Rose Sared
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 5: Mithril and Gold
More lovely stuff, so touching yet so thrilling as the horses thunder in. I hope leggy's filly is good to him.
Rose
Author's reply
Thanks RS! I've always thought a moving herd of horses (controlled or not) was one of the most exciting things to see and hear (the charge of the Rohirrim calvery in RotK was spellbinding, and have you ever watched the wild herd in The Man From Snowy River? Awesome!). I hope the mare is good to our elf, too, but you know how females can play 'hard to get' sometimes! *vbg* I am so glad you are enjoying this! Thanks for the review! :-)
daw the minstrel
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 5: Mithril and Gold
This was so upbeat and delightful. I loved the capable Rohirrim handling the horses, with elves who talked to them taking part too. I was charmed when Legolas told Eomer that Elfwine and Storm belonged together. It would have been dreadful if Legolas had taken the black horse away. And there is that mare, looking the horse that Teanna describes Legolas falling in love with all those years ago. But a horse is not a dragon's hoard. What a wonderful lesson that was.
Author's reply
Thanks, daw! Things had to be better after Arod set Legolas straight about leaving him behind, and everyone else lightened up considerably.
As for that black beauty, Elfwine kind of took over Storm, and informed me 'hands off!' very firmly! :-)
Yes, Legolas really wanted the Sun Stallion, and the mare has resurrected some very powerful memories, not the least of which is that lesson (so eloquently put to him by his Adar) about a dragon's hoard.
Thanks again for reviewing - I do believe I am totally hooked on all these kind words from everyone! LOL Is there a cure?
Rose Sared
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?
Sorry to be so long getting to review this wonderful chapter (RL truly sucks) - this is such a great tale, so evocative and intricate. I am loving it. Wonderful writing.
Rose
Author's reply
Thank you, thank you, thank you, RS!! *blushes furiously*
(Yes, RL definitely sucks - I'm dealing with family illness right now, on top of school starting..this little story is my link to sanity, I think! lol) I am glad you are enjoying the story...don't think a thing about reviewing late - I'm just glad to hear from you!
Sivan
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?
Wonderful chapter though.
Please update soon... please?
I still love what I read, thank you!
Keep up the perfect work that you are doing with your fic.
Sivan
Author's reply
Hello, Sivan! Thank you for the kind words and review! I have updated (sooner than I replied here...SORRY!) I'm glad you're enjoying the story!
Aislynn Crowdaughter
· 24 August 2004
· Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?
Hi!
This is very beautifull! I love the way you paint tzhe friendship between Legolas and Aragorn as well as Legolas and Gimli, and I adore the description of Legolas interaction with Arod. Indeed, that horse is smart! And I love the way Legolas uses the tale of the Ainuindale to tell his friends of the sea longing. The end of this chapter gives hope. I really love this story. Please continue soon!
Aislynn
Author's reply
I always thought the Lady's warning to Legolas was so sad...just the thought of him losing his joy in the things of Middle-earth that he loved was tragic. For something to take that joy away - well, it would have to be a very strong call, indeed. But he did end up staying until Aragorn' death, which was over 100 years, so somehow he learned to cope! I thank you for the kind review, and I'm glad the friendship of these three is coming through. And you said it...that horse is SMART! lol (I love Arod...he's such a good friend!) Thanks, Aislynn!
Tinnuial
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?
That was absolutely heartrending. I have never read anything describing the sealonging so eloquently. Thank you for enlightening me, Aragorn and Gimli on this most dreadful, little understood elven predicament.
Author's reply
I really got caught up in all the connections between Eru and Ulmo and water and music! Then, in the books, Legolas seemed to sing a lot, and was so in touch with his natural surroundings it just seemed the natural way of things to have the sea-longing connected, too. And Tolkien said that the music of the ocean's call was especially compelling, though the Firstborn (and men, too) did not know why. Thanks, Tinnuial. This review is much appreciated! :-)
daw the minstrel
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?
First, I have to say that I love Teanna's story.
I like the parallel between Arod watching over the sick Legolas and the scene earlier in which Legolas watched over the injured Arod. Arod's thoughts and perceptions are wonderful. I smiled when he thought of Eomer's son as a two-legged colt.
I want to see Aragorn gag Gimli! Or try to gag him. Yes indeed. That would be entertaining. But then, of course, when the chips are down, Gimli comes through.
Legolas's description of the sea longing was heartbreaking.
