Bodkin
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 8: Telling a Better Tale
I loved the fact that Gimli is having to concede - perhaps - that not all elves look the same. Although I don't blame him for having a job remembering their names. They, after all, only had to meet one dwarf.
He's getting better, too, although he is clearly not entirely healed. Good thing he didn't have to get up and bow as Thranduil arrived - he's not really up to that much movement. I'm sure everyone spotted Gimli's admiring glances round the hall - of such things are impressions made.
But Derinsul is having to force himself to be polite. One step above active disapproval, I suppose, and several above attempting to skewer said dwarf.
This annoyed Gimli, for in his opinion a din should sound like a din, not a multi-part musical composition! Hilarious! Elves can't even get noise to be unpleasant to the ear.
And I suspect the mouth-glue was deliberate! Designed to make the elvenking laugh.
Poor Legolas - knowing he had to sit through the banquet and then get up and tell the story of the quest and the battle before the Black Gate. And convince a load of suspicious elves who feel that they had the rough end of the stick that things of crucial importance were going on elsewhere - and that he was in the thick of them. It sounds as if he did a good job!
Author's reply
YAY, I'm so glad you liked it :-) I'm always very worried about descriptions, because I tend to get a lot of things wrong *huggles beta* and some places (Mirkwood and Rivendell, for example) have just been done so many times already.
And I daresay this won't be the last time you'll be saying 'Poor Legolas' ;-) There's more going on beneath those pretty eyes than his letting Gimli know, but it will all come to a head, eventually.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review! *hugs*
Elena Tiriel
· 11 January 2006
· Chapter 8: Telling a Better Tale
Hi Etharei!
Just wanted to tell you that I've just discovered this story, and am thoroughly enjoying it. Very nice work!
- Barbara
Author's reply
Oooh, thanks! I certainly hope you'll continue to enjoy it :-) Please forgive the delays in answering the comments, I only visit SoA a couple of times a week.
Dreamflower
· 11 January 2006
· Chapter 8: Telling a Better Tale
What a lovely treat to find a new chapter of this!!
I love Gimli's various observations on the company, the drink and the food--very Dwarvish, yet also astute. I really got a giggle out of his getting his teeth stuck together--sounded something like toffees, perhaps, only worse, LOL!
Of course, I loved this part:
Gimli’s brows furrowed anxiously as Legolas began his tale. Yet the Elf began not in Rivendell and the Council of Elrond, but in a little green land further west, where the rolling hills were dotted with smoking chimneys and round doors in front of snug hobbit-holes. And even though the histories would probably record the Quest as having begun in Rivendell, Gimli was assured then that the youngest son of Thranduil had not forgotten how and by whom the real War had been fought.
When I do read stories that do not feature hobbits,I always appreciate in which the others nevertheless acknowledge the hobbits as the true heroes. So often fics which focus on Elves or Men seem to completely forget who really won the War, yet I can't see a single member of the Fellowship *ever* forgetting that.
Beautifully done. Though I would not have minded seeing some of the reactions on Elvish faces when they realized to whom they owed the victory. I am quite sure many of them in Mirkwood must have had mixed feelings about Bilbo, LOL!
Author's reply
LOL, I had toffees in mind, actually ^_^ since I think they're evil, evil sweets.
*hugs* When I first wrote this story (this must be the fourth or fifth incarnation), I had written this scene differently, but after going through a Hobbit phase (during which I devoured your stories *g*) I began to appreciate the Hobbits all the more, and was reminded that Tolkien had purposefully made the Hobbits the heroes rather than the Big Folk. And you're right, I'm sure none of the Fellowship will ever forget this, though they may have a hard time convincing anyone else.
Thank you very much!
Dreamflower
· 27 December 2005
· Chapter 7: A Pleasant Conversation
Oh, I'm so glad that Gimli is not seriously wounded. I love the mattress--how fascinating--a mattress that keeps the patient prisoner without any restraints! My husband would love to have the secret of *that*!
