Reviews (167)

Brazgirl · 22 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

First I have to thank for updating today. I was so upset and then I read this... it made me feel better. Because it was so, so sweet! Ithilden was arrogant here... but a good one. He is such a real brother! And he was so into Alfirin... ahahaha no wonder his mood changed dramatically! And for one who thinks he is wiser than his father (I think I'll never forget that line...) he took quite a lesson from Thranduil in the end. And Alfirin with her mother! It was so nice... parents can be wise sometimes, when it comes to love; and both Thranduil and the healer proved that to their children. Poor Legolas! The guy has a serious problem... tell him I fully understand him, right? At least he did not pull away from his father's embrace. This was very sweet, Daw!!!

thechevin · 22 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Well I never thought I would feel grateful or sorry for Turgon the terrible but today I did. He supported his friend without question and then still got the blame not that it seemed to faze him at all! As for Legolas what trauma he is going through and how well Adar handled it no scolding just simple qeustions that allowed Legolas to tell him what had happened it must be very hard to be a parent in this situation however Thranduil seems to be able to cope with both his youngest and oldest son's troubles It was amusing to see that Alfirin's mother and Thranduil had the same thoughts about the argument As for Ithliden I think he could do with a little fatherly advice as to how to handle a female, it is good to know that even capable Ithilden can make a mess of things so spectacularly Another lovely chapter Happy Holidays Judy

The Karenator · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Well, that picnic went up in flames, didn't it? For every step forward that Ithilden takes, he takes two back. He's denser than mud. And Alfirin has turned out to be a spitfire when riled. I loved her line about walking herself home. Ithilden was beyond shocked. The parental advice was great. They've been watching these two dance around each other for so long that I imagine they have a pretty good perspective on this relationship. And Alfirin's mother felt certain Ithilden would be back. After all, he's come back after every other disaster. Poor Legolas. He's still struggling. Ithilden's line about fearing Legolas might take off alone in the woods was somewhat sobering since we know that this indeed does happen...only he's with Turgon and it goes horribly wrong. But even if I didn't know about the trip Legolas and Turgon took, I would still find that thought chilling. Ithilden has legitimate concerns, unfortunately, he reacts badly. Thankfully, Thranduil is patience and understanding. Of course, by 'Prodigal Sons', Legolas is also weary of his family's 'concern'. Poor kid. He's doing the same dance steps as his oldest brother. One forward, two back. Great chapter. I'm looking forward to the next one...and making up. Karen

Elena Tiriel · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Way to go, Alfirin! Woohoo! And Thranduil did a wonderful job of handling Legolas' problem, though Ithilden has a lot to learn... I agree with the two parents: Alfirin is just exactly what Ithilden needs... - Barbar

ponypetter · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

I liked this chapter, especially how Thranduil is so understanding of the trouble Legolas is having. I alos love how Ithilden is learning that Thranduil is not going to be the only person he answers to!

meckinock · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

That was brilliant, Daw. I was howling at the quarreling couple's despondent outpourings and their parents' amused relief. I love the ambiguity and the complexity of your characters' interpersonal conflicts. You always portray a disagreement in such a way that it's possible to empathize with both sides. Ithilden indeed was being too hard on Legolas, considering he knows what's wrong with him. On the other hand Alfirin was being too easy considering she doesn't. And their parents are just relieved she stood up to Ithilden. I loved Thranduil's line- we thought you were too much for her. LOL! Too bad about the picnic, though. Especially the pastries.

Manderly · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Oh, a lovers' first spat! And it was totally enjoyable, for me as a reader anyway. I love it when a woman stands up to a man and puts him in his place with a few well-chosen words, though I am sure Ithilden would highly disagree that he's been put in his place. I love how you are fleshing out Alfirin. She is definitely a real person now. I can see her as someone who can stand up to Thranduil (which she does of course as we know). She is already protective toward Legolas which wins her big Brownie points as far as I am concerned. I find it amusing how both her mother and Thranduil were thrilled that she stood up to Ithilden. I guess they know more about Ithilden's pig-headedness than she does at this point. Poor Ithilden - something always goes wrong each time he wants to get intimate with Alfirin (a flaming shawl comes to mind). Thanduil shows himself as a wise and understanding father once again. He may be autocratic, but his sons are lucky to have him for a father.

