Reviews (143)

Imrahoil · 12 August 2005 · Chapter 14: 14

Weekend is near, work is done, kind of, time to pay my debts. Thank you for keeping all those deads low key, they are there, but not oppressively so. I love, love, love your dwarf. Favourite quotes: “Can you tell me aught, lad? I am nothing but at least a good pair of ears.” “Go and commune with the water in my tub ... I will return shortly to make sure you have not drowned and solved your uncertainties the short way.” I just don't know why I feel so akin to a grumpy being like Gimli, but I do. Hihi. A Beanism, very nice. His Boromir is the reasons why I like the first film best, and Ian Holm, of course, and Gandalf the Grey compared to Gandalf the White, and Cate Blanchet's voice ... Is Gimli perhaps going to meet "old friends"? Poor laddie. Next chapter, please! By the way the umpteenth, Eldar is like Valar, when it's singular it should be Elda, in my opinion at least. By the way the umpteenth + one, you sound like you're a bit under the weather, are you all right?

Bodkin · 5 August 2005 · Chapter 14: 14

Been away. I love Gimli. He is so - gruff, and efficient, and caring, and understanding. He supports Aragorn, provides water for the elf - and even washes the blood from his hair. And you can't get much closer than sharing a hairbrush. Well, a toothbrush, but that's going a bit too far. Incoherent, I am afraid, but it is late and I'm trying to catch up. A cave troll. Never a good thing. But the massed, Valar-powered strength of our ageing heroes should manage. I hope.

meckinock · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 3: 3

I liked Gimli's musings on the passage of time and how the elves must perceive it differently. Legolas and Gimli are so wonderfully comfortable and at ease with each other. Their entire conversation was thoroughly delightful, particularly their amusing exchange of geneological information: Gimli scowled at him. “Yes, her name. She was great amongst her people and honoured for her skill. Her name has been handed down the generations of my people even as Celembrimbor’s has been handed down yours. I may count her as an ancestor, many times removed.” Legolas toasted his loyalty with a wave of his cup. “I think Celebrimbor may be my cousin, once or twice removed.” I absolutely loved this line: From a strap over his shoulder he swung down a leather sack that sloshed suggestively. This is wonderful; I'm really enjoying it.

TithenFeredir · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 14: 14

Tracy did an excellent job of focusing your draft. I must follow the link and sample her stuff! As ever, you sprinkled this chapter with beautifully put observations, like the ones about the rain being like music as it fell on the tents and how Legolas seemed like a rejuvenated flower after his bath. Considering the state Legolas was in at the end of the last chapter, I think you picked a neat, subtle way to show his condition later-- a bit dazed, exhausted and dispirited. In my opinion you have again captured some masculine authenticity in the way Gimli is carefully supportive of the elf without blatantly becoming a caregiver, and in the way he doesn't pry too agressivly into what Legolas has just been through. It seemed to me an indicator of how out of it the elf was that after Gimli teased him about drowning in the bath he countered with a weak repetition--"Don't drown." An elf at his best would have been far more glib, wouldn't he? So at that point he was better, but still a little off. Then that final scene with everyone together by the fire was very nice. The rain arcing around Radagast was a hilarious touch. Can't wait to see what Healfred plans to do with that cave troll. :-) ~TF

ziggy · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 14: 14

Getting closer to the action and the mystery unravelling I feel. So they are working against some old evil (love it) that Narvi and Celebrimbor also fight, and the Valar are behind them- so what could possibly go wrong?! Ah yes, they have a cave troll. Now that can only mean trouble. Brilliant. I have to mention that two phrases in particluar stood out for me and captured that sense of utter otherworldiness of Legolas- the 'almost touching' Gimli's hair and the 'ghosting' of his hand over the axe- almost as though he could not quite contact with the physical, with Gimli's earthiness, with iron and blood and hair. I loved that - it built up so beautifully throughout until Legolas returned to himself almost. And thank you for the fussiness he only gets when very stressed- I hate fics that have him always preening himself. He is never like that in Tolkien. The details- and I have said this before- are what make your writing so utterly credible - the smidge of dirt on his hand that he rubs off, Gimli's feeling his age and dozing but they leave him be- all that tenderness that they all have for each other. Radagast is developing interstingly- he is dismissed almost in the Hobbit and LOTR, and I have always rather liked his humble ways and his link with Nature- I like the way the raindrops arched around him- it created a lovely image for me with the stoic soldiers and uncomfortable Healfred. (He is Verry rohirric! ) Ah yes, have thought more about the last chapter and like the idea of Celebrimbor's masterpiece .. only the mouthpiece is left to do - so significant that you tell us that snippet I think- is it armour of some kind or a comminucation device? Or something else (having been totally wrong before, can only hope you update soon and help me out here!)

