Reviews of Tree and Stone - Stories of Arda

elliska · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

I read this one two in my continuing quest to avoid work this morning. Also outstanding. I love the grumpy old dwarf and his reaction to the elf child. I think you really captured the dwarf well with his gruff exterior but his obvious love/pride in his work and his affection (possibly despite himself) for this little elf. ('it' was killing me :-) I could so see him thinking that). And I liked all their simple little interactions, especially when the elfling brought him the water. Then when I realized that the elfling was Legolas and therefore the 'king' that only disturbed him in the evenings was Thranduil, I just was so happy. I thought it might be that from the first full paragraph but it could have been a First Age/Doriath thing too, so I waited to find out. I really enjoyed this!

docmon · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

this was a beautiful piece of writing! I just loved how you described Borin's act and art of scultping, his reverence for the stone and for his work. I was reminded of Michelangelo in his descriptions of how he worked. Also I was struck with how the reverence Borin held for the stone equalled the reverence of Elves for their trees. Despite how Elves tend to see Dwarves as greedy, rough beings, I would think a people who grew up among stone, and learned to work with it in such a way, would develop this view of their world and their work. I loved how you had Borin and Legolas meet. It gives some explanation to Legolas's more tolerant views of Dwarves (eventually, at least). very enjoyable piece. i look forward to reading more of your work! monica

Author's reply

I know this is belated - real life job just gobbles up time - but thank you very much. Avon

Galimeril · 9 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Oh, that was beautiful! I especially liked the part with the water tankard. What was the alternate ending? I thought this story was great, you should write another! Galimeril ;D

Author's reply

Thanks, Galimeril. I'm having prolonged writer's block at the moment but I certainly hope to write some more stories - as well as finally fixing this one up. The other ending would have brough Thranduil in and might have then movd on to a glimpse of an adult Legolas remembering - but I think I'm going to leave well enough alone. Avon

Santoori · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Wow! I really enjoyed that! Good story =)

Author's reply

Thank you, Santoori. Avon

LKK · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

First draft or not, you have outdone yourself this time, Avon. I read this at least 3 times the day you posted it. I was a little slow to understand where the story was set. But when I did, I wondered if the elf-child could be Legolas. Then, as the story progressed, I realized I did not care who the elf-child was. He, she -- or as Borin says, it -- was a charming character regardless and didn't need the Legolas label to make it worth my interest. Speaking of Borin, never have I read a dwarf more closely akin to Tolkien's dwarves. Based on Gimli's comments about Galadriel and the Glittering Caves, I have always believed that beneath their bristling exteriors, dwarves are true Romantics at heart. You capture that duality perfectly in Borin. You mentioned this story originally had a different ending. I would love to read your original ending if you plan on tinkering some more on this. (There are a few more typos than normally appear in your stories, but since you were working under a deadline, that's understandable.) You know that I'm a fan of all your works, but this one became one of my top favorites on the very first reading. It's going on my Favorite Stories list and deservedly so. Well done, Avon! LKK

Author's reply

Hi LKK, Thanks for such great feedback! I was a little slow to understand where the story was set. I may have to look at that because I confused someone else too. But when I did, I wondered if the elf-child could be Legolas. Then, as the story progressed, I realized I did not care who the elf-child was. He, she -- or as Borin says, it -- was a charming character regardless and didn't need the Legolas label to make it worth my interest. Thanks. That's lovely to know. I did hesitate as to whether (a) I should make it Legolas and (b) I should identify it as Legolas - but once I thought of the Legolas line I couldn't resist. ;-) Speaking of Borin, never have I read a dwarf more closely akin to Tolkien's dwarves. Gosh, that's one heck of a compliment! You know I wussed out a while back on a challenge where I had to write a dwarf because I couldn't feel my way into a dwarf well enough - but Borin just seemed to be there as I wrote. You mentioned this story originally had a different ending. I would love to read your original ending if you plan on tinkering some more on this. I didn't actually write it - lack of time - and I'm not sure that I will now. It was going to feature Thranduil coming to find his son - but given people have said such nice things about this I'm reluctant to rsik stuffing it up. ;-) I get nervous about changing stories. If I ever do write it for interest's sake I'll send it to you. (There are a few more typos than normally appear in your stories, but since you were working under a deadline, that's understandable.) Oops! I was rushing by the end - hopefully I will get time to edit it sometime soon. Thanks again for the feedback - and the support. Avon

canna · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

The story is adorable and works well perhaps because of details being vague.

