Reviews (108)

Asms2 · 11 June 2016 · Chapter 4: Choices

There were a lot of really well done moments in this story: -Eilian riding away from his family: “He tucked the look of them deep into his heart and rode away” – what a great way to describe this scene! I felt for them as I read it. -Beliond learning about events in the palace from Loriel “Well, well. Thranduil cheated at chess, and Ithilden slipped on spilled wine and pulled a groin muscle. How interesting.” -Ithilden struggling with the loss of his son and reflecting: “She had meant for him to snatch their son from danger, had utter faith that he could do it. More fool she.” – Aw, poor Ithilden! I feel for him in that garden scene. - Legolas seeking out his father: “Legolas shrugged. “I have no family. I can be away if necessary.” “You do have family,” Thranduil said more sharply than he meant to. “Never think your absence would not be felt.” --You tell him Thranduil!! That line was just great. I wanted to reach into the story and hug Thranduil myself. -Thranduil wondering if Eilian had argued to go on the mission for more reasons than just wanting adventure...That perhaps he thought it would make Thranduil happy. -Eilian spilling the beans that Legolas was in the original plans to send on the mission – he had to know that would get a reaction. Or maybe he thought Legolas knew? - And with everyone wanting to talk to him about something Thranduil ends with “Perhaps he should have gone to Mt. Doom himself. Perhaps he should go now.” –hahaha! What a great line to end it with.

endorearwen · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 4: Choices

Like a tree's branches, there are so many wonderful beginnings to even more stories in this one, Daw! It has felt like a long time to me since we read about the family in such an intimate way. I LOVE when you treat us to some of that! I like the idea of pulling Eilian back from his duties in favour of remaining with his family until Loriel is grown. In elf years, that will be a short span indeed and, strangely enough for me, I rather favour giving this brave warrior as many moments of joy with his family as can be found. (I have to admit, Eilian's character has grown on me!) As for Loriel, I am totally smitten! What a wonderful child! Out of the mouths of babes, indeed! I roared at her innocent 'slips of the tongue'. Trust Beliond to take pleasure in speaking with Thranduil about his 'cheating' and who's to say she wasn't just the right influence to sort out Ithilden and Alfirin? It's the special wonder of children, isn't it, this ability to spread magic wherever they go... :-) You’ve done a great job of weaving many signs of hope into these short pages! Despite the growing upheaval, Ithilden and Alfirin bravely undertake having another child (I stand with Thranduil in being grateful that you gave Ithilden a daughter this time), Calith and Nithien have just had a son (a good, solid warrior for the realm if Anolad's comments are to be trusted), and then there is the beckoning betrothal of Anolad and Haviel (and the promise it holds of yet more elflings in the not too distant future.) Who could read this collection of beautifully integrated vignettes and not take tremendous pleasure from them? If nothing else, they are perfect illustration of the 'moments of joy' we've been reminded to savour the entire way through this series!

amokeh · 8 September 2010 · Chapter 4: Choices

daw, I always love your stories about Legolas. In fact, I re-read the entire series annually. Well, I was just re-reading them through again when I realized that this story was yet unfinished. Do you have any plan to continue it? I, for one, would love to meet Legolas' new niece and see Solith get a well-deserved comeuppance! You've created such a wonderful cast of characters - I hate to see them fade away without resolutions to their storylines. :) At any rate, thank you for being such a wonderful author, and I've enjoyed losing myself in your version of Tolkienverse. :D

obsidianj · 8 April 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

So, Eilian seems to be growing up. I'm looking forward to Celuwen speaking to Thranduil and Solith together. Should be interesting. I think they need a family meeting, where everyone can say how they really feel. It seems there is a lot assuming and "protecting" going on that nobody really wants. I wanted to strangle Solith. In some ways he reminds me of my father. But I would never agree to move back in with my parents... What was Celuwen thinking?

Agape4Gondor · 3 April 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

This is a review of the story since I printed it out and read it all at one sitting... and then discovered I had not read 'A Spring For Joy' and had to read that before I reviewed this....... *heavy sigh* Sometimes, dearest daw, it is not easy reading your tales... I loved Loriel in that story and find her more enchanting in this one. I loved the fact that Celuwen holds more sway over Eilian than even Thranduil. I had to 'oh my!' when Loriel ticks off the reasons why she is not too happy living at the stronghold. I loved how Eilian swayed Loriel from her need to be away by showing her his own toys. Delightful moment between the two and the 'spider-less' chest! I howled at the term, 'Uncle Legolas's Nana' - poor Beliond. I was grateful to find Celuwen embracing Eilian when he finally returned home. There is a beautiful quality to your writing - though your tales are hard to read (i.e., Sinnarn's death) - but it is in the little details that bring me to fully participate in the life of Thrnanduil and his family. Thank you for continuing to share this gift with your readers. I look forward (with hope) to the rest of this tale.