meckinock · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 2: 2

Poor Gimli; what a wonderfully revealing description of him trudging along with effort but refusing all aid. And how awful for him to feel that the beauty and life of the forest are mocking him in his decline. The juxtaposition of the beautiful description of the landscape and Gimli's alienation from it is really powerful. This line was wonderful: He hoped for dreams of his youth - this present was not to his taste. Well, what he got was something else again. I was relieved that he woke up, and even more relieved to find Legolas there. With a horse, yet. I am looking forward to finding out what Gimli's appointed task is, and whether his health has really improved. This is a lovely and beautifully written story!

meckinock · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 1: 1

Rose, I've fallen in love with this story already; I just wish I didn't have so much catching up to do! You did such a wonderful job of conveying Gimli's feelings about his health and aging. I don't think anyone ever expects to get old! I felt so bad for him, sitting there listening to the doctor catalogue all his physical failings. And this line was so powerful: Ice slid over his spirit. I was pleased, though, that his first reaction was to go visit his old friends again, and it was a treat to get a peek inside his head. I really liked his thoughts on being a dwarf, especially contrasting Legolas's reaction to being underground with his own: The deep had diminished the elf, even as it enlarged Gimli. The insights into Dwarven society and Gimli's character are really intriguing. I'm looking forward to exploring your world.

daw the minstrel · 30 July 2005 · Chapter 14: 14

Nice aftermath of lots of stress and excitement. I loved the echo of the movie in "He has a cave troll." I always enjoy seeing Boromir's annoyed expression at that one.

TithenFeredir · 26 July 2005 · Chapter 13: 13

"His ancestors had wakened these trees with joyous song. He was of royal blood and his duty now was to save them from evil. Digging even deeper he stepped forward. His trance-like song trailed green in his wake." The magic of this passage was lovely, the image of a lone elf in the moonlight singing the forest awake with an ent and wizard following, and the wind stirring in the trees. ******** I like it that the horses felt the approaching orcs first, and that Gimli's infirmity fell away with the anticipation of battle. That seems so characteristic of him, as did Aragorn's reckless efforts to muster the camp. "Sire, you live?” Duilin’s lips curved up in a travesty of a smile. “I did not fail you?" That bit really pricked the heart. Poor fellow. I guess now I can join those who are clamoring for the next chapter! ~TF

TithenFeredir · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 12: 12

Of the first part I can only say, "Poor Earnulf!" He seems to be getting the bad end of everything. On the other hand I thought it was neat that even with his aches and pains, Aragorn could still kick the young man's heinie. "...a black branch that had been groping into their path drew back with the squeal of a nail wrenched from a plank." Since I've pulled a few nails over time, that sentence had a visceral effect. ...Kind of like fingernails on a blackboard. I so enjoyed interaction of Radagast, Quickbeam and Legolas with the trees. Lookig forward to the next! ~TF

