For the Love of the Lord of the White Tree by Legolass
pipinheart · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 17: Voices in the Dark
It is as if Aragorn and Legolas can hear each other... I like this chapter, if only legolas knew he was being brought into a trap...
Author's reply
He will know soon... Thank you for your continued reviews.
pipinheart · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 15: The Dawn of Truth
Now that is a surprise... They were after Legolas, a prince... Never would have guessed.. Great job
Author's reply
Wow, we must both be online right now. I'm glad you were surprised. :-)
pipinheart · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 11: Healing and Hurt
Somebody is a great interigator... Nice...
Author's reply
I guess you refer to Faramir. Thanks. :-)
pipinheart · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 9: The Return of the King
OH, my...A powerful chapter...Legolas is hurt by the words Aragorn says in his pain... He regrets it when Legolas calls him King and Aragorn realizes what he has done...Great...
pipinheart · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 9: The Return of the King
OH, my...A powerful chapter...Legolas is hurt by the words Aragorn says in his pain... He regrets it when Legolas calls him King and Aragorn realizes what he has done...Great...
Author's reply
Yes, the elf must have been very, very upset for him to have said that. It was meant to be a painful chapter to read. :-) Thank you.
pipinheart · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 3: The Lord of the White Tree
This is sad...You can see how the friendship has changed... Aragorn sometimes in his anger says things that hurt Legolas, though he dosen't really mean them.. nice job
Author's reply
No he doesn't mean them, but we all do things like that at times, don't we? Thank you for your observation.
pipinheart · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 1: A Matter of Trust
This is nice... Though I am curious as to what circumstance had Legolas floating... He feels guit, as he holds aragorn in high reguard..
Author's reply
Pipinheart: it's wonderful to still receive reviews from readers after the story is complete. Thank you so much! And you've read a number of chapters - so you already know why Legolas was floating. :-)
Anonymous · 12 August 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
I came accross the site and your story by accident but i thoroughly enjoyed the tale. I hope that you do more and will visit the site again.
Author's reply
Thank you. :-) I do hope to write another soon. If you register (which is not difficult) and put me (or other authors) on author alert, they will notify you via email. In the meantime, there is another one also available at this site, called Once Upon a Strongbow, in case you're bored and want to read something light. :-) Author Reply: Dear (anonymous) reviewer: Just thought I'd let you know that I have started a new story called "In Shadow Realm", in case you might be interested. Regards, Legolass
Arlad · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
This is one of the most extraordinary stories i have ever read. it made me cry and laugh and read non stop. Thank you for this tribute to friendship and for this true depiction of Tolkien's characters. You are an amazing writer.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, Arlad, for taking the time to review even two months after the story has ended. I love those characters, and am always gratified when someone else tells me that the story did them justice. Your compliments seemed so heartfelt, and I appreciate them.
Noor · 6 July 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
Superb tale of friendship. So well written and so moving! Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you. :-) Glad you enjoyed it.
pearl · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Voices in the Dark
So far so good. This story has a great potential, but it can be lost by smallest mistake. If I remember corectly this is your first story, Legolass? If it is, than you are a talanted writer. I hope you will write more stories.... Keep going!!!
Author's reply
Thanks for your review, Pearl. Not sure what you meant by "smallest mistake"...? but yes, this is my first story. It's finished now. Don't know when I might write another - still exhausted from writing this one because I poured my heart into it! :-) Thank you again.
Angel · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 40: Greenleaf
OMG! I did so much crying in this chapter and for so many different reasons! Have I mentioned I love Legolas! Sniff...before I go off to cry some more... I do so love him...fleet, bath, jerk! He had my heart stopping a few times! Then he goes and asks to be forgiven bwaaaaaaaaah! Then all was great again before Ara had to go on a sobbing binge lol :)):)) but such a gift deserved no less gratitude :) Thank you for the exchange am soooooooo glad Aragorn was able to voice his love, regret and gratitude for having Legolas in his life. The glass pool! The single tear! Secret spot! oh gosh... so much... And now it's end! Oh you may wonder why I have various reviews under chapt 40, but chpt 41 wouldn't let me review and now chapt 42 won't open ... but I can sleep with a smile on my face and pleasant dreams to follow. Thank you soooooooooooo much, it's been such a perilous journey but one I'd take again with no shortcuts. The scenery alone would have me back and the characters are in so much need of yelling I'd feel negligent not to be able to carry it out. BTW final cry for a path having to be made for a no longer tree swinging agile Aragorn. I love the ranger. Always have...but now I think I love the elf too :):P oh choices! What's a girl to do? lol Thank you so much Legolass, I look forward to all your new stories but I hope you let us revel in the afterglow of this for a while...
