Reviews (138)

rick · 21 August 2009 · Chapter 1: Journeys In The Dark

Jay, I love your stuff, and this story is wonderful - I have read it several times & enjoyed it every time. Fluffy angst is one of my favorite story types! Alas, I have recently been reading the Encyclopedia of Arda, and it says that Arwen was born in III 241; you have said in your note that your story is set in III 179 - she hasn't been born yet, officially! I haven't cross-checked with the Tale of Years, but E-Arda usually is pretty reliable. Your author page doesn't say that you've slipped the timeline, so I wonder if that was just an oversight on your part. (http://www.glyphweb.com/ARDA/a/arwen.html) Please do keep writing; I mostly don't care about dates if the stories are good, which yours all are!

elliska · 7 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Sorry to be so late in reviewing. I have been sick, but I read this and thoroughly enjoyed it! I am really sorry to see this story end because it's been a really great one. I liked the ending though. Legolas and Arwen are bad! But their little plot does demand to be told in full now! :-)

Bodkin · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

I think that anyone that deeply involved with the twins will know them. Well, it's logical, isn't it? If one fea calls to another and 'elves know' - then you would know which was which!

Dot · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Great ending :-) I love the description of the Hall, of the different types of dancing that would take place, and the idea that Legolas himself collected the flowers for the crowns. There was something very amusing about this exchange: Thranduil glanced to her side. “Elrond, may I borrow your wife?” Elrond waved a hand dismissively. “Of course.” LOL. I felt so bad for Thranduil and Celebrían, though!! They seem so happy at the thought that their children would find love together and Thranduil’s wish that Legolas and Arwen would be as happy as he and Telparian were is so touching. What minxes the children are! Ok, so the parents shouldn’t have been jumping to conclusions but still, allow me to feel sorry for them!! I admit I was a bit intrigued by the closeness between Legolas and Arwen, though, when the parents were watching them. Clever Legolas for realising what Thranduil and Celebrían were up to! I love the fact that it’s Arwen who first suggests that they play with them a little. She’d be a good match for her bothers, I think! You made me smile with the little part about Elrohir and Taniquel :-) Methinks it’s love alright. It’s a lovely idea that she can tell the twins apart, so we know that there is a real connection between them, and I had to laugh at the image of the two of them managing to keep each other as partners for all the dances! “Very subtle and cunning,” he said approvingly. “An excellent idea.” ROTFL! Of course he’d approve of such a crafty plan! Great moment too when the twins let Legolas know that he’d better not hurt Arwen. The depth of their love for their sister is always wonderful to witness and, well, they really can be quite menacing when they want to be… ;-) The ending was just perfect, even though there is a slight sense of loneliness in Legolas as the visitors leave. It had been a most eventful time – the storm at Esgaroth, the collapse of the caves and his long recovery, the discoveries he had made about himself – and now his ‘courtship’ of Arwen. Wow, they really have been through a lot! I really enjoyed this and it’s always a pity to see your stories end but I’m glad it ended on a light note. You’ve left me with a smile on my face! And I look forward to seeing what becomes of the ‘courtship’ of Legolas and Arwen if you ever feel inclined to write it :-)

Bodkin · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Finished! You'll just have to start another . . . I'm sure you have plenty of ideas! I love Thranduil and Celebrian's innocent pleasure in the apparent attraction between Legolas and Arwen. And Legolas and Arwen's not so innocent pleasure in encouraging their hopes! Naughty elflings. And their need to admit the twins to their confidence - for fear of upsetting them! That makes four little teases! Arwen / Legolas is such a good plan. Not that I have anything against Aragorn - except his mortality. But still. Elrohir and Taniquel is interesting - particularly that she can tell Ellahir apart without any effort. That is, as Elladan has spotted, significant. A thoroughly enjoyable story - look forward to the next instalment.

Kitty · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Amusing end of this tale! Legolas and Arwen discovered quite fast what their parents had in mind, and it was cunning how they confirmed their suspicions and played along. Honestly, I don’t know if I should laugh or rather feel a bit sorry for Thranduil and Celebrían. They must feel so much hope now. But although I think it would’ve been much easier for Elrond and Celebrían this way, I simply can’t imagine Legolas and Arwen married. And it was sweet how protective of their little sister the twins proved when they knew what was played. Anyway, thank you very much for another wonderful tale, and I look forward to the next, as always!

Noor · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Those last 2 chapters were worth waiting for! Great fun! I do so enjoy your stories! When are you going to write another???

