Dreamflower
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Spurs
Oh, how I love these first two chapters! It was so marvelous to see Bandy getting his white belt and spurs at last!
I felt sad that Pearl did not live to see the day, though it did not surprise me, as you had previously hinted at her poor health. My only possible unfulfilled wish would have been to see Bandy's Uncles Pippin and Merry there--they'd have been bursting with pride to see him knighted! But I suppose the logistics of having them there might have been difficult--I am afraid I cannot tell what year this is, so I don't know if it would have even been possible.
Tamin is adorable, and I love his heartfelt hero-worship of Legolas.
And I am quite intrigued with the intrigue! On now to the next chapter...
CandissD
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 5: The Dream
Wow, what a great chapter! You described the dream so well I was shaking too. I cannot wait to see what happens next. :)
eucalyptus
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 5: The Dream
Gasp! NO WAY.
Rouret, I have no words for how many kinds of awesome this story is. No words! Okay, there might be words. Like flawless. Flawless is a great word, because it becomes increasingly obvious to me that your talents greatly exceed the world of fanfiction. Not that my opinion is worth more than anyone else's, but there are only two other fanfic writers I've read who I would say that of so I hope you don't think I say that without having throught it through.
And, I suppose every review I leave for you from now on will be some variation of this now, because it is simply a fact that whenever I finish reading something of yours, the most overwhelming feeling I am left with is that you are among the best writers I have had the pleasure to read in the world of fanfiction, and I want you to know how much I appreciate that you write for us. :)
Okay, back to the chapter:
That was a very chilling read. I wish we could fast-forward to the part where Malbeach and his wife get what's coming to them, because I am already sure I will enjoy that part immensely. Also, the imagery of the snake was particularly well-done, as was Legolas' sense of unease about his horrific dreams. And gasp! I am so pathetic now -- even the slightest mention of Durfinwen excites me (same for Galas). Don't hate me!
Anyway. That is all. Best of luck with the next chapter!
Emily
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 5: The Dream
Wow, you really picked up the pace in this one. Very intense, very vivid. A line that really stuck out at me was when Legolas had just woken up and was startled by the ladybird striking the window. It was such a real moment, when nerves are on edge and the adrenaline is pumping and the mind is expecting an attack. My heart rate was up there right with his!
I very much love your portrayal of Gimli--not the grunting half-wit that Legolas puts up with, but a wise, eloquent, decidedly down-to-earth and realistic Dwarf! I think this Gimli would be fun to be friends with. Gloin's letter was also good. Straight and to the point. Not as pretty as Thranduil's, but overall maybe more helpful.
The conflict that you're setting up here is very compelling. There's so much potential horror, but still the vision brings hope that something can be done. Wonderful writing. I really enjoy the language and characters. You go so in depth into the tiniest details that it's just a pleasure to read (even though I'll be on the edge of my chair until the next update).
Fantasia
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 5: The Dream
What a great chapter! The dream was really terrifying, you really know haw to write, it make me scared. So they are going to Eryn Lasgalen, it seems that there is something rotten in Esgaroth, missing people, and that dream...dead bodies, screams, the ring and that woman-snake… Do you know that I check almost every day for updates?
Please, update soon, I can hardly wait, this is an incredible story...I'm at work, so I should being productive and not reading and reviewing good stories.
Thanks, Fantasia
Wimsey
· 25 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
It is so nice to have something to look forward to. Once again you are weaving my interest into the story. I take it this is not the romance you have though of. I hope you have not abandoned that idea, I would very much like to read that story. Although, I suppose this one will serve. I am interested if you have published anything, you write so well. I have a question. I have been reading you Pottymouth story, and wonder surely that is not your vision of the Green Knight in the future. The Faramir you have presented in this universe does not fit in with that one either. Just something I have been curious about. I just did a book talk about Guady Night. I also found online somewhere The Wimsey Letters. They were written as letters between the Wimsey family right at the beginning of WW II.
Author's reply
The Wimsey Letters? Really? Were they written by Sayers, or by Jill Paton Walsh? I'll have to dig those up ... I'm currently re-reading Gaudy Night; I'd forgotten how much I loved the dialog!
"Pottymouth" was not intended to be a "sequel" to my Green Knight stories. It actually began as a dare and grew (as all my stories do) into something unrecognizable. "A Fleeting Glimpse of Shadow," its true sequel, carries some shades of TGK in it but it stands on its own. The trouble with fanfic is, the characters belong to someone else and are rather static, so it's difficult to make them grow and change enough to "own" them in a different story. That is probably why all of my true LotR fic is in the Green Knight universe - so many of the more interesting characters are original, and I've gone to all this trouble to build Legolas a tower and set up his demesne and people it with strange and funny and aggravating people; why would I back-track and start over?
