Reviews (243)

endorearwen · 12 November 2013 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

I must say, Daw, that I really wish I knew how you manage to write so many truly excellent stories! No matter how often you write a battle scene, the drama remains as captivating to me as if it was the first time I'd ever read about killing Orcs! Your understanding of military life in the Woodland Realm is amazing. I'm constantly fascinated by the way you bring the characters out of the dangerous circumstances you place them in. This is the more brilliant when two different scenes collide to create a sudden unexpected and harrowing response! The rescue scene was so well executed I found it ended too quickly and then I had to re-read the scene in order to get the full scope of all you had described - well done! It was most satisfying to see Eilian in the position of worrying about the safety of one he loved and being unable to prevent the action causing him such distress! Wonderful job of putting the proverbial shoe on the other foot! Perhaps now, Eilian will begin to understand what Thranduil keeps telling him about how precious he is to those who love him and how much fear his impetuous behaviour brings to the family! I'm hoping to see growth in Eilian's character as I move through the last few stories in this series. :-( As always, I'm a hooked fan!

erunyauve · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

I had a sudden urge tonight to catch up on the doings of Legolas and his brothers and their keepers. You know I love the way you write Legolas, but I think my favourite in this story was Alfirin. I like to think of her as the Arwen Tolkien might have written had he not added her to the story at the last minute - she is every bit the elven queen.

Ms. Whatsit · 23 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Hello! I've been out-of-commission as an LotR fan for a while--sorry about the lack of reviews. I really like this story. It's definitely one of my favorites out of all you've written. It's tautly written, full of suspense, exciting and has lots of character development. I'll be moving onto your next one now :).

Elentari (too lazy to sign in) · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Whoa. Just got myself to finish this story in one go and I am still trying to digest it. It is always nice to see the whole crew interacting together, specially the way Celuwen is marking her territory. I think The royals are finally starting to realise what exactly they are dealing with. Soulsearching Thranduil is always touching. I like seeing how he can put himself in Eilian's shoes, even if he neds a little push to get there.

Nelsonia · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Hi Daw! Leaving the paths of the lurking here to congratulate you on the last few stories! I havent reviewed them, I am writing up the Phd and RL has caught up with me big time! I will send you and extended review as soon as I can but just wanted to tell you to keep going! I cant wait to read about what you are writing up next! If I can suggest something and if you have time, it would be great to explore a bit of the family life with Lorellin, I mean we have only had a glimpse (Legolas begetting day) of what it was like when the whole family was together... Please start another one soon...... pretty please? take care Nelsonia

LKK · 15 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Excellent story, daw! Celuwen is unquestionably the best thing to happen to Thranduil and Eilian's relationship since the death of Thranduil's wife. Celuwen is probably the only one in your universe who has a true understanding of what life in the palace and in the settlements is like on a day to day basis. Hopefully she will be able to continue to bring the two closer together. I also enjoyed how she is shaking up the routine in the royal household. Poor Alfrin. Her nice, neat, ordered world isn't quite so neat and orderly right now. LOL It's a shame that Solith missed his son-in-law's heroics. He might have a different impression of him otherwise. I like this depiction of the older Legolas. He is growing into a good blend of both his brothers. He combines their best qualities. Now, if he'll only start believing in himself more. No one seems to doubt Legolas's abilities more than he does. With the possible exception of Thranduil. Oh, wait. Maybe that's part of Legolas's confidence problem .... This story was a wonderful read, daw. Thank you.

emjo · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Great story Daw! I'm glad Thranduil held off on Eilian. And Legolas well as always Legolas is awesome!

caz - baz · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

"Thranduil thought that Alfirin looked horrified by the story that Celuwen had just told them, but she rallied at the idea of feeding someone. She poured a glass of wine and pressed it into Celuwen’s hand." That sounds like my grandma. She stuffs you 'till you can't move and when you say you're full she offeres you everything else she's got in her cupboards. If you're a minute late for a meal you get shot but the slightest hint that you're going to talk about the wrong topic and she changes the subject completely. The food she cooks is brillian but I fear the days I go to her house to eat, just in case I turn out like that man in Monty Python who explodes. It's absolutly tipping it down here I feel so depressed and my brother's in Australia where it's summer. Write a new story soon... Please! caz-baz

