Reviews (35)

Littlefoot · 3 January 2026 · Chapter 1: In the West

I loved this! Daw’s characters grew on me so much, I was so happy to find more written of them :)

Snowline · 14 October 2017 · Chapter 1: In the West

This was brilliant. I always like to think that everyone crossed the sea to the West. It always made me a little sad to think that Thranduil stayed on in Middle Earth (he is one of my favourite characters). I am glad he did not and all the family is together. I enjoy these stories. Thankyou and Daw the Minstral and Nilmandra.

Hawaiichick · 29 March 2017 · Chapter 1: In the West

What an absolute treat this story was. It answered all those curious questions I had about what happened to everyone. I absolutely love this story. I'm so happy Daw sent me over to this site and your story. I loved getting that reunion with Sinnarn. I was inconsolable when he died. :( Legolas' reunion with his mother was so beautiful. I wondered how she would react to seeing an adult Legolas and her emotions were perfect. The wonderful icing on the cake was the image if her reuniting with Thranduil. Sigh...I pretty much melted into a pile of goo after that. Thank you so much for writting this and sharing it!

Anonymous · 15 January 2013 · Chapter 1: In the West

:') I'm so happy you wrote this. I'm glad they are reunited at last.

curiouswombat · 3 January 2009 · Chapter 1: In the West

I am just sitting quietly re-reading some of my favourites, and wanted to say how much I love this. I am a sucker for a happy ending and so the fact they they all make it, and the hint that Legolas will finally be able to bind with his Tuilinn, makes this something I come back to when I need calming down or cheering up.

Ceren Cae · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 1: In the West

Oh! This was just wonderful! I can't believe I hadn't read it before! I've been rereading Daw's stuff all week, and she was kind enough to point this story out to me. I couldn't be happier now! Daw's world is inevitably what I picture when I think of Middle Earth, just as yours is what I picture when I imagine Valinor. To have the worlds combine...it's like Christmas! I'm so happy now. Thank you for writing this!

curiouswombat · 2 August 2008 · Chapter 1: In the West

Thank you so much for this. I, too, was lying in bed worrying about Sinnarn, but I also had a night being distressed for poor Legolas over Tuillin's death and so I am extremely happy for the intimation that she has returned to him.

moonshine · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: In the West

I just read that over again, and it was just as good as the first time I read it. I only wish there was more! Great job on this. I absolutely love all of Daw's characters and her world, and I'm glad you wrote this story to follow up their lives.

Ces · 22 August 2007 · Chapter 1: In the West

Where to start? I have just finished reading daw's wonderful series of life in Mirkwood, then to find this story and be able to know what happened to most of our favorite elves really brought everything to an almost completion. I say almost because as you say, we haven't accounted for everyone yet, although I'm glad you think Beliond and Maltanaur made it! I always thought so too! I've always felt sad that Legolas never got much time with his mother, but was glad to see she returned before Thranduil. Lorellin and Legolas need some time to get to know each other. I always figured Ithliden and Eilian stayed until the end with their father! Even in peace someone needed to be a buffer between Thranduil and his second son! How sad that Ithliden was so broken, yet he stays and does his duty. He had time to heal though before the rest of his family showed up. What can one say about Thranduil? Who but he would leap off the ship towards his beloved Lorellin?! And who else but Eilian would make the obvious remark that had it been him he would have been in Thranduil's bad graces yet again! Truly, Celuwen must have wanted to strangle both of them at times! LOL And of course he comes through the war with no injuries...only Legolas would have matched him in that I believe! I would love for daw or even you to write the final battle. Can you imagine how majestic Thranduil must have been in the final battle? How Eilian must have been in his element then...what odds that he had both Maltanaur and Beliond as his keepers by the end?! I can't even write about Legolas finally being complete. Happiness always seemed to be just out of reach for him for so long. Thank you! And thank you so much for this story. I never want to leave this world of Mirkwood and I'm sure there are many more stories to write! Did Tinar survive I wonder? Was he still a messenger, fated to be a pain in Calith's backside? What about Gelmir? I assume he stayed until Eilian left also? We really need to persuade daw to write more! Ces

pipinheart · 4 February 2007 · Chapter 1: In the West

Absolutely lovey! All of them finally see each other after such long waiting. It was good to see them reunited again. Excellent job...

