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| Immortal Friends by jenolas | 75 Review(s) |
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| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/17/2004 |
| I love the passion they all seem to be showing for the new colony in Ithilien. I thought the little mention of how thrilled Faramir is was wonderful. He seems to have known exactly what the elves would have wanted. There’s such a sense of teamwork and shared passion for this project. I can’t believe the Rangers learned some Sindarin – what a lovely welcome for the elves! Tathar is so good to Legolas. He seems to be doing his best to distract Legolas from his melancholy and give him something to focus on – how cute was it when he got so excited that he grabbed Legolas’ hand to drag him off?! And then when he realises that his friend cannot be pulled from any misery he’s feeling, Tather offers him any support he can. “Then tell me why your heart is in turmoil”. Ah, such a beautiful way of asking of him, and it shows that while Tathar doesn’t understand how it feels to have the sea call to him, he knows that it is his friend’s heart that is troubled rather than any other ailment. You did a great job showing Legolas’ anguish and the conflicted feelings that he has. It really sums up how difficult a decision he has to make and how either way will mean pain for someone. How courageous of him to want to chose pain for himself rather than those he loves, even though he surely realises deep down that it will hurt them to know that he is suffering. It’s a lovely image of the two friends falling asleep in the comfort of each other’s arms. And I’m sure the poor Rangers have grown a little used to the strange habits of elves by now! I’m glad Legolas seemed more in control the next day. Obviously he stills suffers but I like the idea that as long as he has friends like Tathar to listen to him during the toughest moments he will be able to keep his promise to Aragorn. Author Reply: This is not an easy time for Legolas, and there is more angst ahead and I hope I can do what I have in mind justice. It is wonderful to know that you are seeing the characters as I intend. Once again let me thank you for your support and acknowledgement, Dot. Hannon le, mellon nin. | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/16/2004 |
| I hope Legolas finds more strength to fight the sea-longing soon. Otherwise, the years of Aragorn's reign will be exceedingly hard on him. I'm sure Tathar will be there for him throughout his trials though. I liked that the rangers serving in Ithilien were trying to learn Sindarin. Usually, in fanfiction, it's the elves who accomodate the humans' manners and language. It's nice to see the reverse for a change. Good chapter, jenolas! LKK Author Reply: I try to use elements that are not commonly written about, and the Ithilien rangers already spoke a language that was very loosely associated with some form of elvish, or so I believe. May your enjoyment continue. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 1/15/2004 |
| Good old Gimli, he certainly did a great job of antagonising Thranduil. Although I can’t blame poor Thranduil – he already dislikes dwarves and not only does he have them in his hall yet again but Gimli is the one to tell him of Legolas’ plans rather than his son. And of course, as well as Legolas leaving again, Thranduil has to deal with the fact that he is suffering inside and that his final times before sailing west will be spent away from his father. I’m glad Tathar liked Gimli immediately. He seems to have complete faith in Legolas’ judgement. “I take it that when the King said ‘guest room’ he did not mean the dungeons?” Now, that would have been hilarious! It must have been a bit of a learning experience for Legolas and Gimli, to travel with elves and dwarves who keep insulting each other, whether accidentally or on purpose. “Until now he had not realised how tiresome the other members of the Fellowship must have found his and Gimli’s initial dislike of each other.” I thought that was really interesting and it seems like it’s something Legolas, at least, regrets now. I really like the way you chose for the two parties to finally learn a bit of respect for each other! I suppose it’s just that it was the dwarves protecting the elves, who probably felt themselves superior warriors, and they did so without hesitation. Oh to have been present in that tavern! I can see why Aragorn wished he had been there. It seems too as though he is already missing such times with his friends. Still, it must be nice to have the power to close a tavern for a private party!! Author Reply: Aragorn was likely more afraid of what would happen if the party turned 'unfriendly' and decided to kep the possible damage to a minimum :) One cannot reallyblame Thranduil for reacting a little badly to Gimli, for as you say, the King had much on his mind, perhaps even a little jealousy that the Dwarf of all people would be spending more time with Legolas than he would? As for the Elves and Darves travelling together... must have been an interesting trip! | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 1/13/2004 |
