Reviews (33)

sofia · 24 December 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

sorry about the other review from me! i kind of pressed enter and stuff. what i wanted to say was that i loved the story, Lost and Found.

Nikara · 11 October 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

This was a great story. Sorry it took me so long to review. It has been a busy week. I can't wait to read more of your work!

LKK · 2 October 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

Gwael, the King of the Gulls. Very appropriate! Very kind of the king to look after a lost (in more ways than one) elf prince. :-) I felt sorry for Aragorn several times in this chapter. You would think by now, he would have learned to stop underestimating elves. But even in his elder years, he continues to do so. Not realizing that Elrond & Thranduil traded more than just political letters. Not expecting Thranduil to overhear his conversation with Tathar. Will Aragorn ever learn? ;-) A very nice story from beginning to end, jenolas. I enjoyed reading this. Thank you! LKK

LKK · 2 October 2003 · Chapter 5: Changes

Ai! What a beautiful description of dawn rising over the sea! I have never witnessed such an event myself (not being a morning person), but I hope that if I ever have the opportunity it will be as lovely as your telling. Achingly beautiful, it was. It seems Legolas knows his friends well. Legolas hoped that Tathar would forgive him for leaving him to deal with both the King of Mirkwood and the no doubt distraught, Gimli. How very right he is, on both counts! LOL The growing understanding between Gimli and Thranduil was nicely displayed. I knew their love for Legolas would give them a common ground to build on. I'm still hoping to learn more about Legolas' mysterious stranger! LKK

Dot · 1 October 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

Oh, wow! What a genius you are. That was such a beautiful idea, and so wonderfully told. *sigh* I like Thranduil more and more with each story you write. And I love the way he’s so shrewd, and always knows more than he lets on – like inviting the older brother just so the younger one can prove himself, overhearing Tathar’s comments and the letters between himself and Elrond... He also obviously knows quite a bit about Aragorn, then, probably more than Legolas realises. I’m glad Thranduil explained his feelings to Aragorn – it was a lovely scene and shows the deep commitment of both of them to Legolas as well as more understanding and acceptance between the two kings. Gwael certainly did make an impression on Legolas, didn’t he, if his dream is anything to go by. I love the way he then greets them all as if he were totally expecting them to arrive! Gimli is brilliant – you write him so well, and he always makes me laugh! The part with Aragorn examining Legolas was also beautiful – such gentleness and care. I can’t even describe how beautiful I find the idea of there being someone there at Mithlond to offer words of comfort those left behind while the gulls would watch over those who sail. It brought tears to my eyes, especially to see the extent of Thranduil’s gratefulness. I really enjoyed that story. It had me totally intrigued and while I knew the ending would be special, it was so much more than I expected. Now, any more where that came from...?!:)

The Karenator · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

Jenolas, I have been reading this since you first posted and have not left a review until now. I apologize for my tardiness. I have enjoyed this from the beginning and found the whole story line to be interesting and very original. I was surprised by the true indentity of Gwael. It only seemed fitting, though, when the truth came out. Who else would understand the sea longing of the elves more than one who sang the song? I was moved by Gwael's desire to give aid to the ones left behind by being present as each ship sailed. And, of course, he was the most likely to be able to give advice to Legolas in learning to put priorities in place and offer comfort for fighting the desire to sail. I came away feeling Gwael's kindness was part of the natural order of things. He was simply who he was, but knew what despair his cry brought to the Firstborn when they were called home. However, he used his power over the Elves wisely and offered easement when he could. He did what he was created to do. It was a lovely story. I was pleased to see Thranduil and Gimli find common ground in their shared love for Legolas and be able to build respect on it. I know there was a long held mistrust and animosity between the Elves and the Dwarves, but I have never thought Thranduil so petty as to let it stand between him and his son. I've always thought he would have trusted Legolas's judgement and found it within the wisdom of his years to recognize that everyone should be judged on individual merits rather than by group intentification. True, Gimli was a dwarf, but he had proven himself in the Fellowship and as a loyal friend to his son. I think you showed this process well. Thranduil was willing in the end to judge Gimli as an individual. I loved the way you worked everything out and offered some good ideas to ponder about the nature of free folk and wailing gulls. Karen