ziggy · 19 July 2005 · Chapter 13: 13

Guilty conscience here becasue scrolling through the reviews, I realised i have not reviewed since chapter 10- grovelling aplogoes becasue i know it takes time and energy to write and the least we can do is review. So- a nice short one then. Great. Thanks. No seriously for a minute - everything is precise and accurate. The details in the setting are so carefully written. I loved the way Gimli is the focus for this chapter in the beginnig - and listens for Legolas. It had me really anxious, hearing the horses and not hearing Legolas. I think your timing is spot on with this- becasue I realised it at the same time as Gimli, but thought initially that something had befallen Legolas. Oh- and Narvi- how wonderful is she! The grooves from where her fingers have traced a path... I loved that. Ah- and now I am beginnig to see the big picture, with Celebrimbor making something- the mouthpiece is all that's left - so that is improtnat- a mouthpiece - some sort of armour, or a device to speak with.. I dont know- but a wonderful concept. And Celebrimbor seems so fragile. Still not worked out quite the relationship between the forest being detroyed (ah- the wasps! Superb) and Narvi, but LOVE the ideas and the very holistic feel of this stroy- I mean, the way it is developing together, the threads are woven lossely and getting tighter as the stroy comes together. You do write Legolas so beautifully- that he is (pardon this awful pun) dwarfed by the task ahead of him, but does it anyway- that's the warrior in him - becasue he doesnt really do the magic thing much . I really like the sense that he has this in him but chooses to use it when necessary. I haven't said much about Duilin becaue I need to go back and read your other fics - I cant really remember him from them, but obviously, from this story, he has a past. It will make it that much more poignant to read , knowing that he has saved Aragorn.(Sorry- I only hoped it wasnt Earnulf!)

Imrahoil · 19 July 2005 · Chapter 13: 13

Rooooose, *low growl* do you really take me for an idiot?! Watch out what you are going to answer *wuff*. Of course I've read the last sentence of ch.12, I'm an expert skimmer, expert skimmers don't miss first sentences of chapters, last sentences of chapters, important clues everywhere in chapters ... But somehow I have missed the reference - infer(r?)ed or explicit - that those orcs are stragglers from the main group and that is absolutely permissible when you're skimming. Thanks for the answer nevertheless. And, Rose, never fear, you're not going to get me off your back before this story is over and done with. *skips away into a week without internet-access hoping the author feels poked enough to update regularly otherwise it's going to be painful for the author when the reviewer is back again and there are no updates* ;-)

Bodkin · 19 July 2005 · Chapter 13: 13

Oh no! Poor Duilin. Well - I suppose at least he died knowing that he had sacrificed himself for his king, and that since that has been the focus of his life for so long, he would far rather that than see Aragorn injured. But poor Aragorn. It must be very hard to live with being the focus of such sacrifice - and so many of those in his life must have died by now. It's probably a good thing that Gimli was restless - and he's right - as you get older you do need less sleep. But yearning to keep company with the moon, (lovely phrase), he's clearly been keeping company with the elf for too long. I love the increasing tension and subtle threat in the night song - and the general confusion of unexpected battle and not-entirely clothed warriors. The sheer power Legolas shows in his redemption of the trees - and his courage in persisting, when he feels so alone! His trance-like song trailed green in his wake. Wow! What an image. Good thing he has Radagast and Quickbeam there, even if they can't offer elven support. I like to picture the more shady of the trees being put back to sleep. And Treebeard’s song had joined in harmony with Quickbeam’s. Legolas’ song, soaring in glorious descant knitted agony into peace. Beautiful. The whole episode is just great. More please. Soon. This is a very powerful chapter.

Anonymous · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 11: 11

"Gimli eyed the king then lifted his tankard again in two hands, and then paused looking into its brown depths as if truth might surface there." I like that sentence. I'm too ignorant to understand what's happening with Narvi and Celebrimbor other than that he seems to be trying to protect Arda and she willingly serves him. I imagine all will be revealed in time. The wasps dropping dead from the air was a nice, spooky touch. It seems the trouble is very widespread. With all the gathering elements and the brooding atmosphere this tale is really addictive. I haven't the faintes clue what is going to happen. What a fun read! ~TF

TithenFeredir · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 10: 10

After so long an absence the appearance of orcs seems especially ominous. I think the way you revealed them second hand had something to do with it as well. And then it turns out they have trolls. The stakes keep rising. Must...read...on..! ~TF

