Reviews (176)

Dot · 28 March 2005 · Chapter 9: Comes a New Day

So many great things in this chapter. First off, I have to say that I adored the hungry elf! What an image!! He’s clearly much weaker and exhausted than he realised, though. Poor Gimli would never have intentionally upset him. It must be rather disconcerting to Legolas too now that he’s awake to think back to his experience with Nienna and apply what he’s learned. I imagine it all made much more sense to him in her peaceful presence than here in someone else’s bed in Rohan. I just love Eolyn. She’s so practical, yet she is also a mother first and foremost and I love the way she intuitively knows how fragile Legolas is really feeling and responds to that with care. It was so touching the way she sets about washing and combing his hair, trying to make him feel a little better. It’s sad that her husband was killed. I thought her outlook on it, that his death was worth it for the freedom and peace they have now, shows tremendous strength. It’s good to see Legolas becoming his old self again and hearing him and Gimli trading insults once more. Gimli, of course, knew exactly where to take his friend. I had to laugh at the way Gimli dismisses the mare’s change of mind because she’s “a girl, and nothing but trouble.” As my mother used to say, it is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind!! I loved the warm reunion between Legolas and Arod too. It was such a powerful moment when Legolas communicated with the mare and asked if she would stay. He was wonderfully respectful towards her. I think I was holding my breath in anticipation! “I will stay and carry you, if that is your wish.” Yay!! I was surprised that it was Eomer who finally asked Legolas about his tears but it was good to see how understanding they were of Legolas’ vague answer and reluctance to share his experience. I was glad, though, that Aragorn went after him and listened to Legolas as he tried to put into words what he learned. I just adore your idea of Legolas’ new understanding of his place in the Great Song. It’s such an elfy thought, that he tries to find harmony between the song of Aman and the melody of Ennor, discovering that both can become one and that he has his own place in the Song. At least, that’s what I’ve understood from this chapter, although I may not have read it correctly. Anyway, it’s beautiful. A really enjoyable and touching chapter. :-)

Dot · 22 March 2005 · Chapter 8: Safe Havens

I just loved this chapter!! You had me gripped right from the opening. Boy do you know how to write an approaching storm – so vivid! I wish I could do that. I’m becoming so fond of Elfwine! I loved the image of him sheltered in his father’s arms. The relationship between the two of them is wonderful to witness. Eomer obviously treasures his son, and Elfwine seems to adore his father. I still feel so bad for Elfwine, though. His worry for Legolas is seems to be increasing with every moment that the elf doesn’t wake. What a great idea, to stay with the people of the village! I was so afraid something was going to happen to Elfwine, though. Thank heavens for those horses! You are so amazing when it comes to giving horses a personality. This mare’s character is already shining through. I’m so glad she allowed herself to be brought into some shelter. She seems to have made a friend in Arod anyway. I love the way he stops Elfwine going further into the stable incase he frightened her. The growing friendship between Aravir and Gimli really appeals to me. This seems to have brought them a lot closer, and I imagine that would please Legolas greatly. As long as they don’t gang up on him, that is! Aravir just seems really comfortable around Gimli now. I had to laugh at the fact that they ended up in the house with the motherly woman who just wants to take care of them! She doesn’t seem at all bothered by the strange mix of people who just landed on her doorstep. They probably made her day! Poor Aragorn. He’ll wear himself out trying to care for Legolas. “Take the fool elf outside, Aragorn.” Yes! Outside! The dwarf is a genius. I loved, loved, loved the image of Elfwine going to fetch Arod and the two of them going to see their friend. The child’s faith that Legolas will heal is just so moving. I don’t blame Aragorn for feeling a little teary! “He loves you, too, Master Gimli.” LOL! So Legolas has been given a means to endure the pain and grief that his sea-longing brings? I’m so happy that he has the chance to find some peace, even if he cannot attain it fully until he sails. I thought the idea that Olorin still watches over him and cares for him is lovely too. It’s interesting that he says he’ll met Legolas and Gimli. Do Legolas and Gimli even know yet that Gimli will go with his friend when the time comes? I was delighted that Arod was the first to be greeted by Legolas. It seems right, somehow. And the teasing between his friends was the perfect sound to come back to. Yay, he’s awake!! :-)

