To Follow an Elf by Etharei
LBrazzo · 23 July 2019 · Chapter 10: On His Own
Your stories are incredible. I love how well you wrote for Gimli, he is one of my favourite characters from any book. Your style of writing is amazing and thoroughly enjoyable. I know it’s been a long time since you last your but I am holding onto hope that you may continue one day. Thank you for sharing your work!
Brazzo · 15 June 2016 · Chapter 10: On His Own
I love this story so much! You are a talented and gifted writer. Thank you so much for this wonderful story!
Delrauko · 6 September 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
I'm really missing this story :( please update soon!
Elenora · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
Excellent, excellent chapter! It was indeed refreshing reading an exchange between Gimli and Thranduil where Thranduil does not come across as maniacal, irate, unreasonable, or unfeeling. Actually, this is one of the more "believeable, realistic" depictions that I've read. You have him portrayed as a wise, caring, concerned king, desperate to understand a beloved son who's changed beyond his ability to grasp, and seeking, within his faulty understanding, to deal with it. But what a request to ask of Gimli!! Poor Gimli! What a cunnundrum...and I can well imagine the despair he feels as he jumps back and forth between the alternatives: stay, and possibly make Legolas's adjustment back to "normalcy" more difficult by being a constant reminder of the sea...or go, and possibly deserting him when his continuing presence might be one of the few things keeping Legolas anchored to Middle Earth. This is an excellent, very well-written story, and I am enjoying it immensely! I'm anxiously awaiting the next chapter and how Gimli will deal with this undesired request by Thranduil. And what of Legolas?? What has been happening with him all this time? I anxiously await that answer as well! Thanks for the great read!
venusinchains · 15 May 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Hey there, I only just started reading your tale today, and I still have a chapter to go, but I had to stop here to comment. I love the way you've woven humor into this story. A pair as divergent (and similar) as Legolas and Gimli need that buffer, and you do it so well. The image you painted of Gimli batting his eyelashes at Legolas had me howling right along with Aragorn and Faramir! (Yes, I'm a fan of L/G slash - I appreciate the nod.) I can't wait to see what comes next. :-D -venus
Dairwendan · 14 May 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
Oh what a terrible place to stop! ;) I am truly enjoying this story, and i can't wait to read more! I love your characterizations of Legolas and Gimli! Thanks! Dairwendan
elliska · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
Getting caught up on my reading...I loved Gimli in the stronghold in this. And that last line--poor Gimli! Thranduil means well and it must tear him apart to think that after all he has endured, he might lose Legolas to the sea, but I bet both Legolas and Gimli will have something to say about his comment!
Lyn · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
You are one of my favorite authors...hope to see the last chapter of Mirrors of the Mind as well as the completion of To Follow An Elf. I wonder at Thranduil's statement that Gimli serves to remind Legolas of the sea. This is not true, of course, for the "sea longing" began when Legolas first heard the call of a sea gull and will remain until he reaches Valinor. No one "reminds" him of the sea. If anything, Gimli's presence would distract him from this and provide a way to enjoy remaining in Arda. Oh, well. Just one suggestion: [...kept in bay only by the presence of my people.] I always thought the expression was, "kept AT bay" ...meaning, something kept far enough away that one was safe from it, as if "bay" was a mythical place far away where one could keep "danger" so as to remain safe "here". Your writing talent is greatly admired.
Aislynn Crowdaughter · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
Another wonderful chapter! So Dinimlad is jealous and thinks that *he* should have been the one to gain all the honor of the Quest... too bad. Now he is grubling and forever of the opinion he would have done better than Legolas.... But I doubt he would have gone that well along with Aragorn, Boromir, the Hobbits and especially Gimli, with that attitude of his. Elrond knew what he was doing! And the last note, Thranduils hope that if Gimli goes away, the Sea-Longing will go away, is nothing than wishful thinking. As Thranduil should well know. But well, maybe he thinks if Gimli goes away, at least he can have a year or two with Legolas alone, until gis son succumbs... he might not wish to share his son with the Dwarf if the time Legolas will still stay is short and precious. Anyway, I think Legolas himself will have to say something about this! Keep on the good work, and Cheers! Aislynn
Bodkin · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
I loved seeing Gimli getting to know the stone of the Stronghold and building his understanding of its creation. Legolas's letter was rather cute - I can just see him perching it on his friend's nose. And I see Thranduil's reasoning. Don't agree with it necessarily, but I can see why he thinks that closing the stable door might be helpful. The horse has bolted, though, and will not come back. I hope Gimli doesn't simply head off home - and leave Legolas bewildered and even more lost. Hopefully Nasseryn will be able to see further than the rest of her family.
