Reviews (27)

BlueEyedElf · 27 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Hi, daw! Just wanted to let you know I enjoy all your stories, but this one is one of my favorites. I have read it many times, but have never reviewed it. This afternoon as I was reading, I was listening to the radio and heard a song that reminded me so much of this story, I just had to share. I love that Ithilden was finally able to open up to Alfirin. I was beginning to wonder if she would ever break through those walls. I think Ithilden really needed it. He was eventually going to emotionally implode, poor thing! Anyway, I think this is just adorable. Thanks for the great read. Also, the song I was listening to as I read was "Love's Divine" by Seal. If you have heard it or seen the lyrics, please let me know if you think it fits too.

Antigone Q · 20 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

This story made me unexpectedly teary-eyed. It was wonderful; thank you for writing it.

pipinheart · 12 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

This is wonderful... I adore Alfirin, she is such a great asset to Ithilden... He couldn't be without her. But he is too stubron for his own good sometimes. He should know better to let grief hold him down and not share it... Both want a baby, they finally communicated that... The poor foal... That broke my heart, and ithilden was worse for wear...This was a very emotional piece that leaves me curious more than anything... Did Eilian destroy and find what he was looking for? And where did he end up? Not where he is suppost to be, his brother wasn't pleased. Wonderful job....

lwarren · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

I cheered when I saw this...then giggled a bit as I have been going through some major "daw" withdrawal lately, to the point of rereading almost all of your stories the past couple of weeks. :-) So this was wonderful, daw, and very welcome to see as I love these characters and the lives you've given them in the forest. I had to grin at poor Alfirin as everyone was checking her to see if she was in an "interesting condition" just because of a craving or wanting to keep a room available for a nursery! LOL You can tell everyone in the palace/family is quite ready for the prince and his new wife to provide an elfling for them to spoil. Then it got really sad - the young warrior killed, the foal not surviving and Ithilden was almost overwhelmed with the grief of it all! But he learns a lesson here, I think - his gentle wife is much stronger than he thinks and well capable of supporting him when burdens get heavy for him. I think their solution to shadow is wonderful - what better way to confront evil and death than with a celebration of love and life? Simply superb, daw! Thanks for sharing with us once more. Linda

Idhreniel · 2 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Daw, it was a pleasure to read from you again. I missed your stories and your caracters. It was delightful to read about Alfirin's pov and Ithilden's moment of weakness! I don't know what was the best. I like this sensitive side of your writing. But my favorite line was this: “Send a message to Eilian. I want him standing in this office as fast as he can get his backside home for me to kick.” Really creative! And expressed Ithilden's frustration very well. Nice to know that the decision that leaded us to Sinnarn was a bit impulsive from both of his parents. I would say it was one of the times Ithilden allowed his silvan side to bloom. I really enjoy that. I hope to read more from you soon. Your stories are fantastic, as are your caracters. Take care, Idhreniel (aka Brazgirl)

emjo · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Hi Daw, I was so excited to see this story! As always I don't much to say I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this story and how much I have missed your stories. Great job once again!

Lianna · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

How nice to see these characters again! I had missed them. It was interesting to see so much of Alfirin's viewpoint here. She has to be such a diplomat -- to deal with Ithilden, Thranduil, the palace staff, and even a sometimes-grouchy adolescent brother-in-law. I hope she has someone to whom she can speak freely. Like Legolas, she can't complain at home. I see from some of the other responses that you may have another story with these characters in the works. I'm looking forward to it, as always.

perelleth · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Wow! This was great daw, so full of emotions, bitter and sweet! seeing Ithilden learning to be a husband during the least appealing moments of his duty was great! He seems the same and yet a different Ithilden, with apparently a new burden as he was not sure how to better deal with his worries, and anger and pain with his wife being around... Seeing him disentangling selfishness, pain and love and working out his doubts with the help of his wife was wonderful, because it showed a different Ithilden but still being the same character. Marriage suits him, I'd say!

