A Spring of Joy by daw the minstrel
Antietam · 21 May 2023 · Chapter 1: Settlers
Reading this for the umpteenth time, remembering when you first posted it and how I looked forward to each new chapter...then realizing that was almost 20 years ago. Quick, send help! ;D These stories are just as enjoyable as they ever were. I know you've moved on to bigger things, but I hope you continue these at some point. I would love to see some post-war Eilian!
Noor · 3 November 2016 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Just reread this again Daw, it is a very moving story. Would love to hear about SInnarn and Legolas having adventures as adults before the sadness in this story. SInnarn obviously really cares about Legolas as per your story "A creature of fire". As you say in one of the chapters of this story the age gap between Sinnarn and Legolas is even less than that between Eilian and Legolas and this is why they are so close. I really love the OCs as well as the usual suspects. Thank you again!
Author's reply
It's been a while since I wrote this, but a sentence sticks in my head. Something about how Legolas and Sinnarn had kept one another's secrets. I find that thought very alluring. They'd maybe know about failed romances, or fear and despair during a battle, or the Shadow sitting so heavily on one of them he can hardly function. I will tuck that idea away for the next time I have a break from original work and am looking to visit these characters.
PSW · 1 November 2016 · Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
Hmm... Legolas might think he's jealous over Sinnarn and Tynd's relationship, but he would miss Nana Beliond crabbing at him all the time -- he wouldn't give it up... :-P
Author's reply
Probably! Though I personally would find Beliond hard to live with. But then Legolas is a hero, so he can manage. :-)
Asms2 · 1 June 2016 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Sinnarn! The last 2 chapters of this story pack an emotional punch. I’ve come to love this family through all of your stories and to see Sinnarn die, knowing how much this will pain his family…aww, good writing! You make me feel things. The moment that sticks out most to me is when Ithilden comes to take Sinnarn’s body from Eilian: Eilian says “I am so sorry”. Ithilden says “I know. We will talk about this later, but I know”. OMG I almost teared up reading that part. I was impressed at how well Ithilden and Alfrain, handled the situation, everything considered. I cannot imagine what they were going through, but they are strong people. It’s sad that Emmeline and Elowen sail west. And I’m glad that they at least have each other to lean on. I feel for Annael and his wife who are losing their daughter in a way. But I’m glad Annael is staying. Legolas and his friendship is great. I confess I’ve never read the books, so the concept of sailing west as well as the physical bonds between elfs are a little fuzzy for me. I assume that these physical bonds (where they can feel pain of another) is only between spouses and parents for their kids? Another words, siblings, uncles, close friends, ect, can’t feel it right? Out of curiosity, is the title, “A spring of Joy”, meant to be ironic? It would seem that this particular spring was not one of joy. Lol. But I like it, because it made the darkness of this story stand out. I am thoroughly enjoying your writing and I am sad that I don’t have many more Legolas tales to read. I love this family you created and your take on their relationships and lives. It is really special.
Author's reply
Thank you, Asms2. The title of this story is taken from The Hobbit. At the end, after Smaug is defeated, the narrator says the Wood-elves looked forward to a spring of joy after long winter. In fact they had something like 10 years before the Necromancer went to Dol Guldur and evil started to stir again, as you see here. As for the bond between elves, I totally made that up. :-) In my head, it's between spouses and then between parents and children. I felt terrible for killing Sinnarn, but I thought it was unrealistic to believe that none of Thranduil's warrior family would be killed. So there you have it. Afterwards, Bodkin asked my permission to post a story in which Sinnarn is eventually reunited with his family in the west. Here's the link if you want to read it. I know I felt better after I read it: Bodkin's "In the West" http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=4112 Thank you for taking the time to review. You can't know how much I appreciate it.
