Reviews (129)

Winterwitch · 5 May 2013 · Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves

I'm currently reading chronologically through your Woodland-realm stories, after I put "History Lessons on hold since I'm also currently reading the Silmarllion, and it became a bit muddled to read it both alongside *g*. I've yet to leave reviews on "May the Valar..." and "Journey's End", though would like to say for the moment that I absolutely loved both stories and am in absolute awe of your talent of storytelling and creating and inventing characters, invents, and details to this wonderful culture. As I'm reading fanfic mostly offline, I usually lag behind awfully with the reviewing, too, and can just hope that you forgive me for not reviewing each chapter individually, like here. I've started last night with this next wonderful part of little Legolas' adventures, enjoying myself again immensely and also again admiring your ideas and the way you go about telling them and sharing them with your readers. In the first story about Legolas, you made the pain and difficulties of everybody involved so painfully palpable and real that it's pure joy and delight now to see how well everything worked out for all affected. I'm also much in awe of your ability to balance your characters and give them real depth and life and each one so much individuality without loosing the balance in the arc of each story. Particularly in this chapter, I love so much the way of the communication of trees and the distinction between Woodland and other elves in this ability. Also the reaction of the Imladris elves to that - a feat to be admired and longed for, and with this the respect they show for a different way of living, contrary to many other depictions of differences in elven culture I've read so far. I bow before your storytelling and writing talent and consider myself lucky to be allowed to read, enjoy and love it. Thank you so much!

nautika · 18 January 2007 · Chapter 11: Going Home

I discovered what I did wrong in looking through your stories. I went from the first page to the 'last' page and skipped anything in between! Wow, more fics to read! I started Hunting last night and finished it tonight. I really liked the way you combined the elfs from the 2 realms. Wonderfully done. I very rarely have read anything where the twins are adults and their mother is still living, though, so I kept having to make that mental adjustment. I really like your Sadron, as well as your other OCs. I dont think I've mentioned that before. I have a Sadron of my own in a WIP called Tragedy in the Woodland Realm, but yours is way more fun! Of course, so was this story! I just cant cover everything in a review, but I will tell you that I am going to have to buy a binder, because your fics are going to have one of their very own!

Anonymous · 30 July 2005 · Chapter 11: Going Home

This was a really nice story... I love little Legolas, he is so sweet... always wanting ones attention. Loved the twins and the interaction with both elve family's...Great job

moonshine44(ff.n) · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 11: Going Home

This story is amazing! You have so many good moral points in it. It is also very humorous. I think I like this one the best so far. It was definitely intersting to see the meeting of the Imladris and Wood elves. Great job!

paranoidangel · 22 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Going Home

I was enjoying that until you pointed out how bittersweet it was! I did like your Elladan and Elrohir as well, they were similar but different. And now it's made me go and read 40 chapters of Legolas, when am I going to find the time to fit it in? :)

Dot · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

Hi Nilmandra. I’m afraid I only have time for a very quick line but I re-read this story over the last two days and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Wow, I’d forgotten how incredible it is! I had felt like reading something kind of angsty and the scene where Elrohir puts his arm around Lathron popped into my head (that still brings tears to my eyes) – and of course the words of your A/N at the end, which I recall sent a chill through my heart the first time I read them. Anyway… I do love this chance to see your two worlds together. Your little Legolas has always been a joy to watch and it’s wonderful to see him so much more adjusted and clearly relishing – and returning – all the love and attention showered upon him. How sweet are Mirkwood’s warriors?!! I admit I laughed again at the Wood-Elves’ treatment of Elladan and Elrohir. You do write the twins so well – two very distinct people but with an unbreakable bond that is so touching to see. I love how clear it is that Glorfindel treasures them and sees the many strengths of both of them. It’s great to see so many friendships formed – and romances too! But what I think I like best is the way we get almost an outsider’s view of Thranduil’s family. Even Elladan and Elrohir can feel the love and closeness that they share and I just love that Thranduil is so open in his love for his children. Your Thranduil is amazing, btw. Such a mixture of power and infinite tenderness. And there’s such love and peace between them all that it is only when they are removed from this family that Elladan and Elrohir realise the loneliness behind the picture. It really seemed to me during that horrible time when they searched for Legolas that it would be a struggle for them ever to recover but clearly they manage to draw strength from each other and are maybe even a little closer now. You’re right, of course, that we never think we’re next. And in some ways, at least Elladan and Elrohir have learned to cherish what they have now. But still… sometimes I wish I didn’t know what the future held for these people. This is a very powerful story, Nilmandra, in terms of the bonds of family and the strength of love. And I guess the instability of the world we know. It really touched me. Right, I’ve got to go, even though I probably haven’t said half of what I actually should have… Oh, and can I just say that Lathron is one of my all-time favourite OCs! I do love him :-)

