Reviews (167)

Fadesintothewest · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Glimpses

I really enjoy reading about Eilian and Celuwan's younger years together, it makes it all the more sad that they cannot be together. I sure hope you don't keept them apart for too much longer. Their love needs to be celebrated. Legolas, what a brave, thoughtful and caring soul he is, tending to his brother so thoroughly. I only hope Legolas doesn't get too hurt in the process.

Fadesintothewest · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

Wow what a cliff hanger! I am in and out of town for the next couple of weeks so it's always exciting to get a breather when I am home and find that I have a couple of chapters to catch up on.... and all Thranduil's boys! I love it!

Lera · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Glimpses

Wow, what a role reversal! I love seeing Legolas take care of Eilien. How strange it must be for Eilien. And it was great seeing how Eilien really knew Legolas was a warrior when he left to lead the orcs away. The entire time Legolas was gone, I was afraid Eilien would do something like try to walk outside and help or something that would kill him. But oh, my gosh! He's in really bad shape. I'm worried. I love how you work the flashback stories into the the story. It's fun to see Eilien pre-ruthless orc killing machine. Thranduil has never understood this middle son of his, but he loves him so much none the less. He's worried about Eilien, but not about Legolas? Legolas must be going to be ok. It was so sweet when Legolas has the thought: "I'd better be careful or Eilien won't survive." So unselfish! A true warrior!

mistry89 · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

A terrible situation for them (and left as a cliffhanger! tut tut) but it's great to see that Legolas rises to the occasion despite his fears. The diversion of the tale of young Elian was not only helpful in keeping him focussed, it was a treat for the reader! Seeing the life of the Mirkwood elves pre-FOTR is fabulous, especially when they are realised so beautifully. Of all the elves left in Middle-Earth, the Mirkwood elves are (to me) the most appealing and the most alien (we don't see enough of the non-aristos in Lothlorien to compare), as they are so much less involved with Men (in a caring/sharing way) and see them (or Thranduil does) as sometime-traders rather than as "people". The Hobbit shows us their more alien nature - the singing and feasting balanced against the um.... temporary store-keeping of a band of travellers, they are just more involved with ME and less with Men/Dwarves/whomever (not that I blame them - immortality and a good memory probably leads to a little grudge-holding that seems unreasonable to shorter-lived folk and to a distinct lack of interest in forming closer bonds .... in 70 years an evening spent together telling tales may be remembered by no-one but the elf, so why bother when the trees, the stars, the *life* is so absorbing). Elian is a favourite character of mine, and that's odd, because he is "yours" rather than JRRTs (which can mean the story is less-canonish (if that makes sense when talking about and "new" character)and the character less-well-developed - but not in this case) and I think that in temperament Legolas fits nicely between Elian and Ithilden (despite birth order) - he becomes a serious assassin-elf by the time of LOTR, but has a sense of fun "19 .... 20..." even if it is a bit dark and he, for whatever reason, is (apparently) more open to forming friendships beyond his own kind, something that is presented as relatively unlikely (Elrond Half-Elven and co aside). Elian's own story has been unfolded in little bits through all your stories and it adds depth (and fun/poignancy) to hear details of his younger self. I'm sorry, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your stories, and your "take" on life in Middle-Earth, not ramble on! I hope you find inspiration at every turn to continue this marvelous story arc (or another, or anything!). Thank you. Helen

erunyauve · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Glimpses

It's a very good thing for the world that Thranduil did decide to bring another child into it! And yes, Maltanaur is going to be angry, but I don't think it will be amusing (though, obviously, Eilian isn't quite in his right mind). Poor Thranduil - it's a good thing he hasn't got that twitchy feeling about Legolas as well. Worrying about Eilian, when there isn't a thing he can do about it, is bad enough.

Karri · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Glimpses

Ai! That's a dangerous game Legolas is playing. I hope he doesn't get himself in over his head. I'm glad to see Maltanaur is finally on the hunt, but methinks the searchers need to search a little more thoroughly. Will Thranduil be ariving in the south? Hmmm....it will be interesting to see.

Nilmandra · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Glimpses

I love bossy Maltanaur - we see true colors here. Eilian and Sorion only think they are in charge :D Legolas leading the orcs away from Eilian is frightening. He is playing with fire, letting them get that close. I admit to hoping he would let them catch occasional glimpses at best, but I do like that he is picking them one at a time too. The dream worked well. Poor Eilian. His gameplaying nature and recent storytelling put him in the right mood to 'hide'; after all, Legolas did say still and quiet. And now help has passed them by. I am grinning in delight, though somehow that feels rather evil :D Oh well, evil!beta!

