Alice
· 2 August 2016
· Chapter 6: Coming to One's Senses
I still come back and reread these stories the same way I reread LOTR, Harry Potter and my beloved collection of Tamora Pierce novels.
I get the same pleasure out of rereading them that I do with books, including increased appreciation for new moments. I want to be Maltanaur when I grow up (ie unintimidated by Thranduilions).
Author's reply
That's incredibly kind, Alice.
What's impressive to me is that Maltanaur is unintimidated by Ithilden. But then, he's friends with Thranduil and has known Ithilden since birth, which must make a difference.
Hope all is well with you.
daw
Red Squirrel
· 24 December 2013
· Chapter 11: Not Alone
The moment where THranduil could feel the bond with Lorelinn was absolutely wonderful!!
I hope that one day Celuwen and Eilian can bond. It seems that is not possible now but hopefully one day.
Thank you for this wonderful story! I enjoyed it immensely!
Author's reply
Red Squirrel, thank you for all these reviews. I'm so glad that someone still enjoys these stories. You know, though, you don't have to review each chapter. If you want to, I welcome it, but I know it's a lot of work. When I was posting chapter by chapter, chapter by chapter reviews seemed reasonable. But really, you don't have to.
Enjoy your holiday.
daw
Red Squirrel
· 24 December 2013
· Chapter 10: Battles
whew...a battle! I like how you described it! Poor Gelmir...glad he is going to be fine.
hmmm...Solith...it looks as though he might be a problem for Eilian and Celuwen. He sees Eilian as some spoiled, reckless youngling and it may be difficult for Eilian to change his mind, especially since it concerns his daughter. But to me anyway they don't seem quite ready to be betrothed let alone bond. These Woodelves seem very stubborn...more dangerous and less wise indeed! But I suppose they do have a point about trying to live in the forest but with these creatures of darkness so close even to Thranduil's stronghold it seems perilous!
Author's reply
Eilian has not made a good impression on Solith. And I think you're right that Eilian and Celuwen aren't ready yet anyway. They're each too intent on getting their own way.
Red Squirrel
· 23 December 2013
· Chapter 9: Discoveries
Thank you for pointing that story out to me...it was great!
I am glad to see Thranduil visit his friends...he seemed so alone in this story so far! Also, Maltanaur provided some insight to the family situation. I really liked good Ada Thranduil at the dinner scene...very heartwarming.
Legolas about broke my heart in this chapter. Poor little guy.
Author's reply
Was this the chapter in which Legolas lets his brothers' horses out, trying to stop them from leaving? I think it is. Yeah, he's just frantic at the thought of people he loves being anywhere near orcs. It's hard to blame him. But Thranduil came through for him.
Red Squirrel
· 22 December 2013
· Chapter 8: Forbidden Excursions
um...Turgon's parents really wouldn't buy an elfling a sword, would they? I really wouldn't put it past them!
Eilian's right...his family is not really listening to him.
Poor Ithilden...it must be hard for him seeing his brothers as babies and elflings and then training into warriors then riding off into danger to defend the Realm.
Author's reply
I don't think even Turgon's parents are ditzy enough to let him have a real sword. I guess I never decided.
What you say about Ithilden is connected to what you were saying earlier about Elven ages. The huge difference in age means he's completely an adult when they're babies, but he's still relatively young for an elf when they grow up. It's very odd. Tolkien was bold to make up stuff like that.
Red Squirrel
· 21 December 2013
· Chapter 7: Going Home
I love the elflings' imagination! That was a sweet little scene at Annael's house. I think that Annael's nana will be good for Legolas. awww...Legolas repeating his mother was bursting with sweetness...after all the orcs int he last couple of chapters I like all the fluff here.
I also enjoy Thranduil and Ithilden's relationship. It seems very solid, not as turbulent as Eilian's and of course our relationship with our parents evolves as we grow from children to adults and it is nice to see that here.
