Reviews (54)

rgbj · 10 January 2004 · Chapter 21: Deceit

'Zad is truly a bad man. There is just no way to justify what he did. Since Tal-Elmar has never seen his father act this way there must be something about elves that really brings out the worst in him. That may be a reason but it certainly is not an excuse. He must not have been able to get any money from Sarn for Tinania helping so he figures he will sell the two girls off. It is actually quite common for farming families to 'rent' out sons and daughter for the harvest. They help with cooking and field work. The money used to go to the parents to pay for expenses but now it usually goes to the children who do the work. So I have problem with them working for other families but Tathiel knows that Hazad will not care who they go to and could go to ones who would abuse them. Also for the first time Tal-Elmar stood up to his father and took his "wife's" part. Hazad must have felt he was losing control of his son as well. Tathiel is such a bad influence on Tal-Elmar. As long as they stay there they are not safe. Tal-Elmar can't be with them all the time. I thought it was very telling that Tathiel had never hurt anyone so this happening must be so shocking and unreal to her. Well they are fleeing at a really bad time. Winter is just too close and they only survived last winter because someone watched over and took care of them. They really have little choice though they have to flee. Sarn was very kind. Tathiel was very unfortunate to end up in the wrong hands both times. But then of course we need a story don't we? A gut feeling got the rescuers this far so just go with it. It was so sweet when Galithon asked "What does a mother's heart tell you?" and then when she answered he back her up. Long weary search for the elves. At least the Dorwinians were kind to them and very helpful. It is near the winter solstice when they meet up with Sarn. It has been a long time since Tathiel and elflings left. I loved the bird calling to each other. So neat the Tinania had taught Sarn one so he could let the elves know that he knew they were there. I was glad that there were a few humans that were helping Tathiel et al out and that Sarn and Balwyn were trying to find elves to get Tathiel and crew rescued. The elves left no footprints and then were behind Sarn in the barn. Having elves around would give me a heart attack. You would never know when they were right behind you until they spoke and that startles the heck out of me when that happens. Of course think of the nice things they could/would do to make up for that. Rawien told Sarn and Balwyn everything! I was surprised because he usually is so quiet about everything. I expected him to tell them that he meant to make Tathiel his wife after that little incident about Tal-Elmar and his taking her to 'wife'. Got a little stiff and scary there. And yes Tathiel has been very clever, strong, caring and adamant. She will make someone a wonderful wife. The King thanked them with a bow and arrow set, that was very appropriate, and gold, that was practical. He didn't forget those who helped get his son back. Great chapter because we got to see nice humans for a change. I do get very embarrassed when all we see are r*t b*st*rd humans all the time. I still cringe when Elrond says 'men are weak.' I like book Elrond better. He loved his brother Elros and his descendants and worked tirelessly for them. There has to be a reason and that is because most humans are OK.

rgbj · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 20: Enemies and Allies

Tal-Elmar is very wise compared to his father. It is good he won't take advantage of the situation. He did he get to be so nice? The elves get to sleep in beds. After camping for four nights I need a real bed and a bathroom with a shower. A whole year of camping would be horrendous to me. Oh so Legolas is a brave one but to too brave yet. He will be one day. Hazad or Bad Man, a distinction but not a difference. I loved staying with my grandparents on their farm and being around all the farm animals. I wish the elflings could enjoy this. Until they went to town things were OK for them. I overlooked Tathiel can be a healer. She delivered Legolas after all. And more congenital idiots show up. Tal-Elmar's brothers. Witless wonders like Guryn. At least Hazad has some sense. He doesn't use it wisely but it is there. His two sons on the other hand are single- and simple-minded. Actually Hazad is pretty much the same way. Can I say the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. Then how do we explain Tal-Elmar? Bad men indeed. Even after the barn incident Hazad just will not see past his own nose. All the elves feelings of safety were false. They are in a no win situation that will only get worse when Hazad feels that Tinania can be married off. I wonder how old Tinania really is in human years? I'm glad Tathiel was able to help the human mother otherwise all three of them could have been lost. Good Tal-Elmar and Sarn have come up with a plan. I think Tathiel had better come up with one also and had better make tracks away from there unless she gets into more trouble and then she'd better wait until Rawien comes. Wow lots of elf angst in that chapter. I hope they can get out of there in one piece and soon. See some humans are nice and don't just want to take advantage of elves or people for that matter. For every bad man/woman there are more that are good. At least that is what I always hope.

