That was a fantastic description of cold and wet. I love the 'strangling' of water from his beard - it sounds as if you have experienced being this wet and this cold. And the descent into hypothermia, where even moonlight feels warm is . . . very good.
Legolas doesn't want to see Gimli (or, I suppose, Aragorn) as getting older. Which is understandable, although blinkers aren't going to make it go away.
Melusina brought the gulls? It would seem within the power of a river-daughter. I hope they don't upset Legolas. The references to a powerful witch are fascinating - but the end, with Narvi and Celebrimbor just grabs my attention. I want to know what's going on! That's one very old dwarf looking after one very dead elf.
More, please. Nurse those muses carefully. Treat them to chocolate and champagne if that's what it takes.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review Bodkin, I am plying the muses with enthusiasm - they are indeed most welcome to take up residence in my home!
I grew up in England - cold and wet comes with the territory and now in New Zealand it is winter, and where I live wet is what winter is - and I even kid myself it is cold although it really isn't, just miserable.
Age and Ageing seems to be what this fic needs to talk about, and the river- daughter is a minx and out to get our fav. elf.
Glad you are enjoying I hope to update weekly.
Rose
lwarren
· 3 June 2005
· Chapter 7: 7
Hello Rose! I am SO glad to see you take up this story again! I've missed reading your wonderful tale of Gimli and Legolas! I see that nothing has changed with our intrepid dwarf - still as proud and stubborn as ever! You had me shivering with cold in that first part...had to go cut the air conditioner up (and let me tell you, that NEVER happens in Texas in June!). I was worried about our dwarf slipping so deeply into hypothermia that Aragorn would never be able to retrieve him, but it seems they arrived in time! I absolutely loved the conversation between Aragorn and Legolas about age and Gimli - how Legolas could not see what the passage of time had wrought in his friend. Aragorn's command for him to "take the fond lenses from your eyes and really see him" was so sad. I hate that Legolas had to watch time slowly rob him of those he loved, although he seems quite adamant about that not happening with Gimli.
Gimli's awakening in Legolas' arms was priceless! All outraged pride and in full prickly mode! I loved it! I am also intrigued with Melusina, that "faithless creature", (LOL) who remains bound by the Prince (who seems quite put out with her) :-) and seems to be calling all manner of water creatures to her aid. That should be some confrontation!
Now...what have we here with Narvi and Celebrimbor? And Valda - a new ring, or one of the originals made for the dwarves? That's interesting...that's very interesting..........
So very, very glad you are back, Rose! Wonderful chapter (and I'm glad the next one's knocking on the door ready to get out!) :-)
linda
Author's reply
Linda, how lovely, your reviews make me ashamed to have taken so long to get my stuff together. I am glad you still think my characters are in character- It is the middle of winter here which means it is not any great stretch to write cold and wet, how nice to think of a place that needs aircon on instead of a heater! (Mind you where I live is hardly cold even by NZ standards, my children at uni further south accuse me of being decadantly soft for even needing a heater.)
Narvi and Celebrimbor - just imagine existing in some way for over two thousand years, gotta make you wierd I reckon. Valda's story will be part of this one, she has some scary properties that magic ring.(and this from the person that made her up!)
Lovely to hear from you - I hope to post 8 next week.
Rosemary
Ithildin
· 25 March 2005
· Chapter 6: 6
Hi Rose, you've been on my heart a lot lately - I hope all is well. Know you are cared about and you are missed. :-)
Blessings,
Ithildin *(
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your kind thoughts, it made a difference.
Chapter 7 posted today and I hope 8 next week. The muses are Back! (yipee)
Rose
Bodkin
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 6: 6
Just thinking about you. Be well.
lwarren
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
Rose, not another review...just had to let you know I'm thinking of you and hoping things will improve drastically in RL for you! As a certain Ranger says, "There is always hope..." Here's hoping for a better week for you and a peaceful, uneventful holiday season!
linda
lwarren
· 5 November 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
Rose, I wish school would let me go long enough to write my usual "novel" review, but no such luck! Still, I'm sitting here dripping breakfast all over the keyboard before I run to a faculty meeting, so here goes...