Nasseryn is delightful as usual.
I am a bit surprised that Duathfel did not recieve a worse punishment than cellar duty. But I loved the smart remark about Dwarves and a Hobbit, LOL!
And, and *no fair*! I wanna hear more about Legolas dumping ice-water on Gandalf! *snerk*
Author's reply
LOL, the Cannibalistic Mattress (as someone put it) seems to have caught quite a bit of interest ^_^ Tee-hee, maybe I'll secretly send the DH the idea behind your back ;-)
Well, I reckon that since Duathfel acted more out of passion than real malice, he should get more of an object lesson that would humiliate his warrior's pride than anything physically demanding.
Hahahaa! Maybe I'll write a vignette about it, or put it up for adoption :-P Suffice to say that the wizard was extremely unamused, especially since it was the last of his Old Toby's. He had to borrow from Pippin after that.
elliska
· 25 December 2005
· Chapter 7: A Pleasant Conversation
I liked Gimli's slow return to consciousness here. That was really well done. And I loved the fluffy, patient-eating matress. Too funny. But I especially liked Gimli's reaction to hearing that he would not get to face Dúathfel--I think he should be very glad for that. I am looking forward to the feast. :-)
Author's reply
For some reason I always coming in a few moments before a character regains full conciousness. Only rarely do I have them jerking awake, and only if they're in danger. I think it's because that moment of suspended time is a wonderful opportunity to introduce some introspection or other neglected aspects of the character.
LOL, I'm kinda glad that Gimli didn't have to face Duathfel. I hate losing OCs after going through all the trouble of creating their character ;-)
Half of the feast has been done, and will be sent to the betas soon!
Thanks for coming by!
Lamiel
· 24 December 2005
· Chapter 7: A Pleasant Conversation
Interesting comparison between the customs of Elves and Dwarves in matters of honor. I think both approaches make sense for the given culture -- Dwarves want to confront their opponent face to face, while Elves might be satisfied with a meeting between representatives, which does provide for calmer discussion. I'm not convinced that being assigned cellar duty is sufficient punishment for Duathfel, but then Legolas always did have a soft heart.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! I know that I was on shaky ground with that issue, and there's probably something on HoME disproving my version (alas for not owning Morgoth's Ring), but it seemed to make sense at the time, and I'm glad that you understood the reasoning behind it.
Well, it's more of an object lesson. There is some justificiation- however teeny- for Duathfel's behaviour, and he acted more out of passion than true malice. Cellar duty is dull and tedious, and the significance behind it is meant to wound his pride, rather than make him suffer physically. But I know what you mean, and am considering changing a later scene to take the leniency into account.
Kitty
· 24 December 2005
· Chapter 7: A Pleasant Conversation
It spoke volumes of their friendship that Gimli’s first thoughts were not about his own injury, but about Legolas and that he wanted to be with him to help him tell his family about the sea-longing.
Loved the idea of beds who held the patients in place, if they want it or not! Have the elves of Eryn Lasgalen the same beds for adventurous elflings who want to sneak out of bed and make mischief, I wonder? Would be useful, wouldn’t it? :)
Somehow I have the feeling Gimli is helping Nasseryn, too. The way he acts around her seems to do her some good, or is it only my imagination?
The end was funny. Someone - can't remember who and where - called it "Elrondian eyebrow" and I think that describes it very well ;)
Merry Christmas to you!
Author's reply
A belated Merry Christmas!
Strangely enough, the most difficult aspect of writing this story is remembering that, at this stage, Legolas and Gimli's friendship is still quite new. Most stories out there either have them being at odds during the early stages of the Quest, or else have been close friends for years (usually the latter). Here I'm dealing with the awkward stage where they're both fairly comfortable with each other, yet their bond is not necesarily strong enough to withstand too much stress. They seem to be doing well so far, but I intend to make it more difficult :-)
LOL, unfortunately these beds are very valuable, though that sets off some interesting ideas about wee!Legolas stories ^_^ And you're very right about Gimli helping Nasseryn, the full extent of which we'll see later.