rgbj · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 19: Tal-Elmar

Leges walked. Clever sweet elfling. Don't you just love him to bits. About the only cheerful thing that happened in this chapter that's for sure. A month in that wagon. This gives new meaning to 'are we there yet?'. Hazad covering his tracks. He is clever if short sighted. What is it with idiot men who think women are so much baggage to be bartered with no say in the matter. As Thranduil said what kind of man would use a child to coerce the mother into what is essentially slavery. The Sea of Rhun. If they weren't in such dire straits this could be a really good adventure. Hazad sure has a way with children. Not a good way mind you just a way. He has to assert his dominance. When my daugher would get her baby shots I always had her nurse during the actual shot time. She would freeze and then desperately nurse until she calmed herself down. It really is a comfort to a baby. The trees don't even recognize them. They are in far off territory. Hazad says elves never come there. Never doesn't mean forever never. He doesn't have a clue as to the motives of elves. Tathiel may have to wait but she can easily outlive him and his descendants. Hazad is good at control and domination. He must have practiced it on his family for many years. No wonder his brother was so mean. At least Tal-Elmar isn't a tyrant like his father and has some doubts about the wisdom of this. Hazad is so smug in his ignorance of anything elven. Perhaps a human woman might accept this situation if forced too and so far away from home but not an elf. They don't have overweening pride for nothing. How will Tathiel and the girls cope in such a patriarchal society? Although Tolkien's societies do have that late Victorian view of women also. He just hid it better. Well that was a painful chapter. I get a litle frisson at what they will have to put up with next. Especially Tathiel.

rgbj · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 18: Journey to the Sea of Rhûn

Oh poor sweet elfling is scared too. Things are so much worse now. I know Tolkien said elves die if raped but if Tathiel had to stay alive for the sake of the children I wonder if she could manage it. Tathiel's daydreaming was nice. Did Rawien care for her. Oh my yes. Men sure can't meet elves eyes. Are they that intimidating? I always thought of them as aloof but generally calm and cool. Yes I have read the Sil and prefer to think of those elves as aberrations. How much are the poor elves going to have to take. I am glad Hazad is going to get rid of the problem man, even if he is Hazad's brother. OOH They are in trouble now. Thranduil is ranting. He must realize that they are dealing with the dregs of humanity. You know the elves don't have a much better track record they just live long enough to get better sense. Well here is the discussion of how Tathiel can survive forcible rape for the sake of the children. But what a horrible thing to go through and have a memory of forever. Such a touching scene in Legolas' bedroom and then Lathron's vision. The king is very aware of how his grief and the children's also, is affecting their family life. He is trying but usually the mother is the heart of the family and would be so missed. How shocking this behavior must be to both sets of children. Tinania and Earundra must live through it and Thranduil's family feel helpless to do anything to help. At least they have each other. Both sets have someone they can cling to when they are so frightened. Well things have gone from bad to worse. From the frying pan to the fire. I could go on here for a few more cliches but I won't bore you. Well these frightening things are going to give long memories to the elflings and that is a pity. Also the king is going to have a hard time dealing with men again. Just when I was getting ready to see how Legolas would deal with being home and having a family we are back on the road again. Rats.

rgbj · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 17: Frustration & Fear

