rikki
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
This chapter should have displayed the box of tissues at the beginning for angst and tears. I was drawn into the battle, feeling like I was on the front line myself facing orcs and bats, and every time someone got into a jam, I was saying, 'oh no, oh no'. In a way it reminded me of the battle of Helms Deep though here there were many more elves and dwarves.
It really hurt to lose Nithron and Todith and Galeas. I pity Ithilen and Thranduil having to go back home and tell the families of all the elves that were killed that their sons and husbands and brothers were never coming home again. Immortality sucks when you have such a long time to grieve over a lost one. And there are many more that were not named among the elves as well as dwarves and men. When Legolas and Eilian were crying in the end, I had to join them.
Though you say that it was depressing to write, I think that you should pat yourself on the back for doing such a fine job. You didn't lose any strings as you told the story from different POVs and you wrote it with such style that it makes the reader feel as if they are standing on the rise attacking the orcs themselves. Keeping the action going and the adrenalin flowing is very difficult in such a situation. Though I love your young Legolas stories, I think that Tangled Web is going to turn out to be one of my keepers that I will reread many times. Thanks for all you give your readers.
Salarikki
Author's reply
I like the idea of a box of tissues symbol! Maybe I'll suggest it to Nilmandra. LOL
I'm glad the tension of the battle came through. Tolkien says that many elves died in the battle, so I imagine the homecoming must have been very sober. There would be many funerals in the next week, I would think. Your point about how immortality is not so good when sorrow has struck is a good one. Poor Elves! :-(
daw
naneth
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
As emotionally draining as this chapter was to read, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to write. You did an outstanding job of pulling us into the excitement and horror of battle. I have to admit that you *almost* sucked me into horror over Annael-until I remembered that he's around later!
I will miss those characters that died even though they were "bit" players in a way. You do such a wonderful job of bringing all of your characters to life, that I feel as though I have lost some friends.
Author's reply
I thought I might have fooled some folks with Beliond too, when Legolas tucked him behind those rocks. In truth, though, I am still a little depressed from having written this. It went on and on and it was awful. I feel so bad about Galelas in particular. Sigh. I need to do some happier stuff in the next chapter.
Manderly
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
Bravo! Bravo! That was one amazing chapter! I couldn't read the words fast enough and more than once I was tempted to scroll down to see who you have decided to put on the death list. Though I mourn the death of Nithron, Todith and Galelas, at least you have spared the ones that I have become very fond of. Thank you. (I hope you will be merciful and spare Sinnarn as well). Those keepers really do sacrifice all that they have to keep their charges safe, don't they?
Though the battle was bloody and tense, it was also heart-warming to see all the different races fighting together so unselfishly - something we don't see in today's world.
Victory comes with a high cost. Those who are now left behind will feel the guilt of surviving while seeing so many of their friends and comrades killed in this one battle. It must be hard to live with the memory of such a vicious battle and of so many deaths. Your final scene of the two brothers crying in each other's embrace really sums up the emotions that must be going through all those who have survived. That was really gut-wrenching!
Thank you for sharing your considerable talent with us.
Author's reply
Thank you, Manderly. When I first started writing this story, I gave serious consideration to killing Sinnarn, but when I read the end of "The Hobbit" carefully, I realized that Thranduil does not act like someone whose beloved grandchild had just been killed. So Thranduil's sons and grandsons were safe. Which was good, I guess. I can't imagine how Ithilden and Alfirin would survive if Sinnarn had died.
There is heroism and valor in battle, and I wanted to show that, but I also wanted to show the grim reality too. The next chapter will have some healing in it, I think, although I suspect that true recovery will come only in time.
dr_seuss_is_cool
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
Hello.
Let me start off by saying that I am particularily sorry that I have not reviewed in a long while, but school had gotten in the way and before I even acknowledged it was summer I hadn't reviewed a whole story. I am really sorry for my lack of appreciation.
