Reviews (281)

Emily · 1 May 2009 · Chapter 29: Justice and Mercy In Like Measure

Of course, as we all know, there is not a single guilty person in any prison in the whole of the US (perhaps the world, for that matter). So Malbeach's repentance only invokes so much sympathy. I am very excited that the shows up here as thoroughly beaten--does this portend good news for my Elvenking and his armies? I'm so excited that things are beginning to look up (for some people, at least). Still, I miss Bandy. You have no idea (okay, you probably do) how much color and life he added to your stories. That Hobbit vernacular and loyalty and wit... I miss him terribly!

eucalyptus · 1 May 2009 · Chapter 29: Justice and Mercy In Like Measure

There are no words to describe how much I enjoyed this chapter.

Naledi · 1 May 2009 · Chapter 29: Justice and Mercy In Like Measure

Call me bloodthirsty, but I'm glad Malbeach died a slow and horrible death! I did feel some sympathy for him though. If he had really had no choice in his actions, then to be freed from the enchantment and to come to the awareness of what he had done would be enough to drive any sane person to despair. I'm not fully convinced he had no choice in the matter though and as for Renna - I'm looking forward to seeing justice doled out to her. Poor Durfinwen - I hope there will be a way for her to come to terms with what has happened to her without fading.

Nieriel Raina · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 29: Justice and Mercy In Like Measure

A fitting end for Malbeach, I think. Like Legolas, somehow I found myself pitying him. Perhaps it was his grief at what he'd done. Yet, I'm still glad he died a very painful and not so quick death. “Anything?” sobbed Dúrfinwen, her voice muffled in his tunic. “You will give me anything?” “Yes, anything, Little One,” said Legolas earnestly. She drew back then, and pushed away from him, her face angry. “I want my purity back,” This part was heart wrenching. Legolas's attempts to comfort her just tore me up and knowing there is simply no comfort for such wounds. Only time and seeing that those who love her still love her, I think, will be the only balm. I can't help but wonder too, if her insistence that her name is Durfinwen is in a way her choosing to turn her back on her human heritage. It just breaks my heart to see the lively and spunky Durfinwen brought so low. While I know her spirit isn't completely broken, seeing her like this is difficult. And I'm not even going to say much about Legolas catching himself looking around for Bandy. *weeps* A very sad chapter. I hope Renna's death is much more gruesome. Isn't that bloodthirsty of me? And I can't help but keep wondering about Kaimelas, Thranduil, the dwarves.... I hope chapter 30 isn't too long in coming. :) *passes tissue box* I will be so very glad when the tree spawning is over. At least trees don't have sex year round. I wonder if elves have allergies? Can you imagine living in a forest at this time of the year? *sneezes*

Calenharn · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 29: Justice and Mercy In Like Measure

Well, I have to say that wrt Malbeach, I have rather mixed feelings, not to mention some lingering confusion. Perhaps it is the antihistamine haze, and I need to reread the chapter a few times, but some things are still unclear to me. If Malbeach willingly gave himself over to evil (that is not entirely clear; if Mukh could coerce others in his presence, I think it is not inconceivable that he could ensorcell someone and maintain them in such a state even AT a distance - consider movie verse Theoden under Saruman's influence), then perhaps he deserved his end. Yet his wailing in this chapter seems to hint that IF he did voluntarily give himself over to Mukh (in the sense of a one time act of will, an inverse act of accepting salvation, if you please), that somehow he was unaware of (or at least uncaring of) the evil nature of his deeds while he was under the worm's sway. (DID Malbeach voluntarily give himself over to the worm's service - or was he ensorcelled? If so, why - was it really all for the love of (or, as he put it, lust for) his wife? Did he have any notion of what serving the worm would entail? How responsible was he for his actions once he came under Mukh's sway - does saying "yes" to ensorcellment absolve you of any guilt for consequential acts - or does it make you responsible for all of them? Were any of those acts truly his, or were they Mukh's desire acted out through him? His apparently lustful designs on the male Elves - was that all the Worm of Morgoth's doing too?) Interesting questions all... perhaps the abhorrent Renna will fill in the blanks for us? I have absolutely no doubt that SHE is thoroughly, totally guilty guilty guilty, and I would not expect to see any cries of contrition from HER. I gather that there has been at least one day between these last two chapters... that being the case, it was a bit surprising to me to see that The Talk between Legolas and Dúrfinwen hadn't already taken place. (I had my hopes raised there for a second when Legolas offered her half or more of his possessions... sounded almost like a prelude to a marriage proposal there, for a bit. Sigh.) I am wondering how it is all going to work out for her now. Legolas didn't seem to be at all surprised at the assertion that she is Princess of Dale (where did he learn that - the gap between the chapters, or did he believe Malbeach's rants?) - yet I cannot see her taking up any position there. (The leadership has followed other lines, and unless all the royalty of Dale has been wiped out, it would seem that she could no longer make a claim. More importantly, culturally she is an Elf, and her destiny (as Radagast implied) is the eternal home of all Elves (Valinor).) Oh well, the usual plea.... post, post, post. (And where is that contingent of Dwarves? They better have some food with them!)