endorearwen · 4 December 2013 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
I thoroughly enjoyed the lighter moments in this story, Daw! I stand with Thranduil in being surprised at how easily Eilian adjusted to life in the settlement. Celuwen may have 'settled' him, but Loriel brought out the truly tender side of his heart! I LOVED the strong bond that exists between father and daughter and the way in which Eilian has finally begun to think about some of the more reckless tendencies that long governed his behavior. Loriel certainly is a chip off the old block - I can walk to the South without my shoes on indeed! I think she has inherited her grandfather's acute sense of 'hearing' the forest. I like that you gave her a heightened sense of that particular Wood-elf character trait! I always appreciate the Legolas sequences! He shines in his new responsibilities and I love the dogged determination he shows in tracking Gollum. I'm always interested in reading about his interactions with men and this chase after the 'creature' provided a nice bit of that with the encounters at Dale/Erebor! I also like how much more comfortable he seemed to be with Beliond and the other warriors around him, teasing them with little hesitation. The friendship he shares with Anneal has always been a favourite for me and I was happy that they were working so closely together in this story. Overall, I think you've done a great job of relating the way everyone senses the Shadow's return and their realization of how precious the past years of peace have really been for each of them. The loss of Sinnarn was a perfect way to bring the walls of peace and happiness down around everyone's ears. I'm glad you wrote Emmelin sailing West after the funeral. There is no other alternative for this poor character, but perhaps now she and Sinnarn can have the elflings she longs to share with him (if such things happen in the Undying Lands?) I'm left wondering if you had planned this part of the plot line out ahead of time so that Anneal's mother would accompany Emmelin in her journey west. This was a natural fit. I did feel quite sorry for Legolas though. He loses the closest thing he's ever had to a 'mother' when Elowen leaves. I was happy that you didn't let Thranduil be left totally bereft of grandchildren when Sinnarn dies. I found the imagery of Thranduil walking away from Sinnarn's smoldering funeral pyre with Loriel in his arms quite touching. An excellent demonstration of what makes the 'Elvenking' the remarkable and powerful force that he is!
Author's reply
I loved writing about what a settlement life would be like for Eilian and his family. And really, it's what he needed all along. He has work and responsibility, but also love, life among healthy trees, and a secure home. Well, sort of secure. These things never last, as the Elvenking always knew. The Legolas part of this was the hardest to write because there didn't seem to me to be much tension. Still, Tolkien tells us that Gollum crossed Mirkwood twice searching for his lost ring, so there it is. And he had a good time seeing the statue of his father. :-) I totally did not plan to have Elowen and Emmelin leave together until the situation arose. As a matter of fact, when I wrote the chapter that ends with Emmelin keening, I got such strong reaction from readers that I actually considered backing down and letting Sinnarn live. But I think this is more realistic. And the experience left me in awe of how a story I'd written made readers react. The next "story" is just a few little bits I assembled that all had Loriel in them. There's no overall plot. I hope you won't be disappointed. If you like, you could read Bodkin's story "In the West," which follows Emmelin and Elowen after they sail. There should be no more spoilers in it for you. http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=4112
curiouswombat · 3 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Oh dear - you made me cry again. This is probably one of the biggest compliments that I could give a writer - things so well written that they make me cry are very rare.
autumn fallaise · 25 May 2008 · Chapter 1: Settlers
Hey Daw! Loriel is so cute! I really liked how you built the suspense, and the flashes of humour - Eilian definitely doesn't want to explain how he can do hair up so quickly, though Celuwen probably already knows! I really liked the father/daughter realtionship, and Eilian's life in the settlement - will we be reading more about that? autumnfallaise ('illereyn' at HASA, but sometimes I prefer reading at SoA)
Author's reply
Hey, Autumnfallaise! It seemed to me that this family needed a girl child. And Eilian was so good with Legolas when he was little that I thought he'd be a natural father. So this was fun to write. I'm afraid trouble is stirring and Eilian won't be able to hang around the settlement for too much longer, more's the pity. Wherever you read, I'm always glad to hear from you. I appreciate your taking the time to tell me you enjoyed the chapter. daw
Agape4Gondor · 3 April 2008 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
I was reading 'Home For Now' and realized that I missed 'A Spring of Joy' - what a sad tale this is. Though you show the strength and the courage of the Elves as darkness once again descends upon them, my heart broke. Wonderful, gripping tale! Though I so wish the ending could be other than it is.
Author's reply
Writing this story about killed me. Thank the Valar it bothered Bodkin so much that she asked me if she could write the tale of them all coming together again in Valinor. I nearly wept with gratitude. The story's on this site. It's called "In the West."
moonshine · 26 October 2007 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
I just read this story over again, and it still made me cry like a baby.
