Reviews (443)

Nilmandra · 19 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This

I will have to read this over several times to get my thoughts and impressions in line - there is a lot of depth here. Let me just say that I particularly like how elfy Legolas is in this chapter. He is no doubt of a different race than mortal men. I like the acknowledgement that Eowyn is not a traitor or a heroine - she is both. She has had glory and valour, and she disobeyed her king. I liked Legolas's challenge to her to be wife, mother and wife of a ruler (which we all know is to rule in many ways), to cease her life as a shieldmaiden and go on to a differnt life. I like the immaturity you have shown in Eowyn - not immature as we might think of young people today, but in her hero worship and feelings of love for Aragorn, Faramir and Legolas. Her feelings of love are very typical of a young female who dreams of better times, people and places. I also like that you remind of us the price paid by the Woodland Realm and the shadow that has darkened their forest. In Legolas you see the long years of struggle and battle, and his loyalty to his father and his people is well told.

ziggy · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This

Brillinat! Havent read these last three chapters yet but loved all previous- I know I will forget to review so wanted to say how delighted I was to find more to read. You portray Legolas in a truthful way- and I think this is as close to the book as any I have read. Thank you for the pleasure I have had in reading this.

Marnie · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This

Oh, blast! I just typed a review and then hit 'Close Window' instead of post, and now it's all gone :( I'm most miffed! Anyway, the gist of it was - excellent chapter, liked the symbelmyne in her hair, and loved "Though the Dark Lord would beat him like a cur, he would ever growl in return." Though Faramir needs to watch out, she does tend to throw herself at anything male, doesn't she ;)

Fadesintothewest · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This

I admit, after getting homr from a long night out, I sat at my computer and was very happy to see an update alert to this story! Does this make me a geek, sure, and proud of it. My I think this is so far the best chapter in this story. You have captured the fiery spirit of Tolkien's Eowyn, so fragile, yet so brave and free-spirited, but young nonetheless. Legolas was at his best, both fatherly and kindred like. This is sublime, sublime, sublime, but I have said that before, haven't I. I am very glad life hasn't kept you too busy that you have to stay away too long from our beloved Middle Earth.

Lamiel · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This

Oh, marvelously done. Eowyn is a very difficult character to portray, but you've captured her perfectly. The pride and tension between her and Legolas are wonderful to behold. I particularly loved Legolas' reaction to the simbelmyne in her hair, and his response when she says, unthinking, "that would seem an eternity" - "you know not the meaning of the word." He is very fey, in this chapter, and yet becomes again the more humble warrior that we're used to at the end. I also appreciate his challenge of Eowyn's role in Pelennor Fields - the "heroine or deserter" conflict of her choice. And it is an excellent point, that there were other's besides her that were not Men and could have destroyed the Witch King. Maia, Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits . . . really, if I were the Witch King I wouldn't take much comfort in a prophecy that only protected me from a fifth of Middle-earth's population! Beautifully written, as always. Legolas seems to dance a thin edge between Elven lord and self-deprecating Elf. I rather doubt that he would call attention to his own neglect - rather rejoice in escaping the spotlight, and seek to honor the others. But that doesn't mean that we don't love to see him get some recognition, even if he won't accept it.

calenore · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 10: Promise Me This

WOW. This must have been a difficult chapter to write. I loved the depth of emotion present in it... even when one of the two was not showing emotion, the undercurrents were still present there. I liked the parallels between the plights of Rohan and Lasgalen, as well as the parallels between Eowyn and Gimli's relationships with Legolas and Galadriel. Legolas' reaction to Eowyn seemed very realistic to me; very in-character. For someone as driven by duty as Legolas is, it seems that Eowyn's actions would not have necessarily been commendable. Very, very good chapter.

Ithilien · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

I am delurking briefly to tell you I have only recently found this story but am astounded by how well-written it is. You have an amazing gift of language, and I love the way you have subtley drawn these characters. There is nothing abrasive in your portrayals, and what the story lacks in action/adventure (it really is not of that make, is it) it makes up for in its dramatic presentation of character and detail. I am very impressed and I know that I must read more of your work now to get the full of your talent. My only critique is your shift in POV, which seems to slip in and out of the head of multiple characters at times (it’s an irksome peeve of mine -- I do not like being forced to think from someone else's viewpoint what when the section may have started from a different character's perspective), but beyond that, you do a fabulous job. More soon please.

unplugged32 · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

another beautifully written chapter! i can't wait for the eowyn/legolas conversation - i have a feeling it will be my favorite moment:)

White Wolf · 15 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

I really liked Theoden's funeral. Nicely told, and as usual, easy to picture.. I'm looking forward to the conversation between Legolas and Eowyn. I hope I don't have to wait too long for it. :o)

Lamiel · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

Nice working of Tolkien's text and your own. I frequently draw on the Master's dialogue, and it's always a trick to smoothly incorporate it with the emotions and actions of the characters as you envision them. Well done. Now I am eagerly awaiting Eowyn's conversation with the prince. Legolas under the stars . . . mmm, there's an image.

