Eilian and the Lembas Maiden's Kiss by daw the minstrel
sofia · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
No, Alfirin didn't hit Eilian like I was expecting her to but I don't suppose she would anyway. Anyway she still managed to wound his pride. Celuwen kissing him was a nice touch.
Author's reply
Alfirin didn't need to hit him. She can do more damage with her sharp tongue and scornful attitude. His pride is plenty sore. But Celuwen is willing to kiss it and make it better. After she squealed on him, of course. :-)
k_lara7 · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Eilian is fortunate to have such good friends. And yes, if it's something you don't want to tell your parents about it's probably a bad idea. He's lucky Celuwen was looking out for him and Gelmir was willing to give him support.
Author's reply
if it's something you don't want to tell your parents about it's probably a bad idea Good point! Maybe Eilian needs that tatooed on his arm. As you say, he's lucky in his friends though. They seem to have accepted him as he is, which is something he needs just as much as he needs his parents' push to be better than he is. A paradox. :-)
erunyauve · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
>>"It was my affair. You are my friend, and you are upset, I think, probably by something that happened at training or at home, and when you are upset, you do stupid things. I hate seeing you get swept away into actions you regret when you come to yourself again." Celuwen has always known how to manage Eilian! I'm enjoying the portrayal of the lembas harvest - it has to have been important, especially to the Wood Elves, both as a source of food in times of scarcity and because of its connection to Yavanna and the earth.
Author's reply
Isn't that lembas stuff interesting? I tried to base most of what I wrote on the short essay in "The Peoples of Middle-Earth," but Tolkien was not as clear as he might have been. I made up the vigil part, but not the part about using no blade or only the lembas maidens being allowed to handle it and only they knowing the secret of its making. And you're so right, that given its connection to Yavanna, it must have held mystical significance for all elves but especially the Wood Elves. Eilian is a blissfully clueless male. It'll take him years to wise up. He's lucky to have Celuwen.
Yanic · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Woohoo! Go Alfirin! Finally explains what she meant in Joinings. I have to say though, the idea of having an Eilian as a child is terrifying. He's way too good at sneaking around behind the adults. It's amazing that Thranduil even had Legolas after going through the trials of Eilian, lol. And Celuwen giving him a kiss, too cute. Too bad he didn't figure things out earlier and save her a lot of heartache. Thanks for the quick update!
Author's reply
Eilian is very lucky he had wise and firm parents. He could have grown into a completely irresponsible adult, despite his good heart. But Thranduil puts his foot down about the message to the healer, for instance, and Lorellin backs him all the way on that one. I suspect Legolas had to convince a lot of tutors, masters, and officers that he wasn't like Eilian before they relaxed around him. Celuwen's heart is already lost, though she'll spend years trying to pretend it isn't so.
White Wolf · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
I'm going out of town for a week and don't have time to read the second chapter right now, but I wanted to leave a review of Ch. 1 before I left. I didn't realize how much I had missed Eilian until this story popped up. He's my favorite OC. When we go back to his 'youth', we see just how immature he can be. I think the line: 'Eilian laughed, but to himself he vowed to follow Gelmir's advice and follow the path of caution, assuming he could find it.' sums him up quite nicely at that stage in his life. The trouble is: he can't always keep vows like that. I had to laugh. If only he'd known Alfirin was going to be his sister-in-law, would he have made that wager? Interesting speculation.
Author's reply
I hadn't realized how much I miss Eilian either. It turns out there's a reason his father jumps on him pretty quickly. Eilian has not always proved the perfect son. When Ithilden was betrothed to Alfirin, this little incident must have crossed Eilian's mind. He'd have to hope Alfirin kept her mouth shut. Have a nice time on your trip. Enjoy the holiday.
