Reviews (176)

Author's reply

I am glad the relationship between elves and horses is still satisfying. I dearly love playing with them! :-)...from both sides! A romp in the waves and sand seemed called for after such a traumatic night - and both horses and elves needed some relief and relaxation! (me, too!) Of course, when Aragorn said it was a sight not often seen and soon to be gone, I was sad all over again. As for the tidal pool, I fought with that - I was going to put it in...then I wasn't...then I was...then not...until I finally just closed my eyes and left it in. I'm glad it worked. Thank you for taking time to send your reviews, daw. I am always so encouraged by them! linda

Author's reply

Alassiel, you make me want to cry! Thank you for reviewing, especially after already wading through this a couple of times! Arador is very wise - the idea of him being a Maia in disguise is fascinating...though he's not! I, too, enjoyed the play on the beach, especially after such a tense night and day before. I am also glad the lesson Arador imparted at the tidal pool was apt - he was looking for a way to tell Legolas and Aravir what he thought they needed to realize. Thank YOU for this review, my friend. As for real life and updates - you will be pleased to know that I am well into ch. 18 already! Can you believe it? (I can't!) linda

Author's reply

You know, Bodkin, I have the same response when I see one of your reviews! You have no idea how encouraging and timely they are! I appreciate you taking the time to send one! Arador - I have envisioned his character as the white-haired, wiser than usual elder from the beginning. He's just extremely perceptive about people in general, and given his background and knowledge of elves, well, I just figured he would have some words of wisdom to impart to them (if he ever thought they might be needed.) Calen and Raen are grandsons after his own heart, too, and Aravir saved Raen's life. Calen is not likely to forget that. Coupled with Legolas saving their father's life - they have become quite attached to these two fascinating beings. So even when Daeradar frowns mightily on their staying to watch over Aravir, they do it anyway! Loyal young men! Aragorn minding the horses - he's had a time throughout the story getting Arod to halfway trust him. I think his care here finally proves to Arod he's all right - for a man! I liked the way he kept messing with the mare, though!:-) Sharing the Song - I only wish I had been there to hear it! *sigh* Mutual support - yes - that is exactly how I see this developing! Aravir had kept himself aloof for the years previous to this little adventure. Now, not only does he have his duty towards the Prince, but friendship has grown as well. They will be good for each other, I think...they understand what's happening. An elven romp in the surf - everyone sure needed some respite from the pain and drama of the night and day before (me, too!). I'm glad you enjoyed it - I certainly did! ;-) Arador wants them to understand the elves' value to all of Middle-earth - not just to Aragorn alone. He wants these two to endure and realize that they are appreciated, as well as meant, to stay. I am so glad you enjoyed this! Thank you again for taking the time to review, Bodkin. I can actually say that more is on the way, maybe sooner than later this time! LOL linda

Author's reply

Hello Manderly! I'm so happy to hear from you - thank you for taking the time to review! Yes, Legolas is becoming more and more able to deal with the sea-longing when it really starts tugging at him. Aravir, unfortunately, has also heard the call of Elvenhome now, but I think these two will help each other immensely. They know what is happening to the other and Legolas has been given some insight into coping with the call through the Song. He can share that with Aravir, who, as you say, will stay beside his Prince out of sheer loyalty and friendship. I'm glad you liked the horses - I had to laugh at the way you saw Arod acting - he did come across as somewhat of a 'nag', didn't he? LOL But you and I know that he has reason to fear for Legolas' health when the sea-longing swamps him - maybe in the future he won't be so freaked out about it! ;-) Arador is an interesting and lovely old man, isn't he? I'm glad you like him! Thank you again for reviewing - it is so great to hear from you again! :-) linda

Author's reply

RS, hello! Yes, shock!, here I am! I think I was more surprised than anyone! :-) I'm so glad you enjoyed the visions in this chapter - it was one of truths being spoken and maybe recognized/embraced for the the first time. (Even a beautiful, immortal elf needs to know he's appreciated!) I had tons of fun envisioning that romp in the surf - tempted even this old mare to go back in the water again! LOL As for the horse with no name - I suppose it's a good thing this doesn't take place in the *giggle* desert...that would really call for a chorus or two, or three... Now, Rose, I want you to pay particular attention to ch. 18 when it finally gets posted (actually, I'm well into it already *gasp*), ok? All will be revealed, preciousssss, I promissesssss! (She should have been named 6 or 7 chapters ago, ya know, but I got sidetracked! Senior moments strike every 5 minutes, I'm told.) Poor sweet mare - having to put up with Aragorn messin' with her ears, and me messin' with her identity! It's enough to make her apply for early retirement, ya know? It was so nice to hear from you again - thanks for the review (yum!) linda (rs, you make me smile...)

