daw the minstrel
· 18 January 2005
· Chapter 10: What the Heart Perceives
Ooh, an update in a story I like and had missed! Good.
I like the idea that Legolas is learning more of the Great Song. A few years ago, I moved from a woodsy area to the prairies and I've felt like a displaced person for much of the time since, so I know how he feels. It takes time to learn to see (or hear) a new kind of beauty.
I really like your Elfwine. I was hoping to see more of him. I laughed when Eomer muttered that he didn't think he'd be sleeping in a flet.
Author's reply
Hi, daw! I have had a time updating lately because of school...this time was a little better (yeah, a very teensy little!).
I suppose a Wood-elf would be so familiar with the song of the trees that to be removed from his familiar environment would be very grating...even traumatic to a degree (depending on how sensitive to the song he was). Displaced...yes, a good word for how Legolas felt on the plains with few trees in sight for days on end. But with his experience in his "dream" he has realized there is more to it than he ever thought, and he's actually hearing a different part (like the different instruments/harmonies in an orchestra...sometimes you can't hear the individual parts and they're just as beautiful as the more obvious melody). I'm glad our elf is broadening his outlook - it will help balance the sea's song which still has a strong call for him.
Yep, Elfwine turned out to be a neat kid. I think he idolizes Legolas so much because he's so different from his own people...you know, the elf is totally "cool"...rides without tacking up, he hears and talks to his horses, and besides all that, he's kind and he's pretty good with kids. Eomer in the flet...must really think about exploring that further! :-) Thank you for the kind review, daw! (really great story you've started, btw!)
linda
Wantanelf
· 4 December 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
I love this fiction!! I printed up Chapter One awhile ago and finally started reading it this weekend and haven't stopped. I'm just about to start Chapter Nine but thought I better send a review to encourage you to continue. I thought I'd found just about all the great Legolas fictions, but I was wrong. I am really enjoying this. I think you are doing a great job capturing the elves and the way they relate to their horses and nature in general. I can see influence from The Elvish Way with all Good Beasts, which was also a fantastic fiction. How can you go wrong with elves and horses? So many people write Legolas in a very unelflike manner. You have kept him the elf we know and love. Thank you and keep up the great fiction!!
Author's reply
Thank YOU! (By the way, I love your name - I'd have to make mine wantthreeelves, though!...or maybe 7...one for each day of the week...LOL) I am so glad you found this little story, and that you like it! Reviews are so encouraging - this is my second effort at fanfic and I live for the readers to tell me if something is working or not! You are quite correct - I had written my first fanfic and had Legolas riding a new horse in it - and suddenly I am besieged by the mare to tell her story! I had read The Elvish Way With All Good Beasts and loved it dearly, so I got in touch with Teanna and asked her if I could reference some of the events, etc. from her story. She was great, said yes, sent me reams of information about horses and horse-related injuries...just so helpful! So I am doubly glad the story pleases! As for keeping Legolas elf-y...I would not change a hair on his head :-) ...or a thought in his mind! Again, thank you and I hope the story continues to be entertaining...I certainly enjoy writing it, when I'm not having kittens about getting it right! :/
linda
Bodkin
· 4 December 2004
· Chapter 9: Comes a New Day
So many gorgeous bits!
The beautiful horsie wants him! Despite her nerves she agreed to carry him. What a lovely moments. Although horse spit in his hair won't go down too well. He'll have to go straight back in and wash it.
I love the 'hobbit' insult. Did it take long for Gimli to think that one up? Their repartee is a lovely part of their relationship. And seeing the ethereal elf stuffing away food as if he is Pippin is rather appealing - as is everybody watching him with satisfied smiles on their faces.
Eolyn mothers him well - and he is enjoying it! There are times when all we want is someone to take over and make things comfortable - and she's good at stepping back as he gets better, too.
Legolas and his song - very moving. I'm glad he is feeling better. And that the story continues!
Author's reply
You just had to guess she would eventually give in, nerves or not, when she led the others to him a few chapters ago! Horse spit - ewwwwww! Still, those braids are awfully tempting, and not to be passed up!
