Reviews (20)

Hawaiichick · 1 April 2017 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

What a sweet story of freindship and a father's love.

ralucam · 10 March 2013 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

I love this

Agape4Gondor · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

I thought I had reviewed this when it was first posted, but I see I did not. I found it so poignantly beautiful. The friendship of these two disparate characters is well told. The needs of Legolas, seen so clearly by Gimli and those who love the Elf, and the recognition by Legolas of the subterfuge... yet, agreeing to the journey. All well done. Again - beautiful tale, beautiful sharing.

Dot · 27 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

My computer at home won't stay on long enough for me to write a full review (I hatesss computer problems) but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this, Bodkin. It’s just wonderful. I love how you play these two off each other and how well you write them as two distinct characters. The banter really made me smile but I particularly like the underlying concern for Legolas that Gimli has and Legolas’ fond understanding of his friend. Oh, and the suggestion that Legolas and Thranduil would drive each other mad after a few days – and that Gimli knows their routine all too well by now! Brilliant. I wasn’t expecting Thranduil’s appearance at the end - but you can imagine my delight! ‘Well, finally,’ a drawling voice declared. Its power echoed back from the trees, but its tone was – fortunately – one of exasperated amusement. Oh God, I love Thranduil! And that feeling of safety Legolas has in his father’s arms brought a lump to my throat. That little moment between Thranduil and Gimli was lovely too – there’s so much understanding in that one glance between them. Definitely a story to be treasured and re-read! I just loved it.

perelleth · 25 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Wonderful trip under the rain! it made me wish I were there as well! Gimli made me laugh with his curtness and his down- to- earthness... and his patience towards the elf! THe striking difference between them becomes even clearer in their friendhisp ! But I really loved the Woodland king's appearance.. I think it is the first time I read Thranduil's drawling voice and it was simply so fitting! And Happy Birthday under the eaves, elliska!

ziggy · 25 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

This is a wonderful piece- everything subtle and understated- all going on under the surface until Gimli confronts the issue with dwarvish honesty.ANd the writing is just so damn good!!! Thranduil's nod, his star-filled eyes, the sense that others have fears for Legolas- the image of Gimli as first a disgruntled tomcat and then deeply purring- you really catch a deep sense of affection. And the relationship between Thranduil and Gimli is fabulous.

harrowcat · 25 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Your final phrase reminded me suddenly of a poem title that I know 'At the still point there the dance is.' Will have to go google and see if I can find it! Bravo Gimli, Bravo Bodkin.

Fiondil · 25 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Lovely as ever, Bodkin. You capture these two beloved characters so well. I especially liked how each thought the other as "his". *grin* And Thranduil showing up looking for his son was the perfect ending to a perfect story. Thanks for sharing.

Redheredh · 24 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

This was a wonderful little vignette! Two specific things that I liked: Gimili-"The dwarf made no effort to follow suit... and it was not as if these elves appreciated his efforts even when he had his beard properly braided and his axes polished." and Legolas-"...emerged from the watery curtain, having somewhere on the way made the transistion from simple Wood Elf to prince... His dwarf, he knew, stood just behind him to the right..." Neat stuff. BTW, a Very Happy Birthday to Elliska!

Nieriel Raina · 24 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

I just loved this, Bodkin! I adore Legolas and Gimli fics, and this one was perfect! From Gimli and Legolas' understanding of one another and even Gimli's understanding of Legolas' relationship with his adar, and I especially liked Thranduil showing up at the end. *grin* Thank you for sharing! NiRi

Lamiel · 24 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

This is a lovely tale. You weave Legolas and Gimli's conversation delightfully well -- they seem to be two old friends who have grown in maturity and wisdom over the years. They can tease each other without intending or causing offense, and that creates the sense of peace and contentment that suffuses the story as a whole. This was a pleasure to read.

Larner · 24 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Oh, our beloved Dwarf, caring as best he can for his Elf, seeing to it that he is as grounded as can be arranged for what time there is.

Lindelea · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

As always, your writing takes my breath away. So many little turns of phrase, so casually sprinkled through the story, as if someone carrying a bag of gems with an unnoticed hole in the bottom has walked through the scene. Relationships solidly written, all the unspoken understanding lying beneath the surface of the words, descriptions putting the reader in the scene (I'm shivering, and it's not just because we haven't yet turned on the furnace for the season). I too live in the northlands, and have hiked and camped in the rain more times than I can remember. Very nice, indeed.

Elena Tiriel · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

What a lovely gem of a story! Your characters are truly friends, both crusty and vulnerable with each other, but always understanding. And I love your settings, too... they are almost a character unto themselves. Thank you for brightening my day! - Barbara

elliska · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Oh thank you, Bodkin! I loved this. Gimli and Legolas are perfect in it and I loved seeing them later in their friendship--that is something I have not read very often at all. Their barbs and banter were wonderful! :-) And naturally I loved Thranduil's appearance at the end. In his father’s arms, he was, for a brief while, sheltered from the cries of the gulls and the smell of salt. For a brief while, he could come home. Loved that. And along those lines of being at home, I particularly liked this line: The wood smelled … fresh and green. Privately, the dwarf had to admit to a certain exhilaration. He had grown accustomed to the open skies of Rohan and fond of the warm ease of Ithilien, but the north was still home in some instinctive way that had nothing to do with where either of them lived. For purely selfish reasons, I thought/felt the same thing when I went north/home last month, so Gimli's experience here resonated with me. Thanks so much for this wonderful surprise, Bodkin!

Idril Celebrindal · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Wonderful! the other reviewers have said (and much better than I ) wanted to say. Idril

Elflingimp · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Beautiful!

Jay of Lasgalen · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Oh ... I love the bickering and banter between Legolas and Gimli - it sounds so natural, so full of love, friendship and understanding. I loved the elven 'malicious sense of humour too - at poor Gimli's expense! But most of all, I love Thranduil here. His power, his strength, his love for his son - and his acceptance of a dwarf. Beautifully done. Jay

Armariel · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

Oh my...their relationship is so.....well, the word "cute" occurred to me, in the best possible way, but you might not like that so I'll say "delightful" instead...at once prickly and affectionate, and the dialogue, as usual, has almost a taste to it, both spicy and sweet without ever being too much of either. Especially when Gimli says it's "safer that way" to be wary of Thranduil's good opinion...lol And the setting comes alive and seems almost a character in itself. A very lovely piece. ~~~~{~@

daw the minstrel · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: In Search of Stillness

There was so much to like in this short piece, Bodkin. You made every word count. I love your images, whether they're homely like scattering water like a dog escaping from an unwelcome bath or poetic and revelatory like the unwrapping of the forest in spring, the warm hum of summer, the generosity of autumn, followed by the sleep of winter It amused me that Gimli thinks it's "safer" to "under-estimate" Thranduil's good opinion of him and Legolas agrees. He knows them both well. And of course, Gimli has seen the prickly, affectionate father-son relationship between Thranduil and Legolas. I also liked the way Legolas knows that if Gimli were really annoyed, he wouldn't be grumbling. Rather everyone else would be ducking. The idea that wood-elves might have an "occasionally malicious sense of humour" rings true to me. And through all this runs the thread of Legolas's sea longing and the fear his friends and family feel for him. Just lovely, Bodkin.