Kat
· 29 September 2006
· Chapter 26: Hope and Diplomacy
I just love the way that Fastred's character has progressed during the story. To running away from his duty in the beginning, to very diplomatically speaking to Aldamir. I love your writing! xoxo
Author's reply
Thanks! He's actually turning out better than my own 13-year-old ...
trinki
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 25: The Return of the Green Knight
This is probably a silly question with an obvious answer: why did Fastred translate between the Chief of the wild hill men and the elves? Not for the elves' sake, surely. I read this through so quickly the first time, I didn't question it. But the second time through, I just wondered...
Bodkin
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 26: Hope and Diplomacy
Fastred is growing up very quickly! But still he has moments when he is just a child. Love his response to seeing his father - and that he and Tamin can just be young together and set their minds on pastries and pleasure.
Author's reply
Every time I write about them wanting pastries, I want a cherry turnover.
Larner
· 27 September 2006
· Chapter 12: An Interrupted Journey
A prince indeed Fastred is proving.
Larner
· 27 September 2006
· Chapter 11: Amon Din
An elf intent on matchmaking, when not stopping perfidy! Ah, dear Legolas.
Raksha The Demon
· 27 September 2006
· Chapter 26: Hope and Diplomacy
An interesting and well-written story. My only objection is that I find it a bit hard to believe that the Steward of Gondor would have named his heir "Fastred", which is not a very usual Gondorian name, and definitely not Sindarin (as were most of the names of Faramir's ancestors).
Loved the meeting between Fastred and Faramir. Faramir is certainly perceptive enough to see how much his son has matured, and it was lovely to see their mutual affection.
trinki
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 25: The Return of the Green Knight
This isn't really a "Review."
If I offer to Beta-read for you, does that mean I'd get to see the next chapter faster? :-)
I do P1 level proof-reading at "Project Gutenburg's Distributed Proofreaders" web site. I'm pretty good with grammar, punctuation, and spell-check. (I just haven't "worked" there long enough to move up to P2.)
Just a thought, as I wait ...
(I was spoiled. All these other readers had to wait each week from the beginning. I didn't start reading until you had twenty something chapters up already.)
*sigh* I guess I'll go back and re-read my favorite bits.
Thanks for some excellent reading.
trinki
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 18: Strange Company
Oh, good! Good, good.
Andunie is one of my favorite characters. For the sake of the story, she HAS to take Fastred with her. Since this is moving towards the resolution of the "bad part" of Legolas' death, and the story is told from Fastred's p.o.v., he has to be there somehow. But it seems out of character for her to take Fastred with her. Probably, I just don't know her as well as I think I do.
Also, lovely speech from Fastred to Brytta in the stable there. More than I would expect from a 12 year old who is angry, but "well-said," and Bandy puts it.
Well, I do know one 12 year old who could have pulled it off. ;-)
trinki
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 17: The Midnight Destrier
oh MAN!!! How horrible! but it fits in the story, in the world, but MAN!! You really know how to pull on the heart-strings. On the one hand, I know that the worse it gets (in a plot) the better the resolution will be. But on the other hand, it's hard to go through some of that. And it's not even REAL, (sorry folks). All that to say, you're doing a Great Job, and I can't wait for the rest. (no reply needed, keep writing the story!)
Elenora
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 25: The Return of the Green Knight
I've had to play "catch-up" and read three chapters in one big, long reading session - and what wonderful chapters they were, too!
Legolas's recitation of his inprisonment and abuse was both amusing and inflaming (I was bouncing back and forth between those two pretty swiftly...lots of varied emotion in that chapter!). It was extremely satisfying to have Legolas so wonderfully and thoroughly trounce his abusers verbally. As he does physically, he "outshone" them in wit, in wisdom, and in intelligence...wonderful!!!
And you had me going "gah-gah" again in this latest chapter - I am continually impressed and dazzled by your word-pictures of Legolas and various people's reactions to him. Such simple phrases as: "For Fastred could see even the littlest child’s heart yearned toward the Elven prince..." and "And the children of the Elves came unto him bearing the lilies and branches to lay at his feet, and they clustered round him and reached out to him with their tiny hands; and he blessed them and spoke gently to them, kissing them and laying his hands upon their heads," and "...Legolas did not see the difference: He welcomed them too, and blessed them as well; and all round the bonfire marveled at this, and were comforted by his promise of tenderness and protection upon these little ones." Gentle, beautiful word-pictures of a gentle, beautiful being. These wonderful word-pictures do so much toward really helping me visualize this stunning, ethereal creature called Prince Legolas.
Thank you for continuing to give such high quality to this story. I look forward to the next chapter!
Elenora
Author's reply
Thanks! It was a difficult chapter to write ("Soap Bubbles" screwed me up in more ways than one) but satisfying once I'd gotten it out. Ch. 26 is in the queue and I hope to be done this week!
