The First Journey by Manderly
Karri · 10 August 2004 · Chapter 11: A Restless Night
A terrific chapter! Tavaro's love for Legolas comes shining through brilliantly, as does the care and concern of all the elves there.
Author's reply
I think I am getting addicted to writing about the brothers' interaction with each other - can't seem to stop doing it. Good thing that the readers seem to enjoy reading about it.
Karri · 10 August 2004 · Chapter 10: On the Riverbank
A very exciting chapter! It was very valiant of Legolas to sacrifice himself like that, even though I am sure he wasn't intended to sacrifice himself. Baragallon was very brave in saving Legolas. Tavaro's fears was nicely written -- very intensse.
Author's reply
I think that Legolas probably acted more out of instinct rather than heroics, but wasn't quite prepared for the cold plunge into the river. Bet that came as a shock. Good thing Thranduil insisted on having the guards accompanying them. Thanks for your review!
daw the minstrel · 10 August 2004 · Chapter 12: Ice and Water
You did a nice subtle job showing Tavaro's reaction to Legolas's new dagger. He sees that Legolas traded for something plain but valued because it came from a friend, and he approves of that. I am worried about Legolas's cough. And about the flood of course. Nature sure can be troublesome, even for Elves.
Author's reply
It's funny how in writing that sometimes a small gap filler comes out as rather definitive of the entire chapter. When I wrote about the little dagger scene, I was basically trying set up for the breakfast 'reunion', trying to move them from one room into the other. I'm glad it worked. Things are not looking well for everybody here. Nature can be a pretty nasty enemy and we in Canada have had quite a share of floods this summer.
Bodkin · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 11: A Restless Night
Not unforeseeable complications! Not an absence of the necessary herbs! I'm glad they ended up holding each other - physical contact is very reassuring and they both needed the comfort. I somehow suspect the bad dreams Baragallon might be having would have more to do with failing to protect Legolas and having to face the king in a worst-case scenario situation.
Author's reply
As we all know, we fanfic writers thrive on complications or else what can we write about? With Legolas, it's almost a guarantee! Physical contact is great medicine - I am a firm believer of that. I imagine all Baragallon needs to see in his dream is Thranduil's face and the dreams will instantly turn into nightmares. He's probably seeing himself being banished to kitchen duty.
lwarren · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 11: A Restless Night
Once again, I love the interaction between Tavaro and Legolas. Recovery from near-drowning wouldn't come quickly, and the emotional damage to the elfling will take some time to heal...I'm so glad he has Tavaro (and bless Tavaro's heart, I'm glad he has his little brother to hold on to...he needs that reassurance). The scene that stands out in my mind is big brother holding the little one all night to keep the bad dreams away *sniffsniff* Is Tavaro aware yet that Legolas was saving Roitar's life, and not just getting in trouble? He seemed a little perturbed during the discussion with Baragallon (did I spell that right?), and I don't remember if anyone told him the circumstances leading to Legolas falling in the river. Anyway, nightmares on order for everyone, except maybe the elf hero/bodyguard! :-) I hope our sweetie doesn't have any of those complications the healer spoke of (like pneumonia) :-0 ...but of course, you being such a kind author, you wouldn't do that to him, would you? *vbg* Of course not! Great chapter Manderly... linda
Author's reply
I can't decide who had the worst time, Legolas or Tavaro, in this little incident. It's a good thing that they have each other to drive the nightmares away. Near-drowning must be a terrifying experience. I am not a swimmer so water scares me anyway. I would imagine that Tavaro was told of what happened as they rode back to the Herendil's cottage. He probably knows that Legolas was only trying to save Roitar, but the shock of having nearly lost his little brother is probably playing havoc with his emotions. Pneumonia? Complications? Whatever do you mean?! *vbg".
daw the minstrel · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 11: A Restless Night
I really liked the caring and compassion that everyone showed in this chapter, from the healer to Roitar to Roitar's parents to Tavaro. This is a loving, supporting group of people who care about one another. What a great society for Legolas to grow up in, even if the times are dangerous.
Author's reply
I think for the elves to live through immortality, they must be very a very close-knit group. I cannot imagine bickering and fighting for eternity. There's always a balance, isn't there? The times are dangerous, but Legolas certainly doesn't lack love or care.
