A Charge To Keep by French Pony
daw the minstrel · 18 April 2005 · Chapter 5: From Such A Seed
Legolas is really struggling with survivor guilt here and I can see why. He didn't do anything wrong, unless you count not dying when everyone else did. Thranduil's people certainly seem to be struggling against the darkness in this tale.
Bodkin · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
The most difficult duty of a king, indeed. I'm glad to see that Heledir's naneth realises that he is also an elf - and that his son is as dear to him as hers was to her. Good to see the tree protecting Thranduil's son - and that he had to coax the protector to let them help him. Love Thranduil calling him 'mouse'. Old terms of endearment surface at moments of crisis, even if your children have forced you to stop using them years before. And Padathir's fate - horrific. The not knowing is far more scary than anything that could be described. Not a moment after which you can wave cheerily to your only child as he swans off on a quest that will take him from you in more ways than one.
perelleth · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
Oops! (keeps removing gore from the screen...) The aftermath was... even worse... . Mmmm. Not much to add.. liked the scene of Thranduil begging the tree to release Legolas...and then.. you did twist the knife about Padathir.. maybe I need to re read it, but not tonight...
Lamiel · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
Gandalf has a lot to answer for here, doesn't he. I did particularly like the scene where Thranduil had to convince the tree to let Legolas go. What a lovely touch -- thanking it for protecting his 'sapling'! Ah, that was nice. I also liked Thranduil's battle strategy of sending the runners with lanterns through the trees. Clever Elvenking -- and so passionate, to take up arms himself. But all his cleverness could not keep all his people safe. It is a pity.
TithenFeredir · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
Having Thranduil in the party that discovered the massacre was an excellent, wrenching moment. It was at once heartwarming and a bit chilling that the tree was holding Legolas and wouldn't let go until Thranduil asked. I really like it that he treats Legolas so tenderly but is also grieving over the others who were killed. You ended it with such a jolt, saying simply that Padathir was not found. Wow! ~TF
TithenFeredir · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 3: In Peril's Hour
The way you built up the tension in this chapter was very effective and the battle was very well done. It was fast, confusing, brutal, and truly scary. You didn't show any mercy to the patrol, and that made it so realistic. ~TF
daw the minstrel · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
I liked the look we get at the Warrior King. We don't often see Thranduil like that in fan fiction. But poor Legolas. The tree holds him, which is good. And I was so touched when Thranduil called him mouse, which I know he does in other stories too. The Stag King one maybe?
elliska · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
Well, we knew this was not going to be good and that certainly turned out to be true. I liked this: Thranduil struggled to clear his mind of thought and determine the source of his unease, but he found it difficult. Something very far away inside his mind was screaming in pain and terror. And as nasty as the battle was in the last chapter, the aftermath was even worse, I think. You had some truly disgusting descriptions there! But the nastiest was the last line. Maybe my mind is too twisted, but the implication there is a real **eewww!** moment. And Thranduil's reactions here are very well done. And the thought that makes this even sadder to me is that shortly after Legolas recovers, Thranduil is going to have to let him go to Rivendell. After almost losing him here, that would be really hard. Looking forward to the next chapter. :)
Dot · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
Oh my God!!! Wow. I was so touched by the image of Thranduil sitting in front of the fire for the night, knowing something was very wrong but unable to figure out exactly what it is. What a terrible burden he bears at times like this in his connection to his forest and his people. And of course, his son. Weaving the lanterns among the trees and was clever! It was such a strange moment, watching these warriors discuss how manageable the battle was and how it seemed to be going well for them, and all the time I’m wondering when they’re going to realise the devastation that awaits them by Gollum’s tree. And what a horrific scene it was. Makes me wish I didn’t read this so late at night! Poor Heledir brought tears to my eyes, especially his final words when the warrior becomes a vulnerable child again. I was so afraid you wouldn’t let us know what happened to Legolas until the next chapter! I absolutely love the thought of the tree clutching Legoals so tightly, unwilling to let him go. Thranduil has such strength, to be able to leave the heart-breaking sight of his son lying so still and quiet to do the painful duty of speaking to the families of the dead warriors. The part about the parents being particularly stunned nearly had me in tears. I like Heledir’s mother. She too seems to have strength and I thought it was amazingly selfless of her to reach out to Thranduil in that moment when her own world has been shattered and offer him some comfort and the chance that she never had, to spend his son’s last moments by his side if he were not to survive this. Legolas seems to be in such a bad way. In addition to the pain of his injuries he has the memories. "Orcs. . . we fought. . . friends died. . . " My heart went out to him at that moment. So sad. And… I think I’m better off not knowing exactly what happened Padathir. Excellent chapter :-)
Karri · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
An excellent chapter, FP! I made me a little teary I must admit and made me want to go back and read Masque of the King Stag again.
