perelleth
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I'm sure Ithilden and Alfirin are very grateful to you for such a wonderful story! You've put them through such a tender,loving, funny courtship, dealing death blows with amazing regularity! from physical awareness to that clear realization of each other! lovely, truly!
I liked this chapter very much...when everything seemed to fit into place almost effortlessly! Ithilden truly loves his brother, so he had no problems in recognizing he might have been wrong, and Alfirin was showed the ultimate sight: The guy you love selflessly taking care of a helpless one! Truly, I cannot think of a better way to finally overcome her! (you are quite evil, you know?;-)). Seriously, it was fantastically build up, not major angst and the way they all reacted to it showing they're caring people... it was sweet. I'm glad Legolas managed to find the courage to react to danger and to tell Alfirin about it, too... I'm sure he'll feel beter from now on! and Ithilden must be stil considering the sight of Alfirin with a knife on her hand! behave, crown prince!!! ;-)
And the sparring scene was so fun...Thranduil really loves the way his sons behave as brothers, I'm sure, after all, despite the age (Age?) difference, they are on the same side, and that's good!
Do you think Alfirin would mind my starting an Ithilden's fan club? ;-)
I think you deserve a more-than-well-earned respite, but... any hint of what's coming next? Maybe which story should I go reading? (perelleth winks conspiratorially and reminds you she surely is the latest addition to your band of followers and is still engaged in lots of pleasant catching up...)
Best wishes for next year!
Author's reply
I've had a lot of fun with Ithilden and Alfirin, who are so serious that they were just irresistable targets for disastrous dates. But I learned a lot more about them in writing about them, and in particular about her. I understand her better now, and can sympathize with how hard it must have been for her to take on Ithilden and the management of Thranduil's household.
And you're right about the sight of a guy with a kid in his arms, taking gentle care of him. Alfirin just could not resist. But then, I think she'll be good for all of them, especially Legolas. Well, especially Ithilden, but Legolas too. She was a sympathetic outsider, just the person he needed to open up to. I'm glad you thought this wasn't too angsty. It's tricky to convey emotions with out being either too flat or too exaggerated.
Ithilden is about 600 years older than Legolas. That's a lot. I always wonder how elves deal with those generational things. Ithilden is Legolas's brother, not his father, but he's not really of the same age cohort that Legolas is. In the end, I think of them as brothers who can tease one another and sometimes even their father.
I'm sure Alfirin wouldn't mind a fan club, as long as they keep their hands to themselves. :-)
I'm not sure what I'll write next but I'm thinking of a young warrior Legolas story, maybe set after "The Warrior." I'm just not sure though. I have to think of something to do with him that I haven't done already.
sofia
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
great ending. There was a lot in this chapter. Like: Legolas getting injured, telling Alfirin what actually happened, the spar match, the proposal... But it didn't seem overdone. Looking forward to another story from you.
-sofia
Author's reply
Thank you, Sofia. I particularly appreciated your sense that this wasn't overdone. I was afraid I was getting too sappy at the end.
I'm looking forward to another story too!
Alison H
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
What a sweet ending to a truly wonderful story! I think I smiled for the entire time it took to read it.I am such a sucker for the brothers caring for each other and Ithilden really does love Legolas.I can understand Alfirin's adoration for Ithilden when he's so gentle with Legolas--maybe she can imagine how Ithilden would be as a father.Your OC's are so beautifully written and charismatic and I particularly love how you weave your stories around their relationships with each other.So addictive!
I really enjoyed the sparring with Ithilden encouraging Legolas from the sidelines.It was so funny to see Thranduil flustered for a second when Ithilden threw in the tale about Eilian! I think it's wonderful when a child can tease their parents and feel comfortable doing it.I just adore this family and I can't wait for another story.Thanks again for the enjoyment you bring to all of your fans.
Author's reply
I'm glad I made you smile, Alison. This ending is a little sappy, I know, but this was a story about people's feelings, so it seemed appropriate. And yeah, you're right. Alfirin would be lost from the moment she saw Ithilden being so gentle and loving with a child. Heck, I liked it too!
The sparring scene was fun to write. Ithilden has a wicked sense of humor, and Thranduil was happy to see it, I think, because it helped Legolas relax.
Thank you for your kind words, Alison.
thechevin
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I have so enjoyed this story and am sad to see it reach its end.
