Reviews (69)

HobbityHop · 4 January 2026 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

This story made me cry and smile, it was a treat to read!

artistic sprite · 13 November 2007 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

I like the loving father relationship between Legolas and Thranduil! Write more stories like that, please!!!!!!( Yeah, I'm a mad Thrnaduil fan)

JastaElf · 3 June 2007 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

How in the name of Mozart did I miss THIS one??? What a wonderful story! And it's got more of the Masque in it, and, and, and, SQUEEEEEEE!!! :-) Ahem. I'll calm down now. :-) You already know how I adore your writing... the way you characterize Thranduil, Legolas, all your OCs... the way you use language... just wonderful stuff. I'm honoured beyond measure that a remark of mine would lead to such a great story! I can easily see Legolas being like this in canon upon his return home--and you cover so powerfully, in such beautiful words, the pain and sorrow of what Thranduil's folk have endured in the meantime, with all its ramifications. And yet so many wonderful details are here: Thranduil still calling his son "little mouse" and remembering what Legolas was like as a child... the starkness of long Elven memory, some of it a blessing, just as often a curse... And then Gimli arrives--and in what a grand fashion! What better thing could he have done, than to mend the broken heart of a small child with a simple, powerful gift? I would love to have been a fly on the leaf when Thranduil and Luindil saw why the Dwarf wanted to meet with an Elven child... *g* Ooopsie, silly grown-ups... but what a strong message to all concerned! There are so many beautiful layers to this story--thank you SO much for writing it and sharing it with us all!

perelleth · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

So here I am at last! I must say that I really enjoyed the tale (except for the double-spacing which, really really distracts me to death ;-) I loved the tree alleys and the idea of their ewok-type city. It sounds very ethereal as well. The war may be over but there is a very hard aftermath to deal with, and in Thranduil's case, not only personal but also political. His weariness shows very clearly and the price he has to pay, that his only son, his only remaining family would leave him as well is very hard. I really liked Thranduil's interactions with Doronrîn, whom, by the way is a formidable character, and perfectly pictured. I really admire her strength and her common sense, and her realism. I like it when she tells Thranduil that he knows where it hurts so she does not have to explain. Somehow I see her as an old woman. She reminds me of one of my grandmothers, spare, strong, sober and dry but with a great heart despite her many wounds. It is sad, though, to think that she was to meet her end even before thinking of sailing, now that she had decided to leave Lasgalen and give life a second chance. Gimli was superbly in character. I find him so diffcult to pin down (much as hobits) but he sounded very Gimli to me, and the detail that he would present faron wth a cup was wodnerful, and a nice touch, even if the talks were equally hard. But the traditional mistrust between dwarves and elves was also very well handled here in my opinion. And of course I had to love all the details about the Masque dance. I must go and read the previous story where it features. I lvoed the idea, and picturing these elves with head disguises and jumping in such kind of dance simply seemed... fitting. Beautiful. The dance mistress was another suc character, as well, I liked her a lot. A beautiful tale, FP, and very well told. I really liked it.

mistry89 · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

If I may be so rude - "gap fillers" are the delight of many a reader (ok, I love them). Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I'm nearly always very late in being polite (especiallly on multi-chaptered stories, where I am likely to use bookmarks and savour when in the right mood to indulge myself). Thanks again!

Manderly · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

What a wonderful ending to a wonderful story! I really felt for Thranduil in this last chapter. It's never easy letting go of one's child, no matter how old that child is. Like he said, a parent's job is for life which, at times, is a blessing and at times, a curse. The worries will never cease, but at least they are only parted by distance. Mutual visits should bring comfort to both of them. I am glad that Gimli will be joining Legolas. They will able to give each other support in their unique way since they shared the life and death experience in the Quest. Thank you for sharing this story with us.

daw the minstrel · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

Great conclusion, Pony. You did a good job explaining why some elves might choose to leave their home and make a new one in Ithilien. And I want a Luindil to rephrase my "blunt" words! He must be handy to have around. The meeting with Gimli's folk was nicely prepared for by his earlier visit to Thranduil. A new age indeed.

Bodkin · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

Starting adventures is always great - but partings are horrible! I don't want Thranduil to be divided from his little mouse! I'm glad Thranduil held out a promise that reunion in the Blessed Realm was a possibility. (I hope it happened.) Then, once on the road, the travellers have got something new to look forward to - while back in the Greenwood, those who remain have got to spread themselves in an attempt to fill the huge gaps left by those who have left. But, more cheerfully, I'm glad Faron was reunited with Gimli's beard! And that Doronrin has something to spark her interest and help her deal with her loss. I'm sure Ithilien will be good for them all. And they can visit...

Agape4Gondor · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 11: The Sky Sprinkled With Diamonds

Another great chapter - but I find it difficult to see the end. You speak of another tale??? Might I have the name so I can read more of your writings? I loved having the thought of the midwife. My daughter just had her first. I would not have been so aware of the need before this! Great idea! Also, loved Thranduil giving a farewell address to his people as they left. Excellent touch. Again - I've enjoyed this tale thoroughly and look forward to reading more of your writing.

Bodkin · 1 August 2006 · Chapter 10: And You Shall Be A Blessing

Good for Doronin! The best thing she could do - a change of scene and a new ... well, not exactly zest for life, but she has chosen to live. And Gimli has done his best - both to be conciliatory and strong and remind the elves that living memory for them is ancient history for the dwarves. In as amiable and wise a way as possible. Things are moving on. Slowly, it's true, but that's still lightning speed for elves. But I feel for Thranduil - he is getting ready to free his little mouse and that's tough. Looking forward to more!