nessie · 18 May 2006 · Chapter 1: In the West

What a sweet, beautiful fic. You did a wonderful job using daw's characters, and I smiled everytime someone familiar came back. The scene where Thranduil jumps to greet his wife and Eilian's comment was great. It seemed that all of Mirkwood's former inhabitants wanted to be near to each other, and you can see that they love their king. I'm glad everybody was reunited, especially of course Thranduil and Lorellin (they've waited a loooong time), Emmelin and Sinnarn and Elowen and Siondel. I'm glad daw recommended this to me because I would not have known it existed otherwise. ~nessie~

Haleth · 12 March 2006 · Chapter 1: In the West

This is simply brilliant. Elves do grieve but in a different way than humans and I think you've captured it beautifully. The sadness, anger and guilt are all there, as is hope. What I really enjoyed were the full descriptions of ordinary life; of feeding the chickens or working in the garden or dyeing cloth, and how all of this is woven into the emotions the characters are experiencing. Excellent story-telling.

sofia · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 1: In the West

very sweet story. I liked it a lot.

daw the minstrel · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: In the West

I just reread this, Bodkin. The reunion of Emmelin and Sinnarn moved me to tears. Thank you.

Idhreniel · 28 December 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

This was a beautiful trip throgh Daw the Minstrel's world. You captured the essence of her characters and gave us back some of the characters we love. Thank you for the pleasant reading. It was great to see many of them back, especially Sinnarn.

Noor · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

Of course............Tuilin! Having read all the reviews, I have now realised! I am glad that Daw loved this too. Thank you once again!

Noor · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

That was a beautiful tale - and so true to Daw's characterisations.........I loved it, you truly earned the right to use the characters...I was tearful when Emmelin was waiting and during the other reunions. What a marvellous "beginning of the end" story! Who came for Legolas?? What did Daw think of this? Thanks again! Noor

Dot · 13 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

I shouldn’t be popping back again and using this as a chatroom but I just couldn’t not let you know how much I appreciated the review reply. Bodkin! I would never expect anyone to go to so much trouble. I was completely astonished when I saw it. It’s fascinating to see your thoughts and what went into writing this piece – and I’m trying really hard not to answer the whole thing and turn it into a conversation because I could talk about these people forever :-) Although, I will say how interested I was in your thoughts about Alfirin talking to Thranduil about Sinnarn and the two of them becoming closer through that (even if he doesn’t fully know what she’s experiencing). And in addition to her own grief, she has to not add to her husband’s guilt – which yes, would be enormous but I’ve been trying for months now not to think about that because I can hardly bear it! – and at the same time not let him think that she blames him in any way. But she seemed to be doing that in ‘A Spring of Joy’ in the way she kept touching him and trying to take care of him. Hang on, I wasn’t going to talk any more… Besides, we’ll start to scare daw!! Anyway, I’m glad this has done for you what you set out to do, and I really just wanted to say thanks for such a wonderful and thoughtful reply :-)

Redheredh · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

Wow. This was beautiful. Beautiful writing, beautiful storytelling, and so very touching. Thanks to Daw and you for sharing this.

