Thundera Tiger
· 7 June 2010
· Chapter 12: A Long Expected Conclusion
Wow. Just...wow. I'm speechless. That's not normal for me, either. :) But seriously...wow. This story is amazing! Larner recommended it to me, and I'm so glad I followed up on that recommendation. When I read through the first two chapters, I thought I had a pretty good feel for where the story was going. It seemed to be following the usual track of other stories I've read where Legolas shows up unexpectedly in Imladris and meets a very young Estel. But you blew me away when the Mirkwood delegation discovered they'd been chasing the wrong prince, and after that, the twists were flying left and right. I kept forming suspicions on what was happening, and I kept having to readjust everything each time you threw in something new. This was a fantastic mystery yarn! It's obviously well-researched (loved the additions of things like Elrond's heritage, the making of Lembas, etc.), and it's linked together so tightly that there's no give in the story. Nothing is wasted, nothing is added purely for narrative benefit, and it all twines together in the end.
And the characterizations are spectacular! As a general rule, I'm leery of young Estel stories because he's either too wise, too innocent, or Imladris is just a glorified Day Care. But you've woven a story with distinct personalities for everyone (love your depiction of Gilraen), a wonderfully keen but innocent Estel (rarely have I seen him written this well), and an elven society as complicated as the story it frames. Many thanks for sharing such a wonderful gift with writing and for taking the time to pen the best mystery story of Middle-earth that I've ever read. This was brilliant!
Author's reply
Thanks so much! Your review made my day!
When I read Appendix A in LotR I felt like there was much left unsaid. Gilraen, being a fairly young mother in a foreign culture, probably had a lot to deal with in the years following her husband's death, and she was certainly world-weary by the end of her life. Tolkien probably would have had an entirely different view on her - and most of the other characters - than I did, but since he didn't SAY so I was very content to build my Imladris the way I wanted it to be.
And besides, I like little Estel. He's funny!
LisaG
· 28 February 2010
· Chapter 12: A Long Expected Conclusion
Marvelous story!!! The "who dunnit" was very interesting, as was Estel's meeting with Legolas, but I think what I enjoyed the most was the day-to-day vignettes of little Estel's world. Learning languages with Glorfindel, tracking with Elladan, maps and geography with Elrohir, etc. His reactions to all the goings on in Imladris were wonderful...Elladan bringing a fox to the dinner table, the spring celebration, and so on. I also loved all the Estel/Elrond interactions...they were most heartwarming and at times heartbreaking, too. As Leoglas did, I could see the King in little Estel. :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it. I certainly had fun writing it!
grumpy
· 3 October 2009
· Chapter 12: A Long Expected Conclusion
So glad that you came back to finish your story, I always thought it was so good. Glad that Gilraen took down Ilothuir down, serves her right for trying to harm a little boy.
Author's reply
Thanks! Sorry to leave everyone hanging for 2+ years, but at least it's finished now!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 12: A Long Expected Conclusion
Aha! So THAT is it! And it is apparently very long since you last posted. At least we NOW know!
Thank you for a diverting morning! A fine mystery indeed! Alas for Legolas's brother, realizing he's been in love with a mad woman!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 11: Eyes Opened
Still another murder! It is time to get to the bottom of this, definitely! Alas! Kinslaysing is so horrible!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 10: Thinking Time
And even more problems? Interesting no one appears to like Medlin, thinking him "low."
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 9: Sunrise and Revelations
"I ain't been droppin' no eaves!" I just hope Estel doesn't drop himself! Heh!
I suspected Thranduil had seen to it the older son escaped, and now we know! And now at last we know why so many are here together. So, who's the poisoner? And why do I almost hope it's Medlin? As to why....
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 8: An Evil Deed
Do not think I'm upset at a Legolas-meets-Estel story--I like many of those I've read, although it is pleasant to think I'm now reading one of those that began the genre! Heh!
I, too, have a couple of stories that are coming nowhere as quickly as my writing used to do, so I can understand.
Love the intrigue!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 7: Nost-Na-Lothion
And who has done this--and why? Horrible!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 6: Evening Stars
Aha! So, the recalcitrant brother is HERE, is he? And why is he hiding away to begin with! And we know why he didn't stay with Legolas to begin with!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 5: More Lessons: Tracking and Etiquette
Well, Medlin is not a particularly endearing creature; and now we find ourselves what's between Legolas and these two! Heh!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 4: An Eventful Dinner
Definitely NOT dull! Heh!
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 3: Language Lessons
So, we learn a bit more. Sorry to hear Arathorn was not particularly warm.
