Reviews (59)

Nora · 30 March 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

I love your stories. I've been following them for some time now but I'm usually a silent reader. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your writing and how much I'm looking forward to the next story. When will the next story be up?

c_belle_a · 28 February 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

This is, as usual, such an amazing chapter! I had a nasty feeling that Celonhael's remains were in that bag, and I'm impressed by the level of maturity Legolas handled it. Also impressed that he managed to figure out the whereabouts of Manadhien all by himself. I was initially upset at Tulus/ Dannenion for not telling Thranduil straight away about the village, but now I see that it was for the better. I agree with them that Thranduil going over and rashly arresting Manadhien would just put himself/ his family in even more danger. Now that we know why Manadhien has a grudge against Thranduil, I wonder why her core followers do too? Did Oropher/ Thranduil kill members of Lagril/ Fuilin's families as well? Or have they always followed Manadhien? I loved how you spinned it so that Thranduil had actually met Annatar, and that Manadhien was one of the jewel makers. So interesting! Thanks again for writing, and I look forward to the next chapter!!

katrina · 27 February 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

A beautiful finish to this section- thank you for explaining the questions that you have so wonderfully set up throughout this story! I suspected that Marti's hatred towards Thranduil's family had something to do with the kinslayings, but I must say, the fact that it was sparked by Thranduil and Oropher killing Marti's family was surprising. Not that they had any choice- I am sure this was during the Noldorian attack on the cities. All of this just highlights how awful the whole kinslaying ordeal was- it was awful to the sons of Feanor who were plagued by that oath, it was awful to the ones that followed them, and it was awful for those who got attacked. And hatred breeds hatred until nobody is quite innocent. I also love it how we get to watch Legolas really grow up now- these trying times have really pushed him to act more like a prince than he ever has. I was impressed by the way he handled the beheading nightmare. I think it will be interesting when he finally gets to talk to Galithal and his childhood friends again. I feel like he has been putting up a brave and mature face for the public and his father, but he is still young, and obviously needs to spend some time with the elves in his generation again. I'm looking forward to the next installment! Thanks again!

picara · 27 February 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

Several things strike me in this chapter. First, how very near the end of his rope Legolas is. Not sleeping. Not wanting to eat. Not wanting to see or hear anything else. Not even bothering to stand when Thranduil comes into the Great Hall. Not good signs. Understandable, but somebody had better notice them soon. Second, I found it interesting that Thranduil did not question (this time) that Legolas should go with him to iterrogate Glilavan and did not question he should work on the petitions if he was not going to come. Also, the guard did not hesitate much to abandon his post when ordered by Legolas. That contrasted with other people trying to work out how far Legolas's authority extends--like the warrior not willing to give him the bag (of course, that was just compassion) and Engwe still refering to him as a child and irritating Legolas and Dolwon flat out telling him he had no right to speak to Dannenion as he did. It must be an odd position to be the king's almost adult son and be given enough adult responsibilities in court that people have trouble deciding how to treat you. We think teenage years are hard as average people! Lastly: interesting tidbit that Manadhien was one of the jewelsmiths. Wonder how important that will be. I hope you post the next part quickly. I'm anxious to see how Legolas comes away from such huge events as he went through in this story.

Fantasia · 25 February 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

Well, if I was sad in the last chapter, I'm furious in this one. I didn't think that Glilavan was behind Celonhael's death. But if he went so far as to put his Father in danger, it is not a surprise that he was responsible for Fuilin’s escape. Glad that my guess of sending him to the Valar was a good guess. At the end, Dannenion was right; Thranduil can’t really protect them if he goes to hunt Manadhien. Her people are very loyal to her. I’m glad that Thranduil is taking decisions with his head, very cold head and not in the heat of the moment. Well, the list of pending tasks that they told him that needed to take care if he left were overwhelming, poor King, he can’t go and hunt an enemy…And most of Thranduil's household is too prejudiced against Noldors, they should learn to be a little more tolerant. Tulus, he will be now a spy, for whatever time takes to destroy Manadhien. He and Legolas will miss each other a lot. Well, now we know the reasons behind her actions and treasons. Revenge, justified or not, can start a spiral of violence with no end and convert you in a very inhuman (in this case, I suppose that it is un-elvish) individual. Glad that Legolas has learnt the different between Justice and Revenge. I feel bad for Dolgailon, it won’t be easy. Maybe they will send Galithil as the leader of the village when he is old enough to do it. Legolas is a good detective, he deduce where Manadhien was, good thinking. And I love this: “Manadhien ... Marti ... Manarinde ... whatever she called herself” I had always such a bad time trying to remember her name. Thanks Elliska, it was a very good story and I’m waiting very impatiently for the next one.

