You've captured Bilbo's character perfectly, I think -- I was smiling all through the encounter with the hobbits. I do like the way you've drawn the differences between Imladris and Mirkwood in this tale, and the emotional effect that all this plenty must have on Legolas. I wonder if in time he might grow just a wee bit resentful that Rivendell is so rich when his own land is so poor. But this is still his first day, and he's still in a bit of shock.
I particularly liked the details of how thin Legolas is due to rationing at home, and the explanation for why Bilbo never learned about the Elvenking's family. It seems reasonable and well thought out. That moment when he had to cover his eyes to keep from crying was so poignant - it reminds me of a film I saw once about an immigrant from Eastern Europe to the United States, who broke down in a grocery store because he'd never seen such wealth and variety of choices.
perelleth
· 4 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
I liked this efficient Erestor. I mean, with three panicked hobbits around, plus the dwarves -who must be about to arrive, if they aren't in yet- and now the son of Thranduil, and soon the heir to Gondor's steward, he's being truly multitask and yet warm and welcoming, even if we know he's Elrond's chief counsellor! Hope the horse got the spa upgrade, too!
The Karenator
· 4 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
Legolas's view of Imladris compared to Mirkwood was interesting. The two places were so different. After the hardships Mirkwood had suffered from the shadow, and Thranduil kept the shadow at bay with sheer determination and hard-working subjects, the peace and abundance of Elrond's realm must have truly looked foreign to Legolas.
I enjoyed seeing Aragorn pop back up. We see the beginning of true friendship when Aragorn tries to make Legolas feel comfortable and welcome. Very nice.
Karen
TithenFeredir
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
I loved your description of Imladris from Legolas' point of view. I had never thought of him regularly experiencing deprivation in Mirkwood, but it makes sense and works very well in this chapter. I also like the way you made him feel a bit lost and haunted by the failure he must soon report. Reading his encounter with Aragorn, I find myself hoping this story will last long enough to show the development of the love and loyalty that Legolas eventually has for him. ~TF
Aislynn Crowdaughter
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
Hi! I like this story very much, and this chapter is especially intriguing. I never thought of it before, but the way you drive hhome that Imladris is a plae of plenty, and Mirkwood, always under siege, is not, and what this difference would mean for Mirkwood elves like Legolas visiting Imladris for the first time, is stunnibng. Leglas homesickness and hesitation to speak to these rich, well fed cousins is very believable! And I like Aragorns reaction very much; indeed, as somebody who is used to live in the wilds most of his time, he has to be more prone to understand the feeling of *strangeness* the irkwood elf has to feel when he suddenly steps into a place where hunger and shortness of rations are not a problem.
Greatly done! I hope you will continue soon!
Aislynn
daw the minstrel
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
Well, hey! A hot bath and some food will cure most things, even if you're not an elf who's just made a long journey. The contrast between Mirkwood and Imladris was nicely suggested by Legolas's reactions to the "luxury" around him. And I'm glad to see him together with Aragorn again.
elliska
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
Boy I had a great surprise when I came home and found a bunch of my favorite stories updated.
Love the horse longing for the grass. That was sweet. I imagine the poor thing liked the journey even less that Legolas. And I liked Legolas's initial impression of the Last Homely House. And let me tell you--I could use the sort of welcome Erestor gave Legolas. The spa treatment sounds great. Think you could send me to Imladris? :)
Poor Legolas. Seriously, I don't see how he could be anything but unhappy at the very least to learn that he has to discuss what happened with Gollum and a freakin' council! You portrayed that well.
And the meeting with Aragorn was great. I like the idea of him showing Legolas around. I imagine Legolas would be a bit overwhelmed by the differences in Imladris.
I am really enjoying seeing how this is turning out and I am really glad how much of it we are getting to see.
Dot
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
Oh, I loved this chapter! Seeing Imladris through Legolas’ eyes not only allows us to share his amazement but really underlines how Mirkwood is suffering. Although, the harder and leaner life in Mirkwood is clearly just normality for Legolas.
