Reviews (443)

White Wolf · 7 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

The meeting between Legolas and Thranduil went better than I expected. I'm glad it didn't turn into a shouting match. The old boy is not so touch, when it comes to his son. I loved the reference to Legolas giving his father 'fawn eyes' like his mother. The whole bath scene with Gimli and then with Legolas was quite amusing. I understood then how Legolas could tell his father with certainty that Gimli wouldn't go anywhere until he returned. I'm still trying to get over picturing a dripping wet dwarf wrapped in nothing but a towel. That was a nice vision to leave us with! :o)

Lasse-Lanta · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 2: Beneath the Stars

I began reading this at another site, which like an idiot I did not bookmark and could not find again (dolt). It has such a wonderful begining, an intresting point of view about Legolas that I couldn't get out of my brain. Finally I remembered that you had written a well thought out tretise on the goodness of Thranduil and looked to see if you had posted here. Well, I'm in heaven since I've found this story again. Your treatment of the Legolas character is perfect. I've seen several discussions about this humble aspect of the character and why that may have been,you've managed to incorporate most of the points here in just these first two chapters. "Why doesn't he, nor anyone else refer to him as a prince? Why isn't he afforded the defferance or respect of royalty....etc." I enjoyed in particular the conversation between Eomer and Legolas. The point in the speach where you describe Eomer feeling like a child in the presence of the Elf has such a true ring. Of course there would be times when a human would feel such in the presence of an individual who had lived for hundreds of years, a fact rarely touched on in most of the fanfiction I've read. You've written Legolas with a playful maturity that is more refreshing than you can imagine. I'll be reviewing every few chapters, as I can get to them, while I'd like to read it all in one setting, this is so good I'd like to savor it a bit.

Amaniel · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

I must admit that this was a very amusing chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed it. You had me chuckling to myself halfway through! I'd almost forgotten how comical you can write. ;) Nicely done, Coriel.

Ms. Whatsit · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

Bwahahaha! That *is* a rather Legolas thing to do--innocently evil. I loved the glimpse we got into Legolas's relationship with Thranduil--we do see some steel in him in canon, and he had to have had a great deal of sway to get Gimli accepted as an Elf-friend. I like how Thranduil was willing to look beyond his prejudices, and especially the effect of Legolas and his "fawn eyes" on him. The discussion of the smoking and hygiene (or lack thereof!) of Dwarves and especially Dunedain was funny. And now I want to see Gimli dressed up in Elvish robes and chatting with Thranduil. Should be fun!

Ginger Rich · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

Mwahaha. So Thranduil isn't such a bad guy. I knew it all along. Anyways, I thought this a very good chapter. I've been reading the story from the beginning, and I do enjoy it. Everybody loves the big lug named Thranduil, or perhaps I should say: everybody BETTER love the big lug named Thranduil. Yes, that sounds more threatening. haha.