Elena Tiriel · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Great story, Daw! I loved seeing how everybody is settling in to their new roles despite all the nail-bitingly tense stuff happening... Legolas is maturing as an officer so well. But having the conversations stop when he walks by must be, at best, bittersweet: yes, the warriors accept him as an officer, but it also cuts him off from their camaraderie and support. It will be terribly difficult for him to lose a warrior to death or injury while he leads a team, so I'm glad this first one turned out well in that respect. Sórion is consulting him about the warriors? Good! I think he is also beginning to feel more secure in his role as captain of this patrol. I love Celuwen. I love Maltanaur. I love Isilwen (especially now after seeing her in action). I like Alfirin. I despise Sólith a *tiny* bit less now (although I'm sorry that Félas died... I'm sure he was a moderating influence on Sólith... Of course, anybody with half a brain would be a moderating influence on him.) (And I liked what's-her-name from Spring Awakenings... and I think Legolas deserves a bit of happiness every once in a while... If you bring her back sometime, I'll help you protect her from her rabid detractors, ;-D though I've never wielded a weapon in my life... don't even have any fingernails left after reading this story.) I'm glad that Ithilden and Thranduil weren't too hard on Eilian -- although Ithilden putting the responsibility for telling Celuwen to cut it out on Eilian wasn't very nice... but I'm sure Eilian will make the best of that heavy responsibility. I suspect that there are already clothes in the wardrobe. In order for Eilian to do a very thorough job of explaining to Celuwen about the necessity of guards, the clothes will have to be rearranged or, um, removed. *vbg* (You do realize that the adjective "resourceful", as in "resourceful Wood-elf warrior", will never be viewed the same by your devoted readers...?) - Barbara

Susanlu · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

So it end.:-( It's odd that I feel the story is so short when I followed it chapter by chapter. Well, what can I say? Everyone has done well except the poor F¨¦las, but for my beloved Thranduil, Felas's death isn't a very bad thing, just like the death of Legolas's wild friend Turgon. Now Soloth is the leader of the settlement and Thranduil has the most effective weapon for him, that's Celuwen. I voted for her when I saw she shouted at her father as "Do you think Eilian and Legolas want to spend their lives as warriors? " Finally there are someone knows the sacrifice the king's sons have made for who they were.(sigh) And I can't help imaging that if it's not Celuwen, but others from the Stronghold who shouted at Soloth this, how would the repel silvan react? "It's none of my biz and they deserved it"? OK Celuwen, now it's your duty to tame your annoyed Adar to a good sensible elf, go ahead girl! Judging from Thranduil's attitude to his daughter-in-laws, I suspect that if he has a little daughter, he will be a more indulgent father than to his sons. (Is it possible that he HAS wished Legolas will be a girl before he confirmed the baby's gender? He already has two naughty boys by then after all^o^). Both Thranduil's and Ithilden's reaction to Eilian are far softer than my expection (Eilian: I hate you -_-|||).I just wonder that, has the responsible Ithilden never done a thing he knew it's not fit for his position? I kinda look forward to the scene of his self-punishment in front of Thranduil, "I'm sorry for that, Adar, please strip me out of the Troop Commander duty and take it yourself......" I am mean, I knew^o^. Our baby Legolas grows up smoothly right now, doesn't he? He's clever,well-educated, earnest, self-controlled, and with Beliond at his side, it seems like he has little chance to make any mistake. But that may also cause him never be as self-confident as his brothers, at least when I read LOTR, I feel he's kind like "I've confessed my opinion, but you made another choice, OK, I will follow you." Sounds like he has never mind be leaded by others. I always like to see the entire family gather around to do whatever. So Legolas's leave will be soon, right? What is waiting for him this time? Please don't be another Legomances please, I'm really enough for this sort of things. Yes baby, I know you are lonely especially when you look at your brothers and their wives, but you have a single Ada yet, and you two can hang on and jest with the "Well and Truly Snared" stuffs together, OK? No? Then make your girlfriend a Mirthril armor, because I will be the first one to throw knives at her (run away...)

