Reviews (239)

Bodkin · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

It strikes me that, as parents go, Thranduil and Lorellin made an excellent combination. Thranduil provided the authority and defended the boundaries with resolution and Lorellin provided understanding and explanation. Poor little Legolas has missed out on that side of parenting - Thranduil does his best, but he just doesn't think in terms of sugaring his edicts in ways elflings understand. However, he is great to have around in a crisis. You could see the relief oozing out of Legolas when Adar turned up - nothing bad could possibly happen now his father was on the case. I was thinking about Turgon - (the things that I do when I'm driving!) - I get the feeling that Legolas felt sorry for him as much as he envied him. Turgon could do more or less what he wanted not because his parents trusted him, but because they failed to take any responsibility for his upbringing. Legolas gets a bit tired of his father's discipline, but deep down he understands and appreciates the values his father is trying to instil in him. Had Turgon not been killed, Legolas would always have remained fond of him, but he would have learned to see him for what he was - the duty-bound and disciplined adult Legolas would have been exasperated by Turgon's inability to live up to the ideals of the Mirkwood warrior. PS: It would be nice to see more of the adult Annael. And the younger Gelmir.

French Pony · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

It strikes me that an antivenom that makes you throw up is not an especially effective medicine, because you throw up the medicine and then it can't work any more. I know that ipecac is supposed to make you throw up, but that's for swallowed poisons, and anyway, I heard that you're not supposed to use ipecac any more. I always heard that if you get snakebit, you're supposed to suck out the poison (which led to a great bit of comedy in Woody Allen' "Bananas"), but maybe that's not such a good idea if you're spiderbit. Just how far along the deer trail did Legolas get before the spiders attacked? If they were fairly close, it would seem that he and Ithilden were in danger no matter if he wandered off or not. And I think that in any event, the deer is history. The spiders must be especially hungry, if they're still going after more meat than just the deer. And now Ada has arrived, and everything will be Okay. This reminds me of a story I once heard about two Eskimos who were out hunting on snowmobiles. They went out onto a lake that they thought was completely frozen, but the ice cracked underneath them and dumped them both into freezing water. One Eskimo managed to get to shore, but the other was left out in the middle of the lake clinging to a bit of snowmobile. The Eskimo who made it to shore walked seven miles in the freezing cold, wet, to get help for his friend, while the Eskimo in the water stayed alive by literally convincing himself that the freezing water he was in was warm. Most people die after thirty minutes in the water, but thi Eskimo stayed alive for three hours till help came. If Ithilden could try a trick like that, say, convincing himself that the venom is harmless, that would be a very good thing for him.

Kalima · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Father and Sons

Hey, Daw, good stuff! I usually don't start reading fics unless they're finished (sometimes I start them inadvertently, thinking they are one-chapter stories), but I'm enjoying this and will read as I can. I just capture and release spiders in my home, but I admit that the big ones really "creep me out," as my son might say. And tolkien's giant ones would terrify me. I could hardly stand the movie scene with Shelob. Good choice of dangers! (If your aim is to give your readers some interesting nightmares, but hey! We come here for the emotional roller coaster ride, do we not?)

Elena Tiriel · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

Thank you, Daw! You could have ended the chapter with Ithilden lying there unconscious, and Legolas running for help, and no one knowing if either would survive. I'm so glad you're not that cruel. (Although, I'm sure Ithilden is still in for a bit of discomfort...) I just love how each of them is getting a bit more realistic view of the other... especially Ithilden finally realizing that Legolas is just a child! Imagine that! - Barbara

nessie · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

At first I thought that Thranduil was riding to their campsite after having a heart attack from when Ithilden got hurt, but it turned out he was just going on his evening ride on a different path. Lucky too! Loved this chapter! Update asap! No matter how fast an author updates, I always put that there. ~nessie~

vic · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

Daw, You really are intent on bringing me to tears every time I read one of your chapters! This was just magnificent. I had an idea that our favourite father will not be too far away, but you really outdid yourself. Poor little mite running for help was so touching. I could hear the deep, steading voice of his instructors, the comforting presence of his Ada... *sob* I loved that Thranduil showed up and took care of his sons. He must have been just beside himself to see his elfling at the breaking point. What I really loved though, was this "Thranduil hesitated for only a second and then smiled at his gallant baby." That was it for me. Had to get up and run for tissues! Thank you very much for posting so quickly and not torturing your faithful readers for too long! Vic

Karri · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

Terrific chapter, Daw.