As for Gimli and his insult - he knows very well that calm, fastidious Legolas would be mortified if he was reminded of his rather un-elflike behaviour with spoon and pudding! But hey, he'd been many days fasting in that dream state he was in, and woke up feeling very much recovered. Thus the "Pippin" masquerade!
I had fun with Eolyn this chapter! And Legolas was just glad to let her baby him as much as possible at first. You're quite right - we all reach a point when we want to be taken care of, and not have to worry about taking care of others. Eolyn was very astute in seeing his need for lots of TLC and acting on it, elf or not!
Thanks for saying the song was moving...I had TROUBLE for awhile getting what I wanted said typed coherently! LOL This story is winding down, probably one more chapter then an epilogue (course I started out with only 7 mapped out!). Glad you are still enjoying it, and thank you so much for reviewing!
linda
daw the minstrel
· 3 December 2004
· Chapter 9: Comes a New Day
The bath scene was good for a variety of reasons. :-)
I'm so glad the mare accepted him. It must be hard for her to surrender what she has, but she trusts him and loves him and that's some compensation, I think. Legolas's song was gorgeous. That's such a Tolkienish way of putting things.
Author's reply
Yes, daw, and I thoroughly enjoyed imagining Eolyn's delight in that fair and wondrous elf! ;-)
The mare is not too certain leaving Rohan is such a wonderful idea, but love and trust DO help in easing her way. And eventually she will become the close companion to Legolas that Arod is now. I think Arod is a great help, too. (He's still my favorite!)
I am so glad about the song...Tolkienish? *sighs* I wish I had his way with language and expression! I had a very difficult time putting into words what I wanted to express...Legolas' song now is not the one he is used to. Trying to reconcile the vision/music the sea gives him of Aman with the reality/song of Arda Marred had to take some careful listening...then blending the two into harmony which created a whole new song for him. (Still hard to express! LOL)
Thank you, daw. (reviews like this make the whole nail-biting, "birth" process of writing worthwhile!) :-)
linda
Larner
· 3 December 2004
· Chapter 9: Comes a New Day
Love the new song he must sing.
Author's reply
Yes, a new song - one that reconciles the other-worldly beauty of Elvenhome with the harsh reality of Arda Marred and creates a harmony IN Legolas that he has been sorely missing.
Thank you for commenting on the new song, Larner! And for a kind review.
linda
Manderly
· 3 December 2004
· Chapter 9: Comes a New Day
What a wonderful chapter! Very funny too.
Legolas and his pudding. Elfwine must be thinking that Legolas would make one fine pudding eating companion. I wonder who would be the first to lick his bowl clean?
Eolyn is so charming but I envy her greatly. She got to bathe AND comb Legolas' hair. Some people have all the luck!
Legolas getting his horse and singing again. How gratifying. He is definitely on the road to recovery.
Author's reply
Thank YOU, Manderly! I had lots of fun writing certain parts of that chapter! (baths and bouncing spoons off Gimli's head come to mind!)
I don't know, I just had this picture of Legolas waking up feeling good after his time with Nienna, and starving because he's slept away the better part of two weeks! LOL He did NOT want to miss a drop of that pudding either! ;-) and Elfwine knew it!
Eolyn - yes, I love her, but she certainly gloated over that bath! :-) She did remind me though that her interest was strictly motherly! HA! says I! *g*
Things do seem to be looking up for our elf now...about time, I'd say!
Thank you for the kind review...(soooo glad to see a new fic from you!!!)
linda
Rose Sared
· 26 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
Ahh, that was a nice Chapter, no cliffies and all our friends back together again - even the nag! (Sorry Arod, I have to wrangle a horsefloat tomorrow and equines are not high on my love-em list today. After I have succeeded in turning the monster in the narrow driveway I will be more sanguine.) ()
Lovely chapter, very cheering on a Friday night.
Many thanks - and thanks for your kind words over my own difficulties.