Fantasia · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 29: Justice and Mercy In Like Measure

Well, one down, I'm so glad that he is dead; I suppose that he was under the worn influence and he really regretted his actions at the end, at least his sons’ death, but I'm glad that he is dead. I wish a terrible end for his wife, sorry, I have no sympathy for her. Now, my last comment was short and I was re-reading the other comments and I want to say that I'm still supporting Legolas/Durfinwen romance, I remember that we gave you our opinions about that some time ago and most of the reviewer were in favor of them together, it is just my opinion, I can not picture her with the wizard, I have being thinking in Legolas and Durfinwen together for a lot time now that it is so strange to even consider the wizard, Oh well, it is your story and I will read anything that you write, but for now I'm happy that they have survived. Can wait to see the other ones...I want to see Renna paying for what she did. Thanks for writing and to your beta too.

CandissD · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 29: Justice and Mercy In Like Measure

Wonderful chapter. Poor,poor Bandy. :( I hate to say it but I'm glad Malbeach is dead. Please update soon, can't wait to read more.

Calenharn · 13 April 2009 · Chapter 28: The Old Man

I have to echo the kudos for the portrayal of the Dwarves and Tamin in this chapter. Gimli's characterization was spot on - his grief when it appeared that Legolas was going to die, his matter-of-fact response to Legolas when he awoke. And Tamin! Good thing he was there, to energize the two Dwarves who surely looked like they were going to give up! (One imagines that they *would* have given up, but in order to give the "child" hope...) Thankfully Legolas is going to recover (in body), though as Dúrfinwen says, grief does strange things to Elves, and Legolas is going to grieve deeply over Bandobras. Who knows what twists things may take because of that? As for a Radagast and Dúrfinwen pairing... are you really that intent on frustrating your Legomance minded readers? SIGH. (If not Legolas, then I suppose a Maia might do... but really, it is quite vexing! Dúrfinwen does not seem to stand in awe of Legolas - quite the opposite - and her cheerful good nature is just the thing that he needs.) I guess that I am looking forward to more - where the other sword came, what happened with Thranduil and the other Dwarves and Kaimelas, justice that is coming to Malbeach and Renna - but you will have to excuse me for being disappointed over my (seemingly?) dashed hopes for a Legolas-Dúrfinwen romance.

eucalyptus · 25 March 2009 · Chapter 28: The Old Man

How satisfying it is that Legolas - finally - sleeps. I loved this chapter! Had to giggle at poor Ve's reaction; the first thing I'd want to ask someone like Radagast is if they could do something 'typically' magic for me too! And I am glad Durfinwen seems pretty set on keeping her name. Anoriel *is* nice, but I personally don't feel it suits her.

Emily · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 28: The Old Man

Ha! That Radagast is quite the rascal to sneak up on Durfinwen like that! I loved the combined arrogance and kindness of the wizard--arrogance to think that at one word of his, Durfinwen will look for him in Valinor, kindness to count her past as nothing and to see her true worth. Shall we ever see a postscript to this chapter (a la "The Lieutenant and the Huntsmistress")? It is very fitting that Radagast the nature/animal lover should take a shine to the last of the Laiquenda, especially as you have described her talents. And Durfinwen is not one to be trampled over by a grumpy Maia! This match is intriguing!! This chapter was, of course, excellent. The image of poor Tamin having to crawl around like Gollum was too sad. What a brave child he is, standing up for his Master's life! Gimli was heartbreaking when they found the poisoned wound. His stunned dismay was so vivid, when he could only sit there and mourn over the wound. Good thing Tamin the Optimist was there to get the Dwarves moving so that Legolas was still alive when Radagast showed up. And how I enjoyed Radagast's abuse of the Dwarves and of Legolas himself... as if they all conspired to do things badly just to spite him. Hee! What a lovable curmudgeon! I really can't wait to see the significance of the second sword. I had thought that it might possibly be Bandy's, until you said it was tall. Has Thranduil's sword been stolen by the villains, only to end in his son's hand? That's my best guess.

