rate_review Reviews

First I can't wait to review #101 and preen in the glow cast by Gladdie. If one can't write then one can be added to a writer's stable of OCs at least. What an honor.

#98
The description of the dagger and it's evil is just wonderfully done. Ready to taste more blood of the FirstBorn, able to exude an evil aura that touched all those assembled there. Shiver. I loved it. Then the king's reaction "How did he think it would be a boon to him?" Is he slowly beginning to come to some kind of rational thinking here? How he has left himself open to the manipulation and machinations of others by his prior bad acts. He has not only allowed Elrond to dictate to him his life course but he has fostered a sick and twisted miasma around him and his loved ones with these unhoused ones at his beck and call. He has allowed this unnatural desire of the dark side of elven life to touch everything he has tried to accomplish, even more actually by throwing his lot with these unhoused ones he has used shadow to try to fight shadow. This puts him in a really untenable position when this is uncovered.
The comment the king made to melt both of the daggers down because they both represented something he no longer wanted to deal with. The unwholesome spirit trapped in his dagger and what Legolas' dagger represented. The unwholesome life Legolas was forced to live by the neglect of his father.
We get the crowd see-sawing again about the revelations. They are really like children aren't they? Like a soft cushion they retain the impression of the last one who sat on them. I can see why the king has so little regard for them. Up till now they have been easily swayed by his deceptions. Since this whole Legolas/Tawar thing they are much more difficult to handle.
Oh dear, Malthen and his concern for Legolas while contemplating the dagger and it's hard use. Mirroring the abuse that Legolas received at his hands and not only his but everyone's hands. As far as you have written, Ningloriel was totally wrapped up in herself and Legolas was a possession, a charm to ensure her future since he was to be the next king. I know Gladdie took as much care of his as she could but really that is about it. Everyone was free to misuse the prince since he had no one to protect him. When I write this, and I have to again and again, it really makes one feel sad for any youngling in such a situation.
I was amused about Lindalcon not being impressed by Malthen being on his knees and weeping. Too little to late for Legolas' brother.
Back to the king and we get treated to another tangent. His total denial of all the signs that Legoals was his son by blood, Oropher's blood. Let's face it the king had real problems with Ningloriel and that was just the tip of the iceberg. It makes you wonder if the Valar decided to punish the king for his total disregard for all elven feeling when he used the houseless ones for his own dark and desperate needs. If so they chose their instrument of revenge well. I really liked the phrase, "inner intellect,' when referring to the king. He likes to deny the reality of things if they run counter to his will. Now Legolas will pay for his father's sins, per usual. Again the king's thoughts are Taurant and Gwilith and how Legolas can hurt them.
We hear the cry for Ada. Which Ada?
I really liked someone slugging the king. I would have liked to have done it but I wasn't there. Some aided the king and some the warriors who were against the king. Well I can see the dungeons will be full soon. We know that the king is still king when the War of the Ring is going on. Maybe he can use some of them as new armour for this new war. What a pig. Some want to return to the old ways, some feel they need this hard hearted and headed king to protect them, some just want to go home. I hate confrontation so I would be headed home if I were there. Hysteria. Mob rule. Rain going upwards. Great riot scene. Got the old adrenaline going.
I enjoyed Malthen's blood nose too. Lindalcon saved him for Legolas' sake not for the warriors. At least he will be around to suffer some more.
That lousy dagger again and all time stands still at Thranduil's demand and here comes Celeborn and the cavalry to save the day. For whom I wonder? It certainly looks like the unraveling of the Woodland Realm to trained eyes. At least it was the unraveling of the royal family of the Woodland Realm. Celeborn wasn't called wise by Galadriel for nothing. He is just his nice cool self and lets everyone pretend that we are all civilized elves here and it will all come out in the wash so we get a respite here and the king is probably the most relieved. He has back up now and the spectre of off with his head is receding into the twilight under the trees. Again his first thoughts are of Meril, Taurant and Gwilith and oh by the way grab the hecilo and his cronies if you see them skulking around. Nice afterthought.
Ah So Celeborn can discern many things from just handling the dagger and noting Thranduil's reaction. Giving it to the Istar and not to another elf was a "good thing" to quote a stressed out modern individual. Getting it melted down now should be the order of the day before it gets out of hand.
Now this next part was very interesting to me. That point that the dagger's inhabitant could "go" to Dol Guldur and could be reborn in some new and loathsome form. Could Thranduil be afraid that Legolas could be unhabited by his two brothers and used to take over the realm from the king and then use the wood elves to wreak havoc and revenge on the king, his family and all who has supported him. All the unhoused ones could be loosed and would all want their revenge after all. Interesting thought that they also could be used by the Necromancer at Dol Guldur for his plans. If so the king in his desire to protect himself and his realm has really put himself in long range jeopardy. If the Necromancer could really use these ones the sylvan elves gooses are well and truly cooked. They would be destroyed by shadow and Legolas would never get to be part of the alliance of the free races during the War of the Ring. Thranduil could have caused all of Arda to fall to Sauron. Scary thought. No wonder Galadriel is a little bit concerned here. Elrond is of course still thinking with his gonads. Sigh.
I thought the wizard was cute. All mussed up and taking the dagger with impunity. Just drop it in his pocket. He can handle it.
As far as Erebor being divisive and detrimental to the realm. I'll say, big time. In his eagerness to disavow his son he set in motion events that could have cost him his family, his rule and his very life. Of course he'll never "get" this. He is too ego centered to take this blame to himself. Easier to blame everyone else.
Lindalcon has finally figured out what his brother was up to. They all agree, whether they backed the king or Tirno. And poor Celeborn, Legolas is TawarWaith and has the allegiance of all sylvan elves. He now understands Thranduil and his agenda but since he hasn't met Legolas yet he has yet to learn Legolas' agenda. The end result for both royal father and son may be the same but the way they go about it is about 180 degrees apart. Yep Celeborn you're not in Kansas anymore. The tornado is ripening up really nicely now but the full force hasn't been felt yet. Who knows who will be standing when it finally clears the air.
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Hello Erobey. He is fascinating! He is wonderful! When it is going to wake up Erestor? I am wishing to read another beautiful scene of Legolas/Erestor... A greeting.

