Reviews (243)

Karri · 26 September 2004 · Chapter 6: A Settler's Alarm

Oi! I hope that is Mannish trouble, for if it is is Sólith trouble, things are going to get much uglier than need be. Apologies for not following this one better... I wish Celuwen would grow on me, but, alas, I fear the opposite is more the case. Still, a nicely woven tale so far.

Antigone Q · 26 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

This review is for two chapters, because you write fast. ;-) "She looked from him to Thrior, confused, but aware that some message had been sent that she could not interpret..." Well, there we go with the palace politics. I'm sure that when Celuwen agreed to be an advisor she was thinking more about the _external_ political tension. The suggestion Celuwen offered up was very clever (and so, of course, were you to think of it for her!) and it's good to see her shining in her new capacity. I had to shake my head over Eilian's ordering her against leaving. He was being boorish, of course, but I almost felt sorry for him...Eilian has a lot to learn about marriage (and what you can and can't say to a woman with a mission)! But I give him credit for thinking it over and apologizing - everyone has their own learning curve. _“Does that hurt?” Belówen asked, prodding the fading red mark on Eilian’s hip. “No.” Not much anyway, Eilian thought. And really, what did healers expect when they poked at sore spots?_ On the other hand...shouldn't Eilian know better by now? About SEVERAL things? "I don't need to clear every little thing with my brother" Sheesh! I'm enjoying seeing glimpses of Legolas. Something tells me that following the men across the border is going to make things pretty complex soon.

White Wolf · 26 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

I love Maltanaur's line: “I take it you have missed being in trouble.” I dread the scene that will take place between Eilian and Ithilden, when he finds out. It's funny that the plan for the settlement suddenly seemed much better, when it was learned it was Celuwen's plan and not the king's or Ithilden's.

The Karenator · 26 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Good grief, I'm behind again. There was some real meaty stuff in this chapter. Eilian realizing he was jealous was something. And dangit, I felt sorry for him. He's a such a free spirit and so often feels constrained by his position (and adar and brother) that it must really be doubly hard to see his wife go off on a jaunt in the forest while he's still under the command of the 'oppressors'. He handled it admirable...for a while. Celuwen has finally caught on that Eilian has had to make some rather large changes too. As soon as he was released from the care of the healers, he would have gone back south if he had not bonded. I'm sure it helped for her to acknowledge this to Eilian, but I suppose, Eilian being Eilian, it won't stop him from letting our his inner adventurer. Interesting what you brought up about Sorion and his healing abilities. I've recently looked into that myself and I thought this is a point that is often overlooked in fanfiction. You used this information well to show a facet of Sorion's personality. And it is sad that he has given up so much to do what he felt he had to do. Legolas is settling in well with this new captain. This little patrol that he'll lead will be his first time to do such a thing, won't not? He seems pleased to have this opportunity. It must be tough on Sorion though to treat him like he would any other lieutenant. I'm sure he would hate to have to write that dispatch telling Ithilden that he's just got his little brother killed. Okay, there's something wrong with me! The whole time Celuwen was undressing in front of the open window, I was waiting on pins and needles for Bigfoot or someone to reach in and snatch her out. I was so afraid the bad guys would get her before she got her nightgown on. How embarrassing. I finally took a breath when she got into bed. I can't wait to see how this thing shakes out. Great chapter and a good setup for what's to some. Carry on. I'll be back! Karen

Ms. Whatsit · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

This was a nice chapter. I like how you make even your secondary characters come to life with their conflicts and fears--like Sorion worrying if Legolas and the others secretly want Eilian back. I especially liked Celuwen's visit home. Of course she couldn't be a guest in her parents' house.

emjo · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Oh I hope Celuwen isn't upset with Eilian when he shows up--He means well. And I am so excited to see what you have in store for Legolas on this next adventure! Great chapter please hurry with the next one!