Naledi · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 28: The Old Man

The description of Legolas' condition at the beginning of the chapter was heartbreaking. Thank goodness for Radagast! Even despite the drama, I managed a chuckle at Radagast's response to Ve's request to, "Do something magic." And I like the idea of a romance between Durfinwen and Radagast in the Undying Lands. Maybe Radagast won't be in the form of an old man there - he could be more to Durfinwen's taste, you never know :)

Cerencae · 18 March 2009 · Chapter 28: The Old Man

I think that this is my favorite chapter for Tamin; he's come such a long way in this story, but he's still our little Tamin. Legolas waking up cracked me up and was written perfectly. Only Legolas could get away with waking up from near-death like a teenager on a Monday morning. I love this story, and I'm really going to miss it when it finishes.

Shlain · 18 March 2009 · Chapter 28: The Old Man

Eee!! I'm bouncing up and down here like a giddy teenager. Durfinwen and Radagast? Oh how romantic he sounded regardless of his no nonsense attitude...swoon! It's happening right? The tale of the two destined lovers meeting once more in the Undying Lands...double swoon! A tale I certainly would love reading. You are wicked! Leaving your readers wondering so lol. Very clever. I do love the way u portray Radagast. It is entertaining to read how he barks at the others with his impatient and sharp words. I must admit that Tamin is becoming a favorite of mine. It was sad to see the spirit of the daffodil-child dampened there for a while. I hope he has a part in any future fics you write. Perhaps a Black Knight of Dol Galenehtar story in the future? Forgive me I have a wild imagination. I'm glad Legolas is ok although I think they all still have a tough time of healing ahead. And I do hope that Durfinwen has a prominent role in kicking Renna's butt! Thanks for keeping us glued to our screens with mouthes agape. Will be checking in regularly for the next chapter. Shlain

Fantasia · 18 March 2009 · Chapter 28: The Old Man

Ok, he is alive and Durfinwen is doing well..I'm happy. Love the chapter, I just wondering...Why wizards have to be so cryptic? Do they take a training in how do not say anything and confuse people? I'm at work, so this review will be short, but I'm glad for the update and ready for the next one. Thanks to you and your beta. Fantasia

Shlain · 15 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

This is my first review of any of your stories so it will be a bit lengthy. First I say thank you for your style of writing, because out of all the fanfics I have read your stories are the only fics that do not depict the elves as over sensitive drug enduced giggling hippies who have pefect lives and as beings who are incapapble of things such as rage, cursing, desire, jealousy, deceit etc. So many authors just do not seem to stick to canon or the personality Tolkien gave to his elves. I will not even mention that they cleary could not be bothered reading The Laws and Customs of the Eldar if they write about wench-lusting elves banging every female they come across. Anyone who has read the silmarillion will know that the elves (and the ancestors of the elves we so love to write about at that) were and are capable of pretty horrible things and are not such perfect beings. So again many thanks for writing such good fics. Good enough that I think were master Tolkien alive he would shake your hand and say, "well done dear girl". Now your Green Knight fics are so cool! Lol I believe I'm addicted. I'm currently reading them over a second time. Concerning this last fic... Poor Bandy! You cannot help but adore him and now he is gone. Poor Legolas. I hope he does not die although I'm sure with the loss of Bandy it must feel so. Please oh please DO NOT I beg you write a Legolas/Durfinwen romance. Mine heart shall shatter and I shall be driven to scratch eyes out lol. I have entertained thoughts of Durfinwen and merry old Galas as a pair. To me they would seem as milk and honey or butter and toast. A good match. On a more serious note, well done. You are a brilliant writer and made me laugh and cry at times. It takes real talent for an author to have her readers so absorbed in her writing. PS: I'm so happy for Himbalath and Andunie. Its was about time! I cant wait for chapter 28. Cheers. PPS: How could I forget about Meivel and Hirilcullas. Meivel and Hirilcullas! What more can I say except: so unexpected. Shlain

Ithilien · 9 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

Once I started the chapter and realized it WASN’T going to tell what happened next to Legolas and company, I thought I’d be irritated. But actually I loved seeing Durfinwen come back to herself. It seems the dragon is dead and the spell is lifted. She remembers herself and what came of her. And better, she has found a wonderful little vale that may be just the place the company may need to go to for healing. But I’m getting ahead of myself here. I should be happy just to see her wits are returned, as is her pride. It seems she has met Radagast, and I have to say I adore him and his curmudgeonly ways. Of course now everything now makes sense. Radagast would send a bird to Legolas to rally him to strike – or perhaps Radagast WAS the bird. Matters not, he did his job and he’s on his way now to rescue the elf and his friends, gathering herbs along the way. I hope he makes it in time. I wonder what he meant though about never being able to heal the burns inside without starweed. What burns inside? I sense some dire pain ahead. But again, Durfinwen. We now learn her heritage, and that is a good thing. It seems to bolster her and make her take pride in her given name. I have to say it is nice to see her back. I feared she would be forever altered. We’ve lost too many on this journey.