Noor · 2 April 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Daw, Thank you so much for this chapter - there seems to be hope following grief in the royal household. I had wondered in the past whether Ithilden and Alfirin would have any more elflings.....so was really pleased with chapter 3. A beautifully written story and I hope we all get to meet Loriel's cousin. Noor

ponypetter · 1 April 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

I'm behind on reading on this site, but I got a notification on your new chapter, so HAD to just put aside real life to review because I loved this chapter. The jealousy Thranduil feels over Loriel's relationship with "the other grandfather" is priceless. And I loved the argument between him and Loriel about whether living in the trees or in the caves is safer. Thranduil must feel like he is beating his head against a brick wall at times. Loriel's opinions about living in the trees are actively encouraged by her mother, and at least passively encouraged by Eilian.

Dot · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

This was such fun! For me, anyway, though most of your characters seem to be having a rough day. Especially Thranduil, who can’t seem to do a thing right, despite, well, trying to do everything right. So Alfirin and Ithilden are having a girl? My heart went out to Thranduil as he thinks about how that means she’ll at least be saved a warrior’s death. That’s such a sad indication of how bad things are. Still, I’m glad to see that Alfirin seems content. It was clearly the right decision for them. Even Ithilden seems pretty relaxed. Though I’m still not sure how I feel about them having another child. Good lord, I think I’m jealous. "When I was little, I lived in my house, and I could hear the trees through my window. Grandfather said they were singing to me, and we made up a song and played it on our whistles." Oh, ouch. Just what Thranduil needed to hear. It must be hard to hear how people long for the little things when all of his energy is going into trying to ensure the safety of the whole realm. It’s a sweet picture of a moment shared with Solith, though. It almost makes me understand that he just misses her. Almost. Eilian and Maltanaur have been gone six months?? No wonder Celuwen is on edge. And I bet Eilian won’t be too thrilled to realise his little girl feels she has to protect her mother. That house in the trees sounds amazing! I want one. Or maybe I’ll wait for Nilmandra to build hers and invite myself over to play. Alright, let me at Solith and I’ll smack him over the head with that slate. I realise that he wants his daughter and granddaughter near him but it’s the way he goes about it! He just can’t help it with the snide comments and manipulating Celuwen by tempting her daughter with what she wants. She was living the life she had feared too. Ack. That’s so sad. Come home, Eilian. Hmm. But you know, Celuwen’s hardly the only one in Mirkwood living a different life than she hoped for right now. Still, she should probably grab all the chances she can do what she wants. The few times he had tried to interfere had all related to her safety, and all met with spectacular lack of success. LOL!! Sorry, that amused me no end, despite the serious moment. And it was interesting to see Thranduil’s thoughts on Lorellin. He might have saved her but she’d have been one unhappy lady to be so restricted. I have to say, I think it’s a pretty good idea for them to stay with Celuwen’s parents when Eilian is missing for longer than a week or so. Especially since they’re so near now. And Loriel does need someone who can play music with her and teach her to fish. But Celuwen needs to do it for the right reasons and not rush off in despair. And yeah, I doubt Eilian would have gone if he thought this would happen. I was interested too in Thranduil’s thoughts about why Eilian went on this mission and how he can’t tell Celuwen. It just goes to show how everyone can get caught up in their own troubles and not realise how much else is going on. I’d hate to be in Thranduil’s position. And really, it must be so much more complicated now that he has so many other people to take into account rather than when his sons were unattached and he could just send them off. A Wood-elf in the forest does not usually need a sword [...]Unhappiness does that to her [...]He should have stayed home, not gone off adventuring. Aaaaargh!! Let me at him! Thank heavens Eilian chose that time to appear. I loved the reunion, despite the undercurrents of tension. I was really glad too that it didn’t end in the argument that I was expecting. They just need to work on finding balance, to re-learn to respect each other’s needs at an incredibly difficult time and create normality wherever they can. In the meantime, they can... oh my God, Thranduil’s desk??? "Adar said to use his office." ROTFL! "Settle down and sleep now. I do not want to have to come in here again." She hopped the warrior across the pillow and shoved him under the covers. "I will be good, Nana," she said in her warrior voice. Oh, that’s too cute! Celuwen is clearly just like every other mother in the world. I notice Nana is the one doing the parenting, though. I thought it was really clever how you have Legolas asking to go south into danger because he’s the only one with no ties. It’ll make so much sense when he goes to Rivendell. And he’ll have the experience of fighting against the Nazgul. Plus, Thranduil is learning to let him go and let him shoulder responsibility that his brothers might have taken. It was really moving, though, when poor Thranduil points out that Legolas does have family. "I was supposed to go on this mission?" Oops. "Indeed I am considering speaking to you and my adar together." Yeah, I’d run if I were you, Thranduil. And wait until he sees his office! :-D Perhaps he should have gone to Mt. Doom himself. Perhaps he should go now. LOL!! Definitely a more attractive option. And what a gorgeous ending with Eilian singing to his daughter. This was really great, daw! I loved it.

