In the Heart of a Friend by lwarren

Reviews (46)

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thechevin · 22 May 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

Hi hoping that all is well with you and wondering when we might have an update J

Rick · 14 March 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

This is a great story - can't wait for the next bit. Please do continue soon! Thanks for writing. I really like the perspective on elves.

Silivren Tinu · 19 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

I only have time for a short review this time, but I couldn't resist reading this chapter as soon as possible. ;-) I knew Thranduil and Darius would get along well - eventually. *g* I loved your description of Darius' stay with the elves, and all the good natured teasing that was going on (mostly aimed at a certain longsuffering king, lol). It really must have been for Darius like a dream come true. I loved that Thranduil chose to name him elf-friend. Another wonderful chapter, Linda! :) Almut

irene · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

Another lovely! chapter like all the others (but still much too few...). I'm enjoying your story very much. As an avid Thranduil lover I'd like it if you'd describe also how he looks like -- you know, not only character but also looks. And now I'm waiting for the next chapter, within a week, please, pretty please?

daw the minstrel · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

An elegant horse the color of mist and shadow You're always so good on evoking horses, Linda. shade-cooled water That's a nice phrase too. Aravir is very elfy in both his connection to the forest's heart and his amused anticipation of Thranduil's reaction to Darius. And I loved it when Gilfileg appeared! The protection of the Wood Elves is a terrific reward and well deserved.

thechevin · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

Oh a real treat two chapters in such close succession. Of course you realize that we will be expecting this 'speedy delivery' from now on! LOL I really enjoyed this peek inside Thranduil's stronghold, seeing it through Darius's eyes made for an interesting experience for me as well as him. And Thranduil was wonderful ... his handling of Aravir and Darius, his allowing Darius to make his comments and explaining why he allowed it ... This time! I was glad to see Gilifig at the feast as well that was a lovely surprise And more and more I am coming to admire Baranthor and his role in Thranduil's life and the redoubtable Eloriel for making sure her king eats properly! I do hope Legolas remembers to write very soon Thank you Judy

Ces · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

I just found this story and have devoured it twice! You breathe life into your characters, especially Thranduil. He is still suspicious of man, yet can still recognize the good of them individually. Darius seems like such a good man and I'm glad he was there to save the elfling. I can't wait to read more of him, Cara and their baby. I'm quite sure Thranduil will be keeping a watchful eye over them also. All of your elves have quickly become favorites, especially Malgavor and Aravir. Looking forward to more of your wonderful story! Ces

Elena Tiriel · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

Oh, this is a fascinating story! I like how you've made the characters three-dimensional, with details of their lives on the farm, in the forest, or at Thranduil's stronghold. I love your Thranduil, especially how easily he recognizes his son's good judgment about Darius' worth. And the teasing between the Elves must have been a surprise to Darius. Looking forward to more of this story! - Barbara

Larner · 18 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

Most worthy of this honor indeed. Love Thranduil's welcome and the perceptive nature Darius displays. And love the "Tell him to write!" at the end. Yes, the father shows through there so well!

Nieriel Raina · 17 February 2009 · Chapter 5: A Brave New World

These are a lovely couple of chapters. I do think it helps to have them split. :) I can't wait to see what comes next for this family and the elves and the growing friendships all around. Well done!

Silivren Tinu · 17 February 2009 · Chapter 4: An Unexpected Invitation

I so hate it when I lose a chapter or story! It's so frustrating. I'm glad you managed to retype it! *hugs* I can understand Garlon so well - I certainly wouldn't mind working on any farm if there's a chance of elven visitors showing up once in a while. *g* Poor Cara! After greeting the elves the way she did it was really courageous of her to tell Darius to go with them. It can't have been an easy decision for her. I would have loved to be able to sit with them under those oaks and partake of that dinner - it sounds really tasty. ;-) A beautiful chapter, Linda, and as always worth waiting for. :) ALmut

Robinscat · 17 February 2009 · Chapter 4: An Unexpected Invitation

I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying this story. I feel like one of the children, sitting at the Grandfather's feet. "Don't stop the story nooowww! I want to hear the more." I really liked Thrandruil in the last chapter. You make him so 'real'. I loved the amicably scuffle with his friend. And the teasing, too. Thank you for sharing your gifts. Robin

Larner · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 4: An Unexpected Invitation

Bless her for not only relenting but for pressing him to go! Now, to see the hunt! And shortbread to hold an elf within the house? I'll have to remember that! Now, what to attract a certain chieftain of the Northern Dunedain? Heh!

thechevin · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 4: An Unexpected Invitation

