Reviews (436)

LiljeConvallaria · 26 December 2018 · Chapter 17: Going Home

I’m home visiting my family for Christmas and last night the wi-fi fell out. The most interesting on the television was that mess of a movie «battle of the five armies» (my apologies to those who like the Hobbit-movies, but I was never a fan of them) But on the flip side; watching it made me realize I haven’t read LOTR-fiction in a loooong time. So today when the wi-fi was back I decided to read something from my favorite LOTR-writer. These stories are always worth a re-read. Happy Holidays :)

PSW · 31 October 2016 · Chapter 7: Battles Near and Far

*sigh* I remember this one...I spent half the time laughing and half the time feeling bad for Legolas that he was so worried about Hobbit the Dwarf child. It is sweet, though... :-)

endorearwen · 1 December 2013 · Chapter 17: Going Home

A truly brilliant tale, Daw, though it was something of an emotional roller coaster ride to be sure! As always, your battle scenes and descriptions of life in a border patrol unit were wonderful! The shock of such unexpected events - everything from the encroachment of the spiders towards the Stronghold to the charge on Dol Guldur to the death of Smaug - as seen through the eyes of different characters was very well written. I thoroughly enjoy it when you write from so many different perspectives! I felt almost as tired and weary at the end as the warriors who were returning to the Stronghold, Daw. The devastation of so great a loss of life came ringing through the dialogue with crisp reality. I particularly enjoyed seeing Thranduil portrayed as the supreme commander. The imagery of his leading his three sons into battle was thrilling! The wisdom of his many years and first-hand knowledge of fighting in major conflicts was evident by the way you had written his bearing of close personal losses, his serenity in accepting the fact of war's carnage, and his efforts to 'rekindle' the spark of hope in his sons by reminding them of the joys they might now realize. Absolutely LOVED Thranduil's cheeky remarks to Eilian about having elflings!! I found the closeness between Thranduil and Ithilden when Sinnarn's survival was something of a question very touching. It made me think of the centuries of life they had shared before the siblings came along and how deeply they truly love and understand one another. It is the moments of family intimacy like this that I think really marks your writing - it is more than just a 'skill' you possess and it very quickly grasps the hearts of your readers so they are totally engaged in the story! In some ways, I felt the weight of the passage of time more in this story than the others. Perhaps it is more correctly expressed as sharing a sense of battle fatigue with them. We've been with them for all the passing centuries that the stories cover and we've followed all the struggles - minor and major, good and bad - that each of them has come through. Suddenly it seemed that life was just a little too long somehow. At one point I started thinking about the relief that would come once they were all in Valinor and their involvement in these endless horrors was at an end. You composed this story so well that I felt I better understood a remark I once read by Tolkien where he eludes to the fact that the elves sometimes envied the Second Born because they were not tied to Arda. It is not easy to create with words circumstances that provoke such empathy in readers - so, one again, great job! The only thing missing for me in this story was the homecoming. I would like to have seen how the elves responded to such a sweeping set of losses amongst their kind, to see how those affected made the choice between staying or sailing West. We have only seen funeral rites when it involved one or two casualties, but it would have been interesting to explore how they coped with the loss of a full generation of warriors. I also would like to have heard Thranduil's words of encouragement to his people. I think this would have been a great opportunity to hint again at the 'magic' the Elvenking has at his disposal and yet uses so judiciously - which, by the way, I must say you put to very clever use against the dwarves at Tonduil's wedding! Well, that's quite enough of my ruminations! I'm on to the next one, Daw! Can't wait to see what you've got in store for me! ;-)

Annariel · 4 September 2007 · Chapter 17: Going Home

splendid narration of the five armies battle, just marvelous! So much elven lifes was lost, but they gain their peace for several years. greetings

Annariel · 4 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Sinnarn's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Oh my, poor, so poor, very poor, terribly poor Sinnarn. I knew that somebody had to be the guilty about the escape, and better him than Legolas, but it gave me grief so much... and too much laughter *lol* Excellent chapter minstrel *winks* Annariel

