caz-baz
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
awww... that was really sweet - good job you didn't kill Eilian off in that story when Legolas was kidnapped with that little human girl. I've missed reading your stories. I had a few spare minutes today and thought - hey why dont i see if daw's written anything recently!!. Loved it, Eilian's always been my favourite character and this just shows how much he's grown since those earlier stories!!!
Author's reply
With marriage and the arrival of a daughter, I think Eilian is staggering toward maturity. As his father would say, it's about time. He dotes on this little girl, and I suspect she has him wrapped around her finger, him and Grandfather Thranduil both. It's a good thing Celuwen is an adult!
Thanks for your kind words, Caz-baz.
ziggy
· 6 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
So I have finished reading - I should say re-reading- every story on this and ffnet site and have had a real immersion in ME.I need another fix! Eilian is just so ...so.. hmmmm. Yes.I love the way your characters grow and develop- actually I caught myself thinknig what good lessons these are in parenting and patience (oddly enough consdiering the not very patient characters) and remind me of the need for kindness when sometimes I dont feel like it. (THsi review will probably be long and rambling- sorry!)
Thranduil is the BEST Thranduil I have read- you catch that imperiousness that Tolkien gives us in the Hobbit, but is tempered utterly by his compassion and his love and responsisiblity. A most illuminating moments in terms of what you cast on the books, is in the Battle of the Five Armies- the motivation for Thranduil going for the treasure- I have always felt Tolkien was a little unfair on the Thranduil's love of shiny things (nothing wrong with that!) but you give it a real sense and purpose with that whole discussion between Ithilden ( I love Ithilden) and Thranduil, and the looks between the various advisors as they struggle to pay for weapons/ steel etc. It is something that you would not think of during the novels. In fact, you reason out a whole load of stuff that I took for granted in reading the hobbit/ LOTR.
Ithilden adn Alfirn - I so enjoyed following the course of their love story through the various stories. Particularly when Ithilden is stammering and blushing and Legolas smirks at him! In fact, he does that quite a lot- I'll come back to that! It broke my heart when Sinnarn dies, although I never feel the same affection for Sinnarn that I do for the others (really becasue he is sort of second string of characters I suppose), but it was very hard to see Ithilden grieivng for his own son, when he feels so keenly the loss of any elf. I love the way Lorelin pops up- oh, and the grwoing sense Thranduil has of his bond with her! Emerging from his grief... beautifully written and totally convincing.
Legolas is totally in character as Tolkien presents him. I noted the particular qualities that Thranduil gradually watches and notices as his youngest grows up- the sense of loyalty and protecting those he loves. But he has the light humorous side that we also see in LOTR. Legolas has always been my favourite LOTR character and it is SO gratifying to read a story that is so faithful in characterisation. I enjoyed the story with Aragorn's ancestor and the reference back to this in Quesrion of duty. Poor little Turgon- missed him, but I think it was always going to happen. Annael though comes into his own, doesnt he.
But what can I say about the body guards- particularly Beliond. He is so wonderfully curmudgeonly (Think I spelt that wrong) but so loyal and loving in his own way. The way you develop that relationship is extraordinarily poignant and the Camping Trip just pulled at my emotions. That incident where Beliond uses the chest with his son's sword in it to teach Legolas to pick locks! ( I had a tear or five at that momnet - thought Legolas wasa bit hard to say he wasn't Lalorn. So the momnet at the end of the Camping trip (which cleverly tricked me into assuming it was Thranduil and Legolas at first- obviously you intended that ans it worked well to jolt me out of my assumptions- and did intersting things with my perception of Beliond)Another tear or five becasue I was glad you didnt kill off Beliond (you must resist those terrible urges you know!) and that he got his heart's desire.
