Reviews (34)

Banba McCuill · 9 December 2003 · Chapter 5: Domestic Relations

(Chapter Five) My! But the Elvenking is impatient. Of course she will force him to the point - she is the wife of Thranduil, after all, and I would expect nothing less. How blissful! A cozy fire, a stormy day and night, rain pattering on the roof in the morn and your soulmate snug beside you. It doesn’t get any better than that! I do hope you plan to post more updates soon. I'm finally caught up on some things and looking forward to reading more of this story! :-D

Banba McCuill · 9 December 2003 · Chapter 4: Foreign Relations

Finally! I have made my way back...I did not forget. (Chapter Four Review) A bee charmer! How…charming. ;-) What could Anólindë be thinking of for Mandel as a calling…is she up to something, I wonder.

French Pony · 25 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Domestic Relations

Well, I've caught up with the story, and it was every bit as good as I had expected. Anölindé is a very regal sort of person -- more than worthy of being a Queen. The bee-charming bit was enchanting -- maybe she's related to Idgie Threadgoode? I also liked Mandel, although I have to say, his name tickled me more than anything. It's not very commonly seen anymore (it's Mandy Patinkin's given name), but it's such an old-fashioned shtetl name that I had to laugh every time I read it, because I was picturing a Hasidic Elf right out of Brooklyn, with the black hat and the payiss and everything. So there. Redneck and Jewish Elves for you. On to Thranduil. You've captured the fragile state of mind of a war veteran very well, especially one with such deep emotional scars. He seems like a basically kind and good person, with maybe too sharp a tongue, but honorable and well-intentioned. This is an Elf entirely worthy of being called the Wood Elves' greatest king. He and Anölindé are well matched to each other. Now, other business. Just so you're aware, I've got a story up here that has very similar themes going on. You should know that, although there's only one chapter of it up, the rest of the story is complete, and was complete several weeks ago. If you read it (I think you might like it) and notice any similarity to your own, it was entirely unintentional -- great minds think alike, I suppose. Just so you know.

JastaElf · 25 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Domestic Relations

Oh!! (purrrrr..... half-naked Thranduil, purrrrr.....) What a wonderful chapter. (grinning all over my face) Wow, that was---wonderful. Anólindë is a darling, and a very smart she-Elf indeed... and her husband is just plain marvelous, all things being considered as equal.... I still keep hoping some of this delightful--umm--stuff going on between them will result in Elflings running loose eventually. (grin) I can't WAIT to see these two as parents....

JastaElf · 25 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Foreign Relations

Oh, I dearly LOVE watching her maneuver around Thranduil, always in such a loving campaign to help him re-integrate and come out of his grief... (grin) And the Queen is a wonder. She is fast becoming one of my favorite OCs of all time! Her negotiating with the bees is a perfect example of symbiosis, which would be a typical Elven way of looking at things.... A marvelous chapter! Thank you so much!

French Pony · 25 September 2003 · Chapter 2: Homecoming

Oh, I am liking this story a great deal. So much so, in fact, that I am leaving a signed review, although I really don't like that it will show you my e-mail address, which I am not at all comfortable having tossed around for all eyes to see. But I digress. I haven't time to finish this at the moment, as I have to get to work, but I love the writing style. It flows easily and naturally, just like thought. The Elves are also very real. They don't sound stilted, like a lot of people's Elves do, they just sound like people talking. Which is appropriate for a branch of Elves that my friends and I call the "low-rent" or "redneck" Elves. The joking among the army, and the note about how they left as individuals and returned as a fighting unit were extremely true to life. I'm looking forward to reading more, but I have to go work, and my fingers are getting cold, so I can't type any more.

Marnie · 25 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Domestic Relations

Aw! Lovely! A great end to a really good story. Thank you :)

Fadesintothewest · 24 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Domestic Relations

Well that certainly is one way to *relieve* tension. Tempt or challenge a male ego and fall they do do- quickly. At first I though maybe Thranduil was going to get the wrong impression of the whole leaves in the hair deal, but I was relieved that it didn't go that way. So Thranduil is finally going to start opening up to his wife. It will be a slow process but what a wonderful start for the both of them!

Mirkwoodmaiden · 24 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Domestic Relations

Rorrah! Once again! A wonderful chapter! You express Thranduil's feelings of guilt quite well and the way Anólindë gets him to tell is has an emotional truth to it. I do think you hit upon one of the worst faults a man can make in a relationship emotionally shutting out his wife. Anólindë is such a great character. She gets him to see that why Elrond did what he did or rather did not do with Isildur. And the reasons for Thranduil's actions through the third age are also well laid out. The scene where they eventually make love is so fun! You can really sense her love of life and for her husband. Wonderful. Her synopsis of Thranduil's apology is brilliant. "you said that I am right, and you are wrong, and I am a wonderful person" LOL!!! I love it! Thanks again! MM

daw the minstrel · 24 September 2003 · Chapter 5: Domestic Relations

Ah, lovely. I knew sex would be good for them. What a nice emotional chapter, with anger and love and contentment. It doesn't fix everything but it makes them more able to deal with their troubles.

