Oh dear. There's something about Eomer not realizing just what news he is really giving Legolas that makes this all the sadder. I can see Legolas' reaction: shock, grief, guilt, as he reads these words, and yet the writer of the letter is utterly oblivious. Really it makes it very powerful, and I think is one of the best justifications for the format of this story that I've seen yet.
Well, I guess I'm less happy at the tramp's demise than I thought I would be. It really is sad, especially since Nardane died as well - and frozen while holding Laustaire so tenderly... so sad. Rather I wish that Laustaire had never been born, or at least never laid eyes on Legolas, than that she came to an end like this.
I also note the references to Legolas' midwife duties - couched in the usual elegant terms of the Rohirrim, I see. That prequel should be a doozy.
sayre
· 8 September 2004
· Chapter 37
Well, that settles that. How sad that they came to such an end, and so pointlessly. This certainly falls under the category of 'death by stupidity.' It is a shame that she had to take that dear, loyal nurse of hers with her, who did no wrong in this other than accept that little brat as her charge, though maybe if she'd followed Gimli's advice on how to apply firm guidance this little brat might not have been such a spoiled, arrogant and self-absorbed horror. The great shame is that she killed to fine horses who did nothing but try to follow her demands. Nobody takes a draft cross out onto ice!
I hope that Legolas does not find some way to twist this and blame himself for it. I suppose he could always have locked her in her chambers, which I would have suggested had he found her intact. Little brat has brought such chaos and pain with her, and left even more in the wake of her passing.
Poor Nardane and poor horses....
Ms. Whatsit
· 8 September 2004
· Chapter 37
Well! I do feel bad for Nardane. And I wonder if there will be repercussions from Mithlond for this.
I liked all the details about Rohan; some were very humorous and all filled out the story nicely.
Wantanelf
· 8 September 2004
· Chapter 37
Oh Le Rouret, you are wicked. Poor Nardane, poor horses, poor Legolas. I even feel a little sorry for Lustaire. Leggy is going to take this hard. Sniff. Who will comfort him? Oooh I love the angst! Another great chapter!!
LS
· 7 September 2004
· Chapter 36
Is it just me, or can't you wait until Legolas' mother gets her hands on Lausterie? I think she and Thranduil are really, really regretting pushing Legolas into this situation. And I don't think their opinion of Cirdan is at an all-time high right now. More like...way down there in the mines of Moria.
You know, I've been wondering what pushed Lausterie to do what she did--run out in the wild, and I have a theory. Might not be a good one, but...I think Lausterie thought doing what she did at the tourney would force Legolas to pay attention to her. Sort of like "I'm very displeased with you, and see what you made me do?" kind of thing. A little temper tantrum. A very well planned one, but still a temper tantrum. I'm sure she didn't expect Legolas to cancel the bethrothal agreement. When it backfired on her, she probably wanted to go home "where everyone likes me!!!" In other words...not mature enough to apologize and/or to understand what she'd done wrong.
Being called a cuckold is one of the *worst* thing you could have called a man in the Middle Ages, and having Legolas be called one...Ohh. I just hope no one said that to Gimli, or they'd have a Dwarf chasing them around with a big, big axe.
Le Rout, you aren't planning on having Nardane being caught alone with Legolas or something? Shotgun weddding, for example?
On the bright side, that little romantic note-passing between Arwen and Aragorn's so sweet. You really can tell how much they love each other..and how much they know each other.
I really want to see the reaction from Mithlond and Mirkwood. I'm pretty sure the letters' got hot between Mithlond and Mirkwood.
LS
Anonymous
· 7 September 2004
· Chapter 36
Aragorn,
I have heard from Éowyn; all in Osgiliath are calling Laustairë "The Runaway." I fear Legolas' reputation as a cuckold is secure and I blame him not for his wrath.
Undómiel
OUCH!!! That horrible BRAT!!!!!!!!! Why can't she be dead? I want her dead, but NOT before she's been made to apologize to ALL of Gondor, most especially Legolas!!!
