Reviews (443)

lwarren · 26 April 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

From conflict without to conflict within. Now we see Thranduil, the father, and he just about broke my heart ("...desperate clawing of a bereaved father..." indeed!) The struggle of both father and son to speak their hearts to each other reminded me a great deal of some of the conversations I used to have with my own father. You never want to disappoint or let him down, and often the chance to confide passes both by. Tears or laughter, this story wrings both from me...about the time I'd start one, I'd get to another part and almost choke on the other!!!:/ I'll hope "My Majesty" is feeling better after some quality time with his son (I'm sure glad he's giving in and going with his Ada.) Wonderful addition...what's a 'rochnen'?

daw the minstrel · 26 April 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

This was a tense and moving scene. Thranduil is an understanding although grieving father, and Legolas is a considerate although loving son. And he's afflicted and they have to deal with it somehow. I was sorry when PJ left the sealonging out of the movies because that meant that moviegoers would never know what Legolas sacrificed.

Robyn (IRDbabe) · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

I've just made it through the entire story (hoping there's more!) and I just wanted to thank you for sharing it with everyone. I sort of stumbled across the website a couple of weeks ago, and was immediately captivated by your story synopsis. I appreciate when a writer wishes to "fill in the gaps"... "I Return" provided such a vivid description of the friendship between Gimli and Legolas, and deep insight into Legolas' motives and thoughts. You write with such deep imagery that I could see everything in my mind's eye. The characterization of Thranduil was not what I expected, but now that I'm further along in the story, it is entirely perfect. I hope you will continue the story, through the pair's adventures, and to its certain conclusion (much as I hate to say goodbye to these characters). Thank you again!

Lasse-Lanta · 23 April 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading

Wow, three chapters in one day, I am only sorry I have to stop now. I've always liked the character of Legolas from the first time I read the books nearly twenty years ago, but as I've grown older I gained a distinct affection for Glorfindel. The mysterous golden warrior of Imladris, who is so much more than you would expect, I'm a bit protective of him as far as the way he is often treated in fanfiction. I love how you've written him, the kindness and wisdom so evident in his actions and words. I got a chill at your line about the wars and darness making the elves killers, it's something I have contemplated in my own writing. That somehow, no matter how skillfully they handle weapons, how beautifully they can make swordcraft, that the welding of weapons is a profession unfit for elven kind. The references to events in the Silmarillion and the lineage of each of the elves, dwarves or men adds a nice richness to your story. Very nice, the writing gets better and better.

Lasse-Lanta · 23 April 2004 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead

Great couple of chapters! I loved Gimli's introspection of Elven men's beautiful appearance and in particular his read on Legolas. It was very interesting to see how the friend sees the friend. You've really gotten into the characters heads and done your research and put it on paper (or computer screen *g*) in a wonderfully subtle manner. I admire an author that doesn't beat me over the head with the obvious, but reveals character with a light hand as in your conversation between the twins and Legolas. It reveals as much about Elladan and Elrohir as it does about Legolas. The funeral procession is described marvelously, Theoden would be pleased and I think so would Tolkien.

lwarren · 22 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

Once again, a beautiful combination of humor and Gimli and Elvenkings and Legolas! So many little jewels in this chapter...I suppose I could just rewrite the whole thing as examples. No? Redundant, I suppose. Ah well, it was marvelous and I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between Gimli and Thranduil. *snicker* Hot tempered? Nah, ya think? I would love, too, to hear the little story behind Thranduil's tutoring of Aragorn on sword play. Well done, as usual, and so sad at the end when the King and others realize that they may have gotten their golden Prince back, but only for a time. Well done as usual - can't wait for that little "diplomatic" trip! p.s. I have solved the enigma of the computer about reviewing here (used to think I couldn't and would review at Eternal) and horror of horrors, it was my fault! Imagine that! Oh well, this story deserves 2 reviews at least!!!! ;)

daw the minstrel · 22 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

Lots going on here. I loved the Elvish play and the snapdragons in Legolas's and Thranduil's hair. And I was amused to see that Thranduil did NOT know about the Balrog. I suppose I wouldn't want to be the one to tell him either. I also liked the image of Legolas teasing his father and Gimli: "Getting along?" And I can see that Eomer and Thranduil might make a good pair. But Thranduil also knows what he is losing.

