Reviews (116)

Kenza · 29 September 2023 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Hello Elliska, First of all I hope that you are doing well and hope you get to see my little message reaches you and even if it doesnt sometimes talking to the wind is nice too, I left a few reviews here and there over the years, its wild to see me grow through them and it really is a testament to how much of a refuge your story has become to me. I often find myself rereading them at times where the mood goes down. So truly i actually nothing other to say other than thank you for everything this story might be my favourite all literature considered it sometimes hits me how wild it is to have this good of a writing be so accurate character wise with lovable characters and some actually good suspense and action. ESPECIALLY when you consider the time spent into it Im losing my train of thought but again thank you for the content. See you when ill drop another comment when my love for the story gets too overwhelming again! ;D

Erulissé · 21 August 2022 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

I am in love with this story! It is one of the best written I have ever had the privilege to read. All the hard work you put into writing and making this available for fellow Tolkien fans is deeply appreciated! I am on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what happens next! Not only the writing, but the morals and life lessons are much appreciated. Do you intend to continue this story? I would dearly love to hear the outcome. I was almost in tears when Tulus was captured! Even if you never intend to finish posting the story, would you mind letting me know if he survived and returns?! He is now beyond doubt, my favorite fanfic character I’ve ever read. Thank you so much for your work.

Lenielestel · 29 May 2020 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Ah, my heart! I have read this chapter several times over the past few years--every time I come looking to see if there is more new story. I cry every time! Your dialogue is extraordinarily moving, and it gives me goosebumps. I remain ever hopeful that more chapters will be forthcoming!

mystarlight · 8 September 2019 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

This story is just perfect. Thranduil and his people couldn't be better presented. Are you going to update?

Kenza · 24 August 2017 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Gosh if feels so good to reread this story. I just can't tell you how much I love it and how expertly I think this is written. Thank you so much for the years of dedication and hours of distraction :D

Nora · 11 December 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

It's been a long time since your last update. You wrote in your last AN that you've had a horrible year so I'm worried. I hope you are well and things have improved. And I hope you will be able to update this story soon.

indigo · 6 May 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Thank you for updating! Very worried why you haven't updated and now I understand. Hope things will be better this year. This is a very intense chapter. I have to say I found my self trying to skip and see if Lindomiel survives because I dont think I can manage reading through and be heartbroken if she didnt. I have to it's good that she survived and she was able to make use of her skills. It truly showed that she's not just the beautiful and loving queen but a fierce one. I think this finally justifies all her training that Thranduil was so against. haha! Good to know that our villain has been put back where she belongs. I wonder how they will resolve this and as for Noruil, I get that he was scared but part of me think, the grudge and dislike that he has learned from his parents and the ones he has for Legos played a bit in deciding to aid Manadhein. He knew before and I think in his POV you wrote "I'm the only one she's counting on" kind of line. It makes him more of willing player than a forced pawn. I also wonder how Thranduil will judge him and how this will affect his own family... if he's sent west, will they join? I like that you always go back to likening legolas to oropher. haha! I always remember that joke he said to thranduil about having a son just like him. I'm glad he was able to witness the whole scenario in the secret passage. It truly gave him a glimpse of what Legolas can do and how he has grown up so much. I think he's swelling with pride and at the same time mourning for the end of his son's childhood. I think you should write something about that... how both are coping with the transition. I'm curious how the Elrond's twins and the Noldo medic is reacting to all this. Would be nice to see a scene about them and how they view Legolas. I like the conversation with Gandalf. It's good to build their relationship early on and that would lead to the future journey. It's also great to see that amidst all the chaos, Legolas kept his composure and had the mind to understand what this all meant. Of course, in his head, he can understand but I wonder how he'll be during and after talking to Dollion. I think that would be the most emotional part next chapter. Must be hard waking up in his home and sitting in the family room knowing a friend was killed there. I dunno but how you'll write their adjust to that like after the funeral? There's a part with Mithrandir, I'm not sure if I read it right, where legolas was picking up something. Is it her mom's ring? I was wondering what ring did she threw to fool Manadhein in the dark. I think the best part is the willingness of all the children to carry burden and the grief so bravely. I like that each one took upon themselves to help fixing their friend. I think this part would be good for them to move on. They say that funerals are not really for the dead but for those who were left behind. These rituals are to help them accept the loss. I think they're coming together really shows support and that will surely help. Another bonus and a good throwback was Engwe's comments that legolas has been using his parent's words to debate. I think there was something similar that happened at the kings table while having breakfast with Aradunon laughing at thranduil over his sons comments. It's nice to see that it's been used in a serious situation. And those words I might add were Orophers and thus further keeping in your theme of reminding Thranduil of his dad through his son. These lines and the scenes were powerful and moving. Great job! Looking for to the next chapters. Hoping several things would be addressed such as the final judgement for Manadhein, Glilavan and Noruil, the fate of tulus, Imladris folks and gandalf's post reaction, the talk with Dolwon and family and Lindomiel's condition. I think there's got to be a good talk bet Thranduil and Legolas after too. Oh and a little fun maybe after... a girl for Legolas? But I feel it'll take time for him to finally find the one! :)

