Reviews (33)

Starlight and Moonlight · 27 February 2018 · Chapter 14: Reflections

Manderly, I just wanted to leave a review on this last chapter to say that I enjoyed this fanfic very much. I find it extremely hard to believe that English is your first language: you are such a talented writer. I cannot wait to read your other fics.

Alessa · 9 February 2014 · Chapter 14: Reflections

You mean to say that English is not your first language? You're a brilliant writer and I would have never been able to mistaken you for someone whose mother tongue is not English! I truly, dearly loved and enjoyed this story and It appears as though I've neglected to review all due to the reason that this site is still quite foreign to me and quite unlike any other fan-fiction sites there are on the internet. I assume it's been at least 10-11 years since you've written a fan-fiction story involving Thranduil and Legolas, however, now that a movie has come out that displays them both, will you not right one more? Also, when Salque died, you had me in tears and you still have that hold on me whenever you mention his death. I love the way you portray Legolas's brothers, they truly are the way I would have imagined them to be, realistically speaking. All in all, I could not have asked for a better author upon to which I would read his/her stories :)

So Yun · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 14: Reflections

Wow another awsome story, i am hoping you have gotten some inspiration and can pick up a pen and paper and write more stories. I hope very much that you do manderly and well done on writing these 2 awsome stories! Yun

Alfirin · 31 May 2005 · Chapter 14: Reflections

Another yet wonderful story. There's not much more i can say other than I dearly hope you continue to write more. Even though english may not be your first language as you so have stated, it did not mar your storytelling skills. I do love all the personalities you have given to Legolas's brothers, particularly Tavaro. I do hope you will write more and bless us readers with entertaining and heartfelt stories.

lwarren · 6 August 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

Manderly, just a quick review...I read through this story after I finished ch.10 of "First Journey", and I 'm almost glad I waited to do so. The events of this story were so much more gripping with the background I've gotten by reading about that younger Legolas in 'Journey'...and Tavaro, and Thranduil - bless their hearts, so loving and concerned and enraged (not to mention Feren and Aldeon!). This was a great story...and I read that English isn't your first language? Wow! I am so impressed! You are doing one fine job! linda

Hisie Lome · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

What a fine tale...and english is not your native tounge! I am impressed... This was such a touching tale. This family has certainly overcome some serious heart ache. Poor elfling- so much confusion! Legolas still grieves over his shadow's death, then Meldon turns out to be cruel (and then dead), elves can't always be trusted , and add just a little bit of torture. Mahaha! I thought it provoking that many warriors volunteered to aid, yet some had to stay. The 'bratling' certainly had the respect and love of the realm's forces! This put a different twist to the tale...each warrior had a personal stake in Legolas' safe return....he was more than just an assignment! The Thranduilions show great love of their youngest. He will need much time to heal. Legolas showed strengh and love of realm. It was so moving when Legolas told his ada that he 'wished for death' and that he knew that his king's decision would bring this end. That would have made the Halls of Mando's a very crowed place to be indeed. I loved also that all knew of the King's great love for his child. This was demonstrated many times in the tale. Each Opherian displayed a wonderful mixture of the hard warrior and the kind sanctury towards for Legolas. I am glad that the traitors were banished. Mayhaps, fading would eventually come to some. Others, however, would live very long lives and come to realize their errors. I loved the blood bath jokes ;) ! Although commonly stated as "less wise, than the Noldor", the Wood Elves would have remembered the Kin-slayings and would not have wanted this new stain added to their troubles....Ai, Elbereth knows, some time in the future many would want to jouney to Valinor. None would want that door shut! It is good to know that like a game of chess, there are many layers to logic in this tale. (Like a king and family that would someday like to "see" their Queen again.) Perhaps, other colonist could feel for the traitors, but that their king would show mercy, when all would know that death was a very real option considering the personal insult and strife, could only strength the love of the royals and a sense of duty to all. Please continue to write. You have shown such improvements in this tale (and I thought the other was superb!) Thank you for all of your hard work! Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome

Hisie Lome · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 2: The Trap is Set

How sad to miss his shadow? And still healing. One day he would remember Salque and smile, but for now the grief was too near. Being black and blue from practice...I have experienced that many times! One does indeed work harder in the next practice to not relive those particular injuries. Hesin seemed to uplift Legolas' spirits and showed much honor. Perhaps there will be some sort of friendship with Meldon.