Now on to the review, I decided to review this chapter because I couldn't contain myself. And I had some time to kill. I very much liked the fact that you focused attention on Eilian and then Legolas and then Ithilden. Very nice touch. Oh how I will miss Nithron, Galelas and Todith. I am very worried for Sinnarn. The outburst of Ithilden was one of my favorite parts in this chapter because Ithilden always seems so composed and you did a very nice job with him. The end was very somber but definately great. I could just imagine Eilian and Legolas. So wonderful. I was extremely impressed with how you did this battle. Most people focus on one person and then tell what happened to other later, but you managed to balance many people at one time.
Great job!
Thank you for writing.
Bye bye.
Author's reply
Not to worry, Dr. S. I know how busy people can get. I love hearing from you, but I'm sure there are days when you barely have time to turn around.
I feel bad about the dead OCs too, particularly Galelas, but it seemed unrealistic to have everyone survive. I don't think I'm giving much away when I say that Sinnarn will survive. At the end of "The Hobbit," Thranduil is pretty cheerful, so it just didn't seem to me that his beloved grandson could have died. And you are so right about Ithilden. I can't imagine how he (or Alfirin) would go on if their son died. Ithilden's family is his soft spot. He's so controlled until it comes to them.
I'm glad the battle read well. It was hard to write, I have to admit.
ValkrieCrow
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
I don't know whether to cheer or cry.
Your writing ability has left me speechless. It made me feel as if I was there, fighting along side Thranduil and his warriors.
I am in awe of your skill!
-ValkrieCrow
Author's reply
Thank you, ValkrieCrow. This chapter was hard for me to write mostly because it was so ugly and depressing. I know the battle was necessary and the Elves who survived it will have a better life for at least 10 years now (Tolkien says) but still, it was grim. Better stuff in the next chapter!
Nymh
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
Right, I'm distraught over Galelas, Daw. The poor, underloved guy had really grown on me (again hurling the mothering instincts into high gear.) And Todith, too! As relatively minor a character as he was, he was so engaging I hate to see him go. He's one of those steady figures that one is glad to know is present, even if only in the background. Not to mention Nithron ... oh, poor Sinnarn. If only he'd learned to be certain his enemies were dead.
Sheer brilliance leaving us to wonder who Eilian and Legolas were bolting, terrified, to see in Thranduil's tent. I completely expected it to be Sinnarn (not that he's out of the woods!) and am terribly glad it wasn't. I suspect Ithilden would break.
You write battle and simple physicality exceedingly well, incidentally.
Thanks for another wonderful update.
Author's reply
I feel completely horrible about Galelas. I can hardly write about him even now. But Tolkien said that many elves died in this battle and it just seemed unrealistic that none of my OCs would. I've written a lot about Todith too, so I also feel bad about him.
I did mean to fool readers into thinking it was Sinnarn (and, for a second, maybe even Eilian, since Legolas is summoned first) but I finally decided that I couldn't kill him and remain true to the text of the "The Hobbit." At the end, Thranduil is pretty cheerful, acting not at all like someone whose beloved grandson was dead. And you are so right about Ithilden, not to mention Alfirin. I don't know if they would survive.
Thank you for your kind comments. This chapter was hard to write. I look forward to having happier material for the next one, which I think will be the last one.
sasseyj
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
Legolas was not the only one who let out a whoosh of air. Simply wonderful.
SasseyJ
Author's reply
Thank you, Sasseyj. This chapter was tough to write and really depressed me. I'm glad it's over and I can move on to happier events in the next one.
LOTRFaith
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
Wiping away tears of my own.... That was an awesome chapter Daw... I clearly felt the adrenaline rush and the fury at the orcs and wargs... Wanted to grab a sword and scream:-)
Aie.. It is very true, Boromir was not the first person Legolas probably saw die... Todith, Nithronand Galelas are dead amongst others, Sinnarn, Legolas and Beliond are wounded... I think the easiest way to describe war is this "War is hell."
Author's reply
That's exactly my feeling about war. It may be necessary but it is never pretty. I used the outline of the battle that Tolkien gives us and just showed my characters' reactions to it. Tolkien mentions the bats feeding on the fallen for instance, which creeped me out no end.
The next chapter will be a happier one.