mistry89 · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

I like the air of expectation, in the very walls, in the expressions of the other elves, and in his own previous conduct - the knowledge that Legolas is expected to give way, and the sense, from him, that in this thing, he won't. Legolas in explanation mode: On using the tribute from Lothlorien as part of the argument - "..nor did he greatly esteem Galadriel and her fancies." Well, no, not exactly a fan, was he? :) "Aran Éomer Éomundion" Clever to use elvish honorifics here - after all, Thranduil could hardly be expected to respect (or understand) the terms used by the Men of Rohan. And clever to use this chance to show that Gimli is a lord in his own right - son of Gloin notwithstanding. OBEDIENCE, BUT WITH DISCRETION. (what's that in Elvish? And which "variety"? ) Legolas has certainly demonstrated some discretion in this dialogue! Ok, so *this* tells us he will concede!!!! "I suppose he . . . um . . ." Point to Legolas! Will Thranduil demand a concession in reurn? on Gimli: I'm not sure he truly appreciated the delicate manouvering necesssary on Legolas's part, or the .... diplomacy he himself will need to preserve it. Despite acknowledging (to himself) that Thranduil is no soft courtier, he seems to have forgotten, after his bath, that he must consider both Legolas, and himself, on probabtion! "No! I won't wear 'em! Do you hear me?! LEGOLAS!!!" Thank you, a revealing chapter. Thranduil shows his soft underbelly, and said underbelly is clearly unaware of the depth of his father's ... weakness - whether this (Legolas-weakness) is a continued (if unconscious) state of affairs or just an extra dollop of love dished out on Legolas's safe return, remains to be seen. I can't help thinking that this feast is going to be tricky (for them) and funny (for us) - Dwarven manners, beards, goblets, WINE, ceremonial seating, too much food, singing, dancing ..... oh boy. The hangover tomorrow may be more than just literal! Afterthought: Now I'm even more apprehensive of Gloin's reaction to Legolas, and Gimli's ... subtle skills of persuasion, and wonder whether Gloin will be thrilled at Gimli's elevation in status. It may reflect well on Gloin, as his father, but it does put Gloin a little beyond his reach. Loosing the parental reins ... ummm, just how hard is that for a dwarf? They don't all marry (although, neither, I think do the elves) or produce children (ditto), so how reluctant will Gloin be in this matter, or conversely, how thrilled? This is a lovely tale - post-WOTR is tricky, we all have our own ideas of what constitutes "canon" on the "current" (LOTR) stuff, let alone earlier (SIL etc) material, but this "future" arena is where you separate the canon with a cannon! Tolkien left so much open for interpretation (or filling-in-the-blanks) and yet again, so much with all but the t's crossed and i's dotted. For example - Legolas and Gimli sail into the West, that's a given, but the time between the end of the WOTR and Aragorn's passing is fairly open (and long) - bar a few visits and forest/cave installations! These meetings you are writing about *must* happen, but the manner and ease of it is untold ..... until now! Sorry to waffle on, but this is forcing me to re-evaluate my own ideas of canon, and the telling (well, the reading of your telling), such a treat! Thank you again.

daw the minstrel · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

I like the relationship you show between Legolas and Thranduil. Legolas is respectful but stands up for what he believes is right. I was struck by the line that said that war had changed them both. I wonder if Legolas had become less tolerant of narrow concerns now that he's faced catastophe and seen Arda barely survive it. Poor Gimli. He must feel like a fish out of water!

esamen · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

Coriel, this is beautiful writing. You do so well! You've got a great mix of everything -- action, dialogue, description -- AND a great story, which is the rarest and best of all. Please keep on writing! I know that you must have much more up your talented sleeve.

Marnie · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

LOL! Oh, nice! But poor Gimli! They'll be braiding ribbons into his beard next. And I know Thranduil's problem - I have a terrible time resisting when my girls do that pleading look on me. I enjoyed the change of pace of this chapter and the lightheartedness. Clearly Legolas is relaxing now he's at home - it's nice to see him so happy.

- · 5 April 2004 · Chapter 18: The Measure of a Foe

i love you're story. i have printed out nearly all the chapters.good. very good.keep on posting. don't keep us in suspense

Anonymous · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

Your characterizations of Legolas and company are just wonderful. I have been enjoying this story for sometime, but this is the first chance I have had to sit down and write. thanks for sharing yout alent with us. SasseyJ

White Wolf · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

I can just imagine how Gimli feels, though he surely realizes that he couldn't really have expected any other kind of greeting. Even being elf-friend isn't going to endear him to the elves right away and probably never to Thranduil. I love what Legolas said about his ring and how it means more to him than all of the treasures he brought for Thranduil. That was a nice, meaningful touch.

mistry89 · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

The suspicion with which Gimli is met, even by Legolas' peers helps illustrate the difficult course the two face. The meeting with Thranduil was .... suspenseful, and leaves us hanging! I like the sensation that bad things happened here, affecting these elves directly, just as events unfolded in Mordor and Gondor. Not an isolated "adventure" but part of a whole. The description of the palace is fabulous, it becomes clear that this place is not only old (to Gimli) but beautiful and ... alien. Once again, the "otherness" of the wood-elves is stressed. It gets all tied up neatly with Legolas resuming his ring, and his own "otherness". I'm hoping that Thranduil realises that next they will be off to Erebor, and that he'll decide to "play nice" with Gimli just to force the dwarves to be even "nicer" to Legolas! Wonderful chapter, wonderful story. Thank you.