Eriol · 2 April 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Thank you so much for giving us an update inspite of your horrible year. I hope things are improving if they have not already done so. I am sending all my good wishes your way. Yours is one of my favorite stories of the royal family of Mirkwood, and it with great joy that I get to have another glimpse of their lives. Yes, it is bittersweet to see Legolas and his cousins growing up so fast, and at such cost. I can entirely empathize with Thranduil’s feelings - that these young ones are willing, if not entirely ready, to deal with death and loss, must be heart-wrenching. I tend to dislike Noruil and his father Dolwon as it seems to me that they are just being pigheaded and stupid, inspite of Thranduil and Legolas’ generous dealings with them. But Noruil’s explanation of why he would help Manadhien even at this stage, is quite plausible. I can kind of put myself in his shoes and not deem him outright retarded. Fear is a fertile breeding ground. But I still don’t hold out much hope for him. An as Manadhien is still alive and Thranduil and Legolas are so averse to kin-slaying, how are they going to contain this threat? I think the Halls of Mandos is a really good place for her to think things through. Although I still don’t want to believe that there are elves who can be so wicked. But I guess if even Ainur and Maiar can be corrupted, so can elves. And I am concerned about Tulus! And I really like your title for this chapter - isn’t that what it is all about?

Sunny · 15 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Great to have you back with an update - and such an update! I'm sorry to hear you have been having such a difficult year. I've been having some difficult times myself, and unlike you, it's this last year that things have started to look better. I hope things will improve for you, as well! I'm really relieved that Lindomiel survived that last chapter. But Manadhien is at least back in her cell, and her accomplice is locked up as well. And said accomplice is someone who Legolas considered to be a friend. Makes me wonder how much of Noruil's attitudes and actions were caused by stupidity, how much by the influence Manadhien's ring, how much by envy, fear and malice. Legolas, at least, knows tot to not make any decisions in the heat of the moment, hence Noruil is just locked up for now, and not banished. No wonder Thranduil is upset. Both at the things that have just gone down, but also that his son is the one who has to deal with the fallout.

rikki · 14 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

"Together we will not just endure, we will flourish". And so, the story that you started long ago with the small children playing on the green has led to adults who are meeting life head on. The Prince is one step closer to becoming the knightly warrior that goes out to destroy the One Ring. Aragon may have become king in the end of Tolkien's story, but Legolas was already one in all but name. You have written so much grief and guilt in Legolas, even Thranduil cannot help him in this situation. But being a Silvan born of Sindarin parents (loved that explanation!) I think that Legolas will be able to use the forest to recover and go on. I liked the idea that Thranduil kept thinking of Orophor as Legolas dealt with Noruil and Manadhien. I am wondering what Elrond will make of this story when his sons and Mithrandir return to the Imraldis. I have been glued to my seat reading this and hoping that Lindomiel would not be killed in the fight. I was side swiped by the death of Aewen. Even though she and Legolas had agreed that they were not meant to be, Aewen was still a big part of his life. I am hoping that Dollion will be forgiving for the death of his child and will not feel the need to leave the forest for the undying lands. I hope that this year improves for you. I admit I am greedy in that I want to hear the ending of this story. I have reread the posted parts several times and always hope to see that there has been an update. Real life can take away a lot of push to write, but you are such a intense writer that I often feel that I can actually be there in the thick of things when I am reading your stories and I love the ability to step away into Middle Earth for a while.

