Ophium · 7 March 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
Loving each and every chapter you post! Please post more soon!
Author's reply
I'm workin' on it! :)
Sons of Fellowship by Conquistadora
Reviews (443)
Templa Otmena · 5 March 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
I was just meandering around on 'Eternal' and found that you had updated a few days ago...I really must check more often! Now...*this* chapter has to be one of the most beautifully written portrayals of all things Elven that I have ever read. Be it Legolas and his relationship with the trees, with the animals and just *sigh* in general...twas all amazing! I particularly loved the way in which you wrote Arod, the way that he fell asleep with his head in Legolas' lap was just another one of the many little details that made this chapter so special! Gimli's musings on all that he witnessed were written very well. His reference to the sea-longing was a nice touch and is evidence of just how deeply this friendship has developed in such a short but intense period of time. I can't wait for another update, for which I will be checking *frequently* *g*! UPDATE SOON!
Author's reply
Thank you very, very much; that was everything I was striving for. ;) The next update is well on the way, after a bit of a retirement. (Other demanding plot-bunnies, you know.) ^_^ I actually hadn't planned on them stopping long in Lorien, but they insisted.
White Wolf · 3 March 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
Legolas under a tree with ivy n his hair, and squirrels playing on him, as he sings. Now, there's a vision. I liked Gimli actually petting Arod. No matter how much Gimli is changed by his friendship with Legolas, he'll never love a forest. Of course, Legolas is never going to love a cave, either. The whole Quickbeam scene was very nice.
Author's reply
It is a iffy friendship, but I think they've found enough common ground to stand on between them. :)
Muinthel · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
Great chapter...!! I like the way you let us see Legolas through Gimlis eyes. "....and Gimli found it difficult for a moment to reconcile that this fair and gentle being was the same that had mercilessly terrorized the battlefields of the south with him...." That is my favorite passage in the is chapter, for it shows how little we all know about the elves. Can't wait to find out what will happen in Lórien and at Thranduils hall.
Author's reply
Elves are certainly many-sided characters, and a little difficult to figure out. Gimli will see a few more things before the end. Lorien and Lasgalen are actively being planned. ^_^
*~SuGaR~* · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 14: By Fangorn's Leave
*sigh* that last time the fellowship would be all gathered there...Many Partings...i dreaded that chapter...so sad and it was that last of Legolas in the rest of the story...how tragic...=) can't wait to see Fangorn!!! and Merry and Pippin waving to them as they left...*sigh* SO CUTE!!!! i love the hobbits... well, onto Fangorn!!!!!!! *~SuGaR~*
*~SuGaR~* · 29 February 2004
yes...the whole incident wiht Lorivana was as i thought...who in the right mind would not want to marry Legolas!?!?!??! and how could Legolas even come up with the notion that she had married someone else!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!? *sigh* guess it's just our usual humble elf, not to mention all those other great qualitioes he has !! =) anywayz!!!! Next chapter!!! *~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
*Always endearing*. :)
*~SuGaR~* · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Truth In Lies
oh yeah...i had always wonder what would have happened if the fellowship never got broken up...who would be the next to succumb to the ring? and how it tempted the others...surely Legolas would never attack Frodo!!!!!!! thanx for showing how it had tempted Legolas!!!! *~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
You're welcome. :)
*~SuGaR~* · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
=) that had to be another of my fave chappies!!! =) I had always wanted to read a story about Legolas and Gimli's venture into Fangorn...Tolkien had to follow along with the hobbits and most authors write about Aglarond... "He was leaned comforatably against a massive oak..that inspired only laughter." That passage painted a beautiful picture wiht all the forest sounds and Legolas' singing with it!!! I imagine the forest clearing they were in to be somewhat like the clearing Merry and Pippn were in in the Two Towers extended edition... The squirrels getting mad at Gimli was great!!! hehe..."He can't stay to play all day, you little jabbering fools!" =)hehe... Gimli talking to Arod...hehehe... oh, and the whole ent draught thing...i can just imagine Gimli's beard...hehehe....=) =) Well great job on the chappie, loved it!!!!!!!!!! *~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
These guys never get enough responsible attention. :( Anyhow, we'll see what I can manage to do about it. :)
daw the minstrel · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
Lovely descriptions. Very elvish chapter. I think seeing it through Gimli's eyes is just right. It would have to naturalized through Legolas's, but Gimli can see things as uncanny, as you say.
