Morn
· 6 November 2014
· Chapter 8: The first test of great elves
Always great to see a new update of this. Hope real life is treating you well.
Realise i haven't reviewed the last couple of chapters. Laptop is broken so my phone is what I'm currently reading on and its a nightmare to type and the posting isnt that mobile friendly.
Its really good to see Legolas stepping up and i really like all the precursors to the fellowship. Legolas facing a Nazgul and the ring. As much as i love Legolas, I've always wondered what made Elrond choose him over all of the elves in his own household and his own sons who would've been just as qualified to go.
And credit to you for making us all worry about poor Thranduil even though we all know he'll be ok in the end (unless you're taking a seriously AU twist lol). And it was nice to see all the elves that declared themselves to Legolas. Being King may be a lonely job but having everyone's support before you even stary must help you feel like its all worthwhile.
And everyone (but Tulus) seems to have made it through the battle, all the family at least. Was worried Legolas would return to an overrun village and Galithil and Engwe in the hands of the orcs or dead. But i have a feeling they won't just have a gentle ride to the stronghold to await the king's recovery and successfully dispose of Marti or whatever we're calling her now.
Looking forward to see the aftermath of all this come out now Legolas has doscovered her dirty little secret too.
Author's reply
I had to replace my laptop recently. It is sooo unpleasant. And expensive. If I hadn't a new job, I couldn't have done it. And of course the new job is keeping me away from writing so it wasn't a good trade! Anyway...
I'm glad I could make you worry about Thranduil even when this isn't AU. :-)
it was nice to see all the elves that declared themselves to Legolas
I couldn't resist that. I imagine it would be very overwhelming, honestly.
i have a feeling they won't just have a gentle ride to the stronghold to await the king's recovery
Well, they'll get to the stronghold ok. After that...not so smooth a ride, you're right.
Marti or whatever we're calling her now
LOL! Too right!
Thank you so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much.
indigo
· 5 November 2014
· Chapter 8: The first test of great elves
Ah another update! That was a really long wait. It's good to have a breather after several action packed chapters. I like that you allowed the main characters to have some time to reveal their reactions and some time to think through the whole scenario. I'm looking forward on how this will turn out.
The only thing that I'm worried about is the stronghold spy. I've been counting the names of the villain who were taken out or at least captured. Demil, Pelin, Mauril, the other two brothers (i forgot the names) and Fuilin are now dead and Solchion, Baranil, Lumil, Glilavan and Manadhien are all captured. That's all accounted except for the stronghold spy who could be Dolwon or someone else. Unless you have new character, (which I doubt since a good writer like you always provides some background or always include in the story), then that would be the spy or a new twist. I'm still hoping that you won't end this with too much bloodshed. I know that Legolas should have some painful experience to learn but don't do it too much. Too much is not a good thing. Poor leggy if you take one more main person in his life. I trust that you'll handle this well though. :)
Please update soon. :)
Author's reply
And another long wait again, though I plan to post again very soon. Work is keeping me far too busy.
I like that you allowed the main characters to have some time to reveal their reactions and some time to think through the whole scenario.
I'm glad you do. That is always a risk. Some don't like the break in the action. But I enjoy the opportunity for characterization too much to pass it up. Also, I think it is realistic. People do react. :-)
The only thing that I'm worried about is the stronghold spy.
Oh yeah, worry about that. Definitely.
Thank you so much for reviewing! I appreciate it so much!
Fantasia
· 5 November 2014
· Chapter 8: The first test of great elves
Your lLegolas is just perfect, perfect, a true prince. And Galithil, his Father son, but even better. He has the responsibility that his Father lacked and he is loyal to Legolas to the very end. I would like to review more, but I'm sick....so your update was a blessing
Author's reply
I am sure you are feeling better by now, I am so slow these days.
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I have been having fun with almost adult Legolas and Galithil. he is loyal to Legolas to the very end Too right.
Thank you so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them!
Lenielestel
· 5 November 2014
· Chapter 8: The first test of great elves
Oh thrilling! I had the hardest time paying attention to my work all day, when I saw this chapter appear in the morning! And what a chapter!!!