Dot · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Eilian possibly wouldn’t be so suspicious about people watching him if he didn’t have a guilty conscience most of the time. Life held so many good things. What was wrong with reaching for them sometimes? Hmm. Fair enough, but I think he has yet to realise that it depends on how he does the reaching and who gets hurt along the way. I’m laughing at the idea that Fendir is always hovering around Alfirin when Eilian turns up! But it would take a lot more than that to turn Eilian from one of his schemes. He’s far too clever at thinking up mischief! And apparently Gelmir’s mother thinks so too… I do always admire the nerve of Thranduil’s sons, though, in just walking out past the guards like that. Without being able to say how, he knew when he and Gelmir drew near the first pair of lembas maidens. The life of the forest flowed around them, as a stream flowed around pebbles lying in its bed. Oh, I love that. You do a great job in creating the idea of something sacred and special. And then along comes Eilian. What an actor! Of course, Celuwen knows exactly what he’s up to. The funniest part of the whole piece is when he tries to get rid of her. Or sorry, help her think of an excuse to leave, I should say. Retreat to the bushes indeed. I like how Eilian picks up on the tension, even though he can’t quite put his finger on what’s happening. Well, he found out pretty quickly when Alfirin slapped him away… Go Alfirin! It was great to glimpse how strong a person she is. (Sorry Eilian.) I was very glad that Celuwen told Alfirin what they were up to. She didn’t deserve to be used for a wager. I think Celuwen could forgive a lot from Eilian because she knows what kind of a person he really is but she can’t see him treat other people badly. “You are my friend, and you are upset, I think, probably by something that happened at training or at home, and when you are upset, you do stupid things. I hate seeing you get swept away into actions you regret when you come to yourself again." She understands him more than he does himself yet. It was such a lovely moment when she kissed him. I thought it was rather brave of her when she is starting to feel something deeper for him and she knows that he still thinks they’re the same friends they always were. "I deserved it. I was being a troll's tail end." But she got that much through to him! That part and his thoughts about hiding things from his mother show just how much Eilian is influenced by the females in his lives. Yet he loses both of them for a while. *sigh* But for now I’m glad he’s ending the night feeling happy and at peace, even if he can’t quite figure out why. Oh well, one day he will. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the next morning!
Author's reply
Thranduil has always said that Eilian sees no reason he shouldn't have what he wants, and in some ways, he's right. Eilian puts the realm first and serves as a warrior, and he'd sacrifice for his family or even his warriors, I think. But beyond that, he sometimes flounders. He needs Celuwen, but even she waits for him to settle down a little before she's willing to let him too near. She knows he could hurt her. The lembas stuff was interesting to me. At first, I was just trying to think of what the girls could be doing that would keep them out all night because I needed Eilian and Gelmir to be out all night. So I had to think of girl elf things, and lembas came to mind. Then, as I started to imagine it, it kind of took hold in my head and I liked the idea of the feminine realm that will always be a mystery to Eilian and Gelmir. It sort of fit with the kiss wager too. Celuwen sided with Alfirin on that one. I think Celuwen is so firmly lodged in Eilian's heart that he almost doesn't notice her presence there. But he was hers from the time they were little. There never would have been anyone else. Not really.
Bodkin · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
But if I were in a position of responsibility in relation to Eilian, I'd watch him like a hawk, too. That boy just doesn't know the difference between can and should. And I'm with Gelmir's mother! I'd sit outside Gelmir's door armed. With Gelmir's father under the window. And be deeply relieved that Thranduil's finest warriors were keeping them safe when Gelmir stayed with Eilian. Of course, she's deluded - teenage boys are only safe chained in dungeons. And even then ... Thranduil is going to be so displeased when he finds out. And if Lorellin digs beneath the surface she might be even more displeased - even if Eilian has sensed the edge of a lesson here. Then there are the girls - Eilian has probably just mortally insulted every lembas maiden in Mirkwood. And he still won't understand. Testosterone poisoned, the poor boy. I love Alfirin. She's so soft and gentle that it is a delightful surprise to see her administer a jolt to the self-assured Eilian. And great to see Celuwen disconcerting him further. I hope Eilian pays up the swan feathers and keeps him mouth shut. I so enjoy spending time in this world. I get withdrawal symptoms without regular doses. And this story is a delight.
Author's reply
That boy just doesn't know the difference between can and should. Oh, that captures it exactly. He needs a strong dose of sense, and I'm afraid only time will provide it. I recall my son being that way with what he could do on the computer. His skills so exceeded his experience. I'm trying to remember if I've ever shown Gelmir's mother. I know I haven't shown his father. Maybe she hauled him home in "Celuwen's Begetting Day"? She must want to tell Thranduil to get ahold of his kid. Of course, the king would be only too happy to do that if he could figure out how. Alfirin is one strong person. It's a good thing she mostly lets Ithilden think he's in charge. And when she doesn't, I'll bet he backs down fast.
Lady Esyllt · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Your stories were the first fanfiction I really enjoyed and are what lead me to SOA, so I'm so excited you've written another story. I'm glad Eilian got a kiss to sweeten his loss!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lady Esyllt. I miss writing these stories, but I've been trying to write original fic lately and between that and work I don't seem to have enough energy. Eilian is a lot of fun to write about. He's such a guy. But yeah, he's lucky. Celuwen ratted him out and then kissed the hurt to make it better.