I have no idea who quipped Elrond's Eyebrows of Doom first, but it seems like the whole fandom's taken it up :-P
Thanks for reviewing!
Bodkin
· 24 December 2005
· Chapter 7: A Pleasant Conversation
I just loved the first paragraph - Gimli's experience shows here as he regains consciousness - but I think the byplay about the beds was the funniest thing. I can just picture these almose cannibalistic beds holding their patients captive in the best position for their health. And taking three centuries to work out how to escape their caring clutches!
Nasseryn is a great character - so strong - and I think Gimli is good for her. Legolas, too, probably. I like her relationship with them - and theirs with each other, come to that. Overcoming difficulties and looking for similarities rather than differences. Just what Nasseryn needs.
And Dúathfel will spend some time in menial toil. Good. As long as he doesn't poison the Dorwinion.
A very pleasant conversation indeed.
Author's reply
Thank you!!!
Actually, the bed thing was entirely unplanned. Gimli just said "I think my mattress is trying to eat me" and that whole thing evolved from that line ^_^
I'm relieved that you like Nasseryn, as I'm always most uncertain about my OCs. It's nigh impossible to write this sort of story without a host of OCs, but I'm trying to keep it down to a minimum for the reader's sanity (and mine). Nasseryn will probably be the most developed one of them all though.
Oooh... *watches a bunny hop towards the cask of Dorwinion* :-D Thanks again!
I love Gimli's thought at the beginning of each chapter - they either make me laugh or think, or both. ;-)
Those two have a really dignified way to get out of bed! :D Your description of breakfast makes me hungry! I loved the "riddle of the uneaten sausage" - I can just imagine Gimli's face when he eyed the sausage and tried to find out where it came from. *g* I think I like these elves much better than Dinimlad. Well, apart from Maluvor. *scowls*
"How any being can walk gracefully whilst carrying a stack of weapons higher than himself must be one of the Valar’s mysteries" - I like your sense of humor. *g* The image of this elf with "a pile of axes" is hilarious! "it seemed a bit inappropriate that he would die here." LOL!
Poor Gimli! He really has a hard stand between those elves, but Legolas obviously has a lot of problems, too. And all of that after the war had ended. *sigh* I just love the way you describe Legolas and Gimli! I loved this chapter! :) Thanks again for telling me where to find it!
Tinu
Author's reply
Teeheee, I'm glad that you like the humour in this chapter. On one hand, I think that an essentual part of Gimli's character is an ability to look at the world in a certain way; on the other, I don't want to make the whole thing so silly. I was unsure about the wrestling at the beginning, but neither of my betas seemed to have an issue about it, so I decided to leave it in. Do warn me if I make it too ridiculous, though :-) *hugs* No problem, how can I not when you leave such lovely, heartwarming reviews!
Silivren Tinu
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 5: A Casualty of War
SQUEEE! There are even *two* more chapters here than on ff.net! *happy*
It is really quite easy to remember why I love your stories so much. Your language is incredibly beautiful and your characters are just perfect. Nasseryn is fascinating, I love her. There is a lot of tragedy and sadness in this chapter, but it also highlights the strength and beauty of this special friendship and the other relationships. I loved Gimli and Nasseryn together, they should have no problems to get along. ;-) The light banter between them and between Gimli and Legolas was priceless. I also liked Gimli's continued concern for Legolas' well-being, and his sudden realization in the end that he needs healing himself and will likely not be able to find it as well.
"that he, too, would never be healed in all his days on Middle-Earth." *sniff* This is so sad. You truly make the characters come alive for me again.
And I also loved your description of Thranduil, the differences between him and the other elven rulers and his character. You manage to both show him as suspicious and loveable and strong. I think he would be kind of reserved, but I also imagine him to be very strong, after all, his realm had to fight for survival all the time without a ring to protect them. Now, that the age of rings has passed, I think he would perhaps appear less drained and more alive than the other elven rulers. Oh dear, I'm rambling! Well, in short, I loved this chapter!