Author's reply
LOL - you called Legolas a jerk?! Oh you little pixie - he gave aragorn anguish unwittingly! :-) I wonder why the other chapters would not let you review, but putting it all here is quite all right - thank you for even taking the time to write your appreciation. It means a lot to me because I poured much of myself into this story and am always gratified when others embrace it as well. It's been a real pleasure having you here, Angel - and at the other site earlier - and I appreciate all your reviews and support. If and when I post anothher - I hope to see you again. BUt for now - as you requested - yuou can bask in the afterglow for a while. :-) THANK YOU!
lwarren · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
I am completely undone, and this is the third time I've read the Epilogue. Such an ending scene between these two - I am totally at a loss for words. If I had to choose the parts of this chapter that were the most poignant, I would be recopying the whole thing. I love the vow they made to look for each other at the end of time, and I am quite sure they will be reunited. (Bodkin wrote a short story, "Beyond the Bounds of Time", in which an elf, Mithrellas, and her mortal husband, Imrazor, were reunited after the end of all things. I can imagine just such a reunion between Legolas and Aragorn, and Arwen and her family, too!) Such a wonderful ending, knowing the Legolas will find healing and a measure of peace in the Undying Lands, as he continues to hold onto Hope and wait for the time when he can see Aragorn again. I loved this story - the action and fear and evil defeated, but most of all the friendship and lessons about friendship it taught. Even a King of men is not too old to learn - and the Prince learned a few things, too, about confronting his fears and hurts. I sincerely commend you, Legolass, this has been a wonder to read! I hope you find the time to write more - I shall keep looking and hoping! Thank you for sharing with us! linda
Author's reply
ONce again, thank you for your kind words. I love this epilogue myslef. Endling it with a pledge from both of them to find each other again was the only way I could survive the parting myself. I still skip the Grey Havens scene in the movie sometimes - it is just too painful to watch. THe book is not as bad. Neither had the parting of Aragorn and Legolas, but I had to do it - for closure. If I write other stories, it will go back to before they part, of course. I am also seriously considering doing a ahort one where they meet after the End of Days - as in the sotry you suggested, and because antoher reader at another site said she would not survive unless she could see them reunite! :-) Aaaah what a trip it has been for me as well - thank you for keeping me company. :-)
Angel · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 40: Greenleaf
Err I haven't finished the chapt but you're soooooooooooo CRUEL!!!!!!! Sniff despite my earlier guess I was glued, I actually thought it was a farewell gift, stoopid elf, should've remembered such grand gestures would be interpreted as such by humans...stooopid stoopid elf! Had me reaching for a puffer and am not even asthmatic....SNIFF!
Author's reply
You are leaving me in sticthes here! "Stoooopid elf"?? and you using a puffer when you don;t need to -- hee hee heee! Oh poor Legolas, poor Angel! :-)
Angel · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 40: Greenleaf
Tardy again and ever the daydreamer, it's not the END!!!!!!!!!1 Something about the trip and rereading HP got me thinking, perhaps it's a vessel to cross the Anduin - bigger and better - speedier? Because it can't be Leggy leaving, you wouldn't be so cruel sniff! I had originally thought it'd be for his father. Ara moping is so not me, so am holding back the need to slap him to share his misery, sniff! Like the recollections, at least the twins were mentioned in passing lol NE way expect death threats if Leggy does leave in the next chapter :P
Author's reply
Ummm... not sure what HP is..? Harry Potter? Hewlett Packett? If you respond with the answer, I'll probably slap my forehead and go - *duhhh* - but do tell me please. (BUt I did work out that NE way means 'anyway, right?) You and another reader at the other site are sooooo mad at Aragorn it makes me laugh. BUt a guy like tht is NOT going to let his feelings gush out so freely. BEsides - what would happen to this climactic chapter if he had done so too early? LOL!