Noor · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Thanks for the story Daw.....I was beginning to get Daw withdrawal symptoms! As well written as usual and provides an insight into how Ithilden and Alfirin's bond strengthens with time. Any more on the way? Many thanks again Take care Noor

Lera · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

I had the grandfather of all tests today and your story was just what I needed to clear my mind and pick myself up. Thank you. I had not realized how much I missed these characters until I read this. One thing you have accomplished in these Thrandulion men and their women, is I can find emotions and personalities in all of them to relate to. I cannot immagine having Ithilden's job. He naturally feels wants to take the blame for anything that happens so of course, he tries to keep it to himself so he will not cause anyone else hurt. I love that Alfirin was able to work through that, work through to his heart. Ithilden reminds me a little of my boyfriend. He's a sweet guy, but he doesn't open himself up easily and he is also very apt to take the blame for something. Knowing that I have worked my way into his heart has made it all the more precious. How is writing your novel going? I look forward to that, but I cannot tell you how much I miss your stories. Thank you and God bless.

NaughtyNettie · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

I was so happy to see a story from you. I didn't realize how much I missed your characters :o) This story was touching on so many levels. I can understand the stress that Ithilden was under and his reluctance to allow Alfirin to releave some of that. I can also relate with Alfirin's desire to help someone she loved and feeling confused by the inability to do so.

Socket · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Oh, it was such a pleasant surprise to see a notification that you had added yet another story to this universe, and an even more pleasant surprise to see that it concerned my beloved Ithilden! How poignant it was to read about Sinnarn's beginnings, knowing what his fate would be. Thank you for this story, and for all the others wonderful stories you wrote. I hope you'll be able to add more in the future.

elliska · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

What a wonderful surprise after a long day at work! I loved the beginning, with poor Alfirin in the kitchen trying to manage Cook. I remember discussing how difficult her transition must have been into life in the King's family, so I really loved seeing this little glimpse of it. If she had seen this kitchen before she was betrothed, she might have hesitated to accept Ithilden’s proposal. Hehehe! Poor thing. And the 'craving' for trout was a great way to introduce where this was going. I got about as excited as Cook. Ithilden is so Ithilden here. So protecting. I remember in other stories where he was surprised by how easily she read him, and I loved that. I really enjoyed seeing go from overly protective to just to strained to keep it in after the foal died (that was just tragic, btw) and finally opening up to her. He is such an in control type person, it must have been very hard for him to learn to share such out of control feelings with anyone, especially so intimately. I really enjoyed seeing that here. Poor Eilain and Legolas. Eilian had better be glad Ithilden can't get hold of him quickly (that must be the real reason he wanted to be in the Southern Patrol--not to fight the Enemy, but to be out of his brother's reach. ;-) ) And Legolas--I loved “I am at home, Ithilden! If I cannot complain here, where can I?” Poor kid. And the rather sad tone of this story rather foreshadows Sinnarn's life, doesn't it? This was excellent daw. I was so happy to see another glimpse of this world. Hope you do more. And Happy Birthday Dot!

Anonymous · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

I have missed reading your beautiful stories. As always, you are able to move me as no other can. How very sad and poignant. The grief we feel for both the parents of young Marten and for the mare is enough to bring us to tears, and yet, you give us hope to hold on to at the end. Thank you so much for sharing this story - it is so wonderful to hear from you again. JustMe

nessie · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Oh, I'm so glad you're back, daw! I've missed reading about Legolas and his family. You write truly amazing stories, one's that really touch you emotionally, and that is more than I can say for three quarters of fanfiction out in the world. I believe that you are one of the very few authors whose stories I have read whose OCs really seem...well, REAL. They come to life, just as much as the canon characters do. It's simply amazing that I, and a lot of your other readers, can emotionally become attached to an OC, when they are usually a nuisance in the world of fanfiction. They're so well developed with their flaws and their strengths that you feel something towards them, whether you love them or hate them (like Tinar, but even he had his moment after the Battle of Five Armies that you really just wanted to hug him). I don't even care if the story doesn't even have a canon character in it like Legolas or Thranduil, just as long as it's one of YOUR OCs, then I'm right on to it. You could real feel Ithilden's pain in this one, even more so when they had to but the foal down. It just shows just how much grief and burden that elf has weighing on his shoulders. Any new story you'll post in the future, you can count on me to read it. ~nessie~

danae · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

I really liked this story a lot. I felt for Alfirin and kept wanting to shake Ithilden. I am glad she managed to break through his barriers a bit. Also, I absolutely loved the conversation with the cook. It was rather priceless. peace, danae

