Reviews (128)

Dreamflower · 13 February 2006 · Chapter 12: An Interrupted Journey

Oh what an exciting chapter! I too, am wondering which of our two Bad Guys set the ambush--and was greatly impressed with the way young Fastred defended himself, even though he had to be reminded by Bandy to draw his sword. I got a giggle out of Bandy yelling "Fore". *snicker* What a cute reference to The Hobbit! The encounter with the Riders afterward was also fraught with tension, and I was so proud of the way young Fastred asserted himself. It reminded me--and I would bet it reminded Legolas--of that long ago encounter upon the plains of Rohan when the desperate Three Hunters first encountered another young Marshall and managed to avoid a clash then. This was wonderful! I look forward to more!

Lamiel · 13 February 2006 · Chapter 12: An Interrupted Journey

So much happens in this chapter that I hardly know where to begin. With the ambush, I think, because I enjoyed it so much. Legolas is positively breathtaking in his fury, and you describe him so beautifully. You capture the heat and confusion of battle very well too, which is difficult to do in writing. So Thealof's machinations have ratcheted up a step. Setting men disguised as Dunlendings to make the ambush -- and I've no doubt that Bandobras' assessment of Eomer's reaction is a good one. I did like the way he described it, by the way -- his voice adds some lightness to a grave situation. And somehow Thealof is ambushing the letter carriers as well, and it seems that his intention of stirring up suspicion in the Mark is working. He's well organized, anyway. I'll give him that. The confrontation with the Rohirrim was unexpected, but done very well. Fastred handled himself nicely, and I liked the way Legolas made room for him to act, but was there to step in if he was needed. I thought that the Rohirric captain's reaction was realistic, too, which is sometimes hard to achieve with this sort of middle-ages chivalry. Nicely done.

Larner · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 8: The Heart Upon the Hinge

Lesson learned. A wonderful learning at that.

Lamiel · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 11: Amon Din

I expect that it would come as a shock to Legolas seeing his new mortal friends age so quickly, after his experience with Aragorn. The Men of Rohan, alas, don't share in Numenor's gift of long life. His reaction was still a bit unexpected, though, and I was grinning to see him dashing off at once to play matchmaker. Not a role we often imagine him in, but I imagine that he'd be as successful at that as any enterprise he sets his mind to. I have to feel sorry for his chosen subject, though. Any man would feel second-best, standing side-by-side with an Elf before a lady. I am once again impressed with your ability to describe medieval feasts. I'd just eaten lunch, and I'm a vegetarian, but you still make my mouth water. Your descriptions of food are almost as delicious as your descriptions of Legolas. So Thealof remains a step beyond them, but he hasn't gathered the supporters he needs to overthrow Eomer just yet. H'm. I wonder if the people of Rohan would truly object to a king descended from the line of Stewards? Seems reasonable that they might. But then they always have been awfully obliging toward Gondor. "Even if my own lands were not under threat..." and so on. H'm. I am looking forward to seeing what happens once Legolas gets Fastred to Edoras. Somehow I don't think we've had all this setup of Thealof's machinations to have it end simply.

Dreamflower · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 11: Amon Din

What a lovely chapter! I really enjoyed the childlike bickering between the young brothers, and their eagerness to show off their missing teeth and their skill at sling and bow, and asking for a horse! I'm so glad Legolas let Fastred go with his young friends! The feast was marvelous, and the subtleties a wonder! My own mouth was watering. The discussion of Thealof's treachery was well-done: brief and to the point, keeping the plot at the forefront of people's minds, but not being allowed to overwhelm the lighthearted mood of the rest of the chapter. Poor Legolas, finding a white hair on his friend! He's had enough mortal friends now to know what that purports--I'm quite sure that's why he suddenly decided to distract himself with matchmaking! And Bandy's last line was a hoot! If he's still five years from his majority though, he shouldn't have to worry too much.

