Reviews (443)

Firnsarnien · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 36: Three Steps Back

Aw, it was nice to see Legolas getting along so well with Floi. I bet his drawings were beautiful too. :) *Gasp* Egads, blood has been shed???? Oh no! Curse that dratted dwarf Nain! He started it all! Now Leggy's hurt and poor, poor little Scatha! He was in the wrong place at the wrong time! And I certainly can't believe another dwarf would dare attack Gimli! I'm glad Leggy's fast reflexes saved his friend. Perhaps that act alone will earn him the respect he deserves! Wow, this just blows me away. It's so sad that the Elves treated Gimli with a lot more courtesy, however reluctant, than the dwarves have treated Legolas. Surely, this shows the difference in the temperment of dwarves and Elves. Sheesh, and yeah, Thorin is NOT going to be pleased at all! Hurry with the next chappy! Can't wait! :)

sofia · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 36: Three Steps Back

i feel bad for Legolas and Scatha. that must hurt! -sofia

Anonymous · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 36: Three Steps Back

I feared this when I saw the title of Two steps forward. Indeed this may be three steps back or it may be what it takes to force the elves to see reason. Only time, and the next update will tell. I LOVE this story. I hope the next update comes as fast as this one did. Poor little Scatha. I also hope Legolas helps him quickly.

Ms. Whatsit · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 36: Three Steps Back

I like the way you brought up the old partnership between the Sindar and the Dwarves, and how Legolas's situation is parallel to Thingol's. And we see the black-bearded dwarf again. I had a feeling he'd come back. So Legolas's presence is causing disunion among the dwarves, hmm? Thorin will not be pleased indeed. I hope Legolas is alright. A hatchet wound in the arm is not a good thing--and even with fast Elven healing, Legolas will be less able to defend himself with an injury.

lwarren · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

When Legolas was getting dressed for the big feast, it seemed to me he was donning battle armor almost, as he put on the robes of his father. (Later in the chapter, you write that he "channeled" all the authority he could into his voice....channeling, indeed! Channeling Thranduil again! :-) But then he needs EVERY advantage he can get for this little "party". I loved the scenes with the monkey...poor thing, trussed up like a falcon, even down to the jesses on his feet! :-0 and that little devil, throwing jewels intended for the Dwarf King at Legolas! *g* Still, all the while, you can feel the tension growing in Legolas as he prepares for this ordeal, and boy, Coriel, you let it loose with a vengence! Every little thing Legolas has suffered during the day has weighted the elf down until a full-blown panic attack of claustrophobia hits him head on! His flight to the terrace was terrible...and I kept hoping you wouldn't have any nasty surprises waiting for him in a dark corner going up all those stairs *vbg*. :-) Legolas is as "chained" and confined as the little monkey, and all in the name of duty to his father, and love for his friend. *very BIG impatient and frustrated sigh* Gloin! Was there ever a more irritating, rude, stubborn dwarf? Yes? Ah, I thought as much! And here, Legolas built him a "bridge" to get over the past, but did he take it? Absolutely NOT! What a grouch! And Legolas finally loses it....he's more patient than I would have been...and lets Gloin have it! After all the insults, specific and inferred, that Gloin has heeped on him since their meeting, I think the elf did a wonderful job controlling himself! I know he felt at the end he had shattered any chance with the old hairball, but ya know, sometimes diplomacy and polite manners are not as effective as a good, old fashioned set-down! I hope for Legolas' and Gimli's sakes that Gloin will come around before he gets himself stuck in something he cannot get out of! Great chapter, as usual, Coriel! I'm so glad the elf got his little field trip to the fresh air and starlight! :-) linda p.s. Here's hoping you enjoy your new adventure with school....I hate that it might curtail your writing...but that's selfish of me, isn't it? *ashamed grin*

Lamiel · 4 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

Uh oh, Legolas really has done it this time, hasn't he. I knew it was a bad idea for him to attempt more diplomacy when he's been under so much strain. Really he handled that party admirably well, but the breaking point was sure to come. I love his dash up the stairs - so desperate to get to the free air, even if he can't escape the stone entirely. Your interpretation of the reasons behind his claustrophobia is interesting, though a bit too dependent on that dratted love interest for my taste. But I am glad that you've given him more depth than the standard elf = nature = claustrophobia equation. Well, they've got some patch work to do. Maybe Legolas will never make peace with Gloin. That wouldn't be the end of the world, but I have the feeling that Gimli's mother is going to have a few things to say to her husband after this. Oh, and I did love the scene with Legolas and that little monkey. So sweet, the way it was fascinated by his ears and hair. Hee! I bet it would enjoy life in Ithilien, too.

