Reviews (81)

Estel_Mi_Olor · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

Lamiel, thank you for this beautiful story. Words fail me, but I will try: your perception in the description of the frienship of Legolas and Gimli is exactly as I would have imagined it, and, I am sure, that Tolkien slept peacefully in his grave throughout the course of your work. The mutual pain and understanding of both races of the other is very poignant. However, discarding the wonderful canon (that you used so amazingly) this story serves as a touching reminder of the value of friendship, which the Fellowship also represents. I apologize for not leaving a review at the end of each individual chapter, but I could not stop reading. : ) I hope that you continue writing. Once again, thank you.

docmon · 3 April 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

TERRIFIC story! You mixed suspense and drama with a sure hand, and then such genuine humor would pop up so unexpectedly (Legolas's comment about the healing hands of the King lol! And Aragorn throwing the waterskin while blindfolded and hitting Pippin instead!) I would laugh out loud. I liked the alternating povs of Gimli and Legolas, since I was sure to get the view from the other side of what one character had done or said. The development and evolution in their thinking was fascinating to see. I fully enjoyed the Moria section of the story - the suspense was knife-sharp and I could barely put the story down - but then I got to Lorien! Your descriptions of Lothlorien were a pleasure to read. And the gesture of Legolas guiding Gimli with his singing was wonderful on many levels: the step toward friendship, even if Legolas didn't see it that way, that it offered Gimli; and it even brought Gimli a further step toward that friendship as well; the ethereal image of Legolas serenely walking through the magical wood singing wordless notes as everyone walked blindfolded behind him was lovely. The reactions of Aragorn to the Ring were interesting, and I loved the contrast of the intense anger and suspicion in the conversation he and Legolas had on the grass in Lothlorien with the beauty around them: it was a beautiful sunny day, they were lounging in the grass, free for the first time in months from needing to be on constant watch, and they were surrounded by the beauty of the timeless, ageless mallyrn. And the Ring had them. Of course, Legolas was convinced that the Ring did not sway him, although he may have "served Its purpose." But in that seen I became convinced that the Ring was reaching him as well. You even mixed movieverse and bookverse adeptly as well. I imagine that was a bit harder to do. Well written, well done!

Azul · 8 March 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

I really enjoyed this story, I waited till it was finished before reading & I'm glad I did. I wanted to get to the end but now I'm there I wish I hadn't. I thought you portrayed the differences & prejudices betweens elves and dwarves really well. Tolkien always left me wandering how things had changed between Legolas & Gimli, now I know.

Dreamflower · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

And so it stops. I don't say "ends", because we know there is much more ahead of these two. But you did warn me you weren't taking this beyond Lorien. I can't say how much I have enjoyed this sojourn inside the heads of two of the Fellowship. A Tolkien fan on a newsgroup told me he did not read most fanfic because it got too much into the minds of the characters. Something JRRT rarely did. I responded that is exactly why I *do* like it. Anything that explores the thoughts and hearts of the characters is exploring new territory. You have been remarkably successful in this fic. I feel almost as though you have written the definitive Legolas-Gimli friendship. I have suggested it before, and I hope you will consider it--I would love to see your insight applied to the Three Hunters as they pursued the captors of Merry and Pippin.

elliska · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

I'm not sure who I feel sorrier for, Legolas trying to understand Dwarven history or Gimli trying to teach him. *Grin* As a former teacher, I think I'll side with Gimli on this one. Legolas is being a terrible brat! Well done with that. And I loved how you showed them standing up together to the snobby elves and Legolas finding the little cave for Gimli's comfort. This story is simply the best portrayal of Legolas and Gimli's develiping friendship that I have ever read. I loved it and I am sorry to see it end. Great job.

