Reviews (81)

Bodkin · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 9: After

Lovely again. Watching movies is OK, but you just can't beat reading things. Good bit of shoulder butting the elf, Gimli. Excellent bit of orc-hewing, chaps. I like the inrush of sensation for Legolas, compounded by his pain for Gandalf. So much more realistic that it is the death of the wizard that would completely upset Legolas's life view, that just plain death. It is, after all, only sixty years since the Elves of Mirkwood were involved in the Battle of the Five Armies and I seem to remember that one or two people - elves, men, dwarves, not to mention bad guys, were killed there. I like seeing Aragorn somewhat insecure over being dumped with the job of being in charge. It must have come as a shock. Legolas's solid support must have given him a bit of a boost.

TithenFeredir · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 9: After

Yeah, I never could agree with the movie's take that Legolas didn't understand death. It's much more plausible that he couldn't understand Gandalf dying. It seemed particularly wrenching that Legolas' physical/spiritual relief upon leaving Moria is spoiled by the grief of Gandalf's death. It seems like the two together would be somehow very painful. Interesting twist that he doubts and accuses the Valar. The mourning of the company was well done, especially the way that Aragorn is doubly burdened with both sadness and the new pressure put upon him as leader. Good chapter! More, please? TF

TithenFeredir · 2 January 2005 · Chapter 8: Shadow and Flame

"...the screams of a thousand Elves that assaulted his mind, as if all pain of all the ages that Elves had fought the Enemy and lost and died in agony was captured and hoarded and fed upon by this creature of Morgoth..." (Hoping it's not breaking some rule to quote) I loved the way you described this source of Legolas' terror of the Balrog. You put an excellent new perspective on the original tale. Can't wait for the next! TF

Bodkin · 2 January 2005 · Chapter 8: Shadow and Flame

I really like the Gimli / Legolas perspectives - they just see the whole thing from a different angle. They are coming to respect each other's strengths, too - despite themselves. Poor Gandalf. I love the suffocating images of evil - very palpable. Looking forward to more.

Bodkin · 29 November 2004 · Chapter 7: To Breathe

'a mysterious girl from modern day Earth joins them and captures Legolas’ heart.' A martial arts expert who speaks all languages and knows how to splat Balrogs, thus saving Mithrandir? Now back to the REAL world. I love seeing Legolas climbing up the pillars in his desperate urge to get a bit closer to the outside world. And Gimli's memories of Balin. And Frodo, the elf friend. The whole story is so beautifully written.

Anonymous · 28 November 2004 · Chapter 7: To Breathe

Update real soon! I want to find out how that girl captures Legolas' heart!

Rose Sared · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 6: Conversations part II

Thank you, what a clever and well written chapter (just like the others really!)I am sorry to be so tardy in reviewing this, you capture the sound and rythm of a tolkeinesk middle earth so beautifully whilst pulling out details that make the journey so interesting that I am quite in awe. Rosemary

elliska · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 6: Conversations part II

My favorite part of this chapter is the reactions to Gimli's song. I think you captured that perfectly. Somehow it really never ocurred to me to think about how Gimli would have felt walking through the place that he'd heard about only in legends and songs before. I wonder how the conversation about it with his father went when he finally went home. And the hobbits' curiousity and Gandalf satisfying it was sweet. And Legolas'reaction is exactly what I'd expect. It's a shame because at that moment he seemed close to being able to make a connection with Gimli and then their fight broke out. You covered all their grievances well. It would be very strange from Gimli's POV to argue with a being that experienced all that history. I loved this line: The legends of your ancestors, Dwarf, are my father’s experiences. Great! This story continues to be absolutely captivating. I love stories that explore the characters' emotions so this is just a feast for me. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Bodkin · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 6: Conversations part II

It's interesting how being forced into the black depths of Moria compels Legolas to look at Gimli in a way that he might never have done had they remained out among the trees and under the stars. Interesting reflections on time. Personal memory for an elf = ancient history for other races.