Rose
Author's reply
Hey, RS! It's good to hear from you and hope things have settled somewhat! Cliffies? Me? I've tried and tried, but the skill to write a decent one eludes me! :-) Hmmmm, a horsefloat, huh? Sounds difficult! Arod says he didn't do it, if that will help any! No? I told him NOT! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and everyone being back together! Gimli's already giving Legolas heck in the next chapter LOL...how DO you get a dwarf to behave? :/ Thank you for the kind review!
linda
Robinscat
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?
This is beautiful. I stumbled on your story and it has touched a chord in my heart. You have expressed the sea longing better than anyone I have read. After the first chapter I was weeping over my key board. I have had a close relationship with my cat, like that you described between Legolas and Arod. It tears my heart.
Thank you for sharing your gift.
Robin
Author's reply
Robin, thank you for the encouraging words. I know Tolkien didn't say much about Arod, but I loved the thought of him taking to Legolas right away in The Two Towers, and then I read this lovely fic by Teanna called The Elvish Way With All Good Beasts and it got me thinking - if elves become very attached to their mounts, how hard would it be to face the horse's mortality? That and my continuing fascination with the sea-longing gave me the idea for this story! I hope you continue to enjoy this, and I'm glad it touched you (tho' I'm sorry you cried!)...Lord knows Legolas and Arod have had me crying in my keyboard (or notebook) a dozen times! :-)
linda
Tinnuial
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
oh a new chapter!!! thank you!!!! :) Made my day, you did!!
Though, I am somewhat confused....what didn't Legolas know??? Did I miss something? hmm...should go read it over again... ;)
I love this story, thank you for sharing it with us!!
Author's reply
Hi, Tinnuial! Go back and read chapter 7 if you haven't. My last posting was ch. 6 and it's been since September since I've been able to put anything new up. When I posted this time, I posted 7 and 8 together, but only 8 showed up on the front page of the site! SORRY! Should have done them a day apart and spared everyone the confusion! :-( Chapter 7 should explain what your question is about...and THANK YOU for still reading! *big smile for patient readers*
linda
daw the minstrel
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
Now I see where that last chapter came from!
For some reason, I am really touched by the relationshipship of Eomer and Elfwine. Eomer treasures him so and the boy trusts him and so obviously idolizes him. Eomer will always know the answer, he seems to think. I hope Eomer enjoys this now because it won't last forever.
Arod treats him like a naughty foal who needs to watched and kept out of trouble. But trust a child of Rohan to think of the fact that Arod needs to see Legolas. "He loves you too, Gimli." LOL
Author's reply
Hi, daw! I think I'm confusing everyone by posting 2 chapters at once! SORRY!
I am thoroughly enjoying the way Elfwine has stepped forward. He and Eomer do have that father/son relationship that you wish would last forever. Unfortunately, little birds grow up and feel the need to test their wings and of course, fathers "lose" intelligence as boys gain years! (Same with moms too!)
But Elfwine has been a pleasant surprise for me...he popped out about ch.2 and I've been chasing him ever since! I believe the boy has seen the devotion between the horse and his elf, perhaps more clearly (or on a more basic level) than the others. It's very simple...Legolas loves Arod - Arod loves Legolas...Legolas is hurt and Arod should be kept informed about him. Simple, huh? Perceptive lad...about Gimli, too! LOL
Now Arod knows how to take care of the kid - stand between him and potential danger, and herd him to the safest place and keep him there 'til someone shows up! I love Arod...he's such practical horse! :-)
Thank you for the kind review, daw! I needed it!
linda
Manderly
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
Oops, the review I just left was for the last chapter. Must have got my chapters mixed up.
Yay, Legolas is at last awake. I suppose everyone will pounce on him now for explanations once their initial relief is over.
I love your Elfwine. His father certainly has his hands full with this little one, or at least trying to keep track of his whereabouts.
Author's reply
Sorry, Manderly! I think I've thoroughly confused everyone by posting 2 chapters at once! Learned a lesson, I did...