Now--why is Thranduil's older son hiding out in Lorien?
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 2: The Injured Elf Wakes
And why are two sons of Thranduil loose in Middle Earth, hiding from their father's messengers? Lots of questions....
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 1: The Storm
Ah--another first meeting between Legolas and Estel, then? Well enough.
Author's reply
It's not the only convention I use in the story, but I hope a good plot and characterization make up for some of that. This story was begun in 2003, so fans hadn't picked up on quite so many standard devices yet.
daw the minstrel
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 12: A Long Expected Conclusion
How nice to see this story finished! But poor Laegryn is likely to suffer if he really is somehow bound to her. I liked the "dark as a spider's eye" description, and also the use of the bit of canon about how killing diminishes healing skill. Elrond and Glorfindel must react especially strongly to kinslaying, given their history, though I suppose most elves respond strongly to that. Estel is a sweetie and his mother rocks!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. You are fabulous to read the end after the story had such a long hiatus! I posted it at three in the morning because I had decided that, no matter what, I wasn't moving from the computer until the last chapter was up. I'm glad you liked what I did with Gilrean. I hope she redeemed herself, at least a little, after being such a flake for most of the story.
Cat
· 13 March 2007
Ack! Shoot, I want to find out what happened, but there's not next button! Wah! More, soon, please I need to know who done it!
Idril Celebrindal
· 5 March 2007
I am totally into this story and I can't wait for the rest. Please post some more.
Thanks,
Idril
Mopsy
· 5 April 2006
Like Estel, I considered throwing a childish tantrum, but I think I'll just ask nicely: more, please? I adore this story.
Arwen of Lorien
· 20 March 2006
Aahh! Were could the next chapter be? What a good story! I am glad I tried it out, but know I am afraid I will be on here every day to see if there is another chapter. The suspence! I am glad Legolas is doing better. Poor elf is always in harms way, no matter how nimble. Your Estel still cute!
Thank you for your great work! :)
Namarie & God bless,
Arwen
Author's reply
Thank you! But I wouldn't check every day for a new chapter. I don't think I've posted two days in a row since...chapter four, or something. At the earliest, it will be posted Saturday. Yes, Legolas is always in harm's way; there's no adventure without it! I'm glad Estel is still cute ;)
Bodkin
· 20 March 2006
I think I might have to reread. I'm sure I'm missing something.
Finding evidence of murder must be even more horrific in an elven setting. H'mm - suspecting a female villain. That's interesting. And Elrond has a cunning plan.
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
You might not be missing anything - there's no means or motive for the murders yet, just opportunity. Lucky for me, I can count on Elrond to be perceptive.
Bodkin
· 20 March 2006
I'm glad Legolas is coming round - even if his hair hurts, and the air round him hurts, and his fingernails hurt. I loved seeing Glorfindel consult a list of Questions That Must Be Asked.
Little Estel up in the Star Dome is sweet - especially his reluctance to leave Erestor to his boring calculations. (Long Division - the curse of the ages!)
What he saw was intriguing...
Thank you for the summary - very useful.
Arwen of Lorien
· 19 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Nost-Na-Lothion
He he, I am really enjoying this story, :) Especially the last chapter I read, about the evening meal, ha ha! I just love little Estel! So surprised when the stanger turned up to be Legolas, cant wait to finish the story, and see what our favorite elf is up to, tommoro when I will not get frowned on for reading on the computer so long. *Bang head on keybord in regret from being torn away from my precious web-storys*. ;) Namarie and God bless, Arwen
terryb
· 19 March 2006
I thought of this story just yesterday and wondered if when you'd be updating again. I'm so delighted to see another chapter. Each time another appears, I go back to the earlier chapters. It's a delight each time.
The mystery solving continues. I look forward to the next chapter!!
Author's reply
Thanks! The end is finally near!
daw the minstrel
· 19 March 2006
Oh oh! I'm so excited to see this. They seem to be working their way to a solution to the mystery. I think when this story is finished, I'm going to go back and read it from the beginning. Did the dead elf poison the lembas? That's possible.
Author's reply
Goodness, you and Jasta both! I update and fifteen minutes later I have a review! Thank you!
I do hope the end is in sight. I remember I said "two more chapters" four chapters ago! I've about decided to work my way straight to the end and post as-is so I can get this poor story done with and post something else without feeling guilty about poor Estel and Co. waiting for me every time I open my computer. I still like the characters, but I have discovered that 5000 words is about my speed and anything longer just gives me a headache. Plus, I put in so many plot twists that I have to keep checking my outline just to keep track of them all. Note to self: next time, only two big surprises in one story!