I joined this site, just so I could review this story so here goes.
I must say I really like the way you've re invented the HoTU story and made it your own. All the characters are developing so nicely and feel real, including Valen. Your 'version' of him may not be to everybody's taste but lets face it, we all have our own idea of what he should be like. Personally I think this darker and more harsh Valen is perhaps more realistic considering his background.
As for the story being too long or you getting bogged down with lots of detail, I think that is what makes it feel so genuine. I like a story that takes its time to unfold and I like the way you allow all the characters to develop. This includes the Drow that you introduced to help Jen. And yes, as spineless as Jen seems sometimes, she is a realistic character. We are not all smart mouthed, ass kicking heroes and she does show and inner strength and integrity that I suspect will come to the fore later in the story.

Concerning breaking the canon. Meh, it's a fantasy world. We should use our imagination and there's obviously nothing wrong with yours.

Now, I really don't want you to be distracted away from the Valen module since I'd love to play it before my old age sets in. I am however, hoping you'll continue this story when you get a chance.

Now *that* was one hell of a chapter! You built up the atmosphere with Nathyrra and Szinaufein amazingly, and I love the undercurrents that were between them as well. You do a great job in making characters that may or may not be batting for the right side so inherently likeable. The closer look at Lith Myathar's defences was realistic and interesting, and I loved the description of the battle - it reminded me exactly of Valen's description of drow fighting as two great shadows meeting. Excellent work!

As for the re-writes; I have to say, I love both the original and the new one. Of course, they are of very different tones, but the original sent me off into gales of laughter that was appropriate after the previous darkness, while the newly rewritten version kept up the dark pacing to a good and realistic effect. So I'd be hard pressed to say which one I prefer, but in my mind both definitely work. :)

As always, I look forwards to what you have to share with us next! Thanks again for taking the time out of your hectic life once again to give us such writing of amazing quality. :D

I've only browsed this. But I just have to say, you're a very talented writer. I wonder if you finished this. You wrote this 2 years ago, so you might not be paying attention to this anymore. But I just have to say, this story is extremely well written! =)

*leaps around in sheer joy* Wow! It's great to see you back, and with one hell of a chapter! I almost cried when I realised Valen and his predicament, and his whispered 'Guardian' was very touching. And then Jekhril got to have his own little spotlight. Amazingly paced, gory chapter... really felt it.

Thanks so much again for dedicating your sparse time to this fic. :D Love your writing, and I'm looking forwards to more! :D

Thrilled to see this story going forward, Ely! :D It's been killing me waiting, but I know what a handful you have at home ^_^ so I'm just happy to see a new chapter and greedy for more. And yeah...I have anonymous reviews off for my own stories to keep the stupid at bay. Don't listen to people who won't even put their name behind their statements.

Yay it's back, I was worried we'd never find out how all the intrigues end. This is one of my favourite HotU stories. Love all the characters.

Grats on the baby too.

First of all, congratulations, that is the most wonderful news!
To be honest, I already knew but I hadn't dropped you a message earlier since I thought you'd be too busy. So, my best wishes to you and your family, dear.

As for your new chapter I really enjoyed Jehk'ril's part. Every single one of your side character's is very well fleshed out and has an important part to play. Can't wait to see what's coming up next.

And now a message to Anonymous.
Dear Anonymous, who ever you are, even if you don't like a story it would be very nice if your ctitisism was a bit more constructive. Needless to say that mockery doesn't fit in the constructive side of things at all.
Since you made perfectly clear how you disagree with Valen's characterization in this story, I would also like to state my opinion.
In game Valen for a seasoned tiefling warrior, a veteran of the blood wars at that, was way too well spoken and well mannered which always struck me as an oddity, but still I thought it sort of could be explained if his years with the Seer was taken under consideration. Still, what I think was clearly out of character was his "paladinly" behaviour. Valen is a chaotic creature and after all he's been through it's only natural to be a little rougher, don't you think?


As for Jen, there's a perfect reason for her being powerfull at this point and something tells me that by the end of this story she is going to lose a lot of her powers. I like her naivete, it is a natural flaw and gives depth to her character. Besides, she is not as naive as you claim her to be. She has a pure heart and a good, compassionate nature that prevent her form being cold and ruthless even to those who deserve it. As the story unfolds, I believe that we will see many changes as she will be affected from everything that goes on around her. We'll just have to wait and see.

Thank you Mistress Elysia for sharing with us such a wonderful story!

I really liked your story, and I hope you will update it!! I don't know if I would like Xen'shai or Valen to end with Jen... (or both? :P )
Anyway, please update soon!

