Reviews (239)

Manderly · 18 May 2004 · Chapter 8: The Path Home

That ending was so beautifully written. I can just picture the three elflings lying there looking up at the night sky. Thranduil is one intelligent adar. He knows the exact balance between rewards and punishments. At least he does with Legolas anyway. Poor lovesick Ithilden. If he only knows what the rest of us know already, that Alfirin will be his wife. But I think this uncertainty and jealousy is good for the control freak in him. Wakes him up a bit. Thank you for another wonderful story and please keep on writing!

nessie · 18 May 2004 · Chapter 8: The Path Home

Awww...What a sweet ending! It's so good of Ada to let Legolas sleep in the flet finally. Still posting a guard, but letting him. Now, anymore projects up ahead soon? I'd like to see some Thranduil/Lorellin, and I've read Nilmandra's stories from your universe. Well anyhoo, YAY! Ithilden and Alfirin are falling more and more in love. It's great. Loved this story, and can't wait until the next one comes up! ~nessie~

Karri · 18 May 2004 · Chapter 8: The Path Home

A beautiful ending to a terrific story, daw.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 18 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Oh, Daw, that was a heart touching chapter. Poor Legolas! I feel more sorry for him than I do for poor Ithilden! Legolas is but a child, and he is rather innocent. He cannot deal with the spider attack as Ithilden can. Obviously because Ithilden is a trained warrior and has been do the like for centuries. I wonder for how long Legolas will be disturbed by this event. It will probably mark him for the rest of his life. Poor baby! Ithilden's wounds are, of course, grievous and he must be in terrible pain. But having Alifrin there to smooth his fevered brow must be helping matters... I think it is absolutely adorable to see the stereotypically dominant male in a rather embarassing subservient postion to a female that said male...desires. I bet Gwaleniel planned this. Although we have much pain for Legolas and Ithilden, I cannot help but worry about Thranduil as well. He must be in anguish having two sons so close to death. I bet Lorellin's death is coming back to him vividly. I eagerly await your next chapter, about the recovery, no doubt?

The Karenator · 18 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Oh daw, I'm such a dunce. When I reread what I had written in my review to you, I saw what you were saying. I can't believe I read that paragraph as many times as I did and read it wrong every time. I read: "pulled 'him' from the bed." I knew I should have kept my mouth shut! I apologize. You said what you meant to say, and the chapter is still wonderful. Go ahead and shoot me before I embarrass myself further! :>) I'm so sorry! Karen

mistry89 · 18 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

This chapter seems particularly emotive ... so by the time I arrived at "Thranduil hesitated for only a second and then smiled at his gallant baby." I was a wreck! Poor Legolas, his hunting experience with his big brother has hardly gone smoothly, and poor Ithilden - what an awful thing to happen. We "know" he survives, but it must truly have been a wake-up call to a courting elf. Legolas has always seemed like an easy-going elfling besides Eilian to him, so the difficulty in communicating things like danger without seeming over-protective or just plain frightening will no doubt linger as long as the memory of the whole trip! Thank you, this is a delightful story ... and the next chapter awaits me! Happiness is a "tbc" when you know the next installment is ready *g*

The Karenator · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

My favorites lines: “I am sorry, my lord. We tried to take him home because we thought you would not want him here, but he--” he paused, groping for a word. “He protested,” the guard finished lamely. "He protested." I suppose that's the understatement of the year. I can't say I blame Legolas a bit that he wanted to stay. Not knowing what is going on is just too much to deal with sometimes. And he had such a strong need to be with his ada at that time, too. I thought this was a very realistic reaction for a distraught child. Thranduil really does have his hands full. I think most parents would say that even when there is concern for an ill child, siblings have to be considered, too. Younger children, especially, have to be tended as much as possible by a parent to help alleviate as much fear as possible. Even though Thranduil was spread rather thin, he handled the situation well by setting priorities. Ithilden was under the constant care of a healer, and he was unconscious. Legolas needed his ada, and that's where he went. He shifted between the two of them with the ever-changing needs of his sons. You did an excellent job of showing this. I actually felt a little tired for the poor king. He was running himself ragged between the two rooms. Gwalenial handled the distraught child well--and the distraught Adar. She offered viable options for Thranduil to be able to tend both sons. Worked out pretty good. Except for the dreams. I can imagine how terrifying it was to relive the spider attacks in all their gory details. And poor Ithilden, he had no idea what was going on. He'd been out like a light. I think it was perfect that his first thoughts were about his brother's safety. The last thing he knew, Legolas was running for all he was worth for help. And considering Legolas's track record, for all Ithilden knew, he had taken to the trees and was still out here somewhere. Dreaming about Legolas screaming didn't help matters. I really enjoyed--though 'enjoyed' might not be the right word considering poor Ithilden's maladies--Alfirin coming to sit with him. What elleth doesn't love to have such an always in control kind of guy at her mercy? A dream come true! There was a lot of good emotional context in this chapter, and I thought you did a terrific job of showing us what was going on physically and emotionally. Well done. One thing: (silly really) "There, there,” he crooned. “You are safe now.” He wrapped Legolas in a blanket he pulled from the bed,..." Did you mean, 'pulled him from the bath'? Wasn't he still in the tub? I had to reread it several times to see if I missed something, but I didn't see where he left the tub. I could be wrong...I'm sure that wouldn't surprise you! :>) And someone called Ithilden anal! Just call me Annie. :>) Great! chapter! Look forward to more, Karen

