unplugged32 · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading
this is a STUNNING tale!! your Legolas is perfect, his 'voice' so true to character i am in awe of your work - more please:)
Author's reply
More coming . . . :)
Sons of Fellowship by Conquistadora
Reviews (443)
LKK · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Dream and Memory
A very good portrait of the confusion and torn feelings that the onset of sea-longing can produce. Nicely done! LKK
Author's reply
Thanks; it was an involved subject. :)
Nilmandra · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Dream and Memory
I liked this interlude between our wood elf and the golden one. They truly have more in common than they have in differences, at least in the things of importance. Yet Legolas's fear is real - the unknown, a place he has not seen. But at the end he seemed to see hope and a future. How wonderful to end on that note, punctuated by an annoyed (and very lovable) dwarf. :D
Author's reply
Annoyed, and still very lovable . . . Something tells me it will be difficult to explain this particular friendship to certain others of the household!
Lamiel · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Dream and Memory
Oh, what a lovely chapter. Once again I am struck first and foremost by your beautiful descriptions. The image of Legolas in the moonlight, the way he ghosted through the pavilion . . . oh, wonderful. So, so lovely. And a marvelous interaction with the Hobbits (the hands of a king... what a fabulous take on that!) and with Gimli. He's so considerate. The conversation with Glorfindel was very well done, with perfect depth and understanding of the Silmarillion. Your Elvish is just excellent as well. This slight tension beween the Sinda and the Noldo - particularly Legolas' response to Glorfindel's automatic focus on Galadriel rather than Celeborn, the Sindarin lord - is very intriguing. I also was taken with the interpretation of the sea longing, the conflict between the home one loves and the temptation of paradise. I do wish we might see a bit more of the ties that bind Legolas to the people in Middle-earth. Besides his father (and what a FANTASTIC Thranduil you paint in this chapter!) there are Aragorn and Gimli, and the rest of the Fellowship, mortals who cannot journey to Valinor. Those forces must be very strong indeed, that Legolas stayed only until Aragorn died, and then took Gimli with him over sea. Again, a beautiful, delicately wrought chapter with marvelous descriptions. Thank you very, very much. Lamiel P.S. One very small thing, but a pet peeve of mine - the difference between "lose" and "loose." Glorfindel says "Think of it not as loosing those you have found," - it ought to be "losing those you have found." To loose them would be to set them free, like loosing arrows from a bow. Probably just a typo, but your story is of such excellent quality you don't want a little thing like that dragging it down.
Author's reply
Legolas deserves some great descriptions, so I certainly try! By the time I'm done writing and proofreading them, they sound rather stale to me, so I'm glad you like them. :) I had some idea of the obvious lines drawn between Sinda and Noldo, but the more subtle touches are probably the ultimate result of converse with Marnie, who seems to me a master in that field. Thanks to her, my Celeborn has a somewhat stronger presence than he would otherwise have had. ;) Yay! Thranduil the part-time artist has some appeal! Honestly, he did that himself, and it surprised even me as I wrote it. Legolas is constantly making the excuse that Thranduil's caves are *different*, and I couldn't imagine what could make them so different that he was comfortable living in them half the time. Hey, why not paint forests on the walls?! It could work! YES. Thank you for pointing that out; typo has been corrected. Maybe I should have someone besides my little sister beta these chapters. ;)
calenore · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Dream and Memory
"...did not pursue a sore subject that had already come between them once in the past..." What? I don't get it... What did he have around his neck? Will we find out later? I'm full of questions tonight. I'm glad Glorfindel at least tried to give some advice, even though it didn't completely help. *sigh* The Noldor and Sindar really are very different, aren't they? But at least Legolas is in better spirits now... but I say it's high time that he goes home and says hello to all of his worried friends and family, not to mention his poor father. On the other hand, I think I shall start using "Lasto lalaith nîn, le thaur ereg ned enedh nîn" as a regular insult... I laughed so hard when I read that! :D