#97
AN - I loved Warrior Child. To see a happy loving Legolas despite his horrible experience on the hunting trip. I though you really captured the differences between Edain and Edhel. So many stories that I read anthropomorphise the elves. Since we don't know how elves really are since they don't exist (they have all gone to Aman;~) I know it is difficult to really get that mind set but I think you do. Well you do for me anyway. Also not translating Legolas' speech until the end was masterful. We were wondering right along with the characters in that tale as to what was really going on. I don't know if I have reviewed Warrior Child but you know there is too much to read and too little time to review. I would love to read more about this happy child but in this particular setting I don't think that would be possible. I also am enjoying your other series that has a Good King Thranduil. I am looking forward to more of that also. We are so demanding aren't we?

Now to this chapter of Legolas' rather complicated and desperate life.
He was just reduced to jelly by the use of his name wasn't he? The king doesn't even realize what he has done only that something has changed. How has this rather dim elf remained king? He just has no clue how to deal with his own son, whether he acknowledges kinship or not. Again we see the contradiction of Legolas, reduced to that pitiful elfling by his father and the total self absorption of the king makes him unable to take this incident and use it to his advantage no matter how much he wants to.
These were the points that really stood out for me in the jumble of the crowd and the king and Legolas and his backers. 1 - How he turned from the Tawarwaith to the easily discounted archer right before their eyes and it really upset the crowd while heartening the king. 2 - The king having warring feelings realizing that Elrond had brought him to this state. Had manipulated him and might be responsible for the total destruction of his house since he knows that Legolas and Taurant are somehow linked. 3 - His life has been choreographed by Elrond and although he cares nothing for his first child he hates the idea that all this has worked out to the Noldo Lord's advantage. 4 - That Legolas is both opponent and confederate but to what ends and how does he manage this situation for the sake of Meril and his elflings.
All that the king tries to accomplish turns to crud ( a favorite saying of a friend of mine) and all the bad things that have happened to Legolas have blossomed and born fruit despite his past.
You know when you bring up how Thranduil has real father problems I almost begin to have some feeling for him. All villains, well good villains are not villainous for no good reason. You have given the king good, solid reasons for what he has done. He tried to impress his father with his business sense and the chasm between them must grew. Now he has the same chasm between his first born and he still doesn't get it. But he won't spend any more time pondering this subject. He cannot see the significance yet because if he tried to bind Legolas to him with fatherly feeling and concern he could. What child doesn't crave their parent's love and approval. Not matter how long in coming and how high the price.
That which Naneth conferred. So Legolas doesn't have a father name. Just curses and epithets for his son. Then we get a picture of how the elfling was treated and what happened when Ningloriel was out dallying with her many lovers. What a stubborn little thing he was. Tolkien said that the fear of the mother and father were necessary for the well being and growth of the child. He got nothing from his father and only the wrong kind of attention from his mother. He even felt that if Elrond were really his father he must despise him also. Then we have that little moment when Elrond raped him. I do feel it was rape even if at first it was consensual. No matter what he did in his life it was used against him. I was amazed the king didn't kill him when he was caning him. The sadistic games that the king had played with him his whole life and that led to the whole realm knowing he was easy prey for them. And Legolas feels that the king is still playing his sadistic games when he used his name twice. Once for each love he has lost. Serious angst here.
The paragraph about dynamic, complicated Tawarwaith was heart breaking. Laying it all out to be braved once and for all. "Always remember because I will never be able to forget." And that takes care of Malthen. Once more Legolas has faced his demons and fought through the pain to the other side. It is so freeing to accomplish this. It is hard and painful but not as painful as carrying this for all time. Letting go of lead balloons. He is re-invigorated for the fight. He will not fail for the sake of his three siblings. Fail at what?