| Beautiful, jenolas. I finally got a chance to catch up on this series of vignettes you're presenting. I love the relationships you've given us in the triangle of father, son, and friend. I also like the humor that you sprinkle throughout. (Galadriel's far-speaking to Thranduil was a delight!) Very well done! LKK Author Reply: Many thanks. This is becoming quite an epic saga and I am glad it is still holding your interest. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 28 on 1/11/2004 |
| Ah, such a beautifully poignant opening scene – the trees welcoming Legolas and he singing to them in return but each changed by events and no longer so carefree. I loved the reunion with Thranduil – the way he swings his son around in such utter joy. And it seems that the joking between them all will continue for a while! How did Tariel know about Gimli? *feels a bit stupid* I thought it was quite a sad image of Thranduil sitting to one side and listening to his son speak of his love for his mortal friends. He must have realised in that moment, in front of all these other elves, that the future would bring immense pain and grief for Legolas. It’s interesting that his reaction to the story of the competition was embarrassment – I guess his pride just won’t allow him to accept defeat by a dwarf, even in a game and by one considered a friend by Legolas. That moment where Thranduil sees the sea-longing in his son’s eyes was heartbreaking. I love the intimate picture of Legolas leaning his head on his father’s knee, Thranduil stroking his hair. I’m glad he is letting Legolas go to Ithilien unquestioningly. “Then perhaps I should be grateful that you are so fond of the mortal, if your love for him keeps you here longer”. Hmm. It seems that they both know that this is not necessarily a positive thing – it might keep Legolas in Middle-earth a little longer but is preventing him from seeking the peace he needs. So Tathar finally agrees with one of Legolas’ decisions?! I love their shared excitement and enthusiasm – all that time apart doesn’t seem to have damaged their relationship at all. And they burned the letter. What a fitting ending to the horrific times experienced by all and a note of hope for the future. Author Reply: All were well aware of Gimli's presence on the Quest, and with her insight, Tariel sensed the friendship that had developed between Legolas and the Dwarf, and they did travel part the way home together, so the fact is likely to have at least reached the gossip grapevine. I am sorry if that was a bit obscure, but sometimes even I get lost in my characters! As for Legolas staying in Middle-earth, there is certainly some inner conflict to be resolved ( and excuse the SSP, that is addressed more fully in "Lost and Found"). | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/11/2004 |
| Oh wow, what a powerful image – the glass sliding from Thranduil’s hands and shattering on the floor as he registers Galadriel’s rage and the implications of her message. I love seeing him as the determined leader. He has a wonderful ability to inspire hope and courage in his people. I really liked the thought that he undertook the instruction of the elves in archery – it shows how unafraid he is to be close to his people. You did an incredible job in showing the chaos of the fire and the resulting grief of the elves. It’s amazing the way Thranduil, despite the horror he must be feeling at what happened, takes immediate control and can still see clearly enough to decide what action they should take. Even though the events are unspeakably terrible, nevertheless I find it fascinating to look at him as a ‘hands-on’ leader. I’d love to see what he was like at Dagorlad……;) I love the final paragraph – victory mixed with grief, but also a sense of relief that it is finally over. Author Reply: I think we agree that only a King as powerful in both presence and leadership as Thranduil must have been could lead Mirkwood through the dark years the Woodelves faced. | |
| Dot | Reviewed 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 :) | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 25 on 1/4/2004 |
| Yikes, Tathar should have known better than to try to deter Legolas once his mind was made up. It’s interesting that Tathar is looking at it more from a father’s perspective than as a friend, while Legolas is still trying to keep the promise they made so long ago. I suppose they would never have said such hurtful things if they didn’t truly care so deeply for one another and dread not only the imminent separation but the chance that they might never be reunited. I love the way you chose for them to reconcile – the idea of them talking through the night as close friends do, probably finally saying everything to each other that they wanted to. It’s a lovely image and I’m sure they’ll be glad they did so. Wow, that book seems to be completely intriguing! Thranduil and Elrond should be proud of themselves! I’m glad it helped Tathar understand his friend’s reasons for joining the quest, although it seems a pity that he didn’t read it a lot earlier and save himself some heartache. There’s a Dwarf going on the quest? The son of one that Thranduil imprisoned? No…perish the thought….!! That letter is so sad! It was a lovely idea, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be for him to write it, knowing he might never see the one to whom it was written again, as well as knowing