Lamiel · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Heir's Decision

Ah, it is wonderful to see Legolas when his ire is up. Magnificent -- and your description of the anger rolling from him like a palapable fog is very nicely done. I do think that the opening passage could be broken up into smaller paragraphs. Long blocks of text can be tiring to read, especially on the computer screen. One enjoys the some nice restful open spaces between paragraphs. Again I am impressed by your skill at pacing. We pass from Legolas' council chamber through to Fastred's family and Minas Tirith on our way to Rohan, all in one chapter. And yet the pace feels right. It is not rushed, and there are enough details -- Hisime's crush on Fastred's friend, for instance -- to make it feel like a proper story. The scene with Faramir and the stirrup cup was essentially summarized rather than shown, but I don't mind skipping that bit. I for one have had quite enough courtly protocol to last me. And the way you told it was very reminiscent of Tolkien's style, so that's good. I'm very intrigued by this almost thrown away line. "Fastred noted when his Lady Mother watched Lord Lassah play with her children, her face acquired a pained look, as though Lassah were hurting himself somehow, and by proxy hurting her too." What about seeing Legolas with the children is painful to Eowyn? Is it that he's not behaving as a lord should, and somehow she as a ruler feels that is inappropriate? Or that Fastred ran to Legolas rather than to her for comfort? Or is it to do with the friendship between mortal and immortal? I'm curious. At last we are on the way to Rohan. Oh, and it's nice to see Legolas riding without all the tack and armour that were necessary in the first Green Knight story. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next -- and I'm as impatient as Legolas to have this Thealof brought to justice, ideally by Legolas' hand.

Dreamflower · 14 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Heir's Decision

Well, I certainly did not think Legolas would be happy at the insult Theolaf offered to both Andunie and Fastred, not to mention the attempt to abduct Fastred. (And this certainly goes to *prove* the man is an idiot, if he thought he could get away with provoking an Elven prince.) And this description was brilliant: And Fastred was not certain, for he was far too frightened of Lord Lassah at that moment to think altogether clearly, but he thought he could feel a growling oppression emanating from the Elf, a dark and dangerous anger flowing down the dais and roiling and rumbling about their feet, filling up the corners and creeping out the doors; even the torches seemed to flicker and fail. This, this is the son of Thranduil, dangerous and fey in his anger! Yet I was pleased that he was able to calm himself and to see the wisdom of Cirien's advice, rather than being angry with his friend for interrupting. And I loved to see him playing in the nursery with his dear friends' children. I was tickled by Hisime brushing his hair, and by Theodred's insistence of "not fair". And it was lovely to see him casting off the cares of administration for the joys of adventure. Fastred is learning more about his dear "Lord Lassah" than he ever knew before.

Dreamflower · 14 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Théalof of Rohan

Oh what a delightful chapter! I loved Legolas bandying words with Theolaf, and Cirien's and Bandy's timely rescue. Of course, Andunie also made a timely rescue! I was quite worried for a few moments that the baddie was actually going to be able to spirit poor Fastred off. Her actions with the dogs was brilliant. And Theolaf has shown himself not only a Bad Guy, but also frankly an idiot, to assume that Andunie was no more than a servant, and to make an enemy of her.

Dreamflower · 14 January 2006 · Chapter 8: The Heart Upon the Hinge

Ah, so Mistress Pearl's plan worked admirably! I am so glad that Legolas was finally able to show his affection to Fastred. Poor kid, he had no idea when he ran off just what a can of worms he'd opened. But now he's learned his lesson--or at least, most of his lesson.

Alison H · 14 January 2006 · Chapter 10: The Heir's Decision

I'm so glad you have updated this great story--I've missed Legolas and Fastred. Wow, I love the image of a furious Legolas, ready to ride after the odious Thealof and do him bodily harm.A very nice mental image indeed! No wonder Fastred was frightened. So, your muse has finally got them on the way to Rohan and I'm filled with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming chapters.I can't wait to read more! Thanks so much for this story,Rouret.I love your writing style, it's so rich with detail and emotion.I hope that you update as soon as you are able. Ali.

Tinnuial · 11 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Théalof of Rohan

A cheer for Andunie and her fearsome war terriers!!! That was an awesome end to the chapter. I look forward to the day that Fastred thrashes the living daylights outta that slimy little worm.... Thank you for the new chapter! :)

sheraiah · 24 December 2005 · Chapter 9: Théalof of Rohan

Hmmm, Thealof is exceedingly bold and exceedingly stupid to try to pull that stunt right in an Elf-lord's halls. Honestly, either the man really does know nothing of elves or he's got an exaggerated image of his own abilities. Regardless, he's tipped his hand now at least partially. I foresee a messy end for this traitor, one he'll richly deserve. I've thoroughly been enjoying this series, Le Rouret.