Mariasha · 27 April 2006 · Chapter 17: Going Home

This story, especially the last two chapters, is one of the best written fanfics I have ever read. You were sooo good at weaving your story and "The Hobbit" together, that it will be hard to separate them in my mind from now on. I felt so terribly sorry for Galelas, especially since the only time he seems to get recognition from his family is when he is not able to receive it anymore. I do not want to say, I'd rather see his brother die, but I came pretty close to it. What I also really appreciate is that you are giving "life" to characters, which are, understandably, due to the length of the books, neglected in Tolkiens works. It is a a sign for good work by the author, when the readers even weep for or love* or come close to it* the OCs. I am shattered that I am almost done with your stories here. :(

Dot · 14 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Battles Near and Far

There should be a button for replying to replies... Although, then your reviewers would never stop talking. Anyway, thank you so much. Sad to say, that was really confusing me! He needed a break from command? Yes, that's it! He was tired of the responsibility Sounds good to me! It's either that or the appearance of elflings...;-) No need for an explanation, though - I highly doubt anyone else is crazy enough to spend two days wondering if she's got her elves mixed up :-)

Dot · 14 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Battles Near and Far

May I ask a question please? I was re-reading this on and off yesterday and something puzzled me. I always find it really hard to keep track of which warriors are in what patrols and who the captain is, and I was wondering... is Elorfin a member of the Home Guard here just as an ordinary warrior or did I miss something? Because isn't he the same person who's captain of the Northern Border Patrol in 'A Creature of Fire'? I wouldn't normally ask but am getting even more confused trying to figure it out. I swear I'm not being annoying on purpose. Someday I'll have to write it all out for myself because my poor brain can't keep track of people. Feel free to delete this from your reviews if you want.

Hisie Lome · 7 September 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Daw, What can I say ? This family just keeps getting better (and bigger). I read the whole tale today. I am almost in tears over the deaths and then you leave us all with hope for renewed happiness. Eflings and a new marriage.... Both would be fun to witness. As always, well done. Thank you for all of your hard work. Mina Sedh, Hisie Lome

Emily · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

What a wonderful tale! You did a great job weaving "The Hobbit" in with your own story. This Legolas is very much different from the one I just left in "My Brother's Keeper." Still, he's the same character at heart. I loved his looking out for 'Hobbit.' Poor thing. How's he supposed to know that a Hobbit is a halfling? Good Thranduil warmed my heart with his gentle teasing. I love stories where Thranduil is a good ada. I'm playing catch-up with all the characters. Ithilden is married and a father? I'm so glad! I felt terrible for his son. As soon as you made him the Head Guard I groaned. I was so happy when Bilbo told them what he had done with the wine. I especially enjoyed Beliond. I'm looking forward to reading more of him. What a fun character! He's quite the crank-pot. Love that. The Battle of Five Armies was great. Just what I wanted to see from the Elves' point of view. I have to say that I thought Todith would bite the dust from his first line in the story. Too bad I was right. I liked him. Well, I enjoyed that immensly. Looking forward to reading more of your work.

Tapetum Lucidum · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Good job, as usual, wrapping things up. You rarely leave me feeling short changed. Thranduil's gleam over his enchantment was wicked. I really enjoyed it. I was glad Sinnarn survived this one. I would have missed him a lot. The funeral scene as the bodies of the elves were sent up the river was very sad. The memories of the departed had me choked up again. I enjoyed seeing Thranduil pat his younger sons on the back. Everyone needs some encouragement and he seems to know just what to tell them. Eilian does have a big heart and I wouldn't change it either. He is still very young himself, I think that is why he still enjoys playing in the snow far longer than most warriors. Thranduil's advice to Legolas was good - judge men as individuals and not as a group. I think he will use the same philosophy when it comes to dwarves. It was good to end the story on a happy note. It was a lot darker than your usual tale but it suited the time frame.