lwarren · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 41: The Elf and the Ranger
"And stepped into a dream." I guess that's how this whole chapter seemed - it had a dream-like quality from the moment Aragorn stepped into that hidden glade until the end, where you explained about the hidden Glass Pool. What a wonderful chapter! The detail and care and emotion in each word is breathtaking, and I find myself drowning in that most awful of emotions - envy! :-) I knew Aragorn was setting himself up for a terrible fall, thinking that Legolas would leave him. And my dear Legolass, you let him fall so WELL! You do have a knack for capturing the love between these two strong warriors that makes me just catch my breath! I've always KNOWN it was there - it just had to be for an immortal elf afflicted with the sea-longing to decide to postpone his, I suppose 'destiny' would be a good word, to remain with a mortal, and all for the sake of friendship. There are friends, and then there are those friends of the heart, and these two are definitely friends of the heart. I loved Aragorn's breakdown (by increments) and Legolas' confusion. He just had no clue what Aragorn was trying to say! :-) And when the King is sobbing in his friend's arms, all I could think was "It's about time!" That little bit of levity (when Aragorn kisses Legolas' forehead and cheeks) and Legolas quips "Under different circumstances, Aragorn, that might appear strange" just leads into the whole lesson of this entire story. "Under any circumstances, if something needs to be done and said, it should be, mellon nin," he said. "Lest we leave it for too late." And what a difficult lesson it has been for the King of Gondor to learn! But I'm so glad he did! May it serve these two well (and hopefully keep any misunderstandings at a minimum - altho' I suppose when an elf and a mortal become friends, misunderstandings are bound to happen!). This is just a lovely last chapter - I'm sorry I waited so long to review, but I wanted to have the time to sit down and reread and try to say what this chapter made me feel as I read it! Still haven't even touched on how deeply this chapter affected me. *sniff* Still teary, Legolass! *sniff sniff* Now I'm on to the Epilogue (I don't want it to end, but...there you are!) Wonderful chapter! (but I said that...need a thesaurus, or maybe an eloquent elf to instruct me in words of praise!) :-) linda
Author's reply
Thanks you, Linda, for taking the time to write your appreciation - it means a lot ot me ebcause i have poured so much of myself into this story and am always warmed when others embrace it as well. This particular chapter was written - believe it or not - sometime after Chapter Two or Three or Four, I think - anyway, very early on. So it had been in my head the whole time, and everything had to lead to this. And you are right: that line from Aragorn is an important lesson for those two - AND for all of us in 'real life'. Hmmm... real life... this story has been real life for me since it began. :-) It's been a real pleasure having you 'on board', Linda - and I appreciate all your reviews and support. If and when I post anothher - I hope to see you again. THANK YOU!
RedSquirrel · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
It's entirely your fault I have not reviewed sooner, because I had to do some serious weeping, sobbing and crying first. I had to stop because there are no more dry tissues, towels, tablecloths, curtains or clothes left within reach. Besides, my boss keeps popping in and out, issuing orders and counter-orders because soon we will go abroad again for a month. Of course I cannot leave without saying how much I have enjoyed reading not just the last chapter and epilogue, but your story as a whole. The last chapter was simply perfect, just like when Legolas woke in the cave and they made it up. So difficult not to overdo it, but you achieve a convincing and deeply moving style. These two chapters are my favorites, though it is hard to pick some out. The epilogue simply had me in tears (see above). I will re-read the story for the captivating plot, then again for its magnificent style and beautiful language, also for the wonderful characters coming to life under your pen and yet again to share the emotions that you stir up so brilliantly. I am completely in awe of the incredible amount of work that you have put into it and very grateful that you shared it with us. Your skill has kept me glued to the screen for the last months, and I am very, very sad that it had to come to an end. But whenever you find the time to post another story, whether at arda or at ff.net, I will find you, mellon nin - even in the dark. Until then - namarie!
Author's reply
Well, I accept all responsibility for your weeping then - coz that was exactly what I hoped for you to do. :-) Their friendship is one of those things worth crying over, don't you think? ALthough I am sorry I left some readers with a headache the whole day, they said... lol. Thank you so much for your aprreciative comments. As I told someone else: I poured much of myself into this story and am always warmed to know others feel the emotion as well. Chap 41 was written very early on - after Three or FOur, I think. THe epiloue was written even before the showdown with Sarambaq. So they had been in my head the whole time, and everything had to lead to them. It's been a real pleasure having you, REd Squirrel - from the first time you told me you went to the campus with the sniffles just to read the new chapter through your move to this site. Have a good time wherever you are going. PERHAPS when you return - there will be a new story to greet you. Stay in touch. THANK YOU!
Angelelf · 19 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
This story was so well written and so moving that I was sobbing when I read the last chapter. You captured the characters so well and realistically. Thank you so much for sharing this story with all of us.