Poor Lindomiel, nobody wants to worry her, which just makes it worse! And poor Hallion, thinking he can protect her from disturbing news....
Legolas is really showing how much he is his father's son, isn't he? They will have a lot to talk about when Thranduil wakes up... I love how supportive everyone is to Legolas. I do hope someone tells him it is okay for even kings to cry sometimes, at least in private!
And Galithil! A natural village leader if ever I saw one!
Wow. So much going on, so much potential for future happenings! Excited to see what comes next!
Author's reply
As annoyed as I am with work taking up every moment of my time these days, I'm glad I caused you distraction in yours. :-)
Yeah, protecting Lindomiel just isn't working out, is it? I couldn't resist showing her reactions.
I'm glad Legolas is showing himself as his father's son. And yes they will have a lot to talk about. That was one of the most fun parts of this story to write.
And I'm glad you liked Galithil. You are very right about him, as time will tell.
Thank you so much for the review. I really appreciate it!
daw the minstrel
· 4 November 2014
· Chapter 8: The first test of great elves
Great chapter.
The first section was interesting because it's really all about people's reactions and feelings. Mostly it's Lindomiel, of course. What a flood of bad news she gets! But Boril's guilt over guilt an elf was also touching. This is the kind of scene I have trouble writing since I'm so impatient and tend to move on to the action. Nilmandra always says I cut emotions short. So I thought this was well done.
In the second section, it's a lovely moment when Dollion et al arrive. I also liked Legolas's issuing of commands to others and his command of himself. Of course, he's been trained both for command and for battle, but training is a lot different than the real thing. And that's a nice parallel between Glilavan's concern for his father and Legolas's. I want Tureden to shut up, though. His I-told-you-so attitude annoyed me no end. I don't know how Legolas stayed as polite as he did.
The section where Legolas holds court rings true in how perilous it is to try to follow the law when people's anger and vengefulness are roused. I love the way Galithil stands at Legolas's shoulder, the way he's done for all their lives. That shows up even more strongly in the aftermath. Thank the Valar for Galithil. I love the way he says he's seen Legolas at his worst and know him as well as Legolas knows himself. That's a great moment, the best kind to write.
In the Hall, Legolas shines particularly when he simply refuses to argue. But of course, at this point, Thranduil's fate is the most important remaining question.
Nice brief foreshadowing of a trip to Mordor and a tangle with Nazgul. (Is that plural? Is there a plural form?)
Author's reply
Emotions are hard to write, but I actually enjoy it once I get figured out how I think the characters would react. So I liked that part. And besides, can you just imagine how horrified poor Lindomiel must feel? I couldn't pass that up. :-)
The battle scene was actually hard to write. There have been so darn many of them in this story. I'm glad it came across ok. Tureden would definitely try my temper too. Legolas has more than one reason to not be pleased with him and unless it gets cut, he'll have words with him before this story is over.
The section where Legolas holds court rings true in how perilous it is to try to follow the law when people's anger and vengefulness are roused.
Exactly what I was going for. I thought it fit in with the 'more perilous and less wise' characterization and also with the fact that these people live in the south, far away from the king's authority, likely for a reason. Legolas will have to work hard with them.
And writing Legolas and Galithil for me is always fun.
Thank you so much for the reviews, daw. I appreciate them so much!
Zardi
· 3 November 2014
· Chapter 8: The first test of great elves
Well, I pretty much had my heart in my throat for this entire chapter! Even though I know Legolas will be fine, and Thranduil will ultimately be fine, I still managed to be really scared for them (especially Thranduil!) the entire time.
Good for Legolas, sticking up for what he believes is justice. He is so mature beyond his years (elf years, anyway), and the scene where he almost lets it all out was heartbreaking. I know he's having to grow up out of necessity, but I hope he gets a chance to be a kid again, even if only for a little while.
And, of course, there is the ever-present fear for Lindomiel's life. I hope this episode won't end with her death, but I know you'll handle the story capably no matter what.
How many more chapters do you think it will be before Thranduil and/or Legolas get back to the stronghold?
