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| Immortal Friends by jenolas | 75 Review(s) |
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| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 1/1/2004 |
| I just realised that this is chapter 23. Wow, that’s some achievement. This was a great chapter. I’m getting quite excited now! So Mithrandir just happens to turn up at yet another feast?! He’ll start to think that’s all they do! I love the way he keeps dropping hints of things to come. Tathar and Legolas are obviously used to him enough now to recognise a hint when they hear one. Pointless thought….every time I read the name ‘Mithrandir’, I hear it the way Denethor said it in the film of RotK. That might not seem annoying, but it really is….! Ah, the book! I had to laugh at the way Thranduil is thoroughly amused by his son’s reaction. He obviously did a great job keeping it secret from him! I always thought it was such a good idea of yours to have the elven rulers write their histories. How interesting it would be to read! You really write Gollum so well! I can completely see why anyone would be torn between despising him and pitying him. I feel so bad for the elves, though! It’s true that too much compassion was their biggest failing, and how sad that the times in which they live means that they can’t show such kindness. And poor Thranduil taking on the full weight of responsibility himself in order to comfort his son. That ending was really ominous! I really wanted to shout at him not to send Legolas to Imladris…. No doubt Thranduil will soon rue a lot more than allowing Gollum into his realm. Still, roll on Imladris…!:) Author Reply: This is my longest story yet, but the end is near.. Mithrandir is nothing if not wise, what better time to visit than when a celebration is in the air? I am pleased you like my depiction of Gollum, and from your response I see I managed to capture the essence of the problem he posed for the Mirkwood Elves, both as a prisoner and as an escapee. That was my intention. Yes, the next chapter will be in Imladris. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 1/1/2004 |
| Where on earth do you get your endless inspiration?! That story about the painting was wonderful! What a loving young elf Legolas was. I love the way you still brought Tathar into it and showed just how much fun the two friends had. I also like the way Legolas thinks nothing of deferring to Tathar’s greater knowledge of writing. It’s quite nice to think as well that Tathar has some part in the gift. “Fortunately Legolas had thought to depict his Ada wearing his crown of leaves; otherwise the King might not have been exactly certain which of the figures was meant to represent him”. I seriously nearly fell off the chair laughing at that image! You really are so funny sometimes, Jenolas! Oh, and I love the little glimpses of Elisiel you give us now and then. So sad, though, when we see how happy they all were. Especially the obvious passion that still existed between Thranduil and Elisiel. “I like the way I am to be punished,” Elisiel had told her son”. *stares blankly* Now, I wonder what she could possibly have meant…. As with Tathar in the last chapter, it’s so hard to find fault with Thranduil’s disapproval of his son’s friendship with Aragorn when he so clearly has Legolas’ best interests at heart. I love the nonchalant way Tathar asks Aragorn “So you are the rightful King of Men?” Yep, king of men. No big deal…. I thought the end was really interesting, seeing Aragorn accept Legolas’ lead without question when the complete reverse will soon happen. I’m glad Tathar is beginning to respect Aragorn. Maybe it will help him understand the choice Legolas will make. Who knows? Well, you do, obviously….! Oh – and Happy New Year!:) Author Reply: Happy New Year to you, Dot. Legolas and Tathar were undoubtedly as cute as they were mischievious when they were young. It is taking a while, but Tathar is beginning to see why Legolas and Aragorn have formed a friendship, yet the road ahead may stil be a little rocky. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 12/26/2003 |
| Oh look, it’s Estel! “Estel caught his glance and in the moment that grey eyes held eyes filled with star light the flame of friendship was kindled in both their hearts”. Ah, lovely. It’s such a wonderful image and a beautiful idea that they connected immediately. I really like the way Legolas can sense the power and majesty innate to Aragorn even at his young age. There’s a great sense of friendship between them all – Estel certainly fits right in with the other mischief-makers! I always love your little elvish touches, like Legolas singing to the trees – and I particularly loved the sentence “Nay, my horse speaks freely with Adar, and just to be certain, I am plaiting a part of his mane in the fashion that says the rider is unharmed” I don’t know why, but it’s an image that really makes me smile! I don’t know if it’s the love and concern Legolas shows for his father or the idea of Thranduil having a conversation with a horse…!! I can see why Tathar is disturbed by Legolas’ friendship with Estel – although I do feel bad that he didn’t treat Estel with a little more respect. I’m glad he was able to tell Legolas of his fears and it says so much about their relationship that they understand each other and Tathar is not just willing to let Legolas do what he must but promises to be there for him if he needs his friend. Great sense of sudden panic at the end – you can’t stop there!!! Author Reply: And what tales Legolas's horse could tell ( no pun intended!). Aside from his concern for Legolas's emotional well being, Tathar can sense the deep connection between the two, and is a little unwilling to 'share' Legolas on that level, hence his attitude to Estel at the moment. I won't! | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 12/26/2003 |
