Reviews (36)

galathil · 7 March 2011 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

Thank you for a beautiful story. Galathil

missystar101 · 11 May 2008 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

Great Story, i really love it. I really like the ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!so sad.

Dot · 14 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

Well, Gimli’s spirits certainly seem to be revived at the thought of meeting the one whom Legolas loves! It was lovely to see them teasing one another as they’ve always done. I had to laugh at the delight Legolas takes in Gimli’s complete lack of awareness of the love lives of his friends! “My heart sings with happiness, for my spirit is once again one with the forest.” It’s just so wonderful to see that after all his suffering Legolas’ spirit is finally at peace again amongst his beloved trees. I’m so glad you gave us a chance to see that, to know that in the end he finds the happiness that he lacked when tormented by the call of the sea for so long. “There is an echo of evil in these woods that chills my blood.” It’s so sad that the remnants of evil still linger in this place. It seems that nowhere was untouched, but I suppose that while it is a pity in a way that this Blessed Realm isn’t completely free of the effects of evil and that the elves didn’t leave all malevolence behind them when they sailed here, it also serves as a reminder of what was overcome and accomplished since then. “How does one *hide* from Olórin?” Legolas asked in astonishment as he and Gimli exchanged a meaningful glance at the seemingly impossible notion.” LOL! It’s so funny to think of even the Valar finding Gandalf a bit much to deal with sometimes! And I imagine he probably treats them in exactly the same gruff manner as he does everybody else… The last part of the story was amazing. I have to admit I was dreading it a little, but you handled it so beautifully. That moment when Gimli sees Gandalf as he truly is and then realises what this means really brought tears to my eyes. It’s so heart-breaking to think that he died just as their journey ended and their ship returned. In some ways I’d like to see that moment, but I think I’m actually really glad that I didn’t witness Legolas’ pain. You chose such a wonderful way to show us Gimli’s ending and you did it so skilfully. It’s so touching that Gimli be allowed see that Legolas will survive this and will not be alone. It’s good too that Gimli can see how many people truly cared for this one dwarf in a land of elves. That final sentence was so beautiful, jenolas. Such a sense of friendship, of love and of respect between the two great friends. It seems that Gimli manages to reassure Legolas, even in death, and bring a certain peace to his friend’s grieving heart. And what a wonderful gift he gave him to remember him by. *sigh* A truly lovely ending.

Dot · 14 March 2004 · Chapter 8: A Secret Is Revealed

Hi there! I’ve come to beg forgiveness again for not reviewing for a while… RL interferes from time to time – I’m so sorry;) I really enjoyed your description of Legolas and Gimli’s travels together. Such a wonderful thought, the two of them having this chance to spend some time alone together and in a way relive the great times they had together. It’s sad, though, that they both know this is the last chance they will have to do this, yet neither of them mention it. It shows the depth of their friendship that each would want to spare the other form grief, but at the same time I can’t help thinking that they might be stronger if they could share their thoughts and their burdens. I love the idea that the Valar have formed a path for the two friends to follow, to ease their journey and help them to their destination! “Oromë was supposed to be here by now, but in his typical manner has probably been detained by the tale some tree is telling him.” LOL! Brilliant! I really do like the way you have Aulë and Oromë play off each other exactly as Legolas and Gimli do, with Oromë and Legolas even wandering off from discussions of caves and rocks. “I wonder whether Legolas would have found such acceptance in a colony of your Dwarves.” Ooh, that’s interesting. It’s nice to think that he would have found acceptance, even though I’m not quite sure but am willing to trust Aulë! But apart from that, I’d never really thought about what it would have been like the other way round, whether Legolas, despite his deep love for Gimli and the many sacrifices he has made for this love, would have actually been able to follow the dwarf and live among his people. *ponders* “He did not fear death and neither do I, yet as our bodies age and become of little use we weary of them.” I’m so glad Gimli had the chance to explain this to Legolas. I thought you did a great job of summing up his feelings and it’s good to know that he does accept it, how awful it would be if he feared it or was desperately clinging to this world. I like too that Legolas made his feelings know, that he understand but will grieve for his friend. After all, there’s no point in either of them denying that. “You have found someone!” He did? Who?? I feel almost as indigent as Gimli;)