Author's reply
I think I'd rather see Legolas through Gimli's eyes than vice versa. ;)
Esamen/ Karen · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
My goodness! I am reading some Elf stories for the first time--yours and Nilmandra's. This is beautiful! I love the Gimli POV and your depiction of Legolas as a leader in his own right, aside from being Aragorn's sidekick. I had never read anything like this until now. Tremendous! " Mmmm," Quickbeam mused after a long contented drink, or at least that seemed long to those of ‘hasty’ race; "yes, goldenhaired-greeneyed-fellhanded-noblehearted-mightyvoiced-sonofthunder-twilightlord, Thranduilthalionoropherion Sindaranoeryngalen. Valiant is he, and his fair scion no less so." What a gorgeous line! Please tell Chigger that I realize now that I know nothing about Elves compared to you two! I humbly bow to your leadership on the subject. And thanks for the translations . . . I'm not much up on Elvish past mae govannen and namarie. I know . . . I've left off the punctuation. So, what do you think about the difference in the way Tolkien writes Elves in The Hobbit and in LOTR? Do you see a difference? Also, another question, if you have time. I am trying to find the words and the translation of the beautiful song that Enya sings at the end of FOTR. Do you know where this info might be? Sorry for so many questions. Only if you have time . . . I wouldn't want to take you away from your writing! Thanks for sharing your vision.
Author's reply
If you want some really good Elf stuff, Marnie would be worth looking into! And yes, I do see some considerable differences between elves and Elves, and I must say I preferred the latter! I maintain that Thranduil's bunch lost something in the translation. :) But I'm working with them. As far as Enya's lyrics go, they come with the soundtrack. The only two elvish lines in "May It Be" were Quenya, "Mornie utúlië, Mornie alantië," meaning "darkness has come, darkness has fallen." Questions are no problem. ;) Author Reply: Oh, and Chigger sends her compliments. ^_^
Lamiel · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
Oh, now this I like! What a wonderful description of Legolas' love for the great forest, and indeed its affection in return. And the encounter with Quickbeam was very well done indeed. Lovely Ent names for Legolas and Thranduil, I must say, worthy of the Master himself. Especially liked the affects of the Ent draught on Gimli and Arod. Simply marvelous work all around.
Author's reply
Those Ent names took a while to dream up. :) No wonder they take their time! And I never was quite satisfied with Arod being "smaller and lighter", so this seemed a likely way to step him up a bit. And it seemed only fair that he be allowed a little more oomph if he was going to have to carry a bigger dwarf. :D (I knew I simply had to include Quickbeam since the poor guy didn't have a story in the archive yet!)
Karri · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
That was indeed quite the magical chapter. I enjoyed it very much. It left me feeling rather serene - a nice way to finish of an evening. :-D
Author's reply
Exactly how we used it around here. :)
Nilmandra · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
I am glad to have caught up with my favorite wood elf on his way home! I like the idea that he had loved and lost, and especially liked the romp through Fangorn forest. A wood elf just seems elfier in such territory. I loved that Quickbeam spoke in Entish form!
Author's reply
Now he's more in his element. :) They both have their own particular moments to share their own areas of expertise. Gimli's pretty much along for the ride for a while, but he'll come into his own again before the end. ;)
sofia · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Light And Shadow
this chapter was good. I like seeing Legolas so intuned with... nature. hope next chapter is up soon.
