Reviews (181)

Asms2 · 30 May 2016 · Chapter 8: Family

This is absolutely fantastic!! The little elflings are so adorable. And Eilian seems clueless about how he is inspiring them to try out dangerous activities. Haha. I could just see the situation building as the story went along. And then river cave boat adventure totally delivered excitement! It was creative how you set it up so that even when the little ones get out of the water they are still stuck underground in a cave in the middle of a river! What a predicament. They were very lucky that Eilian figured out where they were, and how to get help for them. Turgon had some good moments in this one. I enjoyed his line “We will be sleeping puppy friends and stay all in a heap." What an adorable mental image. He was also good at shouting instructions to Legolas and Annael once they were in the water, keeping the imagination play up about being sailors or otters was probably helpful for keeping them calm. And then, of course, at the end when the Queen is rescuing them he says “Annael should go next. Sometimes he is afraid”. Aw! He volunteered to go last to make sure his friends were ok. This developed his character, and it just makes it all the more sad that he meets his demise at such an early age. I enjoyed seeing Lorelinn interacting with her family. She seems like such a staple for them here. It’s easy to see how much they all will struggle when she dies, such a short time later. In way, knowing that is coming, gives this story even more of an emotional edge. Just knowing that this will be one of the last times that their whole family is together. I really, really enjoyed this one!! It was fun to read, and very well written :)

endorearwen · 28 July 2013 · Chapter 8: Family

I thoroughly enjoyed this story - should say LOVED this story! First, I like the strength of Lorellin's character - the perfect match for one as powerful as Thranduil! How could one not fall in love with Legolas, an elfling so beautiful and whose character just lightens your heart from the way you write about him! I was intrigued by the segment about the loss of Fithral and Lorellin's interaction with his parents. I would like to have read much more about their struggle to deal with the loss and how their Queen's presence fortified and encouraged them through this ordeal. I know there is a moving story in that plotline. As always, I LOVE the tender relationships shared by the elves, no matter their age. Small gestures, like Legolas holding Annael's hand when he sensed his friend's fear and the compassion of Turgon in permitting Annael to enter the boat first because "sometimes he is afraid" - always done with such care for one another amongst these wonderful beings! I know that there is shadow awaiting Thranduil and I go now with some trepidation to the next story on the list. He and Legolas are my most favourite characters and I'm thrilled that you have dedicated so much time and work to painting a picture with words of their lives together over so long a span! This story illustrates how important it is to have these tales available in an 'archive'! Those of us who come to Tolkien's world much later than the rest of you are only discovering for the first time the wonderful writers he has inspired to follow in his footsteps! :-)

Red Squirrel · 3 July 2013 · Chapter 8: Family

I really enjoyed seeing Thranduil and Lorellin together here. I really like her character and in my eyes she is everything a Silvan Elf would have been like. I was sort of sad at the end knowing that their days together are numbered. I was going to read "When Shadow Touches Home" which was next on your chronological list but right now it seems too sad. So I think that I will read something later on the list. I really have enjoyed everything that I have read so far. I am going to start every story and probably review for each chapter because I LOVE to talk about things that I read...and it being LOTR just makes it worse LOL I hope I won't annoy you too much with my constant ramblings...you have been warned ;-)

Red Squirrel · 2 July 2013 · Chapter 7: Heroes

I was delighted to see Nana rescue the elflings! I laughed so hard at Turgon "swim hard, friend Eilian!" LOL so cute and funny! As a preschool teacher I get a couple "Turgons" every year...they make my school year very colorful...but I wouldn't want it any other way! I really enjoyed these elflings...adorable!

Lindelea · 22 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Heroes

I came looking for more stories about Turgon after reading Bodkin's latest, and stumbled on this. Wonderful! Believable characters, tightly written, heart-stopping action, calming resolution, and leaving one wanting more.

pipinheart · 5 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Very nice... It seems that they are such a happy family. Thier naneth seemed to make life so much easier. She seems to understand Eilian real well. Everyone adores her it seems.. Nice work...

pipinheart · 5 June 2007 · Chapter 7: Heroes

This is nice... Legolas's naneth rescued them. You get the feeling she was a little adventurous in her youth as well. It's a good picture of them as a family. Lovely job...

moonshine4488 · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Hey Daw! This story was really good, but it makes me sad to think that soon Lorellin will be gone. Its so odd reading about her right before, because none of them know the destruction that is soon to follow. Legolas was really cute, and I enjoyed his part in this. I thought the orcs running in tunnels underground was really good. I didn't expect them to be beneath it, and just collapse the dirt from under them. It was a great part of the story however sad it was. Well, I look forward to the next story you write, as always. Until then! Moonshine