When I started "Pottymouth," Faramir became the bad guy simply because SOMEONE had to be the bad guy, and I needed a reason for Eowyn to be single. "A Fleeting Glimpse of Shadow" redeems him somewhat, though I contend the OC in that story, Michael, is one of my more evocative characters. I'm quite proud of him, and am immeasurably glad I don't know him personally.
As always, thanks for reading and reviewing! Chapter 5 is in the works!
Le Rouret
eucalyptus
· 25 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
Sigh. Le Rouret, I have to tell you just how much I am enjoying Master of Esgaroth. This is the first of your stories that I have followed as a WIP and I swear, discovering when you've posted a new chapter has been the highlight of these last few weeks. (Except for my new car, which I picked up last night. Can't really top that.) Tamin is beyond delightful, and I am thrilled to see him filling Bandobras' very large shoes. And this Malbeach fellow and his wife are surely up to no good -- I am looking forward to seeing how their role in the story plays out. Is it ridiculous that I love your original characters as much than some of Tolkien's? Of the elves, Galas and Andunie are my favourite, followed by Durfinwen (I snorted aloud when Tamin told Legolas that he would have to settle for marrying her -- it would be amusing to see her reaction to that). I hope they play a role in Master of Esgaroth.
I have no idea if you intend to write that whole, "watch as the Lord of Dol Galenehtar does the unthinkable and falls in love" fic, as you mentioned in the Author Notes of one of your stories here (Heir of Meduseld?), but I do admit that I am intrigued that others have suggested Durfinwen. I think I would have rooted for Andunie at one time, before Himbalath championed her, and given that they are clearly made for each other, I think I will have to throw my official (and probably far too late) support behind Durfinwen who I think would be an entertaining and well-suited match for Legolas. They already have a wonderful chemistry established, and I am also sure Dol Galenehtar and Legolas' parents would approve -- save for perhaps Galas.
Regardless, whoever it is you decide upon, if you decide on anyone at all, I am sure she will leave poor Laustaire in the dust. Not that that would be too difficult.
Have you ever thought about writing professionally? Call me curious. :)
Author's reply
Congrats on the new car! May it bear you well.
I confess I love my OCs too ... sometimes a tad too well. But then, I can "play" with their personalities and futures in ways that I cannot with Tolkien's characters, making them more fluid and believable.
Another hat thrown in the ring for a Legolas/Durfinwen romance ... I might actually have to take it seriously. Eventually. Perhaps.
I've thought about writing professionally ... I even have the stock "novel in progress" that I'm working on. It's just these darn LotR plot bunnies nibbling on my ankles!
Becky O'Calahan
· 25 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
Favourite line: "it might be a relief to me, as she would I expect dispatch the trollop with a single blow"
I love Legolas' mother.
This chapter made me laugh out loud; I had never thought before about what the mortal reaction to Thranduil would be, and the idea that a lord's wife would try to seduce him is really delicious. And his bonding time with the Dwarves? Hahah I bet they brought some interesting stories back home.
Author's reply
I always wondered what the average village maiden's reaction would be to the Elvenking and his retainers ... they were such presences in Esgaroth and Dale; it would be hard to miss them, wouldn't it?
I love Legolas' mother too ... I wonder what Tolkien would think of my representation?
Thanks for the review!
Le Rouret
Alison H
· 24 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
Ha! Those letters made my day! It made me smile when Thranduil hesitated to call his 'stalker' a "lady" but Legolas has no problem with calling her a 'whore'! I would love Legolas'Lady Mother to make it quite clear that Thranduil is hers and hers alone.I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Queen of Eryn Lasgalen is quite a formidable 'warrior' in her own right.Fur is going to fly methinks!!
This story is just so fascinating and I can't wait to read more, Le Rouret.Update soon.
Ali.
Author's reply
Nothing gets a lady's goat more than some little trollop trying to horn in on her action. And men think THEY'RE competitive? Please!
Thanks for the review! The next chapter is in the works.
Le Rouret
Emily
· 23 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
Classes for the spring semester began today; this chapter was just the pick-me-up I needed! Thank you! Excellent from start to finish. You captured two very different personalities in these letters, which in my own experience can be difficult. I enjoyed Thranduil's letter the most. You've made him to be the Elvenking that I've always wanted to read. And I really like how Thranduil's wife is still alive (popular opinion thrown out the window, which is always the best course of action!). Thranduil's quandary was so amusing in light of his wife's potential reaction. Diamond and mithril stars! And those for just a dance too many; how will she react to her not-so-charming rival?