I cant end without EIlien.... hmhm. And Celuwen- who is wonderful! She manages Thranduil to perfection- and it makes me think that Thranduil and Eilian have a lot more in common than they realise. Seeing him play the dutiful husband and father is amusing and shows that Lorelin was always right- of course. The whole development of Eilian's connection with the forest and trees is interesting and sheds light on why Legolas was chosen- his connection witht he trees, his loyalty and duty as well as his own innate skill (one lovely momnet when Eilian is trying to tease him about his skills and legolas just shrugs- Eilian knows he is better then!) SOlith and Eilian's relationship is hilarious- and that very domestic detail is what I have loved about your stories- so thank you. Told you this was a bit rambling and I could go on and on- but it only eulogises endlessly. Just thank you. I would love to see a story with Legolas returning home- or have thought about a one off Celeborn and Thranduil meet at teh end of the war and Celebron would of course, have letters for him that Legolas would have left with him perhaps- just in case? I am quite sure you have lots of little bunnies running round anyway.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Ziggy. This review came at the right time for a couple of reasons, among them that I'd just been puzzling about what makes a compelling character. And then here you go and talk about what you like in these characters. I'm totally shameless about my characters. I love them and want everyone else to love them too. But as I think about that, I wrote my way into that. I grew fonder of them as I saw them in more situations and got to know them better.
For me, puzzling out bits of canon is one of the pleasures of fanfiction, and all that stuff around the Battle of Five Armies was a real mystery when I thought about it. How did the dwarves get so far into Mirkwood without being seen? (Then my beta said, "Do we know they weren't seen?") Why were the elves so intent on keeping the dwarves away from their feast? (It was a wedding and the words were sacred.) And so on, and so on. The extent to which Thranduil was greedy was part of the puzzle. I'm glad you like the answer I managed to come up with.
he got his heart's desire
What a beautiful line about Beliond. I actually feel a little teary thinking about it.
I also have to say that your praise for Celuwen is very gratifying. It's hard to write good female OCs and when I started with a romance for Eilian I was very nervous. I was sure readers would hate her.
Karenator's birthday is November 22 and I'll probably write a birthday fic for her. Other than that, I've been spending my time trying to write original fic, which turns out to be quite a challenge.
docmon
· 13 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
heartbreaking, bittersweet, but a wonderful story. It seems Eilian is learning a few things that might come dangerously close to being called maturity. ;-)
well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, Docmon. I'm not sure marriage alone would have made Eilian into a grown up, but having a daughter and seeing the arrival of the Nazgul sure did. I thought this was going to be a "cute" story but it veered off into angst.
erunyauve
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
>>He was the head of his household, an idea that seemed plausible when he looked at his father or older brother, but much less so when he looked at Celuwen.
Heh. Though I suspect that his father and brother's wives made it equally difficult for them to feel that they were head of the household.
>>A bit more stuffing drifted past, and he shooed it under the bed so they would not leave a mess.
Oh, yes. That should clean it up!
This is so heartwarming and sad at the same time. Poor Eilian - none of this is easy for him. I'm glad that Celuwen at least gives him some peace of mind at the end.
Author's reply
My guess is that Thranduil knew his wife because she intended to do what she wanted. But then, I suspect he seldom opposed her and she was good at making him realize that's what he wanted to do anyway.
Ithilden is a different type and so is Alfirin. I think she'd give in nearly always. Then they'd hit some subject that she felt strongly about -- Sinnarn, or something that mattered to her sense of right and wrong -- and she'd be immovable. He'd probably be surprised the first couple of times it happened, and then he'd learn to back slowly away.
Eilian and Celuwen are more evenly matched. They've been friends since childhood and I'm sure she's told him more than once that he's not the boss of her.
I seem to be wittering on about my characters. Thanks for the review, erunyauve. I had a good time thinking about Eilian and his daughter.
Socket
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
I laughed then cried when I read this story. You move effortlessly from the idyllic world of a father with his innocent daughter to a warrior departing from his loved ones to defend what he values and loves. One of your best efforts, I have to say. Just a beautiful, funny, and sad story, all at once.
And I adored the description of poor Ithilden startled by Elian and his drum -- oh, God, what a terror he must have been. How Nimloth didn't sail West after tending to him, I don't know. BTW, a story from Nimloth's POV, thinking back to all the years tending to all the royal Elf children, would be great.
Author's reply
What a great idea for a story! In addition to Thranduil's sons, Nimloth looked after Sinnarn and now Loriel too. She must know them all pretty well. And yes, I imagine Eilian was about as lively a child as anyone would want to be around.
I'd have to look to be sure, but I think Loriel will be about 60 by the time of the Ring was, so she'll have done all her growing up under this threat while her father was a warrior. That had to have been hard for all of them.
