Reviews (81)

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

love it! more please! update soon precioussss! yes precioussssss...we likes updates...yes we do precioussssss....yes we do......yes we do..... Faith, the slightly obssessed fangirl

TithenFeredir · 28 January 2005 · Chapter 13: First Steps

Oh, I enjoyed this thoroughly. The way you described Legolas' and Gimli's contrasting perceptions was not just a superficial exposition---it was like you really tuned in to the feel of it. Ack, I don't know how to say it. It wasn't just dry statements about how differently they saw things, it was like you touched the core of their natures to show the source of their perceptions. Anyway, I loved Legolas' singing--both times, and Gimili's thoughts about how he sang for any or no reason, like when Pippin burned the sausage. I loved Legolas' musings on the Golden Wood being free of the shadow and how strange it was for him, having always been threatened by it. I loved the way the both of them are learning to appreciate and empathise with each other. You really are building the foundation of a remarkable friendship. It seems like they are already depending on each other for comfort, though probably neither would admit it at this point. Lovely stuff. TF

Faith · 28 January 2005 · Chapter 13: First Steps

i love it! more please! update soon! sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than sooner than sooner than soon! i mean now! NOW! NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW! NOW!!!! NOW!!! LOL hehehe...keep it up coming....:) Faith the slightly obsessed fangirl

elliska · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 13: First Steps

Wow! Watch out for Gimli when he has worked himself up into a good froth of righteous anger! Loved the opening rant--three paragraphs of furious Gimli! And I love the contrast in the perceptions of Legolas and Gimli leading right up to: Then Legolas realized a concept so strange that he nearly stopped full in his tracks. The Dwarf could not hear the forest song. Perhaps none of the mortals could, at least not in the same way that the Elves did. That would be a shocker for a Woodelf. And I just couldn't help but sigh a big 'Ahhh' when Legolas decided to sing a song the mortals could hear to lead them through the forest. That was so cool. And so were Gimli's thoughts on Legolas' 'idiosynchrasy.' Their whole following dialogue was perfect but this interchange was my favorite part: There was a pause, and Legolas released a long breath, almost a sigh. “It was foolishness, Master Dwarf. Arrogance and foolish pride, I am certain, and now I am fey and careless, so that I seek converse with a Dwarf. Imagine what my father would say!” Gimli laughed aloud. “I expect that his reaction would be much the same as that of my father, if he knew that his son sat up through the night with an Elf. An Elvish princeling, I should say.” Legolas groaned. “Please, Master Dwarf, do not bring that up again. Haldir has finally determined that I am capable of eating without assistance, and that I can walk without flower petals scattered at my feet. I beg you; do nothing to make him think otherwise.” Another great chapter!

Bodkin · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 13: First Steps

Singing for Gimli - that is really such a sensitive thing to do. Not drawing attention to Gimli's tension and unfamiliarity with the forest, but just making him more comfortable without saying a word. Well - at least the situation has one plus. Gimli does not have to climb up a tree to get his sleep! I love picturing him following the sound of the elf and relying on him! Not quite sure whether to trust him totally or not, but really pretty sure that he is reliable. And the subtle signs that convince him that Legolas is as blind as he. (I just love the picture of a rank-impressed Haldir wanting to scatter flower petals for the ease of the Prince.) And do we have elven foresight? Legolas doubts whether Gimli will be happy to be shot of Lothlorien? These two are really cracking now - they are acting as each other's defender and support. Shame Middle Earth has not developed methods of recording music. I think Gimli will find it hard to go to sleep without elf-song by the time he's finished!

