Reviews (196)

CandissD · 21 March 2012 · Chapter 14: The Storm Breaks

Wonderful chapter! Poor Thranduil and poor Lindoriel :( I loved the way you described his foreboding and how it built up to the attack. I apologize for not reviewing the last few chapters but I read them all and am enjoying this story very much. :)

Oleanne · 21 March 2012 · Chapter 14: The Storm Breaks

I knew it was coming, but poor Lindoriel! Her actions kept Thranduil from death - that is if his heart doesn't break from the loss. THese last few chapters have been amazing. Sorry that I did not review earlier. You have really given these characters life and made us love them and mourn their loss.

Adrianne · 6 March 2012 · Chapter 8: Whispers in the Dark II

Oh my! Your descriptions of the woods around Dol Guldor were riveting! I wanted to stop reading but I couldn't! I kept saying 'One more paragraph, then bed'. Not so. I kept reading until the end. This passage was particularly telling: "They continued slowly forward for another hour. The deeper they went, the plainer the indications became. It felt like Mordor. It smelled like Mordor. Thranduil’s every sense was prickling with the danger of the place, the brooding malice. Even the horses were uncomfortable. He wanted to see Dol Guldur for himself, but at this rate he doubted they would be able to make it that far." The sense of foreboding is as palpable as Thranduil's own feelings of helplessness in the wake of this new threat, the sudden weight of his kingship pressing on him in a way it never has. I do not envy him, but nor do I doubt him. I'm hooked now. I have to read the next chapter!

Adrianne · 6 March 2012 · Chapter 6: The Golden Years III

Forgive me for taking so long to come in here to read. I've been longing to find time to finally do so. I feel almost as if I've let you down by not leaving a review. When you posted 'The Golden Years II' I went immediately and read it thinking that I would be able to leave a review later that evening. But then real life hit with a vengeance and has not let go. However tonight I found some quiet time and so re-read 'The Golden Years II' and also part III. May I say that I am so glad to see you back continuing this masterpiece of a story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now for my review. I love the interplay between Thranduil and Legolas in Chapter 5, as they journey back to Amon Lanc and Thranduil reminisces about the days of his father. It is almost sad in that it seems to strangely foreshadow the dark events that come at the very end of this chapter. 'It almost seemed too much to expect, but for their sakes Thranduil hoped these idyllic years could continue uninterrupted.' And thus it begins. Your introduction of the events we all know are coming is particularly chilling under the circumstances, but I am glad to finally read the story of Legolas' lost love that you tease us with in 'I Return'. Though the titles of your next 3 chapters tell me that all is about to come crashing down, I'm anxious to read at least one more chapter tonight. I'm so glad life has allowed you to return to this story. You are a brilliant author.

Agape4Gondor · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 9: Whispers in the Dark III

My head qas itching as I read this. *shudders* I do like Lindoriel. Nicely written.

Agape4Gondor · 26 February 2012 · Chapter 8: Whispers in the Dark II

Incredible chapter. Intense. Very well written. I was on the edge of my seat!

Agape4Gondor · 24 February 2012 · Chapter 7: Whispers in the Dark

Wow! And so it begins -- again. Poor Thranduil. I ave finished one and two these past weeks and now must wait as does Lindoriel for further news. Bless you. Gtreat writing of a great presence in Middle-earth!

mereyom · 16 February 2012 · Chapter 6: The Golden Years III

You are back!!! Oh, joy. Now I have to carve out time to reread the series to get caught up with where we are. The little link is sitting there open in my browser, tempting me.

