A Moment of Joy by daw the minstrel

Reviews (26)

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erunyauve@lycos.com · 7 July 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

>>He had never seen anything like the exploding waterwheel, and it had been a long time since he had done anything as enlivening as the ride down the rapids. Most of all, it had been a long time since he had shared a moment like this with Eilian. This is lovely - Ithilden needs to have more fun, and it's so much like Eilian to find humour in loss of all their hard work.

Author's reply

Thank you, Erunyauve. Ithilden does need to have more fun. I think his mother's death was a loss for him too, although he was older and a pretty self-possessed adult by the time she died. It struck me as funny when I decided the kids would see the exploding wheel as hilarious, not tragic. LOL.

ziggy · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

It is wonderful to have another story from you - I have missed them! This is a lovely, light tale, but there is still a sadness becasue it is obvious that they all lost something different with Lorellin's death - and the hapiness of the family here contrasts with that edginess that is in the relatonships subsequently. ANd that makes it real- when families lose their lynch pin, it is everything is harder, laced with pain. Lorellin clearly kept everyone sweeter - oiled the wheels of the family - they miss her. Anyway- THIS story is just a delight. Good to see Ithilden getting his kit off! I love it that the three monkeys whoop with delight at the destruction! The waterwheel wynch is a brilliant idea . I love your OCs. Thank you!

Author's reply

My goodness. Did I never reply to this review? I must have missed it somehow. You're so right about Lorellin. They were lost without her and had to readjust all their relationships while they were awash in grief. These kids would have been amusing and appalling to have around. I'll bet they drove the adults wild.

Socket · 7 June 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

I know I'm hopelessly late with my review, but I do want you to know that I'm still reading and enjoying your marvelous stories about my favorite family of royal elves. And how wonderful it is to read one centering on my favorite OR elf, Ithilden, who by now is as real, and as dear, to me as any character Tolkien actually created. Please keep on writing, your loyal readers love you!

Author's reply

Socket-- Thank you so much. I have to say I love my readers too. They're perceptive and generous and I can't tell you how much their interest in these stories means to me. daw

Gwynhyffar · 3 June 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Wow, I was so happy to see a story from you I didn't finish review before I hit post! Ithilden needs more moments like these to relax a little. I think this was one of those priceless moments when Eilian could actually look at his older brother with admiration and not have it tempered by Ithilden's unending correctness. It was cute to see Eilian at that age. I don't think he changed all that much between 12 and 200, he just had a different way to vent his need for excitement. :D

Author's reply

This is the first time I've written Eilian this young, although Nilmandra wrote about him a bit younger. I have to say it was easy to do. As you say, he didn't change that much.

Gwynhyffar · 3 June 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

I loved this story (of course, I love ALL your stories)! I really enjoy the glimpses of life when Lorellin was still there. It was especially funny to see her prodding Ithilden toward a maiden (and telling him to lighten up) and Thranduil defending him (even though he found it a little funny). It's a contrast to Thranduil getting on Eilian and Lorellin defending him. I'm sure Eilian got in some choice teasing at his brothers expense at some point over Alana. ... I think I would have anyway. I'm pretty sure it would be satisfying to tease Ithilden - up to a point anyway.

Author's reply

I'm pretty sure it would be satisfying to tease Ithilden - up to a point anyway. That would be the point where he made you wish you'd never been born? :-) Nice summary of the way the parents relate to the two oldest boys. When Naneth died, both Eilian and Ithilden lost something they needed, although it wasn't the same thing.

perelleth · 3 June 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

This is such a treat daw! I'm still laughing! There are many things I like in this tale, but reading it twice, I think I'm mostly caught by its rythm. It flows in a very appropriate manner, as we see Ithilden slowly and inadvertently shedding part of his seriousness and allowing himself to flow into the youngsters' carefree and pure enjoyment. Why, he is even able to enjoy the "failure" when the wheel explodes! “Come and show them how you can shoot, Ithilden! You can use my bow.” Smiling and beckoning to his brother, he took a step back toward his waiting friends. This is so endearing! Eilian must have worshipped his big brother! and it was good that the big brother took time to share some fun with him! This must have been such a different family when the queen was alive! She was very clever here! But the three imps were great, their cautious approach to explainig what they intended to do with the boat! I bet they were a bit surpirsed when the troop commanded decided to wield hammer and nailed and get hiself a shower! That picture of Ithilden under the pouring buckets was priceless and so comic! A wonderful tale, Daw, congrats! :-)