Alice · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Well I'm glad that Thranduil has better sense than Ithilden when it comes to Legolas, though it doesn't surprise me. He is after all, the Ada. I'm also glad that Alfirin is willing to go to bat for Legolas. It's nice seeing Alfirin courting Legolas like Ithilden does to Tonduil. I'm enjoying seeing the friendship between Legolas and Alfrin. Legolas has good relationships with his sisters-in-law. I love how Thranduil and Alfirin's Naneth are all, " You go girl!" Heh. They know Ithilden well. I was all "You go girl!" too. Especially after reading that Ithilden thought Alfirin was infuriating. He needs to not get his way every so often, nice as he is. Builds character. It is nice seeing Alfirin not be gentle. People tend to underestimate what she can handle. I think one of these days she's going to surprise Legolas with an ability to handle a weapon. Gentle does not mean pushover. Which Ithilden is learning. :) So, good chapter. I love the friendship between Turgon and Legolas. I kind of think that Ithilden doesn't understand why Thranduil hasn't seperated them because he doesn't really understand what it's like having a best friend. Poor Ithilden. I can't imagine my life without my best friends. And they're really important right now for Legolas, who is just a little sick of his family. Turgon's affection for him, if not his lack of good sense, is good for Legolas. It's good that Ithilden is seeing someone socially. He needed to get out of his office. Desperately. Which I think Calith knew and had no intention of interrupting him short of an invasion. Oh, I love how the servants are all supportive of Alfirin, though the whole dinner servant quarrell was indictative of that. They want the crown prince to settle down. Me thinks that perhaps they miss having elflings charm cookies out of them? I have this image of them debating what they should put in the basket, whether Alfirin would be made uncomfortable, what dishes she would prefer, etc. Knowing Ithilden, he could use a little help in winning her. I love the boy dearly, but his social skills need work. I look forward to the next chapter immensly. Making up is fun. As Ithilden and Alfrin are about to discover. Write fast.

French Pony · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Yeah! Go Alfirin! For someone who is 500 years younger than Ithilden, she has a much better grasp on how to be a big sibling. Ithilden has always had this problem of trying to usurp more parental authority than he has. He may be big and strong and 600 years old, but both Eilian and Legolas are smart enough to tell the difference between him and Thranduil. And no kid will ever mind a big sibling as much as they'll mind a parent. Things are slightly different during those time when he's the commanding officer and not the big brother, but surprise! The little sibs are smart enough to pick up on precisely when those times are. And this wasn't one of them. So, yes, Ithilden was completely out of line there. Perhaps the reason that Eilian is so skilled at being a big brother is because he's had such a thumping example of how not to go about big brothering from Ithilden? If I had ever treated my sister that way, she would have just laughed me off. Or, when she was really little, she would have run straight to our mother crying, "Mom! Pony's being mean to me!" and then I'd get punished for whatever the fight was about, regardless. It also looks like Alfirin has decided that, rather than try to mother Legolas, she should try to big sister him instead, which is a wise choice. The poor kid just isn't responding to anyone, and it's really getting serious. I think if I were Thranduil, I might have recalled Eilian. He's always had a good relationship with Legolas, and nothing else seems to be working right now. Legolas is slowly sliding over the edge into real psychological problems, and Eilian is a resource who has been known to help when nothing else can. I forget what Eilian is doing right now (commanding the Southern Patrol, maybe?) but really, anyone can do that for a few weeks. Anyone can't help Legolas, though. Best allocation of resources for the safety of the Woodland Realm would have been to sacrifice a few weeks of Eilian in whatever his job is to get Legolas back on his feet and back into warrior training. . . which ultimately would have saved Turgon's life as well. But even Thranduil makes mistakes. And they'll all be paying for this mistake for a long time. Chicken, bread, fruit, wine. . . and the good dishes! I know what this adds up to: MEMO From: Kitchen Staff To: Ithilden Subject: Alfirin Hint, hint! Now they've had a quarrel. Of course, it was inevitable. An oldest brother marrying an older sister -- alpha male matched with alpha female. Sparks fly when that happens, oh yes they do. It does good for Ithilden to be taken down a peg or two. I suspect that, by the time this story is over, he will have been thoroughly disabused of any notion that he could command his wife. He'd sooner be able to command his father, I think.

