Reviews (436)

nessie · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Okay, I don't remember if I reviewed or not yet so...Oh well. But this chapter was awesome! I laughed when Legolas assumed that one of the dwarves was a female! I could see the expression on the dwarf's face if he ever finds out he was mistaken for a woman...They'd think the poor Elves were crazy! It'd kinda be like "How can you mistake me for a woman!" "Well it's a little HARD, y'see?" But anyways, I also loved the interaction and stuff with Eilian and Glorfindel :) I could just imagine what good ol' Glorfy was thinking when Eilian told him that the trees said the orcs were coming. "Why in all Arda would they talk to trees? The nutters." Also loved how the sons of Thranduil really ignore how Curunir talks in his snappy and bossy manner. They're used to it! Well, Thranduil isn't really like that...but he's more intimidating! Also loved how Thranduil recognized that Todith is the captain there, and not Legolas. The guards should have said Captian Todith or something, or just Legolas. Well that wouldn't seem right either, him being the king's son. Y'know, I actually had a dream about this? Except Thranduil had like five more kids...It made me really confused. Well this was a great chapter as always, so update asap! ~nessie~

Esamen · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Oh, daw, this is great. We've got the epic action and the fun of the personal quirks both. Elian and Glorfindel together are beyond awesome. It's like dying and going to heaven. This is a wonderful way to explore those corners of Tolkien's story that some of us (me, anyway) are not familiar with! I have to give you lots of praise for the way you stay true to canon and still present such a marvelously imaginative story. I absolutely think that you are one of the very best fic writers out there in the virtual world! I can't wait for the next chapter!

Bodkin · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Oh joy - another chapter. Lovely to see the dwarves and Bilbo - though it is a rather sad indictment of the isolationism of the Woodland Realm that they know so little of other races, despite the age of the elves. Beliond is . . . a fair age - but he even cuts himself off a bit from other elves. Never mind - works with the plot. Amdir - common sense? Legolas is a bit of an optimist, isn't he! Amdir is nearly as much of an idiot as Tinar, although without the arrogance. Love the bit about Legolas explaining himself to the king - yes, he does have a fair amount of experience there! And he and Thranduil are very good at keeping the right hats on - definitely the lieutenant and the king. I like Glorfindel / Eilian - they seem to be cut from the same cloth. With time spent together, they would understand each other well - except perhaps about talking to trees. What a useful skill that would be - though it must make the effects of Shadow here much worse for the Wood Elves than for those not so in tune with the forest. The trees (even these) are so alive it makes them living subjects of the realm - which must make what they are suffering even more painful for the elves and especially Thranduil. It is amusing how Saruman's abrasive and bossy manner doesn't intimidate the sons of Thranduil, who have learned from infancy how not to be intimidated. However, that is the only parallel between Mr Smooth and the Woodland King, I hope. And even in the midst of major events, I am glad to see Ithilden has his priorities right. Upsetting your wife is a very bad idea. However, I daresay she will forgive him, especially if they succeed in their quest. After all, the wedding party is probably going to have enough trouble with dwarves - pesky little blighters. They are like ants - once you get them in the kitchen, they are almost impossible to get rid of. I just hope Legolas doesn't get the blame for them turning up.

Manderly · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

The tension is building up nicely. You need not to worry about readers getting lost in the complexity of the plot - you are doing a great job in moving the different storylines forward, and none of the characters seem to be making token appearances only - they all seem to fit in nicely. Really looking foward to see what you have in store for us.

erunyauve · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

'thirteen adult Dwarves and a child' Neat! This is exactly what Legolas would likely see when confronted with a hobbit for the first time. "I believe I already have as much experience in explaining my actions to the king as anyone might wish for.” ::g:: And it was good to see Thranduil treat his captain as a captain - it not only makes better warriors of his sons, but makes it less likely that Legolas' superiors would resent him. It fits in well with the Legolas we know from the book, who is clearly used to following orders. And I loved Glorfindel's reaction to his first experience with Wood Elves and their trees. By the way, congratulations on making the Mithril semi-finals - you certainly deserve it!

