Reviews (21)

mystarlight · 1 July 2019 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Great chapter.

Jebb · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

I so much enjoyed this story and the affection between the trio was lovely it seems Eilian started on his hopeless ampaign of thinking he could fool his father early in life and never learned any better! It was interesting to see Celuwyn on the cusp of womanhood with a foot in both camps so to speak thank you

The Karenator · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

What a nice little slice of Mirkwood life. This age is such an interesting one, but also one that can be quite distressing. Celuwen is suddenly moving toward feminine likes, but isn't ready to give up the tomboy life yet either. I hope she never does give up it up completely. It'll come in handy...since I just happen to know her future. Eilian was always quite a rascal. He'd better hope no one misses those knives. He's going to be in enough trouble since we know the masters have alerted the palace to his absence from training. Even understanding naneths have their limits. He might not want to depend on her to bail him out of hot water everytime he takes off on one of his adventures. This little slice does give us a little more sympathy for Solith, however. He was young once, too, ya know. :>) A fun read, daw and as always, so well done! Karen

Lera · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

That was fun. I enjoyed seeing Celuwen and Isiwen joking around with Solith. Thus far we had only been irritated by his interferance in our favorite romance! Eilien, Eilien. You know I reread The Novice, so I was thinking about Turgon and I realized he and Eilien are really quite alike. If Eilien didn't have the parents he did, he might have been as uncontrollable as Turgon. But they're both friendly, likeable, loyal, adventurous, don't think about consequences. All I can say is thank God for Thranduil. We love Eilien far too much for him to have as sad a fate as Turgon did. I thought it was really sweet that he gave her a gift. I guess I can understand fathers wishing their daughters wouldn't spend as much time with boys, but really boys can make the best friends(and Eilien and Celuwen really are friends right now I think). It is always interesting to see what led up to events and made people what they are. And it's always good to see Gelmir. I like him very much.

Dot · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

What a lovely surprise it was to find this in my inbox today. And it’s a great pressie for Nilmandra, even if you did make her work as well;) I have to say, it was a bit strange reading about a little elleth – I think I’m too used to the more masculine outlook we normally see in your stories! It sounds like it’s not the first time Celuwen’s parents wished she behaved more like a lady. Sólith is quite funny. He *really* doesn’t like Eilian, does he? Still, at this stage I suppose he’s like any father whose daughter is growing up and who feels she’s spending far too much time with the local boys. I might have asked before, but how old is Sólith? I’m just beginning to think that he has a problem with Thranduil even more so than Eilian. I did enjoy seeing him with his family, though – they seem quite close-knit and he even lets them joke with him! I suppose the stress of settlement problems were far off in the future. But I did think it was a bit mean giving the poor girl porridge on her begetting day! I loved seeing the three young elves together. They’re still at an age where they can be completely carefree. Eilian is a right little trouble-maker! I thought it was quite amusing that unlike Legolas, Eilian doesn’t have a friend who leads him astray, but rather he is the one who leads others astray. He seems well used to slipping things out of the palace and doesn’t seem at all fazed by the thought that he could be caught – probably because Nana is at home to protect him… I admit I had to laugh at the part where Celuwen thinks about how she likes elaborate games. Doesn’t that just sum up almost her *entire* future??! I’m glad Celuwen won the game against Eilian. I cheered her on a little when she stepped forward. And Eilian made me smile when he congratulated her, even though he must have been a little embarrassed or at least disappointed. “We are well matched,” Eilian said. Hmmn, I’m not even going to comment on that one…! “My adar is coming.” Yeah, I knew those two had skipped training. Still, I’d like to think that it really was because Eilian wanted to give her some fun on this day rather than just being bored with training. I thought it was hilarious when Gelmir’s mother berates him for allowing himself to be talked into these things – there must be quite a long list of parents who think Eilian is a bad influence! How lovely that he gave her a gift. It says a lot that he knew she’d like it and so went to all the trouble of polishing it to make it look pretty. I thought it was a perfect gift for their age group too – not real ‘adult’ jewellery but still grown-up enough for her and special because so much thought obviously went into it. I liked the little comment about it not going with her “delicate looking dress” – it’s not part of the “young lady” but rather belongs to the carefree maiden who climbs trees, throws knives and wades through rivers with Eilian. I thought this was a great insight into the time just before they leave childhood behind. Celwen is clearly becoming more aware of herself and of her friends. I thought it was really interesting that she realises she can’t really protect Eilian but decides that she’ll still be his friend, even if it’s difficult to watch him learn his lessons the hard way. I like too the way she seems to separate her life, and won’t allow the different parts to overlap. She seems to feel that sometimes she really does need the company of females but at the same time is irresistibly drawn towards Eilian and already allows him occupy a space that no-one else does. This was a lovely character study, daw. I know it was for Nilmandra, so thank you for sharing it with the rest of us too:)

