Reviews (443)

Lamiel · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

What a WONDERFUL chapter! Of course Thranduil alone is just brilliant -- a finer depiction I have never read. Oh, the image of him dancing with that sword... ahhh. Now THAT is the greatest tribute I could ask for. I hope JastaElf has seen this story -- she'd love it. And then the interaction with the Elven family is perfect: a grand way to ease into the realm, without having poor Gimli forced to present himself before the Elven court straight off. And I like the image of Thranduil greeting Gandalf while scrubbing floors. Ha! Nicely subtle nod to Elven custom, that the Royals observe that tradition every six years. Sixes and twelves for counting -- every detail is just right. I am so looking forward to the meeting with Thranduil now. Wee ha! I love this story! Lamiel

Ms. Whatsit · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

If we don't see the reunion between Thranduil and Legolas in the next chapter, I believe I'll be at liberty to suspect you of putting it off on purpose. I loved your comparison (well, Gimli's comparison) of Arwen with the female wood-elf. It really emphasized the fierceness of the wood-elves. The scene with Thranduil and Aldamir was also very sweet. And Thranduil and Legolas doing manual labor? Are you trying to make your readers fall in love with those two? It's something Thranduil would do, though. No one gets to be revered like he was by holding himself snobbishly apart from his subjects; quite the contrary. Please continue!

sofia · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

I love the image of Thranduil on his knee's scrubbing the floor while Gandalf comes.

calenore · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

Ah yes, the less refined ways of the Greenwood elves must shock outsiders who have become accustomed to the Noldor and the elves of Lorien! It is good that you are making a point of these differences. I admire Thranduil for his strength, and the way you've been characterizing him through others' words and through his own actions has been spectacular.

Jay of Lasgalen · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

I think you are deliberately prolonging the agony - how long do we have to wait to see the reunion between Legolas and Thranduil? When he was contemplating going off for the day I thought he would miss his son's return, but we, and Thranduil, have to wait a little longer. I loved the image of Legolas up to his elbows in dishwater - he can come to my house and help any time he likes! Jay

Theresa Green · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead

“He says the most hideous things in the nicest way.” That line had me chuckling out loud. I adored Legolas’ summary of Gimli’s character and attributes. Full of contradictions, that Dwarf! And the conversation with The Twins no doubt foreshadows some of the difficulties that Legolas will face when he brings Gimli to Lasgalen. It will take all of his considerable tact to reconcile his father to the fact that one of his son’s best friends is a Dwarf. The description of the host of people assembling and passing out of Minas Tirith was beautifully detailed and vivid. I could see each group in my mind’s eye quite clearly. And Legolas waiting until the end of the line was a lovely touch. He is a sensitive soul, isn’t he. Not wanting to thrust himself upon the people of Gondor – yet another stranger in command of them! The Elf has considerable wisdom. And you have introduced me to yet another new word – “aramanthine” – relating to a fabled never dying flower, symbol of immortality. Not only is this story immensely entertaining, but it is also widening my education! Many thanks! I am enjoying your story so much, Coriel.

Theresa Green · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 3: Ride With Me

Ah, now! This is great! I love your Gimli. His comparison between Legolas and a daffodil was priceless. The conversation was a delight. I enjoyed the banter between them very much. Your vocabulary in this story is very original. I had never come across the word 'taurine' before. Bull-like I presume. Very appropriate for a Dwarf. There were some nice little touches in this chapter to show what a kind and considerate person Legolas is - sorting out the bed and blessing the room as he leaves for example. He is very thoughtful. Not in the slightest bit arrogant as you might superficially expect an Elf Prince to be. But as you have made quite clear, Legolas would be the very last person to make a fuss over his title. Thank you for this chapter. I always enjoy Gimli and Legolas in conversation.

Theresa Green · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 2: Beneath the Stars

I very much enjoyed the conversation between Eomer and Legolas, with all its subtle shifts of mood. Your dialogue it totally convincing; each character seems to have his own voice. I enjoyed Legolas' feline grace as he climbs across the buildings to find a comfortable spot. And the line about Elves as assasins made me smile. Yes, they would be perfect, wouldn't they. The relationship between Legolas and his father is very well portrayed. I like the range of roles that Legolas adopts in order to help and support his father. He sounds like an attentive son and a loving one. I was very impressed by the idea that the Rohirrim would have their own name for Mirkwood and its King. Very clever!

Anonymous · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 20: And Unto Dust You Shall Return

I absolutly love this story!!! It is now saved in my favorites so I can check it regularly. Please update more. (I don't usually post responces so please know it's high praise that i am.) Thanks for such a wonderful tale.

