From Princeling to Warrior by Manderly
Indilwen · 19 February 2018 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
Manderly, this story is great. I enjoyed it very much. You are a fantastic writer, and I will definitely go on to read your other fanfics. I apologize for not leaving more reviews, but I just wanted to tell you that I liked "From Princeling to Warrior" a lot. Awesome job!
Fenris · 2 November 2014 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
I adore your stories. You depict characters perfectly. Salque'a death made my cry...I wish he hadn't died- but it is what it is I guess...I sincerely hope you write more. I've read all of your fanfiction stories but I find that re-reading them brings back that spur of joy I felt while reading them the first time :) By the way, how do you depict Legolas's brothers and Thranduil to look like? The movies of the Hobbit have been out for quite some time now, however these fics were written long before then. In conclusion, I loved it, and eagerly wait for any more to come!
So Yun · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
Hey manderly, I really loved that! I'm about to go onto the sequel, i've read this about 4 times over before but haven't had enough time to review. I love your OCs, the brothers are so well written even if one is 'as exciting as a bowl of porridge' lol I am so glad you wrote these wonderful stories! Yun
Author's reply
It's always nice to get a review on a story that was written quite some time ago. As you know, this was my first story and it was very much of a trial and error thing so I am always amazed that people actually like the story despite all its flaws. I am glad you liked the OCs. I enjoyed writing them too. Thank you very much for reading and reviewing.
Alfirin · 31 May 2005 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
I love your story. So heartwarming to see the relationship among the Mirkwood Royal Family. It is very difficult I'm sure to write anything about Mirkwood considering Prof. Tolkien himself did not give us much information to go upon. Nonetheless, you managed to weave a very powerful, believing set of original characters as well as giving life to those that only appear in indices. I anxiously look forward to seeing more stories from you. Only comment is that it would make the reading time much more enjoyable if you could space the block of text.
Author's reply
Thank you for your very kind review. I was a little surprised to see a review of this story as it was written more than a year ago, but I am glad that it is still being read. Yes, Tolkien said very little about the Wood Elves and in a way it really gave me freer reins to conjure up my own world for the Wood Elves. I just hope that I didn't take too much liberty with it. I know the formatting of this story is not easy on the eyes and I guess my only excuse is that this story was my first time posting on this sote and being near computer brain dead, I'm not too swift in finding the proper way to post. I am pleased to say though that my subsequent stories are in a more reader friendly format. Again, thank you for your review!
Any · 19 June 2004 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
Wow!!! What a story!!! Wow! I couldn't stop reading! Legolas so heroic and also so very sad, you had me fighting back tears here! Oh my. What a story!!! I'm at complete loss for words to describe how great this story is. Everyone characterization is so perfect! Oh and I love Tavaro! What a guy! So witty!!! The four brother's interaction is so well written! Absolutely love it! But why did you have to kill Salque? :( That was sooooo sad!!! And it's so sad to know that Legolas will forever miss him. Oh darn, see, now you really have me crying *sob*.... Love it. ~Any
Author's reply
Thank you for your wonderful review! It is really great to get reviews like yours considering this is my first story and there must be tons of typos and grammatical errors throughout. I enjoyed writing about the four brothers too. Though Legolas is still my favourite (obviously), it was fun writing Tavaro, so I am glad you liked him. I felt bad about killing off Salque too, but it was something that I had in mind right from the beginning, as part of Legolas' road to becoming a warrior. I had initially written this story as a one-shot deal, but now that I am continuing with these characters in other stories, I am beginning to wish that I didn't kill off Salque. I am trying to fit him in in prequels. Thanks again for your review!
Frodo3791 · 19 June 2004 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
I read this story till about 1:30 this mornig, and I was completely taken in it. So much for Legolas to go through on his first time really out on his home. He's seen death... the most shocking being the death of loved ones, orcs, and battle in general. He wanted so hard to be seen as a warrior, and he is slowly gettting the recognition but at what cost? Your characters were enjoyable and sincere, and I would love to see more of them and learn more about them. My only problem was the change in tenses. Sometimes you'd use present tense when you had been using past tense the rest of the time. This is a small error that can be fixed quickly, and I understand how these things sometimes slip. I do write fanfiction as well, you know. How old exactly is Legolas in this story? He's not quite a child, but not an adult. I'd really appreciate if you could clarify that one up for me. Thanks. Enjoyed the story. Lovely work. -Frodo
Author's reply
Wow, I can't believe you stayed up until 1:30 reading this story. Thank you! This story is my first fanfic and I know it was full of errors, typos and tense screw ups. I really do apologize for it. My only excuse (if you can call it that) is that English is not my first language and my mother tongue has no such thing as tenses so it is a big struggle for me to get it right. I've had another reviewer commenting on that as well. I really do try to catch my mistakes but sometimes I just can't pick them out for the life of me. I do apologize and hope it didn't distract you from the story itself too much. I would place Legolas at around 16 or 17. Like you said, not quite a child, but not yet an adult and with his brothers being so much older than him, I guess it's understandable that he is impatient to be seen as an adult. And you are right, the cost was high for the recognition. At the risk of some self-promotion, there is a sequel to this story if you haven't noticed. It picks up from where this story ends, but is not exactly a light piece of reading. Again, thank you for reading and reviewing.
