Reviews (89)

Tarí · 2 January 2013 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy

It's only the second chapter and I'm allready drawn into this story! During the the dinner, I could basically hear everyones voices. And the description of their facial expressions and bodylanguage... I love it, it create so much atmosphere. "He bites," Aragorn said. *xD* The scene in Gollum's cell is also great, I think it also says a lot about Thranduil's character. To show that much patience and mercy towards Gollum... Great piece of writing :)

Tarí · 2 January 2013 · Chapter 1: Needful Duty

Wow, I like your story very much, it was great fun to read! Gandalf flattering the woodelves, Thranduil reserved yet just, Legolas and Aragorn... you captured their characters so well! I epspecially loved the part in the kitchens :D Keep it up :)

mistry89 · 21 June 2006 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

I enjoyed your "take" on the events leading up to Legolas' inclusion in The Fellowship very much. The difference between the the elven "kingdoms" is startling and it is lovely to have a guide through the wonders of Imladris. Thank you!

ziggy · 29 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

Thsi has been great - thank you. I have always wondered about Legolas and how he came to be the bearere of the news. I always supected that there is much more that Tolkien wanted to write about this but never got round to- and he hints at so much in the council. Thranduil is wonderfully grave and tender and loving- you have brought home how hard it is in Mirkwood for the elves, and how Elrond must have felt a twinge. I have read elsewhere that Elrond would not have risked his own sons on the quest - but your explanation is perfect. I particlaulry enjoyed the way legolas felt in Imladris- feeling a little overwhelemed - Tolkien is at pains to stress that he is woodelf, and only mewtions briefly he is hte son of Thranduil- he is never referred to as a prince, I lie the differences you have drawn between the two realms.

elliska · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

I am so sorry for being so behind in reviews. This was an absolutely wonderful concluding chapter. I liked the idea of Legolas just staying in the house and reading. I imagine he would just love the opportunity (both time and resources). And I am very glad to see that Legolas learned about Bilbo's magic escape with the Dwarves. That is something I always wanted him to learn about while in Imladris. I like how he and Sam continue building their friendship--I definitely see those two as kindred spirits. But the part with Thranduil was just heartbreaking. I like that the messenger brings the news of the Ring in oral form--just as they would with important, sensitive info. And the letter from Legolas and Thranduil reaction was just too sad. I really like the reference to the Yule Masque and Legolas playing during the festivities in Imladris. Those little cultural details are very cool. And I loved Thranduil's package. Perfect! This was a terrific story, FP. It and Coming Home are my two favorites of yours now. Wonderful job!

TithenFeredir · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

I'm sad to see the tale end, though this point seems a very appropriate place to do so. I think you have done some very interesting and original things with this story like making ME a place where travel is very dangerous and where some have plenty while others live in habitual deprivation. That perspective seemed very realistic and made for some poignant moments. I really like your characterization of Legolas as a somewhat hesitant stranger in a strange land once he leaves Mirkwood. He also came off as very gentle but posessing the sort of courage that is all the more affecting because he is acting in spite of his justified fear. His letter to Thranduil was heartbreaking and the answer he received back was perfect, in my opinion. Thanks for a very satisfying read. ~TF

The Karenator · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

Nice job of wrapping this tale up. Luindil nodded. "Likely you will soon have other fears to occupy your mind," he said. "War is coming. Even were he close by your side, Legolas would not be safe. Perhaps his fortune will be kinder than ours, on whatever road he must travel." I really like this paragraph. Luindil made such a good point here. There's little safety to be had in ME as long as Sauron continues and when the inevitable war comes to Mirkwood, Legolas would no safer there than wherever he's off to on this errand. Still, it's a frightening thought for the king to not know exactly where this son has gone or how long he'll be gone...or even if he'll return. There's a real feeling of things being out of control here for Thranduil. I doubt he likes that feeling much. I like the way you sent off the Fellowship. The carved leaf was a nice touch. I also like the way you described each of the nine members as they waited to leave. Your descriptions were vivid and gave us glimpses into the different personalities. I liked the part where you said that they had already left Rivendell even if the journey had not yet begun. We see the mental preparation. I enjoyed this story, French Pony, and I look forward to the next one. Karen

Lamiel · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

Thank you so much for this lovely story. I'm sorry to see it end - it's been such a pleasant read. Thranduil's reaction in this chapter was perfect - the mixture of pride in his son and terror at what Legolas must face. Nicely done.