I loved being able to peek into the past and see how Ithilden and Alfirin chose each other and how they grew to recognise each others strengths and weaknesses
I smiled when Ithilden suddenly doubted Alfirin would wish to bond with him it is good for him to be a little unsure I think
As for Legolas he still has a way to go but he seems to be recovering very nicely and as ever has the support of his Adar
Ithilden was very naughty to distract his father with that tale and to teas ehim about his age but I expect Thranduil knew the reasoning behind it and appreciated the effort his eldest son was making to help his brother.
So many lovely things in this final chapter but I particularly liked Alfirin and Legolas I can see that she will be good for him he has never had a female in such close proximity so it will be good for him.
It might make for some interesting changes for the whole royal family too!
Thank yo ufor sharing your talent with us
Judy
Author's reply
It's taken me a long time to realize that I needed to figure out the romance of Ithilden and Alfirin. I enjoyed Eilian and Celuwen and that came easily. This romance is quieter, as you would expect with these two serious, dignified people. But it's just a passionate. I can see that now, and I had a good time learning it.
Thranduil knew that Ithilden was trying to help Legolas relax. I think of the relationship between Thranduil and Ithilden as being one of almost equals. Thranduil is still the king and father, so it doesn't quite make it, but he trusts Ithilden as he trusts no one else. I've shown Thranduil teasing Ithilden before, but never the other way around, so this was fun to do.
Legolas will benefit from having Alfirin around. They all will actually. :-)
The Karenator
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
What a nice ending. Very satisfying for your readers.
Poor Legolas. He has a tough time with falling trees and his brothers' girlfriends. Alfirin and Celuwen have both ended up nursing him and his leg. :>)Lucky ellyth.
I think my favorite part was when Legolas told Alfirin about the spy. I imagine he thought that Ithilden had already told her, and it was probably a relief to him to find out that Ithilden had kept his privacy, even with someone Legolas knew his brother was close to. Sort of reaffirms his trust in Ithilden. Nice touch.
I like to think that Ithilden would have been gentle with Legolas under such circumstances even if Alfirin had never said anything to him. That's just the complexity of relationships. Ithilden was angry on the day when he caught Legolas and Turgon fishing, and he had a right to be stern when finding his brother skipping lessons--he's the commander of the troops after all and ultimately in charge of training too. He botched it a little and that gave Alfirin a look at the miffed commander, but not necessarily the brother. Seeing the 'adar-material' came at a good time. Despite all of our modern leanings toward feminism, there are some things that are just hardwired into the genders. Females look for the guy who will be a provider and protector of her and her children, be a good father, and perform all his roles with gentleness and wisdom. Now whether we, as females, always chose wisely is another subject. In this instance, Alfirin certainly did.
Thranduil sparring with Legolas was great. Ithilden as the peanut gallery was a hoot. I suppose it was so far after the fact, that revealing that little tidbit about Eilian was safe. Of course, I expect that Thranduil will bring it up one night over a glass of Dorwinion when Eilian least expects it. I'm sorry though that Alfirin missed this sight--though it's best that she did, guy moment, ya know--but she would have seen what a wonderful role model Ithilden had.
Ithilden popping the question was sweet. And I kind of like his line about being selfish anyway and wanting her with him. Ahh.h.h And I loved her line about already being bonded to him in many ways. She has made her choice. Just great.
I'm always sad to see your stories come to an end, but I always look forward to what will be next. Any hints?
Karen
Author's reply
I hadn't thought about the falling tree/girlfriend connection. Ack! I'm falling into a rut! Oh well. Both brothers are married now, so maybe I won't be tempted to do that again.
I think that Legolas trusts Ithilden completely. Even when he was little, he saw Ithilden as someone who made him feel safe, and I think he still feels that way. Ithilden annoys him sometimes, but when the chips are down, there's no one Legolas would rather rely on. Was it you who made the comment about "Good Neighbors" that Alfirin must have fallen in love with Ithilden when she saw him watching Legolas with love after he'd given away his arrows? I thought of that as I was writing here. She really responds to the love and care that Ithilden gives.
Who knew that Ithilden had such smart mouth? LOL. What I liked best about that Eilian story is that Thranduil is the only family member who hasn't heard it yet. That would drive him crazy!
I almost didn't show the proposal but then decided I had to because that was what this story had been building to for them.
I don't know what I'll write about next, but I'm inclined to think it will be young warrior Legolas. I'll see.
Brazgirl
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I loved your last chapter! I caught myself saying "this is so cute" several times. Your OCs are so interesting, so well developed that thay catch my interest and I love to read about them. Ithilden was so handsome in this fic! So gallant! I loved him. And Legolas fought his demons. Good for him. I loved him when he asked Thranduil about his mother's skills with the knife and made Thranduil laugh!