Dot · 20 March 2005 · Chapter 7: Out of Time and Mind

This’ll have to be a quick one :-( I suppose I should be glad that I have a job to go to during the week and friends who want to meet up at the weekend and not complain that it cuts into my reading and reviewing time, eh?!! This is a beautiful, emotional, tenderly written chapter. I had tears in my eyes right from the beginning as both Legolas and Aragorn try to reach out to the other but just cannot make that connection. I felt so sorry for Elfwine too. Not only is he worried for Legolas, but it must be frightening to see the strong adults around him so full of despair. And Arod! How distraught he must be! The weeping was heartbreaking to see. There’s such a sense of weakness and helplessness that don’t seem to belong to the elf Legolas always was. It was incredible to witness the way Legolas was torn between two worlds, too tired to return to one but still reluctant to venture fully into the other. Your description of Nienna was breathtaking. I love the way Legolas suddenly felt that he could release everything that he’d kept inside him. His humility was so perfectly him too. I was particularly touched too by her reassurance that there’s no such thing as eternal separation. What a wonderful thought, and exactly what he needed. I’m intrigued by the end of this chapter. It’s all so wonderfully fascinating! Sorry I couldn’t take more time – I’ll be back tomorrow :-)

Dot · 19 March 2005 · Chapter 6: Lingering Shadow

Exciting! Bitterness does not sit well with Legolas. It’s awful to see him in such turmoil but I don’t blame him for feeling like the whole world is conspiring against him. So the mare hasn’t responded to him, eh? Legolas’ frustration is palpable. I was glad he was able to confide in Arod – horses seem to make good listeners! But I was hoping that Arod would be able to get through to the mare. It would seem that it won’t be that easy, though… Legolas is very lucky in his friends. I imagine they must be starting to pity him, though, in his attempts to get through to this new horse. I suppose too that the way Legolas tries to do it must be so strange to them. I loved the childhood memories that Legolas shares with Aragorn. Thranduil is wise indeed and it seems the lesson in humility that he learned from the stallion remains with him still. You also long for something. Well! I nearly fell of my chair at that! I absolutely loved that moment of connection between them. You wrote it with such compassion. My heart went out to Legolas, not only because he had to do such a difficult thing but because in allowing himself to feel the grief at letting her go, he’s opened his heart and the sea-longing has finally crashed through the barriers. I’m still tense from reading the passage with the orcs! Legolas fought so well; I almost cried when he was defeated in the end. You did a fantastic job too in showing the worry of his friends, the dawning realisation that something was very wrong, and it was so fascinating to watch them piece things together. Thank heavens for that mare. I couldn’t have coped if Legolas hadn’t been found for another few chapters! The elf and the horse have obviously made some deeper connection than anyone thought. And I had tears in my eyes when I saw how tenderly Legolas’ friends took care of him. You’ve done an excellent job with Aravir as well. His growing friendship and affection for Legolas have been increasingly evident and it nearly broke my heart to see his despair here. Poison? Poison?? No!! :-)

Dot · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Mithril and Gold

A deliciously long chapter. This was much more upbeat, although with a very well-written sense of foreboding for things to come I really enjoyed the opening, with both Legolas and Arod able to forget all their troubles for a while. And I’m so, so glad that Arod finally made Legolas realise that all he wanted was to go back to Ithilien with his elf, that there was never any need to release him back to the herd. The relief of Legoals’ friends was a joy to witness as well. In fact, relief seems to be making them all a little giddy, I think!! I loved, loved, loved the part where Gimli growls at poor Aravir and tells him to just be Legolas’ friend. He’s absolutely right and this is probably what Aravir needed. His friendship for Legolas has been more than clear and I had been really feeling bad for him that he didn’t think he could just freely treat Legolas as anything other than his prince. Mirkwood songs, eh? I learn something new about elves every day! That Legolas feels the need to seek solitude makes me afraid for him. But for now he seems to be able to control that which must always be at the edges of his mind. I was glad he helped Eomer to realise how much Elfwine loves the horse. And it was very moving to see how hurt Eomer was that he didn’t realise this himself or that his son would keep it from him, but is willing to trust in Legolas’ perceptiveness and is grateful to him. I’ve never seen friendship between these two characters done so well before. The ending of this chapter was perfect, with them joking about Legolas choosing a female. So he’s found the perfect horse? Well, we’ll wait and see what Arod thinks. And indeed, what the mare herself thinks. Sorry this review is a bit rushed – it’s late here so I’ll leave it at that for today. I’ll try and get back tomorrow after work. Take care, Linda. :-)

Dot · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?

