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| Hunting by Nilmandra | 14 Review(s) |
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| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/25/2004 |
| Fun games!! Legolas may adore his new look-a-like friends, but they should not go so far as to beat his big brother! Quick thinking on Glorfindel's part to perk up the little prince's spirits. Even the games serve as a chance to teach Legolas --- guests should be treated nicely. So it's "acceptable" for Elladan to win along with Bregolas this time. LOL So glad to see the twins at peace with each other again. I love the fact that while Elrohir might easily forgive Elladan, he's not above exactly some brotherly revenge. Good for him! Looking forward to the upcoming afternoon fun! :-) Author Reply: Its fun to imagine how warriors might play :D Hopefully the games will be fun. Elrohir is sweet but devious, I think. The twins are fun to write, because so little is known, you can make them into whatever you want. I do think I need to have a young adult Legolas visit Imladris at some point. Thanks for commenting! | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/23/2004 |
| A lovely chapter, Nilm. Glorfindel's mediation was skillfully done. Elladan's method of reconciling with his twin was touching. Legolas's reaction to Bregolas's lack of a win was adorable -- the poor elfling, Legolas has him set on a rather high pedestal. The hint of defensiveness and fierce competitiveness at the end between Glorfindel and Thranduil was entertaining, as well. And I adored that wee Legolas liked making his father laugh. Author Reply: Thanks, Karri :-) Glorfindel is still preening from all the compliments he has gotten this chapter. I love how Legolas adores his older brother - the innocence of children is great. Thanks for the review :-) | |
| FirstMate | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/22/2004 |
| I don't typically gush, but I absolutely loved this chapter! You hit just the right note with all your characters...a home run! Legolas was adorable, from waking up Elrohir to pouting when his brother didn't win. Thranduil was the proud papa, without being overbearing. Glorfindel was a wise tutor and also showed just how much he care for "his" boys. And the twins themselves...well, Elrohir was cute when he forgave Elladan but still was thinking of a way to exact his own form of revenge and Elladan proved himself a formidable opponent as a warrior, but also humble enough to realize when he'd made a mistake. A truly great chapter! Author Reply: Oh, please, gush all you want! Something about this chapter apparently did appeal, and I am glad for it. I was afraid all of Elladan's introspection might be too much. Thanks for your nice words - I really do appreciate them. | |
| mistry89 | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/22/2004 |
| This is lovely (the irony is that I've just left a similarly-toned review for a story at the "other" side of LOTR, Legolas back in Mirkwood), the difficulties between the twins, the rough edged between the Imladris and Mirkwood elves, the competition, the opportunity for Elladan to learn more (and therefore become perhaps a little more tolerant) of the lives of elves of Mirkwood, and of course, our little friend, are very clear. I can see the clearing, the gossiping groups, the bright eyes, and feel the excitement and anticipation. A nice bit of foreshadowing - a trip to Imladris in Legolas's future, is that to eventuate before the events of LOTR? It seems to me that Elladan has learned the most in this chapter, about other elves, about his brother, and perhaps himself. That said, it felt as if "all" thae characters had some contribution to make, and you have a fairly large cast to juggle! My favourite character remains Legolas, and his breathing/huffing to waken the adult is exactly what my son did as a toddler, it was always accompanied by an intense stare, and always worked. Recently it seems that every story I read in fan fiction is fabulous, long may this run last. Thank you for sharing. Author Reply: I would love to write from Legolas's perspective when he visits Imladris for the first time - how that must appear to an elf who has grown up with shadow and dangers all around in a more rustic setting! Elladan has learned a lot - and so has Elrohir, but in my world Elrohir is a little more perceptive. Elladan, on the other hand, is less so, but when he 'sees' it changes his whole world. Since I don't have children, I love it when a parent tells me their child did something just like I wrote. I begin to wonder about my own level of maturity when I think so much like a child *grin*. Thanks for the review! | |
| eokat | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/22/2004 |
| Another lovely chapter, Nilmandra. Loved the closeness of the twins. It was nice to see how the Imladris elves realised that though they are the same, they could not lead such different lives, they are after all under the protection of the ring. Legolas not understanding a political draw, and having a little sulk about it. And all the warriors, mighty as they are, are still no match for an irate female.Loved that. Eokat. Author Reply: Someone has reminded I have left an irate Celebrian on the banks of the Hoarwell, separated from her injured children, in HLII. I plead guilty and would hate to be any of the warriors she reduces to their knees with her glares! Thanks for the nice words! | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/21/2004 |