By the way, I read "See the stars" and "In Mirkwood". I had the two last days off so... I loved both stories, but you surprised me in both. The scene Legolas kills that elf lady was very well written. Congratulations. But it was quite odd to read Thranduil having an affair with another woman... for a moment I thought that his 'affair' was the traitor! And I missed Eilian here, but I could read much of him in the other fics.
And you killed Legolas' friend... that was so sad and so unexpected! You caught me there! Poor Legolas! That was hard. Ithilden was so brave and menacing when he met the men on the campsite! I loved when he asked the men who had brused his little brother's face. And when Eilian arrived there I cheered!
It will take some time, but I will have to read all your stories!!!
Happy New Year, Daw!!!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the OCs. I know I have a lot of them and not everyone is willing to put up with them, but I'm so fond of them myself that I can't resist writing about them.
I like giving Legolas chances to ask about his mother. He needs to know about her, and Thranduil enjoys the chance to talk about her. I imagine she was good for him. Her wood-elfiness would have helped him loosen up and enjoy life a little more. Her death was a tragedy for all of them.
If I had "See the Stars" to write over again, I probably would not write about Thranduil being drawn to another woman because it seems uncanonical to me now. It was my first story, so I have to use that as an excuse. "In Mirkwood" was a very early story too or I couldn't have killed Turgon. I hadn't written about him much at that point and hadn't come to be so fond of him. Sigh. He makes me sad.
Happy New Year to you too, Brazgirl.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
Thank you for a very satisfactory ending. While I didn't want Legolas to be hurt - he's been through enough - I knew that if he was, Ithilden would be very gentle and caring in tending him. It couldn't fail to convince Alfirin of his innate kindness when she saw the love between the brothers.
It was another good sign when Legolas drew his knife against the boar, and was able to tell Alfirin about the spy. Him seeing her with a knife may also have helped convince him that the woman he killed was no poor defenceless elleth, but capable of handling weapons herself.
Finally, I loved seeing Thranduil and Legolas sparring, especially Ithilden's comments and encouragement - “He is old and will eventually need to sit down if you keep him on his feet long enough.” Wonderful!
Jay
Author's reply
I think Alfirin was lost from the moment she saw Ithilden caring for a brother who is still really a child. Most women are suckers for that. :-)
I thought it was good for Legolas to see Alfirin with a weapon and then to have her accept his story with sympathy and gratitude. I think that would help him see his own actions with more acceptance.
And who knew that Ithilden could have such a smart mouth??? LOL
Rede
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I really cannot tell you how much of an inspiration you are to all of us. Thereare simply not enough words to explain it. You're writing is magnificent, and the most touching pieces I have ever read. By far, you are my favorite author. I have missed many a night's sleep due to your stories. You are one of the very few who has constantly caused me tears and laughter. Thank you for showing us your awesome imagination, and talents.
How did you learn to write like this? I really do hope you consider doing it professionally. Thanks again Daw, especially for showing me the rest of your work here at Stories of Arda. Keep writing, and I'll most defineately keep reading!
Author's reply
Wow. I'm blushing. I can't thank you enough for these very kind words. I don't even know how to respond to them. I'm kind of glad you lost sleep over these stories because I tend to do that too when I'm in the middle of writing one. I lie awake trying to puzzle out how something is going to happen or what someone will say. I tell myself to write in the daytime, not in my sleep, but I kind of get obsessed.
As for learning to write fiction, that's what I'm trying to do. :-) I'm a teacher of technical writing, so I've always had good control over the mechanics of language, but I'd never written fiction until almost exactly two years ago, and it was the stuff on ff.net that inspired me. I looked at the stories that the brave 12-year-olds were posting and said I could do better than that. And then my beta has helped me a lot by encouraging me to show, not tell, and slow down because I tend to hurry. So, I'm learning, I hope.
Enjoy Stories of Arda. I really like the review system here, because it mails me your review and then enables me to respond to you directly and thank you for your generous review.
Bodkin
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I just loved Ithilden and Legolas ganging up on Thranduil! So . . . brotherly. The joke about Legolas's hair! Teasing Thranduil about his age! And the sheer sneakiness of telling that story at that point. And Legolas knowing it, when Thranduil did not! I bet Thranduil is left wondering how many other tales about his sons have been successfully kept from him. (Not a thought to encourage an adar who likes to be kept informed of everything!) Is that one of the occasions when Lorellin acted as a protective buffer, I wonder.
