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| To Light the Way by Dot | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/27/2007 |
| Lovely to see them recognizing the intent here is more than the frivolous lack of attention that they'd first thought. Author Reply: Thank you, Larner! Sorry it took me so long to reply. I'm very glad you liked the story. It's one I really enjoyed writing. And thanks so much too for the MEFA reviews you left for me - that was very kind of you and much appreciated. | |
| Kestrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2007 |
| I thoroughly enjoyed this today! I enjoyed the banter between E2, but what really got to me was the elf apologizing for the lack of wine, saying "we have learned to enjoy cider." Thranduil WAS a good king; inexperienced as he was when he lost Oropher and gained a kingdom, and all the trouble that came with it. He had to deal with a very diminished populace, probably hunger, gigantic spiders, men for neighbors and trade, and the Necromancer plonked down in his back yard. And he had to deal with it all without a fancy Noldorin magic ring. Author Reply: I'm really pleased you enjoyed this, Kestrel. I'm a huge fan of Thranduil and it was fun to explore the way in which he faced the encroaching darkness, especially at this time when things must surely have seemed so hopeless. I'm glad you liked E2 as well because I don't normally write them. It was so kind of you to leave such lovely reviews - thank you! | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/31/2007 |
| I was looking over stories (writing avoidance) and I see I never reviewed this (or if I did, I can't find the review). This is great Dot! It is exactly as I see Thranduil by this point in the history of ME--offering whatever he can to his people, even if it is only hope. And I love E2 and the lesson they learn. And the whole end of it--hilarious! “I do not know why people are so wary when I tell them I have been thinking.” *Snort!* Just great! Sorry I didn't review it before because I am sure I read it when you posted it. Author Reply: This was a lovely surprise! Thanks for the review. And really, you never need worry about leaving one. I can hardly point fingers anyway because I'm atrocious these days. I'm so pleased you liked this. E2 needed to see things a little more clearly and I thought it would be fun to watch them learn that despite themselves - I bet Thranduil enjoyed it a little too ;-) Thanks, Elliska. | |
| Imhiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/12/2007 |
| I liked the interaction between the twins and Thranduil. It was a very believable and interesting middle way between the hostility on the one hand, and the close alliance on the other, so often posited in fanfiction. Thranduil's characterisation was especially wonderful. I also liked that the differences between Mirkwood's Wood-Elves and the twins were interwoven into the action of the narrative rather than simply stated - a fine case of "show, don't tell"! Also it was evident that their mother's fate weighed heavily on them, but it was not belaboured overlong, it was "just" one facet of their preoccupations at this point in time, even if an important one. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Imhiriel. And I'm sorry for the delay in replying. You made my day with this review - I'm so pleased you liked it and especially that you felt it was believable and that Thranduil's character rang true for you. Thank you for your kind words :-) | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/8/2007 |
| Wonderful, Dot. I see that everyone already picked up the comic lines, and there are many indeed. I loved also the whole atmosphere, the light bantering of the twins, out of habit and perhaps comforting as they both drown in the same feeling of uselessness. And the conversation with Thranduil was very well done, he was perfectly kingly. It was fitting for the twins to arrive in Mirkwood at this point, I think, so they could have a glimpse of light and hope even in a very troubled realm. It is to hope that the healing and enlightening lasts them. And nice cameo from Legolas! Oh, and Happy Birthday, Jay! Author Reply: Thanks, Perelleth! I'm very glad you liked this. I figured if it's around the time that Aragorn finds Gollum and brings him to Mirkwood, things are coming to a head and Elladan and Elrohir could do with a reminder of the importance of hope and faith and maybe be given a little nudge to find their own faith again. Who better to do it than Thranduil and his stubborn, spirited, crazy wood-elves ;-) Thank you so much for such a kind review. | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2007 |
| Elladan's realzation was a wonderful theme in this very rewarding story. Loved the dialog between the brothers and between the brothers and the crazy wood-elves! But, Thranduil was just wonderful in all his abruptness and blutness. Nice cameo of Legolas. Truly lovely writing. Cheers To hope...! And Happy Birthday to Jay! Author Reply: Thanks, Redheredh! You know how to make a girl smile :-) I'm delighted you enjoyed this. Thank you so much for the lovely review. | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2007 |