Morn · 24 February 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

What an intense chapter. I felt I knew what was in that bag as soon as it was mentioned. How horrible. I knew you were too kind saying legolas and anastor and thought this was coming but was still sickening. And wow what a mess we are in still. Having to leave her in charge and send someone guilty of treason after her. Gives scope for plenty more trouble than if she was easy to dispose of. At least they've finally got her figured out now that Engwe recognised her father. Seen as I've commented on Engwe before I'll just mention how much i like his character in this story. Too many stories have the head"good guys" being far too perfect and your characters have enough flaws to be realistic. Engwe sums this up being obnoxious, argumentative and all the characters seeming to take issue with him (like legolas here) while still undoubtedly one of the good guys. Characters like him have as well as thranduil's flaws have made this into a great story. And the little hints along the way have been good too. Means we are managing to piece the puzzle together along side your characters. Hope you will post the next installment soon ;)

daw the minstrel · 24 February 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

Oh lord. My immediate fear on seeing the bag the warrior wanted to bring inside was that it held Celonhael's severed head, and by god, it did. I'm not sure what that says about both your imagination and mine, but it may not be good. Poor Legolas. He so didn't need that. And before that I was so impressed that he was up before dawn, hard at work. I'd guess he had trouble sleeping. I like how you're unraveling the mysteries of the past associations that have created this situation. Even I find it odd to think of Thranduil as a young elf, "dallying" with a maiden, and I read your account of when he did it, so Legolas must really find it strange. I don't blame Thranduil for being surprised Engwe could be useful because I was too. Loved the scene where Legolas puts the clues together! Good use of the tapestry on the wall there to guide his wandering thoughts. But ohmigod, Tulus! I am all sympathy for him but this was too much, at least until he had time to explain. I have heard all that I can bear I thought that wording was apt. Cool idea about Thranduil being able to ask aid of an owl! I was a little worried that Galithil was going to be shipped off to that village to keep track of things, since Dolgailon can't be spared. Thank Eru, Thranduil believes in protecting children. I thought you sorted out Tulus's fate as well as anyone could. He's a true mixed character, which makes him hard for a writer to deal with, but also more genuine. Sorry to see this one end, Elliska. Looking forward to the next one. Stop working so hard at other things!

perelleth · 24 February 2013 · Chapter 8: This business will be finished

Bitter paths, and bitter pills to swallow for everyone, from the grisly contents of the reeking sack to the realization that the bad guy had been ruling...Aradunnon's village no less! whith Tulus knowing. A lot to swallow. I loved that Thranduil apologized to Dannenion, but things look really bleak right now, until they manage to rid the forest of this blemish, and this is not even one of Sauron's making. Now I'm looking forward to the next art, but let me tell you again that this one was a great great one!

perelleth · 17 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

Hi there, elliska, first of all, I apologize for reviewing three chapters in just one review, but you know, extenuating circumstances and all... I feel guilty enough right now stealing time from work to read fanfic! Congratulations on being so brave as to have Legolas become a kinslayer... and getting away with it! :- It was very well contrived. There are also a few things I loved that I think maybe have not been singled out in reviews, so there you go: First, the fact that Annastor would feel the consequences of killing something other than an orc, and asked Legolas about that. I really liked how you realt with all the impications, the reasononing and what not, but having Annastor's shock at his first kill being one of the thngs that made legolas turn again his actions in his mind -how he feels about killing orcs, not to mention another elf- really helped give the matter the importance it should have according to Tolkien's rules: taking a life is always a weighty matter, moreso for an elf, and so in fiction we should treat that event differently than they do in, say, "law and order" or other tv proceduras, so kudos on that! The second, you don't try to assuage or justify the implications of Thranduil's poor choices, and how his short temper, and lack of patience may have made this mess worse that it needed have been. I bow to you on that. It doesn't make him less likeable, but more realistic. The fact that he never ever stopped to think that once Maidhien was engaged with Galithil it must have meant something for her father and his loyalties -he's never seen Dannenion as a father, thinks he's the only one with a family to cherish and protect- must be kicking him in the gut for a long time. I love it when our favourite characters are ar from perfect. Also I feel so bad for poor Tulus, and Dolgailon,too, who is a character I really like, though sadly he getes very litle screen time, and then he looks like a complete fool, like today! :-) Anyway, again congratulations on your choices and plot developements!