From what I have read I get the sense (sorry if this is going off the subject but I noticed this) that Thranduil is considerably older than Lorellin. I know for Elves it must not matter too much once they reach a certain age if one is centuries older than the other. I guess what I am asking is if they are from the same generation. I have read almost all of Tolkien's wonderful works and I believe (it's been a while since I read LOTR) that Legolas identified himself as Silvan so I assume that Thranduil married a Silvan Elf. I honestly don't see him as married before the fall of Doriath or in Lindon...I think he was probably either an elfling or too young to want to settle and bond with someone then. I really wish there was more information on these characters! I fell in love with Elves the first time I read THe Hobbit waaaaaaaaaaay back in the early 90's! I am so grateful to my 4th grade teacher for requiring that we read it!
Author's reply
It was a pleasure to give Annael this ideal little family where Legolas could take refuge. When I wrote the scene, I meant it to be a significant moment when he decides he and his buddies should be warriors rather than orcs. It's small progress, but progress!
I have trouble wrapping my head around the whole concept of elven age and how it affects the concept of generations. If I think about it too much, I have to lie down. Fortunately for me, my beta Nilmandra wrote me a story about Thranduil first meeting Lorellin.
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1164
As I recall, I first read The Hobbit when I was in college. LOL. I'm in awe at 4th graders reading it.
Red Squirrel
· 21 December 2013
· Chapter 6: Coming to One's Senses
Just reading that Patrol scene I got the sense of despair and the long, hard fight they have against the evil spreading through Greenwood (can't bring myself to call it "Mirkwood" LOL) It feels so overwhelming! It also seems like a huge financial burden to the realm to have to pay for this war and of course Thranduil does not have a Ring of Power unlike other realms...he is kinda on his own!
Poor Ithilden...so serious, stubborn and takes on too much. In that he reminds me of his Adar. I think that may be his way of dealing with his grief by burying himself in work. I like how you have shown each son grieving in his own way, according to his distinct personality. These details really add to your story.
Also, thank you for replying to each of my reviews. I think that is very nice of you. I have a limited number of people who like the movies let alone read any of the books so it is nice to have a discussion! Perhaps it is time to widen my circle of friends! LOL
Author's reply
I love talking about this stuff. I've always thought that the real genius of the SoA site was the review reply feature. I've never seen it anywhere else.
Ithilden and Thranduil are very much alike, which is why they mostly get along. They understand one another. And really Ithilden is as close as it comes to being Thranduil's best friend. It's admirable that Ithilden has become a full adult more than Eilian has, for instance, but I think having his mother around helped him with that.
Red Squirrel
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 5: Dancing with Memories
Thranduil's memory about the Spring feast was so sad. I really liked the wife you gave Thranduil. I enjoyed the other story she was in.
LOL @ Thranduil trying to get Legolas ready for the dancing. I don't know why but it seems ALL small children are just like that!
Poor little Legolas...that brought tears to my eyes. His world was turned upside down with the death of his mother. Children are resilient but it does take time to adjust to such a loss. I also think he is picking up on the tension between his brother and his father.
Author's reply
I've been there trying to dress a cranky child who decided he didn't want to be dressed. LOL. Poor baby Legolas though. So eager and then things don't work out at all and he's carried off in a screaming tantrum. Still, Eilian is good with him.
Red Squirrel
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 4: Serving the Realm
After a long day of baking nutrolls and cookies with my mom and sister I come home and want nothing more than to cuddle here on the couch with my cats and see what happen next in your wonderful tale of Mirkwood's Royal Family!
Every time I read these battle scenes or see them in the movies I just cringe...soooooo dangerous and violent. That way of life is so very different than mine and the sights, sounds and smells of these types of battles seem so far away. These Elves would have to harden their hearts to it to defend the forest and themselves from the ever pressing Shadow and the dark creatures of it.
I know Ithilden is grieving and is stressed but he was kinda rude to Eilian's bodyguard...that poor Elf really needs a wife! But Maltanaur is right the family has already lost too much to risk losing anything now. It just came to me that a few months ago I read a young Thranuil tale (one with Oropher in it, which I loved BTW) and Maltanaur is one of young Thrandui's friends!
That grove does not seem like a very wholesome place! What Eilian did was foolish and I feel bad for him at the same time...let's hope his Adar doesn't find out about that.
