Coming Home by French Pony
Eruanneth_Luin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
Thankfully the Elves of Eryn Lasgalen have made a comeback and certainly deserve a victory feast. The arrival at last of the well-worn Legolas completed the picture of a realm recovering from the brink of defeat. Thank you for a wonderful tale.
Eruanneth_Luin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 4: Eryn Lasgalen
Though we think mostly of the advantages of being an Elf, we seldom stop to consider the sorrows they bear that we shall never know. Grief strong enough to kill a vital, healthy Elf, we would not wish to experience. The 'silken blackness' to 'velvety grey'is a lovely vision. As for the 'names' I feel something of the same thing. A name change which had nothing to do with marriage was motivated by a desire to remember what I wised to influence me in the future. It was good to hear the laughter in the woods again; it has a healing power of its own.
Eruanneth_Luin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Partition
Thranduil as expected is more than ever concerned with independence for his people, but thankful is willing to accept help. I love the interplay between these two powerful Elves; they challenge each other in many ways. Even the mighty can fall low and Thranduil is no exception. Yet to see him rise from the depths and by sheer will alone stand firm against his weakness was heartening to witness.
Eruanneth_Luin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 2: You Are Not Alone
Loved the silver bells hearalding the arrival of the silver-haired Lord Celeborn! Thranduil as expected, brusque, defensive and wearied by the endless struggle for survival. How good to see Celeborn offer the very aid so needed at this time of great trial; at last, with reservations, the reluctant Thranduil accept. These two cousins interact well together.
Eruanneth_Luin · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 1: What Price Victory?
This time of war in Mirkwood was completely overshadowed by the recorded events further South, but was equally devastating. Thranduil in his victory at great cost is excellent! Without mentioning the Rings of Power that aided the other two elven realms you bring to light the dreadful struggle for mere survival that had been endured by the elves of Mirkwood for centuries, courage and bravery their only defense. That the final battle was on their very doorstep and inside the center of their lives added to the heartbreak. Thranduil taking comfort from the magnificent tree itself and the wider view it afforded of life beyond the woodlands truly reflects the attitude of the Firstborn toward the world around them, even extending to the fate of mortals.
LOTR lover · 20 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
Sigh. Thank you, French Pony. I love Thranduil, and he is just perfect here. *Of course* this is what he was doing during/after the War of the Ring. No doubt about it.
Ithilien · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
I am long overdue to review this story, but I will not forego it. Good storytelling deserves praise, and this story is definitely in that category. First, let me say that I have thought of this story often since reading it, mostly because it seems true to Thranduil's character. You have painted him in such a subtle stroke of brush that he comes off as very realistic. He is strong, resilient, patient and a leader. But he also is flawed, and he recognizes his flaws and is, like most of us, working to fix them. He is not cocky or abrasive as he is often portrayed, but more even and sure of himself and I really like him this way. At the same time, I can see how others might see him in a different light, and that just molds him into a more full figure. Nice! Very nice! At the heart of this story is his worry for his people. I feel his concern. It must be hard to see his community decimated. It sounds too that this group of elves is unlike their Rivendell or Lothlorien cousins. I can imagine they have lost a great deal, and I was glad to see the arrival of Celeborn offering aid. It really was wonderful to see the elves pulling together, but more, I liked seeing that this group of elves were somewhat vulnerable in a way that those other two are not. And though the Galadhrim have the ring to help contribute their aid, Thranduil doesn't seem to begrudge them this. Again, a nice change. But there we have some of his stubborn pride, for Thranduil of course must insist on repayment of that help. Celeborn comes off quite elegantly in this, accepting this payment, but no doubt knowing it will not be something they will be keeping for long. I can imagine in his musings he might be saying, 'perhaps we might clean up the place a bit before we depart these lands.' And under it all is the concern for Legolas. I think that is the thing that pressed the hardest on the subtext of this story. We want to see Thranduil's worries alleved, but we also want to see how he will deal with not knowing. I think that by itself made this a very intriguing study. Lovely job overall. I will look forward to reading more of your work.