This was such a surprise chapter in many ways...beginning with Gimli's kidnapper! I loved the water-sprite (or river-daughter...whichever)...she was by turns threatening and somewhat engaging!:-) Poor King of Gondor, left to follow behind...I'll bet that doesn't happen too often *g*! But Legolas *sigh*...I do love it when the elf goes all masterful, magical and mystical...very elfy, if you get my drift LOL! His part was wonderful...you forget sometimes that he can summon some of his own powers. With Thranduil as a father, I'd be surprised if he couldn't! Great chapter...if I can, I mean to catch up on others I've probably missed, but had to say Well done, RS!
linda
Author's reply
Linda, sorry to be so long in replying to your review and thankyou, book length ones are not required, I am just glad you still enjoy the tale.
Life, don't talk to me about life. This week I have dealt with an serious attempted suicide on Tuesday(my 19 yr old boarder), the clutch fell out of my car on Wednesday and I had to put my much loved cat to sleep on Thursday, despite him being in the prime of his life, because he tested positive for cat AIDS.
For some reason writing has not been at the top of my priority list.
Please bear with me, I will attempt to get my head back together before christmas.
Your support means lots and lots to me
Rose
grumpy
· 1 November 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
What a great chapter. So Gimli had been dwarf-napped by a water-sprite, with a attitude. Loved how Aragorn has been ruduced to "following", poor guy. Also loved your use of the otters, who I think are fastinating to watch. looking forward to more
Author's reply
Thanks grumpy - I am glad you enjoyed that ch, and my otters, next ch next week hopefully.
Rose
Jay of Lasgalen
· 31 October 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
Wow! Legolas was most impressive here - the way he ordered Aragorn around, dealt with Melusina, and then bound her. I love to see him work magic, it's a very overlooked part of elven nature.
What did she want with Gimli?
Jay
Author's reply
To make mischeif, I think, perhaps she was disposed to a three wishes type of toying with a mortal. She hasn't seen many dwarves, and it was a chance to lure another to her collection, perhaps she likes pretty things, she liked his knife. Who knows with magical beings, they have their own logic, and the rest of us probably do best to steer clear!
Glad you enjoyed my princely elf - I sure did.
Rose
Bodkin
· 31 October 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
Oo-er, that was so good!! The Gollum-ish type of river spirit who hates elveses. Gimli being all brave and defiant. Legolas going all super-elfy and authoritative to Aragorn.
So the river nymph can sense what's going on in Fangorn - she, huh?
I love the idea of Gimli just being able to ignore the Lorelei-type song, since he is so accustomed to escorting the singing elf. And Gimli becoming almost tree-y, so that he leans on the willow and the willow says what's going on.
And Gimli is designing jewellery for Minuial now! I wonder what she'll think of receiving dwarf-made items - or has her slightly more open mind extended still further?
What a chapter.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it and picked up all the nuances. :)
Elves do so like pretty things, and have ever appreciated dwarven craftsmanship even if they don't think much of the craftsman. I think Minuial will cope.
Thanks for the kind words
Rose
daw the minstrel
· 31 October 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
Ooh, I love wood-elf magic! This was very Tolkien-ish, I think. You're so good with these other races, other creatures. The river-daughter is very convincing in all her guises and moods. And so are the otters, by the way. What maddening, funny creatures.
Author's reply
Thank you daw, as ever you warm my heart with your kindness. I so love otters, tricky wicked wonderful creatures that they are - it is my abiding sorrow that they do not live in NZ except for in zoos. I am glad you enjoyed my river-daughter. I never figure that all members of a family are likely to have the same personality, in fact the opposite seems to be true. The master left Goldberry's race wide open for interpretation - for which I thank him.(laughs)
Rose
Ithildin
· 31 October 2004
· Chapter 6: 6
Verrry, verrry interesting, Rose. I was very pleased to find that you had updated today. I look forward to each chapter, there’s always something unexpected – whether it’s a creative turn of phrase or a new twist in the plot, it’s refreshing. :)
So, I’m wondering if the otters are connected with this apparition, or just incidental to the scene. And this ‘riverdaughter’ (so unlike Goldberry) seems resentful of Galadriel and after her ‘capture’ she talks almost like Gollum! Now I’m really curious!
-----
Legolas fixed her with a blue-eyed stare that should, by its intensity, have turned her watery substance to the most insubstantial of vapours. He stalked around her, and where he passed a thin white circle marked the grass.
“I bind you, Madam. To wait my pleasure and my better temper, the swamp and its inhabitants will do without you for a space.”
-----
Wow. I SO love this image of Legolas IN CHARGE… Excellent chapter!
Ithildin *(
Author's reply
Wretched Gollum, despite being destroyed in a lake of lava he haunts me, his turns of phrase popping up anytime I want a character to be cross and sulky.LOL.