Rose Sared · 6 August 2004 · Chapter 10: On the Riverbank
My goodness, heart in the mouth stuff. Thank goodness it all ended ok! Wonderful writing, well done. Rose
Author's reply
I hope the excitement was not too much or too contrived but I thought the journey was too uneventful so far so I added a bit of excitement to spice it up. Hopefully it fitted in with the story. Thanks for your kind words.
lwarren · 6 August 2004 · Chapter 10: On the Riverbank
I am glad Tavaro and Legolas are all right...because I am NOT!!! Really, Manderly, I am toooo old for such...I hesitate to call it excitement! I read a reply where you said things had been too quiet, so you thought you'd spice the action up, huh? Well, consider your effort 100% successful! *tries to breathe* Now that my immediate panic is over --- what a great chapter!!!!! Isn't it funny how exciting a natural disaster can be - and how guilty you can feel for being excited about it? I live near Houston, and we get the odd hurricane/flood every now and then, and have been known to ride around looking at the damage! How rude, I know! But there is something about the power of weather/rivers/waterfalls etc. that is awe-inspiring, I think. I've never seen a frozen river thaw like you described, but my dad was from Niagra Falls and I have visited there before - his parents told us how that river would freeze every now and then, and I can only imagine what it was like when it thawed! Now, for the elves! Poor Tavaro - he had me crying in a couple of places here...Struggling to get to Legolas and screaming how he had promised Adar he'd take care of the elfling...and at the last, *gulp* I still get weepy reading of those two crying on each other, and the poor elfling telling his brother how he couldn't breathe and he thought he'd never see him again....*sob* Must move on...cannot see to type :-)! Baragallon - way to go, you elf hero you!!!! That boy and his partner need promotions big time! *deep calming breath* Great chapter...no more excitement for awhile (maybe till the next one *g*), ok? linda
Author's reply
I am glad the little jolt of excitement worked, thought I do apologize for the jolt that it gave you. I know what you mean about being excited about impending natural diasters and the guilt of harbouring such excitement. Where I live, we get some pretty nasty snow storms in the winter and people almost get giddy with excitement when there is a severe snow storm warning. The excitement dies pretty quickly though in the aftermath when we have to shovel our way out of the heavy snow drifts. After what has happened, I think Tavaro is ready to rejoin Feren to fight the orcs in the south. Probably less stressful than trying to keep Legolas safe.
lwarren · 5 August 2004 · Chapter 9: The Feast
Ahhhh, the feast! Legolas gets the first taste of the meat..er, fruits of his labors. But first, CHORES! Let's hear it for chores for all elflings and human kids! :-) Of course, then there is wine and elflings...Tavaro, I hope, is preparing a good story to explain all these "infractions" isn't he? I really love those bodyguards...secretly loving the fiddlehead/mushroom hunt, and getting kissed in the bargain! They are the best! Awwwww! The knife exchange at the end between the two friends was a perfect ending to a wondrous evening for Legolas! I keep saying this - what a great kid - to notice, let alone appreciate, the simplicity of Roitar's knife as symbolic of the simplicity/strength of their friendship. AWWWWWWWWW! Just great! linda
Author's reply
Roasted wild boar and wine, what more can an elfling ask for? I can imagine what Thranduil has to say about that, but hooray for indulgent big brothers! I keep thinking that the bodyguards must be having the time of their lives. Somehow I don't think Thranduil would be as an entertaining charge as the elfling. The knife exchange came to me as an afterthought as I was trying to wrap up the chapter. I am rather surprised (but pleased) that readers have commented so positively about it. Thanks for your reviews!
lwarren · 5 August 2004 · Chapter 8: The Hunt
I LOVE IT!! The elfling was so busy saying "Look what I did!" to Tavaro, while Tavaro was calmly having a breakdown. "Now I know how Adar feels" indeed! This chapter was too funny, Manderly! Kids can be so oblivious...having raised three and currently watching my daughter (who would have thunk it?) with four little hellions (well, make that 3 hellions and a little priss), I can sympathize with Tavaro...they have no clue how they scare their elders, they can only see the fun or excitement of the moment. Poor Tavaro - give the elf a tranquilizer, or some wine, at least! :-) The whole hunt scene was terrific - Legolas quite the great elven hunter, but I especially like the way he still relates to Roitar, who is so quiet and un-adventurous. Legolas is just a GOOD, all around kid! Great chapter, on to the next! YAY! linda p.s. I forgot - one of the best parts was the ride through the forest before they ever encountered the boars. You painted some lovely word pictures there, and Legolas' reaction was so typically a "Legolas" moment! Nicely done!
