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| A Charge To Keep by French Pony | 89 Review(s) |
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| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/29/2005 |
| I think Gandalf was rather unfair to the elves, not telling them the true threat Gollum posed. On a 'need to know' basis, they needed to know! I love Thranduil's sympathy and understanding, and his equating Gollum's precious with his own marriage ring. Legolas, too is great here - astutely reading that Strider is not Aragorn's true name, and doing his part in caring for Gollum. It's just a shame that we know how all this ends :( Jay | |
| Lamiel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/29/2005 |
| Well, I am sorry to have lost Aragorn from this story so soon, but I suppose it can't be helped. And I do like the way you've portrayed the Elves, and especially Thranduil, in this story. The characters are well drawn and believable, and very much in keeping with Tolkien's world. This has been a pleasant diversion so far, but I have the feeling that all will not go well with Gollum's keepers. (grin) | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/29/2005 |
| I enjoyed the conversation about Bilbo. That was nicely done. Gandalf harrumphed, as though he had been suddenly reminded of a failing of old age. Funny line! And I liked Legolas's comments regarding Strider vs Aragorn and their conversation about Imladris...ah little does Legolas know, of course. What new perils come with Gollum?" "He bites," Aragorn said. *Snort* That was funny. Smart ass! I liked Gandalf's 'gift/reward'--that was a nice touch. And I loved Thranduil's attempt to help Gollum. That was very well done, a fascinating conversation for those of us that know more than Thranduil and it cast Thranduil in exactly the correct light, in my opinion. And I liked the realistic way you showed them coming to their decision to let him go into the forest. So many people portray that as kind of a bumbling, 'consequences never occurred to them' thing, so I like this depiction much better. Still, we know no good is coming of this. I'm interested to see how far you carry this. I am very much enjoying it. | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/29/2005 |
| Oh, the tension builds! This is coming along wonderfully. I was very glad to see there was more up for me to read; made my night. :-D | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/28/2005 |
| It is nice to see a kindly, gracious Thranduil, not only in his hospitality to Gandalf and Aragorn, but in his attempt to find out what would make Gollum happy. The description of Imladris was lovely as well. There is something about the way you are writing this story that gives it a unique and very pleasant tone. I think you may be evoking something of Tolkien's style in a subtle way. Very nice. ~TF | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/28/2005 |
| I was struck by Thranduil's sympathy for Gollum's loss. It must have taken a lot for Thranduil to see himself as having something in common with a creature like Gollum. Is it possible that the elves took Gollum out by night? That had never occurred to me until I read the debate here about him not liking light. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/26/2005 |
| I really enjoyed the style in which this was written. You have put a very light touch on everything. The discussion between Gandalf and Thranduil seemed to have a very subtle underlying current of humor with Thranduil's reluctance and mildly stated complaints as well as Gandalf's equally mild flattery. I don't know how you did it, but I felt like I was reading these familiar characters for the first time...especially Legolas. The way you gradually revealed him was very nice. I look forward to the rest of your story. ~TF | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/25/2005 |
| I love the practicality of Legolas - it sits well with his role in the fellowship. And the sons of kings do need to eat! He is so genuinely interested in Gollum - and kind, too. 'Gandalf brightened. "Because you and your people are kind and brave of heart, King Thranduil," ' Gandalf the flatterer! He seems to have been glad to have the opportunity to come out with these lines. Lovely kitchen byplay - and so true! I imagine that the offspring of lords often find their way into kitchens and stables to build strong bonds with those who provide food and horses. (I don't thing laundries would have the same attraction.) I would need more than one night in a bed after years of chasing Gollum! In fact, one would be worse than none, because it would make only too apparent just what you were missing. Good to see Legolas and Aragorn taking their first steps on a friendship that would hold the elf in Middle Earth as long as Elessar lived. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/22/2005 |
| Ah yay! This looks great. You’re right, this is a fascinating period of time and I’m so glad that you decided to write about it because your understanding of these characters and their world never fails to amaze me. I loved the mini showdown between Thranduil and Gandalf. The fact that Thranduil can be so open about the Dwarf incident suggests an honesty and trust between them and even Thranduil seems to feel that he’s making his arguments more because he’s obliged to remind them if what it could cost the Elves than because he actually believes that he will resist Gandalf’s wishes. Although I have no doubt that when he wants to say no he’s more than capable of it! You’ve captured Gollum perfectly and I really liked that moment when Legolas gives in to his curiosity and examines this strange creature. I had this moment of utter relief when I recognised book!Legolas in this guy… “Great changes are afoot, and my heart tells me that you will not keep the creature as long as you fear. But when and how he will leave your custody, I cannot say." Hmm. Was that a chill I just felt?? Actually, it’s so interesting. In its simplest terms, if Thranduil hadn’t agreed to keep Gollum, then his people wouldn’t have been killed and his son wouldn’t have gone to Rivendell and ended up heading off to Mordor. But if none of that had happened, what of the quest to destroy the ring? Who would have replaced Legolas? Would Frodo and Sam have been better off without Gollum? Had Thranduil any foresight, would he have refused Gandalf or would he have had the wisdom to allow fate takes its course? Anyway, I can’t wait to see your version of the events in Mirkwood and Legolas’ role in all this. Oh, and I love the fact that the Elvenking has storage rooms, not dungeons ;-) I really enjoyed the whole scene in the kitchen. Aragorn’s surprise that Legolas was the king’s son made me smile, but even more amusing was the fact that he thought Galion was his father. I can just see little Legolas winning over all of the kitchen staff. It seems Aragorn found just the right thing to say to please them too. The river scene was very well done too. The beginning of friendship between Aragorn and Legolas is lovely to watch. The fact that Legolas seems to accept Aragorn without prying seems to have put the Ranger more at ease than he might otherwise have been. Anyway, great start – I’m looking forward to more! :-) | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/22/2005 |
| I love this story so far. Your characterisations of Thranduil, Legolas, Gandalf and Aragorn are perfect - so is Gollum. I love the small details incorporated from Tolkien - that Gollum bit Aragorn, the escape of the dwarves (but that Thranduil fed and watered them), and Galion. I loved Aragorn's assumption that Galion was Legolas's father! A very nice tale, going straight on my 'alert' list! Jay | |