Author's reply
I'm glad even a 'middle' chapter had you nervous. That is a good thing. :-) Legolas is definitely beging forced to grow up fast here. I'm afraid its not over yet either. Legolas is back to the stronghold in the next chapter and Thranduil is already there. But there are 13 chapters and an epilogue in this story, so there's still more to come. Manadhien is going to the stronghold as a prisoner, after all. It can't just be as simple as that where she is involved.
Thank you so much for reading, and for reviewing, of course. I appreciate it so much!
Nora
· 14 October 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
When will the next chapter be ready?
It's been too long since the last update and I've already reread this story again. Please update as soon as possible.
Author's reply
:-) Sorry! Work is killing me. But I am proofing the next chapter tonight. It should be up tomorrow night at the latest. Hope you will enjoy! :-)
Lenielestel
· 6 September 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
Oh, wow. You know, the only problem with a story this good, is that one is never satisfied -- even the longest of chapters seems far, far too short when the utterly engrossed reader arrives at the end! And now the long wait begins again!
This chapter was a great mix of relief and expectation! The implication that Conuion isn't dead was a great relief--I love Conuion! And Dolgailon is alive too, huzzah!
But now I am terrified! They have laid hands on Manadhien at last, and that seems very....dangerous. I am curious about Gilavan's future actions, too. He seems to be something of a wildcard in the mix now.
Dying to know what happens next! Please do not make us wait too long! :-)
Author's reply
Sorry! It has been a long wait this time too. I've been incredibly busy. Work has a lot of nerve to demand so much of my time. ;-)
I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. And glad you are worried. I'm afraid you should be. We have not seen the climax of this story yet. Close proximity to Manadhien is definitely more dangerous. I won't comment about Glilavan. He still has too much to do as yet.
The next chapter should be up in the next day or two. Hope you enjoy and thanks so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much!
ellon
· 5 September 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
This story is incredible. The way you build up the tension and descriptively draw out the emotions of the characters and the actions surrounding them is really incredible. I absolutely love what you are doing with Legolas and the story of him growing up!!!
Author's reply
The way you build up the tension and descriptively draw out the emotions of the characters
I am so pleased with both those comments. Thank you! It is always hard to tell how these things come across after looking at the chapter so many times myself.
I hope you continue to enjoy. Thanks so much for the review. I really appreciate them!
indigo
· 31 August 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
I forgot to add... Thanks for this--> "And I'll go ahead and admit this one: Legolas will get someone better than Aewen. She is a brat." :-) haha! And also, Thranduil will need a head surgery right? Do they have to shave his beautiful golden hair? poor him. Hair is one of those things elves find beautiful. It's sort of a marker for beauty. Haha!
Author's reply
Sorry to be so long in replying!
:-) Poor Legolas and Aewen!
And poor Thranduil. Yes indeed. That sad fact will make an appearance.
Thanks for the reviews!
indigo
· 31 August 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
"I bet you've had a lot of time for re-reading!" yeah I did! Thank God you updated. Just so you know latest chapters of this whole series, I've been scheming through the story and checking if someone died. Honestly don;t want to read the part when you plug the cord on one of the characters. sigh.. Anyway, when I'm done scheming the story and everyone's safe, I read the whole thing slowly. Haha! You're evil! You put us readers on the edge.
As for the current story, it amazing. Legolas is in a tough position. Only leaders can understand those decision and only leaders can manage the emotional consequences of it. I wish you could have written more stuff though. I hope the holiday will give you time to write more and update again. Hopefully, we get to hear about the stronghold, the two village Maethorness and galithil's, and tulus. I'm sure you'll tie that in with their trip to Rhosgobel. And I have a feeling that evil mistress will find her way out. I'm sure you know how to twist this!
I have a question regarding the nazgul. During LOTR, legolas shot one and asked what it was. I know this is your story and knowing you don't want to deviate so much from the books and you're faithful to the books, but I'm just curious. How does this tie in with the books? The balrog, i can understand. The elves sorta have a hunch.
LOTR excerpt:
'The Winged Messenger!' cried Legolas. 'I shot at him with the bow of Galadriel above Sarn Gebir, and I felled him from the sky. He filled us all with fear. What new terror is this?'