Elves are so clever to figure out so much from so little in the way of information. Off on a wild goose chase again. I feel so sorry for the rescuers. So close and yet no closure for them. The human messenger gets to see the king and his palace-cave. This is a real red letter day for him. And then he gets to see a group of fully outfitted warriors in a gallop. He will get free drinks at the inn for a long time on the strength of this. Oh everyone is so excited they are really going to feel let down. So much work to make the returnees feel at home again. This was painful to read since we know what is in store for them. The rescuers are correct, something is not right. Again the elves are very clever to figure out what in all probability happened. So again a long journey by a lot of elves to gain back their lost ones. They are a persistent bunch. Good thing too. I did like the healer saying that all elves looked alike to him. He was funny. Poor Tathiel. From the frying pan into the fire. This was a very exciting chapter from a standpoint of seeing how elves operate.

rgbj · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 16: Karan

I can imagine that meeting the 'dawg' was the highlight of Legolas' visit to Karan. What a shock a town must be for the elfling. He has neveer really interacted with anyone other than Tathiel and his ellyth. He is so sweet. He hides so he can still see but thinks he is invisible to the crowd. The healers were very nice to Tathiel. If she had stayed with them they could have slept in a real bed and maybe had a real bath. Those two items would have decided the matter for me. The clerk at City Hall was very rude. I hate men who call women little lady. It is demeaning. That is probably the point you wish to make. Oh Oh Hazad is up to no good I can tell. Well there were elves at Karan in the fall. That is a good sign for Tathiel. And the note will get results as soon as it is received. She feels much better now that home is within reach. The trees are able to give them good news. They were so close to being rescued. If they had only been delayed a few weeks they would have been found by the rescue party. Groan. Elfnapped again. Will this insanity never end. This was such a nice hopeful chapter and then we get to the end and it starts all over again. More trials and tribulations for the little group. And the ones who are looking for them and those wanting them home. Urgh!

rgbj · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 15: Homeward Bound

The ellyth have both grown a lot since they were elfnapped. Tinania has really matured for her age. She is now a leader, strong and confident. She really helped out during the time they were in the cave. Her parents will be proud of her. Earundra needs to get home to get proper care for her broken bones. Even elves can be grievously hurt. She has been strong and doesn't sound like she has complained at all. Legolas is growing like a weed and talking up a storm. The young grow up so fast, even elven young. We are getting ready for flooding here also. The snow will be melting fast the next three to four days and it is so flat here there will be no place for it to go but out. It would be a disheartening sight if one had to walk to get out. Oh the watcher will miss them. And the trees rejoiced over the elves presence. I love trees and the link they have with wood elves. Legolas is going to walk soon. I love Booees off and Ada King. He is just the sweetest elfling. Time to go at last. So many good things from the watcher. The most important a map that directs them to the Greenwood. The watcher knows a lot about them by now. Boy almost nine months in the cave. I am sure thy really appreciate it's safety and comfort. I would go nuts without something to read but maybe elves are more into other things. Oh Legolas got to see the watcher and say good bye. How sweet. And the poor searchers are miserable but still searching. They are havin git rough. Well I am glad they are on their way home. I hope they don't run across any orcs or easterlings. That would be so bad. I am enjoying this story so much.

rgbj · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 14: Revelations

Orcs again. So the Easterlings are probably in league with orcs and shadow. Maybe shadow is from the east as well. They finally are getting it. Maybe Tathiel didn't go east. She may have gone another direction. The endless speculation as to who their benefactor is. Arguing in circles. Not too much to do when you are snowed in. Some games, lessons and lots of attention for Legolas. And the prince has his first temper tantrum. He sure has a thing for hair. Elves do have some weird thing going on with hair so it is his heritage. A writer told me that. She had researched it. I so appreciate it when they do all that work and then share. Here the wolves come. The watcher saved them from the worst of it. Elves love all life even if it is trying to kill them and eat them. The watcher doesn't want them to go anywhere and I can see why. They are very vulnerable right now. More presents for the little prince. And a watershed moment he crawled and spoke his first real word. His poor family is missing out on such good stuff. Now the rescue team is six months behind Tathiel. Of course Tathiel hasn't moved to far away. Spring is pretty close so she should be able to move her little group closer to safety.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 13: The Watcher