French Pony · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
So it's not just Legolas who sneaks out of the palace, eh? They've got kids, hobbits, dwarves, everyone running in and running out at all times. Thranduil seems to have employed the TSA to guard his realm. Go Celuwen! Even at such a young age, she is much more totally with it than Eilian, Alfirin, or any of the boys. Eilian is a very lucky Elf indeed to have her respect.
Author's reply
The sneaking out is the hardest part for me to imagine! Because of what Bilbo says about the caverns in the The Hobbit, I've always imagined them without windows or balconies. He says there are just two entrances: the Great Doors and the trap door to the river. The trap door seems a little drastic to me, so the kids are going through the front. I guess they just need nerve. I was telling someone else that I was a little afraid I'd made Celuwen too perceptive, but I think she's particularly so where Eilian is concerned. And he's lucky. You're right. She respects the person he is underneath, the one she's seen on uncountable occasions over the years, so she sometimes ignores the stupid things he does.
The Karenator · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
What a lovely chapter. Really. I know Eilian lost the bet...as he should have...and I know he was embarrassed by Alfirin's stern refusal, but he discovered something far better. He just doesn't know it yet. Eilian might pull some really stupid stunts, but he's not dumb. He learns. And one of the things he learned was that the girls stick together. Just like the guys, but I'm not sure he would acknowledge that. Celuwen more than made up for squealing on him though. That was a sweet moment. Even if I didn't know the outcome of their relationship, it's plain to see that she loves him. Maybe only as a friend at this point, but she's loyal and loving enough to want him to do the right thing. I'm a little concerned about this unauthorized camping trip though. I have a feeling the piper will have to be paid in the morning. Nana might not run intervention for him when he's slipped out--a slippery genetic trait, like blond hair, that reappears in the royal line down the road. I love this line: In his experience, people did not keep an eye on him out of an overflow of enthusiasm for his behavior. Oh, Eilian, does that not tell you something? Terrific chapter. Despite Eilian's embarrassing moment, it was a sweet chapter, salvaged by the Lembas Maiden's Kiss. Ahhhh.
Author's reply
he discovered something far better. He just doesn't know it yet. You're right. He's happy and doesn't quite know why. He's so lucky to have Celuwen. She puts up with a lot because she sees his essential goodness. Also he's gorgeous and can be charming, but I'm sure she hasn't noticed. :-) Still, I thought she'd see that wager as an affront to girls in general. He needed smacking down. Then he needed a kiss to make it better.
pipinheart · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Lovely, Eilian always trying to outdue himself and things didn't quiet go as planned. And as always Gelmir stuck in the middle with him. Alfirin was warned with Eilain that may be good....but Celuwen gave him something to remember for the night... I wonder what Alfirin thinks years later and Eilian's older brother as well... Love it...I like seeing Eilian, when he was younger.. he's a great character.. Please continue...
Author's reply
In another story (I think "Joinings"), I had Eilian say that he'd once made some approaches to Alfirin and she'd refused him. He told Ithilden that and it made Ithilden happy. Eilian did NOT tell Ithilden any details, not being insane (and also they weren't written yet so I didn't know them). Anyway, Alfirin is a little standoffish with Eilian at first but then softens when she sees he's no longer a stupid kid. I'm glad you liked it, Pipinheart. I'm having fun writing it.
Yanic · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
So Eilian is trying to hit on his sister-in-law to be, lol. It seemed a bit weird to be reading that, but it was before Ithilden, and she has a good head on her shoulders. I loved this line from Celuwen "Unless I decide to find someone to kiss, because after all it would only be a kiss," and the reactions from Eilian and Gelmir, very telling. I love Celuwen's spirit and boldness. She's the perfect maiden for Eilian. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Alfirin as sister-in-law is so far from Eilian's mind right now that the idea would probably make his head spin around. And she's about the last maiden in Mirkwood to be taken in by charm and a glib tongue. Look how tongue tied Ithilden was! Celuwen is ticked off though, and for good reason. Thanks for the kind words, Yanic.
Gwynhyffar · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Awww, that was actually sweet. Even though Eilian got a well-deserved smack, he got a smacker too. I was wondering if Celuwen would tell Alfirin about the bet - I think if it had been me I would have told. ... especially if I had a pseudo-secret crush on the guy!
Author's reply
Eilian needs to realize that there are occasions on which girls stick together, and if he messes with them then, he is in BIG trouble. He got off easily. Some day his wife and daughter may repeat the lesson.