Malthen can only try once again to fulfill his duty to Legolas. He has failed at that duty and taken on a blood debt that will never be paid in his lifetime even if he be immortal. So Legolas says do not speak and Malthen will not. The king is going to lose it now. I really liked Thranduil finally realizing that Legolas' demeanor was like that of Oropher at Dogorlad. To the death no matter what happens in between. I trust this will not end as Dagorlad did.
Full disclosure. Legolas is not willing to put the happiness, care, comfort and safety of his siblings in the way of lies. There is no safety in that for them. And Thranduil is off. Maybe Legolas has real proof about Meril. No but I am sure someone does. If Rochendil had proof he would have used it for his advantage before now. He would have used it to stay in the Woodland Realm if possible. I don't think destroying Meril is what is on his mind right now. But will the king figure that out before it is too late.
That was a great fight. Legolas got some good licks in there. I could only race through to see what Legolas was up to and what he would do. Attention was drawn away from Malthen for the moment. That won't last. He stood up to the king despite Thranduil trying to break him. I don't see that happening. Too much Oropher in this elf. And he got what he wanted all along. The key. I don't think the crowd is going to be pleased that the king blooded Legolas when Legolas didn't touch him, just took what was necessary. Can't wait to see what transpires next.
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#93
I of course love the history lesson. It is fascinating to read different writer's views about the many groups of elves. I have never really understood why the Valar just had to have all the elves follow them to Valinor or be forgotten. I think they was some overwheening vanity among them.
The Danwaith view of the fea and hroa was also interesting. Without anyone to guide them they came up with some unique ideas as to what happens when you die. I read all I could about the houseless ones. Not much but it gave me a basis for understanding your story more. It was nice that they would stay with their forest and be there for their families rather than go to the Halls of Waiting for their rebirth. Then of course the Sinda came and things got much less cut and dried and very messy what with Thranduil imprisoning their fear in the river. He has to pay big time for that.
Then we have your idea of the whole blood debt thing. So un-elflike but worthy of elves that are "less wise and more dangerous." Erestor should think on that point a little more I think. He has cast his lot with a group that is very different from the group he has been hanging with. Since you state that only Legolas has been able to pay the debt without dying you would think they would give the matter a little thought. I guess having an elf in that situation be dead is easier than having to deal with the mess that Legolas has brought upon them.
So the prince was drawn to the sacred places and now his home will be where his heart was broken. Maybe this will exorcise the demons that haunt him.
The phrase that the elves wanted the world set to rights and Legolas was to be the key. He was but in the future. The forest suffered but thanks to the Fellowship Sauron and his forces will bother the Woodland Realm no more.
Very imaginative. The cycle of the year as seen through their customs. Marriages in Autumn. Lousy Winters, they probably really celebrate the winter soltice for the return of daylight. After all this is why our culture adopted all those pagan customs and symbols and grafted them onto christianity. Fertile and fecund Spring and have a great time while you work yourself silly Summer. Sounds very rural, agrarian and simple. These are not simple elves even thought they may look, act, speak and reflect simple, they are very complex. I loved the barrel dancing. Now that sounds like a fun thing to do if you are an elf and have tremendous grace, power and agility. Not for me though.
Lindalcon and his musings on he and Legolas not knowing the rules of attraction. But Legolas found someone and so will Lindalcon. The vision was so sweet. Very Japanese in a way. Even the braziers to keep the place somewhat warm. What with Erestor singing in Quenya and the two of them just strengthening their bond the vision was a good one.. Legolas' happiness is so good for Lindcalon. Just what does he have up his sleeve for his new law-brother though? The snowball fight, not really a fight but an ambush decided Erestor's fate.
