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| The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden | 6 Review(s) |
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| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 12/23/2025 |
| “Estel had the feeling as he looked into the Ranger’s eyes that he was talking about more than the current tour of the Ettenmoors, but he could not fathom what that might be. It reminded him of the look of longing he would see on his mother’s face watching him when she thought he was not looking. Likewise, it gave him the most curious feeling, like he should know something, but he did not know what.“ Aha ah. Indeed. He is not that old though, because I thought he was younger than Gilraen. “Erithain had wanted to say “love” but he did not trust himself to use the word for fear that his emotions might break through his restraints and show much more than could be explained at this time.” That sentence is very thought—er emotion provoking! In a good way! “Maybe you can come to Rivendell and visit! Adar would welcome you, I’m sure.” Naneth would more, I am even more certain. :) “Erithain closed his eyes against the flare of pain in his heart and prayed to the Valar for the strength to turn down the invitation in a dignified fashion. “I would love that, but I-I’m afraid that will not be possible.” It broke his heart to see the refusal darken his nephew’s grey eyes with disappointment as he tried to shrug it off as if it really did not matter.” turn down the invitation in a dignified fashion—nice phrase, and unfortunately Erithain has to do this. Perhaps it will be more fortunate in the long run. :) Estel smiled and then sobered, “Do you think they will ever restore their kingdom?” His older brother looked at him somberly and then said, “I think they will. It is what they live for and I think it will happen someday.” Estel returned the look, “I hope so.” “I know so,” his brother replied and under his breath Estel heard him utter, “Or we are all lost.” This muttered statement frightened Estel and filled him with a sense of foreboding, but he did not mention it anymore to his Elven brother. He did not wish to worry him needlessly.” Oh boy. Estel, always have hope, know your destiny, take it. “There he saw abject misery, pain and a growing rage. Elrohir had seen that look in his brother’s eye only once before. When he had seen what the Orcs had done to Celebrian, their beloved mother” Oh boy. Is this when Legolas rescues Estel? “Do you remember nothing of the oath we took at the Coming of Age? You heard those very same words at Estel’s Coming of Age. ‘You were born to fight against evil, but never with evil in your heart.’ Can you honestly say evil had not entered your heart at that moment? Can you?” Ooh! Elrohir rescues his brother! Good! “Two strong yet smooth hands held him in place as the surprised voice said, “You speak Sindarin? And you wear the garb of an Elf and yet as I see by your ears you are not an Elf. Curious, my friend. Who are you?” Opening his eyes, Estel focused upon a gleam of blond, plaited hair falling over a shoulder and a concerned, slightly confused countenance surveying him. He struggled into a semi-sitting position and looked around with great effort. “I am called Estel, foster son to Lord Elrond of Rivendell.” “Foster-son you say? I did not know that Lord Elrond took in those were not Elves.” The elf said with a slightly dismissive tone.” Hoho Legolas! I am slightly surprised he doesn’t know that Elrond taught/raised at least some of the Heirs. “I am Legolas Thrandulion, youngest son to King Thranduil of Mirkwood. At your service,” he said, touching his heart in welcome. “As to why we are here, I can only answer for me. The Orcs wish to gain my Adar’s acquiescence. They think to do this by keeping me here.” Here he lowered his voice, “What they do not realize is that nothing is more important to my Adar than Mirkwood. He will not bow and I will be left here, unless I can make my own way out.” Oh boy. So Legolas is hostage. I also forgot your Thranduil and Legolas did not start in the best of terms—I suppose it may be thus when one has two older brothers. But it also reminds me strongly of Denethor/Faramir. “Elven pride, he mused, would appear to be universal.” True; I cannot think of any without a great deal except possibly Luthien and Arwen, which is interesting. Nimrodel and co. I guess, but similar reasons. “I do not wish to imply that my Adar does not care for me. That would be untrue. He loves me very much," Sometimes too much, Legolas thought though he quickly squelched that disloyal thought. His father had his reasons for his decisions, Legolas understood this. He continued out loud. "But he is driven by his desire to do what is right for his kingdom. Having any dealing with Orcs is something that he would never do.” Right. Slightly less Denethor, I think. Legolas sounding like both Elrond and his own father is interesting. Oh good, Elladan found Estel’s sword and bow—I was about to comment on there being missing. Oooh, Legolas’s whole family is about to look for him, and his usually calm brother is angry on his behalf. | |
| Nurayy | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/2/2021 |
| I loved to see what has grown between Estel and Erithain. How much respect and affection...and love. Estel might not know consciously, but he feels the bond. That was very touching. I love those emotional parts, and you seem to like writing them a lot :) Oh no, Estel got caught! Do that's where he meets Legolas, so glad to see him. And I think Estel really needs him... Although y what you hint to it is not the first time for Legolas to be at the mercy of orcs, and the previous experience(s) must have been dreadful. But Thranduil is on his way, and he is in rage, and the twins are trying to find Estel too. I hope help will reach soon. Author Reply: Nurayy!! Thanks for writing! I did really enjoy bringing Estel and Erithain together and allowing their relationship. Like I said we must consider every thing Erithain has given up almost the whole life that he had. And yes this is the chapter where a band is forged between Legolas and Aragon that I speak of in "Reunion." They will grow from this experience. Thranduil in full wroth is a quite a scene. Sorry if this doesn't make any sense I was writing late at night. Stay Safe (((hugs))) MM | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/6/2020 |
