Pol · 7 January 2012 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
I would dearly, dearly love to see more of this. It's wonderful to read.
In Search of Joy by The Karenator
Reviews (18)
Dot · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
So it turns out that a print-out and a sunny afternoon in the garden pretending to be reading work stuff = happy catch-up time :-) This is fantastic, Karen. I was right there immediately – sweating and choking and filled with rising panic. What an incredible job you did setting the scene. There’s a real sense of chaos and terror, but at the same time I can follow what’s happening and watch Legolas’ attempt to save the people around him and Remeniel’s desperate fight to save her child. My heart stopped when she tripped and the child rolled out of her arms. I could hardly stand to watch the orcs toss her around. Her poor mother. I thought it was very well done to have her still searching, telling herself that the child must have come home, unable to accept what she knows happened. Legolas returning the child to her parents is one of the most heart-breaking things I’ve ever read. And it was very movingly suggested that Legolas knew these people and was fond of the little girl. I was very excited by the appearance of the strange man, though :-) He’s so determined in battle and so gentle with the dead and wounded. Of course, I got even more excited when I saw who he had with him. *shudder* I like how Legolas and Opalan respect his wish only to disclose information to the Elvenking. Probably because he’s so dignified and respectful. Even if he is an enigma. I bet the guard Opalan assigned is there for more than seeing to Strider’s safety, though… “He will do as I bid or I will kill him.” Wow. I love how that one line suggests so much about what’s gone before. And I like the steeliness in Strider too. It’s nicely set against the tenderness with which he helps the wounded. I thought the conversation between Strider and Legolas was great too. They’re each trying to accommodate the other but don’t yet entirely trust one another. And Gollum is scaring me. I’m glad Legolas gets to go home. Ok, it’s mainly because I want to see how everyone there is doing but I’m glad for his sake too! I love how Opalan can see that he needs this break for various reasons and gives him that chance. That’s intriguing about Legolas being there as second in command. Training new warriors? Sounds like things are getting bad in the woodland realm if they have to be sent on patrol before being finished their training. Or maybe I picked that up wrong. Oh, and I was delighted to see Tree again! Their conversation made me smile. Personally, I’m glad that Legolas has Tree looking out for him. He’s very wise, even if he is sometimes a little annoying ;-) This is a little shorter than usual, I know, but I wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I look forward to more whenever life allows you to focus on it. It’s such a thrill to be back in your Mirkwood again!
Author's reply
I'm glad you got a minute in the garden to be a slacker. Everyone should have that opportunity on a pretty day. Writing battles doesn't come naturally to me. I felt like it went on forever. I also felt I needed to show the chaos and frustrations Legolas had while trying to help the Woodmen. I'm glad you didn't fall asleep. Letting the little girl be killed was tough. I really tried not to let that happen, but something really bad had to happen to set Legolas up for the remainder of the story. I thought that was 'bad'. I don't think I've written about Aragorn, except under the thumb of Ray's Dog. I had to think about how I saw him and how he might have acted toward Gollum and the warriors. His task was serious. He was exhausted, wounded, and with Gollum leashed to him, he joined in the fight. I bet he was dragging Gollum all over the place. And he had to help the villagers. Even if he wasn't a healer per se (until later--the hands of the king and all that) he had to have better than average knowledge from living in Elrond's house. Surely Elrond taught him a thing or two. Even though Aragorn knows Legolas is probably okay since he's an elf and a warrior, Legolas has nothing to gauge Aragorn against except the few men he's met from Dale and Esgaroth. And the Woodmen. He's a little more wary of Aragorn than Aragorn is of him. Legolas needs to go home for a while. Yeah, the situation in Mirkwood has become desperate. Orcs and spiders seem to be hatching out of thin air. The younger warriors are being sent in to 'safer' places as quickly as Aldamir and the masters think they can handle completing their training in the field. That requires more supervision. Legolas left his patrol on the eastern border and went to the western patrol to help Opalan with his large number of green warriors, foregoing his usual leave time. He needed a break before the orcs attacked the village. Over the years of writing my Mirkwood stories, I've spent a lot of time in discussion with the ranger over exactly what role Tree and the other personal 'guards' should have. I explain Tree's role more in the next chapter. I hated to use the 'nana' lines because Beliond has dibs on that, but it was the most natural response I come up with for Legolas to take a jab at Tree. I hope Daw can forgive me. I will try to rectify that as the chapters move on. I hope to do a lot of things, but I don't seem to be able to get them off the ground at the moment. Maybe by your next birthday, I'll have your story up. I got too ambitious in that one. It's way too long. This one too. Yours is completed, but still in first draft. I'm so slow. Thanks so much for this wonderful review. It's not too short at all. I love reading what your reviews. You always give me some insight I'd like to say I thought out and included on purpose, but well, if something clicked, it was just a fluke.