Kitty · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 10: On His Own
*glares disbelievingly at the last lines* One moment! That’s complete nonsense, and Thranduil should know it. As if the sea-longing would vanish as soon as Gimli leaves Eryn Lasgalen! I can understand Thranduil dreads the moment his son sails for Valinor, but *that* is wishful thinking and nothing more. He only insults Gimli, who doesn’t deserve that! I truly wonder what Gimli will say! Other than that, I love the way how Gimli explored this place. It seems a very ‚dwarvish’ way to do it, and his visions of earlier times were intriguing. Can't wait for more!
Silivren Tinu · 25 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Here I am finally, and feeling very much like a snail. :P I didn't finish my Teitho fic, and I lost my internet connection for some days. *grumbles* Oh, my poor elf! *huggles distraught Legolas* There is nothing worse but to feel alone while being among your family and kin, it must hurt him so. And it is true that perhaps no one is able to fully understand what he feels. *sigh* Still, I hope that Gimli will be able to comfort him somehow, and I'm really glad that Gimli is there with him. It would have been so much worse for Legolas to be really alone now. *huggles elf and dwarf* Their friendship is beautiful. I really loved Legolas' and Gimli's secret way of communicating, I've had such signs too with a best friend I once had (and I'm not good at remembering names, too ;-). I'd like to lock Derinsul away somewhere. *glares* I have to say I like Thranduil more and more with each chapter. :) "Gimli had discovered that it was another thing both Elves and Dwarves had in common- that they could exchange words for an interminable length of time without once saying anything at all." - I think most people I know are either Elves or Dwarves. ;-) I loved the way you put that. Poor Legolas. It doesn't look as if he will be very happy in Eryn Lasgalen. I wish Gimli wouldn't have to leave, or they could leave together. Well, I'll see what the nice friendly author has in store for my favourite elf and dwarf. ;-) I loved this chapter, and I'm already looking forward to the next one! Hugs, Tinu :)
Author's reply
Oh, you poor dear! *hugglesmuch* I do hope I get to see this would-be Teitho fic anyway. Just because you miss a deadline doesn't mean a story isn't worth reading :-) And eeek about the loss of internet- I've missed you online. Yes, I'm glad Gimli's there with him too. Now he's going off without his Dwarven friend, and we'll see the result of that in a few chapters' time. LOL, yes my best friend and I developed our own language (code words, really) over our years in High School. And I'm wondering if I'm portraying Derinsul a little too negatively, but he really is just a soppy big brother deep inside. I know what you mean :-) Too many of my friends like to talk, but without really communicating anything of value. Funny you should say that, as I have two alternative endings for this story now. I am endavouring to explain why Legolas, in the end, decided to go to Ithilien. Thank you so much for your lovely review, sweetie! It's what inspires me to continue writing *glomps*
Aislynn Crowdaughter · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Beautiful. I adore this story in so many ways. Legolas sadness at the end is very intense, and his and Gimli's exchange - the recognition that the ring has marked them all- very poignant. There is that saying: he who comes home after along journey will not go back to his old hiome, but will make his home strange. That is what Legolas is experiencing here, and you describe it very good. The family situation is also very believable. I loved two parts especially: "forestalling what promised to become a kin-strangling at least..." (snort, very apt, and very honorable reaxction from Gimli - and from Thranduil- there) and Derinsul's only hearing Legolas' forgiving tone, not really hrearing his words.Elder siblings can be so annoying and believing they know it all better, sometimes... I also loved the description of the two fractions of the Elves in the hall out of Gimli's sight. Again you have managed to bing this Mirkwood reralm to life very grippingly and marvellously, here. Thank you for sharing! Aislynn
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words, sweets! I'm so glad that you can understand what I'm writing about. And that is a beautiful saying! Who did it come from? And I'm using that elder sibling thing that you spotted to increase the angst later on. I'm greatly heartened by your words, especially as Mirkwood has been redone by so many talented authors countless times. I hope you will continue to enjoy the rest of the story! PS- Sorry, but are you in the LOTR Fanatics Plaza? You have the same name as someone I know.