LKK · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Whispering Waves

I was just laughing at my unfounded doubts over whether or not my friends would be searching for me. You've done it again, jenolas. Once again, you demonstrated your command of what it means to be a mature, thoughtful adult. All too often, characters who are supposed to be adults are written as little more than children in grown bodies. But your adult characters have mature thoughts and reasoning not just grown bodies. They are such a refreshing change to read. :-) I liked the waves calling to Legolas. I haven't settled in my own mind what the sea-longing experience is like. But the idea of the waves calling to him “Legolas, come with us!” seems very appropriate to me. Finally, I'm still not sure about Legolas' mysterious saviour. I'm inclined to think like Legolas does, that Gwael may be an Istar, but I'm not sure. I hope Gwael's final line doesn't mean we've seen the last of him. I certainly want to know more about him before he disappears! Great job with the chapter! LKK

fliewatuet · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

*sigh*! This story is already over, but I loved every bit of it, especially your portrayal of King Thranduil. He is stern, does not approve of the friends of his son, but he has a reason for that and he is a compassionate father who manages to hold his own resentments in check for the sake of his son. And he does not lack a certain sense of humour. And I really loved your invention of the King of the Gulls. He watches over those who sail to Valinor and over those who stay behind ...

LKK · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 3: The Search Begins

A very nice chapter, jenolas. Do you know what I liked best about it? I liked the way you switched back and forth from Thranduil, the king, to Thranduil, the father. The ease of the transitions was marvelous. I noticed that Gimli finds Thranduil, the father, easier to deal with than Thranduil, the king. Perhaps Thranduil, the father, reminds the dwarf of Legolas much more than Thranduil, the king, does. I loved Tathar's passing vow that Legolas would pay dearly for leaving him to act as intermediary between the elf king and the mortals. :-) I was a little surprised that Thranduil couldn't understand the ancient tree. I tend to think of the elves' communications with trees to be more empathic and emotional rather than language oriented. So I would not have expected language to pose a problem for him. You've given me a new interpretation to think about. LKK

Jay of Lasgalen · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

I liked this final chapter, especially the seagulls at the end. So now we know who Gwael is! I thought he was an Istari - maybe he still is. And I'm glad that Thranduil and Gimli are becoming reconciled. I can understand Thranduil's reasons for not being happy about Legolas' friendship with mortals, but at least he is accepting them now. Jay

JastaElf · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

Ah, jenolas, another great tale comes to an end... VERY beautifully done! I normally review at ff.net, but could not get there today; thank heaven for Arda!! :-) I loved both of your new chapters, esp. the way you drew upon canon to show the problems between Elf and Dwarf--and then their slow but true resolution. VERY nicely done! I loved Thranduil being mistaken for Legolas... :-) And the way King and Dwarf were speaking to one another by the end was really something. Legolas on his own dealing with the sea was wonderfully handled. His longing, his pain, his need to stay fighting his need to go--beautifully written! And when the reunion came, the interaction between Legolas and each of the Three (Other) Hunters was just excellent. And I loved the bit about King of the Gulls!! What a neat touch, and I never saw it coming! Bravo! A lovely little twist.... I will think far more highly of gulls in future. :-) Growing up around the ocean, I know gulls in non-Middle-earth are evil, tricksy, nasty birds that will swoop down and steal bread right out of your hands, taking a fingertip along with it--but these gulls are MUCH nicer and kinder! :-) A grand story; I hate to see it come to an end, but do look forward to your next plot bunny. :-)

Nilmandra · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

Oh, it made me shiver to think that the gull could take different forms like that! How Tolkienesque! Gimli behaved as expected, and I liked hearing the story of when Thranduil had met Gwael before.

daw the minstrel · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 6: Lost No Longer

I recently reread The Hobbit and was reminded of the friendship between Thranduil's people and the birds of the forest. This use of the gull echoes that nicely. No wonder he knew what to do about sea longing!

