Reviews (168)

lwarren · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 17: The World Is Changed

I am going to hazard a guess and say that this was when Numenor was destroyed??? *winces* Just a wild guess...since you said look to the first paragraph and talked at length about the ill-advised capture of Sauron by the Numenoreans (and they took him home with them...not very bright for a supposedly intelligent group of men!!) Great chapter, Coriel...I was very concerned reading about the happy couple, Galadhmir and Gwaelin, and their new elfling-to-come. I was afraid all that joy might precede a traumatic event (like death) and what happens but that the entire tree falls on them! Whew! I am so glad everyone escaped relatively unharmed! linda

valjean · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 17: The World Is Changed

Oh good grief! If that earth-shake was what I think it was, than they are all in some rather deep trouble! It really is a pity about the house. There's nothing worse than seeing something that you've spent hours of your time, and much of your love on, only to see it destroyed right after finishing it. This is going to sound awfully out of place, but as the tree started falling, I had a sudden vision of Owl's house going over in Winnie-the-Pooh's Blustry Day. Couldn't help myself. I just hope that it doesn't start raining next...

k_lara7 · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 17: The World Is Changed

The world as one would know it, falling around you. Makes you wonder what could cause such a powerful earthquake. If I was more certain of the timeline, I might think it was Sauron entering the wood. It just goes to show that even having a quiet tea in the home of friends can be dangerous to the health, especially if you happen to be the prince.

Ginger Rich · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 17: The World Is Changed

The One Ring! It has come. Dun dun dun. The earthquake was unexpected. Here you paint this calm lovely setting, then all of a sudden, BAM. It caught me off guard. These elves are so proper. If you were stuck somewhere with Thranduil, wouldn't you maybe wait a minute and enjoy the "view"? I certainly would... But then if they had stayed longer, the building would have fallen on them. Such a dilemma. haha. Good chapter.

Redheredh · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Echoes In the Dark

Whoa, who is going to protect Thranduil when standing face to face with Sauron at Dagorlad?! Loved this demonstration of Oropher's powers! Hopefully, Thranduil will soon tap into his own or find a way to dispell this insidious curse. This whole episode was wonderfully exciting and well-told! Your write this sort of adventure so well! I hope Dorthear keeps showing up too. And Oropher is right - the reasons no longer matter - war had come to them at last.

Redheredh · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 15: The Shadow Falls III

Ha! Malgalad! Will we find out his reason for silence? Has circumstances forced the truth be told? Please don't let this thread slip away! "He had lived all his life in a pocket of peace..." I loved that paragraph. He is crossing another threshold in life here and that is always fascinating. But, Oropher and his reconciliation was the absolute best. They could not completely agree with each other, but will remain a loving father and son. And great advice from Dad about getting married! Too bad Thranduil is thinking that bringing children into this wretched world is wrong. Although you phrase it very well to match with LACE about childbearing in times of war. Except, there hasn't been any war per se for the previous 4 centuries. Heck, they could both be grandfathers by now. but "... so long as you are thinking of it." ;) The Legion rocks!

Redheredh · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 14: The Shadow Falls II

What would Oropher do if this conflict had incurred over his borders? Of course, he would fight. But, he is having a hard time knowing he should stop that before it happens. Very interesting set of developments... Ah, Amdir, at last. ;) A "sleeping giant"... how appropo... it took an potential invasion to stir up this country's fervor as well. (But, Yamamoto never said that well-known quote nor that Japan would destroy Washington as well.)

elliska · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Echoes In the Dark

Great chapters showing us the dangers building up to the Last Alliance. You have to feel for Oropher. Naturally he wants to protect his people and keep them from war but we know that will be impossible. I'm curious what will inspire him to finally go. Great to be caught up in my reading. I thoroughly enjoyed these chapters.

elliska · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Over the Mountains IX

Wow, seeing the take-over of Eregion from that perspective was very powerful. Quite scary in its calmness, really. Well done.

elliska · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Over the Mountains VIII

