Ai! Too late, too late! And treachery all around! Aragorn wounded and poisoned, Gimli with a headache, Aglarond/Helm's Deep in pieces, and the stupid Dunlanders have disappeared into the hills, only to return for further havoc later (one assumes!) I love it!!
Your treatment of the connection between Legolas and his friends is very good - I loved Legolas telling Aragorn it wasn't his time to go yet, even if he had to spend his own life to keep him (Aragorn) in this one. And all the while he was trying not to dwell on Gimli's welfare. Legolas using his elven ability to strengthen and support his friend was a nice touch too. (Elven life support - hmmmmmm!)
Also am developing a fond spot for Gliver - loved the way he put Gimli in that chair with the statement of now you can tell the others you're OK without falling at their feet!! *snicker* You tell him, Gliv'!
Great chapter -- and I came back to school today to find THREE chapters to read -- oh JOY!!!! Hope you don't mind being drowned in reviews today :)!
linda
Author's reply
I cannot imagine any writer who would mind being drowned in reviews! I am so glad you are enjoying the tale I warned a friend of mine today that I may have to find out where you live and kidnap you to keep you by me when I am feeling very discouraged about the quality of my writing.
Thanks for your time
Rose
daw the minstrel
· 10 May 2004
· Chapter 8: 8
I loved the apprearance of the elves and the boy's awe and Legolas's joy in seeing them. Gimli can see that their arrival will create tensions too, but still it's best they're there. The glimpse into Aragorn's mind was interesting--that Numenorian ability to die when he feels the time is right. That must be a temptation sometimes.
Author's reply
Thanks daw, it is nice to see that people got that little bit of numenorian temptation. Its always fun to mix elves and men I think
Rose
daw the minstrel
· 9 May 2004
· Chapter 7: 7
My fangirl heart went pittypat while I was reading this chapter! Legolas to the rescue, and very gallantly too. But Gimli was also wonderful in his care for the child.
Author's reply
Thanks daw, they do get into some scrapes these characters, sometimes I just want to sit them down and give them a nice cup of tea and a long weekend off! But then I work out what happens next in the story and they are off again. No peace for the tasty!
Rose
Jay of Lasgalen
· 9 May 2004
· Chapter 7: 7
I somehow missed the previous chapter, so I had two to read today! And what chapters! First Aragorn, now Gimli - and Legolas had better be careful, he'll exhaust himself if he carries on like this.
I do like your Legolas, the way he uses his own strength to help Aragorn, and the way he takes command of the remaining forces. Wonderful.
Jay
Author's reply
Yes he is action-hero leggy in this tale isn't he. Its all his muse's fault. He keeps putting his pretty blond hand up saying "I can do it miss" and "Don't forget I'm a nearly indestructable elf" and things like that. The others don't have nearly such loud voices in my head. Never mind, I hope you can cope I've just written nearly half a chapter (12) that doesn't have him in it at all!
Thanks for the reviews, they are much appreciated
Rose
daw the minstrel
· 8 May 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
I like heroic Legolas, but I have to admit that the picture that stays with me in this chapter is of Aragorn's black-clad soldiers fighting their way successfully through the crowd. I like the idea of this well-trained force, coming to their king's aid. Ascalon is good too. I want a horse like that.
Author's reply
Me too so my daughter will stop falling off the one she has! Mind you I mustn't dis poor Dusty he is the perfect paddock pet, no maintenance and as cuddly as you could ever want.
I am glad you like Aragorns guards, I was taken to task early in this tale for disregarding the Kings guards and they have become more and more real to me as the tale progresses - mind you OC's that grow to take over the tale should be no surprise to you!
Thanks for the kind words
Rose
lwarren
· 7 May 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
Frecern needs a serious lesson in.....something. Perhaps a simple beheading would benefit his personality! (Isn't he the guy that was betrothed to the smith's daughter and acted like such a jerk to her, and then Gimli got in trouble and became a troll's pet...he caused all manner of mischief and there's more to come from this turkey?!)