Joee
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! You actualy have me crying here! I knew there was going to be casulties, I mean, I didn't expect the elves to all survive the battle, but i was kind of hoping that the less important elves would die. I mean, Todith's and Galelas' death were sad, but Nithron was like part of their extended family. I don't think I've cried this much since Turgon's death (there's a reason I try to avoid death fics) and although I am really sad right now I must say, if you kill Sinnarn I don't know if I can ever forgive you. yeah okay, so that's a big lie, but I would definately cry again and probably boycott your stories for a while (another lie). I'm just thankful that Beliond appears in A Question of Duty or I would be worried about him too. Anyway, enough of my ramblings, please update soon =)
Author's reply
You pay me a great compliment with your emotional reaction, Joee. Sinnarn will survive. When I was planning this story, I considered killing him, but at the end of "The Hobbit," Thranduil simply doesn't act like someone whose beloved grandson has died. He's much too cheery. So all of Thranduil's family got a pass.
I thought it was unrealistic to have all the characters I usually write about survive though. So I had to choose some to die and I wanted some who would matter to Legolas and his brothers.
The next chapter will be happier.
sofia
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
this chapter is so exciting, and so sad!
How can Galelas be dead? Especially Nithron? I liked him!I cant believe he's dead, and Todith. And i really did think that you killed off Beliond but im glad you didnt.
-sofia
Author's reply
Tolkien says that many elves died in this battle and almost no one escaped unwounded. So it seemed unrealistic not to have any of my characters die. I felt the worst about Galelas. :-(
The next chapter should be happier.
Tauvesa
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
OH MY GOD!!! You so rock! I don't know how you find the internal fortitude to write scenes like this but, God bless you. I was near to tears. THANK YOU!
Diana
Author's reply
Thank you, Tauvesa. This chapter was hard to write, and I was glad when I was done. I am not a believer in the glory of battle, even a necessary battle like this one. I made myself cry over Galelas. I am looking forward to writing some happier stuff in the next chapter.
JastaElf
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
I will leave a review when ff.net finds its brains again, but I just HAD to leave one here as well. Daw, this chapter is so incredibly exceptional, it is hard to find enough words of praise for it. Writing battle is dreadfully difficult, especially for those of us who in this life at least have never tasted of it. But good literature--and great literature--has given us access to it, and I see echoes of some of the best in here. Slaughterhouse Five, Red Badge of Courage, Les Miserables, All Quiet on the Western Front, even Tolkien--there are echoes of some of the greatest war writing ever done, here, and I applaud you.
I also applaud your courage in killing off some of your fine OCs--but Oh, I wept buckets over poor old Galelas! His family had damned well better esteem him in death as they failed to do in life... or I hope maybe Eilian will take charge and give him the honour he deserves. And Nithron, and Todith--oh gods, Todith!!--I just hope to heaven Beliond makes it, and Sinnarn and Ithilden....
I think the most powerful moments came when the instructions came separately to Legolas and Eilian that they were "wanted" in the King's tent. Not that Thranduil had sent for them, but that they were wanted.... what a frightening moment! And then to find a body.... but it wasn't Ada, but it WAS Nithron... oh god. Just--marvelous. So well done....
The bit at the end though, when Legolas breaks down and Eilian comforts (and gains comfort himself)--the image of the brothers sobbing in each other's arms, oh, that is just wonderful. You have outdone yourself in a piece of magnificent writing. I hope you are justly proud of your work! It is just superb!
Thank you SO much for this wonderful update!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Jasta. I found this chapter depressing as hell to write. Everything was ugly and chaotic and cruel and awful. The good guys were defending the right, but they went into battle and slaughtered others, and I understand it, and they had to but it was awful anyway. And people like Galelas got killed. He had a crappy life and then he got killed in a battle with orcs. Sigh. Thranduil's family survives, but the scars will be from more than their wounds, I think.
Karri
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 16: Battle of Five Armies
Nicely written, daw. I feel badly for Galelas, but saw it coming. I feel badly for Nithron, too, but he was a keeper and died doing his duty to his king and charge. No doubt that will be of comfort to him Mandos, though I am certain it will be a hard fact for Sinnarn and Ithilden to bear. I am greatly relieved that you did not kill any of the brothers Thranduilion or Sinnarn or Annael or Maltanaur. (I will admit to scrolling down to the bottom to the bottom to see who was still alive before reading the chapter. ;-)) I hope you are not going to surprise and Beliond wounds turn out to mortal. That would be seriously harsh!
