Reviews (129)

Eirinn Leigh · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Negotiating

My guess is mister C is diverting the real swords and Legolas and co. caught him in the act during their night hunting... too bad they are unlikely to tell anyone about what they saw.

Eirinn Leigh · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 2: Hunting

Considering the age gap between most elvish siblings Turgon and his brother are practically 'Irish Twins'!

Asms2 · 12 April 2016 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Nice story! I enjoyed reading about the rafting and hunting adventures of the kids. And that last scene where Thranduil takes Legolas into his lap and realizes that soon his son will be too old for it, but not yet…so adorable! I really enjoy reading about family dynamics and you do a great job with it! :)

endorearwen · 7 August 2013 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Oh, Daw! What I wouldn't give to be Alfridin!! You promised Ithilden would get what he needed and I am absolutely delighted by the introduction of this character into the story! Dare I wonder what lovely scenes of romance I might encounter as I move through the coming tales? - sentence would be punctuated by hearts and flowers if I could but figure out how to make them using the keyboard! But I digress... Enjoyed this story as much as the others, though, I did share in Thranduil's sadness at seeing his youngest elfling quickly slipping away into adulthood. Thranduil's character has always been a favourite of mine. He is so self aware that he makes the task of balancing wisdom with justice look almost easy - even when dealing with those he loves! His discipline where Legolas was concerned was perfect! I was almost as astonished as Ithilden when his father gave such open and sincere praise for the Prince he has become - long overdue recognition if you ask me (but I might be a tad prejudiced...)! Never did I doubt Thranduil carried these feelings for his eldest, but I certainly didn't expect him to 'gush' them forth as he did at the end! :-) Kudos again on another very well written story!

Gilraen · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Thank you for reply! I respect your opinion. Your whole story is very well written and I like it very much, I also liked, how Thranduil handled Legolas´ previous disobedience, this was in my opinion very good and fitting, only the in the last chapter he was too strict with so sweet and mild child as Legolas is. (My motherly instincts are in work now.)

Gilraen · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Am I the only one who think, that Thranduil was too strict with Legolas? Yes, Legolas misbehaved, but that´s what children in his age do. Yes, he deserves to be punished, but not so strictly!!! He is 11 years old (in human age) and he is a prince after all! Whole month of mopping vomit is not fitting punishment for 11 years old child nor for prince! (I would like to see Thranduil doing it himself!) And also expect 100% obedience from 11 years old child is steep expectation. Children this age have every right to be sometimes a bit disobedient and to be sometimes a bit irresponsible. Of course, Legolas deserved punishment, but this was too strict!

pipinheart · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Eilian has finally gotten his father's aproval he has sought many years... His father has seen him chage from a recless to responsible... and he is now Captain. Getting Tinar out of his company and getting his friend the sword he wants. Though he till loves the young Elf Maiden, but she is to hurt to see him and him leave... Great story... I love Eilian' s Character, glad you wrote him...

pipinheart · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 5: Young Companions of the Hunt

I think Turgon is a bad influence on Annael and Legolas....

pipinheart · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 4: Companions of the Hunt

I feel for Eilian having to deal with Tinar...He thinks he is something else, kind of a snob... He deserved that spider getting him, may teach him a lesson, but not sure about that... AS for Turgon, I think his father dosen't spend time with him, sad really... Maybe that is why he is so adventerous... legolas is right, he reminds you of Eilian... Great work...

pipinheart · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Hunting

I really like Elian Character and you can see the friendship between him and Maltanaur that has grown through the years. And when Tinar shot him he was upset as he should be, he needs more practice with that bow... Legolas young and wanting to have killed his first dear has two Elves that dosen't seem to like him...Tynd and Riolth, I don't like them they seem full of trouble...

xsilicax · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

*Happy sigh* Every time Eilian calls Legolas "Brat" with so much love, I just want to wrap him up in my arms. Things I enjoyed the most about this tightly written piece: Seeing Ithilden standing up to Thranduil and not changing his opinons just because his father and superior disagrees. I thought that showed a great strength of will. Legolas, knowing that it would get him into trouble, admitting to having seen the Man and the swords. Self-sacrifice is a trait that will stand him in good stead when he fights for his kingdom. Watching Thranduil realise that his youngest is growing up. I particularly liked the 'ada' 'adar' touch. Any scene with Eilian *g* What I would love to see: Legolas learning to say no to Turgon! He is exactly the kind of friend that children love to have and parents hate to see. But he is fun! Thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment of this, Congratulations, Cathy. xx

FaerieQueen · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Congratulations, another charming Legolas story. I really enjoyed reading about Legolas maturing, and Thranduil having to let go of him, in a way. I liked the whole Dwarf-sword plot. I found it very amusing. Keep writing.