Annariel · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

I'm so glad that you continue with this marvelous universe. Solith sucks! hehe And Thranduil is in a tight place same as Eilian. This chapter is important. At least I see it like this, because it goes to a point where Legolas's going to start having real experience facing the danger (the south). When I read the last part of your series "A Question of Duty" thought that finally your legolas is going to have his true adventure and duty, but that he was not enough trained beacuse in his same home he had not had much contact with the danger because all overprotected him. And neither I looked him like becoming the lord of the colony of Ithilien since he do not has experience in leadership around difficult areas. But now I see that it's going to change. I hope you encourage to write more of this. And you bring us along with your legolas to Ithilien, where he can truly develop without his overprotected family and with all the experience he will acquire in the war against Sauron and confidence that a king of men going to put into him. I see in Ithilien to Legolas as the Lord, Annael as Troop Commander, Tonduil as head of the foresters, Amdir as lieutenant, and more of the new generation of leaders *giggles* And without Eilian, because although I quite like him I resented him that he has taken the protagonist from Legolas in your series. *lol* Many greetings, Daw gifted minstrel of Mirkwood

pipinheart · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

really, loved this You have to feel for Celwen for not having Eilian around, he was away for a long while. It sounds like eilian though wanting to go instead of Legolas. Also glad Alfirn is having a daughter that will be nice for them. Loriel is so sweet, I love how you write her, it is as if you can see her, and how childlike she is... She is a lot like her father.. And I have to agree Solith really is a jerk, sometimes I wonder how Eilian dosen't do him harm. Loved it..

erunyauve · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

>>He grinned his old grin. "Adar said to use his office." ::g:: I meant to review the last chapter at Thanksgiving and have had it on my list ever since. It made me forgive you (a little) for Sinarn. They're all so protective of one another here, and each one thinks they know the best way to keep their loved ones safe, and yet it's impossible to forget that Lorellin was hardly a warrior and times were less evil when she was killed. It's also interesting to see what is going on between Eilian and Thranduil - he knows that Legolas is still Thranduil's 'baby', and though he feels just as protective of his little brother, he's still trying to do what he thinks that Thranduil wants of him. He's still looking for that fatherly approval that he missed as a young and reckless elf (and often with good reason).

nessie · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

So it seems that some time has passed between last chapter and this one. This one should be titled: "Run, Thranduil, Run! To Avoid Stressful Situations." Although I don't see ANYTHING that Thranduil's done wrong here! He only sent Eilian in Legolas's place because Eilian badgered him into it and he wasn't chaining Celuwen and Loriel to the cave floor (he let them leave! and warned her that Eilian won't be happy), which is what Solith makes it sound like he's doing. And Solith is unbelievably unbearable in this chapter. How dare he talk about Loriel's father like that in front of her? NO one has the right to ever do that, no matter how bad the father may be (and Eilian is a LOVING FATHER). I think Celuwen would've left anyway if he continued. I feel sorry for Isiwen sometimes. I don't think it's his place to go insulting the House of Oropher in front of both his daughter and granddaughter, which is what he's doing. I read this yesterday, but I remember him having some comments about Thranduil too (like that elf has nothing to worry about). I'm glad though that it looks like Eilian will stay home for awhile until Loriel is older. She needs her ada like Eilian and Celuwen had their adas growing up. I do sometimes feel sorry for Thranduil that he doesn't get as much time with this grandchild like he did with Sinnarn. Their time should be split equally between the grandparents, or as best as it can be. And another quip I have about Solith is how he makes it sound like HE'S Loriel's only grandfather and that HE has more of a right to her than Thranduil. On a happier note, I'm glad that Alfirin and Ithilden are having a girl. A boy, I think, would've been hard on them all, and I would've gotten the feeling that he was more of a replacement than another child to love and raise. Although being female doesn't totally make this elfling safe, she at least doesn't have to go out and fight orcs and other terrible things when she's grown up. I'm glad that they're finding a way to heal and (although not completely wipe it away) lessen the gap in their heart that was brought upon by Sinnarn's untimely death. I loved this! Are you still going to continue adding on to this story? Because I would reeeally love that! ~nessie~

