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Return Us The Children  by French Pony 68 Review(s)
artistic spriteReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/13/2007
I like the loving father relationship between Legolas and Thranduil! Write more stories like that, please!!!!!!( Yeah, I'm a mad Thrnaduil fan)

JastaElfReviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/3/2007
How in the name of Mozart did I miss THIS one??? What a wonderful story! And it's got more of the Masque in it, and, and, and, SQUEEEEEEE!!! :-)

Ahem. I'll calm down now. :-)

You already know how I adore your writing... the way you characterize Thranduil, Legolas, all your OCs... the way you use language... just wonderful stuff. I'm honoured beyond measure that a remark of mine would lead to such a great story! I can easily see Legolas being like this in canon upon his return home--and you cover so powerfully, in such beautiful words, the pain and sorrow of what Thranduil's folk have endured in the meantime, with all its ramifications. And yet so many wonderful details are here: Thranduil still calling his son "little mouse" and remembering what Legolas was like as a child... the starkness of long Elven memory, some of it a blessing, just as often a curse...

And then Gimli arrives--and in what a grand fashion! What better thing could he have done, than to mend the broken heart of a small child with a simple, powerful gift? I would love to have been a fly on the leaf when Thranduil and Luindil saw why the Dwarf wanted to meet with an Elven child... *g* Ooopsie, silly grown-ups... but what a strong message to all concerned!

There are so many beautiful layers to this story--thank you SO much for writing it and sharing it with us all!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 11 on 9/22/2006
So here I am at last!

I must say that I really enjoyed the tale (except for the double-spacing which, really really distracts me to death ;-) I loved the tree alleys and the idea of their ewok-type city. It sounds very ethereal as well.

The war may be over but there is a very hard aftermath to deal with, and in Thranduil's case, not only personal but also political. His weariness shows very clearly and the price he has to pay, that his only son, his only remaining family would leave him as well is very hard.

I really liked Thranduil's interactions with Doronrīn, whom, by the way is a formidable character, and perfectly pictured. I really admire her strength and her common sense, and her realism. I like it when she tells Thranduil that he knows where it hurts so she does not have to explain. Somehow I see her as an old woman. She reminds me of one of my grandmothers, spare, strong, sober and dry but with a great heart despite her many wounds. It is sad, though, to think that she was to meet her end even before thinking of sailing, now that she had decided to leave Lasgalen and give life a second chance.

Gimli was superbly in character. I find him so diffcult to pin down (much as hobits) but he sounded very Gimli to me, and the detail that he would present faron wth a cup was wodnerful, and a nice touch, even if the talks were equally hard. But the traditional mistrust between dwarves and elves was also very well handled here in my opinion.

And of course I had to love all the details about the Masque dance. I must go and read the previous story where it features. I lvoed the idea, and picturing these elves with head disguises and jumping in such kind of dance simply seemed... fitting. Beautiful. The dance mistress was another suc character, as well, I liked her a lot.

A beautiful tale, FP, and very well told. I really liked it.

mistry89Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/20/2006
If I may be so rude - "gap fillers" are the delight of many a reader (ok, I love them).
Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I'm nearly always very late in being polite (especiallly on multi-chaptered stories, where I am likely to use bookmarks and savour when in the right mood to indulge myself).
Thanks again!

ManderlyReviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/8/2006
What a wonderful ending to a wonderful story!

I really felt for Thranduil in this last chapter. It's never easy letting go of one's child, no matter how old that child is. Like he said, a parent's job is for life which, at times, is a blessing and at times, a curse. The worries will never cease, but at least they are only parted by distance. Mutual visits should bring comfort to both of them.

I am glad that Gimli will be joining Legolas. They will able to give each other support in their unique way since they shared the life and death experience in the Quest.

Thank you for sharing this story with us.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/8/2006
Great conclusion, Pony. You did a good job explaining why some elves might choose to leave their home and make a new one in Ithilien. And I want a Luindil to rephrase my "blunt" words! He must be handy to have around. The meeting with Gimli's folk was nicely prepared for by his earlier visit to Thranduil. A new age indeed.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/8/2006
Starting adventures is always great - but partings are horrible! I don't want Thranduil to be divided from his little mouse! I'm glad Thranduil held out a promise that reunion in the Blessed Realm was a possibility. (I hope it happened.)

Then, once on the road, the travellers have got something new to look forward to - while back in the Greenwood, those who remain have got to spread themselves in an attempt to fill the huge gaps left by those who have left.

But, more cheerfully, I'm glad Faron was reunited with Gimli's beard! And that Doronrin has something to spark her interest and help her deal with her loss. I'm sure Ithilien will be good for them all.

And they can visit...

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 11 on 8/7/2006
Another great chapter - but I find it difficult to see the end. You speak of another tale??? Might I have the name so I can read more of your writings?

I loved having the thought of the midwife. My daughter just had her first. I would not have been so aware of the need before this! Great idea!

Also, loved Thranduil giving a farewell address to his people as they left. Excellent touch.

Again - I've enjoyed this tale thoroughly and look forward to reading more of your writing.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/1/2006
Good for Doronin! The best thing she could do - a change of scene and a new ... well, not exactly zest for life, but she has chosen to live.

And Gimli has done his best - both to be conciliatory and strong and remind the elves that living memory for them is ancient history for the dwarves. In as amiable and wise a way as possible.

Things are moving on. Slowly, it's true, but that's still lightning speed for elves. But I feel for Thranduil - he is getting ready to free his little mouse and that's tough.

Looking forward to more!

ManderlyReviewed Chapter: 10 on 7/31/2006
Being as reclusive as the Wood Elves were, it must be a hard decision to leave everything behind to start a new life in a new land. I thought it was very generous and thoughtful of Thranduil to give them the option of returning to Eryn Lasgalen should they not like Ithilien. In doing that, he is also bolstering the support for Legolas and the move to Ithilien. Knowing that they have the option to return, the elves will be less hesitant to make the move to Ithilien.

I am so glad that Doronrin has at last made her decision. Hopefully the new life in Ithilien will bring her peace and closure.

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