Sofia · 2 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

And heres yet another great story. Turgon just cant seem to stay out of trouble and Legolas just cant say no. Now i go to read the story i purposely avoided until now to read. The Warrior is the last story you have right now, and I hope you come up with more idea's and start on other stories. Your a good author and im anxious to read your stories.

bryn · 22 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Yikes! Angry Thranduil is one Elf I would not want to face... Legolas seems to have barely avoided the King's full blown wrath. At the same time, I have to give him credit. It took a lot of guts for Legolas to admit what he'd seen, especially considering it meant implicating himself. I suppose that says something about Legolas' sense of duty. *cringe* Thranduil almost hit him? And how would Eilian know what an almost-moved-to-blows Thranduil looks like? Has Thranduil ever hit him? Probably grabbed him by the front of his tunic and given him a good shake or two--that, I could see. Thranduil hasn't actually raised a hand to any of his sons... has he? Eilian's advice to Legolas was wise, and so was Legolas' decision to follow it. Of course Thranduil would recognize where the advice came from... :) Oh I absolutely love how you inserted Alfirin into it all. *LOL* Good GRIEF is Ithilden thick-headed! The line, "Ithilden was suddenly aware that he had duties to attend to that did not include continuing to hold on to the healer’s daughter." is priceless! *lol* He wouldn't know love if it hit him smack upside the head. (Which it sort of appears to have done.) I bet Alfirin made the first move on him. *grin* Given Ithilden's I-Am-Strong-And-Stoic-Protecter ego, that's an even more amusing thought. I'm always saddened when your stories end, because I enjoy reading them so much. You could stretch these tales on forever as far as I'm concerned. Your development of Legolas' family is one of the strongest and best written on the web. I've yet to find another author who captures the mind and heart so profoundly. I would gladly--willingly--read tales consisting only of your OC's. They're so real and engaging... It's hard to imagine Legolas' family any other way without things seeming terribly un-canon. :)

LKK · 12 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Thank you for being gentle, daw. :-) I'm very impressed with how you had Thranduil handle Legolas' punishment. I firmly believe that if Thranduil had given in to his urge to thrash Legolas, he would not have accomplished his goal of making Legolas understand the dangers and the wrongeness of his actions. (Hm, is "wrongeness" a word??) I feel that at Legolas' age, a thrashing would have bred resentment. Legolas would have focused on the punishment itself, not on the message the punishment was meant to teach. By detailing the real dangers of life beyond the palace and then by forcing Legolas to view the results of those dangers by working with the healers, Thranduil finally managed to get his son to understand the reality of what he said. It's said that Legolas will no longer simply accept his father's word on these issues, but that is a part of what all parents and child must go through -- despite what Thranduil wants. You depicted this eternal conflict nicely. Finally comment: Gelmir gets a dwarf sword!! *smiles happily* Wonderful story, daw. Loved it from beginning to end. :-) LKK