Duchess · 20 May 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

What a marvelous tale! I loved it, loved it, loved it!!! Will we get another one where Tathiel has her baby? *hoping so like mad* Yes, reading that last bit DID make me realize that Celebrian was next, so to speak and they too would be left motherless until going to Valinor. *sniffle* Well done!

Antigone Q · 7 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

Lovely story, Nilmandra! There was lots of adventure, Legolas was charming as ever (of course), and I liked the spin you put on the relationship between Elladan and Elrohir. In fact, I liked all the interactions within the different relationships in this story. Thanks for a nice read!

Hisie Lome · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

This was bittersweet. It was quiet nice to "feel" the peace and love in each family. Also nice that Thranduil really does have quite the spy network and a finger on all that happens to his children. As always, well done and thank you for all of you hard work. Mina Sedth, Hisie Lome

sofia · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

This really is a great story. And you are an awsome author. I hope your next stories are coming to us soon!

Alina · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

Thank you for the warm-hearted story! I was a real treat to read among all the angsty fics that are usually my favourites. I adored the way you characterized the woodelves, especially Thranduil. He was perfectly captured between stern and gentle, a much "rounder" character than in many other stories. I would like to see another story from you soon. Thank you for sharing this one. Alina

LKK · 5 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

Oh! I *knew* I'd forgotten a romantic pair! Bellion and Meren. FOUR romances in one story. I foresee lots of little wood elflings scampering around in the future. :-) LKK *smiling happily at thought of scampering wood elflings*

LKK · 5 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

I had no idea that It Takes a Middle Earth Village by Hilariwen Rodhamiel Clintonion was such a popular book in elven society. It seems all elves take part in raising the young ones. Legolas is a child of the realm, indeed, as were Elrohir, Elladan, and Arwen. Wonderful last chapter, Nilmandra. I have truly enjoy watching these two different and yet fundamentally similar cultures interact. I hope someday you will follow up on your own story hints and write of Legolas' visit to Imladris. Finally, I had no idea that you had such a strong taste for romance stories. First Tarag, then Elenath, and now Bregolas --- three romances within one story. That may be some sort of record. :-) I'm sorry to see this fun story end. Good work!

mistry89 · 5 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

That was such a great story, and this chapter in particular was lovely. In your author's notes you said you intended it to be bittersweet - I think you achieved that so well. This whole chapter has Elrohir underlining the importance of family, of the definition of family, and how they can endure. Clearly, not only does Glorfindel regard himself as part of Elrohir's family, but even Erestor makes it plain, and when he Glorfindel gets him to realise that: “He seems to be a child of the realm rather than one father and mother.” Elrohir sees both the similarities (family and even blood ties) and the differences between elvenkind, represented by the 3 realms remaining in Middle-Earth. It's something I've always been conscious of - that those who stayed this long (of the Great and the Good) are really quite closely bound by blood and history and destiny. Thanks again.

Anonymous · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

I just love your work. Young Legolas and family are wonderful. You have never disappointed me in terms of characterization, plot; I could go an and on. Suffice to say that I look forward to any piece of fiction that has your name on it. SasseyJ

eokat · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

Nilmandra, what a simply lovely final chapter. The two groups of elves, so alike and yet so different in their ways. So touching at the end when Elladan and Elrohir were so happy being with their naneth and aware that a naneth was missing from the wood elves home. I do hope you are going to write another? Please say you are? Eokat.

daw the minstrel · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

I have to admit that I am hopelessly charmed by the wood elf king. I love the fact that he's so clever and big and powerful and yet good to his children. Elladan should be very grateful that Glorfindel saved him from getting his butt kicked. And I liked the ending, with the twins seeing the contrast between their own home and Mirkwood. Yet we know that safety is an illusion there too. Legolas could not be sweeter. What a great kid. He is so strong and resilient and well loved.

