Reviews (229)

Envinyatar · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 35: The Heart of the Elf

I have to echo the previous reviewer's comment, this was a beautifully written and moving chapter. You convey the love between Legolas and Aragorn without sentimentality, and a convincing portrayal of Thranduil is always a bonus. I did recognise the title as a quote from the book, but I'd somehow never seen the implications of Legolas' decision to stay in the way you show them here. I knew that he stayed until Aragorn's death, but somehow never saw that he had to experience all of Aragorn's life because he knew they would never meet again beyond it. Ach, I can't really express what I mean, but you provided a new insight and I thank you for it. Off to read the next chapter.

ArcherGal2932 · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 36: The Heart of the Man

Beautiful, beautiful scene in the last chapter with the healing. And this chapter, with Eldarion.....ah, the innocence of a child. And I thought this piece would end when Sarambaq died, and everybody would live happily ever after. I could never be more wrong could I. Then again, Legolass you might be able to redeem yourself and make everybody happy, although out of the ordinary fics where the main character dies in the end or somethin and nobody's happy ever again and the world exploded into little pieces after Jamaica took over France and.... okay, going to stop thinking and finish this review. I'll write about France pleading for global help after Jamaica invades someplace else. This probably isn't the best site for it, huh? ;) Keep writing, I love this very much!!!! Although I know what happens to Legolas with sailing and all in the end due to the appendices of Return of the King(unless you change it to fit your requirements), its still hurts to see Aragorn & Co. struggle to figure out what's gonna happen to our preciousss, preciousss elf... yes I am turning into Gollum. lol. I'm going to a LOTR movie marathon Friday so I'm getting into Middle-earth mode, and am very hyper/excited for it to finally happen. Yep. I know I'm crazy - get used to it. ;) ~ArcherGal2932

unplugged32 · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 36: The Heart of the Man

What a heartbreaking chapter!! So much sadness but beautifully written! Bravo!

Alison H · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 36: The Heart of the Man

Ahhhh, what a way to end the chapter! Poor Aragorn--he was in good spirits until Eldarion's innocent words sent his hopes plummeting. I enjoyed Aragorn's healing of Legolas and his hidden dilemma of whether to let Legolas go.The wording of his struggle was very hard to read--I felt like weeping along with Aragorn! I bookmarked this story because of the title, as it's my favourite quote from the book.I knew that the story would be one that I would enjoy but, Legolass, you have written one of the most compelling and heartwarming(and heartbreaking) stories on any fan fiction site.You truly are gifted! I'm a sucker for happy endings and I look forward to the next chapter--even if you decide that Legolas must leave Aragorn.I'll probably cry buckets if that happens but I'll survive(somehow!) :D Take care and update soon. Ali.

Kay · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 36: The Heart of the Man

Wow, double chapters! Thank you! I love the way Legolas described Aragorn for his father. I did not know your title was a quote from the book. Looking forward to more.

TithenFeredir · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 36: The Heart of the Man

Wow, you've done another heartfelt, beautiful scene with the healing. The way Aragorn recited all that Legolas meant to heam in applying his hands to the marks on the elf's chest, and ending it with laying hands over his heart, was such an effective way to expound on Aragorn's feelings. I love it that Aragorn has to reconcile his own need with that of his friend. I wish there had been more about the effect of the healing on Legolas, but I guess this chapter was really about Aragorn. To have Eldarion so innocently deliver that cryptic and disturbing bit of information at the end was a real punch to the gut. You are evil, Legolass! ~TF

TithenFeredir · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 35: The Heart of the Elf

I think this is one of the most beautiful chapters of the story. There is a quiet and tender tone to it, in Thranduil's concern for Legolas, in Legolas' revealing what the sea-longing is like for him and his reasons for enduring it, and in Aragorn's reactions to what he is hearing. Reading it I get the impression that a great deal of thought and research went into writing this. I haven't read LOTR in a while; it was a pleasant surprise that the title of the story was a direct quote from the book and that it not only described the action overall but foreshadowed this chapter as well. (That's my take on it, anyway.) I really loved the imagery of the balcony overlooking a garden, of the sunlight illuminating the two elves' hair and the reminder that they are beautiful. This was just an enchanting, heartbreaking chapter. Well done. Thanks for a lovely read. ~TF

TithenFeredir · 20 May 2005 · Chapter 34: Shadow of Pain

Hmmm, I don't recall if you ever said this story was AU. I feel the same disquiet as Aragorn at the thought of Legolas being forced to seek healing in the West. I almost can't believe he would do it before Aragorn's death unless his hurt became completely disabling. I hope there is more exposition about the exact nature of Sarambaq's incantation and what it is meant to do. --Anxiously awaiting what happens next. ~TF

Kay · 20 May 2005 · Chapter 34: Shadow of Pain

This is one of my favorite stories! I am always excited to see a new chapter. And this has to be one of the most beautiful sentences I've ever read: "His eyes looked out over the small lake in front of them, following the dance of white blossoms from nearby trees as they waltzed their way to the rippled surface of the water, led by the music of a gentle breeze." You're a very good writer! I look forward to more. Thanks!

