The first part of this does a really good job of showing the difficulties that still remained in the forest even after the war and the wariness of the warriors that had seen peace come and go in the wood. And the second part, with Legolas and Gimli! I just tried to find the parts of that that I most wanted to comment on and I realized I would quote almost all of it. Gimli is great. And Legolas not being able to hear the trees is too sad. It doesn't seem fair he should lose so much after all he did. But that undoubtedly contributed to his decision to move to Ithilien, as I imagine you are going to show us. I am really enjoying this story, Perelleth!
Author's reply
Those were tough times, I believe. The road to recovering keeps on painfully, even after the tv cameras and foregin journalists are gone to the next spotligh... er.. sorry! a lapse! :-)
A I told other reviewers, Legolas' lot after the War never seemed a reward to me... in the short term. Moving to Ithilien, when he had lived in a forest that he had loved and towards which he no doubtedly had a responsability seemed a hard choice. Galadriel's words mean doom, and I always wondered about Thranduil's reaction to hear that a son of his! of all people, had been struck by sea-longing... Sea longing, too, interests me, as a way to be called home, although Tolkien contradicts himself at places, since no doubt his view on it all changed with the passing of the years... So I found that I had to move forwards in time, to see the whole picture and find a possible answer, and the result of it is this story...
Gimli's perception of Fangorn forest is my favourite part of this chapter. It was difficult to find what could have been the Dwarf's impression of the forest, until the architectural analogy came to mind, and it made sense to me, remembering the wonderful arched vaults of Moria...
I am so glad that you are enjoying it, Elliska, and thanks for following through!
Redheredh
· 21 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Narbeleth
Alright, I admit it... Mallereg is my favorite. So far, anyway. ;P
Author's reply
Well! I believe that his family won't mind if you take him home for a week or two... he's needing a holiday, you know?
Glad that you like him... despite all! ;-) THanks again.
Nilmandra
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Narbeleth
This chapter had so many good things, but I will start with the last. I really like that you have Legolas unable to hear the usual comforting sound of the forest - for indeed the sea longing has made him no longer able to find peace beneath the trees. I wonder if his wife will see this immediately... and others of his family... and what their reaction will be. The joy of homecoming quickly to be damped by a sea longing, then by his request to move to Ithilien and leave what they have all risked their lives for at home.
The whole interchange between aunt and nephew was also very well done. The sacrifices of the crown prince is clear - one son dead and the other driven to exhaustion in the fight. Tense family relations and guilt. And these conflicting duties between safety and stewardship of the forest. They are all so close to it.. and now home comes Legolas with a much broader perspective and he is about to change everything.
Very well done.
Author's reply
I am glad that you liked my version of sea longing! ;-)
Sea longing intrigues me, and LEgolas' particularly, for, as I have commented before, it seems a poor reward for all of his toils. Galadriel's words always seem ominous to me, and he doesn't take them very happily either. The fact that he sails short after Aragorn's death means that he enjoyed less than a yen of the freed land, and that away from his forest.. It did make me think for a long time.. and that's what prompted this story in the end, I believe.
Things at Lasgalen must have been pretty discouraging, and they have all been so concentrated in their own problems that an external view shall somehow clash with their. This traveling world wise LEgolas is going to surely challenge some of their most established beliefs! :-)
Thanks, I´m glad that you are enjoying.
French Pony
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Narbeleth
This chapter seems very appropriate to this time of year. Everyone is grouchy, and egos have become fragile and nerves easily stepped upon. The situation with Borgalas and Mallereg feels like it's coming to a head, and will take some skillful handling to defuse.
But Legolas seems to be making his way home, and everyone will be glad of that. It'll be some sorely needed joy, as well as the distraction of having Gimli around.
One small nitpick -- Legolas does not ride Arod with a saddle.
Author's reply
Yes, they all are taut as bows and suffering from kind of winter depression, although they have reasons for it. I don't believe that the views must have been very pleasing out there that winter... There are few things sadder than a burnt forest, to my eyes...And Legolas has his own problems too. Was it BIlbo, who said that "the road goes ever on"? ;-)
Regarding the saddle.. Well, we know that Legolas asked the Rohirrim to relieve Arod from tack when they met in the midst of nowhere. YEt I could not force myself to bring them all that way, heavily packed, armed and with spare pieces of armour...and bareback. But hten, I could have easily omitted the detail of the saddle, as none would have wondered where all those packs and things hung from, and would have saved attentive readers like yourself, the trouble of wondering...
