Reviews (146)

Argleena · 19 May 2016 · Chapter 14: Affectations--Part Five

Thank you for taking the time to write these stories. I know it is years later that I am reading them, but I can see that you have spent a great deal of time and effort into writing these stories. They are interesting and engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed them!

perelleth · 5 February 2009 · Chapter 20: Spring Festival

Oh, I was surpirsed by the ending, and of course looking forward to the new isntallment! I have so many illbodings regarding the storm that is brewing and how these children are going to be dragged into it! Anastor and Noruil's pov was hilarious, and of course, they are all children and when tehey give themselves and the others a chance, they are not so different. And lack of communicatino can lead to such terible consequences. But for now we had a gerat festivala dn the children did not get into more trouble. it is wonderful that you are back posting, elliska, this long series are such a good, entertainng read!

Dot · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 20: Spring Festival

My Sundays seem to have become much more pleasurable since you start posting again :>) So, remember I decided I’d better re-read this to get to grips with it again? Well, I figured I might as well start at the beginning so I’ve been having a great time over the last week re-reading it all. I’m as far as Thranduil moving his people north and they’ve just moved into their new home while Saruman behaves like an ass. So I’m not this far yet but getting there! I can’t believe this part is over, though I admit I’m looking forward to the next part. Anyway, I enjoyed seeing this through the eyes of the enemy. So to speak ;-) Maidhien made me smile. She’s so full of enthusiasm. Though it’s very telling that it’s her first festival. Poor kid. I can see her landing in situations she’s not able for. Oh, but before I forget – LOLOL at Legolas singing and Thranduil “fawning” over him! Thranduil as a stage father, huh?! And it seems there’s some hope for Dolwon. I just hope Dannenion doesn’t open his big mouth and ruin that. I’m kind of feeling more sorry for Anastor too. It’s almost as though he’s just keeping up this facade because he feels he has too. What he really needs is to be away from his parents for a while and not be listening to their rubbish. I liked the way you ended it, with the two sets of friends basically doing the same thing. They’re just kids but facing choices they’re not old enough to make. And Anastor’s interest in Galithil scared me. Not to mention getting spears and becoming warriors. Troubles a-brewing, I think. Great chapter, Elliska. I’ll be back to proper reviews once I’m all caught up :-)

Gwynhyffar · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 20: Spring Festival

I was so happy to see that you are posting again! I've gone back and started reading everything from the beginning and am thoroughly enjoying it! ...again! I like that not only Maidhien, but also Anastor and Noruil found themselves having fun despite themselves.

lyncarol333 · 31 January 2009 · Chapter 20: Spring Festival

I just love Maidhien at the festival, she is such a delight, but it was the following that made me laugh. >Noruil smiled. Maybe he could make the candy last until that festival and then there would be more candy at that one. Still smiling at that idea, he used his finger to scrape up the last bit of custard from the dessert bowl in front of him. His mother smacked his hand and said something about manners, but he ignored her. He was too happy to worry about manners.< I seem to remember thinking that way about candy too when i was young. I also remember getting the manners lecture too. Thank you for another wonderful chapter. I hope the next part of this tale won't be far away. *g* Lyn

daw the minstrel · 31 January 2009 · Chapter 20: Spring Festival

It's so sad when Noruil's pleasure is dimmed by the sniping adults, but he seems to come out all right. I love the image of Thranduil "fawning" over Legolas. Maidhien's enthusiasm is charming. Poor Anastor. The other children are being so "reasonable" and ignoring his digs. What fun is that! I'm glad they all enjoyed the hoop game. This was a nice conclusion to this part of the story, Elliska. I'm so glad you're posting again.

picara · 27 January 2009 · Chapter 19: Consequences

I am so glad to see this updated! I loved the opening scene with Legolas and his cousins. I thought you did a great job showing how Legolas felt. And Galithil's answer to the 'are you still angry' question seemed just right for a child. You have to worry about Galithil. It seems he can be swayed to troublesome ways of thinking. At least Legolas has the courage to ask his father rather than just hiding what they were looking at. And Thranduil was willing to answer. Thranduil is in a tough position with the conspirators and he is being very merciful. I suppose mercy/pity is a big theme in LotR. I hope Thranduil doesn't pay too high a price for his. Glad you're back!

perelleth · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 19: Consequences

I was thrilled to see this! Then I wrote a long review and it disappeared, so here I go again! I enjoyed this very much, and the situation is quite tense. There is tragedy in the air, for Galithil is restless and Maidhen knows too much and she is too young to deal with the ambiguous sitatuion she is in, and the rebels are too deep in their convictions to be swayed by generous or conciliatory openings from the king. So I fear that I am with Aradunnon in this, there is little to be achieved by meekness and goodwill, and also with Thranduil, that he cannot go too far with them because the consequences would be worst.. so there they are. A tyarant indeed! :-) But I really enjoyed two particualr moments: when the adults were called to explain themselves before the not so young children in the library, and when the children started behaving like children -playing tag- imnmediately after bdiscussing such weighty matters. These two momnets I think showed beautifully that they are in that moment between adulthood and childhood, between the world of responsiblities and consequences and that of hopeful carelessness. It came out beautifully! I'm so glad that you have finally found time to updating this!