Author's reply
I'm glad so sorry I made you cry. Seriously, I do love these characters and I can hardly stand to think of Sinnarn or even worse, his parents. Thank goodness, Bodkin wrote a story resurrecting him in Valinor. Have you read it? It's called "In the West," and is on this site. It perks me right up when I get sad.
Annariel · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
I'm so sad for Sinnarn, but I liked the Legolas' determination to fight against the shadow
Author's reply
I felt terrible for Sinnarn and his family. But it seemed unrealistic to me that Thranduil's family would all escape unharmed.
Mariasha · 28 April 2006 · Chapter 5: Hunting
I am just done with this chapter and I have to admit I am really afraid that either Loriel or more probably Eilian will die in the end. But I really have the bad feeling I will be crying in the end again. I know I will be done with the story soon, but I had to write down my concerns.
Author's reply
You're probably done with this story by now. I wanted to tell you that Bodkin has a story on this site you might like. She was so upset by this story that she asked me if she could write about these characters in Valinor, making them happy again. It's called "In the West" and is here http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=4112
Joee · 5 July 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Please tell me your next story is going to be a little more light-hearted than this one. Even though I knew what was coming I still ended up in tears, especially after I learned that Elowen would be sailing, for some reason, that just made everything worse. It was a interesting story. Sad, but nevertheless good. Nice job =)
Author's reply
I felt better when I decided to send Elowen with her granddaughter. I thought she would understand how Emmelin felt, so they could rely on one another. And I do like the thought of Elowen being reunited with Siondel. But this was a sad story, more so than I realized it would be. I've been experimenting with writing strong emotion and I guess I can do it. When I finished this story, I wrote a short one about Beliond called "The Spy." That's pretty light hearted. At the moment, I'm trying to turn one of my fanfic stories (Growing Under Shadow) into an original young adult fantasy novel, just to see if I can, so I'm not doing fanfic. But I'll be back. I think I need to write a Little Legolas story. That would make me feel better!
Joee · 5 July 2005 · Chapter 2: The Captain of the Home Guard
When I first read who Sinnarn's new keeper was I got all confused. I read the name Tynd, but I was thinking of Tinar. This of course made no sense to me and I couldn't think of why anyone would make Tinar a keeper. When I finally realised my mistake I couldn't stop laughing. I love how Beliond thinks that Legolas gets grumpy when he had to stay inside. Nice chapter =)
Author's reply
All the T names run together, I know! I feel that way about some of Tolkien's names too: Finwe, Fingolfin, Finarfin, Finrod, Fingon. How did they ever remember who was who?
Joee · 5 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Settlers
Even though I typically read things over at FF.Net, I figure it's probably a lot easier for you to respond if I review here. I've grown so used to Eilian that I don't even consider him an OC anymore, he's almost like a canon charater to me, lol. Although I must admit that I'm having a hard time seeing him as a father. His interaction with Loriel is completely natural, but I think I'm so used to him as a warrior serving in the dangerous southern patrol (and only recently as a husband), that it just seems so odd. Anyway, since I already scanned the chapters as they came out, I already know what the webbed footed thing is, but I look forward to reading it anyway, lol. Oh, and by the way, let me just tell you right now that I am NOT happy about what happens in the last chapter and I will probably end up crying when I actually read it. STOP KILLING OFF YOUR CHARACTERS!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
LOL. OK, Joee. None of them is going to die for a while. I'm tired of it myself. I had to think about Eilian as a father. He was a good big brother to Legolas though, so I thought he would be a good father. He's probably inclined to be indulgent. I expect Celuwen is the disciplinarian in the house.
Elentari · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Damn and blast! You killed Sinnarn! I was crying from the moment Emmelin fell on the woods through the funeral. And I don't mean a glistening tear... Thranduil's slow move into the king persona, after being 'unguarded' before the whole court, is only as touching as legolas's sudden insight on his father. It is somehow heartening to see Solith is just as set in his ways as he's always been (which is kind of weird when you think about it too hard). The journey through MortalLand was also very telling, particularly legolas's reaction to Thranduil's statue and beliond's attitude when legolas learned of the dwarves being in dale. Still crying, dammit! too good for words. PS_ haven't read the previous fic yet, and had a really big surprise at the death of Tuilinn. Poor legolas.