Naledi · 3 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

I was so glad to see that the dragon's death has freed Durfinwen from the spell and she knows who she is again. I admire her strength in keeping going even after all that has been done to her. I love Radagast! I assume that's who the strange man is. Telling Durfinwen of her past is the perfect way to distract her from the horrors of her present. I also love his gruff manner: "Don't like what you've done with your hair," LOL!

Fantasia · 2 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

First at all, thanks to Nieriel Raina, for helping you with this story. Glad than Durfinwen survives, good that she is half elf, that human blood will help. After re-reading several times the previous chapters I have half-thought that the brown wizard was behind this, you know exactly where? when Ve said that he could had liked to walk with a wizard, and I thought, hey, there is still at least is one over there, and Mirkwood is his home, he won't like to have it destroyed, and then, all Legolas' dreams were with animals, so it did make sense...At least that part I got right, I won't tell you all the other crazy thoughts that I had...I didn't think about a Dragon and still have not clue about the barrel. I can venture another guess; it is the strange sword that Legolas used the shears of the dream that he told Faramir? I'm worry with the herbs that he needs for burns; I'm so, so worry for Legolas. I did like this chapter; you tell us the dragon dead with Durfinwen recover from her madness and to know that the wizard will play Doctor. Durfinwen is a remarkable character, so brave, the end is priceless and even when she is in her low moments she is with her sword and fighting for not to take the "easy way". it touch me when she thought about Melina and not helping her memory if she is to waste wondering around. Thanks and again, waiting for more, I want to know about them!!!

Calenharn · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

Hmm... I really should learn to sit on my reviews before posting them... So it seems that Dúrfinwen's father was smitten by love at first sight (I somehow missed that the first time around). Okay... I guess he had no chance there at all. What I am wondering now, is how you are going to explain the fact that Dúrfinwen has (presumably) been around for some centuries - without aging - and therefore (presumably) is immortal. (Or, at least has "the life of the Eldar".) (I might have missed some clue in the earlier stories and be totally wrong about that - but my impression is that she has been around for quite a while, long enough to age and die, if that were to be her fate.) Canonically speaking, there simply weren't that many Elf-mortal matings. Two of them ultimately led to Elrond and Elros - both of whom were given the Choice of the Peredhil (which also devolved on Elrond's children). Is there possibly some Choice yet waiting in Dúrfinwen's future? (If so, why was it not revealed until now? Does Radagast perhaps have another task to do, besides saving Legolas?) But then there was that Elf maiden who was the foremother of the Princes of Dol Amroth - who, I note, are all mortal. Did her children ever have any Choice - or did they automatically default to mortality? (I don't really know anything about their mother - whatever happened to her? Did she die, or go to Valinor?) If so, wouldn't that imply that Dúrfinwen herself should have automatically been born mortal? Apart from seeing how the rest of the story spins out (Thranduil, the Dwarves, Malbeach and Renna, Kaimelas, Legolas), I now have another thing to look forward to - your explanation for Dúrfinwen's seeming immortality. (And where is that troop of 100 Dwarves?!)

Calenharn · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

Hmmm... Somehow I *knew* you were going to change the point of view again - just to leave us writhing on the cliffie! ;) So finally we get some info on the nightingale. I suppose that I should have guessed (duh) that Radagast was involved - the only question is, was the nightingale *sent* by him (both real life and in Legolas' dreams), or was the nightingale *him* (both real life and in Legolas' dreams). If an Istari can clothe himself as an old man, why not as a bird, after all? I am glad to see Dúrfinwen not laying down and dying. I suppose it was to be expected that she would turn out to be part mortal (and as some have suggested, that may be what saves her). However, I am not entirely sure that I like the idea that she is descended from royalty (from both her parents). On the one hand, that would (presumably) make her a suitable match for Legolas (Belias or no, I have not given up on my hopes there). On the other hand, it does put the damper on any even-a-lowly-maid-may-dream wish-fulfillment type of fantasies (if you understand what I am saying). I also have to question the Elf prince (her father) wooing a mortal girl... a situation not likely to have a happy ending. (But then, I am perhaps more curmudgeonly than Radagast.) So Mukh is definitely dead, yet Legolas is not (yet). Hopefully Radagast has some small amount of healing magic in him (as well as be-friending of birds and animals magic) - and that this magic can help both Legolas and Dúrfinwen. Meanwhile - what about Kaimelas? Maybe there is hope there, too? (Oh, please...) I presume that Thranduil is now (also) released from the ensorcellment, and has rallied the Elven troops and has come to the rescue of his allies the Dwarves, and is kicking butt. That, I would like to see! As always, ever looking forward to the next chapter...