Author's reply
Isn't her story great? I love it, and she was so nice about me bothering her! LOL. Yep, Arod and Legolas look after each other, and Arod has become especially protective.
As for Aragorn gagging Gimli...well, he "thought" it, but you'll notice he never acted on the thought! :-) He has some sense of self-preservation, I guess! And Gimli does come through...he is more sensitive and discerning than he wants the elf and man to know about!
As for the sea longing, just the concept of it breaks my heart. I'm glad I could convey my interpretation of it somewhat. Thanks for an encouraging review, daw! :-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 4: What Price Friendship?
I don't know how I missed this before, but I'm glad I found it at last! You've got great characterisations, and this is the first time I've ever seen Arod as an individual character! He's great. Poor Legolas, the sea-longing is very bad - thank goodness Aragorn and Gimli are there to help him.
Jay
Author's reply
Hi Jay! I'm glad you found it, too! *vbg* I thought that part in TTT about Legolas and Arod meeting was great...it seems such an "elf-y" thing for him to be able to "talk" to Arod, much like he communicates with his trees. Between that and my fascination with the sea longing right now, we get this story! And I'm glad too, that Aragorn and Gimli came as soon as they heard about what was going on. Thank you for the kind review, Jay.
Sivan
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves
Well... that should be intresting... *grinned*
Please update soon... please?
I still love what I read, thank you!
Keep up the perfect work that you are doing with your fic.
Sivan
Author's reply
Hi, Sivan! Yes, Gimli always livens up the place, doesn't he? Thank you for the review, and more to come soon! :-)
Rose Sared
· 21 August 2004
· Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves
At last the calvary to the rescue! Gimli and Aragorn will sort the stubborn, sad elf out.
so sad.
Love this tale
rose
Author's reply
Let's hope so! lol Thank you for reviewing, RS! Actually, I need Gimli and Aragorn to sort me out right now...I'm getting all tangled up in this! Have you noticed how these little tales take on a life of their own, and no matter how hard you try to go in one direction, they go in the complete opposite one? What a pain! (Fun, too!...sort of) :-) Thanks again!
Bodkin
· 21 August 2004
· Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves
Poor Legolas - and Arod. They dominate a chapter in which they do not even appear.
I think one of the things that makes Tolkien's world so interesting and such an opportunity for those who wish to delve into it, is that it is not a neatly packaged one. The possible 'happy ever after' was ignored and the story taken on into the scouring of the Shire and the sailing of the Ringbearers and that left so many stories, most of them sad tales of endurance, division and loss.
Legolas's life is one of them - not returning to his home, the loss of mortal friends, the pain of the sea-longing. But then, Arwen's story is, I think, one that is usually ignored in the rose-coloured fluff of romantic love. And, actually, I don't think anyone is left with an easy ride. Even Arod, which brings us back to your story.
Wouldn't Arod probably prefer to return to Ithilien with Legolas? Live in a pleasant meadow and see his friend each day? It's an appealing image to think of him running free with the herds, but you can't go back - not even as a horse. He'll be miserable - one of those old soldiers who is always telling those around him about the old days, and 'when I was with Legolas. . .'
Author's reply
Ah, Bodkin! You are too perceptive! :-) Perhaps Arod will grab one of those elfbraids he likes to tug on and hang on to it until Legolas starts to think a little more clearly! (I've kind of worried that Legolas would come across as rather dumb about that, but he is so preoccupied with some other things, it hasn't crossed his mind!)
And you are so right about the 'sad tales of endurance, division, and loss'...Elrond is another who faces all manner of loss, and Arwen, although I like to think she was happy with her choice. Still, as the time approached for Aragorn's death, can you imagine what she went through? (The doubt...and fear of one who was immortal now having to face that which was once unthinkable!) Too, too sad!
In the meantime, have patience with Legolas...and thank you for the review! They mean a great deal!
Tinnuial
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves
The cavalry has come to the rescue!!! Somehow I don't think Legolas would like being compared to a flower at all LOL...Eomer is most astute.
*sigh*
Poor lad...I think Legolas is rather overlooked in the story of the Ring War, disregarding the screaming fangirls... yet he sacrificed so very much for the sake of comradeship, and a world his people could no longer linger in. There are so few *good* stories like this one that actually deal with what his suffering might have been like in those 120 years of Aragorn's reign, delaying his departure that he might be with his mortal friends to the end.