Lovely opening line! Strike, that – the whole opening is beautiful. Excellent chapter. I’m enthralled by your description of the sea-longing. You did such an amazing job in showing how Legolas is now physically affected. It’s almost as though he’s frozen in place because his body is no longer needed as his mind is taken far away, his very soul ripped from him. You broke my heart with that line about his dignity being taken from him. But Arod’s concern for and care of him was so touching. I love the way he knows how shaky and emotional Legolas is feeling and is determined not to let any exuberance displayed by his friends harm him. How frightening, though, for Aragorn and co. to see him like that. I had tears in my eyes at the image of Aragorn cradling him gently. I actually particularly liked the scene between Arod and Aravir. They obviously respect one another and each understands the other’s concern for Legolas. Can I ask a question? When Arod ‘speaks’ to Aravir, can Legolas hear him? The scene with Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn was done so well. Gimli’s character is spot on. I love that his worry for Legolas and desire to help is clear but he falls back into the usual banter and gruff words, belatedly realising just how fragile his friend is feeling. But how good of him to open up a little himself and confess how much he valued Legolas’ attempt at reassurance on the Paths of the Dead. You made me smile with Legolas’ recitation of the creation of the world. I can just see him as an elfling, learning this and impressing his proud parents by remembering it. I think, though, that you’ve given it a greater significance by showing how the earliest history of the elves is still connected to them today. I was particularly impressed by the line “It is said that the Firstborn of Iluvatar can still hear the music of the Creator in the voice of the ocean, and that it causes great longing in them, although they know not what they hunger for.” To me, that sums up perfectly what the sea-longing is. I always thought of it as a call home, something that is stirred in their spirit and makes them seek their true home. All elves know that they are fated to leave Middle-Earth and dwell in Valinor. It’s when they try to resist the summons that it must cause them pain. That’s interesting, that Thranduil would suffer the same thing. There seems to be the suggestion that Legolas may not have the wisdom of ages to know how to deal with it, but it certainly provides a sense of hope if his own father – one of his own blood – can live with this and be content in the forest. And for now he has his friends, who are determined to be by his side, whether he asks them or not.

Dot · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves

Ah, the sea-longing. A constant source of fascination to me, and one that you explain very well. Aragorn was wise to ask Arwen to enlighten him as best she could. I liked the glimpse of that night in Edoras when Aragorn and Legolas spoke of Galadriel’s message. It speaks volumes of their friendship that Legolas would risk never knowing peace in the forests again in order to follow Aragorn. You’ve added a wonderful level to Arwen’s character too. She, of course, would have a much better understanding of the elvish affliction than her husband would and it’s really moving to know how much she feared for Legolas. Plus, she knows something of life never being the same again… I just adore the idea of Legolas not being able to hide anything from Arod so the horse can be a comfort to him when no-one else can. Another layer to their relationship and a reminder of what Arod means to Legolas. Aragorn is indeed a good friend to realise that Strider and not King Elessar is needed now. Poor Aravir having to listen to the men discuss how difficult moody elves can be! I’m sure he’d have a few complaints of his own about men!! I love how easy everyone is in each other’s company, though. And I’m glad that Eomer feels he can confide his worries in Aragorn. I’m very relieved too that everyone – especially Eomer’s son, it seems – has tried to keep Legolas occupied. At least Legolas hasn’t been stuck in a stable the whole time. “Take me to them, boy…no, I will not leave my axes at your door…you are welcome to take them if you would care to try, you young sprout!” Yay, Gimli!!