'One that you cannot slay with arrows,' said Gandalf. 'You only slew his steed. It was a good deed; but the Rider was soon horsed again. For he was a Nazgûl, one of the Nine, who ride now upon winged steeds.
Update soon! :) More power to you and keep on writing!
Author's reply
Again, sorry to be so slow. It's hard for me to believe that the holiday you are referring to was Labor Day. Holy cow!
Legolas is in a tough position. I hope to keep him in an increasingly tough one for a few more chapters, actually.
About the Nazgul, I always assumed Legolas was referring to not recognizing the fell beast, not the Nazgul himself. Maybe that he could not see the Nazgul (either because it was not wearing raiment or because the fell beast obscured him) and so Legolas did not realize what he saw--the fell beast--was not the actual enemy, but just its steed. I will be the first to admit, though, that I have my own fandom so firmly in my head that my beliefs about Mirkwood could easily twist my interpretation. :-) But you are very right. I much prefer to stick as much to canon as possible, personally. As a writing exercise, it makes things more fun for me.
Thanks so much for your reviews! I appreciate them so much!
rikki
· 29 August 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
The chapter title says it all about Legolas. He faces so many choices in this fight, how to save his atar, how to save the villages, what to do with Glilivan, Manadhien and how to make those decisions in the best interest of the realm. Legolas must step up and become the kingdom's ruler in Thranduil's incapacity and make decisions that as he thinks that he has no experience to be making. All the while dealing with elves who are much much older than he and having a lot more experience. Every time someone steps back and says "My Lord" I want to wince at what Legolas must be facing. Thank goodness he does have good advisors with Radagast, Dolgailon and Engwe and the greatest teacher of all, his father king Thranduil.
Then on top of that you throw in a ring of power that Legolas must fight rather than being overcome with the evil it holds. As a precursor to the One Ring it does show that Legolas is strong in his convictions and he will be able to resist the call of that ring that Frodo will carry during the journey to destroy it. Now the journey to Rhosgobel with the wounded and prisoners, Legolas must make more decisions which will lead to more death and destruction. Hopefully when all this is over, Thranduil will be recovered at some point and be able to absolve Legolas of some of the horrors that he will be facing.
Thank you for posting this chapter. I hope you will post more as I would love to see how all this will end.
Author's reply
I am smiling ear to ear at that summary. That is exactly it. Poor Legolas. I hope to drag him through those difficulties for a few more chapters.
And, as for the ring: bingo. I'm having fun giving Legolas a taste of what his future holds.
Thranduil will be recovered at some point and be able to absolve Legolas of some of the horrors that he will be facing.
I have so many versions of that final conversation written, it's pathetic. Getting everything in that I want without dragging things out. Wow, that is hard. But fun.
Sorry to be so slow. Again. I really appreciate the reviews so much. Thank you so much for them!
Fantasia
· 29 August 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
What a nice surprise! you posted! I read it yesterday, but it was too late to comment.
Glad to see that some people is alive! Dolgailon! and thank you for tell me that Conuion survived...
Tulus, poor Tulus, always loyal to the very end. Glilavan is such a cretin, even if he went back to help Dolgailon.
Legolas is facing a terrible choice, he has to choose between a Kingdom and a friend, hard, but not really an option. A Prince must serve.
So, the harpy has a power ring! interesting. Did Cele..(OMG, don't remember his name!!!) gave it to her maybe? or did he teach her? were they in love? that is what Radagast mean about that it wasn't evil in the begining? And, was she ashamed that a Maia saw her as an evil being, she that lived in Valinor before?
I love Legolas's frustation with Radagast interference in the harpy's detention! he should have killed her, no clemency, no judgement, nothing, a person like her alive is a problem.
So, Legolas has felt a lesser ring influence before the Quest. Maybe that helped his endurance to the master ring's lure during the quest?
And really like Radagast's advise about the Nazgul, it is only a shadow, that is...
And Dolgailon and his ring. I was thinking the same, just open the hand , your chances to survive will be better with both hands. And his confusion on seeing Legolas there, priceless.