Eruanna · 17 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Conversations part I

My my my. Never set two men against each other in a discussion about hair. :) I notice that Legolas seems to have a habit of randomly saying things that are directed to no one in particular. Any insights as to just why this is? :) It must be so terrible for Legolas; trapped in a cave without the Song, and all the while feeling that what he dreads most is coming ever closer. "Phantom shadows brushed his mind. Flame licked his skin like the caress of a lover in the dark." That's just really creepy. I liked the part where Gandalf encourages Legolas and tells him that Greenleaf is enough. Well done! :)

Eruanna · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Encounters in the Dark

I like the contrast in this chapter: putting it from Gimli's point of view. I just love his sense of humor: his contemplations of Elven insanity, disdain of their songs, and the Valar's sense of humor: trapped in the company of a glow-in-the-dark Elf. I love it. :) And it's also interesting how he shifted the blame from himself to Legolas: choosing the left-hand passage and claiming that Elven fancies brought them there. You portray Gimli so well. I applaud you. :) Legolas must be so frustrated, dealing with the "limitations of Dwarves", especially in regards to the Song. And there's nothing like a nice fight to break the ice, huh? :)

Eruanna · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 3: Reflections of Immortality

Most excellent! I loved the whole thing from the Elven perspective, especially the part about birthdays and the passing of time. It is true that we, as mortals, have only limited time on earth and must make the most of it. The insights into Legolas' family life were well done and very welcome. Legolas and Gimli continued to go at it, and it's rather amusing to see it unfold. I especially like the part about Legolas letting Gimli take off his helmet first. :)

JastaElf · 16 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Conversations part I

When this arrives at ff.net, I will of course leave a review there too! :-) But I just had to let you know, I think this a Very Estimable Chapter of a Very Fine Fic Indeed. The characterizations are superb; the dialogue and the subplot are marvels. Gimli and Legolas are both so true to themselves, it is a delight to read. And the situation for Legolas is just so compelling! You give us a sense of what it is like to BE Legolas, to understand what's going on all around him, and to feel almost helpless before it... very chilling! The exchange about "I'm not Glorfindel..." "You are Greenleaf..." is so very touching and powerful..... VERY well done, marvelous chapter! Thanks so much for sharing this tale with us!!

Bodkin · 15 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Conversations part I

'I had not realized you needed so much hair to keep warm.' Such a sweet discussion - they just don't understand each other at all - but at least they seem to have some appreciation of each other's fighting ability. 'Flame licked his skin like the caress of a lover in the dark.' - What an evocative line! And Legolas's perception of Gandalf is amazing - not a conjurer of cheap tricks at all, but a power greater than that of the elves. What a lot Legolas is saying with the observation that he is not Glorfindel - and how wonderful is Gandalf's response that being Greenleaf is more than enough. I just love the characters and the amount they manage to put over with so few words.

Galimeril · 15 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Conversations part I

An excellent piece! The characters really seem to come alive. I especially like the battle sequence. Update soon! I want to see what this little chat is about! Galimeril ;D

elliska · 14 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Conversations part I

Great chapter. I liked the conversation between Gimli and Legolas about beards and braids and hair. It was great. But I loved this: How long had Mithrandir guided them? Not just the Fellowship, but all of them, Elves and Men and Hobbits and Dwarves. Elven memory did not fade with time. It seemed to Legolas, as he thought back, that Mithrandir had always been there. Never overbearing, never intruding, but always there if needed. His had been a quiet voice of wisdom and comfort, even to the youngest Elf-child of Thranduil’s kingdom. A mortal might have mistaken him for a Man, withered and bent with age as he appeared. But no Elf would ever have made that mistake. Mithrandir’s wisdom ran deeper than the ages. He did not merely resonate with Ilúvatar’s Song, he was Song. Perfect. Exactly right. I love this description. This is exactly how I see Gandalf's relationship with the elves/ME in general. And this is exactly why I think Gandalf would have seen Legolas as a valuable member of the Fellowship and why Legolas would have followed Gandalf. Loved it.