I thought the prose was just beautiful, especially when Thranduil speaks of his regard for his son. It's always a responsible son or daughter's delight to be relied on by his or her parents. I felt a glow of pride for Legolas when Thranduil began his letter by preferring Legolas to his counselors.
This Master of Esgaroth seems to be a sly fellow. He and his wife should be put out with the morning trash. Good for Thranduil for working with the Dwarves! (Good for Thorin too!) I can't wait to see where you go from here.
Author's reply
Your comment about the Master of Esgaroth and his wife being "put out with the morning trash" reminded me of some of Jeff Foxworthy's jokes ... I always postulated that the Elves, even the Sylvan ones, would view the average village mortal as a sort of redneck; it would take an exceptional mortal - like Aragorn or Faramir - to make them sit up and take notice.
I like Edlothiel; I like the concept of Legolas having a living, breathing, and very strong-willed mother to take on an extremely strong-willed Thranduil. What a marriage that must be!
Thank you for reviewing!
Le Rouret
Nieriel Raina
· 23 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
*snorts* And I just now saw your thank you note. LOL! *bows* I will keep my red pen inked and ready for comma insertion! Thanks for the laugh! I needed it!
Nieriel Raina
· 23 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
Just wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed these letters. Great chapter. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
LOL, check your inbox, beloved beta!
Fantasia
· 23 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
I only can say the same that the others have already said, it is a great story, I just love it. It is so funny and unexpected Thranduil problem, you will think that with all his years and experiences he will know how to handle the situation...The end of Thranduil's letter is my favorite part, to see the close relationship between father and son, beautiful...And for writing my own fic, no, there is no way that I can do that, but you just do it perfectly and it is a delightful experience to read your stories...Please, keep updating and thanks.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love writing in the "letter" format, and the relationship between Legolas and Thranduil has always intrigued me. I always postulated that the typical evil!Thranduil so beloved of many fanfic writers (particularly the slash variety) could not have produced such a kind-hearted, brave, funny person as Tolkien's Legolas.
Le Rouret
CandissD
· 23 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
I love this story. :)
Legolas' advice to his father was great! I also loved hearing about Tamin's cousin and her pranks. Please update soon!
Author's reply
Thank you! the next chapter's at the beta!
-- Le Rouret
sheraiah
· 22 January 2008
· Chapter 4: Letters from Rhovanion
Better late than never! I so suck when it comes to reviewing and I know it.
But, as always, this is lovely and I am enjoying it. I about fell out of my chair laughing at Thranduil's 'predicament'.
I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter.
Author's reply
Why, hello there! So where's the next "Wanker" installment, eh?
Not to worry - I suck at reviewing too. I'm such a hypocrite.
Bua ha ha haaaah, wait till you see where I'm going with this!
Emily
· 17 January 2008
· Chapter 3: The Little White Horse
This story is so refreshing! I'm in awe at the amount of knowledge that you display. This chapter was an absolute pleasure. The imagery and descriptions of Legolas's domain were beautiful and clear. I very much enjoyed watching Tamin with his horse. The wordiness is not overdone or stale but is vibrant and full of activity, smells, and sounds. I cannot wait to see how you develop your plot. Eagerly looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Emily! I'm glad you enjoy the way I'm writing this story. It gets cumbersome at times, but then I just re-read Ivanhoe and it all comes flooding back!
Becky O'Calahan
· 15 January 2008
· Chapter 3: The Little White Horse
Aw, Elrohir has left the building...too bad. Tamin and his adorableness completely make up for it. Another cute chapter. Haha Legolas was so concerned about Tamin and Aravel/Isilme :P I love it, can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Becky! Yes, Tamin is almost too sweet, isn't he?
Fantasia
· 15 January 2008
· Chapter 3: The Little White Horse
It is great to have a new story from you. I’m enjoying every chapter and Tamin is delightful.
I hope that you are back with the romantic story that you promise us last time (please, please!). I see that Durfinwen is not there, she is away in Thranduil’s court? Hm... I just hope that she is not in the party that goes missing. Well, it will be romantic to have a Knight rescuing a maiden in distress...I know, I’m creating my own fanfic…
Keep writing and good job.
Thanks, Fantasia
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia ... well, if you're "creating your own fanfic," why not write it? That's what I do!