| You did a nice job of resolving the tension between the twins. Glorfindel is very wise in his counsel. His words to Elladan did not give answers to the hot-headed twin, but required him to ask these questions of himself. Smooth. I especially like what Glorfindel told Elrohir about allowing Elladan to apologize. Sometimes the words have to be spoken to achieve the desired results and for healing to take place. Another wise move on the old balrog slayer's part. Legolas is so cute, I just want to pinch his cheek. Swinging along between the two 'big Elves' was so kidlike. I love how patient and careful all the adults are with the elflings in your story. I don't get the feeling that it's just because Legolas is a prince of the realm, but they are this tender with all the little guys. For them, teaching is done with a great deal of love and patience. A good rule of thumb, I think. The games were exciting, but you pulled off a genius move with the draw between Bregolas and Elladan. Their adas have taught them well. Looking forward to more. Karen Author Reply: I will have you know the Golden One has been preening since he read your words. He is so wise, so very wise (he insists he is merely agreeing with you). I am glad you like the way the adults in my stories interact with elflings. That has been a very conscious decision to emulate what Tolkien may have intended by giving elflings an extended childhood along with advanced early development. Thanks for your review! I do appreciate it :-) | |
| Melje | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/21/2004 |
| So the twins are friends again, at last! I love it when you describe them sleeping huddled together, like hobbits. Elrohir is really too sweet for his own good. I can’t believe he was ready to forgive Elladan without even knowing what had made him angry in the first place. “Whatever was bothering him seems to have passed”. I know their bond is so strong that words are often unneeded, but they should learn to talk more about their feelings, otherwise episodes like this are going to happen again and again. So funny when he showed his mischevious side and said he’s going to have his brother wash all the dishes on the journey home! I hate washing the dishes and there’s a pile of dirty plates and pots in my sink, so I really feel for Elladan. I’m a bit surprised about Elladan not knowing what happened to Legolas as a baby. Surely the circumstances of the death of the Queen and the Prince of Mirkwood, and the disappearance of her baby son, would be known in Imladris? Bregolas seem to want to keep it a secret, even when Elladan brushes the subject and asks how come Tinania is such a good shot at her young age. Why?? I found so sad the part about Celebrian learning to defend herself. I can only imagine how her family must have felt when it all turned out to be to no avail, and I bet Elladan was the one who took it the hardest. I’m sure he never forgave himself for not having been able to spare her mother the ordeal. With the way you’re fleshing up the twins’ characters, It looks likely to me that Elladan was really the one who decided to go on their quest agains the Orcs, and he talked Elrohir into it, or maybe Elrohir followed him only to protect him. Oh, you mentioned that Legolas was supposed to help me with the flags and banners to cheer for Elladan, but I’m afraid that he was rather trying to boycott me, instead. I strongly suspect he’s really hoping for the other team to win. Author Reply: LOL! Well, Legolas now has to determine which team he will cheer for in the afternoon competition. It might be Elladan's team, and then he will be there helping you :D I actually have thought a lot about how much communication there was (or was not, as the case may be) between the elven realms. There appeared to be official communications, but I am not sure how personal it would get. At least in my mind, the king of the Woodland Realm has to always portray strength, as he does not have a ring to protect his people. I don't think they would admit the details of what happened to them to just anyone, for the pain is still too recent. For some reason, I think the Silvan elves (and their King) would be rather tight lipped about his pain or anything that would make him appear weak. They appeared to be very private. At the end of Valar, I had Elrond ask why he did not know the story of little Legolas- and his own conclusion was that by the time the pain of the event had receded enough where Thranduil might have occasion to share details, Imladris 'lost' its Lady and was consumed with its own grief. So, beyond elves sailing west and passing through Imladris, or White Council meetings, I don't see the wood elves having a lot to do with the other elves. Just my interpretation though, for purposes of my stories, and not necessarily right. I enjoy stories where they kingdoms are good friends too. As for the twins, don't worry. They will talk. Elrohir was just relieved that whatever was bugging Elladan had passed. Sweet and gentle Elrohir is no dummy - he just handles Elladan in his own way :D | |
| sofia | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/21/2004 |
| really good chapter. I love seeing the fatherly side of Thranduil. Author Reply: Thanks, Sofia. I think Thranduil is a great father, at least in my world! | |
| rgbj | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/21/2004 |