Author's reply
I feel *terrible* for Galelas. What a rotten life. :-(
I couldn't kill Annael or Beliond because they appear in "A Question of Duty" which is set later. I wanted to kill Sinnarn, just because the crowd at Thranduil's dinner table is getting too big, but at the end of "The Hobbit," Thranduil simply doesn't act like someone whose beloved grandson just died. So Sinnarn all the brothers Thranduilion got a pass.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Ooh great chapter! Great tension! But the suspense is maddening. I hope nobody dies... :) Anyways:
I loved the reconciliation between Sinnarn and Ithilden. I am so glad Ithilden finally chose to believe his son and restore him to the Home Guard. Sinnarn must be so happy. I am very proud of him for sticking it out with such dignity.
Isn't Mithrandir useful? You tend to believe that he sent the Orcs just so the Dwarves and Elves wouldn't kill each other...even though he didn't. It shall be amusing to see how Thranduil, Bard and Dain will work this out. I can see some arguments coming up. I foresee that Mithrandir will be the diplomat, bridging disputes between the three races.
I can't wait for the next chapter! And Bilbo does get his treasure after all, poor thing. Keep writing!
Author's reply
That scene between Ithilden and Sinnarn was one I enjoyed writing. I have been feeling very sorry for Sinnarn, and he and Ithilden needed to be reconciled. Thranduil told Sinnarn that how he bore the consequences of his actions would determine what happened and he was right. Sinnarn did very well and Ithilden should be proud of him.
I'm sure Mithrandir would have been appalled to have the Elves and Dwarves at war, given that they all had a much bigger common enemy. You have to wonder how stupid these people are to be fighting one another. But I guess all races have their share of the dim witted.
lwarren
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Sooooo, Sinnarn is back with the Guard, and his Adar believes him about the wine, tho' it does him no good now :-) and Bilbo has been kicked out by his dwarf buddies....things are definitely heating up!
My favorite line....Thranduil's announcement about how he will not go to war over gold. I loved Legolas' proud reaction....I was pretty proud of the King too!
Such a small thing to cause so much trouble...now, where have I heard THAT before? Just think, in 60 years, Legolas will be having a major deja vu experience on a mountaintop about that same small thing...
I loved the comment Legolas made to Bard about honoring the archer who stood his ground against a creature of darkness in order to protect his people...the elf will be doing the same thing, again, in 60 years
Now, the battle draws near... and when threatened by Darkness, the good guys often forget their little squabbles in favor of the greater good.....
A superior effort, daw!
linda
Author's reply
Thing are heated to the boiling point, actually. And I can see why Ithilden might think this is not a good time to be back with the Home Guard.
I wonder if Thranduil ever realized that he had the One Ring close to hand, indeed actually IN his palace at one point, and never knew it. How would he react to realizing that?
Thank you for your kind words, Linda.
lwarren
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
This chapter is just full of little insights and giggles...
I loved Eilian watching Bard and Thranduil....:-)...so he was wondering what sparks might fly if Thranduil ever disagreed with Bard, huh? That would definitely be a sight to see! *g*
Legolas at Eilian's camp - Galelas, I have a feeling, was resentful of more than Legolas' skill when they were young, and to seems to have continued into the present. I felt really sorry for Galelas, to have such an insufferable pig for a brother (how ...comforting...to know that Tinar will NEVER change), and watch Legolas and Eilian act as brothers (not warriors)...it had to have hurt him on some really deep level, knowing his family was so lacking.
Ahhhhh, a grim, dark man (backed by a fair, fell warrior of an elf).......sounds so familiar, doesn't it? *big smile*
Mithrandir - I love it!!!!! He drives them all crazy with his hints and smiles...I had to giggle at Legolas' reaction (can just see him shaking his head, checking his ears to make sure he heard correctly, with that puzzled "what did he just say?" look on his face.....) oh! and later on, the "caustic" tone of voice when he replied to the wizard...do you think Gandalf had gotten on the elf's last nerve? *vbg*
And those stupid dwarfs SHOT at Sinnarn!!!