Fadesintothewest · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Foreign Relations

Anólindë is a wonderfel female OC. OC's are so hard to write well, and female OC's well they are almost impossible, but your females are strong and well developed. I love the whimsy amidst the sorrow, it is great how you weave the two together. This chapter had some wonderful pieces of dialogue, esp between Anólindë and Mandel- the whole flying part was so sad. I very much look forward to the next chapter!

Fadesintothewest · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 3: What Price is Peace

The reunion between Naneth and ion was touching, heartbreaking and beautiful. It's not an easy reunion between Thranduil and Anólindë, and it shouldn't be. It would be too easy to write a love filled, sappy reuion, but the way you have done it- now that is how it should be. I love that you have taken the time to explore Thranduil's psychology and engaged that from a grounded point of view. And Anólindë, her thoughts, the way she behaves, well what can I say you have wonderfully developed, deep characters!

Fadesintothewest · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 2: Homecoming

*sob* Oh my, the last paragraph was so sad- what a tragic vision, but so beautifully done. Again, I applaud that you are doing this story, and your observations are so right in my head at least. The Silvans would not have known of the great battles, that those of Noldor and Sindar descent knew, and this last battle truly opened their eyes to new horrors. How tragic! ANd Thranduil, oh my heart goes out to him. How can he love, find joy, when so much pain and death buries his heart.

Fadesintothewest · 22 September 2003 · Chapter 1: The Return

Yay! I am glad you are delving into this aspect of Greenwood's history, and of course Thranduil. I love the way you have set up the angst of waiting for the warriors to return from the battle of the last alliance. The female characters seem strong as they had no choice really given the circumstances. Cannot wait to read more!

Earl Grey · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Foreign Relations

Hello again, I have the day off today and was more than pleased to see a new chapter from you. A treat to the start of my day. I could definitely get lost in this story. You have the ability to make me forget everything around me while reading it, (just noticed the time and jumped up to get kids out of bed for school). Thranduil is certainly going to need a bit of time to re-adjust to being home again and all the changes that have happened while he has been gone, as they all will. War changes everything, not just for those in it, but for all those back home too, and Anolinde is going to need all her reserves of patience to cope. I'm glad she didn't back down from him though, it's good to see that she has quite a bit of steel in her spine too and she's been running things without him for a long time now and obviously knows the situation better, but at the same time must be completely confused by his behaviour. Especially when she's been eagerly waiting for his return. No wonder she went hunting the next day...and I loved her comment to Mandel, "I would fly until exhaustion took me and I could no longer keep myself above the trees. I would fall, but perhaps I would have flown free long enough to die with no regrets." Wow! I think we all feel that way at times - just want to fly and fly and fly.... She is trying to cope with several different things and I like her character very much. Oh and I loved the 'bee hunting' - how adorably cute! Can't wait to read more about that...gotta fly myself now and do the school thing...till next time.... P.S. I'm glad you're the right Rorrah

daw the minstrel · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Foreign Relations

I really liked what you did with this chapter! It's so convincing. Here's Thranduil used to giving orders and having people jump, and on the battlefield, that's a good and necessary thing. And here's his wife, used to making decisions on her own that have life and death consequences too. And she doesn't jump when he issues the orders! I liked the bee hunt too. It was very elfy.

Marnie · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Foreign Relations

Sorry I missed last chapter, but this continues to be great :) Loved the hunting of the bees, but want to knock some sense into Thranduil's thick head. Sadly though I'm sure his problem is all too common in soldiers home from war. Wonderful balance of realism with beauty.

Mirkwoodmaiden · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 4: Foreign Relations

Rorrah! The avenues you are taking with this story are really good choices. Going from the tragic to the practical is a really interesting way to build the world of Mirkwood after the Last Alliance. It makes practical sense to trade with neighbors but Thranduil's emotional reaction to it is completely understandable. This brings me to Anólindë. What a wonderfully strong woman she is. In the face of Thranduil's implacable wrath over the trading, she stands her ground and gets him to see sense, at least partially sense. When many would have cowered and capitulated Anólindë argued her case! I really liked that! Wonderfully and realistically portrayed. Also that kiss they shared just grew out of the moment and Thranduil's pulling back was so well conceived! The bee-collecting was allowed us to see that Anólindë is also a she-elf who is still not so jaded and worn with care that she can't escape for a small bit to allow herself sometime to be herself. Again nicely done! Looking forward to the rest of the story!