| Oh good another chapter. I love your OCs and your take on the twins/Imladris elves. Also the Woodland King but to me this series is little Legolas all the way. Poor Elrohir. Hindsight is 20/20. We can't always foresee how our intentions are going to be viewed by those closest to us. They wouldn't be siblings if they didn't have squabbles. Glorfindel is just invaluable to the Peredhil family. Using such wisdom to bring Elladan to his elven senses. He got to the heart of the matter. Why isn't Elladan angry to Glorfindel? He hurt Elrohir much more seriously and with much less cause. Because of love. Just enjoy the wood elves for what and who they are but don't hurt their little prince. He is untouchable. They don't know why but we do. I once woke up with my border collie breathing into my face and eye to eye with me. I almost had a heart attack. Glad Elrohir has better abilities than I do. He would have been on the ceiling screaming if he were anything like me. Even without words he could feel the bond and the apology. That was nice. Now to work. Lathron needs Legolas and Elrohir to help him and don't forget your sword and bow. In Mirkwood if you are unarmed you are naked. Here we have the elfling skipping along and chatter, chatter, chatter. Why do I find that image so adorable. Elrohir learns that even elflings carry daggers in Mirkwood. He is getting a lot of insight on how those without a protective ring have to live. So Elrohir had a little plan for Elladan all along. He may be sweet and forgiving but he is definitely not stupid. I loved the archery competition. We got to see Tinania, Meren and Bellion. That was such a treat and Tinania and Meren did good. I enjoyed your explanation about female warriors. This is a very sensible way to handle things. All females have to know how to protect themselves in Mirkwood. But, there is always a but, with the low birthrate that elves have you cannot endanger the females. After they have raised their elflings or if they never find their bondmate then they would make fierce warriors. No one should get between a female and her young. No matter how old the young are. Lathron and Glorfindel gave good advice. The two comabatants gave each other a good fight, the crowd was pleased and the honor of both realms was upheld. The only one not totally sold on this outcome was the elfling. No he wasn't satisfied at all. It was only acceptable for Elladan to win, but as he was a guest Legolas will cooperate. More laughter. The elfing is very good at making his elders meerry. The inclusion of Arwen and Celebrian was a little painful. I am sure they both are very capable but sometimes even that is just not enough. Lovely chapter. I am really enjoying the interaction of the twins and Legolas. When he gets older and gets to go to Imladris it sounds as if he will have a lot on his plate. Maybe Elladan feels he will be able to get the best of him then. Gracious I hope he doesn't hold a grudge that long. The twins got a lot of insight about how wood elves feel, behave and what a tough life they lead. Yet they are merry and full of fun and games none the less. Thank you for the update. Author Reply: Thank you, rgbj - you always sum up so nicely the high points, it makes me glad to know they match what I think were the high points! I think Elladan's grudge will be settled before he leaves these woods, but he will remember a certain elfling with fondness. It will be funny to think of what Legolas will remember of the twins next time he sees them. :D | |
| carrie | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/20/2004 |
| Just a quick review as it is half past midnight and I have a long overdue essay to finnish tomorrow but I had to read this before I went to bed. This is my first review of any of your stories, of which I am very ashamed, but eye operations and the beginning of a Masters degree have kept me appropriately detained; but I love your stories, you write so beautifully that I don't think I have words adequate to express it actually. I love your little Legolas, and have adored your take on the twins since the first 'History Lessons'; you manage to capture so many different emotions in each chapter and every character, from those we are familiar with, to those of your own creation are so well developed and thought-out that they fit as perfectly within Tolkie's canon as if they have always been there and actually, this *is* what happened. I am so pleased with this chapter to see the twin's reconciled with the help of the oh-so-wise Glorfindel of course, in whom, by the way, you have created the most consumate tutor, mentor and most importantly, friend; and Elrohir waking to find Legolas so close was one of the cutest things I have ever read. Your Legolas is adorable and the relationship with his family is exsqusite. At the same time though I had the briefest pang at Ellandan's thought of not wanting Arwen or Celebrian to be tainted by evil - if only we did't know what was coming!! I loved the conclusion of the tournament, nice, even and as is pointed out, acceptably politica, and I can just imagine what will happen when Legolas gets to Imladris! Another wonderful chapter and I can go to bed with the usual nice warm, cozy feeling that this story gives me. I very much look forward to the next. Carrie (who's just realised this wasn't so short after all !!) Author Reply: Thank you, and welcome Carrie! If these stories leave you feeling warm and cozy, then I am thrilled. I like to write about 'everyday life' - occasionally exciting and mostly mundane. The relationships between the characters are what make it interesting. Thank you for the not-so-short review! | |