Healing the Blessed Isle by shirebound
Antane · 19 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
Love this. The old need to have purpose too. Glad Gimli has found it. The hobbit parts in the beginning are great too, of course :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you. Love those hobbits! I'll never forget what my mother's doctor said to me. (Mom is in her mid-80s and lives with me.) He said, "Let her do things for you. She'll need to feel needed now, more than ever."
UTfrog · 18 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
Lovely, lovely story.
Author's reply
Thank you. I appreciate your kind words very much.
addie71 · 18 July 2016 · Chapter 5: Strawberry Pie
This is absolutely wonderful! I was so good to see Gimli find his purpose there.
Author's reply
Thanks, Addie! It isn't just the hobbits who need to find healing and contentment in their new life.
ThankYouFiccers · 17 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
Lovely! This brings a tear to the eye! Thank you so much for writing
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you so much. :)
Andrea · 16 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
“As this island has been re-rooted, so have you, Gimli,” Mahtan said softly How wonderful! Gimli has now numerous caves to explore and can work together with Mahtan in his workshop for as long as he wishes to. He must be happy indeed!
Author's reply
I hope he is truly happy, for many, many years to come. *beams*
layne · 13 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
That was simply PERFECT!
Author's reply
Thank you! *beams*
LavenderTook · 11 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
Oh, how wonderful! Such beautiful images of the home and of the crystal caverns. How cool that you saw the sundering of the island as a wound that needed healing--well of course, now that you mention it. That's how it is with your stories--you bring this moment of "Of course, that's how it is!" I love how you're writing "The Silmarrilion for Hobbits--a Beginners Guide", too. And the Elves recognizing hobbit priorities in genealogy and being amused. One question--is Silqelini a OC from another story of yours?--I don't know the name.
Author's reply
What a dear, lovely review. Thank you! I'm just insatiable when it comes to hurt/comfortcomfortcomfort, whether for people, trees, or a traumatized island. It's difficult for me to read The Silmarillion straight out, but it sure is a wonderful research tool. And I needed an Elvish name, so I Googled Quenya 'botany' and came up with Silqeléni, which means 'silver birch'. I doubt I could have made up a name that complex on my own!
Linda Hoyland · 10 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
What wonderful places to visit! I felt as if I were there. I also love how you wove the stories together of past and present.
Author's reply
I felt as if I were there... Hooray! I love that we can all go there in our dreams. Whew, I did a LOT of research for this chapter. I learned a bunch, and I think Gimli (and the hobbits) did, too. Thank you so much for reading.
Grey Wonderer · 10 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
First, I love how Sam completely understood at once about the healing of the land. This is exactly what Gimil needs. What a delightful chapter!
Author's reply
Sam is a master land-healer himself, although he's probably too modest to think of himself that way. I'm so delighted that you enjoyed this chapter! *beams*
Grey Wonderer · 10 July 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
I love this new, but very old, Elf. And what a delightful place where you smell whatever makes you happy. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. I had no idea I had another multi-chapter story in me (or in my weary fingers), but Gimli (and the island itself) needed just a bit of h/c. :)
Larner · 9 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
Ah, but so beautiful a grace has been granted him. Both have much to learn from one another ere Gimli goes onwards to the sides of his fathers. And I rejoice that such crystals have been allowed to develop here for the healing of the island.
Author's reply
It brings me joy to imagine Gimli in such an unlooked-for setting, with such an unexpected friend who understands his heart and needs.
UTfrog · 8 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
I had to go to Encyclopedia of Arda to refresh my genealogy knowledge. I love this chapter! Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading! Whew, I did a great deal of research to get everything correct (hopefully!) for this chapter. :)
MikoNoNyte · 8 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
Okay, right off the bat you have cracked me up big time! I had totally!!!! forgotten how family tree obcessed Hobbits are! LOL That they would spend so much time figuring out the who, what, where and how long ago of it before asking for the story is priceless! I also really had a heart-pause at Frodo's remark about Earendil's light given him by Lady Galadriel. That moment led to a long 15 minutes of mental review and I had to come back later to finish reading. Yeah, sometimes that happens; innit great? *grins* The remark about Mahtan trading his work for food and other wares struck me. I was listening to Prof. Corey Olsen (The Tolkien Professor) as he and his crazy crew were just rumming about Imladris. One of the comments that sent him off on a tangent (like when doesn't he?) was why there would be merchants and such in Imladris. After all it's a hidden enclave! But we all know even elves must eat! And here we are on the Lonely Isle and again, even elves must eat! and wear clothing and boots and a sup of wine now and again. So it makes perfect sense there would be trade in the elven communities, whether in Imladris or Tol Eressea! Oh now this is an interesting turn of events! Not just in action but in soul: Gimli feeling, seeing the Crystal Cavern as more than just gold or silver. He has truly been purged of his Dwarfish desire for riches (good on you Gimli!) and has enough sensitivity to recognize the tumult that has created this cavern. He is a wonder of a dwarf seeing a wonder of nature! And the story of how it came to be! OMGosh. Not sure if suddenly having volcanic action below is any better than having part of the island ripped away, but the ripping was long long in the past. It will be interesting to see how Gimli and even Mahtan interpret this event for not just themselves but for Elrond, Legolas and the hobbits. :) Lovely chapter dear Shirebound; your voice in Lotr and Silmarillion is a good one.
