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The Green Knight and the Master of Esgaroth  by Le Rouret 5 Review(s)
NalediReviewed Chapter: 23 on 12/26/2008
I've just realised that I haven't reviewed the last couple of chapters. It's not because I didn't enjoy them - I did, immensely - but because they were so dark and the outlook seems so bleak that I was completely lost for words.

However, I've now recovered sufficiently to say - a dragon! I'm kicking myself for not guessing that. I can't wait to see what happens next.

CalenharnReviewed Chapter: 23 on 12/23/2008
Aha! So there WAS something to my ruminations, after all! A dragon! (...or a drake, or whatever...)

This creature obviously knows a lot about Legolas, and I would say has some evil designs on him, in particular. I hope we get the whole backstory on that! (I hope Legolas and friends are able to get out of their with their skins/minds intact!)

I am somewhat confused by Malbeach and Renna showing up as they did. What were THEY doing out east, with their army? (I thought their army was in confrontation with Thranduil and the dwarves... or did the events in this chapter happen (timewise) BEFORE that one?) What do THEY have to do with the dragon? (Obviously something... obviously the dragon sent them to Legolas. Maybe other poster(s) are right and that is where they get their power from?) Why did they suddenly depart, just when they (seemingly) had Legolas in their grip? (Did Someone tell them that "this dainty" was not for them?) How is it that Malbeach treats Renna cruely, yet she seems to be a willing player in the evil seductions aimed at the Elves?

And how is it that Legolas was able to get some fortitude back (become free of the nausea, be able to eat and rest)? Was it his rightful anger and resolve for payback?

I have to say that I am surprised that he seems less torn up with what happened to Dúrfinwen... (given that I am of the opinion that he secretly loves her, although he does not own up to, or maybe even understand that). Maybe it is because he is narrowing and focusing all of his attention on the Evil behind all the depredations? Maybe he can only deal with so much at a time?

I also have to say that I don't like his seeming resignation to his Doom (dying). This has Got to be Wrong - I don't see how you can reconcile his death with either canon, or tying things neatly/happily up. (One of the things that I like about the Green Knight universe is that I see it meshing compatibly with canon - and although I otherwise love angst, I ultimately want to see happy endings.)

But I am sure that you have all of this worked out, probably in ways that will surprise me, so I will just have to be patient as the story unfolds.

Thank you for the update!

IthilienReviewed Chapter: 23 on 12/23/2008
Aha! I knew there was a snakey-type creature somehow involved in this. A dragon though... that never occurred to me. Ooh, scary, as those are fierce and demonic creatures. It seems not the least surprised to see Legolas and his lot, however, and I am incredibly intrigued as to where you are taking this story. It is certainly dark.

Even more than the dragon though, I'm fascinated with the part of Malbeach and Renna. What is this power they have and how do they wield it? The symbolism of the hornet, the worm, the bird have me mystified and I'm stuck having to wait for more clues. Usually I can piece together something of the hints the author puts forth as to what might come next -- at least enough that my imagination gives me ground to play on until the next update -- but in this case I'm completely flummoxed. I haven't got a clue as to what is going to happen in this story.

Yet the clues are there. Legolas has found-- somehow -- a reprieve from his despair. Something chased Malbeach and Renna away. Something too gave him peace enough for him to rest and to find his appetite again. But what? What?

The dwarves play into this somehow. They seem unaffected by Malbeach's power, and that confuses me. In any case, I hope Legolas keeps Gimli close because he seems destined to die and if the dwarves can stave off that wicked spell, then maybe Legolas' salvation will come from the source of his friend.

Fascinating story! I hope your muse keeps up the encouragement and you'll post a new chapter soon. Until then, have a wonderful holiday season!

eucalyptusReviewed Chapter: 23 on 12/22/2008
Now THAT is cool. And I can't believe you updated three days before Christmas.

It doesn't surprise me now that Renna and Malbeach allowed them to continue east; the Master has been beckoning Legolas to him all along. Renna and Malbeach could very well be nothing more than willing servants to the Master, whereas Durfinwen is an unwilling one. Perhaps if they slay the dragon, Renna and Malbeach will be left powerless and Durfinwen will be released. That Legolas has all but accepted that he will die is agonizing though, and very sad. Thanks for updating, and good luck with the next chapter!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 23 on 12/22/2008
A dragon!!!

You know, that *is* one of the many wild guesses that passed through my mind at one point, but I dismissed it at once in favor of another theory...

I am still puzzled by how Malbeach has such an effect on Legolas.

And Legolas' dream of Rohan leaving him feeling refreshed, that was a *real* blessing...wasn't it?

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