Reviews of Of Rowan and Ruin

Estel_Mi_Olor · 20 September 2012 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Oh dear...I'm still crying... Thundera, that was so beautiful! There is no greater test of friendship (I think) than sharing grief and mourning together, as you beautifully portrayed Legolas and Gimli doing so. I really can't say anymore; truly speechless. I have to admit though I haven't yet worked up the courage to read your other fic "Beyond This World" because I know I'm going to cry my eyes out for that one. There is something inherently sad in your subject matter, but then the real ending of the Fellowship forever is just so...sad. I feel that of all the questions Tolkien never answered this particular one about the ultimate fate of our beloved characters is pretty overwhelming. Yes, I'll stop now before I get any more wrapped up in death and dying ; ) Please keep writing!

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. It was an odd one to write, but once underway, it really did polish itself off. As for this subject matter being sad...well, I like the bittersweet in Tolkien. There's something achingly wonderful about the fact that victory wasn't accomplished without sacrifice. And that no matter how much we may it, happily-ever-after comes with a price. I like exploring how various characters paid that price and what their response to it was. I think Gimli and Legolas faced a most unusual version of that price in what their friendship did both to one another and to those around them. To me, it says something that they left together with no mention of any others. Thank you again!

wantanelf · 28 April 2012 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

I just had a great cry reading your beautiful story. It made me reflect on those I have loved and lost. The friendship between Legolas and Gimli makes me smile and laugh and cry, and makes me appreciate my friends and family more. Thank you for another great story.

obsidianj · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

This is a beautiful story. I love it. The Rowan tree as the anchor of the friendship between Legolas and Gimli and as symbol of the passing and changing of time really pulled the different scenes together. You gave a great explanation of how it came that Gimli left his folk and sailed with Legolas. He had nothing to lose.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad you felt that the rowan tree was an appropriate symbol. It was an experiment in writing for me, but it seems to have worked. And I'm glad the decision to sail felt plausible. By that point, it was really the only decision that could be made and still be in keeping with who the characters had become. Thank you again!

curiouswombat · 7 November 2009 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Such a beautifully written piece, this - by the time I reached the end I genuinely had tears in my eyes. This is not to say that the end is sad - the last notes, like those of a good piece of music, were perfectly uplifting. The whole story is a joy to read; to achieve this mixture of emotions, of humour, hope and angst is the work of a master craftsman - thank you Thundera.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad that you felt it had many different emotions. I didn't think friendship should be exclusive to either happiness or angst, but I wasn't sure how clearly that came across in the story itself. So it was very good to hear that you caught that and felt it appropriate. By the way, I saw the review you left over at the MEFAs and am getting around to sending out thank you notes for those. But until that time, I wanted to say "thanks" over here, too. So thank you again! I very much appreciate the feedback!

Anoriel Bragollach · 15 June 2009 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Beautiful symbolism between the rowan and Legolas and Gimli's lives in Middle Earth. I think I moistened my keyboard . . . ~AB

Mysterious Jedi · 22 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Excellent story. The portrayal of their friendsip through time was very artistic. The characterizations were excellent and realistic.

docmon · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

It's taken me entirely too long to write this review. This story is deserving of much better treatment! This story at once is a wonderful series of peeks into pivotal moments in the lives of Legolas and Gimli, while showing through those peeks the development of their friendship, with the growth of the Rowan tree as the vehicle. I think the interludes of the Rowan worked well, showing us the latest to happen to the tree, and foreshadowing what would soon come to pass in the lives of the dwarf and elf. It helped too to handle the passage of time. Very adept handling of emotions, which were intense at times. Overall a very enjoyable piece, one that will give the reader a real sense of how these two ended up sailing off into the west together. Yay for Thundera once again!

Author's reply

Hey Docmon! Well, it's taking me entirely too long to reply to your last email, so I'd say we're even. :) I'm working on that, by the way. Anyway, thank you so much for the review! I wouldn't have had the courage to post this piece without your input and encouragement, so you really deserve much of the credit. And I'm glad you think the episodic nature works and that the rowan interludes act well to create the illusion of time. As always, you're a huge help. Thank you again!

Bakoneko · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Oh, this was beautiful. I'm always guaranteed to love your stories, and this is no exception. Beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you.

