Reviews (443)

hisielome · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

This chapter allowed one to trully vision Legolas as an ancient Lord. The friendship between Haldir and Legolas was quiet niclely played...different societies and protocols. Well done. As always, Gimli and Legolas were true...finally, the depth of emotion that Legolas feels for his family came across as quite strong and yet very sad.

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

I can't remember if I have reviewed this wonderful story before but I must after this great chapter, I do like your characterisations, really believable otherworldly elf and sympathetic dwarf, the pair just make me keep coming back to this fic for updates. Bravo, keep going, I love it. Rose

hisie lome · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow

This is quite nice. I like the relationship and it just feels "Tolkien".

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

Life hasn't been entirely kind to Legolas and his kin, has it? Well, hopefully someday they will be able to return to their old home and rebuild it like they will Ithilien.

*~SuGaR~* · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

*sigh* reading about the elves leaving Middle-Earth is always so sad... "we have together fought nothing but a long defeat; we have won our places only to reliquish them, spent ourselves to buy a tomorrow we shall never see." <<< that basically sums it all up rite there and just hits you where it hurts...ouch...i wish i could do that =P *~SuGaR~*

calenore · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

So the big question is: will Gloin or Thranduil prove more unreasonable? Gimli and Legolas certainly have their work cut out for them... it will be interesting to see your take on the "Legolas meets Gloin" and "Gimli meets Thranduil" scenes.

mistry89 · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

This is great - a real visit to Thranduil's likely mindset, and an overview for Gimli as to where he is "coming from". This part is fabulous: "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." Wow. Hopefully Gimli grasps the sense of time and scale implicit in the tale, and that this (Doriath and so forth) is part of Thranduil's own experiences, not a race memeory or graudge passed down through the generations, but a real response to events which shape his own personal worldview. Thanks very much.

Lamiel · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

Ah, the descriptions of Thranduil are just breathtaking. Fell, fierce, strong, dangerous and intensely protective of his people, but not the distorted Evil!Thranduil of so many fanfics. How I love that Elven king. It shall take all of Gimli's charm (and that is considerable, given how he sweet-talked the Lady) to win acceptance. Or, if not that, tolerance at least. I'm also intrigued by the history you give for Thranduil in Doriath, and the comparison with Celeborn. Very plausible, I think, and I'm particularly interested in the effect of the Kin-slaying as you paint it here. Some lovely imagery in this chapter too - dare I detect a bit of symbolism in the stars, clear on one side, obscured by the trees on the other? A beautiful image in any case. I hope that when we meet Gloin there will be equal care in describing the Dwarves' perspective and Legolas' efforts at diplomacy. He can't win acceptance simply by being fair of face. You state clearly that this story is about Legolas, and I appreciate that (being an unashamed Elf worshipper myself) but at times Gimli seems a little short-changed. Some further exploration of his history and the qualities that drew Legolas to him would be much appreciated. Anyway, another brilliant chapter, as always, and I do look forward to reaching Mirkwood at last! Lamiel

Templa Otmena · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 17: In Crowning Triumph

I'm sorry that it has taken longer to review. I actually read *this* chapter on Sunday but this week has just been so hectic that I have not found the time to sit down *grumble grumble* Anyway, I'm saving it until I've written this review but I can't wait to read the next chapter...sounds very ominous perhaps for a certain dwarf! Once again I really enjoyed and found Gimli's perception of all that went on around him so interesting. You really summed this up upon him leaving the elf-ring- '...striking him suddenly in the gloom as one of those eerie elf-rings one occasionally found in deep places of the forest, and for a moment thought it incredible that he had taken part in one.' in the sense that the dwarf is seemingly re-learning all that he has ever known about those whom are meant to be his most ancient rivals and he does this in such an objective manner. His whole approach to Legolas as an elf and to the Galadrim is so sweet! On that note I loved the fact that Legolas clearly expressed his regard for such material possessions. The idea that Thranduil would not allow Galadriel to bless the site once she had thrown down the tower was excellent and I'm glad that in the aftermath the Lady's subjects' recognised the wisdom in this. Legolas and Gimli relating their geneology was wonderful and following on from this your perception of Legolas' moment of 'crowning triumph' was perfect! Pachelbel’s Canon In D would go very well with this, I agree! I'm off to read the next chapter now and hopefully review if I am not attacked by a Faustas essay or something similarly annoying *shudders*

Portia · 18 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

What a nice conversation between Legolas and Gimli. The description you had Legolas give of Thranduil was lovely. (I'm rather on Legolas's side in the debate about Thranduil's actions in The Hobbit--the Elvenking was perfectly justified!) I think Thranduil and Gimli are strikingly alike in some ways, so I'm betting they'll get along if they manage to refrain from killing each other in the first five minutes.

daw the minstrel · 18 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

What an interesting background you've given Thranduil and Legolas's description of him is really poetic. Nothing like pressure on Gimli. "You *must* make a good first impression!"