Kitty · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Well, I see my scepsis was not without reason, as the disdain of some elves shows. It’s quite intriguing to watch the elves and their reactions throug Gimli’s eyes. Our dear dwarf has now an insight in elves which is quite unique for his race, I suspect. The way he discerned the different groups was very perceptive. And his way of wordless conversation with Legolas was fun. Slashreaders would misinterpret the batting of eyelashes! *grin* Are you surprised to hear I don’t like Derinsul? Arrogant brat. I hope he got a *very* serious tongue-lashing from his father. Was it deliberate Gimli called him only ‚Master’ Derinsul, not ‚Prince’ or at least ‚Lord’ Derinsul? “It is a terrible thing for a son to return home and find that he has become wiser than his elders, and yet is forced to remain the youngest son.” How true! And I suppose that is something that can be said particularly of Pippin, too, who is still not of age, but has experienced more than his whole family can imagine. All of the Fellowship have changed, I think, and it is difficult for them to fit again in their former lives, no matter if their homes have changed, too, or not.
Author's reply
Showing Mirkwood through Gimli's eyes seemed like a good idea at the start, but it is making some things difficult, and I have to consider the things that Legolas may not have told him about. Of course, he's a very intelligent Dwarf, and he has been spending an awful lot of time around an Elf. *giggles* Yes, the eyelash batting was actually a friendly nod towards the legion of Legolas/Gimli slash writers out there. L/G is actually one of my squicks, but I have read some very good stories that have that element. Awww, he's a protective older brother, really ^_^ Hmmmm, I actually hadn't noticed that *raises eyebrow at Gimli* Looks like our Dwarf is developing some political savvy of his own! Strangely enough, Pippin also came to mind when I was writing that. I love Hobbit stories, though I don't really write them myself, but they do emphasize how the Quest would have changed the Fellowship. Your words are spot-on what I'm trying to convey! Thank you so much, sweets, and I hope you continue to like the story.
elliska · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Great chapter! I really love political exchanges like this and I thought this was particularly well written. You did a great job showing the different factions in a variety of ways (images and words etc) but most importantly, I loved seeing Legolas's reaction to it. Clearly you are building to Legolas's decision to go Ithilien with or without anyone's approval and I think you are doinga great job of it. I thoroughly enjoyed this chap.
Author's reply
Squee, thank you very much, dear! Yes, I am exploring the reasons that could have compelled Legolas to set up his own colony in Ithilien. It was a bit tricky figuring out how to show Mirkwood's political factions through the eyes of a Dwarf, but fortunately Gimli is very perceptive and getting quite used to Elves ^_^
Bodkin · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Goodness, but Derinsul is a pain. And, as the Heir of Mirkwood, he should know better - not need to be taken off by his father for a dressing down. I can see Legolas finding himself very much out of place. It takes time to settle back into your old life, even if you want to. He has seen other things, done other deeds, found new friends, changed - and come back to a changed wood. Love the coded messages between the elf and dwarf. Although Gimli might want to watch the fluttering eyelashes. People might get the wrong idea!
Author's reply
Though he looks strong on the outside, Derinsul's actually quite insecure ;-) He still thinks Legolas is the little Elfling toddling around the place, and unfortunately Legolas loves him too much to be as harsh as he needs to be in order to correct this perception. But eventually both of them will have to face what Legolas has become. *giggles* Well I couldn't go very far without adding something cheeky and funny to the narrative, and I remembered that my friends and I have developed a secret language of sorts over our years together. Plus, it was a friendly nod towards L/G slash writers out there. I don't read L/G, myself, but I know that there are some very well-written stories out there.
