Reviews (116)

daw the minstrel · 30 June 2014 · Chapter 6: The children shall lead

At the start of this chapter, it was interesting to see Legolas so absorbed in the necessary battle that he didn't have time to worry about whether he could do it. He just did. Also, I could see him earning Colloth's trust and respect. Legolas is growing up under pressure here. You see it when he takes charge with the village leader who's moving too. And things are coming to a head in battles across this area of the Woodland Realm, with the House of Oropher in the lead. It's admirable how the royalty in Tolkien's world leads from the front, rather than sitting safely in the rear. Amid all this tense carnage, I really like the moment when Thranduil studies Galithil. It's like everything focuses down to this small, tight tie between them. I have to admit the assignment Thranduil gives Galithil sounds dangerous to me—making him the focus of Manahien. I cheered when Thranduil wounded her and then went after her. Like Legolas, I think of him as invincible, so it's hard to even imagine him badly wounded. “Please do not do this, adar,” Legolas whispered For some reason, that struck me as incredibly touching. As did Galithil addressing Legolas as "my lord." Let's hope Radagast can save the day. I hope the new job is going well. Every time I changed jobs, it was exhausting. At first everything is a struggle, even running the copy machine and finding the ladies room. I fell bed at 8:30 for a while.

Naledi · 30 June 2014 · Chapter 6: The children shall lead

Wow - this was a thrilling chapter. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I thought the moment where it hit Legolas that everyone was waiting for his orders was really moving. Poor Legolas - he's the junior of all present, not to mention desperately worried about his father, and yet because of his birth he's the one who has to take charge. Obviously he's had the best training, because I think he proved himself! I can't wait for more!

Zardi · 29 June 2014 · Chapter 6: The children shall lead

I was thrilled to see an update to this, especially so soon after finishing reading the previous chapters :D You haven't labelled this AU, so I assume Thranduil will be ok eventually. However, you still successfully gave me that stab of fear for him when I read what his injuries were. Only the knowledge that he has to survive to imprison some impertinent dwarves keeps this chapter from being too bad of a cliffhanger. Otherwise, I would be really hating you right about now XD I'm feeling some hope for Dolgailon, but I guess anything can still happen. I hope the orcs haven't tortured him too badly (if he is still alive). Also, I still fear for Lindomiel, despite that she's presumably safe in the stronghold (or not?)...I always am afraid for Legolas' mother in any story, since most fanfic writers kill her off. She needs to live for a while longer. Legolas needs a little sister *cough*

Zardi · 28 June 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

I am so glad I finally started reading your series. You have me hooked! This was a great chapter, though you have me very worried about everyone, including Lindomiel, who isn't even in the battle (yet?) Congrats on the new job! I do hope you are able to update soon :)

Nora · 26 June 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

I've just finished rereading this story and making notes about everything that could be a clue to who the traitor is. I still have no idea who it could be. Please update soon. I'm very impatiently waiting for the next chapter. It's been so long without an update. I love this story!

Cbellea · 14 May 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

Wow what an intense chapter!! I really hope that Galithil's decision to spare Manadhien's life doesn't cost him his, and I hope that Dolganion is okay too!! I was upset at Thranduil for immediately assuming that Tulus had betrayed them again. I mean, wouldn't the more logical reason- especially with Tulus being so beat up- be that he had gotten captured? Poor Tulus. Also, just when I thought there was some redemption for Tulus' son- he just continues on hating. Poor poor tulus indeed! I also can not believe that everyone except Lindomiel seems to be fighting in this war- I hope most of them make it out alive!!! Keep it up! Can't wait for the next chapter!

rikki · 9 May 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

Congratulations on the new job. Working in a library is fun, especially when you can read the new books before they hit the shelves! I loved seeing this new chapter in my inbox this morning. So much going on as if you are playing a chess game and sitting up the players to go to battle. I don't think there is going to be any prisoners taken in this confrontation coming up. The pawns of Tulus and Glilavan and the various Palace guards who either with their protectees or already fallen in this conflict, the brave knights of Dolgailon and Galithil fighting for their lives in the first scenes. The white king Thranduil, the black queen Manadhien trying to set up the fall of the other sides players and in the middle of all this the unknown Radagast and Legolas. I have a feeling that Legolas is going to get a work out in all the battle to come. He may not have much experience, but it looks like he has gotten a field promotion and is already directing troops. In the end, Thranduil is going to realize how valuable a player Legolas is and how much the small amount of training that he has received and the interaction he has had with reading troop reports and interacting with the court is going to be the most important thing Legolas will need in order to survive. I hope you have the time now to put more of this story down for us to read. I am like the other readers here, champing at the bit wanting to know what is going to happen next.

Fantasia · 9 May 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

I was afraid of reading! Dolgailon! he is my favorite in this series, please....we have enough with Tulus. Everybody has been impressive in this chapter, what a marvelous young elf generation we have in this story. Hurry up!!!!

