Eilenach
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Daughter of the House of the Golden Flower
A good, solid rationale for sending Laureanna back in time. I like it that you have addressed possible arguments for why Sauron should not be able to make it to Aman.
[“He would not be able to sail here without elven ships. Even if he could come here, Ulmo could stop him before he arrived. Besides, how would his forces find the Straight Road?” Salmar said, questioningly.
“He has a fleet of Elven ships. Cirdan and the Teleri elves from Mithlond were not killed but enslaved by Sauron. At first, the elves built the ships fearing what Sauron would do to their Lord Cirdan, who was being held in Minas Morgul by the Witch King. Eventually they were corrupted and built the ships in the service of the Dark Lord,” Ulmo said in a deep booming voice. “When the hobbit, Frodo, was killed, he had the gift from Galadriel, the phial with the Star of Eärendil. It will be used to guide his way.”
Glorfindel felt a pain deep in his heart remembering his dream. It had been a warning of things to come.
“But can you not stop this fleet before it arrives?” Melian asked.
“His ships are unseen by my eyes. Whether by Saruman or The Ring’s power, I do not know, but his ships have passed out of sight. I fear I cannot stop them.” Ulmo’s voice sounded sad to Laurëanna. ]
It's interesting that the elves were willing to accept defeat in Middle Earth until Aman was threatened!
Author's reply
I tried to make sure I had all my bases covered and didn't ever use the whole 'its AU so I can do what I want to' argument. I wanted to make sure it was believable. In fact, I spent time researching and debating with fellow writers on even minor details. In later flashbacks you'll see the rationale behind accepting defeat in Middle Earth.
Eilenach
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Well, as the reviewer said over at Tolkien Fan Fiction, you COULD just flesh out this prologue and make a dark AU piece out of it. However, I am very glad that you are continuing!
Author's reply
Thank you. I saw that review on TFF and thought about it but the flashbacks do show glimpses of that world. My direction for this story was somewhat different though. I wondered at first when I posted it if I would lose readers instantly by killing off all of the Fellowship and some other main characters. In fact I almost threw one friend into a heartattack when she first read it. She's a big Legolas fan and threatened my life if I didn't 'fix' it LOL I told her she'd have to keep reading to see ;)
Larner
· 26 February 2007
· Chapter 12: Spellbound
Oh, how close they are becoming in spite of the history not openly shared. And am glad they are indeed going after the Corsairs and history isn't being bent unduly.
Author's reply
hehe Thanks!
Larner
· 26 February 2007
· Chapter 11: Hollow and Bewildered
Oh, no! Now she has changed the history once more, and may well allow the Corsairs to reach Minas Tirith with their reinforcements. Oh, young elleth, you need to get a grip! It is not for nothing one of the names for Sauron is Lord of Lies.
Author's reply
lol Laureanna is a little overwhelmed and confused. ;) You'll have to keep reading to see if she does the right thing in the end. Thanks for the review!
pipinheart
· 24 February 2007
· Chapter 12: Spellbound
Nicely done!
I love the competetion for Laureanna hand in the begining and both knowing she was Glorfindel's daughter, and he being so overprotective of her.
Laureanna has a difficult job, Elrohir dosen't trust her and accuses her of being a spy and later a burden. Its a wonder she hasn't hit him in the head or something...
Please update soon, very nice...
Author's reply
Elrohir is fighting his feelings. Typical man - probably needs to be hit in the head. Maybe a little b*tchslap will straighten him out. LOL
Daynawayna
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 12: Spellbound
Well, now I'm all caught up and ... wow. what a ride! I had my first real "heart attack" when Laureanna had her 'Havens vision' and told Aragorn NOT to face the corsairs.. what is she, nuts? Can't she tell it's from the Dark Lord trying to confuse her and cloud her judgement? Laureanna, honey, pay attention and look at the situation! The Witch King SEES YOU and SPEAKS TO YOU IN YOUR CURRENT TIME. He's trying to make you doubt yourself, honey. DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!! (this was the conversation I was having with my notebook as I read this part. I was NOT amused. LOL )
And THEN... she goes and pulls a Pippin!! Atempting to look into the Palintir!?!? Again, what are you child, NUTZ? What makes you think you can look and be any better off than Pippin was?? (at this point my heart was beating rapidly and I was very tense... not condusive for pleasantly answering phones.) Holy cow, child! I'm going to take you over my knee... Oh whew! She got *caught*... oh great, by Elrohir. Wonderful.