I really like how warm and welcoming Erestor is. And he’s practical too: “You are in dire need of both bathing and feeding.” LOL. The description of the bath was very interesting – not something I’d really thought about before but it must all seem very clever and luxurious to Legolas! My heart went out to him when he can finally relax after everything he’s been through and finds himself weeping in the bath. He must feel too that he’s almost at the end of the saga that began the day Mithrandir arrived in Mirkwood with Gollum.
I just love that Erestor gives Legolas an extra piece of bread. That’s a lovely moment.
The scene with Elrond, Legolas and Mithrandir was done very well. I absolutely adore the line “His ageless face seemed both wise and compassionate, as if he knew every naughty thing Legolas had ever done and forgave him for it.” What a wonderful description. I always thought it a bit odd that Legolas has to wait until the Council to deliver his news, but I guess we can’t argue with canon – or with two such wise people. I don’t blame Legolas for feeling like that’s a punishment, though. I was glad Elrond helped ease Legolas’ injuries and that he spoke so highly of Gilveril. I couldn’t help laughing, though, at poor Legolas’ mortification at the “fuss”.
Imladris does sound daunting. I was glad he finally ran into Aragorn. He needed a friendly face! Your descriptions of the gardens and surroundings are wonderful. It’s good to see Legolas beginning to relax and settle in, eager and curious to learn more of this idyllic place. And he still has an introduction to hobbits to look forward to!
I must say, I’m looking forward to the Council now, even though it will be tough for Legolas to have to explain what happened. I think this has definitely been one of my favourite chapters so far :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Rest For The Weary
I loved to see Legolas's almost child-like amazement at the luxuries of Imladris - hot water, clean clothes, food! It shows a sharp contrast between the peaceful valley and the dangers and privations of his own home.
I have never understood why Legolas had to wait until Elrond's Council to deliver his message, but I know he did - thank you for sticking to canon here. And if I recall correctly, the night before the Council is when the twins returned home - I look forward to seeing Legolas's first meeting with them (now there's a surprise!)
Jay
perelleth
· 29 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
Nice picture of these poor elves out of their sheltering canopy! And I liked Grimbeorn above all; he sounds pretty much like his father!
I have some trouble with the geography, though. I would think that if they followed the elf-path, it is the Anduin -or Langflood- what they’re seeing,and followinf south, the Greylin being about 100 miles north or so… but our sources may differ, of course…Nice job, anyway. Seeing Imladris from the High Pass must have been great relief for poor Legolas!
TithenFeredir
· 26 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
Your description of the journey created a real sense of great distance and the dangers of that sort of travel. The image of elves being shy of going into the open was very interesting. This story has been full of pleasant surprises! ~TF
TithenFeredir
· 26 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
Well, phooey. Sorry about the blank post! My pinky keeps hitting Enter instead of Shift.
I love your Thranduil. He seems very wise and confident, as one might expect from an elf of his age and stature. The warm relationship between him and Legolas a pleasure to read. I found it particularly touching that Thranduil stopped and savored that moment of closeness with his son, not knowing that Legolas would not return until after the war that is to come. Good Story! ~TF
Jay of Lasgalen
· 26 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
I think this is a good reason for why Legolas - a prince of Mirkwood - travelled alone to Imladris. Realistically, he should have been travelling with guards, but arrived alone.
I liked the meeting with Grimbeorn - it was a nice tie-in with The Hobbit. But poor Legolas - worrying about the return journey, when he will not return home for a very, very long time :(
Jay
Karri
· 26 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
Quite the harrowing journey. Nicely written! :-) I enjoyed the appearance by Grimbeorn, especially. Nice touch.
Bodkin
· 25 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
I love the harshness and sheer distance of the journey - and how intimidating it was for a pair of Wood Elves to travel beyond the forest into grasslands and mountains. (So often the trip from Mirkwood to Imladris seems to be shown like popping round to see your friend on the next street.)