Author's reply
You are right, kids have tunnel vision when they are having fun. The world can come to an end, but as long as they are having fun, they don't care. Meanwhile the adults are having panic attacks left and right. I have two of my own and I am constantly telling my 21 year old that I hope that some day she has a daughter just like herself. She's wisely decided that she will just be an aunt instead of a mother. When my younger daughter heard that, she had a panic attack. Kids, don't you just love them? As for the forest at night scene, I am a city girl all the way, but I did spend a summer in the Canadian Rockies and the memory lingers still after all these years.
lwarren · 5 August 2004 · Chapter 7: Home Away From Home
It...is...catch-up time!!! I have not had time to review this excellent story lately, but I do now! YAY! Here goes... porridge without HONEY??? YUCK!!!! (but I did love the way his brother finished it for him, and how very polite Legolas was to Vanya, even though he didn't like the mush. Still a kid...can see that upturned nose wrinkled with distaste.) a hunt? All right!! More blood and guts and charging boars and ....did Tavaro really have to say he didn't want to have to pull Legolas off a boar's tusk? YUCK...skewered elf...not a pretty picture! :-0 the garden party -- that so reminds me of another gardener...can just see Legolas being introduced to someone new..."So, who is this? Your bodyguard?"....and the six foot five elf hunk warrior replies, "No, I'm his gardener!" *vbg* (oooooh, think I'm losing it..) fiddleheads....I love fiddleheads...I get to teach them in science...have never had the pleasure of eating one, but have read they are very good! Poor Legolas...he has missed out on some great times as a kid, hasn't he? Tavaro hit the nail on the head when he said his Adar was more protective of his youngest. Tell Adar all about this trip....ummmm, Tavaro? Maybe you'd better edit this tale a little, huh? Great chapter...am going to try to do the rest now (3 more to go...wheeeeee!) linda (who is a little inebriated on reviewing right now! ;_) )
Author's reply
How nice to hear from you again! Porridge was never a favourite of mine to begin with and I can't imagine eating it in its natural state. Yuck is right! I tried fiddleheads the first time a year ago and they are quite good - reminds me of asparagus. Legolas is just having a grand time. I just feel sorry for Tavaro who has to face Thranduil at the end of the journey and try to paint over all the broken rules.
Bodkin · 5 August 2004 · Chapter 10: On the Riverbank
I am enjoying reading about Legolas visiting, but what I really wanted to say is how fascinating it is that the geography of Mirkwood (and come to that everywhere else) changes so much depending on the life experience of whoever is writing. You seem to have experience of cold climes. It would never occur to me to put ice floes in a river - I have scarcely ever seen a river frozen to a depth sufficient to hold the weight of even an elf. It does make the environmental background interesting. Same with flora and fauna - and seasons. Fascinating. I'm glad Legolas is safe. Roitar's parents will be pretty shaken when they realise how close he was to disaster, and that their prince risked his own life to save his friend.
Author's reply
I have experienced many frigid Canadian winters so snow and ice come quite naturally to me. Hot and tropical weather is something beyond my imagination to write about. But you are right though. The geography and landscape of Arda certainly change from story to story. Makes for very interesting reading, I must admit. I think everybody concerned must be quite shaken from the near death experience, but no major harm done, I think. Thanks for reviewing.