perelleth · 7 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Wow! Terrific battle scene, and creepy Gollum, although I am sure that he thought the same about the dark, intense grim Ranger at the other end of the lash! So look what LEgolas is bringing home from battle! And despite the darkness of the moment and what this is going to mean for Mirkwood, Icannot help a chuckle wondering what Daeron would have had to say to such a guest in his Uncle´s court! Good to hear form you again, Karen!
Author's reply
Yeah, look what Legolas is bringing home. I don't think he's going to want to keep him though. He's not sure he wants to keep Daeron most of the time. Daeron, being Daeron, will probably have one or two comments to make. Gollum is creepy. It's hard to feel sorry for him, but Gandalf harbored a glimmer of hope Gollum could be rehabilitated. I'm sure Thranduil will be excited to hear Gandalf thinks the Woodland Realm is a sanitarium for wayward...creatures. I had fun trying to figure out Aragorn and Legolas at this point. They're both skilled, confident warriors, titled among their people and both are worn to a frazzle. We know they end up being friends, but I wondered if they met when Aragorn brought Gollum to Mirkwood and what it might have been like. Thanks, Perelleth. I appreciate you reading and I appreciate the review. It's always good to hear from you too.
Nilmandra · 3 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
This was my favorite line in the story: Strider’s eyes grew as cold and dark as gray thunderheads shuttering a summer day. “He will do as I bid or I will kill him.” The stranger spoke with assurance that a truce had already been negotiated and it would stand. Aragorn comes across as battle hardened and with a stoicism born of too many nights without enough sleep, always on his guard... yet his compassion shows through as well. I cannot imagine travelling with Gollum. :/ The battle was all too realistic. That poor child, torn by orcs who enjoyed their tormented play of her. Filthy creatures.
Author's reply
This was my favorite line in the story: Strider’s eyes grew as cold and dark as gray thunderheads shuttering a summer day. “He will do as I bid or I will kill him.” The stranger spoke with assurance that a truce had already been negotiated and it would stand. I get all gooey over a focused Aragorn. I'm sure he knew bringing Gollum in was important or Gandalf wouldn't have asked him to do it. Still, he has to be in control and he knows what he has to do if Gollum doesn't behave. Gollum knows too. Aragorn was beat, but no matter how serious his task, he can't help but feel compassion for the villagers and even for his wormy charge when possible. Elrond taught the boy good. :>) Since you're one of the best battle writers I know, I really appreciate your kind words about the realism. I wanted it to be a nasty fight, one where Legolas felt that no matter how hard he tried, he could not save the lost people. Witnessing a happy child destroyed was the final blow. Legolas's whole outlook on life has been rocked. And there are new improved orcs. Bad news all the way around. Thanks again for the review. I truly appreciate you reading and taking the time to tell me your thoughts.
Bodkin · 2 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Such a dramatic beginning - and a tragic loss. But, at the same time, so beautifully done! And appealing to so many senses, too. Good introduction of the man - while Tree is such a splendid and strong support for Legolas. (And a first-class substitute naneth.) Definitely amusing that the clearly captain-like Legolas is not the captain! And that he sees no need to elaborate on that piece of information - after all, I can't see Wood-elves bursting to provide possibly sensitive information to a stranger. While providing escort to Thranduil gives Legolas an excellent chance to get to know Strider - and make the acquaintance of a rather unwelcome house-guest. Lovely story, Karen.