Lianna · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Great ending -- especially since it practically demands a sequel in which the Legolas/Arwen and Elrohir/Taniquel subplots are resolved.

rose sared · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Hmm, methinks the deception could lead to more complications than it is supposed to solve. Lovely tale Jay, much enjoyed. rose

JastaElf · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

What a great finish.... Gah, machinating parents! LOL!! I had not seen the last couple of chapters, so I had the joy of reading them this evening. I was glad to see Legolas face his fears, and glad to see that you did not have "magical Elven healing" happen to make all better. Nice to see realistic medical things... too often there are temptations in fanfic to come up with quickie solutions, but you write too realistically for that! I had to giggle when Legolas discovered that the "thing" he'd been so frightened of was quartz crystals in the wall. Poor kid... I've had things like that happen too, and reacted much the same. :-) A wonderful story! Thank you!

daw the minstrel · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Epilogue

Oh bad Legolas and Arwen! The parents can't help themselves! But this could be amusing, I have to admit. For some reason, I really liked the description of the variety of dances -- chains, wild, for betrothed and married, etc. It seemed to characterize this culture nicely.

Dot · 30 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

Absolutely excellent job with the atmosphere in this chapter, Jay. I’m not particularly claustrophobic but I could definitely feel my chest tightening a little as I read this! More importantly, it really came across how difficult this was for Legolas, to step into the oppressive darkness and find out what haunted his dreams. There’s such a sense of unease throughout most of this and even though I didn’t think there was a monster or evil creature down there, I was beginning to get very worried about what he would find! The way he kept trying to reassure himself was about as successful with me as it was with him ;-) Although it was only a hundred feet above his head, he could feel no connection to the forest here – the trees seemed as remote as the distant peaks of the Misty Mountains, and their song was silenced. I thought that part was particularly effective. He’s completely shut off from everything he knows and the life of the forest that’s so much a part of him. He must have felt very alone down there. And it certainly mustn’t help that that he starts to realise what could have happened now that he sees this place again. Suddenly, the wavering light showed him two gleaming pinpoints shining in the darkness. Two eyes, just as he had seen before. That’s the point where I yelled out “Balrog’s balls”!! Quartz crystals, huh? Very clever. And I can definitely see how he could have thought it was a creature if he just briefly caught sight of it. I can also understand that he feels that in some ways it would be better if he really did find something. Yay for Thranduil! He knew exactly what his elfling would do. I thought it was very brave of Legolas to admit his fear to his father and I’m glad that Thranduil tried to reassure him. Everything he said was right – there is nothing to be ashamed of in fear, and Legolas proved that he’s no coward by going to find out what was in that cave. Even when he saw the “eyes” again he still kept going. He has a lot more courage than I would, I can tell you. “Ah,” Thranduil murmured softly. “Good.” LOL. I think poor Thranduil could be in for a bit of a disappointment there! At least they have the feast to look forward to. Even if it will be sad to see them part (and this story end!) it will be something to take Legolas’ mind off all this. This was a great chapter. Thoroughly engrossing!

Kalima · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

I reread it, just so I could have all the facts at my command as I read your update. So good -- you fooled me. Of course I assumed that there WAS something there, so I was tense that Legoalas would go in with nothing more than a knife and a torch. I liked that Thranduil figured out where he was and went after him. Nice scene: I love good Thranduil/Legolas relationships, and you make theirs seem real.

elliska · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

You did a really good job of making this tense. Legolas's search had me as edgy as he was. I love what the eyes turned out to be and I loved that Thranduil went down there after him. Their conversation at the end was great. I'll be sorry to see this one end.

pipinheart · 17 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

He found those eyes looking at him after all... Nice job...

Rose Sared · 16 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

Oh, wonderful, worth the long wait to get nearly to the end of this tale. And now matchmaking to deal with. Poor leggy and arwen, as if things that go bump in the night are not enough to deal with - LOL Thanks again for the story. Rose

Kitty · 16 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

Ah, finally the update! *beams* Somehow it was good Legolas did it and found the reason for what he saw. He may probably never be comfortable with caves ever again (I wonder how he survived Moria!), but at least he knows now *what* he had seen and is probably not haunted by fear and doubts any longer. And Thranduil was right. Legolas was quite brave in going in there again and alone in spite of his fear. He could have avoided this cave forever, but instead he decided to face his fear. That's certainly no cowardice! As for Arwen, Thranduil should better not hope too much. I fear Legolas had voiced his now better opinion of Arwen a bit too enthusiastic ;-)

Bodkin · 16 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

Quiet courage. Typifies him really. His adar's right - curious, won't give in to fear, determined, persevering. All the elements that make a good Fellowship elf. Just don't encourage him to fall hopelessly in love with Arwen. Affection is good - but it would be a fated romance. And we do want him to be happy one day - after he's finished all the questing business. I'm sure Thranduil and Elrond will understand. One day. I'm glad that the monster in the dark turned out to be something. At least now he knows. If he had been unable to find any reason for what he saw, he might always have doubts about the bogeymen that haunt the shadows. Looking forward to more!