Firnsarnien · 4 August 2004 · Chapter 10: On the Riverbank
Woo hoo! Another chappy! I love it! Who am I kidding, I ALWAYS love it when you update! LOL Hmmm, I think if I'd have been Vayne, I would have tied Legolas and Roitar to their beds! You *know* ominous words like this: "They will be fine," Tavaro answered. "Baragallon and Aradun will help to keep them safe." just mean they will *NOT* be fine! LOL I swear, when Tavaro said this, I almost groaned! With gleeful anticipation that is! ;) Heh, heh! Well, their clothes were saved from the mud, but I bet their poor beasts of burden were covered from hoof to flank! LOL Right, right? It is *not* fun to be out in the wilderness neither wet nor muddy! I can vouch for that after my weekend backpacking trip for which it rained on us the first day and the whole night! Thank goodness for rain gear and tents! LOL Wow! I could just see the river with those huge chunks of ice in my mind. I'll bet it was quite a sight to behold! And the roar, wow, that must have been so loud! That whole stretch of water must have been a mass of churning, bubbling, foaming, muddy water, no? I envision in my head, the Colorado River after a heavy rainstorm with the rapids churning and boiling. Then add in those huge chunks of ice and it makes from a pretty scary picture! :O OMG! Of course Legolas would think of nothing else other than saving his friend! But oh how he paid the price this time! Falling into that water is NOT something I'd like to do! As scary as it looks and sounds, I'll bet Leggy was absolutely horrified! And Lordy, I'll bet Baragallon and Roitar were too! Baragallon probably did not even hesitate a second before jumping in after Legolas, for several reasons. One, because he loves his little prince dearly. Two, Tavaro would kill him. And three, Thranduil would kill him after slowly torturing him first! LOL Oh my! Poor Leggy! That impact must have knocked him senseless. His back is gonna be sooooo bruised! I hope that's all it is though, just bruised and nothing worse! Good thing Baragallon wasn't too far behind him. And Tavaro, *shakes head* I totally understand his first instinct to jump in after Legolas. Good thing Herendil was there to grab hold of him! He was in such a panic, I don't know if he could have done much good. Hmmmmm, well, I'm glad he didn't have to find out for Baragallon saved the day, Thank The Valar!!!! Whew! And it was pretty intense to see Tavaro so out of control, so overcome with panic and fear and worry for his little brother. To see this strong Elf reduced to such shows the incredible fear he felt for Legolas. Can't say I blame him either! Yikes, and then to finally get his brother back, with blue lips and unresponsive. He must have thought Legolas had gone to Mandos' halls for sure! Poor him! I wouldn't wish that terror on anyone! Look at him! He was so panicked and terror-stricken, he couldn't even think what to do to help his little brother. Again, good think Arandun was there this time to do what was needed. You know, for a few seconds I thought perhaps Baragallon had perished. I can't tell you how frantically fast I was trying to read just to hear mention of the warrior. I sure breathed a sigh of relief when I learned he was ok!!! I have to say, also, sheesh, I've said enough already huh? ;) Well, anyway, as I was saying, I have to tell ya, I loved, and I do mean LOVED that scene at the very end! The way Leggy was cross until he saw tears in Tavaro's eyes. *sigh* The way he seemed to be holding his feelings at bay and then finally breaking down just seemed to fit Legolas' character perfectly. *another sigh* It was so touching to see each brother so affected by their near brush with death. I'm glad Legolas let Tavaro comfort him. Poor little Elfling. He doesn't have to be so brave all the time! I'm wondering, after this horrible scare they've just gone through...do you think maybe an after affect of it would be that they can't let each other out of the others sight, even for a moment? Nightmares, for both? The need for Legolas to cuddle up to his older brother in the middle of the night? A bit jumpy at loud noises? Hmmm, you know, I'm just wondering is all. ;) Curious and all that. Not trying to give any *extrememly innocent voice* HINTS at all, really. Nope, not me. I'd never try to coax or bribe an author into writing something I want. I'm not that kind of person, at all! ;) Heh, heh! Yeah, and if you believe that, then I'm the Queen of England and am married to Orlando Bloom! LOLOLOLOL! Uh oh, I just thought of something...How are they going to tell Thranduil about this? :O Well, on to the next chappy I say! Hurry I say! Can't wait for it I say! LOL :) Catch you soon!
Author's reply
Need I tell you again how much I enjoy getting your reviews? The calm and peace of the journey so far have come to an end in this chapter, hopefully it wouldn't be too traumatic for the two princes, but like you said, I think an experience as this one is not something they would soon forget. I think once the shock is over, then the real fear sinks in. Nightmares? You must had a sneak preview of the outline for my next chapter. As for the raging rivers, I can always remember the ice-covered river where I grew up - one year the river rose so high that the ice floes were scraping the bottoms of bridges. Luckily there were no houses built in the immediate river valley or else there would have been major flooding.
daw the minstrel · 4 August 2004 · Chapter 10: On the Riverbank
That was exciting! You write as if you know something about rivers in winter. The description of the ice blocks was scary, and Legolas in the cold water was even scarier.
Author's reply
I spent many years in the Canadian Prairies where the winters are quite memorable and the one thing that always stayed in my memory is the river and the ice floes forming on it. Though I've never experienced an ice jam personally, they are not uncommon and really are very destructive. I figured the story has been moving along rather quietly so I decided to add a bit of excitement. Hope it worked.
