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| A Fond Farewell by jenolas | 9 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| LOTR lover | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/5/2004 |
| Bittersweet like chocolate. I loved the design of Legolas's seal--the way it said so much in so small a picture. And the image of Thranduil dancing all night in just a shirt and leggings, barefoot, with his hair flying in the wind--priceless. Wonderful story. Author Reply: Thanks, it seems my design of the seal is quite popular, as is a dance with the carefree king... too bad the music has ended. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/4/2004 |
| This is lovely. It is sad to see so many people leaving the forest now that they no longer have to fight for it. I loved the seal - very well chosen - and made by Gimli. (I like Thranduil's reaction to that.) Lovely to see him dancing barefoot in the forest, before heading off with plenty of wine to brighten the celebrations in Ithilien. Author Reply: Yes, Thranduil was certainly not one to let the chance of a feast pass him by, no matter how far he had to travel to participate!I am sure Legolas and his people much aprreciated the wine, and the company! | |
| Lianna | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/4/2004 |
| Great story. I love the complex symbolism of the seal -- and also the fact that Legolas is no longer making them out of Play-Doh (see Jay's story farther up the page). You portray the mixed feelings in the lives of the elves at this point in Middle-Earth's history very well. It's good to see that those who wanted to leave Mirkwood but could not because they were needed in its defense can now sail -- but it is so ironic that they're leaving their home just when it has become safe and peaceful! And it seems that other wood-elves are staying for awhile simply because of the novelty of the colony in Ithilien; soon, they too will be gone and their leader with them (though in his case, the reasons are different). What a bittersweet time for Thranduil! Author Reply: Well, he was until Gimli threw the Play-Doh away in disgust! It must have been difficult for Thranduil to see his realm diminish, but it was nothing less than he should have expected. This time when the Valar called, even he knew he would eventually return home. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/4/2004 |
| Ah, what a bittersweet piece. I love the way you’ve woven the different strands together, with the message from Legolas and the seal it bears adding to the already conflicting emotions Thranduil is feeling at the departure of his people. Having Thranduil idly fingering the wax seal was a nice touch. It shows us that this is bothering him more than the contents of the message. It must be a little strange, actually, for him to receive his first letter from his son in his new position as leader of his colony – they’ll be dealing with one another now as leaders of their own people. Despite it probably feeling a bit odd, Thranduil and Malion’s pride shines through and it really made me smile to see. I was wondering what was on the seal. I totally thought for a moment that there was some Dwarven symbol on it somewhere. But a gull! No wonder Thranduil was so saddened. I imagine the sight of it probably tore at his heart so much that he didn’t even think to look beyond it at the overall image. Thank heavens for Malion. It’s obvious he’s known Legolas all his life and understands him, but is still distanced enough to see a little more clearly than Thranduil. Of course he’s right when he tells Thranduil that it shows “his hold over the hearts of both you and Aragorn” but it seems to me that it also shows the hold *they* have over him. It’s for them that he stays. I suppose to most people the seal of the new lord of the Ithilien colony represents the Royal House from which he came and that to which he now also shows allegiance but I just love the fact that those who know him well will see that it is really a symbol of love and depicts two of the people dearest to his heart. I like the fact that Legolas is demonstrating his strength of will, but I guess the appearance of the gull at all – and I note no woodland symbols – shows a certain acceptance as well. Very cleverly done, jenolas – however you came up with it. I wonder what Gimli thought. “Not only is my son possessed of a dry wit, but undoubtedly also a very dry cellar.” LOL! There are more advantages to having Adar turn up than showing off the new colony… I must say, the idea that Mirkwood’s people would resist their suffering because the forest needed them is just so heart-warming. What strength of character – and what loyalty to and love for their king as well. Thranduil’s thoughts about how recently they were dressed as warriors really drives home how new this peace is. It’s so sad to think that the defence of their home was the sole reason that many