As far as these notes being passed between Arwen and Aragorn, TOO CUTE! Those poor servants running up and down the stairs. LOLOL
Ms. Whatsit
· 7 September 2004
· Chapter 36
Aww. That was rather sweet. And yes, being known as a cuckold must be rather humiliating for our Elf. My guess is that they're both okay, but Nardane just got sick of Laustaire and ran off in another direction. I would do that!
sheraiah
· 7 September 2004
· Chapter 36
Awwww! LOL, that's priceless! I just love this exchange between Arwen and Aragorn.
Poor Legolas! What could that little pinhead have been thinking?
sheraiah
Lamiel
· 7 September 2004
· Chapter 36
Hee! I like the gradual descent into, um, more direct language as they make their personal desires known. Ah, the life of royalty: scheduling romantic encounters with your spouse via messenger.
I also like the detail about Legolas sending back Faramir's Men because they aren't Elves and can't cope as well with the weather. Nice touch. Shameless Elf worshipper that I am, I like these little additions.
I wasn't so concerned about Lausterie managing to get herself lost (about time, was my sentiment) but now she's managed to do in such a way as to damage Legolas' standing even more. Grr. That tramp had just better be really lying at the bottom of a cliff this time, or else she deserves much more than just a Dwarf whuppin. Provided she IS at the bottom of the cliff, she still deserves the whuppin, but maybe we'll let her heal first. Maybe.
Ms. Whatsit
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 35
And the suspense grows! It's amazing how you've managed to keep up the letter format. It's a tough thing to do.
Duchess
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 35
Still haven't been found and there are traces in two different directions? One went one way and one the other, eh? Which is who and will be found first? Do we have to wait for a spring thaw? Sheesh!
Again, I hope Nardane is found safe and sound. I hope Laustaire ends up on the auction block in Harad! Grrrrr!!!!!!!!!!
Duchess
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 34
Well well well, what have we here? Why didn't they just leave the drama queen to her own devices and let her die. My guess would be she is safe and sound somewhere (no doubt TRYING to make everyone worry about her) and Nardane will be the one to die in looking for her. Would THAT get through the infantile selfcenteredness that Laustaire has surrounded herself with? Somehow I doubt it!
What did Nardane say or do that set the twit off anyway? Could it have been... *gasp* the truth that the whole situation the girl was bemoaning finding herself in was all her own fault? That's another of my guesses anyway. I find it very funny that sometimes even Nardane wouldn't stay in Laustaire's rooms with the brat. *snickering*
I hope Nardane is found safe and sound, but I honestly do NOT care about Laustaire's well being at all, so go ahead and let her die. *bright grin at the thought*
Lamiel
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 34
Goodness, you do update fast. But I think I'm all caught up now. I regret that Gimli did not indeed take a strap to the tramp's backside; perhaps that would have convinced her to stay in her rooms and not cause so much trouble. And now she's lost herself and like to force Legolas to mount a rescue operation. Sigh. But it is something exciting to read about, though I feel sorry for those poor Elves whose time could be put to better use.
Ms. Whatsit
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 34
Hmm. This could be a good set-up for a reconciliation, if she gets hurt--but probably not since it was through her own foolishness.
Aislynn Crowdaughter
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 34
Ouch! Now the girl has to go and kill herself by a profound act of stupidness, as well as Nardane possibly because she went after her alone, and will mange to create another diplomatic incident, this time by her disapearance and possible death! Just great! Did that girl was born brainhampered or just plain stupid? Does she know that she risk grief and harm to others while playing out her fits?
I start to wonder if Cirdan was so intent to marrying her off to Legolas even atr an age when she obviously wasn't ready just to be rid of her.
Well, now he probably will be rid of her for good; I only hope it will not create a permanentt rift betwen his house and Thranduils, and will not have bad consequences both for poor Galas (who was responsible for her well being by being Legolas second in comand and the one in comand of the house in his absence) and Legolas himself (who was, even absent, responsible for her well being by being her host).