lwarren · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

I can always trust myself to be early to school on Monday morning to check and see if this story has been updated. *vbg as early paid off today!* You know, I'll bet you've heard this a thousand times, but you really have a way with emotional interaction between your characters that is so real - not staged or forced at all! This chapter is just another example - from the psychological horror that Legolas must deal with (add a generous dollop of guilt, too) to the physical/psychological torment that Ithilden must endure in his waking moments (add a huge helping of humiliation for hurling in front of the love of his life). But Thranduil and Alfirin (and her mother, who seems to be quite adept at handling seriously ill patients and their families, never mind the KING!) seem to have things in hand! Great chapter, as usual, daw. I'm hoping that the elfling and his brother get some much needed quiet time and rest, before their next outing. ;) linda

insignia · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Hi Daw Once again a greatly enjoyable chapter. I liked the way in which you allowed Legolas's story to become apparent in stages to Thranduil, without spelling it out in full or even half full, through Legolas's actions and his inadvertant words, and also the suspense as Legolas's father begins to understand that there is more to what has happened than what he sees when he arrives in situ. I am not clear if Legolas's screams are real and if they are intruding into Ithilden's dreams, but it looks like they are to me. So Thranduil is having to deal with the consequences for his eldest and his youngest son simultaneously! Poor guy! Does Eilian get an appearance in this story? Would be nice to see him, even if worried about older and younger brothers. I liked the vignette of Alfirin: very promising for future interactions with Ithilden - if he is able to remember, that is! Best regards insignia

tigerlily713 · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Oh! That was such a wonderful chapter. She's seen him at his near worst, hasn't she? That is a good bonding experience. Nothing will break down the walls quite like a life-threatening illness. Anyway, wonderful chapter! I eagerly await more! Lily

Duchess · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

As usual you write things out so clearly one can see everything happening in the mind's eye. :) Poor Ithilden, having variations of the same horrible dream over and over like that. *shuddering at the thought* Poor Legolas is probably doing something similar, but not quite as bad, or at least that's what I hope. I see you're still letting Legolas be so rattled he is calling his father Ada and not Adar and I'm still loving that fact. The little rascal needs to stay out of trouble for a while! *g* I'm sooo glad Alfirin came to sit with Ithilden because Thranduil may be a King but he can't be in two places at once and both sons needed comfort, didn't they? So I'm suspecting this will be the start of Ithelden's "courtship" of the elleth who later becomes his wife. Am I right? *vbg* Very well done!

French Pony · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Well, it sounds like both of Thranduil's kids have received more than enough trouble for their actions that any punishment Thranduil could impose would be beside the point. Of course, knowing Thranduil, he won't let it rest with an "I hope you've learned your lesson, kids," and he'll impose some creative punishment anyway. But really, there is plenty of intertwined blame to be spread around between both Legolas and Ithilden. Yes, Legolas shouldn't have taken the antidote packets out of Ithilden's kit. But it does seem a little odd that Ithilden wouldn't notice that they were missing and put them back, especially after having a night's sleep to cool down. He's so anal about that sort of thing. And this experience will only make him more anal. He'll probably wind up his days being the only Elf ever to suffer from OCD. I think, at the infirmary, they would not have wasted time pulling Ithilden's clothes off when they could cut them off instead. That seems to be standard procedure at emergency rooms, especially when you don't know what internal injuries might be under the clothes. Gwaleniel is very good with hysterical children. But of course, she has one of her own who's about that age, right? Tonduil, I think. Oooh, I remember being eleven years old and sitting in a bathtub and having my mother try to comb out my hair. It was very long and very very curly, and it took ages to comb out. There's something about such situations that just forces honest conversations to come pouring out of a kid's mouth. And then when I was thirteen, I cut off all my hair. Hmmmm. Question: Where do the Elves get milk? I'd think that they'd use chamomile tea if they wanted a sleeping drink. Ithilden seems to have a nasty habit of throwing up medicine. I suppose he is the sort of person for whom hypodermic needles were invented. I think I shall have to hunt him down and destroy him for that. But at least he gets Ada and a pretty girl to help him feel better while he's sick. No wonder he and Alfirin get along so well. If you can get over the humiliation of being taken care of by the object of your affection, there's never again a need to be shy in front of them. Probably just what Ithilden needed to break the ice (though certainly not the way he'd want said ice broken).