LKK · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

a locket containing three golden hairs Bittersweet tears and beautiful memories. Thank you, jenolas. LKK

LKK · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 8: A Secret Is Revealed

I feel like I should be chanting: Legolas and Elfgirl sittin' in a tree / K I S S I N G LOL How wonderful that he has found someone. And how very true to his friendship with Gimli that Legolas had not told anyone, not even his parents, before telling the dwarf. The trip to see the Valar was nicely told. However, I was slightly disappointed that Aule appeared as an elf. I was certain he would look like a dwarf, even to Legolas. Perhaps he looked like a dwarf to Gimli and we just don't know it because the POV was Legolas'? That's what I'll choose to believe, anyway. Wonderful chapter, jenolas. I must admit though, I'm a little afraid to read the next one. LKK *grabs some Kleenex in preparation*

Elf messenger · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

Wow that was a very good story. although it was bittersweet I like how Gimli said farewell to Legolas. Keep up the good work with all your other works. Namarie. Elf messenger

*~SuGaR~* · 29 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

*sniff, sniff*...so sad....WAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! i was a little confused at the sudden change, but when Gimli saw Legolas by the grves, i knew... loved the ending, Gimli giving Legolas the three hairs...*sniff* stories about Gimli in Valinor are always so great to read, but always so sad...WHY DO THEY HAVE TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! anyway, loved the story! *~SuGaR~*

kirienne · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

Jenolas, this is a delightful, well written tale. I have loved reading about the continuing friendship between Gimli and Legolas. You handled the passing of the Dwarf with such tenderness, thank you, I think I had come to love Gimli nearly as much as Legolas did. I share the Elf's sorrow and grief as I sit trying to type this, not being able to see the keyboard so well thru my tears.

Karri · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

That was beautiful!

Meldewen Ilce · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

Oh that was lovely - great story!

Bejai · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

Oh, I knew it was coming, but still so sad! I very much enjoyed this story; a change from my usual fare. Beautifully done; it shall remain one of my favorites.

shirebound · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Journey's End

"We knew you would not find rest until you were assured Legolas would not be alone" Oh, this is beautiful! Especially that last line. I thought this part would break my heart, but it's just so loving and wonderful. Sigh.

shirebound · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 8: A Secret Is Revealed

What a lovely, gentle, insightful friendship story! I can well imagine that things happened just this way.

shirebound · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Bittersweet Moments

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.

Bejai · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 8: A Secret Is Revealed

This is just a lovely, lovely story. I usually can't get into stories about Legolas or Gimli, but I must admit, you have me hooked. Such a beautiful exploration of friendship in a place of peace, of mortality, of joy mixed with sorrow. Very much enjoy it.

Elf messenger · 25 February 2004 · Chapter 7: By the Valar

Aaah, so bittersweet. i can't wait until you can post again. until then, Namarie. Elf messenger