Well, we see what is coming next, you have to give news of the King, the villages (I'm confuse, how many villages are going to be attacked?) Are they going to get help from the capital? And where is Fuilin?
As always, great, great chapter!...more, please
Author's reply
I am so sorry to be so slow in answering reviews (and updating).
Poor Tulus indeed. But I can't give anything away about him, unfortunately.
Glilavan I hope to keep you guessing about as well.
And Manadhien: I love your comments/questions. Yes, she learned from Celebrimbor and Sauron himself, in my little world. And in my backstory for her, she did admire Celebrimbor to the point of loving him. But, if I remember correctly, he had another lady in canon. He certainly did not return Manadhien's affections. Yes, that is exactly what Radagast means--he remembers her from Valinor and she does have a moment of shame facing someone who does. Good catch.
So, Legolas has felt a lesser ring influence before the Quest. Maybe that helped his endurance to the master ring's lure during the quest?
Exactly. Fun to play with. I'll be doing so a bit more before the end of this.
Hehe--poor Dolgailon. The House of Oropher can be stubborn. They need good advice sometimes.
As for the rest--the next chapter should be up within the next day or two.
Thank you so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much!
daw the minstrel
· 29 August 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
I have to admit I feel sorry for Glilavan. I want Legolas to help Tulus. And yet, I realize this is one of those painful, terrible decisions a ruler has to make. Legolas is impressively commanding in this chapter. What a great job you're doing on growing him up.
So I don't understand rings of power entirely. Basically, I thought there were 9 for men, 7 (is that right?) for dwarves, and 3 for men, and then the One Ring. Those are the ones Sauron made. Manadhien says she made this one. So that means she worked with Sauron when he was making the rings, right? Obviously I should look up my ME history and am too lazy. But a ring of power sure explains a lot about her actions. And she is one stubborn Elf. Pinned to a tree by arrows and pulling herself off.
Actually there were a lot of grossly injured people in this chapter. It's a good thing Radagast is around to help in more ways than one.
I liked the notion of the mithril rings belonging to the two sons of Oropher (who was another ring maker-crafty elves), and it was a touching moment when Legolas restored Dolgailon's wedding ring.
Great chapter, Elliska. I cheered when I saw it.
Author's reply
Oh good, I want you to feel sorry for Glilavan. :-) It is a tough choice and the one Legolas has to make is not the one Glilavan would make (or even most people would make, maybe, unless they were trained to command). I want to twist the knife a little with Tulus, Glilavan and Legolas ever this. It has impact later.
I'm glad you asked about rings. :-) I knew someone would. Gandalf says to Frodo: "In Eregion long ago many Elven-rings were made, magic rings as you call them, and they were, of course, of various kinds: some more potent, some less. The lesser rings were only essays in the craft before it was full grown. To the Elven-smiths they were but trifles--yet still to my mind dangerous for mortals." So that is what I am playing with here. In my little story, Manadhien and her sister studied smith craft in Eregion, even under Annatar himself. She made a lesser ring of power, using his craft, and it enhanced one of her native abilities, persuasiveness (somewhere Tolkien wrote the lesser rings might have, in some cases, enhanced people's skills. I can't remember where. I think in Leaf). I'm enjoying giving Legolas a small taste of what he will later face. :-) And I could not resist contrasting Oropher's symbolic, but in Legolas's mind, much more important, completely non-magical rings with Manadhien's. I like the idea of Oropher making symbols of his new authority for his family.
Yes, some people here have nasty injuries. I'll be glad to be away from that. It is so hard to write!
I'm glad you enjoyed. Now I am off camping! Which I will enjoy. :-)
Zardi
· 28 August 2014
· Chapter 7: The self must not be sacrificed
It was such a treat to check the site this evening and see a new chapter to this story, right at the top of the front page :D I hope you'll be able to update more often, but of course work has to come first :)
So that's Manadhien's secret, or at least one of them! I wonder how much of her horribleness is really her, and how much of it was Sauron twisting her to his own ends. It's disturbing how powerful she is, to have created that ring that could even have such an effect on Legolas. Though speaking of Legolas, I was very impressed with him and his maturity this chapter.