OOH Horsie bits, how gross. Snow, I would say Whee but today is the first day I have gotten out in three days due to snow and ice. All elflings need snowball fights. Legolas likes snow a lot. A good thing because I think they get a lot in Mirkwood. The watcher is concerned about good and essentials for this little group. Oh it just figures. The worst winter in recent years. Why does this not surprise me. I love that elves can walk on snow but they are stuck where they are. Too much snow and no winter clothes to wear. I am amazed they have any clothes to wear at all with what they have been through. Hungry wolf. Not good at all. The watcher knows there is an entrance in back of the cave. With wolves about this is not a good thing. Baby booties and rabbit bunting for an elfling. How sweet. Well not for the bunnies but if you want an omelet you have to break some eggs. Legolas being so happy as the center of attention. He is sure a good little elfling and all babies of any race appreciate having so much love poured out on them. They need it. AAh The winter solstice. Going to have their own party and look, pesents from the watcher. He certainly is elvellon. Great presents too. Wolves again. There is always something to take the frosting off the gingerbread. Back to the Great Hall. We haven't been there in awhile. We need to see how they are coping with Nana and Alagos being gone. Lovely scene with ada and offspring. They are so afraid of ada, not. They don't want to hurt their adar and he doesn't want to hurt them. Catch-22. The King and Queen sure had great offspring. That takes a lot of work. I liked your ceremony at winter solstice. It amazes me what writers come up with in AUs. I love it.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 12: Tinánia

They are wise to be careful. A rockslide can be a very unstable area for some time. We have them all the time around here. Oh good she found a nice dry cave with wall slits for air and light. Eru might hav made it just for them. Tinania says she is a warrior and she can be depended on. Elflings are more in control at a younger age than humans according to Tolkien. Tinania is going to need all this to get through the winter. And after this hard day, to sleep is a reward for them all. OOPS Legolas missed a meal and lets everyone know about his unhappiness at this oversight. Testy little prince. Yes Tathiel the gift of Iluvator to the First Born is quick healing and immortalality while the gift of the Second Born is death. Is anyone aware of an imbalance in this equation? Or is it just me. Baths are such a good idea when camping. They can be a godsend as well. It was nice that they nicked some cooking pots from the humans when the escaped. It isn't as if the men are ever going to use them again. Cynical old me again. And a baby bath tub. When we hike we find the most amazing wood objects. If they weren't so cumbersome my home would be full of them. The horse could be a definite problem. It will attract scavengers when the smell gets just right. Someone is watching!! Scary. And the path is cleared and the horse is gone. But the trees sense no danger so maybe this will be OK. We don't need anymore elfnappings or terror. Great chapter and I am glad they are all OK.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 11: Trapped

The rescue party is heading the opposite way. Sigh!! At least the elfnapped-no-longer group is all still alive. And Tinania was able to get them all out with a lever. Clever elleth. Tinania and Earundra are very brave here despite pain and fear. Their first break (you should pardon the expression) is that Tathiel has only a simple fracture not a compound one. Legolas and Earundra get knocked out to keep them from being in too much pain. Tathiel though has to soldier on with her pain. And poor Earundra doesn't get a break or rather she gets too many of them. This is going to be a bad winter. Oh the poor horse. I hate it when animals get hurt especially when they are helping people. I am such a wuss. Tinania is certainly ber min. She will have to be their legs for awhile. Go get food, water, find shelter. She is taking on adult responsibilites and growing up too fast. Needs must when the devil drives. Well I am glad they are all alive albeit hurt as all get out.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Escape