Theresa Green · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Not Forgotten

This is a fascinating first chapter. I love your interpretation of Legolas' character. You are absolutely right in your observation that Legolas is not one to draw attention to his title of Prince. He never refers to himself as such, and it is easy to forget that he has royal blood as you read Tolkien's work. I like your Legolas' self-deprecation and his loyalty to both Aragorn and Thranduil. The Elf's affinity for living things (the tree, the merlin) were beautifully described. The conversation with Aragorn set up a fantastic cameraderie and warmth between them. I really got the sense that they have a great deal of respect for each other. The Silmarillion references were very interesting. I had no idea that Legolas and Aragorn were very, very distantly related. Well researched, Coriel!

Firnsarnien · 26 March 2004 · Chapter 20: And Unto Dust You Shall Return

Oh my gawd! I just finished reading this story, (took me two days btw...) and I've got to say...I loved it! Your style of writing is incredible! I felt as if I were actually reading something Tolkien himself wrote! Your use of the old language is impecible, not one word in these 21 chapters did I find to throw me out of the story! This is absolutely incredible! You've also managed to throw in some wonderful angst for Legolas without being mushy nor redundant. His turmoil is very plausible and the plot of this story is truly believable. I can actually imagine these events happening after the war of the ring, everything in this story has a very real grain of truth in it. I think the most incredible chapter you've written, the chapter that captures the sadness and stark reality of war is this last chapter, chapter 21. Seeing Legolas come home to a burnt out Mirkwood and to a memorial with the names of all his friends engraved upon it was just so poweful. The imagery you conveyed in this chapter is incredible. I know I keep saying that, but truly, I can't think of a better word to describe the feelings you evoke with you beautiful words. I am deeply impressed! I'm really hoping that chapter twenty-one was not the last chapter though. The story is not finished! There is still so much I'd like to see, the reunion between Legolas and his father, Thranduil's reaction to Gimli, the condition of the woods directly surrounding the palace, Legolas' reaction to finally coming home, and so many other little things. Please tell me there is more! In the meantime, I'll keep my fingers crossed that indeed, you've plans to write the remainder of this story. :) Again, I love this story! It's overwhelmingly awesome! :) Namarie from a fan, net

Lamiel · 25 March 2004 · Chapter 20: And Unto Dust You Shall Return

The tone of this chapter is interesting: it seems to swing from deep melancholy to a gentle humor, from the beautifully stylized prose that characterizes so much of this story to a simple direct statement. Gimli's thought, "Mahal, that was a big dog," made me smile simply because it was so different in style from much of the story. I think that you're working on portraying more of Gimli's nature, and it shows in the writing. To my mind it's a sign of a very skilled and sensitive author. As you say, it's impossible for many of us to grasp what it must mean to lose one's home so utterly, as Legolas sees Mirkwood here, as the Hobbits saw the Shire. But you portray the grief and confusion well, though you shy from probing Legolas' thoughts too deeply. I think it's a nice balance -- after all, both Legolas and Gimli have lived through the full terror of War, and seen Mordor. They are seasoned warriors, and though the hurt runs very deep, Legolas isn't going to just sit and grieve over it. Ultimately he's an Elf of action (hee!) and he'll try to find a way to heal the wood as best as possible. For that reason his guilt at having left Greenwood is beautifully poignant, and he must be torn by the choice: stay to restore Eryn Lasgalen, as his father and people will surely want him to do, or take the Elves to Ithilien. Oh, and some of those names on the memorial were familiar. Annael, Brethil... might this be a tribute to some of our favorite Greenwood authors? Though I do hope that this Annael isn't the same one as in Daw's stories. I just couldn't bear it. Beautifully done, and I look forward to more. Lamiel P.S. I do like the image of Thranduil keeping wolves as pets. Wow.

