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A Dwarf Among Elves  by jenolas 2 Review(s)
DotReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/21/2004
I am getting so behind in my reviewing…

This is a lovely chapter. I really like the way you show the differences in the way Legolas and Gimli get used to life in Valinor. Legolas seems quite content to sit and relive old times, while Gimli clearly feels the need to be doing something, to keep busy. It’s quite courageous and selfless of Legolas, really, to want to do this so soon after being parted from Aragorn, but he seems to see not only how valuable a recorded history would be but how much Elrond yearns to know of those he loves.

I really love the idea of such closeness between Legolas and Elrond. Elrond can learn of the deeds of his children, and can advise Legolas in a way that he must miss doing with his own sons. In turn, Legolas has a sympathetic and understanding friend in Elrond and someone to guide him until Thranduil sails to them. Of course, the tales of his and Thranduil’s younger days would certainly be an added bonus!

As I’ve mentioned before, I really feel for Celebrian. Her own grief seems to be stronger now that she can hear stories of her family and at times she seems so desperate to hear them that she doesn’t stop to consider Legolas. I felt so sorry for Legolas when she presses him too much for information when he is already upset, but I can see why she does it. I imagine she’d be as embarrassed as Elrond appears to be if she could think a little more clearly, but as a mother she just can’t as of yet. I think you do a really great job of creating that little hint of desperation in her.

Gimli certainly seems to be a hit with the ladies! I had to laugh at the thought of him making friends with Celebrian because she provides him with food!:)

I’m glad Gimli is fitting in so well. It’s great that the elves appreciate his talent and are not afraid to acknowledge it. There’s something really touching about the fact that he can add something so beautiful, so important and so memorable to this place – he’ll leave his mark forever in a way that the elves will always treasure.

“Ai, and let us hope that the lights call our sons home to us as they always did,” he whispered as he turned a pleading gaze to where Eärendil watched from above. “Tell them we miss them, Adar.” So…lonely, but such a beautiful thought that their beloved sons would be finally guided home to them. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see if they will be or not;)








Author Reply: Keeping himself occupied is Gimli's way of dealing with his new life, and he probably enjoys the chance to show off his artistic talents. That he is willing to share them with the elves shows that both he and they are slowly adjusting to the course their lives are now taking.

Celebrian is, as you say, simply a mother desperate to see her sons, and is not deliberately trying to hurt Legolas.

Valinor may ge the Blessed Realm, but not all experience only peace and happiness, the sorrow and loneliness of separation still afects many elves.

Elf messengerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/18/2004
Gimli is quite the craftsman. I like how your story is going. Until next time,
Namarie.
Elf messenger

Author Reply: I hope you continue to enjoy it, thank you.

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