Ithilden's Begetting Day by Nilmandra
bhlXGVEMspPvfdkdy · 31 May 2012 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Ryan,I have been trying to check out your wetbise since I got your newsletter. What is going on? It doesnt let me in. Hopefully it will work soon, I am anxious to see some pictures of your travels around Africa. I hope all is going well for you in Kenya.Peace,Kim Egypt YAV
nautika · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
I love the introduction (for me anyway) of Nithron. I've read him in daw's fics, but this is the 'earliest' occasion for me. Also, it's reassuring to know that Ithilden got into trouble too, even if it was by being overly responsible! And with his future mother-in-law? Shudder. Those family dinners should be much more uncomfortable than daw writes them. Evil grin!
Author's reply
Of all Daw's characters, Ithilden is a stitch to write just because he is so responsible. As another friend said, he was born an adult, LOL. Even his mischief was from trying to be more responsible than he was able to be. I did have fun with this. :D
nessie · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Even then, the mischief Ithilden caused was "responsible mischief". You caught everything well, and I'm very, very, glad you included our favortie keepers (yet we're still missing Maltanaur). I think you also nailed Ithilden's character perfectly. And now we know why Thranduil was so reluctant to let Legolas sleep in Annael's flet, and why he set up guards for them. Of course, Legolas is a sort of a mixture of both Ithilden and Eilian, so he could either do "responsible mischief" or "lets-get-caught-doing-something-fun-but-incredibly-stupid mischief". Poor, poor Thranduil. And Lorellin's laughing in the backround (except, of course, when it indeed becomes dangerous like this was). I'm glad we got a glimpse of future mother-in-law. Perhaps some of her reluctance of Alfirin and Ithilden's relationship was from "the-maniac-chased-me-in-the-woods-at-night". One may never know. Anyways, I really, really enjoyed this and hope to see more in the future! Happy Birthday Daw! ~nessie~
Eruanneth_Luin · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
It is easy to forget that elves do no reach their majority until they are at least 50 sun-years, sometimes not till 100, so parenting is no light matter. Though Ithilden disobeyed direct instructions it was not as often with Human children, willful or resentful; he was merely trying to act more mature and responsible than would be required of him at his tender age. But frequently that kind of action gets us (Elves or Men) into trouble. Blame placing and fault declaring did not work with the warriors and certainly not with Thranduil, and the comment that he might be punished for the first time in a long time as well, spoke clearly of the lack of need of constant correction. Ah, that our children were so easy to raise. But then they probably had a whole different set of problems to deal with that we would not wish to include for ourselves.
Noor · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
I read this because Daw mentioned it. Great story about young Ithilden and all the other characters........ I have loved Daw's universe. I have also read all your stories and have really enjoyed them..........as one of the other reviewers said it is great when you give each other such presents! Thanks again Noor
Socket · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Nilmandra, Daw mentioned this story on her page, and it's every inch as good as she said! Ithilden is my favorite OC,and it's great to see him as a young elf, trying to find his place in his world. And I love the way you wove into the story so many of Daw's other OCs! This probably isn't the place to say this, but I read your story "May the Valar Protect Them" sometime ago, and I absolutely loved it. It's a real classic of the LoTR fanfic genre. Keep up the great work you do! Thanks.
Bodkin · 5 August 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Beginning to catch up. Ahh! Poor Ithilden. His skill with maidens leaves a lot to be desired. For a very long time. But at least Gwaleniel will have understood his inept courtship. Lovely.
Author's reply
I can hardly express how much fun this was to write. Strong, firm, confident Ithilden was once a bit over eager elfling who got soundly put in his place... I hope Gwaleniel told this story at the right time to a few people :) Perhaps Beliond too...and surely Sinnnarn once needed cheering up from Nithron that his father wasn't perfect?
garrett · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
aw... this was a great tale. I like that the reader gets to use his/her imagination for the rest of the story. I enjoyed this little story, thankyou.
Author's reply
Thanks, Garrett! This was great fun to write, too. Ithilden is quite a fun character to imagine as a child.
Karri · 26 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Terrific story, Nilmandra! Poor wee Ithilden! I felt a bit bad for him at the end, which is rare with Ithilden. I could certainly see shades of the grown elf in the youth. LOL! It made me laugh to see it, too. Beliond was so in character...gotta love the guy! That it would be Alfirin's mother...ai! Now we know why she kept warning her daughter to make sure she understood what she was getting into before she married Ithilden. ;-) I love that Thranduil was waiting in the shadows when the mischief-maker arrived home, nice touch. :-D
Author's reply
Think you, Karri I appreciate all of your helpful ideas in developing the story and coming up with Alfirin's mother to be the maiden was absolute hilarious. And of course, I'm sure Thranduil knew that something was up. I have decided that no story is complete and until Beliond shows up to insult someone!