Author's reply

Thanks, Perelleth. I'm thrilled with your comment about the rythm because that's subtle to do! I figure Eilian was simultaneously impressed and appalled by Ithilden. He probably got big points with his friends for having Ithilden as an older brother though. I'll bet Ithilden was exceedingly competent with weapons and just about anything else he tried too. Except for courting Alfirin, of course, but that hasn't happened yet.

NaughtyNettie · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

I have been meaning to read this story for about a week now but have been so crazy, busy that I just got to it and I'm sad that I didn't get to read it sooner because I pretty much laughed through the whole thing. Eilian living in a village?? As if! Oh wait :o) I love that! Just knowing the truth behind the statement made it all the better. Anyone who has been white water rafting knows how exhilarating it can be and I thought you captured that perfectly. I love that Ithilden was able to get a much needed break and that his brother's happiness leant him joy. Thanks for another GREAT read!!

Author's reply

Thanks, Nettie. I had a good time writing this. I don't think I've ever before written about them as brothers when Eilian was young. And Naneth knows them both quite well, although she and Eilian are the kindred souls. Glad you liked it.

The Karenator · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Now that, with your help, I've finally gotten my present up, I can catch up on a few reviews. This is such a delightful story. Eilian is a little scamp, but he's always got direction. He knows just what he wants to do, even if his adventures do turn everyone's hair gray. I really enjoyed seeing Ithiden getting dunked...wet elf, yeah baby...and loosening up with the kids. He's so methodical and the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants construction did him a world of good. Lorellin, the match-making Nana, is right that he needs to take moments of joy. She would have loved Alfirin as a daughter. The last line caught me completely off guard. I laughed out loud and read it over and over just because it's so clever. This story was a terrific gift to the ranger and to us all. I enjoyed every word.

Author's reply

Glad you liked it, Karen. I figure Eilian is one of those kids with boundless energy and a mind that's always working. And he's ready to go with the flow. Wheel pulls the boat up? Cool! Wheel explodes? Cool! I think Lorellin would have liked both her daughters-in-law. I figure she knew Celuwen pretty well, given how much time Celuwen spent with Eilian. It's just occurred to me that Alfirin is the same age as these three. An encounter would be interesting to see.

yanic · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

That was great. I always wondered what Eilian and Ithilden's relationship would have been like when they were younger and no Legolas around. Too cute. I enjoyed this glimpse of Ithilden, he's so serious that he needs a bit of fun. Thanks for another great story, it was great to see an update!

Author's reply

Glad you liked it, Yanic. I've always hesitated to write stories without Legolas around, but I finally decided what the heck. If I enjoy writing and people enjoy reading, why not? And you're so right: Ithilden does need to loosen up a little. It's what his mother always said.

Noor · 28 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Just a few further comments..............this is a really touching story as it is all about Lorellin's attitude to life and her love for her sons as well as showing us young Gelmir and Celuwen. Didn't Thranduil tell Legolas to take "a moment for joy" in a Creature of Fire and Ithilden said the same to Eilian inone of the other stories....Spring Awakenings? I really have read these stories again and again because I love them! Noor

Author's reply

Yeah, I've used that "moment for joy" line several times, claiming it was what Naneth used to say. I think of her as very wood elfy compared to Thranduil's Sindarin character. The wood elves like having someone organized and disciplined to run things, but they don't want to live that way themselves. And Eilian is more like his mother, while Ithilden is like his father. There was a good balance in the family until she died. :-(

