read all the stories that you have posted . . . so much to read, so little time. I think that the first-person POV is very good for getting into the deep emotions of a character, the things that a character wouldn't express even to himself. I think that it is also a good way to make sure that a complicated story stays unified for the reader. An intimate third-person POV can do much the same thing, though, especially in a shorter read such as this. It depends on what you want to do -- explore one person deeply, or show a story from two or three characters' viewpoints. You did a fine job with the first person POV. This is what fan fic is for, I think . . . experimenting with forms and just trying them on for size. Thanks for the story! Esamen

Miss Aranel · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Very sweet story, Daw - the new take on POV was great, especially since we get to see a side of Eilian that might get overlooked otherwise. The snow tunnels were especially amusing - my sisters and I never even considered that - it must have been great fun for the elflings. I really enjoyed the part where Thranduil and Ithilden joined in with the fun - and the sentiment at the end.

sheraiah · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Oh, daw! I have missed elfling Legolas so much, thank you for this return to him. What a sweet, sweet story!

Dragon-of-the-North · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

This will be short, as I am in a hurry, but - this was absolutely lovely! :-D You did a wonderful job, and I laughed very hard at seeing Legolas' attack on Maldor through Eilian's eyes... That was absolutely hilarious. But I also loved the sweet family part of this chapter - seeing Thranduil get all playful and happy is always a treat, and I simply loved to see Ithilden grinning maniacally.... And, again - Eilian's POV is glorious! There's hardly anything better than getting a glimpse of your world through his eyes... Hmmm.... Will we get a longer Eilian story? Pretty please? ;-):-)

French Pony · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Now that was the Snowballing of Snowballings! What a great game. Miriwen and her little friend are just getting it from all sides, I see. Mud or snow, they can't win. And the final Oropherion family brawl was clearly something that has needed to happen for a long time. I always knew Ada had it in him, and of course Ithilden has his dominance to reassert. Oldest siblings are like that, and I should know. I gotta say, Maldor does not seem like someone who should be in a teaching position. He has some serious anger issues to work out, and while warrioring in general is probably his calling, teaching is not. I know that he is teaching serious combat, but he's a danger to the novices if he goes around breaking noses. For one thing, he's bigger than they are, and he doesn't seem to understand that they can't hit him back like that. I've known a couple of maestri who were vicious like Maldor, and they were just horrible. One was a recovering alcoholic who kept his job because no one else wanted it -- the only reason his team had any shreds of discipline whatsoever was because his older fencers did most of the scut work of teaching the novices. The other guy blew off actual teaching in favor of extended lectures and mockery of fencers who made mistakes, and once whipped me so hard I got a bruise on my thigh as big as my palm. His students either quit fencing altogether or left him after finding other clubs willing to train them out of the viciousness they acquired from him. I would not trust either of these two maestri to turn out warriors capable of protecting the Woodland Realm, and they seem very much like Maldor. He deserved every bit of that snowball, and more. The attacking team worked wonderfully well together, especially when it came to the issue of whether or not to snowball nanas. Elowen will never know just how lucky she was. . . What a fun chapter!

Kay · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

Wow! How quickly you write! Enjoyed this much! I'm no expert, but I think you nailed this first person point of view thingy dead on. And how interesting that you chose Eilian's point of view. I loved this part: ""Galeril came by, Adar, and Eilian threw a snowball at him for me, and then I threw one at Eilian's novice tutor. What was his name, Eilian?"" Too funny! Thanks, daw, for this little jewel! (Wow, I actually managed to write a proper noun in the lowercase. You don't know how hard that was!) Looking forward to the next one!

