Rose Sared
· 2 September 2005
· Chapter 4: The Prince and his Dwarf
I have no idea why I have managed to miss this little masterpiece, I have, I'm sorry and now I will try to keep up.
Things I loved - Legolas gobsmacked by the greenwood in spring, Gimli ditto about the doors to the palace, kindly but bound by his kingship Thranduil, I even liked the nasty advisor, a little opposition just adds so much to a story.
Will be looking forward to more. Well done
Rose
Author's reply
Aww, I'm just glad you found it and like it :-D Thank you, I shall endavour to not disappoint you. And Mr. Nasty Advisor has a perfectly plausible reason to be so, I can assure you ;-)
Shaan Lien
· 2 September 2005
· Chapter 4: The Prince and his Dwarf
Another enjoyable chapter. The liberties you take with Legolas' histroy make it all the more interesting.
Author's reply
Thank you, I hope so, though it is a constant worry if I'm upsetting someone out there who knows more about Tolkien's work than I ever will. Thus I'm trying to keep to the books as closely as possible.
TithenFeredir
· 31 August 2005
· Chapter 4: The Prince and his Dwarf
Once again the reception Legolas received saddened me, although I could almost understand it given the dire situation in Mirkwood. I really don't like Dinimlad, and I wonder what got his knickers in a twist.
But I love this bit from Gimli:
“Legolas of the Nine Walkers!” he bellowed, his voice bouncing off the walls. “Legolas of the Three Hunters! Warrior of Helm’s Deep! Warrior of the Pelennor! Warrior of the Morannon! Lord of Ithilien! Nazgûl’s Bane!” He looked meaningfully at Thranduil. “Once more the House of Oropher stood before the Black Gates of Mordor to challenge Sauron.”
That was truly rousing, and then when Legolas used nearly the same words to reveal Gimli's claim to renown, but with such quiet, dangerous authority, the contrast worked beautifully. Very nice!
Author's reply
LOL, your phrasing has me in a fit of giggles ^_^ But all shall be explained in due time, and he does have a reason for bearing a grudge. And I'm very glad that you liked that little listing of titles; Gimli needed to vent, and I realised it probably wouldn't do to have him bodily tackle the advisor. As Dwarves have a tendency towards the ostentiatious when they're roused to it, I thought this a more fitting method.
But to give credit where credit's due, most of the titles I used for Gimli and Legolas came from 'A New Reckoning' by Dreamflower. Thank you for taking the time to review!
TithenFeredir
· 31 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Green, Green Grass of Home
I loved your description of a healing Eryn Lasgalen and Leglas' wonder in seeing for the first time not under the shadow. I hadn't thought of Gimli being excited to see the workmanship in the doors. It was rather sad that Legolas' return was not met with a welcome, especially considering the price he has paid to defend it. Even though this story covers familiar territory it is written in a way that makes it seem new. ~TF
Lamiel
· 31 August 2005
· Chapter 4: The Prince and his Dwarf
This is a striking and beautiful account of Legolas' homecoming. You blend a perfect balance of action and description, and your dialogue is true to the characters and to Tolkien's world. Gimli's diary is also a nice narrative tool, and it gives the opportunity for a bit of humor and additional insight to the tale.
There were a few moments that stood out in particular as I read this. Gimli's putting sap in Legolas' hair was a nice light moment, and Gimli's later introducing himself to the trees of Eryn Lasgalen was a wonderful glimpse into how he has grown over the course of the Quest and his friendship with Legolas.
I particularly appreciate the way you've done tribute to the sea-longing while also developing your own source of angst for our Elf. I wonder if Legolas' people would really resent his joining the Fellowship, or at least express it so openly as the advisor did, but you do very well by balancing the negative reactions with those who are more positive and welcoming. Only one guard was reluctant to give passage at the gate, I note. If all the guards had been resentful it would have been over the top, but just the one foreshadows what's to come without being too much.
I'm also glad that you gave the accusations to an advisor, rather than to Thranduil himself (which I presume was your alternate choice). The result made Thranduil perhaps a little passive in the throne room scene, but I'm confident that he will not remain so for long. And Gimli's defense of Legolas was perfectly done, very true to his character. Legolas' rise to defend Gimli in turn was absolutely masterful, and how wonderful to see him so commanding! Reluctant he may be, but when the situation requires it he truly shines.