The elves are so out of there. So Tathiel is hoping that this gives Balak a way out, a way to save face. I wonder if it would have or just made him so angry he would have stopped at nothing to get back at her. At least we won't know now. He won't be able to do anything at all. Too bad she doesn't know this. She could get home much faster. What a good elfling Legolas is. So quiet and content. And they have a nice horse even if it isn't elven. So much rests on Tathiel's shoulders. Always having to think ahead to the future and plan things out. I know the elleth will do all they can but she is the adult elf here. The trees will help. I always enjoy when a writer uses the link that wood elves especially have with trees. These trees haven't seen elves in a long time. Elves used to be everywhere but they have gone to the West or the Hall of Waiting or retreatedd to an elven stronghold. Sad loss for the trees. All men do is chop them down they can't talk to trees or appreciate them much except for their practical uses. The little novice warrior is going to go hunting. She is very resourceful. Now frsh meat is back on the menu. So nice for them to look forward to telling the Queen about little Legolas. Being elves they will never forget. The elleth are so sweet. Blueberry and rabbit stew sounds horrible to me but I am not an elf. If Tathiel only knew the men were dead she could have chosen a faster way home. Now for Ban and retribution. How does Rawien recognize that clasp? Could he possibly have been paying more than the usual attention to Tathiel? Oh I think so. Nothing in Ban's fears prepard him for four angry elves hovering over him. OK Balak and his men are no more. They have lost a lot of men now in the village as well. That is a bad thing. The more hunters you have the better you eat in the winter when you need them the most. So one horse went east, one west and the rest south. I think Tathiel went west so they are going in the exact opposite direction. Well they are doing the bet they can to find the lost ones with the information at hand. If Ban only had let them go he would have been shown mercy. Not Balak and his men but at least Ban would have. Oh no a rockslide. We have them in my area and they are bad. This is what Ethiwen felt.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 9: Reflections

I forgot about the human tracker. I remember now you mentioned this tracker I just over looked him. Well he is no more. I think it was good of Thranduil to remember his family, I take it this was in the form of renumeration for them. Ban has an anxiety attack and a well deserved one I must say. His pride has caused him to slip into grievous error and he fears the outcome. Too late for that now. He made his choice and must face the consequences of it. The men are not afraid to kill, they are unpredictable and that is dangerous. Rawien must have had dealings with humans before. That was a nice scene between Ethiwen and Galithon. Focusing on the elleth with their family once again. The warriors have that to cling to and that makes them even more determined. Even nicer is the portraits you have painted of Lathron's and Bregolas' personalities and how they deal with life and loss. Lathron has a vision of their baby brother and knows he is a sweetie. Survivors guilt is made worse by the visions. The only ones to blame are the ones that killed his mother and brother. So hard though not to take blame on self. This is part of the grieving process and has to be worked through. Poor Thranduil. I suppose a mighty king of an elven realm would be proud of his ability to protect his people and here he made the choices that ended in losing his Queen, a son, a warrior and an infant son he has never seen. He can't be easy on himself. Oh Oh something happened to the elleth.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 8: The Hunt

The elves are good at tracking. And the ones they are tracking left plenty of signs for elven eyes. I felt sorry for the first village. They were in such bad shape but made very poor choices. You do not mess with elves you will never win. That is probably a sub theme of this story. It is easy to intimidate a women by threatening her children. But this does not make you a man just a worm. Tathiel is always making plans. I wonder if this is an elven thing or do they teach it to the she elves in case of trouble or is this just her personality? Gonna knock 'em out. Good for her. Yes the elf beat him after all. I feel no sorrow or remorse for Balak or Ban when he finds out his son is dead. They had chances to remedy the bad they had done and each time they made the wrong choice. You reap what you sow and they did.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 7: The Village of Ban