Valen =Jerkass Stu (also know as macho sue)
Jen = Suetiful All Along :/ nuff said.

Really,the more I read, the more I see Valen as a controlling asshole, I don't remember him being like this in the game.
Also,you manage to destroy D&D canon and lore all in one fic! Wonderful!
Jen really needs to grow a backbone,her naiveté is just getting irritating to the point of stupidity(or perhaps you are trying to portray her as an anti-sue?)

Whoah. What a chapter.

First, you let us know that secret you've been buildng up to all this time. And may I just say how masterfully that was done? I never, ever guessed... but now that I think back, I realised that you planted all of the clues so well that it makes me shiver (in a good way) at how well you unravelled it. :D I have to say, I love these kinds of stories where you look back and see it all fall into place, but I know it's often hard to get the balance right between making it too obvious or too obscure. You've managed to do it perfectly, and that makes reading this all the more enjoyable. :D

I also like how you let us get into the heads of the enemy - in this situation it was needed, both to get a sense of them as characters and also to increase the damn tension (which I swear, you have down to a perfect art. :) ). Loved Ixenthraxsis and Valen here too - seeing him with others reminds me of all parts of his personality besides the awesomely gorgeous ones he's beginning to display with Jen. :D

As for Jen, I liked how she was confronted with the horror of the attack and her response. It was a very touching, heartbreaking moment that she shared with the female drow. And Xen'shai... geez, always playing at something.

Now, I know that you haven't updated for over a year - and that means that you might have abandoned this fic. If you have, I don't blame you - I've had a story where I've looked at it and decided I couldn't (and it wasn't worth it) to continue. Nevertheless, I want to tell you that what you've written here was very much worth it, I've enjoyed it more than I can imagine, and if you ever write more, I'll be eagerly awaiting. And if not, I'll just have to reread what you have written over and over again, because it's been an absolute pleasure. Thank you for spurring my imagination and inspiring my writing again, and thank you for such a brilliantly crafted, well-loved story with impeccable, lovable characters. :)

-Shadowhawke

Oh wow. OH WOW! They finally... mph! I can't believe how amazing that was to finally see it. :D And oh so cute. Loved the build up, loved their talking, especially about their backgrounds and the careless, realistic and true-to-character way in which you did it. And then the attack! Gosh, you know how to amp up the tension again after giving us a break... :D

As you can see, I really enjoyed this chapter again. In fact, I'm reading it as I'm downloading the patches for NWN, SoU, and HotU... yep, you guessed it. Your work has most definitely inspired me to play them, and while I doubt that game itself will be as good as your story, I hope they will give me succor while I look forward to more of your work. :D

Do you know what you've done to me? Do you? You've made me both a fangirl of Valen and Jen AND of you. :D Yes, that's right Mistress Elysia, you have your very own fangirl squeeing in her room every time she allows herself to savour one of your fine chapters. I LOVED Deekin's sly hints and Valen taking her out on a date. That was cute beyond belief. And the way that they're joking and talking with each other know is both a wonderful advancement from where they began, but also very believable with the way you've charted their progress. Absolutely amazing.

And the mushrooms... *g*. That was a stroke of genius. Can't wait to see more! :D

Whoah, Desire, Treason and Plot indeed... Xen'shai's being 'chosen' was a creepy, well-done scene, and Tsabandiir's plans were damn intriguing as well. I can't believe you've managed to sustain all these different plots and alliances so well! They all merge together so wonderfully, and then coupled by the characters as well... heh. I loved the insight into Jen's background and her romantic past, and especially how she keeps responding to Xen'shai as if he's Valen instead. I can't wait for those two to see what's right under their noses.

And then Deekin! I really like how you continually underscore how he's underestimated by everyone. So wonderful that he went to fetch Valen - such a difference and a development from the beginning! :D

Eh, it's pretty amazing, actually. I've never read a fic like this before - I usually voraciously read until I finish, but attempting to slow myself down to savour it drop by drop, especially as I know I'm getting close to the end of what's been written, is both painful and exceedingly enjoyable. Every twist and turn of your plot is driven and maintained by the character development, which I have to say is an absolute miracle and pleasure to see. Thanks again for sharing this with us. :D Anyway, *sigh* it's back to work... for now.

Oh. So, so, wonderful.

That said, I actually physically *have* to go to sleep now, my body's telling me that it'll shut down if I keep going, as much as I want to. Thanks so much again for such a wondrous, wondrous story. I feel like I could happily read it forever, even though I know I only have four chapters left before I reach what's been finished >.<. Such an incredible story, thank you.