And So it Ends by Bodkin
Lindelea · 24 March 2014 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
How is it that I missed this, posted as a "belated birthday" mathom, too long ago? Will this even reach you now, all this time later? Belated thanks for a haunting tale, haunting, yet not devoid of hope. And all he could do would be to welcome it. A good attitude to embrace.
perelleth · 18 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
A treat coming from you, as always. I particularly liked the amusing bits or reallife at the end:the bantering to hidfe the emotion but also the reality of the common people that accompished the Quest. Beautifully done.
Noor · 15 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
A very moving glimpse into the lives of all before Legolas and Gimli sail. Thank you! Noor
Celeritas · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Beautifully done. I particularly enjoyed the "frozen leaf" imagery and the reminiscences of the day-to-day matters of the Fellowship at the end.
Dreamflower · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Oh, I am so teary-eyed! This was so painful! And yet in all the sadness of it, you made me giggle as the two of them recounted the "faults" of the rest of their friends. ‘Perhaps we should have written it all down,’ Legolas suggested. ‘Posterity should remember the smell of Boromir’s socks. And how Meriadoc seemed unable to keep his trouser seams intact …’ ‘Aragorn’s habit of picking his teeth with the point of his dagger …’ ‘Pippin’s habit of falling into any available horse-droppings …’ ‘Frodo’s taste for garlic – Gandalf’s execrable tobacco …’ ‘Sam’s infuriating way of quietly ignoring Aragorn’s commands and deferring all decisions to Frodo …’ The pair stopped. ‘We were perfect, of course,’ Gimli stated. ‘Never did a thing to annoy the rest of them.’ Yes, those are the sorts of things remembered only by dear friends, and not by historians and lovers of old tales. I have always thought of Legolas as being incredibly brave, to not hold himself at a distance and to accept the love had for his mortal friends, and that which they had for him. He could have rejected the friendship, kept it as mere cordial acquaintance-- but he never did! And Gimli so loyal and stubborn and true-- the Elves of the West will not know what to make of him. When Gimli is finally lost to Legolas, he will grieve to the end of the world, for all of his friends. And yet I do think that when time is gone, he *will* be reunited with them.
Redheredh · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
I love everything you've written. No exception. This one stood out, though. Such a simple story. But told so well, it outshines the longer, more elaborate and overwrought, of most. Thank God for birthdays...
Agape4Gondor · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Lovely as always.... Just lovely.... But - I've often wondered about food for that trip - not that Legolas would be too concerned - but I expect Gimli had a pretty good appetite - a little less than a Hobbits - but still pretty good.... Do you think Legolas packed enough???? : )
Dot · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Oh Bodkin! This is wonderful! I was so excited to get a story alert from you (as I'm sure you can imagine) and I just loved, loved, loved this. I'll be back at the (long! yay!) weekend with a review but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it.
curiouswombat · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Lovely. Of course, you realise, I cannot now think of Aragorn without him picking his teeth with the point of his dagger... Perhaps Giml should be reassured by the lack of bloated bodies washed up at Belfalas through all these years...
illereyn · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Hey Bodkin! Another lovely story! You've chartered Legolas and Gimli's journey quite well; their friendships with each other and with the rest of the Fellowship (and Arwen) is very evident. I love especially the bit about the Fellowship's less glamorous parts! Boromir's socks, indeed! It was a nice bit of humour to blance out the rest of the sombre story. illereyn
Jay of Lasgalen · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
This is wonderful - beautiful, sad, yet still full of hope. I liked the mention of Eldarion - ‘He wanted a little time to grieve for his father before he had to lead the mourning ceremonies as Gondor’s king.’ I've seen few fics dealing with Aragorn's death that consider his heir. I love your Gimli. He's strong, wise, and a staunch, loyal friend - even if he is still exasperated and sometimes bemused by his elf. Thank you, Bodkin!
Elena Tiriel · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Both heartbreaking and beautiful, Bodkin! - Barbara
Gwynhyffar · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
That was beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes! I've always enjoyed your writing, Bodkin, you should do it more often. Legolas' grief and his torn spirit was palpable throughout this piece. As always, you have a way of describing things that makes the reader not only see, but feel them as well. Happy Birthday Meckinock et al. This was a gift we can all love!
elliska · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
the waking of a day that should not dare to be so … unaffected. Isn't that the truth. This is something we can all relate to--how can the world go on when death has made it stop for us. And the atmosphere in Gondor, through the conversations and imagery, really captures incredibly well the weight of the loss. I loved Gimli and Thranduil. And I loved Legolas's reaction to being talked about. the stone responds to us less than it once did, and the babbling hordes of men press on our borders. But as much fun as the joking about bad verse was (and I did love that) this statement is what I loved most from this section, again along the same theme as the loss in Gondor. And their departure was great, both the humor (my favorite being the speculation about Erestor's reaction) and the serious. Yeah, I'm really glad you wrote so many stories of life for the Elves in Aman that were happy, or this would have been impossible to read. I'm not good with goodbyes. Very powerful and beautifully written as always. Loved it.
Linda Hoyland · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
It is good to see a new story from you.This is so sad and beautiful. I like to think that Legolas took messages to Aragorn's loved ones in Valinor.
Calenlass Greenleaf · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Sad but touching. Reminiscing is a good way to remember, and to bring up pain. Beautiful story. ~Cal
Larner · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Oh, Bodkin--it is so good to see something from you! And to see this----Wonderful! I recently wrote my version of the conversation between Legolas and Gimli just after Aragorn's death, and it is very similar, I find--right to Gimli doing his best to banter with Legolas to keep him from fading. With these two individuals, how could it be otherwise, right? But this is as full of sparkling light and wisdom as are all your stories. A blessed Easter and Pesach season to you!
Elflingimp · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Bodkin< that is one of the very best you have written!!!,it made me cry and laugh, I only wish I could keep going on that journey it was so good. Hugs The Imp P.S. Happy Birthday to everyone.
daw the minstrel · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Terrific picture of the end of an era, Legolas and Gimli breaking all ties, large and small and setting out for a new life. As always, your imagery is great, deepening the story right from the moment the shadows point west like arrows. I particularly liked the little glimpse of Thranduil.
Raksha The Demon · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
I loved the memories of the more mundane aspects of the Fellowship, i.e. the smell of Boromir's socks...And Arwen is written brilliantly here; sad and fading but resigned and regretting nothing, glad enough of her choices to send good word to the West through Legolas.
shirebound · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Decisions now taken, paths chosen, goodbyes said, he released the bonds that had held him back and let the sea take him. This is beautiful. Very poignant, and yet full of hope and promise.
ziggy · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: And So it Ends
Only because it's you that I would read an end of the fellowship story - I know is going to break my heart- and it did, but oh so beautiful. I will never have to read another one of these becasue you have said everything. I am crying now- and it's only becasue you write such fun for Legolas in your other stories that I can bear this. Cant write anymore- got to read something trite and funny to stop the heartbreak... it was always going to end like this- but this has everything but with such a light touch. One of the best fics I have ever read.