The opening paragraph of this chapter reminds me of the stanzas about summer's end in "Charlotte's Web" -- it has the same rhythm, and that is fitting, because the chapter also has the same sense of endings, and a sweet sorrow. I have enjoyed this ride tremendously, and I thank you so much for your hard work and faithful updates. It has been a bright spot in my life, and I hope that it gives you a sense of accomplishment and great pride as well.
RogerGamgee
· 24 May 2004
· Chapter 99999: Glossary of terms
Le Rouret,
I have thoroughly enjoyed this tale from the very beginning. It deserves to be a novel in its own right. It reads like a good mystery, full of intrigue.
I believe I've learned more about the nature of elves just from reading your story than I would anywhere else. I discovered things about Legolas and his kin that I would never have suspected. You've done a masterful job here, and it shows clearly in your writing. Well done :)
RogerGamgee
· 20 May 2004
· Chapter 17: The Goat Escapes
I had to pause in my reading and leave a brief note regarding this chapter. Legolas' loneliness comes through so strongly in your writing, that I couldn't help but empathize with him. The fact that he is immortal, and his friends are not, seems to resonate in a special way for him. He is acutely aware that he will outlive Aragorn, Gimli, and the others...yet he still binds his fate to theirs without regret.
Coriel
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 37: A Mislaid Letter
Hehehe . . .! Oh, this was great! Sounds a lot like my sister and I trying to write email! We both laughed at this one.
Duchess
· 19 May 2004
· Chapter 99999: Glossary of terms
It has taken me two whole days, but I've finally gotten to the last chapter of this and the glossary you made for us. There are other words you used that we could all stand to have definitions of, but those are a great start. Thank you! :)
Now, about this wonderful story you've written here...I LOVE it!!! What a most excellent job you've done and I applaud you heartily for sticking with such difficult turns of phrase. I know I couldn't have done it to save my life! lol
Of all the original characters you pulled into this, and I don't know that he's original or not, but your portrayal of him is divine, Bandobras is absolutely ADORABLE and I would NOT mind learning that he had further adventures at some point. *vbg* As Legolas feels so fatherly toward the little tyke, I don't understand his reluctance to wed and perhaps have children of his own. *giggling behind my hand at this point*
The letter at the end, with Gimli's additions and admonitions, cracked me up something terrible and I had trouble reading for tears of laughter. *snickering still*
Do please write more as soon as possible as I admire your style and love the way you've painted the world of Tolkien's characters here. Wonderful, just plain wonderful! :):):)
Elenora
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 37: A Mislaid Letter
Oh my gosh, Le Rouret, this chapter was marvelous!!! (I'm quickly running out of superlatives here....what am I going to say next time??) First off, the vehicle in which you used to convey this chapter (in the form of a letter to Merry and Pippin) was really a nifty idea, and not only was it extremely enjoyable seeing their reaction to Legolas's letter (and the running commentary throughout of Gimli's "backseat driving," so to speak, LOL!), but I was laughing right along with them. And I could just visualize Legolas, sitting elegantly at his desk, writing away, with Gimli hovering over his shoulder, commenting on every other line and occasionally jostling his arm when something Legolas had written didn't set well with him....what a hoot!!!! (And definitely infinite patience on Legolas's part, to be sure.) And those comments you had Legolas making about Lady Eowyn and her "expanding girth"...well, I about laughed right out of my chair.
Anyway, this was a great chapter and looking forward to the next!
Elenora
Ms. Whatsit
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 37: A Mislaid Letter
I was laughing out loud when I read this. There were so many funny parts, like the bit about Faramir wanting a girl, Bandy wanting a boy and Eowyn wanting it to be over. And of course all the Legolas-Gimli stuff. Poor Legolas probably has a bruised arm from Gimli hitting him so much. The bit about Arwen not being allowed to sit on Aragorn's council was interesting--I always did think Elves were less sexist than Men.
Now I really want to see their reunion. I bet it will be hilarious, especially if Gimli is also there.
RogerGamgee
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 1: Bandobras of Tookland
An interesting tale you've written here...I've wondered at times what Elessar and the others would have done to rebuild the kingdom. A tournament sounds like the perfect way to celebrate.
