Starlight and Moonlight · 17 April 2018 · Chapter 16: Family
The ending is so sad!!!
On Border Patrol by Manderly
Reviews (132)
Starlight and Moonlight · 11 April 2018 · Chapter 12: Farewells
I love how you portrayed Raynan's character especially. At first when I realized that there would be humans in the story, I felt disappointed. But it is not so now. The mortals only made the story better, and I feel guilty for thinking that the story might not be good with those certain characters in it. I see now that I was very wrong.
Asms2 · 1 April 2016 · Chapter 16: Family
Another outstanding story! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoy your writing. There are so many excellent scenes in here. I would pause after reading some of them individually and just enjoy the sequence in my mind, before continuing on. Your writing has a certain realistic quality to it that I adore. These characters just feel like a real family. I LOVE IT!!
Faramir of Gondor · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 16: Family
LOVE IT!!!!!:)
Author's reply
Glad you liked it!
yanic · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 16: Family
Had to read this story again to get my Manderly "fix." Any chance you'll be returning to SOA anytime soon?
Author's reply
Well, thank you for reading and commenting again. It's always nice to hear from readers. As for returning to SOA, I sorry to say that the Muses have totally abandonned me and I have not been able to come up with an idea for a story at all. I will continue to try though and hopefully something will come to mind soon.
nautika · 5 November 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
You know I first reviewed this on ff.net, but someone on one of the boards was asking about it yesterday. FF.net was down and they had an overwhelming need to read one of your fics, so they were asking if anyone had it saved and could email it to them. I emailed them that you also posted on SoA, but their request put me in the mood to read a Manderly fic. It was late, so I started in the middle, in the chapter when Legolas is hurt. I was just too tired to finish it, so I got up this morning and now I am here sniffling and blinking tears. You are just *so* good at this! Awesome!
Author's reply
Wow, an overwhelming need to read one of my stories!? I am overwhelmed by that mere thought! And thank you very much for responding to that someone and thank you again for re-reading and reviewing this story. It's always such a pleasure to hear from readers!
Wantanelf · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
Thank you for a wonderful story. My life has been a disaster lately but your story has been a sorely needed bright spot. I'm sorry I have not reviewed earlier. I've read all your stories and this one, like all the rest was great. Both you and Daw have created wonderful families for Legolas. They have become real to me. I thoroughly enjoy reading about their lives. I hope you have some more stories dying to be told. I could use the escape from the real world. Thanks again!
Author's reply
Thank you for your very kind words! Real life can be a pain sometimes and I also find that reading fanfics often give me the space that I need to get away. Daw is a wonderful writer and a great inspiration to me so I am very honoured to be mentioned along side of her name. So thank you for that huge compliment! I hope I will have another story out soon, but right now I am fresh out of ideas (at least workable ones) for a story. I guess I will have to continue to wrack my brain. Thank you for reading and reviewing!
elliska · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
So sorry to see this one end. I liked the conversations between Legolas, Thranduil and Legolas's brothers. I especially liked the last one with Feren. I am glad to see them a little closer and I like the Legolas wants to visit Esgaroth. This was a great story, Manderly. :-)
Author's reply
I'm sorry to see this story end too. I'm feeling rather lost in the evenings now that I don't have a story to work on. I think after this little adventure, both Legolas and Feren has a better understanding of each other and might be a bit more forgiving of each other from now on. Thanks so much for reading and for your reviews!
thechevin · 15 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
I am so sorry to see this lovely story come to an end even though it means that Legolas is on the way to a full recovery and his whole family can spend a little time fussing over him I enjoyed seeing the reactions and feelings of each member of the family, Aldeon with the memory of seeing his brothers return with Legolas so close to death Thranduil of course who seems indomitable but must be emotionally exhausted after all the worry his youngest puts him through, when Legolas said his Adar would see he was still here when Tavaro returned I think it was rather more the strength of will of the king that would keep him anchored in Middle Earth I suspect Thranduil is stubborn enough to fight off the grim reaper himself when it comes to the wellbeing of his children. I was happy to see Tavaro back with his baby brother, some gentle teasing will be good for Legolas and Tavaro's true feelings shine out so clearly what a terrrible journey he had coming home with fear of being too late in his mind all the time And Feren, oh dear Legolas still doesn't intend to obey because he should, and is still going to argue I forsee some long lectures and disagreements ahead although once again their love for each other will help Thank you again for such a lovely read my thoughts don't do your work justice but I do enjoy your writing so much
Author's reply
Like I have said to others, I am sorry too that this story is over. Feels rather empty now that I don't have these chapters to re-edit over and over again. I must come up with another story soon so I can torture myself some more. Legolas has pretty well struck a pot of gold as far as families go. His family is certainly supportive and loving and considering Legolas' past and future, he will certainly need this family of his behind him every step of the way. I missed having Tavaro in this story so I knew I had to bring him back at least for this last chapter. By this time, I think everybody in the Royal Family needs a bit of his irreverence and humour though I'm sure it wasn't easy for Tavaro to come up with the laughs after such an emotional draining journey home. Legolas has a way to go yet in learning discipline and poor Feren will probably be tested time and time again yet in dealing with little brother. Thank you very much for reading this story and for your wonderful comments throughout. I really really do appreciate them!