Manderly · 31 July 2006 · Chapter 10: And You Shall Be A Blessing

Being as reclusive as the Wood Elves were, it must be a hard decision to leave everything behind to start a new life in a new land. I thought it was very generous and thoughtful of Thranduil to give them the option of returning to Eryn Lasgalen should they not like Ithilien. In doing that, he is also bolstering the support for Legolas and the move to Ithilien. Knowing that they have the option to return, the elves will be less hesitant to make the move to Ithilien. I am so glad that Doronrin has at last made her decision. Hopefully the new life in Ithilien will bring her peace and closure.

Manderly · 31 July 2006 · Chapter 9: The Wood And The Mountain

I really like Gimli in this story. It must be so difficult for him to carry on any sort of negotiations with elves with their very very long memory and all the bitterness that goes along with those memories. He's done a very good job of it and I sure he has done much to mend the relationship between the two races. At the very least, he has made a life-long friend in Faron.

Jay of Lasgalen · 31 July 2006 · Chapter 10: And You Shall Be A Blessing

One of the things I like most about this chapter is the differing reasons the elves have for deciding to leave for Ithilien - to escape dark memories, the challenge of a new land, and to help heal the shadow there. Their conflicting emotions are complex too - especially the mother who wonders who will tend her son's grave. That was very poignant. I love Thranduil's support here - training Legolas in the new skills he will need, and making it clear that the elves who leave are not exiled - they will be welcome to return. Though I hope they won't abandon Legolas at the first setback!

daw the minstrel · 31 July 2006 · Chapter 10: And You Shall Be A Blessing

I hadn't thought about the fact that settline Ithilien might be like settling the American West, but you're right about that. It will be hard work, doing everything from scratch. I like Thranduil's wisdom in saying he's learned to be less isolationist and to extend his healing elsewhere. And it sounds as if Doronrin will be one of those the land heals. Life begins again.

Agape4Gondor · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 9: The Wood And The Mountain

Very much liked this chapter. I was especially interested in Luindil and his time in Menegroth. I'm in the midst of writing a little something about that and found your words encouraging. One little quibble - you said that Gimli was afraid and I really can't see him being afraid... especially after all the Fellowship went through. Just my own thoughts. Again - delightful chapter - I so love the Elfling.

daw the minstrel · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 9: The Wood And The Mountain

As always, I'm charmed by Faron, who judges Gimli by his behavior today, not by what someone else did ages ago. it did not make the prospect of several days in the company of Thranduil and Luindil any less terrifying. That word "terrifying" made me laugh. It was unexpected somehow. It's hard for me to imagine what compensation Thranduil might offer the dwarves of Thorin's company. I look forward to finding out.

elliska · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

Catching up...I loved this chapter! Gimli's thoughts on the forest compared to Fangorn and Lothlorien (especially his conclusion that it had a cycle of death and life) were great. I loved Thranduil and his proper response to Gimli's greeting! That was perfect! And I wondered what the gift was and when Gimli requested to visit Faron, I knew. That was just wonderful. I brought tears to my eyes. I just loved the idea of Faron hugging Gimli and playing with his beard. Too sweet. This was a wonderful chapter!

Bodkin · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

Wonderful, wonderful Gimli. A cup for a small child - not something designed to please a king. I'm sure many would have turned up with something jewelled and shiny, but Gimli has done something much, much better. He has won hearts. Maybe not Luindil's - not yet - but I think he could, and that's doubtless more than could be said of any other dwarf! And Thranduil has been extensively tutored. A response that shows an amazing amount about the relationship - and the love - between father and son. I hope to see more of Gimli and Faron.

Lianna · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

Oh, thank you. I think we all needed this pleasant chapter after the struggles that Legolas has been going through. And Gimli is such a thoughtful dwarf! I have to wonder, though, whether Gimli may have been experiencing some after-the-war adjustment difficulties, the way that Legolas has.

Manderly · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

What a lovely chapter! Gimli is instantly likable and I am sure he has done much by way of mending fences with his gift to Faron. If only fences could be so easily mended among the nations in our own modern world. There is much to be said about fighting a common foe.

Gwynhyffar · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

Yay! Gimli shows up! I really enjoyed this chapter, Pony. It was touching that Gimli brought Faron a new cup and the elves not fully trusting nature seemed very natural. A nice read before having to go to work!

Wyvern · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

Well, I am not much good at technical literature type evaluation but I have to say I have followed your tale thru the chapters and have really enjoyed it. I look forward to the following chapters!

Agape4Gondor · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

Ah, French Pony, what a Dwarf that Gimli is... bless his kind heart. I would love to hug him myself and feel that beard against me. Nice job - I'm hoping the rest of his visit goes well, but I'm particularly happy to see him there for Legolas' sake.

daw the minstrel · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Mending Fences

Yay! That's what I wanted to see. Faron needed that. How clever and kind of Gimli to think of it.

elliska · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Sing We And Chant It

Catching up...the descriptions in this are great and the conversations really show hoe deeply affected all these elves are by everything that has happened. This chapter was, to me, a really sad mixture of beauty and grief. Strangely powerful.