Author's reply
Thank you, Angelelf, for your compliments and for taking the time to write them. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
ROMAragorn · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
You are a definite GENIOUS. Your English is so perfect. Vocabulary - amazing. But what i loved most of all is that this story is so written in a Tolkein style. Amazing and breathtaking. Full of love and affection and also sadness. At the end I was literally driven to tears. (By the way Aragorn is my FAV character of ALL time. Second comes the mighty elf, Legolas) I really am hoping that you are planning to start posting your next fiction soon. Keep up the magnificent work MariaRoma
Author's reply
Wow, thank you VERY much, MariaRoma. :-) You are so kind. I did try to stay as close to Tolkien's stye as possible, and I am glad that it came across as such. I am delighted that you enjoyed this. I will try to write again when I can - I myself would suffer from post-story blues. :-) Hope to hear from you again when I do. Author alert would help, I guess. Thank you again for reviewing.
Ophium · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
Oh, woman!... You've made me cry! You can not imagine how embarrassng it is to be reading this at work and start crying over the computer screen, for no apparent reason! Only, I had a great reason to cry... you absolutly blew me away with these 2 last chapters! Since the beginning of this story, I found you a very talented writer, one that grabbed my attention and forced me out of me laziness to write the reviews you so well deserved. But now... I've changed my mind... you ain't talented... you're brillant! I wanted to drop everything, and move cat and bags to the 'Royal bath', so beautifully discribed it was, and the pain of lost so well told... very, very good. Like you've said, I sincerly hope this is not good bye... and may the 'pen' never fail you, because we wanna see more you ;)
Author's reply
Thank you, Ophium, for all your kind words, and for having reviewed several times. Your cat and bags - and you - are very welcome at the Royal Bath... if you can get past the elven guards, that is. I think I'd prefer the Glass Pool myself - but that is too secret to find. Lol! And thank you, too, for knowing that I am female! Many people miss what the "lass" implies. And I also wonder whether a man would have looked into emotions with such passion as a woman would. :-) At another site where this story is also posted, I did include this in the warning at the beginning of Chap 41: "Tissues may be required. So you may not want to read this at work. :-)" But I thought that might seem too presumptuous to the readers here - that I am assuming the chapters would move them to tears - so I omitted it for this site. Sorry! *Sheepish grin* I do intend to write again - perhaps something different and short for a change, but another long story is already playing in my mind. It may be some time before it takes concrete shape though. Hope to hear from you again then. :-)
unplugged32 · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
This was a beautiful story. I sincerely hope that you will decide to share another one with us:)
Author's reply
THank you, unplugged32, for having reviewed from time to time. I do intend to write again - perhaps something different and short for a change, but another long story is already playing in my mind. It may be some time before it takes concrete shape though. Hope to hear from you again then. :-)
ArcherGal2932 · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
"Now. Where to begin?" I agree with Bilbo completely - where do I start?! That is one of the most sweetest endings I have ever read. You have captured the beauty of Valinor wonderfully without describing the place itself (i.e. buildings, lakes, people, etc.), and yet make the travel bittersweet for Legolas yet soothing at the same time....well done. I would have been very disappointed if you had tried to map out Valinor and the Elves' reaction when they arrive. I feel as though that should remain in Tolkien's writing and untouched by others. He did not describe the land beyond the sea in great detail, so neither should we. Besides, with what Tolkien wrote about it, not even the greatest writers could do it justice in my opinion. I applaud you and your efforts, for you have written a piece that I will not long forget, and I have read many, many, many fanfics. *claps and cheers excitedly* Keep writing, and I hope to hear from you soon on another piece. I shall send my own story on to you as soon as I decide what I will do with a chapter I started the other day. Thanks for everything. ~ArcherGal2932
Author's reply
Hey, ArcherGal! Thank you for your applause and cheers! I'm just happy that I made some people happy, and most of all - I hope I did Aragorn and Legolas justice. As for the description of Valinor - I, too, think that if we don't over-describe something as mythical as the Undying Lands, it becomes more alive in the imagination. I must say, however, that Tolkien did provide greater detail about it in The Silmarillion and other books, and I don't blame other writers for trying to draw a picture. It is hard though. Well... sigh... I will take a break, but I will want to write again soon. Thank you very much for having kept me company through my journey here. And send me what you have. :-)
