Jade · 17 July 2020 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
This story is both deep and intrinsically beautiful. I am an old fan of "Lord of the Rings" newly returned and your narratives are an incandescent delight to read.
Beyond the Mountain Passes by Thundera Tiger
Reviews (18)
MM · 12 August 2019 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
Wow, that was great! Gimli is often underestimated for the depth of his thoughts. A nice piece of friendship!
obsidianj · 15 January 2011 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
I love this story. Legolas and Gimli feel so real. I can see this happening. I never thought about how Gimli so readily overcame his promise to follow the Fellowship to the mountain passes. Lothlorien is way beyond the mountains. Legolas' concerns also feel true, and I can see the workings of the ring in him.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review! Tolkien says that dwarves were among the most resistant to the Rings, and I figured a discussion between Legolas would be a good place to showcase that, especially given the similarities between Legolas and Boromir. I also wanted to probe into the Fellowship and look for some of those weak links Galadriel implied. Even though Legolas was able to meet her gaze, I have a hard time believing part of that wasn't simply because he was also an elf. After all, his vulnerabilities were right on par with Boromir's. He just had the good fortune to make friends with a dwarf. :) Thanks again!
Aiwen · 17 March 2010 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
The tone works really well in this story. A short but powerful piece.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for the review! I'm glad you liked the tone and felt it added to the story's power. It was a challenge getting it there, and I have to give NiRi the credit. Fantastic beta work!
Ivy-Green · 14 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
That was a new take on things for me. I never read a fic where Legolas is feeling the shadow, at least not that strongly. Very good! And Gimli was so sweet in this! I felt bad for both of them, and yet they both made me smile. Very good!!
perelleth · 18 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
Nice gap-filler. I particularly liked Legolas' struggle. His forest really needed him, and he was aware that he could made a difference. And also Gimli's awareness that there was something wrong with the elf,preventing his temper to flare while he gave the other time and space. NIcely done.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review! I'm glad you could catch the perspectives of both elf and dwarf in this piece. It was told from Gimli's POV, but I tried to make him aware enough of Legolas that we could catch a glimpse of the elf's thinking. Thanks again for the review!
Celeritas · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
*muffled squee** So much is good about this. A rarely-filled gap (I think I've seen fic that implies that they were always planning on going all the way and only told Elrond otherwise "just in case"), excellent characterizations (I particularly liked the initial meditation on Elvish wandering versus Dwarvish purpose), and the provoking thought that Legolas could have been attracted to the Ring the same way Boromir was. And the idea of Khazad-dum as an object lesson (and the wholly canonical idea of it as the true home of the dwarves, yay!) fit in very nicely into the whole framework. It's definitely not what you'd see in an average fic, but it still fits into canon and expands its scope by bringing up ideas that most readers wouldn't think of on their own. Which is just what I like. So I would pressure you into writing more, but I know that time spent on a project and its final quality are directly proportional. Thank you for reminding me why I read fan fiction. *I'm supposed to be too intellectual for this sort of thing.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review, Celeritas! I'm very flattered. I'm thrilled you liked the characterizations and felt that the perspectives and ideas brought up could work in a canonical setting. I'm of the opinion that if Boromir hadn't made a grab for the Ring when he did, someone else would have eventually. I'm not saying that someone would be Legolas, but it's unrealistic to me to ignore the fact that the Ring draws everyone. And I've always felt that Legolas and Boromir had much more in common than what a first glance might reveal. A strange idea, perhaps, but one I haven't been able to shake. Glad you liked the Khazad-dum lesson, too. I wasn't sure how well that idea was going to work, but it seems to have gone over well. Thank you again for your insightful review! I truly appreciate it!
docmon · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
In this period of rest, the Fellowship struggles with the tragedy of Moria and resists the impending decisions to be made as they linger in Lothlorien. But we know there was more that we never saw. Thundera is terrific at showing us a peek into those moments and she's done it again. It's easy to believe that this conversation passed between the dwarf and the elf before the Company gathered to continue on their Quest. And both elf and dwarf remain ever in character. I love when Gimli says "A single rock may start an avalanche." So dwarvish, and so to the point. Her description of the view Gimli first saw upon reaching the top of the talan is striking. I can really see a shining Lothlorien. Beautiful. How about writing gapfillers for every skipped moment in the book? ;-)
Author's reply
Hey Docmon, Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed, and I'm almost done with that other thing I promised, too. Hooray! Anyway, I'm glad you liked the descriptive passages. I'm probably weakest at descriptions when it comes to writing, so it's a relief to hear that they worked for you. And I'm glad you liked Gimli and Legolas. Gimli is always fun to write no matter he's up to. Thank you again, and hope you enjoyed your birthday!