Brenda G. · 26 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Well, this was terrific! I love it when you guys write "birthday presents" to each other. They are always top-notch fare for the fans. Happy belated birthday, Daw, and thanks, Nilmandra, you old beta you, for this wonderful story. It is so refreshing to go back in time and see Ithilden and Eilian when they were younger and the scrapes they get in and out of (thankfully). I love how Ithilden knows to follow an unescorted maiden out in the woods alone at night. He's already showing leadership qualities and all the responsibility that that position will entail in later centuries when he becomes commander of the Woodland Realm's forces. I love, too, how you introduced all the beloved OC's from Daw's fertile imagination. It was good to see them again and learn about Ithilden's relationship to them and theirs to him before Legolas comes along much later in their collective lives. This was just wonderful! Such a delightful story. Thanks, Nilmandra.
Author's reply
Thank you Brenda. I really enjoyed writing Ithilden as an adolescent. I had this vision in my mind of him as this very self-assured teenager who definitely knew what was best in the world for himself and for the whole realm. Adding in all of daw's original characters made it nearly comi the cal since we know who all those people are and how important they become. Glad you enjoyed it!
perelleth · 26 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Waht a funny, entertaining and great idea! I agree it is the best thing we could all expect for daw's birthday! :-) And you threw everybody in! I so like overefficient Ithilden, even when he's soooo far from his usual self! I think he's been lucky to have been the only child in the family for such a long time, so he had time enough to live down such episodes as this one!!! Ho ho... I cannot believe it, poor one, wanting to save the realm and the helpless maiden on his own on one night! Great, Nilmandra, it was very funny!
Author's reply
See, knowing how well Ithilden turned out as a grown up compared to this story shows you how far he has come! Of course, my silly story doesn't have to be 'daw' canon either....but it sure could lead into some funny stories. I like writing funny stories when I know everything turns out well in the end.
elliska · 26 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Oh this was great! I loved the fact that Ithilden already is packed all ready to go. And that Eredien informs him that Thranduil had been around inspecting the flet they built. That is definitely in character, isn't it. :-) I also liked Ithilden's reflections on Eredien's skills in fishing and flet building and the My adar says that anything you do yourself seems like the best. line. Too true. But Ithilden's dedication got him in a lot of trouble this time--thwacked by a basket! Hilarious! The only wounds he got in (his first?) battle! Ithilden has never been that great with the ladies, and particularly the ones of this family--no wonder Gwaleniel was so good at advising Alfirin to be patient with Ithilden! And having Beliond and Nithron be the guards--oh it is sad to see Nithron here, knowing his fate. What a great use of characters. It was great seeing Ithilden as a child, with his friend. I love these 'presents' that we all get to enjoy so much. Thanks for sharing them. :-)
Author's reply
I love Meckinock's comments - Ithilden should have just been born an adult as childhood is way too stressful for him! Poor Ithilden. I had way too much fun writing this. :)
French Pony · 26 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Hey, lookit! It's a game of "spot the characters!" How wonderful to know that Ithilden's awkwardness around the ladies extends through two generations of the same family. I guess that's a problem with being an immortal elf. The embarrassing family stories have longer to stockpile. I can only imagine some of the toasts at Elf weddings. Probably this is why Elves try to use their fathers in the Best Man role. And it turns out that all three of Thranduil's kids have the wandering foot. You know he'll look at Lorellin tonight after he sends Ithilden to bed and say, "This is all your fault, you know." I'd say it's high time Ithilden got a few lessons in how to offer aid to a maiden politely. Not that he'll learn them very well or anything. But he's gotta know that charging at someone out of the night isn't going to look real good, especially since you never know if the helpless maiden isn't really armed and dangerous. This one packs a mean swing with an herb basket.
Author's reply
The embarrassing family stories have longer to stockpile. Geez, I was thinking that. Now, the keepers promise to keep the confidences of their charges from Thranduil, but would that stop, say Beliond from telling Legolas about this? Or Nithron 'Red shirt' from telling Sinnarn? Por Ithilden. His first injury from his first battle...and its from the maiden he is trying to protect. I didn't feel very bad for him though, since I know he turned out well.
Jay of Lasgalen · 26 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
What a wonderful present for Daw. I loved this glimpse of little Ithilden - you write him so unmistakably; he's not really all that different from when he's army commander - still too serious for his own good! I liked this part: 'It is time our parents started letting us see to our own safety. Really, it is the beginning of us seeing to the safety of the realm.' Yes, typical Ithilden! Thank you for the brief character list - I knew who most of the cast were, of course, but had forgotten about Gwaleniel (the name seemed familiar, but I wasn't sure who she was). I love other people's birthdays! Jay
Author's reply
I knew who most of the cast were, of course, but had forgotten about Gwaleniel Well, that is oaky. So did Daw. Okay, okay, I did have to go look up her name. Karri suggested Alfirin's mother and I certainly didn't remember her name. That was the fun of the list at the end. I figured Gwaleniel had to have some spunk in her as she routinely tells the king's family what to do in daw's stories!