Jay of Lasgalen · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 4: The Mournful Night
This is very chilling - the descriptions of the slaughtered elves and their injuries. I can't help wondering what the orcs did to Padathir :( We know Legolas will live, but this story explains why it was so long after Gollum's escape that he took the news to Elrond. That has always bothered me. Why not inform him and Aragorn immediately? Jay
perelleth · 8 April 2005 · Chapter 3: In Peril's Hour
Mmm, now I fully understand your claim about forensics in the foreword. You got me here!(Again, I should add. I was awed by your explanation of how Fingon had to break and then sever Maedhros' hand! I'm not fond of "gorensics" myself, but I do appreciate a good job when I see one!) I think I'd never before read of a battle so focused on the nasty sounds of broken bones, and rent flesh (is it my imagination or I really heard it?)you do have an eye for forensic detail, truth be told, I simply bow. As I've said before, this is a wonderful gap filler, I'm enjoying it a lot. I'm still haunted by that image in chapter two, of Thranduil sitting in silence and pondering gollum. It struck me, really.
Dot · 5 April 2005 · Chapter 3: In Peril's Hour
Such a great chapter. I really like the group of guards and their kindness to Gollum as well as the friendship and banter between themselves. I though it was interesting that you didn’t make Legolas the captain of them. I don’t know why I presumed you would. You painted such a sad, hopeless and extremely ominous picture of the approaching Shadow. It was a very moving moment when Thranduil reached out to Luindil, and I like how willing he is to trust the Dwarves. I really love your Thranduil. He’s so much more open than most people make him, despite the darkness at his door, and still there’s no sense of naïveté about his openness, but a feeling that it stems from wisdom. Nice. Despite knowing what had to happen, my heart was still in my mouth when the guards were starting to become uneasy about Gollum’s silence. Such tension! I was actually quite touched by the fact that one of their first thoughts was that he was injured. Even if they did still decide to leave him in the tree. I thought it was very effective the way the way Menellir and Thranduil were both uneasy about something in the forest. And then the battle! Wow, that was horrible. The sounds in particular had me cringing but it was such a vivid picture, written marvellously. I can’t wait for the next update – I’m just dying to know where you’re taking this!
Karri · 5 April 2005 · Chapter 3: In Peril's Hour
A wonderful chapter, FP! This description of what happened is well done and the characters are all beautifully portrayed.
elliska · 5 April 2005 · Chapter 3: In Peril's Hour
When did you post this? I swear I didn't see it last night. This is just a scary chapter and you did a good job portraying that. Gollum going stil in the tree, the conversation about the spread of the shadow and the lack of food, Menellir and Thranduil's feeling that all is not right...all add up to a nice spooky tone. And for very good reasons. That battle was just nasty! The sound effects were particularly disgusting. Good job. :) And a good job fleshing out the scene in the tree that canon only gives us one sentence or so about. That was one heck of a place to leave us! I did not imagine Legolas getting injuried in this so that really surprised me. I'm looking forward to seeing how you get him out of the mess he's in.
