Sons of Fellowship by Conquistadora
LKK · 17 February 2004
Beautiful, Coriel. The idea that Legolas could only express his confused feelings in the symbol they both understood from their childhood was very touching. And the symbol with its intertwining veins was very appropriate. Good chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you. :) I envy Legolas and his ready artistic abilities. I would have needed my sketch-pad, a pencil, a huge eraser, and a subject to set in front and copy. But I guess he's had more time to perfect it.
Lamiel · 16 February 2004
Heartache and angst, and very nicely portrayed as always. I gather that some folks wanted closure with the romantic interest. Very good, and nicely done, so now she's dealt with and swept back to Valinor where she belongs. On to Mirkwood! Lamiel
Author's reply
I agree; I'm ready to go. :)
calenore · 16 February 2004
*sniff* that is so sweet. I can't even imagine how difficult that would be, since he wants to say that he loves her but doesn't want to offend. Does Aragorn know that Thranduil and Elrond tried to push Legolas and Arwen into marriage?
Author's reply
If neither Arwen or Legolas told him about it, maybe he heard it from Elrond in perhaps a low-key rant against a certain prince of Mirkwood. When Arwen started making eyes at Aragorn, I can imagine Elrond might have entertained something of a harmless grudge against that crazy Sinda who turned him down flat. ;)
daw the minstrel · 16 February 2004
That would indeed have been a hard letter to write. What could he say that would not sound as if he were making assumptions of one kind or another? Gimli's concern was touching.
Author's reply
Gimli's an interesting character to figure out. I think I'll get to know him much better through the course of all this. :)
White Wolf · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Truth In Lies
You did a wonderful job of showing Legolas's feelings about being tempted by the Ring. That's one theme I have never seen in any other LOTR story. I also liked the discussion regarding Legolas's lost love and his confusion about what message, if any, to send her. Galadriel's emotions about leaving Middle-earth were so real and so in character. Another wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
You know that dratted thing had to have tried him at least once. Creepy; I wouldn't want it talking to me. I tried very hard to get Galadriel down right. She can be a difficult one to understand! :)
daw the minstrel · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Truth In Lies
Really interesting interaction between these two. I loved Galadriel's insight into Legolas and her opinions of him. And as a T hrandul fan, I liked the praise of him as a father. The account of how the ring tempted Legolas was also cool. I have often wondered what his temptation might have been.
Author's reply
Thranduil fans will find several more plugs for our Elvenking in the subsequent chapters. ;) I wondered for a long time what the Ring would have said to Legolas. He obviously didn't entertain it, but I can't help but think it tried. I also wonder what it was that Galadriel would have found to offer him during her test of the Fellowship in Lorien. And, as always, glad you enjoyed it. :)
LOTRFaith · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Truth In Lies
Hello Coriel:-) I have been reading your story since chapter 1 with much enjoyment, but this chapter has me rather confused. I thought at first that Legolas was betrothed to Arwen, but when I re-read the chapter it sounded like who ever Legolas was betrothed too left for the Valinor with the Queen of Mirkwood. But am still a little confused, is there another a prequel story? Or will you explain in further detail later on? :-) Thanks and keep up the good work! Namaarie! LOTRFaith
Author's reply
Basically what happened in the course of my fanon was that Legolas' first betrothed left with his mother for Valinor. Some years later, Elrond and Thranduil entertained hopes of marrying Arwen to Legolas, but neither of them were much interested in the other in that regard (particularly not Legolas) and the whole plan was doomed from the day it was made. What can I say; "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." ;)
calenore · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Truth In Lies
I like your comparisons of Galadriel to the stone walls of Helm's Deep. It is very fitting. I also like Legolas' mixture of youth and innocence, versus age and wisdom, in this chapter. Poor Legolas and Lorivana... Legolas is very nice to wish her happiness, even if it is with another. On the other hand, Lorivana is very good for waiting for him, though I suppose Legolas doesn't know that.
Author's reply
No, but he will be pleasantly surprised a century later!
Lamiel · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Truth In Lies
Now this is a fascinating glimpse into Galadriel's thoughts and desires, now with her final doom near at hand. What must it be, to go back and face the Valar she ran afoul of so long ago. Not that she actually did anything wrong, but she was an exile through circumstance, and Tolkien said that it was only because she resisted the Ring that she was able to return. And Legolas' temptation by the Ring is beautifully done. I never really thought he was all that tempted, myself, but you've shown how he might be, and how he still had strength of will to refuse, very well. This mysterious love over in Valinor is interesting -- and you set it up just right, giving just enough detail to tease without getting bogged down with an OC. Two thousand years . . . oh my. But just the same I'm glad the girl is off stage. These long lost loves have a high Mary Sue rate, and are just as well avoided. Wonderfully done, as always. A beautiful and peaceful chapter, a moment to reflect and think about what was. Lovely.
