Reviews (436)

Bodkin · 11 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

What a brilliant chapter! It makes me think of a David Attenborough programme - 'Here, deep in the forests of Mirkwood, we see the Wood Elf in its natural habitat. Observe how the presence of Dwarves confuses them as they attempt to defend the group. . .' I am glad that Legolas involved Thranduil in every stage of the decision making here, or he might find himself enjoying the hospitality of the dungeons! He is still going get all the stick, though - even though every stage of the planning seems sensible, the end result was to make Thranduil look bad and he won't care for that at all! (He is just such an alpha male - back to wildlife programmes! - gorgeous to view from a distance, but dangerous.) Thranduil's use of magic seemed good - but I will bet he wishes he had just used a knock-em-out sleepy spell from the beginning! At least then he wouldn't have had them running around in headless chicken mode. I'm not surprised he ended up completely infuriated with the Dwarves and stuck Thorin in a cell. Perhaps someone should point out to Sinnarn that it is all very well winning over the parents, but you also need to spend some time convincing the elleth! Although I think her casual act was more for the benefit of Legolas and Celuwen. I liked seeing Legolas tease Tonduil - is it only male elves who get in this state on their wedding day? Was Aerlinn calm and amused, or was she falling apart with unsatisfied desire as well? It was lovely to see Annael and Legolas getting the giggles - they are such good friends, but that doesn't make good drama. I love seeing them together. (At least I know he will survive the Battle - he's in QoD.) Good point about the noise attracting the spiders. After all that spider hunting, it must have taken something to get them there. 'What kind of people send a child to do their work for them?' Knowing he is a hobbit and Bilbo at that, this is quite ironic - since the gathered races at the Council of Elrond send this 'child's' nephew to do their work for them at Mount Doom. More please.

French Pony · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

Cue the Wacky Hijinks! An interesting take on what happened to the Dwarves in the clearing. Thranduil doesn't have to move the feast after all, and hey, free entertainment. And (trust me) fainting Dwarf intruders are lots more fun at a wedding than, say, fainting brides. And in the end, Thranduil did assume the responsibility for the Dwarves, so he really can't yell too much at Legolas when they intruded. I figure he meant for the blindness to happen, but I guess the stumbling was an Unintended Consequence. Thranduil's going to be real pissed at himself, and that spells trouble for the Dwarves. Do the Elves know about the magic river that Bombur fell into? I wonder why they haven't thought that maybe that was what had happened to him. One thing I like about the way you write the Elves is all the varying attitudes they have towards things like meeting and trading with Dwarves. Everything from curiosity to business to avoidance to politely veiled hostility. It's fun to see how these Elves react to their relatively isolated place in the world. I think I will have to try roasted venison some time. I had it once, a long time ago, and I think I remember that I liked it. But soon I will be moving to a state where they sell venison, so I can try it roasted. You make my mouth water when you describe it. And Legolas is now not only under the impression that Bilbo is a Dwarf child, he thinks his name is "Hobbit." I think it's going to be fun watching him learn better.

The Karenator · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

Daw, I'm so glad you got this chapter finished before I headed out to be a weekend Wood-elf. It was just wonderful! You did a magnificant job of weaving Tolkien's tale into yours. And it was so believable. Seamless. I recently read over this part of 'The Hobbit'--studying spider behavior--and with it fresh in my mind, your chapter was so much fun to read. And all from the Elves' point of view. Poor Tonduil. He was already a nervous wreck and then to have his wedding crashed by dwarves! I loved Legolas' line about getting them married, "perhaps even tonight." Now this line: “No more so than many others,” she said a little saucily. Hm.m.m. We are not going to have a repeat of the Legolas/Miriwen/Eilian little fiasco, are we? Though it might serve Legolas right to have the shoe on the other foot for a change. But then, he was young and in love when he lit into Eilian in the Great Hall. Mirkwood,“There may be a problem,” (to be read in your best Tom Hanks voice.) Well, yes, it's a problem and the dwarves and the child named 'hobbit' will find out about it first hand. Overall, I thought Thranduil controlled himself quite well under the circumstances. No one was beheaded, no innards were spilled and the wedding finally took place. Such a delightful chapter. I look forward to another one soon. I'll be home around Monday, so anytime around then will be fine, she says with one eyebrow raised in the manner of her favorite Elven king. :>) Karen