meckinock · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

“I am the captain of this patrol. I do not have to clear every decision I make with the troop commander.” Well, he's got you, there, Maltanaur! Not every decision. Just the ones that launch rogue operations far outside the scope of his assigned duties... I can't wait to see him try out that line on Ithilden. But this was inevitable, of course. Poor Eilian's male ego had had about all it could take, even without Celuwen being sent on a dangerous errand. If he didn't have her to chase after, he would have had to do something equally as half-cocked. At least this way he'll make himself useful. If Solith lets him into the house, that is. I could almost smell the forest with Celuwen. It must be so difficult for her to live in the palace after a life among the trees. How well she must have slept in her own bed again, after eating her mom's cooking. It was a nice homecoming, even if her father still can't restrain himself from throwing jabs at his new son-in-law. Finding the necklace was a lovely touch. If only she didn't have to constantly remind herself that she's the king's representative now. Kind of puts things in a different perspective. I wonder what she will think when Eilian shows up. Might not be pretty... Sorion reminds me of soldiers in every era who left their dreams behind to serve when duty called them. I'm glad that he and Legolas are getting along. Legolas has idolized Eilian for so long; it's to his credit that he can quickly learn to respect someone whose leadership style and personality are so different. But adaptability seems to be one of his strong suits.

Tapetum Lucidum · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Your Eilian/Celuwen romance has really sucked me in. Alfirin and Ithilden are ok, but these two are a lot more exciting. Eilian's realization that he was jealous was a big one for him. I liked his surprise over the discovery. What was really funny was Celuwen seemed to know it all along. Trying to hide from her may always be impossible. I was glad you cleared everything between them before her departure. Mr. Responsible is making a good sweep of the camp. His musings with and about Sorion were enlightening. Sorion is a good captain but not the natural leader that any of the Thranduilion are. He does seem better suited toward healing. I do seem to remember a certain elfling being distracted by a young female healer. I would have to think he at least considered that career back then - even if only for a moment. Royals do not get a lot of choices in their lives, luckily Legolas seemed destined to be a warrior anyway. Your handling of the situation of the men was excellent - very diplomatic. Legolas supported Sorion and agreed with his brother at the same time. I would not want to bring that message before the king either. I hope Legolas runs into trouble with those bad men! Celuwen handled Solith and Felas like a true professional. It must have been hard to speak with them as equals rather than as a child. My mom still tells me how I should care for my dog. We will always be children. Solith is still ready to protect his daughter - he is just dying to hear that Eilian has mistreated her. That was funny. Her reaction to the stone pendant she discovered was very sweet. I thought Eilian was a little over-enthusiastic about taking over the Home Guard. He did manage to keep his head in the handling of the personnel but his alterior motive was still quite apparent. He is going to be in so much trouble with Thranduil, Ithilden and Celuwen that Belowen will probably be seeing him again soon. Please keep Celuwen safe - my heart could not take it otherwise.