Hisie Lome · 28 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Healing

What an angsty beginning?! Legolas tired and in despair, a traitor in the realm, and an unhappy king...Well done indeed! The language is true and each character has depth. I love a good, long tale with dynamic plot twist. Thank you for your hard work....Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome

Wantanelf · 24 May 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

I just finished both your stories, From Princeling to Warrior and Act of Betrayal. They were both great. I can't believe English is not your first language. Those pesky tenses are hard to master. Keep writing. I enjoy your work!

Firnsarnien · 22 May 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

Ah, at last we get a Tavaro/Legolas moment! :) *satisfied sigh* And it was sooooo touchingly sweet! *another satisfied sigh* I loved Tavaro's over protectiveness of his younger brother, then his chagrin at Legolas at actually doing it. And most certainly, I agree with you, or at least with Tavaro. If anything had happened to Legolas, all of them would never have recovered. Thranduil would have soon followed Leggy to Mandos' halls, and Tavaro, Aldeon and Feren probably soon after. Legolas is the glue that holds this family together, without him I fear all would be lost. This meloncholy Legolas is most adorable. I loved how he stared into the flames before answering Tavaro. Most appropriate and it clearly showed the inner turmoil and confusion Legolas is dealing with as a result of his captivity, first by Elves then by men. And wasn't it sweet how so many warriors volunteered to go on the mission to free Legolas. They aren't the only ones who love him. I think there were a few (quite a few actually) readers who would have loved to have joined that mission too! ;) Heh, heh! Ah, and as I read on, another wonderfully sweet moment. I loved how Thranduil took Leggy a tray of food, only to find his son fast asleep. And the way he could not tear himself away from Leggy's side. *sigh* Just wonderful. :) LOL Funny line...tree branches breaking under Leggy's weight...that was perfect! LOL Ai, and that confession to Leggy at the end...bittersweet. I'm just glad that this family is whole again and is well on the road to recovery. Now, I wish I could only say the same. I find myself falling apart at the seams now that this story is over! You've got to write another! *arm falls off and clatters to the floor* See, I'm falling apart already without a story to read from you! Hurry and write another! :) Please?

The Karenator · 21 May 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

Hi Manderly, I've been sort of hanging out in the bushes, lurking about reading as you have posted, but forgive me, I've not reviewed. I have truly enjoyed your tale. But there are two thing I've most wanted to comment on: 1) I'm mightly impressed with what a good job you've done when English is not your first language, and 2) How much you've grown as a writer. I thought your previous story I read was quite good, but as I watched this one unfold, I saw you become more confident and your writing go from being good to being excellent. I think it's the tone. It's hard to explain exactly. You just seem to catch the wind and fly higher with each chapter. The flow of narrative was smooth and engaging. Your characters had distinct personalities. You handled difficult dialogue and situations well, giving the reader what they needed to know without belaboring your point or belaboring the action to the point of fatigue. It was a well done balance. You also kept the story line moving without falling into the pits of wallowing in unnecessary information--something I'm bad to do. :>) I just can't tell you what a pleasure this story has been for me to read. I felt almost as if I were watching a rose unfold. You have a talent and a natural ability to tell a story. You go girl! I think you have found your calling. You will only get better and better, something I think all writers always strive to obtain. Even the most accomplished writers constantly work their craft. I think it's part of the thrill of transcribing words to express thought and then offer it as a gift to your readers. And a gift, it is. I truly look forward to more of your stories. Keep writing! Karen

Aly · 21 May 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

Wonderful job! I've truely enjoyed both of your stories. I hope to see more from you in the future! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! Aly

rikki · 21 May 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

A fine ending to such an angsty story. Legolas and Tavaro looking at the trees was my favorite part of this chapter, Legolas is starting to stretch his wings again. Tavaro meets the stubborness about coming inside out of the wind with a play on Legolas' better nature. The older brother protects and guides but manages to do it with humor. I'm hoping on your next story that Legolas has time to spend on the training field learning all the self-defense he can. He needs as much protection as he can find.