Lamiel · 23 December 2005 · Chapter 9: Théalof of Rohan

You capture the tone and tedium of diplomatic debate very well -- poor Legolas! I don't know how he bore it for four hours. I'd have been raving mad after twenty minutes. Loved seeing Legolas toss aside his crown and robes, by the way. You describe him so beautifully. This Thealof is daring indeed -- not to mention foolhardy -- to try to kidnap Fastred right out of Legolas' halls. In a way I'm almost disappointed that he didn't succeed, because I'd love seeing Legolas go after him. He'd tear out with all the power and fury of an Elven lord, beautiful in his wrath... ah well. Andunie did marvelously with the dogs instead, and I'm confident that we'll get to see Legolas fight later on. It astonishes me that Thealof could speak so disdainfully to an Elf -- servant or not, she serves an Elf lord, not a Man. Seems to me that the lowliest Elven chambermaid is still greater than the highest king of Men. But perhaps I'm biased. So evil plans are afoot, and it seems to me that Thealof is eager to dispose of any chance that Eomer will have an heir. That would likely weaken Eomer's claim to the throne, and destabilize the kingdom, giving Thealof the opportunity to make his move. Hmph. I'm looking forward to seeing Legolas and Fastred in Rohan -- I think that things will really heat up then. But I do hope that we don't have TOO much more diplomacy to come. It takes a bit more patience than I possess.

Indigo Bunting · 5 December 2005 · Chapter 8: The Heart Upon the Hinge

Love this story! Just love it! I especially enjoyed this chapter. It’s wonderful to see that the plan has worked so well. Fastred seems quite the young man now, even though Legolas still calls him “Little One”. Legolas has been doing very important work – namely, the shaping of a ruler – but I’m glad that Fastred’s resentment of him did not have to last forever. Fastred handled everything better than I expected him to; he seems to have a strong sense of responsibility, running away from home notwithstanding. For him to be held to his promise by the knowledge of having wronged his parents shows that he is more mature than he perhaps realizes. Speaking of his parents, I love the way he remembered them – his father’s gentle strength and his mother’s fierce love. As always, great description; I can see the world of Ithilien around me when I read your work. The opening paragraphs were especially well done, the way you began with a lush depiction of summer and then created sharp contrast by looking at it through Fastred’s eyes. Quite an about-face. Well, I can’t wait to see how things play out now that Fastred sees his future in a different light. He seems fortunate to have Legolas as a friend again. The way things seem to be going in Rohan, he will likely need that friendship on the path to becoming Éomer’s heir. I am greatly looking forward to the next chapter! Indigo

Lamiel · 5 December 2005 · Chapter 8: The Heart Upon the Hinge

Ah, so the plan worked. This was a necessary transition for Fastred, and I thought that you did it very well. You showed his development from stubborn boy to a thoughtful, even willing heir of Rohan, and you did it smoothly and fairly quickly, without getting bogged down in the details. That's a trap which I fall into all too often, and I admire your ability to show the development arc so succinctly. And most importantly of all you SHOWED it -- so that the reader experienced Fastred's physical and emotional development, without needing to be told what was happening. Very, very nicely done.

Lamiel · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 7: The White Lady's Champion

Legolas must be the most noble and self-sacrficing soul in Middle-earth, with the possible exceptions of Sam and Frodo. It's a hard thing to keep company with someone who dislikes you -- and even more so to deliberately be harsh and earn the enmity of a child. But he'll do it, for Eowyn's sake, and for Fastred's too. Perhaps one day Fastred will realize it. It's interesting that it was Pearl who developed this scheme of theirs. I can't help but feel that there's someing important in this sub-plot of Pearl coming to Dol Galenehtar. I'm curious to see how that develops. If I were to jump way, way ahead I might think of that group of nasties seeking to undermine Eomer's throne, and consider hostage possibilities. But that's neither here nor there at the moment. I do like Legolas' insistence that for all his titles he is first and foremost Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, and his father's son. Fastred isn't the only one to need reminding of that from time to time.

Dreamflower · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 7: The White Lady's Champion

Poor Eowyn! For her to have to deal with such a recalcitrant child! Really, Pearl's given some *very* sound advice. And I think, ultimately, Fastred will not only hate Legolas, but come to love him more than ever by the time all is ended. Ah, now I've got to wait till next week.

Dreamflower · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 6: Cold Counsel

Ah, I've been saving up these last two chapters till I had the leisure to savor them. I love your description of Legolas' office, and of the "paper blooms" that fret him so, LOL! And I loved his little late night council session as well, and Araval's "contributions" to it. *snerk* The description of Rohan's two traitors, and the ways in which they have beset Eomer was well done, and helps to set us up for the future conflict. You drop important information as though they are mere morsels: land has been ceded to the Wild-men, Aragorn is in Arnor at Fornost, marshlands are encroaching. And I love the way you use Bandobras to cut to the chase and sum things up so aptly. I am very much looking forward to seeing a good deal more of Bandy--and I hope, of Mistress Pearl. I worry about her ailment. Does her brother know?