The otters are river creatures and free spirits, so under Melusina's charge and, I would guess, her favour. I always was worried by Goldberry, such powerful magic to wash the world with rain, and power is tricky stuff - swamps being both dangerous and yet a safe home and nursery to so many creatures if their balance is maintained.
I am verrry fond of masterful, elvish, Legolas - it might show. G.
Thanks for the kind review
Rose
Robinscat
· 28 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
Rose,
Thank you so much for writing of my favorite elf and dwarf. Well writen stories of Legolas and Gimli are a treasure. And an extra bonus of Aragorn is always nice. Thank you for your gift. Please keep writing.
Author's reply
Hi, thanks for your review. I intend to keep writing and Gimli and his elf do tend to take up most of stage centre! Hopefully I will be able to update later this weekend.
Look forward to hearing from you again.
Rose
Imrahoil
· 26 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
That wasn't a review, this is a review: You really are an original. Legolas- and Frodotorturing is regrettably as common as mud, but relentless Gimlibashing is unprecendented - at least as far as I know, perhaps it's different on Axe & Bow -, in other words, give my favourite character back. Asap and unhurt!
Poor Arwen, I liked the way you handled her fears in Cadenza and it doesn't loose its poignancy when worked into the suspense part of a story. By the way, I don't have any idea where/what the story is driving at. I don't like that. I just hate cliffhangers. ;-) I can't stand waiting. Next chapter, please!
Oh, "a doom" is correct, will remember the context, so it doesn't happen again, thank you.
Author's reply
Ah a review at last, you being so remiss in rewiewing and all:))
Gimlibashing - well he is so much himself in all situations I just love popping him in the midst of things to see what will happen. (You mean I am supposed to know where this story is going -oops!)
Axe/Bow does have some good stories, but they are rather remiss on the updates so I don't post there (probably just as well!)
Thanks for the attention - appreciated as always.
Rose
grumpy
· 25 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
what a great chapter. Loved the thought of Duilin thinking of ways to get the elf off the roof. So kind and understanding of Arwin to let Aragorn get out of the city for awhile, hate the thought of him all couped up. Plus you let halloween in early with whatever was in the mirror, and gone and lost Gimli.
looking forward to more
Author's reply
Yep those creepy halloween thoughts are a dreadful influence, LOL. Thanks for the review I do appreciate your enjoyment.
Rose
lwarren
· 25 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
Oh yeah, back to your old tricks, I see! Leaving poor unsuspecting readers dangling by their poor tired fingernails from a high cliff over a bottomless chasm!! (oooo, drama queen in residence right now...sorry RS!).
"Dinner." Legolas was unrepentant.
"Show off," grumbled Gimli.
I do LOVE an unrepentant elf!!! :-) (Had to get that quote in before memory failed!)
This was a very tricksy chapter, RS. I was all set for an elven concert from LG and AU and what happens but Fright Night! That was very well done...and you leave lots of hints and unanswered questions and clues and...not all of it's good! Legolas' cut not closing as it should (did that have something to do with the very atmosphere in the room when that "fell spirit" entered?) The creepy visions in Arwen's mirror - and how convenient was it that the evil preyed on her most distressing and everpresent fear? Gimli's vision is now taking on some substance...and the threat grows more dangerous and deadly by the minute.
So the guys are off to save the world...and Arwen's off to reform her grandkids (take it from me...such reformations are NOT permanent...and the little darlings hold it against you...HOW RUDE IS THAT?) ;-)
Ducks, and missing Dwarfs! Must find the dwarf soon, RS! (Which means, m'dear, thou must update ASAP! hehehehehe!) uh oh, must go...fingernail is breaking off due to lack of concentration! Great chapter...really, more please!
linda
Author's reply
No, no go get the nail glue - must hang on for just a little longer. Sorry about the damage to the manicure (insincere laugh)
Off to see the nixies next chapter - Gimli giving his friends even more grey hairs. Do love your reviews, thanks so much.
Rose
Imrahoil
· 25 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
AHAH, a new chapter, Imrahoil pounces gleefully upon the printout and retreats into her corner munching happily on the paper. Review comes as soon as the content is digested.
First hiccup: Is "a doom" correct?!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, in this case. Arwen is perfectly aware of the end of her and Aragorn's life together, of the mortal grief that will afflict her, even though she does not know the exact date of that end. So the doom that awaits is quite specific, and therefor 'the'.
Thanks, as ever, for the review, I love nitpicks, never fear.