Balak fears them as well he should. At least he can't kill them to get rid of the problem. But he won't set them free so he will sell them as slaves. Too much pride to admit he has made a mistake. And yes his actions will definitely hurt his village in the long run. He will let someone else decide what to do. Works for me. What a choice set before Thathiel. How do you decide when it is time to give up hope and make the choice of Mandos' Halls? One would have to be so very desperate. So she chooses life. Good choice, hope over despair. In the village they are like wild animals on exhibit. Can you imagine a life of such total isolation? The elves must be like world travelers compared to the villagers. Ban knew what he should do but let pride cause him to act on the elves outward appearances so he hardened his heart and showed them no mercy. Not a wise move to make. Well this trip will not be a walk in the park for the rescue team. They have had a run in with orcs already. This will be a long long rescue. At least the elves have a roof over their heads and some privacy. They can get cleaned up and make plans. Tathiel also needs to set the elleth's mind at ease over the death of the Queen and Alagos. In a small close knit community like the woodland realm everyone would pretty much know everyone else so each one who fell or left would be known at least a little by everyone. They need to recoup their energy for what lies ahead. Escaping so they don't get made into slaves.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Tathiel

Now we have Tathiel's POV and I don't think it will be a good one. Poor elves. The men are cruel to them. They are probably from a patriarcal society and don't have much use for women except for children and housework. As far as the elleth go they are now getting warrior games with a vengeance. They get to march and exist on lembas and water. Concerning the nursing my cousin adopted a baby and by the third day she was producing milk without the use of any drugs. The Dr. said it wasn't common but some women are so maternally inclined that their hormones just go into automatic over drive and their you are. She was so happy she got to breast feed and I am sure Tathiel was happy to save the little prince's life. With th control the elves have over their bodies I can see this happening. This was truly a blessing of the Valar. That is what this story is all about anyway. Elves do not forsake their own and a rescue party is on it's way. The poor little elleth have probably never been struck in anger in their lives. Elves cherish their elflings and would never hurt them by physical punishment. Their elflings are easily trained because of their natural control over their minds and bodies. Despite their shock at being manhandled they are stoic and trying to use all their resources to help their seekers find them. Well Balak truly does not know of elves. More fool he. The dwarf exposes them as elves, the First Born. No one hits an elf. They are far to proud to put up with that. Balak is going down.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 5: The King

If he didn't know why elves died of grief at Dagorlad he knows now. His soul shattered, his heart broke, his spirit cried out. Great writing there. But he was reminded he was a father and a king. His children and his people need him. He can pull himself together to lead and guide and quest for vengeance. His innate distrust of men. Sad but true. It was nice of him to not blame Rawien. Not all circumstances can be foreseen. Or as I put it, time and unforseen occurence befall all men, and elves too of course. Short but to the point. Get those warriors out there and see what there is to see and find.

rgbj · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 4: Return to Mirkwood

Rawien has some tough decisions to make. But the buck stops with him. He is the commander of this little group and he has to make the call. So the Hill Men kidnap women and children when they have been lost to bad weather in the villages. Boy are they in for a surprise when they end up with elves instead. The way elves feel about children they will be hunted till the end of time to get them back. Ransom probably would be safer. You can't put anything over on the king. After all the repairs the cart owner will probably owe them money instead of getting money for the cart rental. He can carry the celebratory wine from the cart to the cradle. That is sad. I don't think Legolas is going to have a cradle. Orcs are back. Spiders have returned. The Queen and Alagos are dead and his baby son, whom he has never seen has been elfnapped. Things have hit the fan as far as the king and his realm is concerned. Life just got a whole lot harder because darkness has returned. Now I am taking it for granted that you have this all timelined out. The dates and chronology etc. I trust writers who go into this much detail to do this because I have no memory for this type of thing. Even though I have read the books and supporting books (including Bored of the Ring) for forty years now I just don't remember numbers. So thank you for doing this for me. Poor elflings. According to Tolkien the loss of a parent would actually weaken them since it took energy from both parents to provide for a elfling and all of their offspring are still somewhat elflings. Oh dear. The king's life just got really awful. So much to have to deal with and a very grieved spirit to use to deal with it. There are so many chapters left that it is going to take a long time to get this all straight.