Lianna · 16 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

Well, THAT certainly was creepy. Especially since I thought that there really was something down there. But it was good to see Legolas face his fear -- even though we know, from other stories set in later times, that it never leaves him completely. But boy, did Legolas say the wrong thing at the end -- about Arwen, I mean. If only he knew how much inadvertent encouragement he just gave to the matchmakers! I know that your main interest at the moment is the twins, but it's good to see that you haven't completely abandoned Thranduil and Legolas. You've given both of them -- and the relationship between them -- a great deal of depth, and I enjoy seeing you explore it further, as you did here, with Thranduil's understanding of Legolas's motivations.

Manderly · 15 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

Oh goody, another chapter in this story! Great description of the caverns! I felt as if I was there beside Legolas all the way, feeling totally claustrophobic and oppressed. The fear was very real too. I am glad Legolas did go and check out the caverns and face his fears. Perhaps he can now at last put the whole ugly incident behind him. And Thranduil was just perfect in assuring that Legolas that there is no shame in his fear. Do I detect more than a little enthusiasm from Thranduil when Legolas admits to liking Arwen? Somehow I don't think Legolas' idea of liking is the same as Thranduil's.

daw the minstrel · 15 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Heart Of Darkness

Oh good. I've been curious about what this was! Legolas was brave to do this on his own. Thranduil is right. That's not cowardice. What a wise old elf, despite how mistaken he is about Arwen.

Kalima · 4 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Matchmaking

Yo! Jay! I thought I'd left a review, but didn't see one when I cruised by the review site. I apologize. I'm glad for the last chapter, but sure do want to read on. Don't forget this sotry as you write on your others! (I often make it a point not to read stories in progress because I hate to be left dangling, so I hope you're appropriately gratified I come back here to check on your progress.) Weird. I could swear I told you how much I like the banter between Thranduil and Legolas about where the stubbornness came from. Oh yes, I get it. Each chapter has a separte set of reviews! Duh! I don't often read the reviews, just leave them. I forget how it works sometimes. Thanks again for writing.

Nightwing · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 14: Matchmaking

Oh, goody! I was beginning to wonder if this story was going to continue. Very brave, or very foolish, of the young elf to head back into the darkness to see what he can find. I hope he won't get into more trouble. He should not have gone alone. But if he does find trouble, I'll be happy. I'm a tension and danger fan. I'll just have to sit back and see what happens.

Bodkin · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 14: Matchmaking

If Arwen and Legolas had any suspicion about that conversation, they would never be able to look at each other in the same way again. And it would certainly ensure that they were completely unable to think romantic thoughts. Which is a shame really. Nothing against Aragorn. Good chap. Fated. Sacrifice. But - really, a nice Imladris / Mirkwood wedding and 2.4 elflings would have made both families so happy. (And maybe one of the 2.4 would have been available to marry a restored monarch.) Mind you, judging from the games they are playing - and the fact that Legolas really doesn't want to be straining that leg - none of them will be anywhere near considering matrimony for the next millennium or so at the earliest. I know E2 were being as careful as boys playing games ever are - but that is really not that careful. Or sensible. Although I rather enjoy seeing a fighting Arwen. And ellyn who learn their cusses from their naneth. I'm glad Calmacil is feeling better about the leg. Although I understand Legolas's horror in viewing the newly unwrapped limb. And that he feels he has been patient enough - the horror of 'A few months!!' of recovery is so realistic. But I'm not sure his brain is properly recovered. What on earth is making the elfling head off down the tunnels on his own! Even with quadruple torches, candles and tinder boxes. I hope his friends have him under observation and follow him - without playing any tricks.

Kitty · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 14: Matchmaking

*What's this? Can it be ... an update?* How true! I had lost hope for it long ago and was very positively surprised to see this! That was quite funny how they played as little elflings do! And Elladan's oath - no doubt he has learned it in "Journey of discovery" during the river incident *g* And the matchmaking ... I have to admit it sounds quite sensible, but luckily Thranduil and Celebrían don't know how this will end. But how can you send poor Legolas in the cave another time and alone as well? I'm quite anxious - please don't let him get injured again! I hope you update soon, because I will worry about him the whole time!