Manderly · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

So glad you updated so soon, but my heart was left pounding again. Legolas was very brave, touchingly so, but I am sure both his brother and father will not soon forget his frightened face. Thranduil to the rescue! That's even better than an entire army of Mirkwood warriors. At least that's what I think went through Legolas' mind when he saw his adar. The indestructible big brother is down and out so who better to take over than the even more indestructible Ada? A very exciting and moving chapter!

LOTRFaith · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Courage

Well I think I can live with Thranduil coming to the rescue rather than Eilian:-D I am very heartened to read that the two Thranduilions are safe... Hopefully Ithilden will recover soon:-) Poor Legolas... The sheer terror he must feel, not to mention some guilt most likely... And hopefully a lesson learned;-) Even if it is the hard way...

Any · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Well, congrats, Ithilden for your great deal of perceptiveness at the end of this chapter! Yes, Legolas is a child - and that's exactly what Thranduil told you before you left, you ignorant *argh*! MEN! ;) *LOL* Daw, this chapter was so great!!! You know how much I like Heroic!Legolas-stuff and this chapter was very much a Heroic!Legolas one :) But, both the brothers were brave, not only Legolas, and I loved Ithilden to death when he saved Legolas from the spiders' web! However, I think I loved Legolas even more for shooting the last spider before it could get his big bro! I don't want to know what would have happened to Ithilden if Legolas hadn't shown up the moment he did. This chapter was also very touching. Little Legolas loves Ithilden with all his heart and is so afraid to lose his brother he rather risks running back to their camp on his own and maybe getting killed on the way there than to succumb to his own fears and simply break down, crying. I think Ithilden gets his first real glimpse of the brave and strong-willed warrior Legolas will be one day. Nonetheless Legolas is still very much a little child, who cries in fear, who seeks the protection of his big brother and who even has to think of his Ada to calm himself down. That was so cute! :) I'm really looking forward to the next chapter and I hope that there'll be some trouble within the army back at home right now, so they have to find Ithilden very soon!!! :) ~Any

caz - baz · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

poor, little legolas, and i feel sorry for Ithilden - personally i hate little children. Snotty noses, mood swings, impudence and man can they be antagonising. i don't blame Ithilden for loosing his temper with him. Man, if that was my little sister i would have been in such a mood; like last night she took the key with her so no one could open the door and i was locked out for 3 hours - i was lucky i could get into the garage to get my coat or i would have been frozen - then i ask her to let me watch my t.v programme i watch each week and she just had to antagonise me when i'm in the middle of my exams, i'm starting to wonder if my friends stess less pills work! Then i get told off cause she's the little one. yeah, i was just a bit pissed to put it mildly.

Dragon-of-the-North · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Those were two very good chapters once again! Ithilden really needs to learn a thing or two about dealing with children, as it appears... The spider scene was very gripping and well-written, and I felt very sorry for both Legolas and Ithilden - but in the very end, this adventure might be good for them and their relationship. I had to smile a bit - it seems Legolas always ends up rescuing his elder brothers from the dangers of Mirkwood, be it orc-wounded Eilian or spider-bitten Ithilden... ;-) But his reactions here were very convincing - "brave child" indeed. But going back to the camp and waiting for the home guard seems like the right strategy now... I hope they manage to get there. And of course, Thranduil might be in for yet another heart attack... I really admire him - King of Mirkwood AND father of those three troublemakers... *He* might need a day off some time! ;-D No, honestly - this is still very good and a most enjoyable read! :-)

lwarren · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

"Clickety-click, clickety-click" *shudder* "Young and tender." "Food for the babies. Juicy food." YUCKYUCKYUCK! *runs for the bug spray - oops, the arachnid spray!;) Really, daw, must you? *sigh*...I suppose you must :) This was one tense, terrifying, terrific chapter. I had been wondering how the antidote was going to fit into things...I must admit I thought Ithilden and Legolas were too close to the palace to be in danger from *shiver* spiders...which, of course, is what I get for thinking! I imagined more of a patrol being attacked and in great need of the antidote, and Legolas having tampered with it somehow. Should have known better! Soooooo....now Legolas will be faced with the reality of his rash decisions...and Ithilden has already made the discovery that -SHOCK!- Legolas is a child!!!! :0 Learning all around - and it's hard lessons for all. By now, if things run true to form, I guess Thranduil is having a heart attack as he realizes something is dreadfully wrong with Ithilden and Legolas is in the middle of it! (Terrific touch - Legolas using Thranduil's voice to calm himself!) *sigh* Update please? Soon? I swear, everything I've read lately has ended with an evil cliffie....it must be a conspiracy... ;) linda