Firnsarnien · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

Oh my, that was sure tense! I hadn't thought things would be so uncomfortable as that, but clearly, I didn't think things through! I find it kind of sad that after all Legolas has been through, all he wanted to do was return home to his father and his people. And now that he has done so, he's getting a somewhat cold reception. Almost as if he's betrayed his people! I do hope the Elves and Thranduil give Gimli a chance! For then they will see that the dwarf truly has a good heart and loves Legolas even more than they do, except of course, than his father. The tensions in the air was so thick, you could cut it with a knife! I loved it! And I loved that little scene in Leggy's room near the end of the chappy! It was surprising to see Leggy transform to a royal from just another Elf. *sigh* It was great! I loved this chappy! And I most certainly, cannot wait for the next one! Do hurry! ;)

Lamiel · 3 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

Oh, wow. It is something to see Legolas in his home, and what a home it is! Such a mix of Silvan simplicity and Sindarin nobility - just like Legolas himself. The meeting with Thranduil was perfect - first the formal greeting of a prince to his lord, and then a joyous father welcoming home his son. Alas for poor Gimli! I really feel for him, being alone with all those Elves, and none of them all that friendly either. Will you be taking this to the Lonely Mountain? I would love to see Gimli defend Legolas to his kin. The description of the halls is absolutely marvelous - so beautifully detailed and the little notes, like only Gimli making noise as they walk down the corridor, are just right. And the way Legolas lit those candles as they came in! That would send a few shivers down my spine as well. The bit with Legolas' ring is intriguing - and a very telling mark of his character, that he didn't take it with him on the Quest. He was representing all Elves of Middle-earth, not just Lasgalen. And doubtless there was freedom in the escape from being a lord, but also a different sort of responsibility. Loved the little scene with Legolas desperate to get into a bath, and to get Gimli into one as well! How he ever put up with Aragorn . . . not to mention all the other unwashed mortals of the Fellowship. Poor Elf. Brilliant chapter, just brilliant. Oh, I am enjoying this story more and more with every posting. Thank you!

Ms. Whatsit · 3 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

This was a great chapter. Thranduil's reaction to Gimli was so very Thranduil, and his reunion with Legolas was very nicely done. The reactions of the Elves to Gimli was also perfectly done: stiff, but polite (barely!), not vulgar or overtly threatening but making it clear that they don't like him. That's a fine line to walk and you wrote it very well. About Gimli and the bath: LOL!! You know, I've always wondered about that. Imagine being on the road with companions who have no access to hygiene and don't particularly make much effort in that direction. THEN imagine doing this with an enhanced Elven sense of smell. Ick. It makes Legolas just that much more heroic. Your characterization of Legolas in general is just wonderful. Too many authors make him silly or flighty or angsty or even arrogant (which makes me blink in total incomprehension) or immature. Your Legolas is definitely the one I know from canon: playful, but still mature and thoughtful and capable of being quite stubborn.

calenore · 3 April 2004 · Chapter 22: Thorns Amid Roses

Well that went better than it might have... at least Thranduil didn't act first, think later. Legolas and the stablehand don't seem to like each other much, do they? Was the chain that Legolas took from around his neck the one that held the ring that reminds him of Lorivana? Good chapter... I was glad to see Legolas reunited with his friends and kinsmen.

Shaan Lien · 1 April 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

Incredible, I must say, thoroughly enjoyable. I do hope you post more very soon, I eagerly await future chapters.

mistry89 · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

The piece at the end is marvellous - not only giving Gimli and Legolas a lighter-hearted moment than has been thrust their way recently, but I like to see Thranduil portrayed as so egalitarian - I would have settled for an not-evil, not-greedy, not-vindictive-beyond-belief one, but this unforeseen side to him is fabulous. Thank you, this story is compelling reading.

