Reviews (446)

Laikwalâssê · 20 June 2011 · Chapter 34: On the Naming of Names

poor boy. Soon he will understand the meaning of this stupid name. I admire Elrond´s restraint to not him his the truth. And it will only getting harder. Lovely glimpse at a moment between Estel and his Ada. Thank you. Lai

6336 · 19 June 2011 · Chapter 34: On the Naming of Names

Hm, I wonder what Glorfindel had to say about it when he found out, though I don't think the first Finrod would mind too much. Good one, I like your Estel/Aragorn/Strider whatever stories! (That man has so many names you need a plam pilot to keep track of them!) Huggs, Lynda

AzureSkye · 18 June 2011 · Chapter 34: On the Naming of Names

LOL. I can see that conversation, "Nana, why didn't you like the name Elerosse?" :) And Elessar will have a son Eldarion, so the El-names continue! *grin* And misspelling Aragorn... that was just hilarious. A beautiful mix of genealogy, language lessons, and humor!

shirebound · 18 June 2011 · Chapter 34: On the Naming of Names

This is delightful. I can imagine Elrond and 'Elessar' remembering this conversation once Aragorn is crowned King.

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 18 June 2011 · Chapter 34: On the Naming of Names

Oh, Atto! What a sweet father/son scene. I loved how Elrond came *that close* to letting it slip...but not yet, it's not yet time... Speaking of that family tree, I was working on it today, too, coincidentally! Arwen is cousins so many times over with herself, I think the hobbits would even be taken aback, possibly! I wonder what my family tree maker software would list as the kinship connections for Eldarion to himself...but I haven't put in the Dunedain side yet, the Elven one was complicated enough! Thank you for this, it made my wait for Monday a /little/ more bearable! (but oh, Arafinwe...Pityahuan...*huggles him* You never did answer my question about what would Finrod and Vorondil say if they found out. *grin* Will that come up in the Wedding tale?) Tye-melin, Kaylee

Tari · 15 June 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

As was stated, we all grieve differently. Who's to say Gimli's spirit did not appear to Legolas. Perhaps Iluvatar willed it so in order for Legolas to finaly come to terms with his loss and be able to move on.

Larner · 2 June 2011 · Chapter 33: Seeds of the Future

An excellent look at how that particular argument was settled. Love Gandalf's willingness to intervene obliquely, making certain that all factors are considered.

Larner · 2 June 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

For immortals to appreciate the endurance of the mortal spirit is perhaps difficult, I suppose. But Gimli understands his friend in ways they do not. Irmo's advice is excellent, by the way!

Ellynn · 1 June 2011 · Chapter 33: Seeds of the Future

This is a wonderful tale, Fiondil. It was among my favorites on ALEC contest. :)

Erulisse (one L) · 1 June 2011 · Chapter 33: Seeds of the Future

Oh, I loved this story of yours, Fiondil. It was such a pivotal moment in the history of the Dunedain, and just think what might have happened if Aragon's parents had never been allowed to wed. Catastrophe. To even compete with you and Aearwen was such a privilege :-) - Erulisse (one L)

someone · 1 June 2011 · Chapter 33: Seeds of the Future

I'm always happy to see a new story added to Vairë's Loom! So, Mithrandir was the one who managed to finally convince Dírhael. An interesting story that could have happened, as a certain wizard seems to meddle in everyone's business. And as always, the dinner has many dishes/courses and is very detailed (trout and red potatoes sound very good)! And Gilrael's name comes from headgear. I remember reading that from somewhere... and somewhere else it was "Wandering Star" (if I remember right), but apparently that was not what Tolkien meant. Nice to know :). Thank you for writing this story.

6336 · 1 June 2011 · Chapter 33: Seeds of the Future

Given the age to which the Northen Dunadain lived, between 150 and 200 years, it is understandable that Dirheal would have reservations about his daughter marrying so young. There is more than one way and more than one type of seed to plant, Mithrandir is a very canny gardner! Thank you for the meaning of Gilrain's name, I knew it had something to do with stars, but that was as far as I got. Once again, where would M.E. have been and how differantly things would have played out if Mithrandir had not been around to nudge things in the right direction! Huggs, Lynda