Dot · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 7: By the Valar

Ah, so sad, jenolas! I love the opening scene. It’s so tranquil and relaxed. There’s such a sense of comfort and ease between the two friends, and I love the lazy bantering that comes so naturally to them. Your descriptions of the setting were effortlessly beautiful, by the way – they completely took me away from the damp cold of an Irish winter! “When had his hair and beard turned so grey? And were those wrinkles around his eyes even deeper?” That was such a heartbreaking moment, that realisation by Legolas that his beloved friend is aging. I love that Gimli is so perceptive and isn’t afraid to voice Legolas’ thoughts. It’s quite brave of him to try and reassure his friend, even though they both know that however long “many good years” may be to Gimli, it will be far too short a time for Legolas. But then, Gimli seems to have made it his mission in life to reassure Legolas. It’d be interesting to see the dwarf lose control sometime…;) Oromë? Wow. An honour indeed. I had to laugh at Gimli’s reaction to actually hearing the voices of the trees He’ll never live that one down. It’s such a lovely thought that even the Valar themselves are intrigued by their friendship and it’s great to know that Gimli is so warmly welcomed by them. I take my hat off to you for managing to give even the Valar such rich personalities. “You two banter in much the same manner as Aulë and I do on occasion.” LOL! What a completely delightful idea – no-one but you could come up with these things, yet it makes so much sense when I think about it and is a wonderful mirroring of our favourite elf and dwarf. *sigh* Thranduil worrying as always. I like the way he has now included Gimli in his worry. And, of course, he fears for his son. But it shows so much respect for Legolas and Gimli that he has learned how much poorer his son’s life would be if he refused the friendship of mortals, despite the grief that inevitably accompanies such relationships. So he hides the medicine? I imagine Legolas wouldn’t really want such secrets kept from him but it shows how very deeply Gimli cares for his friend, to want to spare him any pain and to be willing to carry his burden alone. “I intend to, for you and I both know that my next trip will be to the Halls of Waiting.” No! I’m beginning to dread this almost as much as Legolas;) There’s an amazing sense of acceptance by Gimli, something we could probably all learn from. Alright, I admit it – I can’t wait to see what happens…!:)

LKK · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 7: By the Valar

jenolas, you write faster than I can read and review! How wonderful that Gimli carved a replica of Imladris and Lasgalen's palace for their respective ladies. It was nice that this process helped expand Gimli's circle of elven friends. Happy days that the twins, Celeborn, and Thranduil finally arrived in Valinor. I have always believed that those four would eventually join their loved ones beyond the sea. I'm looking forward to Legolas and Gimli's exploration of Valinor, now that Gimli has Elrond's potions and the permission of the Valar to explore their world. I hope there will be many more adventures before the inevitable sad ending. LKK

Dot · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 6: New Arrivals

Great chapter! I’m still smiling… One quick question – is this story now totally separate from ‘Family’? I know you told me that this is more a follow-on from 'Immortal Friends' but I suppose I presumed they would eventually tie in together so I was a bit surprised when Thranduil arrived… But then, it really doesn’t take much to confuse me! I'll love it either way, I was just wondering... Their excitement is contagious – I felt so happy for them all to be finally reunited! I love the way Legolas can sense his bond with his father grow stronger as he gets closer. I like too the way Legolas takes the time to consider those around him – trying to reassure Gimli and even openly acknowledging Elladan’s great emotional burden. You always write Gimli so well but I think you just perfectly captured his emotions in this chapter. He seems to be distancing himself to a certain extent, obviously in an attempt at some self-preservation, but at the same time I really believe that he was genuinely pleased for Elisiel and Legolas and doesn’t want to spoil their day. I feel sorry for poor old Gimli being used by elves who want to get closer to Legolas, but I suppose they may not be doing that intentionally – anyway, he seems to be unruffled by it! What a lovely image of Thranduil and Celeborn greeting their wives in such an open manner;) Ah, Gandalf! Always turns up when he’s needed. I love the way he gets straight to the point with Gimli and sends him on his way. I think the fact that he speaks in such a way as to suggest that he knows that Thranduil will accept Gimli calms the Dwarf a little. There’s something very reassuring about Gandalf… I’m so glad Thranduil does accept him, though. Not that I would have expected any less of him. But his welcome to Gimli was lovely – he clearly sees the sacrifices made by Gimli for no reason other than his great love for Legolas and appreciates everything he has done for him. “Come, beloved shall we scandalise the Noldor with a display of Woodland affection on the dance floor?” I LOVE Thranduil!:)

Dot · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Gift

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;)

Elf messenger · 18 February 2004 · Chapter 5: The Gift

Gimli is quite the craftsman. I like how your story is going. Until next time, Namarie. Elf messenger

Elf messenger · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Bittersweet Moments

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

LKK · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Bittersweet Moments

"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

Dot · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Bittersweet Moments

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;)