Author's reply
I've been working on tear jerker stories lately, and boy is it depressing! Oddly, the thing I had the hardest time with in this story was making the Legolas part interesting. Eilian's in a tense situation, but Legolas is just sort of wandering around after Gollum and not catching him. But I did like writing about Esgaroth and Dale, and trying to imagine what they'd be like in their rebuilt state. Thanks for the review, Elentari.
caz - baz · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
you know you're lucky everybody who reads your stories like them sooo much or you might have been taken to caught for false advertising and causing someone 'emotional stess'. piff... spring of joy my ass.
FirstMate · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
How sad for the family to lose yet another loved one. At least Sinnarn didn't suffer long. And I'm glad Elian didn't really blame himself too much. I suppose it's a sign of his maturity that he realized that he really couldn't have done anything. Still, it must have been so hard to carry him back to Ithilden. Sigh. Well, I am anxious to see what the muses are sending you next. Clearly, bad things are happening that Thranduil and his people will have to face and I'm sure you'll spin another wonderful story!
Author's reply
I think facing Ithilden over the body of Sinnarn must have been horribly hard for Eilian. But the Quest is only 60 years away, and then things will start to get better. I have a short story planned, and then I think I'll take some time to try to turn one of my stories into an original young adult fantasy novel. Then I can write happy elfling tales to cheer myself up while hundreds of agents and publishers reject me. :-)
White Wolf · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Forgive me for not reading/reviewing until now. I'm packing to move to another state, and that has kept me overwhelmed. How do we manage to collect so much stuff? On to the review. You killed off Sinnarn?? I am truly stunned. That came completely out of left field. I guess, considering the Shadow is returning, it would be unrealistic to think everyone in the royal family could escape death. And to be honest, if one had to go, I'd prefer it be him. Not that I didn't like him, but.... His funeral was very sad, but you didn’t overdo it, which, to me, gave it more of an impact. I know it is only a temporary end, since he will be back when you write earlier timeline stories. (Maybe he, Galelas, Tynd and Turgon can have a round-table discussion regarding that concept.) :o) You really had me fooled. When I saw the title, I thought we were in for a happy story. I was glad to see Eilian had a child. She is adorable. I knew he would be a great ada. Too bad he and his family can't go back to the forest to live. They really were happy there. I was also glad to see that Legolas finally made Captain. I’m certainly not surprised he’s a good one. I want to ask you a question. Who in your stories is your favorite character and why? If different, who is your favorite canon character? Just curious.
Author's reply
Every time we've moved, I've sworn I'd never do it again because it's such a pain. This story's title comes from the end of The Hobbit, in which Tolkien says that the wood elves looked forward to a spring of joy after long winter. So this is that time period. And it might have been a spring of joy, but it didn't last too long, sad to say. I too thought that Eilian would be a great ada. He was always a loving big brother to Legolas after all. I've sometimes wondered what he would do when the battles were over, and I finally concluded that the life in the settlement is one he would enjoy. Eilian is my favorite character. I like his mixture of strengths and flaws. I like the way he has to struggle to live up to what's best in him. In canon, my favorite character is Faramir. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive PJ for what he did to him.
Effigy · 3 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
It took me forever to read this story. (Blame Compaq) Ok, let's rewind for a second. Sinnarn is married?? To Annael's daughter none the less. I must have missed that story for I do not remember it. That's cute though. And Eilian has a daughter now. Awwww, he's grown up so much. You showed the transition so well. Now, back to the end. You killed Sinnarn?!?! I never liked him that much, but I didn't want him to die. Drats. That was so sad. And then those people are sailing. I feel the despair with them. Even with the inspirational message at the end, you can't help but to feel that it's a little helpless. Poor elves. I can't believe he's dead. I miss him already. I will also miss him in future stories. Alas. Wonderful story, I enjoyed it very much.
Author's reply
Sinnarn and Emmelin were in love in "Tangled Web," the story I did that told the elves' POV of the events of The Hobbit. Annael was a little worried about Sinnarn, but he warmed up to him gradually. And this is the first time Eilian's daughter has appeared. One of the joys of writing fiction is that in the future, Sinnarn could appear in the stories because I can jump back in time if I want to. Thank goodness! Thanks for the kind words, Effigy.
caz-baz · 3 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
even though Sinnarn died I really liked this story I've probably said this before but your writing is so captivating and as the saying goes "no tears for the writer no tears for the reader" etc. I bet it took a fair bit to actually kill him off.
