And Then There Were None by Estel_Mi_Olor
Fiondil · 27 July 2013 · Chapter 13: And Then There Were None
A good place to stop, Estel. I've enjoyed this story very much, especially the dynamics of the royal family, and look forward to the sequel. At one point you have Hananuir baiting himself. I think you meant Girithron was doing the baiting.
Larner · 27 July 2013 · Chapter 13: And Then There Were None
So, they haven't figured out how it was done? I wonder why? Heh! Has anyone confided with Thranduil as to the pilfering of food and such? If they put all of the pieces together they could begin to figure it out, I think. But perhaps they will begin to understand once Bilbo is recognized for what he is. It ought to prove interesting as you begin your next section of the story.
Fiondil · 5 June 2013 · Chapter 12: Feasting
Thranduil's plan sounds both intriguing and dangersou. Too bad we never learn what Thorin's answer was. And now the Dwarves have escaped and none of the Elves are the wiser. Loved Thranduil reminiscing about his wife and how they met. So poignant.
Larner · 5 June 2013 · Chapter 12: Feasting
And while the Elves have been feasting, the Dwarves and an invisible Hobbit have been escaping! Thranduil's guess as to the origin of the Dwarves is wrong, of course, but his plan to distract the Necromancer with an offer of his own person does sound intriguing. And love that the other Elves have been deliberately baiting Galion with that song, knowing he has a hangover! Heh!
Fiondil · 15 May 2013 · Chapter 11: The King's Wrath
The king is back home and Mirkwood readies for war, though they have no idea of the war that is soon to be upon them. Rather ironic. Good to see Rochiron so honored. The ellon richly deserves the promotion. And Biblo's thieving is having an adverse effect on the citizens of Mirkwood, it seems. *grin* Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing, Fiondil! I see you like irony, since you point it out every time I sneak it in there ; ) And yes, in a somewhat darkly ironic way, the elves have absolutely no idea what is about to go down. I kind of like the theme of the carpet getting pulled out from under them, so to speak, since I feel like that would be part of the reality of living in a forest blighted by the Enemy. You can't possibly guess what's coming next. Rochiron does seem to be taking over the story a little bit...but I'm glad people seem to like him. I wanted to tell the war council from another character's perspective (not Thranduil's or Legolas's) and Rochiron just seemed appropriate. And yes, Bilbo is really causing a ruckus. His greatest act of burglary is going to be revealed shortly ; )
rikwen · 14 May 2013 · Chapter 11: The King's Wrath
I had seen your story listed several times as I log onto the site, but I have always resisted starting something in progress until this past weekend. I started reading your story off and on for several days and have finally caught up with the tale. And what a tale you have woven. I like the way you have incorporated the spread of Sauron through a mental perspective as well as the physical of attacking orcs and spiders and dying trees. Legolas' thought of how the darkness was attacking his fea and the fighting between the brothers and later on between the elves on the archery field all seem to emphasize the fear and distrust that is being used to divide and conquer the elves without having to do battle. And your battle scenes are well described. There is a lot of tension, with the type of wishing that the elves could be in all places at all times and see what is coming up behind them. I am also enjoying your Thranduilian family structure and how they are interacting with one another and how Legolas is seen within this structure. Tolkien wrote him as a young and merry elf, but he had to have seen a lot of fighting and survival in his home in Mirkwood. I am now going to be checking here constantly looking for new chapters and trying not to be too impatient waiting. This story is definitely worth marking for rereading at a later time.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading and reviewing rikwen! I completely understand your hesitation about beginning stories in progress, since I too hate it when authors don't update consistently and the reader is left hanging. I raise my hand guiltily since I am in the process of doing just that... No, seriously though I have 2 chapters left to post (I think) of this current story (there WILL be a sequel). But thank you for sticking with the story. I always found Mirkwood one of the more fascinating places in Middle Earth and I always wanted to read more about it in The Hobbit. It seemed so telling to me that the entire forest was renamed and what a great word: mirk. It means darkness and gloom and, to me, "gloom" has so many psychological connotations that I was quite excited to weave that into my story. I'm glad you liked the battle scenes, since I was always wary of making them confusing. And yes, that is exactly what I wanted to convey: gee, wouldn't it be great if the elves could be everywhere at once. As for the family structure, I'm glad it's working for you (and others). I admit, I didn't put too much thought into why I decided Legolas needed to be the youngest of 5 siblings, but it works. Now we come to the last point, which I have put a lot of thought into. You are absolutely right: in the LotR, Legolas is quite a young and merry elf. Almost carefree, one might think at first glance. So why is he so quiet, so doom and gloom in my story? Well, you are definitely right to point out that living in Mirkwood is no picnic and I strongly believe that would have had severe repercussions on those elves. So, in my mind, once Legolas is out in the great outside world, he lightens up a bit. Also, once Sauron abandons Dol Guldur, I am assuming that life was a little less bleak (only slightly). Finally, I like to put Legolas in perspective with the other members of the Fellowship. He is merry to his companions, perhaps because he is foreign to them, perhaps because he is happy to be outside his dark forest; perhaps because he is in good company that leaves him happy. Sorry didn't mean to write such a long reply, but the long and short of this idea is that I have also noticed it and will try to write his character as canon as possible . Thank you again! -EMO
Larner · 14 May 2013 · Chapter 11: The King's Wrath
Well, it's about time they faced the Enemy straight on, of course! I can appreciate why all are excited and even pleased by the thought of fighting outright at last! I only grieve that the horses and guards outside the forest have disappeared, and hope that their fate is learned for the sake of the families now bereft.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review Larner, and for always keeping such a close eye to detail. You are in fact the only person who asked about the missing guards. I won't reveal their fate yet, but that will be coming soon! I imagine the whole "let's go face the Enemy" attitude in this chapter is a relief to everybody. Sort of the way I imagine one finally swatting away at a fly that's been buzzing in your ear for hours (a very inane comparison). Hope to be wrapping this up for you soon!
