For the Love of the Lord of the White Tree by Legolass
Nurayy · 22 August 2021 · Chapter 40: Greenleaf
Everything, just everything indicates that Legolas will sail, leaving Aragorn. His grief is palpable. It makes my heart pain.
Author's reply
Yes it is still a torment for Aragorn at this point. Thanks so much for reviewing. I have not received alerts from the site for the last two reviews though; just happened to check.
Nurayy · 21 August 2021 · Chapter 39: Strongbow
I loved the image of the King looking out over the city. Both powerful, and yet so sad and vulnerable because of his love and uncertainties. I loved the deep thoughts and gentle conversation with Arwen. Once more she is such calmth and comfort. And then the sunrise in the ending and the new surging hope...
Author's reply
Thank you! I needed this chapter to quietly but poignantly highlight the tale of Beleg and Turin. And again Arwen seemed the best person to do it for me. She has lived so much longer and probably perceives certain things with greater insight than Aragorn. Besides, he was too emotionally invested.
Nurayy · 20 August 2021 · Chapter 38: The News
Oh, I remember these last chapters so well. Arwen managed to soothe him, bringing his hope back and sending his fears a bit away, but then this news in the ending, like a hard slap... I can feel his heart sink.
Author's reply
I did bring Aragorn on a roller coaster of emotions. Hope he forgives me. :-)
Nurayy · 18 August 2021 · Chapter 37: Elrond's Daughter
How beautifully you explained their friendship with Arwen's voice. I liked how you showed Aragorn being both elf and man somehow, and not of both worlds either. And in all this Legolas is so important sharing so much with Aragorn. "They see no need to explain anything to each other, nor do they apologise for the ways in which they are different. They know and accept who the other is, and that is enough for them." I think that was my favourite line. There is such richness and meaning in their bond, even because it is between different races. They are like brothers and make each other's lives more beautiful, meaningful, rich. How important Legolas is even for Arwen and Eldarion, for Gimli, and in the end also for Faramir and Eowyn and the whole of Gondor and Ithilien.
Author's reply
I loved writing this quiet, reflective chapter because it made me think more deeply about a friendship that could not be explained in simple, ordinary terms, that could not be due to mere obligations and loyalty between war companions. And I could not think of better positioned lenses than Arwen's to offer that view. That line you like pretty much sums up their absolute acceptance of each other, so I'm pleased you like it. Thank you. Arwen's possibly lonely position in Minas Tirith is never mentioned in the books but I imagine there were times when she must have longed for elven company and understanding, and who would be closer than Legolas and his people in Ithilien? I love the idea of those elves providing her and Aragorn (and their family) the elvish kinship they grew up with. Legolas, as you say, could have played an important and welcome role indeed!
Nurayy · 13 August 2021 · Chapter 36: The Heart of the Man
The healing scene was wonderful. It moved me deeply; all these feelings of gratitude and love, but always Aragorn's fear of demanding or losing too much. Eldarion was too sweet and amusing, but then the last lines really hit with despair and sadness again.
Author's reply
Yes it was a bittersweet experience for Aragorn: healing one he loves, yet knowing he will lose that person soon (that is his assumption), giving without asking though he knows his plea would be answered if he were to ask. Such a conflict. Only a strong man could have come through it so stoically. Thank you for going through it with him. :-)
Nurayy · 8 August 2021 · Chapter 35: The Heart of the Elf
This was all so very beautiful, from the image of the two elves on the balcony, to how Legolas painted the image and heart of his friend the King of men, the tender concern of a father for his son, and the deep words of love from Legolas about his dearest friend. So beautiful and so sad. The certainty that one day he would be parted from him, and from all his mortal friends he holds dear felt so heavy. And how Aragorn did feel hearing it all; the last lines, seeing him with the crushed leaves of athelas falling to his feet like crushed hope, that was such a strong heartbreaking image. But hope is not crushed yet... take heart Aragorn, he loves you too much... The way you wove in the quotes from the book was just perfect.
Author's reply
This is a chapter I am very fond of myself. It not only shows the heart of the elf but encased within it is also the heart of the story. It explains Legolas' sentiment behind everything he does for and with Aragorn (and his other mortal friends), so beautifully expressed in the line from the book that I just had to use as the story title. Thank you, Nurayy, for your kind praise. I'm so pleased the imagery spoke to you.