Author's reply
As soon as possible. :)
LKK · 25 February 2004 · Chapter 14: By Fangorn's Leave
Good chapter, Coriel. I'm looking forward to Legolas' promise that Gimli's and his adventures have only just begun. LKK
*~SuGaR~* · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Truth In Lies
awww...loved the little bit in the beginning with the hobbits!!! SO CUTE!!!! i can just imagine them running around. and with what Gimli said about Legolas' lost ummm...carefreeness??? whatever you want to call it...it really is kind of sad, that must be why i love little elfling stories. fun, playful, carefree elflings...not to say there's anything wrong with grown elves, but it's nice to have a little moment of youth in the elven community. what a turn this chapter took!! first light carefree and humourous and tehn suddenly sad and serious...poor Legolas...what happened with Lorivana? is it in another story cuz rite now i either get the idea that she left to go to Valinor with no other choice, something got in the way and tore them apart or she just uhhh...didn't want to marry him...i can't even say that last one, how could anyone not want to marry Legolas!?!?!? well, i'll have to catch up with the other chapters later seeing as how this one was so long, bye! *~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
There may be a lot of mood-swings in this story; there are some volatile emotions involved. Of course she wanted to marry him! (and really, who of the appropriate gender would not?) Everything would have been just great, except for that nasty war creeping up on them, the whole Greenwood/Mirkwood thing, moving north and underground, etc. She had a bad experience in an orc invasion, the sea-longing got to her, and that was that. Rather devastating to both, but life is unfair. (It will all be well worth the wait in Valinor, but *he doesn't know that*) Maybe the next chapter will help clear things up. :)
*~SuGaR~* · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
=) that had to be the best description of Legolas' visit to Aglarond ever!!!! =) an invitation to Valinor...hmmm, i wonder how Gimli will react later...? Legolas singing was beautiful, i could imagine him standing there in the dark and just let the music run in my head!!!! very smart elf, using the echoes to find a way!!!! and smell!!! that's what happens when you don't have your eyes!!! hehe...not a word...very beautiful and humourous at the same time!!! had to be one of my favourite chapters so far!!!! lotza luv *~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
As always, it's all here for your entertainment. ;) I'm really not a cave-fancier myself, but I hear ErinRua's take on the same incident was very good. I must get around to reading it one of these days. :) I only hope you find the rest of this to be as rewarding. ^_^
Lamiel · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 14: By Fangorn's Leave
Nice blending of your dialogue and Tolkien's. You have the tone of voice and phrasing right, so the junction between the two is smooth. Very well done. And you're right, there's no need to underline every line of the Master's. A reference to the pages and a clear disclaimer are just fine. I am sorry to lose Aragorn (just because I like seeing him and Legolas interact in the movies and fanfic - I honestly don't care for him all that much in the books). But it shall be an interesting journey from here on out. I'm looking forward to it (much more than Gimli is, I think).
Author's reply
I don't think it will really be as bad as Gimli thinks. But now things get interesting, as they have ridden clear off the canon map!
Chigger · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 14: By Fangorn's Leave
How dare you? Posting without first letting me read it? Disgraceful! I know I was still asleep, but that's no excuse. Can I help it if you're nocturnal? Getting up at 6:00 in the morning to work on the computer. Rediculous. No, really, it was good. Just let me see it first next time! ;)
Author's reply
Oh, get lost. ;) It's bad enough that I have to share both the room and the computer with you; how about crawling out of bed sooner? I can't even have a lucid conversation with you before 8:00! They say "big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life", but I may have a few choice things to say about younger ones. ^_^ But anyhow, since you enjoy doing the dishes these days, I suppose I can't be too very nitpicky. ;) Author Reply: But stop stuffing the inbox with mail from ourselves!
Templa Otmena · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 14: By Fangorn's Leave
Although I am meant to be delving into a Philosophy paper at the moment I thought that no harm could come of me sparing a few minutes on 'Stories of Arda' to see if there was anything that I could glance at to satisfy what has long become my daily need for a fix of fanfiction (for the past year!)...how wrong was I?! Lol! This fic is absolutely amazingly written and so very original! I have truly never read another fic that has so emphasised such an intriguing section of the novel as well as coupling it with the realistic fleshing out of our beloved and neglected elf. In addition to the realism with which you have written Legolas you have portrayed and handled each and every elf so very uniquely and well and have made what you have so far written such a pleasure to read! *grins* I'm sorry for rambling! I could go on for a lot longer but after reading your story in it's entirety in one afternoon I am now *very* short on time but it was entirely worth it! UPDATE SOON!
