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Interrupted Journeys 12: To Fall into Shadow by elliska	10 Review(s)
Marianel	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/11/2015
Who is that person in the storerooms?!!!!Is it Tulus?!! Naaah if so he must have taken leave of his sences! Or who indeed? The tension the tension! This chapter my day and my new year truly.:) and Im so happy for Legolas family who seem to be having Thranduil slowly back.Im touched that all of the house seems to accept Legolas and Galitils doings and its heartwarming to see the loyalty.Legolas was impressive when he handled Manadien, you couldnt have written it better:) Im equally impressed with you as usual! Take cAre and happy new year! Author Reply: As usual, I am sorry to be so slow. You will find out who that person is in the next chapter, so I will not drop hints. :-) And I'm glad you enjoyed Legolas and Galithil. It is fun writing them as almost adults facing adult responsibilities. And more fun to write Thranduil coming around,even if slowly. Thank you so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much!

cbellea	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/10/2015
Elliska! It's been a while since I've checked this story, so I was so pleased to find several chapters already posted since I last read the story. So I guess I will make this review be for not only this chapter, but the ones I missed as well (sorry about that)! So Manadhien did have some sort of magic ring- that makes perfect sense. You have really made sure to understand Tolkien's world- I am so impressed that you managed to incorporate the Gwaith-i-Mirdain into your story. I feel like it's rare to come across someone who knows the history of the rings of power or the elves so well- I certainly have learned a lot about Middle Earth and it's history just from reading your story! Can this lesser ring that Manadhien has be destroyed by any fire? It wasn't created in Mount Doom right? So it doesn't have to be destroyed there? I am so glad that Helindilme came back to help Thranduil. And that he is stirring in his sleep- he must be quite an alarming sight with half his hair shaved off. The great elven king at a moment of pure weakness - even if he is unconscious during this time, I feel like this event has added another layer to his character. We finally get to see him when he is at his most vulnerable state. I am also very proud that Legolas (as well as Galithil) are taking so much responsibility, and how they are commanding respect from both the king's counselors as well as the public. Regarding Tulus- poor poor Tulus! You have really written a hard life for him! I am still holding hope that you take mercy on poor Tulus and that he gets the happy ending he deserves someday!! In terms of the traitor- oh! I am so curious as to who it is! It can't be someone too close to Legolas- because he did not know the name of Legolas' guard. And yet, he is familiar enough with the stronghold and Legolas to be confident he can steal the keys. It also seems like he is quite a young elf- because he is so easily intimidated and scared of Manadhien (I almost feel bad for him. I wish he could come to his senses as not let himself be controlled by his fear of Manadhien. I wish he would realize that if she remains locked up, he would probably be better off)? But anyways, could it be Noruil? I feel like that would be way too obvious. And I would hope Dannenion and Dolwon would have learned their lessons before.. How about Brethil? I am not sure why Brethil would suddenly turn on his sister (Dolganion's wife if I remember correctly) or Legolas, but he was in the stronghold before Legolas ordered the gates to be closed. And he would know the stronghold and Legolas well enough.. Could it be Tureden? But no, he is Legolas' guard, one who is suppose to watch over Manadhien, so if it was him, he wouldn't have to hide from the guards..Ahh I am so curious! I am literally going through all the elves who got into the stronghold before the doors closed! I hope that whoever he is, he and Manadhien get caught, and that they put Manadhien's case to rest for good! And of course, I am still worried for Lindomiel...especially with this traitor around. Author Reply: I'm so sorry to be so slow! I'm glad you're still enjoying! And I'm glad you're enjoying Tolkien's history in here. I think the thing I love most about Tolkien is the depth of history that he created and the weight it adds to his world building. So I love to use it. I can't kill Thranduil. That's canon (not that I'd want to because I love his character). But Legolas's journey (the hero's journey) virtually requires the loss of the 'mentor' so that the hero can grow. So there are multiple times in this story where Legolas has to act outside of Thranduil's influence. Those are fun because Legolas has to really struggle. And it is really hard to see one's parent in such a state. It is all good (I won't say fun, because it's hard) to write. :-) Poor Tulus indeed. His story isn't over yet. That's all I'll say. And our traitor. That is revealed in the next chapter, so I'll keep my mouth shut. Thank you so much for the reviews. I really appreciate them so much!