Thank you for bringing light to this oft glossed over part of LOTR... I look forward to the next update! :)
Author's reply
Legolas a flower...and he's been compared to one twice now! I see a pattern here...
Thank you so much for those kind words...all the reviews have been most encouraging! I think to stay he must have suffered a great deal. As I was reading about the connection of Ulmo (who created water) and the fact that he had been trained by Iluvatar Himself in music, and later he taught the Teleri of the sea...well, the fact that the sea-longing sings to the elves just made it seem logical that such a call would be powerful indeed. (And potentially destructive if not heeded). Now if I can just convey that in the story....Thank you again for the review, Tinnuial!
songspinner
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves
Smart Aragorn, going as Strider. A nice insight into the friendship and into a character who has "far too many names". The bit with Hallas was cute, by the way. I also like the friendship between the two Kings - that's mentioned in the Appendix to ROTK, but there isn't any detail. Waiting for the next bit...
Author's reply
No, the King would not be received with the same openness as the ranger that Legolas knows so well, and Aragorn is not about to do anything right now that might create a distance between his friend and him. (I liked that kid in the movie...it might not be book-verse, but it stands to reason that all able to fight would be pressed into service for that battle...and knowing Aragorn, he probably would keep up with Hallas' life.) Yep, Aragorn and Eomer are pretty good friends now! Next bit coming up soon, as I am actually several chapters ahead of myself! :-)
Manderly
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves
Ah, Legolas is surrounded by friends, but will it be enough? Or will it remind him even more of their mortality and their eventual passing? I really find it interesting the bond that you have developed between Legolas and Arod. The prospect of losing Arod must be so painful for Legolas. Things are looking pretty bleak for our elf.
Author's reply
Legolas will find his friends comforting...to a point. And I just love the horse! (Can you tell?) *g* Things could not get much worse in Legolas' eyes. He is set to lose the one friend who accepts him unconditionally, and "bleak" is a good word to describe his outlook right now. Thanks for reviewing, Manderly!
daw the minstrel
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 3: In Dealing With Stubborn Elves
I'm glad Gimli is there. If anyone knows about 'stubborn,' it's Gimli.
I'm very interested in sea longing. I don't think Tolkien tells us nearly enough about it and fanfic authors all seem to have different interpretations. But Galadriel's rhyme has always broken my heart. He has lived in joy under the trees and that will not happen again. What could be worse? It's parallel to Frodo really, who did very brave things for the sake of the Shire and then was too damaged to live there anymore.
Author's reply
Yes, I love Gimli! He's not one to put up with elven hard heads! You're interested in the sea longing, too? I know what you mean. Galadriel's rhyme is heartbreaking - for a wood elf to lose that joy he's always had in the forest...I cannot think of a worse thing to happen. And you're right...so many interpretations of the form the call takes. I have always pictured it as a very powerful compulsion indeed, to literally take away an elf's joy in Ennor.
Rose Sared
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 2: That Which Is Held Dear
Awww, have I missed something, why doesn't Eomer sent for Gimli - he would help. So sad, so good.
Rose
Author's reply
No, but I have missed something, obviously! :-( Can you tell I don't have access to a computer where I can reply regularly to these reviews? And I appreciate them so much, too! Thank you, RS...I won't say just you wait for the dwarf's appearance, cos by now he's there! (DRAT!) Anyway, thank you for reviewing!
songspinner
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 2: That Which Is Held Dear
This is beautifully written so far...your characterization of Legolas and Eomer, especially is quite good, I think. And the horse, also. Poor Arod... One bit I thought very well done in particular was Legolas' explanation of why Arod is so important to him. That gave a lot of depth to your Legolas and reminded me of why I loved the cat I had for 12 years or so - she didn't judge and was always there when I needed her.
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind review, songspinner! I think Eomer and Legolas are pretty good friends, but Eomer still is not quite sure how one deals with an elf, sometimes! As for Arod, he has trusted Legolas through some very tough situations, and now that Legolas is dealing with some serious issues, he'll be there for him! I'm really glad that part came across...one can never be sure!
daw the minstrel
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 2: That Which Is Held Dear
You do a really nice job of showing the communion between Elf and horse, lwarren. The scene in the stable at the end reminds me of a colleague who once told me that he had long studied his dog and concluded that in many ways the dog was more sensitive and responsive than people were. And of course, an elf, in touch with nature, would be even more connected.