I know I would pounce on the elf once he woke up...uh, sorry...momentary lapse of control there. Yes, our dear Legolas is awake and now must explain to everyone what has been going on, especially friend Gimli, who is somewhat out of sorts because the elf scared his beard straight! :-)
Elfwine...this young man popped out about ch. 2 and has run me ragged ever since! He is fun, and more than a handful for his father! But he's got good intentions, and is a loyal friend to Legolas, which in his mind excuses some of his adventures. You know how kids are, they can rationalize anything given half a chance (convincingly, too *vbg*).
Thank you so much for the review and I am so glad to hear from you again! Got anything new going storywise? Hope so! :-)
linda
daw the minstrel
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 7: Out of Time and Mind
Has this chapter been here for a while and I've just missed it? I really enjoyed it. Legolas's dream/vision is fascinating. I love the little glimpses of his past as he struggles with what the future will inevitably bring.
Author's reply
No, daw...I wish! I have been drowning in school and RL since I posted ch.6 waaaaaay back in September! AAAGGGHHH! But hopefully the dust has settled and that won't happen again. (Yeah, right!) I worried about the dream/vision that Legolas was experiencing - and you saying it was somewhat ok makes me feel better. (I get really insecure right before posting and just after - does everyone have that problem!?) Anyway, I very much appreciate the encouraging words...Thank You!
linda
Manderly
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
So glad to see this story again. This chapter was so wonderfully descriptive! The colours, the sounds and all the little details made me feel as if I was there in person along with Legolas. For a while you had me concerned about our favourite elf, but hopefully he's on the mend again and even more hopefully he will come to terms with the sea-longing so that it's no longer an all consuming struggle.
Hope to see more of this story soon!
Author's reply
See? See? See what Smeagol finds? 2 chapters at once...double your confusion! LOL
Thank you for this very kind review, Manderly. I am glad the details made the chapter real for you. Sometimes I reread and think, "this is soooo wordy and long and slow and..." you get the picture. So I'm glad you liked it. Legolas is finally going to come through all these trials and struggles, hopefully with some understanding that will ease things for him A LOT! Thanks again!
linda
-
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
Love the story.....really love it. i don't know what else to say....its good. can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Why, thank you so much! I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far. I'll try to get the next chapter up sooner than these 2! :-) Thank you again.
linda
Larner
· 23 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
I never thought I'd enjoy a horse story so much. Very well written, and I think your squirrels are lucky to have you.
Author's reply
Why, thank you so much, Larner. I am so glad you are enjoying the story. Arod kind of grows on you, doesn't he? He's a very personable and practical horse, is our Arod! :-) I never thought I'd ever write a horse story, tho' I've loved reading them since I was about 10! My squirrels...ah, ya gotta love the little critters, they do have their moments! LOL However, they've kept me from my elf and horse for well over 2 months...how rude! Things have settled down some, so we'll see! *g* Thanks again for the kind review! (I read Light on the Way the day before I got this...you are some kind of writer!)
linda
Bodkin
· 22 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Safe Havens
Elfwine is asking for trouble - with all the best motives in the world of course. Would he count as a killer squirrel, or doesn't he have the right qualities? Maybe if Legolas wakes up and says how helpful he has been, Eomer's wrath will be mitigated. And perhaps not.
I love the bossy motherly woman of Rohan. Not even great warriors can stand against her.
The mare must have decided to hang around if she is prepared to go into a barn with Arod. Legolas will be pleased.
Wonderful experience for Legolas - but I'm glad he is waking up.
Author's reply
Elfwine would fit right in with Stephen in my class - though he is much more thoughtful! Hmmm, maybe he could give lessons...in caring, not sneaking out!
Isn't it funny how kids have the best intentions in mind, right before the hand of doom descends on them? LOL
Yes, the elf has to wake up and get on with training his new horse!!! Or maybe she'll train him! Actually, I'll bet Arod will take them both in hand (umm...hoof!)
I think Legolas is better armed now against the grief he will eventually face and the sea...not immune to them, but better prepared. And Nienna was concerned with healing and the learning of endurance through grief.