I also wonder how Thranduil is doing, and can't wait to see his reaction to Legolas' taking charge. I hope he gets a chance to feel proud before all the upcoming deaths come crashing down on them.
I'm really looking forward to the next part. Whenever it comes, it will be worth it!
Author's reply
Gonna try to stay caught up this time! :-)
I'm glass you enjoyed. I hope to update way more often too. This is a holiday weekend in the US and I hope to take good advantage of it by working on the next chapter.
Indeed, one of her secrets. And a big one. She is naturally persuasive and the ring enhances that strength. In her case, to no good end, obviously. :-) I'm glad you thought Legolas did well. There were a lot of tough choices for him to make here, and mostly he is making them right. Thranduil will be the judge of that, or so he thinks. I imagine pride and horror are what he'll feel when he gets the whole story. Thanks so much for the reviews. I appreciate them so much!
Fantasia
· 16 July 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
It is me again, I just realized, Conuion is dead! I don't want more dead elves...unless is Manadhien and allies.
And what is the deal with Tureden and those elves, Morinco and Haldince? He executed them because Elured and Elurin. Legolas is so confused.
I can see Legolas and Galithil as a very good pair of leaders that compliment each other as Taranduil did with his brother. Galithil did not want to be a warrior, but he did very well as strategist, leader and warrior too, no many options for a Prince in a Kingdom under siege.
Author's reply
I'll relieve you a bit and give you a bit of a spoiler. Conuion isn't dead. Just really badly wounded. He will survive this story.
Not everyone else will though.
Tureden did kill them as revenge for them taking Dior's children and leaving them to die. Since Tureden was the guard they overpowered to take the children. That was a guilt Tureden carried for a very long time. Legolas's reaction to that and some guilt he will carry after this story are associated. And it is one more reason why Legolas loses some respect for Tureden. Their relationship will be rocky for a long while.
Too right about Legolas and Galithil / Thranduil and Aradunnon. And yes, despite his lack of desire to do it, Galithil can be a good strategist. We'll see more on that.
Thanks so much for the reviews! I appreciate them so much!
Fantasia
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
Those children are amazing!!! But I agree with Tureden, it is crazy for Legolas to go after the orcs.
I want to comment the Engwe, that has always been so annoying, is an incredible strategist and warrior.
We all know that Thranduil will survive, but I worry nonetheless. Nestoreth will prove her worth and Elrond is indeed very wise, to send her to his Kingdom.
Please, rescue Dolgailon and Tulus...and Kill that harpy now!!!!
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying!
Legolas is going to agree with you and Tureden too, you'll see.
Engwe is proving why Thranduil keeps him around, isn't he?
Hehe. That harpy will cause much more trouble, even before the end of this story, I'm afraid.
Thanks so much for the reviews!!
indigo
· 6 July 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
Hello again! I intended to add more before but I have to backtrack and look for some details. I just realized that out of Marti's allies there are Solchion, Baranil, Lumil, Fuilin, Glilavan and the stronghold spy. You mentioned lumil and it appears he's innocent. So that leaves at least 5 of them. I hope you can give us a glimpse of what's happening in the stronghold and when Belloth arrives with a badly wounded Thranduil. And of course, you have to mention the spy. Is the spy still there or did it move to south knowing that things arent looking up for Marti? I hope s/he's not life threatening and more of a forced person to spy, like dannenion and dolwon.
After this, I hope you can make some snippets of some of the character's personal stories like how Thranduil inspired Conuion to join Oropher's household. You mentioned this in the third part of this series. I remembered Conuion because he looks badly wounded after this chapter. Of course, there are many more personal stories that makes me curious like the story behind the first time thranduil meets a man, the story behind Thranduil's and Aradunnon's banter -"Delos dithen" (little pest).
I guess you have an idea of how much I love the series that I'm curious about every small detail.
Best of luck in your work and write and post the next chapters soon! :)
Author's reply
Hello again to you. :-)
Some of your questions will at least be alluded to in the next chapter, if not definitively answered. Some will wait until the chapter after that, but you will get them answered. The spy though--not until the second to last chapter of this part.