Dot · 11 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Hi. Sorry this is a bit late... What a really great chapter. Although I always get a bit sad when you finish up your stories... I literally had my mouth open for the whole first part of this chapter. It was so tense – I couldn’t believe when Cadoc grabbed Alfirin, and then Eilian suddenly appearing behind him and stabbing him with, of all things, one of the Dwarvish swords! *deep breaths, deep breaths...* Oh, and I loved the increasingly besotted Ithilden noticing things like dimples and pouts in the midst of all the chaos! I was so happy for Ithilden when Thranduil praised him – I get the feeling his father’s respect is the one thing that he truly needs. Eilian’s becoming rather wise. I like the way he encourages Legolas to realise what he did wrong for himself rather than just tell him. I LOVED the scene between Thranduil and Legolas! Thranduil really knows how to handle his son. He might not always think he knows what to do but by loving his sons as he does he knows how it will affect them if he is disappointed in or ashamed of them. Trying to impress a lesson upon them, like in this case how dangerous the woods are and obeying without question, is only effective after they have realised their wrongdoing. I have to say, actually, he is very creative when it comes to thinking up punishments. Mopping up vomit. Nice one, Thranduil. Ah, Eilian gets his captaincy of the Southern Patrol. It’s nice to see him happy, and it’s also great to see the trust and pride in him that Ithilden and Thranduil have. He seems strong enough to cope with the Shadow, but it was quite telling that he didn’t question Todith’s decision to leave. He must suffer more than he allows others to see. And he’s going to visit Celuwen? *sigh* That heart of his... And Gelmir might get a Dwarvish sword? LOL! You ended it beautifully with the lovely but poignant picture of Thranduil cradling Legolas. I imagine it must be hardest to let go of the youngest child when there will never be any more. I feel really sad in a way that Legolas is growing up and that no matter how proud he makes his father and how close they are when he is an adult, he has to make his own life and move out of his father’s protective arms. My heart breaks at the thought of Thranduil desperately trying to treasure such intimate moments between them now with the knowledge that things will never be the same as his son struggles to become an adult. I really enjoyed this story. Any more?! Actually, I’d love some day for you to write about what eventually happens to this family. But any more adolescent Legolas stories would also be gratefully received!:)

Arbelethiel · 10 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Well, I decided to be a good girl from now on, and to review. Another wonderful chapter as usual. Like Thranduil, I get a little frustrated at Legolas getting into trouble against his better judgment, but I suppose that with a friend like Turgon, he can’t help it. Lol at Ithilien finding the time to flirt with Alfirin in the middle of this affair. It’s cute, especially knowing they’re going to end up together. I find Kingly!Thranduil extremely sexy. I don’t know why, the display of authority, the self-confidence (arrogance?)? And I like his way of handling his children, all of them. His punishment for Legolas is fitting: the boy has to learn to obey orders without questions, if he is to be a warrior. Re: your language problem. The men of Dale could have their own language. So Turgon could have learnt the Dale language, but not Westron. It’s a bit strange, I know, but his education seems to be patchy in other areas too, so... ~Arbelethiel

Sekhet · 9 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Between RL and frantically trying to finish something of my own (not LotR!) I've been very remiss over the last few chapters. I've read them avidly and each time said to myself that I must review, and then get drawn into my own concerns and thinking 'I'll do it tomorrow..' and we all know when that day comes. And even though I've been remiss, I am HUGELY disappointed that it's over. I love your take on Mirkwood, I love the way that you're letting Legolas grow up but in a way that strenghens him constantly, and I love the characters you've introduced me to. I'm firmly of the belief that you're channelling the Great Professor - he's gifting you with his vision of ME so that you can fill in the gaps he didn't have time to write before the Gift of Men overtook him. What can I say? Every personality so true to themselves and the way you've built them, and all so very real. I think, after Legolas himself, my favourite is the utterly splendid Thranduil who's so far away from the grasping Midas character so often depicted, but with the traits there that Tolkein himself put into him in the Hobbit - but what you've done is give the reasons behind Thranduil's concern for emeralds and such like (if I remember my Hobbit correctly, they were his favourites) - he has a kingdom to defend, and he spends all his substance to do it, including (as we know) the treasure he has in his sons. If you'd like to send him over to be royal in my house, I'll even pay shipping. And I love the way that the story arc is true to itself. It must be so hard to go back in time and not lose sight of the stories you've already produced and be so consistent. Am awed by that. Thank you Daw. Please write another one soon. Very soon. Cheers Sekhet