TithenFeredir · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 9: 9

Well, I just discovered that you can post a review without putting in your name.*dense, dense, dense* Anyway, this was a very interesting chapter. The shuttered village is a tantalizing mystery. That girl at the winsdow was a bit cheeky for someone in hiding, wasn't she? But for me the most interesting part was the interaction between Legolas, Radagast, Gimli and the horse. I confess to knowing little about the wizard other than that he spoke to the birds. He seems a bit odd. Just shy, perhaps? I liked the introductions and the little witty exchange that went with it. Was Legolas really offended by Gimli's comment about his civilizing influence? I laughed aloud at that part. I like Legolas' habit of tree-hugging. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all do it and get the same effect he does? Despite Radagast's help I wonder if the sea-longing will somehow become a factor later in the story. Lastly I was a bit confused by Gimli's behavior at the end. There seemed to be conflicting emotion in him. Was he jealous of Radagast's rapport with Legolas? His protectiveness was very evident, but then he seemed aghast at his violent reaction to the wizard. It seemed, in the end he was very moved by the aid the Radagast gave Legolas. There was a lot of intriquing stuff in this chapter. ~TF

Anonymous · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 8: 8

"Aragorn groaned and dropped his head. It appeared that it was his fate on this trip to tangle with every magical being left in Middle-earth." Poor guy. Between morning stiffness and encountering characters from a time before his soldiers were born I can see where Aragorn would be feeling his age. But that line made me laugh. I could just see it. I enjoyed more of Legolas being stern with the river daughter, her spitefulness in giving him seagulls for guides and Aragorn's subtly lending support to the elf. I hadn't thought of Radagast being a fixture of Legolas' childhood, but it makes sense. Now I just want to read on and see where all of this stuff is leading. Godd tale! ~TF

Imrahoil · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 13: 13

Rose, no cliff hanger at the end, thank you so much. :-> (supposed to mean "bitingly sarcastic", let's hope it really does). Oh my, poor Duilin, tears sprang unbidden to my eyes as well, but I suppose he is/was/would have been quite happy about having given his life for his king, dutch comfort for the rest of us. I just hope the body count will be not as gruesome as the first impression suggests. Please! Nice tree/ent/elf part, looking forward to seeing Treebeard wading in at last, hrooom hroom. Next chapter, please! And could you please tell me where this orc group was springing from? It's not the prior one with the cave trolls, is it? Were they mentioned before? I'm sorry if it's a dumb question, I'm still just skimming, always trying to wait for the end of a story before really reading.

daw the minstrel · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 13: 13

Oh this was gorgeous and, in the end, sad. You evoke this moon washed battle so well. I feel for the aging Gimli, who can't sleep! But I liked the way you let us hear the nervous horses before we saw the orcs. I loved the idea of Legolas having a green song.

TithenFeredir · 15 July 2005 · Chapter 7: 7

"That bitch dropped him in the Entwash…” LOL, now that was unexpected, but I do like the occasional glimpse of this less elegant side of the elf. I think he is overwrought from nearly losing his dwarf. "'I will not lose him, Aragorn, against sense or good counsel, I will find a way to keep his company.' The Elf looked away into the wind-whistling dark and Aragorn found himself bereft of words." What I like about the passage that ends here is its restraint. The way you wrote this bit held back on outward expression and still conveyed the emotion--to a greater effect in my opinion. "Without comment he handed Gimli one of his elegant belt knives to eat with. Gimli looked long on his friend and Legolas held his gaze, and then, as if all had been said of thanks and thankfulness, the two of them turned their attention to the meat." You did the same thing here. The other thing I like about these understated passages is that the interactions in them seem to me to be authentically masculine. Males express their deepest emotions in the most oblique ways. And every chapter I've read has had several wonderfully original passages full of insightful detail like this one-- "Her free hand trailed unconsciously along their familiar contours, habit placing her finger into the grooves worn by the uncounted years. The dished granite flags rang softly to her familiar tread..." That's just beautiful. ~TF

TithenFeredir · 15 July 2005 · Chapter 6: 6

I really like the subtle shift of Gimli's perception as Melusina's spell ensnares and then releases him. She had him easily, and in the creepiest way. That part reminded me a bit of H.P.Lovecraft's stuff. Even better was to see Legolas wrathfully exercise his power and authority. “She dares. After my father and I treated with her in respect and authority, she dares to start her games again.” Toklien seemed fond of characters who keep their power veiled and only infrequently reveal it. I'm not gushing here. I think you do the reveal better than he did because you show the change in Legolas rather than tell it. It is very impressive the way he confidently dismisses Aragorn and then all but orders him to follow. He handles Melusina with the same confidence and we already know she is a dangerously powerful being. The magical feel that Melusina casts on the chapter is greatly intensified when Legolas' anger is stirred. Hmm, I think I like the regal Legolas. ~TF