Larner · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Back Again
I don't think I would have wished to stand between that troop and home. Heaven help any orcs who got in their way! Alas for the fallen, but at least they lost no more on the march home.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review, Larner. Yeah, those elves were pretty determined to get home and I also would not have wanted to stand in their way. I decided to leave it up to the reader's imagination as to what might have transpired on the return journey, since I think everybody was eager to return to the palace.
Fiondil · 13 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Back Again
I'm so glad Legolas made it back home. I felt so sorry for them all with the rain and then the orc attack. The journey over the mountains must have been harrowing just because of their injuries. This was, in it's way, a more intense chapter and emotionally charged chapter than the previous ones. I was really on the edge of my seat the whole time. Well done!
Author's reply
Not sure if it's still appropriate to answer a review so long after the fact...but thank you! I was surprised that you found this chapter more emotionally charged than the others, but I'm guessing this may have been due to the build up of tension. It just keeps getting worse and worse, and by this chapter, nobody can take it anymore! Happy to know that the chapter was so tense. Thank you for sticking with the story! -EMO
obsidianj · 7 April 2013 · Chapter 9: Death's Twilight Kingdom
The cost of victory. It was a hard won battle, and when you look at the cost in fallen and wounded, there is little to celebrate. Legolas grows with the challenge. Let's just hope they can get back home without too much trouble.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review! I think all too frequently people like to skip over the aftermath of a battle, but for me, the day after is just as important as the action itself.
Agape4Gondor · 4 April 2013 · Chapter 9: Death's Twilight Kingdom
What a terribly hard chapter to read. Though there is a sort of victory, the cost is overwhelming. Legolas shows his worth and continues to grow in the esteem of those he commands. This is the kind of tale that I already plan on rereading once it is complete. Bravo!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the compliment! I am delighted that you will be rereading. It will definitely be easier once I've got all the chapters posted...which may occur soon (I hope). Hopefully the next chapter will prove a bit lighter, before we have to go downhill again! : )
Larner · 26 March 2013 · Chapter 9: Death's Twilight Kingdom
Alas for those lost in the battles, and I look forward to learning how these shall be able to return home in the end, with the other groups called home as has been done.
Author's reply
Thank you Larner! I thought the aftermath of the battle deserved all its own chapter : )
Fiondil · 26 March 2013 · Chapter 9: Death's Twilight Kingdom
I'm glad Rochiron survived and Legolas does quite well taking over command when necessary. Too bad he doesn't know that his brother won't be coming to help. I hope they are able to get back to the Stronghold without too much trouble. And what has Bilbo been up to all this time? Is he still causing trouble? *grin*
Author's reply
Teehee, Bilbo is still burglarizing (I think that's a word)...but the poor elves are so preoccupied that they'll get a rude awakening on that score. All your questions have now been answered as I've just posted chapter 10 : ) Thanks for sticking with the story!
Agape4Gondor · 19 March 2013 · Chapter 8: The Rescue
Finally caught up. Life has been hectic, but I must read on. And can only say, 'Oh my goodness.'
Author's reply
Sorry for the stress of "real life," but still delighted that you are finding time to read and review! Oh my goodness indeed! I had no idea this story was going to become so exciting when I started it, but I am happy that others seem to be enjoying the action as well. Hope to have the next chapter for you soon!
