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To Follow an Elf  by Etharei 3 Review(s)
TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/18/2005
Oh my, this was excellent. To return and find the taint of darkness on the wood. I think I know why Legolas chose to sidestep the sentries.

The best part was the way you handled the attack of sea-longing. I agree with you that no one in the fellowship came away from the war without a mark of some sort and in a way the most tragic are the very subtle hurts.

"...one who should have returned to his beloved wood whole with all the ages of Middle-Earth before him."

I think you really summed up that tragic point very well. Although Legolas was not wounded in battle,in this he is no different than Frodo; he helped save Middle-earth, and paid for it by losing it for himself. I love it that you have Legolas doing his best to deal with his affliction, still finding what joy he can. He seems quite aware of the gravity of his situation but is also brave and without self pity, and that makes it all the more heartbreaking. Gimli's compassion and fiercely loyal friendship adds warmth to the scene. Lovely. I look forward to the next chapter. ~TF


Author Reply: Thank you so much for your eloquent review! Yes, it was hard not to go overboard with drawing the parallels between Frodo and Legolas, but I'm glad that you noticed what I was doing. I was also worried that I overloaded the emotions in that particular scene, but I'm an angst-addict at heart I'm afraid :-) I don't want to focus too much on the darker emotions, but there is an aspect of tragedy in the tale of the Fellowship. You've caught on to one of the main themes of the story (which also happens to be one of my favourites regarding the ending of LOTR) and it'll crop up regularly through the rest of the story.

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/18/2005
You do a good job showing the difficulties of the sea-longing in this chapter. I think the fact that Legolas is chosing to slip past the sentinels is particularly telling. I liked the 'tell me I didn't fall from a tree' line and Gimli's song/Legolas's wonderful reaction to it. Looking forward to more.

Author Reply: Thank you! The portrayal of the effects of the sea-longing has confounded many a writer, and I was worried about overplaying it or making it too much like other depictions of it. Plus no one seems to know what it is, exactly. The singing was something I just randomly tossed in, and liked the way it felt in the chapter, so just left it there *g*

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/17/2005
I do not, as you know, normally read very many non-hobbit stories, but after seeing your lovely comment in LJ this morning, your name caught my eye. And I *do* have a soft spot for Legolas and Gimli.

I have read "I Return" and I agree that it is a most remarkable story; but that--as are most Legolas-Gimli stories--is done in Legolas' POV. It is most refreshing to read one now in *Gimli's* POV, and I do love this. He is humorous and serious by turns, as solid as the earth, and as caring for his Elf as I have always envisioned it. I will most certainly be looking forward to more of this!

Author Reply: OMG, seeing your comment here made my jaw drop! I am honoured that you decided to take a look at my work, and I hope that the rest of this story does not disappoint. I agree that an awful lot of stories with the duo have been written from Legolas' POV, which both makes it easier because there are existing characterizations out there to consolidate the character, and harder because sometimes one is tempted to try portraying him as all of them. Gimli, on the other hand, doesn't get nearly as much attention (the poor thing!) though his character is just as fascinating, in my opinion.

Oh dear, I'm rambling! Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to drop in, I really appreciate it!

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