Glad you liked it, Socket.
elliska
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Catching up on reading finally...this was wonderful. I loved Loriel going through Elian's chest. Children absolutely adore seeing the things that their parents loved as children. That was an adorable moment. Especially in the saddness of everything else going on around them. You showed the power and importance of family and especially children very well here. This is a very different Eilian--so focused on his family and how they felt rather than the adventure of battle. Elian is truly grown up here. I know I always say this, and I know it is not likely to happen because you are writing 'real' things now, but I would just love to see even one chapter of this family after Legolas returns from the Quest. Eilian here is so amazing. I would like to know if he survives the Battle Under the Trees. Great story!
Author's reply
Thanks, Elliska. Eilian still feels like himself to me, but he's always been better at caring for others than himself, and he has this little girl.
As for after the Battle Under the Trees, Bodkin took the pressure off a little when she wrote "In the West," using my characters. I've occasionally toyed with ideas. For instance, I think it would be cool if Eilian suddenly realized he could open and close the Great Doors, which tells him something about either his father or Ithilden. But I probably won't do that. It's too mean.
lwarren
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
This was lovely, daw - like opening a particularly beloved scrapbook and revisiting old friends (even if they were in the depths of mourning). I have actually been working my way through all of your old stories for the past few weeks. Just finished "Prodigal Sons" and "The Novice" yesterday evening. I miss your characters, even more so when you treat us to a new story after being without for a time! LOL (I sound like someone in need of a fix...yep, an Eilian/Maltanaur/Legolas/Beliond/Thranduil/Ithilden - and others - fix, I guess *g*!) As usual I enjoyed Flower Face - she is certainly going to give her parents a run for their money, I think. And Eilian demonstrated some maturity and clear thinking when he didn't put his foot down, beat his chest, and yell at Celuwen! It seems that Shadow accomplished his goal for him, unfortunately, and his two girls will stay with Thranduil. Again, great story!
Linda
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. "Prodigal Sons" really is old. I think it was my third story. I hope I've learned some things since then, but I do feel for poor Turgon in that one. I remember sitting at my desk at work and suddenly thinking "Legolas's friend Turgon is a tragedy waiting to happen." Then I wrote the story.
If Eilian ever announced he was head of his household, I think Celuwen would tell him what to do with his little title. So he was indeed wise to hold his tongue.
In the meantime, Thranduil will look after Eilian's family and that's good.
Glad you liked it.
emjo
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Loved this Daw! I miss hearing from your characters. I think I might just go back and re-read a few of your older stories. Any way great story!
Author's reply
I miss these characters too. I'm particularly fond of Eilian, I think. Glad you liked this one.
Idhreniel
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Again it was a pleasure to read from you. Every one loves your characters and this was a delight. One quick glimpse at married Ellian... and a father too! The little I saw from Loriel already makes me fall for her. Thank you for the fic!!!
Hugs,
Author's reply
Thanks, Idhreniel. I picture Loriel with her father's daring and her mother's stubborness, so Eilian and Celuwen are going to have their hands full. Glad you liked it.
ciaralin
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Hi Daw,
I've been reading your stories for a while now, and, though I've always meant to, I've never gotten around to reviewing them. I apologize for that, because they are all so beautiful that I'm inspired to continue my own writing.
This one, as always, was lovely.
Author's reply
Thanks, ciaralin. I always like hearing from people who have been reading. It's like a having a secret friend. :-)
Glad you liked this. Writing is fun all on its own. Being able to get lost in your own story is the best thing there is.
pipinheart
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Very nice...
It is not safe for Celuwen to go back to their hom in the woods, but she still wants to. Eilian would try and persuade her, but something came up he wouldn't have to.
Kinda sad he has to leave all those he loves behind especially his daughter, for once we see him as a Father going off to war....
Love it...
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, pipinheart. It is sad to think about these warriors riding into such danger and leaving their families behind.
moonshine4488
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Oh no, I can already feel the tears coming. That was so sad to read. Excelent, but sad. I do hope there is another chapter..or two...or three...I would just love to read more. I like how you played out Eilian taking Loriel back to his childhood, and then at the end he is waving goodbye to his family to go fight. It was perfect.
Author's reply
Thanks, Moonshine. It really is too bad Eilian's little family couldn't go on living happily in the woods. Poor Loriel doesn't understand at all.
This was just a one-shot for French Pony's birthday but I may have to write about Loriel again. She's fun.