Darlin'Darla Dawg · 18 March 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

Well, I certainly hope Gimli won't have to resort to branding Legolas' image on the inside of Gloin's eyeballs; although, I'm positive that would be an interesting sight. *snickers at the idea* I wonder how Thranduil and Gimli will behave toward each other. All of the reaction I can think of them having would not end well, but with Legolas there to restrain the two, perhaps they will manage to be civil. *waves happily to the author* Keep writing, please!

Muinthel · 16 March 2004 · Chapter 17: In Crowning Triumph

What a great chapter...I really enjoyed it...! Can't wait for the next chapter....finally in Thranduils hall.....!!!

Marnie · 15 March 2004 · Chapter 17: In Crowning Triumph

Nice to see the camp about Dol Guldur again, and I was delighted to see all the treasure they brought out. I thought about that and then couldn't quite fit it into the story. I really liked the idea that Oropher's 'back to nature' idea was something which was said of him by others, and not actually his plan at all. It makes a lot of sence, given that Thranduil's caves are modled on Menegroth. And Legolas is clearly growing into his lineage now - I like that. He'll be fit to be a proper elf-Lord of Ithilien by the time he gets back there. But poor Gimli! Surrounded by chattering elves and called 'the Lady's little favourite'. Poor bloke! Hopefully he'll get his own back when Legolas has to go among the dwarves? :)

Lamiel · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 17: In Crowning Triumph

I think you are right - you probably consistantly referred to Haldir as Nando, and I just didn't read it carefully enough. I like him that way, anyway. Marnie's backstory for Oropher and Thranduil is a good one, and shows the attention to detail and careful consideration of canon that marks a scholar. You portray it very well here, and I'm enjoying it while I learn a great deal. Very nice note of Thranduil refusing to let Galadriel bless the site of Dol Guldur, even though she threw down its pits. Shows a bit of the lingering tension between them, and the Noldor's history is not easily forgotten, even if she did merit her passage to Valinor in the end. I also like seeing Legolas come into his own, though I agree with Gimli: I like the simple hunter and scout better. Interesting that you had the Nando take a more casual attitude toward royalty. Will the Silvan Elves of Mirkwood feel the same way? I had some fun playing with a different aspect of it in one of my fics, having Haldir take a more formal attitude toward Legolas as a prince. But I think this works better for your portrayal in this story. Loved, just loved the way Legolas didn't take much interest in the gems from the Nazgul hoarde. But his memory of the trees of Mirkwood in autumn is so vivid. It's a beautiful way to show how his real priorities. And you've set up nicely for the sort of trials they'll have bringing a Dwarf into Eryn Lasgalen, or an Elf into the Lonely Mountain. I'm looking forward to more! Lamiel

mistry89 · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 17: In Crowning Triumph

"If they did not sight Erebor soon, Legolas would make an elf of him yet!" He really might at that! Lots for Gimli to digest here, not just genealogy but some elven history, and perhaps a little insight into their feelings (the comparison to the Lonely Mountain), and the crowning glory :) of Legolas as Prince (knowing something and *knowing something* being different things!) This is lovely (oh, and I've read Marnie's Battle of the Golden Wood, as instructed!) and the growing tension of Legolas and Gimli as they draw closer to the inevitable "meetings" is palpable. Great stuff.

calenore · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 17: In Crowning Triumph

Hello! I haven't been reviewing much lately, but I still think this is an excellent story. I really like this particular chapter. It kind of emphasized the differences between the various branches of the Elven race in a new way, but also kind of brought them together at the same time, if that makes any sense.... no, that really doesn't make any sense. Hmm. Well, what I'm trying to say is it's a nice chapter. There. Not know for being articulate...

Jay of Lasgalen · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 17: In Crowning Triumph

I very much enjoy this story, even though I don't review as often as I should. I love your portrayal of Legolas - very few writers show him as an elven lord or prince. But how strange to see your explanation of the kinship between Thranduil and Celeborn! I wrote a very simlar connection tonight for the final chapter of Mid Winter Gifts, which I've just posted. Some is canon (Celeborn's father), the rest I invented. Jay

mer · 12 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

I love this story so much!! This chapter, however, tops them all.

Templa Otmena · 11 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

Oh! What a wonderful chapter! Firstly you have portrayed Post-Nenya Lothlorien *very* well. Not just visually but you really captured the spirit of its' remaining inhabitants in the sense that melancholy is keenly felt but there is still elation over the battles that they have won. Legolas and Haldir's conversation was...*enthralling*! It was just so amazingly profound and explored so many perceptions of the sea-longing. I found it especially interesting to read of the contrasts between Legolas and Haldir's viwes on the subject and then relate that to Clelborn and Galadriel. The Galadrims' concerns over their Lord and Lady were really sweet to read! In the same way I love reading your back-story for Thranduil and Legolas. In this chapter it was especially wonderful and I love the way that you described them as becoming central to each others' worlds. Legolas musing over how exactly he is going to get Thranduil to accept Gimli *and* give his son leave...to take his leave was funny! Finally, that last bit of the chapter with Legolas helping Gimli was lovely to read. It amazes me how you manage to portray the Elf as being so enigmatic and decidedly powerful in his own right and yet he still retains that young elven vigour *sigh* Amazing...! Anyway...I found this chapter *almost* on time this time and I look forward to reading the next one ASAP! UPDATE SOON!