Noor · 28 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Aha,a young Eilian and a younger Ithilden! A great single chapter fic. That was lovely..........do you find it difficult slipping back and forth on the timeline with the characters?? It must be hard remembering to write as a young Legolas/Eilian then suddenly to be mature married Eilian? The stories always flow so well so I suppose you don't struggle. I was reading all your other stories again and as you are so good at putting hints of other stories in your stories (eg cold feet of a young Legolas and then came "all those who wander" and Beliond teaching Legolas to pick locks and then came "Thranduil's begetting day) that I wondered if you were going to do a story involving Legolas and Sinnarn (sniff!) firejumping seeing as you mentioned that in "Creature of Fire".......anyway ANYTHING you write will be gratefully and joyfully read! Best wishes Noor

Author's reply

Thank you, Noor. I don't actually find the time shifts hard. I enjoy them because I can go from serious to playful or bring back characters I've killed. I've recently been reading Lois McMaster Bujold's books about Miles Vorkosigan (which I recommend-exciting and funny), and she didn't write those stories in order of Miles's age as he grew up. She jumped around. I thought that was interesting. I didn't know "real" authors did that too. What a good idea about the fire jumping! That would make a good single chapter fic for some occasion. I'll have to remember that.

Dot · 28 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

I finally have a chance to sit down for more than five minutes. So, I loved this! Like there was any chance I wasn’t going to… It sounds like Eilian has been making, uh, good use out of what he learns in his archery lessons. I thought this part was really sweet: “You want to see someone really good with a bow?” He trotted toward Ithilden, who stopped when he saw Eilian coming. “Come and show them how you can shoot, Ithilden! You can use my bow.” He clearly looks up to his competent older brother, for all that he can’t understand him most of the time. I admit I cringed, because I just knew Ithilden was going to have something to say about what they were doing. I see Naneth is used as a threat. She was probably the one person that Eilian would actually curb his worst behaviour for, for fear of upsetting her. A father may rage and roar but no one want to make their mother cry. There’s a split in the family, isn’t there? I love Thranduil’s amused “Lorellin, leave him alone.” What a tease she is. There’s no way Thranduil would have agreed to Gelmir going – and being freed from lessons! – without her influence. I feel kind of bad for Ithilden. Now I want to see him and his mother when she’s not trying to convince him to be less serious or to go off and have fun. I think he must be a little hurt too by Eilian’s claims that he doesn’t know how to enjoy himself. This made me laugh, though: His mother had pointed out several times that the right maiden was unlikely to report to him in his office. LOL! And I’m grinning away here at the scene in his office when he’s gazing out the door, clearly amusing Calith. So being asked to check up on Eilian is a regular occurrence, eh? *g* I don’t think that will change even after Naneth is gone and Eilian is a warrior. I must say, Eilian, Gelmir and Celuwen are very creative. The water wheel thingy sounds very technical! It was hilarious to watch Eilian doing his best not to explain exactly what they were planning on using it for. Celuwen’s enthusiasm and complete lack of fear of Ithilden, as well as her interest in such a practical thing is very funny. And typical! Bear fat? Ick! So did he win or steal it?? I absolutely love how Ithilden managed to somehow get involved without ever really intending to. And of course, a stripping, dripping Ithilden was rather a high point for me too :-D I couldn’t believe he got into the boat. Oh, I love seeing him and Eilian having fun together! This is just the kind of dangerous, daring thing Eilian would thoroughly enjoy. And the absolute best bit when you’re an elfling? The wheel exploded! Cool!! I love how much fun they all had together. Even hard-working tilting-whirling-wheel inspectors need to relax and have fun once in a while. ROTFL!! I had to stop myself skimming down through it to see where you’d put the reference. I really enjoyed this, daw. And I hope our own favourite tilt-a-whirl inspector is having a very relaxing Birthday Weekend :-)