So point taken, thanks, :-)
daw the minstrel
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Narbeleth
I like Laeriniel. She knows what she's doing; she sees it as valuable; and she's not afraid to do it, even if it does involved defying Borgalas's orders.
Mallereg is intriguing. He's obviously tough, but he's more afraid of what's at home than of orcs in the woods. He and Laeriniel negotiate who's in charge of what quite well. She's his elder but he's in command.
I look forward to seeing what happens at home, but I don't think this visit to diseased trees is going to go well.
Author's reply
I like Laeriniel, too. She's struggling hard, as all of them are. Their land has suffered a thorough invasion and destruction, and less than half a year has passed, and they are still fighting the aftermath of it all, the physical effects as well as the pain and the loss... And, unlike the people in Gondor, they do not have the physical prove of a change: no new king, no new white tree, no shadow clearly and visibly departed, but a forest burnt and despoiled to the very core.
No wonder, in my opinion, that they are al still shaken, and scarcely willing to care about what happeend in any other place! But they shall survive, eventually, they are wood elves, after all! :-)
Bodkin
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Narbeleth
It seems that Legolas might not be very popular once he returns to Lasgalen. Not even, possibly, with his wife. It is fascinating to take something, turn it round and look at it from a totally different angle.
Poor Mallereg. He really has had enough. Very sneaky of Laerîniel to see that he gets home - but he needs to. Very badly.
The work that is involved in doctoring the forest and sorting out the current threats seems absolutely enormous, and these elves are wearing themselves in the ground in an attempt to perform miracles.
Gripping stuff!
Author's reply
I believe that, right now, Laerîrniel only thinks of seeing him riding home, and cares less about the rest. But she's not going to be *that* happy when she learns about his plans, I bet...
It is fascinating to take something, turn it round and look at it from a totally different angle. That's what I find fascinating about ff. how each of us draws different conclusions based on the same story... I never considered that LEgolas was a particularly young elf, nor that he´s return home would have been a very joyful one, since Galadriel's words seemed to me to herald a deep loss for him... so I was deeply susrpised when I found out that almost everybody in fandom agreed in that he was quite young and that his going to Ithilien after the war had not been a life-chanching, most disturbing event, for him.. and those round him...looking at it from a diferent angle, as you say.
Thanks for giving it a chance. Different angles are at tiemes difficult to follow..;-)
elliska
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Underneath the same bright stars
Trying to get caught up again...
“Dwindle and fade shall we before the Secondborn, if that’s the fate Eru appointed to us. Yet, we will not submit to any other will than His, to any other power than that of Time, to any other call than that which lies dormant within each of us. And we will not desert this forest, these trees that had offered shelter and life to us, no matter how troubled the times may seem!”
Loved that line! That seems so perfectly in character!
And I enjoyed (if that doesn't seem cruel to say) the way you portrayed Laerîniel in this scene. She would not be the only one feeling this way and I thought you did a great job showing her sense of loss in contrast to Thranduil's brave words about their victory.
And I thoroughly enjoyed Celeborn's meeting with Legolas in Minas Tirith. That is one of those meetings that must have taken place and that would be filled with imprtant news but that I have rarely seen depicted. Loved it.
The conversation with Laerîniel, Haldir and the others about Legolas and Galadriel was very interesting. I think there would have to be misunderstandings or simply very hard feelings given all the Mirkwood elves had been through over just the things you brought to light in this conversation. I am looking forward to Legolas's arrival to see how all of this ties in with his decision to go to Ithilien. This is a great story, Perelleth!
Author's reply
"Trying to get caught up again" I know what you mean! JSut take it easy!:-)
I, too, loved the contrast between Thranduil`s speech, a leader encouraging his people, and how his family must have felt there, staniding by his side, keeping their composure before the gathered families, who were in turn allowed to express their feelings... Being around those in charge has its disadvantages...
THese poor elves must have suffered so much , alone in their forest, that it must have been difficult for them to cope with other things than their own bereavement.