Good thing Grimbeorn showed up then - but I don't think Thranduil will be too thrilled at the prospect of his son wandering round the Misty Mountains on his own. Don't blame him, either.
daw the minstrel
· 25 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
My favorite part of this was the two Wood-elves peering out at the grasslands from the edge of the forest. They must have felt almost naked stepping out into that unfamiliar territory.
I liked seeing Beorn's son. Your elves are taking the trip from The Hobbit in reverse.
Dot
· 25 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
Crikey, these two are having a right little adventure.
I enjoyed seeing them venture beyond the territory they know, suddenly seeming not so much like two experienced wood-elf warriors any more but rather like teenagers on a road-trip without a map! What they needed were some nice B&B’s along the route so they wouldn’t be trying to hide in grass and having to eat dandelions.
And then you just had to throw in some Orcs! I was on the edge of my seat during the fight because I was so afraid that Neldorín would be killed. Of course, it was almost as bad as that. I was so surprised when Grimbeorn appeared! I love the way he seems to feel amusement more than anything when he encounters the two elves. "I have tended the broken legs of many a forest creature. An Elf will not be so different.” LOL. I’m not sure I’d be very reassured by that!
I don’t like the thought of them being split up either, but I’m going to trust that you have your reasons… I felt so bad for Legolas on that difficult journey alone. I’m not sure he’s going to make much of an impression when he falls in the door of Rivendell. But at least he seems to have almost arrived now. I’m glad you’re taking us this far, and I’m really interested in seeing what happens when he gets there!
elliska
· 25 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Wayfaring Stranger
I enjoyed the travel in this chapter. I know it's super-nerdy but I find it really interesting to contemplate what travel must have felt like to people when they had to do it on foot/by horse, when there were no highways, no restaurants along the way etc etc. And especially to people traveling over terrain like they'd never seen before. Can you imagine the plains or the mountains if you'd literally never seen such things?!
The accident in the mountains was scary--poor horse and poor Neldorín. That sounded like a nasty injury. But I loved seeing Grimbeorn! That was a very cool idea and I liked his character.
Great chapter! I am so glad we get to see Legolas all the way to Imladris.
Dot
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
*blushes* I just realised that I never left a review for this. So sorry! That’ll teach me to decide to come back to things later…
And it was such a good chapter too. Legolas’ stubborn streak seems to be getting him through this. I can’t imagine holding a heavy bow at full draw with an aching shoulder and head. I’d have given up after five seconds, not to mind five minutes.
I must say, I like the way you’re writing his recovery. He’s doing well but it’s the tiredness and difficulty concentrating that still troubles him. Very realistic. Also very frustrating for him, I’d imagine. It sounds like Thranduil is a good person to have around, though! I just love the image of the two of them out in the sunshine together, Thranduil working away and Legolas dozing next to him. There’s a lovely closeness between them, especially in the way that Thranduil reaches out to touch his son. And I was so touched by the lines “Do not be ashamed, Legolas. You are still healing, and that takes time. I do not think you appreciate just how badly you were hurt. You may sleep as much as you want, provided that you wake each time.”
You do a great job showing the encroaching Shadow and worsening times for the Woodland Realm. The growing evil and its effects on the warriors are certainly good reason to call off the search for Gollum and I guess it was only a matter of time before Thranduil reached that decision.
I liked the discussion about how to get a message to Mithrandir. He could indeed be just about anywhere and leaving a message in Imladris certainly makes the most sense. I was glad Thranduil put an end to them all blaming themselves, but I can definitely understand why Legolas feels he should go as the last surviving member of the patrol responsible for Gollum that night and when he was unable to help in the search.
The moment between father and son was so beautiful. Legolas need the reassurance of his father, I think, and Thranduil seems so sorry to see him go. I love that even as an adult, Thranduil still calls him “mouse”. Poor Thranduil. He has no idea that “as soon as you are able” will be a much longer time that he thinks.