Tinu :)
Author's reply
Rambling is good! So glad you found me on LJ, sweets :-D Thank you very, very much, your words have soothed my rather uncertain sense of self esteem, and I shall certainly go and write some more.
The theme of friendship (especially unlikely ones) is very central to this story, and I hope to explore every aspect of it in this fic. Nasseryn was a character who grew as I wrote the scene, and as OCs are often trickiest for me, it's a relief to hear that you like her character. And I think that Tolkien's work is, in many important ways, a tragedy, so an element of that needed to be in here too in order to fully appreciate the significance of Legolas and Gimli's relationship.
This is such a thrilling chapter! The sparring match was absolutely breathtaking -- and I very nearly cheered out loud at Legolas' cartwheel, followed by the fury of his return volley. Such an exciting sequence!
I also liked the technique of contrasting Gimli the Rational with Gimli the Warrior. Very effective way of involving the reader in the emotions and confusion of battle, while also giving enough detail so that we understand what's happening.
Gimli's reaction to his injury -- feeling a little nauseous and light headed -- also struck me as being true to life. That's certainly how I've felt when hurt, although I've never been hurt so badly as Gimli, thank goodness.
I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Whew, thank you very much! The fight scene was a big problem for me, because I don't have much experience writing them, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it :-) And the two sides of Gimli is something I've developed from reading Thundera Tiger's fanfics and Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels ^_^ I wanted to remind the reader that they were looking at the fight completely through Gimli's eyes.
Hehehee, to be honest I took the cue from real life as well (concerning Gimli's reaction to his injury). I once fell and sprained an elbow badly, but instead of pain I just felt nauseaus and dizzy. I'm told that's what happens when your pain nerves are overloaded.
Thank you, I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Another great chapter--the opening part with Gimli and Legolas wrestling--and Legolas boldly threatening Gimli's beard--was very funny and did a great job of showing how strong their friendship is. I bet there are not a lot of people in the world that could get away with that unscathed.
I enjoyed Edendor's interaction with both Legolas and Gimli--I like the family you are giving Legolas. They seem well developed.
And the fight! Great job--those are hard to write but this was great. Tense and as enfuriating for the reader as it must have been for Legolas. I was very glad to see Maluvor get beaten and detained--he richly deserves what ever punishment he gets.
Exciting chapter--I'm looking forward to the next one.
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you very much! Yes, the scuffle at the start seemed appropriate in balancing out the more serious sparring at the end of the chapter. The two incidents are both physical manifestations of two warriors' bond of friendship, in almost contrasting situations.
Yes, one of the things I wanted to tackle in ths story is the family of Thranduil and Legolas. There are so many wonderful fics out there detailing their own versions of this, so I can only hope that mine can stand up to close scrutiny and not seem like just the shadow of another story.
Thank you about the fight, it was the most difficult part to write (and that was a very unintended rhyme just then *g*). There are going to be certain repurcussion from this incident, of course, but it's not what you would think ;-)...
I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
That's a wonderful fic, Etharei! You've described the friendship between Legolas and Gimli so well, and the prejudices and distrust among the elves as well. Honestly, I wonder what some of them think the Quest was - a walking trip?? Have they *any* idea how hard and dangerous it was? Why have I the feeling they judge something they know absolutely nothing of?
As for Dúathfel, his reason for injuring Gimli seems quite twisted. I can't remember the 'Hobbit' very well (have to re-read it!), but as far as I do remember, the elves and dwarves didn't fight each other, but together against orcs and wargs. So I can't see why he blames the dwarves - or is it only the consequence of his own long-standing prejudices against dwarves, that he is blaming them for something the orcs did?
Anyway, the training session turning in a serious fight was wonderful described. Now I only hope Gimli isn't too badly injured and certain elves are in trouble now!
I look forward to more and hope you can update soon!