White Wolf · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

I can just see Legolas in his splendid outfit. What a vision. I know it broke his heart to have to put those chains back on Scatha. I hope that eventually he can somehow set the little monkey free. Legolas's desperation to get out from under all that stone was actually very sad. It must have been very hard for him and proves how much he cares for Gimli to even go there. I cannot blame Legolas for what he said to Gloin, considering what the dwarf said to him. He can be expected to curb his diplomatic tongue only so long before defending himself and Thranduil. I think Gimli understands that, however, I wonder how he will react to hearing Legolas referring to his father as "an avaricious rat in a hole." Legolas seems a bit worried, too.

Joana · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

Definitly one of my favourite chapters. Full of emotions! I think Gimli is right, something makes me dislike that monkey... anyway, the images of Legolas playing with him brought a smile to my face. :) I also loved the part when Legolas climbed the stairs for some fresh air and the little bit about Lorivana, when he imagines the children they could have had if they had stayed together. I was really sorry Gloin didn't give in. And in Legolas place I would have answered exactly the same!(or sort of) lol I can't believe you will only be writing a few more chapters... *sniff* What will we do then? Please write at least 50 more, yes? :)

nat · 2 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

alrighty, prooobably not the best thing to say at the moment but man! did it feel good to read it! aww i luv the monkey!! poor lil guy in chains...maybe legolas will remedy that somehow, eh?

Wantanelf · 2 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

As usual, this chapter is so well written. I can visualize it all. I really liked when Legolas just couldn't take being underground with all the dwarves anymore. I felt claustorphobic just reading it. This is just such a great story. I look forward to every update. Thanks!

Ms. Whatsit · 2 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

Ooohh! I rather like Legolas in a temper, I must say. *Quite* impressive. His angry speech was very eloquent--"an avaricious rat in a hole," indeed! Ha! I like the way you've drawn his personality here--almost like Thranduil when he gets his blood up, but quite mild otherwise. I also liked the reappearance of Scatha, and of course old Gloin's temper tantrums. Poor Kali--unable to talk sense into her husband, alas. I wonder if Gimli's going to get in any trouble about this, but he seems less thin-skinned about his father's opinion of him than Legolas is. For some reason I cracked up when I read about Legolas wondering what to do with his hair. Male elves have to deal with the same worries human females do, apparently. Now I wonder how--or if--this feud with Gloin will be resolved. It may not be, I guess. You can't make friends with everyone.

sofia · 2 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

good chapter. I like the little part with Scatha and Legolas getting to know each other. I thought it was cute. I love the line Gimli says, "Big sad eyes with a long sad tale; that is your weakness." that is true. the story with Lorivana is one that intrests me and i would like to hear it, if you would tell it. Dont keep us waiting for too long. -sofia

Firnsarnien · 2 July 2004 · Chapter 35: In Kindred Fire

Hmmmm, I don't know. I don't think he's ruined any chance of reconciliation between their houses. I think Gloin needed to be told off like that, to make him realize what a jerk he's been! Perhaps this will make his realize his folly. After all, Legolas will only keep himself open to rebuke and contempt for so long. Even he has limits, though I think if Gloin truly wished it, Legolas would forgive him in an instant. *sigh* I sure hope Gloin does for I don't want to see this ruin Legolas' and Gimli's friendship. Poor Legolas, he's had to endure more than just hostility from the dwarves. It was like he was buried alive. I'm glad he finally got some air before everyone saw him have a panic attack! LOL Wow, Legolas looked...for lack of a better word...beautiful. I could just picture that beautiful outfit he wore and how stunning that gold circlet must have looked upon his golden head! *sigh* If find it funny and a bit ironic that Legolas is more like his father than he realizes. Especially when he's under stress and cornered. It's amazing to see how much of Thranduil comes out! LOL The gifts Thranduil gave the king were awesome. They would have to be to catch the eyes of the dwarves. Well, another great chappy. :) I look forward to the next one. I only hope things go better for Gloin and Leggy than they have been. :O