Elena Tiriel · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

"I am not sure that everyone would like the idea of arming themselves. We are a pretty peaceful lot." Ummm, you mean like Sórion? Now, which do you think he would have preferred to become, a gifted healer or a run-of-the-mill warrior? Especially since being a warrior not only puts him at risk of bodily harm, but diminishes his healing capacity? The settlers once again display in spectacular fashion their self-centered view of the world... Settlers are the *true* wood-elves; settlers commune with nature; settlers have no warriors; settlers need no warriors... (until the next Orc arrives, then Thranduil had d**n well better do his duty and protect us!) (Was it Annael whose father died protecting the settlement in the forest fire/orc attack incident? I think you should have him accompany Celuwen on one of her trips, and have one of the settlers badmouth Thranduil's warriors in front of him... I'd *really* like to see that... It's highly unfortunate that Annael is so responsible and oozing with self-control... But I digress...) Sólith, Sólith, Sólith... Just when he's acting admirably, like a man who truly loves his daughter, he still has to open his mean-spirited mouth. Of course, Celuwen misses her parents... but that doesn't mean that Eilian is bad to her! I can't believe what a jerk that guy is at heart... he's acting like a jealous and possessive lover, the kind that becomes a stalker if you break up with him. Her mother, Isiwen, is smart enough to recognize that Celuwen's improved health is due to Eilian... but Sólith just *had* to grimace when she said it aloud. When will he learn that putting Celuwen in the middle (between him and Isiwen, and between him and Eilian) is going to alienate her, not bring her back? Well, I guess there will be sparks flying when and if Eilian shows up, and it won't be from a forest fire this time... I *love* that Celuwen found that necklace that Eilian gave to her, and put it on immediately -- her own special rune of protection and remembrance. (Just like you had an old gift of Celuwen's -- a rock, was it? -- on Eilian's desk when she first saw his room... These two have clearly treasured each other since childhood, whether or not they could stand each other at any given moment.) At the time he gave her the necklace, she was wavering in the transition from little girl to young woman; now, she's wavering in the transition between her parents' daughter and Eilian's lover and wife. It was fascinating how you showed that she didn't *quite* feel at home in her parents' cottage any more... although I tend to forget the laundry too, and -- tragically -- have never had a servant to foist it onto... ;-) It looks like Legolas and Sórion are beginning to click... Legolas seems to understand Sórion better, and Sórion has finally decided that Legolas is neither an informer, nor fragile... You don't imagine that sending Legolas out to find those Men might be setting up for some sort of action in the forest, do you? (Hee, hee. Can't wait!) Can I make a modest suggestion? I have a very poor memory, and you have a lot of truly marvelous OCs... could you try to avoid having names that begin so much alike? First time I saw Sórion's name in this story, I thought: "Oh, that nasty piece of work, Celuwen's father", but of course that didn't make sense in the context of the Southern Patrol... ;-D This was such a happy chapter for Calith! Not to mention Ithilden. And Belówen. And even lowly Tínar. And Elviondel (at least for a few minutes...). And I'm sure Maltanaur was glad to see Eilien fit for active duty again, as well. "How much did you have to lie to Belówen to get him to allow it?" "I take it you have missed being in trouble." *Snicker* Maltanaur certainly knows Eilian well! "he was elated that at last he would be able to do something about his sense of impending danger." Yep, the spit's gonna be hittin' the fan soon... Love the story, Daw! Sorry that I don't review often... - Barbara P.S. I look forward to reading your reviews almost as much as the story itself... P.P.S. Oh, and I really like the fact that you are weaving the Invasion of Rohan from West and East into the background... I studied that war not long ago, putting all the quotes I could find into the HASA Resource Library, and it is so nice to know about an event and then see it used in your fiction... like when you wrote about the Battle of the Five Armies... I was so impressed how you incorporated so much of the canon, but still made it *your* unique story at the same time.

Nilmandra · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

You know, I love Maltanaur. He knows when Eilian is lying, but he also knows when to make it an issue. I did like the little changes with Legolas - he came across as self assured and as someone who had an opinion and ability to lead. Go Legolas! I do think we need to cheer up your settlement elves somehow, though. I shall ponder this for the next chapters and stories :D

sofia · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Ah, they are both impatiant, eh? I remember reading about the stone necklace, i think, from another story, but i don't remember from which one. It's nice to 'see' it again. -sofia

Jebb · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

So everything begins to come together and fall apart (you know what I mean!) Celuwen finding things rather different back at the settlement I thought the laundry problem was very telling, her life now is so different as are her loyalties. It must be both wonderful and unsettling to love someone so much that you have to change your life for them, that goes for Eilian as much as Celuwen. I don't think Ithilden or Alfirin had to make such major life shifts as these two are undergoing their characters are so different and both suffer from having parents who don't quite approve of the choices they have made. Eilian is going to be in big trouble I suspect when Thranduil and Ithilden find out how he has used his new position to enable him to go after Celuwen at least he still has Malantaur with him hopefully he will keep disaters down to a minimum. As for Legolas he must feel as if he is walking on egg shells with his new position. The fact he is going after the humans fills me with dismay at what is going to happen next. I am still hearing threatening music! Thanks for the information on the backgrounds of the fighting not too much at all it helped me put things in context and encouraged me to go and read up on it. Judy