Cormak · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

I absolutely love your stories. I started reading them a bit late as I just found out about this site recently. I've enjoyed myself getting to know all of the wonderful characters that you have created. I love reading and finding out what is going to happen to them as much as Tolkien's characters. This chapter made me laugh and gasp. The intrusion of the Dwarves was funny at first but then I felt badly, especially for Legolas and the Home Guard. The Dwarves just did not want to cooperate. And everyone is meeting someone and is getting married. Poor Legolas. When is he going to find a nice elleth? Just teasing. I look forward to the next chapter and all that follow it.

Nilmandra · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

As fun as that was, I am glad I am not Legolas! Neither dwarves nor spiders are his fault, but the buck apparently stops on his desk. Poor elf - I hope he doesn't take too much of a pounding from his father. Now Thranduil has more than adequate reason to be uptight with the dwarves - they crashed a wedding three times, roused the spiders and we know from the Hobbit how stubborn they were about stating their business. I hate to say it, but I'd lock them in the cellars too :D

LOTRFaith · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

lol.... That was funny! :-) But poor Legolas... I would hate to be in his shoes right now... Not once, not twice but three times! Thranduil must be furious:-) As much as I love Thranduil, there are times when I am glad that I am not even close to Mirkwood;-) Great chapter! Looking forward to more~

Ms. Whatsit · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

This was a great chapter. It has a nice comic feel but at the same time important stuff happens. I liked the Legolas-Thranduil parts the most--"making him feel like a competent adult at one moment and a wayward child the next," being proud of him and yet blaming him for things that aren't really his fault...*sigh* I love Thranduil. I also liked seeing Legolas and Annael have fun together, esp. making fun of poor Tonduil and the Dwarves. I also found Legolas's deductions about the Dwarves endlessly amusing. And poor Celuwen. At least she's got a brother-in-law like Legolas. And on a fangirly note, I am disappointed to learn that Legolas likes wild and untidy curls. I don't have curly hair! *pouts*

Karri · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

Yes, I caught that bit of magic, daw. :-) But, oi, poor Dori! He was upset enough about being a Bilbo's porter, if he ever gets words that elves thought him Bilbo's mother...ai! ;-) Very entertaining.

Manderly · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

Talk about crashing a party! I guess nobody does it better than a dwarf. The images that you have invoked really had me laughing! I am surprised that Thranduil didn't blow his stack, but I suppose being the king, he had to keep some semblance of regal appearance. Poor Legolas! Between the dwarves and the threat of spiders, he probably wished he was with Eilian in the south. Fighting orcs must seem a lot easier than trying to keep away the uninvited guests. A very enjoyable chapter!

sofia · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

i think its funny how the dwarves are crashing into everything like there chickens with their heads cut off, going mad. its good to see legolas and Annael act as they did when they were little. Since they grew up into adults, it seems that that kind of carefree playfulness dimmed a bit. and the poor bride and groom! They sure had an... eventful bonding ceremony. Good chapter, and update soon! -sofia

Naneth · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

Daw, you did such a wonderful job of "fitting" your chapter to The Hobbit! Well done. I especially enjoyed seeing Thranduil's use of magic in this chapter. I often forget that he has those special abilities. It was nice to see him use his powers in such a great way. I also enjoyed his relationship with Legolas in this chapter, although I suspect that Legolas didn't enjoy it as much as I did!

