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Stars in Their Eyes  by jenolas 10 Review(s)
DotReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/21/2004
I seem to have missed this one too…! Your language in this is beautiful, jenolas. It makes me want to read it aloud!

“In this naked vastness there were no trees whispering sweet lullabies, neither distant hooting of owls nor scrabbling sounds of the search for food by the creatures of the night.” I thought that was a particularly lovely way of showing all the sounds of the night that clearly comfort the elf but that the rest of us might not even notice. What a shock it must indeed have been to be suddenly plunged into total silence.

It strikes me that wherever he is, Legolas seeks out something from which to draw comfort. I actually found myself feeling quite pleased that he’s found this wonder in the skies to revel in! Like Aragorn, I find it hard to imagine that there are some things, especially one that would seem so simple, that Legolas has not yet experienced. I love the way you say the stars too almost seem to be “winking with indulgence” at the elf.

Apart from his sense of amazement at what he’s seeing, it’s wonderful that this moment brings back a cherished memory for Legolas. I loved the glimpse at the moment between father and son and it’s lovely to see the way Legolas truly sees each star as unique and something to treasure.

The undercurrent of fear and anxiety is ever present but it’s good to see the two friends lying together under this amazing night sky, perhaps soothed somewhat by the stars overhead and each other’s company.

Wonderful piece! :-)



Author Reply: Thanks, Dot.

The stars are indeed important to the Elves, and the fact that Legolas can still experience the wonder of something new speaks of his previous isolation in Mirkwood as well as his love of nature. That he chooses to share a moment from his past with Aragorn also seems only natural as their friendship deepens.
And of course, they also share a common concern for the hobbits and the dangers that lie ahead of them as well.

AlandriaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/6/2004
This was such a.. Nice ;) story.. Very moving. :)

Author Reply: Thanks, your comments are much appreciated.

LKKReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/6/2004
How lovely! The idea that each star has its own distinct face is delightfully charming. I have never seen the night sky stretch unhindered from horizon to horizon until this past moment. Now I have. Thank you for such a wonderful vision.

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/6/2004
Dear Lord, can't you just see him with his arms outstretched to embrace the whole vision of the stars displayed above him?...and with that childlike wonder in his eyes....this is an excellent glimpse of the irrepressible Legolas we are given a hint of in LotR. I love it! Wonderful!!

linda

Author Reply: I find it easy to imagine that Legolas would be enchanted by the sight of so many stars, and I am pleased you enjoyed this brief interlude.

KarriReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/3/2004
Simply beautiful and wonderfully insightful. :-D (It was such a joy to read I've had to put it in my Favorites. Thank you! )

Author Reply: And thank you for putting the story on your favourites list. I am honoured.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/3/2004
This is a lovely scene. I can well imagine this taking place exactly as you describe.

"“‘Tis wondrous to behold, just as it must have been in the land of our Awakening, in the time before Anor and Ithil graced the sky,” he said, putting words to the vague stirring he felt in his spirit of a distant memory that was part of him, but not his own."

Beautiful.

Author Reply: What a nice compliment. I think every author aims to make the reader feel as if the scene or story actually might have happened.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/3/2004
Oh, yes, that first sight of the stars from a prairie. I grew up in a river valley, and now I live on a prairie, and it's quite a sight. I can well imagine that Legolas is enchanted by it.

Author Reply: Indeed it is, especially in the outback of Australia.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/3/2004
Legolas made dizzy in the presence of the star-filled heavens - what a lovely picture. And an Aragorn taking such pleasure from his exultation that watching him is more pleasurable than sleeping. Lovely link with childhood memory. A pleasure to read.

Author Reply: Your comments are greatly appreciated, thanks.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/3/2004
Jenolas, that was beautiful. I've never been anywhere to be able to see the stars from horizon to horizon like that, but can imagine Legolas's wonder. Nice work.

Jay

Author Reply: Many thanks, Jay. As an amateur astronomer I have more than a passing interest in the stars and it is a splendid sight.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/3/2004
This was lovely. It must be comforting to know that these are the same stars Legolas saw as a child and the same stars all the hobbits are seeing, wherever they are.

Author Reply: Thanks and I totally agree with you in regards to all being under the same stars.

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