Bodkin · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 12: To See Clearly

'in which Gimli learns how to find an Elf in the dark.' I do love the little temptation tasters. In fact, I decided to sneak off elsewhere and read the rest! Gimli is well on the way to overcoming his distaste for elves when he wants to leap off a tree and polish off the orcs invading Lothlorien. (Mind you, that could be for the joy of orc-slaying - but still.) And there's nothing like being forced to defend a dwarf - because he's your dwarf and you'll be damned if you'll let an uppity Lothlorien march-warden criticise him - for strengthening a bond that is just beginning to form. Just as well they let Gollum go. I've a feeling he might turn out to be important somewhere along the line. I don't blame Gimli for being a little miffed at the suggestion that only he should be blind-folded - and he's got a point that some of them should see what's going on, but 'if the Dwarf had the diplomatic awareness that Ilúvatar gave a jackdaw he would realize it' was the only way Haldir would let them through without a chit from the boss. Very honourable elf - even when given the opportunity to see, he won't do it. I think he's about ready to become a dwarf-friend.

Faith · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 12: To See Clearly

yay! it worked! woo hoo! love it! update soon! sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than sooner than sooner than soon! I mean now! LOL hehehe anyway this fic rocks...you rock... rock on sister!:) Slightly Obssessed Fangirl, Faith

elliska · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 12: To See Clearly

This was another great chapter! I love Gimli's anxiousness to fight the orcs and Legolas' debate with Haldir about staying to guard Gimli vs going to draw off the orcs. I love it when Legolas says that Gimli was willing to fight to defend Lorien. The theme of uniting in trust or falling divided is one that I think is central to LotR and I have always liked the way Tolkien brought it out in this chapter of Fellowship. You have added to that very well here. And Legolas' conversation with Aragorn was great. I would do as you say, even were it against my wish... That is indeed one of the strengths that Legolas added to the Fellowship. But the whole thing with the blindfolding--I mean it had obvious potential for expansion but what you did with it was fantastic! Too funny! “You did this. You black-hearted, traitorous, treacherous, misbegotten Orc-spawned –” “Gimli!” Aragorn said sharply. The Dwarf stopped, but continued to glare for a long moment. Legolas met his eyes fearlessly. He could not explain his actions, which surely must seem like treachery to the Dwarf, but neither would he be goaded into apologizing for them. The blindfold, unfair though it might seem to Gimli, was the only way to gain entrance for him at all. It was this or splinter the Fellowship even further. And if the Dwarf had the diplomatic awareness that Ilúvatar gave a jackdaw he would realize it. After all Legolas and Gimli have learned and thought about one another, this was very powerful and sad. The last line is hilarious, of course. :) But my favorite part is where Legolas steps between Gimli and the drawn bows. Very powerful. And then after all that: Then there was a clink of metal and Gimli shoved Legolas aside. He knocked the Elf back a step, and Legolas whirled to keep from stumbling. All his frustrated tension and weariness came bubbling to the surface, and he glared at Gimli. Gimli glared back, a wealth of stung pride in his eyes. Legolas could have struck him then. All his efforts this past night: his admission to Haldir, his sleepless watch, were evidently worth nothing. He had nearly had the situation under control, and given a moment to speak quietly with Haldir he was certain he could find some way to compromise. But in his stubborn blindness Gimli would not even trust him that far. “A plague on Dwarves and their stiff necks!” Legolas hissed. Excellent! I really loved this chapter. This is a really outstanding gap-filler.

TithenFeredir · 21 January 2005 · Chapter 12: To See Clearly

I feel so for Legolas being so tired and unable to get any rest. I thought he showed admirable restraint. It's neat the way you are slowly moving him and Gimli toward tolerating each other. That is so much more realistic than some sudden revelation abruptly changing their behavior. Good chapter! Can't wait for the next! TF

Faith · 20 January 2005 · Chapter 11: From Out of Knowledge

love it love it! write more! update soon! sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than sooner than sooner than soon! i mean now! LOL :) Slighly Obbssesed Fangirl, Faith

TithenFerdir · 15 January 2005 · Chapter 11: From Out of Knowledge

I feel for poor Legolas being so tired and wonder why Aragorn is baiting him. And poor Pip! He seems so hurt by Merry's apparent disregard. Can't wait to get them all to Caras Galadhon. TF

Bodkin · 15 January 2005 · Chapter 11: From Out of Knowledge

I love the chapter description. 'Gimli climbs a tree'. (To be followed by 'Gimli combs his beard'.) No, seriously - climbing that tree must have been MAJORLY stressful for a dwarf. He was very intrepid to do it - and his attitude towards the elf is becoming much deeper and more interesting. I love the way he talked to Pippin about the elf in Moria. (See, dwarves just have this reputation for insensitivity, but really they are very deep.) I liked seeing Legolas communing with trees, too - and the image of him draped in the tree is very - elfy. 14 pages to climb a tree? Could have taken up twice the space.