Author's reply
Thanks, Bodkin. It was hard to let the little girl die, since as you know, real-life Mothers don't even want to entertain such ideas. I guess no one, parent or not, likes to think about such horrors. This battle came as a bit of a surprise to the woodmen and to the elves. In my world, the elves feel responsible for the woodmen to some degree. While they aren't exactly subjects of Thranduil's, they do live in and around the forest's edges. Thranduil doesn't take kindly to harm coming to any inhabitant of his land. Losing so many of the villagers and the lose of the children, especially the one we see, is tough on Legolas and the other elves. Tree is a fun guy. I think he tries not to 'mother' Legolas, but sometimes there's a fine line between 'advisor' and 'naneth'. Legolas has rocked along for his military career, accepting his partner because everyone else in his family has one, but now, he's seeing the world with different eyes. This is the first time he's ever thought to question what Tree's job description entails. Legolas and Aragorn have a slightly rocky start. Hopefully, they'll find they have more in common than they do differences. And Aragorn fascinates Legolas. Of course, Aragorn is probably not nearly as interested in Legolas since he's been around elves all this life. Getting to know a human like Aragorn is a new experience for Legolas. This Strider guy is different than the men he's meet in the past. Gollum's creepy no matter how you look at him. Thanks again for the kind words. I hope to actually get another chapter up before long.
White Wolf · 31 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
It is sad when an innocent child has to die in a battle. Unfortunately, that is the way with most conflicts. You did a wonderful job of describing Legolas's pain, not only because of the little girl but all the destruction of the village, as well. I like your portrayal of Aragorn. Despite his desire to help the villagers, he doesn’t lose sight of his mission to deliver Gollum to Thranduil. Your physical description of that pitiful creature was great. I love reading the different versions of how Legolas and Aragorn first met. (I've written one myself.) Yours is quite good. Looking forward to your next installment.
Author's reply
Thank you, White Wolf. I'm glad Legolas's emotions came through. It's always traumatic to see someone die, especially under such violent circumstances. I can't find words to describe what it must be like to see a child killed. In fact, trying to describe a massacre like the one that took place in that village is beyond me. All I could do was take a shot at it. I appreciate your kind words. Aragorn is an interesting character. I liked looking at him through Legolas's eyes. I wanted to try to see him with a fresh perspective. So what did he look like, other than he was tired and dirty? I tried to find what it was in this man, beyond blood lineage, that made him a king. I have to say, that's been fun. Just to clarify, I wasn't like...ogling Aragorn or anything. Nothing that superficial. I didn't even notice his broad shoulders, and piercing gray eyes, or how long his legs were. Nope, I was in Legolas's head...all very proper. If you believe that, I've got some nice real estate down next to the nuclear plant. They cleaned that uranium spill up clean as a whistle. :>) Thanks so much for your review!
Redheredh · 31 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Well, I have before admitted to not being much of a Legolas follower. But, I like your writing style and do make a point of checking out birthday presents. For they are meant to be special, and this one certainly is. You handled the death of the little girl very well. We owe thanks to Mechinock for her birthday and her preference for rangers!
Author's reply
Well, I have before admitted to not being much of a Legolas follower. It's good to know what you like. :>) I'm pleased you took a chance on this story. I'm even more pleased Aragorn could be there. I like a good ranger story too, and I have to say, it's Meckinock's fault I became a squealing Halbarad fangurl. The Dunedain are an interesting folk and due to her influence, I've enjoyed reading more about them. Writing about Aragorn and Legolas's first meeting (in my world anyway, since Tolkien didn't tell us when they first met) has been fun. I figured they both must have had some baggage and I wondered how the groundwork was laid for their friendship to flourish during the Quest. So I pondered.... I didn't exactly start out to kill a little girl, but she died when Legolas couldn't get to her in time. Death is a sad reality of war. I waffled on letting her die for a while, then decided it was necessary. I appreciate the kind words about how her death was handled. And yes, I'm glad Meckinock had a birthday too, and I'm glad she likes rangers. All the stories I've read in celebration of her birthday have been wonderful. I've enjoyed them all! Thanks for the review, Redheredh. I appreciate you reading this and stopping by to leave such a nice note.
grumpy · 31 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Poor little girl see did not make it.Poor villagers, to have lost the ones they love. Very exicting start to your story. It has my fovorite characters in it, plus Gollum too. Who seems to be spooking the villagers.