Zardi · 9 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

I'm so sorry to hear you've had a bad year. The delay is completely understandable, and I hope things have gotten better for you. You had my heart practically beating out of my chest for the first half of this chapter, wondering if this would be Lindomiel's death. I'm very glad that she is safe (for now)...unless those knives were poisoned. I didn't see any indication of that in the chapter, but the thought did cross my mind. The prologue to this series practically guarantees that Lindomiel will either die or sail to Valinor before Legolas gets much older, so I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the threats to her life, or to the rest of the family. Legolas' behavior appears -- on the surface -- to be the sort of arrogance that only a teenager can manage, so I have to compliment you for that realism ;) That said, with Legolas, I don't think it is primarily arrogance at play here (though maybe there is a little bit of that); he knows that if something happens to his parents, he will have to take over the realm, and he has just watched both of his parents nearly meet their deaths. He needs for other people to see him as a leader, and I'm pleased that Thranduil sees that...even if he mourns the end of Legolas' childhood. There is no going back after this, not really. Please take the time you need to recover from whatever happened to you. In the mean time, I do look forward to the next chapter, whenever you are able to finish it :)

curiouswombat · 8 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

I am so sorry to hear that life has not been good for you this last year - I do hope things have improved. Writing such an emotional chapter would have been hard, I absolutely recognise. And what an emotional chapter. I feel so sorry for Legolas losing Aewen along with all the other horrors and losses, but oh how he has grown up and grown into who he is. Again, do take care of yourself - new chapters are welcome whenever they arrive.

Morn · 7 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Glad you've finally got the chance to update this. Sorry to hear about your tough year, hope everything is going better. I'm sure I say this in every review but I love this story. I could barely concentrate on work this morning after checking my emails and finding out I'd get to read this on my dinner! And I was certainly not disappointed. Thranduil's panic here was brilliant as he tried to understand what was happening. And his increasing panic as he did! I'm also glad Engwe held him back, I was half expecting Thranduil's ill health or someone's temper to cause Lindomiel's death. I loved seeing Lindomiel win out here and certainly glad that she seems unhurt. And, as usual, there were still moments that made me laugh. "Engwe only obeyed the High King when it suited him!" If you get back to your 1st age fic at some point, looking forward to see this. Can't imagine Thingol was as tolerant as Thranduil is...being the King's uncle must grant some immunity. As did using each other's arguments against each other. Talk about only agreeing with things when it suits you... And poor Legolas. Aewen might not have been likable but he must be devastated. It's going to be a hard recovery, again. And they still have her in the stronghold! I understand Legolas' mercy, but there's still the potential for more mischief... and with Manadhien I'm certain there will be. Hope you'll get the chance to update soon and the time before your next post treats you better than this one.

someone · 7 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Thank you for continuing this, even when your own year was not the best possible! And also, thank you for not killing Lindomiel, I really was afraid that she would not survive this chapter. I'm not sure if I've reviewed before, but just in case I haven't: these stories are great! It is lovely to see Thranduil's life in the Greenwood, right from the beginning of his reign. Legolas' childhood has been an entertaining mixture of humour and adventure, and later also of tragedy. I really like the continuity and your characterization. Back to this chapter, it really is lucky to have the healer from Imladris there, just in case Lindomiel's wounds are worse than they looked. It was also good for her and the twins to witness Manadhien's behavior, to make sure that there won't be any rumors about Greenwood's harsh justice towards noldor. Thranduil's family will take a long time to heal mentally from this, but hopefully life will improve from now on. The same goes for the rest of the affected families. I feel sorry for Noruil: he is a fool, but in a way his behavior is understandable. Now, I hope that all of Manadhien's servants have really been caught...

Fantasia · 7 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Thank you for posting. Hopefully, things will get better for you. I really, really love your storie. Poor Thranduil, the next generation is maturing fast. He will be surprised when he learn all that happened while he was unconscious. He did seem a little Lost when everybody was acting and ordering without looking at him. As I always say in my reviews, poor everybody. And my favorite question, what have you done to Tulus?

Anna · 7 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Glad you're back and sorry to hear you've not had a good year. This is an excellent story - I've just worked my way through the whole thing. Really outstanding stuff.