Emily · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

Aiwendil?? Did a whole lot of things just click into place for me? Since Durfinwen is no longer ensorcelled, I think I can safely assume that Muhk is very dead. Now timing-wise, how does this fit in with the battle taking place to the west? How're things looking for my boy Thranduil? Can I still hope that Kaimelas is hanging on? (I'm a hopeless optimist.) This chapter was very nice. I'm so glad to see that Durfinwen isn't broken (though if anyone has a right to be, surely it's her). I thought it was really sad to see that her arms grew tired just at holding herbs. How devastated she has been. Make Malbeach pay and soon! I don't know if Legolas will be up to doing it any time soon, but please, please kill that wicked man. Let his majesty have the honor, or maybe Gimli. And in all your vengeance, don't forget the little snake Renna. I can't wait to see where you go with the brown stranger. How interesting... pipesmoke, birds, impatient language... are you finally tipping your hand? BTW, what does Durfinwen mean?

Cerencae · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

This chapter just brightened my day. I am so happy to see some optimism for Durifwen. Your alliteration at the end there was fantastic, too. Radagast (I'm guessing) is fantastically written, perfectly gruff enough to help Durifwen back to normalcy.

Nieriel Raina · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

I was so glad to see Durfinwen wouldn't just lay down and die. While I figure she's got a tough road ahead of her emotionally, she's made of stronger stuff and it's good to see. :) LOVE the tweaks, btw! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the appearance of the old man! I think it's very obvious who he is, but just in case someone hasn't figured it out. *zips lips* He had me laughing as his characterization is SPOT ON! Some kicker info on Durfinwen! You knew exactly what they would do, right? You just renewed my hope in that Legolas/Durfinwen romance! I won't give up hope until you marry one or the other off to someone else. Sorry Belias (may you rest in peace). I look forward to seeing how all this information affects future events. Very nice! I've often wondered about whether the rumors about her having mortal blood was true. AND I'm still worried about Legolas, but not so much as I was. Bet he and the others have a tough time ahead of them, but he always pulls through. The scars will run deep this time though. I do hope he can find joy in life again even without his Bandobras. :( *holds out hand* Where's the next chapter? PS The elfling started reading TGK yesterday. She's up to chapter 23 already! I don't think I'll let her read MoE anytime soon, but the rest she can read. :) So be looking for a review from her soon.

eucalyptus · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 27: The Sun-Daughter

Ooooh! I thought Durfinwen's origins might come up eventually! It was very nicely -- and very subtly -- foreshadowed; I only half-suspected it and even then only because I RE-READ the whole thing *how* many times??? LMAO! I am enormously relieved Durfinwen is proving so indomitable. She is quite endearing and too many of your OCs have already met an unfortunate end because of this bloody snake. (Surely we *should* have an idea who the old man is by now without having jumped the gun, right? I don't want to spoil it for others but this chapter is really DOES tell us so much.) Oh, Durfinwen better hurry! Could it be her sword that ends up in Legolas' left hand?!

Ithilien · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 26: Nightingale

I am in such pain right now, thinking about what you've done to Legolas and company. Legolas marches on to his death without much question, and while noble and truly something the Green Knight would do, oh does it make me ache! There is no mistaking that Bandobras is dead (Mukh belching up blue armor sort of makes that clear, doesn't it). I can appease myself somewhat by thinking it was a painless end. But now it looks like you've done the same to Legolas, and I don't think he is going down without pain. I do like that he has stabbed Mukh in some wicked way and perhaps the dragon will die as a result, but Legolas is the hero of our story, and even if he somehow lives, I have no idea what such a venomous piercing would be like. I suspect it may be a rather grave wound. Pain/comfort maven that I am, I almost sort of enjoy that idea, but first I need to see him live through this first encounter. I'm thoroughly loving this story and I check in on this site often to see if it has an update. I'm looking forward to a new chapter whenever you have it and hope it will be coming soon.