mistry89 · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

I read this in one swell foop, and there are so many lovely bits that *should* be commented on, but I'll limit myself to this: "There was music in the air, and he was warmed by a patch of bright sunlight. Blinking sleep from his eyes, and turning in his crunching bed of leaves, nd saw then what must have been a moment out of Old Elvendom. Legolas had not bothered to wake him, for he was content enough for himself as it was. He was leaned comfortably against a massive oak, sitting in the lap of its great roots looking for all the world like woodland prince of legend in the slanting rays and golden dapples of full morning on a lawn of soft emerald green, a length of young ivy plaited into a simple but elegant chaplet in his bright hair. A silver-grey squirrel sat upon his shoulder, flicking his bushy tail as Legolas sang to the accompaniment of a light cascade of birdsong from above." Just wonderful, and very evocative - Legolas is truly an elf out-of-time. And this was too special to trim! For what it is worth, I am really enjoying this, again (why so often is this the case recently?), despite myself (I subscribe to the "Legolas is young for an elf - less than 1000 and no younger than around 500" school, and I don't feel there was a lady in his life, not (please understand!) because I have a *thing* for him, but because he is truly an elf shaped by parentage, upbringing, and the very peculiar events of his life (many of which are the stuff of great fan fiction!), so (again!) I find an author who writes of events that I don't necessarily agree with ... and I *still* like it! I have always felt that he was born after the *trouble* and this explains his lack (to me) of understanding of the implications of why he Lorien before - that to him it (the afore-mentioned trouble), was more of the stuff of legends than memory, and that this (this youth and relative inexperience beyond Mirkwood) sets him aside from the other elves (at least the "great and good") we meet in LOTR. You know, those things you *know* and then one day you have a mini-epiphany ... where 2 previously apparently disconnected facts merge ... I see Legolas as pre-epiphany! Thranduil is described wonderfully (*that* portrayal is very close to my own thoughts, so far!) and Glorfindel is the other (Legolas being the first) elf I feel needs more stories. .. and Celeborn - another of JRRTs elves that are against the norm (although it seems to me that the elves we do get to meet are nearly all out-of-the-ordinary, what with Sinda/Noldo marriage, reincarnation, immortality-shedding, half-breeds, and the rest!), probably *needs* some additional stuff, especially pre-Galadriel, as she is such a powerful character (from Cs pov and ours) that he does seem a little over-shadowed, I think I'll check for stories! The melancholy is so well done, not quite lump-in-the-throat, but certainly induces an inclination to tear-up. The fading of the elves, and the greater sorrow in it for them (in that they *know* more of there own fate/s tham Men) comes across so clearly. Sorry I've gone on so much, I'll stop now! Thank you.

daw the minstrel · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

Wonderful melancholy tone that catches the feeling of fading and longing. The time of the Elves is indeed passing, and for Legolas, the end is even nearer.

Marnie · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

Oh, how lovely! It was lovely for me to see Haldir so well recovered, and didn't Legolas look fetching in white and indigo :) You draw Lorien so beautifully I could see it - the flowers and leaves on the stream. Legolas is clearly coming through his trials to a position of maturity and wisdom, but I admit that I like Haldir's down to earth attitude too. I loved: 'Their love is strong still, but it would break your heart to see how at times they wish to heaven it was not." And also: 'Sinda, Nando – we all are Teleri, and we understand one another. If I am pensive, it is because I see our end, and it is not far.' You really have captured that feeling of fading; of everything worthwhile leaving Middle-earth - the loss of elvishness and magic. And now home? I can't wait to see what Thranduil makes of all of this :)

Lamiel · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

Now this is a truly masterful chapter. I just loved the image of Legolas in his bath, of course, and the discussion with Haldir is rich and very profound. A beautiful exploration of the different perspectives on the Sea longing, particularly in relation to Celeborn and Galadriel. And Thranduil's story is deeply moving, as is Legolas' nightmare vision of himself crowned Elven king. Interesting that you've made Haldir a Noldo. He certainly could be, but since Lothlorien is such a mix of different races he also could be Silvan or even Sinda. I always rather liked the idea of him as a Silvan Elf, just because there are hardly any full Silvan Elves in Tolkien. The bit with Legolas leading Gimli across the arboreal path is very intriguing, and very well done. I do love these glimpses into the deeper, more powerful side of Legolas as an Elven lord. But it's just as well that they come seldom. His nature is to be more playful, and less overtly awe inspiring. So the occasional glimpse of something more is all the more treasured for that. Lamiel

esamen · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Fading Voices

The full rays of sunset streamed in through the many windows and through the lattice work on one wall, from which the curtains had been drawn away, its effect a beautiful elvish pattern of golden dapples upon the floor. Shadows had begun to lengthen and mingle, the breeze evoking the soft music of silver bells upon the drapery tassels. The dwarf had left his helmet and hauberk behind with his gauntlets and axes, so he could not be far. Hello Coriel -- beautifully done and a pleasure to read! I especially liked Legolas's interior debate about feeling torn between his mother and father. A lot of readers will identify with that . . . And the interaction with Haldir is wonderful Great job! Thanks! Esamen/Karen