Author's reply
Thank you, caz-baz. I did have to screw up my courage to kill him, but it seemed realistic that someone was going to die here.
meckinock · 2 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Wow. OK; well, I was sad thinking about Sinnarn on my way to work today, but there is definitely no way I can top that review! I was awestruck enough by Dot's poem! So I guess what I take away from this chapter, being a mercenary, analytical type who kinda guessed where you were headed and was willing to shove you off the end of the high board if you started to back away, is the phenomenal power of what you've created here. You are the maestro! I can't be the only one who feels like I've known these characters my entire life - who feels like I've watched Sinnarn grow up in real time. I had to stop and remind myself that I've been reading your stories for less than two years. You built an entire world up around Legolas, populated it with engaging, lovable people, and made us fall in love with them. You played on our heart-strings like a virtuoso, and we loved you for it! We knew Sinnarn as the dark-haired sprite, the wonderfully sullen adolescent, the hilariously challenging son of a father who had been so sure he could do a better job than his own father did, the maverick with a cynical streak, and finally, the warrior who accepted his duty. And knowing him so well, and knowing those who loved him, made us all feel like we've all lost a beloved family member. There must be no greater triumph for an author than to mercilessly crush her readers' emotions. Admit it. Pass the Kleenex! And my hat is off to you, Professor.
Author's reply
I feel bad that people are still sad. You all do know that Sinnarn isn't real, right? I appreciated your support in going ahead with this. I was suprised by the strength of the protests I got at the end of chapter 7, and I wavered just a little, but I did think it was unrealistic to believe that none of those warriors in the king's family would die. I think what I really am is awestruck about people's reactions. I can't believe I evoked that. It's a little scary. I think readers' reactions really come from exposure to Sinnarn over the course of many stories, not just this one, so it's cumulative. Anyway, no more character deaths for a while. Enough!
ScarlettPendragon · 2 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
Hi Daw!! But.. But.. But.. This was supposed to be a happy story!! Remember we talked about how this was going to be a nice change of pace from the unrelenting angst of the last story, remember?! And then!! Sinnarn!! And Tynd!! And Annael's Naneth and daughter both leaving for the Grey Havens!! And Thranduil's far too many losses!! And Angry!Legolas!! Aaarrgh!! You have torn my still beating heart from my chest and stomped on it!! You are an EBIL, EBIL WOMAN!! ;>) OK, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I have to complement you on yet another fantastic story (even if you're EBIL! LOL!) You are truly a great author, and I always look forward to seeing a new story from you!! I am also writing you to thank you - and I think you'll get a kick out of my day!! I have been doing documentation on a huge software rollout (which is why I haven't had much of a chance to review lately, btw), and we finished up on Monday (Canadian here, so no long weekend), so I've been catching up on my admin stuff and doing some surfing. So at lunch today I was merrily reading away your story, and I started to get a bit worried, but then I thought "No, Daw said this would be a happy story (see rant above!)!" and I get into the final chapter. At first I didn't understand what was wrong with Emmelin, and if I'd been a little quicker I would have stopped reading then and there and waited till I got home!! But No, I kept on reading **facepalm**!! And then I thought "This will be a false alarm, and Sinnarn will be wounded but recover!" and I still kept reading!! Well, of course the inevitable happens, and tears start running down my face, so I grab a bunch of tissues trying to stem the tide and I keep reading!! (Occasionally I'm an idiot!! LOL!) Pretty soon I'm a complete mess and trying to hide my face and take deep breaths to keep from sobbing out loud, when my Project Manager walks by my cubicle - fortunately I had my email program running so I was able to bring that screen up. So she stops and asks me what's wrong, and the first thing I can think to blurt out is "I just heard that a friend died." She was very sympathetic (and I just kept getting more and more mortified), and wanted to know if there was anything she could do for me, and I said "No, it was more just the shock of finding out than anything." So she insisted I take the rest of the day off!! So I pulled myself together and spent half an hour in the Ladies room redoing my makeup (which I had managed to utterly ruin - no wonder the poor woman thought something was wrong!), and then I went out and had a lovely afternoon of shopping and bought a floaty blouse and some funky sandals!! And I thought "I have to tell Daw what happened today!!" So I do thank you for a great afternoon off, and for such a terribly wonderful poignent story!! Thank you, Scarlett
Author's reply
Oh my god, that is one of the funniest stories I have ever read. Your project manager is a very nice person, and I hope she never finds out who the friend was. The blouse sounds very pretty. I need new sandals too. I'm sorry the story was so sad, but it seemed realistic that one of Thranduil's family might die. I promise there will be no more character deaths for a long while. I have a single chapter story in mind to do, and then I think I'll spend some time turning one of my stories into a fantasy novel for young adults. Then I can write fanfic while a million agents and publishers send me kiss off letters.
