Reviews (78)

Dot · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Great chapter. I was hoping Sarien would win! I love the idea that anyone could enter the competition and not be put off by lack of skill. It gives a sense of the children learning archery due to enjoyment of the sport rather than out of necessity to be trained for battle, which must be a joy to Legolas. “Thank you, Your Highness.” *cringe* It seems that the child who was so eager to have the archery competition delayed because of his position as the king’s son isn’t too thrilled when he realises that this very position entails his friends calling him by his title. It must be very strange the first time this happens, especially if he’s grown up around this friend. At least Sarien himself doesn’t seem at all bothered by it. It’s good that Legolas was able to tell him that it was really no big deal and he and Aragorn behave similarly when required and still manage to be the best of friends with no formality at all between them at all other times. I had to laugh at them teasing one another! So we’ve skipped ahead then? I’ll look forward to seeing Eldarion a little older and having to accept more of his duties. Plus children bewilder me! There’s a lovely sense of a deep friendship between Sarien and Eldarion. It sounds as though they’ve taken their training very seriously and have acquired great skills as a result. They keep ducking off to visit the elves? LOL! Actually, I really like the idea that Eldarion feels so comfortable among them because of his own elvish blood and often wants to escape the city for the forest. So he’s “stubborn and wilful”, eh? That doesn’t sound too good in an adolescent. Maybe for a king though – it certainly worked for Thranduil!! I wouldn’t like to be in Aragorn’s shoes, having to tell Eldarion that Sarien is leaving. Faramir’s solution is absolute genius. I love how excited they all are about meeting Thranduil. As am I! Yay! Is he here yet? Is he here yet?

daw the minstrel · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I'm with Faramir. I want to meet the legendary King Thranduil too! It's interesting to see these small moments in Eldarion's life that undoubtedly add up and help to shape his character. So he smiles when his friend wins and really is glad for him. He learns to separate his official role (and title) from his everyday self. And now he's going to have to watch his friend not only leave, but leave to do something he wants to do and can't. Of course, on the other hand, he gets to meet Thranduil! I'll bet the Elvenking could tell him some stories about Legolas that would be entertaining and enlightening.

elliska · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I laughed at Eldarion's reaction to his friend using his title. That is one of the things, seen for the first time, that would be pretty surprising and feel pretty wierd, I'm sure. So Eldarion is a stubborn and willfull child. Gee, I wonder if he came by that honestly and if Elrond will have a vindicated smile on his face when Legolas finally tells him that in Valinor. :) I am looking forward to Thranduil's arrival. There is a lot of potential in that plotline.

Karri · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

A lovely chapter, Jenolas. I very much enjoyed the glimpse of Legolas with his students. :-D

Dot · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Aaw, I do feel bad for Eldarion. I don’t know which was more heart-breaking, the thought of Eldarion checking the gates for anything that might delay his father from attending or the fact that Legolas knows immediately what troubles him because he’s experienced this too. I’m glad Legolas chose to be so honest with the child and with his years of experience can explain that a king’s duties sometimes do have to take precedence over a father’s promise, no matter how much he might wish it otherwise. It’s obvious Legolas accepts this now but there’s still a sense of the disappointment he felt as a child as well as regret that he himself may have let people down because he had to fulfil his own duty. I really like how close to the people the king and queen are. It’s a lovely thought that Arwen entertains the mothers and has come to know them and I just love the idea that Eldarion leads his father around, introducing him to his friends and their fathers. The little son of the king is clearly at ease with this aspect of public life anyway. Eldarion does seem to have learned his lesson. It must have been extremely difficult for him to be left out today and he handled it very maturely. Fair play to the adults for not giving in to him, though! Their insistence that he make amends and learn from his behaviour seems to have paid off. His confidence in his friend is very touching. I have my fingers crossed for this Sarien to win! :-)

fliewatuet · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Eldarion being all eager to help Legolas prepare everything for the archery contest is cute. But in the end, when he has to sit by and watch, it does hurt, no matter how strong his resolve. I am glad that Legolas and Eldarion had time for a little chat and that Eldarion had the chance to learn that he is not the only one to grow up in such a special situation.

elliska · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Poor little Eldarion. Having to sit through the contest would really drive the lesson home. Every child has some experience like this in their past but it is so sad to see for those who love them. And I particularly like Legolas' thoughts when Eldarion says he wants to be a warrior. I am sure that Elrond and Thranduil very much wished for a different world for Aragorn and Legolas. It would be bittersweet for Legolas to hear such ambitions from little Eldarion. A noble pursuit but one he could not possibly wish for him. Looking forward to the next chap!

daw the minstrel · 15 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Eldarion seems to be learning his lesson but it 's a tough one. Legolas is such a good teacher of more than archery.