Author's reply

Thanks, Canna! Avon (Vague details are definitely my hallmark ;-))

JastaElf · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Avon, this is absolutely delightful!! A couple of rough spots, but then you're still editing--but Oh, what a charming, delightful, accurate and sweet story this is! Your Dwarf is just marvelous, a very Tolkien-esque Dwarf if ever there was one, and the little Elfling is a sweet delight. Their interaction is just perfect, given the sort of age you depict and the whole history between the two races. I love how Borin keeps thinking of the little Leafling as "it" and yet transfers to him the training he would give his own children, if he had any. Will there be more of this? Maybe a second chapter where a VERY old Borin is struggling to complete some last little bit before age, bad eyesight and infirmity make him unable to work? I can see a youthful Legolas coming occasionally to visit, to watch him work and bring him water... and then, mimicking the moment where Borin helps him shape a leaf, he returns the favour and assists the old Master in completing something, bringing everything full circle. What a sweet delight of a tale. Thank you SO much--and happy birthday to the lucky recipient!

Author's reply

Gosh... *blush* ... thank you, JastaElf! That's awfully nice. A couple of rough spots, but then you're still editing-- Oh definitely - haven't even started really. Hopefully I will pick them all up. I'm so pleased that the Dwarf seems to have worked - I didn't know I could write a dwarf! I love how Borin keeps thinking of the little Leafling as "it" and yet transfers to him the training he would give his own children, if he had any. You know, my original fanfic was in SF fandom and I think story has a basis in that - in the meeting of species. Will there be more of this? Maybe a second chapter where a VERY old Borin is struggling to complete some last little bit before age, bad eyesight and infirmity make him unable to work? I can see a youthful Legolas coming occasionally to visit, to watch him work and bring him water... and then, mimicking the moment where Borin helps him shape a leaf, he returns the favour and assists the old Master in completing something, bringing everything full circle. AS tempting as that sounds I doubt that there will be any more of this - I do seem to be strictly a one shot sort of writer these days. I only have one story which has more than one chapter and everyone has been wating for chapter three to make its appearacne for a very long time ;-) I always worry that if I return to it I'll wreck it. ;-) Cheers, Avon

Manderly · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

That was really quite beautiful! The picture that you created was so vivid that I felt I was in the same room with your characters, watching their interaction unfold. It's amazing how all this was achieved with hardly a word spoken between the two. This story gave me a nice warm feeling. Thank you!

Author's reply

Thank you for the feedback, Manderly. It was quite a fun story to write in lots of ways - mostly I think because it was unusual for me. I didn't start knowing that they wouldn't speak but once I'd set that up I really didn't want to spoil it. I like playing with limitations in my writing, I guess. Thanks again, Avon

Elerrina · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

I really enjoyed this, Avon. The way you described the Dwarf's work, as lovingly as he would, was beautifully done, and his softening towards the innocent little Elf-child was sweet...I think Legolas could melt anyone's heart ;) Your depiction of "wee-Legolas" was adorable, too: just a wonderful story all round! (Oh, and there's time for Legolas to be almost 1000 by the War of the Ring, if you put this episode right at the beginning of the Dwarf-kingdom at Erebor—should I be able to tell you that? *grin*) Elerrína