So now we have the Dark Lord seemingly aware of her presence here to change the future, which is not good. Does this mean he's reached Aman and is wreaking havoc? Cuz she's been in ME way more than 2 days, so if things are progressing in both time lines, that means to me that Sauron has defeated the elves and is now trying to change what he can by messing with Laureanna's mind so she messes up and keeps *his* timeline in his favor. What a tangled web you've woven, Alassante. I usually don't like to think overly much in the stories I read, but you've got my brain working overtime here! LOL. More more more!!
Author's reply
One thing about Laureanna that people tend to forget at times. She's a very young elleth who has lived in peace all her life. She's in way over her head and is going to make some mistakes. Whether or not she makes any tragic ones - you'll have to wait and see. I promise to keep it interesting and I hope that you continue to feel as passionately while reading this story. I want people to start yelling, laughing, or crying at their PC.
The whole paradox concept is VERY complicated so you never know what may happen because one little change could have a huge ripple effect. Just like Aragorn not taking the Paths of the Dead ended up with the destruction of Middle Earth in her history - she could make a minor change that affect the whole war. Like one character said (I think it was Legolas at Edoras but I can't remember right this second lol) - her being in ME has already changed the future for good. I was always a big fan of TV shows that had people going back and forth in time and they always basically said "Don't change anything or you could end up changing the future as we know it." She was sent there to make a change but her being there could change other things enough that it might not all be happy after-effects.
I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. :) And thanks for the reviews!
Daynawayna
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 8: In My Dreams He Binds Me
It's been a looooooooong time since I reviewed, being busy with life and wanting to devote the proper time to this story and not just read snatches here and there while at work. So I finally decided to PRINT IT OUT (from the begining!) to read at work. It's even got its own folder and everything. :) I want you to know Alassante, that this is a magnificent piece of work, epic on every scale. I love how you write about life in Aman, and the struggles Laureanna goes thru to prepare for this amazing journey.
I am a bit curious though as to why she wouldn't contact Gandalf instead of Legolas? What are your thoughts in putting her with an elf instead of a Maia who would probably be more prone to believe her and with less "proof", as it were. I like that it's Legolas, don't get me wrong, I was just pondering. :)
I also have a question about Elrohir's vision of Laureanna on the balcony: It's her past but his future... how can he remember it...?? Time and Paradoxes confuse me! LOL I do enjoy that he's drawn to her still, but I was surprised by the quickness of it and how easily he fell. I personally would have enjoyed a slower realization of his bond with her, but I love how you've done this. You haven't picked an easy topic to write on and I am enthralled with it (hello, printed out double-sided in a notebook so I can read it whenever and take it with me!). :)
I'm on to Chapter's 9-12 now... and having a blast! :)
Author's reply
I had to go back and find this review because I meant to reply to it when I received it.
Gandalf wasn't chosen for a couple of reasons.
1. Legolas died in her history so any changes she made to his life would only be for the better and wouldn't affect others adversely as much. In other words - she couldn't 'hurt' his possible future.
2. In her history, Gandalf is captured by the Witch King and Sauron. IF she failed again, the Valar didn't want him to know everything about her mission or the future or Sauron could have a potential advantage if he managed to somehow get the information from him. Sauron and Gandalf were both Maiar. But with The Ring, Sauron was much more powerful than Gandalf. Plus, if Gandalf's encounters with Saruman had changed by Laureanna's presence, Saruman might be aware of her existance as well which would be like telling Sauron directly.
3. Legolas stayed with Aragorn from Helm's Deep to Minas Tirith and Gandalf did not. If she had told Gandalf, he couldn't assure that he (Aragorn) didn't change his mind about walking the Paths of the Dead after Gandalf rode to Minas Tirith. If Laureanna had been left with the others after Gandalf took Pippin, she would have been more at risk of being left behind or suspicions from the others. Legolas has prevented her from warning Eowyn already. The two of them needed to work together to make sure that Aragorn took the right path and Laureanna didn't screw things up or get busted before he did. But since she has changed her history - Legolas can't prevent her from making mistakes going forward, he can only protect her as much as possible and advise her as well.
As for Elrohir seeing Laureanna on the balcony. One thing to always keep in mind when reading this story - Eru allows them to see what he wants them to see. The Valar and Eru want to set things straight and if possible, Laureanna will be able to have what she lost - Elrohir, her parents back together, etc. So perhaps Elrohir seeing her was just a glimpse from the powers above to intrigue him or perhaps it was caused by the Paradox ;) Like the dreams she has - are they visions from the Valar/Eru, being influenced by Sauron, or just in fact dreams caused by the stress she is under. You'll have to wait and see...