Larner · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
Ah, yes, perfect! A wonderful look at how the decision to continue with the Fellowship was made!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the review, Larner. I'm glad you felt it fit into the idea of a continuing Fellowship!
Fantasia · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
As usual, you have giving us a beautiful story, you are one of my favorite writers, what a wonderful story of frindship. I like it very much to see their reflexions about the quest and how Legolas was affected by the RIng, not only Boromir...Thanks, I enjoyed reading this...Are you going to update your other srories, I confess that I would like to read more of them in Moria... Fantasia
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review. I'm glad you liked the idea of the others in the Fellowship feeling the pull of the Ring. I think there may have been incidents other than Boromir's if the Fellowship had stayed together beyond the point where they separated in the books. Boromir just happened to be unfortunate enough to go first. Regarding other updates, I'm slowly working on them right now, but I'm going to have to ask for patience. Sorry! I haven't abandoned them, but the muses are uncooperative right now.
ziggy · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
I was so excited to see a new fic from you, Thundera- how wonderful to start the holiday this way. This was nothing less than i expected- a quiet, beautifully written piece, with such a careful focus on the characters and the developing relationship between them. I loved the curt way Legolas beckons to Gimli but it is his pride that would have stopped him had any of the others seen.THe play of light and shadow in their relationship as first one, then the other gives up something of himself, and hte other gives strength is so finely crafted I can only read with my mouth open, admiring the craft. Oh, a little detail that really struck me was the bemused way Gimli sees the city and Legolas gives him a funny look- what else should a city do if not move and change??!! Again, that lure the ring offers Legolas, that Thranduil has no ring, that war marches upon thier own lands is something Tolikien skates over as his focus is firmly Frodo and Aragorn, so Legolas and Gimli are ripe for gap filling- I am quite sure that Tolkien would approve. Sorry- gushing as usual but can't help it! PS@ Just a little hint about Land of Light and Shadow?Are you REALLY going to leave Gimli in that cave? He has been there for an awfully long time...
Author's reply
Regarding the P.S., I figure that Gimli has gnawed himself out of the cave by now. So he's fine. :) Seriously, though, I'm slowly working through it but I don't want to post until I've got a couple of chapters stored up. So my apologies, but I'm going to have to ask for more patience. Sorry! Anyway, many thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked the contrasts in the story as well as the references to Legolas's and Gimli's respective homelands. I always wish a little more information had been given about that portion of the war in the books, but then I suppose we wouldn't have such rich and varied gapfiller material. Anyway, I'm thrilled you both noted and enjoyed the give-and-take relationship between Legolas and Gimli. I tried to keep them on even footing, more or less, so I'm very happy that you caught on to it. Thanks again for the review!
Radbooks · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
I really enjoyed this gapfiller. I've always imagined that there had to be some conflict within Legolas about what was going on at home and you captured it very well here. Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
Hey Radbooks, You think like I do. Legolas and Gimli both have major obligations at home, and at some point, they're going to have to justify their presence elsewhere, even if they only justify it to themselves. That was one of the major driving forces behind this story, so I'm glad you felt that it was a necessary force. Thank you so much for the review!
Adrianne · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
How wonderful to see you post yet another amazing story. These intimate pieces you write, especially such moments between Elf and Dwarf, are filled with profound insight. I love to read as you explore the dynamics of their relationship. And I must say, you are the Queen of the Gap Fillers. After reading them I cannot imagine that it happened any other way. Thank you again for sharing your talent and your stunning knowledge of Tolkien's enchanting world. Cheers to NiRi as well for her own insight. Adrianne
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review. I'm glad you feel that it's a realistic gapfiller. I tried to give enough hints about the rest of the Fellowship to tie it back into canon, hopefully giving it a context. And yes, NiRi definitely deserves many kudos for insight, too. Thanks again!