Firnsarnien · 27 July 2004 · Chapter 9: The Feast
Wow, Leggy does lead a pretty sheltered life doesn't he? His lack of understanding of the day to day chores of these settlement Elves is really astounding. I even feel sorry for him, it's not his fault. And he tries so hard to fit in. Poor him, he's missed out on so much, being the son of a king, yet, he's been spoiled and priveledged beyond the understanding of most save his siblings. He walks a fine and hard line, doesn't he? *sigh* I guess that is part of what makes him so wonderfully charming. *another sigh* I love the way he immediatly wants to help with the preparation chores and even seems eager to do it. He's such a sweetling. ;) I think my favorite part of this chappy is when Arandun is thinking how much he has enjoyed this assignment and Baragallon has too. Neither will admit it though, it wouldn't be "manly" to do so! LOL Yup, that's definitely a guy thing! LOL And the way Arandun fidgeted at the kiss given to him by Roitar's mother! LOL That was priceless. I could just see him stammering and his face turning red! LOL I guess this 'guy thing' is also why Legolas wouldn't let Arandun take the splinters out of his hand either, hmmmm? ;) Blech, blood on Tavaro's tunic! Double blech! No wonder poor Leggy became alarmed! You would think that since I grew up on a farm and witnessed plenty of animals being butchered and processed, I would be used to the blood. And I am, a little, but, blood on one's clothing is certainly different from being on the ground and on the animal. And as I've grown older, it bothers me more now than it did when I was younger. It's even hard for me to eat the meat of an animal I've seen butchered. And the smell! I just can't seem to do it anymore. Sometimes, becoming a vegetarian is pretty tempting. I was almost sure Legolas was going to become ill at the sight and smell of the meat. I guess he still has the resiliance of youth, no? Ah, and leave it to Legolas to be so humble and not want to draw much attention to himself over his heroic deed. Can this little Elfing be any more perfect! *sigh, sigh, sigh!* ;) I loved this line Tavaro utters, "I am sure Adar will have my head for this, but since we have overstepped so many of his rules already, I do not suppose one more infraction will do further irreparable harm. Just half a goblet, Herendil. I do not wish to deal with a drunken elfling tonight." I love that! Just loved it! Yup, poor Thranduil, I'll bet he's spinning in his bed! ROTFLMHO! If he only knew!!! Oh good golly! I loved the exchanging of daggers at the end. That was so sweet. Poor Roitar, I can just see his hesitance to accept that jewel encrusted dagger. And how he must have felt when all he had to offer was his plain little dagger. But, Leggy sees past that of course, and knows the offer comes from his heart. To Leggy, that is all that is important. Thranduil and his older sons have sure raised Legolas right, haven't they? They've instilled in this little Elfing everything they should have. Too bad our youth today can't be more like Legolas. Perhaps our world would be a better place. Especially our schools. I should know, I'm an elementary teacher and I see firsthand what most of our youth of today are lacking. And sadly, for the most part, it's not their fault. The fault lies with the parents. Too bad more of them cannot be like Thranduil either. :( Ah well, at least I can come here to get away from it all and dream a little! :) Well, the end of another wonderful chappy. It was so nice to come back from my backpacking trip to find two of them. I can't wait for the next one! :)
Author's reply
Your reviews are so wonderfully long and detailed that it's a total treat to receive and read them. Thank you! Backpacking? How brave! I am afraid that I've been spoiled by modern day conveniences of soft beds and tiled bathrooms. I think if I have to slaughter animals before I consume them, I would definitely turn vegetarian. Legolas is rather sheltered, isn't he? But if all kids behave like him, then I think all kids should be sheltered, pampered and spoiled like him. I totally agree with you say about kids these days. People are far too quick to blame the kids for their behaviour when parents should be also held accountable for their children's actions, at least to a certain extent. I will try to get the next chapter up very soon!