Dot · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

So what do you call a fanfic of a fanfic?! I actually woke up this morning and thought I’d dreamt that you did this. LOL. Telling this from Emmelin’s point of view is interesting. It offers a moving insight into the loneliness and desperation-turning-to-bitterness that I’m sure others too must have felt. I suppose she decided more quickly than most to sail. I got the impression that Elowen had been mulling over the thought that she would go and when Sinnarn died, it seemed the best solution that she would take her granddaughter with her and they would at least have each other for company. But perhaps Emmelin would not have sailed otherwise and now she misses her parents and her home and is frustrated that it takes so long for people to be Sinnarn would be there soon. Like Elowen. I can’t blame her for thinking that Siondel would be there. It’s been so long. But how hard it is to see the two of them so alone and disappointed. I was so glad that you showed Siondel’s return. Emmelin’s reaction of uncertainty and guilt and questioning to the news is just perfect. It completely startled me to think that Annael is far older now than his father lived to be. Especially when Elowen’s grief and loneliness were still so strong. The reunion between her and Siondel was lovely. I particularly liked the way he seems a little unsure in the face of this new life and her old grief, but his love for her is stronger than ever. ‘So Sinnarn will return more swiftly because I long for him?’ I know Siondel was trying to reassure his granddaughter, but I wonder how true that actually is. To me, it would make sense for Námo to keep people in his Halls until there is someone waiting to greet them. You made me smile at the image of Sinnarn as an elfling, trailing after Legolas and Annael. Siondel’s insights into that family are a real reminder of how close they are to his own family. And one of my favourite lines of this piece? This: Alfirin was convinced they would forget him and leave him among the trees somewhere and she guarded him carefully – for he was her greatest treasure.’ That’s where my tears started! How strange it must be to hear of the events at home from those newly arrived the Blessed Realm. Somehow, your brief description of it makes it all the more horrifying. And Thranduil’s strength has never been clearer. Ah, and Legolas has arrived. There’s something really nice about the thought that Ithilden and Alfirin would write to Emmelin, that they still think of her as well as of Sinnarn. But oh my God, what have you done to Ithilden?!! It’s so frightening to think how close he came to dying. Of course, Legolas has heard all this afterwards. But it sounds so right that Ithilden and Alfirin would not let each other go. I know Thranduil is well able to tell people what to do but it’s a scary sign of just how bad Ithilden was if he didn’t let up on telling him he should sail. And Eilian escaped without a scratch! I’m relieved and amused. It also sounds right that he and Celuwen wouldn’t leave until the very end. So what do you think it would take to bribe daw into writing about Mirkwood around this time?? Interesting that Annael stayed even after his family and friends were gone. I would’ve thought his tie to his loved ones was stronger than to the forest but I suppose after living through all that, it would be harder to let it go now. And they’re wood-elves. It comes across as though those left in the Woodland Realm have grown closer to each other than ever and I think that’s a wonderful thought. I’m glad to see Legolas on the way to healing. It must have brought great joy to Elowen to have him there, even if her own son hasn’t yet come. It sounds like Gimli is settling in! And I get the impression that there were some colourful conversations between Legolas and Thranduil! How he must have worried about his youngest son, though. I’m shocked by Ithilden’s appearance. It’s been so long since he was injured. Not to have healed fully yet, to be so weak, to worry Gwaleniel so much… And he’s leaning on a stick?? I could hardly bear to read it, and yet I wanted to know everything. Ack. I’m welling up again. I love the idea of him wanting to live in a cottage amongst the trees. And despite the pain and suffering, he’s still loyal, loving Ithilden. The moment between him and Legolas when he asks about their naneth was lovely. And Alfirin seems the same, although worn thin by anxiety and who knows what else. A