Anonymous · 9 February 2012 · Chapter 5: The Golden Years II

Hello! It's wonderful to see you back on the scene. I'm so sorry to hear about what's been happening for you and just can't imagine how you're feeling. I adore your writing. I've been an avid fan of 'We were young once' for years and it's sparked something of an obsession with Thranduil. It's absolutely fascinating to see the character changes through each series and even the overall feel of the story. I actually am finding it really interesting, having read I and II, now to be reading III and The Red Winter together and seeing parallels, not to mention noting how Thranduil has changed and yet still so very much himself. I wish I could go into detail about everything I love but I'm just not coherent enough! Just rest assured that you've created what, for me, is the best and most multi-dimensional set of LOTR stories of the net. XXX

Phuong · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 5: The Golden Years II

i just started reading lotr fics but just reading it without being familiar a lot about the characters, i still enjoyed it. i liked your dialogue. its smooth and flowy. you're a really talented writer.

thughes41 · 24 March 2010 · Chapter 4: The Golden Years

I just started reading your "We Were Young Once" stories about a month ago and have really been enjoying them. I'm current on the second stor and didn't realize that the third part wasn't yet done. I really do hope you finish this last part of your wonderful storyline. I've really enjoyed reading it.

silent planet · 9 November 2009 · Chapter 4: The Golden Years

wow! you updated. haha i only check this like every six months i'm surprised i saw it this recently.

Ayala · 31 October 2009 · Chapter 4: The Golden Years

more more love that story and your character Lindoriel Tolkien never write on the wife of Thranduil? thanks

CandissD · 23 October 2009 · Chapter 4: The Golden Years

wonderful chapter! I am so happy you updated :)

Mere Yom · 17 October 2009 · Chapter 4: The Golden Years

What a joy to see that you have returned to this story! Poor Lindoriel-- such a harrowing birth story. But, joy comes in the morning. I love that you've written this not with the focus on the angst, but as a touching moment between husband and wife, with the emphasis on the new life.

Adrianne · 16 October 2009 · Chapter 4: The Golden Years

Be still my heart! I could not get here fast enough when I opened my email and found that you had posted a new chapter for his phenomenal story! At last, Legolas is with us! He will be an only child, of course, because of the energy his mother spent to give him birth. I loved the exquisite way that Thranduil took on Lindoriel's pain at the time of her surgery. What an amazing turn of events. Thank you, thank you for returning, my friend. I look forward now to watching Legolas grow and become the Prince of the Realm. Excellent joy, as always. Adrianne

Adrianne · 22 September 2009 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

I appreciate your prompt reply. Truth is, I realize that you have probably been very much caught up in real world commitments. You have mentioned often the importance of your education. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, by the way. I would not want you to think I am being demanding, just offering a bit of encouragement by letting you know that there are those of us eager to see you take up the threads of this wondrous story once again and continue weaving your particular brand of Middle-earth enchantment. Just a gentle nudge. . . PS: I am delighted and pleased to read that you will be making an attempt to 'get the wheels rolling again'. But I promise I'll be patient.

Adrianne · 20 September 2009 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

I know it is probably of little use to beg you to return to this remarkable story, nevertheless, I feel the need to try. Thranduil is one of my favorite characters in all of Tolkien, made even more so by your heroic and poignant portrayal. I do hope that life grants you time and wherewithal to come back to this epic tale. With love, Adrianne

Chamilia Thranduiliel · 26 September 2008 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

No! You can't stop now! This FanFic rules! Love it. Come on! I LOVE Thranduil... He is my hero... Pleasssse!

Jay Greenleaf Elf · 18 August 2007 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

Finally those two are going to be parents. I just hope that Lindoriel will arrive there and back again safely. Hope to hear from you again real soon, ttfn.

silent planet · 14 July 2007 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

You sure know how to make time pass quickly for them! Thanks for updating, lovely chapter.

ninqwestilmen · 28 June 2007 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

While the chapter is immaculate, no doubt, it seems almost an anti-climax after the ominous note on which the previous ended. I had expected to see more of Estelmo, glimpses of Thranduil at the gladden fields, not to mention some more insight into the Queen Mother's emotions. To me at least, it seems as though there should have been another chapter before this one. But I did love the story :) Luinar is quite endearing, still the cocksure character of 'I Return' :) I hope to see more of Thranduil's extended family in the chapters to come, they are always good reading. I must say Legolas' imminent arrival surprised me, I had not expected the transition from Aran to Adar so early in the tale. But now the potential paths you can take us on open up quite considerably... All in all, another great chapter.