Manderly · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

What a pleasant surprise to see a story from you, Daw. Really made my day! Seems like both Ithilden and Alfirin have adjustments to make with this thing called married life, though perhaps at different levels. Alfirin has her hands full adjusting to life as a member of the Royal Family and dealing with all the servants and help thrust upon her, not to mention being scrutinzed for any change in her body by every conceivable pair of eyes, including the resident palace mice, no less. In spite of all that, she seems to have a better idea of the emotional demands of a marriage, that husband and wife share not only the good times, but the bad times as well. Ithilden will have to learn that he no longer needs to play the tough commander in chief in front of his wife. I guess after years of being in command and being the one others depend upon have made Ithilden reluctant to open up to anybody and to hoard his perceived weaknesses as a miser and his pennies. He will learn soon enough, especially if a baby is the horizon. Babies do that, you know, opening the floodgate of emotions. Thank you so much for the story, but it has made me crave for more. Dare we hope that there will be another story soon?

French Pony · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

What a nice character sketch of Ithilden! It really shows just how much he mellowed over the course of his marriage to Alfirin. I like all the little signs that both bride and groom are still getting to know each other and still adjusting to the fact of being married. Ithilden is so naturally uptight and has spent so much of his life being closed off from other people that he seems very much out of practice at identifying and dealing with his emotions. That seems to be Alfirin's major effect on him -- she gets him to open himself up emotionally, both to himself and everyone around him. And that probably accounts for the mellowing. I'm also interested in the way they come to the decision to have a child before their marriage has really gelled. It strikes me that Sinnarn is going to be the equivalent of those human kids born within a year of their parents' marriage. In a way, the presence of those children really defines the personality of the marriage, because it all happens so fast.

sofia · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

I'm so glad to read a new story from you! I didn't realize how much I missed your writing. This story did not disappoint. It seems everyone thinks Alfirin to be pregnant, or close to it. And now she is, aw. Sorry, I'm getting a bit sappy. I've read many stories where they discribe elven bonding and how the characters cope with it and stuff, but I do enjoy your portrayal of it greatly. I've never heard of Overo Lethal White Syndrome in horses and I guess you learn something new everyday. Its a sad thing that it is incurable.

yanic · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Oh gosh a new story! I didn't want to read it at first, but rather hang on to it and savor it when I had more time to read it, but I couldn't resist. I loved getting more on Ithilden and Alfirin, he's such an interesting character. I hope your novel writing is going well, but I'm glad to see you back with us!

Nilmandra · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

I hadn't realized how much I missed this world until I started to beta this last night! How wonderful to see Alfirin and Ithilden and their families after all this time. I think I particularly enjoyed Calith - I like how he uses his discretion in following orders! Keeps his boss from making decisions he might regret. We do need a keepers and Calith story, you know. :D

thechevin · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Oh what a wonderful surprise to see an author alert with your name attached I have so missed your writing and being able to fall into your Middle Earth with Ithilden and Eilian and all the others This was such a sad but lovely tale, Ithilden and Alfirin's bond was made all the stronger when they shared the sorrow Ithilden felt, how fortunate they are to have such love and how devastating it must be to an elf to be parted from someone they are bonded with Grief is another of those strange things Ithilden could/had to be strong for the warrior but fell apart with the death of the foal. A truly wonderful treat for a Sunday morning