Rose Sared · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

This whole story has been a really nice gap filler, daw. I find myself wondering what on earth happened to Legolas' body guard during the ring war though. Hmmmmm? Rose

Dot · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

What an absolutely perfect ending. One of your best concluding chapters, if I may say so. Oh, those poor guards. They had obviously got a tongue-lashing from Ithilden and having Eilian snapping at them is really ramming home a painfully-learned lesson. I imagine Eilian’s warning coming on top of what they discovered happened at the settlement would be more than effective. I had to laugh at how attentive they are, though, and even funnier is Celuwen commenting on how solicitous they are. I looked at that for a few seconds before realising that she genuinely doesn’t realise what she’s done. Just like she just didn’t know how to raise a topic at the council meetings. Do these people tell her anything?? She may know all about how many gowns she’ll need and the best position of furniture but clearly no-one has explained to her some rather more important facts. It could be annoying but it’s actually quite endearing how earnest she is and so aware of the need for warriors. Now that I think about it, I blame Ithilden for being so forceful about how he couldn’t spare any warriors!! I really liked the little moment between Maltanaur and Nindwen. Despite outward appearances, their love is obvious. I think it’s just good to know that Maltanaur has this to come home to and that Eilian isn’t his whole life. Makes me feel a bit sad for Beliond, actually. And I see the obedient patient is no longer so obedient now that he won’t be spoon-fed by Celuwen. Or perhaps he just wants to go home and be spoon-fed by his lovely wife ;-) “Be respectful, but do not forget that you were right.” Oh, absolutely! That’s great advice and I’m so pleased Maltanaur believes that Eilian did the right thing. Oh, I cringed at the servant’s apprehension. Clearly all has not been peaceful chez Thranduil. I think my favourite moment in this chapter is right before they enter the sitting room and Celuwen tells Eilian that she’s grateful to him. He’s faced his father’s and/or Ithilden’s wrath so many times before but suddenly it seems that he knows all will be well because no matter what they say or do, his wife loves him. Obviously he knows that his father and brother will still love him beyond arguments and reprimands but he’s had to ride out the awkwardness before whereas now he again has someone into whose arms he can walk when he shuts the door on the rest of his family – something he hasn’t had for a very long time. Whatever about Thranduil’s feelings, Ithilden seemed absolutely furious. Celuwen is a hoot! She chose the perfect moment to break the news about what actually happened – it’s unlikely that Eilian would have had much of a chance to explain until *after* he had felt the full force of Ithilden’s anger. I can completely see Ithilden’s point about needing to know where his captains are. He really was going to strip him of his captaincy, wasn’t he?? Crikey, that’d just about kill Eilian. And with respect, I wouldn’t fancy being the captain who ended up with him in his patrol. He’s going to have to behave himself for a while but I’m so, so glad that Ithilden wasn’t too hard on him. He has to know that no matter how good a commander he is, if it had been Alfirin in the woods, he can’t say he’d have done any differently. As terrible as it sounds, though, Eilian was actually rather lucky at the way events turned out because his actions can be judged by the outcome. Having Eilian tell Celuwen not to dismiss her guards is rather clever of Ithilden. It will reinforce for Eilian himself how important it is not to take off on his own, especially if he doesn’t want to look like a hypocrite in front of his wife. Or Ithilden could just have found something that he’s actually afraid of! I wonder how Alfirin took to the idea of guards when she first moved in. I suppose it didn’t affect her as much because her family lived so close. I just get the impression that the memory of that particular conversation is contributing to Ithilden’s reluctance to speak to Celuwen! I always love to see Thranduil so proud of his baby. He really does still worry about him. And LOL at Celuwen merrily rambling on about how she would have died if not for Eilian and *of course* Thranduil must be proud of him… If they all think she doesn’t know any better, she might as well take advantage of that fact, I suppose. Clever girl. Naturally, Thranduil knows what she’s up to but the funny thing is, he doesn’t seem to mind at all. He has a soft spot for her, I think. She’s lucky. But there’s no doubt that she means it when she tells him “You and Eilian’s naneth raised an Elf who is courageous, and perceptive, and dear to my heart.” I thought that was a really lovely thing for her to say. Yeah, I figured there was no real reason for Thranduil to feel angry with Eilian. I’m glad he’s realising it a little quicker than he used, albeit with help from Celuwen. After having resolved a lot of his issues with Eilian in ‘Spring Awakenings’ it wouldn’t make much sense for him to go back to his old way of handling this son. And unfortunately this family have dealt with a very similar event before and both Thranduil and Ithilden would probably give anything to be able to have done as Eilian did. “It is fortunate that you were at the settlement.” Brilliant! I love Thranduil’s glee at being able to startle them. I’ve seen him like that before in ‘Tangled Web’ with the elven magic. It’s definitely a playful side to him that I love to see! Btw, I’ve always really liked Alfirin and you did a tremendous job showing the initial little conflicts between her and Celuwen but I think it might be good to see some of the old Alfirin again, aside from housekeeper extraordinaire and feeder of hungry travellers. She’s a great character and obviously her years as wife and mother as well as her duties in the palace have changed her somewhat from the maiden Ithilden had so much trouble courting but it’d be nice to see that person again. Just a thought, if you don’t mind me commenting. It sounds like poor Sórion has been worried stiff about Legolas’ mini-patrol. Oh daw, you wouldn’t believe how bad I feel for not liking Sórion in the beginning. He genuinely seems to want nothing more than to defend the realm and keep his warriors safe. Yes, it’s a difficult thing to do, but it’s such a simple and straightforward wish, with no pretence at all or particular desire for greatness or popularity. There aren’t many who’d willingly hand back a patrol and just go where he’s needed. Legolas seems to be more comfortable speaking freely with Sórion now. All he needed was a confidence boost. “These Elves respected him and trusted him to lead them.” Oh, joy! I’m so happy for him. His captain and his warriors trust him, and he seems to have gained a little more faith in himself. What more can he want. He took a while to adjust but there’s no question that he’ll make a fine lieutenant. I guess in way his own wish is almost as simple as Sórion’s – to do his duty with the respect of those with whom he works. I really am so thrilled at how far he’s come and how content he seems. Lovely ending to a very intriguing story. I think I learned a lot about all the characters in this. I really did enjoy it. Well, I’ll be here and waiting when you deliver your next excerpt. I hope work goes a little better for you. If you ever feel totally overwhelmed just come to SoA and we’ll cheer you up! With that I’m off to bed – the Children’s Book Festival starts this week and I have people coming to do puppet theatre for the afternoon tomorrow… Fingers crossed some kids actually turn up for it! :-)