Dreamflower
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 25: The Return of the Green Knight
What a lovely chapter! I enjoy the way you paint the scenes so well, and once more I marvel at your firm command of the archaic style! It's done so very well!
I loved Tamin offering to become Legolas' esquire, and Bandy's little squeak of protest, LOL! He's quite jealous of his master, and I am sure that Legolas' answer reassured him a good deal! (Just how close is Bandy to his majority in this story? I have trouble keeping track.)
This was a lot of fun, after the suspense and angst of previous chapters!
Author's reply
Oh dear, you're making me do MATH?! Let's see, Bandy was 15 in TGK, Fastred was born after his 16th birthday, Fastred's almost 13, so he's 28 - only five years from his majority. That ought to give Tamin enough time to learn some Westron.
nightwatch
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 25: The Return of the Green Knight
What a wonderful, gentle soul is Legolas. Makes me wish I could be among the children and bring him a lily as well. Would be so nice to be welcomed by such as the Green Knight.
Author's reply
I get these pretty pictures in my head, and try to describe them in the stories - what a shame I'm not an artist; the vision I had of Legolas blessing the little children was far superior to anything I could verbally offer!
I'm glad you liked the image; I wouldn't mind laying a lily or two at his feet as well.
Alison H
· 5 August 2006
· Chapter 24: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Hey, Le Rouret.I loved this chapter! From Fastred's opening dream, to his hilarious breakfast orders from his friends and to the thrilling battle there was no time to breathe--and I enjoyed every moment!
How sweet was the image of both Fastred and Bandobras curled around Legolas as the elf slept along with them? Perhaps two of the reasons Legolas looks a little better this morning are right there beside him.I think they each thrive on the love they have for each other and they never hold back with their feelings, which is wonderful.Oh, and the kisses that are bestowed between certain characters is another aspect of this story that I really enjoy.I've just returned from two weeks holiday in Sicily and kissing between friends is completely normal--everybody does it and it's lovely to see such gestures so commonplace.
The battle was very well staged and I had completely forgotten about the elves! That was a great surprise as I didn't know how Legolas and the others would avoid being captured.Fastred did his people proud with the way he fought and he grows more kingly with each day.
Tamin--I must say that this young elf is utterly adorable and his ebulliance is utterly captivating.I want to adopt him :D He is an already steadfast friend and Fastred needs someone his own age to spend time with.I think they could have a friendship that would last a lifetime.I'm sure there are enough plot bunnies that abound concerning Tamin, too.I hope there are!
Keep up the brilliant writing, Le Rouret.I do love your stories and this is your best yet.Can't wait for more!
Take care.
Ali.
Bodkin
· 5 August 2006
· Chapter 24: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Nick of Time rescue from the Elves and the Dunlendings there. And Fastred is learning to behave in a very kingly manner.
I like Tamin - he is offering Fastred a companionship he badly needs - and the rapprochement between the Dunlendings and the Dwimmerlaik can only be to the advantage of both.
With luck, this party might actually make it back to Edoras!
Nightwatch
· 4 August 2006
· Chapter 24: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Ah, always a delightful surprise to see this story come up with a new chapter! I stole without remorse time away from the paying job to read it, and I'm not sorry, either
You got me again. Here I bought into the trap, completely forgetting the elves who might or might not go to Edoras as bidden. I was nearly as glad to see them as our friends. Now, if Andunea is not too badly injured, it seems the day is saved.
And praise as well to Karakse, who finally got the message that he doesn't have to put up with fast little warhorses in his face. It's time the old boy reached his breaking point and fought back. I don't blame his opponent for reconsidering the fight, though -- something that size, with feet that big start bashing me about the head and shoulders I'd leave in a hurry too. There is something so impressive about the war bellow that a horse gives warning with. He's a good old fellow :)
As always, I'll be here whenever another lovely installment should be ready for us. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us all :)
...Actually, come to think of it, something his size did try to thump me about the head, but as I was attached to his halter he just picked me up off the ground and neither of us could really reach the other save my punching him in the nose...it was an odd battle. Karakse did a much better job of it.
Kat
· 4 August 2006
· Chapter 24: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Wow I loved this chapter! The fight scene was brilliant, especially Fastred being so brave. And it was great to see Rumil and Tamin again. I can't wait to read more, keep up the good work! xoxo
wantanelf
· 1 July 2006
· Chapter 23: The Green Knight's Tale
Another great chapter. I really chuckled when Legolas started singing. "But I am not finished. I have forty-six verses yet. Very elvish. I like how no one else spoke but you knew what they were saying anyway. You really write brillantly. I am glad to see our favorite elf is fairing well. They really mistreated him didn't they? I have a feeling he may get his revenge. They've messed with the wrong elf for sure. He may sing all forty-six verses of a lay, but he can be pretty lethal when necessary. I can't wait for the next chapter.