I'm glad you're enjoying the story so much! I'm honored. :D
Jay of Lasgalen
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 12: Spellbound
*Gulp*
I have a very unpleasant feeling that someone is going to be killed in the forthcoming battle - one of the twins? Legolas? If Elladan dies, Elrohir will never, never forgive her :(
I enjoyed the beginning of the chapter, about their first encounter. Love at first sight? It seems right for these two.
Author's reply
Hmm...will someone die? We will see....
Elrohir is never easy as she has thought many times before. The two of them are going to have a bumpy ride in both worlds I assure you ;)
Thanks for the review!
pipinheart
· 1 February 2007
· Chapter 11: Hollow and Bewildered
Very nice...
I like how you started it out with Sauron and the witch king, it made you feel how evil he was. And he certanily hated Galderial.
Poor Laureanna, she has a lot to hold, and these dreams seem to be guiding her. Can Aragorn listen to her I hope. And you have to shake your head at Elrohie, he has grown close to Laureanna, but still fights his emotions, but I think she'll get him in the end...
Great job...
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, I figured Sauron would hate Galadriel quite a bit since she keeps avoiding his attempts to beat her. Elrohir and Laureanna might find their way to resolve their differences, you'll have to keep reading and see. Thanks for the review. :)
Ellie
· 28 January 2007
· Chapter 11: Hollow and Bewildered
I sooo love this story!!!!! Elrohir is so sweet and wonderful when he surrenders to his feelings. I pity L though. She is suffering so much and I am worried that Auron seems to know she is there. I just hope that she is not about to make a horrible mistake based on her vision. PLEASE update soon. This is such a good tale! sigh...
You're such a good writer. Your chartacters are so wonderfully done and you have expressed the pain and anguished futility of the future Middle Earth so well. So very sad indeed.
So you need encouraging e-mails to help you write more chapters more quickly? I can be a good cheerleader when necessary, I just look silly in the outfit..
Author's reply
I'm glad you're liking it Ellie. :) Laureanna's mistakes could end up changing to future again - after all, this is AU. You'll have to wait and see. And I beat you'd look cute with pom-poms lol Thanks for the review hon. :D
Author Reply: Geez - can I have any worse spelling???? What I meant to say was -
Laureanna's mistakes could end up changing THE future again - after all, this is AU. You'll have to wait and see. And I BET you'd look cute with pom-poms.
Now you see why I have a beta lol
Elflingimp
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 10: Lingering in the Shadows
Well I ran out of chapters finally,I just discovered your story and usually I dont go in for it when things are changed around to much from the original but I have to say I am very caught up in this one,its like I am right there with them every step of the way,I cant wait for the next update.Please!!!!
Larner
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 10: Lingering in the Shadows
To see those memories rewritten by the changed reality would be disconerting, I'm certain. Poor elleth, having to try to figure it out as it goes along!
But things are not the same, because she has led Aragorn to do as he was intended to do. And so Eru brings right out of wrong, and relieves the grief.
Author's reply
Yeah I figured it should be slightly different since the whole disaster hung on them not traveling the Paths of the Dead. Glad you are still reading :)
vampfan30
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 10: Lingering in the Shadows
just read this story & in one sitting.. it is fantastic & quite unique, can't wait for the next chapter.....
Author's reply
Thanks so much! I've already started on the new few chapters so it shouldn't be too long.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 10: Lingering in the Shadows
Great fic...fast-paced and exciting.
The way Laurëanna is written makes her seem part of the story; no trace of Mary-Sue to be seen.
Awaiting your next update...
Author's reply
Wow thanks! That's quite a compliment. I think every author worries about being too Mary Sue. :)
pipinheart
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 10: Lingering in the Shadows
Lovely...
I love Laureanna, she is a very outgoing person as a young elf, and her father always blaming her frriend for her actions...
She is stronger than she believes, I believe she has her father's strength.
It seems somehow Elrohir is starting to care for her, and wonder who is to die....
Please update soon, love it!!
Also congradulations on the nomination, you deserve it...
Author's reply
Thanks so much. :) I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Larner
· 14 March 2006
· Chapter 9: Secret Whispers in the Night
Good to see them finding sense, even if Arwen and Celebrian must in shadow form force Elladan to intercede between Elrohir and his destiny.