Dot · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Oh, what an excellent chapter. “Thranduil eyed the guard’s red face and rumpled tunic.” What did Legolas do to that poor guard?? I’m so glad Thranduil allowed him to stay, though. I don’t know what the guard thought he’d do with Legolas once they got back to the palace. Apart from needing to see that Ithilden is looked after and going to be all right, the poor thing clearly needs his father. Isn’t Gwaleniel great? Obviously she has experience with worried families and she does such a wonderful job in calming father and son down. I thought it was quite clever of her to try and get Legolas to give her the facts about what happened so that he isn’t totally consumed by hysteria. “But if he were going to die from it, he probably would have done so by now.” Blunt indeed. But I suppose it’s probably the best reassurance she can offer. That moment when Thranduil realises that Legolas needs to be taken home must have been awful for him. Imagine having to choose which son to stay with. Actually, I think it’s quite good that he chose to see to Legolas’ needs first. Ithilden may be very ill but there’s really nothing Thranduil can do for him, whereas his mere presence would mean everything for Legolas at this moment. In fact, I’m quite proud of the way Thranduil has acted in the infirmary – he’s clearly worried but he allows the healers room to do what they must and tries to keep out of the way as much as possible. Obviously he knows that they have to do their work but it still must have been hard for him as a parent to just stand back – particularly because rumour has it he “fusses” a bit when any of his sons are injured! “If he is at home, he might not confess it, but we will be able to tell and then to give him something to ease it.” I admit I found that rather amusing – it seems that she may have some experience with the sons of Thranduil! “It is my fault he was bitten, and I want to help take care of him.” I like the way that Thranduil picks up on everything Legolas says and has enough experience as a father to know that there’s a lot more to the tale than he’s been told, and not only that but that it is bothering his youngest son so much that he’d be better off sharing it as soon as possible. The bath scene was so touching. I think it gave them the contact and reassurance that they both needed. And that image of Legolas sobbing in his father’s arms and confessing that he thought he “was going to die like Nana did” had me in tears. I’m glad Legolas told his father everything in complete honesty. It would have added too much to his anxiety if he was trying to keep anything from him. I liked Thranduil’s reaction – agreeing with Legolas’ own assessment that he should have been more careful but still letting him know that he did something right. I just hope Thranduil isn’t inclined to blame Ithilden for not keeping a close eye on Legolas. He himself knows that’s utterly impossible. Those poor Elves seem to be having horrific nightmares. I’m wondering if it’s such a good idea for them to be so close that they can hear each other screaming… It nearly made me cry when Ithilden’s first concern was for his brother. It’s so moving the way they are both concerned for each other rather than themselves. “I ache for you, he thought, to his own astonishment.” LOL! Yeah, and he probably finds it a lot more painful than spider-bites at that particular moment. And then she holds his head while he vomits! How humiliating for poor, proud Ithilden. It sounds to me like Alfirin would have made a great healer herself. No doubt she finds this weaker side to such a powerful elf just as endearing as I’m sure many of your readers do. I’ll hold a basin for him any day… I’m worried about him, though. He sounds quite scarily ill:(