French Pony · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Ah, Legolas, you have so much to learn about life! Common sense is the most inaptly named of virtues. Few people are born with it, and even fewer ever learn it. It's interesting to get the Elf's-eye-view on the Smaug-hunting party. We know it's thirteen male Dwarves and a Hobbit, but from Legolas's point of view, it's a perfectly logical guess that there might be at least one female Dwarf and a child in the group. Especially in light of that earlier story where he saw a Dwarf family. He probably thinks he's pretty clever to have identified a female Dwarf. He has certainly had lots of experience explaining himself to Thranduil. There are times when I read your stories and Thranduil just seems to grow a Cuban accent (as opposed to the Down East twang that I normally ascribe to the Wood Elves -- don't ask why, for I have no idea). "Leeegolas! Eeeeeilian! You got some 'splaining to do!" Poor Thranduil. Six hundred years he's a contented Wood Elf ada with a sweet, docile (if dull) child. Then in rapid succession he acquires a troublemaker and an inveterate explorer. I love how Eilian and Glorfindel are so alien to each other. It must be like the Puritans and the Native Americans going hunting together for the first time. Surely "everyone" talks to the trees, right? Wrong.

Karri · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Well now, any story that refers the adventures in The Hobbit has to be a good one, eh. ;-) :-D

sofia · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

good chapter. They should all trust Eilian. They do right? Of course they do! Everybody should. Okay... im blabbing on about trusting Eilian. Update soon. -sofia

Ms. Whatsit · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

I loved the first bit where Legolas sees the Dwarves--totally ignorant, of course, of the fact that he's just had his first glimpse of his future best friend's dad. --“Are you sure you need me, Captain?” Legolas asked with a suppressed smile. “I would not want to interfere in matters of your command.” Smart-aleck. I LOVE Snarky!Legolas, so I really liked that part. Also liked the Legolas-Thranduil interaction when he gave the report about the Dwarves, and am once again reminded that having Thranduil as your dad would be no small matter. I like your Glorfindel and how he interacts with Eilian. (Also, more Eilian = good thing). And it's great how you keep subtly reminding us of the differences between the Wood-elves and the White Council Elves, like with Eilian hearing the tree-song when Glorfindel can't. This is an exciting story! I'm looking forward to what you've got in store.

Nilmandra · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Glorfindel is quite happy with his portrayal - he is, after all, only a bit player and so appreciates any limelight you give him. :D He is gorgeous and he gets to kill orcs - what could make the day any better? I like Legola's perceptions of the dwarves. Oh, I can't wait until he meets Bilbo! Not a child, oh no, not a child. I do like Eilian's communion with the forest - he is very much a wood elf.

ValkrieCrow · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

Yay! An update! Eilian and Glorfindel work well together, hope we some more action. :)

Duchess · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Intruders

You almost had me worried about Glorfindel for a moment, till I remembered WHO he was. LOL So Legolas thinks Bilbo is an odd looking child, eh? LOLOL That's too funny! I'm looking forward to seeing his reaction at finding out he was wrong! *vbg* Poor Ithilden, I hope Alfirin will forgive him. More please, soon as you're able? *begging on my knees* :):):)

Estel_Mi_Olor · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

Great chapter Daw! Ithilden so funny, I love how he deems having Mordor as a neighbor to be "unpleasant." I guess he has a dislike for Orcs? :) I can't believe they (at the Council) have been at it for a week. I would have pulled a Thranduil and stormed out after the second day. I just want to kill Saruman, and I will use his Westron name, because I don't want to mess up the spelling of his Elven one. What was he waiting for? This is much before Mithrandir discovered the Ring, and Frodo can't know anything about this. Or can he? Hmm.I think I need a year...yes, Daw, I will go get ROTK and look it up. Oh dear, I am terribly confused. The last Council meeting was in TA III 2953, but Gollum wasn't found, and the whole Ring buisiness begun until 64-odd years later. What is the Council doing? They're not supposed to act, but Gandalf does, by himself, doesn't he? Well, I am belatedly realizing the AU of this fic.:) And now that I have accepted that, I can cheer the course of action chosen! Yay! I love it when people agree to do something. Those are the most fantastic last words, "I know of someone," and then there's poor Eilian minding his own buissiness, unknowing of what he's going to have to do. Well, at least he's excited about it! I can't wait to see what happens next, and whether they succeed! And something tells me that Todith's weddding isn't going to work out too brilliantly either, but I am content to wait and see. Keep writing!