Socket · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

A new baby elf! Oh, my, my, my! Another wonderful story, daw. Every time I read one of your stories, I am able to revisit Tolkien's -- and your! -- wonderful world again. Thank you for continuing to add to your great canon.

Idhreniel · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Daw! Thank you so much for this fic. It really made my day. It is always wonderful to read from you. I love your OCs, your plots, the way you describe your characters!!! Oh my. I am happy for Ithilden and Alfirin. I think their decision was right. In their case, nothing better to soothe the pain than another baby - thank the Valar for sending them a daughter this time. I miss Sinnarn :-( Eilian... why when he comes up the whole mood of the story changes? I love him at the door of his in laws! Absolutely love. Sólith... I don't like him. He doesn't like Thranduil, doesn't like Eilian and I don't like him! ahahahaha One of the best parts: "Adar said to use his office." ahahahah Go Eilian! I just love him. He and Thranduil make me think that true love exists. I am just too happy to read from you again. You know I am a big fan! Hug!

Manderly · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Good heavens, how did I miss this before? Guess I've been slacking off in my reading. What an enjoyable chapter with so much going on! I am so glad that there's another baby coming for Ithillden and Alfirin. Though this new daughter will never replace what they have lost, it will help to close a bit of that gaping hole, not to mention that this Royal Family really needs more balancing out of the x and y chromosomes. Poor Thranduil! Everybody wants to have a talk with him. Certainly not easy to be the CEO of the Mirkwood Royal Family. Perhaps Solith can place himself inconveniently (or conveniently) in the way and Thranduil can get himself some stress relief. Will there be more to this story? I certainly hope so!

Bodkin · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Poor Thranduil. Kingdoms are so much easier to manage than families. I'd love to have seen Solith's face when he discovered that Thranduil might - graciously - have conceded to his obstinate daughter-in-law's desire to take his granddaughter to live in a tree, but he would have ensured as much surreptitious warrior-attendance as possible. Just happening, of course, to be constantly in the neighbourhood. Flower Face's need to carry her father's wooden sword is a lovely touch - and her abandonment of it in the face of Eilian's return is very symbolic. I'm glad they all see that he needs to be home for now - even if it does mean that he has to accept that Legolas will be placing himself in increased danger in his brother's stead. Good to see Alfirin's pregnancy progressing. And I'm glad that she and Ithilden are having a daughter - one I hope will manipulate her adar with great skill. And it makes her seem less of a replacement for her late brother. I wonder if, one day, Solith will become less obnoxious. The chances don't seem good. Poor Isiwen. She has a job and a half on her hands.

sofia · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Oh that was good! So Ithilden is going to have a little girl! I can't wait for that. And I totally saw Legolas' request coming. It would be logical for him, in his eyes, to ask to be sent south when he is the only son, the youngest son, not married and with children. But if he does get sent away his family (and us!) would worry about him a lot. And of course Eilian had to spill the beans that Thranduil originally wanted Legolas to go on the mission. That leaves an angry Celuwen and an angry Legolas to deal with. I really can't wait to read the next chapter, the story is so enjoyable!

Gwynhyffar · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Oh my gosh. I liked so many things in this story! You know, it isn't that I don't like Celuwen, but she gets on my nerves a lot. This time I felt sorry for Thranduil, even though it really is unseemly for him to get jealous of Solith's time with Loriel. Very real seeming though-especially considering the history between those two families. Alfirin is about to deliver! Excuse me for a minute... *squeee* *clears my throat* Okay. I can't wait to see this little one in action-especially with Loriel as her older cousin leading the way. I smell trouble! Finally... Oh. My. Gosh. Eilian. has. some. balls! On his father's desk??? I laughed out loud at that. I'm glad Loriel gets to have her begetting day celebration with her ada, even if it's late. I hope they all learned a lesson. Thranduil shouldn't have let himself be talked into sending Eilian when he knew that Eilian should be at home. Come to think of it, Ithilden shouldn't be running off either! Sheesh, those boys!