Lamiel · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 3: In Peril's Hour
And then? And then? I know that Legolas has to survive the attack, but that isn't much comfort when you leave us on such a cliff-hanger as this! What if the Orcs take him with them and Gollum? I'd never thought of it before, but it could happen. Oh, and THAT would add a whole new level to the story! I'm having thoughts of Dol Guldor, and the Witchking, and all sorts of delicious levels of Elf torture . . . ahem. I'll try to restrain myself. Loved the way all the Elves were uneasy, especially Thranduil. Ooh, no matter how this comes out, he is NOT going to be a happy Elvenking. Oh, and nice characterization of him regarding the Dwarves, too. Such a relief to see him as the fully fleshed out character he should be, and not a cipher. Good job with this chapter - and there's no telling where you'll go from here. I'm looking forward to more.
daw the minstrel · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 3: In Peril's Hour
Oh wow. That was tense. I like the way you have Legolas as one of the guards, but not in charge. That makes for an interesting dynamic here. I also like how kind and patient the elves are with Gollum.
perelleth · 3 April 2005 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy
I liked the picture of Thranduil sitting with Gollum and watching him. It seemed very likely to me. He's quite a riddle, and Mithrandir has been nothing but his obscure self. It was nice and good that Gandalf chose to repay them in flour, but one cannot help wondering how that may look afer the orcs attack them and some guards are lost. It was great danger he was placing under their care, with no warning at all. And so fitting they all would devote such lengths of thought and discussion to the well being of their "prisoner"
The Karenator · 1 April 2005 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy
I really liked the discussion about Bilbo between Thranduil and Gandalf. I like that Thranduil held the little hobbit in such high esteem, despite the whole 'escape' thing that happened. The conversations about Imladris were nice. Little does Legolas know that he'll see this place...soon. Is it canon that Gandalf didn't tell Thranduil the nature of Gollum's importance? I've got to look that up. That's an interesting thought. I also thought it was interesting the way you handled the 'rehabilitation' attempts of Gollum. The kitchen staff taking part is a nice twist. They're trying to see to the creature's needs. Unfortunately, good intentioned actions don't always turn out the way we plan. Karen
perelleth · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: Needful Duty
Great gap-filler you chose here! Loved your detailed descriptions and characterizations. Gandalf is his good old self, cheeky and taking advantage of his old age..( these Maiar did have a sense of humour, I think, to be clad in such powerless and unappealing forms...)Thranduil is great, cautious but not mean, he seems to know how to play along with Gandalf...great job!
Jay of Lasgalen · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy
I think Gandalf was rather unfair to the elves, not telling them the true threat Gollum posed. On a 'need to know' basis, they needed to know! I love Thranduil's sympathy and understanding, and his equating Gollum's precious with his own marriage ring. Legolas, too is great here - astutely reading that Strider is not Aragorn's true name, and doing his part in caring for Gollum. It's just a shame that we know how all this ends :( Jay
Lamiel · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy
Well, I am sorry to have lost Aragorn from this story so soon, but I suppose it can't be helped. And I do like the way you've portrayed the Elves, and especially Thranduil, in this story. The characters are well drawn and believable, and very much in keeping with Tolkien's world. This has been a pleasant diversion so far, but I have the feeling that all will not go well with Gollum's keepers. (grin)
elliska · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy
I enjoyed the conversation about Bilbo. That was nicely done. Gandalf harrumphed, as though he had been suddenly reminded of a failing of old age. Funny line! And I liked Legolas's comments regarding Strider vs Aragorn and their conversation about Imladris...ah little does Legolas know, of course. What new perils come with Gollum?" "He bites," Aragorn said. *Snort* That was funny. Smart ass! I liked Gandalf's 'gift/reward'--that was a nice touch. And I loved Thranduil's attempt to help Gollum. That was very well done, a fascinating conversation for those of us that know more than Thranduil and it cast Thranduil in exactly the correct light, in my opinion. And I liked the realistic way you showed them coming to their decision to let him go into the forest. So many people portray that as kind of a bumbling, 'consequences never occurred to them' thing, so I like this depiction much better. Still, we know no good is coming of this. I'm interested to see how far you carry this. I am very much enjoying it.
Karri · 29 March 2005 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy
Oh, the tension builds! This is coming along wonderfully. I was very glad to see there was more up for me to read; made my night. :-D
TithenFeredir · 28 March 2005 · Chapter 2: The Quality Of Mercy
It is nice to see a kindly, gracious Thranduil, not only in his hospitality to Gandalf and Aragorn, but in his attempt to find out what would make Gollum happy. The description of Imladris was lovely as well. There is something about the way you are writing this story that gives it a unique and very pleasant tone. I think you may be evoking something of Tolkien's style in a subtle way. Very nice. ~TF