Rose
Bodkin
· 25 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
I just had a look at Adagio Chapter 2 as mentioned, and it has reminded me just how much I love Tolman. He needs more exposure - he is just such a great character. Elf-bane! So funny. I hope Aragorn now carries it beside the athelas to use on Legolas when the sea-longing hits.
Author's reply
Oh no, the cast of thousands are advancing on me even as we speak, all with their hand up wanting a "speaking part" if you please.
The hobbit is nearly as bad as the pesky girlfriend for popping up unexpectedly, but is not on the horizon just yet. We will have to see what happens in later chapters,
Rose.
daw the minstrel
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
I wasn't expecting that vision of Arwen's. I wonder what's up? And where's Gimli? It can't have taken him hours to dress some birds.
Author's reply
And then he left them behind? Strange aye?
Still the magical forces behind M/E may have met their match with my favorite dwarf. Ch6 asap.
Rose
Jay of Lasgalen
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
There are some lovely images and similes in this story. I like the idea of elves on the rooftops despite the guards' best efforts, and Duilin glaring at the ceiling ' like one of the palace cats swearing vilely at blackbirds that taunted from near but too far branches. Wonderful.
Arwen's vision is horrifying, though - and clearly the evil is widespread. Duilin's reactions were amazing - he must have been incredibly fast to cut Legolas! And what has happened to Gimli? :(
Jay
Author's reply
The trouble with Duilin is that he is a tad unpredictable - even for our favorite elf. Verrrrrry loyal but.(for why have a look at ch2 Adagio)
Glad you are enjoying the ride, I have had my head buried in books of mythology all week trying to make the next ch fly - we will see.
Rose
Bodkin
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5: 5
Oh, good, good, good. Poor Arwen - unsurprisingly she finds the whole age and death thing to be seriously distressing. It was such a lovely start - the singing and the elf on the roof, only to descend into horror. And Legolas's cut refusing to heal - all very ominous. I hope Arwen will be all right in Pelargir. I love the humouring of Aragorn - very wise of her to let him go and play with the boys for a while, providing nothing goes amiss.
'I saw a blue stone and an ancient being, drawing all to itself, until the earth is drained.' Oh dear. Has Arwen a touch of the Galadriel foresight? Doesn't sound good.
And what has become of Gimli? He had time to deal with the ducks - so how long has he been gone?
Is Minuial going to feature at all in this story?
Author's reply
Minuial has a way of insinuating herself into my fics whether I want her there or not - her way of keeping dibs on his highness I think :> (weird, I am not wierd)
Anyhoo,Gimli is going to confuound the spirits of M/E and probably shorten his friends life with anxiety in the meantime.
I don't see why Arwen should miss out on her heritage - with Galadrial as Gran and Elrond as Pa she was always fated to have forsight. (Now if only she could give some to me!)
On to Ch6
Rose
Imrahoil
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
Ah, there you are. You had me worried, I even bothered Theresa with an e-mail, tztztz. Typical, as soon as someone is kind enough to reply regularly one takes it for granted (and sets a time limit).
Well, I enjoy your stories, you enjoy the reviews you get, not exactly a square deal, but better than nothing. Who cares about RL, send it packing, dear. You don't want to create inhibitions, exhibitions or whatever else, because the story wants out and you don't let it.
I'm not waiting for a reply to this one, by the way.
Author's reply
You will get one anyway. I am sorry to have worried you but I am glad to say that the absconding teenagers and general work/life worries have settled into their usual state of chaos and apart from having to beat off the fourteen year old with a stick so that I can get some computer time (but Mum, it's not fair, you won't let me be on the computer all night. How come you can?) I am back to writing. (I bought the computer dear, and I pay the bills, tough.)(Whilst maintaining a Yoda-like flapping motion that drives him away.)
Send me your e-mail so that I can chat privately - mine is on my bio page.
Theresa is a dear isn't she.
Rose
grumpy
· 13 October 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
great chapter. Poor Earnuff to be caught up in Legolas's flightiness, as Gimli would say. Is Fangorn realy lost? Loved Earnuff's telling of the meeting with the ent. Aragorn should go to see the ents, the man needs to get out. love how Eldarion is trying to coddle his dad. looking forward to more
Author's reply
Thanks, I am glad you are enjoying this story. I am sorry to be so long in replying to your kind words but RL keeps getting in the way of middle earth. Shouldn't happen to anyone I say!