Charmel · 14 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

OK so I have read this several times over the last few days and I decided not to be so hasty to review. Only because, usually I wind up having much more stuff to say and don't want to review twice. I'm pushy enough dont you think? Anyhoots. Loved the chapter. Brilliant as always. I'm sorry to hear this is going to be over so soon, though I am dying to know how it ends. Legolas I think now understands his father more and how he could conceive of executing an elf. Not so easy to stand on that principle when you are trying to protect the ones you love. Hopefully he will reflect on that later. Tulus, so many bad choices. I get the feeling that before he sails, Manadhien will find her end at his hands. Thranduil, I just love that elf. He wants so badly to do the right thing to protect his people and his family. It is so hard to do that when people are fighting against you. Even those who claim to support you. How hurt he had to have been when his own son thought him so callous as to want to execute people all willy nilly. Legolas should have known better after that conversation in the village. Side note - it would be nice to see more of Thranduil's ability over fire and whatnot. hint hint. Also, I need Berior's adar to be ok. Thank you. No more killing of good characters. You can ruff him up a little though. :) Poor Dolgalion although, he was warned that that Glilivan was not what he seemed. Lots and lots of emotion going on. Waiting very impatiently for your next update. Soon. Please.

Anonymous · 14 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

Just a lurker de-lurking briefly. I loved the last part. It reminded me of movie Legolas when he says, 'you would die before your stroke fell.' Legolas can be provoked to anger and you showed that well here. While I'm here, I also liked when Dannenion said the villainess is like a spider and her servants a web. That seemed very Mirkwood.

Fantasia · 11 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

Many things happened in this chapter, but my general feeling when I finished was sadness, so sad. I want to emphasize, how impressed I'm with Legolas, he is so mature and wise, he has learned well all his lessons. I always wanted to hate Tulus' son, but life is not black and white, and if you see the situation from his POV, he has a valid reason or reasons to despise Thranduil. I mean, not really, but there are aspects of his life that in the hands of a master of manipulation as Manadhien, they can be twisted and used very effectively against Thranduil. I suppose that most of the "villains" believe themselves right. So, let me congratulate for your main villain, Manadhien, she is a very resourceful, Machiavellian and perfect opponent. I think that Thranduil is too emotional for her, he will need a little more help against that kind of adversary, she is not the one that you can cut with a sword. Celonhael, where is he? and the prisoners?

c_belle_a · 10 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

This chapter is so amazing- I love how everybody (especially Legolas) is at their breaking points and there is so much tension here. I absolutely love the loyalty between Legolas and Tulus. Legolas defends Tulus almost like a second father, and is like the good son Tulus never had! The fact that Legolas grown up is so evident in this chapter- especially when he threatens Glilavan with that knife. And what a shock that was to his cousin and uncles! I wonder, does Galithal et al know that Legolas killed Demil? A couple of things, however, are making me feel uneasy. Why did Tulus/ Dannenion not tell Thranduil that Manadhien is ruling that village in the south? I'm sure she and her most loyal and powerful supporters have already fled, but the support of all those villagers surely poses as a threat to Thranduil? He should know so he can visit the villagers and make them realize how awful Manadhien really is, and that they are not protecting the south as much as helping Manadhien revenge some age long grudge. Also, what does "take the final step" mean? Once again, great great chapter! Thank you for writing!

picara · 10 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

This was a great chapter. Very tense. Everyone and not just Legolas seems to be approaching their breaking points here. I want to feel sorry for Tulus. I really like him and I believe he is loyal to Legolas. He certainly seems to prove that at the end of the chapter. But the problem is, he knows exactly where Manadien is. So does Danenion. She seemed to have a pretty good set up in that village. I doubt she left it. And no one is telling Thranduil that. That scares me. There has to be a reason and I hope it's not too terrible a reason. (PS: Did you know the chapter at FF is a dead link? Something is messed up there).

