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Immortal Friends  by jenolas 3 Review(s)
TolkienFanReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/24/2003
Well, another terrific chapter!

I am in complete awe of how you wove the idea of the elves wanting to recover the body so thoroughly into the story - I suggested an itty-bitty teensy-weensy plot bunny, and you returned *lapin a l'orange en flambe*! (Okay, I confess: I do not know French. So, if I just cursed at you, it was accidental ... I promise!)

Thranduil is, as usual, a grand character. I can just see him staring down his captains -- there is a threat in HIS realm and HE is going to deal with it as HE sees fit! His profound sense of responsibility obviously infuses his every thought, and every moment of his life.

The teasing interplay between Legolas and Tathar is a delight. It is so obvious that they care for and respect each other, and value their friendship! And, it is also so clear that Tathar loves his wife, and that their marriage is in its early stages. Ahh, young love!

I really enjoyed the visit to the village. That Legolas and Tathar would attract and enjoy the attentions of the village children is maybe not too surprising, but I also got the sense that the village leader was very impressed by the elves' compassion, and that Legolas found some understanding of the depth of the widow's grief. It was a learning experience for both sides, and bodes well for future dealings between the Elves and the villagers. Let's face it, if you, as a child, sat on Legolas's lap while he sung to you, you are not very likely to grow up prejudiced against Elves!

The forest sounds, well, creepy! I really get the sense of impending doom, and the dismay of the Elves (and the trees!) that their once-beautiful forest is coming under such an evil assault. (But I also smiled at the trees' joyous response to the Elves' singing!)

Mithandir's arrival was a big surprise. He must seem so mysterious to the these Elves. Thranduil does not seem accustomed to dealing with people who have as much - or more - innate power as he does. I am glad that Mithrandir helped, at least temporarily, to rid the southern forest of evil, and I also look forward to seeing his visit to Thranduil's halls in your story.

As always, this story is a real treat, Jenolas! Please keep the updates coming!

- Barbara

Author Reply: Your little plot bunny worked well, Barbara, thank you for the suggestion.
Times are changing in Greenwood, not only for the villagers and the Elves in general, but even for Thranduil.

Your review is much appreciated, as always.

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/21/2003
jenolas,
Another wonderful chapter. The aftermath of the battle was well described. Legolas feeling remorse for having to leave the body of the man and Thranduil's agreement that it should be tended was a good note. My favorite line was Tathar's... “Ai, we spent several hours forgiving each other.” It was funny and quite sweet. I was also amused by Legolas's worry that his adar would seek out the spiders. Funny how things reverse, isn't it. The town scene was great. You gave good details so that I could see the reactions of the people seeing elves. Mithrandir was exceptionally well portrayed. He was mysterious and uncannily accurate. I guess that's because he's a wizard, huh? I am still really enjoying these snippets of life in Mirkwood and look forward to more. Very well done. Karen

Author Reply: Many thanks for your kind words. I am glad the tales about life in Mirkwood are holding your interest, and I too, am curious to se what happens next (*snicker*).

DotReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/21/2003
Hiya! Sorry, only time for a quick review tonight, but I’m afraid to leave it til tomorrow or you’ll have gone and updated...!

I really liked the feeling of progression in this chapter. There was a great sense of Thranduil’s rage and despair as well as his determination to do anything he could to help rid his home of evil.

Nice touch with the return of the dead man to his people. It shows how anxious Tathar and Legolas were that they didn’t do anything about him as well as the elves’ sense of what is right when both Thranduil and Mirieth insist that they do not leave the man where he was found.

You did a great job showing the effect of the two elves’ visit on the villagers – I loved the picture of the children sitting around Legolas as he sings to them as well the moment when he wipes the tear from the woman’s eye.

The description of the dark changes in the forest was absolutely spinechilling – you described it so vividly.

For some reason I just LOVE the thought of Thranduil sitting by a campfire leading his people in song! Maybe it’s the idea of him trying to instil hope in the hearts of the warriors with him and in their beloved trees…or maybe it’s just ‘cos he doesn’t sing often enough....

Ah Mithrandir! What power he exudes. I don’t imagine Thranduil generally trusts complete strangers implicitly so it’s amazing the effect Mithrandir has on him.

The end was wonderfully enigmatic. Although, something tells me Thranduil won’t allow himself to be completely at ease yet...


Author Reply: Yes, even Thranduil is not immune to Mithrandir's enigmatic personality... we all know how subtley influential the Istar can be!

All kinds of changes are afoot in the forest in the years ahead.

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