Reviews (27)

Coriandra · 9 July 2005 · Chapter 32: The Voices of the Lindar

That was beautiful, but so sad which is a sure sign that Lenmana was never a Mary Sue. I find character death scenes heartbreaking if they're well written. It's impossible for me to feel this way about a Sue because they just aren't believeable. Thank you for taking as on this journal, I'm sure your other readers found it as moving as I did.

Shemyaza · 27 April 2005 · Chapter 32: The Voices of the Lindar

This is an addendum to the earlier review. I finished your story and was intrigued with the usage of a lost soul from another world intruding into Middle-earth. You said at the start that you thought she might have MS qualities. Well, if she did, they weren't at all evident. Her presence in ME with the Elves was thoughtfully crafted and she was what all original characters should be in my opinion - i.e. a complement to the canon characters and someone who enriches the story and doesn't take it over for her/himself. She was afraid of the journey we all have to take after our lives have ended and wanted to hold on instead of finding who she truly was, which is not the sum total of our corporeal forms. I'm not religious, so I don't believe in heaven as such, but I have become more spiritual as time has gone on and believe that a spirit does fly towards it's real home when it leaves the body at the point of death.

Shemyaza · 27 April 2005 · Chapter 8: The Flute Maiden

How could anyone take exception to such a sensitive depiction of the trials of the native American and especially the Chiricahua Apache and Hopi who were more sinned against than sinning? I find it fascinating that you're attempting to combine the two cultures with that of Middle-earth. It's very true that the nature of the native American being so close to the earth and the elements is far more in tune with the Elvish notions than modern western culture. Of course any OFC introduced is in danger of being a Mary Sue, but you have one thing on your side and that is the fact that you haven't yet got her interfering with the quest of the Ring or turning up at Elrond's council! I guess there's still time since I am only a couple of chapters into the story. On the other hand, the very nature of her culture may just make her character work, even if she does develop Mary Sue tendencies later on. She has an interesting enough background to dampen down any objectionable qualities. I'll read on and see where it goes.

daw the minstrel · 26 April 2005 · Chapter 32: The Voices of the Lindar

When I saw the notice for this update, I thought I must be seeing things! This was beautiful, Fades. I'm glad Lemnana found her way home again. And Legolas's words about love rang true.

daw the minstrel · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 31: Ghosts

This is a fascinating account of how this particular non-MS managed to get into ME. There is magic here, strong magic, that is of the earth and of the elves and of her people too.

Nilmandra · 24 March 2004 · Chapter 31: Ghosts

I like how Glorfindel can see the state of Lenmana's lost spirit, and knows the need she has to find the halls of her forefathers - it reminds of the words Gandalf spoke to Theoden regarding Theodred's soul in movie-verse land - it sort of mirrors the idea here of the spirit finding its ways to the halls of its forefathers. Poor Legolas, though! You have left him hanging. I like the reference to him as the silver moon and the memories Glorfindel has of him storytelling. I hope life settles and look forward to the next chapter!

daw the minstrel · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 30: Of Blues and Greys

Loved the images of Glorfindel singing to Legolas to help anchor him and the trees telling him to cling to color. They were very elfy. And, of course, I also enjoyed the concern that everyone showed for the injured Legolas but especially his father and brother. I'm so glad to see this story moving again.

Nilmandra · 28 January 2004 · Chapter 29: The Black Breath

Glad to see you broke through the block! The effects of shadow are evil indeed, and I wonder why they target Legolas. Which reminds me, no killing off the elf! His situation seems most grave, and perhaps in this we will learn Lenmana's purpose.

daw the minstrel · 28 January 2004 · Chapter 29: The Black Breath

Yeah! You're back. This was a wonderful depiction of the effects of shadow. It's interesting how for Tolkien the psychological effect of the fear and despair was the primary weapon. But you leave us wondering how Legolas is doing! Bad Fades!

Nilmandra · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 28: Glorfindel and the Greenleaf

I think you capture the weight and despair of shadow well at the beginning, and we see the effects on Legolas. Being young, he probably does not have the defense against it that the others do, merely by experience, although he lives closer to it physically. Glorfindel's memory of Legolas as an elfling is a wonderful, light contrast to that shadow. The water and the sun and their dance - and better yet with a fully revealed golden one :D. Lenmana is interesting here, for I am not sure they speak of the same thing. I am not entirely sure what Legolas wants from her, or if she knows what she wants from him. Her moratilty is rushing and fleeting and interesting to him. His immoratlity intrigues her, but for different reasons. It will be interesting to see where Legolas' dreams take him....

daw the minstrel · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 28: Glorfindel and the Greenleaf

I liked the glimpses into the working of the two elven psyches. Glorfindel long life give him some perspective that Legolas lacks yet, but oddly enough, he thinks about the one inevitable sign that time passes even for elves: he thinks of a child who no longer is a child. And that's a sweet moment too. I enjoyed the image of him and little Legolas dancing together (in so MANY ways, I enjoyed it, but that's another story). Legolas's dream is touching too because you can see that both he and Lenmana suffer from their opposite "gifts."

