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To Distant Shores by jenolas	9 Review(s)
elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/12/2004
I was spending a minute trying to figure out how I missed Sons of Kings because I thought I got emails when you posted new stuff and I happened to run across this story (and its prequel, Sail Away). These are so good. So emotional. The image of Thranduil having abandoned the stronghold, closing its doors for the last time, nature taking back the homes of the elves...so sad and powerful. I loved Elrond's note. He obviously knew Thranduil well. Great stories. Author Reply: It must have been a very difficult time for Thrandui when he realised Legolas had sailed, leaving him bereft of the last of his family. I think it made Thranduil's sense of peace and contentment with his forests begin to fade and after a time he had no desire to remain. As Elrond's gift of foresight, and wine, obviously predicted.grin I thank you for putting me on your author alert list, it is nice to know my stories are well liked enough for you to do so. Your reviews are very much appreciated and I hope you continue to enjoy my writing. jenolas

Painful_Blue_Eyes	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/24/2004
What a great story!!! I absolutely love Thranduil stories and this is the best yet! Excellent work! Author Reply: High praise indeed, thank you.

wantanelf	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/19/2004
I'm so glad I took the time to read this just after finishing Sail Away (even if it made me late for work). If I hadn't I might have been sniffling all day. What a nice story. I just love thinking of Thranduil being reunited with his family. The wine and note from Elrond was a nice, funny touch and Thranduil's naneth at the end was a great surprise. As always, I enjoy your stories. Author Reply: I hope you wee not very late for work, but it is s nice compliment that you took the time to read this. Thanks and I am pleased to know you like my work.

LKK	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/30/2004
Very lovely, jenolas. I liked that the trees urged Thranduil on his journey. Giving him their blessing to leave, in effect. Elrond's letter and the bottle of wine made me laugh almost as loudly as it did Thranduil. Nice touch. But the loveliest moment was Thranduil's reunion with his mother. I have seen several stories where Thranduil has reunited with loved ones in Valinor. But I don't think any of them thought to include his mother. Very beautiful and caring thinking on your part. :) Author Reply: I like to think that the trees think on Thranduil and the other Wood elves as 'their' children who are now ready to 'leave the nest' as it were, albeit some need more encouraging to break the ties than others! I also like to believe that on hearing of Oropher's passing to the Halls of Waiting, that his wife did not fade, but took sail. thanks for taking the time to comment jenolas

Hisie Lome	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/22/2004
This was a great tale. I just got your memo and I wanted to say how sorry I was for my mistake... Jenolas, you have written many great stories. Please continue. Thanks for all of your hard work, Hisie Lome Author Reply: Thanks for enjoying my stories and for your apology, no hard feelings :) jenolas

Hisie Lome	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/20/2004
That was touching....Elbereth was correct, it was time to go Valinor. I loved the wine and the knowledge of Glorfindel and locked cupboards. Not a tome left, but of course. What loremaster would even think to leave a single parchment? Well done and thank you for all of your hard work.... Minna Sedth, Hisie Lome P.S. This does not excuse you from more work on "Dark Leaf" ;) Get that muse busy! Author Reply: Thanks, but I should point out that this story is dedicated to JastaElf ( the author of "Dark Leaf",) NOT written by her. jenolas

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/20/2004
Oh good! I’m glad you decided to write this. And what a wonderful piece it is too – you really conveyed so touchingly the whole range of emotions that Thranduil experienced on this journey. Such an unspeakably sad image of him closing his gates forever, knowing he’ll never again return to this place that is so much a part of him. It’s quite astonishing really to think that his home will stand there, empty, and none can enter and eventually it will only be a part of the forest, nothing more. I love that the trees comfort and guide him. They seem so wise, leading him to somewhere full of precious memories that will remind him of what awaits him at the end of this journey so that he can think on his reunion with loved ones rather than dwell on what he leaves behind. I thought it was a lovely idea that he’s protected on this journey so that no harm comes to him, almost as though the Valar themselves know how important it is that he safely crosses the sea, and I suppose that they know how difficult it is for him as well as how essential it is that he deals with it in his own way. It’s just nice to think that they leave him to his own thoughts but at the same time protect him from afar. It’s quite difficult to think of Imladris as empty. I thought you gave the impression, though, of nature almost hiding it and protecting it rather than destroying it. It’s still quite a distressing thought that this is all that’s left of such a vibrant place and it must really have hurt Thranduil to think that his own home will fall victim to the same emptiness. At least he felt some amusement at the sight of bare bookshelves! It’s interesting that to anyone else it’s just a sign that this place has been vacant for a long time, whereas it tells Thranduil so much about those who dwelt here and reminds him further of friends he’ll see again. Good old Elrond! What a wonderful way of ensuring that Thranduil doesn’t feel that he’s leaving anything behind but that they’ll all be waiting for him to finally arrive in Valinor. Even though it’s such a short note Elrond’s humour and friendship really shines through. I was happy to see that when he finally boards the ship he is looking forward to setting sail. How awful it would be if he still looked to the past and felt regret or sadness as he left Middle-earth behind. For much the same reason I was glad that he slept for the journey across the sea; he had no time for memories but was there before he knew it. The reunion was so moving. It’s beautiful to witness the love between Thranduil and Elisiel and to see how much they long for each other and how they are each so much a part of the other that there is little need for words. The image of Thranduil pulling his son into the embrace made me smile. It really is a perfect familial picture, no matter how old the child is! “Have you not also a kiss for me, Oropherion?” Oh, wow. I’d never even have thought of that. After so long he’s finally reunited with his mother. It brought a lump to my throat to think about this. King Thranduil seems to have been lonely for so long but now he’s again Thranduil the husband, father and even the son. His mother must be the one person who knows him like no other. Isn’t it just so heart-rending to think about such a powerful figure in his mother’s arms? I like that she calls him ‘Oropherion’. She belongs to a whole other part of his life than Elisiel and Legolas do. I’m quite intrigued by her! I think it’s lovely that there’s a place where they can all meet each other and share the different parts of their lives. Anyway, this was beautifully written, jenolas, with such sensitivity. It was a joy to read. Author Reply: I see that, as usual Dot, you have interpreted the different levels of meaning I tried to convey when writing of Thranduil's emotional journey as well as his physical one and it makes me feel very pleased to hear that my effort was appreciated. How fortunate the Elves are to have a place to go to meet those who left Middle-earth many years before.

Karri	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/20/2004
Nicely done! I thought the missive from Elrond was an especially nice touch. Author Reply: Dry wit to go with the dry wine perhaps?

eokat	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/20/2004
Simply lovely and very moving. We all seem to forget that Thranduil had a mother and father in the depths of time. I enjoyed reading this. Eokat. Author Reply: Yes, everyone is someone's son or daughter, even Thranduil! Glad you enjoyed the story.

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