Zardi	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/7/2015
So happy to see another chapter! I just loved that Legolas went from commanding the meeting one minute, to worrying about his mother's reaction the very next. It shows that, despite his confidence and his competence, he is still a kid. I wonder if it bothers Lindomiel at all that he feels this need to protect her, considering she is many, many times older than he is and has seen him at his most vulnerable. It's a natural instinct anyway, of course. You've got me wondering what I've missed, because I can't figure out who the new insider is! Someone young, I'm thinking, based on his skittishness and ability to get close to Legolas. I mean, not one of the cousins, but maybe one of the trainees. Or maybe I'm completely wrong. I'm going to be giving everyone the side-eye in the next chapter! Author Reply: I'm so sorry to be so slow! I'm glad you enjoyed Legolas's commanding and youthful sides. I think that would be natural. He has to step up. He knows that. But he is still a child. It would have to be hard. I am certain that it drives Lindomiel absolutely up the walls that the household is so protective of her. She can defend herself. But she is Legolas's mother and it is his instinct to protect her. And everyone else in the stronghold would rather throw themselves into Mount Doom than face Thranduil if anything should happen to her. She knows that and accepted it long ago. It does not govern her actions though, as we will see. The insider will be revealed in the next chapter, so I will say nothing about that. Thanks so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much!

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/7/2015
Gosh, there is not a time that I completed a chapter and get worried than when I started. Who the hell is the spy? And how they don't remember that you can get out of the stronghold via caves, via tapestries...For some reason, I think that the spy is Aewen, but then, she is Dollion's daughter, should not be really her. Legolas was beyond good, he was extraordinary, his Father's son. Love his actions regarding the prisoners, incredible. And him thinking about security and not willing to truest anyone, was just perfect The family reunion was good and the family around Thranduil even better. The healer's curriculum described by Legolas was very good, if she ever needs to apply for a job should write that down. Please, update soon. Still sick, got surgery, I have read and re-read the whole site. I miss the old time, when everybody was posting... Great, great chapter as ever...more!!!!! Author Reply: So sorry to be so slow. Hehe! I'm glad you're worried. The spy will be revealed next chapter. Not everyone knows about the doors. Only the family, King's Guard and Maidhien know they exist--and even the family doesn't know about all of the doors. The door out the back of the stronghold only Thranduil, Lindomiel, Hallion and Dolgailon are supposed to know about. Legolas, Galithil and Maidhien know about it because Galithil found it. And of course Fuilin knew about it, because he saw Legolas use it... And only the family (the immediate family plus Hallion, as steward) can open them. But yeah, those doors are about to become really important. I'm glad you liked Legolas. He did do very well. Thranduil will be proud. The family reunion was the hardest part of this chapter to write by far. I'm glad you liked it. And gosh I hope you feel better soon! I agree with you about missing the old days. Sigh! Thanks so much for the reviews. I really appreciate them so much!

Naledi	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/7/2015
Ooh - just when I thought the danger was past, it turns out that Manadhien still has someone inside the palace under her control. I dread to think who it is, because it sounds like someone close to Legolas. I also worry about Aewen, now that Manadhien has witnessed her closeness to Legolas. I loved how Legolas took control of the meetings, though. He's really come into his own in this tale. I'm looking forward to Thranduil recovering enough to realise what a good leader his son is turning into. And at least you gave us some hope at the end that all will be well with Thranduil. But Tulus...along with other reviewers, I'm not convinced that he's dead. Great chapter! As ever, I look forward to the next :) Author Reply: I'm so sorry to be so slow! Oh, the danger is far from past, as you'll see. I'm glad you liked Legolas. He is doing very well in a difficult place and the adults around him are honoring that because he is proving himself so capable. The scene with Thranduil recognizing how well Legolas has done is written and fully edited. It was a lot of fun to write! As for your guesses about what will happen to who, I'm going to be mean and drop no hints. Thanks so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!