Sorry to hear about all your problems with your computer. What a terrible thing to happen. As for the latest chapter I loved the way we saw the farm both close up with Darius and his nephew and from afar by Aravir and Malvagar, his love of shortbread was a real ice breaker with Cara who having got her hormones under control can now see what an honor Darius has been offered. I can't wait to hear about the hunt Thranduil and Baranthor seem very excited by the prospect will Legolas get to go or be present when Darius meets the king? Lovely update thank you so much.

daw the minstrel · 14 February 2009 · Chapter 4: An Unexpected Invitation

Poor Cara! I don't blame her for wanting her husband home, and it's very generous of her to urge him to accept the king's invitation. I like the description of the various farm chores. It makes these people's lives seem real.

daw the minstrel · 18 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

I love the image of Thranduil as a wolf who's not to be poked! But it strikes me that what you've done extraordinarily well here is develop the minor characters with a few strokes so they feel real. Baranthor, Malvagor, Aravir--they feel like real people with full histories whose iceberg tip is the only thing we see.

Author's reply

Thank you, daw! I do enjoy playing with those minor characters and their relationships with the main ones! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter (I think I've always pictured Thranduil as a majestic wolf of the northern forest - definitely not to be poked!) linda

Larner · 12 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

So, now we have Thranduil involved, too? And he'll have Darius checked out to see if he's a legitimate benefactor, eh? He'd question his own son? Am looking forward to more, Linda! Glad to see you able to be back online and adding to this!

Author's reply

I think Thranduil is like any parent whose child comes home with a new friend of questionable (in the King's opinion) origins. He's just checking to be sure this man is on the up and up...besides, the King is just plain curious...and though he was not in the mood to admit it, grateful that Darius intervened on behalf of the elfling and the nearby villagers. Thank you for the kind review, Larner...more coming up in a day or two! *crosses fingers while typing frantically* (You know, that's kind of hard to do! LOL) linda

Silivren Tinu · 9 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

//A man in his stronghold! The only worse scenario he could imagine involved dwarves.// Oh, poor Thranduil, if only he knew! It's a very good thing he's not gifted with foresight! *g* I loved your description of irascible Thranduil, I definitely wouldn't want to get on his wrong side when he's in that mood. ;-) I thoroughly enjoyed Baranthor's way of dealing with his king. Thranduil's mood changing the moment he heard the letter was from Legolas was sweet. I liked Thranduil's reactions to Legolas' report and his thoughts about his son. Of course he would want to take a close look at Darius. Aravir is an interesting character - what a sad fate! I like the idea of Thranduil and his wife taking all those children in. I hope Baranthor and Thranduil will succeed with their mission of making Aravir smile again. It must be so wonderful to have someone to tell you stories like that! Those children are really blessed. Luckily, we have you to tell us the story, too! :) Almut

Author's reply

No, it would not do for Thranduil to know what's in his future! LOL It would put him in a permanently bad mood! Thranduil was fun to write - he's alternately worried about his son, the Captain, the present tone of his beloved forest, and to top it all off, those blasted dwarves are being unreasonable and insulting! Poor elf! As for Aravir...remember him from "The Golden Bell..."? His history is told in a more detailed flashback there. And it was sad, very sad. And Baranthor and Thranduil may think they will lighten him up, but it will take many, many years and a friendship not yet realized for that to happen (though the King and his advisor will never stop trying!). Thank you for the most kind and encouraging review, Almut. New Chapter coming up in a few days, I hope! linda

MMB · 8 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

This is delightful! Your characterizations of canon figures is spot on, and your OCs are very interesting people in their own right. And it is a delight to read a story this well crafted! I'll be impatiently awaiting your next update.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review, MMB! I'm so glad you have enjoyed the story so far! The next update is a few days away, hopefully...am finishing up today and then waiting for my beta to wield her red and blue ink!!! :-) Thanks again. linda

Jay of Lasgalen · 8 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

I'm enjoying this - I like your OCs, and the characterisations of Legolas and Thranduil. I love Baranthor being the only one brave enough to confront Thranduil in his bad mood! Jay

Author's reply

Hi, Jay! Thank you for the kind review - I'm so glad you have enjoyed the story! Thranduil in a snit is not something many want to encounter and he has had a bad few weeks! Baranthor, however, knows him well and can act as a buffer for the rest of the palace, as well as a comfort for his friend, that poor, beleaguered King! Thanks again. linda

Irene · 8 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

So sorry for your computer. Mine did just the same just the same time one year before. Horrible. Thank you for the fine Thranduil chapter! Not only Thranduil is presented as a complex character, also all the others have their different lives and traits; a very rich pattern and a new scenario. Great! Please be a good girl and update soon -- this is a very enjoyable story.