Author's reply
Yes! I wrote that story about young Thranduil and his friends Maltanaur and Beliond (who won't appear for a bunch of stories yet). Thranduil entrusted his sons to his oldest friends. Thank goodness for Maltanaur. He kept Eilian alive long enough to grow up, and he made Ithilden see some sense here too.
Eilian tempted death and decided he didn't like it after all.
Nutrolls sound amazing. So does cuddling with cats on the couch.
Red Squirrel
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 3: Getting into Trouble at Home
I really need to be heading over to my mother's and I am running late but I just had to read another chapter. I started this story in July and the beginning of the school year has been so hectic that I have not had anytime to read! I just love the age Legolas is in this story! They are so cute and mischievous.
Now that Lorellin died who is going to mediate between Thrandul and Eilian? Personally, though Thranduil is a loving Adar who clearly cares for his children I get the sense is very hard on them and demands nothing less than excellence. I can see a free spirit like Eilian resenting and rebelling against that.
um...Turgon with a sword...what kind of parents does this kid have?...I think Turgon might have ADHD...seriously...
Eilian sitting in time out next to his little brother was cute...loved Legolas' retort "I threw mud on some girl" and Eilian's response made me laugh. The dinner scene was so sweet and sad at the same time. It must be so difficult mourning the loss of your spouse and then still have to be a full time single parent to your children, one of which is very young and then on top of all of that be the king...that is a lot on one plate!
I hope to read more soon!
Author's reply
School sounds like it was really tough this fall. But that's when the start of Christmas vacation feels soooo good. Sleep. Eat. Fool around. Watch TV even. What could be better?
Ahem. Back to your very nice review. Thranduil loves his children but he's not a good match for Eilian at all, and as you say, the death of Lorellin left them all trying to adjust. And he's never been a single father before, so he has a lot to learn about managing Legolas, and, as you also say, it comes at a time when he's suffering himself.
Take it easy. Enjoy the holiday.
Red Squirrel
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 2: Getting into Trouble Abroad
Eilian's behavior just radiates pain. He is out of control fueled by grief. I feel bad for the poor Elf. Of course he wants vengeance for the slaying of this mother. Then he and Ithilden get into it and now he has to go home and face the music to the king....that is not going to be pleasant. Also, I don't think Ithilden should have had the body guard stay in the patrol...it seems dangerous for Eilian to travel home with only Gelmir as a companion (sorry, Gelmir) and I think I remember from a couple of the previous stories I read from you that the body guards answer directly to the king. If that is true Thranduil is going to be really, really mad.
PS
Did you see the Desolation of Smaug yet? I always thought Thranduil as a bit arrogant, over opinionated, and somewhat of a jerk, all of which I have found rather endearing but it was overplayed in the movie and his condescending attitude toward Silvan Elves I simply do not think he would have been like that! But I think Lee Pace did a pretty good job and he looked about how I pictured Thranduil from all the reading I have done over the years.
Author's reply
It turns out Thranduil agrees with you about Maltanaur! Ithilden is having his own hard time.
I haven't seen Desolation of Smaug yet. We're planning to go on Christmas Day. I'm so excited to see it. I'd heard that Thranduil was portrayed as kind of a jerk, which annoys me. It's like the portrayal of Elrond in LOTR. In Tolkien, he's "kind as summer" but you couldn't have told that from the movie. Oh well. PJ has given us so much that I hate to criticize. I intend to enjoy it big time. :-)
endorearwen
· 30 July 2013
· Chapter 11: Not Alone
Angst indeed! What a gripping story, Daw! There was so much struggle in these he-elves as they slowly resigned themselves to the permanency of their mother's loss. Then, in the end when it had slowly and necessarily come to pass, I felt such sorrow for them! The amazing way in which you illustrated Eilian's personal growth, the revelation of Legolas' innocent self-recriminations, and Thranduil's calm acceptance of all the changes he is left to manage alone - all so very eloquently and touchingly written! One could not help but feel the need in this all male household of that tender insight that a woman's presence lends to such a family... I find myself drawn to Ithilden the most and would love to steal the use of him from you for a story line that getting to know him better has inspired! Behind the leader you have created, there is a vulnerable side that I hope to see more of as I move to the next story in the list! I cannot wait to see what happens next to this Royal Family! :-) PS - the reviews are honest and I'm glad that you have received as much pleasure from reading my thoughts as I have received from reading yours!!