Author's reply
No Mary-Sues here. ;) Although Lori is a huge part of my fanon, I maintain that if there is to be any girl in the picture, she must be far far away from the Fellowship: two thousand years far away seemed just about right. Now that we've dealt with that bit, she really won't turn up much. However, Gimli is about to come into his own. :)
Maeglin the Traitor · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
What a charming depiction of the friendship of Legolas and Gimli and of the caves of Aglarond. One of the better stories of the visit there that I have read. Having just discovered this story, I hope it continues for a while. I am enjoying it. Maeglin the Traitor
Author's reply
Um, thank you. :) I must say, I blinked a few times over my glasses at your penname! Yes, it will continue for quite a while. Heck, I may only be halfway done with it. ;)
Lydia · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
Update, Update, Update! BTW, are you a Seton Homeschooler? I just graduated from that program last year. Just wondering because I took Latin myself.
Author's reply
Honestly, I'm working on it! :) Actually, we were with Our Lady of the Rosary, but my sister has a friend in Seton, taking the same Latin I did. Did you ever get past the second year? Oh, boy . . . I think I'll take Spanish!
Muinthel · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
How beautiful....I just love the scene when Legolas starts to sing...! I felt like listening to a worshiphymn....! Well a singer admires always a good discribtion of a song touching someones heart! You getting better with every chapter....keep going!
Author's reply
Thank you. :) I have never had a particularly good singing voice myself, so it's fun to play with someone who does!
Fadesintothewest · 4 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
Aw, just delightful, especially Legolas' very own choir in the deep. I could just imagine it, so beautiful. That was wonderfully creative and just beautiful. What a great chapter!
Author's reply
Kudos to Legolas for that one; he suggested it. ;) Thanks!
daw the minstrel · 1 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
This was wonderful! I loved the image of Legolas singing. And Gimli's notion that Legolas would invite him to Valinor (but no, that was ridiculous) was entertaining. Legolas's awed understanding of the beauty of the caves was very well conveyed. Great job, Coriel
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
Lamiel · 1 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
This is a lovely take on the visit to the caves, a missing scene that, in my opinion, hasn't been explored nearly enough (apart from the slash writers, anyway). Legolas really handled it very well, didn't he - particularly when the torches went out. It says something about how entranced Gimli was, that he didn't have a better sense for how long the torches would last. Seems the sort of thing that a Dwarf would keep in mind. I had been wondering about the Elvish glow - seems that Gimli WAS able to see Legolas, at least, and even saw the color of his hair in the dark. But the Elf had to actually work to make his light enough to see by. Very interesting idea. And the description of his song in the caverns' echo is beautiful. As was his need to get out again, and the force drawing him there. I could feel his barely restrained panic, his growing desperation. This chapter shows a lot of the trust and friendship between Legolas and Gimli. Wonderful.
Author's reply
Slash. >_< I shudder just to think . . . Yes, I guess Gimli was just too excited. He probably had them right before they left, but then forgot them at the last minute. :) I wonder about glowing elves too - it seems that if it was entirely unconscious, it would make it notoriously difficult to lie low if they wanted to. And his kind don't give up easily, do they? ;) Like he said, just let Gimli get those lamps in, and then he'll be back to visit.
Nilmandra · 30 January 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
Lovely descriptions of the cave, and especially of the relationship between the the elf and the dwarf. This is a nice contrast between how Legolas was around the others - with Gimli he is completely comfortable. Their friendship is intimate and wonderfully portrayed, and one can see in this Legolas telling the dwarf he was going to Valinor with him!
Author's reply
Gimli is winning his way further into Legolas' circle now, and they're both certainly having an effect on one another. I don't think their eventual sea-borne plans have taken any definate form yet, but some ideas are planted early . . . :)
White Wolf · 30 January 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
A very nice memento that, to me, serves to add another layer to the friendship between elf and dwarf. Showing Legolas's fears and, at the same time, his awe of the caves was very nicely done. When they agreed to keep their secret from Aragorn, it reminded me of the scene in TTT, when Gimli told Aragorn to toss him but not to tell the elf.
Author's reply
That scene was very much in mind on this end too. ;) Gimli keeps a lot of secrets. This is a difficult friendship to figure out, since they hardly have anything in common!
calenore · 30 January 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness
I liked this chapter. It was nice to see the relationship between Gimli and Legolas that you've created, and I especially liked the comparison of Gimli's mother and Thranduil.
Author's reply
That came to me on a whim, based on my preconception of Gimli's mother, and my sister laughed so hard I knew I had to include it. :)
White Wolf · 26 January 2004 · Chapter 11: Farewell, Fare Free
When Glorfindel asked Legolas where he was going, it sounded so poignant for him simply to say "Home". I loved it when Eomer gave Arod to Legolas. He couldn't have given him anything that meant more to our elf. Making Gimli Lord of the Glittering Caves was a nice moment, as well.