Author's reply
Of course you'll find out later. You don't really think I would just leave it at that, do you? Just hold your horses! It certainly is high time he goes home; after all, he's been gone a year, but he still has several stops to make. We haven't even gotten to Edoras yet, or Helm's Deep or Fangorn! (hint-hint) That last came to us on a whim. I think Legolas would be more free with the insults when he knows Gimli can't understand them. It was originally supposed to be "grouch-dwarf", but the CoE dictionary contained no such word. ;)
LKK · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely
I still enjoy this view of Legolas' return from the war, Coriel. This is a very interesting gap-filler with a different perspective. Looking forward to more! Quickie comment: I liked Galadriel's reference to the War of the Ring as "the Great War". I have no doubt that you're alluding to World War I, the war that so greatly influenced Tolkien. Very clever of you to incorporate the reference! LKK
Author's reply
This seems to be the perspective Tolkien never thought much about, and I thought it was high time this poor little Sinda got a decent tribute. So, needless to say, I'm working my mind to a frazzle trying to make it good enough! Ah, very insightful of you! To tell the honest truth, I didn't think much about it, but with all I've been hearing lately about Tolkien and his war years, I would not be surprised if my subconscious deliberately threw that out. So thanks for highlighting it! :)
Nilmandra · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely
Celeborn's words are wise - I guess he is called Celeborn the Wise for a reason. This was nice look at the elven communities and lifestyle - the little details about the lights and sounds. In particular, though, I liked Celeborn's words to Legolas.
Author's reply
Again, Celeborn did all his talking for himself. Sometimes it is strange the way they will take a cue and run with it. Anyhow, one of your favorites features in the next chapter, I believe . . .
bryn · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely
I must say, I've just begun reading this piece and am enjoying it immensely!!! :) Your imagery is spectacular--you've got a great way of phrasing. Movements, emotions, and perceptions are crystal clear. I also love the way you portray the Elves. (And kudos for Celeborn and Galadriel! Far too often are they overlooked.) Your take on Legolas is completely unique from all others I've read. It's fantastic and intriguing. I eagerly await the next chapter! :)
Author's reply
Ha, so do I! I can't seem to finish these quick enough for myself. But then I also have a sister (a.k.a. Chigger) who has suddenly been cursed with several wild plot-bunnies and who thus demands an equal share of computer time! But I'll get it done one way or another. :)
White Wolf · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely
Wise Celeborn. I hope Legolas takes his advice. I hate to think of Legolas suffering from the sea longing. It must be so hard to be torn like that, yearning to leave and yet not really wanting to. I wish we could have heard Legolas sing in the movies. Ah well. That went the way of the loose hair.
Author's reply
I suppose it would have been asking too much to expect Orlando to turn elvish enough to do justice to all the many facets of the character. But, hey, in text we can do what we want!
Lamiel · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely
Dear Gimli. Rough he might be, and certainly a bit too rough for an Elf at times, but he does still hold Legolas back from the Sea. As does Aragorn. And for that I am grateful. Lovely touch, his composing a verse in honor of his father's defense of Mirkwood. Very well done.
Author's reply
It seems Legolas has quite a few strings holding him back, and *someone* is determined to talk them over. As always, glad you like it so far. :)
calenore · 5 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Use these Days Wisely
It's a good thing Celeborn has patience to coax the problems out of Legolas; I fear that I'd be so frustrated and concerned that I'd want to beat it out of him with a stick... a small stick, but a stick nonetheless ;). Eagerly awaiting an update!
Author's reply
I'll tell Legolas that, so he'll be ready to duck. :)
ren · 4 January 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading
Elvish politics! And more hints of some upset beneath the surface. This story gets more interesting with every chapter - brava, and thank you!
Author's reply
Ah, but thank *you*. What would a story be without a readership!
