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The Hunt  by Manderly 55 Review(s)
elliskaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 1/5/2005
Wow. Scary. Legolas handled the emergency with his brother's injury well. And wolves too?! Yikes. The good thing about reading this late is that the next chapter is already posted.

Author Reply: Legolas really was quite brave, wasn't he? Too bad Feren was not around to witness this, but then if Feren was around, Legolas would have been instantly delegated to the sidelines and kept from harm.

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/5/2005
I liked Legolas' conversation with his brother---they both make some good points that the other needs to understand. And I liked that Legolas decided not to kill the magnificent (sp?) deer.

Author Reply: Legolas is trying very hard to establish himself amongst his older and much more experienced brothers. He probably feels as much frustration in tryng to accomplish this as his brothers in their endless efforts to protect him.

I did not have the heart to have that buck killed and I imagine Legolas would not either.

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/5/2005
I swear I left a review for this chapter before I went on vacation but it's not here. I must not have clicked post before I closed the window. I was rushing. So sorry this is late.

I liked Legolas' interaction with his brothers here, especially over his supposed recklessness--typical older brother reaction. I'm glad he got to keep a watch and I like the little touch that no one else slept. Again, typical older brothers and very sweet.

Author Reply: So you have access to the internet again?

I saw your chain of reviews and I must thank you for each and every single one of them.

This chapter was rather interesting to write and it gave me the chance to work on each brother's character. I didn't want the older brothers to come across as blindly overprotective.

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/4/2005
Yessssss! *pumps fist* That whistle works every time! Finally, the big brothers are here and Legolas can calmly fall apart! He did good, tho', holding on as long as he did!

I liked Feren's gentle handling of his little brother...he's an ok elf...just a little stiff!!!! ;-) I also enjoyed Feren and Tavaro's conversation as they began the ride home. First, more guilt to be dealt with, but they did so nicely between the two of them. Then, the discussion of Legolas and how Feren hopes he has learned the lesson that life is not all fun and adventure...but death lurks everywhere!! Tavaro's comeback was just right...he is good at getting Feren to lighten up just a little! Finally, the thought of Adar's reaction to heir and baby arriving in a rather damaged condition. Ha! Feren and Tavaro think that he'll be denied the hunting trip next year -- the elfling will be lucky to see the free world outside the palace walls for...oh....at least a century or two! LOL

But my all time favorite line was when Tavaro notes that he hasn't seen the "bratling" so "compliant" and eager to be held in a long time. Awwwwwww, that was nice for Feren to hear that, especially when he bears the brunt of Legolas' displeasure when his older brother "smothers" him! Great chapter, and if I haven't told you so already, Manderly, I hope you have a very happy new year!

linda

Author Reply: See, I told you your whistle might work. With those keen elvish hearing, I don't think they'll ever miss much.

Feren has his soft side, when the need arises. He can see how traumatized Legolas is and is ready to dish all the TLC in his possession. Legolas knows that no matter how stiff Feren may be, big brother is always a good source of stability and protection. I think Feren and Tavaro balances each other, both on the battle field and on the home front. Tavaro keeps Feren from the state of all business and no fun and Feren keeps Tavaro grounded.

How will Thranduil react? He will probably want to keep the elfling locked up like you said, but realistically, Legolas will get his way (as he always does).

It's amazing what a little trauma can do to a stubborn little elfling. Big brother's arms probably never felt so good!

And a very happy new year to you too and many thanks for your wonderful reviews!

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/4/2005
The spirit is definitely willing, but the poor abused body has just about reached its limits of endurance. Such a painful chapter, and well written from both Aldeon's and Legolas' points of view. Bless their hearts, they really had a worry/guilt fest going between the two of them, didn't they?

I think the most affecting part tho' was when Aldeon caught that expression that reminded him of Thranduil on his kid brother's face. Talk about surprised dismay! I think he was totally unprepared for seeing that grown-up look on the very face of the one he and his brothers had been trying to protect and shelter for years! Legolas' instinct for trouble/danger ("I don't feel safe") seems to be developing somewhat and I'm glad he insisted they move, if for no other reason than to cheat any wolves/spiders/orcs of an elf dinner! :-) Nice chapter, Manderly, and all I can say is, those brothers had best hurry before Legolas really hurts himself (more) trying to keep Aldeon in one piece! *mutters to self "where's an elf horn when ya need it?" and whistles for Tavaro and Feren*

linda

Author Reply: A regular guilt fest, all right! These elves are just too eager soak up the guilt and take the blame for everything.

I think even though Aldeon may be more open to accept Legolas as having capabilities of his own (as compared to how Feren feels), he isn't quite ready yet to accept an adult Legolas. Like you said, the instinct to protect the youngest is not something easily let go. Legolas will still be the baby in his family's eyes even when he grows old and wise.

I think Legolas just wanted to get away from the entire nightmare scene where all the bad things happened. I don't blame him. Your whistle might just work!

FirnsarnienReviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/1/2005
*sigh* What another great, wonderful angst-filled chappy! *another sigh* I just love it! ;)

Wow! I loved the way Feren and Tavaro came to Legolas' and Aldeon's rescue. I had a feeling that once Legolas saw his other brothers, he would just fall apart essentially. And he had every right to, completely understandable of course. I was seriously worried how much longer he could hang on as injured as he was.