Dot · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

*g* I think Gwaleniel and Thranduil are nearly the best part of this tale. They’re gas. And the day started off so well for both Legolas and Ithilden… Legolas’ very physical reaction to the prospect of training with knives was rather overwhelming. He obviously has a long way to go yet. I was actually quite glad that Turgon was there. In a way he’s exactly what Legolas needs at the moment because as helpful as Annael is, he’d probably need at least some explanation to skip class. Turgon is so full of spirits too that he’d distract Legolas more easily. A picnic! How lovely. LOL at Calith giving him an “indulgent smile”. It must be rather amusing to him to see Ithilden falling in love. Especially as this is the guy who made completely sure that he could be found when he took Legolas camping when supposedly on leave and would now eat anyone alive if they interrupted a picnic in the middle of a work day. I loved that he thought of the place where he went as an elfling and it’s a wonderful notion that Thranduil and Lorellin used to take their son for a picnic. That place sounds familiar. It’s not Thranduil and Lorellin’s little make-out spot is it?? That’s some array of food. I suppose he can be forgiven for not thinking of packing it himself because the poor thing really is clueless. It sounds like the cooks are trying to help this romance along a little. Although, I do suspect Thranduil’s hand in this… I love the suggestion too that Ithilden’s parents never left the contents of the picnic up to the kitchen staff. I was actually really moved at the thought of Ithilden in his bedroom, going over and over what she’d said and the things that worried her. He obviously doesn’t have Eilian’s tendency to think about things later. I like that Alfirin is helping him see things in a different way. That Nyndir might resent it is definitely a possibility, even though it sounds as though he might actually welcome the help. I almost couldn’t bear to keep reading once Ithilden came across Legolas and Turgon. I didn’t know who I should feel worse for – Legolas for being treated as in incompetent child, Ithilden because his picnic is ruined and he just keeps unwittingly walking himself into deeper trouble, or Alfirin because the elf she loves displays a shocking lack of awareness and yet another date with him has ended badly… These people need a break, daw! What an awkward situation. I cringed as Ithilden continually misread all of Alfirin’s clues. She’s great with Legolas and Turgon. And I was glad Legolas thanked Turgon in front of Ithilden so that it might have some hope of registering with him that it wasn’t Turgon’s idea. Yay that Alfirin got riled up enough to yell at him! He needed that, even if it does take a while to sink in, and at least Alfirin and everyone around her now knows that she is more than a match for him. But… what really got me was the line “And he needed to have company, to feel that someone cared enough about whether he got home to go with him.” Yes, he went about it in completely the wrong way but Ithilden obviously cares and thinks he’s doing the right thing. I suppose that’s what makes it so hard for Alfirin. He was certainly wrong in how he handled Legolas but she knows that he’s really just misguided and his actions, no matter how hurtful, do stem from love. Gwaleniel was great. She’s so thrilled that her daughter stood up to Ithilden! Alfirin’s shock that her mother would presume she and Ithilden would ever make up was too funny. I wouldn’t worry if I were her, if he’s come back after every other disaster he’ll be back after this one too. Now, Thranduil did a much better job with Legolas. As the father, of course, he will have the advantage of Legolas having to tell him some things that he doesn’t have to tell his brother. But Thranduil’s calm faith in him and acknowledgement that it might take time is definitely the way to go. I hadn’t thought before that Thranduil must also be wondering if Legolas would have to do something other than become a warrior. That startled me for a moment! I think that while it is sad to see Legolas think that way in moments of despair, Thranduil thinking this really drives home the seriousness of Legolas’ problem. And, of course, Thranduil himself would have to come to terms with the fact that one of his sons would not be fighting for the realm. He’s always given the impression that he would never ask anyone to do more than he asks of himself and his family so that wouldn’t be easy for him either. I think Thranduil is managing both sons quite well, actually! He just has to remember to continue to tread carefully with Legolas. Ithilden, on the other hand seems to need a more blunt approach. He’s so funny. He marches in to his father and tells him that he should forbid Legolas from seeing Turgon but is somehow astonished that Alfirin would criticise anything. Thranduil’s amusement still has me laughing. He’s clearly getting a kick out of his eldest son’s confusion and the rather uncomfortable lessons in love that he’s learning. By the sounds of it, Thranduil and Lorellin had some rather fiery moments so he must know what he’s talking about it. And he seems to think along the same lines as Alfirin’s mother about the sweetness of making up! At least Gwaleniel can chat with her husband about all this. Thranduil needs a buddy. This could be much more fun for him if he could have a laugh with someone. So, when are they going to make up?? I feel a little guilty for being so fascinated by their utter incompetence to establish much of a relationship but I suppose the first fight is out of the way now so the awkward politeness should be gone and things can improve… Although I don’t entirely trust you! Great chapter. Will we see any more before Christmas? Roll on the holidays. Two more days of work and then nearly a full week off. Not that I'm counting... :-)

