Mid Winter Gifts by Jay of Lasgalen
pipinheart · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
This was a nice story, it seems Elron'ds family is related to everyone...Nice job...
Author's reply
I was researching Elrond's family tree one day, and realised that not only is he related to everyone, when you add Celebrían's family as well, the twins and Arwen are of very mixed blood indeed. Glad you liked this!
Thilwen · 27 July 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
What a wonderful story! It shows Thranduil as being very... I was going to say human, but he's not a human. Instead, I will say that it shows the king as being capable of many feelings, as being warmer and more approachable than many stories portray him. You portray Legolas as being both young and strong at the same time. There's just the right amount of angst without dragging it out too much. You should be very proud of yourself! This is a story well worth the reading! Cecilia Aka Thilwen
Author's reply
I *love* getting reviews like that - thank you! I like Thranduil, and could never write him as cold and unfeeling. To have brought up a son like Legolas he couldn't be. I like angst too, but don't let the characters wallow in it too much - they're too strong and capable for that. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
LKK · 18 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Awwww.... he knew! The king knew all the time! :-( I shouldn't be so disappointed or even surprised. Thranduil seems to know everything. Why shouldn't he have known that the young girl mistook him for a lady? Legolas' promise not to tell anyone in Lasgalen was quite clever. He'll make quite the negotiator someday. LOL I liked Legolas' reaction to the news that one of the twins could have become Lasgalen's ruler. He seemed almost agahst at the idea. Since he didn't mention Arwen, I assume that he didn't find her so astounding. You know, there might be a plot bunny hiding somewhere in the idea of one of the twins ruling Lasgalen -- at least temporarily. (Not that you need me to suggest story ideas to you!) This has been a wonderful six chapter two-part story, Jay. A fine addition to your saga of the young elves. I can't wait to start reading your next one! LKK
Author's reply
I decided Thranduil had to know already - if I'd written the scene where he found out, the story would have been even longer! It seems to be accepted that Celeborn is related - so that immediately suggested to me that the twins were as well. But I don't need any more plot bunnies! (There are already too many scampering around here ...) Jay
Lyn · 15 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Simply delightful! Stories that make one feel good inside are rare and to be cherished. This is one of them! The choices of what is written and what is not written make all the difference for me, for many writers have skill but their stories give me a bad feeling---indigestion?--oh, well, this story is the dessert that replenishes itself when re-read.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you think this is a 'feel-good' story - it was supposed to be a Christmas fic, about elves bearing gifts. Then the plot bunnies took over, and it ended up longer that I intended. Thanks for the review! Jay
Cassandra · 14 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Wonderful story, Jay. It was very nice to read. Have you ever sat at your computer and had a stupid smile on your face because of a cute little fuzzy story? Yeah well, I did, and I'm glad no one saw it cause I would've been teased. Just think, I suffered possible embarressment for you. Haha. Great job.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you feel like that when reading - it makes me think I've done my job well. I get the same feeling, both when I'm writing and reading. Thanks! Jay
fan81981 · 14 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Sigh - its over. This was such a great story. I especially loved this line for some reason: "Your friends’ lineage is complicated" - what an understatement. The nurse, Mirneth was great - my nanny is like that. She still stuffs my face with sweets whenever I am ill - not that I am complaining ;) I loved your Thranduil - and legolas too, but the King wins hands down. He was so gracious. Loved the way he could make fun of himself. I wonder if he really looks like a "lady" - *giggle*. So what are you writing next? Spoilers please. Fan
Author's reply
Like I said in a reply just now, I was researching the twins' lineage before - they seem very well connected! They have ancestors who are elf, human, and Maia. To Mireth, Legolas will always be her 'elfling' - even when he is an accomplished warrior. Is it wrong to love my characters? I think Thranduil is just wonderful! There's a new story up now - Memory of Darkness - which is an extended rewrite of an incident mentioned in an earlier fic. It covers far more ground than the original incident. Jay
Nilmandra · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
A good ending, Jay. I like happy endings, and it is funny to think that the peredhel could both claim and be claimed by all. I am glad to think that this family was well cared for - you and I share the same basic beliefs about the elves being 'good people', as Tolkien said.