Great chapter, FP! Apologies again for the delay in reviewing. :-)
The Karenator
· 20 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
I had sympathy pains with Legolas while he held his bow at full draw. I like how you handled Legolas's recovery. And the guilt he felt for being the only survivor. But then, there seemed to be enough guilt to go around. You also did a nice job of getting across to the reader the dire circumstances of Mirkwood with the shadow moving closer to where the elves lived. The last conversation between Legolas and Thranduil was nice. There was much left unsaid, but the reader could 'hear' the underlying unspoken love and sadness between the king and his departing son.
Nicely done.
Karen
Karri
· 19 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
Terrific chapter, FP! I liked the pace of Legolas's recovery. Too often character heal much to quickly in fanfic to be plausible, and I find that irksome. Thranduil was very good with him, as well, but then I always adore you Thranduil and Legolas relationship. One of my favorite lines of his was when he told Legolas he could sleep as much as he liked so long as he always awoke. :-) You have done a good job of creating a believable sense of purpose in sending Legolas to Rivendell, too. Another of my favorite Thranduil line is when his bids Legolas return home when he is able. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 19 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
Poor Legolas still blames himself - he is bound to, I suppose, as he was not only one of the warriors who 'let' Gollum escape, but also the only survivor.
Thranduil is wonderful here - supportive and understanding, and saying all the right things. The scene where he holds Legolas is great - but that hug will have to last him a lot longer than he imagines :(
Jay
elliska
· 19 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
"If I think about my shoulder. . . I do not mind the headache so much." Good line and too true. Poor Legolas. We all know how miserable it is to get back into shape after an injury or illness and we are not usually talking about such severe injuries or such peak shape either. It is so nice to see GoodAda!Thranduil. I just love him and you do a great job with him. The mouse nickname is very sweet. :)
What I really like--and certainly expected from you--was Legolas voluntering to go to Imladris and Thranduil allowing him to go because it would help him heal (i.e. not as a punishment as has been portrayed many times). And little details like the apples make this so nicely done.
Good job and I am very glad to see that appears to be not nearly over. I'd like to see Legolas in Imladris agreeing to go on the Quest. And dare we hope to see Thranduil's reaction to that news? I will hope and we'll see what we get. :)
perelleth
· 19 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
"I am beginning to regret that I ever mentioned blame today," Yes, they seem to be contending for the "most guilty elf of the month" award. It must have been such a shock, with the stronghold attacked and the orcs right by their doors... Guilt is such a tricky feeling. And who would have said Thranduil would take it so mildly? I half expected seeing him spitting fire as a dragon, demanding a satisfactory explanation from Mithrandir!
Lamiel
· 18 April 2005
· Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
I've done a small amount of martial arts training, and I know how exhausting it can be to hold a strenuous pose for even thirty seconds, let alone five minutes! If we say that Legolas' longbow is at least, what, a 50 lb draw (more like 100 lb from the way he shot that Nazgul in FOTR) . . . oh my, I hurt just thinking about it. And then he hit the target! No question, even weakened and hurting, Legolas rocks. Maybe I should change that to ESPECIALLY when weakened and hurting. (grin)
Loved Thranduil's comforting of him in this chapter. That was beautiful. And the description of the effects that Dol Guldor had on the patrol that approached it was perfect -- you captured the horror of that place very well. I do think that the patrol leader would know what it was, though. Goodness knows Thranduil must have been arranging patrols to guard against and avoid that region to the south for a long time.
I notice that this chapter does not say "the end" -- so we will get to see a bit of Legolas' experience in Imladris? Oh goody, I am looking forward to that. The bit about the apples shows just how well you can describe our Mirkwood Prince's wonder in even the simplest things, and I eagerly await his reaction to Imladris. And of course I can hardly wait to see more of him and Aragorn together.