Karri · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

great chapter, daw. :-)

Rose Sared · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

And the story keeps winding on, I love the fact that after all his long lifes Glorfindel still has something to learn. What fun. Sorry for the long delay in reviewing - my own story suddenly took off on a wild gallop (woa neddy!) More soon please Rose

LKK · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Oh dear! I hope Bilbo never finds out Legolas thought he was a dwarf. And a child at that! I don't think the hobbit would like that even the mistake was an understandable one. I hope Legolas doesn't get into trouble for his wrong prediction about how much trouble the dwarves will cause for the elves. After all, how is he supposed to know what's going to happen. (I doubt there's a copy of The Hobbit in Thranduil's library. ;) ) Interesting that Glorfindel couldn't or didn't know how to listen to the trees as the Wood-elves always do. A very nice distinction between their two cultures.

Dragon-of-the-North · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Just a quick note to let you know that I have not abandoned reading your stories... Once again, you are just too fast for me, but this chapter simply deserved a review. It clearly shows that Legolas' education must have been sorely lacking when it comes to the ME equivalent of biology or ethnology or whatever... "Dwarf child" and "mother dwarf" indeed - I'm sure Bilbo & Co. would be flattered! I was in awe how you managed to keep this so very serious and distanced in tone, all a warrior's cool, logical observation, while it is funny beyond belief to the reader. As always, your characters are wonderful, especially the OCs (Eilian is lovely as always, and I loved his interaction with Glorfindel, a bit of wood-elf vs. Noldo coming in there... Splendidly done!) - and, for once, I enjoyed the fight with the orcs at least a little bit. Predictable outcome, but an elf misstepping is... a good thing. ;-D

Estel_Mi_Olor · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

That chapter made me happy Daw! Very good! And I have to comment on my last review: re-checking my Tolkien has made me realize that I was being idiotic in saying that. Sorry...and it all makes perfect sense now. :) It really does. Legolas is so cute, what was it you said in one of your Author Replies...oh, Legolas is all competent now. That's funny. :) But the building tension is too much for my fragile heart. I can't wait to see how the White Council's attack will turn out. I really enjoyed the similarities between Glorfindel and Eilian. Especially the former's bemusement of the Wood Elves'love of trees. That was very funny. I can just see the two of them... :) I wish them all much luck and I can't wait for an update! Keep writing!

The Karenator · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Hi daw, Sorry, I've fallen behind in reviewing again. But you can be certain that I'm keeping up. I always look forward to new chapter updates. This has been such an interesting tale. It's different from your others just due to the subject matter. We can see the events that are so well known from The Hobbit, but from an entirely different perspective. I've been trying to figure out what the Elves were going to be doing in the woods when Bilbo and his group came along, and that it is Tonduil's wedding is such a wonderful stroke of your pen...er, computer. Well, I'm guessing that was what the feasting was about. I'm really looking forward to how you handle the scenes Tolkien did relay incorporated into your own story. I have complete faith in you, by the way. The scenes to the South were so good! Eilian and Glorfinel (and grumpy Maltanaur) were so good. Despite being some what 'star-struck', Eilian is making a good showing as to the abilities of the Wood-Elves in dealing with the shadow. And you've done a good job of not allowing Glorfindel to steal the scenes, but then, you've created Eilian with such a strong presence that he can stand up to the challenge. He's not lost in the bright light of Glorfindel's presence. Poor Ithilden. I'm sure Alfirin will just be glad to have her husband home in one piece, and the news he will bear will be worth it. But, he's wise to keep in mind that she's as formidable as Glorfindel!...or Thranduil. Such a good tale, you minstrelness. I'm realy looking forward to reading more. BTW, I'm off the mountains Friday. Will we be seeing an update before I retreat to the woodlands of my kin? I'll raise a toast to you and Nilmandra while I'm there. Carry on, Karen

caz - baz · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

poor Ithilden. Eilian and Glorfindel seem to be getting along well. Diaphragm. arrrggghhhhh, that was the one word that i needed and totally went out of my head in biology i was thinking about every other little bit and i remembered it all but i fogot that one word. i'm only glad it was hardly important. but i was kicking myself when i read it in your story. caz baz