Author's reply
This family lost a lot when Lorellin died. They get better but the effects are long lasting. Ithilden keeps his vulnerability hidden or tries to. I think of him as having a great need for control, and he doesn't live in a very controllable world. But he keeps at it. You have to admire the guy.
I love having someone new come along and enjoy these stories. Thank you for telling me.
daw
Red Squirrel
· 24 July 2013
· Chapter 1: Left Alone
Can I just say that I like these good Ada Thranduil stories? So sad for Legolas to lose the most important person in his life! Plus his Ada has a very demanding job that takes up alot of his time so he must feel so lost. Poor little guy. And poor Thranduil left alone in all this mess. The details of Lorellin's death are horrible. I think if I were Thranduil I would, even in the depth of my grief, still be a bit angry at her for not waiting for the escort. The consequences of her riding out are devestating. But it does seem like something she would do. Her family is clearly devestated and is struggling to pick of the pieces of their live and go forward.
Author's reply
If I were Thranduil, I'd definitely be angry once in a while. When my son was little, I didn't feel I had the right to put myself in risky situations. He needed me too much. But that's Lorellin. She and Eilian are much alike, which is one source of trouble between Eilian and his father.
Magicfeather
· 29 March 2008
· Chapter 8: Forbidden Excursions
I have probably read all your stories at least twice over, but it's only just occurred to me that I have never left a review :P I think it's just one of those things I keep intending to do, but by the time I get to the end of a chapter, I skip it in order to read the next one!
I am absolutely in love with this series; your characters are so real, that I keep forgetting that they're not canon. By the time I had read the first few of stories, they already seemed like old friends, especially Legolas' family and his wonderful brothers - you have a real gift at creating flawed yet admirable characters, that you can't help falling in love with. Though I have to admit, when you killed off Sinnarn in 'Spring of Joy' I was weeping; he was my favourite character! I haven't felt that bad since my dog died, but I suppose that is just a sign of how brilliant your writing is.
I also adore your protrayal of canon characters, especially Legolas and Thranduil. Your Thranduil is not only very kingly and impressive, but you make him into such a loving father as well! Although I must admit, Thranduil has made me laugh hysterically at times when I suspect you intended to be quite serious! When Ithilden is talking to Thranduil about why Legolas wants a sword, Thranduil's line 'But that doesn't make any sense' had me laughing for five minutes straight - I love how you make him so shrewd as a king and a competent warrior, but so clueless when it comes to the inner workings of a child's mind! Although, I suppose that could just be a sign of his age; it's been so long since he was a child, I suppose it really doesn't make sense to him anymore.
Anyway, I will stop here as the length of this review is getting out of hand - my own fault for waiting so long :( I hope you continue with this series, as it has giving me many hours of enjoyment and has a firm place at the top end of my Favourites list! Thank you very much for what you have already written and for whatever you will write next!
Author's reply
I was dragging tonight, Magicfeather, and your review came and made me feel better.
You know, I'd always thought of Sinnarn as a minor character. And then I killed him. Oh man, did I get a response on that one. Plus I felt bad for days. Fortunately, Bodkin felt so bad that she asked me if she could write a story in which he's reincarnated in Valinor and I jumped right on it. It's on this site under Bodkin's name, of course. It's called "In the West." It'll make you happier about Sinnarn, I think. I know it did me.
When I first started writing about Thranduil, there was a fad in LOTR fanfic to show him as an abusive father, which seemed silly to me. First, he's an elf. But beyond that, the Legolas we see in LOTR didn't look to me to be the child an abusive parent. So I wanted Thranduil to be a good father. But I'm a parent and I know that even good ones fail to understand their kids sometimes, and Thranduil was just not in sync with little Legolas! LOL.
