Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

In the Deep Places  by Lamiel 4 Review(s)
TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/28/2005
Oh, I enjoyed this thoroughly. The way you described Legolas' and Gimli's contrasting perceptions was not just a superficial exposition---it was like you really tuned in to the feel of it. Ack, I don't know how to say it. It wasn't just dry statements about how differently they saw things, it was like you touched the core of their natures to show the source of their perceptions. Anyway, I loved Legolas' singing--both times, and Gimili's thoughts about how he sang for any or no reason, like when Pippin burned the sausage. I loved Legolas' musings on the Golden Wood being free of the shadow and how strange it was for him, having always been threatened by it. I loved the way the both of them are learning to appreciate and empathise with each other. You really are building the foundation of a remarkable friendship. It seems like they are already depending on each other for comfort, though probably neither would admit it at this point. Lovely stuff. TF

Author Reply: I had a creative writing teacher in college who drilled us again and again - "show," don't "tell." In other words, never say what a character is feeling if you can show it through their actions or expressions. So I will take this as a huge compliment, TF, and hope that his hard work is paying off in better fanfic. Thank you!

FaithReviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/28/2005
i love it! more please! update soon! sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than sooner than soon! sooner than sooner than sooner than sooner than soon! i mean now! NOW! NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW! NOW!!!! NOW!!! LOL hehehe...keep it up coming....:)



Faith the slightly obsessed fangirl


elliskaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/27/2005
Wow! Watch out for Gimli when he has worked himself up into a good froth of righteous anger! Loved the opening rant--three paragraphs of furious Gimli! And I love the contrast in the perceptions of Legolas and Gimli leading right up to: Then Legolas realized a concept so strange that he nearly stopped full in his tracks. The Dwarf could not hear the forest song. Perhaps none of the mortals could, at least not in the same way that the Elves did. That would be a shocker for a Woodelf. And I just couldn't help but sigh a big 'Ahhh' when Legolas decided to sing a song the mortals could hear to lead them through the forest. That was so cool. And so were Gimli's thoughts on Legolas' 'idiosynchrasy.'

Their whole following dialogue was perfect but this interchange was my favorite part:
There was a pause, and Legolas released a long breath, almost a sigh. “It was foolishness, Master Dwarf. Arrogance and foolish pride, I am certain, and now I am fey and careless, so that I seek converse with a Dwarf. Imagine what my father would say!”

Gimli laughed aloud. “I expect that his reaction would be much the same as that of my father, if he knew that his son sat up through the night with an Elf. An Elvish princeling, I should say.”

Legolas groaned. “Please, Master Dwarf, do not bring that up again. Haldir has finally determined that I am capable of eating without assistance, and that I can walk without flower petals scattered at my feet. I beg you; do nothing to make him think otherwise.”



Another great chapter!

Author Reply: Thank you elliska! Tolkien shows us how the Quest changed the Hobbits' lives and perspectives on the world, but I've always thought that the other members of the Fellowship must have been greatly affected as well. Certainly Legolas and Gimli were.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/27/2005
Singing for Gimli - that is really such a sensitive thing to do. Not drawing attention to Gimli's tension and unfamiliarity with the forest, but just making him more comfortable without saying a word.

Well - at least the situation has one plus. Gimli does not have to climb up a tree to get his sleep! I love picturing him following the sound of the elf and relying on him! Not quite sure whether to trust him totally or not, but really pretty sure that he is reliable.

And the subtle signs that convince him that Legolas is as blind as he.

(I just love the picture of a rank-impressed Haldir wanting to scatter flower petals for the ease of the Prince.)

And do we have elven foresight? Legolas doubts whether Gimli will be happy to be shot of Lothlorien?

These two are really cracking now - they are acting as each other's defender and support.

Shame Middle Earth has not developed methods of recording music. I think Gimli will find it hard to go to sleep without elf-song by the time he's finished!

Author Reply: I wouldn't mind the chance to hear some of that Elf song myself. With all the Mary Sues that are popping up in Middle-earth, it's a pity none of them bother to take along some recording equipment.

Really I think that Legolas' song for Gimli is typical of the friendship that they eventually create. Neither one will admit to actually caring for the other, but when one is in trouble, the other looks after him.

Return to Chapter List