With Friends Like These by Jay of Lasgalen

Reviews (144)

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Sulwing of Mirkwood · 22 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

I just read the entire story for the first time...loved every bit of it! Legolas, Elladan, and Elrohir stories are the best, and you write the best of those! I think I want to get one of those bows though... :)

Selene Aduial · 15 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

This is the first time I saw this story and I must say I'm sorry I never noticed it before. The friendschip between the three of them is very well written. Somehow they do have a tendency to get into trouble don't they? I do have one point to correct you on. When Legolas inspects the bows he shoots an imaginary arrow. This is something you should never do!! You never release a bow without an arrow and it is vey bad for a bow to do that, it can actually shatter the bow.

Author's reply

This is a very old story, so it's not surprising you didn't notice it before - it's not been updated for years! I didn't know that about bows - Legolas should know better!

Robinscat · 9 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

That was just the perfect finishing touch to your story. I had to go back and read the whole thing again, of course. I liked the touches of preminisions when Legolas was dreaming of Glorfindel and the Balrog. Sent shivers down my spine.

Author's reply

Thank you! I thought I'd finished this years ago, but it was interesting to go back to it after so long.

elliska · 8 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

Oh my gosh! I forgot about this fic. It was the first story that you wrote that I read, way back when I was just lurking here. I absolutely love this story. Now that I done with my comprehensive exams for school, I have time, so I think I'll go back and read it straight through. This was a great ending though. I love Legolas's reaction. And Thranduil and Legolas's relationship all through this story, and in this chapter in particular, is just amazing. You show how close they are and how much they mean to one another so well. Great ending!

Author's reply

Thank you! It felt strange to go back to this story and add to it, but I'm glad the prompt made me do it!

Lianna · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

This is exactly right. Just the way I would have imagined it. It also reminds me of the scene in the movie where Legolas receives a new, larger bow as a gift just before leaving Lothlorien. I imagine that in addition to admiring the excellent craftsmanship of his new bow, he also realized that its longer length made it a better bow for him to use during the remainder of the Quest -- where he would not be shooting from the trees in the way that Mirkwood elves usually do.

Author's reply

Tolkien (and PJ) never mentioned that Legolas would have had to practise with that new bow, but it must have handled differently. I often wondered why the Galadhrim bows were longer than those in Mirkwood - surely they fought from the trees as well? Perhaps the mallorns allowed them more room.

Elena Tiriel · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

What a lovely vignette, Jay! I like that Legolas is so excited that he becomes tongue-tied, and that it takes him a couple of tries before he adjusts to the new draw. And Thranduil's final words are just how I see his character. Nicely done! - Barbara

Author's reply

Thanks, Barbara! When I'm not writing Elladan and Elrohir, it's Thranduil and Legolas. I just love the Elvenking. It didn't take Legolas long to adjust, did it?

Dot · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

This is gorgeous! I love how Thranduil teases Legolas when his son is lost for words. And I laughed at Legolas’ very serious assessment of the bow: “This is a little shorter than the ones you gave Elladan and Elrohir,” he noted with approval. “It will be much better to use in the trees – theirs would be too long.” Such a wood-elf ;-) And that last line! Aaw! This is really lovely, Jay.

Author's reply

Thanks, Dot! You know how much I love Thranduil as a loving father. Legolas is a true wood-elf and a naural archer - he'd notice a little detail like that instantly.

Ces · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

Oh, Jay, thank you! It is the perfect ending to that story! I imagine that Legolas didn't eat much that night and practiced until Thranduil forced him to get some sleep. I love the adolescent Legolas, Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir. You capture them perfectly. Thanks! Ces

Author's reply

Thanks for suggesting the prompt! I think you're right about Legolas (not that he seems to need much practice) and I suspect he slept with the bow as well.

daw the minstrel · 7 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: The Third Bow

Nice addition, Jay. The kid is ready for it. PS. "Third" has an inverted letter in it for the chapter title. I just this second noticed it.

Author's reply

**Blushes** What makes you think 'The Thrid Bow' wasn't intentional? Thanks for the warning! It was strange to come back to this story after so long - I hope I recaptured the feel of it.

pipinheart · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

I've read this story all the way through..A page turner,I couldn't put it down.... Keep up the great writing....

Author's reply

Thank you! This story ended up far longer than I ever intended, but I finally got it finished. There are plenty more to come, don't worry!

nimolin · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 1: Greenwood The Great

Very cute and funny, Keep writing!

Author's reply

Thank you. I'm still witing other tales, even though this one's finished. Check my author page.

Farawyn · 7 March 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

Absolutely wonderful.

Author's reply

Thanks! I'm glad you liked this.

lmw · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

I have been following this story for a while (not 2+ years tho') and thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done, keep writing!