Tapetum Lucidum · 9 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

You went straight into it didn't you? I thought we would get a little walk through the forest. "The scroll he had been pretending to read," very clever, you know he had to be as tense as a bowstring waiting for Eilian and Legolas to return. A very strong "Now!" has an excellent effect on terrified children. I was shaking in my seat just reading it. I'm with Ithilden, poor kid. Now who is the womanizer? In the middle of a very serious situation Ithilden stops to flirt with Alfirin. At least he had some good lines. Cadoc is not going down with dignity is he? I thought you might have to kill him off. It would be hard to find an appropriate punishment for someone who traded weapons with the enemy. At least it was exciting and I am glad Legolas wasn't there as well. I am also glad that the dwarves were cleared. Ithilden should be proud of himself. His flash of triumph was well earned. Thranduil's assessment of his son's performance was very sweet. Any child would beam at those words. Eilian's conversation with his little brother was very sweet, and I agree, motherly. Legolas needs someone to help him out, usually Mom intervenes on wayward childrens' behalf, and Nana is no longer in the picture. I am glad he has Eilian. It is good Thranduil gave himself time to cool off. I've had to do that more than once. Legolas took Eilian's advice to heart. I can't imagine actually getting down on my knees in front of my parents (maybe because we aren't royalty). It is another good example of your use of a royal perspective instead of a mere commoner. I liked the way Thranduil touched on all of Legolas' transgressions, instead of clustering them. He probably did not realize how many people he had hurt with his little adventure. Unfortunately, we all know he is going to do it again with even more serious consequences. The promotion scene was great! It showed how close the brothers are and how proud each one is of the others' accomplishments. I am glad Eilian has turned out so well. I am glad he remembered a sword for Gelmir! Your closing scene in the sitting room painted a great picture of the family. I am glad Legolas learned the importance of obedience and that he is old enough to help. Picturing him snuggling on his Ada's lap was very cute. I am glad Thranduil offered him more opportunities to "walk under the stars." His older brothers must have had more freedom at his age due to the lack of dangers and Nana to supervise. I guess that happens when you Grow up Under Shadow. Can't wait for your next one. I'm always sad when the tale is over.

JustMe · 9 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Very good wrap-up to the story. We got a chance to meet some of the characters from your other stories. I especially enjoyed the meeting between Ithilden and Alfirin. And Eilian to the rescue! He certainly earned/deserved the promotion. Speaking of deserving something - Cadoc only made matters worse by his actions. It was cowardly and stupid to do what he did. You don't mess with Thranduil! And when you do- you pay the price. The scenes between Legolas and Eilian and Legolas and Thranduil were especially poignant. We begin to see how the influence of these important people in his life eventually shape the character of our beloved elf. He is so lucky to have caring family members and friends.

caz baz · 9 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

hey! sorry i didn't leave a review on the last chapter but i only just realised that i could get past the school system by leaving a review here instead. the school has banned us from going on certain web pages so i can't log on to fanfiction.net any more or leave a review but can do everything else i find that very pointless, but anyway i'll shut up now. i don't think it's a great idea for Legolas to try and be more like Eilian! haha, that was great. i loved the last two chapters. stupid human. Legolas finaly told the truth, i don't think i could ever imagine an elf hitting his child, but they probably did do. Eilian is very persistant. i wonder if she'll just shut him out or die or something. i mean she hasn't appeared in the stories further on than this one, so something must have happened between them (or to her). - i have nothing in for her, honest. Thranduil was quite angry wasn't he! oh dear, i would hate to be cleaning up after peoples sick - i had to do it when i threw up all over the floor cause i couldn't make it to the bathroom quick enough - luckily it was on the stone floor but unluckily for my friend she skidded in it, yuck! i hate cleaning up after my dogs when they have *accidents* on the carpet, but i don't mind shoveling my horses mess! which reminds me i have to go and muck out know - we've just started stabeling the horses again after not having to muck out (apart from the field) during the summer. can't wait for the next chapter caz baz

Fadesintothewest · 8 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Well you managed a surprise ending, that is as concerns Cadoc. I did not expect him to be killed and by Eilian no less. You know, not to sound too smug or self centered but your Legolas sounds a lot like me as a child. I like to think I had a great childhood, the youngest, wanting to grow up faster, but with a loving and solid discipline to guide me. As I read your story it saddens me to think that too many kids do not have the guidance of parents, but I digress. I love Legolas as a child, how you describe him, it is so realistic, so on target. I look forward to whatever you conjure up next. More Eilian please!

