Reviews (19)

daw the minstrel · 25 December 2007 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

What a lovely Christmas gift this was. I can read it any time I like and it always brings me joy.

moonshine4488 · 2 May 2007 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

aw...how cute! if only all relationships were that good! lol, I just love reading about Lorellin and Thranduil!

Eruanneth_Luin · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

How utterly lovely it is to see Thranduil discomposed by the delightful elleth who one day would be his wife. Obviously she was more than just another pretty female as no doubt he had seen many beauties during his long years. For him to announce his intentions so immediately and her to accept speaks of an attraction of fëa to fëa, not a mere hröa to hröa desire. You play so well with the characters of Tolkien as well as those OC’s of others. Thank you for another refreshing novel story, Nilmandra.

mistry89 · 26 August 2004 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

Thank you for the glimpse at a younger (and not unhappy) Thranduil. His sense of accomplishment, his pride, his imperiousness ..... oops, yup he most definitely needed someone who wasn't afraid to tease. I'm such a fan of pre-lotr stories and am delighted to see another charming entry, thanks again.

Duchess · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

Very nice! I really enjoyed this and thank you for adding to daw's fun series she has created. :)

nessie · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

Ahh, this was splendid! I love daw's characters, so I was delighted you wrote one where Thranduil and Lorellin meet. When Thranduil spilt his wine, and them more clumsiness followed, I laughed and turned away from the moniter because I was embarrassed for him. Would have never thought that he'd get so flustered! Not only that, Lorellin was not the only one to see it! Our poor king! Well, this was GREAT! ~nessie~

Elentari · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

How lovely! I was giggling as I read this, how sweet. Thranduil is clumsy! And the maiden laughs at his plight! And she gets to kiss him, rather than being called to attention! I loved your portrait of a besotted thranduil. God knows we need more of these. Thanks for the ride!

rgbj · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

When I first started this tale I wondered when in time I was. Got it figured out though. The beginning was a great Thranduil moment. This new cave dwelling built with resources of the elves who chose to follow him as King after the death of Oropher. Not just for him but as a haven for all Greenwood elves in time of danger. I am so glad you had this be a celebration of the winter solstice. Christmas is predated by pagan rituals and ceremonies that over the centuries became Christianized. I know I shouldn't care but I cannot read a story about the hobbits, elves or anyone in Middle Earth celebrating Christmas. It is as if the writer doesn't realize what Christmas represents. So thank you for knowing that elves would celebrate the winter solstice but couldn't possibly celebrate Christmas. AAH Love at first sight for a king. That is so sweet. The crown does sit heavy on a king especially when he wishes to meet a maiden and is surrounded by sycophants and supplicants. Oh my some really cool moves there Thranduil. So he was once a youthful and somewhat gawkish elf. Wasn't born with elan and charisma, he had to grown into all that. Bet he was gorgeous though. A quick witted maiden who knows what she wants and goes for it. Why does this remind me of Eilian? He is so like this. I bet you planned it that way. Yes indeed it may have been the first celebration in the Great Hall but it won't be the best. Many more great celebrations to come including celebrating a royal wedding and the births of three elflings. That was very nice. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for sharing.

Legolas4me · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

That was just bloody excellent! I loved it! I just can't say enough about it...it was perfect!

erunyauve · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

I love the way you have drawn Lorellin - I've always imagined that Thranduil would have to have a strong wife, since he is certainly not a shy, retiring sort of King. (And Tolkien seems to have agreed on this subject - with the exception of Arwen, the wives and daughters of his Kings took an active role in the rule of their kingdoms). I also like the bold manner in which Thranduil pursues his future wife. It's not unrealistic for an elf to identify his or her soul-mate (fea-mate?) within a short meeting, and Thranduil isn't about to spend long years second-guessing his instincts while some other suitor snatches her away.

meckinock · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

Nilmandra, this is just lovely. I could almost feel the blood rushing to Thranduil's cheeks. He was a very lucky elf, indeed. He not only found the first elf maiden ever to melt his heart, he found the only elf maiden who could handle him, and boy, does she ever!

Strange Blaze · 23 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

lovely yet again nilmandra...i love the vivid details in describing the Great Hall and Lorellin's dress especially. She seems a bit scandalous but so fun and full of life. It was great to see the young king, especially so happy and having fun.

emjo · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

Loved it! More please!

Antigone_Q · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

That was lovely, Nilmandra! I can just see the expression of dismay on Saelon's face as he thinks to himself "dark hair, blue gown...in the midst of all these elves...right..." And you managed to make Lorellin an interesting and likeable character, even in this short piece. I like happy/romantic Thranduil stories. Just in time for the season, too.

LKK · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

Aw, that was too sweet, Nilmandra! But not in an ickly saccharine way! My heart went out to Saelon. What a twosome to be trapped between --- an imperious king and an impish elf maid. I loved Lorellin here. She is clearly the mother of her children. A wonderful solstice romance! LKK

Dot · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

How wonderful! I love seeing Thranduil a little ruffled. He must indeed have fallen for this maiden if he is suddenly so awkward! I love your depiction of Lorellin – I really like the idea that she has an independent streak and knows how to handle herself, without being completely headstrong. And she seems to know how to handle Thranduil too! You’ve given her many lovely characteristics but still kept her real and managed to portray beautifully the idea that they fell in love instantly and suited each other perfectly. Oh, and I just love your description of the Great Hall in all its festive glory – I feel all Christmassy now! There’s such a sense of closeness amongst these elves, and it seems due to this king who loves his people so much. I’m so glad daw lets you play with her characters (I really enjoyed ‘Eilian’s Begetting Day’ as well!) – you seem to have such an understanding of her world and you do such an incredible job. I’m completely engrossed in History Lessons, by the way – I’ll go and punish myself suitably now for not taking the time to review……

daw the minstrel · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

I love your picture of Lorellin. She is lighthearted and not particularly impressed by Thranduil's eminence. She is so what he needs! And she is such a wood elf. I think I see her in Eilian in particular, and I feel so bad for what they all lost when she died, particularly little Legolas. Thank you for this story, Nilmandra.

Jay of Lasgalen · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

Oh, a lovely solstice story! I like to see Thranduil so light-hearted as he courts his love. She does indeed sound perfect for him! I like the descriptions of the winter celebrations in his halls, too. Jay

dr_seuss_is_cool · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 1: First Celebrations

awww how cute! i loved it! i've read all of your other stories and i love them too they are all soo good i thought lorellin was so freaking awesome thanks and great job!