And Bilbo....Legolas wanted to knock him senseless for Sinnarn's sake...that's a GOOD uncle, there!
You commented last chapter on how you are just elaborating on a story already written....if I haven't said already, I will now... you are doing a wonderful job of it, and I am enjoying the heck out of your characters...their feelings, reactions, everything!
linda
Author's reply
Bard and Thranduil are two of a kind in some ways, although Thranduil ROCKS when he says he won't start a war for gold.
I think that Bard is a kind of proto-Aragorn. Actually, there's a lot of stuff in "The Hobbit" that you can see being worked out more fully in LOTR (like the dwarves going to kick the monster out of the mountain and restore the king). I choose to think that experiencing it here prepares Legolas for the quest.
Mithrandir would be handy to have around some times, but I'd certainly be ticked if he sent the dwarves my way with no explanation and then seems to know something he's not telling about what's going to happen. Still, he's Mithrandir and you just have to accept it.
Legolas is an excellent uncle. He's a very loyal person. Anyone need a loyal elf to go on a quest???
White Wolf
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
I'm glad that Ithilden believed Sinnarn without having to verify it with anyone else, like Legolas or Bilbo. I know how much that must have meant to Sinnarn.
It looks like Legolas's opinion of Bard is now a bit tarnished.
I'm thinking it's a good thing the dwarves showed up when they did. Things are looking bleak, a the moment. I'm also thinking it's time for Thranduil to shine.
Author's reply
I think that meant a lot to Sinnarn. You're right. That scene was the one I enjoyed writing the most in this chapter.
Bard is kind of scary, I think. He'll be a good king but I wouldn't want to get on his bad side. And Thranduil just comes through with shining colors, despite what all the Evil!Thranduil writers think.
LKK
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Yay! Ithilden finally believed in Sinnarn's word! And the whole truth about the escape came out. (Well, whole enough for what the elves needed to know, anyway.) More than anything else, it has been the elves' belief that Sinnarn lied that has worried me most in this story. Now, all I have to worry about is the wargs and the orcs. LOL
Legolas's reaction to Bard has been interesting. His idol has turned out to have feet made of clay. That's actually a little too harsh, I suppose. But I think the idea of fighting over gold has been a new concept for Legolas. At least, he knows his father wouldn't do that.
Another good chapter, daw. :)
Author's reply
I know. I felt so much better after I wrote that scene between Ithilden and Sinnarn. And the really nice thing was that Ithilden believed him 'just because he said it' even when it sounded absurd. That was hard for Ithilden, who tends to be a rational guy.
Legolas's admiration of Bard was interesting to me too. Bard is kind of a proto-Aragorn, I think, but you can see that he's not as noble as Aragorn. It's all preparation for the quest, I think.
tigerlily713
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Yay! I love it when enemies can become allies for a common cause. I also loved reading about Legolas's pride in his father. I can't wait for more! Lily
Author's reply
The more I read "The Hobbit," the better Thranduil looked. In the end, he showed Bard and everyone else what a truly wise ruler was like. No wonder his sons are proud of him and want him to be proud of them.
tigerlily713
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
Bilbo! Lovely chapter! I'm so delighted to be able to have this portrayal from another vantage point on one of my favorite stories! Lily
Author's reply
I think that Bilbo shows up in this story as such a hobbit! In the end, he would give up every bit of treasure owed him for some peace and quiet and a good hot dinner.
Nilmandra
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Now the excitement! Whoever thought we would be grateful, to some degree, for orcs? But they put the dwarves on the same side with Men and Elves.
I am glad Sinnarn knows the truth now, and Legolas heard it to, so there is a witness. The tension with the dwarves is good - and Bard and Thranduil come across very strong and confident. I am so glad they didn't fight dwarves though. Doriath was enough, for those who remember it.
Author's reply
I hesitated to let Bilbo tell about the ring, but at the end of the story, Thranduil does seem to know that Bilbo could make himself invisible and Bilbo had told the dwarves so it seemed reasonable he's explain himself here.
