We Were Young Once ~ III by Conquistadora
Jay Greenleaf Elf · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 2: Into Shadow
I am so glad to see Thranduil and Lindoriel finally happily married. I loved the sweet, intimate moment between them. I love the way you described the reactions that everyone got from the news of Isildur's possible death and what impact that would of made on the other people of Middle-Earth
irene · 6 June 2007 · Chapter 2: Into Shadow
Long ago, I told you this was a very good and very interesting story. But the best of stories decline when erratically updated. Sorry, I'm leaving this one.
Author's reply
Very well. But if updating regularly meant neglecting the more important aspects of my life, I would just as soon let this story die. I'm afraid fanfiction is among the least of my concerns right now.
ninqwestilmen · 30 May 2007 · Chapter 2: Into Shadow
What a beautiful opening paragraph... it evokes such a sense of peace and tranquility.. and the imagery was so vivid I could almost imagine being in Greenwood. Illuiniel and Linhir, finally. And the scene between Lindoriel and Thranduil was simple intimacy as you put it, but their deep love was there, such a sense of belonging. This chapter and the ones following it will be quite insightful to those who have not read the unfinished tales. Estelmo has been cleverly woven into the story and it will be interesting to see what further role he has to play in Greenwood. Now I eagerly await Thranduil riding in haste to Isildur's aid and his reaction being unable to prevent the disaster... Again a wonderful chapter. And my thanks to your sister as well, that her touch is missing is mildly noticeable in parts ("he knew it have to wait.") And thanks to you both for a wonderful read...
Author's reply
Yes, Chigger usually weeds out those pesky typos. :P Thanks for reviewing! :)
Ginger Rich · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 2: Into Shadow
Another installment! And a mighty intriguing one at that. I like how you are seemlessly combining your story of Thranduil with Tolkien's. Tolkien provided all the vague plotlines and backstory of this wonderful Elvenking, while you plunge into the detail and character. Lovely. Great work. Keep it up!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'd like to go far with this over the summer, but I have no idea how successful I shall be.
Adrianne · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 2: Into Shadow
Oh my! What a gift to begin my work week. I could barely get here fast enough when I saw the notification in my email. This is an ominous chapter that foreshadows all the woes that are to come not only to Thranduil and his people but to all of Middle-earth. Your portrayal of the doubts that assailed Thranduil as he considered Sauron and tried to convince himself that that evil had truly been destroyed was chilling. I found it a little sad and frustrating that the news of the attack on the Gladden Fields interrupted the sweet, intimate moment between Thranduil and his patient Queen. Ahhh, such is the life of a King. I like that you indicate the esteem and love that the woodmen have for the Silvan King. 'Into Shadow and Memory', indeed. So the long years of the third age begin. As always, a superb chapter with the touch of a master storyteller. Thank you for posting so quickly. Adrianne
Author's reply
You're welcome! My beta (my sister) is a bit peeved at me for posting without her approval, but I hate to keep you lovely people waiting. Yes, the Third Age has by far the most subject matter to cover. I can already tell that this is probably going to be the longest of the three.