Thanks for following elliska!
Bodkin
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Underneath the same bright stars
I confess I am a little worried about Legolas and Laerîniel's future. She seems very, very close to Lasgalen. Very close. I'm not at all sure she's not going to look on a desire to move to Ithilien as a dreadful betrayal - both of the forest and her. Others - especially when drunk - are already voicing their doubts about Legolas and his presence on the quest and looking on his absence as an abandonment of them and the forest when it was in need. How are they going to react to his desire to live elsewhere? And his sea-longing? And will Laerîniel be prepared to sail with him when he cannot endure Middle-earth any longer? Or will her ties to the forest hold her more strongly than her love for Legolas will draw her? And then there's the invisible obstinate daughter. I can't see her taking too well to the idea of Adar in Ithilien, followed by Adar in the Blessed Realm.
It's a shame because the family are nowhere near beginning to heal from the traumas of the fighting and Borlas's death - and Legolas's return is going to plunge them all into more!
I loved this chapter. The celebrations - and Bôrgalas's spirited defence of his brother. I liked Haldir's outsider's perspective. Those of Lasgalen are rather insular. They have been isolated for so long they cannot begin to conceive of other parts of the world where the danger was just as - and, in some cases, more severe than what they have endured. I think they need to be taken on fact-finding missions to see the destruction in Lothlorien and Dale and elsewhere.
And we will not desert this forest... Oh dear. Foreshadowing, I fear.
Good to see Legolas standing beside Celeborn. I loved their conversation - and the fact that Legolas is advising Galadriel's husband. Although there are difficult echoes of family angst for Legolas in the words they share.
Author's reply
Wait, wait, wait! This is only chapter three, :-)Yet I wondered the same. That sea-longing always made me wonder, what happened when it hit? What of the rest? This kind of wanderlust is a bit worrying...but also embedded in them, it seems, so they`re exposed to it...
I also believe that Mirkwood's people are rather insula,r as you point it, :-) LOL, but true. And there are so many different views to the same facts and events, that it was amusing to explore this lingering resentment among LEgolas' fellows. OF course that they could not know what he had been facing, and they only know that they missed him...
Anyway, did I say that the tale is sad but full of hope? THanks for following, bodkin!
Redheredh
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Underneath the same bright stars
Ah, you have posted. ;) Loved how this chapter moves between husband and wife on the same day and night. Also, that their perspectives are just as far apart.
Looking forward to the next and humming that sappy song... :D
Author's reply
It is a bit ironic, isn't it? that they're thinking about each other with such intensity of emotion yet in such different terms...
I cannot get rid of the vision of a mouse! :-)
daw the minstrel
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Underneath the same bright stars
I suppose that when people have been through something as traumatic as this war, wounds take a long time to heal. And it's easy to blame people who should have led you and look like they were off on a lark somewhere.
I admire Thranduil's strength and devotion here.
Author's reply
Well, I believe that war is enough explanation for such confusion and pain and guilt around these people... but lack of infomration and isolation are to blame too, I fear...
I suppose that Thranduil was the force that held them all together...
French Pony
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Underneath the same bright stars
I wish I weren't so tired right now and could give this chapter the review it really deserves, but it's the bitter end of the semester, and I'm just hanging on.
I like the tension that seems to be developing here between Legolas and his wife. They're each in a place that they love and want to live in forever, and they're each imagining having their beloved spouse at their side. We know whose vision will ultimately win out, yet Laeriniel is such a character that it's hard to imagine that this is going to happen smoothly. I am very much waiting to hear how Legolas convinces her to move. Especially since she's fought so long and hard for Mirkwood.
Very nice to see Legolas crop up. We've been hearing from him and about him, and it is indeed time to see him. I like this look at him. He's both romantic and clear-eyed at the same time, and he deals with Celeborn as with an equal. It really looks like he has a solid understanding of how the world and the relationships between the various species are working out. Clever Elf, that one.
I also enjoyed seeing the tension between Haldir and the Mirkwood guards. It brings home the fact that these are two long-sundered nations with different perspectives and priorities. It also emphasizes how isolated Mirkwood was for so long, and how their world has been turned upside down by the battle and the improbable victory.