Morn · 9 May 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

Oh no, Dolgallion!!! :( And I have a feeling your not through with killing off his family yet. Galithil did well with Manadhien. Though I think he will regret her escape bitterly. If you leave him alive to rue it. So Galithil, Legolas, Thranduil and Engwe are all in the same battle now. That's a huge headache for the guards then. Every single heir to the throne and the King in danger amd one already dead. I do like the battle scenes in this story. I'm not one for gruesome details, battle strategy and weaponry. I prefer the reality of the feelings within battle like when Thranduil learns of Dolgallion's fate. Torn between revenge and protecting his other nephew. I wouldn't like to be in Dollion's shoes when Legolas' mother gets to him. Don't leave us on yet another cliff hanger for too long- poised on the edge of battle. Congratulations on the new job. ;)

picara · 9 May 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

Do you just hate Tulus or something? Poor guy! And you did not just kill off Dolgailon. Ain't believing that. I love warrior!Thranduil. This was a glimpse here. I hope we get more in the next chapter. And more Radagast. He is definitely a good ally to have, especially amongst treacherous trees. Galalthil did a great job here. I thought his reaction to Manadhien's surprise attack was realistic and his reaction to being called upon to make decisions like those too. He seems pretty comfortable in his role in that village, overall. Poor Legolas. It is an odd place for him to be in. He isn't technically an adult and he probably hasn't even led an exercise in his training classes yet. So, to be called upon to command patrols. I can see where he would hesitate. I predict he's going to be called upon to be doing a lot of stepping up in the next few chapters. You better update fast! :-)

daw the minstrel · 9 May 2014 · Chapter 5: What fruit would spring from such a seed

You didn't really kill Dolgailon, did you? That spear sounded nasty and a bunch of orcs swarmed him, so he has a right to be dead, but surely not... There are other elves there and some of them want to redeem themselves! I loved seeing Thranduil in battle. It's good to be reminded that he earned his right to power. It's funny but Galithil felt older than Legolas in this chapter. I realize he is a little older but I've always thought of them as more or less the same age. But when I think of it, Galithil is betrothed and he's been through a lot. Maybe that has made him grow up. It certainly settled him down. And if some cruel author killed Dolgailon, he's going to need to be grown up. Hey, maybe that's it. He feels more grown up because he feels more alone as he acts. Legolas does act, of course, act well beyond his age and he's alone in being responsible for his decisions. That's quite a weight to bear. It's interesting that he wonders if he'll be obeyed. Maybe that's another contrast between him and Galithil. This series of events should work some changes in him. I read this last night and totally missed the new job part. Congratulations! Good to get to use that new degree.

cbellea · 9 April 2014 · Chapter 4: To test an elf's character, give him power

Elliska, you've done it again! I am hanging at the edge of my seat, and now I have to wait? Ahh! This chapter was great- I had to smile when the mouse was an assistant of Radagast- I remember the mouse next to Glilavan's foot in the last chapter, but didn't think much about it. Glad to know that some animals are on Thranduil's side, at least! Speaking of Radagast- doesn't he have some magic? Can he like, fight- or at least be of some good use- when Manadhien targets Thranduil and the crew? I love how you show how Legolas struggles with being treated/ spoken to as a prince. I think in previous chapters, he was able to escape some of that formality and responsibility, as he was still young. Now, with Helindilme, Artiel, and even Colloth reacting to him and his words as that of a prince, he is going to have to start growing into the role. Great way to ease him into it though..it's like you're prepping us for the adult Legolas we see in Tolkien's work :) Keep it up!

picara · 4 April 2014 · Chapter 4: To test an elf's character, give him power

I enjoyed the story telling in the beginning and the Noldo's reaction Legolas being asked to do stuff like carry the basket. I also like her advice. Galathili is definitely treading where angels fear to tread here. That seems like his old self--fearless. But Manadhien's opinions about the Simaril were an interesting POV and so was Galithil's observation that he has a lot in common with her but has responded so differently. Very true. She really is evil saying she wants to see Thranduil suffer watching Engwe die. You know, and then there's that attacking two villages just the try to set herself up in power over them... Legolas really shines in the last part, with his determination not to let important information slip by. But everyone in is trouble here. Dolgailon's right. Tolkien tells us Legolas and Thranduil will survive this, but I imagine everyone else is fair game, so I bet this will be costly. Please try to update fast.