lwarren · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Just when he thought he might be regaining a little of his balance/nerve, they bring out the knives! I can't blame him a bit for bolting, and bless Turgon for standing with his friend (tho' I'm sure he'd always prefer fishing!). Ithilden's Romantic Interlude - or How To Tick Off Your Brother and Your Girlfriend in One Afternoon! I know he was disappointed that he couldn't canoodle with Alfirin a little more, but to take out his frustrations on Legolas (even Alfirin caught Legolas' reference to Turgon going with HIM) was a major error in judgment, in more ways than one! I'm glad Alfirin stood up to Ithilden and defended Legolas, and I'm really glad Legolas went straight to his father. Thranduil handled his very fragile youngster just right - being very careful to not push him into retreating, but finally draw him into a much needed hug (the boy needs reassurance and love - lots of it!) I especially liked the reaction to "The Argument" from both Alfirin's naneth and Ithilden's adar...both noting that Alfirin stood up to Ithilden at his most overbearing worst...and both assuring their kids that "making up" is the best part of fighting. Well done, daw! BTW, have a blessed Christmas (if you celebrate) and a wonderful New Year! linda

lwarren · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Take Your Time

Whew! "I will bed you goodnight." *vbg* Oh well, the heart speaks truly here - forget being practical...grab the elf and drag him to the woods! ;-) Alfirin in this chapter is very appealing - practical, somewhat unsure, sympathetic, compassionate, funny...I really like getting to know her character! Poor Legolas! He is having a hard time of it. He needs someone to confide in - too much pain and guilt all locked up inside still. And he wonders at his need to be alone, and why he can't seem to regain his composure. I see he's been counseled by the healer...he's avoiding his father...and is too embarassed/ashamed to let his best friends know. Which leaves the entire burden on him, unfortunately. Great chapter, daw! linda

sofia · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

I think Thranduil handed the situation with Legolas very well. I would think a relationship where no one argued or disagreed would be boring and I can't wait for them to get back together. -sofia

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Note to Ithilden: Engage brain before opening mouth. Oh, dear. He's done it again. I can understand that he was worried when Legolas suddenly took himself off from training like that, but he handled the situation disastrously. Having his romantic picnic interrupted didn't help his mood. Well done to Alirin for standing up to him, though - confronting the King's son and Army Commander can't be easy. I liked Thranduil's amusement over the row. But poor Legolas :( Two steps forward; one step back. Just when he thinks he's getting better he has to use knives again. *Sigh* Have the weapons masters all been warned about his problems?