Author's reply
However much angst I put my characters through, I do like to give them a happy ending. I was looking into the twins' heritage a while ago for another story -it certainly seems complicated! Jay
Nilmandra · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Gifts
Jay, I must have missed this in my work crisis! I like the reunions and Legolas being able to cry in his Ada's arms, but I truly laughed aloud at the comments about Arwen and Celebrian. Their beauty and presence must have overwhelemed the men!
Elendiari22 · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
This was a great ending! Thranduil is so kind to Estella and her family, and I love how Arwen helped him choose the presents. Legolas' diplomatic skills had me grinning, too. Great fic!
Author's reply
I decided that Thranduil, being a typical male, would have very little idea on what to buy - so he needed help. And Legolas, as a prince, would have to have been trained in diplomacy. I doubt his father expected to see the evidence like this though! Jay
daw the minstrel · 13 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Lovely story, Jay, as usual. Your Thranduil is kingly and generous at the same time. I was intrigued by his explanation of who might have ruled the Woodland Realm if Legolas and he had both been killed. Now that would have been interesting, but far less satisifying than the ending you give us.
Author's reply
Although I love the interaction between Legolas and his brothers in your stories, I also like the idea that he and Thranduil only have each other, and no one else. That got me thinking about the succession ... it would be an intriuging AU plot bunny. Jay
LKK · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Gifts
I'm glad everyone has been found safely! The late-night father-son discussion was very touching, Jay. I liked the human with the talk-first, think-later tongue. It's a good thing Elrond has a sense of humor. Is Thranduil going to give his gift to the little girl himself? If so, I hope she tells him she thought he was a lady. I want to see his reaction to that! LOL Great chapter, Jay. I'll be sorry to see this story end. LKK
Author's reply
Sadly, it is almost finished - but it was supposed to be a short fic for Christmas! There's just the epilogue to do. I hope Thranduil will be able to give the girl her gifts - she will be equally surprised to discover that the 'lady' she found is a king! Jay
Cassandra · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Gifts
Yay, you posted. I'm happy. Very good chapter. But what does "to be continued" mean? I thought this story was gonna be finished in chapter 5! Now I have to suffer through the wait for something to come next. Torture, I tell you! Torture! hehe
Author's reply
You thought it was going to be five chapters? *I* thought it was only going to be two or three! But it 'growed'. I hope to finish this soon, I promise! Jay
Alina · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Gifts
Hi! This is a very sweet story! I read it around Christmas and found it perfect for the Holiday mood - but it works just as well now. Sorry I was too lazy to review, but I swore to myself that will change now. I´m glad you continue the story - how many more chapters can we expect?! Great job! Alina
Author's reply
Well, I only plan on there being one more chapter - but I've said that before! Despite the long delay, I'm determined to finish this story before too long, even if it's no longer seasonal. And any review is better than none! Jay
Elendiari22 · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Gifts
Oh, I'm SO glad you've updated! I love this story, and I'm curious to see how Thranduil goes about giving gifts. I love how you write the Elves.
Author's reply
I'm so sorry about the long delay! But the gifts are coming - Santa Thranduil will be appearing soon. Jay
daw the minstrel · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Gifts
What a joyous chapter! The women did well and Thranduil is going to honor Legolas's promise, as I knew he would (that's my Elven King!). He's proud of his son and he's getting ready to give gifts to the humans. What more could I ask for?
Author's reply
Legolas knew his father would honour his promise as well really, but he was feeling a bit unsure of things at the time. Bearing in mind the title of this story, and the fact that it was *supposed* to be a Christmas story, we have to get to the gifts sooner or later! Jay
Vi Janaway · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 4: Father And Son
Hi I just finished the four chapters of this story. I love the interactions between the characters and I like the humans. And, all but one of my favorite elves. :) The sights, sounds, and smells are real. Can't wait for the rest. Vi
Author's reply
Well, the next chapter (and hopefully the next to last!) is up - more character interactions, and more humans. I'm glad you like the descriptions I build in - I try to create a picture of the scene as I see it. Who's the other elf? Jay
Nikara · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 4: Father And Son
Very nice. I can't wait for more. The thought of Legolas being a king at this time is certainly odd. Keep it up!