Elena Tiriel · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 19: Consequences

Oh, I was so pleased to see an update! I love the richness of the interactions between your characters, none of whom is perfect (though some are more so than others LOL!) I really feel for the child, Maidhien (sp?). She is intelligent, loyal, and is not getting the love and support she needs from her parents and brother. And I was especially disturbed about the potential for extracting certain information from her that could put the royal family in danger... *bites fingernails* I certainly don't trust her father any more than Thranduil does.... Anyway, thank you for such a meaty update; I will have to re-read it to fully absorb its goodness. ;-) Nice chapter, Elliska, and I'm glad to see you writing and posting again! - Barbara

Redheredh · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 19: Consequences

Just wanted to say that it's really great seeing an update from you! Such a good story, although I don't think I have said that before. Any chance there will be more of DOANA too? :)

Dot · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 19: Consequences

Wow, great to see you back, Elliska! Just time for a quick note – but I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed the chapter and was thrilled to see you posting again. I think I need to go back and refresh my memory with the rest of it (such hardship, LOL!) but you sucked me right back in to the story. I’m telling you, I wouldn’t have Thranduil’s job for anything. But I love how he attempts to treat Legolas with such respect and answer what questions he can. At least Legolas has the sense to go to him with his questions instead of making assumptions. I have to say, I kind of felt bad for Aradunnon. I hope he has a good think about how Galithil could have overheard them but I suspect there could be more trouble to come first. I can’t wait to see how Golwon gets on with the dastardly duo. Oh, and I think Eirienil is still my favourite of the kids ;-)

lyncarol333 · 24 January 2009 · Chapter 19: Consequences

Yesss an update, (does happy dance) I do love your Thranduil and his family.Thanks for this update. Lyn

daw the minstrel · 24 January 2009 · Chapter 19: Consequences

Holy cow. I couldn't believe my eyes when I clicked on SoA and saw this. Then I said yay! So I guess copying is what happens when there are no xerox machines. I must say it sounds pretty tedious to me, even if it is about swords. Thranduil is in a tough spot over what to do with Dolwon and Dannenion. It's not like they can move to the next state or something. Scary scene when Dannenion grabs Legolas, though. Legolas showed himself to be maturing when he refused to argue and gave Dannenion good advice. As I huddle in my fleece jacket and look out the window at the heaps of snow, I fully understand the desire for a spring festival. When you live in a cold climate, spring produces something close to hysteria, you're so happy to see it. But I also like the way you show how hard these decisions are to make, and how there are no simple, clean answers.

Jay Greenleaf Elf · 15 November 2007 · Chapter 18: Loyalties--Part Four

Hi, sorry that I haven't reviewed in a while. I am so glad to see you updating more often now ;b. These last few chapters have been really fun to read. I really hope that Dolwon and Dannenion will get whats coming to them and that Glilavan will be suitably punished. You have really got me so caught up in this story and I hope it will remain so which I'm positive it will. Cheers for now :D.

daw the minstrel · 10 November 2007 · Chapter 18: Loyalties--Part Four

Interesting chapter, Elliska. The two boys are taking steps into greater responsibility. I liked Aradrunnon's observation that Galithil had better want to defend the realm because that was a role he'd been born to, and yet that was also sad. And the idea that he'd seen evil and knew what it looked like was appalling. The two scenes at the end were great, with the boys deciding they couldn't tell one another the secrets they'd been given.

ziggy · 4 November 2007 · Chapter 99999: Cast of Characters

PS: I really liked Oropher!