Jay of Lasgalen · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

I think the best part of this chapter is the simple description of Thranduil & his family spending an evening together. I like the idea of Elladan getting thrashed by Lathron AND Thranduil (if Glorfindel had let him), but only Elrond beats him at home: “And Erestor,” added Elrohir helpfully. I love the twins being helpful! The foreshadowing when Elrohir realised the only thing missing was their mother was so sad - I wasn't sure when this was set, but knew it couldn't be long before Celebrian's departure. Great chapter, and a lovely ending to the story. I hope there'll be a new one soon, or an update on 'History Lessons'? You've left poor Elrohir suffering quite long enough! Jay

Amlee · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

What a great story you have done! In all of your stories you have captured the feeling of loss and love in the characters. Great Job! I can't wait until you finish History Lesson II and start on part 3! Yes Legolas needs to be in the young Estel story!

Karri · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Going Home

Yes, I've rather enjoyed throughout the story your subtle forshadowing of Celebrian's departure. It was nicely woven into the twin's experiences in Mirkwood. *Thranduil was a study in contrasts: between his power, as strong as metal forged in the fires of Mordor, and the tenderness in how he held his children, as fragile as tender shoots of new growth on a spring flower. * As though I weren't infatuated enough with Thranduil already..... ;-) The whole evening was beautiful written. :-D

naneth · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Warriors at Play

What a fun day for the elves and for your readers! The buzzing elfling was probably my favorite highlight of this chapter. What a hoot! Thanks for your help with AOL and the vanishing emails!

sofia · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Warriors at Play

I love reading about the games. It sounds so exciting. I love the part with the squirrels.

eokat · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Warriors at Play

Another lovely chapter, Nilmandra. The love between legolas and Lauthron is so touching. It was so sad when they were talking of their Naneth's, especially after the death of Narawen and possibly soon to be capture of Celebrian. Also Thranduils thoughts of Elladan and Bregolas, 'Sons that would stand together, if need be, to fight darkness once again' beautiful phrase. I loved it. Eokat.

Melje · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Warriors at Play

Yes! Elladan won! And he’s talked to Elrohir, and everything’s alright again. So Elladan did have the perfect chance to throw random wood elves in the dirt. I like the way you repeat situations, not only here, but in your other stories as well. Legolas is starting to get angry at the mistreatment of his brother, Elladan saves the day, “You were upsetting Legolas”. Real perfect. Too perfect. What do you think, could it be that Lathron had orchestrated it all, to show Legolas just how Elladan was feeling, back when they first met, and to give Elladan a much needed opportunity for retaliation? The part where Elrohir and Lathron talked about mothers was really touching. With their stay in Mirkwood, Elladan and Elrohir have come to realise just how much they take for granted - their safe home, their mother... - and I hope when they get back to Imladris they won’t forget it, and enjoy every moment of it before it’s too late. I laughed out loud when Elladan said, “Too bad you can’t speak to the squirrels”, and the wood elves started doing just that! It seems that Mirkwood still has a few surprises up her sleeve. But whatever would squirrels do with jewels? Perhaps Thranduil’s liking for shiny things has rubbed off on the rest of his realm, too? And, uhm, how much jewellery do the twins wear in their hair, anyway? I know that they have “stars on their brows” in Return of the King, but somehow I always took it too mean something metaphysical, not real jewels. I think two stars are more than enough already for anyone who’s not empress Elizabeth of Austria. And Elladan looked very handsome with his hair tied with a leather thong!

LKK · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Warriors at Play

What a fun afternoon! I wanna go play games with the wood elves someday. :-) The bit with the squirrel and the star clasps reminded me of Karri's story "Of Squirrels and Mud Puddles". I know part of your idea behind this story is a response to her Wood Elf Magic challenge. Was the squirrel & star clasp an homage to her story? The apology scene between the brothers was very touching. I'm glad that Elladan got his chance to apologize even though Elrohir secretly feels that there was no need. Glorfindel was right; Elladan needed to apologize for his sake if not for his brother's. Speaking of brothers, I think little Legolas will favor Elladan more than Elrohir when it comes to how he reacts to his brothers being challenged or in danger. He doesn't like anyone messing with his brothers even when it's a game. There will definitely come a day when Legolas steps up to defend Lathron. Hopefully by then, he'll truly understand the difference between play and for real. Although, I suspect he won't like his brothers to be "beaten" even in play! LOL This may sound terrible, but I wish the injured Imladris elf would never recover. I'm enjoying this story so much I don't want it to end. I would love for the twins, Glorfindel, and the others to stay in Mirkwood for a very long time! :-)