Lamiel · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading
Oh, this is wonderful. I'm delighted to see a thoughtful and considered exploration of Legolas' feelings about the long fight and desperate survival of Lasgalen, which remained "Great" only through tremendous sacrifice by her people. No Ring, no help from the other Elven realms, to say nothing of Men or Dwarves, and they triumphed. Not only that, but they'll continue to survive the passing of the Rings. Interesting twist, having Glorfindel recognize the folly of too great a dependence on the Rings, and regret the Noldor choice. Lovely, lovely chapter. Hooray for Good Thranduil, and interesting idea about Legolas and Arwen. I'm eagerly anticipating more. Lamiel
Author's reply
Okay, I'm back now; been sick for a day or two. Right. :) No Ring, no help, just one heck of a stubborn king who wasn't going to have it said of him that he ran and left all the north open to Whatever-It-Was down south. ;) Dale and Erebor owe a lot to him. This whole thing is manifesting itself slowly but distinctly. This could end up being the longest thing I've written. So far we're still plodding our way through one chapter of RotK! :)
Nilmandra · 2 January 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading
As the devoted scribe to Glorfindel, I am looking forward to these future words! I liked this scene between Legolas and Glorfindel, and think in some ways they seem to be much alike.
Author's reply
I hope it comes across alright, since Glorfindel is mostly new territory for me!
calenore · 2 January 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading
I'm glad that Legolas shows that he's got his own worries and weaknesses in this chapter... hopefully Glorfindel will help him. Is it the Sea-Longing that's making Legolas snappish, or is it being away from home, or something entirely different?
Author's reply
Some people don't think Legolas has worries and weaknesses, but that's just because he won't talk about them! This particular bout is a delux combo of several different things, but I think Glorfindel will be able to wade through it all if he just waits a bit. Ever had one of those days when every little thing seems to bother you? :)
ren · 2 January 2004 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead
Yours is the most wonderfully *Elvish* Legolas I have seen in a long time - wonderful! This is also one of those rare stories that has me checking every day for updates, despite what all commonsense and writerly compassion tells me. *g* Thank you!
Author's reply
Hooray, it worked! I've been striving for elvenesse, so I'm just thrilled you like it. :) I'd love to keep daily updates going for you, but where has all the time gone?! Rest assured, though, not a day goes by when some progress is not made on it. Just sit tight, and I'll see what I can do! :)
White Wolf · 1 January 2004 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead
As each group kept passing in front of Legolas, I kept wanting him to get in line. I was beginning to think he wasn't going to move until everyone else was out of sight! I was glad, though, that he ended up riding with the twins. I'm looking forward to Thranduil's reaction, when Legolas shows up with Gimili. You continue to do good work with this story.
Author's reply
Several others may have thought that, too! A new chapter just asserted itself next that I hadn't planned on, so I'm off to go work on that. :)
daw the minstrel · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead
Oh I do look forward to the meeting between Gimli and Thranduil. I think there is a distinct possibility that all may not go as well as Legolas anticipates.
Author's reply
I intend to craft that scene with utmost discretion. It will take a lot of thinking about, but I have several chapters until then. It could be interesting, but it all hangs on just how Thranduil is feeling that day. ;)
White Wolf · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 3: Ride With Me
I loved this chapter. You said you have an affinity doing conversations, and it really shows. As I said before, I get such a feeling of calm, when I read your chapters. There is no hustle and bustle about them. Legolas and Gimli are so good together. I also loved Legolas getting ready in his princely raiment. I wish we could have seen him with his hair down in the movies. (I haven't had the chance to see ROTK yet, *grumbles*, but I doubt that his hair gets loose then, either.)
Author's reply
Oh, good. After all, Tolkien described this whole sequence as "without haste and at peace." No; afraid not. However, he does get a new and well-deserved touch in his very last scene. ;) Hope you don't have to wait too much longer!
daw the minstrel · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 2: Beneath the Stars
I particularly liked Legolas's thoughts about Thranduil and the ways in which he has served him and shaped his actions over the years. I also liked Eomer's reactions to learning who Legolas was.