Fantasia · 3 April 2014 · Chapter 4: To test an elf's character, give him power

I don't want to write a review...I want you to update right away!!!! The tension in this chapter is so real, that I have to walk away to calm myself before write this quasi-review. Now everybody is in the forest, everybody! at least, Manadhien doesn't know Radagast. The mouse, good, a spy from another one. I've never be so happy to see a mouse in my life, not even Mickey!!!! I think that for first time Dolgailon's elves has the upper hand, they know that she know that they know....whatever. You have placed everybody in the game, it is like observing a chess game between masters. Both have great plans and contingent plans upon contingent plans, will see who is the best, but I think that it will be a very bloody batle... I really liked the beginning, so peaceful, and the description of the rising of the Sun was very good. Loved to see everybody spellbound to Helindilme, even Colloth (are they both single? ;) we need some frivolous thoughts here to help the tension. And just for constancy sake, poor, poor Tulus. Really, you are great. Thank you Waiting for more, please....

Morn · 3 April 2014 · Chapter 4: To test an elf's character, give him power

Well, it is unravelling now for sure. Dolgallion won't be getting that message I presume. At least he is kind of aware what is going on but I am certain now she is going to slip through the net. Let's hope it is without too much damage to Thranduil's realm. At least his guards are loyal enough not to talk. He has certainly chosen his allies well in all of this. And I shudder to think how dark and damaged Manadhien is. Obviously wanting Thranduil to sit and watch his Uncle's death and the glee in her at the thought. And as to her plans for Galithil, I don't even want to think. Legolas is interesting too. How quickly he goes from asking for stories from the healer and teasing and shoving his guard to his full responsibility as a prince. I worry for him and his cousins in the forest now (and Hallion when his mother finds out!) I think on the quest he must have lightened their dark path considerably. The scene that I'm always reminded of with him is running over the snow to find the sun for them which I think sums up his character so well. And a big cliffhanger now before we find out exactly how badly this is going to go wrong.

daw the minstrel · 2 April 2014 · Chapter 4: To test an elf's character, give him power

I love it when characters seem to have secrets or maybe just don't understand what they see, so I'm curious about why Arthiel is uncomfortable when Legolas bows. Is it the same thing Helindilme suggests about Legolas being a "prince" with privileges and power as he nears adulthood? Or is something else? Hm. I think it's the prince thing, but I remain willing to learn more. I'm also glad (in a writerly way) to see Legolas still suffering from killing another elf. Writers sometimes subject their characters to terrible things and then just fluff it off or forget it. Galithil's conversation with Manadhien is a good example of how different war looks to the two sides. She even seems to deserve sympathy for her suffering, though not her reaction to it. What a blood thirsty bunch. I love the way Galithil realizes he has to claim his right to respect. He and Legolas are both growing into their adult roles. Legolas is quite impressive in arguing with Hallion and then deciding what to do when they find the owl. Battle plans laid on the fly look very scary to me. Fortunately, Dolgailon knows what he's doing. I hope. Oh look. There's Radagast. Talk about help from unexpected quarters. Thranduil embarrassment over jumping from the mouse's contact made me laugh.

rikki · 2 April 2014 · Chapter 4: To test an elf's character, give him power

With all our modern technology, it is hard to imagine what it would have taken to plan and execute a battle as you are describing. Everything is happening very quickly here and Manadhien has the advantage of numbers of warriors in this confrontation. And I feel that with the attack on Maethroness' village beginning Legolas is going to get drawn into the battle somewhere along the way. I can see everyone ending up in the village with Manadhien and her henchmen. It was great to see Radagast appear in your story. He would be a great ally here because his spies are animals and not necessarily owls and hawks such as Thranduil employs. It is lucky that Manadhien does not realize that the person with Thranduil is a maia. He will be needed when the attacks start and the losses start mounting. It seems that destruction has already started. I was sad to see that the owl has now been killed. Hopefully in all the confusion and fighting Tulus and Hurion can escape from their capitivity. And you have left us with an evil cliffie!

cbellea · 22 March 2014 · Chapter 3: Ill news

Oh Elliska, this chapter made me so mad at Manadhien! But at last, the truth is revealed- she doesn't want to kill the royal family and those loyal to them just for revenge- I always knew she was absolutely crazy from the start. I wonder what made her catch her eye on this particular forest- could she not have staked out another land to rule herself? Why Thranduil's forest? Perhaps because the other forests, under Elrond and Galadriel's rings, were too well protected to take down? But then again, she could have made a move on Lothlorien before Galadriel came.. Poor poor Tulus- the poor elf just can't get a break- it seems that whenever something terrible happens, dear old Tulus is just always unfortunate enough to be in the heart of the problem. I hope things end okay for him- he deserves some peace!! Great chapter, looking forward to more!

picara · 17 March 2014 · Chapter 3: Ill news

Appropriate chapter title, alright. Everyone got nasty news. I'll echo what everyone else is saying: poor Tulus. And Manadhien is definitely one serious &%$&#@. I really hope she gets hers. I don't blame Thranduil for losing his temper and deciding to just be done with her (although I predict that will have consequences he's not expecting). There's a lot in motion. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

Fantasia · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 3: Ill news

I'm speechless.....At least Glilavan is thinking right. He won't attack a village and he will help his Father...I wish him a redemption dead, I can't see another way.... Right now, I'm taking anything to comfort me, is the grey mouse a King's spy? He has owls and hawks, he can have a mouse (yes, I'm desperate). I'm looking for anything to help them and to help me to survive until your next update!. Poor Tulus, will you stop tormenting him, please? he has done more than enough to deserve some peace. He was so happy when he was Legolas's guard *insert resigned sigh here*. Thank you, waiting for more....