Firnsarnien · 22 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

Ah, so many wonderful little moments. I loved how Thranduil showed Gimli how to feed his wolf. I loved how Legolas sent that grey ship to his father in askance of judgement and approval. I loved the crowds sadness at the fact that Leggy's heart had been called by the sea. I loved how everyone was so eager to dance with Legolas. I loved how Legolas asked his father and Gimli with hands on hips how they were getting along. I tell ya, so many wonderful moments in this chappy. It was nice too, to see Gimli and Thranduil having a civil conversation. It's definitely the love of that beautiful blond Elf that have them trying so hard. For his sake. :) *sigh* This celebration was such a nice, peaceful moment in in time. And long deserved for all. I'm glad you gave it to them! :) Hurry with the next chappy please! Pretty please, with a band of yellow snapdragons and a certain blond Elf's head within them? ;) Heh, heh! *That* ought to get you writing fast, huh? LOL

Lamiel · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

Ah, what fun to be an Elf! Sindar or Silvan, they party like no one else in Middle Earth. This was a fun chapter, and certainly a big step for Gimli and Thranduil. I grinned all through the exchange, Thranduil's admission, "I am a bit hot tempered," and Gimli's response, "Is that so?" Snerk! And Thranduil's wolves are something else. I never have been able to train a dog to do that with a treat. The winding down at the end, creating the images from smoke and light with their songs, was lovely. And Legolas' ship complete with gulls was just breathtakingly beautiful, and heartbreaking. Ohhh... when I think of all that the Elves of Mirkwood went through, how hard and long they fought, and even now in victory they still must suffer their fate... sigh. Tolkien was cruel, in many ways. Brilliant, but cruel. Thank you, thank you for another beautiful chapter.

Aislynn Crowdaughter · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

Hi! This is a great story, that I have ben following with great delight from the start, and this one waas a beautiful chapter! I like the way you describe the elven festivities, it makes Mirkwood and his elves come alive and gives some depth to these short scenes of the Hobbit, where the Woodelves festivities are mentioned. Thranduil is a real lion in his den in this, and is really well drawn here. The relationship between father and son is clearly very close, and I loved the scene of te last chapter where Thranduil took first measure of Gimli in a private audience with him and Legolas. But the exchange in this cjapter at the table is greatly written and in parts, quite humourous. I loved the scene with Thranduils coughing fit when Gimli unwittingly mentioned that *Balrog*... Legolas will have some explaining to do later about his decision to go off on that quest in the first place and about what to tell his father about and what to leave out when writing letters to him, methinks... I love the idea that the forebears of the Rohirrim gifted the Mirkwood elves with their rider games before leaving for Roham, probably without being aware of it, and I was taken by Thranduils attitude to the Northmen who used to live near by and invented those games - as if it had been just yesterday they moved. Talk about elven perspective on time... well done! The last scene, with the ship, was beautiful: both meaningful and sad. Poor Thranduil, to just regain his son only to leave him again to the sea. well, at this point he doesn't know yet that it will be another century until Legolas actually does leave for Aman... Greatly done! Thank you! Aislynn

mistry89 · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

The festivties, the interaction between Thranduil and Gimli, the physical prowess displayed, the dancing, the delight the evles take in Legolas's safe (and triumphant return), even Gimli's presence ... all dim in the face of the end of the chapter. More poignant because of the sheer good fun that had gone before. Thank you.

Ms. Whatsit · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 25: Wine and Inquisition

Oh, dear, that pesky sea-longing and that smoky ship...what a bittersweet ending to this chapter. But the rest of it was highly entertaining--almost like Gimli's an anthropologist observing the Wild Wood-Elf in its natural habitat! And the conversation between Thranduil and Gimli is priceless. "I am a bit hot-tempered." No, really? A mild-mannered fellow like you, Elvenking? You shock me. Gimli's reaction was the same as mine. I hope our poor Dwarf didn't drink too much Elven wine. I wonder how Gimli felt about that ship and the possibility of his dear friend vanishing on him--we didn't get to see much of that here, I guess because Gimli was tired and probably more than a bit tipsy! "In fact, I might well consider calling upon Elessar now that he has come into his own. It will not be forgotten that I taught that young buck what real swordsmanship was." Now there's an interesting bit of backstory! I bet Thranduil could give Aragorn a thing or two to think about, in swordplay and otherwise. I can just see it: Aragorn intoning "I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn," and Thranduil being *quite* unimpressed. And now I'm *really* curious as to how this trip to Erebor, with all of its "diplomatic errands" along the way, is going to be.