Author's reply

You're very welcome, and thank you so much for reviewing!

perelleth · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Wonderfuly done. I particularly liked the viison of these two as dwindling reminders of a past ready to be forgotten as progress spreads beyond the race of MEn and their own peoples assume their own dwindling and retreat into protective stances, so they are left adrifs, like a couple of old mathoms until decide to sail. A beautiful read.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review! I love the imagery you've come up with. A couple of old mathoms, indeed! That's exactly the feeling I was hoping to get at because I think it would feed very well into the decision to go ahead and answer the call of the Sea. Thanks again!

illereyn · 14 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Hey Thundera Tiger! This is very well written: I love how you use the rowan as a symbol for Gimli's and Legolas' relationship, and the emotional arc of the story is very well constructed and timed. I never thought that the dwarves and elves might become more insular after the war, but you made that concept very realistic and plausible. I can't help but feel pity for all those who fought in the war though - mistrust and conflict arises from insularity, but it seems we never really learn from our mistakes!

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad you felt the timing and construction were on in this story. I was a little worried about that. Regarding the insular dwarves and elves... I rationalize it this way: The elves were already becoming isolationist before the end of the war. Both Gildor and Haldir make that clear, so it's not even just one division of elves. They're all doing it. Sauron's fall didn't really change that, but the resurgence of a new kingdom and Legolas colonizing an elven realm within that new kingdom put it on hold temporarily, but eventually, they reverted. Same thing with the dwarves except that they weren't withdrawing so much as they were dwindling. The HOME series hints at that, and while Gimli's colony in Aglarond masked the problem, it didn't solve it. So in the end, it was inevitable. ::shrugs:: That's my justification anyway. Thanks again!

utfrog · 13 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Made me cry this morning. This is a beautiful look at true friendship. The story in no way needs this, but perhaps a brief epilogue from Valinor under a rowan tree where they argue that they knew the sailing would be approved. Please nothing about Gimli's eventual death -those are too hard to read whereas this story ends in hope. Of course we know ALL are joined together again in the end days.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for your review! I'm glad it was able to prompt an emotional response. I take that as a huge compliment. Regarding a possible epilogue...well, part of the reason I ended it where I did was because I wanted to leave open the possibility that Legolas and Gimli did indeed sail to ruin. Tolkien doesn't tell us if they actually made it over the Sea. He only tells us that they sailed. So I'd rather leave that possibility open, because in my mind, it isn't a certainty. It's a risk that they both agree to take. But that's just me. Interesting idea, though, and if you really believe that they make it, it would certainly be an appropriate end. Thanks again!

Raksha The Demon · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Oh my. This has to be one of the best Legolas/Gimli stories I have ever seen, and one of the best by Thundera Tiger as well (which is saying a lot). Neither character is a favorite of mine, but this story is so powerful that it riveted me to the page, to the lives of the tree and the elf and the dwarf. (and I was pleased to see mention of the friendship between Legolas and Faramir; which is a natural consequence of their common interests and commitment to Ithilien) The gradual dwindling of Elves and Dwarves while Legolas and Gimli themselves grow more devoted to each other, is sad and rather beautiful at the same time. The anguish of watching one's mortal friends slip away into death - the hobbits, Eomer, Faramir and finally Aragorn, is heartbreakingly real. Remarkably well done!

Author's reply

Wow. I'm floored! Thank you so much, Raksha! That's a really complimentary review. I'm so glad you were able to get into two characters that weren't exactly your favorites. Pardon me while I try to deflate my ego! Anyway, I'm thrilled you liked it, and I'm relieved you liked the friendships that weren't in the spotlight as much. I personally think Faramir and Legolas would have formed a close working relationship at the very least. And I'm glad you liked the dwindling of both races. I wasn't sure I could pull that off in short snippets told over time, so I was grateful to hear your in put on it. Thanks again!

Elflingimp · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

It is hard for me to put into to words how I feel about this story,I haven't found too many that can portray these two as well as you can, this piece of work was absolutely beautiful from beginning to end and so painfull I could cry. Hugs The Imp

Author's reply

Thank you so much for this review. That's quite the compliment! Sorry about the tears, but I'm also taking that as a compliment, too. :) I'm glad this story was involving enough to get an emotional response. Thank you again!

Kara's Aunty · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Hello Thundera Tiger, this is a truly beautiful story. The relationship between Dwarf and Elf over the course of their time in Middle Earth was movingly portrayed. I found that I did not want to get to the next set of italicised script because it meant a further jump forward in years and less time with them both. Your use of the rowan tree as a symbol of not only Gimli and Legolas' friendship, but its own birth, growth and death reflected well the increasingly estranged relationship between Gimli and his kin and demonstrated how this impacted on their friendship; finally leading to the inevitable conclusion to journey across the Sea together and see what Fate awaited them together. A very poignant story - but then, you always write these two extremely well. M.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad you liked it, and I'm glad you felt the little subsections were interesting. Writing short things is not my strong point, so I was a little worried about whether or not I would do any of them justice. :) And I'm glad you liked the rowan tree. That was a bit of an experiment for me, so it's good to hear that it seems to have worked. Thank you so much again!