Rose Sared · 14 January 2005 · Chapter 11: From Out of Knowledge

Ah, a dwarf up a tree, and handily done. I do like your brave Gimli - so in character, thanks so much for continuing this tale - it adds to the canon and reminds me why I read fanfic. Rose

elliska · 13 January 2005 · Chapter 11: From Out of Knowledge

Oh this was priceless for numerous reasons! I love Gimli's thoughts in this chapter (you do a great job with character emotions). I especially liked it when Legolas said the book should go up as well. Great touch. And then followed the rope ladder incident. That was so much fun to picture. Hilarious!

elliska · 13 January 2005 · Chapter 10: Understanding

I have been buried by another large project at work and another two chapters have slipped by me. This is one of my favorite parts of the book--the time in Lothlorien. I loved the way you filled in thoughts and events here. Legolas really shines in this chapter. Great job.

Envinyatar · 13 January 2005 · Chapter 10: Understanding

Feeling very guilty that I haven't reviewed this before. Like Meckinock I agonise over the words to put in a review - heaven help me if I were ever to try writing a story. Enough of that, I wanted to congratulate you on some very fine writing. I've resisted the temptation to go and read the rest on ff.net because I like savouring each chapter. Your imagery is beautiful and as layered as Haldir's speech. That's what finaly nudged me out of lurkerdom, though, this was such a wonderful conversation, with Legolas' dry asides making it even more enjoyable. 2 passages that made me laugh out loud: "He made no apology for having aimed an arrow at the head of the Elf-friend, and Legolas did not ask for one. He himself had been tempted to do the same in the past." Conjures up a world of possibilities. And: "Legolas had learned more from listening to Boromir with a stubbed toe than he ever had from all his study in Mirkwood’s library." I can just hear Boromir - or wish I could. Thanks again for this, looking forward to reading the rest.

Del · 13 January 2005 · Chapter 11: From Out of Knowledge

Well, hello there! This is late in coming but welcome! I didn't realize you had an account on SoA. I found this story ages ago on "Eternal" I think it was and I loved it then and I love it now. Even if I do already know how it all ends. *GRIN* Del

Bodkin · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 10: Understanding

'susurration' Isn't that just a lovely word! Poor Legolas. Now he is not only an elf enduring the company of a bunch of strange men, hobbits and a dwarf, but he is now defending said company before a group of fellow elves. He must be wondering if Arda is ending. 'Bring him' - I note that, as far as Sam is concerned, bring Frodo also means bring Sam. Good for him - Gandalf said to stick with him and stick with him he will, regardless. I can't imagine him enjoying the trip up the ladder, though. Although he probably climbs like an elf in comparison to Gimli.

TithenFeredir · 10 January 2005 · Chapter 10: Understanding

I think my favorite bit in this chapter was Legolas'musings as he was finally able to relax a little in the wood, and the subtext of emotions and memory as he sang of Nimrodel. His word-play with Haldir was amusing, but you also cleverly slipped in a lot of character stuff in the midst of it. (A little word-play on your part, perhaps?) I can't help thinking Tolkien would have loved reading your stuff. TF

Jay of Lasgalen · 10 January 2005 · Chapter 10: Understanding

I always liked the chapter about Lothlórien in LOTR, and you have managed to carry over the magic, awe and mystery Tolkien conjured in your work. I liked the parallels between the Nimrodel and the Enchanted River - I hadn't noticed Legolas's words about it bringing sleep and forgetfulness before! Finally, the way Haldir and his brothers fawn over Legolas when they realise he's a prince is great! I liked the touches of humour in this chapter in amongst the stark grief of Legolas and Gimli. Jay