Morn	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/7/2015
Always great to see a new post of this. New laptop is here now (my christmas present to myself haha) so much easier to leave reviews and hopefully will do so without all they typos this time! You're right about the expense and time consuming transferring everything over! Hope life is treating you well. Well, they've all (but one) made it back so some of my fears were unfounded I guess. Although the idea of keeping the enemy within your own stronghold, even under lock and key, always seems ill thought out. You spend all your time fortifying it to keep any enemies out and then carry one in through the front door. With her spy in there, not to mention the wood elves poor record with prisoners (They've lost Glilavan once in this story, then they'll go on to lose the dwarves and Gollum!) I'm expecting a breakout very soon. I'm enjoying all the nods to the Lord of the Rings, with Marti's ring. I suppose that would answer the question of why Elrond sent Legolas...first hand experience of at least attempting to destroy the ring. Even in such a serious situation, I really enjoyed the interactions with the family and the fact that Legolas and they, even in such a serious setting, managed to make light of it. Galithil's jokes, even Engwe's comment about kindling and their winding him up in Thranduil's rooms. His reaction to the wolf comments made me laugh out loud. It makes it seem like such a familiar, proper family when you can even tease each other in dark times as well as light. And, of course, glad to see Thranduil at least starting to recover. By coincidence, I read this chapter just before going to see the new Hobbit. While the effects and footage are certainly impressive, his version of Thranduil left much to be desired. But I was thinking of how, from the same little bits of information of these characters (with neither Legolas or the Elvenking being such huge characters in the books as they are in the films), it is amazing how different our interpretations can be. I did truly enjoy the film (although that last scene between Thranduil and Legolas had me literally grinding my teeth, how different to the Elvenking's parting blessing and jest to Bilbo in the book!) Sorry for the long review, only realised how long that looks once I'd got it written down. Abbreviated version: great chapter, can't wait for the next. ;) Author Reply: Wow, you are taking about Christmas in your review and it is almost St. Patrick's Day. I am so sorry to be so slow! Hooray for a new laptop! I hope you've enjoyed it! It might be time for you to ramp your fears back up. That's all I'll say. Because you're right--keeping a dangerous prisoner in the house is...dangerous! I'm glad you enjoy the family interactions. They are my favorite part to write! I enjoyed the movies too. They were a good fan fiction. Most of the characters, especially Bilbo, the dwarves and Gandalf, of course, were awesome. There were aspects of Thranduil's character that I liked. And I liked how Lee Pace played how Thranduil was written. But yeah, I didn't like that last scene. It made perfect sense in the fanfic PJ wrote. But it wasn't my cup of tea, either for Thranduil or Legolas's characterization (I was actually more disappointed with Legolas's lack of loyalty to his king than Thranduil's choices). I would have at least liked to see the parting words with Bilbo. We needed to see Bilbo named Elf Friend. Thanks so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!

curiouswombat	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/7/2015
How good to see another chapter - thank you. I was interested by the chapter title - and could see where it has come from by the end of the chapter... there is no real peace yet, but at least, from Thranduil, a sign of hope. And of course, you leave us with a real puzzle to occupy us; who does Manadhien still have a hold over? And what can that hold be? And I am still wondering whether Tulus is really dead... Author Reply: Thank you for your patience with me being so slow these days! I do apologize for it. Yeah, no real peace yet. Just a lull in the storm really. I'm not dropping any hints to your questions :-) because the next chapter answers some of them. Thanks so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!

