Reviews (436)

naneth · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Wow, I get home from vacation and find four updates. You've been very busy writing while I was visiting Micky, Minnie, and the gang! I enjoyed all of the chapters and love how you are weaving parts of the book into this story. Sinnarn's musing about his relationship with his parents and his desire to keep living with them and how his feelings compare to a human's feeling and actions were thought-provoking. Obviously those adolescent years for elves don't spark the same reaction as their adolescent human counterparts. Some days I think that my daughter will go bonkers before she can leave for college this fall-or else her poor mother will!

Rose Sared · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Its one of those weird canon glitches that Bilbo could run around for so long wearing the one ring, with Sauron looking over his shoulder almost, and not be either visible to the dark lord or more enslaved by the ring. Still canon it is and masterfully woven into this story. I love the way you manage to have our sympathies with the elves rather than those intensly irritating Dwarves. What fun. Still enjoying this immensly Rose

White Wolf · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

An answer suddenly dawned on me, when you put all the strange occurrences together in one sentence (in your reply to my last review). Is Hoobbit loose in the palace?

sofia · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

its funny to read about Bilbo with the ring on, running loose around the palace. Update soon. -sofia

Duchess · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Very good! Loved it and look forward to "seeing" how the Dwarves' escape sets the kingdom on it's collective ear. *giggle* Bilbo is getting lax in his sneaking about, isn't he? *vbg* Poor Legolas, thinking his mind or nerves are playing tricks on him. *snicker* More please?!? I know, I'm greedy but I can't help it! LOL

SasseyJ · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Another wonderful story, which I expect every time I see your name as author. You handle Legolas growing to adulthood very well, and I just love his brother and their relationships with one another and their father. I keep expecting Legolas or his nephew to find Bilbo out and help him. I have found it quite amusing that Legolas and the other elves are still searching for that poor lost child, Hobbit. I can't wait for the Battle of Five Armies and only hope that Legolas's brothers and nephew all survive it. Sassey

Bodkin · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

What an enjoyable chapter. I just loved the romantic touch with Sinnarn and Emmelin - (you couldn't be so cruel as to prevent True Love!)- with sweet Annael becoming the enraged adar. Probably not a good tactic to run, Sinnarn -makes you look guilty. Those Great Doors must have been a pain - it sounds a good plan until you realise that enraged Thranduil has to be found and placated to open them. I'm not surprised Sinnarn popped round to Amdir's house. But really - thinking that Alfirin wouldn't miss him - what an incurable optimist. The keepers - their protectees must become really close to them over the years - they have probably spent more hours together than they do with their wives and families. I do like Celuwen - (you couldn't be that cruel!) - she and Eilian definitely need an elfling. Good for her, making it plain that she was not Thranduil's pawn - and managing it without upsetting him. Interesting reactions to the Dol Guldur news - they have lost their focus and they are all unravelled. (I am worried about your excursion into mass elf murder. There are elves here I just don't want to lose.)

White Wolf · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Poor Sinnarn was really frustrated with the assignment he thought he was going to enjoy and learn from. That feeling that made Legolas jump sounds like a foreshadowing of something that may not be pleasant.

nessie · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Oh yay! I'm so glad Ithilden's home! So Sinnarn and Emmelin are falling in looove! How sweet! I think Annael thought about something else with those leaves...And Bilbo/Hobbit is haunting the palace! And eating Sinnarn's food too! So Celuwen noticed something...Hmmm...Well, I loved this chapter so update asap! ~nessie~

Anonymous · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Another great chapter. Yes, I agree with what you've said in your answers to the reviews that Legolas and his brothers are all going to feel a little lost if the forest does become safer. Legolas more than the others because he's never know anything else. Not that he would not want to see the forest healthy and safe--he would of course. It just would make him do a little searching for himself. After all, he goes on the Quest and then when Sauron really is destroyed he searches for purpose all the way to Ithilien so we know he has a strong need to be accomplishing something. I think it is very interesting to plant that seed all the way back at the time of The Hobbit. I will chime in with everyone that I loved the younger generation elves in interaction with their elders (Thranduil with his kids, Annael with his etc). It must be a very strange thing to have your parents live forever--especially when you throw in to the mix that your father is a king. I fear for Todith's future. Love this so far--it made me get out The Hobbit and reread it. You are doing a fantastic job with this!