I did wonder at the thought that Erestor would never leave Tirno's side. That just can't be and I wonder how you will work things out. Have to keep tuned to find out.
Now it was time for Legolas to face his fears and defeat them. He is so right that it isn't the place that was hurting but his heart. I hate the phrase 'get over it' but sometimes that is what one has to do.
Wow Three levels. Well after where he has been living that probably is better than a palace. Certainly better than the hole in the ground the king lives in. It may be beautiful but I doubt there is as much love there as will be in this flet. This was a big step for Legolas and he gets the last word. Gandalf and his ice chunk for Lindcalon's rear end. It was also nice that Gandalf could acknowledge his desires and then let go and let Legolas find happiness.
That was a very satisfying chapter.
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#94
Dancing and music. Wheee! What fun a party in the Woodland Realm All the good food and fun. Legolas hasn't had fun in such a long time that it must be like wine to him.
So here comes the prank and everyone is in on it. Erestor is in for a hard time here.
Oh Oh The Enchanted River. This is not a good development. Not good at all. This is really a lesson in group dynamics. Once you let things get out of hand there is seldom a chance of turning things back around. It is sad to note that the elves, like humans, are just a bunch of sheep when they get in a large group. Sigh.
Great rescue indeed. Maybe too much damage hasn't been done. In fact Erestor was kind of cute slipping off to elvish dreamland. At least it wasn't total disaster, he could have been totally immersed. How big a disaster is still to be seen though. Poor Legolas. He never gets a break from you does he? "He will forget me." How sad and heartbreaking is that. Also how would that affect Legolas? Probably the last straw for him. I do think practical jokes are stupid and can easily become cruel and harmful. I even hate surprise parties. I have had two inflicted on me and hated both.
Well what was to be a joyous and glorious day has fallen flatter than road kill on a very busy highway. How do you like my lovely metaphor? Or was it a simile? I can never get those two straight. Everyone was part of this but Fearfaron so they are all going to have to bear some of the burden of guilt.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this. It was very exciting and very sad at the same time. You certainly do have your way with us, your readers.
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#95
Great. We get right to the dreaded council meeting. From the frying pan into the fire as far as Legolas is concerned. No Berenauer to be there for him and he has jumped on all his friends in anger. All the crowd is in a great mood since they now know their part in the harming of the champion but they can't let a good show go by without attending. They have too much time on their hands and not enough work to keep them occupied.
You said the king was on his portentous throne and I read it as pretentious. Either one probably would fit.
As far as the king and the councilor underestimating the prince I don't think that is going to change. They will always have their plots and just because he is not interested in them except how they will affect his siblings he is not ignorant of their devious plans. He might even be more aware because of his upbringing. You said he had learned to hide himself and slip around. He probably knows a lot more than they give him credit for.
So Legolas and Taurant are linked in some way? That is interesting. Of course the king thought of Taurant's suffering, not Legolas'. How typical. Now what is Talagan up to since his tongue lashing. For Legolas or against so he can gain some more points with the king.
Ah Thranduil and his malicious petty victories. Sending Iarwain to Legolas to announce the meeting and then having Legolas turn all royal on him. Put the councilor in his place both of them. What the king just doesn't get is that he and Iarwain are in similar situations. The king thinks he has the bull by the horns and can dictate to all. He just see the big picture. Legolas isn't out to just save himself. He wants to save his siblings and the forest from threats that the king doesn't even deem noteworthy. He will hide in his stronghold and let the tides of time and war come to his doorstep before he reacts. It will be very nice to see Legolas' standpoint and how he handles the king. Thranduil won't know what hit him. I can see blow after blow until he reels from exhaustion before this is over.