Alison H · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 41: The Elf and the Ranger
I've just come back from seeing U2 in concert(my obsession for 22yrs) so my head is still buzzing.I reviewed the epilogue at the other site and forgot about this one! Well, the very first sentence filled my head with such a breathtaking image! Legolas, shirtless and with a glistening body--now that I could stare at for eternity! I loved Aragorn's thoughts in this chapter.He's desperate to know Legolas' intentions but so afraid to ask.When he does voice those fears he speaks with anger and he's not then a wordly King but a frightened man who can do nothing if Legolas decided to sail.I felt every moment of fear along with Aragorn! Legolas' genuine puzzlement at Aragorn's "But I would rather have the giver than the gift" almost made me scroll down to the end of the chapter but I resisted.The following dialogue made me laugh as Aragorn continued to puzzle Legolas--but Legolas' puzzlement was also very touching as you realised that leaving Aragorn then was the very last thing he was thinking of.I was so happy to have Legolas pledge his loyalty to Aragorn again! Aragorn's breakdown when he realised that his friend was not leaving was completely understandable and I was weeping, too! There are so many moving moments in this chapter but Aragorn asking Legolas to find them a hidden spot just for the both of them was especially so.I just love the idea of the two of them taking off and sitting at the top of the 15ft drop, just talking and enjoying their time together.So sweet. Thanks again for this story, Legolass.I have printed it out and I'm taking it on holiday with me next month.I'll read it in the wee hours and enjoy my holiday all the more! Take care and I can't wait for your next story! Ali.
Author's reply
Ali, you are one of the only two reviewers I have had who have posted at both places - and I must say it's a delight to find you at both sites. :-) Well, my friend - if the image of Legolas' shirtless glistening body Legolas stimulated you - how do you think it stirred ME who wrote it? lol! "...he's not then a wordly King but a frightened man who can do nothing if Legolas decided to sail." Well put! That line should have been in the story. I am glad you enjoyed the dialogue in this chapter - I had written some of it out months ago - just waiting for the day I could post it. THen of course I spent the last week refining it and adding to it. Everything I wrote, I wanted to make sure that it did some measure of justice to that beautiful Elf and Ranger. How flattering to know that this story will accompany you on your holiday - thank you! Hope it brings your pleasure. :-) Thanks too for your review at the other site. I will write a response in a week or two, as I said. 'See' you then!
TithenFeredir · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue: A Bond for All Time
Wow. That was a beautiful ending. The farewell was sweet, but also heartwrenching. I like it that you allowed Legolas to grieve fully, and the way you put it sounded very Tolkienesque. I love the way you handled his arrival in Valinor, his bittersweet hope in that new life colored by the knowledge that he would never forget his mortal friend. Lovely. ~TF
Author's reply
I shall miss hearing from you, TF. Thank you so much for having kept me company on my long journey. I will look out for your stories too. All the best!
TithenFeredir · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 41: The Elf and the Ranger
Relief at last! You had me as knotted up as Aragorn about whether or not Legolas would sail,(Hence the suffering. I was worried you'd go AU and I don't want the elf to leave!), but now all is well. I never saw the aniversary gift coming. Anyway, The beginning of the chapter where you describe Legolas in the glade had a remarkably peaceful quality to it, I suppose to reflect his state of mind. The description of the glade was lovely. I love it that the elves sang to alert him to their approach--it seemed very elvish. At first the crossed signals between Aragorn and Legolas about the glade and the ship was almost funny, with each saying "What??", but then very quickly the beautiful sentiment behind the gift, Aragorn's emotional response and Legolas' gentle support changed the mood completely. The way you described Legolas' certainty about how long he would delay sailing somehow emphasized the fact that he was the elder of that pair and he knew better than Aragorn what the stakes were. Legolas so often takes a subordinant role it was a nice contrast to see him completly in control here. It was a lovely chapter. On to the epilogue! ~TF
Author's reply
Hi, TF - I think you were the one who guessed correctly about the eagles coming to the rescue in Chaps 31 and 32, so I'm glad this anniversary gift surprised you. :-) I am also glad that you liked what I did with Hamille's singing - it just came to me out of the blue, really, but I thought it would be what elves could do. As for the crossed signals: it seemed funny to me too when I wrote it. You can just imagine those two: one trying to express the concerns he had been keeping in, the other not having a clue where he was coming from! I'm happy that you found it amusing, lol. Then of course - it couldn't, shouldn't, remain funny for too long. The emotions still had to be addressed. Geez, i just love those two characters! Thank you for this review, and now I shall move on to the epilogue reviews myself!