Lamiel
· 18 May 2004
· Chapter 37: A Mislaid Letter
Oh, this is wonderful! So funny! I was laughing all through Legolas' letter, especially at Gimli's interruptions -- I can just see him hitting the Elf like that. And the forced changes in greeting and style are just wonderful! What a creative and marvelous way to summarize everything that has happened, all the little details that would be rather dull to relate through straight exposition.
I hope that you enjoyed your trip to Mexico, and this is more than worth any small delay thereby created. Thank you!
Elenora
· 17 May 2004
· Chapter 36: The Tournament Ends
Alas, once again I've been woefully remiss in getting reviews to you, although I've been following your story faithfully and enjoying it immensely! This latest chapter was simply marvelous (shades of Billy Crytstal!!!)and I was grinning most comically from ear-to-ear while reading that section about Legolas dancing with all the single maidens at the feast and then sighting that last maiden he'd missed....that was a GREAT scene!! I will truly be sorry to see this story end, although I know you are probably getting tired of struggling with the difficulties of cranking this one out. But I hope that won't turn you off to writing another LotR (hopefully Legolas-centered!)story after you've "put this one to bed."
In any case, this story has been a wonderful read and I've been recommending it left and right. I'm hoping your reviews are reflecting that!
Elenora
Lamiel
· 10 May 2004
· Chapter 36: The Tournament Ends
I love the image of Legolas letting the Grey Knight score another point, just to annoy Gimli. Ha! And it was so thrilling to see the fight, and his win. Of course I knew how it would come out - you'd have a riot on your hands otherwise - but it was a delight to see it! I wonder though at Legolas' mother insisting on him finding a bride - surely she only meant for his senechal to seek an ELF maiden, and not a mortal? Given the distinct dangers of Elves getting involved with mortals, I can't imagine that she'd want him tangled with that. All I can say is that those mortal ladies didn't have the stamina to deserve him - I sure as heck would not have given up that easily, even if he were an Elf!
Anyway, a wonderful end to the tournament. So much fun! And soon I expect it will be time to wrap up the tale, and get Bandy back to his home. I'm going to miss him too.
Coriel
· 10 May 2004
· Chapter 36: The Tournament Ends
Yay! So he won after all. And it was good of him to have the prize distributed as he did, though I really couldn't see him doing it any other way. :)
[Thranduil] paused, then looked at Elessar and Faramir; in his eyes was a bright mischievous light. "This warlike pastime appears to be quite enjoyable," he said, smiling; "I would not be averse to trying it myself."
King Elessar looked upon the Elven King, eyebrows raised; then he said, "Well, then, your Majesty, we ought to take advantage of the amenities before Belecthor’s men have dismantled them." . . .
Edlothiel said nothing to this exchange, but only sighed.
*Men* Monkey see; monkey do. But that would be interesting to see. Has Thranduil got any practical experience with full-fledged jousting, you wonder? I daresay he could make a good try, anyway!
Ah, so everything is becoming clear. The only thing I'm still confused on is the timing -- when did Eradan discover Legolas' identity? Was he present at the unveiling with Aragorn and the others? I'm sorry, I just don't recall. There were several times when various people found out, before the general announcement to all the assembled knights.
In any case, I'm glad to see things coming together. And I look forward to the rest of the tournament. I'm wondering too, what will Legolas do with the money? Use it for the colony in Ithilien, or to aid the widows and orphans, I suppose. Looking forward to more!
Well, I'm glad Bandy's happy now. :) And Kaimelas seems to be coming around, and Thranduil's in a good mood, and Eredan's tied up somewhere. And all-around satisfying chapter. ;)
Now they just have to get Piukka into line. Actually, I suspect that if he tried to forfeit on account of his horse, everyone would be so disappointed that he'd have no end of alternates loaned him. :)
Uh-oh, Eowyn's starting with the "my champion" business again. Faramir's a patient guy (and Eowyn's a lucky girl, living in Ithilien with both Faramir and Legolas in her reach!) And now all the intrigue about the Elven King's gold and such is spelled out, though Kaimelas's fate is still uncertain and so is that of the women and children. I guess what's left is the requisite punishing of the bad guys and maybe Bandy either going back to the Shire or deciding to stick with our Elf for good? Speaking of Bandy it was nice seeing his reunion with Legolas and Gimli--those three are cute together.