The Karenator · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Crud. I hate it when I do that. "You must be the spawn of a magpie and a jackass." So, that's the story. I enjoyed this, daw. It's so nice to see the home folk again. Maybe we could be present for the new baby's arrival.

The Karenator · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

I bet Thranduil's head is spinning. No good deed goes unpunished. He tried to be nice. Really. He gave in to Celuwen's request with only one tiny reminder of 'her duty'. She's his daughter now; she doesn't get off just because she married into the family. Of course, I'm sure Thranduil see it as a pity that she came with Solith as her father. He's such an old coot. I don't know what he hopes to accomplish by bad mouthing Eilian, but he can't seem to help himself. I would like to have heard the discussion between him and Isiwen after Celuwen left to go back to the palace with Eilian. "You are obviously adopted." "What?" "You are certainly not the son of two of the gentlest elves I have ever known." "What are you talking about?"

elliska · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

There is so much in this to love! From "Solith would choke on his tongue..." to Celuwen's threat at the end, the idea of seeing more Thranduil and Solith together just made me giggle. That would be explosive. Solith really has nerve to invite Loriel without speaking to Celuwen first! What trouble, but so typical of him. And Celuwen's conversation with Thranduil and his thoughts about her during it were a laugh riot. I bet Thranduil has thought a thousand times that dealing with Eilian can't get more complicated and every time is is amazed to find out he's wrong again! :-) And I thought Celuwen was nervy to tell Thranduil she hoped he appreciated Eilian, but then when Elilian chose that particular way to 'use' Thranduil's office I about spit tea all over the keyboard. Hilarious! He is soooo bad! Poor Thranduil is going to have to deal with what his desk must look like and with Legolas! Poor elf! This is a great addition and a great surprise to find it.

mistry89 · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

and now I can see little Legolas in protection-mode! What a lot of "talking" there will be :) I'm glad I'm not Solith - outside the affairs of Men the elves may usually be, but he has the benefit (should he choose to see it) of the wider-view of the royal house, I hope Celuwen is able to straddle the two different paths her life have been on. Thank you!

Neilia · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

I love these sons of Thranduil...been watching them grow up for a year now. Keep the stories coming. I never get tired of them. I enjoy the way they are all linked. :) Love, Neilia

BlueEyedElf · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

Wow! I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this daw. Loriel is just too cute, and I can't wait until Alfirin has her baby. Also, so glad Eilian is back home in one piece. Although I can understand his motives, I have a strong urge to kick Solith. Eilian is just too complex a guy. Ithilden has his issues, but it is generally pretty easy for those around him to see his needs and meet them. Eilian, not so much. However, I think I've finally figured him out. Let me spill out my idea and see if I'm right. Basically, Eilian is so emotionally needy that he hurts. He has such an intense need to love and be loved that he tries too hard to protect those he loves. When those loved ones get angry at him for this and push him away, he turns to his "adventuring" to fill the void. I think that when he was young his mother understood him. After she died, he turned to coddling Legolas to fill his needs. Now that Legolas is too old for coddling, Thranduill doesn't understand him and Celuwen is agitated with him for trying to protect her, he has no one to turn to. The result is that he willingly went where his father sent him. Celuwen's a smart elleth. She'll eventually figure him out.

Emily · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Choices

I love these characters. That said, I have a bone to pick with the family royale. As a youngest child, as at the very adult age of 21 and as preparing to enter a somewhat dangerous profession, I give Legolas a LOT of credit for not having blown up at every single one of them by now. Good grief, Eilien, you're not even a century older than the kid, and you think he needs protection? Come on, Thranduil! He's not a baby--hasn't been in a couple hundred years. If my family (which actually consists of a single-parent father & two older brothers) treated me they way his treats him, we'd have had a few blow ups.... So, go Legolas! Give Thranduil a piece of your mind! Chew him up one side and down the other. And then take a swing at Eilien, and heck, while you're at it, go for Ithilden too. I'm sure he's deserving. And shame on Thranduil if he thinks he can force Legolas to apologize and repent for wanting some respect by playing the "I'm your King and your Father" card. It's time for the family to eat a little Humble Pie. Or not. It's your story. Just the venting of a frustrated youngest child. =D