In the Heart of a Friend by lwarren
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...
Larner · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 2: One Little Corner of the Forest
Ah, Gilfileg AND Celebgil! I am pleased! And am glad they were able to clean out the spider's settlement so handily--and to remove the danger of the egg sac as well. Not to mention Cara's reaction on Darius's return. Well done! Now, to get myself some sleep.
Author's reply
Man, Larner! You're going to think poorly of me...but I promise I'm not copying those names!!! :-( Thank you for the kind review, tho', and I must apologize for the delay in replying. Computer death...tragic and verrryyy irritating! I'm glad those spiders are gone, too...at least for awhile. And Darius just thinks Cara is upset now....he has no idea what is in store for him later! hehehehe! Thank you again for the kind review! linda
daw the minstrel · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 2: One Little Corner of the Forest
What a tense moment when the elven patrol arrives and finds the man with the elfing! But this was a great tale of these people getting to know and appreciate one another, something that will come in handy someday. I really like the way the elfling clung to the man who had rescued him. He knew safety when he found it.
Author's reply
Thanks, daw! I hope this meeting will be only the beginning of the two groups learning to know and recognize each other in a positive light. And Gilfileg knew a safe haven when he found one! Somehow, I don't think all those arrows aimed at him made too good of an impression on the elfling! (I have to apologize for the delay in replying to your review...the computer decided to up and die on me and I've been without for an eternity...well, it SEEMED that way!) Anyway, thank you again for the kind review, daw! linda
thechevin · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 2: One Little Corner of the Forest
I was so relieved to see an update and such a lovely one at that! You give the elves a distinct character they are like us but so alien at the same time and you make this come across so clearly, (which is more than I am doing with this review!) But they are so real that it is a pleasure to get to know each of them. Legolas was lovely as ever so much a leader and yet still fretting over the fact that his father keeps him close, I liked his old commander, a wise head and a quiet word so understated yet obviously his influence over Legolas is easily seen here, as is Legolas's desire to do right by all his folk. I was happy to see the elfling returned to his parents and that Darius's return home was eased by Legolas and Gilfileg's presence I hope RL eases up for you so that you can post more regularly. I know how selfish can I be! But I so enjoy your stories. Judy
Author's reply
Thank you for the very kind review, Judy! I'm glad you enjoyed the meeting between the man and the elves! Legolas is a good leader - and getting somewhat impatient with his rather protective father! Ohtar understands both sides and his reassurances will calm Legolas down...for awhile at least! LOL As for RL, it has not let go yet, as you can see by the delay in this reply to your review. My computer up and died on me, just about the time I was ready to send the next chapter to my beta, and I didn't get it back until a few days ago! *sigh* But I'll keep trying...you are so encouraging! Thank YOU! linda
Nieriel Raina · 2 December 2008 · Chapter 2: One Little Corner of the Forest
A fascinating chapter! I love the action sequence. Very nice! And I have to say it again, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ohtar! What a great captain he is! :) Great job, meldis! Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Hey NiRi! Thank you for the kind words...you are responsible for that action sequence, you know! LOL Ohtar sends his regards, by the way, and says it's nice that you recognize the worth of an 'elderly' elf! *g* Thanks again for your hard work! linda (if I can keep this computer working, maybe I can get on some kind of schedule? yeah? no? thought not! *sniff* will continue to press on...)
Silivren Tinu · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Beginnings
I absolutely loved every single character you introduced in this chapter, be it man, horse, or elfling. ;-) I could picture Darthon walking over his fields so well - I've spent countless hours this year watching the crops grow while I was walking through the fields around here. I very much enjoyed Darthon's thoughts about the name 'Mirkwood'. If he happens to meet Legolas (which I hope he will ;-), they should get along splendidly. *g* I also liked how you described the mysterious feeling of threat that seemed to emanate from the forest. Your description of the spiders was perfectly fitting for Halloween. *shudders* It was just perfect and absolutely creepy! I loved this chapter to pieces and can't wait to read more! :) Almut
Author's reply
Hi, Almut! Thank you so much for the review - I had a time writing this introductory chapter! I'm glad the characters came across at all! LOL Yeah, Darthon is very much a man of the soil and he does have a dream of finally meeting the elves. As for those spiders, I grossed myself out writing about them! Ick! Thanks again - hopefully an update by the end of the week. linda
Larner · 26 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Beginnings
Ah, a friendship founded between Elf and Man, and the enemies found and noted. Hopefully they will be able to work together, Darthon and the Elves. And love the name of your Elfling, of course! Heh!