Dot · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Ooh, it looks like things are moving. I’m bracing myself for what may come… I felt sorry for Eilian, lying there knowing that there’s nothing he can do to stop Celuwen going on this trip. I guess it’s how Thranduil feels every time his sons head off somewhere dangerous. What a moment, when Eilian realises that he’s jealous of his wife. It seems an entirely unwelcome notion to him. Actually, I think that she would very likely understand this. She knows him well enough to know how much he craves freedom. And excitement, of course, but right now a little bit of freedom would probably be enough for him. They’re going to have to get much better at hiding their feelings from one another if they don’t want the other to know everything! It brings home how very new their bond is, though. I like that she apologised to him. I doubt he needed to hear an apology but at least he knows that she’s aware of the difficulties he’s having. Oh! Sórion wanted to be a healer! I didn’t know that, that even being in necessary battle would diminish healing abilities. How sad. Sórion must have felt a huge amount of anger to decide to go and fight against the cause of hurt to Mirkwood’s warriors. I mean, he would still have been helping by doing what he was doing. Maybe it was more personal than that. Or maybe he was training as a healer at a time when there were a lot of wounded warriors coming home… It sounds like he started to train as a warrior later than most people. I wonder how he ended up in the south. The more I read about him, the more I want to know – can I have a look at that notebook of yours?! It’s definitely an effect of the Shadow that I hadn’t considered before. It has crossed my mind that Thranduil’s sons had no real choice in their careers but I hadn’t thought about it in the wider sense and just how many people became warriors because they felt that they had to fight the threat to their home. It makes me feel sad for the folk of Mirkwood :-( And what on earth did they do when peace finally came? I think Legolas and Sórion are slowly learning to respect one another. In a professional sense anyway. So Legolas is going to lead a patrol? And he may have to venture out of their territory? I’ll definitely be prepared for excitement, then…;-) It must be hard for Celuwen to have to take the king’s side in front of her father and Félas. Her little speech “Lord Thranduil respects the knowledge that those living here have of the forest. He knows you have much to tell him. I believe he had in mind that you would tell him of any oddities that you noted in the course of your own affairs. He can take action against dangers only if he knows about them” sounds like it came directly from the diplomatic mind of Thrior. I wonder how many times he made her practice it?! “We are a pretty peaceful lot.” LOL! Sorry, that probably shouldn’t have struck me as funny but it did… I must admit, I enjoy seeing Sólith as a father. Even if he is trying to blame Eilian for his daughter turning up unexpectedly. I bet he’s the type of person who’d really mellow if he had grandchildren. It’s quite touching to see how pleased Celuwen’s parents are to see her. I suppose it would be too much to expect Sólith to admit that the improvement in his daughter’s health is due to Eilian… How horrible for him to actually have to feel grateful to him for anything! It must be hard for Celuwen, though, to come home and be treated like a guest. But she’s out of the habit of doing her own laundry despite herself, I see! The necklace! I’m glad to see that again. It seems representative not only of a difficult time of her life when she was beginning to leave childhood behind but shows the length of her friendship with Eilian, how for so long they were part of each other’s life, and the beginning of a different kind of relationship with him. It’s a pity that she did have to choose between different lives and I don’t like to see her loneliness but in a way it’s good to know that she misses him so that she can be reassured that has made the right choice. Still, though…If only she and Eilian didn’t have to live in the palace. They couldn’t move to the settlement, obviously, but they’d probably both be a lot happier away from the palace, and she might actually feel less lonely in her own company than around servants. I suppose it’s just the way it’s done. And Thranduil would probably see it as a huge insult if they left. Belówen must wonder sometimes what he did to deserve Eilian as a patient. Or any of Thranduil’s sons. I wonder if he’s ever treated Thranduil himself. He’s probably worse than the rest of them. Eilian’s hip wound likely would be fully healed before now anyway if he just stayed away from tight spaces and awkward positions… Ah well, at least he got his way. Calith will be able to get some work done in peace now. How is Ithilden not more suspicious?? I suppose he figures Eilian is just thrilled to get away from the office. Boy, will he end up kicking himself. Elviondel seems a little stressed. He reminds me a bit of Todith when he’ll have to do Ithilden’s job for a while. What an interesting mix of officers we’re seeing in this story. Of course, Maltanaur figures out immediately what Eilian is up to. And of course Eilian takes no notice… He must be within his rights to investigate any hint of danger within his own patrol territory. But methinks Thranduil and Ithilden will be less than amused. I take it he’ll avoid bumping into them for the rest of the day. Wouldn’t it be funny if it turned out that there was no danger and Eilian had to explain to Celuwen what the heck he was up to… But danger there seems to be and I’m just dying to see what’s going to happen! :-)