And Ithilden is exactly the kind of brother who can be annoyingly bossy under normal circumstances, but really comes into his own when there is trouble. It doesn't do Alfirin any harm to see the obvious trust between them here, either! Despite the 'little one', I think Legolas enjoyed the approval - which probably made it a bit easier for him to open out to Alfirin.
I enjoyed watching Alfirin admire Ithilden, too. And so did Legolas! She will be good for him as well as for his big brother. Although she seems better able to look after herself than he first thought, it will mean there is someone in the family - female, soft, caring - to whom Legolas can offer care and consideration. For the first time! He'll still be the baby, but Alfirin will remove some of the attention from him.
I would like more stories of Naneth, I am afraid. Even though she was there for so little of Legolas's childhood. I would rather enjoy watching her train Thranduil in husbandly respect - she sounds as if she would have been a great squasher of pretension. I imagine her skills with a knife might have come as somewhat of a surprise to him. Maybe there were other things, too? (Perhaps there's some room for flashback in Ithilden/Alfirin interaction - or perhaps, more suitably, in Celuwen attempting to get Eilian under control.)
Great ending to a lovely story. But TOO SHORT. Still, at least I can hope for another story to come along soon. Please.
Author's reply
I too liked the brotherly moment when Ithilden was helping Legolas by teasing Thranduil. And it struck me as funny too that Legolas would know about Eilian's escapade when Thranduil didn't. I don't know the details of the water trick myself, but I suppose I can think them up sometime. :-)
Legolas trusted Ithilden completely. I think his oldest brother has always made him feel safe. So while he was certainly annoyed at Ithilden for dragging him home from the fishing trip, he was grateful for him here. And it was good for Alfirin to see that. I imagine her family's dynamic is a bit different than the all male one of Thranduil's household. She'll make some changes there, I think, but she'll also see things to value.
I'd love to write more about Naneth. I just need to think of a way to do it well. You made me laugh with that comment about Celuwen and Eilian. In some quite unexpected ways, Eilian is a lot like his father.
emjo
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I'm not sure where to begin, there is so much I loved about this chapter. First I love Ithilden being so gentle with his little brother. And the moment Alfrin forgets all her doubts--thank you for showing that! I am so glad Legolas started opening up about what he is going through, first to Alfirin then with is adar.
I can not even tell you how much I loved the sparing! Ithilden teasing first Legolas about his gorgeous hair and then Thranduil about being so old! I love it!
And then the proposal, again thank you for showing this beautiful moment.
Fantastic story Daw. I know your going out of town next week but please don't keep everyone waiting to long. Your stories are excellent. I love every one of them.
Author's reply
I think that Ithilden is enough older than Legolas that he sometimes feels fatherly toward him, and he cares for him very gently. But he's also his brother, so in that sparring scene he teases and laughs. It's hard to know just how elves would react with such long gaps between the ages of the children.
Alfirin is just in love. She's gone! And that will be very good for Ithilden, who needs that I think.
I thought Legolas might find it easier to speak to a sympathetic outsider who wasn't hovering over him. And Alfirin is maternal, which I think he needs
I'm glad you liked this, emjo. I'll be thinking about my next story while I'm on vacation. Last year, I wrote the first couple of chapters of "Fire and Shadow" during this vacation. :-)
Firnsarnien
· 29 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
*sigh* Such wonderful Leggy angst, comfort and mothering from his brother, Alfirin and his father. *sigh* Loved every minute of it. Hmmmm, I also see that Leggy is finally well on his way to recovery, not just physically, but mentally. I'm glad for him. Killing another living being is indeed a hard thing to do, and killing another Elf must have been torturous for him. I've hunted deer in the past and I must say, that each time I actually killed one, I cried. Even though we used every bit of the meat, it was still hard to do. I have finally decided that I just can't do it anymore and I'll not go hunting again. Killing another living creature is the hardest thing in the world to do so I can kind of relate to the feeling.
As for Ithilden and Alfirin, what a gratifying ending to their courting. It was really nice to see Alfirin appreciate Ithilden for what he truly is deep inside. Someone who deeply loves and cares for his family. *another sigh*
Great story as usual. I wonder what you're going to write about next? Little Leggy stories? Taking place during a particular time? Right after his mother's death? Hmmmm? I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, no? Heh, heh! Well, whatever you do write about, I'll be here as always. :) Hurry though! LOL
Author's reply
I've never hunted or even seen a farm animal slaughtered. I eat meat, so I ought to be able to accept the knowledge of where it comes from, but I guess I'm kind of hypocritical. Legolas is recovering gradually, with the support of those who love him and believe in him.
