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Fiondil's Tapestry by Fiondil	10 Review(s)
Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/20/2009
Poor Legolas. Being an Elf, he wouldn’t be able to truly grok mortality. And yet, with the death of Gimli (and earlier, the deaths of Aragorn and other mortal friends), he has to deal with it, somehow. Whether Olórin has been sent by one of the Valar – or pointed in Legolas' direction by Elrond – or he has come of his own accord; whoever originated this visit certainly knew that Legolas would need counseling. And Olórin would – with his peculiar background – be suited to the job: An Immortal who would have _had_ to deal with Mortals – and the loss of cherished friends. And Olórin has the right of it: the most permanent memorial is in Legolas’ heart. Not the transitory (to Elven perceptions) medium of stone. Author Reply: I have no idea who sent Olórin though I suspect it was a combination of the Valar and Elrond as well as Olórin's own compassion that brought him to Legolas. The fact that the Maia is the third person that day to ask what Legolas was doing points to the possibility that the first two visitors went to the Valar aksing for help. And, of course, they would have sent Olórin with his unique experiences dealing with the loss of Mortals. I'm sure Olórin was very helpful in aiding Leoglas through the grief process.

Kaylee	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/8/2009
ponders So when (if) Legolas finishes the inscription, what will all the words look like, I wonder? I have a feeling I know what they would say... "Here lies Gimli son of Gloin, Elvellon, Lord of the Glittering Caves, First of Mahal's Children to come to Aman." Or something like that. What do you think, meldonya? ~Kaylee! P.S. By the way, I agree with Olorin that a memorial engraved in their hearts and honoring Gimli's final request (the other final request, not the harp playing) is the best way to honor Gimli. Author Reply: Well it probably will end up saying something like what you've suggested. grin I'm sure Legolas will finish the memorial, if not for Gimli then for himself. And I think he realizes that Olórin is also correct about the best kind of memorial being one engraved in one's heart and honoring his friend's final (real) request is the best way to honor Gimli, but it's going to take time. Grief knows no season except winter and spring sometimes does not come as soon as one would hope, but eventually it does and that is something Legolas will learn when he is ready.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/7/2009
Olórin is right, of course - Legolas needs to go ahead with his life, and to talk about Gimli (and probably not only about Gimli, but about all of his mortal friends) would keep the memories alive much longer than the memorial could. But on the other hand, it is touching that he tries to do this memorial in accord with Dwarven customs for his friend, and I am sure Gimli would be pleased. I think Legolas himself might need this memorial in this first time, to have the feeling he did something for Gimli, and as a place where to think and work through his grief. And as long as he recovers, that's okay. It is nothing you can get over in a few days, after all. Author Reply: I'm sure Gimli would be both pleased and amused at Legolas' attempt to follow Dwarven tradition and certainly Legolas will need this memorial as much for himself as for Gimli. Olórin understands this and even approves, but he also knows that Legolas needs to get on with his life. It will take time, of course, but eventually Legolas will get there with the help of his other (immortal) friends.

Erulisse	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/7/2009
I am always delighted to receive a new chapter alert for any of your writings and you have never disappointed. Thank you for all your myriad tales - you have enriched my world by your attention to detail and wry sense of humor (and obvious love for the characters and world in which they interact). Author Reply: Hi, Erulissë. I'm equally delighted that you look forward to reading my stories and that you enjoyed this one. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/6/2009
Most fitting! Yes, a memorial carved and set where none can ever deface or destroy it! Wonderful! Thanks for this one, Fiondil. Author Reply: You're welcome, Larner. Even a tombstone made from granite can eventually become so defaced by time and the elements that you can't read the words carved in it. I've certainly wandered through enough old cemeteries to know. So the best memorial is the one carved on one's heart and memory where it can never be destroyed.

ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/6/2009
That was amazing. wodnerful message about remembering and continuing. I like that last line a lot about the memorial's memories. Author Reply: Thanks, Ellie. I'm happy to know you enjoyed this fic. Thanks for letting me know.

8007	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/6/2009
This didn't work for me. Legolas frankly comes across as a whiny spoiled brat and Olorin comes across as condescending. Do the Maiar talk down to people in all your stories, or just this one? Author Reply: Well, as to your question... you'd have to read my other stories to find out and form your own opinion. Frankly, though, I don't think Legolas is whiny or a brat; he's merely someone who is suffering from grief and not handling it very well. As for Olórin.... I don't know why you think he's condescending, since he knows better than most what Legolas is going through and only wants to help him in his grief. But, obviously you have a different opinion and that's fine. I don't expect everyone to like all of my stories; that would be unrealistic.

