Fimbrethil · 28 May 2026 · Chapter 1: The Colours of the Forest
The forest is red and black, indeed. I am afraid their mother will not return.
The Colours of the Forest by Avon
Reviews (7)
DAYNA · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 1: The Colours of the Forest
oh.my.gosh. Wow. that was... wow. I love how the older comforts the younger. Leggy sucking his fingers... aww! I think my favorite part is Gillaer's addition to the rhyme: The forest is black; Spider black, Shadow black, Mirkwood black; The forest is black. I think it's an Orc or a Spider. You are AMAZING.
Author's reply
*blush* Thanks, Dayna. I'm pleased you liked it. I have to admit that it is pretty close to my heart. Avon
TithenFeredir · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
This was the most interesting mix of terror and tenderness. I definitely visualized it as being in the forest with some unseen peril unfolding nearby. I think it works extremely well that we DON'T know exactly what is happening--it heightens the tension. Then you juxtapose that against the sweetness and vunerability of little Legolas and his brother's comforting him in spite of his own fear and desire to act. I don't usually care for stories the LOTR character as children, but you do it very well, IMHO. The poem was a great counterpoint to the action. It felt very elvish to me, and the last bit was so chilling. Great story! TF
Author's reply
Thanks, TF. I really like finding out what other people visulise when they read it. I deliberately didn't let myself make a visual of anything other than the two children (I sort of write from pictures in my head) so I wouldn't tie into any one place or event. I have to admit that I'm not generally into reading LOTR characters as children stories either - even though I keep writing them ;-)
mistry89 · 11 April 2004 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Very powerful, and the poem built/echoed the rising emotions and fading hope of the elfling. How brave to help his little brother by using a poem/doggerel and how revealing it turned out to be. It never occured to me that it might be domestic violence - I thought an orc attack where none was expected, not necessarily their mother's death (although that works for me).
Author's reply
Thank you, Mistry. I've been meaning to remove that author's note actually as I think it is probably better to just let people figure it out for themselves. Cheers, Avon
Fadesintothewest · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Your vignettes are always so great to read, but so tragic. I imagined this to be the death of Legolas' mother, being attacked by orcs. Whatever your original inspiration, the poem of the forest was perfect- like a child's rhyme but very wood Elvsy. And his last stanza, that was so chilling and so sad. :(
Author's reply
Thank you for the feedback. Yep, I don't seem to be able to do happy - or even moderately cheerful very often. When I write stories for friends as birthday presents they're a bit of a mixed blessing ;-) I do think that the most likely explanation is the death of Legolas' mother. Anyway, pleased you liked it. Avon
Tinnuial · 20 September 2003 · Chapter 1: The Colours of the Forest
That was amazing......the use of the rhyme was heartbreakingly poetic. And it does seem like the sort of rhyme wood elves would sing... Thank you for a lovely story!! :)
Author's reply
Thansk for the feedback, Tinnuial. I can't write real poetry but I think this sort of rhyme did work for the story. Avon
Shireling · 7 September 2003 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Wow, very powerfull and disturbing. I can see it fitting either scenario.Well done. Helen/shireling
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm pleased that you think it could work either way. Cheers, Avon