Therefore, I Have Hope by Emily
Shlain · 24 March 2009 · Chapter 5: The Wood-elf's Wisdom
Well written! Love the way you portray your elves. I found it very amusing the way Legolas went off on his fellow wood-elves and the odd name calling lol. Good to see you considered love in a time when political marriages were quite common even among the elves. Hope you write a ficlet with Elladan and Elrohir as main characters one day. Shlain
Lianna · 27 August 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wood-elf's Wisdom
How nice to see Aragorn and Legolas coming to understand one another! And I like your cranky Legolas. But it feels to me as though a chapter was omitted here. I would have liked to see the events that led to the breaking of the engagement between Arwen and Legolas.
Author's reply
You're right. There could have been something about the breaking of the engagement. It never even occurred to me. Just the same, thanks for the review!
Molly · 26 August 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wood-elf's Wisdom
This story was over too soon for me. I was just getting into it. I was looking forward to seeing Legolas and Aragorn's friendship develop, but what you show here is touching. It's nice that neither of them hold grudges. I also liked the wood-elves--correct that, "tea-elves"! They were amusing and annoying but also concerned about Legolas. I enjoyed this a lot and I hope to see more stories from you soon.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked it. The "tea-elves" were fun to write. Just imagine seven elves hovering over you! I probably would have thrown the tea just like Legolas. :-)
Anonymous · 26 August 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wood-elf's Wisdom
“Ay. He called me leaflet. It was not to be born.” Great line. Very funny. I enjoyed you take on Legolas and Aragorn's first meeting.
Author's reply
I liked that line too. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for reviewing!
daw the minstrel · 26 August 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wood-elf's Wisdom
I really, really liked this take on the meeting of Aragorn and Legolas. It's quite plausible and it's canonical (which I like). Legolas is nicely done as a wood elf here, with his dangerous and less wise behavior. Indeed, he and his warriors are quite rowdy! But there's also the poignancy of Aragorn leaving Imladris and seeking his destiny.
Author's reply
Book Legolas seemed more blithe than the one portrayed in the movies. He's cerainly not afraid to speak what comes to his mind (like at Lothlorien or on the Caradhras). I assumed his fellow wood elves, who are presumably 100% silvan, would be even more so. Aragorn's leaving is bitter-sweet to me. We know what happens in twenty or thirty years, but it's a hard life till then. It's hard even after he meets Arwen in Lorien. Their whole story is like that: happy and sad in the same moment. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review! I appreciate it very much.
Lamiel · 26 August 2004 · Chapter 5: The Wood-elf's Wisdom
This concluded more quickly than I expected, but I enjoyed it while it lasted. I especially liked the "tea-elves" in this chapter, and I laughed out loud at Legolas' line, "If he did not want me to throw the tea, he would not have given it to me. It is my only weapon, and he well knows it." Hee! I also laughed at the description of how the duel with Glorfindel began. Leaflet. I wish we could have seen more of how Elrond came to the decision to call off the match between Arwen and Legolas. I felt there was a lot of potential there, which could have been explored more deeply. Ah well. I'm not really one for romances anyway, but it might have been nice. I hope that you continue in this fandom - it's been lovely to have you.
Author's reply
I've discovered over the past couple of years that if I draw things out too much, I get bored and the story doesn't get finished. Bad excuse, yes, but it's the truth. It's something that I'm working on. I appreciate your mentioning it, because most readers don't talk about those things and I never know what it is that worked or didn't work. I'm glad you liked the tea-elves. They really deserved it. Legolas's telling Aragorn about the duel didn't come in until the very last rewrite. I thought it was a nice ending to that thread. I don't have any feel for writing romance. The attempt would have been laughable. And Elrond's been with Arwen while the boys were out fighting Orcs. He saw her probably being miserable. I think he knew from the beginning that it wouldn't last. Thank you so much for all of your comments. I appreciate it more than anything.
Galimeril · 25 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Battle
Update soon! I'm on the edge of my seat, whoops, no I fell off! This story is great! I'm reakky enjoying it!!!! ;D Galimeril
Author's reply
lol I'm glad you're enjoying.