Author's reply
Any and all of Thranduil's progeny have a big job on their hands when it comes to taking care of him. ;) And Eomer has seen a lot of strange things over the past months. :)
fan81981 · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 1: Not Forgotten
That was ... great. Sorry I can't be more eloquent, but yours has robbed me of mine. There was such a grace and quite dignity in the characters - especially Legolas. The speech of the characters was wonderfully executed. Very Tolkienish (is that a word). Either way, you really caputred the tone and the formal air of speaking. Your Legolas is so in character. I had always imagined him to be more aggressive than this but I can fully see why you made him as you did. It illustates a point that I have often felt about him. He is the most passive character in th trilogy. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does explain his easy manner in following commands etc. The next time someone cannot understand what I am talking about I am going to direct them to this fic. Thank you. And three more chapters to read - yeah.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it, since it is my very best try so far. :) Legolas certainly is a quiet one. And that has always bothered me, you might say. Through both the books and the movies I wanted to read and see more of Legolas, but the emphasis was always hobbits, Aragorn, Gandalf. I can see why, but still it bugs people like me! I've always imagined Legolas as more even-tempered than his father (or else there probably would have been constant bickering between him and Aragorn). Never once did he demand his rights (which I found singularly vexing), and even when asked directly, he always turned the spotlight back toward Aragorn or Gandalf. So now, whether he likes it or not, I'm going to follow him home and highlight that trip to the best of my raw ability. :) I hope you find the rest worthwhile!
Aislynn Crowdaughter · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead
Wonderful story so far! I like your portrait of Legolas, and I very much liked the scene between him and Aragorn at the start, as well as Eomer thinking of him as an common Elven warrior commissioned into Aragorns service by his lord before Legolas reveals himself as athe Elvenkings son in the second chapter. I love the references to the olden Rohirric lore about Thranduil of Mirkwod, too. Great story, please continue! Would there be any channce of seeing Glorfindels thoughts about the "youngling"? Aislynn
Author's reply
It seemed likely that there would be some mention of Thranduil in Rohirric folklore since they were supposed to come out of the north originally. Granted, it has mutated as all legends do, and someone like Legolas certainly wasn't what Eomer had expected. ;) It could turn out to be an interesting Age. Glorfindel was originally a sideline character, but at this rate he'll be sure to elbow his way in before long. ;)
Muinthel · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead
...I have not been with your stories for some while, but I just stumpled over the data file on my lapetop with your stories and enjoyed all again. Your newest one is a real hightlight and I just love the way you give insight into Legolas beeing. I love the part when he opens to Eomer a bit and offers friendship in such a neat "elvish" way. Also Legolas description of Gimli to Elrods sons...I just love it. Can't wait to read more.....!
Author's reply
Hello again! We'll see if I can make the rest as good as the beginning. :) As far as Legolas goes, I just let him talk and act for himself. Sometimes he'll surprise even me. ;)
JastaElf · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead
This story is absolutely DELIGHTFUL, and beautifully written to boot! Nilmandra recommended it to my Yahoo group, and she always knows whereof she speaks; this is no exception. Your characterizations are delightful, superb, and beautifully crafted. The story is compelling; if I had it printed out, I would say it is a page-turner. I await with joy the updates! Your Legolas especially is quintessentially Elvish, and I am hoping there will be scenes to come of him interacting with Celeborn and the irrepressible Glorfindel, both of whom are always a fun challenge to write--I would love to see your take on them, especially in light of what they have set up between themselves and the reluctantly revealed Prince of the Woodland. :-) Thank you for such an elegant, luminous tale, with so many delightful moments in it!
Author's reply
Oh, wow; I'm getting recommendations?! Thank you so very much. Most of my characterization is based on gut impulse, so I'm glad I have them right! I'll see what I can do with Celeborn and Glorfindel; there should be some time later while they're milling around in Edoras. :) And I'll try to keep up the "delightful moments". ;)
Lamiel · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead
This is absolutely marvelous! What wonderful descriptions of Legolas. He's perfect: retiring, reluctant to shine, quiet, and yet strong, graceful, and poised. I absolutely loved the scene wherein he climbed to Eomer's window. And waiting for the entourage to pass, so he could ride at the back . . . what an incredible gesture, absolutely true to his character. This comfortes me a little for PJ's blatant disregard of my favorite Elf. Thank you so much! Lamiel
Author's reply
You could say this bit was inspired by both the book and the movie, or rather what was missing from both the book and the movie. I combed the appendices years ago for Legolas stuff, but couldn't find hardly a darn thing! So, here I'm trying to do my own small part to shed some well-deserved light on him. :) And you are more than welcome!