Bodkin · 15 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
Aldeon is such a lovely big brother. So caring. And Thranduil is a delightful father alongside being a good king. The relief they feel over Legolas's recovery is tangible - and it's great to see them caring for him. I'm glad Tavaro turned up. That must have been a terrible journey home for him. Worse, in a way, than the one Feren endured. He knew that Legolas was badly hurt, but at least had him there with him - whereas Tavaro must have dreaded arriving home only to find that his little brother hadn't made it. I think he is wise to point out that 'you were taught by the masters to dodge the arrows of the enemy, not to stop them with your body parts. I'm sure that Legolas will be grateful for having that pointed out. And Feren might be preparing a lecture for his little brother - but I think it's one he will be delighted to be able to deliver (and that Legolas needs to hear). I hope it contains some wise advice on dealing with the difficulty of being both brothers and serving warriors. And that when you speak is often as important as what you say. But I'm truly glad that Legolas has asked Feren to go with him to Esgaroth - and I really really hope to read the account of that visit before too long has passed. I empathise with Feren's last vision of the elfling turned warrior - a lovely story and I hope for more soon.
Author's reply
Aldeon is certainly the motherhen one of the brothers. I am sure Thranduil can use the help, being a single parent and all. You are right about Tavaro's journey being the worst. It's always not knowing that's the hardest. As hard as it was, he must have been gearing himself for the possibility of Legolas' death. Luckily for all, Legolas manages to come out of this relatively unscathed, though I'm sure Tavaro isn't the only one to lose a few years off his life over this incident. Feren is probably feeling too relieved right now to think of anything harsh to say to Legolas regarding discipline, but I am sure he'll come around soon enough and give Legolas a time of it. Hopefully the brothers will have gained a better insight and understanding of each other that the lecture won't get too heated. Thank you for reading this story and your very thoughtful and encouraging reviews throughout!
The Karenator · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
What a nice ending, Manderly. I could feel how slow and weak Legolas felt. You did a very nice job of conveying that. I liked the talk between Legolas and Feren. Nope, Legolas doesn't quite get it yet that he takes orders whether he approves of them or not. Feren was kind and wise at this point when he didn't get upset or say anything about it. Of course, Legolas will hear what his commander has to say at a later date, I'm sure. This was a delightful story. I hate to see it end, but that just sets me up to look forward to the next one. Thanks for sharing this with us. Karen
Author's reply
Legolas has some way to go yet. I don't want him to mature too quickly on me and become sensible. That wouldn't leave me much to write about. It's always more fun to write about a reckless Legolas! Like you said, Feren is biding his time. He is now being the concerned older brother, but later I am sure he will play the role of a stringent commander. If I were Legolas, I'd play the sick elf for as long as I can. Thank you very much for your kind words. It's kind of sad for me to see the story end too, but there's always a next time! Thanks again, Karen!
Yanic · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
Ahh, it just made my night to see an update on this story! A gem! I loved how Legolas had to tackle his fear of humans, can we be expecting a dwarf related story coming soon? Please? And what about a reunion between Legolas and his new mortal friends? I loved this story very much and can not wait to see what you come up with next.
Author's reply
A dwarf story? I have briefly thought about one, but can't seem to get it going coherenly. I will have to work harder on it, I guess. I am glad you liked the story and I thank you for reading and reviewing!
Lianna · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
"You scared a millennium off my life, bratling." "I do my best." I think this is the point where we know that Legolas really will be all right -- and not just physically. It was reassuring to hear a bit of that sort of teasing return. Thank you for the story, Manderly. I enjoyed reading it, especially the part where Legolas learns new lessons about Men.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Legolas will be fine. How can he not be with his entire family brooding over him? It will be just a matter of time before he gets restless for more adventure. You are very welcome! I am very glad that you liked the story and thank you for reading it and for your reviews! They mean a lot to me!
jambaby41963 · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
That was fabulous!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I am glad you liked it!