Lera · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

I am enjoying this SO MUCH!!! I do not want the chapters to end while I'm reading them. It was hilarious seeing the dwarves from Legolas's perspective. I'm desperately trying to find a copy of THe Hobbit. One thing that struck me as nice, surprisingly, even among all the excitement, was seeing Ithilden and Eilien together. My heart was in my throat when Eilien heard the squirrel. Squirrels do make an incredible amount of noise. I remember in A Question of Duty how the Imladris elves found the Mirkwood elves rough and rather dangerous which was very interesting, and am glad you carried the contrast into this story. And then you finished up the wonderful chapter with a remarkably homey line. Ithilden you're awesome. Ok, update soon, please. Will be waiting in eager anticipation.

Tapetum Lucidum · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Darn it! I loaned away my copy of The Hobbit just when I needed it! I have the worst timing. Spying on the dwarves was really cool. I agree with you - the elves would have known they were there long before the invasion of the feast. Are Bilbo's parents Fili and Kili? Bombur must have been quite a load. Good point, Legolas had seen a female and a dwarfling (is that a word?) before - last time he killed a dragon. Amdir's prejudice is showing its ugly head again. At least Legolas is reasonably tolerant of the stunted ones. Todith is smart to take Legolas with him to see Thranduil. At least he is fairly sure that messenger won't be shot. "I believe I already have as much experience in explaining my actions to the king as anyone might wish for." LOL - that was a great line! Thranduil is well accustomed to dealing with his sons as members of his military. Legolas might feel awkward but Thranduil has the situation mastered (as usual). The trio patroling in the southern part of the forest is probably among the most skilled ever assembled. I pity any orcs that cross their path. It would be hard to adjust to a completely diffent style after centuries of dealing solely with wood elves. It was a good point. I wonder if Glorfindel felt any of that uncertainty. Probably not. Blasted squirrel - at least he had the satisfaction of knocking off the 3 stray orcs. It was pretty funny when they were worried about Glorfindel. I think he can handle a lone goblin. The change in the trees song angle was great! I think it was very appropriate and fit well into this situation. "Wood elves!" snicker. Glorfindel and Eilian are definitely soul mates. Curunir's imperiousness was hardly noted by the sons of Thranduil. I guess he needs to work on it a little. Everyone will be surprised if this succeeds. I still think their Adar is going to be mad about hearing it afterwards. Even if he is a little busy... Are you going to cove the battle of 5 armies in this one or a sequel? I would find it hard to believe the human king would slay Smaug rather than one of our elves. Are you sure Legolas didn't use one of his arrows?

