Reviews (33)

perelleth · 29 August 2014 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

OMG! The part in Dale was great fun, with all the cultural shock mischief and what not,(chocolate!) and it was great to see Berior picking up where Celonhael might have left it but dang! The other side of the forest is gearing up to bring grief down on any or all of our favourites OOCC! Tulus confronted with his son and his loyalties, Dolgailon and or Galithil... what a shame. I think the weight of responsibility comes across very nicely in the last part of the discussion in the last chapter. There's no easy way out, there are things that have to be done and not any solution is a good one. And granted, any of hte solutions will put them in danger. What a sorrowful situation. I am now very worried about Dolgailon, not to mention Tulus! :-/

Nora · 6 January 2014 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

I love your stories so much. I'm very impatiently waiting for the next one. Can you already tell when the next story will be ready?

Kaiser · 15 December 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

Legolas and his friends, now, remind me so much of me and my friends. Old enough and mature enough to be considered and treated as adults...but, that isn't always the way it works out. I'm 19, and my friends are a mix of 17-19 year olds...and we are all mature in many ways, and completely immature in others. And, other people often see us as being children still...which we often resent, and often just roll our eyes and get over it XD

Erestorionel · 24 October 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

I have read ALL of your fantastic fic since about a year back and tis always with impatent and positive anticipation I look forward to the next part or charter! And no jest when I say I enjoy them as if they were written by Tolkien himself.I love the Oropherionath and I m as curious as you of them and you give them life and personality that is merely hinted at in Tolkiens books! Im amazed at your ability to keep the story together and to me theres not a single loose thread to be found anywhere.Hugs to you / Erestorionel

Katrina · 22 October 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

Wow it is so great to see this post, as well as last chapter's post!!! I was afraid for a while that you had dropped this story, and considering that this is currently my favorite fanfiction story right now, I was so relieved to see you start posting again! I absolutely love the fun and humor you have included in this chapter! But on a more serious note, whoa, as brave and valiant as i think it was for galithal to offer to go, it will be so dangerous for him! I guess they are really growing up now. It is getting easier and easier to connect the Legolas in this story to the one we see at the time of the Lord of the Rings, rather than the cute little elfling at the beginning of your story! I look forward to seeing Legolas and his friends continue to grow and mature!!!

picara · 22 October 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

I liked how you worked in details from the earlier parts of the story in this and from earlier stories (like Thranduil comparing Lindomiel's discovery of potatoes to Legolas's of carrots). And I like how Legolas and Thranduil are noticing the differences they feel now that Legolas is taking a real role in governing. And I'm with Legolas that Galithil's idea is insane. Unfortunately, it would probably work too. I fear for Galithil, especially since he's almost an adult and you might be willing to kill him off now. Start the new story fast.

picara · 22 October 2013 · Chapter 3: Disturbing discoveries

I must have missed this. I loved the feast and the dance (poor Legolas). And the news about why Barad dislikes Forwed so much. Goos reason. I got a kick out of Lindomiel's 'negotiating' Forwed. That didn't go well. And Tulus is in a really bad place.

curiouswombat · 22 October 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

Ah, Thranduil, these young ellyn grow up and become all too willing - and able - so very quickly. Especially when you send them out to gain experience. I look forward tot he next episode when you are ready to begin posting it.

Morn · 22 October 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

Glad to see this up today. :) I like the interactions between all the characters in this. Well, perhaps beside Aewen. It's alright for her to kiss other boys but if Legolas thought of kissing someone else she is very jealous! I especially like the views about men. It really makes me smile to see the elves looking upon them as so strange (as the men do to the elves I'm sure). Everything we learn about Manadhien makes her more and more dangerous sounding. Engwe's comment about the possibility of the ring and the way she is sending villagers into the orcs' path, she is a seriously nasty piece of work. I hope you are not going to send Galithil and Dolgallion to the village and right into her hands. Now that will surely not end well!!! Great chapter and I can't wait for the next instalment. Good luck with your Halloween costume. ;)

daw the minstrel · 22 October 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

This popped up last night just as I was considering going to bed, but I had to read it then! I did wait to review. As you can see. As I read, I was thinking about how strong you are on showing culture and relationships. The Elves flocking around on the Green shout questions showing what a "foreign land" Dale seems to them. And the by-play between Legolas and his cousins is typical teasing between boys who've been in awkward situations and don't mind at all twisting the knife a little in one another. But you also take the time to show Anastor's coolness and Berior's pain. Aewen annoys me. Dump her, Legolas! It was interesting to hear Lindomiel say she thought it unwise for her to go alone to Dale when Forwed ruled. She's undoubtedly right, given his attitude toward women. Also it sounds like Tureden is still learning his role. At least, one hopes he is. Legolas, on the other hand, sounds increasingly like a grown up. I liked the way Thranduil observed him handling things, no doubt judging his readiness for any responsibilities that might fall on him. And speaking of responsibilities, Galithil is begging for problems! You have to admire him for doing it, but still. Holy cow.