Lyn · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Green, Green Grass of Home
You are one of my favorite authors because of your choice of characters' speech and actions and the skill of your writing. Just one suggestion: that Legolas left his duty to his people in order to taking up.... I believe it should be "in order to take up ...." And some comments: I have not read all of Tolkien's works, but I do recall dwarves sneaked into Thingol's and Melian's kingdom, killing elves, in order to steal their Silmaril. I think that was the one which Beren and Luthien stole back from Morgoth. Anyway, I believe there were several tales of actual battles between elves and dwarves and treachery involved too, so the ill feeling between the two races was not based on myth. However, the prejudice would occur when an elf and a dwarf met. It would take a great person to put aside beliefs and look clearly at the other, to judge fairly the other's words and actions. That is why the friendship of Gimli and Legolas is so wonderful. (Celebrimbor and Narvi being the only other instance in recorded history). In later chapters, you have women as warriors (the Captain of all the forces). I do not accept women as warriors in the Tolkien world, but IF such had been the case, you have created a very fine character that is quite believable. Your writing is rich, believable, and very enjoyable.
Author's reply
Thank you for pointing that out, sweets! I know there are a few more spelling/ grammar mistakes floating about, which I shall fix soon. No, no, I was not trying to imply that the emnity between Elves and Dwarves was based purely on myth. Though the Elves didn't like Dwarves anyway, from their first encounters of them. "Ever cool was the friendship between the Naugrim and the Eldar..." (pg. 100). On the other hand, the Dwarves also came to the aid of the Elves in the Fifth Battle of Beleriand, saving the Noldor from being obliterated by Glaurung and the other dragons. But yes, you're right, generally an Elf and Dwarf would not be immediate friends at first meeting, and there are a number of wonderful stories about how they became friends somewhere between Rivendell and Lorien. Thank you, I understand your viewpoint and I was actually expecting the non-acceptance of female warriors to crop up sooner. Nasseryn is an OC that grew over the course of the chapter, and I'm delighted that you like her. I based a lot of her on Eowyn (particularly her sense of pride and honour) and Galadriel (the strongest female Elf canon character). I'm very grateful for your kind words and detailed review, and I really hope you continue to read my story :-)
Lyn · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Excellent! So well written. I envy you! Just one comment...why do so many fanfic authors believe Thranduil's wife and Legolas' mother is dead? Tolkien never mentioned the women at home because he had a tale to tell and could not be bogged down with mentioning "everyone". Men and Elves and Dwarves kept their beloved treasures at home, where they were safe...the women caring for the children, who needed their mother. Only Elrond's wife, Celebrian, was mentioned as having sailed to the Valar because of the horrors of captivity by orcs, even though Elrond had healed her physical wounds. *sigh* Perhaps someday someone will casually mention that Legolas' mother is alive and well...just not making headlines in the Elvish newspaper. Thank you again for a wonderful story! Your skill with words is outstanding.
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you very much, dear! I know what you mean, but I have come across a number of stories with a living Mummy of Legolas (though I think they're all slash). I had several reasons for not having her in my story- there are aspects of Legolas and his siblings' emotional development that will be attributed to the loss of their mother; I wanted to minimize the number of OCs I make for this story, because it is already necessary for me to make so many; and Tolkien actually did mention a number of important women who nevertheless stayed at home (I'm thinking about the Rohirrim and the Hobbits, in particular). Anyway, it just made sense for this story. In a slash story I'm planning, however, I do have her alive and well, because in that story Thranduil needs someone to balance him. But I do know what you're getting at; stories with Thranduil having a living and present wife are few in number. I hope you continue to like this story! PS- Thank you for reviewing Mirrors in FF.Net, as well! I would've replied, but it was unsigned. FF.Net has been a big headache for a long time, but I will try my best to correct the formatting,
Lyn · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Lianna · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Very interesting chapter. I'm beginning to see the logic of Legolas founding a long-term settlement in Ithilien instead of just bringing some elves to Minas Tirith for a year or two to help with the restoration. He can't really go home again. Home has changed. He has changed. Things that never bothered him before certainly bother him now. And he's not entirely welcome at home, either. I cannot help but wonder, though, why Gimli chose to permanently make his home away from his own people. It's an even bigger decision for him than for Legolas. For Legolas, who probably already realizes that he's eventually going to sail to Valinor, a century or so in Ithilien is only a short span of time. But for Gimli, a century in Aglarond is basically the rest of his life. Why did he choose it? Perhaps Gimli will tell us -- through you.