Author's reply

Oh the utter embarressment of it all! I finally updated with Ch.l7 and discovered I had never replied to your wonderful review for 16! My only excuse is I cannot reply on the computer I have the most access to, and I'll leave it at that! But what a wonderful review and I so appreciate that you took the time to send it! I know well the feeling about being able to 'carve out the time' to not only send reviews, but to update, as well! I'm so glad you are enjoying the characters - they have taken on lives and personalities of their own...I just operate the keyboard and follow instructions! LOL I must admit I struggled a bit with Legolas' first physical glimpse of the wide open ocean - after all he had it in his mind that he had found a way to deal with the call (though there were still twinges). But facing the open sea and merely being somewhat aware of it on the Anduin are two different things. I would think the sheer scope of the ocean would be breath-stealing, particularly for two sensitive elves like Legolas and Aravir. Yes, Aravir has now awakened to the call of Elvenhome! As to whether he and Legolas can help each other deal with it, well, one can only hope! And Legolas does have the knowledge imparted to him by Nienna earlier...that should help, especially if passed along to Aravir! We'll see... As for Aragorn, he is completely torn...he hates, in the worst possible way, seeing his friend suffer and yet he absolutely dreads the thought of Legolas sailing...It is a dilemma that will haunt him until the end, I fear...(sniff!) Thank you again for such a wonderful review, and again, I apologize for the tardiness in replying! linda

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the encouraging review, Eliza! I'm sorry to take so long to respond...Rita has taken a great deal away from everyone where I live lately! (I'm thinking a storm moving inland from the sea should be experienced by our elves in the next chapter..Lord knows I've seen enough of them lately! LOL) The sea awakens that intense longing to 'go home'...it is not to be ignored, and one can only hope it can be dealt with. With Legolas, we know he's been given a tool to help him live with the call. Aravir? Well, we will have to see...you are so right, too - he is good for Legolas and it would be a terrible shame if he ended up having to sail. I hope to update more quickly this time, Eliza, if the weather will stop messing around! :-) Thank you so much for your review! linda

Author's reply

Hello, Rose! Yes, finally! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter (I thought it would never get done!). I'm afraid that the sea will continue to be a problem for Legolas, although he will learn to deal with it (as has been decreed...his time to leave has not yet come. He is still too important to the reign of a certain King.) As for Aravir, yes I'm afraid the sea-longing has struck again. As to the intensity of it, well...we'll just have to see, won't we? Thanks for reviewing, Rose linda

Author's reply

Hello Bodkin! Not half as happy as I am to finally have finished and posted it! :-) I'm so glad you enjoyed it...that it read well and kept your attention. Erelas' family is a lot of fun to write, and Laurelin threatening the two guards with a certain blond youngling, I thought, was very much in keeping with Brethilas, the resident terror! (He's much more, of course, but at his age, the 'terror' side just seems stand out, for some strange reason! LOL I hope I didn't overdo the mind pictures - you know how wordy I get *sigh*, but once I started describing those places, it was hard to quit. I was assured that it was ok - not repetitive or awkward, etc., so I left them in. Wasn't that peach scene funny? Sometimes I get tired of the Prince being all ethereal and 'princely', so I have him do something somewhat out of character. I always hope it's not too much. But Legolas was trying, at the time, to draw his friends' attention away from him. I suppose he really does think he can get away with it. He forgets that Aravir was around to watch him grow up, practically...and of course, there's Arod! Yeah, the town was pretty...and fishy. I'll bet when the wind is just right... Thoron was one of those "let me have my say" characters that just insisted on his place. Big and boisterous, poor old Arador didn't stand a chance! :-) I suppose even an elf would appreciate a finely prepared meal, and I thought the menu sounded quite gluttony-inspiring! ;-) Yes, things might get a little sticky for Legolas AND Aravir for awhile. I'm so glad you found the 'feast' enjoyable, Bodkin! Thank YOU! linda