Lamiel
· 28 April 2004
Oh, Bandobras is so cute. I like seeing him, and listening to him talk. The formating on this chapter was unfortunately skewed when it posted -- that happens sometimes, and I had to scroll over from side to side to read it. The story is well worth the effort, but perhaps if you repost this chapter it will come up easier for other readers.
I'm with Bandobras: I want to see Legolas back again soon. And I wonder if we'll have a proper ceremony to mark the end of the tournament? I'm sorry to see this fic end, I've been enjoying it so much, but I sense an ending in progress and I look forward to seeing all the threads wrapped up. It's been a heck of a ride, and a lot of fun.
Lamiel
sol 3
· 26 April 2004
"What's Namo going to do with a dead horse?"
This has been a wonderful story, and I've enjoyed it immensely
as it's gone along, though I've been woefully remiss in reviewing.
(sorry 'bout that.)
The line about the horse, however, caught me so off guard it made me
laugh out loud and scare the cats!
Thanks for sharing such a unique story, and I do look forward
to the next update, hopefully with the return of Legolas :)
Sayre
Ms. Whatsit
· 26 April 2004
Bandy's such a nice thoughtful hobbit, isn't he. I liked it when Adun humored him by sending him outside--he seems cool. You've got a great cast of supporting characters. And Bandy worrying about what Gimli would say to him calling Aragorn "sir" was funny. Somehow I really like the idea of Gimli as protocol nut.
Coriel
· 26 April 2004
Ah, poor Bandy! Still, it was very thoughtful of him to be worried over everyone else's well-being while there was a party going on, especially considering his origins. :)
I doubt his family will know what to make of him when they finally get him back!
Coriel
· 20 April 2004
· Chapter 33: The Lovers Reunited
"He was very noisy," sighed Legolas. "I have been obliged to hit him upon the head at least four times. Each time he awakes I tell him I shall not be constrained to strike him again should he be still, but the fear of hanging is upon him, and he thrashes and squirms and tries to shout so that I cannot hear the voices of the forest, and I am obliged to silence him once more."
HA! And I bet he enjoyed it, too!
You know, some people never learn.
Lamiel
· 20 April 2004
· Chapter 33: The Lovers Reunited
Perhaps the most vivid image for me in this chapter was the brief description of the stars shining between the dark brush of pine needles and splayed leaves. It captured the scene so perfectly, and just when I had been wishing for more description of the pursuit party (forgive me - I still get the characters mixed up. There are an awful lot of them, after all.)
And Legolas' explanation of how he kept his Lion quiet made me snicker. Safer for his sword, indeed. There's some really nice humor in this story. It's subtle, but very welcome.
Nicely done. Very nice.
Hiro-tyre
· 19 April 2004
· Chapter 33: The Lovers Reunited
You are an extraordinary writer. Absolutely extraordinary. I just thought you ought to know this. I love this story and it's style. It's just a pity it's not complete yet, or I'd peg it for the Mithril Awards. Perhaps next year?
Ms. Whatsit
· 19 April 2004
· Chapter 33: The Lovers Reunited
Yay, the bad guy is caught! And for all the drama this was a funny chapter. There were some great lines--"I believe if I told you Middle Earth would come to a fiery end on the morrow you should only remark that we at least would all die warm.” Heh. And Gimli, of course, was hysterical. Poor Dwarf.
Elenora
· 6 April 2004
· Chapter 32: The Lion Overcome
Finally, I've gotten in here to leave a review! Sorry for the delay. The last chapter, as usually, was great...not only was it satisfying to have some answers revealed, but again you also provided some marvelous "pictures" that were breathtaking...in particular, The Green Knight - Legolas - sitting cross-legged on the floor of the cave, conversing with the girl and her father, looking beautiful (as usual...Legolas, I mean!) in their eyes and glowing....*GAH* Ah, but is this winding down, or have you yet a twist or two to throw at us? Just wondering! This story has been so good, so thoroughly satisfying, that I just don't want it to end.
And as usual, looking forward to the next chapter!
Elenora
Coriel
· 5 April 2004
· Chapter 32: The Lion Overcome
So now all the dirty laundry comes out. :)
The rest of the gang must be plenty worried now that Legolas hasn't resurfaced yet. I hate to think what it will sound like someone has to tell Thranduil what happened, so far as they know.
Wow. Legolas has more gold than even HE can comfortably spend in HIS lifetime? I knew Thranduil was something of a pack rat, but good grief! :D