Dot · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

I was grinning from start to finish of this chapter, despite the fact that things are tense in the Woodland Realm. I think I’m just getting a real kick out of seeing these events through the eyes of the wood-elves. Thirteen adult Dwarves and a child? Hilarious. I love the way Legolas eyes the “child” and mentally compares him to the Dwarf child he’s seen before. He seems so bewildered but obviously determined to be open-minded. I laughed so hard when he decided that one of the Dwarves must be the mother. I thought the funniest line was when Legolas decides in all seriousness that “They did not have the look of a war party.” Those poor Dwarves. There they are, dragging Bombur through this terrifying forest and no clue that they’re completely puzzling the locals. Amdir seems utterly offended that the Dwarves would even set foot in their woods. Ah well, he can take that up with Todith! It’s hard to see, though, how they would actually have got this far into Mirkwood. I had thought maybe the rest of the patrols were occupied with increasing numbers of spiders but it makes sense that they were just as bemused as Legolas and let them through, just making note to inform the Home Guard. I see Todith is still longing for the return of Ithilden! I wonder if Ithilden has any idea how much his captains value him?! I loved Legolas tormenting Todith outside the Great Hall and then changing like lightening to serious warrior the moment he enters. It *is* embarrassing that ‘Lord Legolas’ was announced before Todith, although I doubt Todith’s mind was on the words of the attendant. And trust Thranduil to remember who was who in the scheme of things anyway! I never fail to be amazed by the way Thranduil switches to king mode. Legolas has obviously learnt how not to be the son either when standing in front of him, yet he still always somehow tries to read Thranduil as his father, almost needing his approval, whereas I doubt if beneath the gaze of the king Thranduil is wondering how his son sees him. Thranduil is not going to be a happy bunny at the thought of Dwarves strolling around his forest. And of course the elves already have enough to do. “The trees near him now called to him with faint voices full of anguish and longing.” It says a lot about how dark this part of the forest has grown if even someone used to the south feels it so acutely. I had forgotten that Eilian had been here before and suffered so badly for it. I should have realised how much it must have cost Ithilden to send his brother here again and how much he must therefore believe there is hope and respect his brother’s skills. It’s interesting to see how strange Eilian is finding it to not only be under the command of someone he doesn’t know but with elves whose instincts are so different to his own. He seems to have a lot of respect for Glorfindel, though. But then, how could he not?! It must be so difficult too for the wood-elves to fight as they are used to doing if the branches of the trees are likely to give way at any time. How *do* Orcs learn Westron? Do they have classes?! For a second I really thought Glorfindel was in trouble! Like Eilian, I should have known… Eilian and Glorfindel seem to be two of a kind. Poor Maltanaur. It was good to see Eilian startle Glorfindel, though, with his explanation about the trees’ song. At the end of the day, you’re either a wood-elf or you’re not, I guess. Still, it’s a pity the others can’t hear the song of the trees or they’d have a better understanding of how bad things are. In a way, the wood-elves must feel the Shadow more heavily because they can hear the distress of the trees around them. I’m still smiling at the way Eilian and Ithilden don’t bat an eyelid at Saruman’s tone. Sons of Thranduil are made of stern stuff. “Can you imagine how those at home will react if we succeed in this?” No! But I can’t wait to see! I suspect that even Alfirin will have to be forgiving. Well, it looks like things are about to get exciting in Mirkwood. Bring it on!

Jay of Lasgalen · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

I like Legolas's reactions on seeing the dwarves, especially noticing the 'child' with his bearded mother. Eilian and Glorfindel were wonderful together, as I knew they would be, but it's a shame Ithilden will miss the wedding. I hoped he'd make it home in time but knew the time-lines wouldn't permit it. So the dwarves are all set to encounter both feasting wood elves and spiders? And as acting commander of the home guard, presumably Legolas will be the one to arrest them? I can't wait! Jay

Jebb · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

So Legolas meets our dwarven friends and Bilbo and I wonder if Thranduil will remember he agreed the policy of watching only when things start to go wrong, especially if it is at the wedding! Eilian seems to be enjoying his time with Glorfindel who appears to have the same warped sense of humour although perhaps not the same penchant for putting himself so much at risk has Maltanaur got grey hair? And I for one do not in the least trust that wily wizard there can only be trouble ahead Ithilden not making it back for the wedding but what if the wedding is interrupted anyway by other uninvited guests can't wait to find out

White Wolf · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

It was nice seeing Glorfindel in action, instead of just hanging around Rivendell talking to Elrond. It was also good to see Eilian and Ithilden together. I'm looking forward to them working together with the White Council. I wonder if Thranduil will regret not going this time, once he learns that something was actually being done, and he isn't in on it.

Elentari · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Amazing, dear. And this, if you allow me, was the very best part of it: Ithilden gave a small smile. “I fervently hope we do and not just for the obvious reasons. Tonduil’s wedding will be tonight. I will need to have a very good excuse for missing it if I expect Alfirin to let me sleep in my own bed again.” Te-he! So the High and Mighty do fear some things.... lol.