News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| A Charge To Keep by French Pony | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Tarí | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/2/2013 |
| Wow, I like your story very much, it was great fun to read! Gandalf flattering the woodelves, Thranduil reserved yet just, Legolas and Aragorn... you captured their characters so well! I epspecially loved the part in the kitchens :D Keep it up :) | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/30/2005 |
Great gap-filler you chose here! Loved your detailed descriptions and characterizations. Gandalf is his good old self, cheeky and taking advantage of his old age..( these Maiar did have a sense of humour, I think, to be clad in such powerless and unappealing forms...)Thranduil is great, cautious but not mean, he seems to know how to play along with Gandalf...great job! | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/26/2005 |
| I really enjoyed the style in which this was written. You have put a very light touch on everything. The discussion between Gandalf and Thranduil seemed to have a very subtle underlying current of humor with Thranduil's reluctance and mildly stated complaints as well as Gandalf's equally mild flattery. I don't know how you did it, but I felt like I was reading these familiar characters for the first time...especially Legolas. The way you gradually revealed him was very nice. I look forward to the rest of your story. ~TF | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/25/2005 |
| I love the practicality of Legolas - it sits well with his role in the fellowship. And the sons of kings do need to eat! He is so genuinely interested in Gollum - and kind, too. 'Gandalf brightened. "Because you and your people are kind and brave of heart, King Thranduil," ' Gandalf the flatterer! He seems to have been glad to have the opportunity to come out with these lines. Lovely kitchen byplay - and so true! I imagine that the offspring of lords often find their way into kitchens and stables to build strong bonds with those who provide food and horses. (I don't thing laundries would have the same attraction.) I would need more than one night in a bed after years of chasing Gollum! In fact, one would be worse than none, because it would make only too apparent just what you were missing. Good to see Legolas and Aragorn taking their first steps on a friendship that would hold the elf in Middle Earth as long as Elessar lived. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/22/2005 |
| Ah yay! This looks great. You’re right, this is a fascinating period of time and I’m so glad that you decided to write about it because your understanding of these characters and their world never fails to amaze me. I loved the mini showdown between Thranduil and Gandalf. The fact that Thranduil can be so open about the Dwarf incident suggests an honesty and trust between them and even Thranduil seems to feel that he’s making his arguments more because he’s obliged to remind them if what it could cost the Elves than because he actually believes that he will resist Gandalf’s wishes. Although I have no doubt that when he wants to say no he’s more than capable of it! You’ve captured Gollum perfectly and I really liked that moment when Legolas gives in to his curiosity and examines this strange creature. I had this moment of utter relief when I recognised book!Legolas in this guy… “Great changes are afoot, and my heart tells me that you will not keep the creature as long as you fear. But when and how he will leave your custody, I cannot say." Hmm. Was that a chill I just felt?? Actually, it’s so interesting. In its simplest terms, if Thranduil hadn’t agreed to keep Gollum, then his people wouldn’t have been killed and his son wouldn’t have gone to Rivendell and ended up heading off to Mordor. But if none of that had happened, what of the quest to destroy the ring? Who would have replaced Legolas? Would Frodo and Sam have been better off without Gollum? Had Thranduil any foresight, would he have refused Gandalf or would he have had the wisdom to allow fate takes its course? Anyway, I can’t wait to see your version of the events in Mirkwood and Legolas’ role in all this. Oh, and I love the fact that the Elvenking has storage rooms, not dungeons ;-) I really enjoyed the whole scene in the kitchen. Aragorn’s surprise that Legolas was the king’s son made me smile, but even more amusing was the fact that he thought Galion was his father. I can just see little Legolas winning over all of the kitchen staff. It seems Aragorn found just the right thing to say to please them too. The river scene was very well done too. The beginning of friendship between Aragorn and Legolas is lovely to watch. The fact that Legolas seems to accept Aragorn without prying seems to have put the Ranger more at ease than he might otherwise have been. Anyway, great start – I’m looking forward to more! :-) | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/22/2005 |
| I love this story so far. Your characterisations of Thranduil, Legolas, Gandalf and Aragorn are perfect - so is Gollum. I love the small details incorporated from Tolkien - that Gollum bit Aragorn, the escape of the dwarves (but that Thranduil fed and watered them), and Galion. I loved Aragorn's assumption that Galion was Legolas's father! A very nice tale, going straight on my 'alert' list! Jay | |
| Leaward | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/22/2005 |
| What a wonderful start to the story. "Thranduil gave a pained smile. "Will you at least tell me why you have chosen my people to guard him?" he asked." I've often wondered why Gollum ended up in Thranduil's care. It did seem a bit 'out of the way.' And I like how both Legolas and 'Strider' are treating each other with deference at this point. Looking forward to the rest ... | |
| Manderly | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/22/2005 |
| A very nice first chapter and all your characters are very likable. I especially like your portrayal of Legolas and Aragon. Both seem very real and it seems very natural for their friendship to develop from this point on. Looking forward to the next chapter. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/21/2005 |
| A very nice beginning. I particularly liked the discussion between Gandalf and Thranduil about the dwarves who escaped. I'm sure Aragorn was exhausted and a night in a real bed would be most welcome. He had one long.g.g.g. trip with Gollum. I agree that he deserves a night to rest. And to have something decent to eat. I liked Aragorn's line about how children should have access to the kitchen. That won the kitchen staff's favor. I got a nice visual of a small Legolas seated on a stool with his feet dangling while 'helping' the cooks. The fishing scene was nice. The image of lining the fish basket with bright leaves was a wonderful touch. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Karen | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/21/2005 |
| Wow, I was really excited to see a new story exploring one of my favorite tim periods. Interesting take on Aragorn and Legolas's first meeting; and Thranduil's education about Gollum's eating habits was amusing. | |