Author's reply

Manderly, you are not senile! Consider that review gone! I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter (it was almost novel length, wasn't it?). It took forever to finish, it seemed like. As for the sea-longing, it doesn't look too good for Aravir, does it? We'll just have to see how strongly it's going to affect him. Legolas, meanwhile, must reconcile the song of the sea in Arda Marred with the song of Aman. Once he succeeds with that, he'll be much more in control, tho' it will still entrance him, I fear. I love the horses, too. Especially my Arod. He's just such a good and loyal friend to his elf. I actually have started the next chapter...let's hope it (and RL) won't be so cantankerous this time! Thank you again for the wonderful review, Manderly. linda

Author's reply

Hello daw! You are so right - Aravir hasn't had Legolas' years or experience in dealing with the sea-longing. You asked some very pertinent questions, too. (Questions I've been thinking about...like are there degrees of the sea-longing? It would seem that some elves might be more strongly affected than others...I've always wondered how Cirdan was able to stay for so long. It is 'a puzzlement'!) I guess we'll have to see just how strongly the sea has affected Aravir. Legolas should be able to help him - I hope! Thank you for the review, daw! linda linda

Author's reply

Goody, I'll be waiting to hear from you! (What was this...an appetizer?) And the first review, too...you'll have me holding my breath, Bodkin! :-) linda

Author's reply

Hello Karen! Ironing? Ick. Almost as bad as a forest full of big, ugly spiders...and have you noticed how a pile of ironing takes on a life of its own and MULTIPLIES? *shudders* Glad you defeated the evil, tho'. :-) "If I didn't know you're a teacher, I would think you had surgical experience." LOL Well, thank you! :-) That really has me grinning, Karen! Yes, you know how teachers are - combination nurse, counselor, nana, ada, good cop, bad cop, and now surgeon! *grins foolishly* As for Aragorn and germs - hmmmm, I didn't think about him sterilizing the knife and that it might be out of place (and time). I guess as a writer of LOTR fanfiction, I'm a product of all the other stories and descriptions I've read of Imladris with plumbing and everything. And I suppose Elrond, being a very clean elf, would insist on cleanliness when dealing with illness and injury. He taught Aragorn well...yes, he did! :-) Aragorn did kind of take over here, didn't he? I like you see him as calm and in control. He arrived at a rather chaotic time for everyone else and had to get everyone calmed down! Legolas, I think, got over his irritation with his nosey friends when Aravir showed up. And with Erelas so ill, he was so glad to see Aragorn he just conveniently overlooked everything else! Thank you so much for commenting on the differences between the family here and what Aragorn normally sees in Minas Tirith, and I'm glad their personalities are coming out more clearly. I've gotten rather fond of this bunch of humans myself! So, their background surprised you? Good! And Legolas is finding out how small the world really is as he travels on...full circle...I like that! As for the story winding down, yes, you are right...two more chapters(I think...but who knows!) or possibly three. But I have to tell you, Karen, the initial plan had this story only going 7 chapters! So who knows? Certainly I do not! I'm glad you are still enjoying it, though. Thank you so much for taking the time to review, Karen, especially after that traumatic battle with the ironing! linda

Author's reply

Hello, Eliza! Thank you so much for the very kind review. I am so pleased and encouraged when I read that someone finds the characters in my story interesting, and that the emotions come through! "I like the way they contribute to my leggy's well-being." He's so endearing, you know? (Of course you do - what a silly question! LOL) I just see him as being a caring elf, one who made a difficult decision to stay in Ennor in spite of the sea's call, and all for the love of a friend. His caring attitude invites others to care for him in return. Legolas is indeed learning a lot during this story, and not all the lessons have been easy. And it seems lately that everyone he meets has something to impart to him. Arador, in particular, is a wise old man with a strong, discerning nature. I like to think he sees the "big picture", while Legolas is rather focused in on his own pain and longing. You're never too old to learn, I guess! :-) Thank you again for taking the time to review, Eliza. linda