Dot · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 2: That Which Is Held Dear

You’re so good at characterisations. I’m really liking Ranalf. You’ve really captured his passion for the horses, his love for his king and his gratitude for what life has given him. He’s also very perceptive and understanding. My heart went out to him when he had to explain the situation to Legolas and the way he hurt at seeing the elf’s pain. And Legolas… what a terrible time for him. That image of him with his arms around Arod and his face buried in his mane was just heartbreaking. He’s very lucky to have Eomer and his family, who seem to love and want to support him. I feel bad for them, especially Eomer, who must be feeling rather helpless. And I feel for Arod too. He’s in pain and must be confused and knows how upset Legolas. But, of course, at the moment I feel most for Legolas. It must have been a shock to realise that Arod would be considered old for his kind and to even contemplate having to let him go and release him back to the herd must be so difficult for him. Can he not just take him back to Ithilien? And clearly he can’t even consider what might happen if Arod’s leg doesn’t heal. Eomer is right, he is starting to become withdrawn. He seems to be relying on his deep connection with Arod but what gives him strength now may result in heartache later. He needs to find his way back. Oh well… onwards… :-)

Dot · 17 March 2005 · Chapter 1: Arod, Mellon Nin

Hi there, Linda. I know I promised I’d review your stories ages ago… I could offer a list of excuses but I won’t, I’ll just offer my apologies. I didn’t want you to think that I read them and didn’t like them! I’ve actually been following this story all along and am totally ashamed that I didn’t drop you a few lines as a review. Anyway, I’m really looking forward to working my way through this. It’ll probably take a few days but I’ll get started! Also, I read your latest chapter so I saw your note and I want to extend my condolences to you and your family. You’ve been in my thoughts since I read it and I hope that you can find some comfort and strength in your memories and in your writing. What a wonderfully fluid style you have! I loved the description of Legolas and Arod in the wild, joyful race across in the countryside. You’ve captured perfectly the sense of freedom as well as the deep connection between these two. The communication between them is such a lovely idea and so beautifully expressed. You have a marvellous understanding of Legolas too. His speech is very musical and very… elvish, I guess! “Get off!” Whoa! My heart jumped at that! And you brought tears to my eyes when Arod pleads with Legolas to just make it stop. It was awful to see such a magnificent creature so helpless. I love, though, that not only does Legolas try to reassure Arod, but Arod in turn knows the troubled thoughts of his elf, and tries to comfort him. Still, it’s hard to see Legolas’ despair over his friend. That must have been a very difficult journey for both Legolas and Arod. I was so glad when Eomer finally appeared. I like the obvious friendship between the man and elf as well as the suggestion that Legolas is well-loved by all in Eodoras. Eomer clearly knows what Arod means to Legolas too. I imagine a love of horses would bring these two together is nothing else would!!

Rose Sared · 14 March 2005 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea

Linda - I started to read your latest chapter and then just had to stop and write to you. Your writing is so good these days, thankyou, you have all my thoughts and feelings alongside you as you walk your journey without your husband. Your bravery astounds me, I cannot imagine how you find the emotional strength to write such lovely characters ( and horses). I will be thinking of you in the weeks to come, may all your good memories visit you and give you strength. Rosemary

Angelelf · 12 March 2005 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea

This is just a marvelously beautifully written story that I only found last night. You have managed to capture the characters strenghths and weaknesses and mold them into a totally believeable story. Thank you so much for sharing with us and I can't wait to read the next installment.

Tinnuial · 12 March 2005 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea

I'm so sorry about your husband. You have my deepest condolences. I wish there was more we could do... I really love this story, and the new chapter was, as usual, absolutely lovely and brought many smiles to my face. You make the characters so real and genuine. Thank you for the update...that's a *cliffhanger* if ever there was one...in both senses of the word!! ;) I shall look forward to the next chapter with bated breath... but no rush...take your time to get your life back together again. Your loyal fans will understand. :)

Bodkin · 12 March 2005 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea

I was so sorry to read of the loss of your husband. I wish you the best - give yourself time to take up the reins of your life again. Wallowing in elves and horses seems to me to be a good way to divert yourself for a while. I am glad Aravir decided to ignore Legolas's orders and follow him - this is not a good time for him to be alone, whatever he might think. I hope Aragorn manages to follow, but Faramir would make a good substitute - and, actually, Legolas would be less able to be cross with him, since he is obliged to follow his king's commands. Very tense ending, with those poor plant-pickers hanging on desperately. Still, if you happen to be falling off a cliff, an elf is not a bad chap to have turn up. And two elves might be even better. Legolas's beautiful horsie seems to be dealing with crowds and towns quite well - her trust in her elf must be pretty strong by now. But I think the presence of Arod might prove useful in the long run.