Thank you for taking the time to tell me you're enjoying the stories, Magicfeather. I needed that.
pipinheart
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 5: Dancing with Memories
I think thier father is harsh on his Middle son, he dosen't want to listen as he talks about what Legolas needs...
Author's reply
Thranduil has trouble with Eilian. The two of them just seem to rub one another the wrong way, and it's very painful for both of them but especially for Eilian, I think. He's less sure of himself than he looks. He needs reassurance and love, and I think that's one reason his relationship with Legolas is so good for him.
pipinheart
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting into Trouble Abroad
I feel Eilian, he wants to fight, but his brother dosen't see his side of it...kinda stuck in the middle of it all...
Author's reply
Eilian is temporarily a little deranged. In his desire for vengeance, he doesn't have good control over himself and that can be dangerous. And Ithilden has already lost his mother so he's taking no chances! But I feel for Eilian too.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 3: Getting into Trouble at Home
Daw!
I so enjoy reading your stories. I thought the moment when Thranduil takes Legolas in his lap and feeds him the meat pie. I don't remember if that was this chapter or the first one, but I really loved that moment. You could really sense Thranduil's pain, both his own and the fact it upsets and worries him that Legolas is so upset. Your deft handling of the subtle signs of grief in the entire family is a joy to read. I really felt for poor little Legolas when he was absentmindedly eating from Thranduil's hand. The connection between Thranduil and Legolas simply jumps off the page.
I like the way Eilan chooses to display his grief in a different and entirely believable way, risk-taking. Your characters display such complex emotions and you delinate the characters and their grief with great skills.
MM
Author's reply
Thank you for your comments here. I wrote this story a while ago, but I'm still pretty fond of it. You're a writer. You know how it is. :-)
One of the things I've thought of about writing this story is how hard it is to write children well. I don't know why people think that stories about children are simple.
And I have to admit that I love my own OCs shamelessly. You know how THAT is too!
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 11: Not Alone
That was touching that Thranduil begins to feel Lorellin's presence again while in the middle of a loving moment with Legolas. And thank goodness Eilian got a hug out of his ada! Two, even! That's what he needed! Too bad it took the situation with Celuwen to wake Thranduil up and make him realize the kid was hurting. Poor Eilian. Too old to be comforted and too young to be taken seriously.
Well, I've taken up just about enough of your attention while you are fielding reviews for "Good Neighbors" so I guess I'll go jump on that bandwagon next...
Author's reply
Eilian needs to be loved. Fortunately there are volunteers!
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 10: Battles
Gelmir is a fun sidekick. So Eilian has one previous success in winning an argument with Ithilden, eh? His shock at Ithilden giving in and his quip about Arda ending were cute, too. It's good to see Ithilden and Eilian getting along better. Eilian will get to go back to the Southern Patrol where he belongs and everyone is happy. So just when we have that unpleasantness wrapped up, here comes Solith! Oh, good grief. I have to say, based on Solith's recollection of Eilian's youthful misdeeds I wouldnt' let Eilian marry my daughter, either. Eilians' reaction to Solith's question about whether he was ready to give up being a warrior and take up macrame and medicinal marijuana cultivation was lovely. Yeah, it never occurs to him he'll have to make any sacrifices! That'll be a long time coming.
Author's reply
I think my characterization of Ithilden has suffered because I haven't given him a friend like Gelmir or Annael. So we don't see him outside of his role as much until he marries Alfirin.
Solith certainly knows how to spoil a party! Poor Eilian. But he is really pretty unrealistic.
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 9: Discoveries
Legolas considered this. “What if you are busy being king?”
Thranduil hesitated. He tried to be as honest with his children as he expected them to be with him. “Sometimes then, you will have to wait. But I think that sometimes I will have to tell my advisors that I am busy being Ada.”
Aww. That's sweet.
Thranduil seems to be catching on, and restraining himself from putting Eilian down for once! His comment about never seeing anyone so happy to have something to swing a scimitar at was funny. And Eilian is a remarkably forgiving type. He's just so happy to be allowed on the mission, and it's not really in his nature to sulk, I think. His natural state of being is happiness.