Hisie Lome · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Happy Birthday Nilmandra! Daw, you did it again.... Nice take on the end of childhood. Comfy clothes and getting dressed up. Don't all females think like that? I generally do not wear flowing gowns when I am hiking... I loved how much respect Solith showed towards the royal and a future warrior of the realm...two wild fools! LOL! Was this elf just born bitter and judgemental? Think like a fish and brains, well of course! Let's count all the things that these "elflings" could possibly be in trouble for today: skipping classes, wasting the weapons' masters time,dishonesty, wet clothes,taking knives,getting pitch on knives,putting an ellyth in danger, hiding in a tree- when you knew better!, general poor judgement .... Does it seem that it is not the "elfings" but Eilian that will be getting the brunt of this lecture? And thinking that he could possible get his Naneth to cover for him? Perhaps she would understand and could soften the king. (But then again, evil parental units tend to stick together on these sorts of things) Once the elder begins to fume, we may as well throw in trashed bedroom and not learning from the last 3 times we have had this same conversation. I liked that Celuwen and Eilian are true friends, and he is willing to get into deep water to have fun with her on this day. Just a little glimse into the future. How sweet that he gave her a gift even if it is unconventional in their society. Polishing a stone could not be that easy, this shows commitment and a willingness to make her happy. Nice qualities indeed. Yep, Eilian really will do things his own way. The last bit was nice...Pushing away her childish hair ornaments and laying aside her new necklace...not wearing it just yet. There would be time later. Again thanks for all of your hard work, Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome

Duchess · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

A wonderful vignette! I love seeing Eilian's childhood misadventures, so this was a darling one, considering it included Celuwen. *vbg* I wonder what Eilian's punishment was for that bit of mischief... LOL As always, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful imagination with us. *vbg*

Bodkin · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

What a lovely story. These are not OCs; they are the family Tolkien just never got round to writing about - (probably just as well - you do them better). You can't say Celuwen didn't know what she was letting herself in for when she married Eilian - even in adolescence she seems to have a pretty good understanding of his character. 'We are well matched,' Eilian said. Lovely bit of dramatic irony, there. I feel for Gelmir - always loyally following Eilian into trouble. Does he have an adar? I only recall mention of a mother. Glad to see Solith being consistent - although a lot of fathers of 'teenage' girls would prefer them to stop playing with boys - (after all, who better than a father to understand what goes on in the mind of an adolescent boy!)

French Pony · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Ahh, what a delightful thing to sit down to after a frenzied evening of cooking. Three hundred people are coming to town to sing tomorrow, and they'll all want to be fed, and I am Doing My Bit. But the salads have been made, the bread is defrosting, and the pie is in the oven, and I have time to read a charming story. It sounds like these kids are about one begetting day away from figuring out that they're male and female. Celuwen is starting to think about lacy underwear and putting her hair up, and the boys are growing taller. This is probably the last year that they'll play together like "just pals," which gives this story that little extra Tolkien-ish touch of wistfulness. Props to you, by the way, for showing Celuwen growing up and being intrigued by the idea of ladyhood, rather than ranting and railing against it, as so many other authors have their young adolescent female characters do. Eilian is so funny. I'll bet that, had he and Gelmir asked to have the day off to celebrate Celuwen's begetting day, they would have had permission, no problemo. But no, not our Eilian. He has to play hooky and nick Ada's knives and get himself into deep doo-doo. I'm sure it's more fun that way. Stolen fruit tastes sweetest and all that. Where do the Wood Elves get their books? Do they have binderies right there in Mirkwood, or are they trade goods from Lake Town? It strikes me that a real bound book might be a valuable gift, quite appropriate for Sólith to give to the daughter he clearly dotes on. Lace doilies and finger cakes? Whose idea was that? The finger cakes sound okay, but lace doilies? Oh well. They're young, and they'll grow out of that soon enough.