Elentari · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

“Get me a healer!” Thranduil snapped, ******* Dunno about you but I L.O.V.E. Authoritative Thrandy. Nobody can do it like he does. And it also made me giggle out loud imagining the scene and the apprentice having to swallow the retort he/she would undoubtedly have at the tip of the tongue. Go King! ********* “I am sorry, my lord. We tried to take him home because we thought you would not want him here, but he--” he paused, groping for a word. “He protested,” the guard finished lamely. Thranduil eyed the guard’s red face and rumpled tunic. “Evidently,” ******** Whooohooo! That was hilarious! I guess it WAS too much to expect Legolas to just go home when he did not know if his big brother would be all right. He'd wish to see it for himself. He had enough trouble t6hat he neds that one worry off his list. ********* The care Thranduil displays for Legolas in this chapter is absolutely fabulous. It is really touching how legolas opens up with adar when he knows there will be consequences but little Legolas trusts his dad just too much not to do it. It's something I have noticed consistently through your stories- Legolas always tells. He's a brave little boy. you deserve a big trophy for parent/child interaction. the hesitation of Thranduil between sitting there with his oldest and going home to care for the youngest is a treat. Cheers for Gwaleniel for realising his dilemma and solving it for him with no blood spilt. ******** “I can take a bath here,” Legolas insisted. Thranduil had a sudden glimmer of how unpleasant it was going to be if Legolas chose to “protest” being removed from the infirmary. He was steeling himself to be firm when Gwaleniel interposed. ************* That's art. The whole bathing scene, too. I cannot speak often enough how glad I am that you can portrait dad and child so well. It's the kind of thing that makes me want to go hug my own dad. Ithilden is a darling in this chapter, yet again. In a way I am glad you haven't explored him before because he's coming around nicely in this fic. His incapacity to hand command over shows even when he's in the infirmary, lol! And he's such a darling, anxious to hear of his baby brother. ***** “How are you?” she asked, seeing that he was awake. I ache for you, he thought, to his own astonishment. “Better,” he croaked. “Not much, I think,” she smiled. “But you will be. My naneth will take good care of you.” He smiled weakly back at her. And then, suddenly, his treacherous stomach rebelled again, and he could feel cold sweat on his face. She must have had enough experience with sick people that she saw what was happening, for she jumped forward and held his head over the basin that had been left on the edge of his bed. To his utter mortification, he retched repeatedly. When he had finished, she lowered his head back to the pillow. And then, miraculously, she did not take her hands away. Rather, she stroked his hair gently. He tried to open his mouth to speak, to tell her she did not need to stay here while he was so disgustingly sick, or at least to thank her, but she hushed him. “Do not worry, my lord,” she murmured gently. “You do not need to talk.” He lay as still as could, not wanting her to move away. And before he knew it, he had slid away into dreams again. This time, someone bent to kiss him softly on the forehead as he lay in an unfamiliar bed. ****** Evidently there ARE some positive pints of being ill. Hmmm....

Jebb · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

What can I say? Stunning and so beautifully done From the bit where Thranduil holds Legolas between his knees onwards I was crying and the way Ada offers help in a way Legolas can accept without loss of dignity was so good too. Did Thranduil consciously wait until Legolas would not have to look at him before asking the awkward question I wonder? Knowing Adar he did. Also no need for scolding the lesson has already been learned by both sons and very painfully too. Ithilden not in control how will he manage? Still Alfirin having seen him at his weakest and most needy will never be afraid of his more dominant personality traits she knows he needs her quiet strength and now it seems so does he Simply lovely although I read the dreaded word of maybe only one more chapter more tears!

Bodkin · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Ahh - Ithilden and Alfirin. He's actually managed to speak to her! And she stroked his hair! I bet Legolas didn't mention Ithilden slapping him - a) embarrassing and b) sneaking. I don't expect he mentioned shooting the spiders himself either - a)boasting and b) shooting near another person. Children that age are so funny - they cannot tell the difference between actions that will be approved / disapproved. Thranduil is a super-adar. He is dealing with both of them very well. And Gwaleniel is clearly good as healing and parenting. Lovely chapter. More!

Hisie Lome · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Daw, I am so pressed for time this evening... thus a very short review. Well done. I loved how Legolas was full of guilt, terror, and pain and his adar was so comforting. I loved how Ithilden was full of concern for his baby brother. I loved how Gwaleniel did not broke warrior nonsense and yet was able to be tender and reasonable to Legolas. I loved how Ithilden tried to be strong, only to lose control. Alfirin will be such a blessing to Ithilden...he will need to regain his footing. You have woven a fine peace. I look forward to more. Thank you for all of your hard work... Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome

Karri · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Terrific chapter, daw. Thranduil handled Legolas well.

erunyauve · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Wonderful! I can't think of a better nurse for Ithilden than Alfirin. If he weren't so wretchedly sick, this could be a rather enjoyable experience for him. And Legolas is adorable in this chapter. Obviously, this is one of those situations in which the crime has already handed out its own punishment, but it also proves the adage that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Legolas has learned quite a bit about his brother's wisdom.

esamen · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Thranduil had to move further away from the bed to get out of the way, drawing a clinging Legolas with him. He sat down in a chair against the wall, pulled Legolas between his knees, and wrapped his arms around the child. So many gorgeous moments in this chapter! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the first line about Thranduil with his son in his arms, kicking in the infirmary door . . . and then this one where he's cuddling Legolas . . . and the bath scene was so beautifully tender! Are you going further with this story? Are Ithilden and Alfirin going to spend more time together? Can't wait . . .!!!