Nurayy · 8 August 2021 · Chapter 34: Shadow of Pain
Dear Legolass I loved Gimli here. His blunt direct way, sometimes gruff from the outside, but at the same time very sensitive and perceptive. Good old Gimli, he is just the right person to give Legolas some distraction and reprieve from his pain. I love seeing them three together any time. Aragorn's fear of losing Legolas hit very hard there.
Nurayy · 30 July 2021 · Chapter 33: Rest and Restlessness
Very nice, Gimli as storyteller :-) I loved how him and Thranduil get along so well. Ai Legolas, I would have wished him some peace... But the torment goes on.
Author's reply
Thanks! Gimli does bring some cheer to the whole place. It gives Legolas a brief respite but yes, the elf isn't quite free of the torment yet.
Nurayy · 29 July 2021 · Chapter 32: Endings and Beginnings
The fight was gripping. Legolas in his weakened state still so powerful is shining even more, and the music you wove into the fight - beatiful! No wonder all the men were mesmerized. This had me on needles, and then at the climax Aragorn came ans the eagles. Such an awesome sight! I'm so glad that all went well. And I loved in the end this declaration of friendship between Aragorn and Närum. The new beginning in forgiveness. Närum will be a good leader I'm sure. Looking forward to the further drama, and mostly to the great moments of friendship.
Author's reply
I can imagine how beautifully fluid and lethal Legolas is in battle, even when his movements are impeded by poison - grace cannot be hidden. So pleased that it came across. Thank you for the kind compliment. Peace is so hard to achieve. Any chance to establish it is precious, even in a story, so I took it. :-) And yes there will be more drama - but not a physical battle - to come. You already know that; you just need to recollect. :-) Thanks again for the review.
Nurayy · 24 July 2021 · Chapter 30: Kings and Alliances
I could feel Aragorn's anguish and being unable to feel joy or comfort in his return. And how badly Legolas feels the absence of his dear friend. You describe the feelings of them two so well it is painful. I loved the encounter of Aragorn and Thranduil. Loved how you described the great elven King. I'm always so in awe with him. I never did write him myself -maybe I'm shy, or afraid to do it :) - but I love to read him. I love when he is portrayed the way you do it; impressive and regal, and wise, with great skill, just, and good to his people, and with great love for his son. I'm so glad you write him so. There was still another visitor in Minas Tirith whose identity you still did not reveal, or did I get something wrong? Oh dear, what came Sarambaq come to inflict to Legolas that even the men were shocked...!
Author's reply
So glad you like the portrayal of Thranduil. He is often seen to be hard-hearted and arrogant, but I think it is how the king of an isolated realm beset by centuries of natural dangers and unnatural evil might become: wary and decisive. Not necessarily unfeeling. And the stories depicting him as a cruel father to Legolas... those writers have the liberty and the right to picture him that way if they so choose. I don't because I don't see a reason for it. :-) I see him the way I wrote him in this chapter. Yes there IS another guest/arrival in Minas Tirith. I'm sure you'll recall who it is, as well as what Sarambaq did, soon enough. Thank you for the review! Author Reply: So glad you like the portrayal of Thranduil. He is often seen to be hard-hearted and arrogant, but I think it is how the king of an isolated realm beset by centuries of natural dangers and unnatural evil might become: wary and decisive. Not necessarily unfeeling. And the stories depicting him as a cruel father to Legolas... those writers have the liberty and the right to picture him that way if they so choose. I don't because I don't see a reason for it. :-) I see him the way I wrote him in this chapter. Yes there IS another guest/arrival in Minas Tirith. I'm sure you'll recall who it is, as well as what Sarambaq did, soon enough. Thank you for the review!
Nurayy · 23 July 2021 · Chapter 27: The Challenge
I knew from the beginning of this chapter, when Sarambaq shot up after the thoughts about the wizard what had come to his mind... You build and keep up the tension over more chapters that it is a delight. Also highly straining the nerves, but that's what we like when we're reading the story. It pulls out our emotions and the emotions of the characters. How I loved to see the image of Legolas with his knives. And first refusing to fight. I liked his words calling upon fairness, and the reactions of the Adhûnians. And I did not miss Närums look. When they brought Aragorn, my heart fell as did Legolas'. So cruel! When Legolas put his hand on Aragorn's chest, that was so heartbreaking a gesture. And I wonder whom Thranduil met. I do not remember...