Frodo3791 · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
That tricksy Elrond! I know he means well for both of them and perhaps he was very sincere on both stories he told Legolas and Arwen, but I hope he realizes that these two do not love each other. Poor Aragorn. Things are just not working out for him. I have a feeling Legolas is going to be recieveing a permanent broken nose by the end of this. -Frodo
Author's reply
I like to think that Elrond was sincere with them. He definitely was with Legolas, because he truly fears for his daughter. Maybe he was jumping to conclusions with the story he told Arwen, but it was in essence truth. Poor Aragorn. At least we all know that he does get the girl in the end.
Frodo3791 · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 1: The Leader of the Party
I'm not a big fan of early Aragorn/Legolas stories, but this one seems to be an exception. I think you've portrayed both of these characters well. I really like how you haven't portrayed either of the characters as careless and only looking for excitement. Too many people do that. Legolas is an elf... therefore meaning that he does use some thinking and isn't all kill kill. I've always seen Aragorn as a pretty serious guy. I mean, you can definitly see it in Lord of the Rings when he takes over the Fellowship after Gandalf falls in Moria. I'm sure both enjoy having some fun, but they're not going to risk their friends, comrades, and insult their lords to do it. Ok, enough with that speel. Anyway, yes, this is different from other Aragorn/Legolas stories in a good way. I like how Legolas and Arwen are supposed to be bethrothed. This could be a very bad story idea with these two characters, but it looks like you're going to make this work and make it an enjoyable tale. Some favorite lines: “Normally it is the maiden that is interested in me and I can find ways to ignore her. Here the maiden wishes it just as little as I, but we are constantly pushed together by our adars and even our naneths, who no longer dwell within Middle Earth, mind you.” Way to use that Legolas love obsession that almost everybody seems to have! “Erestor could tell to my adar of my death and make it sound like good news.” I'm not sure exactly why I liked that line so much, but I do. Advisors can be really cool at times. I'd love to see Erestor telling Thranduil that his beloved son was killed and make it sound like good news. Anyway, great story as far as I can see. I've enjoyed the first chapter. -Frodo/Micah
Author's reply
I can't take most early Aragorn/Legolas stories literally because they stray so much from canon. Tolkien tells us pretty much what Aragorn does his entire life. And I can't imagine Thranduil letting Legolas traipse about Middle-Earth when there's a fight going on at home. I'm glad you find this one to be different. I enjoyed poking a little fun at the obsession with poor Legolas. He sure is Arda's most eligible bachelor. I think advisors, Erestor in particular, gets underrated in stories. I've read him so often as a grumpy kill-joy and that bothers me. I don't have much use for him within the plot, but I wanted to give him a bit of positive credit. Glorfindel isn't the only cool Elf in Rivendell!
Lianna · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Battle
How ironic that Aragorn wonders whether he would have followed Legolas into battle in the way that Legolas followed him, while at the same time Aragorn is busily and efficiently treating Legolas's wound -- despite the fact that the most convenient thing that could happen, in terms of Aragorn's personal life, would be for Legolas to die. It's so typical of Aragorn to doubt himself, even when we do not.
Author's reply
It didn't even occur to him to not help Legolas, which tells you right there that he would have followed Legolas if the situation had been reversed. He couldn't be Aragorn and do otherwise.
daw the minstrel · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Battle
Well, that was an exciting battle! First Legolas protects Aragorn's back and then Aragorn treats his wound. That ought to help build some bridges between them.
Author's reply
It had better! It's also a bonus for Aragorn that he now has the twins with him, who know alll about Legolas and Arwen.
Lamiel · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Battle
Now that was exciting! Nothing like a battle to make friends, or at least allies. I particularly liked the way Legolas shadowed Aragorn during the battle, determined to protect him whether he wanted it or not. And the tree spreading its leaves to shelter Legolas (and hence Aragorn as well) was a nice touch. Once again you've defied my expectations - when Legolas was wounded and they found the cave, I thought they'd be there for another chapter at least, and that would give them time to work out their animosity. But it seems that you've other plans for these two. I'm looking forward to more.
Author's reply
The battle was clearing up as they left the camp. I wondered how long it would take the Elves to realize they were gone and to track them. I wanted them to stay in the cave longer, too!