I have to check to see if this is the last chapter...
Author's reply
Two more actually.
I think you're right. Eilian's natural state of being is happiness. He's optimistic and generous and loving. But he's just a bad match for his father and his mother is dead.
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Forbidden Excursions
Ahem. Rolly says hi.
Where was I? Oh, yeah. Ithilden gets invited in for a nice cozy chat with wine again, and will undoubtedly get credit for his enormouse INSIGHT into Legolas's problems; meanwhile Eilian is just a big problem for everyone.
Ithilden and Thranduil keep having these big grown-up alcoholic male-bonding sessions, and Legolas keeps getting hugs and night-night kisses, and Eilian just keeps getting pushed aside. Poor Eilian.
Author's reply
Hi, Rolly! You're not getting cat hair in the keyboard, are you?
Yeah, I know, poor Eilian. This is one reason he needs Legolas so much.
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Forbidden Excursions
"and you could not have saved Nana even if you had had a sword. Believe me. I know." They sat for a moment in silence.
"But I will be a warrior some day," Legolas murmured into Ithilden's tunic.
Ithilden's grip tightened again. "Probably you will," he said, and to Legolas's ears, he sounded sad.
Oh, that is sad.
Now, onward -
Ithilden shrugged. "Perhaps it is all connected," he said.
Oh, sure. This is going to be like a STROKE OF GENIUS
Author's reply
See I knew you were going to be that way! You Eilian lover you!
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Forbidden Excursions
Legolas looked at him wonderingly. Sometimes he did not understand grown ups. Of course a dagger was dangerous. He knew that. That was why he wanted one.
ROTFL!!!
I'm sorry; I have to do this one in two parts. Up until now the recurring reference to Turgon's getting a sword has been simply amusing; now things are getting serious. And poor Eilian - again nobody wants to listen to him. Legolas's sudden fascination with bladed weapons is intriguing, and again you nailed his boyish curiosity about the contents of his older brothers' rooms. I liked his observation that Eilain's room was less interesting than Ithilden's because Ithilden usually put everything away. ROTFL again!
Author's reply
I knew there was a reason I liked you, Meckinock! I thought that line was hilarious and I swear no one commented on it!
Again this is the kind of chapter I love writing. Getting into this kid's head is so much fun. The most bizarre things seem natural.
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 7: Going Home
The bread and jam scene was just adorable. You have an amazing ability to see the world through a child's eyes and focus on the things a child thinks are important - like being able to smear his own bread with jam and getting it right up to the edges. It was cute when Thranduil showed up and Legolas got jam all over his cloak. And their father-son bonding session at the pond was sweet. The one I still feel bad for is Eilian. When Ithilden shows up, he has a nice reunion with Legolas and Thranduil and they have that nice banter about the pony, and then he gets invited back to the den for wine and adult discussion. Thranduil makes one half-heartd stab at chastising him for countermanding his orders and then backs down. Eilian would have spent a week on his knees for a stunt like that!
Author's reply
I loved writing about the "orcs" shrieking down the hall and "attacking" Annael's mother. I've been there! Three little boys in the house and the noise is bouncing off the wall. But then they're warriors, which I take as a sign of progress anyway.
If you're sympathizing with Eilian now, I can't imagine what you're going to do when you see how Thranduil reacts to *Ithilden's* insights about Legolas.
meckinock
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Coming to One's Senses
Wow, I don't think I've seen Ithilden being quite such an ass before! So he thinks he's going to keep Eilian out of the Southern Patrol? Hmmm. That should be interesting. I hope his revelation about not being able to control everything brings him to his senses. It was amusing that Maltanaur deprived him of the opportunity to summon him to the "having it out" session. Go Maltanaur!
Celuwen and Eilian's little make-out session was lovely. Too bad we have to wait a few hundred years for the real thing.
Author's reply
Go Maltanaur indeed. Boy did Ithilden need to hear that! And he needs to go home and he needs to get a damn grip on himself! Although in some ways, he's got way too tight a grip. Poor guy.
"The real thing." Yes. I enjoyed writing that too, scary as it was to post it!