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 May 2004 · Chapter 14: Reflections

A good ending is always satisfying, even while I'm sorry to see a story come to an end. The scenes between Legolas and his brother, and his father, were wonderful. I felt so desperately sorry for all three of them! This was a very good story, and if Engligh is not your first language, that makes it all the more remarkable! Jay

Firnsarnien · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 13: Home Again

You know, I was so happy to see that despite the special place Legolas holds in Thranduil's heart, his brothers are not jealous of him. Instead, they seem to be happy Thranduil loves their little brother so much and they love him as much as their father. They are definitely one family that lives in harmony with each other. That is very rare, but I guess for Elves, who have lived for so long, loving their siblings and getting along would be the natural course. :) *sigh* I also think the banishment was a better punishment than death would have been. Living with the knowledge of what they have done and the scorn of their fellow Elves will be worse than death. And knowing they can never find refuge in *any* Elven realm will force them to live like ghosts! A most fitting punishment for not using their own minds to go against something they knew was wrong from the start! Ai! Poor, poor Leggy! Still suffering and healing slowly! ;) (woo hoo!) Heh, heh! And double Ai! He's morose and does not speak of what happened? And there is fear in his eyes? Oooh, sounds like Leggy is going through some *serious* mental angst! *rubs hands together gleefully* I can't wait till the next chappy! I bet we get some more wonderful Legolas angst and comfort! :) *another sigh* Me thinks this family needs some serious time together to bond and re-establish their close ties. Not only was Leggy hurt, the whole family was hurt. I think seeing their little brother smile again is going to be the only way their hearts will heal, Thranduil's too. And after all Leggy's been through, it's gonna take some serious doing to get him to smile again, and mean it! Hmmmm, Legolas has had some really deep bonding with Feren when he took the arrow meant for his older brother. He bonded with Aldeon when his older brother comforted him right after he rescued him from the men, then comforted him afterwards. He bonded with his father as they journeyed home. Is Legolas gonna do some serious bonding now with Tavaro. Seems like he's the only member of the family who hasn't really had a chance to really interact with his little brother. :) (hint, hint) Heh, heh! Ok, enough prattling, hurry up with the next chappy! Holy moly! I can't wait!!! :)

Firnsarnien · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 12: The Journey Home

Woo Hoo! An update! Thank the Valar, I was beginning to despair!!!!! LOL :) *Squee* Oh, this chapter was great! Such wonderful Leggy angst, so much brotherly worry and so much fatherly relief and affection! *sigh* Just beautiful! Hmmm, are Leggy's injuries taking long to heal 'cause of the grief he still feels for Salque's death? It would make sense of course. And on top of that, now he has to deal with Meldon's betrayal, an Elf he liked and trusted and spent time with. Poor, poor him. He's gone through much in a short time. *sob* But I love it! ;) Heh, heh! Ai! I hope Thranduil deals harshly with those settlement Elves. They should have used their own minds instead of letting Ambartur and the others speak for them! They knew what they were doing was wrong, at least deep down they had to have known! :( If they are not repentant, I say, Exile is the least they deserve! >:( I also sqeed when Thranduil and Tavaro jumped to rush to Legolas' side! They are such impatient Elves! I guess I'd be too if I were in their shoes! LOL Aldeon and Feren tender ministrations of their young brother gave me such wonderful heart pangs! And Aldeon brushing his lips over Leggy's hot brow, definitely made me squee like a fan girl! LOL I loved it! Ah, and it got even better with Legolas' whispered confession about his dreams. Huge lump in my throat with that one! *sob* And the way he clung to Aldeon's hand, eek! But I think what really got me, what really shows the devotion these brothers and their warriors have to Leggy, is when they heard someone approach and they surrounded Aldeon and Leggy. Feren and the other warriors placed themselves in front of them, ready to face any danger and would have undoubtedly died for the three princes. Egads, see what you've done! You've turned me into a raving fan girl that squees like a teenager! Aaaarg! I sure hope the angst isn't over! I don't think it is though, Leggy is *far* from being well. He's still one pretty sick and injured Elf! :) *sigh* I sure can't wait for your next chappy! I hope it's soooooooooooon this time! Is it gonna be? Hmmmmm? See, now you've even got me on my hands and knees begging! LOL :) Can't wait, hurry!