Estel_Mi_Olor · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

AH! I had just written a beautiful review, but my insane computer deleted it. *Clenches fists so as not to strangle anyone in the vicinity* That was an excellent chapter. I never expected spiders to come though. Poor Ithilden, two bites! At least he had the foresight to bring the antidote along. Legolas is so reckless! But then again Ithilden can't expect him to behave like an adult, as he belatedly realized at the end of this chapter. The Home Guard may not even show up that day at all! I am sorry, but I am furious at my computer and I can't write anything remotely encouraging at this time. Your chapter was great, and I'll try to leave another review at some other time. I need some time away from this infernal machine, or I will break it. Keep writing! I can't wait to see how Legolas deals with this rather difficult situation!

Justafan · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Ohmigosh, you left us hanging! Good thing I already know that Ithilden goes on to lead lots more warriors and has a son and stuff. Otherwise I'd be really worried, him being bitten twice by poisonous spiders. The ending was a nice touch with Ithilden's realization about Legolas's age. Thanks!

Antigone Q · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

I liked the title of this chapter "A Brother's Help." Legolas and Ithilden are going to have to rely on each other for a while now, it seems. The beginning of the story was nicely done. It was good to see Legolas' perspective after seeing so much of what his brother thought. I notice at the beginning of the chapter Ithilden and Legolas apologize for losing their respective tempers but don't truly realize that their own behaviors might have been part of the problem; Legolas knows that "shut up!" was not appropriate; Ithilden knows spanking his younger brother was not appropriate, but both of them are so fixated on the other's behavior that they can't see their own parts in causing the blow up. I see Legolas learned something from Eilian earlier, though: Legolas remembers Eilian almost word for word, stops, and takes the time to think back to see if he "feels guilty for at least some of his behavior." But lo! Just when we thought Legolas and Ithilden might turn around and go home, the spiders come to test the mettle of the brothers and help them to work together! I think each will see the other a little more clearly in an emergency. Ithilden - hallelujah!- finally sees that his brother is just a little boy. Hopefully, Legolas also sees how important it is to listen to his brother to stay safe. And since both brothers tend to do pretty well in hard situations, maybe they will encounter each other's better qualities now. I did like Legolas hearing Thranduil's voice in his mind while trying to stay calm. That was a great touch. Okay, I've reviewed. I'm ready for an update now! Please? Soon? You've left us with a sort of medium-sized evil cliffie. And can Ithilden please give Legolas a hug? He looks like he needs one.

sofia · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

How exciting. I really HATE spiders.... and I cant imagine being next to one who's big and fat and talks. Elves are brave!

tigerlily713 · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Legolas always seems to arrive in the nick of time, doesn't he? Great chapter! I look forward to seeing how Ithilden and Legolas work their way out of this situation.

Bodkin · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

You are just so good at this!! 'Of course he does not follow orders. He is a child.' Lovely bit of perception there! Always comes at the best moment, doesn't it? I suppose Ithilden was too paralysed to get to the dagger in his own boot - just as well he confiscated Legolas's. I'm a bit worried - 'he should have known Turgon was right' - Legolas, Turgon is never right. More! More soon! You can't leave them in crisis.