Author's reply
Yes, one of the things I hoped to explore in this story is why Legolas would go and set up a colony in Ithilien. You certainly hit the mark there! Ah, yes, that is another thing that will eventually come out. Though not necessarily in this story, at least not in its entirety. For guess where the sequel would be? Gah, I really need to finish this first, though! But you've mentioned something that I never really gave much thought to, before. I shall ask Gimli about it :-) Thank you very much, sweets. *hugs*
Dreamflower · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Unseen Battles
Wow! This is such a subtle chapter, showing the factions of Thranduil's court beginning to assert themselves. I really liked Gimli's observations, based mostly on the differences between the "neat" Elves and the "battle-worn" ones. Very interesting indeed, and it makes me wonder about them--why have those particular Elves not seen battle, and why they seem to "have it in" for Legolas? Derinsul seems to be somewhat clueless. Being Thranduil's oldest son, he ought to know how his father would react to any discourtesy to a guest in his hall, or to disparagement of his younger brother in public. I know this is Gimli's POV, but I would very much like to see that encounter between him and his father. I am quite sure that being reamed by Thranduil would be a, shall we say, learning experience? I want to hear some of those Dwarven tales as well. And I just love the little signals that Gimli and Legolas have cooked up between them. The talk at the end was very telling. Like the hobbits returning to the Shire, these two as well are going to find "going home" has a whole 'nother meaning than they would first imagine...very poignant! Well done! And I look forward to more!
Author's reply
*glompies* Figuring out how to show the political factions in Mirkwood through Gimli was a bit tricky, so I'm heartened to know that you like it. I'm of the opinion that just about all Elves in Mirkwood are probably capable of taking up arms, but of course there will always be those who do not do so unless as a last resort, and they'd be the ones in charge of the administrative details of the kingdom. Their slight animosity will be explained soon, unless my muse decides to throw up a plot twist or two *g* Derinsul is driven my forces deeper than what one would originally assume. He did go a bit too far there, though, didn't he? Awww, maybe I'll write an out-take of that encounter? I think I need to see it, too, in order to decide what he'll do next. Me too! It was strange, after writing that I kept envisioning what the battles would be like *has an image of Gimli telling them to ickle Hobbitlings in front of the fire in Bag End, and the Hobbits insisting that Merry, Pippin and Sam act it out* Thank you so much, dear! Considering your stories basically gave me the "going home" theme, it's an honour to learn that you like my Legolas and Gimli version of it :-)
Wantanefl · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Green, Green Grass of Home
Just when I think I've found all the great stories on Arda I stumble across another gem. This is wonderful. I can just picture Gimli and Legolas in my mind as you write them. I'll review again soon. Right now I have five more chapters to read!!!