And of course, I loved the way Feren and Tavaro tended their wounded brothers, especially Legolas. I have to wonder though, who is more seriously injured? It seems as though both Leggy and Aldeon are seriously hurt though in different ways.

I can't wait to see what you've in store next! More wonderful angst I'm sure. :) My angst meter is still happy. ;) LOL

Author Reply: Legolas was probably more than glad to see his brothers showing up. Like you said, he wasn't in a state to take much more. Feren and Tavaro must both feel pretty horrified (and guilty) to see their brothers so battered.

Legolas is still young and inexperienced no matter how adult he thinks he is. After going through all that he has, he's got every right to freak out completely once the rescuers arrive. I think the only thing that held him together was his concern for Aldeon.

Feren and Tavaro are quite the capable pair, but then they have had centuries (millenia?) of experience in tending to injured warriors, I suppose. Aldeon and Legolas cannot be in better hands.

Thanks for the review.


The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/31/2004
Okay, I admit it, I skipped ahead to be sure that help arrived. Then I could settle down and enjoy the story.

I was glad to see that the rescue party recognized what Legolas had accomplished and acknowledged that what he had done would have been a difficult task for any of them.

Legolas finally letting go and letting his brothers comfort him was a nice, realistic touch. He had held up as long as he could.

Once they get home and recover, I'm sure Adar will not only be relieved, but also more than a little put out. Sort of like the parent who pulls her child from in front of a speeding car and then spanks the kid. The parent is so relieved that she wants to be certain the kid never does anything so careless again, so she leaves a lasting impression on the kid's backside. Poor Thranduil, he'll age a century in a few minutes.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

Karen

Author Reply: So you are a skipper too? I also admit that I do that too though I try hard not to do it, but it really is hard sometimes.

Legolas is still an inexperienced adolescent, no matter how hard he tries to be an adult and after going through such a harrowing experience, I thought it would be natural that he should cling to his brother for comfort.

Once Thranduil's heart resumes a normal beat and after he redyes his grey hair, he will probably start thinking of ways to prevent the next hunting trip though none of the brothers can really be faulted for what happened. I really don't envy being a parent like Thranduil.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/31/2004
Even at this point, Legolas is ready to try to defend his brother. What an elfling! It will be terribly unfair if Thranduil refuses to let him go on the next hunting trip - he has earned his place with this display of courage, good sense and fortitude.

I'm glad the cavalry arrived, though. I don't think Legolas was really up to fighting any more opponents.

I love the relationship shown between them - and the way that little brother is suddenly much happier to relax in their protective arms and let them take the strain.

Feren is very brave at the thought of facing their adar. Let him stand at the front, I say.

Author Reply: Legolas really does take his responsibilities seriously, a characteristic which no doubt shows up time and time again in his later life. I think Thranduil, being the wise king and father, will recognize that and go easy on the elfling.

Legolas is probably more than glad at this point to see the cavalry. He's probably even ready for his brothers to take over his breathing for him if it's possible.

Feren is brave and being the responsible and disciplined elf that he is, he probably will stand at the front, shielding all his brothers. What an elf!


daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/31/2004
Thank goodness for rescue! I don't think Legolas could have taken much more. Tavaro and Feren come across as competent and loving, and each with his own personality. I imagine Thranduil will be less than pleased though.

Author Reply: You are right, I don't think Legolas could have held up much longer. He's probably never been so glad to have his brothers fussing over him. As for Thranduil, he will not be pleased but I think he will find it hard to place blame on the brothers, though I doubt wolves will be on his list of favourite animals from now on.

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/30/2004
Is it safe to come out now? *looks around warily for author wielding dangerous pen/keyboard* Ok, Manderly...it's one thing for us to want a bite of the elf, but really....

What a fight! Thank heavens for that sudden burst of adrenalin when Aldeon yelled at him! You did a very good job with the battle, Manderly...I am very jealous! :-)

Now, both elves are in dire straights - Aldeon with the mother of all headaches and can't walk - Legolas with two very nasty bites and he's feeling increasingly frightened that he might not be able to get his brother and himself through this. I do believe our elfling is discovering that all that brotherly concern for his safety would be very welcome right now...and he would love a little help with this difficult situation. Still, he has done a good job for an inexperienced youngster, and I loved the way you so definitely communicated his utter determination that those wolves were NOT going to get to Aldeon! Wonderful chapter...where is the elven search and rescue team, btw?
:-)

linda

Author Reply: Oooh, I like that! Taking a bite out of the elf! How come I never think of these things and I am writing the story? (gives a good smack to the head).

I think the fear that the brothers have for each's safety was what really saved them both at the end. Had they not both yelled, the wolves would have had quite a feast. Thank you for your kind words aobut the battle. For some reason, while I was writing that part, the scenes were flashing through my mind like some home video and I was literally scrambling trying to catch it all in words.

You are right, Legolas is ready for some heavy duty over-protective coddling from his brothers right now but said brothers are naturally nowhere in sight when they are needed. I think Legolas has more than proven himself and those brothers should really show up now.

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