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Immortal Friends  by jenolas 1 Review(s)
DotReviewed Chapter: 26 on 1/7/2004
Mmmmm….a whole chapter of Thranduil in the bath….*blissful smile*…

Sorry, I’m back to you now! I really liked your insight into the way Thranduil is handling Legolas’ absence. I’m glad he’s doing something productive, and it must really raise the spirits of his warriors to have their king among them, especially when he is determined not to receive any special treatment. It’s great to see him as the warrior he once was. What a striking image. He seems to take a lot of pleasure in ridding his forest of evil – it’s a little frightening, actually, but I suppose there’s bound to be a lot of anger in him when he engages in battle. Not only are these creatures destroying his home, but their existence and increasing strength has resulted in his beloved son being taken from him. At least it provides a way for him to vent any anger or despair.

I love all your amusing little details in this chapter! “Tathar had casually suggested that perhaps it was not the sword fighting that was the cause, since the King often sparred with his warriors, but the long hours spent in the saddle” – I can just imagine the whole palace enjoying the notion that Thranduil hurries straight to his bath because he has a sore…well, you know…. ! At least Thranduil was able to laugh at Tathar – it looks like Legolas’ friend is keeping his promise.

“His astonishment gave way to embarrassment as he realised where he was and he suddenly felt decidedly uncomfortable to be sharing his bath with Celeborn’s wife.” LOL! I don’t know why, but the image of Thranduil sitting naked in the bath while communicating with Galadriel just struck me as totally hilarious. It’s kind of endearing, really, that he’s so embarrassed – he knows she can’t see him but is still so totally appalled! It must have been very funny for Galadriel, though….

That was a great idea, to have them communicate. It’s good to know that Thranduil has some news of his son and I like that Galadriel quickly reassures him that they will look after Legolas in his grief. Galadriel as a character never really captured my interest, no matter how many times I read the books, but – as I’ve probably said before - your stories always depict her in a way that help me respect her a little more. I also like the way she seems quite motherly towards Thranduil here – as though she knows he needs some comfort.

It’s actually good to see Tathar and Thranduil interact, just the two of them. They seem so totally at ease in each other’s company. “Your report on my ‘activities’ will have to wait until he returns” – of course Thranduil knew what was going on! I doubt very much escapes him. Tathar’s concern for him is so touching. I really liked the closing image. It’s wonderful that they can relax around each other, both knowing the extent of the other’s love for Legolas. Thranduil could easily have tried to prevent Tathar from “taking care” of him, but I’m so glad he’s allowing the closeness.






Author Reply: Tathar and Thranduil have a very different relationship with each other than either of them have with Legolas, but there is fatherly love there nonetheless, and of course, not being Thranduil's son gives Tathar a little more 'leeway' when expressing his opinions :)

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