Author's reply
Thanks for responding, Nurayy! I like how you - being a wtiter yourself - notice what is written about each character in the chapters. You notice how the character is being developed, their thoughts and reactions which will lead to their behaviour in subsequent chapters. Närum is definitely observing everyone as things unfold. Whom did Thranduil meet? It will come back to you soon enough. :-)
Nurayy · 22 July 2021 · Chapter 25: Onset of a Storm
I leave this review here for once. I also like to see Legolas getting back some strength. He is also already putting up that impassive mask to face of his enemy. Oh, Dear, he is putting Aragorn through quite some fear, and it is so much like Legolas to fiercely defended those he loves. He defied Sarambaq, but not provocating unnecessarily. He more tried to show him the other perspective of things, and the crude senselessness of war. Although I don't think it really touched Sarambaq. Maybe fleetingly, I got the sensation, but he pushed it away very quick, fixated as he is on his revenge. But I feel that inside Närum, much is in motion...
Author's reply
Yes, Sarambaq's heart is much too hardened now for him to focus on anything except revenge. Very sad that he cannot see past that. But Legolas' words may have pierced Närum's armour a little. That may have a significant impact later. Thank you for reviewing here, Nurayy. :-)
eloise rae · 13 October 2019 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
Thankyou
Author's reply
My pleasure sharing this. Thank you for reviewing.
S.g. Archer · 9 May 2014 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
I just wanted to let you know that this is one of the most captivating, heart-warming stories I have, by far, ever read. It made me cry. A feat that is almost impossible to accomplish because I am not a very emotional person to begin with. And to make me lose my self-control speaks mountains of the time and emotion put into this work. It certainly paid off. It truly is a beautiful story. And I applaud your talent for writing. It is a God-given gift that I know everyone, including myself, who have ever read it have been blessed by it. I hope you continue to write. Without it, your readers would feel that loss deeply indeed. I know I would. Thank you, my friend, for sharing your gift.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your words of appreciation! I did indeed put a lot of time and effort and LOVE into the story. I'm glad to have shared it with you. :-)
Semmley · 7 March 2012 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
Thank you Legolass for a beautifully written tale of friendship between Elf, Man and Dwarf. I particularly liked the way you tied up so many details, not given in book or movie, but plausible nevertheless. I enjoyed your story very much.
Author's reply
Thank you, Semmley, for your kind review. It's been some time since I heard from anyone at the SoA site. It's wonderful receiving a review for a story that has long concluded on paper (or on screen) but not in my heart. :-)
AriaAdagio · 26 September 2010 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
I just read this story this evening over many hours, and I can't adequately tell you how much I enjoyed it. The last few chapters made me cry. The immortality of the elves has, to me, always been such a sad thing, and the ending/epilogue broke my heart, though in a good way. The steadfast friendship of Legolas and Aragorn has always been something I love to read about. You portray it beautifully. You have a way with words. Thank you very much for sharing this tale.
Author's reply
Their friendship and parting are beautiful and bittersweet, and I'm glad that you the story evokes both those emotions in you, Aria. Thank you for your reading and for your kind review. Legolass Author Reply: Some mistakes in that reply, Aria - blame it on my sleepiness, lol! Let me try again: Their friendship and parting are beautiful and bittersweet, and I'm glad that the story evokes both those emotions in you, Aria. Thank you for reading and for your kind review.
Tiari Clovis · 28 August 2007 · Chapter 5: They Come
Hey there. I was watching The Two Towers today, at least a bit of it and wanted to read you story. You do a good job with the tension in this chapter and the reactions of Arwen when faced with danger for her son are good.