| Those crazy wood elves LOL. It's so ironic but somehow appropriate that it's Thranduil's folk, already besieged and suffering, who most stubbornly insist on demonstrations of joy. Thranduil is a good king. Though Elladan is really quite cheeky when he compares him to Men: “I have been thinking how you and your people remind me of Men.” Elrohir spat his mouthful of cider back into his cup as discreetly as possible. Choking could be an ill-advised move. “In what way, Elladan?” Thranduil’s tone was chilly. Elladan relented. “In your spirit, my lord,” he said sincerely. “In your acceptance of what each day brings, whether good or ill and your belief that the present is as important as the future. In your willingness to do what you must, even if it is not recognised by the greater world.” Though really, how can Thranduil argue with that sentiment? Good show, Elladan. And a nice appearance by Legolas, too (and can I just say thanks for the inference that E2 and L are a little too busy with the respective responsibilities to hang out together all the time?) And another Happy Birthday wish to Jay! Author Reply: I always thought of Thranduil’s people as stubborn and spirited and ultimately, those qualities are what will help them in the fight against darkness. And if they can help an Elrondion or two to find their own faith and strength along the way, then all the better ;-) Elladan was certainly risking being booted out amongst the spiders that time… But luckily he seems to have judged Thranduil’s mood correctly! and can I just say thanks for the inference that E2 and L are a little too busy with the respective responsibilities to hang out together all the time? LOL!! Maybe I shouldn’t post chapter two, then, in which they become best friends and spend the time until they all turn up at the Council of Elrond playing pranks all over M-e... Thanks for the review, Meckinock! | |
| Peredhil lover | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2007 |
| I'm so happy that Jay is having a birthday as it means that we all get to enjoy some wonderful twin stories! Though my heart is normally firmly rooted in Imladris, I enjoyed this story of merry-making wood elves very much. It didn't hurt, of course, that it had my beloved sons of Elrond in it. I enjoyed your depiction of the twins and was glad that Elladan was able to have a moment of self-discovery, rare as they may be, and learn such an important lesson from those crazy wood-elves. Thanks for an enjoyable story, peredhil lover Author Reply: Thank you so much for such a lovely review! I don’t usually write Elladan and Elrohir so I’m really pleased you liked the depiction of them here. I thought experiencing the spirit and faith of Thranduil’s people might help Elladan to remember how important such things are in the fight against darkness and to find his own faith again. I’m so glad you enjoyed this :-) | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2007 |
| Thank you, Dot - another wonderful story! I want more birthdays like this :>) As I said to Bodkin, I read this briefly this morning, but didn't have the chance to read it fully, or leave a comment. I really like the teasing between the twins. Moments like this say so much about their closeness: “I have been foolish, brother,” Elladan said once they were alone. Elrohir grinned at him. “I can well believe it.” Elladan slapped him lightly. “Try not to discourage me from my moment of self-discovery, please, Elrohir. Those moments are few enough.” I like the differences between them too - Elladan is so much more impatient than Elrohir. You can feel his tension and exasperation with the wood-elves, and their apparent obliviousness to the encroaching shadow. Thranduil is right, though - he can do no more at this time than to offer hope, but it is so vital. If his people despair, they will never win the battle. I liked the twins' realisation of this at the end. This line made me laugh out loud: 'Elrohir spat his mouthful of cider back into his cup as discreetly as possible. Choking could be an ill-advised move.' Poor Elrohir - there is nothing worse than suddenly laughing in the middle of drinking something!! Thank you for the lovely birthday story. Jay Author Reply: Happy birthday, Jay! I hope you’re being sufficiently pampered :-) I’m glad you enjoyed this. I was a little wary of writing Elladan and Elrohir! I’m so pleased Elladan’s feelings came across. I just felt that they might have had a rather different experience in dealing with the spread of Shadow and that it might be interesting for them to see another way and be reminded of what they’d forgotten at a time when it must have been so easy to despair. Thank you so much for the review! | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2007 |
| Of course the Wood-elves have the right idea. One must never stop dancing, even if danger threatens. You can tone it down, recognize the danger, and guard against it, but if you stop enjoying light and life, then the darkness will win after all. Perhaps that's why Thranduil's realm survived into the Fourth Age where Imladris and Lorien did not. Author Reply: I thought that Thranduil's people would have learned in their long years of living under Shadow just how important faith is and how their spirit is ultimately their greatest protection against darkness. I completely agree with you that they have the right idea :-) Thanks for the review, FP! | |