Brenda G. · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

OK, Daw, now I'm getting as tense as Eilian. Can't he leave tonight instead of at dawn? Oh, me... This was a great chapter. I have thoroughly enjoyed this story from word one. I'm finding myself wishing I were a female elf of sufficient beauty that when I made eyes at Legolas he would notice. You say so much about your characters without belaboring the point, or maybe my imagination is so ripe, you don't have to say much. I find your stories tantalizing. This is a top-notch tale so far, and I am holding my breath to see what Eilian's sense of impending danger turns out to be. Please preserve Celuwen for her husband. If anything would make Eilian fade, it would be losing the love of his life. I might fade right along beside him were disaster to befall these newlyweds who have become like family members to me. Keep those chapters coming! We fans have a voracious appetite!

Susanlu · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

I have a question: Have Eilian and Celuwen never thought of moving out of the Palace and getting a little cottage of themselves in the woods just like an ordinary young couple? Surely they could visit and have meals with Thranduil and the others in the family often enough, meanwhile they could enjoy their own life in the way they like. I understand that Thranduil may think it's too dangerous, but there's the home guard and so many (most) his people living that way and Eilian is a fierce warrior himself. I also understand that Ithilden may never thought of it, because he and his wife were both traditional, besides, Ithilden take his responsibility as the Crown Prince/Troop Commander/Thranduil's son very serious, and it seems he get along well with his Adar, but I'm sure Eilian will be more than happy to not living under Thranduil's breath all the time. And, Ai, what a docile bady our little greenleaf is! I cannot image that either Ithilden or Eilian was able to tolerate such a baseless suspicion so long without protest. The only possible "base" of S¨®rion's untrust is Legolas's position as the king's son, but Legolas cannot change that, neither can Sorion. So if the southern patrol's captain isn't seasonble to it all along , maybe he should change his own position. He is a good guy, just as misplaced as that Captian Elviondel.

Jay of Lasgalen · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Normally I'd trust Eilian's instincts, but I think his concern for Celuwen may be influencing him. I hope so, anyway. I have a bad feeling about this ... Will the fact that Eilian was a little less than truthful with the healer make any difference? If it does come to fighting, is Eilian truly well? At last we get to see Legolas in action in the south, leading his own patrol. I do hope that the mission will not be free of incident! Jay

Bodkin · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

'“Indeed,” Eilian agreed, not at all offended that Calith looked almost as glad as Eilian felt to know that he would no longer be working in this office.' I love Calith / Eilian interaction. It is an excellent by-product of having Eilian injured. 'Maltanaur and I are going to be carrying out a special assignment' - very sneaky, Eilian. I suspect you will only get away with this because you will be proved right to worry. But I suggest that you hurry and get away from the palace before Ithilden or Thranduil learn what you are about to do!! The levels of complication of having the king's son in your patrol just get deeper and deeper. It must be hard to let him do the ordinary things that might put him in danger - even with Beliond at his back. I can see a lot of possibilities converging on Solith's settlement - I hope they end up reconciling Celuwen's adar a bit to his new son-in-law. Though that would take a lot. And that the dangers make the settlement elves realise that being ready to protect yourself is not abrogating their principles. Poor Celuwen is realising that things have changed - although she misses the settlement, she doesn't really belong there any more. It's a hard thing to learn, but better to get it out of the way. Her political sense will be sharpening too - the settlement elves take to plans better if they are her idea. Useful. Like the finding of the necklace and the memories it brings back. Remember those knife throwing skills, Celuwen - I think they could prove advantageous at this point. Love watching the relationship between Eilian and Celuwen develop. And that Eilian is horrified to find he is jealous of her freedom - and also, I think, the good working relationship that is developing between Thranduil and Celuwen. Poor Eilian has always found it hard to get on with his adar and is still in the doghouse - it must be hard to see his wife and adar working in harmony.