Elenora · 29 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

I have been meaning to get this review out to you - but my summer has been terrifically crazy! No doubt you are running into that with many normally regular reviewers. Needless-to-say, whether crazy or not, I still manage to follow your story faithfully and have been enjoying it immensely! I've convinced several friends to read it and they, too, are coming away thoroughly impressed. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Legolas's time "under the mountain" will pan out...I think Gimli has a tough time ahead of him convincing his kin that Legolas is worthy of his friendship...but I have faith in Gimli's steadfastness!!! Poor Legolas, though - I would think his tendency toward claustrophobia would be beginning to wear on him...some possible "hurt/comfort/angst" coming...??! We Legolas fans sure do love combining "angst" and "elf" . Anyway, I continue to look forward to every chapter and each time they are posted, they end up being the highlight of my day! Thanks for the marvelous read!! Elenora

lwarren · 24 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

LOL...so now Gimli gets to return the favor of getting Legolas to dress in new clothing of dwarvish design...I notice tho', he didn't wait until Legolas was bathing to steal his old clothes and leave the new ones! *vbg* Gloin - *very impatient sigh* I'd like to tell the old dwarf to "build a bridge and get over it", but I don't think he'd appreciate the sentiment! However, I did like the way Gimli just dove right in and got to the heart of the matter by telling dear old dad that YES, he did LIKE Legolas and *gasp* Thranduil, and was not going to blindly follow along anymore. (It seems that Gloin is somewhat more jealous of his son's friendship with the elf than Thranduil was). "Did I do it right?" *sigh* An insecure, seeking reassurance Legolas definitely pulls on the heartstrings. :-) After the tour with Kali, he was very aware of all the hostility directed towards him, and then Gimli shows up with his "aura" to actually confirm it all! Even tho' Gimli is beside him, Legolas has to be feeling isolated and very alone (and underground, and in the dark, and away from the trees....) I thought Gimli's observations about how his mother was not impressed by a pretty face, but had a soft spot in her heart for the beauty of one's character was right on! Kali had seen something in the elf that softened her attitude towards him. LOL - should make life for the Gloin family interesting, eh? I'll just bet it does! ;-) The trip to the forges - I'm glad I'm not claustrophobic, or I'd have been having a fit...the crowded corridor, the heat, the noise, the heat (hell indeed), and all of it underground! (Kept expecting the elf to make a break for the great outdoors and was ready to follow hot on his heels... :-) ...am glad Gimli recognizes that said elf will need a little field trip to the outside SOON!) I really appreciated Loni and Floi. Legolas needed some encouragement after that long walk (loved Legolas's elven reflexes...) Leave it to the elf to offer his insight, complete with that endearing quirky grin to Floi about the lines needed to protray LIVING things in his design. (Have had enough kids in my days teaching come to me, slap their papers down, give huge disgusted sighs and say, "Will you just draw this for me, ok?" to recognize the dwarf's utter frustration about his flower! That was a nice elf/dwarf touch there - straight lines and angles for the dwarf; graceful, flowing lines for the elf...different strokes for different folks!) *vbg* You know, when I read that little comment you made right before the chapter began, I was petrified I was going to read a part where you had Legolas captured by the dwarfs that hate him, on his knees, with a knife ready to slit his throat! So when the monkey showed up, I almost expired from relief! LOL Your explanation of his presence was very plausible, and timely, too! Legolas needs something sweet and fuzzy and irritating to distract him - they'll probably end up best buddies later on. :-) Soooooo - TWO STEPS FORWARD....is the next chapter THREE STEPS BACK? (ooooh, that's a scary thought) Great chapter, Coriel! On to the next test...and may the best ELF win! *g8 linda

Ithilien · 23 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

I've been really bad about keeping up on my favorites, and even worse about leaving reviews, but as I finally made it to this point I felt I owed it to you to let you know how impressed I am with this story. I would almost say that I am mesmerized but as I stated that I'm having trouble keeping up, that wouldn't be quite true. It would be true though to say that when I do read, I am hopelessly captive until I come to each chapter's end. Your skill as a writer is deft, and I'm continually amazed that such beauty is spilling from the head of someone I would regard as quite young. Exceptional! Truthfully, I have nothing to critique, and I am only adding my bit here as a means to encourage you on. Keep going. And thank you for giving us such a fine piece of work.