Thranduil's speech is great. It's the kind of oration you want a leader to make. Dwindle and fade shall we before the Secondborn, if that’s the fate Eru appointed to us. Although, talk like Yoda he does on occasion. Wise he is.
Author's reply
Whoa! What do you mean by "give this chapter the review it really deserves" It's more than that! ANywy, I undersetand you only too well. I´m at the end of my "term" here, too, and I find it very hard to put coherent thoughts together... thankfully the sotry was written in the earlier part of this year, and redheredh is kindly and most patiently helping me with the loads of mistakes, and as you see there are many that remain. The end of the year is not a good time for doing intellectual activities I fear...
I'm glad that you liked the contrast. It was it. So many different views on the same facts are always at war in every thing, and it is hard when it comes to such differences between husband and wife! A difficult thing, none of them has stopped to believe that the other may be thinking differently!
There are somany good stories about LEgolas out there that I was truly afraid of having him here... i'm glad that you liked how he came out. Throughout the books he seems a very self assured, even character, not shy or unsire of hmself, and that was what i wanted to come out here...
Although, talk like Yoda he does on occasion. Wise he is. LOLOLOL! great point! Wise father, clever son, though....
Thanks for your kind words, FP, and get a good rest as soon as you may!
Nilmandra
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Underneath the same bright stars
This is very sad.. I admit, it did not occur to me that Legolas's people would blame him for being gone during this time or blame him. Yet, in the way you have laid this out, I can see where their limited perspective could make it so. How sad and how hard for them all. I can see Legolas's desire to move with his wife to this settlement will be very hard.
Author's reply
I supposed that to the elves in Mirkwood this was another bitter battle, as they could not see the after effects of their victory as clearly as they did in the south. They have suffered deeply, and we all tend to be a bit sel-centered in suffering... YEt it's not a permanent thing, as BOrgalas points out. Yet I found it interesting to explore the different takes on the same events as seen with different points of view and different amounts of information... Pain is the main after effect of a war, I fear...
Sad as it may seem, it will end in hope, I promise! :-)
Nilmandra
· 30 November 2005
· Chapter 2: Troubles ahead
You really do have quite the cas of characters here, Perelleth! I had to consult the list a few times, but I think Im getting everyone down.
The devastation to the lands of the forest were profound and well shown. I hadnt thought of the winter as being terrible, since the war had sort of ended the previous spring, but I can see where all the displaced orcs and so on might like Mirkwood.
Are you going to flash us back to the destruction of Dol Guldur and the splitting of the forest between Thranduil and Celeborn?
Author's reply
Oooops! I tried to address everyone by charge to avoid that, but the family alone is a great deal of new people, and to make matters worse, I had that mad idea of giving monikers to Legolas and his wife...so apologies there for the extra concentration needed :-)
You are right that the war occurred in spring, so it meant that new sprouts, forest berries and fruits, as well as new litters and probably crops must have been devastated, and they do not grow nack so easily! The soil, too, muust have been terribly affected , as well as the seeds and granaries, which in the case of Rohan and Gondor must have been burnt and ruined, so all in all, even if they had all summer ahead, there was little chance of recovery to the normal levels that would guarantee food supplies for the population ... Fire regenerates, but at its own "elvish" rythm...
The splitting of the forest is hinted at in Chapter three... :-)Thanks for reading and commenting, Nilmandra!
French Pony
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 2: Troubles ahead
Yep, that council sure has their work cut out for them. The problems they face seem very realistic, both in duration and scale. I love the way you even manage to make bureaucratic council meetings sound interesting. I also liked seeing the Queen and the princesses together. The ladies are quite the crew, and it's nice to see them all giving each other much-needed emotional support.
I wonder what is keeping Legolas in Minas Tirith. He seems so eager to see his wife, and he must be crazy for his daughter. One would think he'd come right home.
Author's reply
love the way you even manage to make bureaucratic council meetings sound interesting LOL! I'm glad you were not bored! I enjoyed very much picturing the whole situation, so glad that it came out as interesting for you, too!