Alice · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Ithilden's kind of a quiet character so I forget just how smart he is sometimes. Like figuring out a way to get Eilian to talk to stubborn, settler mind set Celuwen about the importance of guards for him, absolutely brilliant. I wouldn't want to be the person who has to tell her that she can't order away her guards either. He's really quite bright. Especially in his choice of a wife. I liked the line about Alfirin rallying at the chance to feed someone. She really is the "Mom" of the family. Ithilden needs to give her another kid to mother. After all, Sinnarn's back to long distance parenting and Legolas is grown and Celuwn would rather not be mothered. Clearly, there's an open position for it. Though I can understand any relunctance on their part after Sinnarn. I liked the exchange between Celuwen and Thranduil. She got him to calm down a bit in a way someone else probably wouldn't have been able to do. Smart elleth. I love it when Thranduil surprises his kids like that. I just have this image of him thinking "And that's why I'm the Ada" as their mouths hang open. So good chapter. I also enjoyed the scene with Legolas at the end. Baby brother's all grown up.(sigh) Of course, this now means I have images of Lieutenet ( I have issues spelling that) Legolas to entertain me. Overall good story. A bit slower than your other ones, but the development of Legolas and Eilian was really good. I was just rereading "The Novice" and Maldor's assessment of Legolas thinking too personally made him ordering Rioleth to take care of the scouting really cool. The only bad thing about you finishing this story is that now it's over and I have to wait a couple of weeks for a new one to start. (sigh) Back to rereading old stories for my Daw fix.