Nilmandra · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

I love hearing about Clueless!Eilian, but I would sure hate to have had to deal with him like that! I love Lorellin. I also like how Legolas got Eilian to talk, and how the role reversal worked. I also love that I give a few ideas and PRESTO! they are all in the story. I might just tell you what needs to happen in the next chapter of HLII and leave it to you :D

Nilmandra · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms

Beliond injured, and Maltanaur helping him. Both keepers gone, and Eilian attacked by the orc captain. There is something particularly pleasing to know that Eilian is a thorn in their side. Unfortunately, now the orc has put a thorn in Eilian's side. I think I should go help care for him, but frankly, I hate the cold and orcs, and am scared of this stuff in real life, so perhaps I will let Legolas tend to him. Its a good thing this is before the age of lightning speed communications, for by the time Thranduil hears the details, everyone will be fine.

Nilmandra · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 2: Eilian's Story

Ok, I didn't admit this when beta reading this chapter, but when I was in college I crossed a very deep ravine over a fast flowing creek with lots of rocks in it, on a dead log. It isn't nearly so dangerous as flinging oneself across the river, but then, I have neither Eilian's grace nor strength. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Please don't tell my naneth? I hope Beliond didn't hear anyone say 'valet'. I mean, 'nana' is cute, but 'valet' might get someone beat up.

sofia · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Glimpses

First of all, Im happy up updated so soon!! Im so glad Maltanaur is finally going to go after his charge and his charges brother. I love how Lorellin dances with the little elflings, they must be happy.

Nilmandra · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 1: The Southern Patrol

I can't believe you are on chapter 5 and I am just now catching up on reviews. I'll keep em short and sweet (maybe). I love Maltanaur - he is a great character and good for Eilian, and in this case, Legolas too. I love Eilian getting gloves from Adar - that is a sweet touch. Legolas is going to learn being a grown up adult has some drawbacks, too. As much as we want to take care of ourselves, there is something awfully sweet about being looked after.

Lyllyn · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 5: Glimpses

I'm glad you're posting so rapidly; thankfully you write fast or had the chapters mostly done before you started. Once I start reading I want to read it all as soon as possible - a tribute to your writing in general, and particularly your skill with plots. Which is not to mention your excellent characterizations. You have done a wonderful progression over the stories of Legolas' maturity, here is clearly a full adult, and a seasoned warrior. I'll hope for the rest soon! Oh, and I still want to know what becomes of Tinar. Thank you for the gripping story!

Nikara · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

Wow! I have a feeling that Legolas is going to go get himself into trouble now. Great job with this chapter, I look forward to the next one!

Kalile · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

I was going to spend the night drearily trying to finish my term paper while nibbling on oatmeal cookies...until yay! Blessed distraction! You had a new chapter up. I have found the tone of this entire story so far to be quite bittersweet since both in this chapter and last we got to know just a little bit better both "Naneth" and Siondel...both of which we know the tragic fate of... Then of course, there is the change in the relationship between Legolas and Eilian. On a brighter note, I love Lorellin's relationship with her sons. Although Thranduil obviously loved his children, I don't think there was anyone who understood them quite like naneth. So maybe Legolas' inability to remember her is actually a blessing; he doesn't feel her loss as greatly as Eilian must still do. The image of Eilian telling a little Legolas stories in the midst of their current, bleak situation was nicely done. Now I just hope the blizzard lets so that our two mighty "keepers" can tear through there and make a rescue.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

Oh dear, Legolas out in a blizzard ALONE facing an UNKNOWN number of orcs with TWELVE arrows. I don't see that working...Unless of course the Patrol (wonder where they got to) decides to help him. Eilian was terribly reckless. I wonder what happened to make him such a great leader. A sudden jolt into reality? It's so heartbreaking to read flashbacks of when Legolas's mother (Lorellin, in this case) was alive. It, again, makes you realize how devastating her death really was. It also helps the reader to understand why Thranduil and sons were so...devastated. (Sorry I can't think of another fitting adjective). Legolas is very quickthinking. Eilian should be grateful for that. Thanks for this lovely little cliffhanger you've got going. I hope we won't have to wait too long to find out whether The Legolas Escapade Part II works out, or not. Keep writing! Cheers!

Justafan · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

Oh goodness! The orcs are coming back! What a great cliffhanger (not that I terribly enjoy being left hanging even though I enjoyed the cliffhanger). Legolas really seems to bring out all of his training in this section. I thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks!