tnt2b2 · 28 June 2007 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

What an artist you are, Coriel. In my mind's eye I can see and feel the story unfold. I am always totally immersed in your stories and do not realize the passing of time. I tell my students that books are a passport to worlds unknown and undiscovered. Your stories embrace that thought. As always, I look forward to your next chapter

Adrianne · 27 June 2007 · Chapter 3: New Happiness

Ahhh, Coriel. May I say that you had me in tears by the end. A new life beginning in the autumn of the year. Legolas, no doubt. And so we will get to see the prince born and bred to his duties. I have been waiting for this, and will look forward to his birth and to the extraordinary feeling of love that will assail the King and Queen when they become parents. "Now it was Hatholas who smiled, an expression in which Thranduil could always recognize the condescension of Coriel. “You are a very disciplined king, my lord,” he said; “but I expect you will be a terribly indulgent father." I do not doubt that this is will prove very true. The passing of Lady Lóriel into the West was a bit sad, but she goes with 'hope' and to await the reincarnation of her husband. I love how you show so intimately the inner workings of Thranduil's life, the day to day, so to speak; his thoughts, his weight of responsibility, his joy. "Despite the natural loneliness that his position inspired, Thranduil was far from miserable. Indeed, he was not even unhappy." I liked these lines. I suppose knowing what he and his people will face in the future, (the not to distant future as time goes for the Elves}, it does my heart good to see that he is enjoying some peace and contentment. Yet all the while there is that feeling of unease in regard to the one ring that runs like a sinister undercurrent through all of their lives, Elves, Men, Dwarves... Another beautiful chapter. Thank you for ending it on a note of hope. I simply love this story.

Adrianne · 17 June 2007 · Chapter 2: Into Shadow

I realize I have already left a review of this chapter, but when I first read it I did so early in the morning before I left for work and I posted my reply in a bit of haste. I also was in a mild state of euphoria over the fact that the chapter had been posted so quickly after I had caught up on the previous Books I and II. The aboved mentioned resulted in a poor review that only partially expressed my delight in the chapter. I have since gone back and read it several more times and so wanted to give additional feedback. The following is one of my favorite passages in the entire chapter and perhaps even in the entire story: "That morning dawned dark with abundant threat of autumn rain. Thranduil had risen to see the last of the stars veiled by the encroaching clouds, and for a time he merely perched himself amid the highest branches of Galadhremmen Lasgalen, feeling the pulse of the forest beneath his hand. The wood released the memory of Oropher only slowly, and it was for him to strengthen his own hold on the raw arboreal lifeforce of his realm while peaceful days endured. It would be his to wield when once he had entrenched himself deeply enough, as it had been his father’s. The first rumble of thunder that morning was released from the churning clouds at his command, and he was satisfied." Without question Thranduil becomes sovereign of all he surveys and this passage illustrates it splendidly. "...feeling the pulse of the forest beneath his hand." Beautiful! And that last line! Wow! The sheer power of Thranduil's presence is formidable. What a great paragraph. I also love the ominous tone with which you ended the chapter: "He had little enough to report to Celeborn and Elrond. Isildur remained unaccounted for, whether dead or alive none could say. Yet, before he had been knocked senseless, Estelmo confessed that he had overheard a significant farewell between the prince and his father, and had then seen his king vanish in a blaze of red flame. If Isildur was lost, the Ring of Power was certainly lost with him." Absolutely, chilling. Even if one did not know what was coming. Lastly may I say that there is nothing about this chapter that suggests even a hint of decline. The writing, as always, is superb. The events, the characters and the places have lost none of their enormous appeal. I look forward to this book more than I did the last two, for certainly the Third Age is where Thranduil proves is worth a thousand times over. Of course this is the Age with which the majority of Tolkien fans are most familiar and there is much that occurs. I expect to be charmingly ensnared for many, many centuries...well for many, many chapters, anyway. Thank you once again for your efforts on our behalf. No need to answer this post. I know you are a busy bee. Get what has to be done, done so you can give this jewel some quality time. It is well worth the wait. Adrianne