Agape4Gondor · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
I cannot tell you what kind of a chill flowed over my body as I read this... "I know not how Boromir resists the whispers," Legolas interrupted, and it seemed as though the air around them grew cold.... I had to giggle at this - "It will be a pleasant day in Mordor ere I let a dwarf assume responsibility for my actions." I loved this whole piece... I loved the fact that these two had to make a decision and that they 'helped' each other to make it. I had not remembered the vow they made. As for the whisperings, would that Boromir had confided more in one or the other of the Fellowship. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review! I'm glad you were chilled by Legolas's temptation. I have this theory that he and Boromir were very similar in many ways due to some of the similarities in their backgrounds. I don't know how accurate that theory is, but it's something I've wanted to work into a story for a while. And I'm thrilled you liked the idea of Gimli and Legolas making this decision together. I figure it was a good foundation for friendship. Thank you again for the review!
Elena Tiriel · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
A great story! I really liked how they came to realize that their friendship was such a strength against the trials they faced. Beautifully done, Thundera! - Barbara
Author's reply
That realization you mention in your review is something that should be credited to Nieriel Raina, actually. The tone problem I mention in the author's notes came from a lack of realization, and NiRi was astute enough to catch it and then wise enough to insist that it become a part of the story. All hail beta readers everywhere! Many thanks for the review!
Lindelea · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
O but this is marvellous. I don't know why I would have expected anything less. Your writing just flows; more, it has grown in power over time. Yes, those flashes of humour, those turns of phrase that delight the imagination, the weaving of relationships, the layers of meaning that first drew me to your early writing, they're all there, but this... this little birthday gem had me holding my breath to the end, to let it out in a satisfied sigh. Pardon me for waxing over-eloquent, I've not yet had my morning cup of tea. Still absolutely lovely and too many favourite bits to quote. I hadn't pondered before, the implications of how Thranduil had no ring as Elrond and Galadriel did. "The dwarves are known for their courage," he murmured. "They should also be known for their wisdom." You write Gimli so believably, you make him (and Legolas) real for me, one who is most comfortable in the company of hobbits. Thanks!
Author's reply
I was blushing by the end of your review, Lindelea! Wow. You are so sweet! I'm ecstatic that I could make both Gimli and Legolas come alive for you, and thank you so much for "waxing over-eloquent." I love a good waxing. :) Seriously, though, by the end of writing this story, I was a little too close to it to get a good picture of how (or if) it flowed, whether the tone worked, shifted, shifted too suddenly, etc. That's one of the reasons betas are so essential, but it's also nice to hear from others that it worked. So thank you so much for the compliments! I needed them today, and you've really made my afternoon. Huge thanks again!
Dreamflower · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
Every now and then, a story comes along that fills a gap I had never even considered as existing. And then I read it, and think "Of course! This had to have happened! Of course Legolas and Gimli had to make that decision!" And now I would have difficulty imagining it taking place in any other way: that the two of them would go apart in Lorien, and come to the decision together. This was both beautifly and heart-breaking. But I think that now Legolas has made his decision, the Ring will find its whispers falling on unheeding ears. I love the way you show the growing friendship between these two. Wonderful, thought-provoking and insightful, as well as touching!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review, Dreamflower! I'm glad the gapfiller felt natural to you. That's always a concern when writing gapfillers. And like you, I think Legolas's decision is also going to render him more immune to the Ring. At the very least, he's more aware of it now that Gimli has called him out on it, and that has to help. Plus it's always good to have a dwarf around, but I might be biased. :) Thank you again for the review!
shirebound · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Beyond the Mountain Passes
"The whispers will indeed grow stronger," Legolas agreed, "but so will I. And I now know that I may call upon your wisdom when the whispers grow too loud." You've written a very perceptive look at this very difficult decision... and fascinating friendship.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the review. I'm glad I could get across the fact that this was a difficult decision, especially given the backgrounds and the responsibilities of those involved. I wasn't sure that would come across in the story, so thanks again!