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The Bitter and Sweet of Memory  by Layangabi 7 Review(s)
docmonReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/2/2004
that was beautiful, wonderfully written. particularly the closing line: 'in that far-away morning in memory, he has never, never stopped holding you.' so touching, heartwarming, a lift from the grief and sadness that started this vignette. it gives us some hope when we think all is lost, something like LotR does itself, no?

monica

mistry89Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/29/2004
I'm very fond of Thranduil (so often depicted as evil or greedy) and when an author describes how/why he seems cold or less involved with non-Mirkwood business, they have my attention!

Also very fond of little/young Legolas and the events that shaped him to become the elf we meet in LOTR,

Thank you, it's a delightful glimpse at Thranduil as he was/is.

Author Reply: Hooray, more Thranduil lovers! :) A lot of people like depicting him as a difficult person for some strange reason (all because of that one teeny incident in the Hobbit...) which isn't necessarily a *bad* thing, except that they rarely ever do him justice. ;p

hee, legolas is cute as an elfling, isn't he? ^^ Thanks for the review, mistry!

DotReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/25/2004
This is beautifully written. There's such a wonderful sense of fluidity to it. I loved everything about this piece. It's such a heart-breaking glimpse into Thranduil's soul. I like the sense of almost helplessness on the part of Celebas, as though he needs some reassurance. But at the same time there is never judgement, just understanding. It's sad, really, to think that Legolas might never know what his father was really like, but I think it's even more poignant that Celebas has lost more than Legolas because he is the one who can see and truly understand any change in his father. You've painted a really insightful picture of Thranduil. And you made me cry for him!:)

Author Reply: *blushes* I keep saying this, but thank you Dot, for your wonderful review, and I'm glad you enjoyed the story so much. :) (lol-Can you tell I'm in love with Thranduil?;D)I'm glad this aspect of the relationship between Thranduil and his children came out the way it did. There are very few fics, I think, that try to understand Thranduil. (this is my way of speaking out for the elven king)

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/25/2004
What a lovely vignette - I liked the contrast between the brother's happy childhood memories, and how he sees the changes in Thranduil. It begins to explain the rather cold, austere Thranduil we see in some stories, but still shows his love for Legolas and all his children.


Jay

Author Reply: Thanks Jay. It was an idea that wouldn't let go: to see Thranduil from the perspective of one of his children. And a child who understood his grief, having shared so much in it.

AvonReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/25/2004
I really like this. It's sad and heartwarming at the same time. I particularly like this line: "the love in Legolas’ sky-blue eyes mirrored for an instant in the storm of blue-grey." I like the way you've weaved that refrain from the poem in, I like the sadness of Legolas never knowing his father unshadowed - so true of so many families - and I like the snippets of description of the place.

Avon

Author Reply: Thank you Avon. ;) *blushes* I've loved *your* writing for a long time, and it means a lot to hear you say you liked this piece. ;) There's a lot of bitter-sweetness when it comes to elves and memory I think...

BTW, when is "That Which We Are" going to be updated? :D

White WolfReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/25/2004
It is sad to think that loss and grief can forever change someone as strong as Thranduil. I prefer to have the laughter of a small Legolas as the lingering impression. This is very nicely done.

Author Reply: Thank you. :) Legolas is adorable in here, isn't he? ^^

One of the strongest impressions I took from Thundera's Thranduil (aside from a powerful personality) was someone who felt deeply, who has had to bear incredible loss, time and time again, and is fighting tooth and nail to protect those who remain to him. So I'm glad this part of Thranduil shone through.

calenoreReviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/24/2004
Wow. That was very powerful. Excellent vignette


Author Reply: Thank you. I'm glad you liked it calenore. :)

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