little bit of regret, perhaps. Alfirin’s face glowed. ‘He is healed – as he never thought to be,’ she said. Oh, thank you. I felt such relief when I read that sentence! I really feel for Alfirin, though, in her desire to speak of her son and finding that the one person she had hoped would join her in doing so seems unwilling. She made so many sacrifices once she joined this family but perhaps the most heartbreaking is not allowing herself to speak of Sinnarn. I wondered if Lorellin would appear! I love how you’ve written Legolas’ uncertainty and Ithilden’s excitement. I thought it was so moving the way Ithilden thinks that this should be Thranduil’s moment. But at the same time, I think that Thranduil deserved to have her there when he arrived, not have to spend yet more years waiting and with no-one to really comfort him after he finally made the most difficult choice he had to. Lorellin, by the way, is exactly how I imagined her. She made me laugh with her wicked amusement at the thought of Eilian and Thranduil being left together. And her reunion with her eldest and youngest sons was beautiful. And had me sniffling and reaching for the tissues again :-) I thought it was very believable that the elves from the Woodland Realm would naturally be drawn to Ithilden and his family in their need for some guidance. But I hope that Alfirin dragged Ithilden off for plenty of ‘picnics’ too. She had loved him for his mischief, for the serious side he concealed, for his need to serve the forest that was their home, his reckless courage, the tenderness he showed to so few, his strength in adversity – but most of all she had loved him simply for being Sinnarn. What a wonderful sentence. I think you’ve perfectly summed up why we all loved Sinnarn and why Emmelin wasn’t the only one devastated by his death! You did a truly, truly amazing job with the arrival of Thranduil and all those who travelled with him. I could really feel the excitement and anticipation, and the feeling that for most people, this is really the end of one part of their lives and the beginning of a whole new part. The roar of the crowd, Lorellin’s perfect comment, Eilian’s typical irreverence, and Thranduil’s impulsive leap onto the shore and into his wife’s arms… it was all so perfect, and an image I’ll remember for a long time. I’m glad that Thranduil and Eilian ended up with a project after all so that they won’t crack up as they try to readjust. But I’d actually almost forgotten about Tuilinn!! Emmelin’s struggle for acceptance and understanding is fascinating and painful to watch. Especially when she knows that all she can do is wait. I just love that moment when Elowen realises what Emmelin’s new restlessness means before Emmelin herself does, and then ensures that her granddaughter will be clean and fragrant when Sinnarn does arrive! I suppose Emmelin’s worry and despair and the fact that she thought almost constantly about this day meant that she was not as open as she could have been, where she might have felt and recognised his presence immediately. I laughed out loud from sheer happiness for her when she began to run until she found herself at the Fennas Arnediad. Sinnarn stood, his dark hair untidy, his grey eyes focused on her, and before she could bring herself to do more than stare, he smiled his sweetest smile and the ice that had frozen her to the spot melted. Oh, Bodkin. I haven’t words to describe how wonderful that moment is, nor my own relief and gratitude. Their love and their hunger for each other is a joy to witness and I couldn’t help but smile as all Emmelin’s worries and sadness faded away. When I first read the ending last night it was through a haze of tears but now I’m smiling. Sinnarn is healed! And he has all his family waiting for him when he’s ready to travel. Or sooner, because Ithilden and Alfirin will know too that he has been released. And Emmelin can be truly happy again. Well, after all that I still haven’t thought of something sensible to say! But I thank you for this moving and very fitting tribute to daw and her characters. This is your style, but you’ve stayed true to her characters and I thank her too for knowing how much you, like so many of us, love them and for recognising that you have the talent and respect to write in her world. I knew how sad I was when Sinnarn died but I didn’t realise how much I needed to know that he – and all of them – would find healing and happiness again. I love this. I really do. And I bow to your talent :-)