ziggy · 4 November 2007 · Chapter 99999: Cast of Characters

Hi Elliska! I have just spent a couple of very happy weekends reading all the Journey so far and loved it! This is a really ambitious piece of work you have undertaken and so fascinating to read your take on the biograpghy of Thranduil and Legolas. I have grown very fond of the OCs too - really liked Amgalur telling Thranduil he is a good father! And Tulus - oh, I have a theory that he is now well and truly sorted and loyal to Thranduil- he was indiscrete not a traitor and the way you portrayed the conversation between Thranduil and Tulus comnig to terms with his bitterness was really enthralling. I have hardly been able to put this down actually! I have a secret hope that eh is now actually spying for Thranduil since we never got the full story about what Thranduil said tot him in that conversation after he followed him to Dolwen's house- that proved his concern for Thranduil I think and should have acquitted him of any crimes (of course, the plot to kidnap Lindomiel was going a bit far and he realised that - tough for Thranduil to get over that one though) I like the way Tulus and Legoals have developed a relationship too. But I am disapppinted that Gliliaven has turned out so badly. Dolgailon is going to be really shocked when that comes out. I feel sorry for little Maidhien- she is a great character, quite complex and not getting a very good deal from her parents. I can see that relationship between Galithil and her becomnig an intersting one. I like Galithil- he is good for Legolas - but I really like your Legolas- I can see him becoming the elf we read in Tolkien. The world you have created is sustained so thoroughly that there are times I quite forget this is fanfic and keep checking Tolkien for references to some of these events / characters. I have really enjoyed catching up with this and am really looking forwards o much to the next installment- I had no trouble keeping up weith who everyone is by the way! Thank you for writing this

perelleth · 25 October 2007 · Chapter 17: Loyalties--Part Three

I really loved the confrontation between the two brothers. All along I was expecting that one of them would allow temper to lead him too far but htey both kept themselves in check pretty well,d espite the mounting tension. Araduronn's arguments and brave defence of his home are udenrstandable, but Thrnaduil behaved as a true ruler, rather than an elder brother irked by the younger one. I really loved how that scene came out. As for the rest, boy oh boy, I fear Galithil is going to have trouble taking seat for the next months...unless he is caught in one of his brother's traps. All along this story I ahve had the feeling that tragedy is lurking???? Looking forward for more. As long as it takes.

perelleth · 25 October 2007 · Chapter 16: Loyalties--Part Two

I was so looking forward since I saw the new chapter alert! but time flies. I am so hooked by troublemaker Galithil that I cannot help wondering what you have in store for him. He is as brave and stubborn and mulish and foolish as it can be expected from one from the House of Oropher! The cave was really well done, tight and suffocating, and I am still fearing that they will be trapped in there... Not to mention what Dolgailon and his crew may have in store in there. I really love the children'svoices all along this tale. Now on to the next chapter!

CandissD · 22 October 2007 · Chapter 17: Loyalties--Part Three

A cliffhanger! I cannot wait to read more :)

Gwynhyffar · 21 October 2007 · Chapter 17: Loyalties--Part Three

Ut oh! I smell trouble. I'm glad that Galithil wasn't caught eavesdropping, but I suspect that will be little consolation in the end. Of course, there is always the possibility that when he's finally found, Aradunnon will be too relieved to be angry-or maybe nana will go to bat for her baby. Oh Legolas. He's so busy trying to watch what everyone else is doing that he doesn't watch what HE is doing. I suspect Thranduil won't be all that understanding at his excuse either. I loved Galithil telling Maidhien not to call the king by name. It just isn't done! See? He is proper underneath all that rough exterior. This was another exciting chapter, Elliska. I'm looking forward to the next!

daw the minstrel · 20 October 2007 · Chapter 17: Loyalties--Part Three

The argument between Thranduil and his brother was very nicely done. I could see the king's power but also Aradrunnon's complete belief he was doing the right thing. I'd forgotten all about the traps for the novices. I assume things are about to get much tenser.

Bodkin · 16 October 2007 · Chapter 16: Loyalties--Part Two

Is the boy insane??? Of course, he is the son of both his parents. And I can assume (I hope) that the story will need him beyond the point of the pair of them turning into two little skeletons in a hidden cave. But he will be lucky to spend the rest of his childhood chained to his wall. I can see how he is both exasperated by Maidhien and excited by her. She is definitely not like his young lady cousins. And I have grown very fond of Tulus. I do hope he manages to survive the cataclysm. He is making the right decisions - and his words to Legolas are both fair and encouraging. If, as Gilbert's father, he can acknowledge that his son was wrong and deserved whatever penalty will be exacted, he is actually helping Legolas see that however much you love your kids, they have to take responsibility for their own misjudgments. I do love your view of Legolas's childhood and companions. But I think the older members of the household will be banging their heads against the wall shortly.

Gwynhyffar · 14 October 2007 · Chapter 16: Loyalties--Part Two

YAY! An update! I was so happy to see that you had updated! That was wonderfully exciting, Elliska! I can't wait for more. In typical fashion, Galithil is getting himself deeper and deeper in trouble, but a cave with a secret door-how fun!

daw the minstrel · 14 October 2007 · Chapter 16: Loyalties--Part Two

Oh man. I'm a little claustrophobic and I was breathing hard and feeling faint while they crawled through that little tunnel. But I didn't see the secret door coming at all. Great twist. Poor Legolas. He's learning a hard lesson.