Reviews (46)

Zardi · 16 June 2014 · Chapter 9999: Healing

I stayed up really late last night reading most of this story. The struggles of each member of the family are so realistic and believable. I really appreciate how Thranduil took on raising Galithil without needing to discuss it with anyone or even think about it. It felt completely natural and shows how close this family is. Also, I really like your characterization of Legolas. The gentle and loyal character we see in the books really comes through here in this younger version.

Ithica · 11 July 2010 · Chapter 9999: Healing

Recently my love of LOTR, the books and movies, arose once again to the forefront of my mind, and almost like an obsession I sought out for some fanfics to read. I've been looking through sites, like this one, ffn, and others trying to find old stories that I had fallen in love with years ago, and to find new ones to fall in love with for the first time. Your series falls into the latter. I can't believe I've never read your work when you first began, it's just amazing. I'm not a writer so it's hard to put into words HOW amazing I think it is.. but wow. Maybe I can best describe it now that I've come to the last story in your series (thus far anway), and I am totally depressed!!! Now that I have no more of your wonderful, engrossing stories to keep me occupied it feels almost sad, empty.. kind of like when you get to the end of a really good book or movie and really just want it to keep going forever. I truly hope you have more to add to this series! Reading your info, I know you intended to write tales through the return to Valinor.. but I'm no stranger to authors losing inspiration and/or becoming too busy in real life. If either of those happens with you, I would completely understand (though be thoroughly devastated!!). The work and obvious devotion and attention to detail you've put into EVERY story thus far amazes me, and it is what has made this series so rich and satisfying and absolutely addictive!! I have saved your links on this site and FFN, so I will definitely keep an eye out for any more entries you make to this unbelievable world you've put together. I truly wish you the best!

Angelelf · 1 March 2010 · Chapter 9999: Healing

Fabulous writing! Fabulous story.

perelleth · 27 February 2010 · Chapter 9999: Healing

Wow, Dolgailon, you have your instincts right on spot! So next part is going to be dark and troubling! I loved the last part of this epilogue, with LEgolas and Thrnaduil bonding over the forest. It was very hopeful and elfy.

Sulwing of Mirkwood · 23 February 2010 · Chapter 5: Anger

Poor Thranduil, his mother's decision is one more shock he doesn't need. Aradunnon's death was too tragic. If only... Still can't decide about Glilavan. He is either a really good faker or he's okay. But which? Legolas is in soooooooooo much trouble!

Sulwing of Mirkwood · 23 February 2010 · Chapter 4: Lies

Gritting my teeth here. First Legolas wasn't able to say what he should have, then he didn't push it when he could have. Grrr. And now I'm worried about Glilavan again. At least Dolgailon seems to check out all the angles, even if he doesn't believe or want them to be true.

Fantasia · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 9999: Healing

I can't help but feel sad, so sad for Legolas, when he was thinking about his grandmother parting and how she won't be able to see the forest anymore or to taste the fruits, I was sad because that is what will happen to him, after the Quest, he will pay a very high price for Middle Earth peace. The bonding between Thranduil and Legolas is beautiful. Now, is the new leader the same Noldo maiden that was behind all the conspiracies, I don't remember her name, but I remember that she left and nobody knew where she went. Legolas' purpose is very ambitious, so bad that he can't control life, but I least he will try very hard; he went to the Quest after all.... I can't wait for the next episode. Thank you

CandissD · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 9999: Healing

Wonderful chapter - I loved the ending with the view and Legolas thinking of his daernana. I have a feeling that new leader will not bode well for his family ;) I hope you will continue on with a part seven :)

daw the minstrel · 22 February 2010 · Chapter 9999: Healing

So I'm reading happily along, glad for Legolas's generosity and Galithil's achievement, and then pow! Dolgailon starts talking about a forceful female leader. He has good instincts. We'll see what happens. The scene between Legolas and Thranduil and the dawn forest is beautiful. I particularly like the line in which says the forest saved his life. I take that to be in more ways that one. I've enjoyed this story, Elliska, and looked forward to each chapter as you posted.

CandissD · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Support

Wonderful chapter! Can't wait to read more! :)

perelleth · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Support

Thranduil is great here. He's juggling well his own grief, his parental role and the king. Time to cool down was really an improvement for both father and son, but really, I was glad that Legolas too got a reminder of his responsiblties as a prince of the realm. Balancing family and duty is going to be more and more difficult as they grow up, so it's good that he was reminded of this. I believe my truest victory against Sauron is the fact that he cannot repress the spirit of these people Indeed. I really like these insights on Thranduil's beliefs, the drivers of his policy and what he thinks is what he is defending: not a land or resources but a spirit, the basics to what he must turn to when he has to make a decision. And how you show it was a process along the years, with mistakes and discussions and advice from different sources ( particularly loved the hint at Radagast) He comes out as a great king, here, loved that. Good job, elliska!