I was seriously worried that the explosives and the rebels would cause some very bad problems for Aragorn and Legolas and the dwarfs, but thank goodness for those two kids! "His beauty still shocked her but she had no time for her heart's fancies this morn." *sigh* Nice line - strong girl!
Also, very nice interlude with Arwen; she seems much calmer, and at ease...wonder how Thranduil will affect her peace of mind?:-) Well done - can't wait for the next chapter!
linda
Author's reply
Ohh I do love Frecern, he is such a satisfying baddy to write! In fact he keeps eluding all the sticky ends I plot for him, wretched man! (Yes he is the same bad guy)
I am glad you like the kids, and my take on the elusive Arwen.
More soon
Rose
lwarren
· 7 May 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
*somewhat shame-faced grin* I can relate to the kids and the mom - I frequently "edit" my reactions to the elf with my husband :-), and IF I were the girl, chickens would be the last thing on my mind (*silly grin*). Great chapter - Legolas is apparently on the hunt for information, but isn't he polite? Am enjoying this story shamelessly...thanks!
linda
Author's reply
Editing is the secret of a happy marriage I reckon And the fact I like the elf is a closely kept secret in my family as I have a seventeen year old daughter who owns him (snerk)(I am allowed Viggo and a bit of the Depp guy)
Ha.
Glad you are enjoying the story.
Rose
daw the minstrel
· 7 May 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
I was really alarmed when I read about all the traitors that were present in the garrison. I could picture just disastrous chaos, with the Dunlendings called to the moot, gunpowder spread around, and traitors in positions where they are invisible even when present. It took me a minute to register that the brother and sister were so vital here. But then I was enormously relieved.
Author's reply
Yes I was relieved when they turned up too I am in the habit of getting my characters into dire situations with little idea of just how I am going to get them out again - I am very glad when the muses gallop to the rescue!
Rose
Lyn
· 7 May 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
Wow! This was a great chapter. You've done some research and it shows.
I especially admire the commands Aragorn spoke. How fitting. You're a great
story teller. Of course, the beauty of Legolas was the high point for me, but the children are so cute!
Author's reply
I wish I was a storyteller. Mostly it feels like I pull my plot out of the great story stream with all the difficulty of pulling gum out of hair!
I am glad you like my efforts, and thank you for your kind words.
Rose
Jay of Lasgalen
· 6 May 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
You have a wonderful turn of phrase, and some *very* familiar characters! The teenage girl with sour face and sharp tongue? The teenage boy who takes a lot of filling? I have both! I loved the girl who was in such a daze after meeting Legolas she probably shut herself in the hen house and let the hens out. (I can sympathise there).
Jay
Author's reply
Thank you, sometimes my phrases come round and bite me on the bum but I do love language. (My kids read over my shoulder and prune adjectives for me - what a problem!)
And speaking of kids, write what you know, you know!
Glad you are enjoying.
Rose
daw the minstrel
· 6 May 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
I liked each section of this chapter. The Dunlendings are understandable if brutal in their desire for power and wealth, Aragorn is properly overprotective, Legolas is dashing with the axe, and the villagers are homey. We get nice character development.
Author's reply
Thank you daw, I keep following these C's and OC's and suddenly find myself with more plot than I ever guessed.
Glad you are enjoying
Rose
mer
· 6 May 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
What a rich and wonderful story! Your writing is very captivating and this story looks to be very intersting. I'm not very good at giving long reviews. I just want to let you know I am appreciating your story and your updates in frequent intervals.
Author's reply
Blush!
I am glad you are enjoying the ride, it certainly occupies most of my time and attention at the moment as my family (and sometimes my work) will attest to!
Any review is a good review, it is just nice to know that I am not the only one enjoying myself The updates will remain daily until I catch up with myself, then they will get to weekly or so because that is how long it takes me to write a chapter and get it Beta'd. (CH12 in progress at the moment)
Rose
lwarren
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 1: 1
This is the first story of yours I've read, being relatively new to fanfic, and I am HOOKED! Great beginning - Arwen's depression as she watches the end of all things approach is particularly sad. Great characterizations, and action...poor Legolas and Gliver! Here's hoping the approaching wagon is friendly! On to the next chapter to see ;).
linda
Author's reply
Thanks, I am glad you like my writing but I promise there are some really good writers out there to enjoy, have fun on the archive.