Alice · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
It's Ithilden! Yay! You pegged his character very well. I feel kind of bad for him now realizing that he had this experience to live down when he first started courting Alfirin.
Author's reply
LOL! Poor Ithilden is right. I wonder when/if Alfirin's mother ever told her? Of course, she probably found it quite endearing!
daw the minstrel · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
All right. Can I just say it's true Sinnarn was a fairly significant OC and I felt bad about offing him. But Nithron?! He spoke about 20 words before he did what bodyguards are supposed to do and heading off to shake hands with Namo. And I already ate the cake. Too late!
Author's reply
Poor Nithron. I mourn him even more now that I know he was just a red shirt, created to die. No life, no family, no business. Poor elf.
Elena Tiriel · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
I love it! Bwahahaha! (Especially where you bawl Daw out for killing Nithron and Sinnarn -- bad Daw! No cookie for you!) - Barbara
Author's reply
No cake either!
Manderly · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
What a wonderful little story! So nice to catch a glimpse of a youthful Ithilden, before he turned all serious and bogged down with duties and responsibilities. And Nithron and Beliond made an appearance, along with talking spiders. Yay and yuck! I guess thanks are in order, to both you and Daw.
Author's reply
LOL, I think Ithilden must have been born serious. He really was fun to write like this, especially since we know he turned out so well. You are welcome :)
orlandochick05 · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
That was awesome!! I'm a huge fan of Daw the Minstrel's stories and characters and you used all my favourites!! Even Beliond, my favourite, favourite character, (who really had very little to do with the story but it's very nice to see him anyway) was there. A really smashing story. Cheers, Orlandochick05
Author's reply
No story is complete unelss Beliond shows up and insults someone. *grin* Glad you liked this - it was great fun to write, a fun sandbox to play in.
meckinock · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Adolescent Ithilden is just too much. I see everyone around him in a permanent state of eye roll. Nobody but him understands how important it is to protect Mirkwood! LOL. The poor kid should have just been allowed to spring full-grown into the world - childhood is too stressful for him. He needs to grow up so he can get on with being Adar's very best warrior! Ithilden and Gwaleniel seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot, but at least when he asked to bond with Alfirin her mother she knew he would take good care of her daughter! Ick - you just had to put a mouse reference in there, didn't you? But I squealed myself when Beliond appeared. YAY! I've really missed the growly old curmudgeon, and I loved the warrior party rescue. I was glad that the young'uns managed to take out a few spiders before that happened, though. This was a wonderful story, Nilmandra, and thanks for sharing Daw's birthday present with all of us.
Author's reply
ROFLOL! You have completely summed up Ithilden in one paragraph. He was born an adult, what can he say? I admit the idea of writing a young Ithilden story became doubly appealing when I saw this overly responsible adolescent in my mind. But, he's teachable and we know he turns out well. And yeah, the mouse was for you. Wonder if Mirkwood had housecats? (cavecats?) The kids did do well, didn't they? I figure elven youngsters were pretty darn resourceful living where they did. Nothing like having a swarm of elf warriors descend at precisely the right time, though.
