Reviews (443)

Lamiel · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Gold and Crimson

What a perfect memorial that graveyard is - truly Elves would have no need for names carved in stone, because they have the hope that eventually their loved ones will return from Mandos, to Valinor at least, if not to Middle-earth. And I love the image of all the rings of rose bushes for the elleth. Makes me wonder how the men's graves are marked...? There were mounds, and the stone marker along the road into Mirkwood, but that seemed a hasty thing, borne of necessity in war. I wonder how they do it when they can bring the body back home for burial. And of course, the image of Legolas weaving those roses while his fingers bled was incredibly powerful. Foolish Elf. It wouldn't kill him to wear gloves. Thranduil was remarkably accepting of Legolas' decision to rule in Ithilien. I guess that's understandable given the perspective, that it will only be for a couple hundred years or so. But he also knows that Legolas will sail over sea at the end of that time. Since Thranduil isn't leaving, I'd think he'd want Legolas to stay close until he sails. Now on to Erebor! Oh, I am looking forward to that! Lamiel P.S. Gimli smoking in Legolas' wardrobe - ha! Laughed out loud at that one!

Esamen/Karen · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Gold and Crimson

Legolas approached him from behind though his presence was by no means unknown, boldly running his now clean hands through that soft fall of golden hair, knowing it would soothe them both, much like stroking a cat behind the ears. Legolas’ touch was not the same as his mother’s, though she was foremost in their minds. Now it was only a fond gesture from one kindred Elf to another, a devoted son to his jaded father who was in more need of occasional petting than he would willingly admit. Thranduil did seem to release some unwanted tension beneath his son’s hands; Legolas was the only one he would allow to freely handle his hair, proof enough that the bonds of trust between them had not been irremediably strained by all that had passed in the last few days. Oh, this is beautiful. Touch is so incredible, and so many of us don't feel much touch . . . or many touches. I love to read things like this and to write it into my own stories. It makes everything so real. I loved your line about Gimli's mother, too! Are you beginning a whole new fandom universe here, or do you know her well already? Thanks for such a great story! Can't wait for the next posting! --Esamen

Firnsarnien · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 28: What Would You Have Me Do?

Aha! Thranduil "likes" Gimlie! Despite his best intentions, that dwarf made his way under his skin and now he actually likes him! They should all know better than to ever doubt Legolas! He'd never take someone who wasn't pure of heart into Mirkwood, er, I mean, Greenwood! LOL I'm glad though, that he is defending him and standing by Legolas. :) Though it saddens me that so many still continue to doubt Legolas judgement. Poor him. What a bittersweet homecoming! *sigh* Well, hurry with the next chappy! I'm anxiously awaiting it! ;)

Rose Sared · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 28: What Would You Have Me Do?

Oh yeah, oh yeah, proud stroppy elves and regal Thranduil, what a nice end to a work day finding this in my inbox! Just can't wait to find out how the dwarves treat a certain prince of the realm - ha! You maintain your usual standard of cracking writing. Well done Rose

Lamiel · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 28: What Would You Have Me Do?

Now this is nice. So many authors confronted with the problem of bringing Gimli to Mirkwood are focused soley on Thranduil as the major obstacle. Certainly that's true, but so too is he not alone in being suspicious of the Dwarves. And with good reason. But the king still has final say, and he won't be swayed. A good thing too, now that Gimli's won his respect. But that comment about Legolas letting Gollum escape was a low blow. I am indignant! Thank you for such a swift update. I myself am terribly, terribly slow, but I do appreciate such lovely swiftness in my favorite authors.

lwarren · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 28: What Would You Have Me Do?

I suppose long (and I do mean long!) years of friendship and counsel must count for something, but I must admit I kept waiting for Thranduil to literally explode when these guys questioned his judgment on the subject of Gimli, and practically attacked his son's good sense (they made it sound like Legolas doesn't have the Iluvatar-given sense of an elfling)! Anarion and Linhir were really getting on my nerves by the end of the chapter (I won't even mention Luinar, the pouter)...if that was your intention you succeeded masterfully! :) This was an interesting confrontation all around...and a new side to Thranduil, at least from my way of looking at him. I did have to snicker a little at his very grudging admission that he was liking that barbarian! ;) And I must admit that Thranduil's comment about not giving the dwarves of Erebor any excuse to blame Legolas for any mistreatment of Gimli while visiting his realm made sense *grudging agreement...hummmmph!*....I still wish Thranduil had blasted them! :) linda

calenore · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 28: What Would You Have Me Do?

Well, that settles it! You tell them, Thranduil. I'm glad he's coming around. As for the others, they'll get the idea someday that Gimli's a good guy. Why wasn't Legolas saying anything?

Nienna of Sorrow · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Not Forgotten

This was beautifully written! Like it was taken right out of the book! It's a beautiful tone just like the master himself. Rating is 10 out of 10. You've exceled.