Tapetum Lucidum · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies

Good job with the battle scene! It must have been hard to coordinate all of those troops while keeping a clear picture in your head. You do a good job describing the overall events from the perspective of one person. It makes the situation a lot more personal. All of our heroes let their attention falter in this one and all have paid the price. Ithilden must have been completely distraught to see his son in danger and be unable to act. It must have been terrible for Legolas to leave and injured Beliond among the rocks. (I think his keeper is wounded more often than he is) Only his concern for his family and his people enabled him to walk away. Killing off Todith was not a big surprise. I didn't think he would survive this because it was the best way to make Legolas captain of the home guard before "A Question of Duty." The lieutenant's discovery of his captain was very touching, his memories of his first patrol were very sweet. Eilain's thoughts over Galelas left tears in my eyes. He was unfortunate to not have the love and support that the Thranduilion took for granted. I doubt Tinar will cope very well. The suspense before the arrival of the youngest princes of the realm was excellent. You had me worried over who else had fallen. Nithron's death was hard but Sinnarn's would have been worse. I am glad he is still around! The closing scene with the brothers weeping in each others' arms was very sad. Boromir's death was certainly not the first that Legolas had encountered.

Tapetum Lucidum · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 14: Siege

July has been a busy month and I am finally catching up on some fun! It is nice to be able to read the chapters in succession. You are doing a great job of fitting all of your OC's into this complicated story line. Maintaining all of the smaller stories has to be hard - Sinnarn's discipline, his relationships with Annael and Emmelin, Galelas/Tinar's feud. It is coming out very well. Your elvish perspective has also been great! Thranduil's people are not the greedy race that are portrayed in the dwarvish version of events. They do need to replenish their coffers after many years of fighting. I was glad to see Thranduil back off on his claim as soon as he realized that Thorin still lived. Having him hang around to see how things turned out was the natural thing to do. The king's admiration for his sons was a nice touch as well. He doesn't get a chance to do that often. Ithilden is still quite protective of Sinnarn. I guess now he knows just how his father has felt for milennia. Legolas and Sinnarn's little encounter with Bilbo was very amusing. I would be very nervous if I were that hobbit.

nessie · 19 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Aww. Last chapter was incredible, by the way. My heart stopped for a second when Beliond was injured. I thought he was going to die! Good thing he didn't though. I actually felt sorry for Tinar. That little paragraph was so sad though, I almost cried. He just seemed so lost. "He's too young to be dead." Loved that. Very angsty. I'm going to miss Nithron alot too. Also loved the ending, it lightened the mood up a little. I'm still very sad though. Well, I really, really, really loved this story and I absolutely can't wait for the next one! ~nessie~

Bodkin · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Sounds good - can't wait. It'll be lovely to see them small and naughty again. Thranduil and Turgon - a pairing made in heaven. (Should be called WITHdawAL symptoms. Corny.)

Bodkin · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

The withdrawal symptoms are getting very bad. I need another dose of daw!

caz - baz · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

that was a good story. It sort of carried on the theme of the week of how ugly war is - i watched 'Cold Mountain'. you should find someone temporarily for Legolas he's all alone and i feel sorry for him. i like to know about Eilian's children i bet there would be some funny stories to tell, although to be fair to Eilian i'm sure he would make a great father and Celuwen would add the common sense to the mixture. But at the moment i think i've had my fill of little children. we've been looking after 20 10-11 year olds and they're exhausting, i can do one at a time because my sister's at that age but when they're in a group, arrgghhhhh! they need a warning label - may induce loss of hair, redness of face or early heart attack. Keep away from water or hot objects. We also recently got a trampoline - don't worry my sister's not dead... yet! caz - baz ps: am eagerly awaiting next story.