Idhreniel · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
I wonder about the true reason in Celuwen's actions... hehe
Author's reply
LOL. You doubt her selflessness? There's a long row to hoe yet before these two are ready to be together, but the seeds are there now.
perelleth · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Celuwen is wise beyond her years, and she actually knows Eilian pretty well! And Alfirin dealt with the whole situation as it could be expected from her, firm and collected. Like Gelmir, I too winced when she rebuked Eilian so effectively. But Eilian's reaction was perfect, as well. He is a sensible young one, when he can stop long enough to think, so it did not take him long to understand that Celuwen was right, and that she was still his friend. And Gelmir is such a hoot!. "but sometimes I have a hard time keeping up." Poor one! Now, I wonder, what was doing Ithilden there? Going to take a bath in the river? Or was he too trying to kiss a lembas maiden? ;-) I'm looking forward to the last chapter. YOung Eilian's stories are always delighful.
Author's reply
I was a little afraid I'd made Celuwen too perceptive, but I think she's very tuned in to Eilian. Eilian is slow to pick up on things, but Alfirin made his faults pretty clear. Silly boy. And he got distracted pretty well by Celuwen. Ithilden isn't there. He's home. Where Eilian is going in the morning.
Vicki Turner · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Ah... loved it! i'm very glad there is another chapter!
Author's reply
It's only a short chapter. I could have combined it with this one, I suppose, but it's a complete change of scene. Glad you liked it, Vicki.
Jay of Lasgalen · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
Oh, poor Eilian. He's a real adrenalin junkie! Celuwen's right, he *was* being a troll's backside :>) I like the way he recognised Celuwen so instinctively, and she knew he'd not arrived by accident. The bond and understanding between them even now is evident - it's just that *they* don't see it yet. It's a shame Alfirin didn't slap his face - but perhaps she didn't dare do that to the king's son! Jay
Author's reply
I laughed at your enthusiasm for Alfirin smacking Eilian one, Jay. I think you must be feeling the sisterly bond that was part of what drove Celuwen to spill the beans. I figure it wasn't a question of daring. She didn't need to lift a finger once she'd knocked his hand away. She could deliver all the punch she needed with an articulate, to-the-point little speech. He was stung plenty. Stupid boy.
Manderly · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 2: The Kiss
I am glad that Eilian came to his senses before he did something that he will no doubt regret, and I am doubly glad that it was Celuwen who helped him to come to such senses. I think Celuwen's feelings for Eilian are less than neutral even at this point, but in a typically adolescent male style, Eilian is rather clueless of it all, though perhaps that kiss might have triggered something. Well, at least Eilian had the grace to admit defeat on this wager and that it had been a totally bad idea. I wonder what Ithilden's reactions would have been if he had found out about his brother's plans.
Author's reply
I'm not sure Eilian came to his senses so much as he got knocked into them. Alfirin is having no nonsense, thank you very much. LOL. Celuwen is learning her own feelings. Dense male that Eilian is, he'll take a while longer. I think in "When Shadow Touches Home," I had them say something like they'd been down the romance road before and it took them nowhere. That's about 30 years along from this, I think. Ithilden's reaction? Funny you should ask.
ziggy · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
Hurray! Great to see another wonderful story, just in time for the winter. Eilian is just so BAD! One of the great things you do is write the characters younger or older, depending where they are set in your chronology. Eilian is younger, even less skilled in making good judgements, and even more likely to get into trouble in this. I Laughed out loud at teh idea of Eilan trying to find the path of caution!!! NEVER!!! Well- not true- FIND the path of caution, and hten consciously and determinedly ignore it- go the other way, not a glance even in the right direction. He is so confident of his own charms. I love the way his friends view him- Gelmir so amused at his arrogance, and Celuwen just cross...and probably a bit hurt too. She is not only hurt, but I think, offended at the way they bet on Alfirin - and that toying with her feelings is not what Thranduil would expect from one of his sons either- you can just see trouble brewing. Although I think Alfirn is well able to take care of herself.It is really good to see two powerful female characters- three actually, very clearly going to be focusing in on Eilan at some point and I think forEilian female approval is really improtnat- not sexually - I mean - I feel his relationship with his mother , and later with Celuwne- who is the only one who can really command him - is primary. Eilian seems totally unaware of his feelings for Celuwen- although she is much more aware. He doesnt take her point seriously about finding someone else to kiss- and I think Celuwen would not stoop to just making him jealous- I really do like Celuwen; she is the ONLY one who could sort Eilan out. -excpet Naneth. It makes you realise just how much Eilian lost when she died - and that pain and anger turns in on itself in a family - no wonder he and Thranduil were so angry with each other- they could see their own pain refelcted in the other and no way of resolving it.It is nice to meet Naneth again, and I like the way you are develooping the 'mystery'- I mean this in the spiritual sense- of the making of lembas. Back to Eilian's sheer cheek - we appreciate you maidens doing all this hard work for us warriors! ps: Yes, you should DEFINITELY show Ithilden in the bath.... and then Eilian..quite a long bath please... and DEFINITELY, Thranduil is also on the wish list... take your time, one a chapter will be fine. Phew- is it getting hot in here?