Brenda G. · 8 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Hurray! All neat and tidy and terrific the way you brought this story to closure. Thranduil knows himself well in that he stayed away and allowed his anger to disperse before confronting his youngest son about his wayward behavior. Good for Adar! Cadoc got what was coming to him. I'm glad he placed the noose around his own neck. Although I know Thranduil would have had no trouble stringing the Man up, I'm glad he was spared the effort. Eilian is to be captain, Legolas is learning to listen, Ithilden is becoming interested in Alfirin (he noticed her pretty pout), the Big Buck lives to be hunted another day, and Turgon has finally been caught! I know that in the future Legolas continues to listen to Turgon against his better judgment(i.e., Prodigal Sons), but he is learning, albeit slowly, what it means to take on responsibility, not only for others, but for also for himself. Good, good, good! That last little bit about Legolas resisting his father's embrace before finally relaxing into it made me smile and get misty-eyed. What a precious moment that was. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, Daw, from first word to last, and I am looking forward to many, many more to flow from your talented pen. I'll be watching and waiting... BG

TolkienFan · 8 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Aaaaaaahhh! I am basking in the warm afterglow of yet another thoroughly satisfying chapter. Even without dessert (*snicker*), it was quite a feast! Couldn't help but notice how strongly you established the tension level in a few words. "Thranduil put down the scroll he had been pretending to read", indeed! Your seemingly "little" details convey so much! I jumped and almost fled myself when Thranduil snapped “Now!”. Your Thranduil makes *me* relive my guilt for everything *I* did as a kid! I was feeling sympathetic terror for Legolas. It was a surprise and a pleasant lull to see Alfirin in the story, and to hear her healer mother brag about her. Almost distracted me from the tension level, then BAM! The hostage-taking and death scene was awe-inspiring: "with agonizing slowness, he crumpled to the floor" -- you made me see it all too clearly in my mind's eye. I thought that Thranduil was a little too harsh in his implied threat to Rudd, who was honorable. However, given that Thranduil almost started an unjust war with the Dwarves over the issue, I guess his slight overkill can be excused. I was very impressed by how generously Thranduil then praised Ithilden and recognized his value. The gentle way that Eilian helped Legolas to understand the consequences of his misbehavior was very well-written. It is so clear that Eilian, too, is maturing throughout this story; he not only understands that misbehavior (recklessness, for example?) carries consequences, but he understands it well enough to explain it to Legolas in a way that the elfing could understand. I thought that Thranduil's confrontation with Legolas (good thing he waited to cool off!) and the elfling's punishment were very believable. You did an especially good job with Legolas' dawning awareness and sense of responsibility. Overall, I was very struck by how much your characters think of others' needs and support others. Ithilden was concerned (even before the danger) that the healer and Alfirin shouldn't witness his father's wrath with Cadoc. The healer demanded to be able to attend Cadoc, even though he had threatened her own daughter. Ithilden comforted Alfirin (hmmm, wonder if there's any future there?) Eilian helping Legolas to understand without his father's heavy-handed tactics (which Legolas resists). I especially like Eilian's response to being promoted. He was concerned about Todith. He wanted Tinar to be transferred, not to avoid the responsibility of dealing with him, but because the patrol's teamwork has already been compromised by Tinar's actions. (And the sword to Gelmir - how sweet! - but don't tell Eilian I said that ...) All in all, a very worthy wrap-up of a very enjoyable story. I'm almost sorry this one has to end, but maybe there'll be others? Hmmm? Your idea of doing a story incorporating long flashbacks into Eilian's and Ithilden's childhoods is inspired -- I humbly hope to see the result some day. Thank you for granting us the very great pleasure of reading this story!

Nilmandra · 8 October 2003 · Chapter 10: Just Deserts

Well, the Evil!Beta is pleased. This turned out well. I am still delighting in the little details that Ithilden noted about Alfirin even in the midst of that situation. I for some reason am glad Eilian did Cadoc in. I love that Thranduil might have gotten through to Legolas. I'd be sorely tempted to thrash him too, or lock him up until he's an adult :D Another great story. What's next? (she whispered evilly.)