The Karenator · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Wow! That was exciting! Since it's a well known fact that Daeron and I share an extreme dislike for eight-legged critters, I spent my time reading this while swatting at imaginary 'things' crawling all over me. *shudder* You did such a good job of describing the spiders! They were so nasty! "Young and tender" and "Tougher"....if that doesn't give you the creepy-crawlies then you're a far braver minstrel than I am. The action was quick and so easy to visualize. I'm always picking out favorite lines and one of my favorites this time was when Legolas was thinking about how bossy Ithilden had been and how as a commander of the troops that was reassuring, but as a brother, it was quite a bother. He said: "But Ithilden was not in command over him!" I could hear a kid saying to someone, "You're not the boss of me!" Such a good kid line...with a Mirkwood spin. After I read this, I had to run off for a doctor's appointment...nothing but refills on allergy meds...and found I sat in the waiting room trying to figure out how to help Legolas get Ithilden back to camp. Even with two doses of anti-venom, it's going to be close. The size difference of big brother/little brother is quite daunting. I thought of dragging him on a cloak...but no cloak that I recall, or making a travois...might be a bit much for a little guy to make or pull. I can't wait to see how Legolas manages this big old hunk of an Elf back to camp. BTW, did Thranduil nearly fall out of his chair when he got the twang on his bond with Ithilden? Being a parent, I think I shared a few sympathy twitches with the king for his son. It's even worse to know something is wrong, but not know what it is. It's bad enough that he knows something is wrong with one son, but to also know that that son is in charge of a younger one is rather jarring to one's day. You've built the suspense, the hope of help is small, and we're all on the edge of our seats. I hope this won't be the time you get sidetracked and don't update for a while. :>) Really exciting and well done chapter, daw. Looking forward to more. Karen

esamen · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Something hissed softly overhead: “Young and tender.” Oooh, this is VERY scary. Talking spiders! What a marvellous imagination! Just love it! and I like the touch about Elves who have been bitten falling unconcious and looking as if they are dead. Reminds me of Shelob and Frodo. Can't wait for the next update. You are sure moving along on this one. Thanks!

Ms. Whatsit · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Uh-oh... Poor Ithilden--poor injured, vulnerable, in-need-of-antidote-and-comfort Elf...*sigh* I'm getting the impression that Ithilden will need a healer. Or perhaps the healer's daughter. If her name was Alfirin, that wouldn't hurt either. ;) Legolas is such a brave kid. I'm still on his side in the fight--Ithilden can't expect an adolescent to act like a seasoned, obedient warrior. I'm also with Legolas in missing Eilian! He's definitely one of my favorite LotR OCs. That whole spider scene was chilling--especially the "Young and tender" part. Come to think of it, I've seen so few spiders-in-Mirkwood stories--most people concentrate on Orcs, though spiders are freakier in a way. And Legolas imagining Thranduil to calm him down was very cute. Good Adar Thranduil is always there, even when he's not, it seems!

Kristy · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

I really liked this chapter! I'm continually amazed by your grasp of the young person's thought process! I'm so glad they both apologized to each other! Ithilden sure is getting an education on his leave isn't he? Those spiders scare the beejeezus out of me. I don't even want to think about seeing one in real life. " He does not understand a great deal of what he encounters, and he does not even know he does not understand." I think that perfectly describes the adolecent's life. They are so frustrated with us because they don't realize that they just don't get it and can't figure out why we don't see things the way they do. Things like this spider attack begin to point out just how un-grown up they are (well to the smart ones) In addition to all these deep thoughts, I'm just enjoying the heck out of reading this story!

Elentari · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Just reading your other reviews I came along this: ***I'm sitting here trying to think if I've ever had Legolas be the one who was seriously wounded and I just realized that I don't think I have. It's always been the brothers. How odd, given that he's younger and less experienced. I'll have to remedy that! I expect that Legolas learned enough in the infirmary that he knew that big dose of antidote was unusual. And he's seen people with spider bites. Poor thing. **** In fact, you have. In The tides of Time, Legolas was hit by a falling tree while cutting them to constrain a fire in Celuwen's settlement. He broke his feet and had a concussion. Unconscious a day or two. Daddy thrandy left off The White Council in a hurry because he felt his son was in grave danger. that happened with Eillian, too (more often than Thranduil would like, i'm sure) So I'm fairly sure he'll know about Legolas and Ithilden soon enough.

Elentari · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 5: A Brother's Help

Bloody hell! I was crying on that one! it's so full of suspense and so heartbreaking. I must say my heart bled out for legolas and his (very little) newfound insight of what Ithilden is. I am, however, very glad they do seem to try and figure the other out. And also extremely relieved that they both apologised. (even if said apology could have been a tad mroe elaborate. But oh, maybe I am asking too much. ) Legolas crying in fear for his brother is one priceless image.