Author's reply
I imagine Legolas is looking forward to being back home after so long. Too many new and crazy things going on at once, so I think he'll be glad to get a grip on his life again. :)
Lamiel · 25 January 2004 · Chapter 11: Farewell, Fare Free
Oh, we are coming now to the parting of ways. This was always my least favorite part of the book, but at least now I have the assurance that we'll continue to stay with Legolas and Gimli. I always wanted to know what they did at this point. I will miss Aragorn, though.
Author's reply
Legolas and Gimli have a long way to go yet. Aragorn will have to drop out soon, but of course not until Isengard. Arwen is waiting for him, after all. :)
Fadesintothewest · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 11: Farewell, Fare Free
The words Eomer shared with all were touching, esp his gift of Arod, and the gift to Gimli, yet the sorrow of all who were parting and leaving to find the straight road was ever present. Parting is sweet sorrow is it not.
Author's reply
It certainly seems so. And there is still more of it left.
calenore · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 11: Farewell, Fare Free
It was nice of Eomer to give Arod to Legolas, and Gimli certainly seemed pleasantly surprised by his gift! Legolas seems very happy to be going home.
Author's reply
Overall, I thought it would be much more conveniant if Legolas was given Arod, since then he could ride back home and not have to worry about returning him later. And then when I noticed the double meaning of the name (courtesy of CoE), there seemed no question. ;) Tolkien loved those kinds of inside jokes. Maybe that was a covert nod on his part toward Legolas and his lineage.
Aislynn Crowdaughter · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 11: Farewell, Fare Free
Hi, Coriel! This is still a great story and a delight to read. It is great how you get into Legolas head this way, and the way you describe how he is seen by the other characters. However, I felt him being a bit arrogant with his (very male) judgement of Eowyn in the last chapter. It is not his place to judge her actions, he is neither father, nor brother, nor husband to her nor her ruler and not even one of her people or her race. If anybody would have the right to reprimand her for her choice of action during the ringwar, it would be Eomer (as her brother and the new king), or maybe Aragorn (as her new ruler, since she is going to be the bride of huis steward), but certainly not a foreign elf-prince who just happened to be around. Anyway, it is a well written story. And I like the relationship described here between Glorfindel and Legolas. Here is one question I have, though: Thranduils name in quenya. Why do you call him Mardurelwe, and what does that mean? My queny lexicon (by H.W.Persch) translates "Mar" as "home", but I can't trace Mardur? Greetings to you, keep writing, Aislynn
Author's reply
Mm, strange that Legolas' lecture would seem "very male" since the words came straight from my mouth, and when last I looked I was sure I was about as female as they come. I know I certainly had a few distinct things to say to her after all that. Legolas comes from a very disciplined people. They would have to be, if they live in Mirkwood. And so, disregarding her lord's command on a whim would seem as cut and dried as desertion to him, and he would sooner call a spade a spade and correct the problem than keep his mouth shut and maybe see it happen again. Doubtless he has seen what can happen when orders are willfully countermanded with little heed to possible consequences. But anyway ~ Gracious, don't scare me like that! You made me think I misspelled it. :) You may know already that I'm no Quenya expert, and this is a strictly amateur translation. Supposing "Thranduil" means "Halls of Star-shadow", (thrand=halls, du=shadow, il=star), I did my best to carry those elements over into Quenya. I'm not sure now about the "du" element, though, whether I just got lazy and kept it becuase it fit so well, or what. :)
Orophins Dottir · 22 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This
Have been quite remiss in reviewing a story I have been enjoying. I think your portrayal has been a unique and thoughtful one. It is a new perspective on the elven prince. I particularly liked the scene of Legolas at Theoden's grave, before Eowyn approached him. Very moving. Look forward to an update!
Author's reply
I'm working on it, as we speak! :)
Muinthel · 20 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This
...Wow..I enjoyed it - as ever - and I just love the way you carve the personalities out of the characters. You got so much dept in them. I feel like I need to thank you for looking behind the motives of the the actions of our heros. The mixed feelings, the pride and the courage, but also the mortal youth in Eowyn- you got all in your discribtion. The first time I read the book I did not like Eowyn very much - she seemed so arrogant to me...not doing what her king wanted from her, just seeing that her pride is not touched, her "childish" love (in my eyes) for Aragorn. But with everytime I read it I understood her better. And I loved it that you gave Legolas the part to interview her about her motivation. Can`t wait to read more....!!! Beautifully written!
Author's reply
I always wonder about different motives. I know Legolas had reason enough to be there, but never seemed to mention it to anyone. And thanks as always for reviewing. :)