Author's reply

Dot! Hello! Gee, did I make you cringe? *sighs with satisfaction and salutes* Mission accomplished! :-) No, seriously, if it got that reaction from you then I actually got the picture across I was aiming for. Erelas was in a pretty bad way! So, you liked Dr. Aragorn? He needed Laurelin and Arador halfway calm so they could help him out. Since they were healers, I could see him talking his way through the procedure to keep their attention on him, and not on what he was doing. "You sound very knowledgeable about this healing stuff..." Naaaah. I have a basic knowledge gleaned from my childhood and my children's younger years! (and numerouns trips to the doctor) :-) I once had a thorn driven into my heel that eventually worked its way out the other side of my foot - it was the weirdest thing I ever saw...I was lucky it didn't get infected like Erelas' wound did. As for the herbs and plants, I found this cool website on the historical uses of herbs and plants in medicine. It had all kinds of plants listed, along with the ailments they were used to treat, what part of the plant was used, where they grew, when they were harvested...all kinds of stuff. I figured Aragorn was a well-rounded healer with knowledge of all medicinal plants, compliments of Elrond. While he might use athelas a great deal, I could see him using other stuff, too. LOL to the tea and chocolate!! The cure-alls for everything that ails you! As for the tree racing elves in Imladris...I guess I was thinking of visitors from Lothlorien or Lasgalen...I suppose Imladris elves were too civilized! ;-) You mentioned a lot of my favorite parts - Raen and Aravir's obvious care for the twins (he likes kids - he practically helped raise his little sister and the other elflings that survived his settlement's attack). Arod continues to guard his elf, and Aravir is more at ease with Aragorn, isn't he? He's learning to lighten up! *g* Erelas is just like every other sick man - whiney! LOL Meeting the King gave him a start! Elena and Lissiriel will indeed remember Legolas with heartfelt sighs and giggles for years to come! (smart girls!) Yes, the call of the sea has changed. In some ways, this new song is more dangerous - more beguiling, like a Siren's song, instead of so demanding as it was at first. I struggled with that elven connection to Arador's family for about two weeks. I wanted it believable, but wasn't quite sure how to go about it. I'm glad you liked it - I remember another review where you were going "hmmmmmm, I wonder?"...about that family. :-) Arador is very insightful and will prove a valuable companion for this little trip. And LOL is right to the sight of the King as a disgruntled owl! My class...you know, I had them tamed for awhile...but alas, all good things must come to an end! Four more days and then I can breathe! (and concentrate on this story!) Thank you for a wonderful, comprehensive review, Dot! linda

Author's reply

I tried blowing on this, Bodkin. I still don't know what it means (spelled right or not!). So, translate...please? linda

Author's reply

Oh Bodkin! You poor thing! School until the end of July? (Where are you?) I would perish (no, actually, I would retire!) We also tried the year-round school thing and do you know who didn't like it? The parents! Seems it interferes with vacation time! I am assuming your "les ecureils meutriers" has something to do with my class of murderous tree rats! (I'm not feeling very charitable towards the little darlings right now!) As for government interference, I think they should TEACH in a classroom before they pass these laws...it might broaden their outlook on some things. 'Nough said! :-) Thank you so much for the very kind words about the chapter! As for the use of birch leaves (and bark)... when Legolas was hurt, I thought I'd better look up some stuff besides the willow recipe and found this neat website on the historical uses of herbs and plants in medicine. I was surprised to find birch and oak trees mentioned (excited, too). I figured a well-taught healer such as Aragorn would make use of whatever he could, as well as his favorite, athelas. I always thought that it was in the King's hands that the true power of the athelas plant was released...he could make use of other plants as well...maybe! :-/ But he is a credit to Elrond...and making the procedure with Erelas a learning time kept Laurelin and Arador halfway calm! I'm glad that Jarrod and Aravir are starting to come through more as characters. Jarrod has a story somewhere...I'll have to look for it! As for the Horse Protection Squad (lol) - aren't they great? Arod is his usual cautious, protective self where Legolas is concerned! Oooohhh! Have I hit on something in a Reflection to come? I can't wait to read it! When, Bodkin, when? :-) You are right, Arador will prove very helpful on the little sojourn to come. He's very insightful! You know, we just might make it to the sea in the next chapter! LOL Thank you again for the review, Bodkin. linda

Author's reply

Hey, daw! Aragorn in the books always came across as such a noble character. I couldn't see him treating his people differently based on where or how they lived. He just seems too kind for that (at least, to me!) I suppose all his years in the wilderness as a Ranger would make him immune to the trappings of wealth and standing, tho' he's seen and lived both (as a Ranger and at Imladris)...good training for a King, it seems! As for Legolas staying, I tend to lean heavily on the friendship aspect of the elf and the King's relationship. So little was revealed about it in the books...I just like to think that they would both give up a great deal for each other. And Aragorn had quite a job ahead of him in reunifying the two realms - a HUGE job, plus dealing with all the consequences to Middle-earth caused by Sauron's existence over the past ages. He will need all the help and support he can get - someone constant in his life (he will live longer than most of his mortal friends from the War) he can go to for encouragement, advice, or just to use as a sounding board. So, Legolas is 'helped out' with his problem in order to stay for the hundred and twenty-odd years that Aragorn is King. (It makes sense when I think it...but when I try to verbalize it, well....) ;-) This is a LOOOONNNGGG reply - but your observations were very thought-provoking. Thank you for taking the time to review, daw! (Still working on that 'fundraiser' for Mr./Mrs. daw's trip to Hawaii, especially since you sent Flower Face to see her Daeradar, bless you...LOL) linda