Elenora · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

Your story is one I discovered a couple of months ago, have been downloading the chapters as they are posted, but hadn't yet had the chance to actually read. I finally started it last week......and was absolutely rivetted!!! For two days straight, I went through 25 chapters and was positively stunned by how well this story is written. The word images you create about Legolas are stunning...I think of all the fanfic stories I've read, you, by far, have done the best at portraying the "ethereal, elvishness" of Legolas. So many authors, while creating wonderful stories about Legolas, tend to "humanize" him too much...which can be appealing, yet can often leave one feeling like there is a whole dimension missing from this character when that is done. While reading this wonderful story of yours, I felt the same as when I saw "Return of the King" and saw Legolas step into Frodo's room near the end of the movie...and again when I saw him at the coronation scene...stunned by his pure, beautiful, ethereal "elvishness." I'm also very intrigued by how this will develop with Gimli at Legolas's home (faithful, stouthearted Gimli! He's being so admirably restrained so far!!) and visa versa. I eagerly look forward to the next chapter...and I thank you for the fantastic read! Elenora

Amaniel · 15 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

I have to admit, this is one of your nicest chapters. You've written it extremely well. I did have to leave a review, though, concerning Calenmir and the others. I'm having a difficult time accepting the fact that they acted in the manner they did knowing their true characters. I hope they will redeem themselves in the coming chapters. Otherwise, I have nothing to complain about, as always! :) I'll be looking forward to your next chapter!

Lamiel · 14 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

Goodness, Legolas does know how to stand up to folks when necessary, doesn't he? This quietest member of the Fellowship is evidently not content to be quiet when his friends are disparaged or threatened. The glimpse of Thranduil's trophy room was a treat - I hadn't thought about it before, but it does make sense. And it underscores the long years of threat that Greenwood fought, and the incredible difference between it and the more peaceful Elven realms. It's hard to imagine even Elrond, for all his love of lore, keeping a room like that. Legolas' treasure trove was also a surprise, and gave me some thought. Would he horde treasure like that? Well, he'll appreciate it's worth, and he wouldn't exactly toss any gems that came his way into the river. I expect he'd get some, too, as part of the normal ambassadorial customs between realms. Given Thranduil's... direct approach to government, it makes sense that Legolas would have to fill in that role. I liked the idea of Legolas' glow increasing because he was nervous in the close corridor. But, forgive me if I'm mistaken, I thought that in a previous chapter you had said that Galadriel glowed and Legolas did not, because she had seen the light of the Two Trees? It doesn't particularly matter, and I like glow-in-the-dark Legolas better anyway. I admit that I smiled a bit when Gimli inspected his treasure of the Lady's hair. That's what I get for reading the "gap-filler" before this chapter. Anyway, this is brilliantly done as always, and I look forward to more. I just love seeing Legolas come into his own. Lamiel P.S. I didn't think it was "Mary Poppins" like at all - but then, it's been a long long time since I've seen that movie. P.P.S. Please be so kind as to enlighten me: what is a tergiversator? I love your vocabulary, and I'm accustomed to thinking my own is pretty decent, but that's a new one on me.

Asha Dreamweaver · 13 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

A simply brilliant, absolutely charming piece of art! Your depiction of the characters, especially Legolas, Gimli and Thranduil are spectacularly done and come to life on the page. I cannot rate this fic enough. you manage to capture Tolkien's world and characters and yet have your own ideas shine through. It is a pleasure to read and I commend you on a job well done! The only thing bad about it would be if it was to finish too soon! I'm pretty sure i could read 50+ chapters and still not be satisfied. update soon, Asha Dreamweaver

Ms. Whatsit · 13 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

The argument between Legolas and the other Elves is wonderful. They’re his friends, but so is Gimli, and Legolas isn’t taking any nonsense on that point. And it’s so true that “Legolas and Gimli” are a unit—that’s what they end up known for, in the Red Book anyway, and Gimli is known more as Elf-friend than as anything else. Also, am impressed with your vocabulary. “Tergiversator,” indeed. It’s also interesting to see a bunch of males doing something like hair-braiding together—an interesting facet of the Elves in Tolkien’s world. I, personally, am all for the Elves’ greater emphasis on personal appearance! “He looked like a dwarvish elvenlord.” Hee! Wonderful line, and I was amused by Gimli resolving never to let his kin see him like that. Do we get to see Legolas in a Dwarvish get-up in Erebor? I guess not—he’d pack his own clothes. But maybe Gimli could make him where dwarf-clothing in revenge? “'You have tried to destroy me, and though I suffer daily, I SHALL NOT BE MOVED.'" Loved that. It’s quintessential Thranduil. And the description of his hideout and all the stuff that he and Legolas have horded is amazing. Also, Thranduil’s smackdown of Gimli smoking was hysterical, as was the way he informed Gimli that he was under the Elvenking’s protection. Very tense, and also very funny.