rgbj · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 3: The Iron Hills

So sweet Elumenil is so proud to be responsible for driving a cart. Oh dear. Like getting a flat tire for me. No way can I get those lug nuts off. All day job just to get the cart fixed. Lathron's visions. Well his mother did try to comfort him but he was still uneasy and with good cause. I like how you have set this up to use it the future. Orcs in the daytime? Are they using the dark caused by the storm to do their nefarious deeds? Oh the poor Queen got nailed with an orc knife. Good thing it wasn't poisoned. Now she gets to give birth in a cave. All of a sudden this side trip doesn't sound like such a good idea. Tinania was a big help to everyone. She seems to be mature beyond even elf years. It does make sense to me that they wouldn't want to be taken alive by orcs like Celebrian was. Death would be preferable. How many would ever be rescued in time. How do the elves view suicide? I have never read anything on this subject. Orcs. Predictable, noisy and uncreative. That was great. Bloodily dead. How awful. It doesn't matter to the dead of course but it matters to the living who discover them. Men have taken the rest. The elleth, Tathiel and the baby prince. Bad men. I just know it. This was a great chapter. It had suspense and yet brought your other characters into play. Now on with the exciting chase scene.

rgbj · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 2: Esgaroth

The elleth want to play at having an adventure so they get lembas and weapons. So much fun to camp out in your own tent, because warriors don't tent with their parents, and have warriors to protect you. Oh Rawien is in love!! He fought at Dagorlad under Orophen. He is a mature elf. And Tathiel loves Rawien. I guess that when you have forever there is no need to rush into things. What a lovely idyllic time in Esgaroth. They had a lot of fun shopping and just getting away from their usual routine. That is the definition of a true vacation. So she gets time to spend along with ada. In a big family this is a real treat. And ada is a good husband and adar. I am glad we have a happy family for awhile here. This story so enjoyable so far. Lovely descriptions of people and places. You have set up some nice interactions with the different elves. Looking forward for more.

k8kat7@aol.com · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: Valinor

Excellent story! I never can get a story to come out right, but you did.

rgbj · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 1: Rawien's Request

Oh not a happy beginning. Poor Queen dead and her just born child gone along with two young maidens and the Queen's best friend. There is always hope. OOH!! Even elves like to go shopping. I like this. Do you think elves would like malls? The King loved his Queen so much and now he will be alone. That is so sad. They had six children with a seventh on the way. Wow. Was it Feanor who had seven children? Most of the time elves had only one or two. Mirkwood elves have quite a reputation. Could this be one of the reasons? Narawen sounds like a wonderful elf. I feel so sorry for the King to lose her. It was cute that her horse was indignant that she wouldn't take him/her but sit in a cart instead. And then when she suggest he could pull the cart s/he was insulted to even be asked. I really like it when elven horses are given personalities since the elves can talk to their horses and understand what the horse wants in return. Such a happy family you have presented. This will be very angsty and full of loss I can tell.

rgbj · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 0: Prologue: Imladris

This is a very intriguing set up for a story. They are discussing Legolas and his involvement with the Ring and then his wanting to set up a colony in Ithilien. From there we go to the idea that the Valar, perhaps even Iluvatar may have had a hand in bringing about Legolas for the purpose of helping the Ringbearer. I look forward to this very much. I will read with great interest Riawen's tale.

FaerieQueen · 1 January 2004 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: Valinor

Beautiful story. It was heart-wrenching. It's so beautiful to read about Legolas and his family. I always wondered exactly how Narawen had died. I mean it's kind of inconceivable when you think of Mirkwood, and all the warriors etc. Do you by chance know what year Legolas was born in? Please email me if you have some time. Thanks, and keep writing.

Leann · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: Valinor

wow! i LOVE this story. i usually only like stories where legolas is the main character, but this one was wonderful. i even cried once and was close to crying a few more times. i laughed also. legolas was written as the cutest kid. loved it!