Marianel · 14 March 2014 · Chapter 3: Ill news

Oh wow it was like an Xmaspackage when I saw this update.Now Im beginning to see Manadiens real plan- to rule herself.Poor Tulus I hope he will be alright, Dol Guldur and all that .I was happy to see his son Gilavan start to rethink his actions and perhaps he will help his father Tulus. I i also love the archerycontest in last chapter. Manadien is a really tragic person and very wellwritten like all the others . I was very suspicious to Helindilme at first but she seems genuinly interested in to help after all.Looking forward to next chapter as allas!

Morn · 13 March 2014 · Chapter 3: Ill news

Apologies for not reviewing the last chapter. I keep reading on my tablet and then thinking I'll write a review with a proper keyboard... and then forgetting! So two in one. I loved the family scene of the archery contest. It's good seeing your characters getting a chance to have some fun. Though I have a feeling you'll be ruining the happy family environment again soon... So, Thranduil has finally had enough, eh? I'm not a patient person myself, I'm not sure I could have sat still for so long preparing. I suppose elves have long millennia to practice patience in though. His refusal to believe her evil after learning so much about her is telling of just what a good guy he truly is. Worrying reading just how evil Manadhien is. Last chapter you almost had me feeling sorry for her but that's faded away in light of the attacks and the malice in her mind. That she'd so easily burn away the lives she wants to rule is just frankly disturbing. And maybe there is hope for Gilavan. He's obviously not so ruined as the Noldor. I hope he manages to pull Tulus out of the grasps of Dol Guldor. Always great to read a new chapter from you. Hope you're well. :)

rikki · 13 March 2014 · Chapter 3: Ill news

This struggle for the kingdom of Mirkwood has just jumped up a couple notches. I am glad that Thranduil is finally moving to face the threat rather than waiting one more month. Hopefully he will be in time to prevent the loss of more elves when the orcs attack Maethorness' village. Maethroness is going to be one mad elf when she finds out why her village is being attacked. Plus the list for damages is going to a long one I feel. Glilavan is finally facing what he has reaped when he was exiled and then escaped. Fortunately, he still has some redeemable qualities left if he is refusing to kill other elves. But will he be able to rescue Tulus from being delivered to Dol Gondur is debatable. Once this final confrontation is met, I have a feeling that there is going to be a lot of blood shed and a lot of elves will be headed to Mandos. But Manadhien has to be stopped now at all costs and that is what Thranduil realizes.

daw the minstrel · 12 March 2014 · Chapter 3: Ill news

The opening scene with Tulus was tense and things just got more unpleasant for the poor guy. THANK YOU for not showing the details of how the orcs got him to say something. I was about to give up on him when Glilivan showed up and I thought, oh yeah! There's someone who could redeem himself now. Sounds like Galithil's little ruse is not longer going to be accepted at face value. Given that Manadhien is ticked, things could get sticky. It was interesting to hear the folks on the home front analyzing what was going on. Legolas sounds torn between horror and envy over Galithil's adventure. Thranduil, on the other hand, is pretty single-minded. I was surprised that he decided to set off into battle at once, mostly because I'm so slow to come to any decision myself, but not the Elvenking. And as it turns out, it's a good thing he's on the move. At least, I think it is. We'll see. But a really is that they devised that code to hide in messages to forged ones could be detected. Glad to see this, Elliska.

cbellea · 12 March 2014 · Chapter 2: Unexpected complications

Sorry for reviewing so late! Wow I am so impressed by Galithil's faked diplomacy! He was very convincing. Reading Manadhien's thoughts about Galithil made me feel a twinge of sadness for her- the fact that Galithil reminds her of some sweeter times in Fingolfin and then Fingon's courts, and the fact that she acknowledges this but still feels the need to hurt Galithil, makes me wonder what exactly made her become like this. It is sad that she recognizes and likes the goodness in Galithil, but is too driven by madness to spare him. On a lighter note, I loved loved loved the archery tournament between Thranduil and Legolas- very well written and funny! I also loved it when Thranduil finally realized how good his son was at getting out of trouble! Helindilme is an interesting character- I hope Thranduil becomes more comfortable with her and lets her help his family, both in terms of giving them information about Manadhien and also mentally healing them. Can't wait for the next chapter!