News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| A Charge To Keep by French Pony | 89 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 5/23/2005 |
| This was a lovely tale, and a satisfying end, even though I'm sad to see it finish. Legolas's letter to his father was heartbreakingly vague. If only he could have told him the true details of the quest. Mind you, that would probably have terrified Thranduil even more. I loved the wooden leaf emblem Legolas wore. It's very symbolic, and speaks of great love. Thank you for this story. Jay | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/17/2005 |
| I've been going nuts since this morning because I saw the update notification but I haven't been able to get away from work to read the chapter. I finally did. This was great! Poor Legolas. It's true--that day would have been one shock after another, the news in the council, the news that Gandalf knew more than he'd told them, Elrond's request. Legolas's head would be spinning (or at least mine would be). I have to admit, I sympathize with Legolas in his encounter with Gandalf--I do believe that it is likely Gandalf did not tell the elves much about their prisoner (that would just be typically Gandalf). And they did loose people because of that. I would be angry if I were Legolas. But I loved Legolas thinking about the choice he had to make (you know that stuff is right up my alley). I loved his grandmother's advice and his conversation with Sam. I think that Sam and Legolas are a lot alike, actually and I have always thought Sam might influence Legolas's decision. I liked Sam's reasoning on why he would like to see Legolas go. And I liked the thoughts you offered on the oft repeated question, 'Why not someone like Glorfindel?' I think you had that spot on. I agree with what Elrond said about the letter Legolas sends but I feel for Legolas. It would be tough to say what might be your final good-bye under such conditions. Great chapter. I'm so glad I finally got to read it. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/17/2005 |
| Another excellent chapter. I thought Legolas' upset over the ominous news from the Council and his urgency to return home were very realistic, as was his outburst against Gandalf. His remembrance of Padathir in light of the wizard's rationale for not being more forthcoming about Gollum was quite chilling. I think it was great that he was dismayed at the suggestion that he accompany the ringbearer, that he initially wanted no part of it and that his decision to go was made with no trace of bravado after long, hard consideration. It emphasized how perilous and desperate a mission the quest was, that it was intended that all of them would go to Mount Doom and there was a good chance none of them would survive. Then you made mention of Thranduil's parting admonition to his son to return home safely, only to have Legolas unable to fully disclose what he was about to do. The chapter as a whole was heartbreaking; Legolas came off as a gentle soul and an anguished but dutiful hero. Wonderful! ~TF | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/17/2005 |
| So Mithrandir should feel rather ashamed of himself. He has his reasons, but he is a rather ruthless user of people - even if he has their ultimate best interests in mind. And what a hard decision for Legolas to make. Although I can see why Elrond would choose him over any other, it is a lot of pressure on him - he knows he is needed at home and will be missed on more than one level, but Sam's remark that "You're sitting down," he pointed out. "Not all the Elves here would sit down to talk to a Hobbit.", seems to sum up in a very simple way just exactly why he is the right elf for the job. I love him working through the reasoning - bringing in his father's advice and his grandmother's words - to know that this decision, although hard, is the right one. And actually, Elrond's concern for him is touching. You should write a second letter, though, Legolas. One that contains everything you want to say. And leave it with Elrond in hope of better times. Only that one you can seal, so that your father can receive it uncensored when the situation allows. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/17/2005 |
| I think Legolas's anger with Mithrandir here is very realistic - if only they'd known the full story, the elves could have protected themselves, and guarded Gollum more. I also liked Elrond's reasons for sending Legolas on the quest - and especially Sam's eagerness for him to join them! I feel so sorry for Legolas here, though - wanting nothing more than to go home and defend it, and instead having to write a not-very-informative letter to say farewell, thinking he'll probably never see his father again :( Jay | |
| Lamiel | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/17/2005 |
| The difficulty of Legolas' choice is strikingly clear here, and you portray his conflicting sense of duty and obligation very well. I particularly liked his grandmother's advice - that strikes me as being both wise and true. I'm also glad that Legolas finally got to give Gandalf a bit of the rebuke that he deserved. The scene with Sam was wonderfully done as well - we see far too little of those two together, and to my mind they actually have a bit in common. Loyalty and devotion to their friends at the very least. I hope that we'll get to see more of Legolas' interactions with the rest of the Fellowship before they depart - his relationship with them, and especially to Aragorn, seems to have influenced his choices during the Quest and after the War as well. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/16/2005 |
| It's interesting to see the different reasons fanfic writers give for Legolas being the Elf who goes on the Quest. I like what you do here, especially in the encounter Legolas has with Sam. Sam helps him recognize what he might bring in the way of unintimidating strength. I also like Legolas thinking about his father and grandmother, and what they had to teach him. He draws on those teachings well. If I were him, though, I'd find it hard to let Elrond read my letter. | |
| Sheeijan | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/10/2005 |
| I recently came across your on-going story, and I'm heartily intrigued. This version of Mirkwood and the realities that those Elves must go through is heartbreaking but extremely believable. I think you must have taken great care on the details - the food in particular, but not limited to that. I've enjoyed this story immensely. There's a very good combination of dialogue and third-person narrative, you've done an impressive job. The only niggling complaint I have is that I feel like Legolas is humbled almost too much. The riches of Imladris have overwhelmed him, with reason, but it is not as if Legolas does not come from a rich heritage himself. He has reason to be proud of his roots and abilities. I find myself hoping to see him being proud of his upbringing at some point in the future, in front of these Imladris elves... | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/10/2005 |
| Legolas meeting the hobbits was fun. Inquisitive fellows, but congenial. The huge meal would have overwhelmed me too! Again the contrast between the wealth of Imadris and the struggle of Mirkwood is interesting. When Galadriel told Frodo that the ring would eventually take all the members of the Fellowship, one can certainly see why Legolas might have been tempted. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/9/2005 |
| I just loved this chapter. You've brought a young Legolas to Imladris for the first time, alone after a perilous journey. You've established that the place is luxurious beyond anything he has ever experienced and he is surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a few famous ones. I think his slightly shy reaction is endearing and makes perfect sense. The encounter with the hobbits was charming. My favorite part was the feast. You described all of the food so beautifully, and the way you kept it coming until Legolas was overwhelmed made for a rather poignant moment. Yet even a shy elf in a strange land won't hesitate to get up and sing. This chapter was a real pleasure to read. ~TF | |