Elena Tiriel · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Ah, what a lovely tale of friendship over time, Thundera. The changes in their relationships with their own people were especially thought-provoking. And I loved the rowan tree - Gimli didn't have any idea what to do with it at first, but then came to truly appreciate it. The story left me with tears in my eyes. Very nicely done! - Barbara

Author's reply

Thank you so much for the review, Barbara! I'm glad you liked the story, and I'm even more excited that you liked the rowan tree. That was something I wasn't too certain of when writing and editing. Yes, Gimli did come to value the silly tree eventually, something that could be said of many other things in Gimli's life. And Legolas's life, too. Thank you again for the review!

Naledi · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Oh this was just beautiful - it actually moved me to tears in places. I loved how you chart the progression of Legolas and Gimli's friendship and I think the Rowan is the best tree to symbolise it, as a tree that thrives in the unlikeliest of places. This is definitely a tale that I'll be reading more than once.

Author's reply

Thank you for the review, Naledi! Sorry for the tears, but I'm actually glad this story prompted an emotional response. That's quite the compliment! And I'm glad you felt that there was a progression for the friendship between Legolas and Gimli. Given that this story takes place over such a long period of time, I worried about whether or not I was putting enough growth or change into the characters, so it's good to hear that there was at least enough for you to notice. :) Thanks again!

Larner · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Oh, how wonderful this is, Thundera Tiger. Together they will face the fates, and find the peace--or doom--offered them. And the little rowan tree has been a constant of this, mirroring the changes in their lives and the fates of their people throughout all. Marvelous story! I thank you for it from the bottom of my heart.

Author's reply

Many thanks for the review, Larner! I'm glad you caught many of the layers of symbolism in the rowan tree. I wasn't sure if the tree would help or hurt the story, so it was very good to hear your opinion on that! And kudos for catching the fact that their fate was left open at the end. I didn't want to resolve too much, because even in canon, we're not entirely sure that they made it. Anyway, thank you so much again for the review!

Dreamflower · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Oh my word! This is probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever read of Legolas and Gimli. So much, so very much you show of what they shared together over the decades, all of the things you do not tell are as clear as the things you do. I love the symbolism of the rowan tree--and the rowan was very significant in LotR--I think of Quickbeam's mournful song. And the wind, the wind that was "crisp" even when it did not blow. Such a friendship, so enduring. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Author's reply

Thank you ever so much, Dreamflower! I'm so grateful that you felt the friendship was clear and that their experiences together were also clear, even though we were jumping huge spans of time during the course of the story. That was something that made me a little nervous, and your words came as a relief. I'm glad you liked the symbolism of the rowan, too. I borrowed a little bit of the symbolism from old English folklore and the rest from LotR, so I'm glad you felt it worked. It was one of the ideas that sparked the fic in the first place. Thank you again! I always value your reviews!

Celeritas · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Valar, this was good. Death, deathlessness, detachment and reaction to the passage of time, and above all friendship, touched on with stark clarity. The increasing unease felt by both Legolas and Gimli as they found themselves the last relics of a dead age was simply beautiful, if such a thing can ever be said of unease. Don't be surprised if you get some reviews for your other stuff from me. I'm going to have to check it out.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for such a complimentary review. I'm glad you felt that the friendship's progression worked, and that the characters grew or changed in at least some respect. I was a little worried about that, to be honest. Over a century is a long time to be friends. Fortunately, I can cheat a little since it's an Elf and a Dwarf and neither is going to change the same way a Man or a Hobbit would, but even so, cheating can only take you so far. As a result, it made my day to hear you list off some of the things I'd been trying to portray. Thank you again!

shirebound · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

I have learned the power of your grief. I have learned that every time a loved one dies, a part of you dies with them. What a perceptive and honest thing to say. You've written the strength of their bond and friendship beautifully.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Shirebound! I'm glad you liked the story, and I'm glad you liked the honesty in that phrase. I figure that after so long, Gimli is going to be frank and upfront with his friend once he reaches the end of his rope. Thanks again!

Neilia · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Of Rowan and Ruin

Oh, My! This is the best Legolas and Gimli tale I have ever read! Your words had me enthralled from beginning to end. Hugs, Neilia

Author's reply

Thank you so much for such a kind review! I'm glad you liked the story and that you managed to stick with it from beginning to end. It's a long thing. :) Thanks again!

Reviews (21)