Reviews (321)

Alice · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

You just had to do it, didn't you Daw? You just had to make Legolas fall head over heels, can't stop thinking about her, the world is so so shiny now in love and then cart said love interest off to Dale which may or may not shortly be destroyed by a certain creature of fire, didn't you Daw? Oh my poor Legolas. Very nice job on the emotions though. Legolas just went from gibbering idiot to brokenhearted to melancholic to joyful. And something tells me the emotional roller coaster ain't over yet. Poor besotted elf. That was really funny with the patrol. It's like, " Look! Look! It's a girl! It's a girl!" And you know Legolas is never going to hear the end of that kiss from his patrol, especially his nephew. Galelas is really not going to take it well though. Maybe it's good that Tuilinn initiated the goodbye kiss. Because I can see Galelas thinking Legolas used his position to take advantage of her. I swear, those two boys just put on blinders where the other is concerned. It's frustrating. Someone needs to tell them to stop acting like idiots. I elect Beliond. I liked his comment about people in love being more cautious. I imagine that's something that Maltaunar thought about Eilian bonding with Celuwen. So, good chapter. Though now I'm bitter because you're going to kill Tuilinn off and Legolas is so happy and he deserves to be happy and this is just not going to be pretty. I still want you to update soon though. :)

emjo · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

Oh my goodness Daw I am so sorry I have been keeping up with the reading but things have been to crazy to review! But I love this story I am so glad to see Tuilinn again. Oh and I think she and Legolas are cute! It worries me though I am glad to see Legolas in love but there is no sight of Tuilinn in one of your future stories. I know Legolas has to be single to go on the quest but he can at least have a girlfriend right? Anyway love the story keep up the good work!

Frodo3791 · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

I know I said that Legolas shouldn't have any lasting relationships or anything in one of my earlier reviews... but after this chapter I wish he and Tuilinn would last! They seem to have some honest connection that's beyond lust, and I'm happy for Legolas. Somehow you're going to make it not work though, which is probably for the best because it's not what Tolkien wrote, but I have a feeling that this breakup is not going to happen easily... ah! the love and hurt! Thank you for this lovely chapter! -Frodo

French Pony · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

And one more thing: Glue-like is a very good way to make porridge. My bubbe always made oatmeal that you could stand a spoon up in, and then my mom learned how to do it. It's a very good thing to eat on cold winter mornings.

French Pony · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

So I guess Legolas is going to have a little more sympathy for Eilian'n'Celuwen now? I confess that I spent much of this chapter laughing the laugh of the contentedly single female at him. The heart-wrenching agony! The soul-searching! The goofy looks! And the assumptions, one on top of another! (He does know the rule about how to spell "assume," right?) Had he only asked Tuilinn a few basic questions, he could have spared himself so much postadolescent male angst and gotten down to business much sooner. The reactions of the patrol to Tuilinn's presence reminded me of a story one of my friends likes to tell about the time he was a teenager at Boys' State. Apparently, if you have a large number of teenage boys together for a week with no girls in sight, and then you put a girl on stage in front of them, they lose all of their higher reasoning functions. Boys are such funny critters. I can just hear the thuds of all the patrol members' jaws hitting the ground, and I can hear their hearts all chanting "Wo-man! Wo-man!" With some other organs providing backup, of course. I loved Beliond and Elorfin. They know the score. They know the score, the league standings, and the stats for the past ten years. I'll bet they'll be sharing a drink and laughing hysterically tonight. And I think Galelas will just about burst with jealousy. Once again, Legolas gets something that Galelas wants, and this time, he just might blow.

Brenda G. · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

Well, I must add my praise to all the rest. I've enjoyed this story thoroughly, but this chapter takes the cake and the prize for the best so far. Totally scrumptious! I don't know who's happier right now - Legolas or me! Sometimes it is hard to draw the line between your own happiness and that of others, but this story just saturates me with gladness for our young Thranduilion. About time the love bug bit, but will its bite be painful, I wonder? To quote someone whose name I can't remember at the moment: "All love is sorrowful." Love is a pain, but it is the pain of being truly alive. Legolas and Tuilinn will know their share of it, no doubt. I dread the sad times ahead, but Legolas is "taking a chance for joy" and more power to him! So come what may, I cannot help but be happy for him and his chosen. It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, right? Go Leggy! Beliond is so wonderful. He makes a good father substitute when Thranduil is out of the picture, and "guarding" our lovers while they shared some quality time together was just super special and brought my estimation of him to an entirely new level. I wonder what Eilian will have to say when he finds out his younger brother is in love? Sinnarn will probably make sure the other brothers Thranduilion and Thranduil himself find out in short order. Lordy, this was a great chapter! A bit of advice: If beating your head against your desk gives you a headache, take two aspirins. But if beating your head against your desk makes for wonderful chapters like this one, then by all means - KNOCK YOURSELF OUT!!! You're the best!