TithenFeredir · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

I'm a bit sad to see this story end. Two moments struck home for me on this chapter. When Gimli mentioned that men come and go much more often than the elves, the way Legolas paused and his mood abruptly changed. That was a wonderfully subtle way to convey what seemed to be a sudden, uncomfortable revelation--- the first time he really thought of it, perhaps? It was a strong but brief foreshadowing there of future grief. The other was when they were in the "cave" and Legolas was looking up at the light filtering through the leaves. He was willing to endure the relative darkness for Gimli's sake, but still he was looking toward the light. It seemed to fit. It was also interesting that when they teased each other they weren't completely at ease; each scored hits on the other. But their remarkable friendship was on it's way. This was a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it! TF

Bodkin · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

How disconcerting, to realise that your friend knew your eight-generations-ago ancestor. One of those things about having elven friends that you probably just have to accept and then ignore. I love the relationship these two have developed - and seeing Legolas put on his royalty to snub a couple of snotty elves. And - as Legolas appears and makes Gimli spill his soup - they are behaving in much the same kind of kiddie way as they did before, only now it is in affection. (Males - whatever the species!!) Great story.

LOTR lover · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

Terrific story! What a fine examination of how Gimli and Legolas went from bristling adversaries to bantering friends. Everything works. Well done.

Faith · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 17: Epilogue

aww soo sweet..those two rock!:D hehehe yes they do preciousssssssssss...yes they do.........yes preciousssssssssssss..:D Faith, the slightly obssessed fangirl

Faith · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 16: The Beginning

those two.....hehehe....love them...love both....hehehe..they rock....:D Faith the slightly obssessed fangirl

Bodkin · 18 February 2005 · Chapter 16: The Beginning

'If I live to get out of these woods, Gimli swore to himself, I’ll never set foot in a tree again. Never. And no more ladders, either.' That sounds like a promise he won't be keeping!! I love the arrival of all the Elves to stare at the visitors - it's like a movie premiere. How very Gimli not to realise that actually he did the complete opposite of failing. Galadriel put temptation before him and he shrugged it off. Very good grasp of what is real, has Gimli. 'if ever those two came into conflict he would have preferred to watch from a safe distance, such as Valinor.' Mind you, so has Legolas. The way to a Hobbit's heart is through his stomach, is it? Pretty good analysis there - I'm sure the Elves are amazed how much they can eat yet still stand. I enjoyed watching Legolas tease Gimli - it's true that they have become more than a representative of their separate races to each other - that they have, despite all the odds, become friends. I wonder how Legolas felt after Gimli's death, when he was, probably, the only Elf in Valinor to remember the glories of Dwarven culture - and whether he spoke of them to anyone else.

Dreamflower · 17 February 2005 · Chapter 16: The Beginning

What a delightful chapter! One can see the final opening blossom of Legolas's and Gimli's friendship, based on mutual respect and affection, and displayed by teasing banter. I love it, but it makes me sad, because I know the story is winding down. *sigh*

TithenFeredir · 17 February 2005 · Chapter 16: The Beginning

I want to be there when curious elves swarm! If only! Anyway, the way Gimli's adoration for Galadriel blossomed was lovely. I like the way Legolas is doing his best to be proper representative of his home. He seems very princely. His interlude at the top of the mallorn was really beautiful, very elvish. You did a great job of evoking his elven stangeness to Gimli when he first appears where the dwarf is meditating. Then there was that light, teasing note at the end to keep things from getting too earnest. I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter! Thanks! TF