Fantasia · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Support

I loved the whole chapter, every sentence. I find a little funny that Legolas still resents his Father for invading his privacy. I do understand, I try to give my daughter her space, but I remember when I grew up, my Mom was the Queen of our home and there were nothing that we could keep secret and we couldn’t even to complain...It does sound bad, but it wasn't really bad, she really never on purpose invaded our privacy, but if it happened or she thought that was necessary, Oh well, you have to live with that and accepted, we just knew that that she had the complete authority and we had to respect her no matter what. I suppose that it was a different time and also, a different culture, I've realize now that live in USA, that Latin culture is very different in the relationship between parents and children. Anyway, I'm talking nonsense...I can feel Thranduil pain and his frustration for not being able to change the situation, his acceptance that some events are out of his control. You know what I really like in your King Thranduil? How he really strives to be a fair King, he really takes his time to listen, he recognizes if he is wrong, he explains his decision the best he can and most at all, he puts his people interest and welfare first to everything, they are his most important priority and nothing will top that, not even wife and son. For him, the Kingship is for serving, not for taking privileges. Sadly, it is very uncommon in our World. I have a very cynical POV with politicians, I grew up in a dictatoship regime, and believe me it will be a better World if we have more Thranduil around. Now, Galithil and Maidhien scene was delicious, what a beautiful first kiss. I just feel sorry for them; they will have such a difficult road. I was expecting some of her relatives to pop out and make their kiss impossible. Thanks and waiting for more.

Dot · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Support

I love this story. Not only do I eagerly check for a new chapter every Monday morning – I won’t mention how disappointed I get when it isn’t there, lol - so I can enjoy it with my mug of tea as the perfect start to my day off but it keeps me thinking about what I’ve read for the rest of the day. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve been out walking or hoovering the house or just having a lie down and found myself pondering the reactions of your characters to whatever’s going on in the chapter! Therefore, I’m the worst in the world for not reviewing it. I do realise that. So I just wanted to let you know that I am reading and I am enjoying it immensely and I am sorry I don’t tell you often enough.

daw the minstrel · 14 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Support

I love Legolas's concentration on his art, and also the way everyone else so clearly sees how fine his work is even when he doesn't. It's interesting that at the start Legolas feels at odds with his father, annoyed at him and believing the feeling is mutual, when Thranduil seems to have moved on. It was clear how hard Legolas found it to forgive what he sees as an invasion of a part of his life he'd kept private and about which he feels self-conscious. I suppose that offense was made much worse by Thranduil's accusing manner. If I'd been Legolas, I'd have found that hard to forgive too. But he stretches and grows quite nicely when he considers his father's feelings. I liked Thranduil talking about the ways the world is beautiful in itself. Those details were lovely. It's good for Legolas to hear Thranduil's explanation of how he's waiting for a weapon or advantage against Sauron. That must be hard for impatient Thranduil, as he himself acknowledges. Thank goodness for Mithrandir. "The ability of the people to continue living their lives happily. Merrily as when I first encountered them. I want them to meet on the Green every night to sing and dance and play games of skill or chance. I want you to paint and your naneth to weave and Rodonon and Hallion to keep their library. I want us all to have the freedom and the will to do what Illuvatar intended for us--to create beautiful things and enjoy them together. As long as we do that, Sauron has not won. Not all victories are won on the battle field. I believe my truest victory against Sauron is the fact that he cannot repress the spirit of these people. That's a great passage about how hope and joy are kept alive even when times are dark. And it makes Legolas's painting not just a nice but otherwise irrelevant detail. And look at Maidhien offering a traditional cure to Galithil! Do I see a little bit of foreshadowing in the elven prince who speaks to ents? I wonder if Legolas remembered that mural when he went in to Fangorn.

Charmel · 2 February 2010 · Chapter 6: Confronting grief

I liked this chapter alot. Being a parent is a learning experience for both child and parents. Mothers can be wrong too and Grandmothers. I think apologies are owed all around. Legolas has to understand that it is Thranduil's right as his parent to set rules for him. Even those that he does not agree are necessary. You are not allowed to pick and choose which rules to obey. He even betrayed his mom in my opinion. She said she would speak to Thranduil, he should have waited. Also, When you violate a parent's trust, you are asking to have your privacy violated. I do not think Thranduil owes him an apology for looking in that case. For not giving him a chance to explain, definately. I also would not give in on the sword lessons, but I would come up with another way for him to learn to rule. I'm sure sitting in a few boring meetings would be ample punishment! Maybe helping with the metal issue or weaving the cloth! Now that's good punishment there.

Fantasia · 1 February 2010 · Chapter 6: Confronting grief

Wait a minute, did Legolas just called his Father a fool?

