Reviews (443)

Ms. Whatsit · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

Oh, wow. I have to like Lady Kali--I was cheering as she punched that obnoxious black-bearded dwarf! I also like the way you've portrayed her conflicting attitude towards Legolas, and Legolas's towards her. I can imagine that he'd be a bit taken aback by bearded dwarven women! She's quick to take offense against those who insult her family--as you've shown with her reaction to the other dwarf, and her defensive attitude to Legolas on Gloin's behalf--but at the same time she's independent-minded and is bound to notice that Legolas isn't all that bad. As for Gloin...rather smart of Gimli to distract him with the notion of the Glittering Caves. But it won't last forever, obviously, and he still has yet to say a word to Legolas...uh-oh. As for Gimli, I laughed when I read about him picking up Elven habits of hygiene. That can only be a good thing!

Duchess · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

Hey, GREAT new part! Very interesting, this little tour Legolas is on with the Lady Kali (she's a real HOOT of a character, btw) and I absolutely adore the fact she hit the black bearded dwarf. LOL Too funny. Also love that Legolas was so forgiving, yet still managed to give the little dolt a "withering glance" before they left his presense. Is Legolas gonna have trouble with that one later? I'm also worried that he left his jewels in the bedside drawer... what if some stupid idiot (like that black bearded fella) steals them? Thranduil would have a cow! *cringing at the thought* Gimli launched a verbal distraction in his talk with his father that had a bit of a delayed reaction after it hit, didn't it? *chuckling* So easily diverted, how long will that last and how much trouble will Gloin cause our favorite odd pair of friends? As always, looking forward to more as soon as you're able to post it, though I'd prefer to have it right NOW! ;) *vbg*

Lamiel · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

I do like how you've done Gimli's mother. I would be nervous too, faced with her! But she isn't unreasonable - and she seems somewhat succeptible to Legolas' unique charms, as well. That last scene when she dressed down the passerby was priceless. Loved the scene with Gimli in his bath - robe and all! Ha! And the other Dwarves' reactions to it was amusing as well. I suppose that Gloin's feelings are understandable - Tolkien did say that Dwarves carry grudges very well. But I trust that he'll come around eventually, or at least be able to discuss the matter reasonably without having to be distracted by talk of glittering caves. I do like this glimpse of Gimli's home and culture. I've been giving myself a crash course in Dwarven history for a story I'm finishing up on FF.net, and it's wonderful to see the insight you offer on the subject. You've given Gimli's people the respect that they deserve - they are neither charicatures nor comic relief, and this is a pleasure to read.

Anonymous · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

Oh this is PERFECT. Love it! The atmosphere--both physical and psychological--is right on target as I'd imagine it. Kali's reaction to the slur of the dwarf is too perfect. And Gimli and Gloin together were great. I especially love his reaction to Gimli's little elven habit. I absolutely love it! You are a great writer.

Firnsarnien · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

Wow! That was a really great chappy! I'm glad to see Gimli's mom has taken a liking to Legolas. He needs all the allies he can get in the mountain for I fear, the dwarves may not have as much restraint as the Elves did. I'm truly worried for him. Yet, on the other hand, Gimli's mom seems to have done a fine job defending Legolas from that troll of a dwarf who uttered those foul things about Legolas. I laughed to see her so angry and clouting that dwarf over the head! That was great! And I'm also happy to see Gimli defending Legolas to his father. Though I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised he's taking a bath instead of making sure his friend is well and comfortable. Legolas should have been first and foremost in his thoughts. Leggy's got a lot of nerve doesn't he? To be so deep in the mountain, without Gimli, I'd have thought that by now he'd run from the room screaming! LOL I feel so badly for him. I think Gimli is gonna have to take him outside sometime soon so he can see the stars and breathe the clean fresh air. Even I'm starting to get a bit clausterphobic! LOL And last thing I've just gotta say...blech! Beards on the female dwarves! Not only does Leggy think they are not attractive, neither do I!!!! LOL Well, another great chappy! :) Can't wait for the next one. Things are really gonna start getting interesting now. Let's see how Gimli's father treats Legolas. And the other dwarves too. Hmmmm, yup, interesting indeed! ;)

Rose Sared · 15 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

This is so enjoyable, Kali falling inexorably under the elf's spell, the dwarves generally acting like, well, dwarves! So good it is a shame to get to the end of a chapter. I think I will just go and read it all again from the beginning to stretch out the pleasure. Take a bow you are very clever indeed. Rose

lwarren · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Across the Threshold