Ms. Whatsit · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Heh. I just knew Ithilden's getting hurt would be the catalyst for a romance with Alfirin. That last part was very sweet. And we got to see Thranduil being a good father and taking care of poor, guilty little Legolas and worrying about Ithilden. Thranduil's quite perceptive--doesn't miss much, does he, even when Legolas is not in the mood to talk about certain subjects. I like Gwaleniel. She's very no-nonsense and won't take any warrior's stoicism from Ithilden.

rikki · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Do elves have angels? 'Cause I think Ithilden just found his. What a sweet chapter in all this chaos. Thranduil must have ridden like the wind to get back to the palace. And then to run to the Healing rooms to find a healer rather than call them to the palace is a good indication of what he is feeling for his eldest son. The training that Legolas has had with Gwaleniel shows up here too. Though he is distressed, Legolas can give coherent replies about the treatment that Ithilden has received so far which is a relief for the seriousness of this illness. Otherwise, Gwaleniel would be trying to give Ithilden more antidote and getting liquid down a person who is unconscious is very difficult. Legolas also shows a surprising jump in maturity here. He may have protested about leaving Ithilden and staying in the Healing rooms, but he was very forthcoming about telling Thranduil about what really happened out in the woods. He could have kept quiet until Ithilden was awake again, but he took the initiative to come clean to his Adar. Though Thranduil has had to raise Legolas on his own, he has done a good job in giving Legolas the strengths and honesty he will need in the future. Now if both sons could be in the same room or Thranduil could duplicate himself! He is going to be one tired Adar keeping up with all the nightmares these sons are going to have. It is a good thing Alfirin is on hand. What a way to say Ithilden got to know his future wife.

Tapetum Lucidum · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

The ride to the infirmary must have been one of the longest of Thranduil's life. No pressure Gwaleniel. "He protested." "Evidently." LOL - I imagine his youngest had a screaming, cursing fit and there was no way in Morgoth that Legolas was staying in the palace. Thranduil was wise not to send the hysterical elfling away. The guard was obviously not a parent but Gwaleniel is a master of motherhood. She handled the young one well and gleaned the necessary information with little trauma. "I had to get it," not a lie but not the entire truth. What a little diplomat. I am glad you let him stay with his brother. It would of been devastating for him to have to leave. His little bath scene with his Adar was very sweet. Legolas definitely needed a little TLC. The confession will do a lot to calm the poor little guy. Thranduil did a good job listening without being judgemental. I liked how supportive he was and the compliments to his courage will go far. It is amazing how fast a kid can fall asleep. Your elven dreams are always very scary. I loved how Ithilden's first word upon wakening was Legolas. He is a great big brother. Apparently nightmares are contagious - at least when you are thoroughly traumatized. I am sure Thranduil is ready to have the pair in the same room for a while. Something finally went right for Ithilden - he got some alone time with Alfirin. H/C is a great way to start a relationship!

LOTRFaith · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Ithilden and Alfrin are so cute....:-) I am very happy to read that the two Thranduillions are now safe and are out of harms way.. Poor Legolas... The guilt and terror... Him being scared about ending up like Nana was heartbreaking.... and the whole nightmares... It really showed how much Ithilden loves Legolas no matter how much Legolas is a pest... lol.. I could take some serious lessons;-) Great chapter~

Nilmandra · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In the Infirmary

Another review that will be stuck in queue for a bit :/ Ada!Thranduil comes through nicely in this chapter. He is as calm, cool and collected as he can be, despite not knowing what has happened. I can only imagine what he must be thinking after finding one son covered in spider blood and webbing, and then the other son poisoned by spider venom from bites. Illness, nightmares and children on the edge - but Adar stays calm through it. I like Alfirin being with Ithilden, too. He'll be thinking if she still is interested in him after holding him while he vomits, she is the elleth for him!