Idhreniel · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Years later... Nice ending for your story. I felt a stab of sadness when the queen asked to travel. This storie is one of the last moments of the family together. It was nice to know that she trusted Annael's mother right away. At least Legolas was taken care by someone she liked. Nice story, as ever. It was enchanting to read Thranduil from his wife's point of view. Hug,

meckinock · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Oh, yes! I was tickled when Lorellin told Thranduil Eilian wasn't dating the right girl. LOLOL. Mothers know everything.

meckinock · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

I just loved seeing the softer side of Thranduil in this story. This whole story, but especially this last chapter, was so bittersweet because there are so many perfect moments, and hopes, and fears here that will soon have their date with destiny. It's hard to see this happy, loving family mere weeks away from a tragedy they can't even comprehend, one that will turn their lives upside down and change them forever, but I guess the lesson here is to treasure every day. A wonderful story, daw.

meckinock · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 7: Heroes

Sorry this is so late, daw. Mental coherence issues on my part. I loved this chapter for showing us Lorellin's immense courage and her love for Legolas. I have really enjoyed seeing her in sharp focus instead of filtered through the lens of her family's memories, and it has only made her impending loss seem more unbearable for them. It's just agonizing to see the lengths to which she'll go to protect her son, and yet soon a great hurt will come on him that she won't be able to mend. I will always come. Ouch. So it was nice to see her as the hero, and as the nana cuddling her chick in her nest. And yay for bleeding Eilian, and Cook, too.

perelleth · 15 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Aiiii, thankfully you left it so close to bad bad time coming up! nicely wrapped up I must say, from her sobering conversation with Eilian, to the loving care she has to offer grieving GElmir, to her winning over her husband... lovely and sad, but she got perfectly rounded here. Abd LEgolas receiving his first visitor and everyone wondering if he should be playing with Turgon! That was so fun. I have another question, ebcause seeing Eilian with his mum in ths tale has truly made me wonder about his personality, since he is so ver alike his naneth.. which traits do you think he shares with Thranduil?

Agape4Gondor · 14 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Great story altogether! You do the Woodland Realm proud in keeping the journal for the royal family! Bless you for sharing it with us.

Agape4Gondor · 14 April 2007 · Chapter 7: Heroes

Wow! I'm shuddering myself and would most apprecite lying down next to the three and receiving comfort from them. Excellent chapter - I had no idea where you were going with the rescue - but it was marvelous. Eilian figuring out how to alert those in the palace was splendid, creative, wonderful! And Lorellin rescuing them! Wow... And that Legolas was brave and obedient enough - and trusting - to wait upon those he loved. Ah! Sits back and relaxes in joy!

Gwynhyffar · 14 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Dear Thranduil, Put your foot down, dangit! Don't be such a softie (really I can't even believe I have to tell you this)! Make Lorellin's family come to the palace, don't let her go! Yes, yes, she'll be mad at you for awhile but really - she'll get over it! Love, Gwyn ps. Legolas writing his name was adorable, but the cutest thing ever is his excitement at having his first visitor. How fun!

White Wolf · 13 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

A very fitting ending for this story. Having Legolas write his name was a nice little touch. I love Lorellin and Thranduil together. He lets his guard down around her, and that's not an easy thing for him to do. When Lorellin said she wanted to go home to visit her family, I shook my head, knowing what was going to happen. Getting to know her better makes it easier and sadder to see how devastated her family was when they lost her. Another terrific story.

French Pony · 13 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Thranduil has a pair of big brass ones, trying to confine Lorellin after that adventure, especially since she seems like the kind of person who knows what she's doing when it comes to boats. I suspect her of secretly wanting to be confined.

obsidianj · 12 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

This is a satisfying ending to this story. My heart clenches when thinking about Lorellin's future. Is that the fateful ride she is planning at the end of this story? Now that I got to know her, it seems even more tragic for the family to lose her.

obsidianj · 12 April 2007 · Chapter 7: Heroes

That was a nice twist. I didn't expect Legolas' mother to mount the rescue. Now I know where Eilian got his penchant for dangerous situations. Poor Thranduil! But at least the little ones are safe now.