Real life has kept me a little too busy the last month and I am catching up on reading--you have been prolific! Poor Gwaelas! All that happened to him is terrifying. I loved Galadriel in this chapter. She seemd very in character. But Thranduil's musings about his father's rule and the possibility of his own were my favorite part. Could they endure trials as had been inflicted on Beleriand? Or would that break them? A very good question and Thranduil ability to lead them through such times is exactly what makes him so interesting to me. Great chapter.

valjean · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Echoes In the Dark

Good gracious, your moving quickly! I've only been off line for about a week, and when I got back there was an onslought of up dates to greet me. I'm still grinning! That was a great chapter. I love how you described the Wrieths. It looks as though the Greenwood willnot be able to remain apart from the war for very much longer. Sauron has decided to bring it to them! The prose was excellent, as always.

k_lara7 · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Echoes In the Dark

Finally, Lasgalen feels the evil of Sauron. We see the magic of Oropher, and his greatness. But War is coming. Thrandul has quite the evil weather vane in his arm. Perhaps that was a consequence Sauron did not forsee. Now Oropher can't ignore the threat to his son.

irene · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Echoes In the Dark

This is a highly interesting interpretation of Thranduil's history. Your research must have been profusely. I liked especially how you managed the somewhat uncertain issue Malgalad/Amdir. Although "my" Thranduil (in my imagination) is a bit different from yours, I love your story. Thanks. Irene

Jay of Lasgalen · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Echoes In the Dark

What a tense chapter. Thranduil's growing sense of evil and dread was well described, and the final appearance of the Nazgul themselves terrifying. I loved Oropher's protective power springing to life, and that Thranduil can draw on the same power to drive the Nazgul away. I get all fangirly when I see elven magic! Jay

k_lara7 · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 15: The Shadow Falls III

Poor Lindóriel's going to be waiting a while. Oropher's strength is his son's council, but he knows war is coming, he's picking his stand. At least he is not discounting the threat, like other realms did, and this may just be why his people make it to the end.

k_lara7 · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 14: The Shadow Falls II

Hard to believe that Thranduil has such humility, and inspite of perceptions of him, he does care about other Elven Realms. The pieces are moving, the events have now begun. However, how long is his engagement? He's really lucky elves don't die of old age.

k_lara7 · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Shadow Falls

Well, the time jump was a little surprising. I was kinda looking forward to all the boring explanations. If you ever go back and do gap fillers think of me.:) Thranduil becomes stronger in his roll as Prince. His father is leaning on him more and more.

Ginger Rich · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Shadow Falls

So is this the quiet before the storm? All I keep thinking about is your other short stories called "Broken Glass" in the chapter with Luthien and Thranduil. Luthien was almost mourning Thranduil's future because she never wanted him to pick up a sword and lose his innocence. It seems he cannot hide from the warrior within. It's tradgic in a way. His life is so full of loss. Pooh. But it was a beautiful moment between himself and his love. When will they marry? After the 7 year war?! Goodness. Oh, and by the way, I quite enjoyed your website "We Were A Work In Progress." Loved it!

Redheredh · 13 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Shadow Falls

The thing that stood out here was Thranduil's hesitance to believe, his self-acknowledgement of such, that the "barrier of oblivion" surrounding Greenwood and his own spirit was gone. But, when would be the right time to react to the threat? Could he (despite his encounter), his family, and his people ever be ready? The vision of Middle-earth's foe "dragging the Second Age back into the dark chaos of the First" is oppressive. However, I felt better seeing Lindoriel with him and how "he too simply needed to be held". The impact of the first assault is already being felt. And now duty calls him... Please get these two wed soon!

k_lara7 · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Over the Mountains IX

Well, he's home now. But how safe is that? He still has to explain these events to everyone. I find it ironic that Thranduil got to see Moria long before his son, got to enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves, while his son (who's best friends with a Dwarf) did not. And to go there with Galadriel...

valjean · 4 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Over the Mountains IX

I always wondered why Celeborn and Galadriel moved, prompting Oropher to pack up camp *again*. Guess now I know... Snow boarding elves. I would give much to see that! I wonder if they have ice skates? That was a great chapter! the clouds are beginning to gather.