And I thought it was important for Alfirin to love Ithilden for the person that he is. She'd love him if he were just an ordinary elf in the forest, but she also respects the strength he brings to his role as Thranduil's son. They'll do well together.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I don't know yet what I'll do next. I'm thinking maybe young warrior Legolas, but I'm not sure.
Lera
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
That was a wonderful story. My favorite part was Thranduil sparring with Legolas. I haven't seen that before and just the whole thing and what it meant to all of them was perfect.
I have enjoyed this story immensely. Each of your stories dig deeper into the characters and help us understand them more. Thank you for creating this world in Mirkwood.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked the sparring. It was fun to write, and what's more, it was easy to write! And now that you mention it, I hadn't shown Thranduil training like that before, or even shown Ithilden teasing him and Legolas laughing at the jokes. Maybe that's why it was fun to do.
I can't thank you enough for being a faithful reader and for taking the time to let me know you enjoy the stories. This is so much fun to do.
Brenda G.
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
Ahhhh! Now that was so satisfying!
All's well that ends well, and this tale has ended so well that I am still smiling long after I have finished reading the last chapter.
Alfirin and Ithilden are definitely made for one another, and now Legolas is on the mend both body and soul. So many little "moments" in this last chapter sparkled like scattered jewels: the mock duel, the devilish distraction, the rowdy gear-slapping play between father and son, and the sweetness of the embrace. Sauce for the goose, that.
I've so enjoyed "A Matter of Heart" and am looking forward, as always, to your next tale.
Happy New Year, Daw!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it, Brenda. Alfirin and Ithilden are well matched, I think. She's what he needs personally as well as in his role as Thranduil's oldest son. There's a moment in this story when she thinks that what Legolas needs is to be accepted for himself, and really, I think that's what Ithilden needs too, and he hasn't gotten it so much before.
The sparring was fun to write. I love seeing the brothers be brotherly and tease their father.
Happy New Year to you too!
Frodo3791
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
What a great ending to the story! I love the way you used Legolas' injury to show us how Legolas is getting better as well as to show us a strength we do not regularly get to see with Alfirin. Alfirin was also able to see how her words impacted Ithilden, and so everything fit together well. Whenever I think I know where you're going with a story, I'm always surprised, and that's awesome.
I would also like to comment on something that you had Thranduil think about in an earlier chapter about if Legolas chose not to be a warrior. I hadn't really ever thought about it, but I can see why Thranduil set each of his sons on the path to become warriors. The king asks for elves to risk their lives for the kingdom. How can his own sons not do the same? It's a sad dilemma because Mirkwood needs warriors badly, so if any one of his sons chose not to be warriors, well, it wouldn't have been good, I don't think. Anyway, it was an interesting thing to think about, and I'm glad you brought it up.
I can't wait for the next story. ... and I hope we have quite a bit of Eilian to make up for what we didn't have in this story, though I must say that I enjoyed having quite a bit of Ithilden around. He may not be as fun as Eilian, but I love his character all the same.
-Frodo
Author's reply
If I'm still surprising you, Frodo, I am a very happy writer!
Alfirin was interesting to write about. I'm continually learning that, when I write from a character's point of view, that character comes alive for me, and she was the one who I got to understand better in this story. I've always been more sympthetic to Celuwen, but Alfirin has many strengths of her own and was undoubtedly good for the royal family. I don't think Celuwen would have been as good with Legolas as Alfirin was, for instance.
I really do think that king's sons were expected to be warriors. That was part of their obligation. And yet Thranduil took the plunge here to try to let Legolas do something else if he had to. Good for him!
We do need some Eilian. I agree. I had to keep him away. He tends to steal the show if I let him come around.
Alice
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
Oh, that was so sweet!(is filled with warm fuzzy fillings) Yay! They're so in love and so cute and darn it, I was glad you showed the proposal.(sighs happily) There was the proposal and the exact moment when Alfirin knew that she was in love and oh just all the moments of them falling in love. It was wonderful!
I loved the sparring Legolas did with his father. That was just so funny how Ithilden helped him win! I love seeing the brothers team up against Thranduil, especially when it's Ithilden because he's well, Ithilden upright and upstanding citizen, responsible son. I loved the bit about Eilian plotting against Maldor. That bucket trick is just so Eilian. And so without good sense, no wonder Thranduil was pleased that Celuwen wound up with Eilian(excepting the manner of their marriage of course). That was just an awesome scene, especialy because we don't really see much of Thranduil in warrior mode and his sons almost never do(well Legolas anyway).