tigerlily713 · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

This should be interesting! I can't wait to see how the Council interacts with the Wood Elves. To finally be in their land and see firsthand the darkness. I look forward to the next chapter! Lily

caz - baz · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

i really shouldn't have read that. in the middle of my exams and i just now my biology this afternoon is going to go to pot. anyway, i love this story it's great. i would of like'd to have heard of what happened when Tinar first started at Ithilden's office and with Eilian there as well, i'm sure it would have been most amusing. this is getting exciting. well i'll go and put my nervous wreck of a selve in front of my biology and learn something hopefully that will be of use.

Jebb · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

A lovely chapter from Legolas encoutnering his Adar in full monarch mode to Ithilden reading so much into Saruman's behaviour he is of course right to be cautious and Eilian still reckless but at least recognising it without being told! And the brothers reunion and Eilian's reaction to GLorfindel hero worship indeed the calm before the storm no doubt

French Pony · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

Wrg. Brain is fried from having taken a weekend trip to Grad School Town. Hey! The White Council actually decided to do something! Concept City, here. I love how stunned everyone is when a firm decision somehow happens amidst all the chitter chatter and diplomacy going on around the table. And I feel peeved along with Ithilden. How dare they take attacks on Mirkwood as a given! Of course, they're right; Mirkwood is basically almost overrun anyway. I think I know something about this special clearing. I think that spiders won't be the problem at this wedding. I think that maybe fourteen extra guests might turn up looking for a handout. Clearly, Alfirin's father has not seen enough romantic comedies in his time. Every time a special thing is scheduled for a wedding, something will go wrong. It's the law. Fainting brides, speaking in tongues, giggling fits, interesting-guests-of-another-species, you name it. Ithilden sure knows when to punt. And he knows just who the puntee should be. Oh Eilian! Gotta little job for you . . . . you get to meet Glorfindel. Won't that be fun! Oh, and there's this leeeetle extra matter of clearing out Dol Guldur. Eilian! Eilian! He's our man! If he can't do it, no one can!

LKK · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

I have been puzzling over why Gandalf would declare that Imladris was subject to an upcoming attack from Sauron. I've come up with a theory. I think Gandalf decided that merely seeing the darkness in Mirkwood wasn't sufficient to convince the Council to attack Dol Goldur. So he chose a target that would shock the members and force them into action. Will we find out the real reason Gandalf came out with such an unusual theory? I have a small quibble with this chapter. I feel as if Ithilden is too suspicious of Saruman and his actions. It's easy for us, with out post-LOTR knowledge, to question his actions and decisions. But unless Tolkien wrote more that I'm not aware of regarding how the others thought about him (a distinct probability!), I believe Saruman was totally trusted prior to Gandalf's imprisonment. I know Galadriel wanted Gandalf to head the White Council instead of Saruman. But I don't think even she suspected him or questioned his actions. What I'm getting at is Ithilden's suspicions seem based more on your knowledge of Saruman than on his. Does that make sense? Regardless of that quibble, I am enjoying this story as I do all you stories. I felt sorry for poor Todith with Thranduil watching over his shoulder. I laughed at Eilian's eagerness to escort the Council to Dol Goldur. Ever the wild child, that one. :) Looking forward to the next chapter!

Tapetum Lucidum · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

Curunir seems to hold Ithilden under his sway in his presence but I am glad to see it fade with time and distance. A week's worth of unproductive meetings would try even an immortal's patience. Mithrandir is clever to offer something to the council that is fairly easy to dismiss,and hold the rest of his cards closer to his chest. When he presents his real itinerary, few could deny him. A direct threat to Imladris should be enough to move them off of their rear ends. Curunir's response makes me wonder what he is really up to. Obviously it is not what Mithrandir has reported. You are ver clever. Legolas' litte chat with his father was very entertaining. Obviously neither are accustomed to these new roles. At least Thranduil has had some experience dealing with his other two sons but it is brand new for Legolas. Being spoken to as a somewhat inept lieutenant does not sit well with him. It was a very effective way to motivate him. The council's move to attack Dol Guldor is a brave one. If anyone can do it this group can. I sure hope Ithilden has enough sense to warn his father of what is going on. A large surge of dark creatures from the south when the tower falls is not something the realm is expecting. Especially during a wedding... I think I know who he intends for the job. Eilian still gets in trouble with Maltanaur? Some things never change. He is a great captain and it is obvious his men (elves) have a lot of respect for him. He is a strong, likable character. The brothers' reunion was heartfelt. I hope Eilian doesn't have to sit in a long, boring council meeting. It is not his forte. Eilian gushing over Glorfindel was cute. I hope the esteemed Lord gives the young captain a compliment and has him blushing like a maiden. I can see this trip to the South having a lot of consequences throughout the kingdom. It should be very interesting. And what is Saruman up to?