Author's reply
Thanks, Grumpy. I'm glad you found the first chapter exciting. The villagers did indeed have a tough time. But there was something rather appealing to me about having Aragorn step out of the smoke, wielding his sword, all the while being tethered to Gollum. I kept imagining what Gollum must have been doing while he was being dragged into battle. I guess Aragorn had enough forward momentum going to pull him in his wake. Thanks for taking the time to review. I truly appreciate it.
Manderly · 30 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
What a pleasant surprise to see a new story from you! Wow, you took us straight into the middle of the battle, with no preamble whatsoever! I was turning blue in the face halfway through the chapter from holding my breath. How heartbreaking that they couldn't save that little girl - innocence wiped out before it even had a chance to grow. My heart went out to Legolas, who did his best, and even more so for the parents of that little girl. But what a great introduction of Strider, and Gollum. Looking forward to more of this story!
Author's reply
Hey Manderly! It's so good to hear from you. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. It's a far cry from Daeron and Legolas trading insults. I'm a bit of a fish out of water. I miss Daeron. He's so much more fun than battle. The little girl was important to Legolas and her death has been a real kick in the teeth. He tried to get to her and her mother, but was waylaid at every turn. He failed. Too many villagers were lost. This new model of orc looks like trouble, no doubt. I enjoyed having Strider show up out of the blue and start swinging his sword. I have no idea how or where they met since Tolkien didn't tell us, so I liked the idea that Legolas's first impression of Aragorn was of Aragorn in battle mode. Not only did Legolas get to see some impressive sword work, but he saw a guy who jumped into fight against evil for people he didn't know. Gollum...what can I say? What a little weasel. But he has his place. I always remember Gandalf's words to Frodo about never knowing what role someone like Gollum has to play in the grand scheme of things. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. I love hearing from you.
Alison H · 30 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Oh, I really loved this first chapter,Karen.The battle was extremely involving, so much so that I was ducking and weaving along with Legolas as he fought the orcs! Victory was not assumed so that made the battle even more dramatic. It was hard to read of the little girl's death and Legolas' reaction afterwards but Mirkwood is a dark and deadly place and bad things happen.Oh, and I do love Tree! I enjoyed his 'mothering' of Legolas. Ah, Aragorn! I do love your leather clad Ranger with his bag of 'magic'! I'm a sucker for 'when Aragorn met Legolas' stories and this one is promising to be more enjoyable than most, especially as you are the author.Legolas doesn't know it yet but his life will change forever now that he has met Aragorn and Gollum. I do hope Daeron is in this story.I've missed that little rascal! He will certainly have something to say about Gollum, though he'll probably just be glad that Legolas isn't bringing home a spider ;D Can't wait for more.Update soon! Ali.
Author's reply
The battle was extremely involving, so much so that I was ducking and weaving along with Legolas as he fought the orcs! LOL! That made me smile. I've been feeling a little unsure about the battle scene since it's so long. Even if I did feel I needed for the reader to see how chaotic it was, and how tough a battle it was, I wasn't sure it would fly. You don't know how much I appreciate you saying you felt a part of it. The little girl's death was hard. I hated to kill her off, but I needed Legolas to have an experience that impacted him beyond the normal battle experience, which I would think would always result in deaths difficult to deal with. In real war, innocents are lost too. Legolas is traumatized by the child's death. This is where the rubber meets the road for him. Funny you should mention Daeron. He's all grown up too, but he still has plenty to say on most any subject someone brings up, especially when that someone is Legolas. And NO spiders! Daeron still shudders at the thought. Thanks, Alison. I'm so glad you enjoyed the first chapter. I hope it won't take too long to get the next one up. Real life seems to think it comes before my stories. I'm still working on teaching it otherwise, but RL is hardheaded.
