Healing the Blessed Isle by shirebound
Linda Hoyland · 19 August 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
It is wonderful to see Gimli so happy and fulfilled and all the friends enjoying the wonders of the West.
Author's reply
Thank you. Imagining this type of fulfilled life for the hobbits and their friends fills me with such joy.
PSW · 19 August 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
Such a joy-filled story! I really very much enjoyed it, thanks for writing! :-)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I thought my days of writing multi-chaptered tales were over, but this idea just wouldn't let me rest. *beams*
PSW · 19 August 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
'But what I can do, I will do.' It's all any of us can do, really -- we'll none of us have time for everything we would wish to accomplish.... Still enjoying! :-)
Author's reply
It really is all any of us can do. And with luck, we'll find as much contentment as Gimli as he rediscovers his skills and crafts love-filled gifts for his friends.
PSW · 19 August 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
How wonderful! I love this story! And of course the Hobbits don't care about any of it until they know how everyone's related... :-P
Author's reply
So glad you're enjoying this! As usual, this story took me places (and introduced a character) I hadn't imagined when I first started writing it.
PSW · 19 August 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
Oh, well done, Gandalf! Of course that's who Gimli needs -- I'm sure Aule's people can get him pointed in the right direction and happy again... Haven't read much LOTR lately, but I should get back to it. There's a lightness in your stories that always lifts my spirits. :-) Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thank you for that lovely compliment. I do try to bring lightness to my stories wherever I can!
Andrea · 13 August 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
Without volition, he heard himself calling out words in the most ancient language of his people, and trembled to hear in response the fulfillment of his greatest desire -- the voice of Mahal, singing through the earth. How beautiful! The perfect ending of a wonderful story. I also very much liked Mahtan's (and Gimli's) gift for Gandalf.
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. Oh, I worked so hard on this ending! I wanted it to make me (and everyone else) sing and be happy as much as Gimli. Dear Gandalf. What do you get for the wizard who has everything? I'm just delighted you enjoyed this.
MikoNoNyte · 8 August 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
“I am forever a child of Mahal, and feel closer to him here than anywhere I have ever been.” That sums up Gimli in one sentence. Oh this is so so good! His healing is not just of himself but of his friends and the others of Tol Eressea! And while it is true a dwarf is known by his work, I think they are also known by their spirit. Gimli's spirit rises like the fires of a great forge, fueled on by his love of his friends and his love of his work. I admit to being puzzled over Gandalf's "gift" of seeing Feanor. They lived, as it were, in the same time; so unless Gandalf was serving someplace else at the time.... Yet still, seeing Feanor from Mahtan's point-of-view would have been unique. So I accept that, putting myself in Gandalf shoes (like anyone could do that!!!) and picturing the view of life through Mahtan's eyes... *smiles* And "What does it smell like to you?” Coming full circle with this question. *laughs* But Aule's answer is both wonderful (you capture him well!) as well as frightening. I've been underground in well-lit caves and mines and let me tell you, they scare me sh*tless! Yet I can feel Gimli's love for these spaces and Aule's as well; after all, he created them! And the ripple of his creative love, his creation, finds it way deep below and into Gimli, blessing him. Ohmygosh Shirebound - you deserve more than a "thank you!" for this story and this final chapter. You somehow caught the joy, the worshipful joy that permeates many who create in this world, reflecting back the love and joy they feel in their craft to the creative force, be it God, Goddess or whatever! Their joy of creating in this world is a beatitude to the creative force itself. You, quite frankly, rock! Thank you oh so much for this delicious story.
Author's reply
Your review makes me bounce with joy! I poured so much time, love, energy, and research into this tale, and hoped it would be enjoyed. *hugs you* Regarding Gandalf 'seeing' Feanor, I took that desire (per the quote that precedes chapter 6) from what he told Pippin. After all, what do you get for the wizard who has everything? :) Thank you again for your much-appreciated reviews.
LavenderTook · 1 August 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
All the loving gifts given back and forth here in abundance and received in such gratitude is so joyful. A beautiful closure to a loving tale of beauty. *hugs you*
Author's reply
Bringing out everything in this story made me feel so good, and it's wonderful to know that it gives you warm fuzzies also. Thank you, my friend, for your sweet and very much appreciated review. *many hugs*
layne · 1 August 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
Awwww ... what perfect gifts for all of them. Gimli really put all his love for his friends and thoughts and creativity into his gifts, didn't he? “And I have been longing to visit, but have had matters to attend to that kept me away,” Gandalf responded. His friends has grown used to his absences and sudden reappearances; Hee, I do hope that's not because something ominous is brewing somewhere ... ( Unless it means another new story from you of course ) :D Love this story, very much. Gimli deserves all that and more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Layne. Dear Gimli! He deserves a happily-ever-after as much as anyone. I'm so happy you enjoyed this tale. :)
Larner · 29 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
This glimpse of Gimli's joyous communion with his people's Lord is so poignant! How wonderful and precious--as precious as the shining gem he found gifted to him!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Larner. I absolutely loved writing this.
KathyG · 28 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
It's wonderful that they were able to help Gimli to find contentment during his years on the Lonely Isle, before his death. It would be interesting to find out how much longer he and the hobbits live after this, and how they spend their final years.