Author's reply
Thank you, daw! :-) That review means a lot! I think at this point in time, Legolas is leaning on that close connection with the only one he feels like will not judge him.
Manderly
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 2: That Which Is Held Dear
I think immortality is a curse more than a blessing. It must be so painful to see all those dear to you leaving you one by one. I would not wish that on anyone. As Legolas has said, Arod is more than a friend, having gone through so much with him. And it must be even harder for elves to comprehend (dare I say the nasty word?) death as it is not something that they experience on a common basis.
Excellent writing!
Author's reply
Yes, and I think Legolas is having a hard time with the whole concept, for more than just the obvious reason. Also, having to watch that slow disintergration brought on by age is so hard, and he still has to go through it with his human friends...he blames himself for the injury...the sea is calling...the poor elf is just a basket case right now! Thank you for such a kind review, Manderly!
Bodkin
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 2: That Which Is Held Dear
Poor Legolas. He can't spend the next several months sitting in the stable - he needs air and sunshine and trees, or he will become even more depressed than he is at the moment.
Eomer and Lothiriel are being very patient. It's a good thing the Rohirrim rate horses somewhat higher than people.
I don't think Elfwine will sit back so patiently and wait for Legolas to come to him. Maybe he will help.
Author's reply
He is depressed, isn't he? (and not thinking too clearly either!) Lots of issues eating at him right now.
As for Elfwine, nine-year-olds are not known for their patience, and he is no exception! LOL Thank you for reading and reviewing, Bodkin!
Manderly
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 1: Arod, Mellon Nin
Yay! You are writing more! A great beginning and the bond between Legolas and Arod is so real that one forgets that Arod is a horse. The bantering between them can almost be mistaken for that between Legolas and Gimli. I am anxious to see where you will take this story. Please keep on writing!
Author's reply
I think these two know each other very well by now, and Arod probably knows how best to deal with an overanxious elf! Thank you for reviewing, Manderly! More soon!
daw the minstrel
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 1: Arod, Mellon Nin
Well, if you have an injured horse, who better to appear than the Rohirrim? I can imagine that they know more about horses than anyone. Still, I can see lessons about mortality here for Legolas. Sigh. It must be hard to watch many of those you love die.
Author's reply
I think, in addition to knowing they will eventually die, actually seeing how time and age affect his mortal friends will be hard for Legolas. And yes, the Rohirrim calvery to the rescue! Thank you for reviewing, daw!
Sivan
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 1: Arod, Mellon Nin
I'm glad you post you story here, and I hope to see more of it. (MC! Yahoo list)
I love what I read, thank you!
Keep up the perfect work that you are doing with your fic.
Sivan
Author's reply
Hi Sivan! I recognized your name from before...thank you for reviewing and I'm glad you're enjoying the story (and you remembered it, too! *g*) More to come soon, I hope!
Rose Sared
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 1: Arod, Mellon Nin
Oh no, Arod is not going to take kindly to having his paces curtailed and poor old Leggy is set fair to lose another mortal friend. Tough being an elf.
Lovely horsey stuff.
Lovely writing
well done
Rose
Author's reply
Arod is not going to take kindly to a lot of things in the future, but he loves his elf and will cooperate, I think! I told you it was a horsey story! Thank you for reviewing, RS!
Bodkin
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 1: Arod, Mellon Nin
I love the relationship between Legolas and Arod. They are the best of friends - and talk like it! What a great horse-centric start. I hope Arod survives this injury. I'm sure Legolas will just want to have him around for rather longer.
Trust the Rohirrim to understand a delay that is horse-related. They must be really glad to have Arod in Legolas's hands - he couldn't have a better carer.
I like it when Legolas decides philosophically that the search will give Eomer an excuse to leave Edoras. And when he tells Arod not to let Gimli know that the elf had been acting as a servant to his horse.
Author's reply
I have always loved the thought of the elves relating so closely to their horses, and you have Arod accepting Legolas as his rider right away in the book. Then he accepted Gimli on his back, too, and that would have taken a special sort of communication for that to happen, I think! LOL
Yes, Legolas is a good one to have charge of Arod's care - though I think he might argue with you about that! He's feeling rather guilty about Arod's injury.
Yes, Gimli would find something to tease the elf about here - even if it's just to tell him he's acting like Mother Legolas to a HORSE! Thank you for the review, Bodkin! :-)