I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of this story develops. I think it a gap-filler in the same lines as Coriel and Thundera Tiger's work, and I know no higher compliment than that.
Author's reply
Indeed, especially if it comes from such a talented writer as yourself! I have read 'In the Deep Places' a while back and highly enjoyed it, so I'm just speechless to hear your good opinion of my work. I also have the greatest respect for Coriel and Thundera, and cannot imagine achieving their level of ability, so many sincere thanks for your kind words
Yes, because of the intensity of emotions our favourite Elf and Dwarf can get up to, I try to put in as many light moments as possible. I'm afraid I'm a bit of an angst-addict, though, and it shows. And the advisor does have a reason for acting the way he does, which will be made clear later. As for Thranduil, his character is difficult, as I don't want to end up mirroring everyone else's depiction of him. He is more cunning than he appears, and clearly cares for his children, but doesn't know Legolas as well as he thinks.
I can only hope that the ensuing chapters do not disappoint, and am very grateful for your taking the time to leave a word.
Shaan Lien
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Green, Green Grass of Home
I love it so far. Every word of it. The writings of Gimli and how it changes to third person. That GImli's not too proud to act on his friendship and say what words Legolas needs to hear. I eagerly await more.
Author's reply
Thank you! My main worry is that I make Gimli sound too much like an Elf, but after looking through the books I realised that I didn't want to make him sound like the movie Gimli, either. And I guess the central theme to this is their friendship, without the Felliwship to force them together.
Daynawayna
· 18 August 2005
· Chapter 0: I am Gimli
What a great opening, Etharei! Pointless indeed! How on earth could we read it if he didn't write it down? LOL I like the badgering of Legolas... very appropo (did I spell that right?) I like this premise a lot... being a LegoLass (hee hee!) and loving anything elvish. :D
Moving on to Ch 2!
Author's reply
Teehee! And did you mean appropriate? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the shortened version, though the internet is spawning its very own jargon these days *g* Thank you, and my apologies for just noticing your comment. And I love everything Elvish too, which is why I'm trying hard not to turn this into blatant Elf-worship ;-) It helps that Gimli is, well, Gimli. I hope it has continued to meet your approval!
TithenFeredir
· 18 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Dwarven Serenades
Oh my, this was excellent. To return and find the taint of darkness on the wood. I think I know why Legolas chose to sidestep the sentries.
The best part was the way you handled the attack of sea-longing. I agree with you that no one in the fellowship came away from the war without a mark of some sort and in a way the most tragic are the very subtle hurts.
"...one who should have returned to his beloved wood whole with all the ages of Middle-Earth before him."
I think you really summed up that tragic point very well. Although Legolas was not wounded in battle,in this he is no different than Frodo; he helped save Middle-earth, and paid for it by losing it for himself. I love it that you have Legolas doing his best to deal with his affliction, still finding what joy he can. He seems quite aware of the gravity of his situation but is also brave and without self pity, and that makes it all the more heartbreaking. Gimli's compassion and fiercely loyal friendship adds warmth to the scene. Lovely. I look forward to the next chapter. ~TF
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your eloquent review! Yes, it was hard not to go overboard with drawing the parallels between Frodo and Legolas, but I'm glad that you noticed what I was doing. I was also worried that I overloaded the emotions in that particular scene, but I'm an angst-addict at heart I'm afraid :-) I don't want to focus too much on the darker emotions, but there is an aspect of tragedy in the tale of the Fellowship. You've caught on to one of the main themes of the story (which also happens to be one of my favourites regarding the ending of LOTR) and it'll crop up regularly through the rest of the story.
TithenFeredir
· 18 August 2005
· Chapter 1: One Learns Something New Every Day
Oooo, I was right. This is good. Pranks are nothing new, but yours are done in a most original way. Gimli gets the elf's goat quite well, and it was a neat touch for Legolas to let the wood do his retalitating for him. Again, I could see Gimli swinging his shield up instinctively the block the branch from poking him. I loved the following line from grumpy Legolas:
“Trust Hobbits to misuse their knowledge of horticulture.”