indigo	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/6/2015
Oh thank God for another chapter! That was a freakin long wait. But I'm glad of course. I hope you will post more. It's really nice to see a fanfic like yours after watching the final hobbit movie. I was quite disappointed with how PJ wrote characterization of Thanduil, Legolas and their relationship and Silvan kingdom. There are so many contradictions and Thranduil & Legolas probably had the biggest character departure from the book. I think they were really trying to let us see the bad side of the elves. Acting esp lee pace, was great all around but the story has so many changes. Well I prefer your story really. hahaha! What do you think of the last movie? As for you latest chap, it's great as usual. It's good that you're taking time and not fast tracking everything. Love the details. You've set the tone well. I'll go with the serious ones first. Those kids have grown up so fast. It'll be a struggle for them to go back to their normal lives after this. I'd wonder how you will transition them without taking so much from their remaining childhood years. Also, it's nice to see how loyal the elves are to the royal family, even to the point of acknowledging Legolas possible reign. His position and place in the realm has become more evident that there seems to be an understanding among his friends as well. Everyone is giving him due respect already. The managing of prisoners is done well too. It does take more courage to spare one's life or at least give more thinking, before swinging the sword at once. Glilivan is on the good path. Hopefully, he will continue so and when Tulus turns up, at least something good would come out of all his effort to redeem his son. I still have high hopes that Tulus is alive. I have a feeling you will address that in you next chapter. Something tells me that Radagast will wind up finding him or him finding a way to live or some elves helping him out. You can't just leave his story hanging after all the good character building. The magical ring is a good learning lesson for legolas. It prepares him for what he'll face in the future. I wonder how they'll destroy it and how it will affect the people and events in the remaining chapters of this story (12th). As for thranduil, I wonder how you'll make things for him after he recovers. I mean normally, if something physically happened to ones head, there's ought to be some changes in one's head - memory, personality and all. Does that apply to elves? haha! I feel like it doesn't, given that elves are different and their minds are different as well. But I'm sure that there's some effect somehow even in a short time or during recovery time. If so, how would he handle a trial, etc? "You certainly know Legolas well enough to easily get close enough to him to steal them. I know you do." Oh this is good. This gives us clues. First, it's a male. So it definitely removes all other possible female antagonists, e.g. wives of Dannenion and Dolwon. Second, it has to be someone who is inside the stronghold since legolas asked it to be closed. Third, he knows Legolas well enough so it has to be someone who knew him but I doubt he's close. Fourth, he should be also known for accessing the palace kitchen at night - "getting into the kitchen, especially at night, was never terribly difficult". Fifth, he thinks recklessly and with fear. It's not exactly the marti minions who are confident, fearless, experts and assured on what to do. And there's a thing about threats, unlike her minions who follow loyally. So who could it be? Dannenion? Not possible because the incident, losing his hand and the bethrotal. Dolwon? The King still doubts him. It's possible. But Legolas crossed him out at the gates. Noruil? Possible. Well he sorta fits and he was not mentioned in the roll call - “Eirienil and Maidhien took Aewen, Brethil and Anastor through, my lord.” Or maybe a servant, staffer or guard who has a grudge that I missed. Sigh! Am I near enough with my speculations? And for the lighter parts, I love that you made them hopeful and not sulky over Thranduil. The default would always be crying and sobbing. This was more thoughtful and positive. The singing part was fun. Thank you for the little light moments - the hair cut, Engwe's kindling comment, Engwe's song reactions. :) And this "he saw Manadhien, chin held high against the accusations aimed at her, looking down her nose at Aewen. Looking at her with far too much interest and disdain." I'm curious what happened this time. Looking forward to the last few concluding chapters for this 12th part of the series. :) I hope it's not too grim of an ending and not too long waiting time for an update. Author Reply: I am so sorry for the long waits. Work kinda...stinks. But I shouldn't complain about being gainfully employed, so I won't. I agree with you about the last movie. I enjoyed it. There were many aspects of it that I loved. But I do not agree with the way PJ wrote Thranduil's attitude towards the Silvan (even if Tolkien hadn't said Oropher returned east to mix with the Silvan, it doesn't make sense one would want to rule a people one held in such contempt). And I was disappointed with the relationship between Legolas and Thranduil. It is not how I picture them. Still, I was sad when I walked out of the theater for the last time. No more Middle Earth on the big screen. That is rather sad. I was so pleased with your comments on the chapter. There is a lot to tie up here and it should be very emotional, so I am trying not to lose anything. But it is so hard to make sure nothing is sagging too. Legolas has made a transition in this story. He may still be a child by elven tradition, but everyone--his family, the warriors and the people--have recognized him as their lord, even if informally. The only person that has not had a chance to see Legolas in this new light is Thranduil. He's in for a surprised when he wakes up. A rude one, but a good one. How could he not be proud! Tulus. I will allow you your hopes for him, but I will warn you that you will wait much longer than next chapter for the resolution of that story line. Tulus has a hard life. But ultimately a heroic one. Good questions about that ring. You're right it is important in many ways and that will come out. Very right about Thranduil's recovery. That will come out too. You are a careful reader indeed. I'm glad you liked the ending. That part was the hardest to get how I wanted it. Thanks so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much! And your wait for the next chapter is almost over.