KGR · 21 October 2013 · Chapter 4: The unexpected

I squealed so loud when I saw you had posted a new chapter that I scared my mother. As you can tell I was very happy to read another chapter and so disappointed that it was the last one. As ever your writing was excellent and supremely enjoyable. Loved Legolas getting teased by his cousins. I thought it was fascinating to see Maidhien's response to it compared to Aewen's. I think Aewen has a lot to learn before she could be a suitable bride for Legolas. I thought the varied ways Legolas reassured the citizens that he liked Greenwood was best was very well handled. It really shows the way he is growing up to be a fine prince. So hilarious that they thought one of the more exotic foods was carrots. It makes me want to go grab a bag from the fridge and eat them like candy. It was fun seeing Thranduil's point of view on things. Love the way everyone tries to keep the more outrageous things they saw from him and his being totally cool about it. The whole Manadhien situation is really heating up. I'm terrified to see what you have in store for the next story. Galithil doesn't want to be a warrior, wow. Really should have seen it coming but was as surprised as Thranduil when he mentioned it. I find the idea of Galithil being in the same village as Manadhien absolutely terrifying but admire his bravery for volunteering. Definitely want to see Maidhien's reaction to that idea. In all I found the story to be an absolute delight and am looking forward to the next one. God bless.

daw the minstrel · 3 October 2013 · Chapter 3: Disturbing discoveries

Elliska, I also meant to say that you did a really great job of working out what foods would be available to which peoples. That was interesting and world building. Also, you clearly showed that Legolas is old enough to be a sexual attraction/threat depending on your POV.

Fantasia · 3 October 2013 · Chapter 3: Disturbing discoveries

Well, I can understand the Barad and his brothers now, they are Duneden, aren't they? they are there only because their sister married the future King of Dale, they are not really subject of Forwed, something like advisers and family, I will think. And for their sister to be the future Queen, they are a high noble family among the Dunedain, I will think. The Dale's men are not Dunedan, if I recall or are they? Gosh, I need to re read Tolkien!!!! In any case, the Dunedan had a very high code of honor and having bastards children around was not really part of that code. I don't know what to think about Forwed, I think that he is a very commun case among leaders of those times, not better not worse, his Father was really an exception. I laughed with Legolas, his naivety was spectacular, the Mirkwood elves need a little more interaction with humans. That is something that the Imladris elves have done better. His interaction with the girl and the explanation after the debacle was just priceless. The feast description was great, their awed to the sauces and vegetables, the butter and cream appreciation and Ice Cream, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM! those elves will never being the same. They will want to go back to Dale all the time now. And Legolas thinking about how much wastefulness in a feast, considering other needs is just a credit to his parents' teachings And Tulus, poor Tulus, this is the most overused comment in this stories.

daw the minstrel · 3 October 2013 · Chapter 3: Disturbing discoveries

speculation over whether rat would be a lighter meat, like quail and pheasant, or a redder meat, like deer or...whatever this meat was on his plate LOL. Ah, yes. Mystery meat. I knew it well in college. Forwed needs to learn some diplomacy, or at least how to listen to people, if he expects to be a good ruler, or even to negotiate with elves who have thousands of years of experience on him. It's also telling that he didn't know how much Dale paid for boar now. That is, he didn't know what he was bargaining over. That's not just impatience. That's neglect. I do give him great credit for caring for his realm's orphans though. Reluctantly give him credit, like Legolas. Forwed is such a mixed bag, he's hard for an elf to comprehend. And ah, cross-culture courting! A place ripe for misunderstandings. Berior is the one who really made me laugh. He is totally out of his realm of experience. I have to admit that I was as bad as Legolas in guessing what the girl thought he was suggesting re inviting his cousins along. "I think I will be much safer with the armed men than I was dancing," Legolas replied with a dry tone. "At least I will recognize an attack from one of them." LOL. QFT "Lord Legolas's arrows were all inside the line. Again," he declared. All the elves cast a startled glance at Barad. His expression did not change a bit. Hee! Good for Barad. But poor Tulus. I held my breath as he circled in on his prey, especially once he'd been spotted by the hawk. And then he finds his son. I understand his dilemma. I don't think I could do in my son either, no matter what he did. I was glad to see this chapter appear, Elliska. I think it's a really strong one.