Author's reply
Wow, thanks Kitty! And yes, I did want to convey Legolas and Gimli's frustration of how little people on this side of the world knew of their struggles in the Quest. Remember that, as far as we know, no one from Erebor or Mirkwood came to Minas Tirith after the War. True, they all had their problems at home, but Galadriel came even though Lothlorien had been attacked several times.
Concerning Duathfel, yes his prejudice does seem illogical (which prejudice often is) but you've hit the intended mark closest amongst the reviewers who have mentioned him ;-) Suffice to say, your memory is correct concerning the fighting, and Gimli will have a talk with Duathfel at some point later on.
Thank you, the sparring match was one of my biggest concerns for this chapter. Certain elves *are* in trouble, though it also starts something between Legolas and Gimli...
Rose Sared
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 6: Elven tempers, Dwarven patience
oh a truly gripping fight and some h/c to look forward too. What wonderful real elves and gorgeous Gimli. Sigh.
Update
soon
Rose
Author's reply
Thank you, Rose, though I apologise for it taking this long to even respond to your review. I'm glad that you like the characters, I'm always worried about pulling them off. I hope they continue to meet your approval!
Oh wow! This was incredible! Usually I tend to skim fight scenes, but this one held me right to the end! I loved Legolas' fierce defense of Gimli, as well as Gimli's staunch support of his Elf. I do have the strong feeling that there are going to be a couple of Elves in *serious* trouble. I hope Gimli's wound is not too bad.
And I have to say, that I don't really understand why the Elf would blame Gimli for his father's death in the Battle of Five Armies. Surely he was killed by an orc or a warg. And the Battle was not the Dwarves fault, as the goblins had already made plans to attack even before the capture in the Misty Mountains. Oh well, that kind of prejudice is seldom logical.
But I have to say, my favorite part of all was the horseplay at the beginning. I have to say, my favorite line in the whole chapter: “Leave me in peace, or I shall tell Frodo on you.” *Not* "I shall tell Gandalf" or "I shall tell Aragorn", *chortles gleefully*
LOL! It's quite clear who's been spending *months* in the company of hobbits! How often, I wonder, did they hear Pippin say *that* to Merry?
Author's reply
*SQUEEE* Dreamflower! Teeheee, I'm a little abashed to say that the "I shall tell Frodo on you" was probably influenced by your Hobbit fics *blushes* I love the ickle Hobbits so, and I wanted to give a sense of how closely the Fellowship had bonded to one another. I mean, can you imagine either Legolas or Gimli saying such a thing *before* the Quest?
Concerning Duathfel (of whom more will be seen later), I wanted to point out that prejudice was seldom logical, but Gimli will have to have a talk with him later about it. Though I'm still trying to decide if Gimli and Legolas would have been present at the Battle.
I'm very glad you enjoyed the battle scene. It was the most agonizing part to write, because I'm not very experienced with them, so it's a relief to hear that I carried it off. Thank you for taking the time to review!!
PS- I'm still trying to catch up on all your stories, there's just so many of them and so little time to read ;-)
Wow, that was an exciting chapter! I loved the way it started with a silly tussle. I liked Edendor. The best part was the "sparring match". The battle was well described. And you give us more of the powerful Legolas. Excellent! ~TF
Author's reply
Thanks!! Strangely enough, I hadn't planned either the sparring or the tussle, they both just appeared in this chapter ^_^ I thought to make it a bit of a contrast, you know; since Legolas and Gimli are both warriors, I thought it would be normal for them to have a good wrestle with one another every now and then, as a sort of physical male bonding. And naturally the strength of this bond would manifest in a physical fight, such as in a sparring match. I'm emphasizing the 'powerful Legolas' here for a reason, however *winks* I hope you continue to like the story!
Oh nice one. It's great to the the patient dwarf in the hotbed of passion that is Thranduil's stronghold. I'll bet this was not a time and a company where Gimli expected to require the care of healers. Just goes to show rage, prejudice and jealousy exist everywhere.