| So sorry I didn’t review this earlier…. I hope you had a good Christmas! I got a bit of a shock when I realised how far you’d come with this story – I had to stop in surprise at the line “Thranduil decided to march after the Dwarves who had escaped his dungeons”!! I really like the way you wrote this, showing the tragic contrast between Lake-town as Legolas and his friends had previously known it and the ruins left now. You paintesd such a melancholy picture of the aftermath of the battle – I can completely understand Legolas’ despair and anger that this is what the Shadow is doing to the world. He seems to understand that it will take more separation and loss before there is any chance of peace. I’m so attached to Tathar now that I can’t bear the thought that they will be split up when Legolas leaves on the quest! The memories of the trip to the town that they took with Elladan and Elrohir were hilarious. I can just picuture the utter nuisances they made of themselves. I actually felt sorry for the girl’s poor suitor sitting in a corner watching tttwo handsome elves flirting with her. I bet Glorfindel got a kick out of that story… Ah well, at least they have good memories of Lake-town to replace the image of it lying in ruins. Oh, and in answer to your question…ahem…I chickened out of bringing the picture to work…I don’t think my boss would really understand why I’d want a picture of half-naked people with long hair and pointy ears on my desk. But it’s still set as my desktop background on my computer at home! Author Reply: Thanks, I did. About the timeline,I am attempting to write 'around' events already detailed by Prof. Tolkien, rather than 'through' them, so the episode with the Dwarves in the 'Hobbit', and later the Battle of the Five Armies are simply referred to as already having occurred. I am glad you have fallen for my Tathar, it is a great compliment to know that I have been able to create a character who touches readers in some way. Pity about your conservative boss... but you having something nice to come home to! *grin* Happy holidays, Dot. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 12/13/2003 |
| I love the idea of these Council members bringing a certain sense of peace to Mirkwood. It really gives a clear picture of their combined power. I thought it was great that you showed the undercurrent of uneasiness that remains and the sense of foreboding that Thranduil feels. I see Saruman is already trying to mislead them, and the council meeting hasn’t even begun. I love the relationship between Elrond and Thranduil as well – not only can Elrond sense that his friend is troubled but Thranduil seems to confide in him, instead of attempting to hide his suffering. Well, at least the younger elves seem to be taking the opportunity for some relaxation! The story-telling was great – I thought the tale of Tathar and Legolas sabotaging each other’s boats was hilarious, and Thranduil proved as ingenious as ever at concocting a punishment! I imagine this rare peace is about to be broken with Elladan and Elrohir around…!:) Author Reply: You could be right, Dot! Residents of Laketown beware! I would also like to take this opportunity to (publicly) thank you for your unwavering support and your much appreciated comments. p.s. Did you take the picture (you know the one I mean) to work? :) | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 12/11/2003 |
| Yay, Tathar and co. are back! As always, the scene between Legolas and Thranduil was beautiful. You write such a wonderful closeness between them. And I love the idea of Tariel predicting their needs and having warm milk and pastries ready! Great job showing how the shadow is now affecting them so much that they can no longer even find refuge in sleep. Mithrandir certainly made a dramatic entrance! I thought it was hilarious the way none of the three thought it at all odd to come across the other in the middle of the forest. They just very matter-of-factly agree to hop across the Anduin to Lothlorien! The best line of the whole chapter has to be “There is no need to fuss, Galadriel” – only Mithrandir could get away with that! There’s such a wonderful sense of everyone being mildly amused by the old wizard, although obviously completely respectful of him. I really like, though, the way you maintain the note of seriousness underneath any gaiety. Thranduil seems very hopeful, if I’m judging his reaction correctly. I suppose it sounds as though there might be an end to Mirkwood’s troubles. It’ll be interesting to see what happens now! Author Reply: Legolas and Tathar are so usd to seeing Mithrandir turn up without warning that they no longer question it, but it is a testament to Mithrandir's power that he actually managed to escape the Necromancer in the first place. And he is not afraid of Galadriel either! | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 11/23/2003 |
| A really lovely chapter. I always love these celebrations your wood-elves hold. News does travel fast, doesn’t it if Legolas is just home and Tathar has already heard most of the tales from Imladris. I really loved the scene between the two of them. You write the banter between them so well, but at the same time they are so attuned to each other that Tathar immediately senses that there is more to Legolas’ story than he is admitting. Of all people Tathar can understand the grief that Legolas is desperately trying to spare himself and his loved one from. It is good to see Tathar back to something like his old self again. And Legolas was well able for him too! How wicked they both can be. They certainly seemed to amuse everyone at the king’s table anyway! That last piece was unexpected! Beautifully written and a wonderful reminder of how long Tariel has been around and how close she is to the royal family as well as quite a poignant picture of the spirit of Oropher dancing amongst the wood-elves, but see...now I really want an Oropher story...;) Author Reply: Oropher?... hmmm... a suggestion well worth considering. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 11/21/2003 |