Bodkin · 15 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

I loved the picture of Eldarion going around his class-mates and introducing his father to their parents. Such a sweet image of Aragorn doing something that involved being a proud parent rather than a sword-wielding superhero of a monarch. Legolas is a really good object lesson for his friend's son - he can teach him so much about - well, everything really. Except perhaps winning the love of a good woman - and Eldarion is a bit young to care about that yet. Eldarion finds teasing a bit hard to take still - probably not on the receiving end of too much. I like his confidence in his friend's victory.

Dot · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

I love these family scenes. Aragorn seems to have a very easy relationship with his son that’s great to see. It’s so sweet to think that they share little playful moments together that they pretend to keep secret from Arwen. Like all mothers, she always knows the truth, of course! It sounds like Aragorn’s trip to Rohan was fun! The parts he remembers anyway… I must say, bravo to Legolas for dealing so well with Eldarion. I thought he was right to persuade Eldarion to apologise in his own time rather than forcing him to say words that he wouldn’t really mean. And I guess honesty is the best policy after all – poor Legolas was genuinely hurt by the fact that Eldarion was angry with him and even though the child would undoubtedly come around eventually, it was probably good for him to know the pain his words had caused. What a lovely image of him sitting on Legolas’ lap while the elf helps him with his toast! Giving Eldarion the job of helping set up the targets was a stroke of genius. Legolas obviously knew it was something that Eldarion would enjoy and that they could do together, and it would also give him some responsibility. Making Eldarion think he had offered to help gives the child a chance to think he is making amends too. A bit of manipulation never went astray, I guess! This seems to be a bit of a learning experience for Legolas too – what a great Ada he’ll make one day! I think that as well as learning how to treat others, Eldarion is starting to learn a little more of what his role as the king’s son means too. Oh, I love Gimli! I bet he’s wishing he could be there to see Legolas’ startled face! :-)

elliska · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

This is wonderful. Legolas' well place rebuke to get Eldarion to realize what he had done was perfect. But I think my favorite line was: “Very well, how can I possibly deny you the chance to tease your best friend, when I enjoy doing the same to mine,” he replied, smiling affectionately at Aragorn who rolled his eyes in exasperation. Too true. I do see Aragorn and Legolas torturing each other just like brothers. The ending was an interesting little cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to the explanantion of that. Great story so far.

elliska · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

If I apologize will you ... That is such a good example of child's logic and it would drve me insane as a parent. I tried that exactly once with my dad before I learned better! It sounds like Eldarion is at a rebellious stage. Unfortunately there are many of them at many different levels. You are right the Legolas would be in a perfect position to help Eldarion if that help would be accepted.

elliska · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

For some reason, I just saw this one. Don't know how it slipped past me. This was a great opening chapter. I like stories about how Legolas and Eldarion might have interacted. Of course they would have. Legolas' story and moral was very well done but unfortunately I think a hurting child would probably have exactly that immediate reaction. Poor Legolas.

JastaElf · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Oh, that's a great chapter! I'm glad they've reconciled... love the fact that Arwen has such a good understanding of the males in her life. (grin) And although he was slightly manipulated into it, I'm glad to see Eldarion getting into the spirit of things by offering to help. That way at least he gets to sort of participate--as a kind of official, no less!--and feel he's part of everything. Thanks for the update!

daw the minstrel · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

I'm glad to see Eldarion's better nature rising to the surface. And making up the archery course would certainly be a good compensation for having to miss the contest. Smart Legolas!

fliewatuet · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy this story. I especially like the fact that you describe Eldarion as a child with all the childish behaviour, not just as a small adult.

Jay of Lasgalen · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Ah, good. I'm glad Eldarion came to his senses at last. Now he has a useful role in the contest, so he won't feel left out, AND he can tease his friend about it! Legolas has found the perect solution. Jay

Bodkin · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Very cleverly done, Legolas. Foot kept down, but Eldarion given a good reason not to mind so much - and shown that all still love him even when he is being a pain. I like Gimli's surprise for Legolas.