TithenFeredir · 14 July 2005 · Chapter 5: 5

First you put the reader off guard with the poor, frustrated sentry unable to keep Legolas off the roof, then you follow with Arwen's terrible vision--a nicely startling contrast. I had never thought of Arwen's decline involving her actually aging--that would be horrifying for an elf, as if losing her love so quickly were not enough. I loved the warm, sibling-like relationship between Arwen and Legolas. The two of them and Aragorn seemed like a close-knit family, a loving triangle of familiarity. Gimli's disappearance at the end of the chapter is a nice cliffhanger. And all through this chapter you have scattered little treasures: A wicked breeze probed round the room like a finger in a jar. Arwen saw herself shrink into morbid old age, wrinkled and white-haired, her doom upon and past her leaving her a winter leaf crackled and frail, her husband dead on the mattress behind, the world empty of her kin. Those two gave me a shiver. “Come with us, my lady. A company of elves we would make, and hold back any fell airs with our singing.” I couldn't say why, but that statement brightened the entire scene. Elvish magic, maybe? A flight of agitated ducks clattered out of hiding and into the air...The sudden singing of Legolas’ bow sharpened his attention...all that fell were two of the unfortunate waterfowl. “Dinner.” Legolas was unrepentant. “Show off,” grumbled Gimli. *Chuckle* ...almost all of the company were occupied in unloading and caring for the horses. He needed to stretch his legs after bumping for most of the day on the back of that demon. I love your take on Gimli's POV. Wind that circles a room like a finger in a jar, clattering ducks and land that undulates under its waving grass-hair, the horror of withering with age and loss...your imagery is original and so evocative. It really brings that world to life as a unique, separate place. Wonderful! ~TF

TithenFeredir · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 4: 4

Another amusing chapter. Being an admirer of the elf, I got a big kick out of his presenting Earnulf "as if he had invented him'. It was also fun to see the lighter side of Aragorn's administrative burdens. Earnulf's lamguage as he told his story about the ent reminded me of the hobbits' way of speaking. I'm looking forward to the next chapters. ~TF

Bodkin · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 12: 12

I love the hawk. Very beautiful visual images - and a lovely perspective. And Aragorn - the super-Ranger (even at his advanced age) - pounding the poor unfortunate Earnulf while Duilin scowls on the sidelines. Aragorn swayed away, as fluid as air, again. Poor frustrated Rohir! And, even confused, Earnulf realised it would be wiser not to attempt to take Aragorn out when his attention was diverted by the elf! (Still, at least he got to victimise his sergeant in his turn.) I wonder if Legolas finds it particularly entertaining when Aragorn refers to the soldiers as babies. For all his antiquity in human terms, Aragorn must still seem a baby himself at times to an elf. Quickbeam, Radagast and Legolas. What a team. The black-hearted trees don't stand a chance against them. I hope. And the vegetative venom of the suffocating vines is cringe-making. I'm not surprised Quickbeam was upset. Though staying there doesn't seem the best idea. And then to leave it there! Pleasant planning and the arrival of Telfaran and discussion of Gleowyn and the babes and you dive straight into an unexpected orc attack. Need update. Need next chapter soon!

TithenFeredir · 12 July 2005 · Chapter 3: 3

OK, so I sound like a broken record. Reading your prose is such a pleasure! Gimli grinned at his friend and reached for an apple. It tasted miraculous. ...Legolas hooked a spindle-legged stool closer to the table and perched on it. He magicked two goblets from somewhere about his person and applied himself to filling them from the wine skin. ...Gimli snagged a goblet and took a long swallow. He eyed his friend from over the rim. These passages had me chuckling all the way. Your choice of words was unusual, lively and funny. The whole chapter has a low-key humor to it and at the same time I feel completely transported into Middle-earth. I'm also curious about what will happen in the search for the meaning of Gimli's dream. ~TF