Author's reply

Ah, Dot, you always know just what to say. :-) I think Eilian would have looked up to Ithilden and in some ways continues to do so even when he's an adult. I'll bet Ithilden is hell on a horse with weapons and given the power he has as troop commander, everyone probably scurries around when he flicks a finger. That has to look good to a kid. Except, of course, Eilian doesn't intend to scurry. Also I thought about how Celuwen fluffs Ithilden off at Council meetings once she and Eilian are married. She's harder to impress than the boys are, and Ithilden is never going to command her as a warrior, so he doesn't intimidate her. I don't actually know how Eilian got the bear fat. I'll have to think about that. Did you notice that Ithilden eventually talks about what "we" have to do to make the waterwheel work? He gets swept up in it. Of course, he thinks like an adult who builds stuff like this for a purpose other than watching it blow up, so he's startled when the kids laugh. I hope Meckinock is having a good weekend too. Last I heard, she was dodging tornados.

Manderly · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Trust Eilian to drag Ithilden into the fun stuff. Ithilden should really be thankful to have such a rambunctious brother to keep him from turning into a working stiff. On the other hand, Eilian should also be thankful to have such a steady rock in Ithilden. The two brothers are such a night and day contrast. I can just see Thranduil shaking his head when he considers the difference between his two sons and Lorellin laughing and clapping her hands in glee while doing the same thing. Just from this brief glimpse of Lorellin in this story, it's easy to see how much the entire family has lost because of her death. Makes me wonder how different they might be if she was still alive. Thanks for sharing this moment of joy with us!

Author's reply

Thank you, Manderly. You're right about how the brothers balance one another, just as their parents balanced one another. I think when Lorellin died, they all went off balance a little. I also think Legolas's childhood was very different because of that different balance. Glad you enjoyed it.

emjo · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Great story Daw. I love your OCs, they just make me smile.

Author's reply

Thank you, Emjo. This story was for fun and it made me smile too. It was for Meckinock and sometimes she says she feels like she works in a carnival, probably as the tilt-a-whirl inspector of something, so I'm afraid I had to bury that joke in there.

sofia · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

that was sweet. I'm so happy you've updated with another wonderful story. I love the bonding between the brohers and Ithilden letting loose, so to speak.

Author's reply

Thank you, Sofia. I'm glad you liked it. These two are so different, I think they're always going to see one another as incomprehensible sometimes, but that doesn't mean they don't love one another.

elliska · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

I like seeing little Eilian! These are two activities that I can so see him doing. But I did not expect Ithilden to let him ride the boat, much less do it with him. Good for him! I'm glad that got to have some fun together. And I loved seeing Eilian with his mother--the person who understood him best. This was a great story. And happy birthday, Meckinock!

Author's reply

Thanks, Elliska. Ithilden surprised himself too. He needed that, I think. Actually, he and Eilian balance one another out well and are good for one another when they're not sniping at one another. Lorellin was good for them all. Her loss was a tragedy.

Bodkin · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

It's just great to see Ithilden having so much fun! He was clearly better at getting on with Eilian when his brother was a kid and not under his authority! I love seeing Gelmir as the mechanically-minded elf who could set this up - and Celuwen dressed in some of Eilian's spare clothing evading her feminine fate for a while longer. Seeing them both with Lorellin is lovely too - goodness but her family must have missed her! She can coax Eilian into being sensible, Thranduil into bending to her will and Ithilden into having fun! I loved the line 'His mother had pointed out several times that the right maiden was unlikely to report to him in his office.' She didn't quite - but she did have to present herself in the Stronghold! Wet, half-naked Ithilden enjoying himself on a white-water ride, though. With a gorgeous but very young Eilian - it's a lovely image. And I love the laughter. Lots of laughter. A real moment of joy. And even hard-working tilting-whirling-wheel inspectors need to relax and have fun once in a while. How true! Happy birthday, Meckinock!

Author's reply

Thank you, Bodkin. That line about the right maiden not showing up in Ithilden's office comes straight from my own prodding of my son: They won't come knocking on your door, kid! Get out there. This was the first time it occurred to me that Gelmir might be mechanical. He needed to be characterized a bit and this was his chance.