Thanks again for reviewing! :-)
linda
Bodkin
· 22 November 2004
· Chapter 7: Out of Time and Mind
Killer squirrels? That sounds bad.
I'm glad to see the story continue. It was most unexpected (but welcome) to see the intervention of the Valar - Legolas needs some help to get him through this time.
At least the golden mare is remaining nearby.
Author's reply
Yes, killer squirrels! Bodkin, you have no idea! I love 'em, but they will be the death of me (and when all are stirred up, they scamper around just like squirrels, chattering and throwing insults at each other like nuts! LOL)
I'm glad to see this continue, too. There were times when I wondered.
Yes, Legolas needed a helping hand. I was really hoping the solution with Nienna came through, though I had my doubts. And the mare is going to get her elf, finally! I hope...
I was sitting here going through all the stories I've read over the past 2 months and not had time to review, and marking them so I can catch up over Thanksgiving! You top the list! :-)
linda
Sivan
· 28 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Lingering Shadow
Sorry, honey... only have to find time to read.
Poor Legolas, so much pain. But I'm glad the horse helps to find him, and I came thinking that the horse may adopt him as he will heal.
I still love what I read, thank you!
I hope that you will update soon, very... very soon. I mean for Legolas' sake.
Keep up the PERFECT work that you are doing with your fic.
Sivan
Author's reply
Sivan, thank you for the review! I read it maybe two weeks ago but haven't had access to a computer I can login on to reply to the reviews at SoA. But I appreciate you finding the time (isn't Real Life a pain sometimes?) to read. I'm thinking the horse is having second thoughts about running out on Legolas, too. I hope to update if school ever settles down enough so I can finish the next chapter (for my sake, as well as Legolas')! Thanks again for reading and reviewing! :-)
Tinnuial
· 7 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Lingering Shadow
What a treat to come home to....new chapters!! :) (thank you!)
Somehow you just capture these characters so well! I loved that scene at the end of chapter 5... Yes...it has been a good day indeed!
Author's reply
I am so glad you enjoyed the chapters! If I can manage to capture the characters' personalities even a little, I feel successful...so thank YOU for saying so! :-) I kinda had fun with ch.5's end...Legolas loves digging at Gimli, and if he can get at Aragorn AND Eomer, all the better! What more could a pointy-eared elven princeling ask for, indeed? Thank you for the kind review, Tinnuial!
daw the minstrel
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Lingering Shadow
Lots of nice scenes in this one. I like Legolas letting the mare have her freedom. And Eomer dealing so lovingly with his son. And the horse returning for Legolas. And then Legolas's friends doing their best for him.
Author's reply
Thanks, daw. I really sweated this chapter, and am still not certain I like it all that well. At least now I know some parts of it came across halfway decently! (These reviews mean a lot, especially for the feedback and encouragement they provide!)
You've noted some of my favorite parts, too - the mare reminds Legolas so much of that earlier horse, and I guess he feels like he's getting another chance here. Elfwine is fun...if I'd let him, he'd take over here in a heartbeat! Thank you for the kind review!
linda
Jay of Lasgalen
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Lingering Shadow
I'm really enjoying this story. I knew that the mare would come back - I just hoped it would be in time to rescue Legolas! I liked it when she led Aragorn to where the orcs held him - I had visions of Lassie or Skippy here.
Poor Legolas, though - sea-fever AND orc poison to fight!
Jay
Author's reply
Hmmmm, you are so right! Lassie, for sure! :-) The mare doesn't quite know what to think of Legolas...she's returned for the second act to check him out! Yes, my poor elf...for some reason he's always in some sort of trouble! lol I am really glad you are enjoying the story, Jay!
Bodkin
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Lingering Shadow
So Legolas has piqued the horse's interest by letting her go. How female of her! I just love Legolas's chats with Arod. The horse seems to be the only one he is letting into his own private world of misery at the moment.
Not a good idea to go off - he sounds rather poorly. Fortunately, I am sure he will survive - now if he were an OC . . .