Ms. Whatsit · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Yay, new story! I really, really like the way you've written Celuwen. She's friends with boys and still likes to be ladylike and have tea parties, but only when it suits her, because she has to be able to go throw knives when she feels like it! I also like Solith complaining that his daughter insists on playing with that Eilian boy rather than finding some nice harmless ellyth (if only he knew that his worst fears would come to pass...) :D I love all the banter between Eilian, Gelmir and Celuwen, esp. the making fun of the tea party and poor Toviel. And I like Eilian's reaction to Celuwen beating him--he's a bit disgruntled at first, but Eilian really wouldn't hold a grudge for something like that. I also think it's very sweet that Eilian and Gelmir cut class for Celuwen's b-day. When Eilian said it was "fortunate" that he had a day off so conveniently, I was all "uh-oh..." I think I say that a lot while reading your stories! Luckily Lorellin's still around and can possibly cover for him. I also like the present he gave Celuwen. And I guess the next chapter will be about the tea-party. Frankly, Celuwen and doilies and ladylike ellyth sound like a disaster waiting to happen, so I bet it will be interesting.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Congratulations, Daw, on another great fic. How do you manage to write them so quickly? And your OC's were very well done, and fit in completely with the original characters. I have become so involved in your writing that I am beginning to see Eilian and Ithilden as original Tolkien characters! I loved the setting of this fic, the unsettling years after childhood and before adulthood, adolescence. Good grief look at me, I sound like some politcally correct health teacher-they are big bad teenagers! I also liked Eilian's gift to Celuwen. Let me see if I got the symbolism straight: the new chemise represents a delicate maiden, which Celuwen will grow into be. The stone necklace represents the child Celuwen, who played with Eilian and Gelmir more often that with other ellyth. Since Celuwen put the necklace in the back of her drawer with other childish baubles, she has chosen to grow up and be a maiden. There, was that semi-correct? I love looking for hidden meaning, but sometimes, I rather overdo it. Let me know. Thanks again for this fic, and I eagerly await a new one from you. (Probably in record time, too).

Rose Sared · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Only you, only you could make a story with almost entirely OC's as readable as any engrossing fan-fic. i am very jealous! Lovely tale with some nice back story,I do like your elves, they are so real. Do it more, do it often. Rose

sofia · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Oh, how cute. At first, I thought Eilian and Gelmir didnt know about her begetting day, but then it made sense. I wonder if she still has the necklace. -sofia

Elena Tiriel · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Oh, and I forgot to mention: I just *love* that Eilian and Gelmir played truant to play with Celuwen on her begetting day! Their loyalty and friendship to her are touching... - Barbara

Elena Tiriel · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Lovely story, Daw! I like it! Ahhh, the pre-teen/teenage years, when everything gets so... awkward... and confusing... (and knickknacks keep getting in the way of elbows... that's a memory I could have done without, thank you very much.) - Barbara former Tomboy wannabe and still a lover of comfortable clothes, even if the rest of the world doesn't think them seemly for a woman... P.S. Spotted a typo: *Gemir* and Eilian were her best friends, but they could be exhausting.

lwarren · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

An excellent little peek at two of your characters I have become quite fond of. Elian is so adept at getting himself into tight spots, but Celuwen seems more than able to keep up, even tho' she wishes he'd use some common sense. :) ! Adolescence is such a tough time - I almost moved up to teach a grade of adolescents, but regained my sanity in the nick of time! LOL My heart goes out to the parents of those three...they keep the elders on their toes, don't they? Great little story - three cheers for Celuwen beating Elian at his own game *bg*. Any more little jewels like this in hiding somewhere, hmmmm? ;) (Hope springs eternally...) linda (Happy birthday to Nilmandra...)

nessie · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Awww! Was Legolas born yet in this one? So, what's the human age for an Elf that's 35? Glad you posted another story, get writing on a new one fast! Loved this! I love Gelmir too! But sometimes I want him to best Eilian at something, but what do you think it would be? Well anyhoo, gotta go pack for Wisconsin! ~nessie~

tigerlily713 · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

I hope this is not a one-shot, I am very much enjoying this innocent and fun side of our little soldiers. Great job, Lily

Tapetum Lucidum · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

That was a fun, relaxing day. Good job building on Celuwen and Eilian's relationship. They clearly started out as buddies and their relationship grew from there. I think my favorite thing was that Gelmir's mother considered Eilian the troublemaker. He is Gelmir's Turgon. That had me cracking up! I hope she wears the chemise for Eilian before too long...

Manderly · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

That was so wonderful! I can almost feel the raging hormones as I read the story. The awkwardness of adolescent is so bittersweet. Eilian and Celuwen are made for each other, both are blessed (or cursed if you are their parents) with the devil may care attitude. I can't quite remember, but was there a point in your stories at which they both realize that they are in love with each other? You'd think I should be able to answer that question myself as I have read and re-read all your stories so many times, but senility strikes. Apparently Celuwen is quite skilled with knives. I think she would have made a good warrior. Do elleths train as warriors? I wonder.

Nilmandra · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Celuwen's Begetting Day

Thank you! This is a most wonderful birthday present. And I think it most appropriate, considering Celuwen is my Middle-earth alter ego. From someone who still likes to play in the mud, grew up playing with boys, and always liked pretty things, I find this a most perfect way to spend the day. I find it charming that Eilian and Gelmir will risk trouble to spend the morning with her, although I would, like Celuwen, wish to scold Eilian for doing things that constantly get him in trouble. But, that is also what makes Eilian, Eilian :-)