Larner
· 14 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In My Dreams He Binds Me
Ah--and so Legolas sees somewhat sideways in time, seeing what the two of them share together in the alternate time in his future. And, like all unsure of themselves, the two of them keep saying the wrong things and making asses of themselves.
The vision of the destruction of Eregion is chilling.
Author's reply
Celebrimbor is one of my favorite Silm characters so I wanted so badly to write him into the history of The Ring. :D If I could have found a way to throw Feanor in the history, I'd have done that too. LOL But unfortunately, he's just a name mentioned a few times. Although this is AU - I don't think I could get away with bringing him into the story without people thinking I had lost my mind. LOL
Fire
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 9: Secret Whispers in the Night
I absolutely love the story so far and I can't wait for the rest of it
Author's reply
Thanks so much! Its slowly coming along but I'm trying not to let too much time laspe between updates like I did this last time.
Rhapsody
· 27 February 2006
· Chapter 9: Secret Whispers in the Night
I was reading your latest chapter today and I realised how much I am enjoying this story. Especially the parts where you write along with Tolkien's Return of The king, gives me the feeling I am reading the books again, but now I am following Laurëanna's perspective. Just as the chapter before, I love the insightful bits of how both half-elves are dealing with the fall of Middle Earth. The foreshadowing of Elladan's edain's ties to Middle Earth, wanting to fight at Estels side is simply stunning.
There is so much more I love about this story so far that I can go on about it for hours. I will finish this review by asking you to update soon and thank you for posting this great and magnificent story here at this archive.
Author's reply
Thanks Rhaps! I have reasons for alot of things I do that haven't come to light yet including Elladan's foreshadowing. But I must keep some secrets and keep you guessing BWAHAHAHAHAHA
pipinheart
· 25 February 2006
· Chapter 9: Secret Whispers in the Night
Every time I read this I love Laureanna more and more. She thinks she has no courage, but she has.
She must feel tortured with Elrohir thier and not tell him, and the temptation to tell others who she is.
I liked that Elladan was giving to protect her and help Elrohir's feeling with her, is it a gift for what she has endured...
Please update soon, great job...
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like Laureanna. I worry so much when writing an OFC that she is the right mix of likable and believable. Hopefully now with Elladan and Legolas both in her corner, Elrohir will realize what is right in front of him.
Ellie
· 22 February 2006
· Chapter 9: Secret Whispers in the Night
I so love this story. Love the premise. Love the characters. Love the turmoil in the hearts of everyone involved. Elrohir's jealousy is very interesting indeed. Elladan was great in this chapter. More, please? Pretty please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're liking it Ellie. I know you're a big Glorfindel fan and so you enjoying this makes me happy!
Larner
· 27 January 2006
· Chapter 7: Facing the Enemy
What a meeting between husband and wife in a new beginning, one which hopefully bring them to the proper ending.
Author's reply
Now all they have to do is both survive the War of the Ring, admit they're in love, and get married again. No biggie, right? :0) It wouldn't be any good if it were that easy and predictable.
pipinheart
· 23 December 2005
· Chapter 8: In My Dreams He Binds Me
This is lovely, as each chapter has been...Thanks for the nice read....I liked the scence with Glorifindel and Thranduil fighting and laureanna as a child thinking her father was best in everything...
Laureanna has strength she dosen't think she has...It seems Elrohir likes her and seems to feel familular around her though they get into fights... And Elladan seems to enjoy his brothers discomfort...
And poor Laureanna, to deal with Elrohir who is getting on her nerves, very amuzing...
And it seems Elrohir wants to keep her safe, but she needs to stay with them on the paths of the dead, hopefully Legolas can talk to Aragorn...
Please continue, can't wait to hear more...
Author's reply
My beta was thrilled to have Thranduil without a shirt in the beginning of this chapter. hehe
Elladan is enjoying Elrohir having such lack of control of his emotions. :0)
Larner
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Whispers of the Past
The terror of being in a world where death is the norm, and death by violence to close to being the norm, must be almost more than she can bear. It is a terrible fate for one born in Aman who had never desired, as had Galadriel, to ever leave it.
Author's reply
Like going from Heaven to Hell in one step.
Larner
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 5: A Band of Gold
I certainly hope that in this reality Legolas didn't die in the assault on Helm's Deep.
Author's reply
Keep reading and the truth will be revealed.....*evil grin*