Hisie Lome · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
Well done....Thank you Minna Sedh, Hisie Lome
Author's reply
You are very welcome, and thank you for your review!
Jay of Lasgalen · 30 April 2004 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
I always feel torn when a story ends - sad that there's no more to come, but glad of a satisfying conclusion. I've enjoyed this, from Legolas's courage in alerting the patrol, to his relationship with his brothers, and his sadness over his friend's death. You write a good Thranduil, too - always an important point with me. I'm so glad that Feren was not badly wounded - I was afraid at one point he would be killed (when he feared it may be a long time before he saw Legolas again, a few chapters back). Jay
Author's reply
Thank you very much for reviewing. I should say from the outset that I am a fan of your stories and I too like your Thranduil. A cold and abusive Thranduil is something I avoid, whether reading it or writing it. It just does not seem possible that a character such as Legolas (cheerfull and full of songs as he was in Tolkien's books) could have grown up in a cold and loveless family.
Firnsarnien · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 15: A Princeling No Longer
*embarrased grin* Yeah, well, I don't know what happened that last review! I think I got so excited that both you and The Karenator had updated on the same day, I totally lost it! That and the fact I reviewed at work! *looks down at feet with a beet red face* Sorry! :) Well, ahem, now for this chappy! I loved seeing how Legolas didn't 'bounce' back quickly. Things like this affect not only the heart, but the mind as well. And you've done a wonderful job of showing the guilt, remorse, and grief that Legolas is going through as well as Feren. I was really glad to see the two of them sit down and have a heart to heart talk. They really needed to do that. And the way Feren stroked Leggy's hair, *sigh*, that was bootiful and tender! *another sigh* Oooh, and I really, really liked this line: "You and Feren are leaving tomorrow on patrol?" Legolas asked, a look of anticipation, mixed with a hint of fear, crossing his face. It really showed the mixed emotions and depth of feeling Legolas was going through at the thought of his brothers putting themselves in harms way yet again and so soon. His heart isn't even healed yet, and already, he's having to let go of his brothers. Poor Elf! At this rate, he's gonna take a long time to mend emotionally! Hey, and what do you mean, 'The End'????? Hmmmmm? No way! I'm not ready for this one to end! It's too great to end it here! Mayhap you could write another story as a continuation of this one? *I* think *that* sounds like a grand idea! ;) *gets on knees and kisses author's feet* Pleeeeeeease??? Well, enough begging from me, sheesh, really! You'd think I'd have a little more pride! LOL I don't though! Not when it comes to wonderful angsty Legolas stories! LOL Hurry up and write another one! BTW...you can burn my last review, you know, the one that was for the wrong story? LOL I'm too embarrassed to look at it and be reminded that I really boo bood and sent it to the wrong author!! LOL Although I did fix my boo boo and sent it to the right one this time. LOL
Author's reply
No problem with that review. Like I said, I really enjoy The Karenator's story too. I have removed it so you may rest easy. Yes, that was the last chapter. I hadn't intended to write a follow up to it but since I had so much fun writing the story that I decided on a sequel. It will be up sooner than you expect. Yes, I don't think Legolas will spring back over night after what he has gone through, and neither will the rest of the Royal Family. I believe the elves have special healing qualities, but I don't think they work miracles. What do you think? Again, many thanks for your wonderful reviews. Very encouraging for a first time writer!