Author's reply

Hi, Irene! Thank you for the kind review! Yes, I do hate computers when they are being difficult (probably because I am so technologically challenged!). So glad you enjoyed the King - he's heavily featured in the next chapter, as well. I am trying to be a good girl - really I am. The next chapter is finished today - then I just have to wait for my beta to check it over and she's very prompt! I hope you continue to enjoy the story, Irene! Thanks again. linda

thechevin · 8 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

Ah how happy I am, sitting here smiling and feeling all is well in my little Middle Earth world, at least for now. Thranduil was wonderful here, a grumpy old wolf, growling and grumbling but not so blind as not to listen to advice from his friend Baranthor who seems to know his king very well indeed. The description of the king's study really made me feel as if I was standing there looking in on the conversations going on. Legolas's letter certainly improved the king's mood even though his son has managed to ensure that he has addtional things to be done including summoning Darius from his farm, the poor man will be terrifed! And how lovely it was to get this glimpse of Aravir in the yeni before he joins Legolas in Ilithien. It is plain that Thranduil is more than fond of this ellon and trusts him, I do hope he manages to make him laugh. A real treat thank you so much and a happy new year Judy

Author's reply

Hey Judy! I'm so glad you liked the King in this chapter - you said it perfectly...the grumpy old growly grumbly wolf who still has the love of a good friend to help him cope with the fallout from a bad succession of weeks. Legolas does have a positive effect on his father - whether in letter form or in person! (Altogether now...Awwwwwww! *g*) As for Darius, yep, he is in for a major shock, poor guy! But also a major adventure, too. LOL As for Thranduil and Baranthor, they are bound and determined to make Aravir lighten up - whether they will be successful remains to be seen! Happy New Year to you, too, Judy! New chapter up in a few days...I'm working on it diligently! :-/ linda

Nieriel Raina · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 3: In the Halls of the Elvenking

I love the quote by Emerson! *g* I really enjoyed this chapter too. Your OCs are so full of life and individuals. And your Thranduil is just wonderfully moody. :) Great chapter!

Author's reply

That quote just seemed to fit the King's mood better than the one I had originally chosen, and funny, too! Oh,and you noticed that mood he was in, did you? *g* I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, I certainly enjoyed the King and his friends! Thank you for the review and all your hard work, NiRi! linda

Silivren Tinu · 5 December 2008 · Chapter 2: One Little Corner of the Forest

I really don't mind when your updates come later than planned - they are always worth waiting for. :) I always love the way you describe Legolas! *sigh* I was looking forward to his first appearance in this story. ;-) He is a wonderful leader. I loved that little detail about Thranduil not being ready to allow Legolas to join the Southern Patrol yet. I can't begin to tell you how glad I am that I don't have to deal with any giant spiders! I don't know what's more disgusting, fighting them, or having to bury their carcasses... I'm glad the elves were able to dispose of all of them, and without casualities to themselves. I loved the description of the battle, by the way. I have to admit I feared that Gilfileg's parents might me dead, or that his village had been attacked, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn that I was wrong. It was probably a good idea that Darius did not return home alone. I'm sure Cara's wrath would have been a lot worse without Legolas and Gilfileg around. *g* I hope the elves will stay in contact with Darius (I wish I had elves to stay in contact with!). Another wonderful chapter! I loved it and am looking forward to whatever will come next. :) Almut

Author's reply

Hey Almut! Thank you so much for the review - I am sorry not to have replied sooner, but my computer went on vacation right before Christmas and I have been without! But now, I can catch up, so to speak! I'm glad Legolas came across as the leader I imagine him to be...even if his father won't let him go where all the action is yet! Actually, he got quite a taste of action with the spiders appearing where they were not supposed to be! Yep, those web-slingers are disgusting, aren't they? And the villagers lucked out, to say the least. I think Darius thinks his adventure is over...ha! Thanks again for the very kind review, Almut. linda

irene · 4 December 2008 · Chapter 2: One Little Corner of the Forest

I like your story. Well, I thought there would be more Thranduil --hopefully there will be -- but as it is by now I think it's charming and interesting. Only one thing - please update earlier - don't let pass four more weeks...

Author's reply

Hello irene! Thank you for the very kind review. I must apologize for the delay in replying to it (and for the delay in posting the next chapter...which is up, btw). My computer died *sob* right before Christmas and I've been without until about 3 days ago. I'll keep trying to stick to a schedule - please be patient! I'm glad you liked the story so far, and if you're looking for the Elvenking...look no further! He's starring in the next chapter! LOL Thanks again for the review! linda