Idhreniel · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Hello Daw! What a great surprise to read from you again! I love to see Ellian and Ithilden having fun as brothers. Lovely fic!!! Hugs,

Author's reply

Hi, Idhreniel. I've been off writing original fic and seeing if I can get anyone to publish it (no luck yet) so I haven't had time or energy to do fanfic too. But this story was a lot of fun to write. I don't think I've ever shown them together like this when Eilian was a kid. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it.

meckinock · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

And maybe Meckinock will get around to posting another chapter of her story too! Hey, what happened to all work and no play makes Ithilden a dull boy? Daw, I just squealed when I saw this. What a wonderful fabulous terrific birthday present. And with Eilian (still my favorite) and dripping!shirtless!Ithilden (gaining ground), yay. I'm sure I speak for their your many fans when I say I missed these guys so much, and it was so fun seeing them have fun. I know how busy you've been working on the The Novel(s) and I really appreciate your taking the time to do this. It's going to make my whole weekend extra special. But then, troop commanders aren't the only ones who need to do something fun once in a while, right? Even hard-working tilting-whirling-wheel inspectors need to relax and have fun once in a while.” ROTFLOL!

Author's reply

I'm so glad you like it. Take the day off! You have my permission. I like your attitude. Author Reply: And, btw, I assume that given free time, working on your story would count as play!

Jay of Lasgalen · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Ah!! (Insert big silly grin here) That was sweet. I really like to see Ithilden loosen up a little and enjoy himself - especially with Eilian. Riding the little boat down the rapids sounds horribly dangerous, and exactly what Eilian would do. It was a shame that his plans to retrieve the boat came so spectacularly undone, though. Jay

Author's reply

I think this is the first time I've ever shown these two together when Eilian was a child. When he was childish, yes, but never as an actual child. And it was a lot of fun to do. I don't think the kids minded too much about the boat. After all, the wheel exploded! How cool was that?

Elflingimp · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

That was great,your stories were among the first I ever started reading,I havent ever reviewed them but love all the characters. You have created a whole world and its nice to see a new story. Happy Birthday also Meckinock!

Author's reply

Glad you liked it, Elflingimp. I'm afraid I've let my OCs kind of spin out of control, but really, if you write about Mirkwood, it's hard not to because Tolkien told us so little about it. Anyway, this was fun to write. And maybe Meckinock will get around to posting another chapter of her story too!

lwarren · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

I was so excited to see this story, daw, and had to take a few minutes from closing out the school year to read and review! Eilian and Ithilden are such wonderful characters - both so different, and not just because of the tremendous gap in their ages! I had to laugh at the very beginning where you said that Eilian was about 12 and Ithilden was adult because he was apparently born that way! LOL It certainly seems that way sometimes! You did an excellent job of setting up the tension between the two brothers in that first scene with the arrow (the orc arrowhead as Eilian's prize - sounds like some gross thing a kid that age would covet, even an elf!) and I loved the glimpse of the part Lorellin plays in the family. You have often mentioned how she worried about her sons, and played the part of mediator/peacekeeper, especially where Eilian is concerned. The construction of the waterwheel was priceless, and familiar - we have a competition sometimes where the kids are given a bag of objects and asked to construct a boat, then race them! The 3 elflings here sound just like some of my students - finding ways to make things work and using whatever is at hand to reach their goal! The trip down the river on the rapids - I was glad to see Ithilden discover the excitement of it for himself, and the shattering waterwheel seemed the perfect ending for their 'moment of joy'! Great story, daw! You have been missed - I hope your original fiction you are working on is going well! Happy birthday to Meckinock, too! :-) linda

Author's reply

Thank goodness for summer! This was fun to write. I'm very fond of both these characters, different as they are. Each of them sees the world plainly, just not the same way the other one does! As I wrote Naneth's part, I could see again how much they all missed her, but especially Eilian, who needed her understanding presence. And of course, it's fun to have her nag Ithilden. Do your students actually get in the boats??? I see the schoolboard's liability insurance provided fainting dead away. I've never characterized Gelmir much, but I decided he has a mechanical streak, so he was the instigator here in a way he seldom gets a chance to be. What could be more fun than watching you stiff big brother get doused with water and then having the waterwheel blow up? I hope my original fic is going well too. :-)

Nilmandra · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Even hard-working tilting-whirling-wheel inspectors need to relax and have fun once in a while.” You know, few of us may get that, but its an absoltuely hilarious line and so fitting for the occasion. Good story. I've missed these characters.