Dot · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
I stayed up for this! And it’s wonderful! Where to start? I love Thranduil and Lorellin’s amusement at Ithilden as he awaits their decision. And of course Thranduil inspected the flet first! I adore serious!Ithilden. He’s so aware of Responsibility and just wants to do The Right Thing. I like the way Ithilden seems to feel he knows better than Eredien but then realises that Eredien can do things that he can’t because he hasn’t had the opportunity to learn. But at the same time he recognises and appreciates skill as opposed to being in any way bitter about it. It’s just so like Ithilden to want to escort the maiden and save her from ‘danger’. I howled with laughter when she fled in terror from them!! And then she whacked him with the basket! ROTFL! I was so delighted when I discovered her identity :-) Obviously I felt bad when the spiders appeared, but I was secretly delighted too that Ithilden got a chance to show how brave he is. And skilled. Even if it was their fault that the spiders were disturbed in the first place. I knew Nithron would appear! Although, I actually thought that Thranduil might have asked him to keep an eye on Ithilden. And Beliond! Great to see him and you capture him brilliantly. The “young fools” comment is a dead giveaway that it’s him! But now I really want a story with the three keepers in their pre-keepering days… I do like Gwaleniel in this. She’s feisty! I thought healers were supposed to be calm. I can see where Alfirin gets her stubborn streak! Poor Eredien. At least we know that Ithilden grows up to be a better leader than this ;-) No surprise that Thranduil was still dressed. I wonder if this is the moment when he files away the fact that Nithron might be good for his son. Actually, Thranduil is brilliant here. He so knows that Ithilden was far from that flet. I’m torn between being proud of Ithilden for telling what happened, feeling sorry for him because he’s shaken and knows that he’s done something to warrant his father’s disapproval and chuckling at what came from his “small service to the realm.” But I love, love, love the image of Thranduil holding him close. *sigh* I’m so happy right now! I love this glimpse into the past of my absolutely all-time favourite OC. :-)
Author's reply
LOL! Glad you liked Serious!Ithilden. He was a stitich to write. So sure he knew what was the right thing to do, so sure of his responsibilities. He really just needs to grow into them! Can you imagine the shock that Eilian must have been after having this one? I can imagine the Beliond and Nithron telling this story to Legolas and Sinnarn :D I am glad that you, President of the Ithilden fan club, are happy! :>)
rikwen · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Aw!! Itheldin isn't always the somber and correct elf that we see from Daw's stories. It's nice to know he can find trouble as well as his baby brother. But still Itheldin is 13 going on 75. He is very aware of his father's efforts to keep the other elves safe and what he is going to do when he becomes a warrior. And what an elf scout! Making sure the elleth makes it home safely. My favorite part is when you had Nitron and Beliond appear to rescue the elflings. If you are president of the Beliond fan club where can we sign up to become a member? It is amazing how canon Daw's OCs have become in my mind. I truly enjoy reading both her stories about Legolas and his family and reading your histories with Elrond and his family. Unfortunately, I read faster than you all write, but that just means I get to enjoy the stories over and over. Excellent story!
Author's reply
Elfscout! I love it! I remember that boyscout commercial where he tries to walk the old lady across the street and she whacks him with her purse! I name you an official member of the Beliond fan club. Dues can be paid to me :) Unfortunately, I read faster than you all write, but that just means I get to enjoy the stories over and over. I wish I could get paid to stay home and write stories!
The Karenator · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Nilmandra, What a delightful tale...and a wonderful birthday gift for her minstrelship. It was so much fun to see a young Ithilden. He meant well and while his intentions were good, he certainly made an error in judgment in following the maiden and frightening her. I wonder if Gwaleniel remembered this episode at some point while Ithilden was courting Alfirin? We can see where Alfirin gets her spunk! I loved it when she tucked her dress up and announced she could keep up with the best of them. And she was quick to point out just who had caused the problem to start with. Nithron...poor guy. I was glad to see him resurrected and already getting his first taste of 'keeping' the king and queen's oldest son safe. Beliond was a nice surprise too. Boy, if they only knew.... I'm sure Thranduil was most unhappy with the turn of events, but like most parents, he was just relieved to have his son home safe. Of course, it appears he knew something was up. He was still dressed and waiting. Lorellin must have been snoozing peacefully and he was on watch. She'll be mortified in the morning when she finds out her son was nearly a midnight snack for spiders! And then Ithilden will be mortified to face the music of Nana and Ada. This was a terrific story, Nilmandra. I enjoyed it very much. A nice surprise for us all. I hope Daw doesn't mind that your readers are as excited as I'm sure she is. Karen
Author's reply
I told daw that I can just see Sinnarn and Legolas sitting around the fire on patrol one night, keepers at their side...and hear this little tale. LOL - I wonder if Gwaleniel choked up when Alfirin fell in love with this 'elfscout' as Rikwen calls him? Poor Ithilden...I'm sure no punishment is worse than earning his father's disapproval!
daw the minstrel · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Ithilden's Begetting Day
Oh this was so wonderful! I loved seeing Ithilden like this and it's just true to his character too. He's serious and means to live up to his responsibilities and he's pretty sure he knows better than anyone else what he should do! But what bad luck. Beliond and Nithron! You really caught Beliond's voice. If you hadn't named him, I'd still have known it was him. -- “I would ask what you three young fools were doing out in the forest at night, but I am sure you would tell me some unbelievable story that I do not wish to hear. LOLOLOL So even Ithilden felt the disadvantages of being the king's son -- how does one learn to do the simple things that others learn to do as part of their daily lives? I loved this, Nilmandra. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Author's reply
I have to admit how much fun I had writing this. Some characters have 'voices' that are so unique, and Ithilden is one, Beliond is another. Fortunately for Ithilden, he takes all of his responsiblities and seriousness and grows into them, developing skills commesurate with the brains. I am glad you liked it. It was great fun to play in your sandbox.