Great!!!! An update, and I almost logged off and missed it! Made my evening, it did! As I read about Legolas in his quarters, I wonder if it isn't harder for him to face all this enmity from the dwarves...even more so than Gimli. Gimli seems so much....hmmmm, how to describe it? ....not less feeling, but more "armored" against the bad opinions of the elves. He seemed mostly concerned about Thranduil's opinion (I think he was mostly worried the King would turn him into something "unnatural" lol...) and of course, Legolas',who is already his friend. Legolas, on the other hand, is so sensitive to his surroundings and everyone else, seems to be more troubled by the tasks he has set for himself...thus that very lonely moment on the bed in his room. Then of course, Lady Kali showed up to distract him from his troubled thoughts. (I'm really starting to like her...she has a mind of her own and will make her own judgment about the elf!) She showed a great deal of kindness herself in that little comment about him being weary from being alone (I know...I just butchered the best line in the whole chapter, but you know which one I mean *hopeful grin*), and then offered him a little tour of the Mountain! Then the sensitive Legolas really makes an appearance....his actions at the dead Kings' tombs, his explanation of the past, his restraint of Kali when that other dwarf gets nasty....I loved it all. He's really such a nice elf....no wonder Kali doesn't know what to make of him! And Gimli's little discussion (shouting match?) with dear old Gloin, (in the bath, no less!) was just about what I expected, except the bath....Gimli is beginning to appreciate the finer aspects of hygiene, it seems. LOL. Still, lots of hostility from not only Gloin, but others. I hope Legolas stays on his toes! Great chapter...fascinating glimpse of life under the Mountain.... :-) (I'm still nervous, tho'...wish I was telepathic...would know if any nasty surprises were planned for the poor unsuspecting elf) linda

Anonymous · 11 June 2004 · Chapter 23: Reservations

"You are certain he is not . . . ah . . . 'pest-ridden'?" This line is hysterical!!

Kitt of Lindon · 11 June 2004 · Chapter 5: All Is Fading

Laurelindorinan is such a mouthful, I have never seen another fanfiction writer use it. I praise your courage to type it. :) I can quite imagine Gimli's glee in setting up Galadriel's canopy. He probably thinks he's in paradise Snapping at Glorfindel of all Balrog-slaying-Elvenlords? Legolas must be missing home. But then sea-callings could make an Elf cranky after a while.

lwarren · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

From time to time, our pastor teaches about taking on ourselves the offenses of those close to us. It would seem that the Lady Kali has assumed the offenses of her husband with a vengence (no pun intended!), although Legolas handled their meeting well. Still, with Gloin being suspiciously quiet,(I liked your little comment "if you can't say anything nice..."), I fear Legolas has a hard road ahead still, in spite of the apparent approval of the Dwarfking (is that kind of like 'Elvenking'?) :-) And the grumblers in the crowd are not unlike Legolas' friends who were so insistent that Legolas could NOT be seen with a dwarf, heaven forbid! A very good chapter...I found your descriptions of the dwarfs fascinating (haven't read too much about dwarf-culture). Now poor Legolas must go underground, and the Thranduilesque (is that a word? probably not *g*) Legolas has vanished, leaving a nervous and familiar Legolas behind, to Gimli's great relief. I really liked that last part - it underscored the deep friendship between these unlikely two, and their need to reassure each other as they attempt this reconciliation of two proud kindreds. (You know, tho', I think my favorite part was the new horse - Briar, wasn't he called? - and the tender care Legolas was taking with him...and Gimli on his steady little pony...and I've always loved the way you describe Legolas and Arod >the trip through Fangorn comes readily to mind linda

Duchess · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

It has taken me quite a while, but I've now read every chapter so far published of this remarkably well written and entertaining fic. I love it and hope to see more, the facinating way you're writing out the meetings of each other's peoples between Legolas and Gimli, it's truly inspired. The whole thing is wonderful, though I don't have time to go through point by point each thing you've written as I would like. *sigh* Very well done and I will recommend to my family and friends that this is WELL worth reading, even if it isn't finished. *vbg*

Rose Sared · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

Oh well done, great dwarvish dwarfs, and a more elfly than elf-kind prince. Yet at the end he is still Legolas, Gimli's friend. Bravo. I hope he can cope with a spell underground. looking forward to more still Rose

Ms. Whatsit · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

I think you've got a good handle on the dwarves. Much like the elves, they're officially civil but there's a lot of unofficial grumbling. I liked Gimli's insecurity, too--he's letting Legolas into a part of his life that he'd never seen before, so it's natural for Gimli to wonder what the Elf would think and to hope the Elf would like it all. And Gimli's mom! I think the comparison to "a grizzled she-bear before an elegant stag" was brilliant and perfect. And of course, she's thrown off course by our Elf's charm offensive. Legolas was wonderful--not giving an inch but still beginning to win them over, though he's still got a ways to go. I find it rather ominous that Gloin hasn't said anything.

Joana · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

1st reaction - Uau. 1st comment - One of the things I really like about the way you write are the descriptions. They are very accurate and as you read on, the images project themselves into your mind and you're able imagine everything extremely clearly. And not just the descriptions of landscapes, but also of the way people move, what they dress, how they speak... I love those parts, those small details that animate the pictures in your head as you read and make them seem real. 2nd comment - The way you portray Legolas is amazing (and everything else too, but specially him). Just so beautiful! :) 3nd comment - So dwarf women do have beards... Aragorn was right! lol! Just thinking of it is funny!! General - I really loved this chapter, it was excelent and I'm definitly looking foward for more! Go you!