Author's reply
Thank you, Kathy. We're so fortunate that the Professor allowed us space to endlessly imagine and re-imagine their lives in the West. :)
UTfrog · 28 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
Outstanding! One of the best Gimli stories ever. Thank you.
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you. I really appreciate that.
lbilover · 28 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
Such a beautiful and healing story, for all the characters and for your readers. And reveals your own considerable wisdom and insight. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you, my friend, what a lovely thing to say. Writing is hard on my hands and fingers, but extremely satisfying for my spirit. I'm just delighted you enjoyed this. *beams*
curiouswombat · 28 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
What a lovely, and fitting, ending to a lovely story.
Author's reply
Thank you! I re-wrote that ending dozens times before it finally felt 'just right', so I'm very pleased you like it.
Antane · 28 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
This was a good story to read for the healing Gimli found and the joy of the hobbits. Like Gimli, I hope I will have the time to get out all that is in me, in my case all the books I wish to write and die empty and full at the same time. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
and die empty and full at the same time I like that, Antane. May Gimli -- and all of us -- feel exactly that way. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this story.
addie71 · 28 July 2016 · Chapter 6: Mahal's Child
There is so much joy in this, especially with the gifts to Gandalf and Gimli. I love this so much.
Author's reply
Thank you, Addie, I appreciate that greatly. As most stories do, this one took me to places -- and events -- I never imagined when I began it.
Dreamflower · 25 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
Strawberry pie, indeed! *grin* This sweet story just continues to delight me. I love the way once Gimli's mind begins running to the thought of gifts he just can't stop!
Author's reply
Yay, I'm glad you're enjoying this. I spent hours yesterday working on chapter 6 (the final chapter), which wasn't 'work' at all. It's such a joy to give Gimli such a wonderful experience.
Andrea · 24 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
As they walked outside, with Frodo beside him, the final piece for which he had been searching slid into place. I am needed here. And I thought it couldn't get better! But it did! Now Gimli can help his friends with his work. And that will make not only their lives better, but his as well.
Author's reply
Dear Gimli! It's such a joy to imagine this happiness for him. Thank you so much, Andrea.
Linda Hoyland · 23 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
What a lovely chapter! I'm so glad Gimli has a renewed sense of purpose.
Author's reply
Thank you! *beams*
Antane · 22 July 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
I didn't realize until now that I missed this delightful chapter. I thought I just didn't remember who the elf was when I read the next chapter but I didn't remember because I hadn't met him yet! This was great. I loved how the athelas affected everyone differently and Frodo and Sam fed the gulls and meeting the elf himself and the reaction of the others to him. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane! It's the small moments, like Frodo and Sam feeding the gulls, that I most love to imagine. I hope to start writing chapter 6 today. It's supposed to be 104 degrees here, and I'll be huddling indoors in front of the fan!
LavenderTook · 20 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
Oh what a wonderful last line! What mutual joys of love they all have for each other. I needed that this week. *hugs you*
Author's reply
What mutual joys of love they all have for each other. Just like our wonderful group o' gals! I love how you say that. I'm so happy this gave you cheer this week. That's about the best compliment I could ever get. *hugs*
layne · 20 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
I'm so happy that Gimli has found his niche there <3<3<3 And strawberry pie YUM!!!!
Author's reply
*cuts you a slice* Dear Gimli! I know that helping 'his hobbits' to feel comfortable and enjoy their life more would bring him joy.
Larner · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
And to know one is needed is so necessary to so many of us. Wonderful to see him find fulfillment and purpose once more! And may all rejoice in what they see beneath the island.
Author's reply
Truly, being needed and finding one's purpose would be an enormous part of anyone's healing.
MikoNoNyte · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
Gimli enjoying Sam's pie (in a square pan and I had to laugh -- not because it's amusing... it is!... but because it make perfect sense: You use what you have! (And I do it often! LOL) And the sudden largesse for Legolas -- we don't often think about the healing aspect of gift giving but it IS one of the many ancient Ways of humankind. Whether it be a gift of bread and salt, water or wine, a new chair, dress or shawl (many of these I've gifted) the giving is just as equally healing for the giver as the receiver. Our dear friend Gimli - always a generous soul - is well on the way toward healing fulfillment. What a dear! And let me not forget how you tweeked my heart with Elrond! One of my all-time favorite elves going back to The Hobbit days (when he was not so much an elf). All those years spent in Ennorath, learning and gaining much wisdom and insight... he must suddenly feel incompatible with things around Valinor! Questions he has to "exceed the number of stars" makes me think he too is finding something worth being there for. More can be learned, always! Shirebound, I am well and truly slain with your final line "I am needed here." That encompasses all things, all thoughts, emotions and fears. To be needed. Greatest Healing EVER! Thank you so much!
Author's reply
Thank you! That final line took me by surprise, as well. Sometimes a chapter insists on what it needs to say even if you haven't planned it. The books imply that Frodo needs the majority of the healing, but to be called West can be called to a new life that continues your growth: learning and teaching, giving and receiving. the giving is just as equally healing for the giver as the receiver Ohhh, so true, as you've discovered. There should be enough for Gimli to imagine, craft, and give for many, many years to come.
Antane · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
Another wonderful chapter! I love that Gimli is rediscovering his joy and what he could do with the skill Aule and Iluvatar blessed him with. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. Writing about Gimli over the years has hopefully helped me to have more insight into our dear Dwarf.