CandissD · 7 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

Thank you so much for updating! I was on the edge of my seat for the entire chapter! Poor Aewen! :'( i got misty eyed at how grown up these elflings are now. Such a heartbreaking chapter. I hope the Queen will be ok and Thranduil also since he is still recovering. And poor Legolas! I admired the way he handled Noruil. If only Noruil had said something, but it is too late now. Thank you again for updating!

daw the minstrel · 6 March 2016 · Chapter 11: Death is not the greatest loss in life

I knew Lindomiel would be clever and courageous! The fumbling around in the dark was tense. I'm impressed by how prepared the stronghold was for any emergency. I guess when you have an elf's lifespan, you have time to think of everything and carry it out. I love the idea of Legolas sounding like Oropher. Mithrandir made me laugh by urging everyone to just take a little time out to consider things. And Dolgailon addressing Legolas as "my lord" and taking his orders when Thranduil is right there! All these manners of speaking reveal so much. Also, I loved the moment when Legolas barely stops himself from rolling his eyes at his father's merciful interference. I was interested in Legolas's assessment of how Noruil being "sorry" changed nothing. I've often had that thought in regard to people apologizing for horrible things they did. The Sindarin/Silvan moment was nice, suggesting the kind of change that can happen between peoples so they "endure and flourish." :-)

Marianel · 28 September 2015 · Chapter 10: Those who are heartless

By the way, are you alright ? I hope so! It was so long ago.

Marianel · 28 September 2015 · Chapter 10: Those who are heartless

Please continue this story! You have written so many parts and its one of the most fantstic stories I have read!

Messalissa · 26 September 2015 · Chapter 10: Those who are heartless

This is one of the most well written, in depth, wonderfully thought out fanfic I have ever seen. I found this series several years ago on Open Scrolls and read what you have posted there multiple times. I just followed the remainder of it here and was not disappointed. I hope all is well with you and you are able to continue updating this story because I really can't wait to find out what happens next. All or your characters are so well fleshed out, and even Manadthien, as horrible as she is, has her moments where you can't do anything but pity her. And that, to me, is a sign of excellent writing. You have a wonderful gift that I hope you are able to continue sharing with us.

Eriol · 19 August 2015 · Chapter 10: Those who are heartless

Just realized I left a review twice, but that just shows how much I think about the story and love it.

Eriol · 19 August 2015 · Chapter 10: Those who are heartless

What a wonderful story. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, not least because I am new to fan fiction and discovered your story only this year, and so I was able to read it without interruption to the current chapter. You have shown us Thranduil's and his family's experiences, both in their daily lives and facing brewing troubles, so well that I feel like I was there and saw it all happen - the courtship and the wedding, the growing shadow and the move North, the tedious but necessary duties of ruling a realm, the fun of merry-making in the Green, the adventures of young Legolas and his cousins, their joy and pain growing up and learning to defend themselves and their families and people....it's heart-warming and heart-breaking. I like the full and loving family you have given he King and Prince of Greenwood. It warms my heart to see that they have so much love and support in the midst of challenging times. And their love for the forest and the forest's love back for them. Now I have a little corner of Middle-earth that I feel I have travelled in and can call my own because I lived and breathed with the elves living there. Thank you so much for giving me this. And I look forward to finding out how the latest threat is dealt with.

Nora · 11 August 2015 · Chapter 10: Those who are heartless

It has been so long without an update. Are you alright? I'm starting to get really worried. Please let us know if you are alright.

Eriol · 7 August 2015 · Chapter 10: Those who are heartless

What a wonderful story you have written. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have read it again. You have shown us Thranduil’s and his family’s experiences, both in their daily lives and facing brewing troubles, so well that I feel like I was there and saw it all happen - the courtship and the wedding, the growing Shadow and the move North, building the new stronghold, the tedious but necessary duties of ruling a realm, the fun of merry-making on the Green, the festivals, the adventures of young Legolas and his cousins, their joy and pain growing up and learning to defend themselves and their families and people....it’s heartwarming and heartbreaking. I like the full and loving family you have given the King and Prince of Greenwood. It warms my heart to see that they have so much love and support in the midst of challenging times. And their love for the forest and the forest’s love back for them. Now I have a corner of Middle-earth that I feel I have travelled in and can call my own because I lived and breathed with the elves living there. Thank you so much for giving me this. And I look forward to finding out how the latest threat is resolved.