Manderly · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

What a wonderful story! I have enjoyed every bit of it though I have not reviewed as much as I should have, for which I apologize. I really liked the relationship between Thranduil and Legolas in this story. It was very real, very warm and this last chapter was rather heartbreaking when both father and son contemplate on an uncertain future without each other. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us and I hope we will see another one from you soon.

daw the minstrel · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

I think that I wish to spend the day reading stories. Now you're talking! That's my kind of rainy day activity. I was particularly struck by the little wooden leaf charm. That seemed very elfy to me.

Jay of Lasgalen · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 10: So Fare You Well

This was a lovely tale, and a satisfying end, even though I'm sad to see it finish. Legolas's letter to his father was heartbreakingly vague. If only he could have told him the true details of the quest. Mind you, that would probably have terrified Thranduil even more. I loved the wooden leaf emblem Legolas wore. It's very symbolic, and speaks of great love. Thank you for this story. Jay

elliska · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 9: To Serve The Present Age

I've been going nuts since this morning because I saw the update notification but I haven't been able to get away from work to read the chapter. I finally did. This was great! Poor Legolas. It's true--that day would have been one shock after another, the news in the council, the news that Gandalf knew more than he'd told them, Elrond's request. Legolas's head would be spinning (or at least mine would be). I have to admit, I sympathize with Legolas in his encounter with Gandalf--I do believe that it is likely Gandalf did not tell the elves much about their prisoner (that would just be typically Gandalf). And they did loose people because of that. I would be angry if I were Legolas. But I loved Legolas thinking about the choice he had to make (you know that stuff is right up my alley). I loved his grandmother's advice and his conversation with Sam. I think that Sam and Legolas are a lot alike, actually and I have always thought Sam might influence Legolas's decision. I liked Sam's reasoning on why he would like to see Legolas go. And I liked the thoughts you offered on the oft repeated question, 'Why not someone like Glorfindel?' I think you had that spot on. I agree with what Elrond said about the letter Legolas sends but I feel for Legolas. It would be tough to say what might be your final good-bye under such conditions. Great chapter. I'm so glad I finally got to read it.

TithenFeredir · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 9: To Serve The Present Age

Another excellent chapter. I thought Legolas' upset over the ominous news from the Council and his urgency to return home were very realistic, as was his outburst against Gandalf. His remembrance of Padathir in light of the wizard's rationale for not being more forthcoming about Gollum was quite chilling. I think it was great that he was dismayed at the suggestion that he accompany the ringbearer, that he initially wanted no part of it and that his decision to go was made with no trace of bravado after long, hard consideration. It emphasized how perilous and desperate a mission the quest was, that it was intended that all of them would go to Mount Doom and there was a good chance none of them would survive. Then you made mention of Thranduil's parting admonition to his son to return home safely, only to have Legolas unable to fully disclose what he was about to do. The chapter as a whole was heartbreaking; Legolas came off as a gentle soul and an anguished but dutiful hero. Wonderful! ~TF

Bodkin · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 9: To Serve The Present Age

So Mithrandir should feel rather ashamed of himself. He has his reasons, but he is a rather ruthless user of people - even if he has their ultimate best interests in mind. And what a hard decision for Legolas to make. Although I can see why Elrond would choose him over any other, it is a lot of pressure on him - he knows he is needed at home and will be missed on more than one level, but Sam's remark that "You're sitting down," he pointed out. "Not all the Elves here would sit down to talk to a Hobbit.", seems to sum up in a very simple way just exactly why he is the right elf for the job. I love him working through the reasoning - bringing in his father's advice and his grandmother's words - to know that this decision, although hard, is the right one. And actually, Elrond's concern for him is touching. You should write a second letter, though, Legolas. One that contains everything you want to say. And leave it with Elrond in hope of better times. Only that one you can seal, so that your father can receive it uncensored when the situation allows.