Dot · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Changes

O.k., I'm going to try not to ask any questions...! The descriptions of the sea were breathtaking, it's so easy to see why Legolas almost falls under its spell when it's described in such sensuous terms. Aaaw, so Gimli and Thranduil are bonding! I'm glad Thranduil realised that Gimli didn't really mean any offence - he probably just hadn't ever met anyone who wasn't intimidated by him! I thought the idea of him being mistaken for Legolas was interesting. I guess it shows how little people really know of elves. He seemed to appreciate Gimli's understanding of the difference between them, though. So Gwael is gone. No, I'm not going to ask where! Legolas obviously knows that he isn't coming back but doesn't want to admit it - I can't wait to discover the explanation, and I wonder if Thranduil is the one who'll be able to help there... Just wondering, not asking! Next chapter please!:)

Nilmandra · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Changes

Ah, this might have to be short. That description of the sea has left me aching to go to the ocean myself. Legolas knows that Gwael is gone, but I like how his heart wishes it otherwise.

daw the minstrel · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Changes

What a beautiful description of the sea. The idea that Thranduil could be mistaken for Legolas is interesting. It's hard to conceive of how youthful or aged he must have looked, given our moral ideas of such things.

fliewatuet · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Changes

Great story. I like the way Thranduil and Gimli start to overcome their mutual dislike for each other over their worry for Legolas. And I really loved your description of the sea at sunrise. I felt the sea-longing stirring within me as well;-)

Nikara · 27 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Whispering Waves

I'm a little bit confused. That scene seemed sort of rushed. It was interesting, but it seemed as though Legolas realized what he truely wanted a bit too quickly. Very interesting none the less.

Dot · 27 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Whispering Waves

That was a rather disconcerting chapter! I have this nagging feeling that I should know what’s going on, but don’t...! Gwael gets more enigmatic by the minute. So he met Thranduil? What was he doing at Mithlond, eh? And will Thranduil remember him? I know, I know, wait and see...! The scene on the beach was so powerful. What an amazing understanding you have of the effect of the sea on Legolas – the notion of unsatisfied longing, of inner conflict and turmoil that never abates and takes on a terrifying sense of urgency as he gets closer to the sea. It must be so frightening for people who love him to see this. It’s such a strange idea, but I really like the take you have on it. I’m glad Gwael – whoever he is *glares* - could help Legolas. It speaks volumes about the depth of friendship Legolas has with Aragorn and especially Gimli that the thought of parting from them or hurting them helps him control his desire to leave. And how did Gwael know to play that particular card, anyway?? Yeah, yeah, stop asking questions... That final scene was absolutely beautiful, by the way. Such a lovely sense of peace. And why did he say “Namarie”? He’s going further than his blankets, isn’t he?? Yep, I heard you, it’ll be explained in time...!:)

daw the minstrel · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Whispering Waves

Gwael is a very intriguing figure. He seems all knowing almost. He certainly knew what to do for Legolas.

Nilmandra · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Whispering Waves

So,then, he is likely not a man. I wonder if Thranduil will recall him? I now have this wonderful picture of Legolas sitting casually on the bank, waiting to be rescued, knowing full well that he will be. Gimli will be so annoyed!

Nilmandra · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 3: The Search Begins

I like the similarities shown between Thranduil and Legolas - from looks and singing to the love of the trees. Thranduil may not like all Legolas' choices, but you make it clear he loved his son.

Nilmandra · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 2: The Storm Before the Calm

Hmmm........Legolas hears the call of the sea and meets a friend named Gull? And how did this person know he was the son of Thranduil? I think a mystery is at hand...

Nilmandra · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 1: Unwelcome News

I like how you portray the tension between Thranduil, and Aragorn and Gimli. It seems Thranduil may come to respect Aragorn, but for some reason he will never even come to that point with Gimli!

Dot · 25 September 2003 · Chapter 3: The Search Begins

A wonderful chapter. I love the way other elves appear to have accepted Aragorn and Gimli as well, and it sounds as though Aragorn was a fairly frequent visitor in Ithilien. Poor Tathar seems well used to both Gimli and Thranduil, albeit not together, - he certainly seems to know how to handle them both! “A TREE! He has taken off on his own to speak with a TREE! I thought he had already met every tree in Middle Earth during our wanderings”. LOL – I enjoyed that! Wouldn’t you think he’d be used that particular “insane elf” by now... I really like the way you’ve shown the similarities between Legolas and his father – the reaction to the pipeweed, the pleasure at discovering the tree, singing to the stars... It almost makes him more real to Legolas’ friends somehow, and harder for Gimli to dismiss him. *sigh* Would it be inappropriate to want to give Thranduil a hug right about now…?!;)