French Pony · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

I hear that you are planning on bumping off some of your characters. Do you think it's very wicked of me to have been thinking about which ones are expendable and would make interesting drama if they bought it? And to have made some choices already? I wouldn't tell you which ones, of course, but I can definitely tell which ones in whose general direction I'd point the Fickle Finger of Fate. So Celuwen has tried to be a dutiful wife to Eilian? Uh-huh. Perhaps Thranduil is interested in purchasing a nice bridge in Khazad-dum that I just happen to have for sale. . . . The Dwarves have a secret, and the Elves have a poltergeist. It's wonderful to see them so earnestly barking up this particular tree, and I'm sure it's amusing the Dwarves no end. It's true. All mothers have the same script. I've seen it. There's a book called "Momilies" that gives some of the classic lines. I'm sure that both Beliniel and Alfirin have used them all. "Do you want your face to freeze that way?" "The things I do for you." "I'm cold; put on a cloak." "There are starving children in Lake Town who would just love that food." And, of course, the ever-classic "I hope you have Elflings just like you." The message of the trees has been revealed, and everyone is running around in shock. This is a big change for the Elves, and it'll take a lot of getting used to, especially for the Southern Patrol. I can imagine that in days to come, they'll find themselves bleeding off a lot of pent-up stress. Elves with PTSD is a sight to behold. They'll need to take extra-special care of themselves. From the human side of things, I'm amazed that Elf families can stand living with each other as long as they do. You'd think that, after the first few centuries, nanas and adas might get fed up enough with their offspring to kick them out of the nest, assuming the offspring hadn't already felt desperately confined and fled the nest much earlier. Maybe that's why the British royal family is so messed up. Chuck is in his fifties and is still essentially living with his mother.

Dot · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

Excellent, excellent, excellent! You know, you update so frequently that I really couldn’t ask for any more from you but I’m just so engrossed in this that it’s actually painful not to be able to keep reading… *sigh* I’m really very fond of Sinnarn. He and Emmelin are so sweet together. No gloves so that they can hold hands, eh? Who knew you were such a romantic?! It’s lovely watching them, though. I mean, Eilian and Celuwen were always so passionate, even when they were having problems, it turned out that Ithilden was a bit of a dork when he was in love and poor Legolas always seemed to end up in a bother with the maidens but these two are just adorable together! I love their playfulness, throwing leaves and laughing with each other, everything else around them forgotten. It’s such a pity that they were late enough to worry Annael so much. I’m sure he knows that Emmelin wouldn’t really have been doing anything she shouldn’t have been but he’s hardly likely to think much of someone who had his daughter out in a potentially dangerous forest so late at night. It sounds like Sinnarn is getting a bit fed-up with the Dwarves. I kind of feel sorry for him because he’s always been so very eager to talk to them. “I heard one of them talking to himself again this morning.” Oh, that’d be the invisible hobbit, I imagine! You’re right, it is a pain having the Great Doors sealed. For Sinnarn, it must be like going out for the night and then having to ring the doorbell when you get home because you’ve forgotten your key. Luckily Amdir’s parents sound as if they haven’t changed one iota! Poor Alfirin. It does seem that she needs Ithilden back. At least she didn’t go and rouse Thranduil when Sinnarn didn’t come home. “Ithilden would not put up with any behavior that upset Sinnarn’s mother.” That was always the worst thing we could do as well in my father’s eyes – upset my mother. Come to think of it, it still is. I really liked the bit with Sinnarn thinking about his family. I think it’s wonderful that Elves are so close in that way and that their family is so important to them, and so much a part of their identity. When you look at it through his eyes it almost seems wrong to do as Men do and leave parents and family behind! But then, Sinnarn is very lucky in the family that he has. I feel so bad for Legolas. He’s really at his wits end about the lost child. At least he’s keeping the Dwarves amused, I suppose. And probably Bilbo as well. You’re doing a brilliant job showing Bilbo’s presence. “If you want more, you only need to ask.” LOL! Poor Sinnarn. He’s becoming thoroughly disgruntled and I certainly don’t blame him. I think maybe he needs a little drink…;-) Celuwen doesn’t seem to be faring much better than Alfirin. In fact, it must be more difficult for her because of the fact that she’s still not entirely at ease in this family, and especially if Legolas isn’t around much either. Plus, Alfirin can visit her family as often as she wants and has just had plenty of time with them planning the wedding. I had to laugh at Celuwen thinking that Eilian must be asleep if he’s serene! I thought it was quite touching that Thranduil noticed her mood and asks after her, even when he is still so clearly troubled by the changes in the forest. He really cares about her and must feel awful if he thinks she’s unhappy. I love that she isn’t afraid of him and he doesn’t seem to mind at all. They have a fairly easy relationship that even he and his sons can’t quite manage. Ah yay, Ithilden is back! I was quite surprised that they’d spread the news so quickly. I would have thought that the king would have been the first to know. I guess they were just too excited. Everyone seems completely astonished. It must indeed be strange for people like Legolas who have never known peace, and peace is something that at this particular moment in time must seem possible to them again. Without Sauron, Orcs and spiders would be easier to handle. Don’t you sometimes wish you didn’t know what the future holds… “I cannot tell you how happy I am to have you home, my lord.” That’s hysterical. Poor Todith. Stubborn Dwarves, scary spiders and an elusive Dwarf-child obviously seem to him to be much more attractive to deal with than Thranduil. I’m sure Ithilden understands. Bilbo is apparently causing havoc with stolen food, broken vases and accidentally bumping into Elves. Still, it’s kind of fun watching them all get a little freaked-out;-) Oh, that was such a great chapter. How’ll I wait? I think I should take up yoga or something to help me relax between chapters…