elliska · 17 February 2005 · Chapter 16: The Beginning

Of all the chapters, this one is my absolute favorite. There is just too much here to comment on. Elves are foolish. But she was wise. Elves are flighty. But she was serene. Elves are capricious. But she was constant. Elves hate Dwarves. But she had welcomed him, and there had been no hate in her eyes, no scorn or condemnation. There had been only love, and acceptance, and peace. Never trust an Elf. But he loved her. This is a terrific sequence. Ahh Gimli! I love to see the internal struggle of character's whose entire world has just been set on end and Galadriel has done that to Gimli. How wonderfully you capture it there! There is no hope without friendship, and no friendship without understanding. So I will understand. I will understand them all, starting with the Dwarf. And this is wonderful too. The same train of thought from Legolas's perspective. And that is what I loved about this whole first sequence--you have two characters drawing the same conclusion. But if I had read Gimli and Legolas's introspections without having been supplied their names (or even thoughts like, 'can mortals do this') I still could have been able to tell you which was Legolas's thoughts and which was Gimli's. And that is outstanding characterization. Loved this part. Then, completely unarmed for the first time in his adult life, Legolas climbed up into the canopy of the Golden Wood. He moved swiftly through the trees, climbing for the sheer joy of it higher and higher until he reached the uppermost branches that bent and curved easily beneath his feet. Then he stopped, and settling with his back against the cool brace of a mallorn’s trunk he turned his face up toward the stars. I liked this image. Nothing more than that--I just enjoyed it. I like the 'unarmed for the first time in his adult life.' I liked the vision of Legolas climbing in the trees for the sheer joy of it. And I liked the image of him sitting and enjoying the stars. Very nice. And the closing dialogue between Gimli and Legolas--superb! The humor in it still has me giggling. thumping like a woodpecker in the forest and “I can sing.” “Aargh” and “Invent?” Gimli had to hurry to keep up as the Elf slipped silently into the forest. “Of course. For example, I can say that Dwarves were so frightened of knives of any kind that they refused to cut their hair, and their beards grew so long that they frequently tripped over them when they walked.” “What?” etc Those are absolutely priceless snippets. But I also love Legolas's complete openess and how you showed it. And Gimli's struggle to finally let go and accept the change in him and how you showed that. This is a fantastic culminating point to the story in my mind. Loved it!

elliska · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 15: The Lady of Light

Gimli's reactions here are great: Elven architecture. My life depends on Elven architecture. Lord Mahal preserve me. Ha! Legolas's first interaction with Celeborn and Gimli's reaction to it was great. But I think my favorite part was Legolas's 'conversation' with Galadriel. I have read a lot of stories that addressed how Legolas must have felt about the ring and Lorien/Galadriel's ring and few handled that topic as well as you did here. Great job!

elliska · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 14: To Walk Free

Sorry I fell behind in reviews again. It's been hectic (and I'll be honest--I couldn't stand waiting for updates so I snuck over to FF and read the whole thing there. I'd promised myself I'd enjoy the suspense, but then one day I couldn't stand it anymore. But I hate trying to leave reviews there...) Anyway... This chapter is so rich. Love the 'nettles' problem--you have to wonder how they managed that, don't you. *Giggle* And the waterskin fight was funny too. Only an elf could duck what he couldn't see. Love the whole description of when the take the blindfolds off. And I LOVED the conversation about Mirkwood drinking songs vs children's songs vs tra-la-la down in the valley. Too funny. But the tension at the end between Legolas and Aragorn. Whew! Good job. This is an absolutely wonderful story!

Bodkin · 13 February 2005 · Chapter 15: The Lady of Light

I think, on the whole, I'm rather glad I didn't have to climb up into that mallorn. And Gimli deserves a whole bunch of heroism awards just for getting up there without turning into jelly. I love Legolas being - edged. And Gimli confounding all the elves looking on him as an unlettered rustic of an inferior race. The development of how they can see beneath the superficial differences between elf and dwarf is beautifully done.

Faith · 12 February 2005 · Chapter 15: The Lady of Light

we likes it precioussssssssssssss...yes we do.....such a beautiful description of the lady of light....yes preciousssssssssssss....we likes the lady...yes we doo..yes we do.........update soon preciousssssssssssssssssssss...:) Faith, the slightly obssessed fangirl

TithenFeredir · 12 February 2005 · Chapter 15: The Lady of Light

Oh, this chapter was so good. I loved description of the mellyrn and Gimli's perception of "elven architecture", as well as his determined show of dignity in spite of his nervousness and fatigue. The beginning of his adoration for Galadriel was well done. My favorite part was the way you handled Legolas here. It was a nice balance of his nobility and elvishness against his youth, inexperience and the bias he brings from home. In his exchange with Galaderiel the difference in their ages and status was very evident. It seemed to me that she was teaching him as much as surveying his heart. Then in the brief mention of her encounter with Aragorn you imply much with a simple description of their movements alone. The whole chapter flows so well! Good stuff! TF