Bodkin
· 30 June 2006
· Chapter 23: The Green Knight's Tale
Kids off already! And it's only June!
There are advantages to being a Dwimmerlaik, then! Nothing like using the power of superstition to help you. Although after a week at the bottom of that pit, it might not have seemed such a good thing.
The Dunlending seems a touch brighter than the other two dimwits. And to be participating for slightly worthier reasons - he feels betrayed and wants to do the best for his people. Hopefully he will follow Legolas's advice.
And feed the elf some more broth and get him back to Edoras, before they all get overtaken by war! I suspect the truants will be forgiven - considering they've brought back not just Legolas's body, but that it also contains his spirit.
Elenora
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 22: Lassah
*Sigh* Absolutely wonderful chapter - you kept the stress level on maximum until we were all ready to tear our hair out, then voila! Legolas is recovered!! But what a recovery! I really cringed at the two broken legs...monsterous.
But I'm mystified by something (possibly you meant for it to be so...). What did Andunie call (or say) to the unconscious Legolas while she was first holding him...the elvish word "a'maelamin" that Fastred felt sure that he'd heard wrongly? I've tried looking that up, but so far I'm not getting results. What does that mean? It seems to have some significance at that point in the story, otherwise, I can't imagine why you would have written Fastred's peculiar reaction to her saying it.
This chapter was well worth waiting for, and I'm anxious to read the next chapter in which Legolas relates what happened to him...an emotionally difficult relating, I'm sure.
Thanks for the continued outstanding, quality writing - what a great story!!
Alison H
· 16 June 2006
· Chapter 22: Lassah
You had me worried! I'm so glad Legolas is alive but he's horribly injured.I cringed at the broken legs and knew they would have to be reset quickly.No wonder all are weeping over him! Poor Gimli seems heartbroken, but his laugh of pure joy as he comforted Legolas made me smile.What wonderful friends Legolas has.
Andunie is surprising me with every chapter.Her words to Fastred before she went hunting were very touching.She is often aloof but she's becoming more obvious in her affections.Brytta, of course, is completely smitten, but he's realistic when he knows that he could not have a relationship with her.
I'm eager, too, to hear Legolas' tale of his capture and abandonement.Hurry and update soon.
Ali.
Bodkin
· 15 June 2006
· Chapter 22: Lassah
Yay! He's alive! Rather damaged, but alive. And no-one was watching over him to make sure he died alone and in pain - so they managed to retrieve him and get him somewhere they could treat and feed him.
Andunie seems happy with the promises Legolas is making her at the end there. Deserved rewards, too - and I don't think she hoped for more. I'm impressed with Brytta - he admires his Pretty Maid, and I think that's done him good, but he's also growing to fit a rather more heroic mould and becoming one with the team.
Fastred might find himself forgiven when he returns to Edoras, considering that against all the odds they have managed to bring back a living Legolas.
I just hope they find safety - well, safely. They don't need to come across the baddies just at the moment.
songspinner
· 14 June 2006
· Chapter 22: Lassah
Oh, whew. You had me worried there for a moment! At first, when I began to read this story, the older style of writing threw me, but it flowed nicely and the dialogue in this bit was marvelous!
Bodkin
· 6 June 2006
· Chapter 21: The Dene-Holes
Tell me elves don't shine when they're dead! Tell me!
The burned bodies and dead horses - horrible. Poor Lirlindil. Although dead is dead, I suppose, and it hardly matters to him now.
And it is a very good thing that Andunie is there - the owl would have meant nothing to the mortals among them.
Brytta is getting nicer by the minute - and he clearly has a disturbed background to explain some of his less attractive characteristics.
Now - get back to the elf!!
Elenora
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 21: The Dene-Holes
Aarrgghh!!!! Cruel, Le Rouret, very cruel!! What a place to leave us hanging!! I've been certain that Legolas would be found aline (even if only barely), but it still has been agony reading of Gimli's, Fastred's, and Bandobras's grief - found myself tearing up several times.
I'm anxious to discover just how Legolas ended up in the hole...was he thrown in there, did he crawl into it to seek a hiding place from men who would finish what they had begun....please, don't make us wait too long for the next chapter!!! I'm on pins and needles!
Alison H
· 4 June 2006
· Chapter 21: The Dene-Holes
Wow, this was an especially tense chapter and I could almost smell the stench of death and decay as the group reached the dene-holes.What a ghastly place to look for Legolas! No wonder Gimli is inconsolable and Fastred wants to leave.Of all the group, it seems that Andunie has the strongest will and she leads them when they would falter.I like this elf very much.
So, Legolas has at last been found and you described him as 'shining'.Could it be that he still alive? Could he have escaped to the dene-holes himself or was he thrown down there to die? I can't wait to find out.
I really do love your writing style and I always look forward to a new chapter from you.I think your 'Lassah' is beautifully written and you've created a wonderful universe for him.
Update soon!
Ali.