Manderly · 11 March 2005 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea

I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. My deepest, deepest condolences. I wish I can find more meaningful words of comfort to offer. I sincerely hope that you find support and care from the loved ones around you and that you are able to keep the happy memories of the life that you have shared together with your husband close to your heart. I am glad that you find comfort in writing as your story has certainly given me many pleasurable moments. This latest chapter was wonderfully written. I really like the glimpses of the past as depicted by Aravir's memories. What a great friend he is to Legolas, to even consider following Legolas' order. I am glad his true sentiments won in the end and that he's now following Legolas like a shadow. I didn't like the idea of Legolas going off by himself either. I really like the characters in your story, especially the minor ones such as Caldor. They are so real and so "everyday-like". Really gives a warm feeling to this story. Keep up the great work!

Maid of Ithilien · 11 March 2005 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea

My condolences on the loss of your husband! This has been and is a wonderful story. I'm a sucker for stories where animals are major characters and you have brought the horses wonderfully to life. Not to mention the two-legged characters, both known and original. All your characterizations ring so true to me. I'm looking forward to the next update.

Larner · 11 March 2005 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home

I love the healing offered by the child, the growing acceptance of the need to be in the moment and not in the future.

daw the minstrel · 11 March 2005 · Chapter 12: In Search of the Sea

First things first: I am very sorry for your loss, Linda. May whatever you believe in offer you healing. As for this chapter, I continue to be so impressed by the way you do the relationship between the elves and their horses. I'm also impressed by your patient showing (not telling) about the people Legolas encounters. I feel like I'm there.

SouthWind · 9 February 2005 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home

You have finally forced me out of lurk mode. Although I have limited use of computer time to feed my LOTR fan fiction addiction and an even smaller window to actually comment I wanted to make sure to get at least one review to you. This is an absoutely wonderful story! I have been completely hooked since I first discovered it (about 4 or 5 chapters had been posted). I am torn by wanting the whole story right now and wishing it would never end. The first thing that caught my attention was how well it is written (not to mention that my favorite elf plays a major part). You have a wonderful way with words and how you string them all together. But, as with all stories are really well done, I soon got so caught up in the story and the wonderful characters (including the horses!) that I forgot to be amazed by the actual writing. The plot is delightfully wonderful! To link Legolas' struggle with the sea longing to his first pending loss of a mortal friend, a friendship that was forged while on the quest (and I absoutely love that you have given his bond with Arod - the bond elves have with their horses - its day in the sun) is brilliant! Obviously Legolas has lost four legged friends before. But with Arod's slow decline he is brought face to face with the bitter reality that he now, for the first time (we can assume) has accumulated a passel of mortal friends; humans, dwarves and hobbits. And then there is the sea longing, but he does not want to leave his mortal friends until they are forced to leave him. Sigh, such a nice anxt/brotherly love set up! And you handle it so well! You use Logolas struggle as an opportunity to give he and his mortal friends ample chances to demonstrate the depth of their feelings for each other. Double sigh! And I really like your Aragorn, Legolas, Eomer, Gimli, Elfwine and now Eolyn (sp?) and her daughter (I love that they mother Legolas and that he likes it!) just to mention a few. They are people I like, admire and care about. And although they all have character traits I strive for but often don't quite own, they all seem very real and believable. I know this review does not do justice to your story but I wanted to let you know that I am very impressed and, more importantly, just love your story to bits! Thank you SO much for sharing. If I do not find time for another review, please be assured that I am reading and loving (and printing for my files) every new chapter! Kudos! SouthWind

