Reviews (22)

sofia · 7 April 2023 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

well well well. I will say this review is coming after I reread all 48 of your stories (again) and I enjoyed every last minute of it. Over the years I've gone back to your stories to reread a particular story or scene I remembered but a full reread of all of them hasn't been done in a while. But I had watched Amazon's Rings of Power which put me in the lord of the rings mood and of course that meant reading these wonderful stories that I have long considered canon. I know I've said it in past reviews but thank you once again Daw for writing these stories. The adventures, the characters and sense of family/ duty that you portray is just amazing and you really make it easy to root for your characters and all those Wood-Elves. Your stories make me laugh and cry and keep me on the edge of my seat and I will always return to them with joy and a sense of nostalgic comfort. Rereading this story, in particular, was also a treat because this is the perfect evidence on how some things slip through the memory. (Which makes rereading your stories all the more special!) I was just thinking when I reread the story in which Sinnarn dies how I wish there was more on how Sinnarn and Emmelin got betrothed/ bonded and then I come across this story that I had completely forgotten about! Loved the glimpse into Annael's mind on having Ithilden now be apart of his family! In hindsight I should have written down my thoughts as I reread or reviewed as I went along but I didn't so of course I remember very little of all the points I wanted to touch on in this review. Just know that I truly love your stories and always go back to them and thank you for writing. I know you have said you are done writing fanfiction but if you ever change your mind know I will be there waiting to read it with bated breath. ( I mean a story about Ithilden's new baby daughter and Loriel would be amazing, and I would LOVE a story on how Thranduil and his family and the wood-elves/ forest in general faired during the war while Legolas was away would be another good one, since you did the hobbit retelling so well.) Just some ideas if you ever decide to dabble again :)

KChan · 11 January 2017 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

I love all of your stories, but for some reason I can't find 'The Spy' on Fanfiction.net. Even on this site, 'The Spy' is shown, but when I click on the link, the story is missing, even though there are reviews for it. What happened? Is it an error, or did you remove the story? I hope you didn't remove it, because I've read it before and I love how funny Beliond is in it! You really do have a gift for creating dialogue and characters!

moonshine · 17 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

That was really sweet. I feel almost sorry for the family though, knowing what is to become of Sinnarn.

obsidianj · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Annael is adorable. I never thought about how awkward it would be for him to have his daughter wed Ithilden's son. Ithilden was always the bit remote, mighty big brother of Legolas and now he is, concerning his daughter, his equal. That takes some getting used to. And it seem Ithilden is not very comfortable in his role either. His attempts at small talk were kind of pitiful. Luckily they both have wifes ;-).

meckinock · 5 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Gosh, it's so weird to see Annael in the role of nervous father of the bride. It obviously seems weird to him, too, as he reflects on his long acquaintance wiht the royal family. I laughed out loud at this: He blinked. Could Ithilden be trying to be friendly? I can see where it would take him a moment to figure that one out! It's a lovely snapshot of a beautiful moment full of hope and love. A bit sad, knowing how little time Sinnarn and Emmelin will have together, but Annael is right to say all we ever have is the possibility of happiness. At least they had it for a brief moment.

pipinheart · 5 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Very nice... Its nice to see Annael and Ithilden together, and its nice to see the flashbacks annael has growing up in the presents of the troop commander. Eilain and celuwen having an argument over having a baby, that sounds about right. Why does she fear raising a child in the palace, I've always wondered. Very nice, update soon

Gwynhyffar · 4 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, Daw. :) That being said, I have to say that I found it kind of odd to think of Annael as the father of an adult. I mean, I know that he is by then and I have read him as an adult in many stories of yours, but this one for some reason really hit home. I guess it's so strange because at this point in time I still sort of see Legolas as somewhat newly post-adolescent. He doesn't seem that much like a 'real' grown-up as much as Annael does and it makes it strange to see Annael in that light.

Idhreniel · 4 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

It is always a pleasure to read your stories!! I love all your OCs... It was hard for Annael to call Ithilden by his name hehe... considering the fact he is just the troop commander, son of the king and just a few years older than himself! Nice chapter Daw! Hugs,

elliska · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

This was great! Annael has always been one of my favorite characters. It is fun to see him with Ithilden for such an important event reliving in his memories the progression from awe of the Troop Commander to commander himself of Ithilden's son's patrol. How odd a feeling that must be for him. There are so many little touches in here that show how momentous, difficult and wonderful and event this is for Annael. How sad to know how short their happiness was. That makes Annael's last thoughts all the more powerful. Great story, daw! I love seeing these characters again. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting caught up on my reading during my vacation!

Redheredh · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

I really enjoyed Annael's pov. :) This was very sweet and touching in the best ways. From the insightful emotions, the interactions with the in-laws and the public, the loving couple and the siblings, to the evocative flashbacks. The flashbacks were very nicely done. These introduced Annael to me, who did not know the character, and made me like him as a person. *And everyone lived happily ever after...* I am going to believe that for now. Lovely, Daw. Happy Birthday, Bodkin!!

erunyauve · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

>>"How frightening it is to watch one's child make an irrevocable decision." I think it's much harder for the parents than the betrothed couple - they're elves, so they know they've chosen rightly. >>All a father could do was trust in the goodness of the Valar and let his child go. ::sniff:: I still haven't forgiven you for killing Sinnarn, you know.

pereleth · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

How sweet, daw! I really liked Annael and he grew up such a wonderful elf! his memories of his own bethrotal were so beautiful! It was great fun, though, seeing him sweat as he has to engage in mall talk with Ithilden... After all, teh age gap between Sinnarn and LEgolas and Annael is nothing, less if compared with that between Ithilden and Annael.. :-) The flashbacks fitted perfectly, and went very smoothly in Sinnarn´s line of tought, I liked that. (Above all, Ithilden kickig asses so artfully! Go Ithilden! :-)

Noor · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Oh how moving. It is so good to have a happy story.....especially in the light of what happens later -bad Daw! This story really emphasises the close bond between Annael and Legolas' families. Now what about the fire jumping story with Legolas and Sinnarn??? Thanks for this little excerpt! Noor

sofia · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

That was sweet. I love Annael. Well at least he's going to be related to Legolas through marriage. That can't be too bad.