Nilmandra · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

You capture Emmelin's loneliness and sadness so well, Bodkin. She is the first to arrive in Valinor of the family, but the last to be reunited with the one she loves. Patience did not come easy, as apparently Sinnarn's healing did not either. The reunions were nicely done too - plus that feeling of those who had lived and sailed feeling old and worn next to the reborn elves. I have written that as well - the elves who never left Valinor and those reborn must have seemed so peaceful to those who had lived through the horrifying battles at the end of the Third Age. Those last ships had to be dearly waited for, as you showed. Its nice to think of Thranduil off leading his people again. I confess I don't have a clue what I would do with Oropher! I think he might need a very long period of healing!

elliska · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

Oh this is wonderful, Bodkin--thanks to you and daw. I really wanted to see these characters in Valinor whole and happy. Poor Emmelin. I imagine being in Valinor initially away from everything and everyone she loved and still without Sinnarn was a really difficult adjustment--"not her trees." I think she would be very aware of that and I loved that observation. But when I started this out and read that part I said to myself, "oh I hope she doesn't make this too sad because I can't handle the grief right now." ;-) So I was so happy when I got to the part where Siondel returned. Annael is one of my favorite characters and I remember how shocked I was when his dad died. I was so happy to see him return first. Elowen remembering Annael as she last saw him while reminding Siondel that he's no longer an elfling was so sad. (And before I forget to mention this--I love that you said Annael would stay with Thranduil and the forest until the end--that is so perfect in my mind). And poor Emmelin wondering if she longed for Sinnarn more, if he might come back faster. That brough tears to my eyes. And I love Legolas's arrival with Gimli and the letters--I definitely think that elves going to Valinor would carry letters to loved ones for those remaining behind still. I have that in my story and I loved it here. Hearing about everything that happened during the War was fascinating. Ithilden being injured so badly and Eilian's luck holding for him--I was so relieved they both made it. How horrible for Legolas to return and find Eilian or Ithilden gone. And Thranduil's comments about the sea-longing and the Valar's possible reaction to sailing with a dwarf just cracked me up! I bet Thranduil did react that way! I loved this line with Ithilden's arrival: ‘He sleeps in the trees unless the weather is very bad,’ Emmelin interrupted, ‘and eats, more often than not, at my naneth’s table. What a wonderful image of Legolas. But I was so shocked by how worn Ithilden and Alfirin were--I can see that since Ithilden was such a responsible leader and he'd lost so much. It was just so frightening. Poor things. But I loved Legolas's completely easy joking with him. Seeing them as equals here is so different then Ithilden the troop commander. But this was the end of me: I just hoped that – with Emmelin – I could speak of him.’ Alfirin’s voice was so low as to be barely audible. I started bawling right there. That is so true that when something like Sinnarn's death happens, some people really want to speak about the person lost and they don't for fear of hurting others. Too true. But one of my favorite parts of this was Lorellin's return and Ithilden/Legolas's reaction to it--Legolas smelling of fish at such an important moment! Cruel author! Her reaction to seeing Legolas was so perfect. I loved it. And my favorite part was the return of the last elves from Lasgalen. I don't even know what to say about it except that I loved it. Thranduil jumping from the ship. Perfect. Eilian's reaction to that--also perfect. I loved it and it had me bawling. Without a word, Thranduil moved. With one foot on the rail, his robe streaming behind him, he leapt willingly onto shores he had never wished to reach and gathered his wife into his arms. Sooo perfect. Emmelin smiled. ‘I think Legolas might not be travelling alone when he journeys with you to his adar’s house,’ she said. Wonderful! That made me so happy. And of course the end was perfect. Just perfect. This was a wonderful story. I am so happy to see all these characters together and whole--they so deserve it after their long battle in the Wood. Thanks for writing this!

Larner · 11 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

A fascinatingly beautiful reunion. Very, very lovely.

Dreamflower · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

I usually don't read stories without hobbits, as you know. But I found myself doing so frequently during the MEFAs, and was delighted to discover Daw the Minstrel's lovely realm of Mirkwood, and to dip my toe into some of your Elven stories. I truly enjoyed this tribute to Daw's characters, and I've already made plans to read some of those that were not on the MEFA list. I also have a few more of yours I want to finish now. Between the two of you, you *might* convince me to like Elves *almost* as much as I like hobbits. And that's not easily accomplished.

emjo · 10 October 2005 · Chapter 1: In the West

All I can say is THANK YOU!!! This story was beautiful. I loved Lorellin's reunion with her sons and husband. Wonderful just wonderful.