Firnsarnien · 27 July 2004 · Chapter 8: The Hunt
Ah, why does Leggy have that wonderful quality about him that always makes me love him even more. His concern for Roitar is so touching and the way he edges closer to him to offer comfort is something only Legolas can accomplish so beautifully. I love it! *sigh* LOL I can just imagine what Tavaro's look to the guards said. Probably something along the lines of, 'Legolas is your first charge, protect him or I will skin you alive!' LOL Am I right? Am I? ;) Heh, heh! Poor Baragallon and Aradun, I'll bet they have no wish to fail Tavaro whatsoever lest they lose their hides!! LOL Ai! I thought Leggy was going to get an owie for sure! He's pretty fast with that bow, good thing too! I think Tavaro was more scared than that boar! LOL Probably turned a few hairs on his head gray and knocked a couple of centuries off his immortal life! LOL The way Leggy embraced Tavaro completely and effectively halted any further admonishments Tavaro was going to give his little brother! See what that beautiful little Elfling can do? ;) And while I'm glad neither Leggy nor Roitar were hurt, I wouldn't have minded too much if they had been. Always makes for some wonderful H/C between the brothers. *sigh* I must say though, I really thought another boar would attack them while they were retrieving the arrows. I wasn't quite sure what you would do there. LOL And I truly laughed out loud when Roitar's father put him on the back of the horse and Tavaro looked at Leggy, about to do the same only to be stopped by Legolas refusal. So typical of Legolas to refuse and so typical of Tavaro to worry! LOL I don't know who is worse at worrying now, Aldeon or Tavaro although Feren gives them some serious competition too! Hmmmm, maybe Thranduil has them all beat! LOLOLOL All right, on to the next chappy! :)
Author's reply
I am sorry that I didn't reply sooner but I've been away enjoying the Deep South hospitality and dodging thunder storms. Just got back late last night and am catching up on all the e-mails and stories galore. Writing about the hunt was quite an experience for me as well as I've never hunted before nor would I ever want to. I figured that I had better keep it short and simple so people might not realize that I know nothing about hunting, though I did do a bit research on the ways of wild boars before attempting this. I think Legolas is revelling in the fact that he is at last older than somebody and will play the big brother part for all it's worth.
Bodkin · 26 July 2004 · Chapter 9: The Feast
It is lovely to see Legolas adjusting to life among 'normal' elves. I can just picture him looking out of the corner of his eye to make sure that he is doing things right - and not really realising that not everybody has a guard following them everywhere. It is so sweet to see him with a friend, doing boy things and switching knives. Lovely tale.
Author's reply
Thank you for your review. It's been quite enjoyable trying to write about life among 'normal' elves. I don't know whether what I've written is in accordance with Tolkien standards. I'm pretty sure I'm probably off course quite a bit but that's the joy of fanfic - we can fill in the blanks with our imagination as long as we stay within certain perimeters. Thanks for reading!
Jay of Lasgalen · 25 July 2004 · Chapter 9: The Feast
I loved these last two chapters. The boar hunt was exciting, and the description of the forest at night simply beautiful. Legolas did very well to kill one of the boars, but I bet his brother was petrified! The feast sounded delicious. I like the small details, like Legolas not realising the amount of work that goes into a feast, and missing hot water. How mean of Thranduil to only let him drink the dregs of other people's wine! Jay
Author's reply
Legolas is certainly learning a lot on this journey. Tavaro is probably picking up a new thing or two about his brother as well. I got the idea of Legolas drinking the dregs of his family's wine goblets from the memory of my nephews of being allowed to drink the last remaining drops from their father's beer bottle. They loved it as it made them feel all grown up to be drinking like the adults. But when you think about it, it does seem mean and miserly of Thranduil, and of my brother-in-law, to let their sons drink only the dregs.
Anonymous · 25 July 2004 · Chapter 9: The Feast
Oh yes. There are sooo many things that adar is going to say about this little expedition but most of them will have to be to Tavaro since he's the adult that gave permission. I really like this manderly. I've enjoyed yout others but I think you are really getting into this now.
Author's reply
I cannot help but feel sorry for Tavaro who is really caught between trying to be a good brother and a responsible figure of authority in Thranduil's absence. I opted mostly for the good brother. I figured that Thranduil was probably well aware of Tavaro's rather lax rule when he agreed to let Legolas go on this journey. I am glad you like this story. I am rather surprised that readers are drawn to this story even though there is so little action and/or excitement. I guess not everybody wants blood and gore all the time.
daw the minstrel · 25 July 2004 · Chapter 9: The Feast
I thought this in a previous chapter too, but good for Legolas for helping so readily with the chores. Of course, Tavaro is setting a good example, but still you have to give the kid credit. Or maybe you have to give Thranduil credit for raising him right. And what a sweet exchange of gifts between the friends.
Author's reply
I think the credit really belongs to Thranduil. I am a true believer that a child's behaviour is always a reflection of how he/she has been raised - except of course if my child is being totally detestable, then I would readily deny any evidence of parentage to that child.