French Pony · 30 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Good battle writing! I always like to keep an eye out for that sort of thing. It moves along at a good clip, and is mostly pretty realistic. I especially liked the part about how Legolas couldn't tell where in the arc of the battle he was, but just had to trust to the commands he was given. And along comes Aragorn, bringing his nasty little bundle of fate. Legolas will soon find out far more than he ever wanted to know about that curious creature. He should enjoy his last year in the forest, because not even Tree or his momma will be able to protect him from what's coming up.
Author's reply
Writing battles...oh, man. I love a well written one, but I would not put myself at the top of good-battle-writers list. I really appreciate your comments. You've made me feel better. He should enjoy his last year in the forest, because not even Tree or his momma will be able to protect him from what's coming up. Isn't that the truth? Times are a-changing. If they think things are bad now, in a short while, they're going to get worse. Legolas just got a glimpse of the new and improved orc. That would really brighten up a fellow's day. Thanks, FP. I'm glad you enjoyed it. When this is made into a film, I want you to do the score. :>)
Larner · 30 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
So, he is a fairly youthful warrior here, and has just met Aragorn and Gollum. He will shortly know far more than he'd wish to about the latter, and will come to honor the former. Love to see Strider as warrior and healer here.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. Your comments just about sums it up in nutshell. Tolkien doesn't tell us that Legolas and Aragorn had ever met before The Council of Elrond, but it's reasonable, I think, to assume they ran into one another when Aragorn brought Gollum to Mirkwood. I've always wondered why Mithrandir told Aragorn to do that, and I've wondered what Thranduil thought about the request to watch him. Not only did I get an opportunity to explore those questions, but to also ponder how Legolas and Aragorn met. I couldn't resist getting Aragorn involved in a little action. Since this piece is for Meckinock, I had to give the old boy at least one good beheading. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Thanks again.
Thierrys · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Yay for more stories from you! I'm glad to see Legolas' reappearance. I'm eager to see what will happen when Aragorn meets the Elvenking and family. I thought the fight scenes were really well done, as well as Legolas' shocked-but-numb reaction to the little girl's death. Also, I like Tree =D
Author's reply
Thanks, Thierrys, for the kind words, especially about the battle. It was a long one and I don't normally do long battle scenes. Nilmandra writes some of the best ones I've ever read so I hate to remind myself of my incompetence by trying to write one. In fact, I've read a lot of really good battle scenes on SoA by many different authors. There's a fine line when writing them between giving essential information and meandering around the smoke and blood like a bad special-effects technician. Unfortunately, I'm not objective enough about my work to know when I crossed over into 'way too much information'. You've made me feel better. Thanks. Tree is a fun character to write. I'm glad you like him. He'll be most pleased. Thanks again for the review. I appreciate you taking the time and sending such kind thoughts.
meckinock · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Hey, I'm back. This was fantastic! It's so good to read your Legolas again. And I cheered when Tree showed up. He's a great character. The battle was great; the terror of the villagers really came across, and the fierce effort of the Elves to protect them. I'm intrigued now, though, by why Legolas is serving with this patrol if he's captain of his own patrol elsewhere. Sounds like a story there. Along with why Strider was surprised to learn he wasn't the captain. They've never met so why would he assume that? I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the story... The little girl's death was hard. Even though you've shared your concept for the story so I wasn't entirely surprised, it's hard to deal with the death of a small child. It must be particularly hard for Legolas, being immortal and having made friends with her and her parents. And watching them search for her, knowing he was about to break their hearts. What a great start. I'm looking forward to seeing what Thranduil has to say about this unexpected visitor and his secret mission. I'll bet we get to see that famous jugular vein throbbing ;-) Thank you so much for doing this. You shouldn't have; especially as busy and overworked as you've been lately. (But I'm glad you did anyhow) Author Reply: Thanks. It's different than what I normally write, so it feels a little...dark. I like dark, but beginning with a battle, and a long one at that, was a new experience. I was aiming for the chaos where combatants are on auto-pilot because they hardly have time to think, the frustration of the enemy thwarting plans, and the hero doesn't always