Author's reply

Hello, Manderly! Let me explain about said "killer squirrels"...I teach a room full of wiggly, giggly, squirrel-ly third graders. We have six days of school left, tho' for this bunch, school was 'out' two weeks ago! LOL It has been absolutely crazy! But I escaped! Yay! I had a friend who had a rose thorn in her hand and within a week had blood poisoning - her mother told us that the doctor said thorns were the worst for that sort of infection. Now, I didn't look it up or anything, but I remembered that time even now, years later, and decided to use something similar for Erelas' injury. It had to be quick and toxic and hard for Arador and Laurelin to spot at first...and you're right, guilt would have almost destroyed Arador if anything had happened to his son. (I imagine Legolas would have shouldered some of that guilt, too, since he initially cared for the man.) Manderly!!!! You don't think Aragorn is 'lovely'? ;-) He is King now, and I'll bet he cleans up real nice...picture the crown of blue flowers! *sigh* Besides, Legolas had to tease him somehow to get back at Aragorn for all the 'pretty' remarks. Seems to me the King is just asking for another skin of water to be dumped on his head! LOL I promise (I hope) that the next chapter will appear more quickly, now that school is almost out and I'll have some time to actually sit down and concentrate on the story! Thank you for taking the time to review! (Keep trying to imagine that 'lovely' King...) linda

Author's reply

Why thank you so much, Ninna! I am so glad you found the stories and enjoyed them. That really means a great deal to me. As for 'talent', well, let's say I'm working on it... and having a lot of fun doing it! :-) Again, I appreciate you taking the time to review and encourage. Hopefully, the next chapter will come more quickly than this one did (school and a snag in the story *sigh*). Thanks again. linda

Author's reply

Hey Dot! *Woo-hoo, I'm up to date!* You are so funny...and I am SO not "up-to-date" on anything right now! *jealous sniff* :-) Thank you for so faithfully reviewing these chapters and sending such detailed, encouraging reviews, too! Sooooo, you are intrigued by a human family that seems well-versed in things elven, eh? Good, you and one other have voiced that observation...just as I intended (now, if I can ever write it the way I imagine it...). The donkey seems to have struck a chord here - but I've noticed the small ones are so sweet-natured and oh, trusting, I guess would be the word and so this little gray beast reflects that. Hmmm, he really needs a name now...gee, thanks, Dot...another name! (*note to self - name the donkey...and while you're at it, name the mare, for goodness' sake!*) Aravir is finding that while he noticed things as his Prince's commander, he's really noticing a lot of little things as his friend. Yes, the sea-longing is NOT gone, only somewhat alleviated. Yep, I can just see a colt or filly with those two as parents....*sigh*;-) I hesitated to send the whole family after Raen and Erelas, but Arador would go (son and grandson) and of course, Laurelin for her husband. I couldn't see leaving the kids behind alone, especially seeing how the house was so isolated and they probably were going to be gone overnight (even tho' Calen is 15, he's still not much protection) so, it quickly became a family camp-out! I'm glad the horses and Legolas are friends - the mare is still learning to recognize Legolas' worries...she senses his disquiet and it bothers her, makes her feel insecure. But Arod, now, he's been with our elf for over a decade and he knows him pretty well. He is not put off by simple "I'm ok" reassurances and he loves his elf too much to just let it go. A true friend indeed! I'm glad you like Raen's and Erelas' family. They are good people with an interesting past, and Arador has lost many loved ones, as you caught in that one little reference. More on that in later conversations! Brethilas is a live wire - he keeps them all hopping! :-) Eruanneth asked also if the sea might not be dangerous for Aravir and I can honestly say that right now, he's ok, to my way of thinking. But then, this story has taken so many different paths...what's one more........... *vbg* (You guys really should keep those pesky bunnies of yours to yourselves!) "He needs more help than even those healers can give him. Someone like...oh look!! It's Aragorn! Yay!" Now Dot, did you ever REALLY doubt that Aragorn would ever be able to stay away? He just decided it was time to make a kingly tour of the south and just happened to be in the neighborhood...you know how those things are! LOL And just in the nick of time, too! Thank you again for reviewing, Dot...I get such a kick out of reading and then replying to them! You make me smile - yesssss, you do! linda