Gimli should really have given Laustaire that spanking.
Aislynn
Bodkin
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 34
What a complete and utter pain that wench is! You would think, in the absence of Legolas et al, she could have had a peaceful sulk - but no, she has to go and draw attention to herself again. Are you sure she's adult? She acts like a particularly irritating 14 year old.
Mind you, Nardane should have had more sense than to go off in the snow after her - unless it's part of a cunning plan of some kind.
I hope they have to take refuge with a particularly bad-tempered and malodorous prospector type, who is less than happy to see them.
I hope none of Faramir's nice soldiers die in search of the sullen little madam.
Mirari
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 34
Hahahahaa... *cough*
Joana
· 5 September 2004
· Chapter 33
I didn't want Legolas to marry Laustarie (obviously), but somehow I also pity him for being alone. The first part of the letter seems very lonely. I wish he could find a suitable bride and have children of his own.
LS
· 5 September 2004
· Chapter 32
Ooh. I was afraid of something like this when I read that Laustarie had taken part in planning the tourney. But oh...not showing up, refusing to give her favor to Legolas, refusing to dance...Gimli is correct. This girl needs a good, long solid spanking. In my opinion, she should've gotten it years ago. I'd love to see what the Elves of Mithlond, Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lorien think of all this. More specifically, I wouldn't be surprised if Legolas' lady mother showed up, all in a rage at Lausterie hurting her son. She wouldn't care that much about the political insult as Thranduil would, just that Lausterie had hurt and humiliated her son in public. Even worse, something like this tend to spread far and wide--this is a very, very good thing to gossip about, unfortunately. So if Cirdan wanted to try to repair the relationship, I don't think he could pull it off.
I agree with one of the reviewers who said that she thought that the remark about the Elves' having such cold anger that Lausterie couldn't even show her face at dinner was telling. Lausterie, in my view, broke so many laws of etiquette it's not even funny. The thing is, I think Lausterie destroyed all her chances at marriage when she insulted Legolas. Why? Again, remember what Gimli said--"no one would ask her to dance, especially after such a disgusting act of pique." That kind of behavior is something that sticks to you *forever*, especially if you're a elf of high standing. Which means no high ranking elf would want Lausterie to wife, for fear she'd do it to them. Or worse. Too smart for her own good, is Lausterie.
Re: the slash thing? I like slash myself, but I didn't see any in this story. Bandoras just reminded me of a high spirited teenager who really, really wants to be back with the guy he worships and idolizies. So don't worry about it.
Could you have one part with a letter from Mirkwood? I want to know what happened with Legolas' parents when they found out what Lausterie had done. And it'd be nice to get one letter back from Nardane's friend, telling her what Mitlond elves think...
Keep it up!
LS
Ms. Whatsit
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 33
Oh, dear. He really wants Elflings, doesn't he? I suppose that's only natural, especially as the Elves are fading, and having a new little Elf around would seem to be staving that off (though of course it wouldn't really be). I continue to wonder if Bandy will ever reach Ithilien.
Duchess
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 33
What a darling letter! I must admit I didn't want to truly believe in the wonderfulness of the cancellation of the wedding until this moment, afraid what I read in Gimli's letter wouldn't prove correct after all. so Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *cheering and doing a happy dance all over the place* No wedding! No Laustaire as bride! She's going away come spring! *cheering louder now* Fantastic!!!
I ache for Legolas still missing Bandy so, but am curious why he couldn't go to Eowyn when she was in labor. Is he afraid Laustaire will do something bad to his people while he's away? And what of that brat if all go to Minas Tirith for the Mid-Winter's Feast and leave Eowyn and child there then? Will the brat be confined to her quarters or will she be allowed to travel with the rest and THERE be confined to quarters? Do you see my confusion? I heartily wish she could be sent back to Mithlond and no one have to worry about her any more at all, but oh well.