OOH Legolas threatened the king. It was great juxtaposition of the scenes. They didn't really lead from one to another but jumped backward and forward in time so we could get the full impact of the situation. We have Legolas forgive Lindalcon publicly before we see them really have their final blow up. See Gladdie was right. Tirno was just under tremendous pressure. Poor Lindalcon. All he wanted was a good time for all. The crowd will be better disposed now but of course the king will be in an even lousier mood since Legolas threatened him.
Now we learn what happens if you stay in the water too long. The fear kind of feed on you. Oh Ick So this latest pain visited on Legolas can still be laid at Thranduil's door. He after all created the river and uses it for his own ends. Now it has hurt his son, perhaps permanently. I'm sure the king won't lose any sleep over this, unless it causes Taurant to cry again all night. What a delicious bad guy to hate. Almost as good as Darth Vader.
Legolas is going to assert himself again and he is itching for a fight. He needs to get whatever he wants to do in motion and I think they had all better hold onto their hats and especially their crowns. He has an agenda and won't be deterred from carrying it out. Oh boy.
This was written in a very unusual pattern. I thought it was very effective.
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#96
Legolas full of contradictions. You have made a very full bodied, full blooded hero here. One with flaws, insecurities, pain yet with vigour, deep feelings and empathy. It has taken a lot of chapters but he lives. It isn't as if he has gone from nothing to forest champion. He was always forest champion he just needed the shock he received to bring this out.
The blend of sylvan/Sindar is one of the reasons his father hates him. He inherited his grandfather's love of the sylvan and his mother's blood line. One of which the king doesn't understand and the other he hates. This dichotomy is in all wood elves. No wonder they embrace him. He is them.
Fully armed and threatening. Nice mind picture. Now if Mithrandir and Aragorn were there they would know that this is going to lead to trouble but no one else has seen that almost self destructive side of him. The one leading orcs to their deaths. The king is faced with a juggernaut. We just have to see what he wants out of this. He will get it no matter the price he has to pay.
Fearfaron's ruminations were very telling. First the recognition of Annaldir's (sp?) feelings with his loss reflected in Legolas' eyes. The hunger, the despair and the desire for death. Shiver. Since he saw the way Legolas reacted the night before he understands what is in store here. The inability to forgive himself has lashed out again to give him pain and cause pain to others which he then blames on himself. A terrible circle of pain and recrimination.
"Where is he walking? Am I there?" That was heart breaking. Also very to the point. When Erestor wakens will Legolas be in his mind and heart or forgotten. "His fear will not forget you." Maybe but there has to be a reason why Erestor went back to Imladris and stayed in the service of Elrond the Rat.
This night was to be special for the newly bonded couple and what does Legolas get. Nothing but more pain. No wonder Fearfaron fears for what Legolas will do. So much loss and pain in his life.
Stubborn stupidity and exalted pride. Them's fightin' words but Thranduil keeps his cool. "The people wish this Legolas" and Legolas loses it. The king has never before spoken his name. What a horrible git. We need a real smack down that won't hurt the elflings for this total piece of elven ****.
Well this was a real cliff hanger. What does Legolas want to accomplish before he fades? We know he wants to protect Tawar and his siblings but if he fades how can he? He also seems to want to free the unhoused of their capitivity.
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Ah! FINALLY! Now we're getting somewhere! Do get that coniving b*tch out of her comfy spot and do knock thranduil down a peg or two-- dozen that is.

Erobey congratulations, are an extraordinary story. Wonderful writing...

AI!! Thank you for not making us wait so long after that last cliff-hanger!!

I am now on tenterhooks again though... for the name of Meril's co-conspirator has been uttered in court, thank ERU for the Men....

I have no idea how this will all turn out, but I am LOVING the ride!!! Thanks for the update!

Will there.... be an update to Legolas and the Balrog soon too, though??? *begging anime eyes of Pleading...* :-)