elliska · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

Holy Cow!!! Well I was excited to see this chapter and I was not in the least disappointed! Boy do you write lost in love well. Poor Legolas! Elorfin must have been about ready to laugh him self silly (and Beliond too). He's worked with Legolas a few days and now here he is reduced to a stupor over their guest. Standing in the way, barely able to speak, not hearing what's said to him. Yeap, those are all the signs of being utterly, hopelessly, helplessly lost. He's lucky he didn't spill food on himself (at least he didn't tear her clothes or anything equally brilliant). And the younger elves in camp were a riot. I can just see them practically bouncing to offer her food, to escort her to the ends of Arda or anything else. I hope that they understood Legolas's bizarre behavior a little better the next morning. At least then there would be some good to all the teasing he is certain to be getting. And so they spent the entire evening in a tree and ended up with Legolas promising to go speak to her parents, huh? Now the image of Beliond guarding that tree was very dear. (And the thought of them in it all night very hot!) But I think we are soon to be seeing Legolas benefiting from Beliond's experience in life--a different, sadder type of experience--after the incident in Dale. And I sincerely hope I am wrong because that would be too sad. I am now off to look at any stories set after this one in the time line to see if there is any reason you can't let this poor girl live and leave Legolas with a long betrothal. Actually, I'm going to read this chapter one more time and then I'm going to go look. This was a great chapter. I absolutely loved it.

Manderly · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

What a sweet chapter. Though I am not one for romances, this just might be the exception. It's nice to know that Legolas was not totally isolated from the affairs of the heart during his long life. Poor Legolas. He certainly put himself through the wringer before they opened their hearts to each other. Tuilinn reminds me of Celuwen. She seems to know what she wants and she goes after it. Good thing she took the initiative or else Legolas would just pine away and dissolve into total misery on his own. I love Beliond in this chapter. Legolas is indeed lucky to have such a watcher to look after his every need. So what's with Galelas? Looks like he's taken by Tuilinn too. Something else to add to the friction between Legolas and him. So Tuilinn is knowledgible in the art of healing? I have this bad feeling that her skills may be needed before this story is over. But then again, I could be totally off the mark. Looking forward to more.

The Karenator · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

I love this chapter! It was just wonderful. I loved the rollercoaster ride of emotions that Legolas was on until he knew that Tuilinn was not betrothed and was still interested in him! I'm with Legolas--Eilian should kick Anyr into the river for not telling him where the maiden lived. Of course, Eilian doesn't know this bit of news, so any old excuse to dowse the settlement leader will do. And she wore a green ribbon in her hair! She must have taken to wearing one frequently if she had one with her. Legolas should take heart over that news. She had found a small way to keep him close to her even when it didn't look like she'd ever see him again. With an intensity that shocked him, he felt an upsurge of desire stronger even than what he had felt as an adolescent first learning to control his sexuality. Oh my, he's got it bad. Our Legolas has grown up. I should have known that Beliond would be standing guard. Billy goat gruff isn't nearly as surly as he'd like us to believe. I loved his line about love making warriors more cautious. He's probably thrilled to death that the little scamp is falling in love. Sweet memories for Beliond too. And I loved that he knew to follow the maiden when Legolas didn't return to their flet. Her guard knew where she was too. :>) Galelas didn't look too happy at the turn of events. I don't think his scowl was because Sinnarn was making glue for breakfast. This is going to come to a head; I can feel it coming. Such a wonderful chapter, daw. I loved it! Just loved it! Karen

meckinock · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

“I approve of love. Love makes warriors cautious.” Bravo! What a great line! I also loved Legolas's hope that Eilian would lose his "small patience" and pitch Anyr into the river, and Sinnarn's warning that Thranduil has only just gotten over the last settlement daughter-in-law. Legolas is so happy I don't think I can stand to watch.

