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| Winter Encounters by JastaElf | 11 Review(s) |
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| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/3/2005 |
| What an excellent and unusual idea to have Gloin bring the news of the forming of the Fellowship to Thranduil! I've read a couple of stories where Gimli meets Thranduil and Legolas meets Gloin, but never anything that shows a meeting between these two fathers. Quite the reunion :-)! I dearly loved the way Thranduil was able to surprise Gloin with his hospitality, though. He is ever the tricksy Elven King. You did an excellent job of capturing the loving fathers hidden behind these two rather austere, prickly fathers (but being familiar with Leaf and Branch and Dark Leaf, I am not surprised!) What better thing to bring them together than a shared terror for their offspring?! I think my favorite part was when the two adars could not sleep and ended up comparing pictures of their sons in front of the fire. There is something so sad and touching about that scene, and knowing that they have a long wait before they get any word from their boys makes it all the more poignant. Wonderful story, Jasta! linda | |
| fliewatuet | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/3/2004 |
| Oh, this was lovely! Thranduil, the tough, and Gloin, the grim, overcoming their prejudices over worrying for their sons. I would have loved to be the fly on the wall in Thranduil's bedchamber, watching the two of them sitting in front of the fire, clad in their nightclothes. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| I don't mind one bit that the prescribed text wasn't precisely at the beginning. You worked it in just fine. I love the strong, fiery personality that Thranduil has in this one. It just oozes out of his pores and sloshes along the floor in great waves. He's everything that a Lord and father ought to be. He's proud and protective and so fiercely loving that it just hurts. I also like that he sits down and chats with Gloin. I think that's the first such scene I've ever read, and I like the way it goes. You can tell that they don't exactly like each other, and they're both aware of the history that they have with each other, but they do manage to find common ground. And, just like parents all over, they do it by showing off pictures of their kids! Everyone has so much personality. They vibrate with it. That's what I like best about this. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| Oh, how wonderful. This is a great take on the challenge. I love the idea that as well as Thranduil’s own restlessness, even the forest itself seems to sense that something is wrong. You had me totally intrigued with the argument between Brethilas and Galeril outside Thranduil’s door – especially with the mention of Dwarves!! Ooh, I did feel sorry for Ercilar. Being in the presence of a frowning Thranduil is not pleasant, I would imagine. Alright, I’m sorry but I just had to laugh at poor Thranduil sitting there being fed strange pieces of information and informed that Gloin of the ‘Barrel Incident’ wants to see him. I have to give him credit for being so perceptive that when he finally had a moment to think he managed to see the entire story for himself. That moment where Thranduil and Brethilas remember those who died in the very same place to which Legolas now travels brought a tear to my eye. How painful for them to even contemplate this. I was glad that Thranduil was able to admit to himself, no matter how grudgingly, that this would have been hard for Elrond too. If this is set in the same universe as ‘Dark Leaf’, then I can see exactly how much it must have cost Elrond to send him – and he probably knew very well the pain he would cause Legolas’ father in doing so. But demons to slay Legolas no doubt has, and it says a lot about the respect Thranduil and Elrond have for him to stand back and let him do as he must. Your description of Thranduil striding off to meet Gloin had my fangirl heart all a-flutter! Gloin is fantastic in this. He’s such a …dwarf, I suppose. He’s completely practical but gives the impression of someone beginning to mellow and knowing he is and almost being proud of the fact. If that makes sense! And Thranduil at his charming best is a wonder to behold. What I really loved about this piece is the two fathers, both sharing some of the same pain and acknowledging this to themselves, almost unconsciously seeking the other’s company while still that teeny bit too proud to openly state it. There’s something very touching about them looking at the pictures of their sons. These two play off one another very well, and could be quite good for one another of only they were a little less stubborn. Ah well, it’s good to know that they probably derived some comfort from each other and from the knowledge that neither is alone in their loneliness and anxiety. Both fathers’ love come across very strongly in this piece and it was a joy to read, while still incredibly moving. Very well done and a genius idea too! So sorry this is written in a rush and I’ve probably left out loads – but it’s way past my bedtime! :-) | |
| Sulriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| As always, I loved your Thranduil, and very much enjoyed the companionable 'getting to know' Gloin. You have a wonderful, balanced attention to detail, and a special way of looking at the stark truth with a hint of humor underneath. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| I'll review this story properly now, Jasta. As I said before, it's yet another great response to the challenge, with some wonderful moments. I like the two younger elves arguing outside over who gets to take the message to Thranduil - especially as they normally try to avoid 'bearding him in his den'! I like the careful discussions between Thranduil and Gloin, but especially the scene when they start swapping pics of their children - wonderful! Jay | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| Nicely done, Jasta. I do need to begin this review with one clarifying statement, though, if you will bear with me: He is my Lord Elrond. Neither Gloin or Thranduil may have him. I like your Thranduil's court, the one upmanship of the cousins, the unusual circumstances and the bit of humor throughout. He has a big bark, which makes need for little bite. The little bits of back history are done well - Legolas does have some demons to slay and may he slay many! That makes for an interesting reason for Elrond to choose - or not choose - him. He must be well enough and over his terrible childhood to handle this; and yet has been surrounded by evil and danger and survived it - his experience is an asset. Thanks for sharing this here! | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| That was a very good & highly original take on the challenge, Jasta. Touching and well-written. I liked that the unexpected letter served let two such dissimilar persons recognized their similarities. I enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed this. :) | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| Wonderful. I love Thranduil's interaction with Gloin. It is nice to think the two of them might find some common ground in worrying about their sons. This is a great piece. | |
| Templa Otmena | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/30/2004 |
| That was wonderful! Legolas' rather... sahll we say, /evasive/ sum up of what will become The War of the Ring was so sweet and had me laughing! Thranduil and Gloin were fabulous together... i always love your Elven-lords. *sigh* Yes... *holds hands up* I /have/ read 'Dark Leaf' and I unashamedly await the next installment. It has been a hectic year but things are settling down now and I look forward to re-reading... to review of course! I just didn't want to leave an 'UPDATE SOON' and nothing else through lack of time... Despite this though I /do/ hope that you UPDATE SOON! ;) But back to this ficlet... ;) It was wonderful seeing a glimpse of post-Dark Leaf. I won't go into detail here as I'll save it for those reviews but... he's happy, Legolas that is... and Thranduil! They're well and that's nice to know in those long, cold and new-chapter-less nights :) Thranduil's musings at the end were a work of art. '...love was a link that kept many things and people together, no matter where they journeyed in life, or how far from home they wandered.' Despite the Universal Truth-ness of it all this is an especially poigniant metaphor given the circumstances and I loved your ending line- 'Outside, the trees of the Greenwood settled down to their long winter sleep, and the snow continued to gently fall, like the calm before the maelstrom, covering all the darkness with sparkling white…' and all that it foreshadows :) Thank you for sharing this with us! | |