Angel · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 33: Rest and Restlessness

Ooh it doesn't end there does it? Evil! I was rather looking for a nice peaceful resolution to everything, but am very glad it didn't happen. Even when he's not there, he's manipulating Leggy, just hope it's not through the stabbing he gave :( thanks for small mercies hahaha - Ara spotting Leggy, hopefully they sort the yet unsorted :) Yayy to another little one for Ara and Arwen...and with Gimli in, surely the twins are bound to be arriving... soon :P

TithenFeredir · 16 May 2005 · Chapter 33: Rest and Restlessness

Hmmmm. Sarambaq is not through with Legolas, eh? I like the way you set it up that everything was fine, everyone was happy, Legolas was pretty much recovered physically...only to be hit with this new threat. It will be very interesting to find out the nature of this thing. I have a feeling it will be quite imaginative. Looking forward to the next chapters! ~TF

Ophium · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 33: Rest and Restlessness

Men... you've been busy! I had missed a bunch of wonderful chapters! Great writing, well done! I sense the end is coming :D so let me tell you that it's been a wonderful pleasure to read this story and that, although I'm waiting for the final chapter on the edge of my seat, literally, I also hope that you have another story itching its way inside your head ;)

Bev · 14 May 2005 · Chapter 33: Rest and Restlessness

Yeepee! New chapter up! I've been watching everyday. So glad to have Gimli join in the story. He is soooo needed to keep Legolas in line...lol. I also love it that Arwen is expecting again.....will this be a boy or girl? ha Well...I am wondering...are these visions just in Legolas' mind as a result of the ordeal he went through or is Sarambaq somehow worming his way into his mind? His body was not found...and you did imply that he was not dead...so...he could be up to something, couldn't he? Glad that Aragorn noticed him out in the garden....Legolas had better not clam-up and refuse to talk to him...*this is me shaking my finger at him....he can be such a stubborn elf*. ;-) Please, please up-date soon.

lwarren · 14 May 2005 · Chapter 33: Rest and Restlessness

Been looking for this chapter, Legolass! I was so glad to see it that I think I'll review now and work my way backwards! LOL Ah, Gimli...I was wondering if he would make an appearance in this story especially with the threat to Legolas and then the terrible events/injuries he suffered at the Table. He's such a great dwarf - telling his stories to keep the others entertained and relaxed after the ordeal they'd just come through. And Thranduil's reaction to him is wonderful - I was relieved there wasn't any animosity on his part, given that Gimli is a Dwarf. There were some very nice moments with Eowyn and Faramir as they listened, as well as Arwen (yay, another little one!), Thranduil and Hamille. Legolas seems to be recovering physically, but I would imagine the mental and spiritual effects of his ordeal will linger with him for a long time (especially since he's an elf) - something rather like post-traumatic stress syndrome, I would think, given that flashback he experienced. He would, of course, seek the living gardens for comfort, but I'm glad Aragorn caught a glimpse of him and is going to be with him. I think these two probably still have things to talk about and perhaps fences in their friendship to, maybe not mend anymore, but strengthen. Wonderful chapter! Issues still abound, but at least when I finished reading this one, I could breathe (hanging off those cliffs tends to take the breath right from you, you know!) ;-) Can't wait for the next one (hinthinthint) linda

lwarren · 11 May 2005 · Chapter 10: No Turning Back

Hmmm, I thought the previous chapter was sad - this one just about did me in! Aragorn's POV - Arwen confronts him "You know he would give his life for you or any of us...how could you say that to him?" *you go, girl!* And then just as the King might actually go after him, Eldarion wakes up and Aragorn realizes he cannot leave right then. I lost it when he took his very ill little boy in his arms and wept. Legolas' POV - shocked and pummeled by so many feelings, accusing and conflicting - our elf is seriously handicapped right now, and he's making some pretty serious decisions in that state. Not good. At. All. I do like Hamille - he seems like a supportive, strong friend (and he sticks up for his Prince...I really like that!) :-) So he's going home IMMEDIATELY to interrogate another of the bad guys captured later after the battle. He should have let Faramir know so they could have sent help. But you know in that vow of his, HE must redress the wrong done...stubborn, noble ELF! Back to Aragorn - watching from the balcony as Legolas leaves the city...realizing he could have gone after him...begging him silently to turn and come back like he's done before so things could be settled between them. Poor guy, about the only right in that day of his was Eldarion waking up and the fact that Arwen still loves him and is putting up with his foot-in-mouth disease! Another great sad chapter, Legolass! linda