Nilmandra · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Tuilinn

Ahh... I really have nothing more to say. I have a one track mind, and the silly grin on my face just won't go away.

perelleth · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Well, just for your peace of mind, it wasn't an euphemism, at least not from me! I love the time you take to create the atmosphere, and immerse we readers in their dayly routines until we're familiar with their lifes and their ways! and.. well, maybe as my life is quite hectic, I enjoy reading about peaceful times, don't know, but I did mean I like it and I'm dreading the time when the dragon comes down. I suppose it's going to make for a powerful contrast! Hope you enjoy your vacation too! I was in sore need of one! ;-)

perelleth · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Wow! Great chapter! Sorry I'm late in reviewing, I'm back from a short easter vacation... I seem to recall Legolas mentioning in some other story how an entertaining storyteller Eilian was in his letters home, and I was glad we, too, were treated to a sample of his abilities! It was a great way of having us updated into his second??? honeymoon of sorts. He seems to be having the time of his life! Maybe he can find a life for himself as a wood- elf after the shadow departs! Anyway, it is interesting the contrast between these elves and those living at the stronghold... I wonder whether Alfirin should order her husband to take some time off too! Although I wonder where would they go…not to a settlement, surely!) Ah! The paperwork doom! The report disease! The curse of every managing position! It was fun to see Elorfin turning it all down to Legolas! Privileges of rank! And GLAD! you brought Tuilinn back! I think Legolas deserves the same joy his brothers have! Of course he’ll probably have to wait for better times, and first he’ll have to overcome the feeling that he cannot combine duty and a family life, but now he can see how good Celuwen’s been for Eilian, and I’d be glad to see him find a bit of happiness for himself! Also, I loved how his pov about Beliond has shifted with the years, as now he is ready to accept his counsel even if he still finds his presence a bit tiring sometimes (and prying too! the underwear joke was *almost* a joke! ,-). This is our grown-up Legolas! It’s good to recognize his adult self in these little details… I’m eager to see him find a way to deal with Galelas. Poor boy. He must have been dismayed when his Nemesis appeared to shatter his little world…he bites out at all that reminds him of what he’s missing… I’d guess. This story has such a peaceful day-to-day atmosphere that I'm already fearing the moment vile smaug comes down!

Karri · 26 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Oi! Galelas is really pushing Legolas. The two really feed off each other, don't they? Should make for an interesting patrol.

White Wolf · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

I loved the letter from Eilian. He really went into detail, which was nice to see. It was so obvious how happy he and Celuwen are. It was also nice to see Beliond get a letter for a change. I think Legolas handled Galelas well.