Bodkin · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home

Yes, it must be rather pleasant to get out into the freedom of the open air again. (I'm never too sure about the sewers of Edoras. I suspect it could have a rather medieval pong.) I'm glad Legolas's beautiful golden mare showed those stallions how to run! and it was good to see the elf pushing the others around - he seems to feel able to be playful again. I should think the others were only too happy to see it, too. It's a good thing that his connection to the song has had a boost, but I'm not altogether certain about this trip to the seaside. Legolas's joy has a bit too much euphoria about it - that kind of exultation that is a relief of pressure rather than a complete healing. He should have taken Arod with him. The bond between them seems strong enough for the horse to be of more help than most people at this point. So the trees of Firien sing an exceedingly strange song? Should this be a cause for concern, or are they just being individualistic? I liked the family - and the little girl. I wonder if meeting people (as opposed to lords) reminds Aragorn of what he has lost as a part of gaining the throne. There must be few left who treat him as a person rather than a position. It's no wonder he clings to old friends. And Legolas is great with kids. (He'll have to have lots of his own one day!) Looking forward to more.

Dreamflower · 26 January 2005 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home

I am really enjoying this so far--even without hobbits. Very nice examination of what it meant to Legolas, not only the sea-longing, but his future grief at sooner or later losing his mortal friends. And this last chapter was an absolute delight, every word. I am glad you did not change it.

Maid of Ithilien · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home

I haven't been reviewing like I should, but this is a wonderful story. I'm enjoying it immensely, especially the interaction between Legolas and the horses and his relationship with Aragorn. Your solution for how Legolas was able to endure the call of the sea is unique and I love how he has discovered that his is the song that brings harmony.

daw the minstrel · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home

Parts of this (the parts you considered cutting?) reminded me of The Hobbit. The characters traveled and met the inhabitants and saw the land. I enjoyed the visit to Anna and her family especially. Aragorn needed that, I think. But then there's the thread of the song that runs throughout this, the song that Legolas has to explore and learn. He's very brave to go to the sea. I look forward to seeing how it comes out.

Manderly · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 11: The Long Road Home

What an enjoyable chapter! There were so many little details to make it wonderful. The race, the subsequent feast where Legolas lorded over everyone, their encounter with the family at the Firien Wood. I had an idiotic smile pasted to my face throughout, well except towards the end of the chapter. It was nice to see Legolas mischievous again. Remind me never to call him a pretty elf, though a pretty elf he is! Aragon must have been regretting his words as he spluttered his way though a skinful of water. Talk about rude awakening! The interaction with Anna was very sweet. I think Legolas would make a very good father. First there was Elfwine and now Anna. So Legolas is off to seek the sea. I can't help but have misgivings about it. It is to be part of his cure, right? (fingers crossed). Look forward to more, soon.

Bodkin · 20 January 2005 · Chapter 10: What the Heart Perceives

Goodbyes to mortals must be hard for an elf - such a short time changes them so much. In a way, bidding goodbye to Elfwine must be hardest, for more than a few months will see him change so much. But I look forward to seeing Elfwine and Legolas in a tree in Ithilien. I wonder if Eomer will manage it, or whether he will fake injury to escape doing something so un-Rohirric. But at least his relationship with his beautiful horsie is going well - and Arod is acting like a benevolent uncle and nurturing their friendship. I'm glad Legolas is developing an ear tuned to the song of the plains of Rohan - he will be happier for finding his link to them. I'm glad the story isn't finished - I look forward to what comes next.

Manderly · 18 January 2005 · Chapter 10: What the Heart Perceives

Ah, you are back with this story. I am so glad. So many wonderful little details in this chapter, and too many sad good-byes, but at least there were also promises of visits in the near future. I was beginning to worry for Legolas as to how he would handle all these farewells. He's still rather delicate, isn't he? I really love the way you handle the horses in this story. They are characters by themselves and sometimes I forget that they are four-legged beings. The interaction betwee Legolas and each of the other characters are also delightful, especially Elfwine. Will we see him sleeping with Legolas in a flet (with the obliging Eomer cursing steadily through the night), or is that for another story?