The second part was wonderful, with Gimlli proclaiming his doubt about listening to the wood. Then,
"All I hear is a breeze moving through the leaves.”
“But there is no wind, Gimli.”
*shiver* That was a bit of magic. ~TF
Author's reply
Hehehee, yes, I didn't want to make the story too intense, and my personal experience has taught me that one way two people with differing personalities could bond would be to play pranks on each other (it is a very strange ritual, to be sure). Plus I wanted to give a hint about Legolas' abilities being more than perhaps the Dwarf is aware of. The talking trees scene is one dear to my heart, and I'm relieved that you find it effective, as I tried to make it as subtle as possible. Thank you!
TithenFeredir
· 18 August 2005
· Chapter 0: I am Gimli
What an interesting idea, not only to chronicle the journey from the dwarf's point of view, but for him to write it at the prompting of the elf.
"Legolas, there really is no need to continuously be reading over my shoulder. No, as a matter of fact I do not believe that that lamp is really broken."
I could just see Legolas leaning over Gimli's shoulder with some softly spoken comment about the lamp. I have a feeling this is going to be good. ~TF
Author's reply
Thanks! I have to admit that deciding to do it from Gimli's perspective was taking on a bit of a risk, but I also love the character of the Dwarf, especially where it contrasts with the Elf's. But as Gimli doesn't seem to be the type to willingly pick a pen up himself, it seemed only right that Legolas would be the one to convince him to do so.
elliska
· 18 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Dwarven Serenades
You do a good job showing the difficulties of the sea-longing in this chapter. I think the fact that Legolas is chosing to slip past the sentinels is particularly telling. I liked the 'tell me I didn't fall from a tree' line and Gimli's song/Legolas's wonderful reaction to it. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you! The portrayal of the effects of the sea-longing has confounded many a writer, and I was worried about overplaying it or making it too much like other depictions of it. Plus no one seems to know what it is, exactly. The singing was something I just randomly tossed in, and liked the way it felt in the chapter, so just left it there *g*
elliska
· 18 August 2005
· Chapter 1: One Learns Something New Every Day
“Trust Hobbits to misuse their knowledge of horticulture.” Hehehe That's a funny line. And I love the idea of Gimli learning to hear the trees. That was a wonderful scene.
Author's reply
Thank you, I was especially worried about the talking trees scene because I didn't want to overplay it with details, and in my mind, one of Gimli's most endearing traits is his underlying reluctance to attempt anything he may not fully understand, even though he'd actually do just about anything to gain a greater understanding about his Elven counterpart.
elliska
· 18 August 2005
· Chapter 0: I am Gimli
I reviewed this at FF but I am most pleased to see it here. I have also read nad loved I Return, but as Dreamflower already commented, this is different as it is from Gimli's POV. And I like his voice in this. It seems very true to his character. I am looking forward to reading this.
Author's reply
Hi there! Great to see you here, too! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review on both FF.Net and here, it really is very encouraging to know that people like reading my stories. And I'm relieved that you like Gimli's voice, for of course a great deal of the story hangs on the credibility of Gimli's character. Thank you, I hope the upcoming chapters continue to meet your approval!
Dreamflower
· 17 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Dwarven Serenades
I do not, as you know, normally read very many non-hobbit stories, but after seeing your lovely comment in LJ this morning, your name caught my eye. And I *do* have a soft spot for Legolas and Gimli.
I have read "I Return" and I agree that it is a most remarkable story; but that--as are most Legolas-Gimli stories--is done in Legolas' POV. It is most refreshing to read one now in *Gimli's* POV, and I do love this. He is humorous and serious by turns, as solid as the earth, and as caring for his Elf as I have always envisioned it. I will most certainly be looking forward to more of this!
Author's reply
OMG, seeing your comment here made my jaw drop! I am honoured that you decided to take a look at my work, and I hope that the rest of this story does not disappoint. I agree that an awful lot of stories with the duo have been written from Legolas' POV, which both makes it easier because there are existing characterizations out there to consolidate the character, and harder because sometimes one is tempted to try portraying him as all of them. Gimli, on the other hand, doesn't get nearly as much attention (the poor thing!) though his character is just as fascinating, in my opinion.
Oh dear, I'm rambling! Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to drop in, I really appreciate it!