Dot · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Great chapter! I love the thought of the officers all hating report writing – it really doesn’t seems like a very wood-elfy trait, does it?! What is elfy, on the other hand, is writing on the tree stump. I liked that image. I’m not really sure what to make of Galelas any more. I get the impression that maybe even he doesn’t know himself. It was different when he was younger – he didn’t have a great home life and was jealous of Legolas’ skills and position and that made him a giant pain in the ass. It obviously didn’t get better when he realised how great Legolas’ brother was once he served with Eilian. But he’s so much older now. Jealousy is probably still a big part of it but it’s also just difficult to even begin to let go of dislike for someone. There are plenty of people I didn’t like growing up and I still wouldn’t like to be forced to get on with them. I think too that he’s always been made feel inferior to Tinár at home, felt the same way with Legolas as a novice and even though he’s a good warrior now he probably immediately feels the same inferiority the second Legolas appears. Normally he can forget those feelings when he’s on patrol. I do feel bad for Sinnarn, though. He and Galelas mightn’t exactly have been pals before but they probably managed quite nicely by more or less ignoring each other. Now Sinnarn gets lumped together with Legolas. Still, if Galelas carries on like that he’ll end up on the bad side of two keepers as well. “Yes, my lord. Of course.” What a twit. Elorfin is no doubt going to be unhappy that things haven’t been sorted out. I just hope he heard the full exchange between them. Legolas is never going to get anywhere with Galelas if his only tactic is to remind him of his rank. I thought it was nice to see that Legolas has stopped blushing at compliments. He’s really grown into himself. I like too that he’s asking Beliond for advice. Beliond is probably right that the best way is to appeal to Galelas’s sense of pride as a warrior. Legolas has done that before, I think, even though it was a long time ago. Eilian does that to some extent and also makes him feel valued, but I somehow doubt Galelas would accept praise from Legolas in the same way he would from Eilian. I LOVE the thought of Maltanaur writing to Beliond. What a great idea! I’d forgotten that Maltanaur might have some time off too. Will poor neglected Nindwen finally get to spend some time with her husband??! That letter was so enjoyable to read. Eilian’s voice certainly came through loud and clear! That settlement seems like just the thing to help him recharge after his last stint in the south. The picture you creates sounds just the way wood-elves should be. It must do him some good to see his wife so happy too. I’m glad for Celuwen. She definitely needed the break from palace life. It sounds like the two of them are making the most of their new-found privacy!! The part about always living somewhere that’s guarded was interesting. I had never thought about it like that. I suppose Eilian didn’t either until he arrived here. I’m laughing at him having to “make do with my bow, knife, and dagger.” It reminds me of Thranduil (and Legolas!) keeping a knife in his boot in Rivendell. It would look a bit odd, though, to the settlement elves if Eilian is wandering around overloaded with weaponry. Anyr doesn’t sound like he’s changed at all. He needs something more than a flood to make him realise that his people need protection… Celuwen seems like she has enough patience to take the time needed to try and sort them out but Eilian could crack up soon if Anyr doesn’t start showing a bit more leadership. What’s all this about a raft from Esgaroth? Is Anyr still trading with Men without the king knowing?? “Give my regards to Galelas.” And will he?! So, it seems Ithilden was right about both brothers. It’s good to see them both happy. Sinnarn is so lucky to have Alfirin as his mother! I just love the idea of the whole patrol knowing about these honey cakes and longing for some themselves. But there’s something very lonely about Galelas off to one side, sorting the herbs. Tuilinn, eh? Good to see her! Who’s the other Elf, though?? At least she hasn’t forgotten Legolas! I can’t wait to see how all this works out. I’m desperately opening that she doesn’t end up being part of the problem between Galelas and Legolas. What’s she doing in the middle of a patrol anyway?! Too many questions… I’m really, really looking forward to more from you… :-)

Yanic · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

And here I was about to ask why Eilian hadn't mentioned Tuilinn. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that her prescence is only going to make things between legolas and Galelas worse. :) Personally I always saw Legolas hooking up with a girl from Lorien (if only for the sake of having blonde elflings - genetics and whatnot) but I do hope he gets some love in his life. He seems so lonely. But he's got his Nana! I just adore Beliond, the old crank!

thechevin · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

This was another of those fascinating chapters where it pays a person to take notes so many lovely little insights many of which I will later say if only I had understood the importance of that at the time! Sigh, I never seem to learn! The letter from Eilian was a wonder he reads other elves so well you feel sure he should know his Adar better than he does, but of course that is family and thereby different Legolas is fortunate to have the support of Beliond in this the comment about the underwear was priceless as was Beliond's reply I begin to feel a little sorry for Galelas not too much of course and do I scent a hormone rush from Legolas I do hope so thank you for sharing this wonderful universe with us

Jay of Lasgalen · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Eilian's letter was great - the whole tone was so Eilian. I'm glad he and Celuwen have been making good use of their privacy! It's an interesting observation that he's never before slept anywhere unguarded. He seems so relaxed and happy here - the therapy of living among healthy trees is clearly working. I'm glad Anyr hasn't changed, though. Thranduil's sons, being more in tune with the forest, must be more affected by the shadow and blighted trees than others. It must be hard for Ithilden to send healthy warriors - and especially his brothers - south, and see them return so changed. Jay

esamen · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

“Good. From now on, you can write the reports. Here. See if I have left anything out of this one.” With a look of intense relief, he shoved the report toward Legolas. I had to smile a bit at this scene. Is this a writing teacher talking here, mining her rich life experiences with administrative assistants as she tells her tale? And Eilian's letter was fabulous. He must be having the time of his life. You know what, the Elves he describes remind me a little bit of the light-hearted Elves who greet Bilbo and the Dwarves as they enter Rivendell in The Hobbit. It's too bad that more of that kind of portrayal couldn't find its way into the movies. That would have been so fun. Ah, Tuilinn is back! I knew that the elf maid with the straight hair wasn't going to make any points with Legolas. I thought we'd see her again. I'm wondering now if the other visitor is Anyr? Would you do that to us? I am so looking forward to the rest of the story! I want to see how Legolas deals with Galelas, Tuilinn, and Dale. Thanks for a wonderful plot line and I hope you update soon! esamen