Morn · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

Just as everything is coming together and everyone back Celonhael is missing... I do not like the sound of this! I thought you were being very mild with everyone whole (ish) returning home. I was expecting a wrapping up to the whole thing now not another escapade with those noldor. Why do i have a feeling he won't be as lucky? :( And tulus! I do not think i could've felt anymore sorry for him. Comparing that ellith to his wife and what a stupid decision. Lets not confess, lets attempt to kill legolas again. He's as crazy as marti! At least dannenion seems to have come round to the king at long last. Hopefully dolwon will too. Looking forward to more. :)

Katrina · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

Oh my God. I don't even know what to say- this was probably the most intense piece of writing I have read in a long time. The term "kinslayer" just took on whole new level of meaning for me. I quite literally felt my blood boiling at Glilavan. What a despicable idiot. But wow, what a dramatic way to exit!!! Nope, I'm not going to confess to my crime. Instead, I'm going to show everybody just how much I hate you by trying to kill the prince in front of the king and his council and in the Great Hall. And if my father happens to be caught in the middle of it all, oh well, too bad. Jeez. How is Marti so powerful? How did she persuade Glilavan to commit such atrocities? And what to do with Glilavan? I say send him straight to Valinor. Marti's house is banned by the Vala, but as Glilavan is not related by blood, could he still go? Furthermore I am really afraid that Tulus will fade. His own son not only betrayed his trust, but quite literally was fine about killing him. Tulus doesn't deserve that, and I hope he will be able to recover. I also have a very very bad feeling Celonhael. Missing, last seen with Fuilin and Mauril...nope, that doesn't sound good at all. Can't wait for the next chapter, keep it up!

CandissD · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

What a chapter - I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! When Hallion and Dolgailon said they let Glilavan go back to his cottage I almost jumped out of my chair too. Can't wait to see how it all pans out. It's amazing how much Legolas and his cousins have grown since the beginning ;)

daw the minstrel · 9 February 2013 · Chapter 7: Of cowardice and courage

I liked the bit near the opening where Thranduil notes Legolas's shortening temper as a sign of how close he is to his limits, and also the contrast between the young guys leaping the wall even if they are "tired" and the adults going sedately through the gate. But it was only on rereading that I noticed how carefully you set up Tulus's and Dannenion's whispering on the way home. The discussion of whether threats of death help or hinder the cause of justice was interesting. Ordinarily, I like wrathful Thranduil but he apparently caused some problems he didn't intend. Poor Tulus. I can't imagine how a parent makes that kind of decision, though I suppose Glilavan eventually gives him lots of help. It's also interesting to see Thranduil judging Legolas's behavior and general maturity and wisdom in matters ranging from what he says to the door guards to potential treasonous actions. I was pretty shocked that Dolgailon let Glilavan just toddle off to his cottage. I guess no one filled him in on what he should suspect and, as I recall, they're friends. I assume Glilavan was so close because he was meeting with someone? Or maybe helping Fuilin and Mauril? Have you done something to Celonhael??? Glilavan has nerve if not courage! Wow. He just keeps digging himself deeper. And what does Tulus mean when he says he'll take the "final step" just not in a way Glilavan anticipates?

Jay of Lasgalen · 31 January 2013 · Chapter 6: What you were forced to do

What an impossible position for Thranduil. There is no right answer or easy solution. But Manadhien will never rest until Thranduil and his entire family are dead or gone - I don't see her ever being reconciled to his rule, and I wouldn't believe it. Killing in the heat of battle is one thing. A cold, judicial execution is quite another, but lifelong imprisonment is a slow and lingering variation of the same judgement. And if Manadhien ever escaped ...

Fantasia · 31 January 2013 · Chapter 6: What you were forced to do

Yes, Legolas is right. The fear of the death of your love ones may make you to take action in your hands that your not capable to handle. That is exactly what happened to Tulus and Thranduil and his brother are part responsible for that, hopefully the King will learn. My, I wish I can help Tulus, but he is responsible as well, no way he will be Legolas' bodyguard again. A shame, because he is incredible loyal to him and has repeatedly put himself in danger to defend legolas. But I love Legolas in here, so wise, so much compassion in his heart, he will be an amazing ruler. At the end, when he quoted Gandalf, I remember Cervantes, so I went to find one of my favorites quotes from him "Among the attributes of God, although they are all equal, mercy shines with even more brilliancy than justice." If someone have told that to Thranduil and his brother time ago...I have a teacher that once told me that all the answer to my questions were on the Quixote, I thought that he was crazy, but boy, how right he was.... So sad for Tulus, to know that your son doesn't love you enough to back up from the conspiracy in order to save his father's life. What a mess! Well, I was thinking on their little problem, what to do with the elves, if they were men, no doubt I will have them executed. In this case, why not to send them to the Heavens, ship them to Valinor, to be judge by the Valar themselves, Namo will be there anyway, no need to kill them for that. I don't know, it is the only solution that I can think of. Even if I have my complaints about Thranduil, I'm impressed with his logic about the information extracted from Fuilin, he knows that he was incriminating the "traitors" and saving the only one useful. I have to go back and re read the conversation between Tulus and "don't remember her name", I know that she blackmailed him with the letters, but they were from his son, maybe he was incriminating his Father as well? You can see that I really, really like your story. Thank you.

