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A Dwarf Among Elves  by jenolas 5 Review(s)
shireboundReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/27/2004
I just had to stop reading, and mention my appreciation for this lovely line:

"The melodies in Ilúvatar’s song are not all joyful, but you should be glad that you have heard them."

I suspect I'll remember that for a long, long time. Thank you.

Author Reply: Your appreciation of my words is really heartwarming, and has made my day. Thank you,

jenolas

Elf messengerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/9/2004
I like your chapter. It was so heartwrenching though when they went to the Hobbits graves. Nonetheless it was a good chapter, keep up the good work!
Namarie.
Elf messenger

Author Reply: Thank you, I will certainly try.

LKKReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/8/2004
"Bittersweet Moments", you have named this chapter, jenolas. You could also have called it "Bittersweet Foretellings" for you reminded me of something I don't like to think about -- Gimli's death and the grief Legolas will certainly feel at his passing. I almost hope you end this story before that time comes. With your writing talents, I know reading such a moment will bring me to tears.

Not everything about this chapter was bittersweet, though. I laughed at how Gimli tried to ease Legolas' pain by saying he had to help Elisiel find a wife for Legolas. I also liked his delight at seeing the hobbits' patch of Longbottom Leaf. I bet maintaining that patch is one act of gardening our dwarf will eagerly undertake! LOL

LKK

Author Reply: Yes, the Longbottom Leaf will certainly be appreciated, at least by Gimli!

Just like in real life, not all stories have a happy ending, and for those other than elves, mortality is inevitable. :(

Thanks for your comments, and as to where the story ends... I will let my muse decide.

DotReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/7/2004
LOL! Gimli is so funny in his sheer delight that Elisiel’s home is on the ground. The poor Dwarf seems constantly afraid that he’ll be forced to do something ‘elvish’!

There’s a lovely sense of peace and utter happiness in Legolas throughout most of this chapter that’s wonderful to see. His deep love for his mother is so obvious and open that it’s just really heart-warming to witness. I like the way that even in his own joy, he remembers that Gimli might not be feeling at ease or as happy and thinks to ask him.

“Wrapped in a blanket of comradeship.” What a marvellous phrase!

I’m glad you decided to make the final resting places of the hobbits so simple – for all their courage and the esteem in which they were held, I imagine they would never have wanted anything too ornate. It seems completely fitting.

“Every one has gone, dear Gimli,” he whispered through his tears. Ah, jenolas – that nearly broke my heart! It was such a powerful image, that moment of realisation for Legolas that all his mortal friends were gone forever, but one - and the dearest of all of them would one day follow. He shows such desperation at the inevitable and seems in such pain at the thought that he will be alone that it really brought tears to my eyes. This one moment just made me realise why elves look on death as a ‘gift’. He was lucky to have Gandalf and Gimli there with him, one to gently advise and the other to make him smile again. I think even I’m beginning to dread the day that Gimli does pass away…!

Longbottom leaf?? Good old Samwise! A true hobbit ‘til the end;)



Author Reply: Well, Gimli does not want to be 'corrupted' by elvish influence, he is a proud Dwarf, after all. *grin* Yes, Legolas is sensitive to his friend's feelings and wants to ensure that Gimli is happy.

Yes, I imagined the Hobbits would prefer a simple memorial, too.

Legolas managed to lived all those years with the knowledge of Aragorn's ultimate demise, but being an Elf, may not have fully realised that Gimli was eventually headed down the same path. Seeing evidence of the Hobbit's mortality made him realise it, and he was filled with grief at what is to come.

I imagine Gandalf had a hand in ensuring the success of Sam's crop! :)

FadesintothewestReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/7/2004
I simply love your stories Jenolas and this chapter was truly bittersweet. I feel much the same way. I just came back from seeing FOTR and seeing Peter Jackson speak on LOTR. It was great and my friends and I loved it but it was bittersweet as I did not get to share it with my family who are huge fans like myself. Maybe that's why getting home and reading this chapter really made me tear up... It's just amazing the bonds of friendship that Lord of the Rings creates, it has truly reached into so much of our world, and that's really why I felt it when Legolas cried at the Hobbits' grave. Thanks for this great chapter!

Author Reply: Thank you, I appreciate hearing you like my work.

Lucky you! I imagine it was quite a thrill to hear PJ speak and answer questions.

I also like the strong friendships that develop in LoTR, quite subtley for the most part. On some level, Legolas was aware he would see the demise of all the members of the Fellowship, and seeing the Hobbit's resting place made him feel grief and sorrow that mortality exists even in Valinor and includes his best friend.

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