Adrianne · 19 May 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Age
Ahhh, sadly I have caught you up. I say sadly because now I must wait on your pleasure to learn what next will befall our gallant and magnificent hero. Oh, I do know, of course, in the broadest sense Tolkien allowed and I look forward to the retelling of certain events. But what I truly await is the intimate insights that have made your masterful yarn nearly hypnotic. The last few chapters were as painful to read as I imagined such would be that told the tragic details of Oropher's fatal charge. I wept for the fallen King and for his son who had to take up a crown he had never hoped to bear. I wept for Galadhmir having to endure a triple grief in the death of his son, his King and father figure and very nearly the death of his friend and brother now become his sovereign. It was almost too much. And then after such catastrophic loss, to endure the humiliation of scorn from their Elven kindred, was an awful blow. I cannot imagine the strength it took both physically and emotionally to move forward. But finally, you end this last chapter with the marriage (at last) of Thranduil and Lindoriel. They are one. How long did she await him? More than 3,000 years. The woman is a saint! Or merely, everlastingly in love. Who can fault her? Now on to recovery, to the building up of Thranduil's own realm before the bitter retreat. On to the birth of our beloved Legolas, the quiet strength of 'the fellowship', with perhaps a glimpse into his formative years and coming of age. And no doubt you will weave into your rich, eloquent tapestry those events (the leaving of Lindoriel and of Legolas' beloved) merely touched on in 'I Return'. Will you go farther? Will we see Thranduil give up the Greenwood at last and answer the call of the sea? Or will he, like his cousin Celeborn, hold on a little longer to his birth land? Either way, it will be a bittersweet epilogue to a bittersweet story. Magnificent and melancholy, as are all the stories of the Elves. "The one was deep and wide and beautiful, but slow and blended with an immeasurable sorrow, from which its beauty chiefly came." Such it is with Elves and Men, a blending of beauty and sorrow. I know you are busy with much else, but please do not keep us waiting long. With gratitude, Adrianne
Author's reply
Thanks, Adrianne! :) I'm doing my best to keep the wheels turning, and the next chapter is probably about half written at present. I've felt rather uninspired lately, but your reviews always help! I've actually been considering a Book IV about Thranduil's departure from Middle-earth, but we'll see how it goes. I've already attempted it once, and that was a learning experience. Anyhow, I'm off to take care of business. Until later!
ninqwestilmen · 9 May 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Age
Finally a new chapter!! Makes me glad to see such insightful work :) Your story telling always leaves me begging for more, please do update soon!!
Author's reply
Thanks. ;) I shall endeavor to do my best. The next chapter is well underway already; I just need to find a moment to push it forward.
elliska · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Age
Wonderful! I love seeing the passion between Thranduil and his betrothed. I imagine it was her strength that helped him cope. Her courage in the face of Thranduil's wounds, emotional and physical, was very touching.
Author's reply
I'm glad the chapter seemed to flow properly. Finals week and coherent prose don't usually coexist. ;)
elliska · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
Very happy to see this continue! Thranduil over his father's grave was very well done!
Author's reply
Thank you. :)
Jay Greenleaf Elf · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Age
Wow, This story took a turn for the worse. I mean that, when I think back to the first story, there was such light-heartedness and nothing that seemed to break the peaceful lives that Oropher and co. lived. But now the angst just never seems to let go of Thranduil, I truly feel sorry for him. I love how you express his emotions without revealing too much on how he is really feeling. I don't think I have ever come across a fic that has so much depth after the results of the Last Alliance, I truly am impressed and it feels as though I am experiencing Thranduil's sorrow for myself. Their marriage only seems to be a small respite from the angst. I truly appreciate your work and am always looking forward to what happens next. Thank you for putting so much effort into your series.
Author's reply
Don't worry; the angst will lighten with time. I'm glad you're still enjoying the story; all the best stuff is yet to come. ;)
Chigger · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Age
*Harumph* Posting without telling me. -_- Anyhoo - it seems that Thranduil sped up your timeline a bit. He's been like that through this whole thing, hasn't he? Oh, and there's one word missing that I saw. ". . . dressed severely *in* his darkest greens and indeed genuine black . . ." So, yeah. *sticks out tongue*
Author's reply
I knew you'd say that. :P I would have run it past you if I hadn't been late already. Darn typos. ;)
CandissD · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Age
I love this story! Thank you for updating! I cannot wait for more! :)
Author's reply
Thanks! I'll certainly try not to let it sit for three months again. ;)
silent planet · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Age
Did I mention I love this story? Thanks for updating. You make everything work so well.
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
silent planet · 2 April 2007 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
What happened to you? This is the only fanfiction I still read, so please update it if you can! I'd be very grateful! (Exclamation!)