Lyn · 10 January 2005 · Chapter 4: Encounters in the Dark

Excellent writing. I have only two suggestions: nocked - refers to an arrow being placed with the notched end in the string and the arrowhead part resting either on the bow or a small bit of wood on the handle, and ready to be fired. taut - tight, as the strings on a drum are very taut

elliska · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 9: After

The loss of Gandalf is one of my favorite parts of the book (I know that sounds horrible, but I love those angsty moments and besides we all know he isn't killed). You handled it very well here. Gimli was perfect. You do a great job with him. And this: They left the One Ring in the hands of a Hobbit, and all the world swung in the balance with only a few mortals and a Wood-elf to fight for it, and the Valar had turned their backs, and they were cowards! Legolas lifted his head to scream this to the sky, to cry challenge to Manwë himself, but only a faint gasp escaped his constricted throat. He was shaking with rage, but grief sealed his lips. His heart burned, and though his eyes were dry, his soul wept. Wow!

elliska · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 8: Shadow and Flame

Great fight scene. Those are incredibly difficult to write--rather fight one than write one myself. Great job. Loved this interchange: “Couldn’t we?” Aragorn’s voice was bitter. “What do you feel, Legolas? Is it truly worse than the Shadow of Dol Guldur? And your people have fought that for centuries.” Legolas turned his head sharply toward the Ranger. Aragorn was nearly invisible in the darkness, but he was standing close enough that the planes of his face caught Legolas’ faint light. His eyes glittered in the dark. Legolas wondered what he sensed. Aragorn was mortal, but in him the blood of Númenor ran true. He had some foresight, and at times a near Elvish perception. But did he really think that the Shadow here was no worse than in Mirkwood? Perhaps, Legolas thought, the loss of Song truly has affected my mind. Perhaps the Ring plays upon my fears, and this Power is an illusion. But Mithrandir had sent them on, and Legolas remembered the look of pain and sorrow in his eyes. Perhaps Aragorn is overconfident. “We fight the encroachment upon Mirkwood,” he said cautiously. “We do not seek the Shadow in its lair. And it is not my place or yours to judge Mithrandir. We must protect the Hobbits.” I especially loved your description of Legolas' reaction to the Balrog. Perfect!

elliska · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 7: To Breathe

I seem to have missed some chapters. I was on vacation during a lot of December but I've missed three chapters! Nice treat for my return. I loved Legolas' interaction with Frodo here. Very Tolkien-like. Frodo's innate wisdom, his ability to interact so easily with elves--all this part seemed very much like Frodo's interaction with Gildor. I really like how you interwove quotes into the introspection in this chapter. And this: The whisper of a breeze, the stir of free air and on that breath came the taste of green, the smell of growing things, the murmur of life. Legolas spread his arms wide and tilted his head back. His long hair spilled over his quiver and the sensitive skin of his face and throat was laid bare to the whispered kiss of dawn. His lips parted slightly as he drank in Ilúvatar’s Song. is wonderful. Great chapter.

meckinock · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 9: After

I've read some of your other reviews and this is one of the times I regret being a crappy reviewer beccause I don't think I can do this story justice. I am so impressed with everything about it, in a semi-articulate sort of way. I need someone to ghost-write my reviews, really... It is so nice to see a gapfiller that actually fills gaps, for one thing. Then the character development is just awesome. Even keeping the POV to Legolas and Gimli, we get such wonderful insights into all of the members of the Fellowship - and the interplay between Legolas and Gimli is not only really funny but also incredibly insightful. You have put so much thought into these characters, their experiences, motivations, fears, prejudices - it's all wonderful. I'm afraid I won't be able to resist going over and reading the rest of the story on ff.net, so please post the completed story here soon.