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Therefore, I Have Hope  by Emily 35 Review(s)
daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/24/2004
Well, that was an exciting battle! First Legolas protects Aragorn's back and then Aragorn treats his wound. That ought to help build some bridges between them.

Author Reply: It had better! It's also a bonus for Aragorn that he now has the twins with him, who know alll about Legolas and Arwen.

LamielReviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/24/2004
Now that was exciting! Nothing like a battle to make friends, or at least allies. I particularly liked the way Legolas shadowed Aragorn during the battle, determined to protect him whether he wanted it or not. And the tree spreading its leaves to shelter Legolas (and hence Aragorn as well) was a nice touch.

Once again you've defied my expectations - when Legolas was wounded and they found the cave, I thought they'd be there for another chapter at least, and that would give them time to work out their animosity. But it seems that you've other plans for these two. I'm looking forward to more.

Author Reply: The battle was clearing up as they left the camp. I wondered how long it would take the Elves to realize they were gone and to track them. I wanted them to stay in the cave longer, too!

LamielReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/23/2004
Really the only problem I see in this chapter is that it's rushed. I love the encounter with the twins - holding Legolas at knife point is perfect! Just exactly how I imagine they'd react. And Aragorn's confusion and despair are exactly right as well.

The problem is that it all happens so fast - I would have liked to see more of Legolas and Arwen's interactions after the meeting with Elrond (Elrond's reaction is also wonderful - not entirely happy, even though it is what he had wanted, or thought he wanted. Nice, complex characterization of him. Very well done.) And then Aragorn going to the Rangers - it seems like he got there in just an hour or so, and yet it says that he had left them by the river weeks ago. I think he would have had to travel farther than that. This chapter really could be two chapters, if it were slowed down and the full reactions of Legolas and Aragorn were explored separately. As it is, I feel that we're in a hurry to get to what's going to happen next - not a problem for me, as I'm eager to see how Legolas and Aragorn finally overcome all this, and Arwen as well, but as the author I think you want to give some more thought and exploration to your characters.

Again, I'm enjoying this story tremendously. I like the plot, the set-up, and the characters. I'm eager to see what happens next. But since you indicated a willingness to receive critical feedback, I'm offering it.

Oh, and one last thing. You don't agree with the idea of Glorfindel of Rivendell being the same as Glorfindel of Gondolin? That's interesting. Of course there isn't any authoritative statement on either side of the argument that I'm aware of, so it's up to the reader to interpret it how she likes. But it seems that most fans choose to believe that they are the same Elf, reincarnated, if only because it's a cool idea. I think your interpretation shows a willingness to break away from fanon, and a fresh look at Tolkien's world, that is a part of why your story is so enjoyable.

Author Reply: You're absolutely right. Rushing always been my weakness; I wonder why I didn't spot it before. (And since you're offering critical feedback, I'm taking it!)

I'll definitely take this part back to the drawing board and see what I can do with it. It's improvable, that's at least obvious.

As for Glorfindel, I have no problem with people saying he's the same as the Balrog-slayer. I enjoy stories that say he's the Balrog-slayer (other characters' reactions to it can be wonderfully portrayed). I just personally don't think he is.

I'm so glad that you're still enjoying it. And I really appreciate your taking the time to tell what you liked and didn't like. It's very encouraging.

calenoreReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/21/2004
Oh how sad! Well, I'm glad Elladan and Elrohir are going to try to beat some sense into SOMEONE! Good for them.

Author Reply: They're not going to stand for their sister's being unhappy! They're big brothers for a reason.

LiannaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/21/2004
I see nothing wrong with this part. In fact, I very much like Chapter 3, and I am developing an intense dislike for the bossy, manipulative Elrond. Poor Aragorn! Poor Arwen and Legolas! It's hard to decide whom to pity the most.

Author Reply: I'm glad you liked it.

Poor Aragorn, definitely! I think he deserves more pity than either Arwen or Legolas. They can do something about the situation. Aragorn's helpless. I feel bad for Elrond, too. He wants to protect Arwen at any cost.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/21/2004
I'm so glad that the twins have arrived and have no intention of letting any deception stand. They might not be able to change anything (although I think they will), but they will at least try to clear the air. And poor Aragorn. He's where he belongs really, at least according to Tolkien, and that's where I think writers should put him. But I do feel for him. He's so young!

Author Reply: The twins love Arwen just as much as Elrond, but in a different way. To Elrond Arwen's safety is priority number one. To the twins, her happiness is on top. I've experienced the same thing in my relationships with my own dad and siblings.

AnneReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/21/2004
Really clever. Easy reading. Very believable characters. Good job!

Author Reply: Thank you, Anne. Your input is always valued.

LamielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/20/2004
Ah yes, this is much better! It reads far more smoothly now, and the betrothal is a perfect cliff hanger, this time with more explanation to back it up. Well done. Oh, and I forgot to mention how much I liked Aragorn's thought about Legolas' arrow - "doesn't that dratted Elf use any other color?" Hee!

Author Reply: Well, that's a breath of relief! I'm glad this is more effective. Ha, that's one of my favorite lines from part two!

calenoreReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2004
Orc-haired elf! hahaha!
Poor confused Aragorn! Someone should have explained the whole story to him, that Legolas was not courting Arwen. Was he told that Arwen and Legolas were marrying because someone overheard Arwen telling Legolas that she loved and respected him? Hmmm. Talk about inconvenience!
Once again, good chapter!

Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the pun. I thought Legolas needed some revenge for the 'leaflet' comment.

You'll see about the betrothal in the next part. Yes, poor confused Aragorn!

OakWolfReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/19/2004
(clap clap clap)Well done!Jolly Good!Woo!Loved the idea of Glorfindel and Legolas battling-battle axes,oh my!The honor the elves have is astounding,marrying for duty instead of love,(sniff sniff)so terrifically tragic!Again,well done!

Author Reply: I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for the review.

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