Author's reply

I was amazed when I realised how long I've been writing this series. I'll keep on writing, and have several ideas in mind. I should try to finish a couple of other outstanding stories first, though.

elliska · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

This was a wonderful story and I am sorry to see it end. I loved how you portrayed both Legolas and Thranduil longing for the forest at the opening and closing of the chapter. And I loved the descriptions of the bows. Man! I want one of those! The presentation of the gifts and everything surrounding it was very nicely done. As I said, sorry ot see it end.

Author's reply

I'm sorry in a way to end this, but at over two years in the writing, it was just too long. I'll explore my ideas about Legolas and the twins in other stories. I'm glad you liked the bows - I wanted to make them sound something very special. And thank you for your comments about Legolas and Thranduil both longing for home. I took the idea of rulers tied to their land like that from the 'Riddle Master of Hed' series. It seemed quite an elvish concept.

Nilmandra · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

Yeah, you finished! And it was a good end. I like the bows, and I am glad that Thranduil had one made for Legolas as well. And I cannot help but wonder how long it will be before the parents learn the whole truth of what happened with the troll!

Author's reply

I'm sure they *will* work out what really happened, but it won't be in this story. Of course Thranduil had a bow made for Legolas as well - it would be mean to show him, ask his expert opinion, and not to give him anything.

Bodkin · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

Ahh. All's right with the world. The hankering for home just gets you sometimes - no matter where you are and how gorgeous it is. I think Legolas might change his mind about Lanatus within a couple of minutes of the reunion, however. Good thing Thranduil wasn't so busy visiting trolls, scrubbing pots and so on that he forgot the bows - which sound lovely. And a nice response from the twins. Well, this one is finished and they are on their way home. What's next?

Author's reply

Thranduil and Legolas nee to be home - they're both tied to the forest in some way. I get a sense of Legolas feeling homesick in 'The Passing of the Grey Company' when he looks northeast from Helm's Deep towards Mirkwood. I think you're right about Lanatus, though. What's next will be the epilogue to 'Along Came A Spider'. After that, I'm not sure - there are two or three possibilities.

Dot · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

Oh, what a lovely ending! Your descriptions of Imladris sound beautiful but I love the longing that both Legolas and Thranduil have for home. There’s such a wonderful sense of their woods being a part of them and I could almost feel Thranduil’s ache at being away for too long. I had to laugh at Thranduil’s silence speaking volumes when he surveys Legolas’ room. That “expressive silence” is one I well remember from my own childhood! Good old Thranduil. I was wondering about the bows. They sound magnificent and I just love the idea of the subtle differences between the two. Legolas’ reaction made me smile. I was hoping that Thranduil would have something up his sleeve for his son too! And it says a lot about Legolas that despite his understandable envy, he can still be so thrilled for his friends. Poor Elrohir seemed very troubled about his missing bow! And what a great actor Legolas is! Thranduil’s very generous. It was good of him to give gifts to the whole family. I’m still laughing at that moment when Elrohir and Legolas think Thranduil knows about their latest escapade! Poor Thranduil must have wondered why Elrohir looked so horrified! The reaction of the twins was written so well. It was very touching and a lovely moment between them all. And yay, Legolas will get a gift! It all ends well, Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas somehow survived and what the parents don’t know won’t trouble them! Wonderful story, Jay. I’m looking forward to re-reading it in its entirety and this last chapter was just perfect. :-)

Author's reply

Thranduil didn't have one of the rings of power, yet he managed to maintain his realm despite the presence of Dol Guldur. I think he was able to because he developed that awareness and link with the forest. I think Legolas was very unkind to wind Elrohir up over the missing bow - he knew how worried he was! Of course he'll get a gift as well - how could Thranduil have two such lovely bows made, and not do one for Legolas as well? I love Thranduil, and think he and Legolas are very close. Thranduil, Elrond and Celebian don't know about the trolls yet - but will they guess? They're not stupid, so will probably work it out! Thanks, Dot! And happy birthday as well!

Galimeril · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

Wonderful! Stupendous! Perfect! Enchanting! and all those other words that mean you story! I just loved it! You have to write more! Congtratulations on a piece that is Very well written and entertaining! May the wind be at your back and your fire always warm! Galimeril ;D

Author's reply

Does this mean you liked the story? ;) Thank you. There will certainly be more, I just can't decide which story to write next!

Lianna · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

Sorry to see this story end, but I enjoyed every chapter. And I'm so glad that Legolas will be getting a bow, too -- though it was good for him to have to conceal his envy for a little while. Elrohir's horror when he thought that Thranduil knew about the rising river incident was great, too. There have really been an awful lot of incidents involving rivers; no wonder Elrohir and Legolas were confused. I don't think that either Legolas or the twins should be allowed anywhere near water -- maybe not even a bathtub. I laughed when Legolas remembered to check the bathroom while packing. Thranduil has trained him well. I've been trying to teach that particular lesson to my own kids for years! I hope we'll be seeing more of Legolas and the twins soon -- and Thranduil, too.