Jebb · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Well my usual complaint first this story has ended all too soon for my taste! I have really ewjoyed seeing how the three main protagonsits have grown during this tale and how the changes have been of benefit to many others beside themselves Celuwen is going to be quite a diplomat it seems to quell the anger of both Thranduil and Ithilden was no mean feat as so well done! But while Eilian might feel both relief and pride in her championing of him and quite right to- he may find her a formidable adversary if she ever decides to oppose something he wishes to do Well done Thranduil as usual managing to surprise not only his offspring but also the readers with his understanding and genuine appreciation for his new daughter in law Glad Legolas recognises that he has grown too

Bodkin · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Passing reflection - I wonder how Lorellin made the transition from elleth dancing with elflings to queen, and just how many rules she broke along the way. Because there wasn't anyone around to teach her, except Thranduil, was there? That would be interesting to observe!

sofia · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

that was a good ending, I liked this story. I'm glad that they are not that angry with Eilian. -sofia

Bodkin · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

By the way, I think Celuwen will be very good for Alfirin. Alfirin was such a child bride for Ithilden that I don't think she has really established herself as an independent person - and she is motherly and likes looking after people too, of course. But she's very much been the only girl in the house and all the menfolk have been a bit 'pat her on the head and don't upset her' about everything. Celuwen won't let her get away with that. Alfirin might just be about to have a crash course in reality. Can't say more, must dash.

Jay of Lasgalen · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

A very satisfying conclusion, Daw. Eilian isn't in too much trouble, even with Ithilden, and Thranduil seems to accept why he did it. I love this line: It was good to be able to startle one’s children sometimes, Thranduil reflected. Thranduil in 'keep them on their toes' mode is wonderful. It reminds me of the end of Tangled Web, when he lays the enchanted sword on Thorin's tomb. Celuwen was great in deflecting everyone's anger by simply explaining what had happened first - so they knew Eilian had been right - but Alfirin annoys me with her ostrich mentality. 'Nasty things shouldn't be discussed at family times' - ignoring it won't make it go away, dear. Jay

Bodkin · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Poor Eilian. It's a really good thing that he has Celuwen to fight his corner now. I can see him becoming more centred person. (This is not exactly the phrase I mean, but I've been looking at it and failing to come up with anything better.) He always seems to be a bit of a needy elfling inside - he was always busy caring for that side of little Legolas, but there was no-one paying attention to that side of him after his naneth died. Thranduil never needed to single parent him, and has stuck rather in the critical and demanding adar role, even when Eilian craved love and approval. He will probably be better able to cope with Ithilden as troop commander and Thranduil as fury, because Celuwen will love him anyway - and probably even more because they are angry with him. (Actually, a bit like Emmelin rushing to help Sinnarn through his misery.) And Eilian did deserve a bit of an ear-bashing - he did behave responsibly in a very irresponsible manner. But Maltanaur was good to remind him to hold in his heart the knowledge that he had been right. Good for Celuwen to point out vociferously and immediately that Eilian had ended up in the right place at the right time - and that she had imposed her will on her adar - and come to that, that she had learned a lot of Thranduil's point of view from her attendance at council meetings. Do you know - I think Eilian's one hissed comment to the guards was probably far more effective than a prolonged rant. They will pale when within a hundred yards of him for the forseeable future - and, if ever assigned to guard Celuwen again, she will find them as attached to her as burrs. How mean of Ithilden to make Eilian (reckless, impatient, disregarding of authority) the one who has to make Celuwen swear to keep her guards close by and comply with their instructions for her safety. Truly ironic - and quite a penalty. However, Eilian is right in thinking that he has advantages when it comes to bending Celuwen to his will!! I love Alfirin's response to trouble - feed them! With males, it is usually effective. She fulfils a very necessary role in the family, but I wonder if she ever feels taken for granted. Celuwen arrives and all sorts of exciting changes are implemented - but Alfirin keeps on getting to deal with the catering. However, Celuwen does need to take more lessons in protocol - especially if she is going to develop her role as a go-between representing the king. It must take a while to learn to ignore guards and attendants, though, and behave as if they were not there. Lorellin is always in their minds at times like this, even when her name is not spoken. And in all honesty, both Ithilden and Thranduil know that they would have done the same had they thought there was danger to their loved ones. (EG Both of them dashing out of the Stronghold in pursuit of a young Legolas just about to confront drug dealers.) And Legolas has grown further in understanding - of himself and others and of his role. And the warriors have watched and judged him and accepted him. Good story. Too short. More please.