Dairwendan · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

I absolutely adore this story! Legolas and Gimli are so engaging! Your writing captures them and their families wonderfully. Your dialog is excellent, never any out of place slang or modern sounding phrases! I hope there are many more chapters to come!

Rose Sared · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

I love this home of the dwarves, so full of both surprises and fellowship along with challenges and worries. Trust Legolas to be accepted more for himself than because he is a prince. I suspect we will see more of the four legged fuzzy too, elves and nature they are just natural allies. Great storytelling, lovely writing, what more could I ask except lots of updates (especially as I have finished my own tome and need great fic to fill the void - sniff) Love your work Rose

Firnsarnien · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

Well, I'm glad at least *some* of Gimli's friends treated Legolas decently, especially Loni. And Floi wasn't too bad. I was really beginning to feel dreadfully sorry for Legolas! Pretty clever of Leggy to make an impression on Floi with his skill at drawing. *sigh* Leggy's so talented, isn't he? ;) Heh, heh! I don't know about Gimli's father however. He's a pretty hard nut to crack, he even seems worse than Thranduil in his hostility of Legolas. I'm glad Gimli's mother likes him, perhaps she can soften up her husband a bit! LOL Looks like Legolas' love of bathing is rubbing off on Gimli! That's good cause after all that toiling in the rocks and dirt, at the end of each day he surely must need one! LOL I really liked that little detail in the story. ;) Ah, and now we have Leggy changing into dwarven clothing! I wonder what they look like? However they look, bit and cumbersome maybe, I'm sure Legolas still pull off looking graceful as always! *sigh* Well, the end of another wonderful chappy! I only hope Gimli remembers to take Leggy outside for a breath of fresh air! After those furnaces, I'm sure he needs it...desperately! Remind Gimli will ya? ;) And hurry with the next chappy! ;)

sofia · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

good chapter. I liked the part with Floi and his drawing of the jewel thingy. It seems very intresting. It seems Legolas is making friends already! Wait... does that make him a loner and kind of desperate? NO! dont keep us waiting too long, please. -sofia

Lamiel · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

I did like the way Legolas whipped around when that monkey jumped on him - those Elven reflexes are something to see. Yes, I expect that we'll see more of the furry troublemaker, and that should be fun. I'm impressed with how well Legolas handled himself in those forges - goodness knows I wouldn't have liked it. It's a bit surprising how well Floi took the correction to his design. Personally I hate having even the slightest criticism to my work, and I probably would have reacted much more strongly. But then, all Legolas would need to do is smile at me and I'd collapse at his feet, so it's a good thing that this Dwarf is more flexible than I am, since that technique isn't like to work on him.

Ms. Whatsit · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Two Steps Forward

Uh-oh. Gloin is being difficult. But the other dwarves--the one who weren't imprisoned in Greenwood--seem a bit more reasonable, which is to be expected, I guess. Legolas seems like he needs a bit of fresh air. But it was smart of Gimli to bring him to the forges to meet his friends--younger dwarves, probably, and not as set in their ways. And now he has Loni and Floi as allies--not to mention Gimli's mother. I predict a small domestic blow-up between Kali and Gloin over the little matter of Legolas! And none of this was inspired by Pirates, hmm? LOL. The part with Scatha was funny, and I think it'll be a relief for Legolas to have an animal companion while he's in the caves.

jw_buzz · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

Awesome story. This really captures how I imagine Legolas and Gimli. Can't wait for more chapters!! Very enjoyable reading.

White Wolf · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

Legolas is definitely weaving his spell of considerable charms around Kali, though I don't think she is being blindsided. That woman knoes her own mind. I was quite surprised that she punched out another dwarf for saying disparaging things about an elf, as well as her family. Good for her. Gloin, on the other hand, will be a very tough nut to crack. I loved what Gimli told his father in defense of Legolas.

sofia · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

i hope Legolas and Gimli's mom get along well. It seems that they are getting there. Slowly but surely. Update soon. -sofia