Earl Grey · 15 September 2003 · Chapter 3: What Price is Peace

Hi there, Just wanted to say that I really like your story. I like its different slant and perspective and the way you have written it is very easy to follow. I wasn't sure from reading the summary if it would be my 'cup of tea' but I'm really glad I had a look at it, because here I am at the end of ch 3 and wishing for more. I like Thranduil (along with Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli etc - the whole lot) and there's something about his character that is really magnetic. I'm sure he musn't be an easy character to write at times, but you are definitely up there with the best of the Thranduil writers, so keep it up. I'm also really enjoying the site. This is only my second visit and I hope you are the same Rorrah? If not, then I am going to look like a fool, but it is just great and very easy to get around and so much better than Fan Fiction Net in so many ways. Sadly, I'm not a regular reviewer, due to time restrictions, work, children, hubby, life etc but know that I will try to review whenever I can, and will also be coming here first from now on instead of ff net to check things out. All the best -

Mirkwoodmaiden · 14 September 2003 · Chapter 3: What Price is Peace

Rorrah! That was truly a chapter that has left me in awe! I really admire the scope of emotions that you are contending with! The strength, love and compassion that Anólindë shows to Thranduil in their private reunion moved me and gave me a great respect for Anólindë's strength and wisdom! The speech that Thranduil delivers to his people is awe-inspiring for both me and his people. It is wonderful to show Thranduil as a strong, compassionate leader of his people, as he does not come off too well in "The Hobbit". But I think this story will make a good explanation for why he is the way he is in "The Hobbit." Again I'm so glad you are writing this because I am really enjoying reading it!

Banba McCuill · 13 September 2003 · Chapter 3: What Price is Peace

Your response to Marnie "...selling the look of disdain on ebay..." Priceless. I was truly LOL. Yes, a rich belly laugh no less! You captured the return of the strong Elvenking perfectly, I'd say. It is a very real feeling. This reads like a passionate and lively research paper to me in that you have formed the picture I've had in the back of my mind for the story I'm working on...yours is like a prequel for me - it's like the way I picture things before I begin with the Battle of Five Armies - and is so terribly inspiring and somewhat odd...but very cool. ;-) It is just wonderful! The bittersweet homecoming - the words aren't there for me to express the sadness I felt with the majestic Thranduil...the massive loss of life... "Some thrive on challenge more than comfort." Brilliant! My favorite, thus far. Until I read, "Nay, please do not come closer. You will destroy me." *sighs longingly for the intensity of emotion expressed* OH! You've done it again! "Not even a king can command my heart." Well done! You have given the Elvenking a strong, but not cheeky mate! Her powerful fire lies within and does not have the need to be wielded at every moment, only at the proper time and place. How can you not love this OFC? Keep up the wonderful work. This is inspiring - you are a great talent!

JastaElf · 13 September 2003 · Chapter 3: What Price is Peace

You are just going from strength to strength with this story, Rorrah. I love the details, the way you handle dialogue, and the little nuances of characterization that you employ. The OCs of Thranduil's wife and mother are delightful, very well fleshed-out and plausible, and I like Celleth, too. :-) That bit about bringing children into the world... will we eventually see baby Legolas?? Will he be their only child, or will there be others? Does Jasta have a one-track (one-Elf?) mind? (grin) Very probably... Anyway, a lovely chapter, full of genuine emotion and reaction, and I enjoyed it. Thank you!

Jay of Lasgalen · 13 September 2003 · Chapter 3: What Price is Peace

Is this the end? It has the feel of it, but I hope there is more to come. How do Thranduil and Anolinde manage their rule? What happens to Thranduil's mother? What about Thranduil's children - is Legolas an only child? BTW, I like the name Anolinde - it sounds like that poor woman in Sweden. Jay

daw the minstrel · 13 September 2003 · Chapter 3: What Price is Peace

Great speech! And I am so glad you didn't make Thranduil's return an easy one. He and his wife have a task ahead of them. Also, I like the capable wife and mother who held things together in difficulties he did not imagine. And I like it that the wife and mother are friends although the mother is evidently imperious. Nice job.

Jay of Lasgalen · 11 September 2003 · Chapter 2: Homecoming

What a great start to your story. I like the thoughts of those waiting desperately at home contrasted with those returning. I wonder how Thranduil's mother will react when she realises that her husband is dead, and her son is now King. And what about when Thranduil's wife discovers she is Queen? (I'm assuming that Thranduil's mum does not remain queen in her own right.) I had a similar plot bunny scampering around here a while ago, but I neglected to feed it. It must have left to find a better home! I'll write that story one day ... Hope the next update is soon! Jay