save the girl. I'm glad you felt the terror of the villagers came across and how intense the fighting was on the ground. It was a small area overrun with people, elves and orcs. Toward the last of the chapter, Opalan says something to Legolas about being grateful for his help and that Legolas was overdue for leave from his patrol on the eastern border. The situation in the realm had worsened (and was about to get worse, but that's another story). Aldamir has had to send new warriors into the patrols faster than usual, so Legolas went to help train a green bunch assigned to Opalan instead of going home. Legolas hadn't been demoted (Opalan calls Legolas 'a capable captain in his own right') but Legolas didn't ride in and take Opalan's command. (I just heard Aldamir gasp with indignation.) Legolas was a temporary second. More about that will be discussed later when Legolas gets home, but that was what Opalan was talking about. Strider has made an assumption about Legolas and it annoys Legolas greatly...later. Legolas has a long history with the little girl's family. That begins in another story still on my hard drive so I can't expect that the reader will know that. But, yeah, at face value, he knew this little girl and her family. Having just spend time with her the day before and being charmed by her, her death was a particularly tough blow. A child's death is always awful and this little girl was special to Legolas, not to mention her death was horrible. She's a turning point for him. More on that later too. Thranduil's always fun. I doubt he'll be impressed with Mithrandir's request. I hope your birthday was a good one. If all goes according to plan (hear Legolas laugh--along with Dot and Bodkin) I'll get the other chapters up before your next one. Thanks for your kind words and remember another birthday just means you're getting better. (And you're still younger than me.)
elliska · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Wow, Karen! What a horrific battle! That was really well written--tense and realistic and incredibly sad. And Aragorn is great in here. I love 'discovering' him along with Legolas. This is a really clever idea for how they first met. And the best part is the TBC! Awesome! I was thrilled to see that. So we get to see Aragorn and Legolas go back to the stronghold with Gollum?! Too cool!
Author's reply
Yeah, it was a horrific battle, a really terrible battle. I started this story a long time ago for Meckinock. Even then, I agonized over the little girl, but in the end, I felt she was necessary for what comes afterwards. I always remember my college roommate's father saying that in a movie, you knew a guy was going to die if he hurt a kid or dog. I'm glad Strider showed up to help wipe up the orcs. Of course, they were gonna die no matter what...the scum. Yep, we're off to the stronghold. Daeron might even be there. Legolas sure hopes so. He needs someone who calls 'em as he sees 'em. Thanks for the review. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Linda Hoyland · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
This is excellent, I'm a big fan of Aragorn and you capture him well. The death of the child was chilling and the battle grim.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I know it started off with a terrible event, but I have to say, I sure was glad when the man clad in dark leather showed up. He even got to lop off an orc's head in one fell swoop: a Meckinock ™. I'm glad you enjoyed it. This story is a little different for me. It's been fun getting to know Aragorn. I've always liked him and I like stories about him, but I've never attempted to write one myself. Thanks for taking the time to review.
meckinock · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Oh! It's the Gollum story! I can't believe you did it! I'm so excited. This made my day. Which I gave myself off from work, so I plan to take this with me and read it again leisurely while sitting at a sidewalk cafe somewhere. Will be back later with a more coherent review... Thank you so much!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're pleased. This story has been kicking around a long time. I've wanted to work on it, but time has not been my friend. While trying to decide what I should write for your celebration, I thought about this one and decided to give it a try. It's a little different than what I'm used to writing in Tolkien's world, and it feels strange, but I've enjoyed doing it. Happy Birthday.
daw the minstrel · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
What a great opening to the meeting of two characters and events that help trigger the final battles. I cringed at the death of the little girl. And while Legolas did fine, he does seem to be a bit worn down. Gollum is just creepy.
Author's reply
The little girl was tough. I try not to harm children and animals in stories, but the reality of war is that children are lost. I don't think orcs would have cared one way or the other about age or gender. Plus, I needed the event to be especially significant to Legolas, something so horrible he has to reevaluate his world view. Yeah, Gollum is always creepy. Thanks for taking time to review and for your help.