White Wolf · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

Legolas, looking every inch the proud, elven prince, certainly knows how to lay on the diplomatic charm. However, I think he will have his hands full with Gimli's parents. Yet, I have the feeling he will win them over, in the end. It was touching that he let his princely facade down, allowing Gimili to see him as the friend he has always known. It was poignant the way Legolas turned his back on the world he loves in order to go into the mountain.

Elena Tiriel · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

This is a stunning and delightful story! I laughed in places, and cried in others (like when they saw the damage in Mirkwood -- that was heart-wrenching). You've really nailed the characterizations of Legolas and Gimli, as well as all the others. I'll definitely be looking forward to updates! P.S. Why does it have to stop by August? *she asks, in the hopes of getting Coriel to prolong the story as long as her muse allows... - Barbara

Lamiel · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

I like the balanced way that the Dwarves have reacted to Legolas - they aren't unreasoningly prejudiced, any more than the Elves were. But they're still suspicious, and they do carry grudges. I wondered at Thorin's words of the "long friendship" between the Elves of Mirkwood and the Dwarves - they haven't been friends for quite a while, really. But he certainly does know how to apply the diplomatic charm. Legolas was magnificent, of course, and I shall enjoy seeing a bit more from his perspective. I love the touch of nervousness at the very end, when the mask dropped for a moment, for Gimli's eyes at least. And it seems somehow fitting that when nervous he would imitate Thranduil. Goodness knows the Elvenking is enough to inspire confidence in anyone.

Firnsarnien · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

Wow! I'm breathless...give me a sec to catch my breath. Whew! I'm in awe at the regal picture Legolas so easily portrayed. How smoothly he slipped into the role he surely has been bred into since he was but an Elfling. All his father's years of molding his son into the prince he's become has surely paid off at this very moment. Legolas was perfect. Flawless. He met Gimli's parents and Thorin without any outward hint of dislike, mistrust, nervousness or anything else that might offend the dwarves. I am indeed, in awe at his perfection. Wow! And that little bit at the end...*sniff* just great. I loved how Gimli saw his old friend again, that wonderfully, sweet and kindhearted Elf he's come to love. And seeing a bit of nervousness in his friend at the thought of entering his home, a cave was so endearing. I'm sure Gimli will take care of Leggy and make sure he comes to no harm just as Leggy did for him in his home. This chappy was sooooo beeeeeeooootiful! :) *sniff* Great job! I can't wait for the next one! :) Hurry!!!!

Kitt of Lindon · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 4: The Road Ahead

I like your characterization of Elladan and Elrohir. They’re not too silly and not too grim. Often I had wondered to what extent the damage was on Greenwood. I shall be very interested to see you take on that in later chapters.

calenore · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

Well, Legolas and Gimli and Thorin handled that admirably! Gloin and Kali a little less so, perhaps, but that is to be expected. It was spooky seeing how easily Legolas can channel Thranduil. And it was very nice seeing him call Gloin "venerable" even if he is centuries older. Just out of curiosity, how old do you imagine Legolas is? Everyone has different opinions. I do wonder what Gloin will think of Gimli's pony. It doesn't seem to be a very dwarvish activity, pony-riding, but whatever.

sofia · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Shades of the Elvenking

I wonder how long till things get really... edgey. and how long legolas will last till he has to go out and into the sunlight even for only a moment. Update soon. -sofia

Kitt of Lindon · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 3: Ride With Me

Legolas' and Gimli's talk in this chapter was so in-character that I chuckled as I would reading them in the Books. You make things very interesting by adding those insights. Like Legolas wearing his hair down for the funeral or Thranduil disaproving of truelly breaking a horse. I'll be reading more tomorrow, I hope.

White Wolf · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 31: As the River Runs

I absolutely adored the whole scene between Legolas and Bard's little daughter. That was exactly the way I would expect Legolas to act around a young child. He should have married and had at least half a dozen children of his own.

Kitt of Lindon · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 1: Not Forgotten

Finally I have gotten on to reading this. And it is a lovely start. Legolas, Aragorn, and Arwen are all kept wonderfully in character. I do look forward to reading Legolas' thoughts. You have an understanding of him, and that deserves applause. Though I will have to take it a few chapters at a time. This story is a bit of a monster. :)

*~SuGaR~* · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 31: As the River Runs

Awwwwww...Riel is soooooooooo cute! Pwince Negolas...hehehehehehehehe...and the part where she took his circlet!!! Too adorable...too bad Legolas never got to be a father, but that would have changed everything! Ah, Legolas is a daring one!...but it wouldn't have been right for him to go with guards when Gimli had none. Can't wait for the next chapter!!!!!!! *~SuGaR~*