Author's reply

Sadly, I amused myself writing that line. I'm so pathetic.

French Pony · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

You know, I've been wondering for a while why it was that Thranduil and Lorellin decided to have Eilian so long after Ithilden was of age and able to take care of himself and in no immediate danger that would require both an heir and a spare. I think I've figured it out now. They wanted a kid. Clearly, they didn't get one the first time around. And Eilian is such a typical kid, too. First he whines about having to go look at machinery, but the very next day, he's out there building it himself. And he's a bright kid, too. He and Gelmir seem to have figured out real quickly how the waterwheel works and what to do with it. I bet that Ithilden probably wouldn't have done that at the same age, because of lack of imagination. And even if the wheel broke, it was so worth it for the chance to see it explode. Sometimes, failure is more spectacular than triumph. Ahhh. The neighborhood bagpiper has moved on to spurts of actual melody.

Author's reply

And even if the wheel broke, it was so worth it for the chance to see it explode Now that is just exactly Eilian's opinion too! Making the thing work was only a temporary goal. He and his buddies were after a good time all along. Ithilden is lucky he got invited too. I decided Gelmir was the mechanic in the group. Eilian and, to a lesser degree, Celuwen are just enthusiastic helpers. Glad the bagpiper is making music, as much as bagpipers can.

Alison H · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 1: A Moment of Joy

Daw, that was so sweet! I was so happy to see a story from you, even if it was just a little birthday surprise for Meckinock.I love your stories. Eilian was just adorable and his enthusiasm for life left me with a huge smile on my face.He certainly does look for the fun in every situation and I'm glad his Naneth sent Ithiden along to check up on him. Ithilden....I must say that I have a huge crush on this character, too.He cares so much about duty that he forgets to relax, so much so that others have to gently remind him to have a life! His Naneth was smart to divert his interest to his brother. I loved the whole situation with the water wheel.While it was dangerous, Ithilden was wise enough to let the children do their best to get the wheel working.Of course, he had to make sure that things were done correctly, even thought the outcome was always going to be disasterous.I enjoyed seeing Ithilden wading into the river and then getting soaked by the buckets---and the children then laughing their little heads off.That was so endearing. The waterwheel was never going to pull the boat back but the ride Eilian and Ithilden experienced was worth it just to see the joy on their faces.That Ithilden was touched when Eilain wanted to ride the rapids with him was very moving and I loved the way you wrote that scene, with Eilain clenching his hands nervously.Ithilden wasn't going to disappoint his little brother! The moment the waterwheel smashed I thought that one of the children would be injured.I was glad to read that Ithilden was in big brother protection mode, covering Eilain's head as wood was flying, but I didn't expect the children to howl with laughter after everything had settled.Then again, that is just like Eilian isn't it? Daw, this was a lovely story and I really enjoyed revisiting your wonderful characters.Do you have more stories planned? I have missed your excellent stories and have been reading your earlier ones again.I hope that you have the time to write more. Take care. Ali.

Author's reply

I like writing Eilian with his mother still around and the Watchful Peace still in effect. He's full of life and energy and, I hope, wood-elfy in his need to play. And I also like having Naneth nagging Ithilden a little. When we see this family later, after she dies, it looks like Ithilden is the 'good' son, but Lorellin always worried about him. She saw his seriousness as a problem every bit as much as Eilian's fecklessness. See you and Ithilden are a good pair because in one way at least you think alike: He didn't expect the kids to laugh either! I'm sure this isn't the first grandiose scheme they've had go to piece. They'll just move on to the next one. And in the meantime, Ithilden had a good day. Now if he'd just get going on giving his parents a daughter-in-law and grandchildren!