Author's reply

Legolas was envious, but managed to hide it well, and he was genuinely pleased for the twins. You'll have to imagine his reaction when he gets his bow! I think he'll be pleased. You're right about E2L and rivers - they're not safe anywhere near water! The next post will probably be the epilogue to 'Along Came A Spider' - that will be another story finished - then there's 'Memory of Darkness' (if the muse comes back!) and a couple of ideas for new stories.

daw the minstrel · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 32: Homeward Bound II

Wonderful story, Jay! I do love your characters. Your Thranduil is impressive, and your young people are honorable and earnest and real. Thank you for this story.

Author's reply

I like to make the characters as real as possible, with realistic reactions. Legolas was rather envious (he doesn't know about his bow yet!) but feels he shouldn't be. The twins were thrilled to bits, but remembered their manners. You know how I love Thranduil. He's very different to Elrond, and I'm glad you think he's impressive. From you, that's praise indeed!

gil-estel · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

im so glad there safe, now however i need to sleep...school tomorrow! great chapter! I luved it!

Author's reply

Thanks again for reviewing, and for catching up on so many chapters - that's a lot to read in one go. There are a couple left, one or two more to write, and loads of excellent stories by other writers.

gil-estel · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 26: And The Winners Are ...

how kool! i luved this chapter!

gil-estel · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 24: The Games

lol, poor legolas, thats happened to me before...only not with archery...lets just say it didnt go to well...

gil-estel · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 23: The Lord's Little Rascals

i was reading this on ff.net...but due to a mistake i cant log in anymore...but then, you led me to this site! thanks so much! I really luv this story tho, and i was going to review you on ff.net...but... lol, anyway, i think this chapter is awesome! This whole story is awesome! ill go read the rest now...lol! GE

Author's reply

I can't review on ff.net either, so I think this site is much better. I'm glad you're enjoying the story - I'd left it for a long time, but have now nearly finished it. Thanks for reviewing, and taking the trouble to follow the links here.

Dot · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 31: Confession

I’m sure I mean to re-read this story after the last update and never did – it’s great to see it back, though! That punishment really was nasty. Hats off to them for doing it without complaint, especially as they could hear such enticing sounds from the feast. I loved your description of it in the opening paragraph, by the way. I don’t know if I’ve said it before but I’ve always admired your gift with language – you so often have such lovely sentences that make me want to read them aloud. Those lines about the work they had to do are so smooth and just roll off my tongue. Poor Elrohir. I suppose any guilt he felt was bound to be intensified when he realised exactly what the other two were missing. And deceiving his father must be weighing on his conscience. I don’t think I’ll ever feel adult enough to let my parents in on some of the things I did – but then, my escapades never involved trolls or raging water!! I guess, though, that at his age any knowledge that he did wrong is also going to be coupled with a fear that his father will find out later. I really liked the idea that the kitchen overseer (great term, btw!), Elrond, Celebrían and Thranduil were all looking after the three being punished! All three seem to have a very strong sense of honour and duty and their parents can at least be proud of how well they completed their punishment. Well, thank heavens for Glorfindel! I think Legolas needs someone like that. Although, he does have a closer relationship with his father because he doesn’t have anyone else, I suppose… But anyway, it can’t have helped Elrohir not to be able to share his strange experience with someone who might understand. Glorfindel must have been utterly horrified to hear about the troll encounter and I thought it was good that he reacted so angrily at first because it probably drove home to Elrohir what a dangerous thing he did and how his parents would react if they knew. But what was particularly touching was the fact that Glorfindel quickly realises how upset and overwhelmed Elrohir is and points out how well he reacted in an unpredictable situation. I hadn’t thought about it like that until now either. I think Elrohir has definitely learned his lesson and was at the point where he just needed reassurance. So yay for Glorfindel! Alright, I’ll stop mindlessly rambling now! This was great and I look forward to the next chapter of whatever story you choose! :-)

Author's reply

At the start of the chapter, I wanted to paint a wonderful picture of the feast - and then show poor Elrohir scraping carrots! He feels guilty for dragging the others into this, and guilty for not telling his father the whole truth - not that he's lied about it. For him, the guilt is worse than the fear of getting found out. It's the honour thing again. I wrote most of this chapter when I was away on holiday - I had my laptop, but not my books, which I use to find names for miscellaneous elves. So the overseer is doomed to remain nameless. I really like Glorfindel - he and the twins are very close, and he knows the right things to say. Elrohir in particular confides in him. It's true that Legolas is closer to his father, but he doesn't have a Glorfindel - the nearest is Calmacil the healer. Thanks for the review - next story will probably be Along Came A Spider.