French Pony · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
Looks like the entire family is slowly getting over its collective stroke upon seeing Legolas come home. There's nothing like learning that a wounded younger sibling will recover. The whole time I was reading this, I was remembering the time my little sister was attacked by a dog on her way home from a friend's house. She ran home bleeding and screaming, and I think I screamed almost as loud as she did. I wonder if it would make Thranduil and the older brothers feel any better to know that Legolas can't die because he will be needed later on in life so that Elrond can send him on a suicide mission to Mordor. Probably not. . . This was a great story, and I really enjoyed reading it.
Author's reply
Collective stroke? LOL! I suppose that is a very apt description of the family. There is something about younger siblings that brings out the protective side in all of us, I think. If my little sister was hurt like yours, I'd be doing plenty of screaming too! If Thranduil ever catches wind of what Elrond has in store for his baby, he'd probably lock up Legolas for good and set the older brothers to guard over him. Other that, or he'd lead a war party against poor Elrond! Thank you for reading this story and thank you for all your reviews!
Mystwing · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
Great chapter! I really get the feeling of family in this last chapter. I really enjoyed your story and I'm sad to see it end. I look forward to reading more of your stories in the future.
Author's reply
I'm sad to see it end too as this story has been my companion for a few months now. I guess I better start thinking about the next one. Thank you for reading!
daw the minstrel · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
Lovely finish, Manderly. I thought you did particularly well in capturing Legolas's confusion and weakness as he awakens. And Tavaro was a breath of fresh air in the sick room. Thank you for this story. I enjoyed reading it.
Author's reply
I couldn't let the story end without bringing Tavaro for at least a token appearance. And like you said, the sick room needed a breath of fresh air and who better to provide it than him? I'm glad you liked the story and thank you for all your reviews!
Vicki_Turner · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
*tear tear* I am very sad to see this tale end. It was a wonderful tale and beautifully written. Great job!
Author's reply
I'm rather lost too now that this story is finished. It's been occupying much of my spare time over the last couple of months. Thank you for reading it!
Kat · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 16: Family
Aw, I loved the ending! I'm so glad Legolas is ok and everything worked out. I'm looking forward to reading more of your stories in the future.
Author's reply
Thank you! I reworked this last chapter a few times and still wasn't completely happy with it, so I am very glad you liked it. Hopefully I'll get another plot bunny in the near future and come up with another story.
elliska · 10 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Anger and Guilt
Hah! I loved seeing Bainion get his and I hope he gets still more seeing how completely flippant he was. Moron! When you are facing the troop commander, it might be wise to show a little respect, especially when you have made such bad decisions. You did a good job with that conversation though. I could almost see some of Bainion's points. And I love seeing Thranduil. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Bainion didn't handle that very well, did he? I guess he doesn't understand the concept that the commander is always right. I guess he doesn't think he has done anything wrong regardless of the deaths and injuries. I had to get Thranduil in here somehow. He's been quite scarce in this story!
thechevin · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Anger and Guilt
Well Bainion did himself no favours did he? Is it just his dislike of Legolas and the royal family that makes it impossible for him to see that his decision making in this instance was poor or is there a deeper reason, whatever I hope Feren's dismissal of him does not come back to haunt him later. Bainion as an enemy would be a dangerous opponent. I liked how Feren tried to ge him to see sense but eventually decided that there was only one way to protect other warriors from this opinionated and unfeeling officer. Of course Thranduil knows that his son needs his support and love and he gives it unconditionally even though he must be exhausted and angry himself, what a wonderful father he is to all his sons this is a lovely tale wonderfully well told
Author's reply
Bainion was certainly asking for the boot by carrying on the way he did when summoned before the commander. He probably didn't think Feren would dismiss him because of his long history as a warrior. I agree with you. I don't think I would want Bainion as an enemy. I can see him plotting his revenge already. Feren is probably quite shaken by this whole experience and Thranduil wisely steps in with encouragement and love. I think I want Thranduil to be my father too! Thanks for your continuous support!
eliza61 · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Anger and Guilt
Whew, talk about angst. Great, great chapter. You can certainly feel every one's emotions running amok. I really like how you have written Legolas's family. I actually felt sorry for Thranduil & Feren. I think I posted on your previous chapters but just in case I didn't, it was nice seeing you developed Legolas maturing, especially how he begins to lose some of his old prejudices against humans (well maybe you should let him keep some of them, don't want him getting to wise to quickly. LOL). Anyway thanks for the great story, post soon. Your fan, Eliza
Author's reply
Thank you for your encouraging review. This chapter actually wasn't planned, as I have already said in an earlier response, but I am glad it turned out the way it did. It really gave me the opportunity to work on Feren's character further, and to bring in Thranduil as well since Adar hasn't had much of a part in this story so far. Legolas is maturing, but I agree with you in that I don't want him to mature too quickly either. Takes the fun out of writing a sometimes reckless elf!