Author's reply
Hello Larner! You know, when I named the elfling, I knew I had heard that name somewhere before and I've been rereading "The King's Commission" and finally reached the chapters about the King's Lord Cousin, who also happens to be next in line for the throne (until the King's son makes his appearance, of course). I hope you don't mind if I used 'Gilfileg'...I am presently in the process of some name changes, so I could fix that if you like. I think Darthon is very motivated to work with the elves...if they will stop long enough to listen, that is! :-) Thank you for the review...I do love getting them! linda
Nieriel Raina · 26 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Beginnings
This has turned into quite a gripping tale! I'm thoroughly enjoying it. :)
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, NiRi! I really hope it will remain 'gripping'... *chews nails nervously and goes off to try and get Darthon out of the mess he's in*. linda
harrowcat · 26 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Beginnings
Well RL is being very tough so a good scary story is just what I need. Great start. Rescuing an elfling has got to be good for elf/human relations. Er...that is as long as they don't think he is trying to kidnap the child. BTW If I don't review promptly please guess that I am reading and enjoying.
Author's reply
Hi harrowcat! I'm so sorry RL is acting up for you - don't you just hate it when that happens? I'm glad the story was just what you needed to distract you. And I'm with you - those Wood-elves are a pretty suspicious lot where men are concerned...I do hope they don't think he was making off with the elfling. What Darthon needs is an interpreter...and quick! LOL Don't worry about reviewing (tho' I love to get them), you just enjoy the story! Thanks again! linda
Elflingimp · 26 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Beginnings
Awwww!!!!!! You left just when I was about to have a heart attack! LOL! Great story, I love it, just what I want to read and so very well done, kinda suits my Halloween mood of late and those spiders yuck! I felt as thou I was there right with them CREEPY but great! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Elflingimp! Don't have a heart attack!! Glad the story was tense for you (LOL) and suits the season! Yes, those spiders grossed me out, too! Icky! Thank you for the review - I love getting them. (Well, duh, linda!!!!) :-) linda
daw the minstrel · 26 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Beginnings
Darthon's brave to head into the woods when he feels the menace--whatever it it. And to defy his wife while doing it! LOL. I loved the appearance of an elf child and Darthon's first glimpse of the spiders. Nasty things. Ick.
Author's reply
Hey daw! Yeah, Darthon' wife is not too pleased with him right now! And she's about to really get ticked off! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed the spiders - I thoroughly grossed myself out writing about them (having to come up with all those 'scrabbly' words - ICK!). They are nasty things! Thanks for the review! linda
thechevin · 26 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Beginnings
Oh I do like Darthon, you can feel his love for his home and his family and the pride in what he has achieved, but there is more to him even than that. He has an openmindedness about his invisible neigbors in the forest that is lacking in many of the men in Lake Town. And now he has not only sensed a growing 'evil' in the forest but is prepared to go and find out what 'it' is. Thank goodness he did for else Gilifig may well have gone the same way as all those other poor creatures caught in the spiders webs. And now his wish is about to come true, he is going to meet the elves, but perhaps not in quite the circumstances he would have wished for! There is such a richness to your writing that it makes it easy to fall into the story and actually 'see' the tale as if you are standing watching what is going on (does that make sense?). I don't dislike spiders but those depicted here are the real stuff on nightmares how terrifying it must have been so fight such creatures. Congratulations on your retirement from teaching, I am in the same boat and love every moment of my new freedom! Judy
Author's reply
Hey Judy! Thanks so much for the review! Yes, Darthon is one of the few openminded men of the area, which will become pretty apparent in the future. And he finally gets to meet the elves...although the circumstances could be a little calmer, LOL! I'm so glad you are enjoying things so far - I hope the coming chapters will continue to keep you "in" the story! (Yes, that makes sense!) As for the spiders, I squicked myself writing about them. :-) Isn't freedom wonderful? Congratulations on your retirement, too! Don't you feel kinda like a soldier finally released from the service - with an honorable discharge, yet? LOL Thanks again for the review, Judy! linda