As for what kept Legolas in Minas Tirith.., this is how I see it: first, Aragorn had asked them to wait. Second, Theoden was still unburied and not fully honoured, and Legolas had served under his banners and arms, so it wouldn't have been proper to slip away without honoring that lord. Third, it wouldn't have been very smart to undertake that long way home alone, knowing that Gimli would be back in the same route, and fourth, as I see it, he's releasing all the emotion building up in such difficult months, yet, as Luinil points out, well, it's been less than a year right now, and that's but a whisper in elvish reckoning :-)...
But, of course, that's how I see it, and surely influenced by my own experience with partings and long periods abroad... Glad that you wondered!
elliska
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 2: Troubles ahead
Hehehe! Wonderful. I love a good council meeting! This was great and Thranduil was wonderful. Prestolon was someone anyone that has ever attended a meeting has seen and loves to despise.
I really liked Legolas's letter too. It really sounded like something he would write and I think capturing his thoughts on the Quest is a really tough thing to do, so great job there. And I thought it was really cool to see Haldir appear at the end there. I hope we get some glimpses of his experiences and interactions with the Fellowship.
Great chapter.
Author's reply
Good to read you back on your keyboard, elliska! Are you feeling well? Hope so!
Prestolon was someone anyone that has ever attended a meeting has seen and loves to despise. LOL! exactly. Anyway, he's a victim of his own attitude, so he (his type) is easily maneouvred into making such mistakes! I even felt for him! :-)
I'm glad that you liked Legolas letter, and delighted that you think it according to the chracter. It wasn't easy to sum up waht he would of would not put down at that situation, yet the whole story popped out from that "plot bunny" and so I could not resist throwing it in. I would love to receive such a letter!
Thanks again
Bodkin
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 2: Troubles ahead
I just don't have time to read and review properly today, so this is really just to say that I will get back to you when I can spread myself!
But - just to let you know how much I like Laerîniel. She is a worthy partner for Legolas, just as Gaildineth is for Thranduil. I cheered when Thranduil bit the head of his crabby advisor Prestolon to defend his wife's decision to feed them pastries. Although Prestolon probably has a heart of gold, he has a mouth full of vinegar.
And I am so impressed by the detail of what the forest and the nearby lands have suffered - and the thought that has gone into how difficult it will be for the people to survive the following winter.
More later.
Author's reply
Thanks, Bodkin!
Well, poor Prestolon did deserve a good scolding, and Thranduil didn't want his vinegar falling in the midst of the meeting... so he was a bit wicked there! :-) He just put the rope around his neck in his eagerness to be grumpy...
I must confess that I enjoyed guessing the kind of damage the forest must have suffered and what troubles that would mean. I drew maps and listed the species and ... well what not! (back in a time of the year when I had far more spare time of course!) I don't know if anybody's ever written a story about that winter of 3019, but I've frequently shuddered to think of it. All the homesteads, farms and crops in Rohan burnt while the Dunledins marched to Helm's Deep, Gondor's lands devastated... that must have been a very hard winter for the lands East of the Misty Mountains, indeed!
I'm glad that you like Laerîniel!
Redheredh
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 2: Troubles ahead
Well, you already have my comments on this chapter. I just wanted to say again how much I am enjoying the story. ;)
Author's reply
I'm surprised that you´re still able to enjoy it ;-)(bows deeply)
daw the minstrel
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 2: Troubles ahead
My favorite part of this was the council meeting. You show a powerful, clever Thranduil. I love all the hints of politics around the table and the way Thranduil manages them. I also like the tension between the king and his heir. They may have plotted to run this meeting, but they're not in perfect accord. I even like the way the king, his heir, and the commander entered the room!
Author's reply
Yes, the Prince has the right to disagree and the freedom to obey! :-) TO be honest, I enjoyed writing the council and guessing what the situation could be. Even if they would all stick together in such tough times, there are always disagreements and someone has to be in charge of setting the priorities. I'm glad that you liked Thranduil! His leadership must have been seriously needed in this situation...
elliska
· 15 November 2005
· Chapter 1: News
I am going to love this. I like Legolas with a wife and child and it really will make some of his actions more complicated. And the characters in this are wonderful as is everything you have set up in the forest. I really enjoyed this and I am looking forward to reading it again when I'm a little more alert and reading more as you post.