c_belle_a · 31 January 2013 · Chapter 6: What you were forced to do

Another wonderfully intense chapter! I love it how we get to see Legolas slowly growing up from an innocent but more or less sheltered prince to one that must face all the challenges of royal life. Standing with Thranduil as he sort of tortured Fuilin and seriously considered killing him must have been so hard for Legolas- and it must have been a wake up call to how difficult it can be as king. I also love how you always manage to incorporate Tolkien's world into your sentences- for example, having Thranduil say he is going to send Fuilin to Mandos instead of saying he is going to kill him. It feels like I'm really living in the world/ religion of Middle Earth when I read sentences like this! Tulus has guts to admit everything about his son to Legolas (and consequently the king). I can't imagine how hard that must have been- I hope that Legolas finds a way to help him so that Thranduil doesn't really kill him on the spot...*nervous laugh* And, of course, what did the House of Oropher do to the Ulcamartos? Thranduil's right- what a bunch of crazies in that house! Thanks for writing!

CandissD · 30 January 2013 · Chapter 6: What you were forced to do

Another great chapter! I hope you will update soon to see how this all turns out

Charmel · 30 January 2013 · Chapter 6: What you were forced to do

There's definitely a lot of meat in this chapter. I must admit that I am waiting for Legolas to have a breakdown. He is still young and there's so much going on forcing him to act well above his age. Poor Thranduil is stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have been mulling this over myself. What do you do with an immortal criminal? An irredeemable immortal criminal who you cannot/should not kill. hmmmm Not even the Valar will have anything more to with him. What do you do? Tulus - I have little sympathy for him. He should have told Thranduil about his son. They may have been able to work together to a common good. Now, he has thrown himself under the bus. I'm foreseeing a long trip over deep water for him. Keep it up. Cant wait for the next chapter! :)

daw the minstrel · 30 January 2013 · Chapter 6: What you were forced to do

Oh bless you. This made my day. I thought it was striking that Thranduil and Legolas both saw the sunrise differently on a plain than in the forest, which makes sense. But then there's that reminder of Dagorlad which calls up the issue of violent death Legolas is struggling with. Actually, I always find allusions to that part of ME history interesting. One of the big advantages of writing about Tolkien's story is that you have this deep history that reverberates in the characters even when you don't spell it out. There's always subtext you can draw on. "I want some answers from you before I send you to Mandos to answer for your crimes." Man, Thranduil is scary. His manner to Legolas at the start of this scene is interesting to me because Thranduil is plainly concerned but he's not babying Legolas. His manner is what I'd call fatherly rather than motherly. And then there's that squashing the air out of the prisoner thing. Well deserved of course. In a way, Thranduil's duty is not to be merciful. His family's safety depends on his actions, as does his realm's. So all the discussion of that that comes a little later was really interesting. I had to laugh at the "what in Arda is your tutor teaching you?" moment. Most parents have been there, though perhaps not over language instruction. Did Dolwon aid you? Glilavan? Tulus?" Legolas drew a sharp breath when his father named Tulus. "Yes," Fuilin replied, easily. "All of them but Glilavan Thranduil makes me proud when he immediately suspects that Fuilin is speaking from Opposite Land and Glilavan is the only one helping. Or still helping. Poor Legolas. I'd have trouble keeping quiet too. "Adar will kill you where you stand," That's a simple and powerful statement showing Legolas's understanding of his father and a king's rights. I read it over a couple of times because it says so much in very few words. When I started writing original fic, I realized how convenient it was the Tolkien had created Orcs and characters could kill them without conflict about it. The conversation between Legolas and Anastor was touching. The fact that Anastor sought it out is a sign he's been working through that original anger. Maybe he even gives Thranduil something to think about as he talk of how impressed his father was with Legolas advocating for Demil. Great chapter, Elliska.

Fallen_Angel · 30 January 2013 · Chapter 6: What you were forced to do

I really, really love your series thus far. All of them...I've been a lurking fan ever since the beginning lol! I love the way you've dealt with the kinslaying, and the circumstances in which it was committed. I'm looking forward to reading the reactions of Legolas' family to what he has been through and been forced to do. The kinslaying is a very interesting concept and one that I've not seen done, especially for these characters, at all. In all, I love this story and I cannot wait to read more :) ***Please forgive me if anything I've typed doesn't really make sense? It's 5 past 2 in the morning here and I'm exhausted!