Firnsarnien · 12 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

Who said Thranduil was greedy? He just gave a beautiful treasure to his son without a second glance! That alone shows how highly he regards his son and his deeds! There is love there, without a doubt! And I love it when Thranduil shows it in these oh, so subtle ways! :) I almost fell off my chair laughing when Gimli was checking his attire right down to his pouch with 2 Galdriel hairs and 1 Thranduil hair! Oh, if he only knew! LOL That was too funny! Poor Leggy. I wish his friends would be more supportive of him. Don't they realize the sea longing is bad enough without their non-support of Leggy's friend Gimli? They should see the suffering Leggy has been through and support his just 'cause he's their friend, er and prince too! ;) I loved that little line Leggy delivered, "No," Legolas said with a quirky smile. "This is mine." That was great! So our Elven prince has his own little stash, hmmmm? I'm sure it will come in handy when he establishes Ithilien. This was a great chappy. I loved every minute of it. It's always interesting to see how Leggy is treated in his own kingdom. Kinda makes him seem more "real". Ya know? LOL Hurry with the next chappy! :)

calenore · 12 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

Well, hopefully Luinar and Co. will come to their senses soon enough! And Gimli ought to be more careful... smoking the Thranduil's presence! Tsk, tsk.

elliska · 12 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

I don't register at fanfic sites because that generally leads to spam as your address get out...but I registered here just so I could leave a review on this fic. This is without a doubt the best LOTR fanfiction available. My PhD is in Medieval Spanish Lit so I know a little something about writing and medieval themes. In this story, the writing is witty always and humorous or tear jerking in turns. The subject matter is perfectly believable, incredibly original and very appropriate. Is the author British? Where does s/he get their knowledge of nobility and noble traditions--it is stunning and adds so much to the story. You would think Tolkein wrote this. He would have been proud to. Keep writing. I check for updates every day!

mistry89 · 12 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

tergiversator - had to look it up *hangs head*, on the bright side, context had given the alt meaning, so I can at rest happy knowing I can read! manhandling - was that deliberate? 'Cos it works - they probably do regard Men as rough or unthinking, but it gains a little incipient species-bias when used here, by these elves, given this discussion! Gimli, with his "not enirely unsatisfied", view of his new look, is a delight. He remains so very ... basic? not earthy, as he isn't that crude, but he has a very simple way of boiling things down to how they affect him, it makes him seem quite young and yet quite sure of his own place in the firmament. Thranduil's Museum to Memory, or Grief, or whatever you call it seems so very likely. Long of memory he may be, but *things* evoke feelings oh so quickly. All assembled they must pack a real punch, all pain, all sadness, all loss. Erestor is here? Or is this another one? I'm obviously reading too fast (too greedily!) to pay attention never mind, I'll just *have* to re-read ... ai me! "By Durin’s beard, that Elf DID remind him of his mother!" High praise, and I'm delighted to see Thranduil so portrayed - he is just as "scary", as unpredictable, as suspicious as one could hope, yet his integrity and motivations can be seen. Sorry, fangirl peeping out! This is a great chapter - Thranduil and Gimli have an .... understanding? Thank you.

daw the minstrel · 12 April 2004 · Chapter 24: The Demands of Honor

I like the sense of an extensive society that you give here. We see the young lords and know that Legolas has many friends and relatives. We see the trophies from past battles and know that this society has extended in time. And we see Thranduil still affected by long past events. This feels like a dense world and that's a good thing.

Lamiel · 7 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

"Fawn eyes"! Ha ha! Oh, laughed about that for a long time. Legolas certainly knows his father's weaknesses, and like any good warrrior he isn't shy about exploiting them. The interaction between Legolas and Thranduil was well done, as before. I like the idea that Thranduil doesn't hold with those long robes favored by Elrond and Celeborn. I've never seen that those things were at all practical, especially not for a place like Mirkwood. And Legolas stealing Gimli's clothes was just priceless! Wonderful! Laughed about that for a long time too. Very, very well done. Thank you!

Firnsarnien · 7 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

Ha ha! I'm anxious to see what the clothes actually look like! I really don't think Leggy would be so mean to leave Gimli something that would look utterly demeaning on his friend. After all, he wants him to make a good impression on the Elves in his father's kingdom! LOL So yeah, I can't wait to see them! LOL *sigh* Leggy's fawn eyes! Yeah, his father isn't immune to them either! I truly think if Legolas ever looked at me with fawn eyes, I'd be putty in his hands...willing do to anything he wanted! Even fly from the top of the tallest tree! ;) Heh, heh! I'm glad things are beginning to look better for Gimli. And it's definitely making Legolas feel better too! I always like an Elf in a good mood! Although Leggy mad is a pretty sight too! :) Ok, I've blabbed enough! I loved this chappy! Hurry with the next one! ;)

Isa · 7 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

Hello from Vienna, What a wonderful writer you are, a beautiful and impressive story. I love Legolas centered stories and how he interacts with others and you fulfilled my every wish with your tale so far. I love your style, I love this story. You paint beautiful pictures with words, you tell of sad things, and funny things, so wonderfully, I was tied to my chair every free minute reading I Return, you never bored me one single word and you know that is rare. Thank you for writing this and sharing with us. Please continue soon, I really want to know how Gimli looks in those elvish clothes. May your blessed feather always be kissed by your muse. Greetings Isa