lwarren · 11 May 2005 · Chapter 9: The Return of the King

(Ai! Will school NEVER end?) Well, Legolass, this chapter and the next really underscored (for me) the depth of friendship between Legolas and Aragorn, mainly because of the depth of hurt each one felt when Aragorn lost control of that mouth again. (Bless his Kingly heart, buy him a muzzle! LOL) But seriously, as soon as he said it, he wanted the words back, and it just doesn't work that way. I thought the way you had Legolas respond, all cold and controlled - calling him "my lord Elessar" and saying things so formally when he never would usually was extremely effective - I cried for both of them then. Then of course, he makes the vow to redress all wrongs and make them right. Such a sad, sad chapter! Well done! linda

lwarren · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 8: The Healer's News

Ah, now, I like that interrogator! Subtle but unrelenting pressure and the use of fear and deprivation other than physical torture. Yes, indeed, the prisoner's will is weakening and will eventually break! Legolas continues to concern me with his lack of concern for himself and his self-reproach. He is such a conscientious elf, isn't he? Almost to an extreme - and whenever anything goes wrong now, he hearkens back to those careless words from Aragorn and takes everything so seriously! I almost cried when you wrote how he could go longer without food or water than men - BUT his spirits were low. That is enough to wreak havoc on his physical condition right there. I was fascinated with the little "asides" you stuck in this chapter - the information about the poison from the ipo plant and how the fishermen had to quit using it because it was poisoning the ones who ate their catch! I loved the reclamation efforts in the Dead Marshes, tho' I'm not sure I'd agree to settle there either! LOL Faramir and Co. certainly did a good job of logically coming to the conclusion that the raiders might have come from around the Sea of Rhun. Nicely thought out! And almost - Legolas and Arwen are persuaded to clean up and eat, when lo and behold...here comes the King, and he ain't too happy with what he's seeing! Wonderful chapter! linda

lwarren · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 7: And we wait

That issss ssssome nasssty poison, Legolasssss! I love the care taken with Eldarion as they were riding back to Minas Tirith! Legolas, of course, is deep into his name me-blame me mode, tho' he could not have foreseen all the particulars of the battle to come. I'm glad that Faramir at least got him into a clean tunic. Poor elf...waiting is the most difficult thing to do! Meanwhile Aragorn cometh! Quickly! How very wise of his men not to second-guess his commands! Experience IS on his side! Yes, indeed...it's hard to know which is most excruciating...waiting OR being the one waited upon. Then we break for a quick update on TDE (tall, dark, and evil) who is pacing a hole in his floor waiting for news on the capture of the "son of the king". What a piece of work HE is, too - staying behind and safe and allowing his men to take the risks for him. Jerk! Back to a waiting Legolas who will sleep only when Eldarion ceases to and eat whenever the Prince can! And who must go offer comfort to his wounded kin - who is going to comfort him, I ask you? (mememememememe) *slaps self* Sorry! Great chapter - the King cometh! linda

lwarren · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Shadows from the East

Ooops! Forgot! Brain on a low-level power right now...barely functioning! In regards to your reply to that first review I left - it is not any trouble at all to review this story! I dearly LOVE the friendship between Aragorn and Legolas and I have pictured it in my mind as being exactly the close, loving relationship you have written for them here. All I can say is BRAVO! and keep putting that love between these two strong characters into words! (Also noted this your FIRST fanfic?????? Wow! Wow! *bows to Legolass and muse* I am amazed at the depth you've captured in it!) linda

lwarren · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Shadows from the East