Fantasia · 1 February 2010 · Chapter 6: Confronting grief

This is a great chapter. It remind me to be calm before go and yell, I mean, talk to my child, but it is so hard sometimes to have a cold head with so many problems around you. Good that Legolas has a grandmother to stop his father, at least for a while. It is so heartbroken to have Thranduil confronted with his "mortality". He could reason why he needed all the training, but he doesn't see that his child need it too. Everybody want their children to have a better live and try to shield them for the bad experinces that we had suffered, but at some point, children ned to be confronted with reality and it is better to be prepare. I realy felt so bad for him when he understood what the children were thinking and that he never thought about that, not even back in his youth, when he didn't expect his Ada to die. I suppose that Men are better in that cease, to prepare your children to live without you and to brave the world without your parents help. our description of his shock was very real. I can't wait for more, Thranduil really needs a vacation, if you want, you can send him to my home....

perelleth · 1 February 2010 · Chapter 6: Confronting grief

Uh oh. Thranduil was really out of his mind really, to have failed to think that the children might be thinking that he might too die one day. refusing to think that they were so affected, I suppose. His explosion was all I expected, His mom's reprimand was wonderful She was the only one at that point who could do it. But now he really really needs a spa appointment. With Lindomiel preferably. His reaction when he realizaed what the children had been thinking was heart wrenching. And poor Tulus. He's in for a nasty nasty time with the stupid son he's got in his hands. I am not sure if Glilavan's words to Thranduil in the last chapter were consciously devious or just casually impreccise, but the fact was that hemanaged to hit home doubly and create great trouble. And the kids are going to get more attention from Thrnaduil... you really sure you wanted that, boys? :-) Wonderful, elliska, thank you!

daw the minstrel · 1 February 2010 · Chapter 6: Confronting grief

I was thinking about this some more and was impressed by how much Legolas sounds like a young adult rather than a child. He's able to monitor his own actions, for instance, feeling surprise at how easily he lies for Galithil and controlling his face so his anger won't look like defiance. And he defends Galithil from Thranduil's anger, knowing how vulnerable his cousin is. That's all in addition to the way he's been thinking about the future. His father needs to adjust his thinking or there are going to be a lot more clashes between them. Also, poor Thranduil. He's facing his own limits here.

CandissD · 31 January 2010 · Chapter 6: Confronting grief

great chapter! :) Please update soon! this part at the end cracked me up: He was so pleased that he managed to refrain from suggesting that the best way for his father to give them the attention they needed would be to give them swords lessons. lol! don't push it, Legolas! :)

daw the minstrel · 31 January 2010 · Chapter 6: Confronting grief

I like the little details like Galithil pinching his nose as Legolas cleans up after his painting. But how odd to hear Galithil being the rational, good boy! He's giving Legolas good advice but it's too late, sadly. I cringed when Thranduil asked him what he was hiding under the bed. It sounded so accusatory. And poor Legolas! Not only does he feel unjustly accused, but he's also humiliated by having his "amateur" paintings exposed and being treated so high-handedly. And then, he doesn't even have the satisfaction of being completely innocent. Thank goodness for mothers and grandmothers. I feel a strong desire to kick Glilavan up and down the Great Steps. The little weasel. Legolas made such a good argument and even better, he stood up for himself in a way that makes sense emotionally given recent events, but also just makes sense! Poor guilt-ridden Galithil.

daw the minstrel · 19 January 2010 · Chapter 5: Anger

Oh wow. What unfortunate timing. Unfortunate events too, of course, given that someone was hurt. But unfortunate timing, given that Thranduil was already angry and upset. And Glilavan deserves to be smacked around. The discussion of trade at the start was interesting for a variety of reasons. One of them was that people forget how vital women were to the economic well-being of households in pre-industrial societies. I recently heard someone question whether such a society could afford to have women be "just housewives." They forget how much such women contributes. They weren't sitting around watching soap operas.

Fantasia · 19 January 2010 · Chapter 5: Anger

Well, it was time for Thranduil to explote, too much in his plate, really. Poor Legolas, I think that he will be in a big trouble, he did wrong, of course, but I don't think that his Father will to be rational about this, bad timimg too, this is not the best day to cross the King...Now, I'm becoming Aradunnon, because I can't pass this Glílavan, he should be reprimended too, the King's son comment was so wrong... The most touching scene for me was the tapestry, all of them together, as it should be, war is such a terrible thing.

perelleth · 19 January 2010 · Chapter 5: Anger

Wow! I've been awaiting Thranduil's ourburst since the first chapter! I was cheering all along his tirade about not slinking into valinor, though, and well, it's very understandable that he is drawing strength from anger at his brother and stubborn endurance against the shadow, because that is more comforting than simply acknowledging grief and loss.... IT's a bit too much to face it in any other manner..but he's going to need to take some sort of holiday soon, because there is simply too much to just keep taking everything in stride. Lindomiel is going to have her hands full! I loved it that he still managed to be so tender with his naneth, despite all, and now I fear for LEgolas, because right now the vein of doom is surely about to explode.

CandissD · 19 January 2010 · Chapter 5: Anger

Wonderful chapter! Legolas is going to be in a bit of trouble! I hope Berior is okay. :) Please update soon!