Firnsarnien · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 11: At the Settlement

Yes, most definitely! I agree! Hmmmm, I wonder if Tolkien even mentions that Leggy is one of the youngest Elves, one of the last born before evil took hold of the land. I know I've heard it somewhere. Well, I know for sure Leggy is portrayed this way in a few other fanfics, so yeah, I think him being so young (for an Elf) would be part of the reason he is so open to new ideas and so curious about the world around him. :) Now, on to the story! :) As for Yulion, I was almost glad Aldeon and Feren had bad news for him! His arrogance and disregard for the hurt he'd caused made me absolutely livid! Leggy is still lying hurt and half dead, and all he can do is be arrogant and snippy!? Arrrrrg! Call me perverted, but I got a sense of pleasure seeing him crumple in grief at the sight of his family! :P Pooh on him! And I'd like to see his face when he realizes he has indeed, been betrayed by the very men he thought would help him! Double pooh on him! Aw! Nice touch having Hesin watch over Legolas while Feren and Aldeon informed Yulion of the demise of his family! Hmmmm, I wouldn't be surprised if Hesin is appointed Legolas new protector when they return home and things get back to normal. :) Ai! Heart pangs, heart pangs! Leggy's fear is so touching! I thought he was gonna have a panic attack when he thought Ambartur and Meldon were close by. And I love, just love, how Feren and Aldeon try to comfort him and make him feel safe! It makes my heart smile! ;) *sigh* Heh, heh, and see, not even they can deny Leggy anything! That sure explains why the rest of us are just...lost when it comes to that beautiful blond Elf! LOL Well, another wonderful chappy! And as usual, it leaves me craving more. ;) I can't wait! :) Hurry! BTW...your quite welcome for the reviews. :) I always try to point out things that have really touched me instead of just saying, "Cool!" or "Great story!" Seems more helpful this way and perhaps, a bit more inspiring! :)

Firnsarien · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 10: The Rescue

Ai! At long last, he's been rescued! Thank the Valar! I was seriously beginning to worry! ;) And Aldeon did find him tied to the tree! Oh, I could just see the anger and horror on his face. His fear was so evident when he ran like an Elf possessed and did not stop until they'd reached safety. I don't think he even realized how far he'd fun, or really even where. He just wanted to get Leggy away. And when the other Elf offered to carry Legolas, Aldeon just about freaked! He's pretty rattled! Poor him! You know, I really loved the part where Legolas woke up and said it hurts, then Aldeon asked him where and all Leggy could manage to say was it hurts again. He's so far gone, that he really can't even think well enough to form something coherent enough for Aldeon to understand! And Leggy's panic when he thought his brother was leaving him...that was so realistic. You did such a great job of conveying the horror Leggy went through by making him clingy in his delirium. It's almost as if he's reverted back to being an Elfling again. I also liked the way you showed the other warrior's concern for Leggy. Clearly, this young Elf is not just loved by his family, but by his people as well. And when his brothers saw Leggy's injuries clearly and for the first time, wow, that was pretty poweful! Sure made me grimace and my heart ache right along with them! I hope now that Leggy is in loving hands once again, he gets better. Although, I have to admit, I wouldn't mind if he took awhile to do it! Heh, heh! ;) Can't wait for the next chappy! Please, please hurry! :) BTW...I keep meaning to thank you and I keep forgetting. So I'll do it now before I forget again. Thanks so much for your quick updates! It's nice to have a new chappy every day for it lessens the anxiety we have to endure before the next chappy is posted! :)