Ces	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/6/2009
While all your stories are among my favorites, those that deal with Legolas and/or Thranduil are quickly becoming my favorite. Poor Legolas. He truly feels as if he's all alone now, doesn't he? He and Olorin are now the only remaining members of the fellowship. Luckily Olorin will not allow Legolas to wallow in his grief. Maybe the Maia should have threatened Legolas with a reminder of what would happen if he does fade? Another trip to Mandos' Halls - and I don't think Namo would be too happy to see him back again! Although, maybe Namo could have a little chat with him?! I do wonder though, what Aule thought of the memorial Legolas was trying so hard to make? Perhaps he should also make an appearance and help Legolas build it?! Great little story and I enjoyed reading it very much! Ces Author Reply: I'm sure one of the Elves will remind Legolas about the dangers of fading, if not Lord Námo himself. grin I'm sure Aulë was quite sympathetic towards Legolas' attempts at creating the memorial. I'm sure if necessary the Vala will give Legolas a hand (perhaps even finish it while Legolas is with Olórin? grin). Glad you enjoyed the story Ces. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.

Sitara	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/6/2009
Truth to be told, since I had read for the first time "Parting gifts", I wished to know the aftercome, and I believe this one is very fitting, even as a drabble and not a chaptered story. Fear not, no hints this time. "smiling". Well, certainly it'a a start for Legolas but the issue is far from over in my opinion. He will miss Gimli until the End (that wasn't on purpose, believe me! "grin"), but he could learn to deal with his grief, with some help, of course. And luckily for him, Olorin, the one who learnt from Nienna about wisdom and gentleness, is the right person. I liked Legolas' attempt to lecture Olorin concerning dwarvish customs and the reprimand he's received in return. I liked also the Maia using Thranduil's name to scare Legolas out from his sorrow. Nicely done. And , for all his Sindar blood (crafting in marble or mithril was by excellence a Noldorin skill), Legolas trying to carve in marble a tombstone for his friend is really moving. As it is the fact pointed out to him by Olorin: "he" had lost much more mortal friends to the Time and Death than Legolas ever did. But who could possibly be the friends that knew Gimli as well, Elrond and Galadriel aside? I think, they couldn't be Frodo, or Sam, or Bilbo. They were as mortal as Gimli, were they not? Very nice and quite an expected by many piece from you, Fiondil. Albeit I would bet all the money I don't have that Legolas wouldn't let himself so easily placated. After all, he is his father's son. "laugh" Author Reply: Well, this isn't strictly a drabble, just a short vignette. As for the friends of whom Olórin speaks: Elrond and Galadriel would certainly be on the top of the list, but it doesn't matter if there are only those two or not. The idea is for those who knew Gimli, if only briefly, to share their stories about him. Olórin and Legolas would probably have more stories to tell (Legolas especially) than the others but it's the fact that they are all gathered together for this one purpose that matters. There might even be others who did not know Gimli at all or they only just met him (Finrod or Celebrían for instance) yet they would want to join Legolas and Olórin to offer their support to Legolas whom they know is grieving. By this time, of course, Bilbo at least would have left the Circles of Arda. In my story "Somewhere I Have Never Travelled", Frodo and Sam bargain with Námo to remain until Gimli and Legolas come to Aman with the stipulation that after Gimli died they too would accept the Gift and depart, though perhaps this hasn't happened just yet so as not to burden Legolas with even more grief than he is already shouldering. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this, Sitara, and perhaps some day you might indeed see a multi-chaptered story about Legolas adjusting to life after Gimli, but not immeidately as I have other writing projects I'm dealing with at the moment.

6336	Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/6/2009
Poor Legolas, it is so hard for him to give up his last tie to the Fellowship, with Aragorn and Arwen gone he has nothing but his memories, Olorin is right though, if he does not pull him self together he will fade and Namo will not be pleased to see him back again, in fact I would guess he would kick him right back out and tell him to stop wollowing in self pity and get on with his life! He needs to find himself a nice Ellith and settle down, Eru, now I sound like Thranduil! More please, Lynda Author Reply: I'm sure you're right about Lord Námo kicking Legolas' butt, Lynda. lol And I'm sure several people of Legolas' acquaintance are thinking the same thing: he needs to find himself a nice elleth and settle down. Thranduil would be pleased with that, no doubt.

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