Bard is a good leader of Men, but Thranduil!!! Ah, now there's a king to be proud of.
Jebb
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Just as I was settling in to have a really long story to enjoy maybe 100 chapters or so, you spoil my fun by telling me it may be finished in two more!
This was simply stunning from Ithilden and Sinnarn being fully reconciled over the drinking to Sinnarn's unhappiness at not being able to wreak a little vengeance on Bilbo
Thranduil comes out as best king easily beating Bard into a poor second place and making his sons proud of him all over again
But dear oh dear now the battle is almost upon us and I worry about who we will lose I have come to care for them all, well not Tinar obviously but everyone else
thanks for a wonderful story
Author's reply
LOL. I am a very impatient person and can't imagine writing 100 chapters. Does any story NEED 100 chapters???? None that I have to tell.
I was very glad to be able to write about the reconciliation of Ithilden and Sinnarn. They both needed that, and Alfirin will be very happy when they get home. Thranduil is just the best. I can't imagine how he got the reputation he has in fanfic. There is just no evidence for it that I can see.
naneth
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
I have been waiting through the entire story for the scene from Ithilden's dream so long ago. I wonder if he had a sense of deja vu as he watched his son scamper away?
There are so many wonderful lines in this chapter..."how could such a small thing cause so much trouble", "the archer that stood his ground when a creature of darkness swept overhead", "how fortunate he was to have met and actually spoken to one of those of whom the minstrels would certainly one day sing". What a wonderful foretaste of the tale yet to come!
And Beliond never changes. He is such a great comic relief just when needed the most!
Great job as always. Thanks for keeping us entertained and on the "edge of our seats" with another great story.
Author's reply
Kudos to you for remembering the dream and recognizing it! I think that Ithilden recognized it too and is worried.
One of the things that I've come to appreciate in writing this story is how much in "The Hobbit" foreshadows LOTR. Bard is kind of a proto-Aragorn combined with Legolas. And I think that all of this was preparation for the quest for Legolas.
Beliond amuses me too. When I first made him up, I had no idea he would have such a creative vocabulary, but then he just stepped the page on day and started cussing and he's been doing it ever since. I wonder if Thranduil knew that when he put his baby in Beliond's care? :-)
Duchess
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Wow! Again I'm extremely impressed with how you're weaving The Hobbit into your tale and I love it! I adore that Ithilden believes and forgives Sinnarn now too. That was a major point for me, I can tell you! *vbg*
Oh, I'd say more, but I'm late for work. Great job though! :):):)
Author's reply
It was a major point for Ithilden too! Sinnarn's disgrace has been very painful for him. He wants to believe his son, but he is also so fair minded that he was afraid of showing favoritism. And now he feels much better.
I'm finding it hard to balance Tolkien's story and mine, so I'm glad you think it's working well.
lwarren
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 13: A Creature of Fire
So many little things in this chapter that I loved....let's see..
Legolas hearing the whisper of the trees that tell of something important happening...Sinnarn being accepted back into the circle of his friends and peers...Thranduil going after the treasure for his people's sakes (you built in that reasoning soooo well, a few chapters back!), Annael (I love this guy) and his generous assessment that Sinnarn should not be punished forever for one mistake....Legolas' bewildered look when Thranduil hesitated about helping the people of Laketown....Legolas' relief when Adar sends the help to Laketown, and his chastisement of himself for doubting his father....Legolas' immediate interest in the "archer" who killed the dragon (a little case of hero-worship here, perhaps)....Thranduil's thought that if the people of Laketown had elected a donkey as their Master, they deserved everything they got *g*....Bard bearing his teeth in a smile at Thranduil (two King Wolves feeling each other out!)....Thranduil looking at the beautiful sight of his 3 sons all together and grown, too! (*sigh* I'll just look right along with him!) ;-) Wonderful stuff!!!
linda
Author's reply
What I really appreciated in this review is the way you picked out the moments I tried to build for my characters in Tolkien's story. His plot is so compelling that I find myself getting swept up in it and rushing along, but then I have to remind myself that he already told that story and I'm telling about what matters to these other characters.