Reviews (406)

rikwen · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 13: Family Matters

After all the discord earlier, it looks as if the family is finally reuniting again. Though I admit that Eilian has always been my favorite, in this chapter I gained a new appreciation of Beliond. After the dreadful start he and Legolas had, it was great to see the relationship the two have developed. Plus he certainly wasn't going to let Thranduil off the hook about sending Legolas somewhere without his bodyguard. I liked the family dynamics in this one. Thranduil is making some tough decisions about Eilian, though he also is recognizing some hidden truths along the way. The belated wedding party coming up looks like a real pressure cooker situation in the making. I think Celuwen's father may find an ally in Thranduil that he wasn't expecting.

dr_seuss_is_cool · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 13: Family Matters

hello. Legolas and Celuwen seem to get along. That's a good thing. I think it cute that she is going to buy Eilian a ring. Aw. :) Beliond is such a good guy. I love him so much and he makes me laugh. Thranduil worries me very much. I'm very glad that you went back and analized that point when Thranduil said those things about his wife. Ithilden and Alfirin make me feel fuzzy things. They are so adorably cute. Well, thank you very much for writing. It made my day a whole lot brighter. Bye bye :)

LOTRFaith · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 13: Family Matters

Ithilden and Alfirin are cute.... As are Eilian and Celuwen.... I bet Celuwen is a bit daunted at the road ahead of her... But am happy that Eilian is by her side;-) lol... I loved the part with Beliond and Thranduil... Then with Thranduil and his memories... It was rather sad, but held an amazing amount of truth to it... :-) Sometimes it's more like son like mother than father... But I bet Eilian gets a lot of his Adar's stubborness to go along with his Naneth's foolsish bravery..... :-)

Ms. Whatsit · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 13: Family Matters

Whee! You and Coriel updated on the same day--and you're both two of the precious few authors who write Legolas well. You two should plan this more often ;). The beginning of this chapter was so, so...well, "cute" is an un-Elven way of describing things, but you get what I mean. Legolas reading the book Eilian would read to him was so sweet. And I liked his conversation with Celuwen. Celuwen should spend as much time with him as she can, IMO--he's not Eilian's older sibling, so he's definitely not going to feel obliged to advise or judge or lecture. He'll just be nice. I also liked Celuwen saying Thranduil didn't value Eilian enough--do I sense a subplot of a future story in which Celuwen says this to Thranduil's face? And if I were her I would get Eilian a very noticeable ring! Of course, she keeps bringing up silly stuff that Legolas did--poor kid. He took it well. I guess he's used to being teased. I loved Galivion praising Legolas and Thranduil being a shamelessly proud dad. And Tinar is going to get his comeuppance, hmm? That should be funny. Legolas did indeed handle things well. The part where Thranduil thinks about his sons and the effect their royal status has on their lives is interesting. I bet joining the Fellowship was in someways a relief for Legolas--he was representing Elves, not Mirkwood and so he was just Legolas the Elf and not Thranduil's son. Ah, Beliond. I cheered when the guard announced him--and grinned when Thranduil groaned at the thought of dealing with him--and got a bit worried for Legolas when he mentioned those thieves, but it all turned out ok. I liked him calling Legolas an "impudent cub." Hee! Beliond's awesome. I bet he goes to Ithilien with Legolas post-Ring War. And I like him saying he liked Celuwen. Those two are rather alike. Legolas getting snarky about Anyr was funny. I like Snarky!Legolas a lot. And Celuwen is going to have something to do with regard to the settlements, hmm? That should be interesting. Another great chapter, and I'll be sorry to see this story end!