Author's reply

Hello! I am so glad I surprised you! :-) Raenor knew his father would sacrifice himself and decided he stood a better chance of surviving (being younger and all!) So the brave lad let go...and almost caused the elven equivalence of a heart attack in Legolas and Aravir, not to mention his father just about fell apart! LOL I see you were gritting your teeth right along with them, Dot! Erelas is hurt pretty bad, tho' the wound pierced clear through and didn't damage any internal organs, it bled a great deal and left fragments of dirt and wood behind. Not good! Yay, Arod! He doesn't hesitate to take Legolas to task when he senses his irritation at being followed. How can you argue with love being the driving force behind their disobedience? You can't, and our dear Prince knows it! (Ah, you caught the way Arod doesn't use names, did you? And neither does the mare! I'm having to think about that - Arod especially would be familiar with the names of those he's been with for the last 12 years...tho' he calls Gimli the "small, loud one" and knows that Aragorn is the unkempt one! ;-) I may leave it as is...just have to be careful and not slip up when writing...) I'm glad their friendship is finally establishing itself, too - Legolas isn't one to stand on ceremony but he needed Aravir to cooperate a little! Yes, there is a rather large, concerned family waiting for Erelas and Raenor to return. I'm so glad you don't find that the new characters detract from the story! They appreciate the kind thoughts, too. LOL And I appreciate the wonderful review, Dot! Thanks! linda

Author's reply

Hello Bodkin! I am so glad that a feeling of hope came through. Things were rather rough for everyone there at the end! And of course, the cavalry came...and I'm sure Aragorn never travels without a store of athelas (sacks? *vbg*). I thought Legolas needed an elven friend...he has all these very dear mortal friends that just worry him sick. He needs a friend with a more permanent feel...who'll help him through the eventual sadness of the others. I kinda liked the thought of a big, lovesick Thalion being ignored by the mare - and beautiful offspring - love was in the air, definitely! ;-) Legolas only thought he was out of the woods where the sea-longing was concerned. He still has some things to learn, tho'. Yeah, I wanted a big family - twins seemed cool (hey, I'm partial to twins for some reason!), so enter Raenor and Calen. Brethilas is the sparkle, and Arador the anchor for them all. The donkey does not speak Sindarin, but I'll bet after an introduction to the elves, he's willing to learn! LOL I'm so glad you liked the chapter, Bodkin. Gorgeous? Coming from you, that's quite a compliment! I think you're right, too - Legolas needs to feel a part of a family, especially when he's troubled. This family will be good for him. Thank you so much for reviewing! linda

Author's reply

Hey Karen! Yep, I love twins (don't know why....hmmmm). I'm glad you liked the family of our two injured friends. They seem to be good people. So, you liked the camp scene, eh? I would love to camp beside a stream in a beautiful wood with elfsong in the background...*sigh* Frisky horses? Only one - Thalion has some convincing to do before the mare will even look at him! LOL Yes, the King has come...armed, of course...with sacks of athelas (according to Bodkin, and I'm still grinning over that mind-picture of Aragorn weighted down with sacks and sacks of his favorite healing herb!). Your last paragraph was so encouraging...I tend to get really wordy...chatty...verbose...long-winded...whatever! when I write and for you to say that I "used few words, but they were the right ones. In only a few sentences, I could feel the tension rise..." well, Karen, I had to mark this down as a day to remember. Now I can tell myself, "you can do this...you can say in a few sentences what you want and not take 3 pages!!!!!" LOL Really, I am terrible about that! But now there is HOPE... Thank you so much for this review, Karen, and I'm glad you didn't scare the dogs! :-) linda

Author's reply

Hello Manderly! I'm so glad to hear from you. I'm glad you liked the family in the story...they do seem to add a lot, and I love writing the little kids. They're my favorite! (besides elves, that is) ;-) Yes, my poor Legolas only thought the sea-longing had loosened its grip on him. The calm before the storm, I guess...He is going to need his friends plus a few new ones to finally understand how to really deal with it. LOL "surrounded by nursemaids"... no wonder he gave orders for them not to follow! But he'll be glad eventually that they did! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and thank you so much for taking the time to review! linda