Jay of Lasgalen · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 9: To Serve The Present Age

I think Legolas's anger with Mithrandir here is very realistic - if only they'd known the full story, the elves could have protected themselves, and guarded Gollum more. I also liked Elrond's reasons for sending Legolas on the quest - and especially Sam's eagerness for him to join them! I feel so sorry for Legolas here, though - wanting nothing more than to go home and defend it, and instead having to write a not-very-informative letter to say farewell, thinking he'll probably never see his father again :( Jay

Lamiel · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 9: To Serve The Present Age

The difficulty of Legolas' choice is strikingly clear here, and you portray his conflicting sense of duty and obligation very well. I particularly liked his grandmother's advice - that strikes me as being both wise and true. I'm also glad that Legolas finally got to give Gandalf a bit of the rebuke that he deserved. The scene with Sam was wonderfully done as well - we see far too little of those two together, and to my mind they actually have a bit in common. Loyalty and devotion to their friends at the very least. I hope that we'll get to see more of Legolas' interactions with the rest of the Fellowship before they depart - his relationship with them, and especially to Aragorn, seems to have influenced his choices during the Quest and after the War as well.

daw the minstrel · 16 May 2005 · Chapter 9: To Serve The Present Age

It's interesting to see the different reasons fanfic writers give for Legolas being the Elf who goes on the Quest. I like what you do here, especially in the encounter Legolas has with Sam. Sam helps him recognize what he might bring in the way of unintimidating strength. I also like Legolas thinking about his father and grandmother, and what they had to teach him. He draws on those teachings well. If I were him, though, I'd find it hard to let Elrond read my letter.

Sheeijan · 10 May 2005 · Chapter 8: These Are Silver

I recently came across your on-going story, and I'm heartily intrigued. This version of Mirkwood and the realities that those Elves must go through is heartbreaking but extremely believable. I think you must have taken great care on the details - the food in particular, but not limited to that. I've enjoyed this story immensely. There's a very good combination of dialogue and third-person narrative, you've done an impressive job. The only niggling complaint I have is that I feel like Legolas is humbled almost too much. The riches of Imladris have overwhelmed him, with reason, but it is not as if Legolas does not come from a rich heritage himself. He has reason to be proud of his roots and abilities. I find myself hoping to see him being proud of his upbringing at some point in the future, in front of these Imladris elves...

The Karenator · 10 May 2005 · Chapter 8: These Are Silver

Legolas meeting the hobbits was fun. Inquisitive fellows, but congenial. The huge meal would have overwhelmed me too! Again the contrast between the wealth of Imadris and the struggle of Mirkwood is interesting. When Galadriel told Frodo that the ring would eventually take all the members of the Fellowship, one can certainly see why Legolas might have been tempted.

TithenFeredir · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 8: These Are Silver

I just loved this chapter. You've brought a young Legolas to Imladris for the first time, alone after a perilous journey. You've established that the place is luxurious beyond anything he has ever experienced and he is surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a few famous ones. I think his slightly shy reaction is endearing and makes perfect sense. The encounter with the hobbits was charming. My favorite part was the feast. You described all of the food so beautifully, and the way you kept it coming until Legolas was overwhelmed made for a rather poignant moment. Yet even a shy elf in a strange land won't hesitate to get up and sing. This chapter was a real pleasure to read. ~TF

Shaan Lien · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 8: These Are Silver

I love it so far. You've created Legolas so wonderfully, I love his embarassment and how he becomes overwhelmed. I hope you continue, a delightful story so far. THe characters are so true to the book instead of to the movies, which is a rare treat.

Karri · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 8: These Are Silver

LOL! Legolas's encounter with the hobbits is charming and delightful. But the poor elfling -- all that food! I am glad that Erestor and Lindir were so understanding. Terrific chapter!

Karri · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary

Missed this chapter, but I have found it now, so all is well. I am glad that Elrond was able to set Legolas on his way to healing. The elfing has worked too hard to recover to be set back too far. Very good!

elliska · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 8: These Are Silver

Oh I loved this chapter. Legolas asking after the books was dear and the feast just made me hungry. I love the little detail of Legolas having a particular taste for 'imported' apples. And I liked how he didn't want to waste food. I thought that was very appropriate. And the familiar hymn with a Silvan melody was a great idea. But my favorite part was the meeting with Bilbo and the rest of the hobbits. I tried to find a part from that that I liked best to comment on but I couldn't choose. I loved every bit of that. Great job. I really enjoy seeing Legolas's reactions to Imladris.

daw the minstrel · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 8: These Are Silver

So I'm wondering what's silver: new friends maybe? This is a shyer, less self confident Legolas than I've seen in other stories, I think. It's an interesting extrapolation of what might happen if someone from a poorer realm comes to a richer one.