Nelsonia · 20 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Hello Daw! I hope you are well. First of all here is a huge grovelling for not reviewing in such a long time... Grovel grovel grovel.... I have been reading all your stories, and they are all great as usual! Battles won was fantastic and made me laugh out loud, I really liked the new style of writing, from one of the characters point of view. Now about this stroy, what can I say? I have laughed and cringed along with every one of the characters, and enjoyed the whole story immensely. I like the way the characters have all developed and look forward to see how Celuwen will settle down in her new family, and hopefully Alfirin and her will be good friends, but I am foreseeing a "teething period" (teething refers to uncomfortable not fighting or anything btw) before that happens! Cant wait to see what happens with Solith and Thranduil and also with Beliond/Thranduil, looks like the poor king has his hands full at the moment! Well hope you have a nice day take care

Antigone Q · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

It always makes me happy to see an update from you - thank you! I hope Thranduil hears more about Legolas' adventures so that Legolas can get the praise he deserves. In some ways I think the diplomatic way in which Legolas presented his "string of unfortunate events" rivals the deplomacy he showed in the settlements. Poor Celuwen. I'm sorry she's having a hard time. Eilian had better pull out his generous side PDQ or I'm going to push him in a mud puddle, bad hip and all. And LOL - bet Legolas never thought that horse thing would get back to his family. Oh, well, if it lightened the mood...

sofia · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

good chapter. So Celuwen is having some selfdoubt, i see?

tigerlily713 · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

I am excited to see how Celuwen adapts to her new life and whether or not her parents will come to the feast. This new turn of events certainly does offer many great ideas for following chapters. Great job! Lily

Jebb · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Poor Legolas comes home from a successful diplomatic mission to a grumpy Thranduil although give the king his due he did offer praise and then he gets to provide comic relief for the rest of the family what a come down! Although it was very funny to see everyones reactions to the knowledge of him falling off his horse and Adar even offered him a way out of his embarrassment. So more changes for Legolas to get accustomed to being moved from his usual seat to having to share Eilian with his new wife the whole family is going to have to make changes I think. Beliond and Galivion were both supportive of Legolas I hope we get to see the meeting between Beliond and Thranduil trhat should be interesting as will the feast when the in-laws arrive a most lovely chapter

Bodkin · 19 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Passing on the rest of the lovely stuff - I cannot have been easy for Alfirin to settle into the family either. She married after all the necessary waiting periods and formalities, true, but she came from a relatively ordinary cottage background into a family with no-one in the traditional female role. She must have had to learn how to run a royal household pretty much on her own. She would have been taking control back from those who had been in charge since Lorellin's death and they might well not have been too happy to let it go. She's comfortable in the role now, but her period of adjustment must have been just as difficult and none of those delightfully insensitive males around her would have had any idea of the problems.

French Pony · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Must be a scary yet oddly exhilarating experience to hand Thranduil a can of whup-ass that he will open all over poor foolish Anyr. Things are going down in that settlement, and there's old Anyr, happily oblivious to it all. I'm sure that somewhere in the most childish, darkest part of his soul, Legolas is really going to enjoy paying Anyr back by getting him into Big Trouble. Of course nothing ever disturbs Ithilden's appetite. I just realized that he reminds me of the oldest daughter of a German family I knew. She was a Practically Perfect Person, and she married (beneath her; this was the aristocracy) a guy who looked like a recruitment poster for the Luftwaffe, only with more teeth. I always picture Ithilden as looking a little like him, only with not quite so many teeth. Very proper and very correct, and kind of recruitment-poster-y. Hey, look at that! Alfirin offers to let the bride have some say in her own party. Concept city! Things are still fairly tense, but it looks like the worst is over. And there will be a big party, which will be good for getting a little liquored up and blowing off some steam. I do hope Sólith comes, so that he and Thranduil can have at each other. Forget the food, that could be entertainment enough right there! Celuwen is still getting her sea legs in the palace, but she's the resourceful type, and I'm sure she'll carve out a niche for herself quicker than anyone imagines. In fact, I think she'll do much better at adapting to her somewhat awkward circumstances than Alfirin would do in the same situation.

Fadesintothewest · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Poor Celuwen, I feel her worry over starting a new life at a new place with someone you love, but it is better for her after all rather than fading. I feel for Eilian, and in the end I think Thranduil will come around and rejoice and understand it was the only decision for Eilian and Celuwen. He is a wood Elf after all, at least in spirit and he needs to remember and rejoice this quality more.