Okay, I'll admit that like some of your other readers I worry what Laustaire may pull with so much time on her hands in which to plan and scheme. Since the story hasn't really ended yet I'm afraid there's more pain in store for Legolas in some way, (please not through pain to any of his friends!?) but I'm really hoping you'll have a happy ending, in spite of your author's note at the beginning of this fic.
The descriptions of Legolas having fun with all the children are just adorable and I can imagine the fun will increase a hundred fold with young Bandobras added to the mix. I can't wait for that! *vbg*
Yikes! I'm late for work! LOL
Aislynn Crowdaughter
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 32
Ah! Finally he did the right thing, the wedding is off. I feared, when I read in Nardanes letter of Duinfens hint, ttat an apology would save the union, that Legolas in his duty-boundedness would be blind enough to really accept one; but as that girl has proven, she has no understandings of dutyx and he could never trust her again not to dishonor him on a whim, not to mention they have absolutely nothing in common.
I am very relieved here!
Gimlis furious tone is marvellously caught; this letter again is brilliantly written.
Thank you! I'd never thought I'd enjoy a story about "Legolas being bethrothed to a girl" so much!!!
Aislynn
Elenora
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 32
Well, you've definitely got me rivetted to my seat! While I had my reservations about how far things would progress before Legolas would "finally see the light," I did know he would in time (and that his fiancee's character, or lack thereof, would eventually "do her in"). But now while I'm intensely relieved he has finally seen the truth of what he's mistakenly gotten "attached" to, yet I'm also appalled at the heartache he must now endure...Legolas is such a forthright, honest, courageous, gentle, sweet, admirable creature and yet melancholy and sadness seem to trail him...forever hovering on the outer edges of his life. Even though I had no clue you'd be writing this story when I read the last chapters of "The Green Knight," yet even then I felt this touch of sadness when you wrote about his mother's persistance in wanting him wed...perhaps that's because we all know he never does and ends up sailing to Valinor with Gimli...and no wife. There it is again - so sad!!
And I'm rather shocked that anyone has come up with the notion that you were "slashing" Legolas in this story!! (My jaw hit the floor on THAT thought!) Since your intent was to follow in the delightful footsteps of your previous story and write in an "Ivanhoe-type" vein, your use of language and the way in which the characters have interacted with each other have been most accurately portrayed. If someone isn't familiar with that style of writing, perhaps one might "raise an eyebrow" at the expression of relationships between male characters, but the way you've handled Legolas's and Bandobras's wonderful relationship has been entirely consistant with the "medieval" style you're trying to bring across. There is little, if any, writing in this style going on in the LotR fanfic scene, so your explanatory note at the end of "My Dear Bandobras" was probably a good idea!
Regardless, I'm enjoying this story immensely and you've had me on pins-and-needles as to how and WHEN Legolas was going to "see the light"! Having such power over your fans should bring you a great deal of satisfaction, LOL!! I must admit to heaving quite a few sad sighs...poor Legolas! Such a beautiful, wonderful, gentle creature and yet so sad... See, there I go again!
Elenora
Duchess
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 32
Well I expected no less of a letter from Gimli and thank you very much for showing it to us from his point of view. *g* I especially loved that part where he admitted also that Legolas needed Bandy terribly and wished he could fetch the young Hobbit early. *vbg*
How many other points of view will we get? *curiously hoping for more* I'd LOVE to see the waspish words traded about Laustaire between Arwen and Eowyn! Perhaps a quote in a letter from Aragorn or Faramir between the husbands? ;) LOL
Wonderful descriptions of what everything looks like and I'm so GLAD Legolas has so much NICE company that he needn't put up with just HER for company this winter! Humph!
Ms. Whatsit
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 32
Heh. Hearing the whole thing from Gimli's POV makes it that much funnier.
I think I've guessed this before, but I suspect the sad part of this story is going to come from Bandy being unable to make it to Ithilien at any time, possibly through death or illness.