Author's reply
Ahhhh! Yes, I know; it's terrible! Ummm . . . I think I can promise something before the end of April. It's just that within the next two weeks I have three term papers and two presentations coming due, and the stress factor is threatening to drive me to an early grave, much to the consternation of the Woodland King. o_O So, stand by, and I'll see what I can do. ;)
Jay Greenleaf Elf · 8 January 2007 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
Hey, I am back to leave a review. This was a really sad chapter, but I just know that Thranduil will pull through his grief in order to become the king that he was meant to be, as well as a husband and father. Alot of people will be looking up to him for guidance. Well, he known as the greatest king Greenwood as ever had so I'm sure his father would be very proud of him.
Redheredh · 22 December 2006 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
Ah, she is returned! Very glad to know you are back and to see you posting here again. :) Galadhmir was wonderful in this prologue. His speech to Thranduil was perfect. Indeed, there was nothing he could say to that. Their departure from the war was an heartrending closure to another phase in both their lives. The grief of those that await them in Greenwood will not be easy to bear either. The great story and great writing keeps bringing me back to this saga. And wanting to read more. Hope you enjoyed Rome, but thanks for coming home!
valjean · 20 December 2006 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
Oh please don't stop! I LOVE you're writing. I've been counting the weeks until you got back so I could read more of you're lovely writing. It's the best that I've ever come across on-line! I also love Thranduil and you're portrayal of him. You make them all seem so real!
Author's reply
Oh, don't worry; I wont. ;) If I ever do have to put Thranduil on hiatus, it's probably because I'm writing something else, possibly one of my publishible projects. Still, I hope to be able to update more than once a month, which is a truly miserable schedule. Thanks for reading! :)
ponypetter · 20 December 2006 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
Yay! New chapter, new story. I'm almost sorry you skipped over most of the war itself, I would have liked to see how you portray Oropher's death. Thranduil's pain is still palpable after his father's death. It's nice to see a glimpse of his uncertainty about assuming the responsibility. I particularly liked this line: "Now there was no one of greater authority to try himself against". Very fitting.
Author's reply
Thanks. :) My mind was far from focused as I tried to write this first chapter, so I'm glad to hear it came out reasonably well. With that said, I expect this third part of the trilogy to contain some of the most interesting bits thusfar. So stay turned, and I'll post as I am able. ^_~
jwdisney · 20 December 2006 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
Yes!! I hope you had a wonderful time in Rome, and learned buckets, saw wonders, and ate the best pasta and gelato in the world! But selfishly, I'm so glad to see you posting here! This is a poignant but beautiful start to Thranduil King's story. Thanks so much for taking the time to think up and write such beautiful works. Even your choices of quotes are wonderful - inspirational and very apt. Thanks again for such a beautiful glimpse into Tolkien's world!!
Author's reply
It was certainly a busy three months. We managed to cram in a lot, but even a whole year isn't enough to do justice to the Eternal City. The pasta was good, but almost boring after a while, and of course the gelato was always a popular attraction. ;) I'm glad to be back. It's such an encouragment to come back to a gracious audience! :)
lwarren · 20 December 2006 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
Welcome back, Coriel! I hope your time in Rome was filled with lots of learning and awesome experiences, but I, for one, am certainly glad to see you back...and beginning (or should I say continuing?) the saga of now Aran Thranduil. This prologue was sad and filled with the uncertainty and grief of the new Elvenking (only he's been king now for seven years). It must have been very hard for him to leave his father there and take home the decimated remains of the army that left the Greenwood with so much pride and hope. But I found the words Thranduil remembered his father saying to him before encouraging - I hope he will let them comfort him somehow as he leads his people home. Strong, somber, sad beginning *sniff*. Welcome, welcome back - and I'm so glad you are continuing this story. :-) Linda
Author's reply
So am I. ^_^ Despite my newfound love for the Pontifical Swiss Guard, playing with Thranduil will always feel like coming home. Mordor was a chastening experience, to be sure; but I suspect that he'll recover faster with a much needed change of scenery. As awesome as Rome was, it's great to be back. I missed all you guys while I was away. ;)
Amaniel · 20 December 2006 · Chapter 0: Dust and Memory
She's back! And still just as wonderful as always. :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Amaniel. ;D