Molly · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

While reading this I remembered a song from, amusingly enough, a Muppets movie that seemed appropriate for Eilian and Celuwen. I won't copy all of the lyrics, but you can find them at this site: http://www.elyrics.net/go/m/Muppets%20Lyrics/He'll%20Make%20Me%20Happy%20Lyrics/. But I think some of the most fitting lyrics are, She'll make him happy/Now and forever/Until forever/Their love will grow/She only knows/He'll make her happy/That's all she needs to know/They'll be so happy/Now and forever/Until forever/Their love will grow. The newlyweds might not be completely at ease at the moment with their place in Thranduil's household, but I have no doubt they'll work things out eventually. Poor Legolas. It seems as if everyone is part of a couple now except him! Ithilden, Eilian, Annael... And we know he's not likely to marry anytime soon, if at all. I wonder how his family feels about that.

meckinock · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

I can't imagine a better development for the settlers than having one of their own turn up as the King's daughter-in-law. It's good fortune that Celuwen and Eilian came up with the idea themselves - in less enlightened societies, their adas might have cooked up the marriage for them as a way to ease the tensions between the palace and the fringe element...I feel sorry for Celuwen, though. She clearly has a huge adjustment to make, and it will be difficult if Eilian leaves again. I hope that Thranduil will recognize her unique talents and give her a chance to demonstrate them and not just leave her to swap lembas recipes with Alfirin... Speaking of Alfirin, her role is changing, too. She's been the undisputed Female Head of Household for an awfully long time, and the arrival of a sister-in-law surely will bring adjustments for her, too. I'll give her credit for welcoming Celuwen despite her discomfort with the unconventional circumstances of Eilian and Celuwen's bonding, but I'm wondering whether she's really ready to accept Celuwen as an equal (which of course she is) and not just a subordinate. I guess we'll find out the first time Celuwen decides to assert herself and change the table settings... Gotta love Ithilden. As the Good Son, I thought he'd be more upset at the Prodigal Eilian, but I guess he's a more easy-going guy than I gave him credit for! I'd love to overhear a bedchamber conversation between him and Alfirin on the topic (hint). Thanks for another great page-turner, Daw!

