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Via Media  by Thevina 4 Review(s)
ElemmírëReviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/28/2006
I agree with Grey Wonderer--there are way too few Gimli stories out there, let alone one that expands upon Dwarven culture. Very cool!

Gimli's explanation of his tattoo to Pippin reminded me of the actors that played the roles of the Fellowship. They got their own tatoos after a long, strenuous job (like the Dwarves' apprenticeship), and wanted to keep their design secret for as long as they could. I truly cannot picture any other race in Tolkien's Middle-earth that would embrace the custom of tatooing. I really enjoyed how you linked the manner of the Dwarves dress, braids, tatoos, etc. denoting their trade--very reminiscient of the medieval Scottish masons and other guilds during that period.

Well done!

Author Reply: Yes, there are way too few Gimlifics and Dwarf culture stories. Not to pimp it, but if you like this genre, I wrote "Speak, Friend and Enter" [http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=2042] which focuses on Dwarvish/Elvish interaction and is one of my personal favorites of my own stories.

What a marvelous parallel you describe between this and the LotR actors! And thank you for thinking that my idea that Dwarves would use their own unique exterior clues to reveal aspects of themselves worked; I very much think of them as being like medieval guildspersons. Guilddwarves? ;)

My thanks for your enthusiastic words about this story!

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/27/2006
I adore your Gimli. There just aren't enough stories about Gimli. I like the idea of the tatoo and the secret ceremony. I found this story through a rec by Shirebound and I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

Author Reply: Thank you so very much! There does appear to be a dearth of Dwarf!fic out there, much less with Gimli. I'm doing my best to help remedy this. ;) It was very kind of Shirebound to rec this; makes me want to keep writing more Tolkien at a faster speed than I have been of late. Thank you for your comments!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/27/2006
I like how you fleshed-out Gimli here, beyond the usual jester. A strong, proud, secretive, haughty dwarf among elves. Nice job.

Author Reply: Thank you! I find Gimli to be a *very* compelling character, hence why I write about him a lot. I'm so pleased that you felt he was well-characterized in this story.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/26/2006
What a marvelous peek into the secretive culture -- and pride -- of the Dwarves. Everything you've described rings true.

Author Reply: Thank you very much! They are quite proud and prone to keep to themselves, but I thought it would be so fun for Pippin to be the one to learn something no-one else in the group would know about. Many thanks for your comments.

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