Whew! You write one mean battle scene, Legolass! Poor Lishian and Galean! They were so brave and dedicated to following their orders to protect Arwen and Eldarion, only to fall! I dislike intensely elves dying in battle (placing the elves and Haldir at Helm's Deep in the movie almost killed me!) even tho' intellectually I know it's a hazard of the time they lived in. *sniff* I really liked the way you paced this, too...from the intensity of full-out fighting to the sudden numb calm afterwards...and then suddenly Legolas realizes something is wrong with Eldarion! And all the while, many miles away, a King's connection to his family wakes him up and sets him on sudden, urgent trip home! Lovely tense chapter! linda (Yes, you and couple of other QCWs *Queen Cliffie Writers* dearly LOVE to torture your readers with a cliffie or two or three...you should feel shame...to treat your faithful readers so un-gently ;-) while I, on the other hand, couldn't write one if I happened to be hanging from it! LOL)

lwarren · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 5: They Come

And so it begins. Scary, as the elves prepare for an attack they know is coming from evil men asking for the "son of the king". Legolas has to be in a panic - half his people are still in the South - but he'll do anything to protect Arwen and her son! I think, tho', the most affecting part was Legolas telling Arwen and Eldarion to get in the darkest corner in the talan and not make a sound! Then he disappears! Quite a cliffhanger, Legolass! (you evil thing, you!);-) linda

lwarren · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 4: Son of the King

Eldarion is an engaging child, with the endless questions of the young, too! lol I appreciated Arwen's reason for needing to get away from the city - it must have taken some major adjusting for an elf to get used to living in a city of stone. I also liked the way she is pushing for Legolas to spend more time with Aragorn, and how she realizes even if the hard-headed males around her don't, that distance from each other is the WORST thing they could do right now. They need each other! Silly males! :-/ And of course, Legolas tries to distract her by asking if Eldarion needs a nap! LOL The shadows watching and waiting there at the end made me shiver the first, second, AND third time I read that line! Wonderful stuff, Legolass! linda

lwarren · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 3: The Lord of the White Tree

I really liked the way you divided this chapter into different sections, depending on the character's POV you were writing at the time. Aragorn does seem weighted down with the burdens and cares of trying to keep his realm safe. It would definitely gall him to have innocent people killed trying to stand against bandits... and for one of them to be a child would not only break his heart, but enrage him as well. He's tired and misses his family and seems very discouraged... Legolas' memories are absolutely heartbreaking to me - and seem to point to the fact that we often lash out carelessly and unthinkingly at those we love and trust the most...after all, they love us and won't leave us, will they? My very favorite line is when Arwen says to Aragorn, "Estel...he knows your heart, my love. Take care of his, too." Wise words. Then you switched to that dark figure sitting in that dark room, brooding and plotting revenge against "the king" who took the light from his life. Now we are introduced to the evil stalking Aragorn and Legolas...but which one? At this point, I didn't know, but I sure didn't like the fact that dark shadows had been seen stalking around the borders of Ithilien and Legolas was going back to check on things. Not good, not good at all! Great chapter! linda

lwarren · 7 May 2005 · Chapter 2: Water-colored memories

I was very surprised when I read this chapter to find that eleven years had passed since Elrond's Council, and that the nightmares Legolas had about his "failure" had endured during the Quest, but stopped...only to resume again ten years later. That smacks of foresight...not good news for our elf! But then you take us to that lovely pool and treat us to Legolas taking a swim and singing and enjoying the beauty of the place *sigh*! Then he thinks back to a similar time in a pool at home with a young Aragorn. I loved that whole scene between these two friends...from the elf galloping off with the "doormat" clad only in leggings and giving his people quite a shock to see him acting so...to the wild jump off the cliff with Aragorn in hand...to the "duck and wash" game with Aragorn - he'll be cleaned up whether he likes it or not...to that final little conversation that was composed of lots of mmmmmmm's from our Ranger intermixed with lots of questions from our elf! Lovely! But then there's that last line about Aragorn acting distantly and I was jerked out of paradise back into worrying about Legolas again! Very nicely done, Legolass! :-) Wonderful chapter...lovely images! *sighsighsigh* :-) linda

lwarren · 7 May 2005 · Chapter 1: A Matter of Trust

I have already read through this story twice now and am bound and determined to review every chapter (you are currently on 32!)...it is that good! Now, since I've a ways to go... This dream sequence if a very effective way to introduce the doubt that has taken up residence in Legolas' mind. He's really questioning himself, and the guilt he feels in letting his friend down remains. I've always thought that Aragorn's accusation of the failure of the elves of Mirkwood to keep Gollum was somewhat harsh - I know it took him a great deal of time and effort to catch ole' Stinker, and he and Gandalf were understandably concerned because of the part he played as a former Ringbearer...but to ask that question in precisely that way in front of everyone was not well done of him at all. Once more, it's a proven fact that our mouths often runaway from us and once words have been uttered, the damage is done. The image of those words becoming a burning spear there at the end...a terrible image! Great beginning, Legolass! linda