Agape4Gondor · 19 March 2013 · Chapter 7: The Snare
Your use of description in this chapter is astounding. I feel like I can see each nook and cranny of the landscape before the Elves. I'm grateful for the smirk that came to my face when you introduced a problem with thievery. *g* Much needed after these last two chapters of horror. And yet the horror has even come to the palace of the king. Wow! Another tense chapter. I will need a break soon. As must you, dear author. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks for the review Agape4Gondor! I appreciate the praise : ) That's the tough part with descriptions in Tolkien since he gave us so many and left out so many, that I don't want to contradict canon, but also be able to provide a mental image of what I'm describing. Whew, tough balance. Teehee, our little burglar making mischief! I'm glad the reader is able to smile since the poor elves are just about having a heart attack by this point. I kind of envisioned Gwiwileth wanting to throw up her hands in the air and demand "what next?" I hope everybody will be getting some peace and quiet soon.
Agape4Gondor · 19 March 2013 · Chapter 6: By the Stars Above
I don't know why the stars have such a profound effect on some of us. I have lain in the wet grass, of a fall evening, waiting for the meteor showers to light up the sky. I have watched for space junk with awe. I have tracked the North Star and the Milky Way with awe and delight. I love that you gave Thranduil the stars. He REALLY needed them! And like father like son. So the boys have found their fathers harbor and startle the bejeebies out of each other. *g* I'm glad Girithron found some solace and a lessening of his fear and guilt. Elbereth makes such pretty stars! And then - the land is marred and voices raised in song are raised in lamentation. *shudders*
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! And, like you, I LOVE stars. I hate it when the night is overcast or when (because of light pollution from the city) I can't see the stars at all. I can only imagine how beautiful the night sky must be in an isolated rural setting in which there are no obstructions on a clear night. *sigh* Beautiful. I am happy to give the elves a glimpse of the stars whenever possible. They really do need, being people of the stars. Glad the final song proved meaningful!
Larner · 18 March 2013 · Chapter 8: The Rescue
At least the Elves will now prevail. I hope Rochiron will be able to awaken to the victory, as costly as it might have proved.
Author's reply
Thanks for sticking with the story, Larner! I like to think that in the troubled times of the T.A., especially in Mirkwood, victories were becoming dearer and dearer. We'll see what happens to Rochiron in the next chapter (soon!)
obsidianj · 17 March 2013 · Chapter 8: The Rescue
Oh, no. Did you just kill Rochiron? I guess being saved 2 times in a row is a bit too much to ask for. You describe the confusion of battle very well. I can see that every elf is isolated within the battle of what he sees and experiences.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review obsidianj. I am so relieved to hear the battle sequences were not confusing, as that is often the most challenging description to provide in a chapter. And I love that the idea of each elf's isolation came through--having no battle experience myself, I can only imagine that this isolation in a sea of enemies must be the norm (as well as pretty terrifying). Hope to have the next chapter coming for you soon (and Rochiron's fate!)
obsidianj · 17 March 2013 · Chapter 7: The Snare
The tension in this chapter was killing me. And the silence. I know what it feels when it is so silent that you imagine having a blanket around your head. The discovery of the battle at the end was welcome to relieve the tension. I hope Rochirion is not dead and they can save him.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! So glad the tension was palpable. I was trying to imagine the most eerie, hair-raising, frustrating silence possible, and the image of a blanket around the head is so perfect. I like to think total silence must be even weirder for elves because of their keen hearing. *shudders*
Larner · 16 March 2013 · Chapter 7: The Snare
Waiting in such a manner is most difficult, I know. And I note that Bilbo's appetite is finally making his presence obvious, although they can have no idea as to who or what is getting into the stores. As for Rochiron's company--well, at least they do have Legolas to take over once their captain is hit. At least they have found at least some of the missing Elves.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review, Larner. Ah yes, waiting: I think it must be just as tiresome for elves as for us mortals. I find the elven relationship to time so very interesting that I'm trying to explore bits and pieces of it as I go along with this story. I think what frustrates us humans so much about waiting is the fact that time is going by, we aren't getting anything done, and we have a finite amount of time. I think for elves waiting would be equally frustrating, if only on the powerlessness front. Not being able to do anything is really annoying. I couldn't resist the little glimpse of our favorite Burglar making mischief. I always wondered when reading The Hobbit, surely the elves noticed something was up? ; ) Next chapter should be out soon!
Fiondil · 13 March 2013 · Chapter 8: The Rescue
Oh, this just seems to get worse and worse, just when you think it will turn out okay for them. I hope Rochiron is only knocked out but I fear he's taking a one-way trip to Valinor on the Mandos Express. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next chapter. I really hate cliffhangers, unless I'm the one writing them. LOL!