Bodkin · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Anger and Guilt
Sensitivity is not one of Bainion's major failings, is it? And it seems as if intelligence is rather lacking, too. (When your commanding officer is behaving in that manner, Bainion, it's a good idea to assume a meek and apologetic demeanour!) It's not as if Bainion's mistakes are terribly easy to justify - letting orcs get away and sending off the humans with a mere four guards are both pretty dumb decisions. Although letting your commanding officer see that you feel he is acting from personal motives and showing your resentment of his younger brother aren't exactly good moves either. In one way, I don't blame Feren for getting rid of the fool. But, on the other hand, I think Bainion is one who is probably better kept under someone's eye. Demoted and in the Home Guard, perhaps. Free to go off full of seething resentment - he could become dangerous. But hey - I'm glad to say Feren's in charge and it's his decision! Adar did a good job reassuring his son - and the King did a good job reassuring his troop commander, too. Moreover, Thranduil was very good at knitting the two together. And I'm glad he will be at Feren's shoulder to support him through this. Feren may be a big boy now, but he needs the person best able to see the elf beneath the role. Nice relationship.
Author's reply
Bainion isn't too bright, but I think he truly believes that he has done no wrong and that's the scary part. He reminds me of some long time worker at a company, petrified over the years and immune to changes and development, all the while acting as if he should be treated royally simply because of his long history. It's probably very satisfying for Feren to give Bainion the boot, but you have a point there. Maybe it would have been better if Feren had assigned him to some mundane task (latrine duties?) and keep him under close scrutiny. I think after an experience like this, even the incomparable Feren needs a bit of TLC from Adar, and Thranduil is more than willing in dishing it out, and doing it in a way that wouldn't slight Feren in his time of doubt.
French Pony · 7 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Anger and Guilt
Go Feren! Go Feren! He did just the right thing. Bainion was stupid and willfully disregarded safety. That's an offense that would get him kicked out of a fencing club, to say nothing of a real fighting army. And mouthing off to Feren while in the midst of being dressed down? Clearly, Bainion doesn't feel he has enough danger in his life if he has to run around courting it like this. And good for Thranduil for dealing with Feren's sense of guilt. You can't have your troop commander second-guessing himself after something like this, and Thranduil knows just how to deliver the one-two father-King punch.
Author's reply
Bainion is stupid and incompetent, but unfortunately, he doesn't recognize that himself and puts the blame on everyone else. I can hear him cursing every member of the Royal Family as he skulks away to lick his wounds. Revenge of Bainion! Now there's a plot bunny for a sequel! Thranduil is a wise king, and a wise father and he comes through when his son needs him the most. Wish all fathers can be like him!
lwarren · 7 September 2005 · Chapter 15: Anger and Guilt
Manderly, you keep revealing more fascinating layers of Feren's personality. I'm feeling somewhat guilty for thinking him a stern, stiff, unfeeling older brother! I really like the way his character is developing - and this little gem of a chapter revealed all the various conflicts within himself he's been dealing with. We see the stern, strong commander of Mirkwood's forces taking a foolish, arrogant idiot (Bainion) to task (Well done, Feren!) and the big, protective older brother side who also has a hand in the decision to relieve Bainion of duty. It's a delicate, fine line Feren walks...it really shows here. And I loved the way we also get to see Feren, the son being encouraged and comforted by Thranduil, the father (who knows first hand about juggling all the different hats he and his sons must wear!) This was very well done, Manderly. I think Feren is rising quickly as one of my favorite brothers (tho' no one could ever replace the youngest of the family! :-) Gee, that's a surprise!) Wonderful! linda
Author's reply
We've probably been seeing Feren through Legolas' eyes and so far, the two brothers haven't really seen eye-to-eye on a number of things, in spite of the obvious love that they have for each other. They have now seen the other in action and is more understanding of the other's responsibilities and feelings. It's been quite interesting for me as well to develop Feren's character. Funny how you can surprise yourself sometimes in writing. I guess if there's anyone that Feren would reveal his doubts to, it would be to his father, and Thranduil knows each of his sons well, doesn't he? Thank goodness for Adar!