Brenda G. · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

All's well that ends well... I'm celebrating the conclusion of this story in one way and mourning it in another. This has been an ever so satisfying tale, and I am sad it is over. But, everyone is okay and relatively at peace with one another which is cause for great joy. I was glad to see both Ithilden and Thranduil back way off on Eilian. Three cheers for Celuwen! She has the uncanny ability, without consciously meaning to, of saying just the right thing at the right moment. She defuses tension and gently forces others to re-evaluate their thinking from an entirely different viewpoint that may not have been considered at all except for Celuwen's interjections. Eilian has found the perfect mate! They compliment each other so well. I'm wondering at a mix of the two in any offspring. Say, is there a baby in their future? Since Eilian is with the Home Guard, wouldn't now be a good time for them to "be fruitful and multiply"? Just wondering... I love Eilian. Have I said that before? (Yes, Brenda, HUNDREDS of times.) Well, make that 101 times then. He's my favorite OC of yours, Daw. I think he is a lot like most of us - self-willed, pretty sure of himself in those areas where he considers himself an expert. That he is also reckless at times and unthinking mirrors the same mistakes we make as humans. At least Elves live LONG enough to be able to right some of the wrongs they make in their lives (provided, however, that they are not too reckless and too unthinking while going about it). Legolas is our golden boy in this story. A hero to the hilt. It is obvious that he is more and more held in high esteem by the Elves under his command in the Southern patrol. I'm as pleased and proud as Thranduil is of our young lieutenant. I know it is hard to write about him because Tolkien already has, but Legolas needs love too! Can't he see his ladylove again and get some relief for the aloneness in his life? Ah, well, Daw, you know best. Love unrequited is hopeless and hard. I wouldn't want to damage our young lieutenant too badly by emotional entanglements that can go nowhere and only frustrate him further. Still, it would be nice to see him paired in a romantic setting from time to time. Legolas strikes me as being a one woman Elf. I don't see him as a flirt like Eilian was. He has way too much of a serious side for that. I've got a feeling if Legolas ever fell in love, he would fall very hard indeed, so maybe it is best that he "not go there". This was a great story, Daw. Can't wait for the next one! I hope you are even now cooking up your next batch for us. You're the best! B.

Elemmire · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

A lovely end to a lovely story-you brightened my day! :), Elemmire

The Karenator · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

I just wrote a long juicy review and my computer went out on me. AOL doesn't have a clue. I'm on dialup now and I'm hurrying before it does this again. It's done it again after th first time. All I think I have time for right now is to say that there were a lot of wonderful moments in this chapter. I'll tell you all about them later when I have a stable hookup. My favorite part was Eilian and Ithilden trying to push off on one another who was going to tell Celuwen that she couldn't dismiss the guards. Such a terrific story. I can't wait for the next one. I'm hurrying.....Karen