Aelinmir · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 28: What Would You Have Me Do?

Go Thranduil!

Esamen/Karen · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

Gimli did not know what it should have looked like, but he knew a mess when he saw one. And even he could smell the acrid traces left from the blast. He might have asked what portcullis Thranduil meant, for there was nothing discernable left. The rubble had been built up into an impromptu gate with room enough to allow the river its course, but if his father’s tales be true, such an immovable handicap must have wreaked havoc with their method of shipping. The streaks of black had been scoured away as well as they might, but the faint stains still marred the walls, like echoes of the chaos gone before. This is great. I am so enjoying this story, with the themes of prejudice and breaking down barriers. This idea of the portcullis is wonderful. Makes all kinds of sense. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story!

Ms. Whatsit · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 28: What Would You Have Me Do?

Well, everything has hit the fan now, hasn't it? Tolkien never shows us the social effects of Legolas's friendship with Gimli, but it stands to reason that it would ruffle a few feathers--especially if he were brought *into* Mirkwood. >It was plain from his tone that he did not want to be fond of Gimli – that hairy, uncouth, endearing barbarian – but simply could not help it. Hee! What a wonderful description of Gimli--and of how Thranduil is starting to like him in spite of himself. Linhir is a bit of a lawyer, isn't he--never being too blunt, or too straightforward, never saying things to the King's face and couching his words in diplomacy. I can imagine Thranduil would be irritated by him. And Anarion is quite mean to our Elf! I suppose he's concerned with security, but I still don't like him.

Rose Sared · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

Oh I am so glad you are updating this as well as posting your other tale - coo you are prolific arn't you? The way you maintain the perfect tone of all your characters interaction just leaves me in awe, they remain themselves and perfectly in character at all times, even the OCs! Great tale, greatly enjoyed thanks. Rose

Trish · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

Coriel, I recently discovered fanfiction while being off my feet for a short time. I have read quite a few stories as of late and I truly enjoy yours. For one so young, you are truly gifted. I love the way you developed Legolas as a character. I feel he is very close to what Tolkien would have made him or at least what I would have liked Tolkien to made him. I eagerly await the next chapter.

Lamiel · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

I've heard of that cure for a hangover, but I can't imagine anyone actually drinking it, let alone if they're already feeling poorly. Gimli has a mightily strong stomach. Oh, it was fun to see the Elves playing with their horses in the river! Sopping wet and shirtless - now there's a picture of Legolas I shall treasure! And the Dwarves call Thranduil the "Incubus of the South"? Oh my. So now Gimli will have a business proposition for his kin when they return to Erebor. I'm looking forward to that!

lwarren · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

Poor Gimli! Treading the uncertain ground of the Woodland Realm, dealing with Thranduil, and now a hangover! Oh, and Dr. Greenleaf's cure-all! UGH! I had to smile at the elf's threat to pry Gimli open with a spoon, tho'....and using Thranduil as an incentive to take his medicine was hilarious! I would have loved to sit on the bank, too, and watch the cavorting of dozens of shirtless elves in the water *sigh*, another sparrow at the robins' birdbath :)! There were lots of interesting little descriptions (Thranduil in the river, his wonderful horse, Legolas' dark-haired "lackey", Luinar's reaction to Gimli getting drenched...is he going to be a problem?...the smell that took Legolas back to the Deeping Wall, to list a few) liberally sprinkled throughout this chapter, Coriel, but the best part was the last sentence. I hope Gimli is up to the challenge of rebuilding his part of the bridge...something tells me he won't let Thranduil out-shine him! linda

Joana · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

Such a beautiful chapter! It's so nice imagining the elves bathing their horses... I really loved it! And it's also wondeful to know that perhaps elves and dwarves are closer to becoming friends... I really really liked it. Don't ever stop writing because it was definitly worth reading! You're very talented. :)

Ms. Whatsit · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

Thranduil is scared of snakes, is he? LOL! The description of the Elves in the water was lovely--especially of Thranduil, looking like a "wet cat" but still kingly. And now there will be an alliance between Erebor and Mirkwood once more, hmmm? Or at least some kind of a truce--"alliance" seems a bit strong. The part where Gimli was wondering if the Elves were snubbing him without him realizing it was very real, and made me even more curious about Legolas's trip to Erebor.

calenore · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burnt Bridges Rebuilt

So this is what the elves do in their leisure time? Ha! I might have expected. I love the relationships you've woven between the horses and the elves. It seems so natural.

Anonymous · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

What does Arthrand mean? I can't find a reference for it.