Dragon-of-the-North · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

A lovely chapter once again (yes, I am still reading, even though my reviews are infrequent)! The elves' reactions to Bilbo's presence and their interpretations of its signs are too precious (I chuckled very much over the servant assuming that Sinnarn was very greedy with his breakfast and not admitting it). And small wonder the dwarves are somewhat amused as well... Do not hit me now, but I think I am beginning to understand why Gimli must have considered Legolas as quite a ridiculous figure later... The elven prince who thought it takes two male dwarves to make a hobbit! ;-) Again, I enjoyed Thranduil very much in this. His interaction with Celuwen was especially well-written (I believe he does not only like to be king of the Woodland Realm, but also king in his house ;-)), but I also liked his and Legolas' reaction in the ending - the sheer astonishment that the Enemy is gone from where he has been for such a long time, joy not really setting in yet (in spite of the "celebratory cups of wine") because coming to terms with the new situation and understanding it fully will take time... Very good. The Sinnarn part of the chapter was great fun - it seems it is the Curse of the House of Oropher to have to deal with suspicious prospective fathers-in-law! And it adds to the fun that it is Annael who takes the role of a member of the "older" generation now! Oh, but I was very disappointed that the "sealed doors" problem was simply solved by staying with Amdir and walking in in the morning - for a split second, I had dared hope for a hilarious grand plan along the lines of trying an "attack" by swimming to the trapdoor in the cellars and trying to break it open... If only because a dripping wet Sinnarn walking into his grandfather's bedchamber, announcing: "I have found a weak point - the orcs could be upon us at any time! We should post guards... or repair that trapdoor, at least..." would have been very hilarious... (Ignore me! ;-) You know I tend to develop very silly stories now and then). So, brilliant chapter once again! :-) I am looking forward to the next one!

Estel_Mi_Olor · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

I really liked that chapter, Daw. It was very funny to read about the Dwarves conversing with themselves, the vase tipping over, and Sinnarn's breakfast disappearing, and knowing that it was all Bilbo wearing the Ring. Very well done. I am so glad Ithilden is home! Well, no more than Todith. He will restore some semblance of calm. Perhaps since Legolas has proved to be so competent serving in his position as unofficial leader of the Home Guard, somebody might take it into their heads to promote him? I was just wondering of course... Poor Celuwen, I knew she would be lonely. She knew it too. I can see how she would feel closest to Legolas. It is good that they are friends. But now that the Shadow has sort of left the South, Eilian might come home more often? That would be good for everyone. Sinnarn and Emmelin are so cute! Reminds me of Ithilden and Alifrin when they were courting. Poor Annael, they must have given him a heart attack, coming home so late. Well, no more than Sinnarn did to Alifrin, so that's fair. I can't wait to see what will happen next. Ithilden will be told about everything, and vice versa, so that will be interesting. And the Dwarves' escape will be great! Oh, but poor Sinnarn, he'll be blamed, won't he? Well, I'll wait and see. Cheers and keep writing!