French Pony · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

My my, Little Miss Diplomat is hard at work here! Celuwen is pulling double duty these days. In the mornings, she mediates between Thranduil and the settlers, in the afternoons, she mediates between Eilian and Sólith, and in the evenings, she mediates between the various and sundry members of the royal family. She's very useful. And so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed about it. You can see how Thranduil restrains himself from patting her on the head. There are students who are like that with their professors, and I blush to suspect that I was one of them while an undergrad. I'm still getting to know my current professors well enough to do that with. It seems that both of Thranduil's daughters-in-law are absolutely indispensable to the household in very different ways. Alfirin is the nana that everyone has missed for so long (I'll bet she even mothers Thranduil), and I loved how her first instinct upon seeing that all was not right was to find someone to feed. Celuwen is, of course, the mediator. She charms everyone she comes in contact with (okay, maybe not the Men) and manages to be so sweet and reasonable when explaining the problem that you can't help but sit down and re-think things. And boy, does she have a knack for timing. "Oh, by the way, before you rip my husband a new one, you might want to know that he saved all of us and figured out a mystery you didn't even know you had. Just FYI." Poor old Maltanaur. He got stabbed in the back. Then he had to be spoonfed. Then he found himself quite literally between Eilian and Celuwen. Then Mrs. Maltanaur showed up to rail at him. He's not having a very good time of it here, is he? Is this his penance for surviving Tangled Web? There are times when it seems like Eilian is Maltanaur's keeper, and not the other way round. Thranduil eyed him and then smiled slightly. “It appears you were right to be worried about the Men in the woods. It is fortunate that you were at the settlement.” To Thranduil’s secret amusement, Eilian’s mouth dropped open in astonishment. Ithilden, too, blinked in surprise, but Celuwen smiled at him. It was good to be able to startle one’s children sometimes, Thranduil reflected. We all knew he was a wily old fox. That's our Thranduil, in tip-top form. Ithilden wants Eilian to tell Celuwen to please not dismiss the guards next time? That's an evil punishment right there. And once Eilian is recovered from the aftereffects of doing that, for his next trick, he will cut down the tallest tree in the forest wiiiiiiiiiith. . . a herring! I'll bet that part of the reason that Ithilden didn't demote Eilian was that he knew that, if he did, Eilian would be completely insufferable, and he's too good a troop commander to do that to the rest of the army. Good story.

Antigone Q · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

Eilian had hissed a single warning at them: “Never again let me hear that you have left someone you are guarding alone, no matter what they told you to do.” You can't tell me Eilian wasn't remembering his mother when he said that. The nice thing about reading a series like this is that we get whole layers of history in the story - like Celuwen's stone, and Legolas' words to Eilian, and the backhistory of Eilian's relationship with his father and older brother. You've really built a whole world here - I'm in awe. That was a nice little scene with Maltanaur and his wife. I thought the advice he gave could have applied equally well to the conversation Eilian was going to have with Celuwen. Was that your intent? Ha! The usual script took a turn when Celuwen intervened. Good for her! I hope she earned her husband some brownie points with his commander. I thought it was SO funny when neither Ithilden nor Eilian wanted to confront her about sending the guards home. So Legolas and Eilian have learned a great deal about their place in the world, and we had another great story (with a happy ending!). Thank you for writing it, Daw!

esamen · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Home for Now

So what did Thranduil want? Did he want Eilian to deny his feelings for the woods? What would he have done if he had been able to sense the danger that killed Lorellin? He knew that answer to that easily enough: If he had thought he might be able to save her, no power in Arda could have stopped him from trying. Oh, gorgeous. Somehow, I knew that you were going to circle around back to this in the end. Thranduil couldn't possibly bear to criticize Eilian too much when he himself had lost a wife in such a way. Celuwen is really the sweet surprise, isn't she? Playing with the big boys now, and winning some hands? But that really was foolish of her to dismiss the guards. And Legolas is so sweet. Quite grown up and filling out his role now. He is such a darling. If I were Thranduil I'd be proud of him too, and I'd miss him and worry about him too. Thanks! On to the next adventure! have fun dreaming up the next one! I can't wait!