Parting Gifts by Fiondil
Reviews (19)
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Tigger
· 7 September 2012
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
I can't believe this is the first time I've read this story of yours, but I LOVED it!! Also gave me some badly needed...Solace is the word I'm looking for I guess.
My Dad is not very good and has gone down rather fast in the last six months. Mom's way of dealing w/things is not facing them and considering my own health issues, is the last thing she needs to be doing right now. However, she won't listen to me and my much older Half Sister is doing the human impersonation of an Ostrich whenever I try to get her you know what over here to try and get Mom to face reality.
Anyway...It's certainly made me think of a lot the last few months and between the way Tolkien wrote about facing death as the Gift to Men and then your stories on what ends up happening after w/this small series of our favourite characters, not to mention your take on Namo, has helped.
Hannon le Mellon Nin. ((((HUGS))))
Author's reply
Hi Tigger. Well, as they say, better late than never. I'm glad you discovered this story and loved it. I'm sorry to hear about your family situation. It's tough when someone is dying and the rest of the family is unable to face the fact. Both my parents' deaths were relatively brief and there was no lingering about. I'm glad that reading this story (and my others) has helped you through this difficult time. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it very much. Many hugs back.
6336
· 5 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
I can't belive it has been over 18 months since you wrote this and it is still sniffle worthy!
Hope Olorin has been able to help Legolas find some friends, Gilvigor would be a good start also Haldir and Wilwarin(sp?).
Oh well off to coax Mischief in and then to bed, one more day and I am off for two whole weeks, yay!!!
Nite, nite,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm glad this story still has sniffle power. *lol* I'm sure Olórin will be very helpful in finding new friends for Legolas. I've often thought I'd like to write a longer piece describing Legolas' attempts at putting aside his grief. My Tapestry story where he is carving out Gimli's tomb was a sort of beginning. I may eventually take that story and expand on it. We'll have to see. So many stories... so little time.... *grin*
Have a good two weeks off. Thanks for reviewing (again). I appreciate it.
Ces
· 5 February 2008
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
"I always knew he was special, Aulë," Námo said with a smile, "otherwise I would not have seconded your request to allow Gimli to come to Tol Eressëa with Thranduilion."
Gimli blinked a second time at that revelation, then decided he really did not want to know the details.
He may not want to know them, but I would sure love to hear of the conversation between the Valar! (shamelessly begging for a story on that!)
What a sad day for Legolas. Now it's just he and Mithrandir left. Thank goodness he will have all his friends, as well as Námo and the others looking after him.
Gimli shy! Of course Galadriel would want his gift. That was so sweet but at the same time you keep Gimli in character - gruff to the end.
I'd love to see you write more of Legolas!
This story ranks up there as one of your best.
Author's reply
Well, maybe there's a story there and maybe not. Only the Muse knows for sure. *grin*
I may write more about Legolas someday, perhaps even tell about how he adjusts to life in Aman after Gimli dies, but that's for the future and I have other stories I'm writing at the moment.
I'm glad you like this story. It's one of my favorites, too. Thanks for reviewing.
artistic sprite
· 13 November 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
That was great!!!!!! Do you think you can write a story about what goes on in Aman after Gimli's death? You know, something like what Bodkin wrote? I'll like to see how Legolas tried to fit into Finrod and Ingwe's court! I wonder what the Vanyar will think about Legolas's golden hair?
Author's reply
Oh no! Not ANOTHER plot bunny!! LOL. Glad you liked this little story, sprite. Perhaps someday I'll write about Legolas' adventures in the Undying Lands after Gimli's death. No promises, though.
Kitty
· 28 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
Sorry, I’m terribly late in reviewing.
This was sad, but touching and left me crying. Poor Legolas. Of course he should find friends among his own folk, but still ... it is touching how devoted he was to the mortal friend(s) he knew he had to lose finally, though it meant so much sorrow for him. How touching that Gimli was so worried about him that he made sure Legolas would not be alone after he died. Well, after he spent all the time with Gimli, he can go on to make new friends with a good conscience.
Gimli’s gift for Galadriel was so sweet – considering the long enmity between the races, it was particularly poignant that he wanted her to have some reminder of him. And I think she brought the perfect farewell gift for him. What a great honour for Gimli to meet Finrod and the two kings at last!
Author's reply
I imagine Gimli was afraid that Legolas would possibly fade once he was gone, fearing that Legolas would not "fit in", as it were, with the other elves of Valinor. His "gift" of Olórin was the only way he coud assure himself that his friend would be well looked after once he died.
And Gimli's gift, I think, was very apropos. And Galadriel's final gift to him, of course, was equally so, especially in the meeting of Finrod, Friend to both Dwarves and Men.
Thanks for reviewing, Kitty. i really appreciate it.
daw the minstrel
· 26 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
Lovely story, with elves and dwarf in character. The talk about gifts was very moving. They've been giving one another gifts for years now, but these last ones are what they can hold on to for a while until they're reunited beyond the circles of the world.
Author's reply
Thanks daw, I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know what you thought of this story. It was important for them both to leave final gifts, especially Gimli and his gifts, knowing that Legolas was going to need help after his (Gimli's) death.
obsidianj
· 26 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
Oh, this is lovely. I think you captured Gimli perfectly. I loved his idea of giving his hair to Galadriel. Had a nice symmetry.
Author's reply
Thanks, osidinanj. I'm glad you think I captured Gimli perfectly. I've never written anything with Gimli before (although I have written about dwarves) and wanted to makes sure I got him right. I thought his gift was very apropos, myself.
Linda Hoyland
· 26 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
This was very moving. I'm so glad Galadriel came.