rikki · 3 October 2013 · Chapter 3: Disturbing discoveries

Oh, what a meaty chapter that you have given us (pun intended). Cultural differences can certainly lead to some rather embarassing incidences. Thank goodness Barad stepped in before Legolas was assaulted by his dance partner. Even though he would be considered grown in mannish culture, his ignorance of sexual mores was touching and rather funny. Chocolate! Things that seem so normal to our way of life being a rare treat highlights the lives of elves to their mannish counterparts. I had to laugh about the turkey, chicken, duck, etc. roast that Legolas was agast about. I wonder what he would have thought if Fengel had served a dish of bird tongues? OMG! What are you going to have Tulus do to solve this conrundum he faces? How is he going to kill/capture his own son and return him to his king? He can't ignore this anymore and hope that somehow it will become all right. Fulin will kill Tulus if he catches him and he isn't going to surrender to the other elf either. I am so glad that you are feeling better. RL, on the other hand, is a relentless master.

KGR · 2 October 2013 · Chapter 3: Disturbing discoveries

I was so excited to see the new chapter. I've been worried about you since you had mentioned in your reviews you were sick. Hope you're feeling better and that things are settling down for you. Loved the feast. It was so fun to see the Elves' reactions to the different foods. It made me view chocolate in a whole new way. And those birds sounded delicious, even if it was a little over the top. I wanted to punch Forwed at times. For being 50 years old I'd think he'd have a little more tact then he's been showing. Founding an orphanage is his only redeeming quality so far as I can see. He certainly has a lot to learn about politics and Elves. I can certainly understand Barad and his brother's dislike of Forwed better now. Poor Tulus I can't even imagine how hard it was for him to contemplate killing his own son. I hope that having to room with orcs will make Glilavan realize how evil Manadhien really is. Any Elf who willingly allies with orcs is worse than an orc in my opinion. I missed seeing Dolgailon in this chapter. I'm anxious to hear what the villagers have to say. I love your stories and hope you get the next chapter up soon. God bless.

Nora · 18 September 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

This is by far the best story I've found so far. I check every day to see if there is a new chapter. I'm impatiently waiting for the next chapter. I'm a bit worried since you said you were sick last time and it's been so long without a new chapter yet again. I hope you are alright. Get well soon!

CandissD · 3 September 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

Sorry to take so long to review - I got behind on reading but just finished the last 2 chapters - love the elves in Dale and all of the sights the elves are seeing as every day life which is very different from their own. Finally they made Forwed understand what he is asking for the 5 trees! Will be looking forward to more :)

katrina · 23 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

I loved the comparison between how men see things compared to elves (whether it is time, or the place of women, or the value of trees)! I was impressed and happy to know that Berior is taking up his father's role well- this chapter really made me see how mature Legolas and his friends have become! I also really liked the mention of Forwed's daughter in this chapter, and how she overheard the conversation of elven women and their rights. I wonder if this will light a spark in her, if you will, and lead to some interesting occurrences later on! So glad that you are feeling better!

Morn · 22 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

I hope you're feeling better now. I was really glad to see the new chapter. Legolas and his cousins really seem to have grown up, especially Berior stepping into his father's role. The difference of perspective between men and elves was great. Trees being just resources vs having value in themselves. And the different views on women is interesting too, especially as it seems he may try and undermine the queen. Being female in a human society like theirs doesn't sound appealing. The elves handle it really well when comparing with the apple trees to make the men understand. I loved the children telling them elves are magic and legolas realising that little things like the way they blend into the trees could seem this way. Moralfien really is a nasty piece of work. If i were Dolgallion sitting liatening to her talk of her grief at the kinslayings I wouldn't have had anywhere near that kind of restraint. Fpr her to lie so calmly and well must be so unnerving. Things must be bad in this village if they are having to sneak like that. I dread to think what state it's in.

Cbellea · 21 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

I am so glad that you have updated again! I was beginning to get worried for you, and was thinking of messaging you just to ask if you were okay! I hope that you are :) As always, I loved all the detail you bring into every chapter! Seeing Legolas and his cousins expressions to mannish towns, and their reactions to the elves, are great! One thing I was wondering about througout this whole thing is- how old is Legolas now, in terms of both elven years and man years? I know he hasnt reached his majority yet ( what does that even correspond to? 18? 21?) but the way he interacted w the kids makes him seem really mature! And to put light into all of this, how old is Lindomiel now? She was about 100 when we first met her, right?! Manadhien makes me angry- she is so conniving! But at the same time, I do feel sorry for her. She has been driven to maddness by her grief, it seems.