Dot · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

I’m really loving this story. This chapter was particularly great – what more could I want than Legolas and Eilian alone together with no other characters to interrupt their conversation?! Legolas is doing a tremendous job. He might feel frantic and despairing but he’s being remarkably clear-headed in his actions. At least he was able to take a second to realise that the Shadow was worsening his fear. To know that and to be able to think clearly about where to go, whether to light a fire and to be able to judge their distance from the Orcs shows a measure of control that he probably doesn’t even realise he has. Years of warrior training, I guess. I really like the little piece about the rune of protection, though. In some ways it looks as though he’ll try anything to save Eilian, but I just like the idea of him feeling that there really is magic that might protect his brother – it seems to make the situation a little less lonely or something. That’s an incredible image, of Legolas battling through the blizzard with Eilian cradled in is arms. Images like that really make me wish I could draw…! Ironic, isn’t it, that the Orcs’ fire might just save Eilian after one of their swords had almost killed him…*grin* “He knew how the story would end, for in Eilian’s stories, the baby animals were always gathered into someone’s loving keeping.” For someone such as Eilian, who seems to so often feel at odds with the world, to spin such wonderful stories for his baby brother is really touching. I get the impression that he really wanted Legolas to feel that the world is a safe place, with loving arms always waiting at the end of an adventure. It’s good to know that even in this terrible situation, Eilian himself has loving arms wrapped around him. In some ways it’s an absolute joy to watch Eilian with his mother. He clearly worshipped her. He even sees immediately when she is troubled and wants to soothe her, while it takes much more for him to realise that his father or brother are worried and might need comfort. But it’s so heart breaking to think that he doesn’t have his mother anymore. They really seem such kindred spirits – to me Eilian is so much like his mother, while Ithilden always seems very much his father’s son. Lorellin is very perceptive, isn’t she?! I’d say she knew immediately what the problem was between her son and Celuwen. She just had to let him figure it out himself. “Eilian thought he deserved credit for hiding his nervousness.” You were right, of course, when you said that I should be able to see some of the qualities that show how Eilian would become such a good captain, if he would just focus on those strengths a bit more. He may have problems with his family but he is always willing to give credit to others where it’s due. It reminds me of the encouragement he goes on to give to Galelas. I can’t believe Eilian did that!! I suspect that if it were any other warrior except Ithilden there is no way even Eilian would have done that… It’s scary, though, to think that he genuinely never even considered that not only was it dangerous but that he might frighten his brother, who loves him, and his novice master, who is responsible for him. I don’t want to call him selfish but I think one of his problems is that he has never stopped to think of the reactions of others when he is feeling particularly reckless. I feel bad for poor Ithilden, but at least his reaction startled Eilian into realising that all is not well in his father’s realm and his family are weighed down by worry. It’s such a pity that he never got to speak to Ithilden afterwards. It just struck me that none of Thranduil’s sons really grow up with their siblings. Ithilden grew up as an only child and was already an adult when Eilian was growing up. Then Legolas only ever knew his brothers as adults. Interesting… I suppose that’s why the elder ones are so fiercely protective and the younger often a little resentful of this. I’d love to see more of Ithilden and Eilian’s relationship with each other, to know how they really got on with each other before Legolas was born…;) He’s going to lead the Orcs away from the cave?? How is going to do that without getting himself killed?? You are getting far too fond of cliff-hangers! Teasing readers is becoming a nasty habit of yours…:)

Karri · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

Legolas is quite the field medic. :-) But, oi!, Maltanaur better hurry along to gather up his charge..... Thranduil and Ithilden aren't going to be pleased at all by this turn of event.

bryn · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

Oh Legolas, you are a hero!!! Eilian may be good at commanding, and Ithilden may be good at politics, but Legolas is displaying all the prowess of a future ruler. Great thinking on his part to jump-start Eilian's older brother emotions. "“Wake up, Eilian,” he crooned. When there was no response, he shook Eilian slightly. “Wake up now. I need you to tell me a story, so I will not be so afraid.”"---He's completely concerned over Eilian's welfare and giving no thought to how it makes himself appear. What an excellent contrast between the Legolas we've seen in your previous stories--the one always struggling to prove he is an adult. It's a true mark of maturity. *lol* "Mother always knows best." The last paragraph really struck me. I know Legolas isn't going to die, but it still made me teary eyed...

bryn · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Brothers in Arms

*GASP!*

bryn · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 2: Eilian's Story

I retract my previous statements about Celuwen giving Eilian a break. Good grief, if she's had to put up with his wooden-headedness and death wish behavior for so long, he DESERVES to suffer a bit. And no wonder he's so concerned over Sinnarn's mentality... The novice masters probably have a few grey hairs thanks to him--and they aren't even supposed to get them. I really love your characterization of older Legolas. :) Wonder what Beliond would think if he heard the 'valet' comment?

bryn · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 1: The Southern Patrol

My, my, my--looks like Legolas has grown up a bit since we last journeyed with him. And Eilian isn't quite sure what to make of it all. :) Thranduil's youngest seems to have developed a sarcastic streak as well. *lol* I like it!

sofia · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

I am confident that Legolas will lead the orcs away, but i wouldnt be surprised if Eilian tried to get up and help him. I can just imagine Ithilden all scared to death by Eilian's little stunt. Hope the next chapter is soon!

Jebb · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Eilian's Story, Part II

Another cliff hanger almost literally since we had Eilian diving off a cliff into the water that was a lovely little interlude and it was good to see Eilian's mother as well but the wound and the cave and the orcs now that is a real horror story Love the depth that you put into your stories the descriptions, the use and naming of herbs and their uses and of course the real affection that is so obvious between the three brothers they are real people (well elves!) thank you