Author's reply
Thnnks Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. And I'm glad Galadriel came, too, though I can't imagine her *not* coming to bid her favorite dwarf farewell. *grin*
Alquawende
· 25 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
I liked how you wrote of Gimli dying. Not that I'm glad he's dying of course! The symbolism in here is perfect. With the three strands of hair that he gives to Galadriel. It reminds me of when she refused Feanaro's plead three times to give him some of her locks and when she gave Gimli three of her locks when the Fellowship left Lorien. I don't usually read fics with Legolas, for fear of crazy fans writing it, but this one is an exception. Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Hi Alquawendë. I'm glad you liked the story. I thought the symbolism of the three strands of hair apropos to the whole Gimli-Galadriel-Fëanor connection. I never realized the significance of her gift to Gimli of course until I read the Silmarillion (like the rest of us, I imagine). And I'm not a crazy fan of any of the charcters from LOTR or elsewhere in ME, just a fan who likes to write about them. Thanks for reviewing.
MithLuin
· 24 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
Beautiful! *sigh*
Though this reminds me, I owe you my story ;).
Author's reply
Really? *grin* Well I look forward to reading it when you finish it. Glad you liked *this* story.
6336
· 24 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
Oh, nice. I have always known that Legolas and Gimli had a special bond, I think Legolas has been a surogate son for Gimli in some ways. Was Gimli ever married? I know there is a derth of female Dwarfs, so maybe not, not much is known of his early life any way, so who knows!
Gimli always has had a 'thing' for Galadrial, it was good that she was able to see him one last time.
How caring of Gimli to make sure that Legolas would be taken care of when he was gone.
All in all a very nice fic.
More please,
6336
Author's reply
Thank you for you review. I appreciate it very much and I'm glad you liked the story. No, not much is known about Gimli's life, either before or after the Ring War. Much that we read about him in fanfic is pure speculation. Still, we know enough about him personality-wise to be able to write about him and his friendship with Legolas. There may be more such stories in the future but that depends on what my muse has in mind. *grin*
ellie
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
what a sad yet hopeful tale! So light hearted yet tinged with sorrow at the impending parting. Loved the 11th hour meeting with the kings and the wondrous meeting with the Valar. you write a wonderfully playful gimli and leggy. I'm impressed with your feel for the resident dwarf's personality. very nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks ellie, I'm glad you liked how I portrayed Gimli and Legolas. I've not written a story about Gimli before and wasn't sure if I"d gotten him right. I"m gratified to know that I did.
Pearl Took
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
This was a wonderful, beautiful and touching story. I cried through a good deal of it. Thank you so much for giving Gimli such a wonderful death. I loved his gift to Galadriel, it was perfect!
Author's reply
Thanks Pearl, I'm glad you enjoyed this story. I thought Gimli's gift to Galadriel was most appropriate and consistent with his character and the way he felt about her.
Agape4Gondor
· 22 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
I love your 'dying' tales and yet find them so very sad. I just love what companionship you show between the two... the gifts were wondrous... especially Gimli's to Legolas... dear Gandalf, er, Olorin - babysitting again! LOL
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you liked this and all my other 'dying' tale, however sad. And Olórin babysitting, or in this case, elf-sitting, is what he does best, so he'll be in his element. *grin*
Elflingimp
· 22 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
Alls I can say is aw!!!
Author's reply
Thanks Elflingimp, I'm glad you enjoyed this tale.
Dreamflower
· 22 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
This was quite beautiful. The friendship between Legolas and Gimli was a remarkable and amazing thing--and for Legolas, well, most of his dearest friends had been mortal.
Now only he and Gandalf are left of the Fellowship.
I really loved the concern Gimli had for leaving Legolas behind--he wanted to take as much care of him as he could beforehand.
Very well done!!
Author's reply
Thanks Dreamflower. I appreciate your review. Legolas, I think, will have a hard time adjusting to not having any mortal friends, but I have no doubt that in time and with the help of people like Olórin, Finrod and the Valar, he'll adjust. That was Gimli's main concern — that Legolas might fade rather than learn to live without his mortal friends.
mistry89
· 21 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
I tend to avoid fics after The Sailing - they make me sad. This one brought a huge lump to my throat, but there is some happiness beyond that.
I do like the point being made that Legolas has not mingled much with others since arrival, which makes sense given that Gimli had a clock ticking.
Thank you!
Author's reply
Well, I'm glad you read this tale anyway, even if it did make you sad. Partings are always sad, whether for a short time or forever. I'm sure even Gimli found it hard, but was better at hiding it than Legolas. No doubt knowing that Gimli did not have much time, Legolas was reluctant to leave his side for any length of time.
Larner
· 21 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
I sort of put off reading this elsewhere so as to read it here, and wish now I hadn't. A wise Dwarf indeed, our Gimli son of Gloin. I've read one other in which he had completed his own tomb before offering himself up that was delightful, but this is so--so Gimli, somehow, complete to the worrying about the twin gift of his own from the Lady that he completed for her, and his concern that without help Legolas might fade at his own passing.
Wonderful!
Author's reply
Hi Larner! Well, wherever you ended up reading it, I'm glad you did and that you enjoyed it. Yes, Gimli is a wise dwarf indeed and I tried to convey that as well as his dwarfishness that is alien to the elvishness of the other characters. Thanks for reviewing.
Nieriel Raina
· 21 October 2007
· Chapter 1: Parting Gifts
I already told you how much I loved this, even if it made me sob like a baby. Wonderful look at these two, especially Gimli, who holds a special place in my heart. I'm glad to see it posted here. Off to add it to my favs.
NiRi
Author's reply
Yes, I already know how you feel about this story, don't I? *LOL*. Glad you liked it anyway.