perelleth · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Oh my! I've been behaving badly, checking in here while working and lo!I'm rewarded with this splendid chapter!! (reckoning day won't be long I fear!) Poor Legolas! I fear it may be quite a long time until he comes to terms with what he's done, such a death being something so unnatural for elves.. Thanks the powers he has such a family to care for him (above all they do not err simultaneously... which means there's almost always someone available to comfort him!!!) And Ithilden... poor one! he's so green!!!! Arrogant, yes, but oh so innocent, for all his experience... I enjoyed the picnic scene, also 'cause I was expecting catastrophe at any moment.. but then, it was his own making.. poor thing, he is so out of his element, and all that black hair and dimples and proximity... Wow, it is fun, I agree with Thranduil: he must savour each and every step of this courtship... making up and starting again for another picnic... he should relax and enjoy...but then, how do you teach such a perfect and self-assured elf to take it easy? He's making such a lovely fool of himself in this story!!!! ;-) That detail of his amazement at the contents of the picnic basket I found bittersweet and very touching indeed. Although Ithilden seems very close to his Adar, I suppose they all must miss mum a lot in moments like this... So, thanks for this fantastic surprise, daw, I wish you a happy Christmas, (if you happen to celebrate) and I hope you'll find some time during this holiday to tell us more. On my part, I hope to finish some boring reports and have time to catch up with more of your stories ( I've progressed now to "growing under shadow".) ;-)

Bodkin · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Turgon is such a sweet kid - his heart is good. (I remember him hugging Legolas when they were little - I think it was after the Mud-Throwing Incident.) In fact, although his parents are far too lax, Legolas could do with just a touch of lax every now and then - his straight and narrow is just a touch too much of both. And Ithilden should ease off! (Good for Alfirin. Start the training process now, girl!) I just love the interactions in this chapter: Ithilden/Alfirin, Ithilden/Thranduil, Thranduil/Legolas, Legolas/Turgon - and Alfirin/Gwaleniel. The most exasperating is Ithilden/Legolas - he is a rather too sure of himself. I loved seeing the Legolas reporting to Adar moment from Thranduil's point of view. Gwaleniel and Thranduil really should get together and have a good laugh over this burgeoning romance. I'm not sure who is going to find the next few months most unexpected. Actually, yes I am. Ithilden.

Karri · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

Excellent chapter, daw! Poor Turgon -- he gets blamed even when he is just being a good, supportive friend. I agree with Alfirin that Ithildin, though acting true to his nature, did not behave well in dealing with his little borther. Thranduil was marvelous, though. :-D

Elentari · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

This one is so very sweet! I must confess I was waiting to learn just how it was that Alfirin sneaked inside the caves :) And seeing Ithilden clueless is always a plus. He is so demanding, so complex, so strong... seeing him confused makes him a more human (I know I should say elvish, but bear with me) Nice one, darling.

esamen · 21 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Time Away

“Yes, Adar.” Legolas flashed him a brief, small smile that wrung Thranduil’s heart, and then he was gone. Yay! A new chapter! So soon! I was trying very hard to be patient and now it's here! I adore this darling adolescent Legolas. And I love when Thranduil steps out of his kingly role and is tender with his youngest son. It's such a delicious change of pace. Not that I don't love the Thranduilian thunder and lightning too . . . maybe we can have both in one story? Along with Elvish courtship moments? Talk about having it all. This story is a total gift to Elf-readers. Loving every minute of it, Esamen