Brazgirl · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Seems ada's little boy is impressed with a maiden! That is so nice Daw! At least Legolas will have some distraction now... I hope for the best. I love that letter from Eilian! So nice of him to write to his little brother, as always. Some parts of it were so funny! Now Eilian is living as a wood-elf and I take his mother would appreaciate it. I wonder what Thranduil will say when he learn about the races again... And Galelas... I think he will never hear of Eilian's greetings... Legolas is quite jealous of his brother's friendship with Galelas. Let's see what Beliond will say to him on this. Maltanaur is on extended leave too? I wonder what he is doing... ops; I forgot he has a wife!!! Nice chapter Daw! I take is as a birthday gift!

sofia · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Eilian's letter was funny to read. I wish my brothers were like that! And adding Tuilinn at the very end was a surprise. I also wonder why she and the other elf are there. -sofia

Nilmandra · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

We talked so much about Galelas, I barely mentioned how much I did like the letter. It did sound very Eilianish, and I can see why Legolas looks forward so much to those letters. I would imagine that letters from Adar and Ithilden mighe not have all sorts of thoughts and details about things, just by nature of their jobs, but Eilian can lay it all out, full of humor, and in doing that he includes Legolas in his life in a way that maybe the others cannot fully do. And I am glad to see Tuilinn too, and especially glad to see Legolas's reaction. Make sur he closes his mouth.

terryb · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

I like this chapter a lot. Eilian's letter is delightful! It's a clever way to get Eilian's POV into the story without actually moving away from Legolas. You have Eilian's voice down to an art form and I love lines like "Are you blushing, brat? I know I am! But then, as you know, I am shy." or "They know how to enjoy themselves, a talent that Adar would no doubt say I share..." As I read the letter, because you've made Eilian so real to me as a reader, it feels like the letter is written to me and I can laugh as Legolas would laugh. That sounds stupid, but it's how it feels. It's also true, I think, that you've caught the perfect tone and contents that Eilian would use in a letter to his youngest brother. I'm also curious to see how Legolas and Galelas resolve things. It seems as though Galelas thinks Legolas takes advantage of his position as the king's son. Perhaps, too, the resentment of Legolas's position is spreading to the nephew as well. Galelas is a great character. He's three dimensional and fascniating. Sympathetic at times and unlikeable at others. Pretty cool. Of course, I love Beliond. His matter of fact compliments of Legolas's ability and his willingness to help. He's a gruff tough cookie, but we like him. And Lieutenant Legolas is sexy as can be. How insecure will he be with the return of Tuilin.

elliska · 25 March 2005 · Chapter 4: Visitors in Camp

Excellent chapter. Normally I think about reviews following the order of the chapter so I don't forget what I wanted to say but this time I can't resist jumping to the end--I am so glad (and thoroughly surprised) you brought Tuilinn back. I know there are a lot of camps out there on Legolas's personal life and I respect them all but I personally believe that he would have had to have been interested in someone as he lived his life. As a good father I do not believe Thranduil would have allowed his son (and especially his baby) to be sooo buried by duty that he had no time for friendships or maidens. I also believe duty would have ultimately come first for Legolas but it just seems unrealistic that no lady ever caught his eye (he is alive). So I love this character! Ok, now back to the beginning. I laughed at the 'Woodelf captains hate reports' line. That seems very specifically woodelfy, doesn't it? And the conflict with Galelas was just waiting to happen. I do like the way your Thranduilions deal with this type of thing. It always seems so cool and forceful. Well done. And the followup with Beliond was very funny. Some great dialogue there. But the letter from Eilian was wonderful. I was thinking about this story yesterday and thinking Legolas needed a letter from Eilian so I was happy to see it was mail call in this chap. :) His description of living in the settlement is just great. His wild side fits in just about perfectly but there is still that nagging common sense and responsibility (and just plain reality) that holds him somewhat in place. I actually think Thranduil would be relieved to read that letter. It shows Eilian is more responsible than he gives him credit for. But there are just too many great details in the too mention. I loved it. But I guess Eilian had better keep that sword in hand. He'll be wanting it and definitely his bow, a lot sooner than he knows, I think if they are anywhere near a certain creature of fire's path (which I hope they are not). Is Maltanaur with Eilian in the settlement? If he was, I bet his view of Eilian's life in the settlement would be hilarious. Is that is what is in Beliond's letter? Great chapter. Looking forward to seeing what comes next with the visitors.