Redheredh · 4 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Over the Mountains IX

ROFL! Snowboarding! And I thought my iceboats were bad! :D I am sure, a certain failed medal winner would tell Thranduil to watch that hot-dogging! But, what fun we and they had! At least, until the ominous storm signals over the city... That was very nicely done! It conveyed both the distance from events of these friends and a literally bloodless coup. I was very happy that Luinheled was remembered and given a choice of whether to stay or go, not just handed off. I am glad you placed this event in winter, which made Celeborn's not going through Moria, when there was the Pass, more believable. Personally, I think this bit merely a reason he gave people, who needed it, why he chose to stay in country without being in an official position of authority. Just like Glorfindel, he has to have a cover story. But, the wife and children must be made safe, certainly. And ensure the connection with their ally, Amdir. However, there had to be more people going with the ladies then just our four ellyn and I wish you had mentioned that aspect of this sort of political drama. Escpecially since Celeborn and Galadriel were splitting up. "...across the plain." ??? On the way to Amon Lanc (Lasgalen)? Which is where I thought you placed Oropher's city. Thranduil and Gwaelas are the first people to come from the west this winter, even after their layover in Lorien? No one brought word to Oropher before this? Possible I suppose. But, I cannot quibble with your sense of drama concerning anything. Just another great chapter! And now we're geared up for the next phase of the Dark Lord's game of domination.

Redheredh · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Over the Mountains VIII

Well, this was a very informative look into Thranduil's mind and heart. I really liked how you delved into his thoughts after Galadriel lays out the game board for him (and us readers). Gaining a clearer perspective along with him about what was going down and what the coming conflict will mean to him, his family, and his people was most welcome. The whole section where he examines his duty and role as a leader, then resolves to fulfill a king's doom was inspiring. To go from abstractly facing his new realization to amounted ot a forecast of the coming struggle was, I thought, very well done. The very sense of history and dedication that enlightens him almost overwhelms him! More of Annatar's insidious sorcery at work, perhaps without Celebrimbor's conscious participation. The villain uses our hero's own virtues against him! Great chapter!

lwarren · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Over the Mountains IX

I had to laugh a little at the snowboarding, elf-style, that Thranduil and his cousin and friends were enjoying! I think guys would discover games like that no matter what age they lived in! And showing off for the girls - typical! LOL It was most enjoyable, Coriel, until the flags changed. You put so much threat and tension into just that simple event...I think I held my breath the rest of the way! I was really concerned that once they left for the gate, you would have them stopped and detained! Whew! How do you spell relief...? I am very concerned for Celeborn, but glad Amroth, Celebrian and Galadriel (not to mention Gwaelas, Thranduil and Luinheled) made it to Lorinand through the dwarven realm without incident. I know Thranduil is so relieved to be home - to spend a little time with Lindoriel (hugs and kisses! *g*) before he begins the business of trying to explain the dangers of the outside to his father. Let's hope Oropher listens to his son! Wonderful chapter, Coriel! Linda

lwarren · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Over the Mountains VIII

It seems that by trying to kill Thranduil and Gwaelas, Annatar has set in motion something he hadn't planned on. Thranduil has roused from the complacency (is the only word that seems to really fit) of years of peace and realized the weaknesses of his realm in the face of this rising threat. He's starting to question his father's narrow-mindedness and the isolationist policies practiced. The anger and resolve the Thranduil feels, to my mind, marks some sort of turning point in his growth into the King he will one day become. And that fight with Celebrimbor was very...tense. I thought for a time it might be Annatar in disguise again, but I guess he wouldn't have tolerated Thranduil winning the bout. Very tense, Coriel, and although I am glad Galadriel realizes the threat of Annatar, I wish she would do something about it *sigh* although I realize why she doesn't (I think!). LOL Great chapter and so glad that Gwaelas and Thranduil are better! Linda