Jay of Lasgalen · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 10: The Rescue

Well, thank goodness Legolas has been rescued and is back with his brothers! He stands a much better chance of recovering now he's safe. Thranduil was wonderful in the last chapter - magnificent and enraged. I do hope the message reaches him soon that Legolas has been rescued! Jay

rikwen · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 10: The Rescue

Aldeon and Feren to the rescue! Too bad they cannot kill the baddies more than once. That was a classic in and out snatch and rescue, good job. Though I think poor Legolas is running out of skin to abuse. Now both he and I need lots and lots of comfort for all that hurt...at least until Legolas gets well enough to feel like the family is hovering too much. But the brothers have to get him home first and all sorts of evil things could happen in the meantime. Thank goodness you post on a regular basis, even waiting 24 hours is hard on the nerves!

Firnsarnien · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 9: Messages and Plans of Rescue

Aaaarg! *tears at hair, pulling several handfulls out in frustration* Egads, will this torment never end? :O Poor Leggy! Poor Thranduil and Tavaro for having to see that horribly torn and bloodied tunic! *sob* That's just awful! It must have torn their heart out! *sniff* I could just see both their faces going chalk-white when they read that note from the Easterlings. It must be dreadful to be stuck at home when all you want to do is tear out of the palace to find Legolas! I think I'd tear down every bush, turn over every rock, torture every bit of info out of any orc or man I'd encounter and scream at the top of my lungs to the heavens to help me find Legolas! Eeeek! That's pretty desperate huh? Well, see what you've driven me to!? Desperation!!! Heh, heh! Feren and Aldeon are so maddeningly close. Oh, I can just imagine the horror on their faces when they see their dear little brother hanging by his wrists from a tree, bloodied and torn AND unconsious to boot! Boy are they gonna be MAD! Yup, that's M.A.D! Can't say I blame 'em! Hmmmm, maybe I should be saying poor Easterlings??? Naaaaah! LOL Good grief woman, while you *are* typing fast, my anxiety just hasn't eased *one bit*! I think it's worse now than when you started! Please hurry and put me out of my misery! And I hope to Illuvitar this next chappy has Feren and Aldeon finding and rescuing Leggy! Really, how much of him is actually left to rescue! :) (But you know, I really do love all this Leggy angst, right? ;) The more the better! Heh, heh!) Can't wait for the next chappy, but I guess I'll have to huh? LOL Hurry!

Firnsarnien · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 8: The Captive

Aaaaah! I just got back and I see that nothing has changed these last two chapters! Still horrible cliffies! :P Oh my, first he gets beaten by his Elven captors and now he's getting beaten by these Easterlings?! He's gonna be a mess when Aldeon and Feren finally find him! I sure hope they find him soon! Make them move faster, please! And you too, type faster! Post faster! Hurry! ;) LOL

rikwen · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 8: The Captive

Yikes, Legolas keeps getting the crap beat out of him. But he appears a strong elf, hope that he manages to maintain his defiance through all this. And I hope the brothers are going to find Legolas before he and his captors get too far away from Mirkwood. There are not many elves and a lot of men to fight. Give Legolas his freedom and a knife and I feel he may even the odds a little. Can't wait for the next chapter.

Hisie Lome · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 8: The Captive

Wow! What will the king do? I know the brothers will not show mercy....So some elves did not learn after the kinslayings...This will only get better! Update soon....this princling is truly a child no longer. Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome

Jay of Lasgalen · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 7: The Pawn

Oh dear. Poor Legolas. I expected that when his captors delivered him to the Easterlings, something would go wrong with the exchange - their son would either be already dead or still a prisoner. I have just one request. When Legolas's brothers find him (and they will, won't they?) neither of them are killed! Please! Jay