Author's reply
I'm glad that you find the setting appealing :-) Kind a heresy it seemed to me, so it's been sleeping in my computer for some months now! Each of us has built her own backstory, it seems, and this of married Legolas has been with me for many a year now! :-)
when I'm a little more alert and reading more as you post. Are you not feeling well, elliska? Hope you get better soon. I'll be posting as I can...but the closing of the year is quite busy... this is the first story that I'm writing while posting, although it's wholly drafted...
Bodkin
· 10 November 2005
· Chapter 1: News
This is lovely, Perelleth. The initial assumption that Legolas is long married and the father of an adult daughter is so different and delightful - and I must say I like his taste in wives! Laerîniel is a very good illustration of the reasons why elves could remain happily married for thousands of years - and her response to Legolas's letter is just . . . very understandable! (I wonder what she will think of the Ithilien idea. And his friendship with Aragorn. Interesting times!)
And then - the whole set-up of the Wood in the wake of the battles is just so beautifully drawn. Everything! The burning trees, the injuries, the roaming orcs, the grief for those lost, food shortages - it's all there. Complex webs of emotion and action. I am very glad that the lost prince - Borgil - died before the beginning of the story, but the effects of his death on the remaining family are interesting - and heart-rending. I hope his mother manages to find a way to deal with her loss.
The characters, too, are intriguing - and I am looking forward to learning more of their lives. This is most enjoyable.
Author's reply
Well, thanks for double reviewing, bodkin! I was still smiling at your super- mega delightful! :-)
The elleth just appeared out of thin air, yet I kind of guesss that had Legolas been actually married, she would be a match to him, as I see it, at least! :-) We´ll see how she takes the rest of the things, the move and his new buddies, once she overcomes the shock of his letter...
I am very glad that the lost prince - Borgil - died before the beginning of the story Me too! :-) I began this story back in February, and then I had the cheek to berate daw soundly when she "killed" Sinnarn! LOL! Sincerely, I doubt I could have gone through that painful writing process... yet I agree that Thranduil´s family would not have very likely escaped unscathed of such terrible ending of the age... It was sheer loss for everybody, and it is very painful to thnk about that, I think...
I'm glad that you liked the characters. It took me long to round them, this is quite a new process to me, yet I enjoyed it a lot, too!
I'm truly glad that you liked the setting, bodkin, I had to place the warning, because of the uncommon situation, so I'm happy that you made it through it, as now I'm looking forward to your insightful reviews! Thanks!
Bella
· 9 November 2005
· Chapter 1: News
I like this - although, I must admit, initially I was like, "oh, not another Mary-Sue story!". That's probably something I get from crawling through ff.net looking for decent writing. A few quibbles:
Laeriniel, speaking to Thranduil, says, "your grandson, Lord Mallereg..."
Thranduil would know that Mallereg is his grandson, so the first part of the sentence is a bit redundant, if expositionary.
I think you overuse the phrase 'fair face' a bit.
You refer to Laeriniel as a maiden...but aren't maidens only those who are not married ie, have never had sex? I'm probably wrong...
And, you write how relieved Laeriniel is when she finds that Legolas isn't dead...but wouldn't she know whether or not he had died due to their bond? Again, could be wrong. Sometimes it's difficult to sort fanon from canon!
This isn't meant harshly, just some concrit! I'm looking forward to reading more.
Bella
Author's reply
Well...let me return you the favour. In archaic and/or literary use, maiden is used as young lady, regardless of her marital status or sexual experience. Thanks for your interest, anyway.
Nilmandra
· 8 November 2005
· Chapter 1: News
You know what? I love the idea that Legolas had a wife and daughter to go home to, and apparently a grandchild, soon, too. It adds a greater dimension to the upheaval his request to go off to Ithilien would have caused, and it really does bring the fight in Mirkwood home when we consider that he had loved ones there missing him while fighting their own battles.
I also like that Legolas's wife is a spirited and competent female, who obviously is trusted to help in the running of the realm. I do feel back that they have lost family in these trying days, but I like it for the sake of the story, for I have always found in Tolkien's writings that he did not spare the leaders and their families - they tended to lead from the front lines.
I'm glad you've started another story already!
Author's reply
Sorry that it took so long to answer, but I've ben out of town for most of the week!