Lamiel · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Fleeing
Really the only problem I see in this chapter is that it's rushed. I love the encounter with the twins - holding Legolas at knife point is perfect! Just exactly how I imagine they'd react. And Aragorn's confusion and despair are exactly right as well. The problem is that it all happens so fast - I would have liked to see more of Legolas and Arwen's interactions after the meeting with Elrond (Elrond's reaction is also wonderful - not entirely happy, even though it is what he had wanted, or thought he wanted. Nice, complex characterization of him. Very well done.) And then Aragorn going to the Rangers - it seems like he got there in just an hour or so, and yet it says that he had left them by the river weeks ago. I think he would have had to travel farther than that. This chapter really could be two chapters, if it were slowed down and the full reactions of Legolas and Aragorn were explored separately. As it is, I feel that we're in a hurry to get to what's going to happen next - not a problem for me, as I'm eager to see how Legolas and Aragorn finally overcome all this, and Arwen as well, but as the author I think you want to give some more thought and exploration to your characters. Again, I'm enjoying this story tremendously. I like the plot, the set-up, and the characters. I'm eager to see what happens next. But since you indicated a willingness to receive critical feedback, I'm offering it. Oh, and one last thing. You don't agree with the idea of Glorfindel of Rivendell being the same as Glorfindel of Gondolin? That's interesting. Of course there isn't any authoritative statement on either side of the argument that I'm aware of, so it's up to the reader to interpret it how she likes. But it seems that most fans choose to believe that they are the same Elf, reincarnated, if only because it's a cool idea. I think your interpretation shows a willingness to break away from fanon, and a fresh look at Tolkien's world, that is a part of why your story is so enjoyable.
Author's reply
You're absolutely right. Rushing always been my weakness; I wonder why I didn't spot it before. (And since you're offering critical feedback, I'm taking it!) I'll definitely take this part back to the drawing board and see what I can do with it. It's improvable, that's at least obvious. As for Glorfindel, I have no problem with people saying he's the same as the Balrog-slayer. I enjoy stories that say he's the Balrog-slayer (other characters' reactions to it can be wonderfully portrayed). I just personally don't think he is. I'm so glad that you're still enjoying it. And I really appreciate your taking the time to tell what you liked and didn't like. It's very encouraging.
calenore · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Fleeing
Oh how sad! Well, I'm glad Elladan and Elrohir are going to try to beat some sense into SOMEONE! Good for them.
Author's reply
They're not going to stand for their sister's being unhappy! They're big brothers for a reason.
Lianna · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Fleeing
I see nothing wrong with this part. In fact, I very much like Chapter 3, and I am developing an intense dislike for the bossy, manipulative Elrond. Poor Aragorn! Poor Arwen and Legolas! It's hard to decide whom to pity the most.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it. Poor Aragorn, definitely! I think he deserves more pity than either Arwen or Legolas. They can do something about the situation. Aragorn's helpless. I feel bad for Elrond, too. He wants to protect Arwen at any cost.
daw the minstrel · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 3: Fleeing
I'm so glad that the twins have arrived and have no intention of letting any deception stand. They might not be able to change anything (although I think they will), but they will at least try to clear the air. And poor Aragorn. He's where he belongs really, at least according to Tolkien, and that's where I think writers should put him. But I do feel for him. He's so young!
Author's reply
The twins love Arwen just as much as Elrond, but in a different way. To Elrond Arwen's safety is priority number one. To the twins, her happiness is on top. I've experienced the same thing in my relationships with my own dad and siblings.
Anne · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
Really clever. Easy reading. Very believable characters. Good job!
Author's reply
Thank you, Anne. Your input is always valued.
Lamiel · 20 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
Ah yes, this is much better! It reads far more smoothly now, and the betrothal is a perfect cliff hanger, this time with more explanation to back it up. Well done. Oh, and I forgot to mention how much I liked Aragorn's thought about Legolas' arrow - "doesn't that dratted Elf use any other color?" Hee!
Author's reply
Well, that's a breath of relief! I'm glad this is more effective. Ha, that's one of my favorite lines from part two!
calenore · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
Orc-haired elf! hahaha! Poor confused Aragorn! Someone should have explained the whole story to him, that Legolas was not courting Arwen. Was he told that Arwen and Legolas were marrying because someone overheard Arwen telling Legolas that she loved and respected him? Hmmm. Talk about inconvenience! Once again, good chapter!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the pun. I thought Legolas needed some revenge for the 'leaflet' comment. You'll see about the betrothal in the next part. Yes, poor confused Aragorn!