Firnsarnien · 2 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
*sniff, sniff* Oh gawd! I knew something horrible was going to happen, but I didn't know something this horrible would happen! Poor Sinnarn and Ithilden and Emmelin and Legolas and Thranduil and...and...well, just poor everyone! *sob* Their peace coming to an end. How horrible to just have to stand by and watch it happen. 'Cause we all know, no matter how hard they fight and how many of them die, there is no holding back this darkness. This was so sad! I have this huge lump in my throat now and an ache in my chest. I'm beyond coherent words now, so I think I'll stop here. I look forward to another of your stories. *crawls off to quietly cry in the corner*
Author's reply
When I started counting up all the people who would be affected by Sinnarn's death, I realized it was a long list. The long life of the elves must have been a curse sometimes as they saw evil go and come again. But really, only 60 years down the road, Sauron will be gone, and things will be much better in ME. Feel better, Firnsarnien. Sinnarn is happy in Valinor.
caz-baz · 2 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
oh my god! you killed Sinnarn you *******! Sorry been watching too much South Park. I can't believe you did that though he was ace. I was crying my eyes out - still am. gotta run and clean up theres someone at the door oh dear this is going to be embarrassing.
Author's reply
I know. It was bad of me. He was just coming into his own. But that's life in Mirkwood.
Legolas4me · 2 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Facing Loss
What a sad, sad chapter. I had a lump in my throat the entire time. I hate death. It is so frightening. I hate to see it come to these good woodland elves who are battling the Shadow. But I really did enjoy reading this story. I am sorry to see Sinnarn go. I think you are right when you said that he tends to get lost in many stories. It must be very difficult to pay adequate attention when you have such a large cast of characters. I liked him better as an elfling. He was so cute. It struck me odd to see him married. I am sure there will be references to him in other stories. I am going to miss his comic relief and humor. I enjoyed this character. I often marvel that these elves have such a bond with those they love. It is really neat to see how they know when something is wrong with their loved one when they sense a distrubance with the bond. I really liked how you wrote Thranduil in this chapter. I love how you make him a very fierce warrior and give him such an intense personality. However, you make him very realistic. I really do believe that Thranduil, no matter how strong that he is, is going to feel weary with the grief and sorrow he feels over losing his father, wife, grandson, comrades, and fighting his never ending battle with Shadow. This was a really nice touch. I will also be sad to see Elowen go. She has sort of been like surrogate mother to Legolas. Poor Annael will be losinghis mother and daughter when they sail...though it is not nearly the same as death. I wonder if Thranduil would have chosen to do so if he was not king. I think that his duties nad resposibilites prevent him from doing so if he wished. What an excellent story you have written for us. As always, thank you for sharing it. Do you know what you might write about next? Until next time ~Legolas4me :-)
Author's reply
I felt bad about Sinnarn too, but it seemed to me to be realistic that at least one member of Thranduil's family would die. I can always go back and write about him as a kid, and in the meantime, he's going to be happy in Valinor. I think I made up some of that bond between Elven loved ones. There's probably a canon basis for it but I blew it up. And sometimes it's a pain to work with. You can't have surprises. But in this case, it was useful to have Emmelin anticipate Sinnarn's death. I love Thranduil. He's so tough but devoted to his people. He held that realm with no ring, and in the long term, defeated Sauron's forces in the Battle Under the Trees. You have to wonder what led various elves to go or stay. Thranduil seems really linked to the woods, but the time of the elves is over and he could have gone. I have a single chapter fic in mind to do next, and then I was thinking about taking some time to see if I could turn one of my stories into an original young adult novel. Then I can write fan fic while I get turned down by a jillion agents and publishers.