rikki	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/6/2015
I am so glad to see that you have gotten all the main players home to the palace. The long journey and all the injuries have certainly taken a toll on the royal family and their retainers. Legolas has accomplished much during this trip and it is amazing that he has managed to get Manadhein back to the king's stronghold. Though I have a feeling that you are not going to let things get back to normal too soon. Even with Thranduil making that small recovery, Legolas has a lot of work on his hands in the days to come. He will have help from Lindomiel and Hallion, but he is going to have to make sure that the population is confident in his rule and the decisions he has to make. Unfortunately, things are already rolling towards trouble with the last supporter for Manadhein now in the palace trying to rescue her. And it has to be someone who normally has access to the royal family without them questioning. Yikes!! Maybe it would be better to take her to Mount Doom and just drop her in the volcano. It is a never ending situation. The experiences that Legolas has had will stand him well in the future when he is really a captain of the king's army and when the time comes for the One Ring to be destroyed and the Nine Walkers to trek across the country to do so. He is developing into a very smart and natural planner and warrior, much like his adar. It will be interesting when Thranduil finally gains his wits back as to how he handles all the changes that have happened to his son. Author Reply: Sorry to be so incredibly slow! You are right that everyone may be home, but all is not over yet. Definitely right. Legolas has done very well, but you are also right that he has a long way to go before Thranduil recovers from such a bad injury. Your analysis is spot on in all regards. Bottom line: I think by the end of this story, Thranduil would seriously consider any offers to take Manadhien to Mt. Doom and drop her in! But he is going to be very proud of his son. Thanks so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/5/2015
I can see you winding up some story strands here (Thranduil seems to be doing better), but you have me quite worried about others. To start with, I'm not sure poor Tulus is dead. But I have to say, Legolas handled his prisoners well. He's very impressive, and sure enough, the others in the room were impressed. Manadhien is a total bitch, and she thinks she's still going to do damage. Scarily, she may be right, especially since she has a helper. Whoever it is seems to fear something. Maybe Manadhien is threatening someone the helper cares about? I suppose she's plenty scary on her own too. As always, I love the surefooted way you work in the details of how they live. Things like whether there'd be a guard at a door in the stronghold, but also the belongings in Manadhien's pack. It's easy for a reader to take that stuff for granted, but you do it so well that it makes the world feel solid. Good read, Elliska. Author Reply: Sorry to be so slow. Some things a wrapping up. There's so darn much to wrap up though! Legolas did do well. I enjoyed writing that. I'll let you keep worrying about Tulus along with Legolas. And you should definitely be worried about Manadhien. She's not done yet. I love those details. They are so hard to work in though without going to far. I could easily go too far (and often think I do, but I can't stop myself). ;-) I'm glad you enjoyed. Thanks so much for the reviews, daw. I appreciate them so very much!

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