Rose Sared · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 8: The Hunt
I do like the two points of view, Legolas and his brother's, and I am sure neither of them will ever forget such a vivid night. Wonderful tension as the hunt was set up. Most enjoyable ch. Rose
Author's reply
I am certain Legolas will not soon forget the excitement of the hunt. Tavaro, on the other hand, may well wish that he can forget such excitement. Thank you for reviewing.
Hisie Lome · 22 July 2004 · Chapter 8: The Hunt
Oh what fun...his first "exciting" hunt and several kills (one for sure and several he helped). His adar will not be pleased. Between breakfast (no honey, indeed!) and all this freedom, his adar is likely to believe this elfling has gone wild once the bratling returns to his home. Tavaro may get an earfull from the king as well. I thought it was quite amusing to think of the King's personal guards gardening. Such much fun...LOL! I just don't see these fine warriors of Mirkwood going home and showing "battle" scars with their peers. (See this blister, well it took two hands to uproot that stuborn plant. And my back, by the Valar, I was sore for nearly a week.) Nor, do I see these two cherishing the amount of dirt that spring cleaning a plot can leave on one's person...Oh well, such is a warriors life. Great job so far and I DO look forward to more. As always, thank you for all of the hard work. Mina Sedh, Hisie Lome
Author's reply
Your description of the guards and their aches and pains after gardening is hilarious, something I can identify with after weeding my garden. No, somehow, I don't think these guards will be too eager to share their experience with the other warriors. Now that Legolas knows what freedom is like, Thranduil will have a hard time (not that he had it easy before) keeping his elfling behind the palace walls. Legolas will have some serious post-vacation blues once he returns home after all this excitement.
daw the minstrel · 21 July 2004 · Chapter 8: The Hunt
My favorite line in this was when Legolas thought that this was another experience he couldn't wait to tell his father about. Tavaro is going to be in so much trouble!!! Legolas did really well though. He was cool and his training showed.
Author's reply
Even as I write these chapters, I keep wondering how Tavaro will handle Thranduil (and vice versa) once the elfling is done telling his ada all about his adventures. Perhaps Tavaro might be wise to come to some understanding with Legolas before they go home as to how much to tell. But then we all know Thranduil will find out every last detail anyway.
Firnsarnien · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 7: Home Away From Home
Ah, what a wonderful treat to come back to...two whole chapters! :) And they were so great, as usual! I loved all the little touches you put into them, like Legolas asking for honey in his porridge, not realizing it's a luxury not a staple. I felt so badly for him but I'm glad he was able to recover nicely from that little blunder. And Tavaro thinking of Legolas' over protected childhood with sadness was especially sweet. It's always nice to see the brothers looking after each other and loving each other. *sigh* I especially loved Tavaro eating the rest of Legolas' porridge. That was truly touching and hilarious at the same time. Legolas surely has everyone wrapped around his little finger by his sweet nature, doesn't he? ;) He sure made friends with Roitar easily enough. I also liked the way the guards are so indulgent in the game of seek the warrior, lol and I love the way they helped Legolas and Roitar in the garden. I can just imagine their great bows slung over their backs while they dug in the dirt! LOL And the way they smiled at Legolas innocent words to Roitar to just call him 'Legolas' spoke volumes of the love they hold for their little prince. Well, I'm going to end this for now. I'm sorry it's so short but I've got a ton of mail and stories to catch up on. We just got back from vacation and you know how things pile up when you're gone. ;) So, I'll catch you next chapppy! ;) I look forward to it. Something tells me that boar hunt may hold just a little more excitement than everyone realizes! LOL Hurry! :)
Author's reply
I hope you had a nice vacation. I will be off myself next week. Hopefully I will be able to get a chapter or two up before I go. Legolas isn't the only one trying out new things on this journey. I am sure the King's guards are a few new experiences themselves, and loving them. The boar hunt will have some excitement, and not just Legolas. Legolas will probably thrive on the excitement, but I don't know about everyone else. Hopefully they will all survive the excitement.
Rose Sared · 17 July 2004 · Chapter 7: Home Away From Home
I don't know how I have missed this lovely series but now I've found it it will be amongst my favs. Lovely writing, lovely characterisation. Well done Rose
Author's reply
It's always such a great thrill for me when there is a new reader. Thank you for your kind words and I hope you will find the rest of this story enjoyable.