Larner · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 7: The White Lady's Champion

Ease and support; and a young boy chastened and turned by careful planning to the right road. Hope it works. How did you decide to put Eowyn and Faramir in Osgiliath, by the way?

Larner · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 6: Cold Counsel

Wonderful intrigue and excellent reading of it. And like the plan to tame Fastred, for he does need it.

meckinock · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 7: The White Lady's Champion

This is amazingly beautiful writing.

Larner · 11 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Three Noble Knights

Ah, can't do without the dancing, then, can we?

Elenora · 7 November 2005 · Chapter 6: Cold Counsel

I have been very negligent in leaving reviews (I hope to rectify that!), but I have been most definitely following this story closely...I love it! While I can't yet see quite where you are going with it, for the time being, I'm simply enjoying all the many glorious, visually stunning word pictures you are creating. I have found myself numerous times re-reading a paragraph or two, just to immerse myself in the lovely picture you've created. Some of my favorites are: at the end of Chapter One, where Fastred is thinking of his favorite memories in Legolas's kingdom, and you write..."...best still - being allowed to sleep in Lassah's own bed, wrapped in the soft, fragrant sheets and watching beneath heavy lids the Elf's slim, tall form upon the balcony, shining hair twining in the shifting breeze, lifting his hands to the stars as he would sing Fastred to sleep." Okay, there goes shiver number one. And another wonderful word-scene is in Chapter Four where Legolas and Bandobras are visiting Mistress Pearl. You write..."He thrust the dirty plate aside, pushed Mistress Pearl's hoop out of the way, and lay his head on the matron's lap with a happy sigh. She smiled and stroked his sleek pale hair and looked over at her son…”…shiver number two! Fabulous!! Such simple little scenes, yet they manage to convey a world of images. Then to offset such blissful scenes of domesticity and unassuming gentleness, we have the scene in Chapter Six in Legolas’s study, where Legolas asks, “Should I comport myself as the Lord of Dol Galenehtar, or as Prince Legolas of Eryn Lasgalen?” Meivel’s reply is wonderful, particularly, “…You are Legolas Thranduilion and come of the line of Doriath, and your enemies will do well to be reminded of this.” Okay, I confess – I was ready to clap at that point, LOL! But it was gratifying to see Legolas’s innate authority, royal “presence,” and his ever-present wisdom showing forth in this scene. Yet at the same time, I couldn’t help but think of the earlier scene where he’s bouncing around the dinner tables, greeting guests and joking around with them….you truly are capturing all the wonderful subtleties and complexities of Legolas’s intriguing personality. Well, as you can tell, I’m thoroughly enjoying this well-written (as always…did any of us have any doubt??) story, and I’m looking forward to seeing what direction this heads. By the way, I’m assuming there is some significance to the strange place that Fastred fell asleep in that night in the woods? I can’t imagine you indicating the horse’s uneasiness about entering the place without there being some significance to it….or am I seeing too much? Elenora

Lamiel · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Three Noble Knights

As always you capture the spirit and atmosphere of medieval customs better than any other author I've read. And I note that the plot thickens - who is this Man who wants Legolas to conspire against Eomer? And what is this message Legolas received? Curiouser and curiouser. I shall await the next installment -- hopefully to arrive on Monday, but I for one shall not hold you to that. I'm well aware of the difficulties when real life gets in the way of fanfic.

Dreamflower · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Three Noble Knights

What a delightful chapter! I do so enjoy the way you linger among the descriptions of people and places and events. I could so easily see the now-much-older Cirien and Araval: of Cirien-- "his doublet collar so stiff and high it seemed surely to hold up his head upon the thin neck;" and then Araval--" his host had been so thoughtful as to put a decanter at his elbow, so that when the goblet emptied, as occurred with a touch more frequency with him than of his two companions, he was not obliged to request more and so discomfit himself, but could refill his glass at will." Such a humorous study in contrast! I enjoyed the banter between them, with the ease of old friends who do not much think there is a chance of an ironic word being taken the wrong way. So, Eomer *is* married to Lothiriel--and there are intrigues afoot to make him set her aside, hmm? Very interesting; I've no idea where you plan to go with this, but I'm definitely along for the ride...