Great start - I'll bet Edendor found it a little disconcerting to discover his brother and the dwarf rolling on the floor clutching hair and beard. But he dealt with it well, for all his lack of confidence.
And I suppose I should bear in mind that the elves don't actually know yet what was going on during the Quest. Although, if they have any sense, they should be aware it wasn't a picnic.
Rather a vicious fight - and Dúathfel seems to have his reasons for disliking dwarves, relatively inane as they are - there was not, as I recall any fighting between dwarves and elves in the end - they combined to turn their power against the goblins - but what's Maluvor's problem?
I was very pleased to see this - I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Coming from you, Bodkin, such words have me giddy with joy. Don't worry, we'll see more of Duathfel later, but in his case it is the illogical nature of his dislike of Dwarves that I was getting at. This is just a particularly heated chapter, though; hereafter we should see Dwarf and Elves in their conventional temperaments, most of the time. And, of course, the Quest will be addressed. Thank you!!!
Niroveka
· 17 October 2005
· Chapter 1: One Learns Something New Every Day
Hey, this is great, Rei. Very Dwarvish, and Gimli-like. I'm really enjoying this, and can't wait to finish the rest!
Author's reply
Thanks, sweets. And thank you for being willing to help me with them! *huggles*
Dreamflower
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 5: A Casualty of War
And here is another lovely chapter. Nasseryn is a marvelous OC--what a wonderful sister for Legolas to have. And Gimli's eloquence once more proves just what a singular Dwarf he is.
I like your way of solving the Arod problem--very clever and humorous!
And one more thing I want to say about your story: I love also the references to the hobbits, to their part in things, and most especially to Frodo. The Fellowship, in my mind, became a family, due in the most part to the hobbity heart of the group. I cannot imagine that the others--especially Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, ever went for very long without thinking in fondness of their absent friends. Gandalf of course, got to take a couple of hobbits with him when he left. I occasionally wonder if that was not *his* reward for faithful service, as well as a gift of healing for the Ringbearers...
*sigh* It's so lovely to be back and catching up with what I missed...
Author's reply
*watches the plotbunnies hatch and bounce around her cranium* And it's great to see you back in action once more, though I must confess that you've put up so many new fics that I haven't had the time to read them all yet *blushes* In any case, thank you for taking the time to comment on my story. Generally I prefer to minimize OCs in a story, but Nasseryn was someone who just appeared and refused to be cut out, despite my misgivings about spending an entire chapter on her. And Arod (well, the absence thereof) was quite an embarassing realisation, which has left me with the rather tedious task of updating the chapters on FF.Net as well.
And I completely agree with your view of the Hobbits, though of course I've been influenced by wonderful writing from your esteemed self, as well as Larner and Lindelea. I mean, these tall, hardened warriors had to escort their furry-footed companions half-way across Middle-Earth! Oooh, another plotbunny!
Thank you once again!
Dreamflower
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 4: The Prince and his Dwarf
Oh how lovely!
I am so glad to finally get caught up with this lovely story! And it was just awesome to see the titles rolling forth like that, as each of them defended the other with the honors bestowed by Gandalf and Aragorn (at least in my mind the titles I used at the Ball were so given) I love what you did with them! Thank you!
I hope that Dinimlad does not cause more trouble for the two friends.
And I just *adore* your Thranduil.
Author's reply
YAY, I'm relieved that you like how I used them. I've always wanted to see a scene like that; actually I suspect Thundera Tiger did something similar against an Evil!Thranduil (or at least, a Thranduil-Against-Gimli Thranduil) And thank *you* for letting me use them! :-D Teehee, and I reckon you say that only because you know Dinimlad will be up to no good later on *g* And Thranduil's proving to be a very tricky character to pin down, so I hope to gradually wrestle him fully into the story as the plot progresses.
ponypetter
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 5: A Casualty of War
Nasseryn is a wonderful character. I can definitely see her as Legolas' sister. She has the same fire, while still being a kind-hearted elf. And Gimli sure is one for the sweet-talking! First Galadriel, now Nasseryn. Legolas better watch out, or Gimli will steal all the ladies right from under his nose.