Dot · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Can you tremble with happiness?? Because that’s pretty much what I’m doing right now! I couldn’t believe it when I saw this here this morning. Thank you so much, daw. Alfirin is wonderful, the way she knows what to say to smooth ruffled feathers, even when she herself is a little daunted by the kitchen (and the cook). It must be a bit unsettling for her to have everyone waiting until she can announce that she’s expecting the king’s grandchild, though! I love her daydreaming about Ithilden :-) And yes, it’s Ithilden! Weighed down by cares and now thinking he has to protect her too. *sigh* He obviously hasn’t learned fully yet how good she will be for him. “I believe it would be thoughtful of us to let them retire early.” Though I’m sure he’s figured out some of it… I thoroughly enjoyed the meal scene! Tonduil makes me smile even when he’s at the age where he and his father argue - and then the reactions to Alfirin’s nursery comment! I’m still chuckling at her father. And I’m glad Ithilden was amused by the whole thing. Even though he’s just like his father, not wanting to bring a child into a dangerous world. Which is fair enough, but like his father too, he may be convinced that a child is also a gift and a symbol of hope. I love seeing the two of them so in love – and I think I groaned aloud when Deler appeared. Damn wargs. I can imagine just how Ithilden felt when he heard about Marten (!) and the prospect of danger so close to home. I was glad Thranduil was there to offer Alfirin some support and an explanation, but she’s right – Ithilden needs to know he’s not on his own any more and he can lean on her as I’m sure he’d expect her to feel she can confide in and look for support from him. Good for her for focusing on that moment where she felt his pain and deciding not to listen to his dismissal or give in when he says he can handle whatever comes his way. And go Calith!! Ithilden would probably be surprised by how many people can read him. Funny how the messengers all seem to be busy until Ithilden can separate his current distress from other problems. The note did make me laugh, though, because it was just classic Eilian! The little incident with Legolas proves just how on edge Ithilden is. Thank heavens for Alfirin and for apple tart ;-) And do you know how much I wanted to hug Ithilden during the funeral?? Let’s just say lots. He’s very lucky in Alfirin, though. He’s really pushing her and anyone else might be less patient with him. The scene in the stable is heartbreaking. Ithilden’s gentleness with the mother about to lose her baby nearly had me in tears. And much as it hurts to see him feel such grief, I was glad that he was finally able to give into it, to open up to his wife and learn that this will strengthen their bond, not simply burden her. This sentence is beautiful : Her love flowed across their bond and wrapped itself around his bruised heart, easing his hurt in the same way he dimly recalled his mother’s kiss easing the pain of a scraped knee or a bumped head. He’s received the gift of true love this night. And I’m so happy for both of them that they realise what a true joy it would be to bring a child into the world. These two have so much love to give that for now it doesn’t matter what the future may bring. (And Thranduil will be delighted!). God, I love Ithilden!! I know this review is a little rushed but truly, I am so overwhelmed by your gift to me. You know you didn’t have to do this – but I’m so thrilled you did :-) Thanks again!

Jay of Lasgalen · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

This is lovely, Daw - lucky Dot! I really liked seeing your characters again - I've missed them. Ithilden is still Ithilden, so stiff and unyielding, and so unforgiving of himself. Of course he needs to let go sometimes, and confide in Alfirin. This was a rather sad tale - first Marten, and then the foal :( I'm glad that Ithilden and Alfirin finally made the right decision (but then, that all comes to a sad end eventually!) Am I right in thinking that Calith deliberately couldn't find a messenger? :) Jay

Bodkin · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Gifts

Poor Ithilden. He has been on his own so long, supporting such responsibility - and he is not able to take anything casually. His mother must have shaken her head over him so many times. Alfirin is so good for him. Not just because she loves him and wants to support him through his trials, but because she is the type of elleth she is - he needs to look after her, even though she will gently train him into revealing his heart to her so that she can support him through his griefs. And Sinnarn is such an offering of hope. I'm going to get all upset again! I loved everyone in the neighbourhood of Alfirin watching her with intense interest in the hope that she was carrying Ithilden's child. The broodiness about both of them must have been ringing from the rafters! And Calith. The administration of the troops was fall into chaos if it weren't for him! He knows just when to offer passive resistance to Ithilden's demands and give him time to rethink - and Ithilden takes it from him. (Unknowingly, at least!) Adorable. The way Alfirin placated Legolas with apple pie was great, too. He's just at the age when waving food in front of his nose offers enough distraction. And it's not as if he's not accustomed to getting snapped at by Ithilden and his adar. She is such an asset to the family. Gorgeous story. Loved it. I could witter on, but I'll stop now. Happy birthday, Dot.