Rose
Jay of Lasgalen
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 3: 3
Another lovely chapter. Poor Legolas, I can't imagine him with short hair, or with one side scorched and burnt. I have to confess that I've been so involved in Legolas's part of the story, I'd forgotten Arwen's problems. It must be desperately worrying for her and Aragorn.
Jay
Author's reply
Thank you Jay, I had a lot of fun with Leggy's hair and it gave me a wonderful time check to mark time passing in this fic.
Arwen gets a little sorted soon, never fear.
Rose
Ms. Whatsit
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 3: 3
If I wander around all day with a silly grin on my face and totally unable to study, I'll have you know that it's *your* fault! This chapter was so touching--Gimli fussing over Legolas, calling him vain, keeping the strands of his hair...aww...
The bit about Arwen was also sad. You've really captured the whole sense of *fading* very well--the Elves, the Dwarves, Arwen..
daw the minstrel
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 3: 3
The image of Gimli cutting Legolas's hair was striking. I think Elves were actually quite vain about their hair. I think that's in HoME somewhere but I'm at work so I can't look it up.
And I'm glad we're getting back to Arwen's depression. She seems to have a real sense of loss.
daw the minstrel
· 4 May 2004
· Chapter 2: 2
This was appropriately gruesome in places. Your description of the dead was chilling. But just as in Tolkien, a Hobbit saves the day. Legolas sounds very badly injured. I'm worried.
Author's reply
Evil laugh.
Ahh, elf torture. Such fun.
I have a bit of fun making him better and Tolman helps - thanks for your loyal reviews, much appreciated.
Rose
Jay of Lasgalen
· 3 May 2004
· Chapter 2: 2
Ai, poor Legolas! He really doesn't sound too good. Thank goodness Tolman has been trained as a healer. I've read this on ff.net, but I can't review there. I hope you continue the tale!
Jay
Author's reply
You are such a loyal reviewer, thank you. I will attempt to update daily, at least until I catch up with myself, then you'll just have to wait until I work out what happens!
Rose
Lindorien
· 3 May 2004
· Chapter 1: 1
Very different view of things. Quite mature. You should be writing real world stuff. Seriously.
Author's reply
Trouble is my real world stuff sucks, Lindy, unlike yours which rocks. Plus I have a day job and then what would I do for a hobby? Go work with disabled children and their families? No wait, that is my day job. Perhaps I'll keep the balance this way round until the great New Zealand novel gets up and hits me in the head.
In the mean time I'll keep up with the elf and dwarf torture, and try not to take myself too seriously
Thanks for the support. Previously and now.
Rose
Ms. Whatsit
· 2 May 2004
· Chapter 1: 1
Oh, yay. I adored Adagio and Mayflies, so I'm glad to see a sequel. You handled Arwen very well--she does strike me as someone who could be clinically depressed at the end of The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen. The bit about her "grey beast" was particularly sad. And Gimli's learned how to deal with horses, hmm? I liked the glimpse we get into what others think of their relationship--especially those bandits who go after Legolas to hurt Gimli. But he'll be okay, right? He has to be--it's only the first chapter!
Author's reply
Evil laugh, I do so love elf torture.
I am glad you like my Arwen, she is hard to get a handle on sometimes.
Rose
daw the minstrel
· 2 May 2004
· Chapter 1: 1
What a gripping beginning! The idea of Arwen's depression at losing people was striking. I can see how that would take some getting used to, especially as she can see her own family aging. And the matter of the bandits is also interesting. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yep, this story just keeps falling into action/ adventure mode Hope you continue to enjoy.
Rose
Bodkin
· 2 May 2004
· Chapter 1: 1
Oh goodness! Keep the updates coming quickly.
Author's reply
Daily, I hope until Ch 11 then it is still WIP - when I know what happens in the end youall will be the first to know
Rose