Dot · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

LOL! I’m glad you don’t think we’re demanding. And we’re the lucky ones, getting such amazing chapters and so regularly:) This chapter was fabulous – such a great look at Thranduil’s family and their life in the palace. I felt so sorry for Legolas, the way the guards and attendants keep smirking so that he knows *something* is up. And then to discover that it involves Eilian…well, as he thinks himself, that’s nothing new and I wouldn’t blame him if he felt a little annoyed that they’re arguing again, just when he has unpleasant news to deliver. For some reason, though, I do grin a little at the thought of a tetchy Thranduil frightening the living daylights out of any elf that comes near him! “If that is the case, then you did well, Legolas.” Aaw, it’s nice that he’s quick to praise his son. If I were Legolas, I’d have thanked him and then run off back to the south for a couple of centuries… “There was not enough even to meet all of their own needs. Did Elves who live close to our stronghold make do with less so that Men could eat?” Ah, yes – the same as Legolas and Galivion first thought, and no doubt exactly what Legolas expected his reaction to be. It’s interesting that Thranduil seems to sense Legolas’ anxiety and then looks to Galivion almost as though to substantiate what Legolas has said and for judgement of his son’s actions. I suppose that as much as he trusts Legolas, as king he has to know that the best possible solution has been reached and so he turns to someone more experienced. I really do like Galivion. He seems genuinely fond of Legolas and it’s so good of him to not only let Legolas know that he felt he had done well but he ensures that Thranduil knows this as well. “What in Arda was Eilian doing?” That’s priceless. I can just see him utterly shocked at the thought of Eilian and Celuwen so openly “on intimate terms”! Even Eilian hasn’t lost all reason. *snigger* Can you just imagine if that’s what was going on – poor Thranduil would probably explode… Oh, daw – Eilian was so happy to see Legolas and would have been so crushed if Legolas didn’t accept what they did. That moment actually made me quite teary! I’m so glad Legolas was perceptive enough to notice Eilian’s unhappiness fairly quickly and reassure his brother. “It is about time.” Well, that’s an understatement if ever I heard one! I loved the dinner scene. You did a great job of showing the tension at the table. I really admire Celuwen for attempting to make them all feel a bit more at ease, especially when they should make the effort for her. Alfirin is going to great lengths to feed Celuwen! I like the way you showed Legolas’ assumptions and perceptions because he doesn’t know that Celuwen was ill. I suppose he doesn’t know what a fading elf looks like to the same extent as the rest of his family do. “Do you remember falling off your horse?” LOL! Nice one, Celuwen. It’s absolutely hilarious the way they all turn in utter surprise at this. I really enjoyed their teasing. There was still a certain tension but I like that they all make the effort and are genuinely enjoying teasing Legolas. And good old Thranduil trying to show that it was Pilin’s fault rather than Legolas’. I’m still laughing at the thought of Legolas riding back south on a pony… Oh, I nearly forgot – “Very little disturbed Ithilden’s appetite.” I don’t know why but I LOVED that sentence. But then, Ithilden *is* still my favourite… I’d love you to write that POV for him that you mentioned (but I’m not demanding it!). “Legolas wished he could read the message that Thranduil planned to send.” Me too! That was brave of Alfirin, to suggest a ceremony. I kind of feel bad for her because she’s so lovely and seems totally uncomfortable with the way all this happened. I had never really thought before about what Alfirin does, or her role within the family and I admit that I was pleasantly surprised that she is so capable. I mean, I knew that she was in terms of her family but this seems like so much work for her and yet she doesn’t appear to mind. I wonder who did it before she came along? She’s honest too with Celuwen. She seems to feel sorry for her and admire her in equal measure. I hope Celuwen’s parents do turn up, if only to make her a little happier. “What am I doing here? she suddenly wondered. And even more, what am I to do here?” I’m glad you gave Celuwen this doubt. It makes it so much more realistic than if she was immediately very happy. It’s only to be expected that as much as she loves Eilian and doesn’t regret bonding with him, she has to wonder at her future. It’s probably a little scary for her as well because she is likely comparing herself to Alfirin – but Alfirin has had a long time to get used to palace life. It wouldn’t have been easy for her in the beginning either. I think as well that the fact that she was so overcome with grief and is still unwell has to be contributing to her anxiety. I know there’s little likelihood of herself and Eilian having children yet but somewhere along the line at least it would give her something to hold onto when he is away. I have to say, I’m really interested to know what will become of Celuwen. No doubt that’ll be another story, though…;)

naneth · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Poor Legolas goes from being Lord Legolas, son of the king, diplomat, and master negotiator to "picked on" youngest child all in one day! Poor guy! He handled it all with grace, but I still hope that Beliond and Galivion let Thranduil know that his youngest son is truly exceptional in all that he does.

Nilmandra · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

I so want to be a fly on the wall when Beliond has his discussion with Thranduil *grin*. I would be curious to hear Beliond and Galivion's assessment of how Legolas did, because really, he faced quite a series of tests and handled himself quite well. I think Alfirin is already recognizing Celuwen's strengths and weaknesses, and the royal men of Mirkwood better beware if they team up together. The two of them can manage these guys quite well, I think.

Jay of Lasgalen · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

I'm glad to see Legolas back at home again - I hope he has at least a little leave left. Everyone is trying very hard to be as normal as possible, but things must be very strained. I loved the way Celuwen thawed the ice, even if it was unintentional! I, too, would *love* to see what Thranduil writes in his invitation, and to witness the confrontation between him and Solith. Happy families!

