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We Were Young Once ~ II  by Conquistadora 8 Review(s)
mystarlightReviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/16/2019
You are incredible storyteller. I am not able to stop reading. Well written, page turner , great characters.

TariReviewed Chapter: 8 on 9/28/2016
I knew Annaroth was a spawn of Morgoth If not Morgoth himself. Brrrrrrrrr!

AdrianneReviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/17/2007
It is time to stop ripping through this utterly fascinating tale and finally leave feedback. Coriel, I have been so enthralled by each succeeding chapter that I have been rendered incapable of a decent, coherent response. You have so masterfully woven so many storylines and events into such a complete and utterly brilliant tapestry that I see it all play out before me. I see every landscape and realm with pristine clarity, I feel the weather, the long passing of centuries and most of all I see and know these characters in a way that makes them real. I don't feel I'm reading some fantasy, but a history, lovingly, devotedly written by one who may have witnessed it. You have fleshed out characters, places and events that the dear Professor, in many cases, only gave us glimpes of. You have created original characters that are every bit as endearing or loathsome as any that I have read anywhere. The love between Thranduil and Lindóriel is frustrating, beautiful, magnificent! As is Thranduil himself, whom I absolutely love and I feel that he stands at my shoulder as I read this, so immediate and clear is his presence.

Every chapter is my favorite. At least that is what I tell myself each time I finish one. 'That was my favorite chapter'. My dear, you are a faultless storyteller, your prose lyrical, evocative and rich. This chapter I have just finished was frightening, ominous and had me on the edge of my feet. I could feel the mence of Annatar all around. And Oooooooo did I know who he was the moment you decribed his first appearance. I was almost afraid to go to sleep last night after reading the chapter in which Annatar summons Thranduil. His evil is palpable and you wonder that the Mirdain for all their entrancement over what he teaches them cannot feel it as well. And poor, brave, dedicated Gwaelas! What that devil did to him! I fear for the man and deeply admire his determination to stand at the side of him Lord.

I simply cannot give praise enough. Everytime I am forced to leave this story I pine to return to it. You have an amazing, breathtaking talent. Your knowledge of Tolkien and his world his stunning. I bow to you.

Adrianne

PS: You must be a fan of 'White Christmas'. *wink*

Author Reply:
Thanks so much, Adrianne! It's always an unexpected pleasure to read your incredibly thoughtful reviews. Sometimes it's possible to get burnt out on even Thranduil, but your enthusiasm is catching, and you always help me rediscover him. It's people like you who keep this project alive! :)

Yes, I'll admit that several movies have had sneak influences on the story, and 'White Christmas' is certainly one of them. I must have made a reference somewhere, didn't I? I can't remember it off the top of my head, but it was probably there. ;)

valjeanReviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/25/2006
Hold the phone! You can't kill off Gwaelas! He's in your story "I Return"!

Author Reply:
Shhhhh! ;)

RedheredhReviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/20/2006
Ya know I was really worried for Gwaelas when he was tucked into Thranduil's bed. I had terrible visions of an assassin creeping in and doing him in. 'Cause assassination was what I thought Annatar was pushing *him* to do earlier. Thanks so much for keeping him strong. Poor fella... I can't help but feel he will be sacrificed before the end of this...

And then you said something about ... murdering him in bed. Aha! So, I was not being over-dramatic. Wonderful descriptions and writing, btw.

What a harrowing spy mission Thranduil undertook! Rash, rash, rash! But, Annatar has overplayed his hand now. Although individually less powerful, the dark lord's growing enemies are canny and numerous. And now forewarned, the good guys may not win the next round, but they will not be defeated either.

Waiting on pins and needles for what will happen next!


Author Reply:
Gwaelas has become quite a cute character; I like him a lot. However, I have been known to kill off likable characters in the past . . .

All I will say is that the good guys' trials are far from over. It's time to start getting the cause organized! ^_^

k_lara7Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/18/2006
Well, Legolas comes by his bad luck honestly. It would seem that being Prince of Greenwood is dangerous no matter who you are. It must come with the title. As Prince you are destined to get into all matters of trouble, and must make choices in life that define your character for life.

Poor Thranduil, hope he gets well soon and safely makes it home.

Gwaelas is a true example of the meek overtaking the world. Thranduil is blessed (and cursed) to lead such a people.

Author Reply:
Touché. ;)

Ginger RichReviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/18/2006
I haven't reviewed in a horribly long time. Sorry.

Well, I have nothing to say except that Thranduil should get to kick Annatar's butt. He pisses me off.

Anyways, great work so far. I'm quite excited that the new chapters are coming more quickly. Sweetness!

Author Reply:
I'm not sure Thranduil is quite up to that yet, but it would sure be nice. ;)

jwdisneyReviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/17/2006
My goodness - what a wonderful story! I'm waiting in the worst suspense to find out what happens next. You truly have a gift for imagination and creating new worlds within Tolkien's. Thanks so much for taking the time to continue writing this history! :) I've enjoyed it since the first story started. I also love the use of Scripture references. Very good work!

Author Reply:
Thanks! ^_^ I'm glad I've been able to pick this story up again. It has proven itself very time consuming, so I guess summertime is the best time.
Ah, yes. The déxtera eórum repléta est munéribus particularly struck me, since it's from the Tridentine Mass of Tolkien's day. ;)

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