elf-girl · 8 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Encounters in the Dark

Your story is great!!! I love the conversations between Legolas and Gimli and I like the fact that Gimli is knowing more about Legolas, about the glowing, dancing and singing elf. When I saw the Lord of the Rings for the first time, I liked Legolas because he was really a great archer and warrior. Then I read the books and I liked them. But what I really would like to see, is to see Legolas diyng, or suffering, just for see what face would Gimli show what would he say, or do, if he see the elf liying on the ground gasping for air and all that. So when I read "were something happen to the elf, he would miss him" I really thought "I hope that something happen to Legolas, so Gimli would miss him!" I've read your story a couple of times and it's still sorprising me! Elf-girl (There can be mistakes in the review because English is not my native tongue.I speak Spanish and I've learnt a lot reading these stories, but I'm just 12 years old)

elliska · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Encounters in the Dark

Sorry I'm late in reviewing this and to leave such a short one on top of that. Another great chapter. You did a good job with the battle scene. Those are so hard to write. Until you've tried it you just don't understand. :) My favorite part was Legolas struggling to make Gimli hear the song in the rocks. Great!

Bodkin · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Encounters in the Dark

I love Gimli's dry wit here - how does one put out an Elf, indeed! As well as the water, I was picturing it like a cat. Legolas seems a little less edgy now there are some orcs to behead. And he is learning to respect the Dwarf. Which can only be a good thing. I do like your Legolas / Gimli.

elf-girl · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Encounters in the Dark

What a lovely chapter! Please write more.

Jay of Lasgalen · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Encounters in the Dark

Gimli has some wonderful lines in this chapter! 'I wonder how one puts out an Elf? Gimli reluctantly pushed aside the image of himself dousing Legolas with a bucket of water.' 'I ought to put a bell around your neck'. There are many more! The batttle scene was very well done, and they fought well together - I liked the dwarvish battle cry from Legolas. He was wonderfully fey in this. Sneaky summary - I thought you menat that L & G fought each other! Jay

elliska · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 3: Reflections of Immortality

I enjoyed Legolas' thoughts on human birthday celebrations and the differences between elves and humans. I always like watching people discover/ruminate on cultural differences. But some parts of this should have come with a coffee warning. I particularly liked: Worse still, in the evenings the more friendly of the mortals would attempt to show hospitality by dragging the Elves into smoky, dark taverns and forcing tankards of ale and hours of off-key singing upon them. He certainly never threatened to shoot the locals, as Thranduil’s third son Ellomë had done after being subjected to innumerable quantities of pipeweed smoke and a forty-five minute rendition of “The Lay of Leithien.” and in view of the probable outcome of such a test, Legolas might even allow Gimli to take the helmet off first. I snorted or spit coffee for each of these. Great chapter. I'm looking forward to the update.

Jay of Lasgalen · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 3: Reflections of Immortality

You do a great job of describing Legolas's increasing sense of isolation as he is cut off from the outside world, amongst mortals he does not understand. No wonder he is tense and jumpy! So now he and Gimli are going off together to scout ahead? Why do I feel that disaster is about the strike? Jay

Bodkin · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 3: Reflections of Immortality

Poor Legolas. He must be feeling bad if he is prepared to co-operate with Gimli. I love the way the detail expands on his background and his reasons for being the sort of elf he is. I particularly enjoyed the older brother, Ellome, and his reaction to the delights of spending an evening in the company of Men. Yes, it's probably just as well Elrond didn't send him with Gandalf. Although, as a reaction to an evening of karaoke, I think his response is more than excusable. It must be fun for Gandalf trying to hold this lot together. The Balrog may have come as a relief!

Eruanna · 21 October 2004 · Chapter 2: Echoes of Doom

Oooh, angst. Fun fun fun! :) I look forward to the next chapter!