Firnsarnien · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 14: A Time to Heal
Ah yes, I'm back...again...bothering! LOL This line: He gently unraveled the bandages as Tavaro hissed and grumbled steadily under his breath. It had me ROTFLMHO!!!!! I could just see Tavaro complaining as the healer tended him! That was hilarious! Oh, so many wonderful moments in this chappy! *sigh* I loved how Tavaro asked Leggy how he was doing then in the same breath, claims he only did it so he could ask it before Leggy asked it of him! That was great! I loved the fact that everyone is speaking of Leggy's bravery and how Leggy is so wonderfully modest as usual. :) I loved how Tevaro thanked and hugged Legolas for saving Feren's life. I love to see the brothers affectionate with each other. I laughed my...er...head off...when Tevaro wondered how Aldeon had snuck all that food from under the noses of the cooks then gaped when Aldeon told him they "helped" prepare the tray! I bet his look was priceless! And Tevaro and a little Leggy sneaking food at night...I love the thought of an 'older' brother conspiring with a younger one...and doing it to help relieve the boredom of Legolas. That was just too sweet. And after all that laughing...you almost had me in tears at the last part of this chappy. I think I'm beginning to grieve at the fact that Legolas is no longer an Elfling either! :O *sniff* All in all, wonderful chappy, filled with lightness and seriousness, affection, scolding, worry, angst and love! Always a wonderful combination. *sigh* Ok, I'll stop blabbing now. Can't wait for the next chappy! :) *skips away, happily through her tears* :)
Author's reply
Well, I have just posted the last chapter to this story. Hope you like it. And thank you so much for all your reviews.
Firnsarnien · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 13: Difficult Lessons
Oh yeah, he's gonna be going through a serious guilt trip! He might even take ill from his grief and begin to fade if he doesn't snap out of it. Hmmmm, the possibilities for more Leggy angst are endless! ;) Heh, heh! But seriously, I loved the interaction between Thranduil and Legolas here. It was so sweet and the way Thranduil cuddled his son was priceless. I wouldn't mind cuddling that hurt Elf myself...heh, heh, um, yes, where was I? Ah! The review, right! Onward... I chuckled a bit when Leggy awoke and thought he'd been hurt in some misadventure. He must have been a handful when he was young, no? LOL I think though, once all this is over, he will be pleasantly surprised at how proud everyone will be of him at his courageous endeavor. He acted selflessly and with valor. So typical for our beautiful Elf. Well, enough of my babble. I shall let you get on with the next post! I can't wait! *skips away singing about more Leggy angst and owies* LOL ;)
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas is going on one big guilt trip, but his family will be there for him, so hopefully he won't sink too low. Thranduil is a pretty good ada and will make sure his elfling heals, both physically and mentally. Well, the next chapter is up, and it's a bit lighter than he othrs so I hope you end up skipping and singing again. Your reviews really do make me feel good. Thanks!
daw the minstrel · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 13: Difficult Lessons
I enjoyed this story at ff.net and am glad to see it here. This moment, when Thranduil mourns his child's lost innocence, is my favorite, I think.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing here as well. Took me a while to get started on this site (not very computer literate), but I finally did manage. I think this is my favourite chapter of this story and was surprisingly easy to write. The words just came.
Firnsarnien · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 12: A Brother's Vigil
*Waaaaaaah!* That was awful sad! Poor, poor Feren. He must be racked with guilt! I sure hope Legolas wakes soon so he can talk with his brother for I'm sure Leggy will ease his guilt. And Aldeon looks pretty scared himself! Ah, the lives of the king's sons. Such pressure to strive always to be the best in everything. Duty before blood. That's such a sad thing. That's why they love so fiercely I suppose. They always have to put eveyone else before their own needs, the only way they can compensate seems to be for them to love their family with a fierce protectiveness. *sigh* Leggy's been unconscious for so long now. :( Is he gonna wake up soon? You are really starting to worry me. Should anything happen to him, me thinks that entire family will just fall to pieces! :O Please post ASAP! I'm dying here! Take pity on me! LOL ;)
Author's reply
Yes, everyone in the Royal Family is in pretty rough shape. By comparison, Legolas is better off - at least he's still asleep and knows nothing of the guilt and fear that are making life miserable for the others. Next chapter should be up shortly.
Firnsarnien · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 11: A Father's Thoughts
Oh my! Leggy is in bad shape huh? Thranduil and Aldeon have good reason to worry. I hadn't thought Legolas might feel guilt from Salue's death! That will obviously be a factor in how fast he wakes up and recovers. Oh, the loss of immortal life! It's horribly tragic! Not natural! I'll be grieving right along with all of Mirkwood for the loss of all the Elves who helped defend their realm. *sob* Gosh, these chappys go so fast for me! *whine* Can't you make them 50 pages long, each? ;) Heh, heh! Well, in the meantime, I await your next installment of nail biting worry! LOL Hurry up, will ya? ;)
Author's reply
Yes, he is in pretty bad shape, but at least he's with his family now. Yes, he will have to deal with guilt, lots of it! I've always thought that the loss of an immortal life must be pretty devastating to the elves - something that shouldn't happen but does. Such a waste! Next chapter is coming.