French Pony · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Ya know, I get the strong sense that a goodly portion of Eilian's Sense O' Danger surrounding the settlement has to do with the fact that his father-in-law lives there. As I recall, Sólith was none too pleased to have his little girl ride off as Mrs. Eilian, and he mentioned something about filleting the groom like a fish. Yes, I can definitely see where Eilian might sense danger lurking around that settlement. Yum, roast duck. . . a little pomegranate sauce is all it needs. I liked watching Celuwen at home. Sometimes it takes going back home to find that you've really left. It can be a little disorienting, especially the time you come home to learn that your old room has been turned into a guest room. But it's always "your" guest room, and anyway, if all your stuff is at your new place, then that's home. Actually, Celuwen is in a pretty good place right now. She can trot between the palace and the settlement, and wherever she's going, she's headed for home. And of course, the old gown that's too soft to throw away. I'm wearing one of those right now, and it is a very special kind of soft. How nice that she found the old necklace again. She should wear it back to the palace home. Eilian would just melt into a little puddle to see it. Of course, Eilian is now more involved in bending the rules, so he may not notice immediately. He's the best at finding every single loophole in regulations. There's one in every army, isn't there?

esamen · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

He wrapped his arm around her, and they lay together without speaking, as he waited for the morning to come and take her away from him. Aaaawwwwww . . . . I have never seen Eilian so like this before . . . new ground for heartbreak once a warrior marries, hmm? From somewhere, his instincts were urging him to hurry, and he was elated that at last he would be able to do something about his sense of impending danger. And now on to the next adventure -- I'm staying tuned; thanks a million for what looks like a great story brewing up here!

Manderly · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Eilian certainly wastes no time in getting back into the swing of things once cleared by the healer. Such an extended perod of inactivity must have been driving him crazy, and no doubt, others around him as well. I can almost hear Ithilden's big sigh of relief to be ridding himself of a restless Eilian. That was a nice little quiet scene with Celuwen and her parents. Hmm, I wonder how long this quiet scene will last with Eilian on the way. Not much Legolas action yet. Is it coming?

elliska · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

So many gems--poor Eilian realizing he's jealous and then listening to Celuwen's apology. It is so hard for newlyweds to realize that they cannot always be perfect towards one another. I thought that whole scene was very sweet. Legolas' conversation with Sorion was very touching too. The idea of Sorion loosing the opportunity to be a healer to the Shadow is very sad. It would definitely make an impression on Legolas. And I'm glad he and Sorion are starting to trust one another. Sort of. You do a great job showing how uncomfortable it would be commanding the king's son. And it would be. Celuwen in her village. Now that was a hoot. I bet she never thought she'd have to negotiate with her father. Blech! I loved it that Celuwen is already so accustomed to servants doing her laundry that she forgot to do it. Great touch. I am still chuckling about it. But my favorite part is when she finds that necklace. Hmmm. Eilian is going to be in trouble again but I bet it will be worth it to him. All signs point to the fact that he will be needed. Great chapter Daw!