Bet Eomer is a bit worried about his lad going off to camp with only one guard. Or if he isn't, he should be!
Loving it.
Author's reply
Yes, Arod seems to be Legolas' confidant of choice, tho' I'm not certain why that has played out that way. I think I thought the sea-longing would be very private and personal, so Legolas is excluding his friends, at least for the time being.
Isn't it odd how the poor elf gets to suffer at the hands of his fans! I guess it's a good thing he's not an OC, or he'd be dead a million times over! :-0
I think I pictured others back at the camp - cooks and grooms and such - who wouldn't have answered Gimli 's call. Elfwine should be safe enough....
Thank you Bodkin for the review...glad you are enjoying it!
linda
Bodkin
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 5: Mithril and Gold
I just love Legolas's relationship with Arod - and I'm so glad that the horse pointed out that they could stay together. The new mare to have caught his eye seems rather attractive. I wonder if Arod and she could make baby horses!
Legolas / Aravir and trees. Lovely. Also rude Mirkwood songs. I like seeing the earthy side of Elves' involvement with the natural world. Also Legolas/Elfwine - theirs is a good relationship.
I do like this equi-centric story!
Author's reply
Yes, the mare is very attractive :-) but I'm afraid in my M-e, poor Arod will not have any lady friends! I went with Teanna's supposition that he was a gelding (in her story that I've referenced), so Arod may possibly be a good friend, but no baby horses! (I'm almost sorry I made it this way, Bodkin! lol)
Legolas and Aravir/trees - I just figured after all the wide opened spaces with few/no trees around, those two would like a little R&R. Besides, I love it when the elves talk or sing to/with the trees! :-)
Rude Mirkwood songs - Ah, yes, they may look like angels, but something tells me NOT! Besides, I liked it that Legolas would join his rather proper watch commander in singing some not-so-proper songs!
Thank you, Bodkin...I'm really glad you are enjoying the story!
Lianna
· 27 August 2004
· Chapter 5: Mithril and Gold
I have found myself checking for updates to this story every day. I think I'm hooked.
I love the way you portray Arod in this chapter. His practical intelligence (horse sense?) and sense of irony remind me of Gimli. I think I'm beginning to understand why Legolas is so close to both of them.
Author's reply
Isn't that funny? You are absolutely right on there...Arod is much like Gimli in many ways...practical, forthright, loyal, blunt....I am really glad his character is coming across that way...I can never be sure until I hear it from someone else! I am very glad you are enjoying the story...I thoroughly enjoy getting these great reviews! I'm hooked, too! lol Thank you for reviewing, Lianna. :-)
Molly
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 5: Mithril and Gold
I'm enjoying this story very much. I always like seeing how authors picture Legolas' sea-longing and this is one of the best I've seen in a while. I like how Legolas's friends show him he's not alone in this battle against an invisible foe. I was also glad he and Arod decided to stay together. What a pair they make! I look forward to reading more about this new golden mare. I was delighted his new horse was female because invariably the major characters are always riding stallions. I'm glad Legolas has enough sense to know girls are just as good as boys--despite what Gimli thinks! I'm eager to read more.
Author's reply
Why, thank you, Molly! I have always found the subject of the sea-longing fascinating. I love the story of the Ainulindalie and wanted to tie the sea's call to the Great Song, which Tolkien said the elves and men could hear in the ocean, making them long for something they could not name. Legolas' battle is compounded because he fights it to remain on Ennor with his mortal friends, so it would have to affect him strongly (IMHO).
Yes, Legolas is going to need his friends' support and understanding if he is stay strong against the call. Let's hope he remembers that!
Isn't Arod special? I hope he seems believable...I thought if Legolas could 'talk' to trees, talking to a horse would be easy! lol Yeah, I figured a little change from a stallion would be interesting, and bless Gimli, irritating to him, as well. After all, since the end of the War 16 years before, it's been just the 'guys'!!!!!! Thanks again for the review, Molly! I'm glad you are enjoying the story!