I'm glad that you liked the setting, Nilmandra! We know little of what happened in Mirkwood, while the Prince was away, yet it could not have been a happy time... To me Legolas' was not a happy ending in the usual sense, and that's what I wanted to explore, for, as you say, his request to go to Ithilien must have been kind of earthquake back home! :-)
I'm glad you've started another story already And I'm thrilled to see
another chapter of HLIII! That I'm printing out for this weekend!
The first part of this year was very calm for me, and I took advantage of a forced inactivity and low activity to get definitely hooked on ffiction and began writing. So it can be said that I've been posting on "savings":-) This story was begun in February, but now I'm faced with updating it while working full time, and I don't know how good I am at that! :-) Thanks again.
Redheredh
· 7 November 2005
· Chapter 1: News
You fiend! You've roped me into reading a Legolas story! But of course, only because of the wonderful characters in the spotlight this first chapter. Please don't send this great cast to the background when Leggy finally makes it on stage. ;)
The story so far is beautiful, full of emotion and sentiment. Your scenes alway appeal to my taste for heightened reality rather than regulaton fantasy. I like your choice of time and place and how you unfold the backstory. Also, Laeriniel's romantic feelings. Saelleth is the perfect lady and friend in the classical sense. You've created a beautiful family here. I really like them all. Can't wait to see what effect splitting up that family will have on it. Maybe what's already happened will have prepared them for it.
And on top of all this, you write and tell the story so well. There will be more of Brethil's observations, I hope. I just love your sense of humor - and your sensitivity.
OK, so we have different views on alot of things in ME. This time its not his having a wife, but Legolas' age. I sit with those who think Legolas is still rather young, less then 600 years old. But, your setting is just too appealing to quibble about that. He could become a grandfather even at 500 years. And you very sensible gave him an elder brother thus the permission to found his own realm elsewhere.
I really like your cast of characters! I cannot wait to get better aquainted with their troupe and see who makes the journey to Ithilien.
Author's reply
Welcome Redheredh! an be at ease, cause this is *not exactly* a Legolas story. (so I suppose it won't have many readers that shall read past "he's been a husband for over two thousand years",LOL!)
To the age. Well. When crossing the ucorn's forest in "The Road to Isengard", Legolas says more or less that he has seen many an oak growing from acorn to its "ruinous age"...and that those trees are different to what he has seen until now. The ruinous age of an oak can be placed around 400 years or more, so I believe that he must be quite older than that, to have seen "many an oak " growing to its ruinous age... And when in Rohan, as Aragorn tells the story of the mounds, he adds " five hundred times have the leaves fallen in my wood, and yet it seems but a whisper for us" More or les again, cause I am citing by heart, but the thing is that, while I agree that Legolas may have been young, in elvish reckoning, yet it is with the range of the age that I must disagree. To say that 500 years is a whisper, you must have "whispered" a number of times, mustn't you? :-) YEt it is always a pleasure to "disagree" with you :-)
I'm so glad, and thankful, that you decided to give this story a chance, despite the summary! :-) I am ashamed, because I used to run from stories with lots of OCC in it, and now look at me! right in the middle of one!
Many, many thanks
daw the minstrel
· 7 November 2005
· Chapter 1: News
This is a fun read, Perelleth. I've never thought of Legolas as married, but you give him a very convincing wife and family here. It sounds as if they're all struggling with grief and loss after the Battle Under the Trees. They had the victory but it was at such a cost and then things wouldn't have instantly been better. I wonder how they'll all react when Legolas breaks the news about his intention to go to Ithilien.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you decided to give it a chance, daw!
It was fun to try and guess how they were coping with the aftermath of it all in Mirkwood, with no new King, and no wedding and all, and picking up the pieces...
I wonder how they'll all react when Legolas breaks the news about his intention to go to Ithilien ...well, the story will lead us there! :-)
Vicki_Turner
· 7 November 2005
· Chapter 1: News
I was a little heistant when you said that in this story Legolas had a wife, but i decided to give it a try anyways. So far, i'm liking it. I'll be watching for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Well, I'm glad that you decided to give it a chance.. yet I decided to place the warning because I thought it's quite an unconventional approach.. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the story! :-)