Author's reply
Thank you for the review! Haha, Mandos Express? That's pretty hilarious! I hope the tension will be resolved in the very near future!
Fiondil · 3 March 2013 · Chapter 7: The Snare
Ooh... a lot happening in this chapter. I hope Rochiron isn't dead. I really like him. And we see Bilbo hard at work being a burglar indeed, even if "see" isn't exactly the right verb here. *LOL!* Can't wait to find out how things work out for our heroes.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review Fiondil! You know, Rochiron started out as just "The Captain" in my head, but he's grown on me, and I kinda like the guy. You'll have to wait and see though, since sometimes, stuff happens I just can't control ; ) I wasn't sure if Bilbo's little mention in this chapter would prove too humorous and potentially break up the action, so I'm glad that it worked out. I always thought that the elves must have noticed *something* was up, given how much hobbits alone can eat, never mind 13 dwarves! Hope to have an update soon for you!
Larner · 16 February 2013 · Chapter 6: By the Stars Above
At least the stars have given each of them hope, and now Legolas's patrol has an idea as to what they face, even if they aren't sure as yet where they will meet the enemy. And those six are properly buried.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review Larner! I'm glad you liked the star theme. I did a bit of research into elven burial customs for this chapter, but I didn't find much information. I hope that what I gleaned was plausible.
obsidianj · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 6: By the Stars Above
Just found this story today. Interesting family dynamic between Legolas and his brothers. This rescue mission seems somehow doomed (or I'm also affected by the Shadow). I love the little glimpses of the stars that lift up the spirit of the characters so much. In all the doom and gloom of Mirkwood it is a welcome reminder that there is hope out there.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review! You'll have to wait and see for the full result of this rescue mission, but let's say it won't be all sunshine and roses. I'm glad you liked the stars! I was afraid it might get repetitive, but I really wanted to connect all the characters in some way. As for the family dynamic, I really appreciate your thoughts. I'll admit it was a rather interesting choice to give Thranduil so many children since it's not in canon. I'm not sure why I picked the particular sibling assortment that I did, but they have definitely proven harder to write than I originally anticipated. I didn't want them to steal too much spotlight from the canon characters, but I find the relationships really develop the canon characters in interesting ways. More coming soon!
Fiondil · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 6: By the Stars Above
Like Thranduil, I, too, have taken solace from the stars in all their glory. Loved the interaction between the two princes and Legolas is so very young still to take his brother's words about the Shadow so literally as he did, but I'm glad he finally realized that the Sahdow did not rule his heart completely. This rescue mission sounds like it will end in disaster for all concerned. Hope not. I hope they find and rescue the remaining elves and that there are few casualties among the rescuers. Now, as for your question about the character list, there are many ways to approach it. If you continue putting the list at the beginning of the chapter, perhaps you only need list any new characters for that particular chapter and anyone mentioned in earlier chapters need not be listed; readers could just go back to previous chapters if they're unsure who a particular character is. Another alternative is to have a separate character list at the end of the story. This can either be put up once the story is completed in case you don't want to give the game away, so to speak, or you would just make it an on-going list and people can consult it as they need to. Whenever I've used a character list for my stories, I put it at the end of the story and usually (though not always) wait until the story is finished because sometimes such a list might contain plot spoilers, but in two instances, I did put up the list early on and simply added to it as I needed to, mainly because readers requested the list in order to keep track of who was who. Ultimately, the way to go is up to you and what is easier for you to do. Let's face it, most actual books have no character lists and we as readers simply keep mental track of the characters and if we need to, we just go back to earlier chapters to remind ourselves about a certain character. Why should it be any different with our own stories? Anyway, I'm eagerly looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Fiondil! Well better late than never on this reply... Thank you so much for your continued support of this story. I'm am happy to hear that you enjoyed this chapter! I love stars (like you couldn't tell right?). Ah, the tough question about Legolas's age. Well, as you can see, I tried to give him the youthful innocence he seems to possess in LotR while still having the elven wisdom of having lived in Arda for hundreds of years. The more I write elves, the more fascinating I find it trying to imagine life from an immortal perspective. It's quite the thought experiment! As for the rescue mission...well, you're seeing how that's working out! Thank you for your thoughts about the OC list. And you're write, the real books we read don't have character lists and we handle ourselves. Excellent point. With that in mind, I decided to put my OC list at the end of the chapter. I mean, I think I say this in some notes somewhere, but in my story, you can just assume that every OC is a warrior and you're good!