Ms. Whatsit · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

I love the way you put Invisible!Bilbo into the story. Poor Elves--they get so put-upon in this story, don't they? Obnoxious Dwarves crash their party and make a mess and refuse even to tell them where they're going (I'd lock the Dwarves up, too!), an invisible hobbit wreaks havoc in their castle, dwarves and hobbit escape making the elves look dumb...poor things. Sinnarn, you want to be careful about showing up at Annael's door with his daughter in a disheveled condition. You really do. Legolas is really too cute--"Hobbit is your son, is he not?" Does the Dwarf know Legolas thinks he's Bilbo's *mother*, I wonder? That would be funny. I wonder if Legolas ever finds out who Bilbo really is. I suppose he does at the Battle of the Five Armies, right? He'd feel so stupid. And I liked the part with Celuwen. I love how she stands up to Thranduil. "Send her" to visit her parents, indeed! Celuwen will come and go as she wants. Given Thranduil's control-freak nature, I'd love to see the scene where Beliond tells him that Legolas is going with the Fellowship...and also the scene where Legolas tells him that he's going to run off to Ithilien with a chunk of Mirkwood's population. That would be quite amusing. Poor Thranduil--at least he has dutiful Ithilden to keep him sane!

Estel_Mi_Olor · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

Great chapter, as usual Daw, but before commenting on this one, I'd like to say something about the previous chapter. You see, after leaving that review, I read some of another person's review, and then I realized that Hobbit was indeed The Hobbit. Of course, I felt pretty stupid, so I decided to comment on it in my next review. But, I was away from my computer, so I could only actually read chapter 8 now, after chapter 9 has already come out. And yes, I am feeling rather foolish...When Hobbit was first introduced I thought "what an odd name for a Dwarf child"...Alright, laugh at me, I deserve it. Now onto the serious stuff... Legolas is so kind hearted to trust the Dwarves, and worry for the supposed child. I do not picture him or Annael as the angry types, so the Dwarves must have really gotten on their nerves. I can imagine Thranduil's rage at the Dwarves impertinence. It is very comical now, that I realize that Hobbit is Bilbo..., yes please laugh some more. I am guessing that the trees sound confused because the shadow of Dol Guldor has suddenly been dispelled? Yes, that would be rather confusing, wouldn't it? That means Ithilden will be coming home soon! I am going to re-read that chapter in the Hobbit. Congrats, by the way, on interweaving your interpretation of Tolkien with the real thing. Keep writing!

Manderly · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 9: In the Palace

What a wonderful chapter - it's got a bit of everything. I couldn't quite control my giggles over Sinnarn's exploits. I guess he will think twice before playing with the leaves again. I would have loved to see/hear what was going through Annael's mind when the two finally showed up at the doorstep. "Hobbit" is causing quite the disturbance, isn't he? Soon the elves will think they are losing their sanity as well as their eyesight. And poor Legolas is still beside himself with concerns over the "missing child". And the dwarves are just plain funny, especially seen through Sinnarn's eyes. I laughed outloud at the part where Sinnarn said that the dwarf was more polite talking to himself than in addressing the elves. Really anxious for more of this story. Even though this chapter was relatively light, I could still feel the tension building up - the calm before the storm so to speak.

mistry89 · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

Having just read c7 & 8 on the trot, I am still revelling in the "clever to explain it *that* way feeling". The apparent harshness of the treatment of the dwarves by the elves is defendable on the basis of concern for a child (where the dwarves seemingly have no such worries), the disruptions to a very private ceremony, and the bigger picture with the White Council so close .... Thranduil seems downright friendly when you add it all up! Thank you, I first read Bilbo's version of this when I was eight, and I've waited until now to see what "them upstairs" were up to :)

mistry89 · 19 June 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wedding Feast

It is lovely to see the tie-in to TH, linking Legolas to the 'shippers and also "explaining' why the elves persisted in that celebration ... I *had* always wondered! Thank you again for your interpretation and "extension" of ME.

erunyauve · 19 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

'“I can do better than that,” Legolas said. “I hereby appoint you head guard. You can pick three other people to share the duty with and work out the schedule.”' Oh dear, I don't think anyone is going to be pleased with Sinnarn's execution of his duties. The missing 'dwarf child' is going to be rather frustrating for the elves, I think. I can't imagine that the elves wouldn't sense his presence in the stronghold, but it would probably drive them crazy to be unable to see him.

White Wolf · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

I was actually glad to see that Legolas lost whatever sympathy he had for the dwarves, at least for the moment. He was, after all, raised by someone, who dislikes and distrusts dwarves, so even though he is a very kind-hearted elf, it would be a stretch to think he wouldn't react the way he did, especially in the face of their defiance.