Karri · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Battles

*grumble, grumble* first person *grumble, grumble* Well, you did a nice job of it, and it was brave of you to try something new. 'Twas a sweet story. It was nice to see Legolas have a good day, and Eilian and Adar getting along. *raises hand* I, too, wouldn't at all mind more elfling Legolas stories. ;-)

Ana · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

It's soo cute, adorable, sweet, ... to see Eilian and Legolas play in the snow. Especially since we have enough snow to imagine all those things. Snow is so ql. Legolas is the only person in my life now who is always happy to see me. ... Poor Eilian... How can he believe that. I, for one, am always happy when I "see" him. “I do not think Eilian is too grown up at all,” he said dryly. When I was a youngling, the novice masters and Adar had all frequently accused me of leading others into trouble. ... :))) “Eilian, I just said that I know you will be a good lieutenant. My reluctance comes from the fact that I am sorry to have to lay this responsibility on you while you are so young. If I had enough experienced warriors, I would leave you free of the burden of command for a while longer, but I do not, and so I have to ask this of you. I am unhappy to have to do it, but I am grateful that you are here to help me.” ... I did not realise that Eilian needed to be told that he is invaluable to his Ada and brothers. He is always so confidend and it is sad to see he is not. That's why I like this type of writing, you learn what's really going on with someone, even though I like your usual style more. But maybe I only need time to get used to it... and then I'll like it anyway. I will not think about it, I resolved, falling back on a tactic that had served me well over the years. ... I'd like to know how he does that... not to think about it, I mean Gelmir looked puzzled for a minute and then groaned as the light dawned. “Eilian, you cannot be thinking of showing them how to make snow tunnels. Nimloth said she would blame us if they got into trouble.” :))) ...He is such a good friend for Eilian. Even if he is afraid of Thranduil and Nimloth. Slowly, Legolas smiled. “We will be warriors together,” he announced happily and crouched to his tunneling. I grimaced. I hoped not. Thank you Ana

Jebb · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

This was a real treat for a Monday morning a lovely Eilian and elfling Legolas story and I really enjoyed the first person approach as I feel you know Eilian so well that it works. Loved the interplay between Ithilden and Eilian wondering what he had done wrong! Guilty conscience perhaps. Also that Eilian knows that his father appreciates the love he shares with Legolas Does this story only have to be two chapters? I am enjoying so much J

Jules · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

Yay! I was very happy to see a new story. I love these. I also love little Legolas. Can't wait to see what happens next? It is good for Elian and Gelmir to play w/ the elflings. It means so much to the little ones and it good for the Warriors. They spend so much time in war, they need to play. They had better hope Nimloth doesn't check on them, though, imagine 2 of Mirwoods finest warriors in the corner (LOL). Thanks for writing Jule

camp6311 · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

This story is too fun, don't you think you could extend it to more than just two chapters?? :)

erunyauve · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

"I will not think about it, I resolved, falling back on a tactic that had served me well over the years." This first-person stuff is intriguing - who knew that Eilian was the Scarlett O'Hara of the elven world? And it was quite sneaky of Legolas to climb up the hill while his friends were tangled at the bottom - he's got a little of Eilian in him, I think. The snow tunnels sound like great fun. I remember having a regular warren of them when I was a kid, but now, reading this story, all I can think is what my mother always feared (though it never happened): it will collapse on them! They'll all be smothered! Adulthood is a terrible thing, and I think I like Eilian so much because he still has a lot of kid in him.

Fadesintothewest · 7 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

I think it was very well done. Of course you handle Eilian so well, know him so well that I really and truly felt he was narrating the story for me. Great work! Oh that Eilian, his mischieviousness is endearing and little Legolas is quite the darling.

Tapetum Lucidum · 7 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Home

Young Legolas is fun isn't he? I like this one being from Eilian's perspective. Having Legolas wake you up in the morning would be a very good thing. Eilian is lucky. It is nice to feel so loved and admired by someone, you feel you can do no wrong. Eilian needs someone like that since both Thranduil and Ithilden can often be wroth with him. (Ha! I used it too). I agree with Eilian, Ithilden needs to romp in the forest and get a good elleth in his bed. At least we know he will do one, if not both. Eilian's reaction to his Commander's request for a meeting was entertaining. I have often felt the same way - in trouble - even though I know I have done nothing wrong. I have no doubt he deserved the promotion, in spite of the lack of promotable warriors. Having Ithilden sense his consternation and clear the air was an excellent thing to do. Can Eilian play? That's a silly question. It seems he and Turgon are well matched in the trouble department. The attack plan on the path seems like a good one. He and Legolas warriors together? If he only knew!