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you! I do love those two, though poor Gimli has not got nearly as much coverage as Legolas. I hope you enjoy the other chapters :-)
Silivren Tinu · 12 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Telling a Better Tale
"where beer had as much chance of ending up on the walls as in someone’s stomach (sometimes going by the latter before the former)" - *chuckle* I will have to remember that if I ever invite a dwarf to a meal! LOL. Oh, I can really sympathize with Gimli - I would *hate* to be in a situation like that! *hides unobtrusively under table* Very interesting to meet Derinsul again and learn more about him in a time before "Mirro´rs in the Mind" - I nearly suspected he would not be exactly welcoming towards Gimli. *g* "Thranduil strode inside in all his Kingly glory." - LOL! I nearly hear some trumpets in the background, though I think *this* king does not need more than a bell to announce him. I liked your description of him, once again. ;-) "This annoyed Gimli, for in his opinion a din should sound like a din, not a multi-part musical composition!" - *choke* This is priceless! (And I love your new icon and the quote that goes with it!) :D I shouldn't read this chapter before lunch - God, I'm hungry now!!! "spent the next few minutes attempting to separate his jaws when the innocuous dessert turned out to be a particularly vicious piece of confection that stuck his jaws together" - ROTFL!!! I'm worried now, too - how will the other elves *glares at Dinimlad* react to that tale? *taps fingers on tabletop* Another wonderful, tasty (I'm sooo hungry!) chapter, I loved it! I can't wait for the next one! :) And now excuse me - I have to pester a certain dwarf about "some highly amusing anecdotes and approximately one hundred ways to provoke an Elf"... LOL. Tinu :)
Author's reply
LOL, well if you're inviting a Dwarf over for dinner, perhaps *under* the table is not be the safest place to be ^_^ I was actually very uncertain about putting Derinsul in this, but a friend of mine asked to see him in this, so I obliged :-) Unfortunately there may be some incongruities, because my idea of him has changed from Mirrors. But we'll see :-) LOL *gets a very strange bunny entitled 'Thranduil's Bell'* :-P *giggles* Thanks, though I daresay I misquoted myself *blushes* ROFL, blame our resident Hobbit authors for my descriptions of food. Mind you, Gimli's hungry too, which may be why he paid so much attention to them ;-) And the innocuous dessert thing is sort of similar to my experiences with toffee. Hahahaa, thanks for stopping by, sweets!
Kitty · 12 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Telling a Better Tale
Love the beginning! “You are braver than many Elves I know, Master Gimli, to follow a Wood-Elf into the very heart of his home; even more so, with the Elf’s father being Thranduil.” This from an elf ...! LOL! And I love the description of the hall and Gimli's thoughts about the tapestries! he wondered if the custom had been put into place so that there would be something left for the King to eat when he got there. Why does this precaution remind me of the hobbits? *grin* Now the elves of Mirkwook have heard the tale. Can't wait what they will say and how they will react. Don't know why, but somehow I'm a bit suspicious ...
Author's reply
Hehee, well at least Gimli knows he's got friends :-D LOL, now that you've mentioned it, I wonder if I had Hobbits in mind when I wrote it. Of course, Gimli is speaking from his point of view; certainly Elves would not be so rude as to deprive their King of supper :-P Suspicious? Hmmm, I have to wonder what about, but guess we'll see whether your suspicions are true or not :-) In any case, I can only hope to not disappoint. Thank you!
Silivren Tinu · 12 January 2006 · Chapter 7: A Pleasant Conversation
*blinks* Do my eyes deceive me or are there *two* more chapters by now? *sighs happily and plunges in* LOL! I loved the humour in that chapter: "if it might be more conducive to his continued existence to pretend inertness for a little while longer", the entire part about soft mattresses *giggles at thought that Gimli is eaten alive by his mattress* and the very interesting conversation between Gimli and Legolas while the dwarf was writing that chapter.(I wonder what Gandalf did to the poor elf afterwards?) I think Dúathfel was quite lucky that Gimli's injuries were not serious - I don't want to know what Legolas would have done to him otherwise. O_O I hope he stays on cellar duty for quite some time. As in the last chapter, I really like Gimli and Nasseryn together, I think they are very similar in character or spirit. I also liked Gimli's concern and his insight's about his friendship with Legolas (I always love these details about their friendship :). The information about dwarven custom was also very interesting, and it shows once more the differences and difficulties those two are facing in their friendship. It was very gracious of Gimli not to mention it to Legolas, he would undoubtedly have been very remorseful. ;-) Just one thing, you used italics for both Gimli's and Legolas' conversation in the present *and* for Gimli's thoughts in the past. This could be a bit confusing - perhaps you could use horizontal lines or something to indicate happenings in the present?! It's not really important, though. Well, I absolutely enjoyed this chapter and will no go on and read the next! *rubs hands* Tinu :)