Alice · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Yay, an update! I've been lurking online waiting for it, which sounds creepy now that I think about it. I need to find more hobbies. So this chapter builds the suspense. I'd be concerned about Eilian getting in a heap of trouble, but he has good instincts so he's probably right on this one. Though I still think Ithilden and Thranduil will have something to say about personal interest affecting the way he commands. It's interesting to watch the meeting with the settlement leaders after the counselor meeting. I can understand why Thranduil gets irritated with the settlement leaders. " We're a peaceful people". Honestly, so are most elves including the ones they expect to protect them and do the dirty work for them. Whine, whine, whine, whine, whine. But now Thranduil has Celuwen to deal with that headache. I kind of think this will actually increase Ithilden's number of warriors since he seems to be recruiting kind of exclusively from the stronghold (it is where the training is after all) so young elves living in settlements who might have an interest in being warriors might not have the chance to become warriors which now they'll have. I'm likeing Sorion better. His character is emerging more clearly. And Legolas is doing so well as a lieutenant. I'm beaming with pride of him at my computer screen. I look forward to the next chapter which I strongly suspect will contain much danger and excitement. I chuckle to think of Uncle Beliond and Daeadar Thranduil being putty in Legolas's children's hands. I think Thranduil would particularly be susceptible to a girl. Oh and congratulations on the mithril awards. I noted several story nominations and a couple voter's choice awards. Way to go!

LOTRFaith · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 5: I Can Do It

Well I know I have not been reviewing for the main reason that my computer crashed and I had to take about 9 hours in getting it all back up to date... I love/hate computers... And I also had to make sure all the programs worked and all that ect:-D But here I am at last... Hmm.. I think that Eilian has taken a step forward in allowing Celuwen to leave. However I have to wonder if there is another reason behind her visit? Perhaps to ease some of her homesickness? I am curious to see what she thinks she will be able to help with the settlments. Especially butting heads with her own Adar. Legolas seems to be holding his own just fine:-D Though I did miss the ever present Beliond to say something:-D I like that guardian of Legolas'. :-D A question before I sign off. Celuwen. How do you pronouce her name? I have been pronoucing it Kay-lu-wen. Then I realised it might also be pronouced Cel-u-wen. Just curious:-D Great chapters so far! Looking forward to the next one!

Tapetum Lucidum · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry

Thranduil's perusal of his youngest's letter was very sweet. I guess your baby is always your baby - and never a grown up. His assessment of Legolas' skills as a lieutenant were certainly accurate. Occasional trouble? Think how boring things would have been without Turgon. He and Annael would have never found excitement. The small gesture of tucking the letter against his breast was very parental. Council meetings seem to have gotten a lot more interesting. A little more info on the mysterious men. You do a good job of trickling your subplots down through a family centric tale. Thranduil's handling of Celuwen was great! I would hope he would show the same mercy with any new advisor - not just his new daughter-in-law. Poor Thrior. Celuwen's proposal was a good one. Having her bring it before the colonists is a good idea. Often a proposal is rejected based on the author rather than its merit. Politics is played the same everywhere. I agree that she has the most potential to see it done. Thrior better do a darn good job in coaching the new ambassador. Eilian's handling of Tinar keeps cracking me up. I think Tinar is looking forward to Eilian's release more than Elian is. In your earlier stories Eilian had a particularly strong gift at reading people. I guess it can be used for quieting people as well. I liked it when you had Eilian ask for permission to speak to his brother/commander. It must often be challenging to fill both roles. Ithilden showed his wisdom in keeping his conflict with Celuwen away from his brother. It is her job to keep her husband up to date. I hope Ithilden didn't let his frustration with Celuwen keep him from listening to Eilian. If I were Tinar, I wouldn't spar with Eilian today. Eilian did make a huge tactical error. Now everyone is up in arms. The right answer would have been: "That is great! I can't wait to see your father again! You don't mind if I go with you, do you?" Please jot that down for him and post it in his armoire where he is sure to see it. My neighbor made the same tactical mistake. He told his wife "You are not going to paint the breakfast nook wall purple." Guess what color it is. My husband is far too wise to make that kind of a mistake. At least Celuwen understood his fear and they made the most of the evening. I am looking forward to finding out what will happen to the men traipsing around Thranduil's forest.

caz - baz · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Do Not Worry

I just found that Mithril awards page, well done. Where there any of your stories they didn't put in?