Author's reply

Dear Elerrina, Rhank you very much for taking the time to leave feedback, specially such nice feedback ;-) I think Legolas could melt anyone's heart ;) Oh, indeed! ;-) Tree and Stone by Avon Chapter: Tree and Stone Review by Elerrina: I really enjoyed this, Avon. The way you described the Dwarf's work, as lovingly as he would, was beautifully done, and his softening towards the innocent little Elf-child was sweet...I think Legolas could melt anyone's heart ;) Your depiction of "wee-Legolas" was adorable, too: just a wonderful story all round! (Oh, and there's time for Legolas to be almost 1000 by the War of the Ring, if you put this episode right at the beginning of the Dwarf-kingdom at Erebor—should I be able to tell you that? *grin*) Great! I actualy believe Legolas to be even younger than that but I'm certainly not fussed about exact years so as long as it fits roughly I'm happy. ;-) Avon (PS: Nothing wrong with a little healthy obsession ;-))

vic · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Avon, Wow, that was brilliant. Such a bittersweet tale. The contrast between the two was just so beautifully done. The lone old dwarf, who understands that his years are waning and the work that he began will never be finished, at least not by him, and the young elf, a baby yet to behold all the wonders and prejudices of the world. Very nicely done. A true gem to read. Vic

Author's reply

*blush* Thanks, Vic. I'm pleased you liked it. Actually I'm thrilled stunned and amazed so many people seem to like it - I had no great expectations of it. ;-) Avon

Nilmandra · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Avon, I really enjoyed this. This is one of the best dwarves I have seen done. His love for his work just shines through, and his perceptions of the elf seem very dwarvish! I like how you wove in the fact that few dwarves married (overall) and they had few children. His loss was keenly felt. Very well done.

Author's reply

Thanks, Nilmandra. I wouldn't have thought that I could get into a Dwarf's head (though I suppose I did once spend a fair bit of time in movie-Gimli's head for a story which didn't work) so I'm really pleased to hear that people think I managed dwarvishness. like how you wove in the fact that few dwarves married (overall) and they had few children. It's something that has always struck me... Tolkien seemed to specialise in these poor dwindling races. Avon

Rose Sared · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Well what a wonderful story, I must hie me to your author page and read the rest of your work. Perfection in characterisation of your OC dwarf, and the wonderful sharing of craftmanship and the weight of mortality. Just yummy, if this is your idea of a first draft I hope you never are unfortunate enough to read one of mine! Rose

Author's reply

Thanks a lot for the awfully kind feedback, Rose. I'm pleased you think the Dwarf worked - I've never really written a Dwarf before. In fact when that fate befell me as part of a challenge I cheated a little and wrote a poem instead. ;-) I'm pleased that you think the point about the weight of mortality came across - it was reallt there in my head but getting it on paper proved hard. Avon

Elena Tiriel · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Oh, Avon this is just delightful! Both characters seem so real... I especially like the loving care with which the Dwarf (Borin?) greeted the stone and brought out its beauty... I never thought of Dwarves as being so Elf-like in their reverence for the stone. I love it! - Barbara

Author's reply

Oh hey - I *did* spell your name right in the Author's NOtes ;-) I should have gone and checked but it was late and I was tired so I just took a punt - which is dangerous given a spelling ability like mine ;-) ... I never thought of Dwarves as being so Elf-like in their reverence for the stone. There's a lovely bit in TTT where Legolas and Gimli are discussing the Helm's Deep caves and he really does wax lyrical about how carfully they would work on them. Having said that - I think I did exagerate maybe just a bit on the evidence of Tolkien's Dwarves but not too, too, too much. Thanks for the kind words, Avon

Bodkin · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

Love the grumpy, heart-of-gold dwarf and the little elf. Such a delightful story.

Author's reply

Thanks, Bodkin. He is a little cliched, I guess, but I enjoyed being in his mind ;-) Avon

daw the minstrel · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Tree and Stone

This was truly wonderful, Avon. I loved the reverence for the stone and the sense of it as responsive. You can really see the dwarf's love of his craft. His calling the elf-child 'it' was amusing, but the child was both typically child like and typically elvish. He was curious and sweet and limber and musical and other manner of interesting things. Just a great all around look at an encounter between these two.

Author's reply

Thanks, Daw. (And while I owe you a bunch of proper reviews let me just add here that inspare moments, currently very few, I am working my way through all your young Legolas stuff. It's a lovely antidote to a ghastly world.) His calling the elf-child 'it' was amusing, Whem I started it, and it was much shorter in conception, they were just he and it all the way through - no names at all. I think it is probably fortunate that I decided that that might be just a smidgen too much. ;-) Avon

Reviews (15)