Bodkin · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

Oh, this is just splendid. And will all be so complicated. Which came first - the chicken or the egg? Do Imladris/Lorien care less for Mirkwood because Thranduil despises them or does he dislike them because they look to themselves first? Or is it a bit of both - Noldor/Wood Elf aversion leading to political results. Hot tempers are bad things in politics. Ithilden is probably a much better representative. Ithilden is really quite good as picking up Saruman's manipulations - I wonder if that is because he is new to it, and he is seen as relatively unimportant, so Saruman has put more of himself more into influencing those he meets more often. I am looking forward to Eilian meeting Mr Smooth, because, as I recall, even Thranduil admits that Eilian is excellent at reading people. If I were Alfirin, I would be getting rather irritated by the over-protectiveness of Thranduil and Ithilden. However, I would doubt she is really as ignorant of what is happening as they would like - she does go out of the palace and her father is a forester, while her brother deals with the horses. She may let them think they are protecting her. Of course, not permitting people to talk about nasty things during meals and evening times might make them think she doesn't know, but could well be her way of giving them safe time to relax in. Loved seeing how responsible Eilian has become - with everybody but himself. DON'T hurt him. Or indeed any of your other gorgeous OCs. Except perhaps Tinar - he could do with a bit of ill-treatment. (You will have to introduce some OOCs if you need to kill anybody off. Like Star Trek landing parties) Interesting thoughts on elven bonding. Of course, they would have to learn how to be closed to each other when they wanted - you couldn't endure having someone in your head all the time, picking up everything. Sad that the glow of bonding cannot last, though. It will be very interesting to see them getting to know Elrond and Galadriel better - Thranduil's sons should know the other important elves. And of course, there's Glorfindel, whose presence is so impressive it makes Eilian squeak. Seeing all of them together should be fascinating. Oh, this is so good. More - please. Work nights.

White Wolf · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

Well, it's about time the White Council got their collective butts in gear. I'm happy that Eilian has gotten involved.

erunyauve · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

Hmmm, maybe Mithrandir was being just a bit sneaky in suggesting that Imladris was the likely target of the attack? The orcs will soon be on the move from Mt Gundabad, and they certainly won't be moving west or south. Yes, this sounds exactly like Eilian's cup of tea. It's good to see Galelas under his command again, since he seems to have won Galelas over. It's ironic that his much-touted older brother has really failed as a warrior, while Galelas has made himself useful.

Jules · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

Thank you for another chapter in one of my favorite series. Ooh stupid self centered nolder. The council makes me so made. I'm sure Ithilden is now understanding his Adar better. Mirkwood is in danger and it doesn't matter. Imladris or Lorien is danger then something must be done. Only Mirwood Elves are allowed to die. Yay Eilian is here. He won't the council get in his way by having to over analyse everything and waste time. I can't wait for this excited elfling to meet Glorifindel. With Eilian, this has to be like meeting an idol. Can't wait to see what happens next with Legolas and Thranduil. Thanks for writing Jule

Nilmandra · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

The more I think on it, we should try writing a story together - you telling it from one angle and me from another! I wish I were in the midst of HLIII now :D. I love the idea of Eilian meeting Glorfindel and them going to slay some orcs together. I knew Glorfindel would be there too...his job is Elrond's back!

ValkrieCrow · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Decisions

You'd think with that mirror of hers Galadriel would realise what danger Mirkwood was in. *Grumbles* Noldor.... Yay! Eilian's back! Now things can REALLY get started! :) Please update soon!