mistry89 · 25 March 2004 · Chapter 20: And Unto Dust You Shall Return

"you were not here" . . "he remembered the guttural hiss and growl, turned to him when even Mithrandir slept, mocking his refusal with bitter laughter, no less vivid though it was unmade." Ah Legolas, and this is what he has carried with him (and what a horrid, chilling, piece of writing - it feels awful to read, and must have felt worse to write .. if that makes any sense at all). Thank you for the chance to meet Radagast properly, despite the circumstances. He isn't exactly soothing anyone's fears about Thranduil's reaction to Gimli, however! This piece strikes me as particularly interesting: "Radagast had confirmed his suspicions with time, for he was habitually more affable than Mithrandir, and answered inquiries with less cunning. Thranduil appreciated Mithrandir's underlying severity and had never dared press him beyond the limits of subordinate prudence. One Alfa-wolf will recognize another. As for Curunir, or rather Saruman, Thranduil had met him seldom and loved him even less. At least Radagast did not smoke, and for that he was more welcome in their halls." .. partially because it fits in with my own view of Gandalf and Thranduil and how well badly they would deal together! Radagast is also must more closely involved with creatures and the living land, whilst Mithrandir has an interest in Men and and overwhelming fondness for Hobbits (and pipeweed!), and Saruman always preferred more esoteric matters. And this is too much: "Not a leaf falls without His knowledge, and do not think He does not know what has befallen the greenwood." I don't think of myself as a cryer, but .... . . "In time it shall return to dust and be forgotten, even as they. When we have gone, these names will mean nothing to anyone." I'm really glad this chapter is nearly over, it's heartbreaking and thank goodness for: "Legolas sat up with the wolfhound, stroking the velvet ears, seeming to find ineffable comfort simply in that one piece of home." Finally, "Gimli wondered if he would not be put to more trouble to win the same forbearance from his own kin." Yeah, me too, but I had no idea you were going to put us (me!) through this first. It's fabulous and desperately moving and I'm sorry I quoted so much, but ... Thanks for sharing this, even if I need cheering up now ... I'm off to find a silly/fluffy story, preferably one with no rotten orcs!

calenore · 24 March 2004 · Chapter 20: And Unto Dust You Shall Return

This was very touching and eloquent. It was very easy to imagine Legolas' despair, particularly when he found the memorial listing the names of his fallen comrades. Oh, btw, I like the titles you've chosen for 20 and 21... quite fitting and appropriate, since you incorporate the talk about Iluvatar.

Jocelyn · 24 March 2004 · Chapter 20: And Unto Dust You Shall Return

Ooooh! (Whiiine!) That's not FAIR! Wanna see how the ELVES react! (Jumps up and down and stamps feet) You are driving me crazy! I myself have speculated how it would be for our poor elf returning home to find the ruin that the fire undoubtedly made of his father's realm. It must be shattering for Legolas. And I love how Gimli grows more and more tense the closer they get to home. Thranduil keeping dogs? Hmm. Not an image I'd had of him, but it seems to fit somehow. Please please pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease update soon!

White Wolf · 24 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

That was so poignant, when Legolas found his old home and said, "I was born in this tree, Gimli", as he held the rotten wood. I can only imagine the depth of his feelings. I'm glad he also found Oropher's memorial stone and righted it. I love Legolas's description to Gimli of Thranduil. That would be enough to put anyone on pins and needles. Let's hope he gets through that first hour of their meeting. Can't wait to see how it goes.

Jocelyn · 22 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

ARGH! I'm dying with anticipation for this meeting! PLEASE update soon! Your narrative is so beautiful; it's like reading Tolkien all over again, and your characterization is flawless. This is one of the best post-Ring-War stories I've ever seen! Please give us a new chapter soon!

mistry89 · 22 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

"More dangerous and less wise." Which is interesting, because I have always loved the almost feral quality of the wood-elves - or so it seemed to me. I read _The Hobbit_ at 8, and it had a profound effect on me, or at least an enduring one. I relish the differences between the elves we see in ME (despite the fact that their leadership does not necessariliy reflect the make-up of the poopulation), and the elves of Mirkwood are my favourites. More alien to men, less steeped in book-learning, more involved with earth-lore. Quick to laugh and easy to anger. To me, Legolas is, if not ny nature, then by nurture, the least cosmopolitan (if that makes sense in this forum - sophisticated didn't fit either,) of the elves we get much contact with, and he is not really representative of a "normal" wood-elf. Sorry, got distracted. What I enjoy (another poor use of words) most about this chapter is the contrast between the grief felt by Legolas (and sensed by Gimli) for the loss of his ancient home, and the brighter, more bitter, less wood-elvish (and somehow more son-of-Thranduil) grief over Oropher's loss (and the desecration/lack of body). This whole journey into (literally) a new era of the story is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