Author's reply
Rambling is good! It always makes a more interesting review. After a month or two of working on this, it helps to go back and read what you've already written to refresh your memory, and I spent a whole afternoon doing highlights myself! What a monster this will be. . . certainly my longest. Believe me, I update as soon as I can. :)
Esamen · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 14: By Fangorn's Leave
Nicely done, Corien! What imaginative dialogue! I have never read an Ent so well done . . . that long name for orcs that he had to stop saying because it would take too long just cracked me up. And Gimli was great. Gimli as a well-rounded character is a whole new territory for me, and it's wonderful to see him thinking and acting more like a real person instead of a flat rote caricature place-filler of a Dwarf. And Legolas is so attractive when you write him. Are you trying to throw us all totally in love with that Elf? As if we need more help? He comes off the page as a total hero here . . . deep-thinking, kind, intelligent, graceful, full of integrity . . . does he have a brother in the U.S.? I have a sister I need to marry off. Do you model him on someone you know? If so, can I get the phone number? Thanks for dreaming a moment I had never explored before. I am eagerly waiting for more of your writing! Thanks again!
Author's reply
Hi, again! You're e-mail gave you away. ;) Actually I'm afraid I can't take much credit at all for the dialogue in this chapter. The reason they all came out so well is because they came straight from Tolkien! But anyway, we'll see how I do with Legolas, Gimli, and Ents in the next chapter. Legolas is a great guy, isn't he? :) No available relations around that I know of (though in my one crazy modern fic, he might have had a few bachelor grandsons left). At times he can be one-of-a-kind, but he bears a lot of resemblance to King Philip II of Spain, who has unfortunately been dead for over 400 years. Or Beleg Cuthalion, who is unfortunately dead too. I *WISH* I knew someone like him around here! Maybe at that nice insular Catholic college . . . I'll get working on the next bit for ya. :)
daw the minstrel · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 14: By Fangorn's Leave
Nice handling of canon scene. These are hard to manage. As you say, you can't very well leave them out, but Tolkien has already written them. You did a good job with Legolas's point of view on this though, I think.
Author's reply
I hope this doesn't qualify as an MST. Anyhow, it's all in admiring tribute to the original anyway. :)
hisielome · 19 February 2004
This was simply beautiful. Each character was true and interesting. The writing style was without error, and flowed well.
Author's reply
Thanks so much. :)
lembas7 · 17 February 2004
Do you post anywhere else? I know ffnet is full of trash, but there are some gems there for those who poke through (with a stick, and wearing hip-boots, of course . . . ) I wanted to let you know that I absolutely adore this story - the portrayal is wonderful, and i absolutely love the charachter interaction and description - i check every night for an update. I'm not obsessed, don't be scared, just thrilled. I also wanted to know if you're doing anything with the third segment of Thranduil's journey to Valinor - when he finally gets there and meets his family. I absolutely loved that story, and am disappointed that i can't go back and re-read it . . . I loved it much - but i did think that the description of Valinor was surreally like our world . . . I'd kinda imagined the Silvan domain to be where Thranduil would go, and not stop till he got there. Oh well, how's this for an off-topic review? Anyways, please update soon - when is the Fangor section (there will be one, right? *worried gnawing at nails*) coming?
Author's reply
I generally only post here at SoA unless another site invites me, such as Eternal and Amon Sul. Trying to get onto Undying Tales too. I try to update in reasonable intervals (^_^) even though I'm kept amazingly busy with other errant plot bunnies. The Thranduil-in-Valinor story is shelved for a complete rewrite, actually. I need to beat it into shape with "Morgoth's Ring". If you still want to go and read the old one again, Marnie still has it on her site. Of course they'll pop into Fangorn before they leave. I don't think I could have very well skipped it even if I wanted to! (I don't usually write Ents, though, so it should be interesting.) :)
White Wolf · 17 February 2004
The title of this chapter is perfect. I really felt for Legolas, trying so hard to convey his feelings without seeming to be asking for anything in return. I like what he ended up doing. That was very sweet. I wish we could have been able to see the drawing. I sure hope Lorivana is waiting for him (I can't imagine anyone letting him get away). Will we be finding out in this story? I loved the last line. I could feel his yearning to see his home and family again.
Author's reply
Not in this story (because how in the world would he have found out?), but just to give you some peace of mind, I say she is. ;) It is rather amusing to imagine what this will be like on her end: he was so careful not to confirm anything, yet she will eat up whatever he finally sends her, and I can imagine her being accutely disappointed that he included no words. :) "What we have here is a failure to communicate."