The Karenator · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Well, Legolas is home, delivered his news to his adar and caught up on the news at home. And what news that was! I'm sure he was more than a little shocked, but pleased at Eilian's obvious happiness. I think his approval was important to Eilian. Even though he assumed Legolas would be supportive, it's always nice to find out that your hope was not misplaced. The dining room scene was great. Celuwen bringing up the horse incident was such fun. Poor Legolas was a bit embarrassed. But it did lighten the mood somewhat. And nothing disturbs Ithilden's appetite! I could see him shoveling away while watching in complete amusement as his whole family dithered about in discomfort. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop when he gets Eilian alone. Ithilden is as conventional as Alfirin, and I can't believe he doesn't have something to say to Eilian about his hasty marriage. Perhaps we will see this in how he deals with Eilian's posting back to the south? Not only has Eilian directly defied his father, but he now has a new marriage to make work. Oh, the consequences. I'm interested to see how Celuwen and Alfirin forge their relationship. While I think Alfirin is happy for Celuwen and Eilian, she is scandalized! And Celuwen is not as comfortable as Alfirin in delegating duties. Of course, Alfirin has had centuries to adjust, I suppose. And her personality is more suited to running the household. Maybe Celuwen can take over overseeing the gardens or something that has to do with growing things. Or she could be Thranduil's new liaison to the cranky settlers. :>) Which brings me to another point...the settlers. Thranduil's worry about the settlement Elves seems a little misplaced. I mean, what are they going to do? Thranduil is worried they will break with the rest of Mirkwood. Just exactly where are they going to go? I can't see them leaving the forest they love, and Imladris and Lorien are hardly going to send troops to protect them or see to their needs. None of this is to mention that Celuwen is a consenting adult. Eilian did not force her to do his bidding. She chose to bond with him. So Solith is not happy. So what? It's not the business of the other settlers. It's a family problem and would be inappropriate for the other settlers to get involved, even if Solith tries to make it a settlement issue. Surely, these Elves would be wise enough to realize that Solith is out of line in trying to enlist them in revolt against the king. Hopefully, Solith will come to realize that his daugher's happiness outweighs his own designs. And hopefully, Thranduil will realize this, too. He certainly has cause to be angry with Eilian, but the issue is that Eilian disobeyed him. It's not the bonding and it's not the settlers. It's insubordination, and like Thranduil told Celuwen, it's a matter between father and son. They will all recover from the slight insult of protocol, but the issue is not so much a political concern (though that's a side consideration) as it is a family one. As a parent, I can certainly understand Thranduil being incensed over the disobedience. Bonding is irrevocable, and the consequences of Eilian's spontaneous behavior has come home to roost once again. Personally, I think Thranduil has a right to his anger, but the settlers are not as important as trying to smooth things over with Celuwen's parents...for the happiness of Celuwen...and ultimately, Eilian's. Hopefully, Thranduil will come to grips with this and set aside being a politician and just be a father in this situation. The only political fallout I can see is Solith revealing his own manipulative tendencies to his people if he tries to start trouble over this. At least, I hope the settlement Elves are wise enough to see through his ruse. OKAY! Now that I've gotten that out of my system, let me say that I love this story. You've created wonderfully flawed characters that are so realistic that they make flawed decisions and have to deal with the consequences. Just think, daw, you may not agree with my assessments from above, but you've got your readers thinking, taking sides, and ready to take on your hardheaded characters that we disagree with. Brilliant! This is why I so love your Mirkwood. Your characters and situations make me think and try to understand them...just like real life. They have depth and complexity. You give the reader credit for being a thinking readership and do not over-tell your story, but give us what we need to see the story unfold...warts and all! We get to see the characters we so love, struggle, make mistakes and grow from them...most of the time. We're still watching some of the characters with rapt interest to see where they'll go. Just brilliant! Carry on, your dawness. What a good story! Karen

erunyauve · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

It occurred to me that Legolas might feel a little hurt that Eilian had bonded without telling him. The circumstances, of course, made that impossible, but I can't help the feeling that Legolas is squashing some of his own feelings. Celuwen's place at the table illustrates that to some extent. I can also imagine that it's quite an adjustment for Alfirin, too. Without a queen, she would assume many of the duties that Thranduil's wife would have managed, and she's more or less been left alone to do these things as she saw fit, I would think. It might be rather difficult to find ways to involve Celuwen in those duties, especially since she and Celuwen are very different in temperament and experience.

dr_seuss_is_cool · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

hello. I am very glad that Legolas is back. He seemed very diplomatic and some other emotion or feeling at the same time. I loved that. He has all the qualities of being a great king if need be. I couldn't resist myself from laughing at Legolas when his family was teasing him. They all seem such the perfect picture of family when they were eating and teasing Legolas. Too bad Alfirin semi ruined it. Oh well. I still love her character much. I am very worried about Celuwen. She seems very confused. I feel very bad for her. Well, thank you for yet another wonder-filled chapter! Bye :)