the pain Thranduil will be experiencing if he ever does read it. It was beautifully written. I love the way Legolas uses it to try and convey exactly how much he loves his father and that he knows that he was loved in return, while also trying to maintain a note of hope that Thranduil would be able to find peace one day. The final moment between the two friends was lovely. Such a lonely closing image, though. Legolas really is showing such courage and strength of character. I doubt there would be many others who would agree to such an undertaking, at least not without more of their own kind included. Still, it just shows that Elrond obviously knew what he was doing!:) Author Reply: Tathar and Legolas do think differently in some regards, but even a strong disagreement is not likely to cause a permanent fift in their friendship, especially at this stage of their history. As for the book, well..let's just say that Tathar is not fond of reading. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 1/3/2004 |
| Ah, what an incredible way of writing around the events of the Council. I actually read this a couple of hours ago and it left me in tears so I had to go away and come back to it! I really like the interplay between Legolas and Elrond. “I know you better than you think, young Thranduilion, you are very much like your sire” LOL! Legolas should really just take that as a compliment and not think too much about it! Seriously, though, I like that Elrond seems to understand that Legolas has inherited his father’s fierce loyalty to his home and people but also clearly knows that it is all the qualities that his friend has instilled in his son that make him the perfect choice for the Fellowship. You summed up these qualities beautifully. I had never thought about the hobbits feeling comfortable with him before. “It is only fitting that Isildur’s heir attempt to undo the damage wrought by his forefather”. I thought that was really interesting. I mean, it makes perfect sense. I suppose it just held a note of blame that I was surprised at Elrond and Legolas for voicing. But…now that I think about it, that would be a feeling that many elves would share, particularly one such as Elrond who must feel utter dread at the thought of the horrors of the past repeating themselves, and one like Legolas who has seen the effect of the returning shadow on his home and probably grew up with tales of the failure of men. I am glad Elrond was able to impart such valuable advice to Legolas about his friendship with Aragorn. I suppose it’s probably one of the few things that his own father wouldn’t really be able to advise him on, but as Elrond says, he has had much experience in the area and can give him the guidance he needs. “We are kindred spirits, Legolas. One day I will lose him too.” That just struck me as so sad. It’s as though Elrond tries to live by his own advice but nevertheless cannot completely ignore the fact that he will one day suffer the loss of another loved one. Thranduil’s reaction to the news was perfect. As astute as always, he immediately realises the danger of the quest and unlikelihood of his son’s survival. It was amazing to watch the way Legolas gently but firmly reminds him that he is speaking as a father rather than a king. In fact, it must have taken a lot of effort from him to speak as a prince in the face of his father’s hurt and despair. ‘Go with the blessing of the King, and the love of your Adar,” said Thranduil as he buried his head into the silky golden tresses resting on his shoulder and wept.’ Aah, Jenolas, what a heartbreaking image. That’s where my tears started…to see the strong and proud king so unhappy. And then as if it wasn’t enough to see Thranduil’s heartache, Legolas goes and tells Tathar! I think I realised the root of Tathar’s anger right about the same moment Legoals did. I love the way he isn’t afraid to show Legolas the depth of his fear but as always remains a true friend and ultimately offers his support. I think he and Thranduil could help each other through this if they allow themselves. “He wants you to leave the darkness behind and take with you only the memory of the sounds of laughter and music as your people make merry under the stars.” I think I’m going to cry again! King Thranduil becomes Ada again and gives his son some happiness to cling to. Such a beautiful act when his heart was probably breaking. I love the understanding you have of the emotions of those involved here, and I think what I particularly love about this chapter is that you made me stop and think and helped me to see these events in a whole new way!:) Author Reply: After all their losses and Isildur's valiant defeat of Sauron, I imagine the Elves were less than pleased to see that all fall apart when he refused to destroy the Ring. Yes, it is Elrond rather than Thrnaduil who can speak with some authority on friendship between Elves and Men. Dot, I can not tell you how pleased I am with your last comment, for this is exactly what I try to do with events that have already been well written about... I try and find a different perspective and I see that at least in your eyesI have done so. Thank you jenolas | |
| k8kat7@aol.com | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/1/2004 |
| Awesome story! How can you come up with such things? | |