CandissD
· 15 January 2008
· Chapter 3: The Little White Horse
I love Tamin :) What a cutie and now he has Isilme. I cannot wait to read more
Author's reply
Thank you, Candiss! I love Tamin too ... his dialog is almost ... almost as fun to write as Bandobras!
Nieriel Raina
· 15 January 2008
· Chapter 3: The Little White Horse
I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter, and all the horsey information! So subtle yet you have the elves working with the horses in the way that speaks their language, and I just love that!
Tamin is such a great character. I so love Bandobras, too, but Tamin is just... *grabs elfling and hugs him* DELIGHTFUL! *grin* Loved the white horse being compared to Araval. LOL! And Tamin's crush on Andunie and Durfinwen is adorable. I will continue to pester you that Durfinwen would make a fabulous Lady of Dol Galenehtar. *grin* We haven't even seen her yet in this story, have we? And Legolas' practical take on love. Well, he's come a long way and seems to have lost some of his cynicism and holds great wisdom on the matter now, for all he wants nothing to do with it.
I look forward to seeing more of Tamin and Isilme bond. The little white horse reminds me so much of a Norwegian we had in our barn once. So easy going and oh, his trot was horrid! But his canter was beautiful and he just glided over the ground.
Bandobras just made this chapter for me. I am enjoying seeing him all grown up. His lines are classic as always, but in a much more mature manner, as should be expected.
I hope Fastred and Leodwyn eventually work through their differences so they can at least be friends once more. Young love...sighs. Such stupidity. LOL! I hope Tamin learns a lot by watching his friends attempts.
Thanks for another wonderful chapter. As always, I look forward to more!
tnt2b2
· 7 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Spurs
Legolas saw the Lord and Lady of Ithilien exchange worried looks and Legolas wondered, just for a moment, if he might interfere. But then the memory of Dúrfinwen’s wrath, and the ghostly recollection of a woman’s shoe striking his temple, returned to him, and he recalled his oath to her to abjure match-making. “A pity,” he thought, watching Fastred stew in chagrin. “’Twould be an easy thing … "
I wonder what new pasttime Legolas will come up with now that he can no longer be a matchmaker.
What a great chapter. Tamin is quite anxious to be involved in everything. Such devotion! I wish I could serve the Green Knight.
Author's reply
Don't we all! I've created Dol Galenehtar to be my ideal Medieval castle!
Thanks for the review!
Becky O'Calahan
· 6 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Spurs
Aw what a lovely chapter! I'm excited to see what part Elrohir will play in this story - I love the Sons of Elrond, in all their dark, mysterious glory. Hopefully Tamin won't be so intimidated by him for long :p I can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Sorry; Elrohir isn't in this very much - in fact, I'm getting rid of him at the next chapter. But if you want a different take on Elrond's sons, try reading the "Conversation" stories by Sheraiah!
Nieriel Raina
· 5 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Spurs
I absolutely loved this chapter. I always enjoy how you build a story with all the building of the opening then take us for an exciting ride. I am so enjoying Tamin! He is just adorable and I want to hug him! He is so perfect for following Bandobras as Legolas' squire.
Lots of subtle humor and not so subtle humor in this chapter. I really got a kick out of several lines, but especially Tamin's announcement that Aragorn's getting older made it harder for him to get into his ermine robes. LOL!
Can't wait to see more from you. *taps foot and looks expectantly at Le Rouret, then points to computer screen* More, here, now. *grin*
NiRi
wimsey
· 5 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Spurs
I am so delighted to find another Green Knight story. Just the thing to brighten the dark days of the bleak midwinter. I am already entranced and cannot wait to see what you do with this.
Author's reply
Thank you! And, I'll have you know, I received a new copy of Gaudy Night from my daughter for Christmas, because my old copy was so well-loved it had fallen apart. I'm halfway through it now!
Bodkin
· 4 January 2008
· Chapter 1: Tamin
Lovely bit of scene-setting! Very informative. And Tamin is panting to take over from Bandobras and Fastred as Legolas's young admirer/aide! Shame Pearl didn't live long enough to see Bandy knighted - although I daresay the whole concept would be a little odd to hobbits, even if she had been living amongst Legolas's elves for a good while.
Author's reply
Well, I took my cues from Merry's becoming a knight of Rohan, and Pippin joining the Tower Guard, for Bandobras' willingness to become a knight of Dol Galenehtar. His loyalties, however, lay more with Legolas than with the Shire; thus I had to "get rid of" Pearl!
Thank you for reviewing!