HisisLome · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 11: A Father's Thoughts
Evil, again....No you can't make me cry...I will just think evil thoughts of you until you post again. The poor elfling. Evil, evil, wvil.
Author's reply
No wonder my eye had been twitching all day - must be all those evil thoughts coming in my direction. Well, you can stop now as I will post the next chapter very soon. Hopefully, I am not so evil this time. Enjoy!
hisielome · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 10: Losses
You are plainly evil. Have you no pity for an elfling and his keeper? Evil....Evil....Evil! I guess that Aldeon should be glad that his brother passed out, no more pain or grief; yet, this is so sad. Mina Sedth, Hisie Lome
Author's reply
All right, I must admit that I was pretty hard on the elfling. Bad enough that he's near death, and now his protector is killed. Pain and guilt, what a deadly combination. At least Aldeon is now here to take care of him. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Firnsarnien · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 10: Losses
*sob* That...that...*sob*...that was t...tt...*sniff*...too short! *hiccup* Why'd he have to die? *sob* Why? *sniff* No fair! You didn't even warn us or anything! *sniffle* And what's happened to Hesin? Is he all right? Did someone pull him out from under the horse? Aaaaah! This is another horrible cliffy! I think Legolas has some serious grieving to do doesn't he? Not to mention the trauma of what he's seen and the fact that he killed another living creature, even if it was orcs. Yes, I think he's gonna take some time to recover physically AND emotionally. He's been through a lot! I can't wait for the next chappy! Woo hoo! Tomorrow? You gonna post it tomorrow?
Author's reply
Sorry, didn't mean to make you cry, but the evil part of me is happy that my story can make a reader cry - I must be doing something right. Yes, Legolas is going to have to get over some major issues, but first he has get himself away from the brink of death before he can deal with anything else. I know this chapter was very short, so I will be posting the next one very soon to make up for it. Again, thanks for reviewing.
hisielome · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 9: The Warrior
I have just completed the first 9 chapters. They were flawless. Well done. I look forward to more. Mina Sedth, Hisie Lome
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words. The next chapter is up. I hope you enjoy it as much as the others.
Firnsarnien · 23 April 2004 · Chapter 9: The Warrior
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Horrible, horrible cliffy! The only thing that keeps me from jumping through my monitor to grab and shake you is the fact that you've consistently posted the next chappy so soon, you don't give me *too* much time to fret! LOL *sigh* Leggy is so brave and so stubborn! I think he's going to be in pretty sorry shape when all this is done after he ignored his body's need for quiet. He's bleeding pretty bad and is on the verge of unconsiousness, and yet he still manages to find the strength to defend Hesin and try to free him. I impressed, I'm always impressed with Legolas' valor and bravery. Only he can be so selfless. He's just wonderful! *another sigh* :O Oh my, not a word about Feren. I wonder how he's doing? I sure hope he's still in one piece and nothing too bad has happened to him! Geez Louise, I'm beginning to panic here, I sure hope you get the next chappy out tomorrow! I'd really prefer tonight, but since this one was posted today, I don't think I'll be *that* lucky, will I? ;) Heh, heh! Well, I'm off till the next chappy! Hurry with it k? ;) *runs off to re-read last chappy and all that wonderful Leggy angst!--sigh*
Author's reply
I truly apologize for being so evil. I know it was a bad place to end the chapter, but I wanted the cover the next part of the story in a new chapter. The next chapter is now up, by the way. I hope I did not end it at another bad place, though I don't know. Legolas angst in this last chapter is going to peak, I think. Enjoy!