I think I'm just as unsure about Thranduil as Gimli is. I can see that he's uncomfortable around Gimli, but he admires Gimli's devotion to Legolas and kindness to Nasseryn. Poor Gimli though. I can only imagine how utterly uncomfortable he feels sitting in a room full of elves while his two greatest allies go off to catch up. I'd want to escape to my room too.
Author's reply
LOL, for some reason that never occured to me, though TF did call Gimli an Elf-charmer! Yes, poor Gimli, though of course he will have a number of conversations with Thranduil to survive through before I let him out of Mirkwood. And I guess Nasseryn was inspired by Eowyn, which will bring up some interesting elements later on. Thank you!
Bodkin
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 5: A Casualty of War
I love this. Gimli is such a star - and so good at slicing through all the elven delicacies. I like Nasseryn. I can imagine elves being uncomfortable with permanent damage - and yet, considering how many fought and over how long, there must have been a fair few elves around who had suffered injuries that even elven healing powers couldn't touch. And Thranduil came over most impressively.
Good story.
Author's reply
*suddenly envisions Legolas as a big Green Onion being chased by Gimli the Scalpel* Thank you for your kind words. I was uncertain about Nasseryn, but I couldn't imagine cutting her out either. And I don't know which would be more the case- seeing evidence of wounds that they cannot heal, or being themselves injured and imagining the discomfort of others around them. We'll certainly see more of her later, and I'm heartened that you approve of my Thranduil, though I intend to develop his character a lot more later. He is, after all, the Onion King.
TithenFeredir
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 5: A Casualty of War
I love your Nasseryn. She seems like a caged eagle. The bit where Legolas goes to his knees before her was very touching. I think she must be his older sister. After this chapter perhaps Gimli needs a new title in addition to *elvellon*. What is the Sindarin for elf-charmer?
This chapter was very enjoyable. It had a wonderful gravity to it, with he undercurrent of pain left by war, and it felt very authentic. Your dialog was the most Tolkienesque I have read in a long time. I look forward to the next. ~TF
Author's reply
Wow, you've given me a number of new ideas there! Thank you very much, I hadn't intended for her to take up a whole scene, especially because I'm always uneasy about suddenly introducing OCs to a story, but once I got the interaction between them going the rest just flowed out. And Elf-charmer? Don't let Gimli hear you say that *g* though I'm sure I can get hold of someone with sufficient knowledge of Sindarin to cook up a title. And Tolkienesque is the highest compliment to any canon attempt, so I must thank you once again *bows*
Author Reply: Sorry, I forgot to add that yes, she is his older sister. Will give a cast list later of Thranduil's brood, once we've seen more of them. But Legolas is the youngest, and Nasseryn is actually the eldest of the females, though not the oldest overall. And the metaphor of an eagle is very appropriate; would you mind if I used it?
elliska
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 5: A Casualty of War
Very nice--I liked Gimli's interactions with Legolas's sister. He is doing very well. But I particularly like the end conversation between Gimli and Thranduil and the characterization of Thranduil--and the reference to the 'gold' that Gimli treasured. I am enjoying this story. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you! I've actually written an even longer conversation between them, but then realised that the chapter was getting far too long, and have saved it for another scene. I hope I continue to depict a believable Thranduil.
Rose Sared
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 5: A Casualty of War
Oh, I am enjoying this, somehow you have conveyed the fey nature of the elves and at the same time made them live and be troubled and triumphant so that I want to hear more and more. What great characters. And Gimli, just love him, so wise and so kind, and, as you say, so wounded.
So pleased to see more of this tale, looking forward to the next ch.
Rose
Author's reply
Thanks! It's getting difficult now to keep from Elf-isizing Gimli's character, so I'm relieved that you still find him endearing. Ironically (or perhaps not) his 'wounds' are actually stated by Tolkien, whereas with Legolas one feels almost like grasping at straws.