So what else did I love about this chapter? Oh yeah, scenes with Alfirin and Legolas. I knew he was going to wind up telling her and she'd say the right thing! I just knew it! Also that she'd wind up showing Legolas that she was not so helpless as she appears. Silly ellon. I loved the bit about his mother being able to hit an acorn at twenty paces. Hee. I would love to see the moment when Thranduil discovered that about her. Hee. Bet he learned that bit about woodelf maidens the hard way. Actually, I'd love to see more of Lorellin period.(cough:hint:cough)Oh and the part where Legolas announces that he approves of Ithilden's choice in a spouse.
So, excellent chapter and excellent story! I still have warm fuzzies from it. I can't wait for your next story. Yes, I am never satisfied. You're stories are addictive, did you know that? So write more and write soon.
Author's reply
I almost didn't include the proposal but then I thought I really it had to. It's the culmination of the Ithilden/Alfirin part of this story. They really do love one another. :-)
Ithilden was teasing his father, which someone else pointed out I had never shown before, and I have to admit that was fun to write. And yes, the bucket trick was very Eilian and you just know he got into a ton of trouble that no one told Thranduil about. LOL. He hates that! And even Legolas knows!
Alfirin was the perfect person for Legolas to talk to. She's not hovering over him like his family does, but she is maternal (we do need more of Lorellin -- how am I going to do that?). So it was good for him to know that she accepted what he had done and was even grateful to him. I thought about trying to work in the fact that she'd been a hostage in the palace in "Growing Under Shadow" so she'd be particularly understanding about rescuing someone with a knife at their throat, but it was hard to do because she didn't know the details of what happened with the spy.
Thank you so much for your continued enthusiasm, Alice. These reviews mean a tremendous amount to me.
esamen
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
“That is the way to do it, Legolas,” encouraged Ithilden. “He is old and will eventually need to sit down if you keep him on his feet long enough.”
Hmmm! I can't remember ever hearing Ithilden tease Thranduil before. Is this a new facet of our gorgeous oldest son coming to the light?
I just love the stories of this family, and every one gets better and better. I feel like they are my own set of cousins, now . . . a fabulous other-worldly set, to be sure, but just as living and real as they can be. Thank you so much for all your work! And thanks for a lovely Legolas-Thranduil scene in this chapter.
I'll be watching down the road for the next adventure . . .
Esamen
Author's reply
I was trying to think if I've ever had Ithilden tease Thranduil before. The closest I can come is him telling Thranduil in "Tide of Times" that overconfidence gets an elf in trouble (Thranduil has just said he can deal with Alfirin or something like that), and that's pretty feeble. I think of Thranduil having the most equal relationship with Ithilden that he has with anyone, but there's still the king and adar factor there. Still, I imagine they all teased sometimes. They're wood elves!
I'll be away all next week, but I'll be thinking about the next story. I just don't know what it will be yet. During this vacation last year, I started "Fire and Shadow," and two years ago, I wrote my first fanfic during it. :-) Good memories.
Karri
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I am glad to see Legolas opening up finally. That is at least progress. A wonderful story!
Author's reply
Thank you, Karri. I thought it was progress. He told Alfirin what he had done and she didn't get all horrified and that was comforting for him. I think she's a maternal person who will be great for him to have around.
Nilmandra
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
I really like how this story resolved, how you took the time to explore the feelings and emotions, and really told a great story with very little external conflict. Thranduil's talk with Legoals was great, and Alfirin really came alive to all of us. Nice job!
Author's reply
Thank you for all your help on this, Nilmandra. I really, really need to slow down in these stories. It's very hard for me to work patiently at them.
meckinock
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
“That is the way to do it, Legolas,” encouraged Ithilden. “He is old and will eventually need to sit down if you keep him on his feet long enough.”
That one needed a beverage alert.
I did love that scene with the boys. The image of Thranduil breaking a sweat...
Well. Even though the tree did NOT fall on Ithilden, it was wonderful to see him pass the Future Ada Field Test. And the Grizzly Adams Mountain Man field test. Nothing is more irresistable to a woman than a guy holding a child...And Celebrian passed the Mother Grizzly Bear test as well. Those wild boars are nothing to fool around with! When I lived in Germany they were all over the forest and they would tree you if you weren't quick enough. It seems Legalas has finally found someone close enough but not too close that he can open up to. And he's talking to his dad now, too, which is even better. And the lovebirds have eternity. What a nice, warm feeling to end the story with.