Marnie · 20 October 2003 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
Fabulous end to a great story! Sorry I missed reviewing the chapters in between, but this was amusing and touching equally, and a very good portrayal of Thranduil, who tends to get rather sidelined as 'father of Legolas' in most stories. I was wondering if you would mind if I put it on my site? Either the story itself or a link to it? I don't think I've ever seen a better 'after the war' story than this. Oh, my website is here: http://www.apwl75.dsl.pipex.com/lotrfic/elfportraits.html in case you want to check it out first
Nilmandra · 19 October 2003 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
I have often thought about what it must have been like for Legolas to come home after the War of the Ring.....and this captures the emotion of it nicely.
Fadesintothewest · 19 October 2003 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
I was mighty touched by the end of your story, and whole-heartedly agree that our Thranduil is indeed one of the most vivid Elves to be found amongst Tolkien's work, and I am glad I was able to share in your vision of this great King!
TolkienFan · 18 October 2003 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
Very nice story! And I'm so pleased that Thranduil got what he most wanted at the end - seeing his beloved son safe. Thank you!
daw the minstrel · 18 October 2003 · Chapter 5: Victory Feast
Great finish. Even the author's note was interesting and vivid. Thank you for a wonderful story.
Kit5 · 13 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Eryn Lasgalen
I am so very sorry I have fallen behind in reading this, but I am enjoying it a great deal, even though historically I am not a fan of Elf literature LOL. But I am quite fascinated by the Mirkwood elves, and their culture, because they perhaps a more "emotive" lot than their lofty Lorien and Rivendell cousins, and I enjoy this glimpse into the mind and heart of Legolas' father Thranduil. I am also very glad you are posting here on a regular basis. Cheers Kit
daw the minstrel · 12 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Eryn Lasgalen
This was movingly done. Thranduil's hard won understanding of himself is convincing. The description of dawn in the forest was very effective, partly, I think, because you don't overdo descriptions in general but save them for some purpose. It made me want to go out and walk in the wood this morning because it's not yet dawn where I live (and I think I will when I get done with this chapter!). The interaction with Celeborn was also great. His comment about Oropher made me laugh.
Marnie · 1 October 2003 · Chapter 2: You Are Not Alone
'Sweet Elbereth on a crutch!' LOL! Nice to see Celeborn out from the restraining influence of his wife and being allowed to be Sindar rather than High Elven for a change. Great story so far! More please :)
Nilmandra · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 2: You Are Not Alone
I like your proud King and the interplay between Thranduil and Celeborn. Weary but victorious, and I like how Celeborn came offering encouragement.
daw the minstrel · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 2: You Are Not Alone
I love your fierce, proud Thranduil. He is such a good king. He thinks of his people and tries to do his best of for them. How difficult it must have been and how alone he seems. I'm glad Celeborn is there.
Fadesintothewest · 26 September 2003 · Chapter 1: What Price Victory?
So who comes? Might it be a messenger bringing tidings of Legolas? I love the Thranduil you have depicted. A good king, concerned for his people, and that of the men of Laketown as well.
daw the minstrel · 23 September 2003 · Chapter 1: What Price Victory?
This was wonderfully done from the little bits of information that Tolkien gives us. You tell your story in enough detail (what food is left, what the houses were made from, etc) that it comes alive and is very believable. And Thranduil is certainly a good king and father in your story. I look forward to more.
Nilmandra · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 1: What Price Victory?
I enjoy your characterization of Thranduil. It is good to see a story about the clean up and restoration of the forest after the war, and I like seeing how Thranduil worries for his son. I wondered how soon it was before Legolas could send word to his father - surely he didn't wait until they all headed home in the early fall! I look forward to the next chapter.
carolynkelsea · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 1: What Price Victory?
This is wonderful so far, I'm looking forward to reading more! Great descriptions and I love how you've portrayed Thranduil & the Mirkwood elves... I never thought about what was going on in Mirkwood while Legolas was off on his adventure, and of course Thranduil would be worried about him - terrific story idea! :)