| Great chapter as always. What a picture it must have made, Thranduil and Elrond trying to sneak back all dishevelled and cut! I love the way the three younger elves don’t think twice about questioning their fathers when they would probably have resented it had it been the other way around. I was delighted that Glorfindel made an appearance here – and I see he’s causing trouble as always! I really love his mischievous streak. Thranduil and Elrond should really know by now that glaring at him is just a waste of time! I was surprised to see Arwen – I had totally forgotten about her! I thought you wrote her homecoming wonderfully, the way she seems to savour everything about her home. It’s quite sad that she loves the place so much yet it still holds such painful memories for her that she has to seek solace in Lothlorien. The relationship she seems to have with her two brothers is great to see. It was such a lovely image of her resting her head on Elrohir’s shoulder. I thought Legolas’ reaction to Thranduil’s injuries was really interesting. I suppose we all think our parents are infallible until something forces us to realise that they’re not, and Thranduil is usually so well protected that his son obviously hasn’t considered this before. Of course, the fact that he has had to deal with loss already probably means that Legolas dreads having that experience again, especially if it’s his beloved father. Oh how I’d love to have been there to see the swordfighting display between the three elves.... Thranduil trying to matchmake! He’s obviously not very skilled at it – I’m sure he could have been a little more discreet! He seemed to be pushing the idea a bit – maybe he just wants for his son the same happiness he had himself. I really like the idea of the elves knowing who that one other is that will complete them. The concept of such unity is really beautiful. Still, poor Legolas sounds as though he wouldn’t have minded if Arwen had been that maiden who’d steal his heart! I guess it’s hard for him too as he obviously has some sense that his life as a warrior will lead him into danger. It must be difficult to choose between duty and love. Author Reply: Hi Dot, I am afraid Legolas has learned to be wary of love, at least at the moment, and you are right in thinking that he never before thought of Thranduil as being vulnerable in battle just like anyone else. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/14/2003 |
| Another very well done chapter. The trip to Imladris was good for all. So much has happened and the worries about the strengthening of the shadow has weighed heavily on everyone. The archery contest was a nice little carrot to dangled in front of Legolas. I enjoyed the interaction between Thranduil and Elrond. Elrond's reasons for wanting Thranduil to come was a surprise, but a fun one. I was glad to see Mithrandir show up and when they get back to Imladris, the two rulers can be sure EVERYONE knows he was there! Nicely done, jenolas. :>) Karen Author Reply: Thanks for your comments, Karen. I am pleased you liked the brief interlude, it was a bit of fun! | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/13/2003 |
| Thranduil and Elrond! *massive grin* Thank you so much for this chapter...did I ever tell you how much I like those two elves?!;) I wish I had longer to review this but I don’t, so here goes... I loved everything about it but particularly: - the determination of the Wood-elves not to allow themselves become prisoners in their homeland - the idea of Thranduil feeling Elrond’s pain so deeply that he wants to offer his support and comfort - the easy relationship between Elrond and Thranduil, despite the fact that they hadn’t seen each other for so long – especially the way they have their mischievous sons in common - the language! “The ever present whispering of the cascading water of the falls was muffled as if by some ghostly hand covering its mouth as a thick morning mist hung heavily over Imladris”. Aah, beautiful! And of course all of the scene by the waterfall! They seem at ease in each other’s company, probably due largely to their experiences of heartache. I loved the way Elrond was concerned enough to enquire about Legolas and Tathar. I thought the whole piece with them sparring was really very emotional. Apart from them genuinely needing to hone their skills at a time when peace is threatened, it seems more a way for Elrond to find some release as well. All his grief and anger probably went into that fight. I understand that he wanted someone who would challenge him, but I think that underneath was a greater need for a friend who understands his loss and would help him through this time. Anyway, they certainly both enjoyed it! Mithrandir, eh? Now, he doesn’t tend to turn up for no particular reason… Oh, and I thought the end was hilarious – I can only imagine what spin Glorfindel would put on events! And for the record, the fact that there were two strong, sweaty elves in torn shirts prancing about with swords had nothing – I repeat, nothing – to do with my enjoyment of this chapter.....;) Author Reply: I thought readers might be interested in a glimpse of the elder Elves, and their relatonship. They have both already fought a long war with Sauron, and neither have forgotten... but of course practice makes perfect, as the saying goes. Glad you liked the 'no holds barred' contest, and the image of the two warriors. As for Glorfindel and his imagination, perhaps a very brief glimpse in the next part when they return to Imladris. Someone is going to have to explain the torn shirts! | |