of these people stayed here and now that peace has been found at last, they leave. For many elves, they can go back to living in peace if they remain in Middle-earth but I get the impression that for Thranduil’s people, living in peace and safety is a new concept that will take a while to come to terms with. I’d never thought about it before either, but I wonder at Thranduil’s feelings when his son’s colony was growing and yet elves would have been leaving Eryn Lasgalen. I’m sure he never even thought of it like that but my very human reaction is that it’s a little unfair, really… I always love it when you let Thranduil dance about barefoot, completely at ease amongst his people. I think what I like most is the sense that this king really appreciates what he has been given and is grateful for the love his people show him. He genuinely seems to see himself as one of them. How lovely that he takes the time to bid each of them farewell individually. Still, though… how hard it must be for him to watch then leave. He knows that he will see them again, just as he will see his wife again but it can’t be easy being left behind, even when he feels no desire to leave. He and his people fought for so long against the Shadow and now that it’s gone there are fewer elves left to revel in that. At least he can be assured of their devotion to him – and he knows now that he will have his son a little while longer too. I think this is just a difficult time for the elves, one that I can’t even begin to understand. Then again, Tolkien always seemed to suggest that the elves were accepting of their fate so I guess that I have to remember that those who are sailing have been called home and many will go there with a sense of hope rather than sorrow. I just wonder what it must be like for those like Thranduil and Celeborn who watch their world change before their eyes but are still too tied to the Middle-earth to leave. I’m so glad, actually, that you had the piece about Legolas at the start because I know that Thranduil is on his way to some merry-making and will find comfort with his beloved son. Plus, it’s early days yet and there are long years ahead of both Thranduil and Legolas in Middle-earth. This is just one of many farewells to come and at least they know that the future will also hold many longed-for reunions. *sigh* Excellent as always. I seem to generally come away from your fics with a great desire to hug Thranduil. I know, that says a lot more about me than it does about you…;-) You make me think too much, jenolas. Right, I’ll give my brain a rest and go and watch ‘The Calcium Kid’ because I treated myself to it this morning on my way to work… Author Reply: Here we see Thranduil at his best, I believe. Loving father, devoted King and gorgeously stunning merrymaker to boot. What more could one wish for ( that is not very R rated, that is! *grin*). Hugging Thranduil is optional, but I believe the queue is rather long! I also believe the elves accepted what was to come, and whilst leaving the only home, albeit a temporary one, many had known was sad, there was indeed a much brighter future waiting for them in the place where they truly belong. Ai, "The Calcium Kid", what a lovely couple of hours worth of eye candy. An excellent way to pamper yourself, Dot. Enjoy! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/4/2004 |
| Jenolas, that is a lovely story! Thranduil is wonderful here - I like the picture I have of him dancing barefoot. The description of the seal is wonderful (I knew it was Gimli's work!) and a nice statement of the reasons why Legolas resists the sea-longing. Jay Author Reply: Thanks for issuing the challenge, Jay. Your idea was intriguing and I had fun writing to fit your lines. | |
| Saber | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/3/2004 |
| This ening had just the bittersweet farewell feel for the challenge. I particularly like the seal you had Legolas design. No...I take that back. I LOVE IT!! *steals the seal and runs away with it cackling evilly. Author Reply: It seems my little design is popular, I certainly like it. | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/3/2004 |
| A wonderful job with the challenge! Beautiful and bittersweet. Author Reply: Many thanks. | |
| Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/3/2004 | |
| This is a wonderful story. I think the part I like best is the device Legolas designed for himself--very clever. And Thranduil's reaction to the maker of the seal. Funny. Poor Thranduil. He would have to be initially shocked by the friendship between his son and Gloinion. Great story! Author Reply: Yes, it must have been difficult for Thranduil to accept Gimli, but I am certain he did, eventually! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/3/2004 |
| Great take on this, Jenolas! And very appropriate as a farewell fic. The details about the seal were nicely done. Author Reply: Thanks, daw. | |