| At least Estel is not alone in the dark, and he has the best of companions with him for the moment's dangers. Love the bond that has grown between Estel and his unadmitted uncle. Author Reply: Larner! I really liked the idea of Estel meeting as many of the Fellowship as he could when he was young. And Estel having to stand on his own two feet with his foster brothers there. Kind of a coming of age. It did my heart good when writing this story to be able to reunite Uncle and nephew and let them get to know each other before Estel goes back to the Dunedain Author Reply: Hope all is well with you and yours! and thank you for writing! MM | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 11/9/2005 |
| A wonderful meeting between two who become very close on the quest. We don't know that the two of them had met before the quest, but neither do we know that they didn't. At least neither of Elrond's sons became their enemy there in their initial search. Author Reply: I think I was influenced somewhat by the films in my desire to depict a close relationship between Aragorn and Legolas. In the Book as you say we do not know one way or another. Also I thought Estel needed a situation where he was on his own away from his family to face danger on his own and learn that he can stand on his own two feet so I combined this with my idea of meeting him up with the longer living characters that of the Nine Walkers! Glad you liked it! MM | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/25/2005 |
| Great stuff. What an exciting chapter! I think my favourite part was Elladan seeing the crown upon Estel’s head. It was such a lovely image and, I think, would mean mixed emotions for Elladan – it’s good to know that Aragorn will fulfil his destiny, yet it can never be an easy journey. I like your description of the Dunedain too, “unchanged, steadfastly working and hoping for the days that would see the return of the king”. It really sums them up and makes them seem so loyal and noble. Poor Erithain. In a position he never wanted and unable to pass it on to its rightful heir. You do a great job showing how much he already loves Estel and his humble pride in him. I love the idea that Estel seems to have responded with immediate respect and affection to Erithain too. Estel is very perceptive. It’s probably best that they part now or I imagine he would begin to piece things together. I really liked the description of Erithain as having a “quiet strength about him and a way of giving confidence and comfort to his people.” It could almost be describing a future Aragorn. LOL at Elrohir frightening the life out of Erithain by suddenly appearing behind him! I’m glad Elladan and Erithain parted well. They are each still hurting but at least they realise to some extent that the other is too. My heart was in my mouth for the entire part with the Orc attack. I couldn’t believe they carried Estel away! The moment with Elladan threatening the Orc and then Elrohir killing it was just so intense. Those twins, and especially Elladan it would seem, must be feeling such anger and anguish. Elrohir’s fight to bring his brother back from the brink of despair was so touching. ‘You were born to fight against evil, but never with evil in your heart.’ Wow. “Shh-shh! Lie still” came a lyrical voice in Sindarin accented Westron.” Well, look who it is!! I just adore your elves. You write them so well and just when I had become comfortable with the ones of Rivendell, you present us with a wonderful…well, elfy… Legolas! I love how open Legolas is and there’s a sense of merriness to him even in these circumstances. You’ve really kept him in character. And you’ve created a very interesting situation here with the Orcs trying to deal with Thranduil. I was so, so surprised by Legolas’ belief that he would have to stay there unless he escaped himself because his father would do nothing to endanger his people. And then you let us see what was happening in Mirkwood! I could really feel Thranduil’s fury. Those Orcs will be sorry. I just loved the last line of that part: “They were ready to do battle with verminous forces that dared capture Legolas, youngest and most beloved.” Very powerful. Legolas’ calm in battle is amazing to see and I really like that at the same time he is so tender towards Estel and offers him some comfort. Poor Estel is having a hell of a time. “The darkness is so complete, Legolas. Keep whispering so that I may know that I am not alone.” Crikey, this whole piece is full of great lines! Very well-written as always. Keep writing! :-) | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/25/2005 |
| I particularly enjoyed the parts of this about Estel and the Dunedain. That's such an intriguing topic for me because it's so unexplored. I'm less a fan of Estel & Legolas friendship stories but you do it well. I can just picture Thranduil's rage. And the twins must really be suffering. Author Reply: Daw! I am fascinated by Estel's relationship with the Dunedain and the Dunedain themselves, actually. How a people could remain so steadfastly dedicated to one noble purpose for so long is very interesting. Probably why I'm writing this piece of fanfic! :-)) I thought it would be interesting to depict Legolas as the son having a completely different expectation of what Thranduil would do than what his father is actually preparing to do. Legolas, like many of us, doesn't recognize his own worth in his father's eye. The twins love Estel. For Elladan, specially there is a very strong bond between him and Estel. And it is on his watch that Estel is kidnapped, especially after he specifically promised Erithain that he take care of his nephew. Thanks for reading and reviewing! MM | |