The Karenator · 14 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Gosh, daw, I go away for a few days and find everything has already taken place in my absence. I can't tell you have much I enjoyed this whole tale. You did a superior job of telling it from the Elves' perspective. Your battles were so well done and realistically portrayed. I think war is a horrible thing and much worse than I can even imagine. I knew we had to expect deaths...that's the way of war...but I can't help but feel bad for the OC's we lost. I think Galelas was the most sad for me. He'd come so far personally and professionally under Eilian's kind guidance. I even felt bad for Tinar. He was shocked back to reality by his brother's death. I suppose even arrogant fools still love their family and friends. I don't know how this will impact him in the future, but at this moment, he's a grieving brother, and I can't help but feel for him at such a time. The whole Woodland Realm will be in mourning for those lost...even the unnamed ones that we simply know died. The main characters were wonderful. Thranduil is indeed the greatest Elven-king. He's shrewd, but wise, nevering losing sight of what was really important. He raised his sons well. Eilian and Legolas stepped up when needed and proved themselves competent and mature. Adar saw his sons in a new light. Sometimes, parents can be the last to see their child as no longer a child. All our energy goes into seeing them to this point and are probably the most surprised when we find they've reached it. If we do our jobs well as parents, we put ourselves out of a job. Good for Thranduil for acknowledging this. You did a great job of showing strong competent Ithilden's weakness. His family. I know Sinnarn was nearly a goner, but I'm glad you didn't let him get killed. I would hate to think of that pain it would have caused Ithilden and Alfirin. (That's the parent in me suffering with them.) There are so many little things about the story that I found just wonderful that it would take me all day and most likely bore you to tears if I were to list them all. Let me just say that you gave such warmth and terror, political intrigue and mystery to Tolkien's tale. Shoot! I think he would even be impressed with the thorough job you did telling the story from the Elves' point of view. I don't think I'll ever read the Hobbit again and not picture your story going on behind the scenes. Thanks, daw. You've given me much pleasure in reading this. I look forward to the next tale. Karen

LKK · 14 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Nithron, Galelas, and (missed most of all by me) Todith -- the roster of named elven dead makes me sad. I will miss them, especially Todith whom I really liked. If there is any good to come from these deaths, perhaps it will be to Tinar who seemed most shocked by his brother's death. This has been a fascinating look at The Hobbit, daw. Have you ever heard of the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead? It's the Hamlet story told from the perspective of 2 of its minor characters. Tangled Web has been like that, for me; The Hobbit told from the perspective of the minor characters. I'm very curious to read what you tackle next. Will you continue to go forward in time? Eilian as a father? Legolas meeting Aragorn? The guarding of Gollum? Or will you go back in time? Give us another glimpse of the brothers childhoods? Or back to Thranduil and his wife's courting? Whatever you tackle, you can be sure I'll be eager to read. :) LKK

Nelsonia · 14 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Hello Daw Thanks again for such a great story, you have outdone yourself girl! I loved every bit of it, great pace great battle (even if it was a horrible one you portrayed the horribleness v well, which I think was the point). Looking forward to something lighter though he he he I will side with Bodkin on the "do not kill any more OCs" group he he he. Still v busy with the phd here so I apologize again for not reviewing nearly as often as I would like, but I always look forward to read your stories! Keep up the good work Best wishes Nelsonia

Beny · 14 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

This story is a masterpiece and you are the BEST. I’d like to join to Bodkin’s No OC Pruning campaign. Your OC are so wonderful that you could afford Eilian and Ithilden stories without Legolas! Again, thank you for this great story!

Bodkin · 14 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

No OC pruning. I'll start a campaign. The OCs are too good to lose. (Some can just go off on short trips during stories so they don't need to appear, if they must.) Just remember - no deaths and none of them are to sail west. Until Legolas does. The family that plays together, stays together. With elflings. Thank you.

Yav14 · 13 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

I just wanted to write and thank you not only for this story, but for all your work. You have created a backstory for the Wood-elves that is so vivid and intricate that it has become "canon" in my own mind. Your original characters are so compelling that at times I have been shocked to find myself more interested in them than what is happening with Legolas. This is no small feat. Anyway, cheers, and I hope you continue this series. Chris

Ithildin · 12 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Great story daw! I enjoyed it thoroughly! Well done. I really enjoyed seeing this part of ‘The Hobbit’ from the Elves’ point of view. I loved the interaction between all the OC’s and with the canon characters as well. I’ve become quite attached to all the OC’s in the ‘daw-verse,’ so I do hope at some point you will consider coming back and continuing the story from here. :) Already looking forward to the next story (whatever the timeframe), Ithildin *(

tigerlily713 · 12 July 2004 · Chapter 17: Going Home

Wonderful chapter, and wonderful ending to a lovely story. It was very nice to have this take on the events of The Hobbit. I love the characters and relationships that you have created and I can't wait to read more!