Frodo3791 · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Take Your Time

Because I've finally had it with fanfiction, I'm coming here to review. It's so bloody annoying at times! Anyway, I had part of my last review typed up, but it all got messed up, so I'll review here and now. Anyway, it's strange to see Alfirin unsure of what her duties would be at the palace if she bonded with Ithilden because we see her so... in control... in your later stories. Probably a lot of it is just the confusion to how she feels about the relationship. But anyway, it's interesting to see the change between old and young Alfirin. It's also weird (I'm not sure if this was in the last chapter or this one.) to think Alfirin and Eilian, who I miss a lot, are the about the same age. But then again, I'm sure things like that happened all the time in the places of elves. I wish Legolas would have fought Galelas. Annael probably did the right thing by breaking the two of them up... ,but revenge can be so sweet. Too bad the consequences aren't as great. I'm looking forward to reading more, even if I don't review, but I'll try to find time. I know how nice it is to see that email come up saying Review Alert! Oh yes, and if for some reason you don't update anytime soon, I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Hopefully things aren't too hectic. -Frodo

Nilmandra · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Take Your Time

I am enjoying these chapters of character development, of seeing internal struggles and conflicts dealt with (and you are doing great with the um, 'restrictions' we have placed on you!). Getting in Alfirin's head makes her a very likable character and her little slip at the end of the chapter was grand. She has doubts and concerns, but she loves most of all. And throwing Ithilden off his guard on occasion is a very good thing.

Lera · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Take Your Time

I am really enjoying seeing Alfirin from this perspective. She is a wonderful person and I believe the whole Thranduilion household benefitted from her. I was proud Legolas said no to the glade, but I can't help but wonder if his response would have been the same had he not had Annael's support and the disaproval of the maidens to back him up. Alfirin will be extremely good for Ithilden. He desperately needs to learn to take other oppinions into account. Wonderful chapter as usual. Yes, I got the same result Alfirin got with her hair. Problem now. My bf loves my long hair and doesn't want me to cut it, but I believe it's becoming a hazard(it gets stuck in the car door, it tangles into anything it touches, etc.) And this pretty way of doing my hair did not serve to make him like it any less.

Manderly · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Take Your Time

Ahh! So Alfirin is going to take the plunge finally (not that there was any doubt as we all know what the final outcome is), but still it was fun watching the way she and Ithilden test their steps around each other, and I particularly liked that Freudian slip of the tongue at the end (for a very brief second, I thought it was typo before my grin took over). Ithilden may be the all experienced and capable commander, but he still feels insecurity when it comes to the maiden that he loves. He is only human (or elvish?) after all. It's nice to see his vulnerable side. I really liked the beginning of the chapter where Alfirin was talking to her mother. A very realistic mother-and-daughter talk. I think Alfirin made up her mind right from the beginning, but just doesn't realize it yet herself. And did Alfirin's mother call Thranduil a fool? A brave soul, she is. Poor Legolas! It must be totally eating him up when he doubts his own ability of becoming a warrior. It is going to be interesting to see how he finally resolves his guilt over killing the spy.

sofia · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Take Your Time

aw, that was sweet. At least they both know that they love each other. Legolas is really having a hard time with the incident. I think he should tell someone. -sofia

meckinock · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Take Your Time

Daw, it amazes me that you never run out of ways to make these characters grow and become more complex and intriguing. I always thought Alfirin was OK, but kind of uptight and conventional. But in this story she's got me on her side all the way. Her mother's point was interesting - here Alfirin is Eilian's age, do I remember that correctly? And she might get saddled with raising a messed-up, lonely adolescent kid. That's a big job. I like the way your characters rationally consider all their options and then surprise themselves by doing something rash, just like in real life. Alfirin had herself all talked into prudence and caution, didn't she? I really liked her for abandoning it. The scene from Ithilden's POV was so exquisitely, agonizingly detailed with him noticing absolutely everything going on around them and calculating how Alfirin must be reacting to it. That is such a guy POV; to wonder what he did that she's excusing herself to go home. I liked how Legolas, alone and despondent and resentful at the intrusion, nevertheless "pulled himself together and tried" with Alfirin, only to find out that he ended up feeling better.