OakWolf · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
(clap clap clap)Well done!Jolly Good!Woo!Loved the idea of Glorfindel and Legolas battling-battle axes,oh my!The honor the elves have is astounding,marrying for duty instead of love,(sniff sniff)so terrifically tragic!Again,well done!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for the review.
Lamiel · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
Ooh, puns in Elvish! Now this has to be good. The formatting of this story threw me a little bit - if you put asterisks to signal the transition/flashback to Legolas' POV they didn't show up in the posted story. It might have been smoother to work the transitions between Estel and Legolas POV while still keeping a linear timeline. But the tale itself more than makes up for that bit of roughness. I was grinning at the slow revelation of all the rounds the Legolas and Glorfindel fought - bow, wrestling, swords, battle axe, horsemanship... and all before lunch! My goodness! Of course I expected Legolas to win the archery contest - you might have had a small riot on your hands if he'd lost - but I wonder if he'd really be able to pin Glorfindel. I guess I just visualize Glorfindel as being bigger and stronger than Legolas in my mind. The guy wrestled a Balrog, after all. Now having Elrond pressure Legolas to save Arwen is a twist - it seems that he realized what was going on with her and Aragorn even before they themselves did. Coupled with the responsibility put on Arwen to give hope to Mirkwood (perhaps a small stretch of imagination required there - I just can't picture Thranduil asking for that kind of help, myself) it makes for a plausible triangle, and lots of good tension between Legolas and Aragorn. Excellent. I laughed at Aragorn visualizing each of the archery targets as Legolas' head - even after seeing that demonstration with Glorfindel, perhaps sheer testosterone poisoning will drive him to challenge the leaflet. I still like that nickname, though I guess it ought not to be overused. Oh, and I am glad that you explained where the Twins are, and mentioned Gilraen as well. I was wondering about them. Nicely done. I hope that RL allows you to update regularly - I'm enjoying this a great deal.
Author's reply
I'm going to work on the timeline and see if it can't be smoothed out. I'm not sure that I'm convinced Glorfindel of Imladris is the same as Glorfindel of Gondolin. I myself see him as a warrior (as we are told in Appendix A) and an advisor of Elrond. Therefore, he'd be as strong as any Elf. Legolas, on the other hand, is a Wood-elf and an archer. He's been climbing trees and firing that bow of his for years. His upper body strength must be something awesome. So glad you still like it!
Lianna · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
I absolutely loved your description of the competition between Glorfindel and Legolas. I felt as though I were there, watching them beat the stuffing out of each other. Wow! The rest of the chapter confused me a bit, though. I found the timeline hard to follow, and I'm still not quite sure what happpened before what.
Author's reply
Glad you liked Glorfindel and Legolas! I'm sorry about the timeline. I went back and fixed the spacing so that different sections are obvious. I'll definitely go over the part again and see if I can't smooth it all over.
daw the minstrel · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
Watching the contests was a lot of fun! I can't believe Glorfindel broke Legolas's nose. And I was amused when Elrond refused to let them in the house. He didn't even trouble to be too polite about it. He'd seen this before, you could tell! I have to say I'm so glad you've let poor Gilraen appear. She seems to have vanished from most fanfic. I also like the way you use the canon fact that Elrond saw Aragorn's love of Arwen even before he told about it. But Elrond is so manipulative!
Author's reply
One of my pet peeves if leaving Gilraen out of stories. I like sticking to canon as much as possible. Elrond might be sneaking (and fibbing) a bit, but he loves his daughter! And maybe in his heart of hearts he knows that Arwen and Aragorn are fated for each other. He's delaying the inevitable, perhaps.
LOTRFaith · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 2: Duels and Schemes
What! That isn't how it is supposed to happen!! Hmm... A couple of different points of view:-P Aragorn thinks Legolas is mad at him, Legolas thinks Aragorn is mad at him, Legolas thinks Arwen is going to die, and Elrond sees a secret in Aragorn's heart... Hmm.. Poor Aragorn:-S Please post soon! I am looking forward to seeing why Arwen and Legolas are now 'betrothed':-)
Author's reply
Everyone's all mixed up. Nobody's very happy right now, and things aren't going to get better immediately.
Lera · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 1: The Leader of the Party
Oh, wow I really like this. At first I found the table dialogue, especially Legolas's, a bit stiff, but in the room, it was splendid. Can't wait to read more.
Author's reply
I'm happy that it picked up for you. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!