Author's reply
Yes, Tiari, this chapter and the next are quite tense. Wonder if you are there yet. Thank you for thinking of the story when watching TTT. That's a compliment. :-) Legolass
Tiari Clovis · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 4: Son of the King
Hey there, I'm happy you like following my progress. And I enjoy reading the story just as much! I like this chapter a lot, nice and light hearted. You portray Eldarion very well{The energy of the very young. I have a four year old myself and I've discovered just how much energy they have} and I really like how you portray Arwen. You do a good job on her. The bit about the nap was great. See you next chapter
Tari · 22 August 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
I just finished this incredible tale, although it was a bit hard to do with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. There are no words I can think of which would describe how I feel. I am totally in awe and plan to read your other four stories. Do you have any other stories posted on other sites? You are one of the most gifted authors I have ever read. Tari P.S. I will read Tinnual's story. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
Tari - thank you for the compliment, and for enjoying this tale as much as I enjoyed writing it. I hope to read your responses again when you read the other stories. You will find all of them here or at fanfiction.net: this and In Shadow Realm are long ones, Once Upon a Strongbow is much, much shorter; and two others are REALLY short. :-) I wish I had time to write more, but -- it takes a lot of time and energy and passion to write the longer ones, so I guess I have to be happy with what I've managed to create so far. Thank you for your reviews - readers like you make the efoort worthwhile. Legolass
Tari · 22 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Strongbow
The story of Túrin Turambar and Beleg Strongbow is one of my favorites, but it breaks my heart everyting I read it. I love Beleg almost as much as Legolas. I tried to wait until the final chapter to comment again, but I couldn't let this one go by. I truly loved it. To lose a friend as special as Legolas would be more than I could bear. Tari
Author's reply
I'm glad you like this chapter, Tari. You will see from my other (shorter) story Once Upon a Strongbow how I love the friendship between specific pairs of Man and Elf in Tolkien's work, and the Strongbow tale is surely the most tragic. I just had to highlight that theme here. :-) THank you for letting me know how you feel about it. Legolass
Tiari Clovis · 18 August 2007 · Chapter 3: The Lord of the White Tree
This is a sad chapter and my heart aches for them both. I like the bit where Aragorn would sit at the window and watch as Legolas would stop and then come back and Aragorn would sag with relief. Didn't spot anything this time either.
Author's reply
If your heart ached for them in this chapter, Tiari, I think it might ache even more soon... Wonder how much you have read by now. :-) Thank you for dropping a line - I like following your progress. Legolass
Tari · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 18: Bonds Unseen
"With the image of a fair face gracing their vision and the feel of elven fingers plucking gently at their heartstrings, Man and beast rode on the notes of their soaring song of pursuit, lost in a crescendo of devotion that grew with each heartbeat. On they went, borne on a melody of love and loyalty, till at last, in the distance, a green line of trees came into view, beckoning patiently like a long closing curtain to their performance. " ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I'm in awe. Tari
Author's reply
This is one of the chapters I most enjoyed writing, Tari. Envisioning that ride and Aragorn's emotions during it gave me much pleasure, so I'm glad you liked it as well. Thanks for letting me know. Now I wonder how many times more I will hear from you during your lunch hour. :-) Legolass
Tari · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 17: Voices in the Dark
I can tell you put much time and labor into writing this wonderful story. Thank you for doing so. I am totally addicted and find it hard to stop reading, but my lunch hour only lasts so long. Tari
Author's reply
Yes, Tari - I poured heart and soul into this story, but to have a reader enjoy it as much as you do is worth the time and labor. :-) Thank you. Legolass p.s. Lol - I'm amazed you have enough willpower to only read fanfic during your lunch hour. I know of readers who have stayed up till the wee hours of the morning to finish reading a chapter or story, but perhaps you don't have Internet access at home, or you might find yourself being one of them! NOt a bad thing to have though: passion. :-)
Tari · 14 August 2007 · Chapter 15: The Dawn of Truth
I knew it. I knew they were after Legolas. What a nail biter this tale is. I'm on to the next chapter. (I think I should bring my "Gateway to Sindarin" to work so I can look up the Elvish words. I wish I could speak it, but I can't. Who could I talk to if I did?) Tari
Author's reply
Hi Tari - yes you were right, they were after Legolas. :-) I think you won't need your Gateway to Sindarin -- the meaning of each Elvish phrase or word I always follows the Elvish. Blame it on my quirkiness, but I just don't like to make explicit translations in parentheses or as footnotes, so I build it into the chapters. Some readers catch it, but even those who don't will see that it doesn't matter, because you can still guess the meaning from thr context. Anyway, I hope you're happier about it now. :-) Thanks so much for your responses - it's wonderful to read them. Legolass
Tari · 13 August 2007 · Chapter 11: Healing and Hurt
"Aragorn’s loud command came so suddenly that the boy felt his body jump out of its skin, wondering if the twain would ever meet again." I just started this chapter, but didn't want to miss commenting on the above sentence. It is hilarious and much needed relief with all the sadness around it. My heart aches for dear Legolas. Tari