Nieriel Raina · 22 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
Oh what a wonderful beginning! I'm intrigued and on the edge of my seat along with the kids. I can't wait to find out more! Write fast. :)
Author's reply
NiRi! Hi! I'm a little late replying to this...I've been worrying about POV and name changes, ya know! LOL But you know how much I appreciate the review. It keeps me encouraged! The kids say grab a seat...there's plenty of room! linda
Silivren Tinu · 20 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
Oh, this sounds as if there's a wonderful story to come! I love story-telling! *sneaks into the room and huddles down near the fire with a warm blanket and waits for story to begin* I already love the beginning of this story! :) Almut
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! I'm working on the next chapter - this has been a funny story...the middle kind of wrote itself first! But I'll try to update once a week, or more if possible. Hang in there, make yourself comfortable, ok? linda
thepennywhistle · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
Oh, please, Grandfather, hurry on and start! You wouldn't leave us waiting for too long, would you? Wonderful prologue. You've certainly got my attention. Is there room to squeeze in among the children?
Author's reply
Hello there! No, no, I'll try not to make you wait too long. I hope to update weekly (and there will be parts I can do even sooner, as this weird little story wrote itself from the middle out! LOL) Thank you for the kind review, thepennywhistle, and try sitting by Mira and Lindorie, they will make you feel quite at home! linda
Calenlass Greenleaf · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
Very good beginning. I have my guess who the storyteller is... *settle down to wait* ~Cal
Author's reply
Hello Cal! If you are the same Cal over at the AA site and have read the Teitho stories, you probably are on the right track as to who the storyteller is! *g* Thank you for the review...I hope (and hope is the operative word) to update weekly..... linda
daw the minstrel · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
This group of adults and children comes so alive in this prologue! And I love the "I know a story" phrasing to introduce a tale and then the questions the children ask and the answers Grandfather gives.
Author's reply
Thank you, daw! I'm glad the prologue and its main players came alive - this has been a strange little story - written from the middle out! I hope I can keep everyone straight! LOL Thanks again for the review. linda
Yeesalu · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
I'm as anxious to hear the story as the children are! You've done a wonderful job of building interest in this story. I'll be watching for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind review, Yeesalu! I hope to update weekly, or maybe sooner (some chapters are already written - I think I'm doing this kind of backwards! LOL) Thanks again. linda
thechevin · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
Oh I have been hoping we would revisit Golden Bell and now we are, I am settled in ready for the story so as soon as you would like you can get started!! I have made notes of all the names and am now going back through the chapters of Bell to see if I can match any of them up. Of course it also allows me to re-read all my favourite bits as well To see this in my in box has made my day
Author's reply
Hello thechevin! You might not find anyone from 'Bell' yet as the prologue is written about 22 years AFTER those events. But keep an eye out, some of the older adults will eventually ring a bell (LOL no pun intended!) I can't tell you how humbling and exciting it is to read that you have favorite parts of that story. Thank you - that's so encouraging! And I hope to update this little story weekly - I don't have the distraction of the school year to keep me away from writing now...retired and relieved, that's me! *g* Thank you again for a very kind and uplifting review! linda
Larner · 18 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
So, we get a feeling for the personalities of the children, and that one of the girls has a delicately pointed ear.... I can't wait to hear more!
Author's reply
Caught that reference to the ear, did you Larner? *g* Thank you for the review - I hope to update weekly (thought I would commit myself...then I can't wiggle out of it...LOL)! Thanks again! linda
harrowcat · 18 October 2008 · Chapter 0: Memories
Ooh, a story, a story.... *settles down with the children all agog to hear.* Well wishes she could anyway and instead slinks off to work.
Author's reply
Hello harrowcat! I have it on good authority that the children are saving you a place for when you get off work, so hurry back when you can. I hope to update weekly, if at all possible! *g* Thank you for the very kind review! linda