Fantasia · 21 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

Elliska, first, I hope that you are better and wish you a fast recovery. Hurry up, summer is not a good time to be sick! (there is never a good time to be sick, I guess) I have enjoyed Legolas' interaction with Men a lot, every single detail and it was a very nice surprise to see Sadron again, and with kids! Forwed is showing as a very impatient man, doing a transaction between soldier to ruler, but he doesn't seem unkind, just inexperienced. Barad seems a very invaluable ally to Forwed, he definitely has experience at court and with Elves, his comments about Lord Elrond are perfect, I have to laugh about taking time for the man to die before answering, a strategy that Thranduil seems to use too. Also, he knows, even if he doesn't understand, that elves are not interested in building Empires, just to live unchanging for the rest of their immortal lives (how different are men form elves, gosh, how boring elves are!) maybe he needs to know Lady Galabriel and a few Noldors to change his mind:) There are so many details that are just perfect, the comments about women and their roles, the signs on the doors, the market, the busy life in a city, it is just a great chapter. But the best of all, is Berior taking his Father's place and doing it admirably well, he is a credit to Thranduil's House. Now, Dolgailon and Moralfien, that is a bad situation, she is just evil. The worst thing is that you've commented that she is mad and that makes thing complicated, you can apply logic against a cunning rivals, but not against a raving rivals, they are unpredictable. She is the other side of the coin, we have seen how kingslaying has affected Tharnduil household, and it is a fine line to walk and you can easily turn to the wrong side, revenge and hate taking over, and I think that it is exactly what happened to her, the worst, she believes to be right. Waiting for more, but first, please, take care of yourself and be well.

KGR · 21 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

I loved the new chapter. Can't tell you how excited I was when I saw that you'd gotten a new chapter up. I hope you can get another one up quickly. Moralfien is such a snake. I can't wait till she finally gets her comeuppance. I'm glad there some Elves at least that are still loyal to the king and to Dolgailon. Very worrying that they feel they cannot even greet Dolgailon openly. Good to see that Dolgailon is taking no chances with his safety and that he's on alert. Loved seeing the young elves reaction to a different culture. I thought they all handled Forwed as well as could be expected. But Forwed really needs to learn some respect and some patience. I couldn't believe that he had such a low view of the queen's authority. I know women at that time were not very respected but come on Forwed she's a queen and you just insulted her in front of her son. And then he ran off in a snit and I thought man Forwed grow up. But he did redeem himself slightly by the end of the chapter, but he still has a lot to learn. Loved Legolas' interaction with the children. He was really quite good with them. I laughed when they asked him to do magic. love your stories. God bless.

Alwir · 21 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

So glad to see this updated. I have loved this story from the beginning.

daw the minstrel · 21 August 2013 · Chapter 2: Unpleasant negotiations

Dolgailon has more self control than I have since he didn't slap Moralfien silly. Things look serious in that village if people have to sneak in to tell him about it. Now Legolas had a better time even if there was some tension there too, given the different attitudes toward the natural world. On the LOTR EE, PJ talks about the rat catcher's shop in Minas Tirith, so I guess that's what it was. Poor Legolas will probably poke at the meat on his plate a little the next time he dines. It always makes me laugh when men voice some "terrible" suspicion (like Elrond--or Thranuil--wait out unreasonable requests because the man who made it will die "soon" anyway) and Legolas knows it's true. I suspect Thranduil doesn't think about creating a "greater realm" quite in the same way Forwed does. The little kids made me laugh with their pleas that Legolas "do magic." He's charming in the way he sits down among them to chat. "She got into far more than anyone could save her from," Legolas said. "She betrothed herself to Galithil." LOL. Good one, Legolas. Legolas's description of elves in the forest sounds magical even if they can't do magic. I have trouble understanding elf magic myself, but you can't argue with the Great Doors. There they are, and they open by the king's magic. I liked it that Legolas was sad for the silent apple trees and was thrilled when Nador showed a feel for a tree, even if he may not have known he was doing it. I have a tree house book in which a child's playhouse is built in an apple tree. The branches come inside and flower in there. Berior's mention of the flets strengthened his argument even from my point of view. I was happy to see this today. Write on!