Next chapter this w/e I hope
Rosemary
Imrahoil
· 11 October 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
“It did ask for you by name, Sire. Several names in fact. It was the one area in which we had no difficulty understanding it. It asked for Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, the Elfstone, Elessar Telcontar, King of Gondor and Arnor. I think it approved of your names, Sire.” My quote of the week and an excellent example why I dote on your stories. You just have a feel for the different races in Middle Earth AND you can convey it.
“I collect them with the same facility I collect white hairs, these days, Captain. Thank you.” Bwooh, I have something in common with Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain ..., stooooooooooop it. Perhaps I should start fencing lessons after all.
Plot, entwifes? Is it entwifes? An entwife with a ring? Well, no, I don't think it's entwifes.
And don't you try to save the reputation of the librarian. The less said about librarians in Minas Tirith the better. ;-)
Next chapter, please!
Author's reply
Well RL is mucking me up so much at the moment that the problem could turn out to be fairies at the bottom of the garden for all the writing time I get. Bother, bother, bother - the story is pushing at the front of my head and getting squashed by lots of other things and only gets out when I cannot write at all (like when I am driving - which I seem to be doing interminably every day!)
I will wrestle the rat finks to the ground yet and get back to the plot.
promise
Rose
PS I so look forward to your reviews, thank you, lots.
lwarren
· 10 October 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
Well, there is justice after all in this world, RS, as I found this very welcome update tonight (I have been, and still am, pouting the better part of this day). Your chapters are always so descriptive, but this one also was absolutely hilarious, and boy, did I need it!! :-)
First, how in the name of Arda did you ever come up with Nekkussor? Let's see...."High Lord, Beloved of the Sand-gods, Ruler of the West...Terror of the Unworthy, Protector of the Weak, Father of the Nation..." Did Eldarion get all those new names for his father...they will go well with the dozen or so he already has!!!LOL
And Aragorn's response - "My good Nekkussor...you are too kind..." *falls off the chair laughing* I can just see the King's long-suffering expression...
Then you get a little more serious about our King...having him stand "just breathing air that was not tainted by either exotic musk or intrigue..." and Eldarion is worried about his father..."a certain joy had left his face during the past few years, replaced by a strained weariness." Our Ranger needs a break...better yet...an adventure with his favorite elf and dwarf...perhaps some mayhem and battles and something or someone to save...I trust you'll take GOOD care of him, RS! And he's not eating either...I don't like that at all.
Then back to comedy as Legolas bursts in "towing" a "shrinking" Earnulf, followed by an amused Gimli. "Look what we found out in the hallway. Hasn't he grown?...Look at those shoulders." I'm surprised Legolas did not pinch his cheeks!!! LOL I loved that whole little part, with the elf presenting Earnulf to Aragorn as "if he had invented him"..."drug in like some cat's trophy." Poor Captain...I'll bet he feels ten years old again!
Now the plot thickens as Earnulf's message is revealed...Treebeard lost, and an encroaching darkness in a once healthy part of the forest. (Must confess, the appearance of Ents surprised me...this is really good stuff, RS!) So, now Aragorn is involved, Gimli is having flashbacks of his vision and believes Fangorn is definitely on their way. I do hope you will update soon before my imagination gets way out of hand! :-) Great chapter...timely, too! ;-)
In reference to your reply in ch.3 about affectionate 14-year-olds...I have a 20-year-old-going-on-seven who loves to pester the daylights out of me while I'm reading stories or reviewing! However, he does NOT sit on my lap, else I'd be squashed FLAT! He is built much like your Earnulf - having been on the weight-lifting team, and still plays semi-pro football! Aren't kids fun?!!!
linda
Author's reply
Oh you are a tonic, I am sorry RL has been horrible - I have just come out of one of those phases (hence the long gap in updates) you have my every sympathy.
I am glad I am being entertaining - trying to make this story fly has been rather like pulling teeth - mainly because I have written an awful lot about these folks and all my easy ideas have been used. If only original thought would flow like the cliche's I seem to think in (drat it)
A long walk tonight clarified how to get the mob from here to there with some tension, thank goodness, and the end is sorta writing and re-writing itself constantly in the background - If only I could get the middle to move.
Why do I do this writing thing anyway?
For your, and my other wonderful reviewers, feedback, of course.
Junkies have nothing on me.
Thank you for feeding the beast
Rose
Jay of Lasgalen
· 10 October 2004
· Chapter 4: 4
Oh - interesting! What does one of the Ents want with Aragorn, Elessar, Strider, etc?
I liked the way Legolas dragged that poor guard in!
Jay
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to write Jay - your updates are so regular I cannot think when you have the time to read - I am jealous!
The next bit is getting there I think.
Rose