Estel_Mi_Olor · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Cheers on another excellent chapter! I could barely contain my amusement at Legolas's meeting of the new couple. It was positively hilarious. Very well done. The midday meal scene was also very well written-thank you for making the source of their amusement a fic that was available to the reader. It makes it all the more enjoyable for us when we know what you are talking about. Poor Celuwen! But, my goodness, what a dilemma. I do not see her really fitting in, although I'm sure she would, and could do so over time. But she will miss Eilian terribly. It appears to me that this fic is going to have one of this surprise endings. (At least I hope so, for Celuwen's sake.) Keep writing and I can't wait to read about their celebrations! (Sólith and Isiwen better be there. Although I'm sure the latter will cooperate more than the former about doing so.) Cheers!

LOTRFaith · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Ahhhh. The little prince in home and safe... Perhaps Thranduil will not learn about Legolas taking matters into his own hands and going after the thieves?.... lol... The tension certainly is thick... But what Celuwen and Eilian did was exactly them... you know? A little reckless, leaping befor looking and it seems that Celuwen is now starting to realise the consequence one could say of doing so... I hope all works out though.....

Manderly · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Everybody was treading on glass in this chapter, though each was trying his/her best to break up some of the tension. I really have to sympathize with Celuwen. She's coming to the realization that she is basically on her own here, surrounded by relative strangers who are now family. It must be pretty traumatic to make so many adjustments at once - husband, all sorts of in-laws, being part of the royal family, living in the palace and away from her parents. Not something I would want to do, but hopefully being the strong elf that she is, she will manage and carve out her position within this family, and Eilian better support her every inch of the way. Poor Legolas, caught between conventional good senses and his instinctive joy for his beloved brother. I am glad he decided go with the latter. For a moment, I thought he was going to lecture Eilian. Your characterization of everybody really came through in this chapter. It's great!

Ms. Whatsit · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Home Again

Yay for Legolas. He deserved every bit of praise he got and more. I like how Galivion offered to give the report but Legolas insisted on doing it himself. At this rate, he'll be ready to head towards Elrond to smooth over the little matter of Gollum! I felt so sorry for him, hoping that he could get Thranduil's bad mood over with and then enjoy the rest of his break--not likely, thanks to dear old big brother! And it was smart of him not to mention the thieves. Or a certain elleth for that matter. Some things you just don't talk about with parents! I like how he found out about Eilian and Celuwen--rather like Ithilden did, in fact. Poor kid--he has to see his brother canoodling with some female. Traumatizing, I'm sure. "Then, through his dismay, he saw the increasingly unhappy look on Eilian’s face as his brother waited for Legolas to say something, and he recalled the joy he had seen on it when Eilian had first looked up and seen Legolas." Aww. Yes, Eilian loves Legolas and really really wants him to be happy for him and Celuwen--and counts on him as his only real ally, too! Good thing Legolas realizes this. Loved the bit about Eilian and Ithilden finding out that Legolas fell off his horse! Yes, picking on little brother is a good way to lighten the mood! And I loved the end part with Celuwen and Alfirin. I really feel for Celuwen. Alfirin is calm, capable and efficient but also totally innocuous, smugly conventional and easily shocked by people who aren't, never sharp-tongued or blunt...she's very nice, but it seems that it would take a while for someone like Celuwen to be friends with someone like Alfirin. On the other hand, I don't see Celuwen encroaching on Alfirin's turf as Woman of the House. She doesn't seem the type to be interested in running things the way Alfirin is. And I'm so very glad you're not overlooking the problem of what exactly Celuwen is to do with herself. Does she have a trade of some sort, or are all the settlement Elves simply farming types? Poor girl. She reminds me a bit of Harriet Vane from Dorothy Sayers's Peter Wimsey books, if you've read any of them. Both Harriet and Celuwen are brutally honest and straightforward.