Joana · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

Hello! I am a big fan of yours. I was looking for good Legolas fanfictions to read, and by the recommendation of a friend, I started reading this one. I was immediatly addicted! I love your style, the way your portray characters and guide the reader through your story... absolutely amazing. The Legolas of your story, I believe, resembles more to the Legolas I had in mind when I read Tolkien's books, than the one from the movie (not I dislike Mr.Bloom). I imagine him being so beautiful... I think I fell in love with your character! lol This sounds silly doesn't it? Anyway, now that I've finally reached the last chapter you wrote, I felt the need to express my opinion, hoping that it works as some sort of motivation for the next update. I just can't wait to see the elves swimming!! Do they swim naked or do they use leaves to cover the... erm erm? Perhaps some elvish bathing suits no? ;) To all the effects, I just hope you update as soon as you can because this is a truly amazing story and your're a wondeful writter. May the muse bring you inspiration, oh talented one! lol

Lamiel · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

Tall horses and deep water? I shall look forward to seeing that! But for now I am more than content with this glimpse of Legolas and Thranduil together. I've always been fascinated by the effect the sea-longing had on Legolas: the pain of knowing that he must forsake the world he knows and the people he loves, and conversely, the pain of delaying that call to stay until Aragorn's death. But I had not truly considered the intensity of the blow to Thranduil and his people. Legolas' feeling of shame and betrayal is very real, and seems very true to his circumstance and character. And compounding it is that he will not spend even the few (to an Elf) remaining years in Greenwood, but in Ithilien. Such deep pain, and such power in Legolas' decision. It speaks eloquently of the love he must have for his mortal friends, and for his father. This is deeply moving, and so beautifully written. I am, as ever, in awe of your talent and unique perception.

Theresa Green · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 12: Light In the Darkness

Well, Coriel, you really took my breath away with your description of Legolas singing in the caves of Aglarond. What a beautiful idea that he could harmonise with his own echoes! There is so much in this chapter that I enjoyed, but I think my favourite moment, apart from the Elf singing, was Gimli commenting that Thranduil reminded him of his mother! Wonderful! Another paragraph that stays vividly in my mind is Gimli watching Legolas and appreciating him in his own Dwarvish way, comparing the Elf's eyes to the diamonds twinkling in the caves. Great stuff! You worked wonders in this chapter to show us more about the friendship between the Elf and the Dwarf, Coriel. Thank you so much.

Firnsarnien · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

Ah, the sea! It tears at them both, no? I think stronger in Legolas though than in his father. Their pain is clear for anyone to see, it must truly be hard to go on with life as if nothing is wrong and their world is not coming to an end. I'm glad to see them find some resolution to the wall erected between them. Perhaps now, they *can* go on living and loving each other. I so love your use of language in this chappy! You nailed it! Right on the head! Every word spoken was so perfect for Thranduil and Legolas! And I loved that little bit at the end, where Leggy grabs his father's hand to drink some of his...wine...was it? That was touching and in the words of Peter Jackson, it was a perfect little punctuation to the scene! :) I look forward to your next chappy, as always! :)

Ms. Whatsit · 26 April 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

This was a very reflective chapter, and I guess Thranduil and Legolas needed to have this conversation. It's almost funny how Legolas thinks he's being weak, when he actually holds out for 120 years (which from Tolkien's "at last" in the appendices seems to be a long time for a Sinda). I like Thranduil's take on it--it's a challenge, an adventure. Interesting how you have Thranduil suppressing the sea-longing. I wonder if there's a psychological component to it--like you have to be open to it in order to be afflicted. And Thranduil and Legolas will have a day off. They'll need it! Will Gimli get into trouble without Legolas playing watchdog, or will he just be sleeping off a hangover?

mistry89 · 26 April 2004 · Chapter 26: What Must Be

Another great chapter in a "tricky" story. The balance between the Gimli/Thranduil situation in the present, the Legolas/Gloin in the future and the acceptance that Legolas has heard the call of the west is delicate, and it was*such* a good chapter! I do have a kind-of question - do you really believe that Thranduil and Celeborn choose to stay in ME "forever"? For me, at least, the fact that Celeborn has Galadriel waiting means that he *will* go, but that he is taking this time (while G makes her peace with the others in the west) to get to see "proper" trees - his life has been circumscribed by hers for so long, and he has been the lone elf of his kind in Lothlorien for so long. Thranduil is as near as he is going to get to kin (with most from Doriath dead) in Middle Earth, and the elves time is almost run out .. so this is his chance (or so it seems to me) to explore/experience the trees and forests of ME. For Thranduil, he has his "people", and whilst I do think that some (all?) of the woodland elves will stay, Thranduil (like Celeborn) has kin in Valinor, and of course Legolas has said he will go ... so I think he'll go too. I admit though, that I always felt that an equally powerful ending to the book would have been that Legolas remained in ME after the passing of the last of the Fellowship - luckily Tolkien felt it was unnecessary for me to have to read that! Which is all way off topic! Thank you again.