Author's reply
Wow. I think you have Eilian nailed, Ziggy. I was particularly interested in your comments on how well Eilian reacts to guidance from his mother and Celuwen. I think that's right. In a way, he trusts them to love him no matter what he does, and it makes him willing to try to please them. That's why Lorellin keeps telling Thranduil that it won't work to have Eilian perform first and then give him approval. He needs approval so he can rise to the occasion and perform well. And you're also so right that Celuwen is offended as a woman, not just as someone who's growing fonder of Eilian than is wise. She sees the insulting nature of the wager. I found myself writing "feminine mystery" in my notes about the lembas making, so you hit that one on the head too. I'll have to think of ways to make the men in this family bathe more often. I think I owe it to myself my readers.
k_lara7 · 19 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
Eilian is always one of my favorites, but the things he gets up to leaves me in fear of what my children might get up to. He really hopes for the approval of his father. Wonder what Ithilden thinks of this bet? If he ever finds out.
Author's reply
I like the way you juxtapose Eilian's wish for his father's approval with the things he gets up to. You have to wonder how those two things can exist at the same time in his head. Eventually he settles down, but his parents must have had some harrowing moments along the way.
Nilmandra · 18 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
I like the change you made with Celuwen and the weaving. She comes across perfect now - she might be bored with weaving talk, but she knows Eilian is about to be an idiot. All females stand together in the face of that. The return to bad boy Eilian always leaves me with mixed emotions. I dread how much trouble he can get into, yet I read it gleefully at the same time. Sick, I know. I do like Fendir.. and I particularly like the descriptions - the bug crawling out from the fire and such.
Author's reply
Eilian may find that gurrl power is more than he can cope with. No wonder Celuwen kept him away for so long. I experimented a bit with the descriptions and then afterwards I worried that maybe they'd be distracting rather than add to the story. But they seemed consistent with Eilian's inner life so I left them. Thank you again for all your help on this.
Vicki_Turner · 18 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
Ah yes, another story! This totally made my day all the brighter. I can't wait to see what young Eilian is going to do next.
Author's reply
Glad I brightened your day, Vicki. Thranduil is occasionally a little worried about what young Eilian is going to do next. :-)
perelleth · 18 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
What a delightful beginning, Daw! The boys are full of themselves, and are so amusing! Poor Eilian seems to be in that age in which boys bump into everything and everyone head first, and "Are you arguing with me?" becomes the greatest hit of the day. Poor one, poor parents and poor Celuwen! I didn't remember that Alfirin and Eilian were so close in age! Boy, I am chuckling just picturing what comes next! Eilian would surely consider a posting in the Grey Havens for an age or two until all is forgotten! They are all great, but I loved this line: "The door banged open, and Ithilden strode into the room, his hair still damp from the bath." Ah!
Author's reply
"Full of themselves" is a good description. "Amusing" is a matter of perspective. I find them funny, but I don't have to live with them. Eilian was lucky his mother was still around. I can't imagine him and Thranduil surviving this age if she hadn't been. I laughed at the line you picked out. Perhaps I should have shown him in the bath?
erunyauve · 18 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
>>His friends had no idea how fortunate they were that the troop commander was not also their brother. Ithilden had been far too 'commanding' for Eilian's comfort even before he became a novice Oh, I love young, foolish Eilian! I think he's a bit over his head, this time, however.
Author's reply
He's far over his head, but he's blissfully oblivious. He has a lot to learn and is about to get a lesson. :-)
meckinock · 18 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Wager
Oh, no. No no no no no. Don't do it, Eilian! I'm closing my eyes now. The problem with Mirkwood society is that people you acted embarrassingly with when you were young and foolish don't grow up and move three time zones away and you never see them again except at your 25th high school reunion. They just stick around and become your sister-in-law. Poor Alfirin. Poor Eilian. You're evil, Daw.
Author's reply
LOL. I hadn't thought of that, but of course you're right. They must have to learn a certain amount of tolerance. A few hundred years might give you some perspective. Actually, I think this is a lot like small town living even now.