Dot · 12 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Poor Ithilden. Yeah, that’s what I got out of it, lol. But really, you do such a good job of letting us feel the background tension and troubles, that awful mixture of forces moving against them and feelings of futility in the face of that. Thranduil must have been so frightened by Legolas and Lorellin’s little adventure. He wants so badly to keep his family safe :-/ Legolas writing his name is very sweet, even if it is another sign that he’s starting to move out of babyhood. I love how you tie all your stories together. She had once found a small Eilian riffling through one of the chests in his father's office, looking for sealing wax to use to heal a wounded toy warrior who had lost an arm. She had dragged him from the room by the scruff of his neck, scolding all the way, but she had also mended the soldier and not told his parents. LOL!! No doubt elfling Eilian had half the place charmed. When he wasn’t exasperating them. She made me laugh when she nods “approvingly” at him. To people who knew you as a child you’ll always be a child. But at least he’s being sensible! And it’s rather touching that he makes sure his little brother gets his chance to enjoy himself, even if it means walking around on sore feet. I’m still smiling at Legolas getting a visitor. Trust Turgon to just turn up and look for his new friend. And poor Gelmir! I feel so bad for him. He’s managed to notice that Eilian hasn’t been himself, though. And you know, I’m quite glad he’ll be there so in a few weeks when Eilian has to return home. I just love all the movement in the background as Eilian and Gelmir talk. It really made me feel like I was watching children out of the corner of my eye. I enjoyed the chat between Eilian and Lorellin too. She does know the right way to go about things with him – he’s left in no doubt that she not only understands him but has reacted as he does and sees things the same way. I can well believe she was stubborn and a little wild as a young elf. I suspect she knows – though not to the same extent that we do – that it will be a lifelong struggle for him not to distract himself from pain with danger. We played a game, and I should collect my winnings before I leave." The divil! I did feel for Lorellin when she has the chance to say to Thranduil that yes, they should have Eilian transferred home but she knows that it’s wrong for her son even if it’s what she’d like. He has his duty and more than that, he needs to be where he feels like he’s making a difference. Yay for Elowen! I’m glad Lorellin got the chance to see her with the children and know that Legolas would be safe in her care. "The spring dancing is in a few days. After that?" No, no, no, no, no! The three friends are just adorable together. It’s such a delight reading about them at this age. They already seem to have formed a very definite bond. Turgon seems almost bossy in making sure they stay friends. I suppose he’s too used to being left on his own. The ending is lovely. Everything is just so perfect for Legolas in this moment. I was flicking through your reviews for the last few chapters and I know many people have read it with the next event in mind but I’ve tried not to except for when it was particularly poignant or foreboding. Mostly I just wanted to enjoy the glimpse of this family as a whole and the chance to get to know Lorellin as herself rather than a memory. She’s become much more real to me in a way that she never has before. Even more fascinating in a way was seeing her family through different eyes. They’re as familiar as always to me and yet she brings something else out in them. I’m so glad you decided to write this. I look forward to more the next time you decide you need a break from revisions :-)

The Karenator · 12 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

As bad a reviewer as I've been lately, I still wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading this. Lorellin is such a delightful character. I'm glad we got an opportunity to see her in finer detail. We've known her mainly from the remembrances of her family. It's interesting the details about her that are uncovered when she's in action rather than just a memory. Not that her family hasn't remembered her correctly, but there's a tendency to recall the people we've lost with a less critical eye than reality. Lorellin proved to be everything they thought, plus so much more. She and Eilian are cut from the same mold. But! Because of her insight into him, he couldn't fool her for a second and she didn't hesitate to tell him. I liked that. She was strong, but compassionate. I know I've asked you to write about her death before, but I think I spent this whole story worrying you might actually do it. I'm such a wimp, I drew a sigh of relief when I realized this timeline would not extend that far. It would still make a wonderful story, but I think it'd be tough to write, and tough to read. I've grown quite fond of Lorellin. Every time I read one of your stories, I realize how much I've missed your characters. This story was just what I needed. Thanks, Daw, for such a terrific story.

Socket · 11 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Thank you for this great story, Daw. It was wonderful to have a full portrait of Lorellin, who is such a strong, if unseen, presence in your canon after her death. How sad it is to recall that, some time in the future, Legolas's memories of her would become so distant and faded.

Manderly · 11 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

Ahh! (big sigh of contentment!) That was lovely, but I am sad to see this little tale end. It's such a rare treat to read about Lorellin and her interaction with the family. And she's off on that fateful trip to her family's village soon too, isn't she? And we all know what happens after that. I can see more clearly now why the family was so devastated by her death. She is extraordinarily perceptive to the people around her and accepts them for what they are rather than trying to mold them to her standards and/or needs. I know you said you have your book to work on, but I hope you'll find some time in the near future to gift us with another one of your stories. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.

sofia · 11 April 2007 · Chapter 8: Family

that was a nice story. Will you write anymore featuring Lorellin? I have to say, as heartbreaking as it would be, will you ever write a story that deals with Lorellin just before/after her death? I know you've said it would be too sad to do and that you couldn't bring yourself to do it, but I think if you ever did do it, you would do a really really good job. Good luck with your original novel and I can't wait to read more stories concerning our favorite family!