Nilmandra · 19 October 2003 · Chapter 27: Sorrow's Story

You have captured the paralyzing fear of the shadow, the true weapon of the Nazgul too. Thranduil is wise to see what has happened and why - for now he knows the signs and can defend against it. The poor captain; I am glad he did not die alone. The final moments of comfort in another's arms can be enough to ease that passage, and for Namo to beckon for him. The sorrow and grief were handled well. Lenmana is growing to understand, and I like her in the world of dreams - easier to communicate and there is more time for understanding, as dreams are not interrupted by all the things that consume time during waking hours. Very well written chapter.

daw the minstrel · 19 October 2003 · Chapter 27: Sorrow's Story

I thought this was an extremely elfy chapter. The scene with Thranduil at the start was powerful. He knows that the shadow is using sorrow and you can see it all around him. Then we see through your OC's eyes and notice how different the elves are and it's almost scary. And then we get that horrible scene in the death glade. Great chapter all around

Nilmandra · 24 September 2003 · Chapter 26: Navaer- Farewell

The battle was certainly not gratuitous, but an agonizing glimpse into real life for a warrior. Young Linwe died well - but I feel so for the captain who lives. It appears Legolas is almost to him, but getting him home will be very difficult. But, perhaps if he is to die, it will not be alone now. Legolas' trails through the trees is very elfy. I love how you have used the trees as a sources of information and sustenance, and the birds as messengers. It very much makes the wood elves a part of the forest.

daw the minstrel · 24 September 2003 · Chapter 26: Navaer- Farewell

You were right, that was graphic but it was not gratuitous. This was all very well done. The battle and the suffering of the Elven warriors was really gripping, which is quite an accomplishment because most ff battles just fly by as a plot element. And the magic bond that exists between Legolas (and other wood elves) and the trees was so well done. It was just - magic!

Nilmandra · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 25: Shadow’s Breath

It is both sad and wonderful that so many of the king's family put themselves out in defense of the realm. They do not opt for safety or security, but how painful that must be for the king! And of course Glorfindel would protect the young warriors. *note to self - check to see if Glorfy has found out new password to computer*

daw the minstrel · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 25: Shadow’s Breath

I was struck by your explanation of how Thranduil was connected to the forest when he became king. It was very plausible and you could see how he simultaneously gained and lost by it. And then the chill that shadow brings was very well described. It made sense that the Elves wanted their arrows neat. I feel that way about my surroundings when I am upset and, in this case, weapons are especially important. Wow. The comparison of warriors to wolves, birds and trees was terrific. It is so fitting and I never would have thought of that in a million years.

Nilmandra · 5 September 2003 · Chapter 24: The Set Up

Hmmm..........Glorfindel is wondering when the he-elves will get the she-elves back? He is greatly enjoying the sparring and is glad you recognized that *he* would immediately figure out who had done what. He rather enjoys seeing the twins get set up - he also enjoys seeing them having some fun. He says they have become far too serious in recent years. And no, Glorfy, you cannot leave Fades a message yourself. No touching the keyboard. Hmmphphh, Elf- lords.

daw the minstrel · 5 September 2003 · Chapter 24: The Set Up

Yes! I KNEW she was a Merry Sioux. I think the twins are in for a long evening. Glorfindel's arrival in the last chapter was the start of things falling apart and it looks like it's all downhill from here.

Nilmandra · 29 August 2003 · Chapter 23: Greenleaf's Hope

Oh, gosh, I just wrestled the keyboard away from him AGAIN. He is using MapQuest to figure out how to get to your house. Something about an 'academic assignment'. *rolls eyes*. Glad Legolas enjoyed, somewhat, Glorfindel's song - but more so I enjoyed that it brought him gladness for his father's joy. But now, I fear, we are soon to find out why Glorfindel has come. Keep on!

daw · 22 August 2003 · Chapter 23: Greenleaf's Hope

I've been meaning to ask and keep forgetting: Is your OC a Merry Sioux??

daw the minstrel · 21 August 2003 · Chapter 23: Greenleaf's Hope

Nice, bittersweet adar/ion moment. It's good to be reminded once in a while that there is serious stuff going on in the world underneath all the fun, but that joy is still possible.

Nilmandra · 18 August 2003 · Chapter 22: Legolas Strongbow

You dare to end there? Ah...........I want to see Legolas' reaction to the song! I want to see the twins talk to Glorfindel the mighty Golden One, the magnificent, the bold, he of unsurpassing beauty.... *yanks keyboard back from Glorfindel* Hurry up and get your work done!

Fan81981 · 18 August 2003 · Chapter 22: Legolas Strongbow

I will forgive your tardiness in updating if you upload the new chapter quickly - right about now would be good. I want to see what the Golden One has planned for the Twins. I must say that your elves are quite unique. I mean this is a very good way. I have read about elves being noble, I have read them when they are being paternal, loving etc - but I have rarely seen them this sensual. You bring about their humour in a particularly adult way. It is nice to see the elves displaying their wit and humour without having to resort to pranks. See they CAN be grownup. UPDATE SOON - please.

daw the minstrel · 18 August 2003 · Chapter 22: Legolas Strongbow

Glorfindel sure knows how to take revenge. Legolas should watch what he says next time, or at least look around first and make sure the Golden One isn't listening. And I would be pleased to see anything Glorfindel wants to show me!