Agape4Gondor · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Excellent! I loved the flashbacks... very appropriate.

Dot · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Oh, this is lovely. Poor Emmelin. I imagine she’s nervous enough without the realisation that she’s now part of a spectacle for what must feel like every elf in Mirkwood. The anxious parents made me smile. But Elowen is nice and calm! I bet she’s quite pleased about all this – she has always had a soft spot for Legolas’s family ;-) I love Sinnarn! He’s absolutely adorable in how focused on Emmelin he is. Ithilden spoke a little more loudly than usual. "Mae govannen, all of you." Sinnarn started and flushed. "Yes, mae govannen." LOLOL! The flashbacks are great. Oh, the mortification of running into Ithilden like that! I can only dream imagine how wonderful intimidating it must have been lying on the floor looking up at him like that. I like how he helps Annael up. See, he’s not just Legolas’ scary older brother. I really felt for Annael as he worries that this life will be too much for Emmelin. There’s so much to learn. It was very sweet the way Sinnarn discreetly guides her. She loved Sinnarn, and Sinnarn treasured her nearly as much as she deserved. *chokes* I love that. He’s such a father. What struck me as very amusing is how the two grandparents seem to be enjoying this the most. They’re clearly so pleased to see their grandchildren so happy and in love. Wow, the scary!Ithilden scene was impressive! There’s an elf you do not want to annoy. Especially if it’s through sheer stupidity. Could Ithilden be trying to be friendly? I howled with laughter at that! Of course he’s trying to be friendly. This is Ithilden-style small-talk. The glimpse of Annael’s and Beliniel’s relationship is quite touching too. I’m so glad for him that he’s found such happiness – I’ve always been really fond of Annael. He could barely hold himself back from wiping them away, as he had done from the day she was born, any time she hurt in body or in spirit. That privilege she was placing now in the keeping of Sinnarn, who looked down at her with wonder and hope in his face. Ok, that part brought tears to my eyes. So moving. *sob* "I do not know why you are being so stubborn, Celuwen. Dol Guldur is empty. There will never be a better time for us to have a baby." LOL! He’s persistent, that Eilian. I sense Flower-Face’s arrival in the not-too-distant future! I did feel bad for Sinnarn and Emmelin, though, who’ll never have a child in Mirkwood to debate the merits of where to raise him or her :-/ Oh, daw. I loved the part with just Annael and Ithilden in the garden. The flashback was so touching. How hard it must have been for Ithilden to send his son off into danger. And how good it was of Annael to reach out to the intimidating Troop Commander and try to reassure him. Now, of course, they’re both equals in their love for their children and anxiety about letting them go to make their own future. Ithilden reassuring Annael in turn all these years later was a lovely moment. As was Annael giving up the “my lord” business. Ithilden mirrored his relaxed posture, and together, they studied the stars. Annael could not read the future in them and doubted if Ithilden could either. All a father could do was trust in the goodness of the Valar and let his child go. That’s gorgeous. You can really sense the mixed emotions in the two of them – pride, joy, worry, reluctance and then that almost relieved realisation that they both share these feeling and the faith that their children will find happiness and a good life together. Note I’m ignoring what’s around the corner for them. I really enjoyed this, especially seeing it all from Annael’s POV. In fact, I’m going to read it again now.

mistry89 · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Another measure of the passing of time (and no easier for elves than men, it seems). Thank you - despite the happy occasion, it makes me want to weep.

Socket · 2 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Oh, absolutely splendid, Daw my friend! This tender story brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderfully old-fashioned portrait of marriage and a father's conflicted feelings as his child leaves his care. Thank you for this lovely story.

Radbooks · 2 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Very, enjoyable read. I liked seeing it from Annael's point of view and the flashbacks were a nice touch... reminding me of how old these elves are and all that they've gone through over the years. Thanks for sharing!

Bodkin · 2 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

Oh, thank you, daw! That is absolutely lovely. Annael is such a gorgeous character - I love him to bits ... (He'd make a perfect grandfather, too - he's so loving and gentle.) Despite his familiarity with the palace and its inhabitants, it's a bit different dedicating your daughter to take up such a visible role - and becoming a fellow father-in-law in Emmelin and Sinnarn's relationship must be a terrible culture shock. I wonder if he had time to get used to the change in their off-duty dealings before you-know-what. While seeing Eilian pleading with Celuwen to let him be an ada ... delicious. I loved Annael's excursions into memory - and he's so right. You have to love them and raise them and let them go. Take up their own path and face their own perils. (At least the Aftercomer and the Affianced aren't facing orcs and spiders and Dol Guldur.) A joy to read, daw. Thank you.

Jay of Lasgalen · 2 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

This is lovely - so sweet and romantic, but I love the humour and embarrassment of poor Annael's early encounters with Ithilden. Sadness overshadows everything though - because we know what happens to Sinnarn. How could you kill him??

Larner · 2 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Letting Go

And letting go our children to find their way when the time is right is not simple, I know. But it is necessary.