rate_review Reviews

This chapter is a song of grace, a sweet and delicate beginning, and it was just so beautiful to read. The respect that's growing between Gimli and Legolas, the friendship and more, is exactly right, every note perfect. The gentle companionship of Galadriel and Aragorn is just as flawlessly done. Every chapter draws me deeper into the subtle and lovely relationship you're crafting here, between two such disparate souls who are so much more together than they could be apart. I'm in awe of how superbly you capture their voices, and long after I finish, I find myself smiling as I hear them in my head, and in my heart. Thank you!

I love this chapter so much. Galadriels words especially make this special here: “It happens just as rivers create valleys: a little at a time is worn away through custom and use, through fear and pain and anger, until we hardly notice the channels carved through our souls and folly seems as natural as reason.” And as well as this we have the preparation of the jewellery, and all the teasing touches of Legolas' ear. So wonderful. I particularly like the matching of the two sentiments here: Let there be talk/Let them wonder And if all that wasn't enough, we have the comedy that is the silently waged battle between Gimli and Lindir. This story really has it all. Beautifully crafted writing. I feel honoured to read. Thank you so much for sharing your vision with us all! :)

Love how Legolas and Gimli are getting closer here. It's so nice when Legolas rubs Gimli's feet. But the juxtaposition of Gimli recalling the wraith's vision, and realising he no longer sees Legolas as cold and haughty (as he did before), in fact that he's most relieved to see Legolas again - that's really well done :)

From Legolas' conversation with Galadriel at the beginning, to Gimli's heroics at the end, this chapter is brilliant! Your description of Galadriel raising her arms to the sky is such a beautiful image, but then we've Legolas and Gimli arguing over numbers, then walking hand-in-hand back to camp *loves*... great work! Thank you so much for sharing your vision with us :)

This chapter was breathtaking! I was mesmerized by Galadriel in this chapter, both for her control of her magic and for her insight into Legolas and his heart. She's been Gimli's friend and ally, so I wasn't surprised that she spoke in his favor, but she showed such kindness and mercy, even toward Thranduil. To his credit, I believe Legolas heard her. But Gimli just broke my heart throughout this chapter. He could not trust the braid Legolas wears for him, nor could he think that Legolas might have wanted to mend things. He fought with such valor and he defended Galadriel, and at such a cost. My heart was in my throat, and I'll confess to an anxious tear at the end. I'll be waiting on pins and needles for the next chapter.

Things I love in this chapter: Unhand my beard! lol.. that is so spot on, and I laugh every time I read it. Also, when Gimli has to name Legolas as a friend.. kind of. And this line is fantastic: Even should the battle be won, evil will surely retreat and rise again in an age or two. All that was sacrificed is lost, and the fighting must be done over again. Such is always the way of the shadow. Yes, indeed. It's what I found too, while writing. Mortals never really get this, even when they're told it, even if they're heroes. They will be dead, so it doesn't sink in the same way as it does for the elves in Tolkien's world. And finally, the competition over saving each others' life. That is so very them. Well done!

Have I said how much I love the way you capture the voices of this Company so well? Gimli has a marvelous dignity, for all that he is seen as a slave to his oath, and Legolas has a gentle courtesy all his own, so unlike the cold nature of his father. Galadriel has all the wisdom of an elf of her stature, and Gandlaf is wise and kind-hearted. Strider is enigmatic, and so much more than he seems, but still so approachable. But really, it is Gimli's boundless courage, and his honor and quiet dignity that have stolen my heart. He is magnificent, a prince among dwarves, and I hope Legolas will cherish this extraordinary young prince, as he deserves.

Oh, this chapter tugged at my heart. Legolas' confusion over his emotions is understandable, given the enmity between the elves and the dwarves, but it is wrenching to see his feelings laid bare to Haldir. At least Haldir didn't mock Legolas, and made a reasonable suggestion. However, with the friendship that's sprung up between Gimli and Galadriel, Legolas may not get the answer he expects. And the ending moment was truly touching. Poor sweet Gimli... Thank you for the wonderful chapter! I'm your devoted follower!

A great chapter. I love Legolas' confidence given to Haldir, and his descriptions of his feelings, but this sentence I love: They come without warning and I believe they are real, but then they depart on a breath and I doubt them all. He's a very confused elf at the moment, and I think he needed to start talking to someone. Maybe one day, he'll talk to Gimli. I shall hope :)

Smeagol makes an appearance! I loved the conversation between Strider and Gimli here, and I'm sure Gimli was not faking his dislike of Haldir. Jealous, isn't he? But he has a right to be so. I just want to say that your characterisations just take my breath away all the time. You have their voices so spot on. Your Galadriel is serene and otherworldly, your Gandalf is full of knowledge that he doesn't speak, young Strider wise beyond his years. It's extremely satisfying to read, and means I can just relax and let you take me on this brilliant journey! I really love, too, how Gandalf removes Galadriel from the "questioning" of Gollum. It's exactly the kind of thing he would do. Thank you for sharing this work! :)