Author's reply
I'm not sure if he would be able to be King yet, as he is under age (the age of majority for elves is 50). There may have to be a regent, I suppose. Thankfully we did not have to find out! Jay
Sivan · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 4: Father And Son
Finally. That was wonderful chapter, at last they met, after the fall. I love what I read so far, more please. Sivan
Author's reply
Sivan, I'm glad you're reading this story as well! Thanks for the reviews. Jay
Nilmandra · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 4: Father And Son
I am glad to see Legolas and Thranduil reunited, but isn't it an interesting plot bunny to imagine Legolas as a young king? H
Author's reply
Ack! No! No more plot bunnies, please! This story started with a plot bunny that wanted to see Thranduil as a victim, and Legolas believing him dead. Legolas would make a wonderful king, but it would mean killing Thranduil. I just can't do it. Jay
LKK · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 4: Father And Son
Thank goodness father and son are together again! How heartbreaking that both had decided the other was dead! I'm so glad that they didn't have to suffer from those beliefs too long. My heart went out to them. I also felt very strongly for Legolas over his fear of becoming king. Elrond was right; Legolas *can* be king, *could* be king, and a good king at that. But I'm so glad that he can stay an elfling prince for a while longer. The little tidbit about Elrohir inheriting his father's map fascination made me smile. That was a nice tiny insight into his personality as you see him. :-) Another good chapter, Jay. (As was the last one --- loved Legolas' speech in that one!) LKK
Author's reply
As I said to Daw, I had Legolas's speech scene mapped out long ago. I think he'd be a good King, apart from one thing - it would mean killing off Thranduil permanently, and I just couldn't do it! But I loved writing the angst here. And I like to add little bits and pieces about the twins when I can, trying to give them different personalities, while being so alike at the same time. It's not easy! Jay
daw the minstrel · 28 December 2003 · Chapter 3: Awakenings
This review comes to you straight from a hotel room in San Diego, Jay. The internet is a wonderful thing! Poor Thranduil and Legolas. At least we have the comfort of knowing that they are both safe. That was nicely done. And I liked Legolas as the good heir.
Author's reply
Ah, the internet! Where would we be without it? What are you doing in San Diego? Having fun, I hope! I had the image of Legolas, all bedraggled but very Princely, in my head right at the start of this story - I just had to wait until the plot developed far enough to use it! I do wish I could draw him the way I see him ... Jay
Cassandra · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 3: Awakenings
Come on. What happens next? I'm dying here!.... Oh yeah, great story so far!!
Author's reply
Glad you like it. Read on to find out what's next! Jay
Yuna_Dax · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 3: Awakenings
OO most splendiferous, another wonderful chapter! The fear and angst flowing through Thranduil must be horrifying, to think his only son perished in the water. But alas, we know better! Wonderful, beautiful angst abounds :) PS - Any more Twin Angst in the near future? (hope upon hopes)
Author's reply
There's even more angst in the next chapter - that's up now. But also a happy resolution. As for twin angst, there's none in this story, but I'm working on the next chapter of The Search right now - I hope it will be up by the weekend. Jay
Nilmandra · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 3: Awakenings
I loved how young Legolas stepped up to the plate here! The clothes really don't make the man (elf) - his princely bearing is a part of him. His father will be so proud of him. I feel so bad knowing this young family lost their son, and why do I think that the woodland king will take care of them?
Author's reply
I thought it was time Legolas was recognised for the prince he is - and Thranduil is not often appreciated for the wise and kind king he is. Jay
Elendiari22 · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 3: Awakenings
I have a feeling that the fisherman who died is related to poor Estella. :( They were very kind to take in Thranduil, and care for him. Hope o see more soon!
Author's reply
Estella and her husband were very kind. Not many people would look after a stranger like that. Wait and see about the fishermen!