Author's reply
I had fun writing that sparring scene too. I may have said before that I like writing the moments when the brothers are clearly brothers, and here they were, ganging up on their father.
I laughed when I read your line about women can't resist a man holding a child. It made me think of Nilmandra meeting Celebrian with a sleeping toddler in his arms. In this case, Legolas is about 16 in human terms, but he is certainly still a child to his family, and Ithilden thinks of him that way, I think.
You probably won't be surprised to learn that I looked up a bunch of stuff about wild boars, but my knowledge is all virtual. I'd probably have an easier time writing some of this stuff if I'd actually experienced it, but that might involve doing something icky.
Sweaty Thranduil is a nice thought. ;-)
Manderly
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
SIGH! SIGH! SIGH! That ending really deserves a triple sigh, you know.
I am really amazed at how you have developed Alfirin in this story. I've always just seen her as somebody in the background, running the palace and those stubborn males, but now I know why she can run the palace AND those stubborn males. Her nurturing and maternal instincts are exactly what Thranduil and his sons need after having gone for so long without. She really was wonderful with Legolas and probably did more to advance his healing than even her own mother the healer. No wonder she meets with Legolas' approval.
I loved the sparring scene between Thranduil and Legolas, with Ithilden cheering (?) on at the sideline. It's really nice seeing the lighter side of Ithilden - love really brings out the best in a man, or an elf. I can see that a sense of humour runs in that family and all this time, I thought Eilian held the monopoly on humour in the royal household.
Being surrounded by so many loving and caring people, no wonder Legolas turned out the way that he did.
Wonderful story, again! Thank you.
Author's reply
I really enjoyed this chance to develop Alfirin a little. I like Celuwen, but I think that Alfirin's maternal streak was very good for Legolas in general and was what he needed at this moment. And the palace will be a better place to live because she's there. Ithilden is a lucky elf.
Ithilden in love was a more relaxed, humorous person too. He could see that Legolas needed to relax and he was happy to tease his father and then reveal something about Eilian if he had to!
Legolas was indeed surrounded by loving people. They made mistakes in rearing him, but they always cared for him.
Thank you for your kind words, Manderly.
Elena Tiriel
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
Awwwwww... *sniffle* I'm speechless...
- Barbara
Author's reply
I guess that's good! Glad you liked it, Barbara.
Eruviluieth
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 6: Taking Care
Lovely ending. Everything pulled together, and I'm so glad Legolas is OK. Thank you for a wonderful story.
Author's reply
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed this, Eruviluieth. Legolas is mostly OK, although he has a way to go yet. But he has a loving family to help him, and we know he comes right in the end.
French Pony
· 27 December 2004
· Chapter 5: Is Everything Well?
Am home with the parental units, without much time to leave a long and detailed review. So I'll just hit the major points:
I liked it much.
Galelas will eventually have to eat those words.
Ithilden is learning.
If Ithilden and Alfirin are in the wet woods that close to a lightning-hit tree and they didn't even feel a little buzz, they're really lucky.
Legolas is catching it from all sides, isn't he?
Author's reply
Hope you're having a good holiday, FP. What are you doing now that you aren't spending all your time studying?
I'm glad you liked it. I have to admit that I feel sorry for Galelas. His arrival at home is not going to be joyous either.
I never even thought about the lightning buzz for Alfirin and Ithilden. Hm. They were feeling buzz on their own, I guess.
At least Ithilden was nicer to Legolas today. Alfirin will approve.
Bodkin
· 27 December 2004
· Chapter 5: Is Everything Well?
This was just such a delight - and so refreshing: not a sprout or parsnip in sight.
I cannot help but pity Galelas - I imagine his parents would have been full of Tinar's perfections and comparing Galelas very unfavourably with superson. It is no wonder Galelas was so aggravating - he saw favouritism all round him every day when at home; he must have been looking for it all the time in other aspects of his life. Annael has the insight (and liking for Legolas) to realise that there is something behind what is going on, but Galelas hasn't. I find myself looking forward to his days with Eilian - at least that gave him some happiness.
On the other hand, Legolas probably didn't need that just now. Although it has given him some forced time off when he can hanker after training - probably being forbidden to train will make it more desirable anyway, in that delightfully contrary way we all (especially when adolescent) have. Hormone poisoning combined with trauma: no wonder the elfling is a mess!
I'm glad to see Ithilden is taking Alfirin's words to heart - it augurs well for their future. A responsive husband is a happy husband. I was glad to see he was responsive to other things, too. A pity that a falling tree seems likely to interrupt a bit of wet elven physical contact. Still - given their current performances to date, that would have been a bit too much to hope for.