LKK · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

Beautiful, Coriel. These past two chapters have been very poetic. Filled with nice touches like Gimli's unspeakable joy at riding with his Lady. I look forward to the upcoming discussion between Eowyn and Legolas. LKK

Marnie · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

Ah, nice to see Merry's relationship with Theoden restored. I missed that in the film. And yes, it's a bit staggering for Legolas to realise that his people still consider him young when he's older than the whole kingdom of Rohan :) Certainly gives a new perspective to things. What has Eowyn got to say to Legolas, I wonder?

Fadesintothewest · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

I just wanted to say I have been following your story but have not reviewed as life is immensely busy... It is wonderful and your Legolas is sublime!

Nilmandra · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

I think my favorite missing scene from RotK was Theoden naming Eomer as king - it is good to see him here being recognized as the new ruler of his people. I am curious to know what words Eowyn wishes to have with Legolas.

calenore · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 9: The Victorious Dead

I like how you compared the funerals of the elves to mortal funerals... it was a nice touch. And, FYI, it wasn't nice to leave us with that minor cliffhanger... ;)

Marnie · 13 January 2004 · Chapter 8: To Smile Again

Go Celeborn! An elf of few words, but strong ones :) Liked him very much in this chapter. Legolas and Gimli are a strange team but seem to work very well together, and it was nice to see Arwen looking so happy (and so lovely - you have quite a gift for physical description there.) And now I'm itching to see how Thranduil is and what he's been up to during the war, but I guess there are many partings before that :)

daw the minstrel · 12 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely

Celeborn is right, I think. Using one's limited time wisely is all any of us can do

daw the minstrel · 12 January 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading

Great chapter. I loved the interaction between Glorfindel and Legolas. I assume the sea longing is making Legolas touchy.

White Wolf · 12 January 2004 · Chapter 8: To Smile Again

I cracked up when Legolas and Gimli fell off Arod. How embarrassing for an elf. I love the conversation between Legolas and Arwen. You gave just the right hint of Legolas's lost love and the earlier attempts to get L & A together. I'm really glad that Frodo knew it was Legolas that eased him out of his nightmare. I'm also glad he let Legolas know he knows.

Muinthel · 11 January 2004 · Chapter 8: To Smile Again

I follow your new story very closely...and so far I think I like it best from all you wrote so far. I like the way you look inside the characters....always with a little twinkle in the eye. I like that very much!!! Also you work the ambivalence in Legolas very careful out. And I like the talks he is having with Glorfindel and Celeborn...always with lots of respect...but sometimes I think he feels like screeming for everybody wants to help him and wants him to talk. Can't wait to find out what will happen when finally Aragorn talks to him too....hehehe!! I'm waiting for the next chapter...!!

calenore · 11 January 2004 · Chapter 8: To Smile Again

Legolas is lucky to have such good friends and kinsmen. And Gimli, of course, though I winced when I read the part about Gimli grabbing poor Legolas' hair. Ouch.

Lamiel · 11 January 2004 · Chapter 8: To Smile Again

First and foremost, I just loved the scene with Gimli pulling Legolas off the horse. Oh, the way he grabbed his cloak, and his hair . . . I was nearly in tears, I was laughing so hard. Wonderful, just wonderful. I'm glad to see them be a little more light hearted in their rivalry -- they seemed a bit too tense with each other earlier. And of course the descriptions continue to be absolutely breathtaking. Sigh. Legolas can come sweeten my dreams any time. I must admit that I'm glad that Legolas' mysterious love is off in Valinor -- I wasn't looking forward to meeting her in Mirkwood. It's extremely difficult to write a good Legolas love interest -- they almost always end up a Mary Sue, and in any case who wants to read about him being happy with some other woman? Much better to leave the field open for all of us Elf worshippers to imagine ourselves there. That's my humble opinion, anyway. The bit of backstory with Arwen is very interesting, though, and well done. Just enough to explain what's going on, without getting weighed down in their history. I am very curious about Legolas' response to Aragorn's questioning why he hung back when they joined the picnic, and his relief that Aragorn didn't press the matter. Just wanting to avoid attention, as when they left Minas Tirith? Or something more? I'm looking forward to more. This is beautifully done.

White Wolf · 10 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Dream and Memory

I loved it when Legolas soothed Frodo in his restless sleep. It proves what a good heart our dear elf has. You gave us a great glimpse into Legolas's thoughts while out under the stars. I like what Glrofindel had to say, especially when he told Legolas that he wouldn't lose those he had found but would find those his had lost. Very well said. The description of Thranduil's painting was very lovely. It adds another dimension to his personality. Unlike a lot of other writers, I love the guy.

sofia · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Dream and Memory

wow! Really really good. The way you wrote it made it seem peaceful.

unplugged32 · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Dream and Memory

in my excitement, i have accidentally left my comments at a previous chapter, when i meant to leave them here since they refer to all the chapters posted so far:) oh well:) STUNNING tale! beautifully written, perfect Legolas voice:)