Laureleaf
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Good, as usual! I love how you are able to show the love, stress, fear, relief, and devotion within the family.
Author's reply
Thanks, Laureleaf. I started off intending to write something "cute" and then got carried away into angst. Fortunately, people seem to like that. :-)
perelleth
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
I think that, for once, Eilian was right, and Celuwen finally had to concede defeat, although her reaction is quite understandable. It is great to read of thsese characters we know so well that you can dispense with many explanations and offer a lot of insight and deeper meaning with just one sentence. You have to be proud of that. They are canon to us! ;-)I had forgotten who Nimloth was, but her "Hmp" suddenly put her back into place! ;-) I loved that.
I loved this too,How did children manage to smell so sweet?
A sad and difficult moment for all them, yet it is true that having children around force adults to manage pain and anguish differently, and children as lovely as Floweface can make their adars say things like "why don't you tell your parents to come and live in the stronghold with us!" I could not believe my eyes! ;-)
Very amusing, despite the situation. That baby is going to be a Great Danger!.
Author's reply
I'm glad you felt that way reading about them because I read that way in writing. I know them so well by now (even Nimloth), that it's relatively easy. Flower Face will indeed be a Great Danger. Eilian always gives his heart completely when he gives it at all, and this little girl is vulnerable and apt to dance off into danger. Even (especially?) if the danger is only a boyfriend, Eilian is not going to find this easy.
yanic
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
"I am neither your horse nor a warrior under your command." I just love that, the wild Eilian trying to control someone else. I bet he understands what Thranduil went through more and more. Such cute moments when Eilian and Loriel explored his past. I think it's always interesting to see what ways a child is similar to their parents and different too. An awesome story yet again! I keep haunting this site to see when you update and it just makes my day when you do. Thanks!
Author's reply
Eilian has probably fought with Celuwen before. These two grew up together and I'll bet there were plenty of occasions when they snarled at one another. But Loriel is another matter entirely. I see her as having her father's daring and her mother's stubborness, and Eilian is going to be at his wits' end on more than one occasion. So yeah, you're right. He may develop some sympathy for his father.
Glad you liked it, yanic.
Noor
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Daw,
i just wanted to say after your last comment about canon and non canon characters. You have done a brilliant job with the young Legolas stories and I don't think you have anything to worry about with the older Legolas stories. They are all a pleasure to read. However I assume it is much more fun and you can be creative with your OCS. You have written so lovingly about your OCS that we all care about them so thank you!
I remember you saying you wished to modify "A question of Duty" with Loriel as an additional character. I think everyone would enjoy reading a modified version.
Thanks again!
Noor
Author's reply
Thanks, Noor. Legolas has always been hard for me to write, so I appreciate the reassurance.
NaughtyNettie
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
I remember going to my grandparent's house when I was young and playing with my dad's old toys. I always thought they were more exciting than the toys I had at home even though they were old and made of wood. Eilian's passing his toys onto Loriel is sweet and will mean a lot to her in the future. The story reminds me of all the news casts and newspaper pictures of our military leaving for Iraq and hugging their families as they prepared to depart. It is very poignant for our time. Thank you for sharing and, as always, I look forward to more from you.
Author's reply
I too thought of soldiers leaving for Iraq when I was writing this. Eilian is sacrificing a lot here, so his father-in-law needs to learn to appreciate him more.
I don't think I ever saw my parents' old toys, but I did see a couple of books that had belonged to my father as a kid. They were big and had hand drawn pictures, like comics. I've never seen anything like them since. I remember suddenly imagining him as a kid in a way I hadn't been able to do before.
Thanks for the review, NN.
mithwen
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
When I first started reading fan-fiction I never bothered to read OC-stories.
Legolas’s family was also difficult. Every writer had their own image of how many brothers or sisters he had etc…
I usually proffered to pretend he didn’t have any siblings, that at least several writers had in common.
The first of your stories I read was `the Novice´, and for some reason I fell in love with Eilian right away.
And have been loving him ever since, I might add ;-)
And Loriel is so adorable!
"The chest is probably full of spiders and snakes and mice by now."
Her eyes grew huge. "Hurry!"
She’s so like Eilian, *grin*
Sweet and sad story.