Firnsarnien · 22 April 2004 · Chapter 8: Brothers and Warriors
*sob, sniff, sniff, hiccup, sniff, sob* That was so sad! Poor Leggy, he's three steps from death's door isn't he? Or is it two? :O Oh, I just loved that touching little scene between the brothers at the end of this chappy. The love Feren has for Legolas is clearly evident. I don't know who cried harder, Feren or me! Eeep, please make sure Feren is *very* careful. Legolas would surely fade if his brother was killed in battle and he, he couldn't have taken the arrow for nothing. So please, keep him safe! Leggy too! And while I'm at it, I've really started to take a liking to Hesin! Please keep him safe too! ;) The blood, the blood! There's so much of it! I can feel it slipping through my fingers even! Blech, not a pretty sight. Wonderful imagery in this chappy though my only complaint is that it wasn't 50 pages long! LOL Hurry with the next chappy! And I do mean hurry! See, I'm insatiable, aren't I? ;) Heh,heh! Yup, that's me, never satisfied! LOL
Author's reply
It's hard to decide who to feel sorry for more, Legolas or Feren in this chapter. I think both will have a pretty tough road ahead. Yes, Feren is a pretty nice brother to have, I think. I wouldn't mind having an older brother like him. The next chapter should be up soon.
Elf_Girl_Edhelanna · 22 April 2004 · Chapter 7: First Blood
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHHHHHHHH!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! fix him up fix him up NOW!! Don't leave him with an arrow in his back!!! *sobs*
Author's reply
The arrow will be out but I don't know whether you will feel the relief that you are looking for. Legolas is in for some difficult time yet.
Firnsarnien · 22 April 2004 · Chapter 7: First Blood
Oh my gawd! How did I miss these two chappies? Aaaaah! That cliffy at the end of 7 was absolutely dreadful! Oh good grief! How could you leave it there? That was horribly mean! MEAN! M.E.A.N. I tell you! :P You've got to write and post the next chappy at least by tomorrow. Otherwise, I think I may plop over in a dead faint! Hey, are you taking lessons in Cliffy school? LOL I really liked this chappy a lot! I loved how Legolas rode with his brother so he could rest. That was such a nice little touch. Ah, poor Leggy, so eager to prove his worth in battle and his brothers want nothing more than to keep him safe and far from danger. He's just too precious to allow him to take any risks. But, I guess Legolas wasn't thinking of that at all when he jumped in front of that arrow intended for his brother. He never does think, he just acts when someone he loves is in danger. That is what I love about him. He wears his heart on his sleeve despite his best intentions not to. :) *sigh* I'm placing faith in you that you won't be one of those authors that kills off a main character. You won't will you? I'm hoping Leggy recovers fully, but I still wouldn't mind "a little" angst, hurt and comfort while he does! Heh, heh! Ok, enough chatter from me. Get writing and posting fast! :)
Author's reply
Like I have said to another reviewer, I didn't realize I had created a cliffhanger until it was mentioned - I just thought that it was a good place to end the chapter. However, the next chapter is up now, so hopefully I didn't leave you hanging there for too long. Yes, Legolas is quite the impulsive, but lovable elf. He's probably the type that you can't stay angry with for too long. Enjoy the new chapter. And thanks for your wonderful reviews!
Aly · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 7: First Blood
Evil, Evil Author!!! How could you leave us hanging like that!!!?? It's just cruel! If you can't tell, I've really gotten into your story and I'm enjoying it alot! Keep up the wonderful writing and hopefully an update will be in the near future for us story hounds. ;)
Author's reply
I'm sorry to keep you hanging like that. When I wrote the chapter, I hadn't realized that I have created a cliffhanger. I just thought it was a good place to stop. But fear not, the next chapter will be up very shortly. Thank you for your review.
Elf_Girl_Edhelanna · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 6: The March to Battle
Ohhhh ohhhh ohhh!!! I love this!! keep going - i'm rabid to find out what happens next!! (I always thought Legolas was the baby of the family! Is it four brothers all up? *winks*) I'm adding this to my favourites list so i 'll know when u rack up the next installment - make it soon! Na-den pedim ad... Edhelanna
Author's reply
I am glad you are enjoying the story. Yes, Legolas is the baby, well-sheltered and probably more than a little spoiled by the rest of the family. I am hoping that he will mature as the story progresses. The next chapter should be up soon. Thanks for reviewing.
rikwen · 21 April 2004 · Chapter 6: The March to Battle
Feren may be experienced in dealing with trained soldiers, but telling his younger brother that he will be kept behind the lines during the fighting is going to be like waving a red flag at a bull. That is the first thing a youngster wants to do is what they are told they can't do. And if Legolas perceives that his brothers are in danger, well, more chances to get into the fighting. I think that a lot of h/c is ahead for all the brothers.
Author's reply
You are so right about the young. Just mention the word no and it's instant rebellion. I am afraid Feren will have his hands full. It's amazing what one elf can do to wreak havoc on everybody else, however well-intentioned he may be. Thanks for reviewing.