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Coming Home  by French Pony 8 Review(s)
Eruanneth_LuinReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/23/2004
Thankfully the Elves of Eryn Lasgalen have made a comeback and certainly deserve a victory feast. The arrival at last of the well-worn Legolas completed the picture of a realm recovering from the brink of defeat.

Thank you for a wonderful tale.


LOTR loverReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/20/2004
Sigh. Thank you, French Pony. I love Thranduil, and he is just perfect here. *Of course* this is what he was doing during/after the War of the Ring. No doubt about it.

IthilienReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/16/2004
I am long overdue to review this story, but I will not forego it. Good storytelling deserves praise, and this story is definitely in that category.

First, let me say that I have thought of this story often since reading it, mostly because it seems true to Thranduil's character. You have painted him in such a subtle stroke of brush that he comes off as very realistic. He is strong, resilient, patient and a leader. But he also is flawed, and he recognizes his flaws and is, like most of us, working to fix them. He is not cocky or abrasive as he is often portrayed, but more even and sure of himself and I really like him this way. At the same time, I can see how others might see him in a different light, and that just molds him into a more full figure. Nice! Very nice!

At the heart of this story is his worry for his people. I feel his concern. It must be hard to see his community decimated. It sounds too that this group of elves is unlike their Rivendell or Lothlorien cousins. I can imagine they have lost a great deal, and I was glad to see the arrival of Celeborn offering aid. It really was wonderful to see the elves pulling together, but more, I liked seeing that this group of elves were somewhat vulnerable in a way that those other two are not. And though the Galadhrim have the ring to help contribute their aid, Thranduil doesn't seem to begrudge them this. Again, a nice change. But there we have some of his stubborn pride, for Thranduil of course must insist on repayment of that help.

Celeborn comes off quite elegantly in this, accepting this payment, but no doubt knowing it will not be something they will be keeping for long. I can imagine in his musings he might be saying, 'perhaps we might clean up the place a bit before we depart these lands.'

And under it all is the concern for Legolas. I think that is the thing that pressed the hardest on the subtext of this story. We want to see Thranduil's worries alleved, but we also want to see how he will deal with not knowing. I think that by itself made this a very intriguing study.

Lovely job overall. I will look forward to reading more of your work.

MarnieReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/20/2003
Fabulous end to a great story! Sorry I missed reviewing the chapters in between, but this was amusing and touching equally, and a very good portrayal of Thranduil, who tends to get rather sidelined as 'father of Legolas' in most stories. I was wondering if you would mind if I put it on my site? Either the story itself or a link to it? I don't think I've ever seen a better 'after the war' story than this.

Oh, my website is here:

http://www.apwl75.dsl.pipex.com/lotrfic/elfportraits.html

in case you want to check it out first

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/19/2003
I have often thought about what it must have been like for Legolas to come home after the War of the Ring.....and this captures the emotion of it nicely.

FadesintothewestReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/19/2003
I was mighty touched by the end of your story, and whole-heartedly agree that our Thranduil is indeed one of the most vivid Elves to be found amongst Tolkien's work, and I am glad I was able to share in your vision of this great King!

TolkienFanReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/18/2003
Very nice story! And I'm so pleased that Thranduil got what he most wanted at the end - seeing his beloved son safe.

Thank you!

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/18/2003
Great finish. Even the author's note was interesting and vivid. Thank you for a wonderful story.

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