Author's reply
All of us who write about young Legolas have to make most of it up because there's so little canon. For me, the OCs have turned out to be easier to write about than Legolas is. I think it's because he's a canon character and I feel the need to handle him with reverence. I don't make him flawed in the way my OCs all are. And it's the combinations of Eilian's flaws and virtues that make him fun, I think. I actually dreamed about him not long ago.
Loriel has her father's daring and her mother's stubborness. Eilian and Celuwen had better watch out!
Thanks for the review, Mithwen.
Alice
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
First things first, happy birthday French Pony!
Daw this was so sad. It's awful to think what life must have been like for the Mirkwood elves in the years leading up to the War of the Ring. Poor Eilian. Poor Loriel. She's so young and to go from living in the woods happy and safe to living in a stronghold while her father rides off into danger. It's just awful. I am getting entirely too worked up over events that are not actually real. Which is what happens when I read your stories. While I miss reading your stories on a regular basis, I really hope that your original fiction is going well because I cannot wait to hold your first published book in my hands and start reading it. Anyways, good job and good luck on the original fiction.
Author's reply
Poor Loriel indeed. She's too young to understand exactly what's happening, and I imagine they don't talk about some things in front of her anyway, but kids are sensitive to atmosphere, and her ada is leaving. That has to hurt. She'll adjust to the move, but Eilian will be away a lot now. I calculate she'll be a very young adult during the Battle under the Trees.
The original fic is fun to write and frustrating to try to get published. I'm learning a lot about both writing and the world of agents, publishers, booksellers, etc. and some of the stuff I'm learning, I didn't want to know!
Thanks for the review, Alice.
BlueEyedElf
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Awww! Poor Flower Face and Celuwen. I'm glad that Celuwen finally apologized to Eilian and seems resigned to staying at the palace for a while. It would be terrible if Eilian had to go off to battle without clearing the air between them. Celuwen might be willing to gamble her own life, but I don't believe she would risk Loriel's safety.
Maybe Loriel will be able to given everyone's spirits a pick me up in the aftermath of Sinnarn's death. I love how she seems to be so perceptive. Eilian and Celuwen try to shelter her, but she picks up on everything anyway.
I also hope that Eilian and Maltanaur make it back home safely.
I particularly enjoyed Celuwen's parting comments about "ada's most precious belonging." That was sweet. I really enjoyed this and will be looking forward to more.
Happy Birthday French Pony! Hope you have a great day!
Author's reply
Thank you, BlueEyedElf.
I think you're right about Celuwen. I don't believe she or Eilian would ever take a chance on their kid's safety. They've seen a lot of bad things, including the death of Ithilden's son, so they know what can happen.
I think kids (and dogs) are amazingly perceptive about the feelings of people they love. They watch them and react to moods even when they don't understand what causes them. No wonder Loriel is unhappy. The stronghold is not a cheery place right now. But I'll bet you're right that they all brighten up a little when she's around.
One thing I'd love to write about some time is Loriel's romances. Eilian will have no trouble at all recognizing the wrong kind of guy because he used to be one.
French Pony
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
The impossible has happened. . . Eilian has turned into a grownup! He doesn't seem to have realized it yet, but that just means that we can all enjoy anticipating his shock when he does realize.
I love the chance to see more of Loriel. She's a sweet, tough little kid, though her wiliness is probably giving all the adults heebie-jeebies that she can only begin to imagine. But she has good taste in toys. I want wooden Elf warriors, too! If she ever did take an interest in knucklebones, she'd probably start beating the pants off of all her opponents. But she also has this very loving side, and she knows when her Ada needs taking care of.
I like seeing the hints that everyone is still adjusting to Sinnarn's death. They're not fully healed yet, but they know their duty, and they go right out and do it. And that is why we love them.
Thank you so much for this story!
Author's reply
Happy Birthday, FP. I hope you and your friend had a wonderful celebration.
You think Eilian is an adult now? Possibly so. Nimloth still has her doubts though.
I'm having a good time with Loriel. I haven't written little girls much, but she's a corker because I picture her with her father's daring and her mother's stubborness. Eilian has that whole-hearted loving streak too. It was one of the things that saved Legolas after his mother died.
I didn't want to go into Sinnarn too much, but wow, the stronghold must have been just thick with grief. Poor little girl.
meckinock
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Gosh, I love a good marital spat (Celuwen, you go, girl!) On the other hand, they're hard on the kids :-( Poor little Flower Face.