Conuion's story is one I have completely worked out in my mind. It will eventually appear in Dawn of a New Age, assuming I can get that rolling. But it is also teased out in this story bit by bit too, especially when Legolas finally completely loses his patience with Tureden, which he is destined to do.
And you have made me miss Aradunnon. I may have to work up another short story for Steps along the journey about him.
I hope to have the next chapter of this out today. Fingers crossed.
Thanks so much for the reviews!!
katrina
· 4 July 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
Hello! I must admit it has been a while since I have checked up on this story- so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw multiple chapters up already!
This chapter was really beautifully written, from the battle scenes to the more emotional parts that show us just how much Legolas and Galithil have grown.
A few things came to my mind when reading:
Thranduil's injury requires a very skilled surgeon, and putting Nestoreth aside, isn't Helindilme a very experienced healer? I forget the specifics, but didn't she come over from Valinor with the Noldor? So she would have had to tend to those in the wars of the First Age- I think she mentioned she healed those who were in the hands of Morgoth! I think it would be a great thing if she was the one to heal Thranduil- it would put aside a lot of the old prejudices and distrust Thranduil has against her and the Noldor in general, if he owes his life to Helindilme!
I do hope that Lindomiel is okay. However, I fear that once she sees Thranduil being carried back, and she learns that her only son and nephew are in the midst of the battle that has nearly killed he king, probably killed Dolganion, and killed a whole bunch of other more experienced palace guards, she will not stand idly in the stronghold. I have a bad feeling that she too will go to the South, and since she does not have much training, she might very well be killed there!!!! Ahh I am so nervous for her fate!
Keep on updating soon please! This story really has me to the edge of my seat!
Author's reply
Keeping up with writing has been so hard recently. You can totally go quite a while and not miss anything, unfortunately.
Quite right about Helindilme.
I'm not saying too much to give anything much away though. Not this time. :-)
Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them so much!
Kaiser
· 3 July 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
Hello again!
First things first - I am in absolute awe of the skill with which you craft the battle scenes. They are truly amazing. Secondly, this entire chapter was thrilling, awe-inspiring and more than a little scary; finding out what happens to each character in the end shall be fantastic, and in the meantime I'll have fun guessing! It's been so interesting to see how Legolas and Galithil have gone from being little elflings to strong, independent, authoritative almost-adults - especially as I myself haven't really witnessed that "child to adult" transformation before, being 20 myself and having no one to have watched grow over that period of time. It's fascinating! Poor Legolas seeing his adar wounded so terribly...but I feel real pride in the way he held himself together. Legolas and Galithil both have grown up, and the people around them are seeing and respecting that more and more too.
Author's reply
I am so glad you liked the battle scenes in this. You cannot imagine how hard they were to write on so many different levels. But I also love your comments about Legolas and Galithil's growth. That is, of course, the point here--they both have to be who they've been taught to be and that is a big role. It's fun to play with. Poor Legolas indeed. I intend to keep you saying that for a while. :-)
Thanks so much for the reviews!
indigo
· 1 July 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
Hi there! It's my first time to review here. I have enjoyed your fanfiction for quite some time now. It's far by the best one about thranduil and legolas. Thanks for continuing the series. :) I always wait for your update and when it's taking you that long, I re-read everything! hahaha!
For this chapter though, I'm really anxious. Every male members of the house of oropher is in the battle. Since I've tried to read the whole thing again this week, I was bothered with the very first of the series. This quote - “Adar, except when we were separated by the sea, we have always been together. We were the only family we had. We were always very close” from the very first one. If this ("the only family we had") will happen and my interpretation is correct, I hope you don't intend to lose characters all at once. Not at this point in the series. I'm really afraid for everyone, including lindomiel too. THere's a spy. You haven't mentioned the spy and s/he's in the stronghold or at least within the capital. You should include something about the stronghold in the next chapter. As for thranduil, I suppose the healer will be at work this time. You always said she'll play a big role in the story. I think this is it.