Thranduil is a stellar adar (most of the time) - and his lapses from understanding a quite excusable. Legolas can be enough to try the patience of a Vala - as can Eilian, actually. I would rather like to see a moody adolescent Ithiden driving his poor adar insane, too. (Perhaps in memory in conjunction with an intolerable Sinnarn.)
Ithilden did well to remind Legolas that. in Thranduil's eyes, he and Eilian were sometimes worrying elflings of little more sense than their brother. And actually, it doesn't do Legolas any harm to see Ithilden lapse into moonling mode at the sight of Alfirin - he could do with feeling amused and superior at the moment.
It was such a pleasure to read this.
Author's reply
I have a lot of pity for Galelas. He had a really crummy family and then the way he reacted made it harder for him to get the very recognition and respect he craved. I tell myself that he was treated as hero in the Halls of Mandos. He'd like that.
I'm laughing about your analysis of how Legolas will crave training now that it's forbidden to him. You could very well be right!
Ithilden is very disappointed, I want you to know. Having Alfiring in a clingy dress on his lap on a horse is his idea of Valinor right now. But his chance will come, and he'll have centuries to enjoy it.
Was it you who suggested that I needed a story with adolescent Sinnarn driving Ithilden crazy? This addition (memories of his own adolescence)is a wonderful idea! I think I have to do that.
I like it when Ithilden and Eilian are brothers to Legolas. That makes some of my favorite moments in these stories.
perelleth
· 27 December 2004
· Chapter 5: Is Everything Well?
Wow! I'm amazed you were able to post through "seasonal mess"! It is great to get back home and find such an amusing chapter again! (apart from that evil cliffhanger, oh my!) Hope you also had time to enjoy yourself through this wonderful yule time!
See, I'm glad things are apparently calm in Mirkwood at this time of the year, and Thranduil can turn his chief commander into chief brother and send him elfling-catching!!! I do pity this King: being a ruler and a parent -or a parent and a ruler- can be such a demanding job...!;-) He is coping greatly, I credit him for that, but then, he seems to have been well trained with his first two sons !!!! He's a great dad, I deem, I liked the cliffhangers he's been through in this chapter, trying to work himself out of worry "he's ok, I know he's ok", only to find the kid's not at home, but then "he's ok, outside, Manwe knows where, but ok..." poor king, I don't want to picture him when he hears the storm and thinks two of his sons are out there... grrr! Such a demanding job indeed!!!
I like the way you're dealing with the emotional upheavals Legolas is experiencing, his guilt mixing with his need for independence ... I think he'll soon be ready to open up wholly and see his family are only trying to suport him. Killing another elf must be something truly shocking for anyone, so no shame to be deeply affected, and at Legolas' age it would be worse... but then, with "friendly" Galelas ready at hand to drive him mad about simple things.. What's going on with that kid? Seems he's dying for a bit of attention, someone to care for him or something... Legolas is truly fortunate with his family, and friends,I'm sure he knows... but it wouldn't hurt if you reminded him of the fact!!!! ;-)
"...he thought that perhaps he needed to take a different approach to preventing it, one Alfirin might be more likely to approve of" That's the trick, my lord, that's the trick, see that you can manage if only you put a little thinking into it?...Now you start to understand what Adar meant when he talked about "making up?"
Belated seasonal greetings and tons of muses to you!
Author's reply
My husband and I were alone on Christmas day, and then yesterday and today, we were in Chicago visiting our son. So I haven't written since I posted this chapter. We're going away for a week on New Year's Day, so I'd like to get this finished before then. It's so close. I think there's only two more chapters.
Contrary to fanfic Evil!Thranduil, I think he's a very good father. I think the Legolas we see in the Fellowship is the best proof of that. And you see him here struggling, as you say. I think balancing his roles has been the hardest for him with Legolas because he wasn't a single parent with the older two. Naneth was around to take up the slack. But on the other hand, he does have the two older brothers to help him, at least when they're around and not busy themselves.
Adolescent Legolas is very interesting to me. He's vulnerable, even as you can see his strengths starting to flower. But his self-assurance is still not well established. And I think he's been over-sheltered in some ways, by a father and brothers who see him as a link to his dead mother.
Galelas has an older brother who is the apple of his parents' eyes. He's always going to be watching for someone else to get favorable treatment, I think. He's seen it at home. He turns out better as an adult than you might expect, once he gets away from home and is valued as a warrior.
I think Ithilden understands quite vividly what Adar meant about "making up." He was so looking forward to the horseback ride!