I deeply sympathized with Celuwen on this one, but as in all your stories, you did a good job of showing both points of view. Poor Eilian - now that he has Responsibilities, he is deadly serious about them. He and Celuwen are a wonderfully evenly-matched couple.
This exchhange between Eilian and Nimloth caught my eye for the way it very economically revealed these two characters' relationship:
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you up to, Eilian? Are you sure Lady Celuwen will not mind?"
He extended his hands, palms up. "Up to? You wound me. I have simply decided my daughter needs to spend a little time with her parents."
"Hmph."
Eilian grinned. No one could load that syllable with more meaning than Nimloth. "Go. Have a good afternoon and evening."
Her mouth curved in a reluctant smile. "Behave yourself." She pushed herself off the doorframe and went on her way.
LOL. Delightful!
Poor Loriel, though. In a way I suppose it was harder for the adults who fully realized what was going on, but it's always hard to see a little kid get her world turned upside down. Her frank admission that she liked the settlement better was sad. But wow - Eilian's trip with her down memory lane was wonderful. Again, because through your stories we've lived through all these characters' childhoods, there's a huge mental disconnect at the sheer vastness of time involved. That the childhoods Eilian remembers - his own and Legolas's - are so far in the past that their belongings have literally rotted. It was bittersweet for Eilian to take Loriel to his old room because I feel like I've been there myself, when the smells were not so musty and the toys were shiny and new.
The final scene was heart-wrenching. I felt horrible for both Eilian and Celuwen. I'm glad Loriel gave him Good Dog to watch over him.
Author's reply
Wow. You've been practicing your Reviewing Technique again, haven't you? :-)
I had fun writing the quarrel. These two have been friends since they were Loriel's age and I imagine this is not the first time Celuwen has told Eilian that he's not the boss of her. He's probably said the same thing to her. This is not Ithilden and Alfirin, with him centuries older and more experienced and her tempermentally willing to give in most of the time. If Eilian ever did announce he was Head of the Household, Celuwen is likely to tell him where to stick that particular little title. Although, one hopes she looks around to be sure Loriel isn't in the room at the time.
Nimloth probably still sees Eilian as a trouble-making kid. Which sometime he kind of is.
I had trouble thinking about the state the toys would be in. They'd probably have been even more dilapidated than I said because we're talking centuries here. But I told myself they were in a cave and being taken care of so maybe they'd still exist. I needed them. And it was fun to think about what Eilian had done with them.
Elflingimp
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Aw,it is so hard not to want more of that story,I love birthdays because its like we all share the presents Happy Birhtday again French Pony!!!
Author's reply
My beta said the story should be longer too. :-)
But the long weekend is over and I have to go back to work. Which stinks.
Glad you liked it, Elflingimp.
Radbooks
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Oh, very well done and so heartbreaking for all of them to be separated like that. But, I was so glad that Celuwen ended up staying home and, as hard as it might be, I do wish her parents would come and live in the stronghold. Both for their own sake and for Celuwen's sake.
As I got to the end of the story I was reminded of a picture I had seen this week of a father leaving for Iraq and saying good-bye to his wife and little girl. It was a touching picture and one we see far too often these days.
Thanks for sharing and I sure am glad that all these people are having birthdays! :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks. We're on the same wavelength because I thought about Iraq too. Even apart from the danger and the kind of experience they have there, soldiers miss a lot when they leave kids behind. I picture Eilian as adoring this little girl and she thinks the sun rises and sets on him. This has to be hard.
On the other hand, having Celuwen's parents living in the stronghold is a recipe for comedy. Even when Eilian is away, Thranduil is sure to be annoyed by Celuwen's father!
Nilmandra
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Loriel is a bright spot right now, especially given Sinnarn's death and the grief the rest of the family is in. I liked Eilian going through his chest and the memories of the things he played with, and the reminder that his wife was one of his playmates too.
Celuwen might think this is not where she wants to raise Loriel, but she may change her mind. Her parents might even agree with Eilian, for once.
Author's reply
Her parents might even agree with Eilian, for once.
Wouldn't that be a shocker? I don't know who would find that fact harder to accept, Eilian or his father-in-law.
I had fun thinking up the things Eilian might have played with and looking briefly at his memories.