Theresa Green · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 8: To Smile Again

So Gimli is perched behind Galadriel, eh? When I read that paragraph out loud to my Gimli muse, he nearly exploded! "Did I hold on round her waist?" he asked enthusiastically. "Steady Gimli!" I cautioned, but his eyes had clouded over and he had a somewhat vacant expression. I really enjoyed this chapter, Coriel. I think you were wise to give us a few laughs - Legs and Gimmers falling off Arod for a start. Occasional light moments make a thoughtful story like yours even more entertaining and don't distract from the seriousness of the issues under discussion.

Theresa Green · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely

So often we read stories (many of them excellent, I hasten to add) in which sea-longing is a painful and entirely negative experience for Legolas. I was intrigued by your idea that for Legolas “the sensation had been fascinating at first”. I like the implication that it is not entirely unpleasant. As a fan of Gimli, I was very interested to read about his encounter with Lady Galadriel. Her description of him as her “doughtiest servant” was lovely. I can just picture him standing there, fidgeting and fiddling with his beard, blushing crimson. Oh, sweet Dwarf! And of course I enjoyed his banter with Legolas over “bedtimes for children”. I’m looking forward to more from Gimli in coming chapters.

Theresa Green · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading

I love the attention to detail in this story. Even the tents of the different groups have their appropriate colours. And the conversation betwee Glorfindel and Legolas was very interesting, both for what it shows of Legolas’ state of mind now, and for what it reveals of his past. The contrast between life in Rivendell and Mirkwood was very well portrayed. I particularly enjoyed description that Mirkwood, “has been held with a blade at her throat for the past age”. The personification of Lasgalen makes it an even more powerful image. Bravo, Coriel!

White Wolf · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

I really like the scene between Thranduil and Aldamir. That is a glimpse of the king we rarely see. Thranduil on his hands and knees scrubbing floors is quite a scene to imagine. So is Legolas and Gimli doing the dishes. It was nice to see Gimli accepted by the elves in the forest. If only being accepted by Thranduil could be that easy.

Firnsarnien · 31 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

Oh my! Legolas doing the dishes!? Now *that's* a sight I'd love to see! LOL He's certainly not your typical, snobbish, stuck-up royal, is he? Heh, heh! It warmed my heart to see Nenuiel and Legandir accept Gimli simply because Legolas does. Whether he want it or not, the people of Mirkwood hold Leggy in high regard. At least that's the impression I get. And well they should! ;) Oh how my heart also aches at the thought of Mirkwood as a ruined forest of ash and stump. Even though Mirkwood, close to the palace, has healed faster than the rest, I bet it's a sad sight to behold. There is a forest close to where I live that recently burned (at least part of it did), and it is such a sorry sight to see. Blackened bare trees and no brush to be seen anywhere. Not a blade of grass nor anything green. It was truly enough to break the heart of many. And it takes so long for anything substantial to grow large enough to replace the wonderful shade of so many trees. So, it is with this thought, that I think of Mirkwood. It's so hard to imagine it like this though I'm sure this was a very real effect of war for the Elves. Anyway, I'm enjoying this story soooo much. Every chapter brings a smile to my face and I can't wait for the next one! Reunion! :) Yay! :)

Tinnuial · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 21: That Which Endures

"Every year for six days we shed our rank and fall to housekeeping. We can scrub a floor as well as anyone. Indeed, my lord once received Gandalf in audience whilst on his knees in a corridor amid a sea of soap." Priceless!!!!! :) I loved that image!!! And I suppose they took rest on the seventh day, and in true Wood elf fashion, had a marvellous party beneath the trees LOL!!!! Can't wait for Gimli and Thranduil to meet....I've not read anything regarding this sojourn after the war that can even hold a candle to this story...you've got me *so* excited now!!! Looking very much forward to the next chapter....