Rhyselle · 19 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

This was just lovely, Fiondil. I can totally understand Legolas' frustration with everyone trying to "distract" him from his mourning. When my mother went West, I was so busy with dealing with the legal and property matters that I was unable to mourn immediately after her death. It several months later that I really was able to begin to process my grief, and some well-meaning folk kept telling me that I "should be over it" by that point in time. Yes, let Legolas mourn at his own pace. Even if it is a more "mortal" style of grieving. It occurs to me that because Legolas chose to spend most of his last century in Middle-earth with mortals, that he became habituated to the way that mortals lived--the faster pace, the way they interacted... and the way they grieved. I did notice how you sneaked in the fact that Bilbo and Frodo had definitely pre-deceased Gimli; in fact, had been gone for some time before Legolas had sailed, as you mentioned that their friends only visited their gravesite on the anniversary of their deaths. There's been some intriguing conversations about just how long they would have lasted on Tol Eressea, based on the information we have from Professor Tolkien on how mortals would be affected by living in the Undying Lands. I think that I lean towards the side that Gimli's spirit is still hanging about the tomb, even though Irmo and Olorin couldn't see or sense him. He is not an elf, after all, and Professor Tolkien's writings on the afterlife of Dwarves don't rule out the possibility that they might hang about their burial places. (Hmmmm. That might also be part of why Moria is so horrible... all those murdered Dwarves...) Perhaps Aule would have seen Gimli, had he been there. :) Finally, since the Elves don't know that they will be reunited with the other Children of Illuvatar at the ending of the world--many don't even seem to have the belief that all will be reunited, Elf, Man, Dwarf, at the end of all things--no wonder that Legolas' grief is so profound. And even those who do believe that there must be something for the Elves beyond the ending of Arda, almost everyone else in Valinor and Tol Eressea have not built relationships with the few mortal blessed to come there, and so don't have the same need that Legolas does to know that a reunion is possible. Hmmm. I need to do some more thinking on this. There you go, Fiondil... your fics don't only give me enjoyment; they take my mind onto different paths of contemplation and thought. An excellent addition to the Tales, dear friend. Thanks for sharing it.

galathil · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

This bought tears to my eyes,I love this chapter. It would serve the others right well if Gimili came and spoke to them,the look on their faces would be priceless.He!He! Love Galathil

Erulisse (one L) · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

Fiondil, how much I truly loved this. I am surprised, however, that Lord Irmo and Olorin, when they had shed their fana, were unable to see Gimli's essence still in the glade. But I am glad that Legolas can take the time needed to pull away from his best friend in a gentle manner. My tears are just envy that I did not have that opportunity. Thank you, my friend, for this tale. - Erulisse (one L)

Caunedhiel · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

That was beautiful :) I have tears pricking at my eyes now, Oh you can feel how much legolas misses his friend, how much he misses talking to him. So sad but truly beautiful Kim xx

6336 · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

I see nothing wrong with talking to the dead or having a conversation with them, sometimes they are the only people who understand you. Everybody greives at his own pace, Legolas and Gimli have been together for over 120 years, a very long time for a mortal and an Elf and now he is gone and Legolas does not have the comfort of knowing that sometime in the near future he will be Re-born. Gimli is gone and until the Remaking of Arda he is not coming back. I think Olorin and Elrond and his friends need to back off a little and let Legolas greive at his own pace, putting restrictions on his visits, although done with the best intentions, is not the right thing to do. As Irmo points out Legolas is a little better each time he comes back, so quit with the pretty, though empty headed, ellith and let him get on with it his own way! Perhaps the Hobbits graves are only visited once a year because their friends miss them so much and this is a way to cope with missing them? Huggs, Lynda

Fantasia · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

This is really a beautiful and touching story. Every person deal with grief at his own pace and time. Some people get comfort in visiting a tomb, other in placing flowers at home and other will move on and so on. What is true, is that time is the only thing that helps, it sounds so an empty phrase when is said, but it is so true. Lovely story, I thought that Namo might have a different POV, maybe he can actually see Gimli.

Lynn H · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

Only second place? Amazing! This is so real!

ellie · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

I feel so sorry for Leggy here. he is suffering and grieving and so many folks just don't get it as far as how he has chosen to grieve and go on so to speak. I really enjoyed the conversation he had with Gimli. This story is so sad and very well done.

shirebound · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

In your heart where death cannot go, I’ll always be there. That's lovely. This is a gentle tale, full of love and longing and great wisdom. I wish Legolas peace... and I hope the hobbits' resting places are also visited more often, and remembered with love.

Sunny · 18 May 2011 · Chapter 32: A Conversation with the Dead

Fun story! I suppose Legolas really needs to talk with someone who really understands mortality - and while someone like Elrond or Olórin may be as sympathetic as you would want, they are not quite right for everything involved in his healing. Hm. I wonder what Námo or Aulë would have said if they had been in that dell...

Tari · 17 May 2011 · Chapter 31: The Last Gift

How sad for Thranduil. I oftened wonder how it is that he never felt the call of the sea too. I always assumed it would eventually draw all the elves to the Undying Lands. Surely he know Legolas couldn't resist forever. All he had to do was leave himself and he would be reunited with his beloved son.

Larner · 24 April 2011 · Chapter 31: The Last Gift

Alas, the bow cannot go to Legolas now, and not by his father bringing it to him in Ithilien. But it CAN go to him should he choose in time to sail. But it is very difficult to lose a child in such a manner. Sad and all too likely.

Larner · 24 April 2011 · Chapter 30: Any Port

A perfect adaptation of the psalm, and an excellent example of estel.