Dot · 7 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Oh good, I'm glad you went back to this. Eldarion is a bit of a handfull. I'm going to forgive him to some extent because he's clearly in some pain but still... I like the reference to Arwen at a loss as to why her son is becoming more unreasonable. I guess no mother is quite prepared for the day her sweet child turns into a brat but it must be hard for an elf to deal with a child who has the unpredictable hormones of a human. Wait til the teenage years... Ah, Aragorn is back! I love the way he tells his son that Legolas is not even under *his* rule, not to mind Eldarion's. I thought that Aragorn was very good with him - firm but loving. He really can't have been happy when Eldarion announced "I am the King’s son and he should do as I say!” Eldarion doesn't appear all that repentent to me if he asks his father to delay the contest. Definitely a child with a lesson to learn - but how to teach it? I feel bad for Legolas. He clearly loves Eldarion but must be unused to children's behaviour if he takes his words so much to heart. Darn that soft elven heart of his!I suppose as far as he's concerned, one he loves is angry with him and is hurt by the refusal to grant a request, even though Legolas knows his decision is right. The incident seems to have brought a lot of melancholy to the surface in him. How sad that he is still haunted by the War and the changed person he is now while others, like Faramir, can move on. Actually, what I think I liked most about this chapter is Faramir. It's wonderful to see that he's clearly a part of the family. You write him as respectful, gentle and insightful, which is exactly how I'd picture him. It's great that he seems to have built a friendship with Legolas. I like the idea that he immediately knows where to find the missing elf. I thought it really says a lot about him that he can identify what troubles Legolas and seeks to comfort him. You've created a very easy and open relationship between the two that's a pleasure to read. So, will the two sons of kings reconcile? :-) Sorry this is written in a huge rush - I'm pretending to type up opening hours at work...

Karri · 6 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

The frustration of A&A is understandable. I am glad, though, that Aragorn is being firm. An excellent chapter! (I think this might be a type: “I see in your eyes that your heart remains troubled, but do mot let it.

daw the minstrel · 6 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Liked the subtle little reference to "Aragorn's eyes" when Arwen wakens her son. And poor Eldarion seems to be at a bad stage. I suppose being in pain and disappointed doesn't bring out the best in any of us, let alone in a child.

Tinnuial · 9 August 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Oh dear...poor Legolas... Eldarion has much growing up to do I think. I liked how Legolas is so caring and thoughtful towards Arwen. Every girl should have such a friend!! There will be more chapters, yes? =) I'll be looking forward to those!!

lwarren · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Legolas is such a thoughtful elf, isn't he? I like the way you showed him taking care of Arwen, especially given her advanced pregnancy. So, Ada is not home, and Eldarion decided to try some jumping...and "Uncle" Legolas is trying so hard to make him feel better. Well, I feel sorry for the pain (and guilt) the boy is suffering, but poor Legolas, having to bear the brunt of it, and I doubt he's had too much experience with little ones before. They are hardly logical and reasonable. *vbg* I've had my own kids snap at me in moments of temper, and it DOES hurt, even though they might mean it for a whole five minutes and then forget all about it. Best not to reason with the child, just leave him alone and by all means, let his father take care of any lessons the bratling needs to learn from all of this! :-) Great beginning, jenolas! linda

Bodkin · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

The Legolas / Arwen interaction is just lovely - he is looking after her like a particularly sensitive brother. Eldarion needs to listen to a lot of what Legolas can say, but he is unlikely to find much of it palatable - too much about responsibility for your actions, keeping your word, not abusing your position and so on. Legolas is in such a good position to teach him - things Aragorn did not have to learn as he was never the son of a king. I look forward to more. (PS: You don't stay on a horse by holding on to the reins - it's all in the legs.)

Dot · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Oh, this looks interesting. How clever, to show that this elf and young boy have something so important to their lives in common. How lovely to think that Legolas deliberately travels by night so that he can experience the starlight. I love that the stable boy is used to this, so we know Legolas does it often, and even stays awake so that he can be there when Legolas arrives! Legolas’ concern for Arwen is just wonderful to see. He treats her in a very brotherly way and poor Arwen clearly needs someone to look after her in the absence of her husband. Legolas is so good with Eldarion! I’m glad he pointed out that the horse wasn’t ‘stupid’. I was just about to get annoyed with the child. He seems to get straight to the heart of the matter too: Eldarion broke his promise and disobeyed his father, the fact that he can’t take part in the contest is his own fault and he needs to learn that his position means that he must behave in a certain manner, accepting responsibility for his faults rather than trying to ensure that things happen to suit himself. I thought you wrote Eldarion very well. I really admire people who can write children because I find that so difficult. It’s funny to think that children are essentially the same, be they of Men or Elves and even when that childhood is centuries apart. I really liked Legolas’ little tale. I get the impression that Thranduil handled his errant child very well, focusing on his behaviour rather than his injury. Clearly Legolas learned his lesson. It seems that Arwen was distracted by her son’s injury but while no-one likes to see their child in pain, I think Aragorn might be more inclined to think along the same lines as Thranduil – at least with a little nudge from Legolas, anyway. Then again, he might not appreciate anyone ‘interfering’ with the way they are raising their child. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see… ;-)