Dreamflower · 12 February 2005 · Chapter 15: The Lady of Light

I just thought of something else I wanted to mention: from the description of your summary, it seems that this story might end when they leave Lothlorien. I find myself wishing that you might continue it on down the Anduin, and through the hunt for Merry and Pippin up to the re-union in Isengard. So if it *does* end after Lorien, might I beg you for such sequel? I will feed the bunnies for you...

Dreamflower · 12 February 2005 · Chapter 15: The Lady of Light

Oh my! Galadriel's temptation of the Fellowship has drawn a number of fanfics. This one is particularly well-done. I love Gimli's reaction to climbing up to the Lord and Lady, and his surprise on his welcome there. And the description of his finally succumbing to Galadriel, her beauty and kindness, is brilliant. And the exchange between Legolas and Galadriel was also brilliant, and shows exactly what was faced by one who wielded one of the Three. It was very interesting. I find myself wishing that you would have tackled the POV of the other six members of the Fellowship, although I know that would not have fit into the framework of this story, I think your interpretation of their various temptations would have been interesting to know.

Dreamflower · 8 February 2005 · Chapter 14: To Walk Free

This is a story I have read straight through this afternoon without stopping. It is riveting; my favorite sort of gap-filler--the kind that gets inside the characters' minds. JRRT did that rarely. He so seldom told us what a character was thinking, that when he did, it had a major impact. But it left so many fascinating uspoken questions, which we can explore in fanfic. The friendship of Legolas and Gimli is one of those unspoken questions. It was something momentous and profound, yet he told us precious little about how the two went from antagonism to dearest friendship--we get to use our imaginations. And your imagination is so detailed and the depth of your knowledge and research into the history of Elves and Dwarves, that I can easily think of your story as just the way it *did* happen. You have a lovely grasp not only of your two main characters, but the rest of the Fellowship as well, and as one who is primarily a hobbit-fancier, I have to say that you have done very well by the four of them. I loved Legolas' perceptiveness of Frodo's abilities, and Gimli's sweet attempt to assuage Pippin's guilt, and I laughed out loud at Legolas' remark about if Haldir let the hobbits go hungry... I am seeing in this story not only the forging of a lasting friendship between Elf and Dwarf, but in the cementing of the Fellowship as a family. I definitely look forward to more of this story. And I think that JRRT would not be ashamed of your attempts to honor him with this exploration of his world.

Galimeril · 8 February 2005 · Chapter 14: To Walk Free

Hehehe! I love that last comment about more tree houses fo Gimli! You can see the characters come alive in this story. Your style of writing is wonderful and I am looking foreward to the next update!

Bodkin · 8 February 2005 · Chapter 14: To Walk Free

I love the bond that is growing between Legolas and Gimli. All that's needed now is for them to admit that they like each other. (I wonder if anybody ever told the dwarf about the Mirkwood children's songs, or whether they respected his dignity.)

TithenFeredir · 7 February 2005 · Chapter 14: To Walk Free

Well, my bias will stick out a mile, but I have to say I really enjoyed Legolas' teasing Aragorn. That entire comic passage was a great relief from the tension before. Boromir's little problem was a brilliant bit of subtle humor, and the comment about the hands of a king was priceless. So many stories make Legolas out to be overly innocent; it's so refreshing to see him reveal a mildly vulgar sense of humor. Your description of Lothlorien here was very lyrical...beautiful, so evocative of the place and its magic. I loved Legolas' sort of visceral reaction to it, especially in the moment when they removed his blindfold. It was also very fitting to include Sam's comment from the book--that was a lovely touch. The confrontation between Aragorn and Legolas was quite impressive in its intensity,the two formidable powers nearly coming to blows, and in the midst of it an interesting discussion of the seductive pull of the Ring. Great chapter! TF