As for Dolgailon, I have a feeling he'll be used by marti. It seems possible as a bargaining point. And poor tulus and glilavan. How can glilavan not see the destruction in front of him?
I can already see this as a good experience for legolas. :) I imagine his ada will be proud and a bit furious at the same time. haha!
Anyway, keep it up and you're doing an amazing job! And after this, I hope you find Legolas a better pair. haha! I'm not a fan of Aewen. Can't he have someone as amazing as her naneth? :)
Author's reply
I'm so sorry to be so long in replying. Normally I am very good about it. New job is crazy though. I bet you've had a lot of time for re-reading! :/
You've pointed out one of the key lines from that opening chapter, haven't you? Yes you have. I love that! You should be worried. Something big will happen here. I'm just going to keep people guessing on it. :-)
I laughed at your comment about Thranduil's reaction. You are so right about that!
And I'll go ahead and admit this one: Legolas will get someone better than Aewen. She is a brat. :-)
Thanks so much for the review. I really appreciate them so much!
cbellea
· 1 July 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
Oh wow this chapter just gave me so many feels! From the intense battle scenes to the end when everybody looks up to Legolas to make the decisions, and Galithil's formal address to him...Just overall an amazing chapter! I feel so proud of Galithil and Legolas- they have really grown to be respected, good leaders throughout this story! And my blood absolutely boils at the thought of Manadhien. I really hope Dolganion is alright...and of course, we know that Thranduil will be. Still, I like how you have put Legolas in the very uncomfortable and trying position. It really highlights how well he is progressing to be a good leader- one who will ultimately lead a colony of elves in Ithilien, amongst the borders of men. Again, great job! Hope you update again soon!!
Author's reply
I'm glad it did. Obviously that is what I hope for and eliciting emotion from a battle, which you'd think would be easy, is really amazingly hard.
I love some of the scenes you called out because they were certainly the most important ones to me, so that made my day.
Legolas will remain in an uncomfy position for a bit longer, of course. But yes, I'm having fun showing how he will be ready for his ultimate destiny. :-)
Thanks so much for the reviews!
Marianel
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
This update really made my day! And btw congrats to your new job!
Wow such complicated and awsome battlescenes! Its amazing how you get it together .
Yes so close to get Manadien! They will succéd sooner or later.
I felt so sorry for Conuion , I kindA grew to like the stern elf who I think is a softie with a good heart inside.And wheres Dolgaelion? Poor Thranduil and legolas !
Im so worried about Lindomiel, i hope shes ok. Fantastic chapter and I have said it before; you rival mr Tolkien himself .Looking forward to updates:)take care and the best from Sweden .
Author's reply
Thanks for the congrats on the new job. It is a busy one, let me tell you!
I'm glad the battle scenes came out ok for you. A whole chapter of nothing but battle is really hard to write for a number of reasons.
Many of your concerns will be answered in the next chapter (hopefully out today). But one in particular you will wait to see you were right to have for a few more chapters.
Thanks so much for the reviews!
curiouswombat
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
What a heart-in-the-mouth chapter - you write all the battle scenes so well; I am in awe!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked the battle. This particular chapter, since it was all battle, was really hard to write.
Thanks so much for the reviews!
rikki
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 6: The children shall lead
Your description of this battle is amazing. The depth of the fighting and the various characters involved had me sitting on the edge of my chair holding my breath most of this chapter. The chapter title is very telling. Children indeed. Legolas now has to make decisions for which he has never beeen trained and he is having to control and command elves who are thousands of years older than him. I am hoping that his search for Dolgailon is successful. Though it may also lead to Manadhien's location.
Getting Thranduil back to the stronghold will be a hard trip. But there is the surgeon from Imaraldis there that could help heal the king.
I am glad that you have given us this chapter. Hope to see more.
Author's reply
I am so behind!
I'm so glad you liked the battle in this last chapter. Honestly, a whole chapter of nothing but battle. That was really hard to write. And an exercise in synonyms for 'arrow.' :-)
Legolas is indeed in a hard position. Naturally, I will not be making it easier for him any time soon. :-)
Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them so much!