The Karenator · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

Great chapter, daw! I'm heading out to the woods again in a little while, and I wanted to leave a quick review before I left. So...I stopped by and read a few other reviews that have come in since I last checked. My heart stoppped! What do you mean anyone not in 'A Question of Duty' is fair game? Dadgumit! Now I'm spending my time trying to figure out exactly where all the Thranduilion and the Ithildenion are going to be instead of coming up with what exactly I loved about this installment. SO...here it is: (I know you can hardly wait!) Not everyone can go. The realm cannot be drained of all warrriors. There are still orcs and spiders roaming around and to leave the realm unprotected would invite problems from other enemy sources as well. A lot of unnamed warriors will be with Thranduil and a lot will be still at home. Sinnarn has probably incurred the wrath of his adar and his daeradar. He can be left behind to do something mundane and safe since he has demonstrated a lack of good judgment. (Much to Ithilden's relief and Alfirin's, too.) Ithilden does not have to go either. Someone has to stay in command at home. Thranduil is a warrior and can command from the field. Plus, to have Ithilden along jeopardizes both king and heir. Of course, they don't know there is going to be a war, BUT, I would think continued rule would still be a prudent consideration, and Thranduil is prudent. Anything can go wrong at any time. Eilian is still in the south. (Maltanaur, too.) His job is not over, yet. He's mopping up. We already know Legolas, Beliond, Annael and Amdir are present in Rivendell...they're safe. SO! Everyone is safe!...except the poor unnamed warrriors. Well, Galelas and his lovely brother, Tinar, are available, but where would the fun be in kiling them. We need them around as local nemesis. And the novice masters if they're pressed into active duty are available. (I would think they would serve better at home since they've not been on active duty...unless you consider teaching the art of weapon-wielding to elflings active duty. :>) I would. Have I missed anyone? SO! there you have it...how I will make myself feel better until I return and find out what havoc you have wrecked while I was gone. Don't you just hate how pushy some of us reviewers are? I mean really. I'm so involved with your OC's that I'm worrying about them and trying to save their necks. I'm trying, daw! I offer my services to travel with Thranduil. My bow and blade are at his command. (The sweet adorable child cannot go. She's far too young, and Elladan needs her.) But be forewarned! I will not die! I have to be here for the rest of the story. You have really outdone yourself this time. Such a wonderful tale! I look forward to new chapters when I return. Carry on. Karen

Jebb · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

The apple of his eye indeed but for how much longer? And poor Legolas is sure to take the major part of the blame for his decision I can see why he did it having suffered himself from wanting to prove himself an adult while his family seemed determined to keep him safe Loved the shifting of Legolas and Thranduil's relationships during this chapter from parent and son to king and officer and back again poor Legolas must have trouble keeping up with who he is currently facing! But Thranduil senses his unease and shows his usual compassion for his son's needs in the garden and that he still vlaues his advice clever king Those dwarves had better watch out annoying the king bad idea

Nilmandra · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

I'll have you know Elladan is chewing a button off my nightgown even as I write this. (Elladan the puppy! not that I would mind the other one, though). I am torn between feeling really sorry for Sinnarn and seein all of this from the perspective of the elves. Confused dwarves and a change in the forest, alost child.....so much is happening. I'm afraid I would have dumped the dwarves into the cellars too. :D But poor Legolas, chewed out about all of this, and poor Sinnarn - Chief Guard!

Anonymous · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Taking Prisoners

On the question of OCs dying in the Battle of the Five Armies...of course someone will die because we know the battle goes badly at first for the elves and dwarves. But can you imagine the impact of killing Eilian, Ithilden, or Sinnarn? If they die on top of all of Thranduil's other grief in his lifetime? If any of them died in this battle and then Legolas goes on the quest? Especially as it is written in Question of Duty where Legolas goes off in defiance of Thranduil's orders? The death of Legolas' brothers would make Legolas' subsequent actions so much weightier both emotionally and politically. Its frightening really. Poor Thranduil. He was (and still is)originally my favorite character in all of Tolkein's works. I always thought he was the coolest--after all, he protects the largest forest in ME, so near to Mordor and Dol Guldur without a Ring and through a life of what could only be tragedy--we know his father died in battle and his mother and wife had to have something negative happen to them if they are no longer with him. And through all that he raises such a fine son. I certainly dread to see who you decide to kill but you must kill a someone and probably more then one someone. That's what makes it drama. Love this story so far!!