Templa Otmena · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

Firstly I am very, *very* glad to hear that we'll be journeying all the way to Erebor! Aside from how great this fic is I really don't want it to be ending anytime soon! This chapter was wonderful in all of it's Thranduil*ness* (bated breath ensues for when we actually see the Elven-king!). Honestly though, your desriptions of him, particularly through his son's eyes were pure poetry!- '"He is the wolf that guards the North," he said at last. "A fearsome beast who knows well the taste of blood, but that by the fireside becomes the contented hound that children may frolic upon without fear. He is the drum that can call his people both to war and later to merrymaking. He is severe, but he is also gentle; a blade sheathed in satin, as it were. Only seldom has it been drawn upon me, and then only to fence me from peril as he saw it. He has been a lion to many, but his claws are oft withdrawn, and his great paws velveted. If once you earn his friendship, you have naught to fear from him."' I especially love the reference there that you made to Thranduil drawn his 'blade' on Legolas and only in the interest of protecting his son. I may have mentioned it *cough cough* once or twice, perhaps *grins* that I adore your portrayal of the relationship between Legolas and Thranduil. The depth of their love and respect for each other nto just as kin but as individuals is beautifully illustrated and I can't wait to read of a face to face meeting...throw an odd dwarf from the Lonely Mountain into the mix and greatness can only ensue! Legolas trailing off as he considers the comparisons between his father and Celeborn was a nice touch and his musings were very interesting. I also love how the debate over 'Who's Father Is Right' is transpiring and that Gimli had to admit that Thranduil's actions are verifiable, I really, *really* can't wait for this meeting! UPDATE SOON!

Templa Otmena · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

That was such a nice interlude. Legolas' impulsiveness in finding his old home and grandfather's memorial was wonderfully conveyed. The whole concept was quite mind-boggling to read, when Legolas announces that- 'I was born in this tree...' and knowing that it would have been desserted long before Gimli ever drew breath. Legolas putting such physical exersion into uncovering Oropher's memorial was a wonderful touch, as was the idea itself as a whole. When having lost a person a lot of solace can be found in having a tangiable piece of them or their memory to visit. The fact that such a sacred relic had been so defiled and the memories with it violated is heartbreaking. Legolas hearkening back to that time in his childhood when the grief felt by his father shadowed that time was brilliant in conveying just deeply he is effected by this, judging by that one reference in addition to the wonderful relationship that you have already illustrated between father and son. Gimli, however, giving Legoals some perspective at the end was a relief as was the refence that you had Legolas make to erecting a new gravesite possibly in Itilien.

Muinthel · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

...what a great chapter....!!!! What more can I say!!!!!

*~SuGaR~* · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

*sniff, sniff* WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I always hated what had happened to Greenwood, a beautiful Elven realm defiled and the homes of all those Elves destroyed forcing them to live in caves instead of the trees...*sigh* Glorfindel really doesn't know how lucky he is having lived in Gondolin and Rivendell...but what a sad chapter!!! *sniff* I would hate having my home destroyed like that and then coming back to it like that...i need a tissue =( I never even want to move from my house!!!!!!!! Poor Oropher and poor Legolas!!!!!!! I want to go cry with him!!!!!!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *~SuGaR~*

*~SuGaR~* · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

oooo...love the descriptions of Thranduil!!! *sigh* the kinslayings...how sad... ah, and Gloin!! Never really see much of Gloin...the one bad(that sounds a little harsh...)thing about the Lord of the Rings, I would say, would have to be hearing about so many characters and yet we only get to really know a few of them... I don't know why, but I seem to be more anxious to read about Legolas meeting Gloin than Gimli meeting Thranduil...maybe because more people have done Thranduil...oh, well! Can't wait til we finally get there!!!!!!! *~SuGaR~*

Lamiel · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

It is something to see Legolas grieve for a home that is centuries gone, that would be only an archeological curiosity for a mortal. Like an Egyptian actively grieving that the Sphinx is decayed. Wow. I'm reminded of a story, a group of Ethiopian Jews, isolated for generations, immigrated to Israel. When their children were taught Temple history in school, they refused to believe that the Temple did not currently exist. Their parents came to the school to protest, and when the teachers finally explained that the Temple had been destroyed nearly 2,000 years ago, they broke down in shock and active grief. They had always identified with it as a central part of their modern faith, and the loss was nearly unbearable. Legolas must feel something similar, and you evoke his pain and rage very well. I do like the way he lifts that stone by himself, and the reference to his future plan to return to Ithilien is subtle and well done. You do such an excellent job of painting the history of the house of Oropher so that we can see how deeply personal it is to his grandson. All the more amazing that Legolas was able to put aside the taint from the sacking of Doriath and befriend Gimli. Lamiel

Chigger · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 19: Remember That You Are Dust

Here let it be shown in the record that Coriel has again posted a wonderful chapter without my seeing it first. However, I was not asleep at the time she posted this, indeed I was sitting on the floor a mere four yards away, wide awake and writing in a notebook. Yet does she say, "Oh Chigger dear, I have another chapter finished. Would you like to read it?" ha. No, she says, "It's posted. So feel free to go in and read chapter 20 at any time." *glares at older sister who has just thrown a sock at her, albeit hers and clean*