Author's reply
Thank you! I did SO much research for this chapter, and learned a great deal. Gimli is indeed a wonder of a dwarf, and it's such a pleasure to give him an experience like this. I just love the idea of barter, and have previously written about trade fairs in both Bywater and the rebuilt Annúminas; indeed, why not among the elves in the West? The city of Avallonë must have a thriving marketplace, and it's fun to imagine it. I appreciate your comments, and lovely review. It's the 'give and take' between author and readers that drew me to try my hand at fanfic in the first place, back in 2002.
eliza · 8 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
Oh my goodness. what a lovely, lovely chapter. Your writing is so lyrical and poetic. I enjoyed how you capture the mutual admiration between Mahatan and Gimili. And as always the Hobbits get to the real heart of the matter. **giggles** love how Frodo gently reminds Lord Elrond to start at the beginning. excellent chapter
Author's reply
Thank you! I wrote and re-wrote this chapter so many times, I'm just delighted that you enjoyed it. And I will never tire of hobbity banter and plain 'hobbit sense', especially involving the Big Folk who are their friends.
curiouswombat · 8 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
What wonderful descriptions you have given us, here; of Mahtan's home, the history of the sundering of Tol Eressëa and the crystal heart of its healing. And I can think of no better way to heal Gimli's sadness than to work with Mahtan in that space.
Author's reply
the crystal heart of its healing... Oooh, wish I'd thought of that phrase. :) Gimli is a very special Dwarf, and he deserves as much healing as my beloved hobbits!
addie71 · 8 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
This is wonderful! How perfect for Gimli to be shown this place and be offered Mahtan's forge and workplaces for his use. This is just what he needs to heal.
Author's reply
Yay, thank you. Healing takes many forms, and I can't imagine Gimli ending his days fading and without purpose, or any less than the vibrant, purposeful way he lived his life.
6336 · 8 July 2016 · Chapter 4: Healing Plants, Healing Stones
Oh, my goodness it sounds like they are standing in a giant geode, what a unique and lovely place for an aged dwarf to spend his time. Feanor has a lot to answer for, if you ask me though Finwe is the root of his problems in his desire for more children, Feanor's jealousy of Indis children plays into it a lot. You can understand Mahtan's horror at the Kinslaying and all that followed. Will Gimli be moving in with Mahtan then or just visiting, it does seem that it would be rather a difficult journey for him every day? Lynda
Author's reply
Wouldn't that be a fabulous place for Gimli to explore and find inspiration? I'm so glad you like this idea. It's fun and challenging to focus on Gimli's healing, not just that of my beloved hobbits. LOL, I'm still working out how often Gimli will be enjoying Mahtan's home and workshops, and how he'll get there.
Linda Hoyland · 1 July 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
How lovely to be surrounded by athelas. I hope Gimli has found a new friend.
Author's reply
I haven't written it yet, but I do believe Gimli will be very glad to have met Mahtan. :)
layne · 30 June 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
It speaks to the heart, and awakens memories that bring calm and refreshment. I love that idea very much. I think it'd smell to me like freshly cut grass ... What would it smell like to you, Janet? :))
Author's reply
I love the smell of freshly-cut grass! You and I have so much in common. Other happy smells/memories for me would be strawberries, lemons, and just-baked bread.
Lavender Took · 30 June 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
Oh, beautiful and magical! I love your description of the sea and the flora covering the cliffs and of Mahtan. I forgot about him--Nerdanel's father. And your descriptions of the memories the athelas raises. And Frodo thanking the horse for the ride. And Sam asking Legolas in the end and part of his memory is the hobbits hearts' being eased and their walking hand and hand to this house of yummy goodies. (-:
Author's reply
Thank you for highlighting so many parts of the chapter! I write and re-write these chapters so many times until they 'feel right' to me, and when they resonate with someone else... *happy sigh* Bless the Professor for inventing athelas! The more I think about it, the more interesting and complex it seems to be. I have about half of chapter four written, and I'll be sure to include some yummy goodies. :)
Dreamflower · 29 June 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
Oh how wonderful! Gimli has quite an adventure before him! Legolas' description of what the athelas smelled like to him made me tear up, in a good way, dear.
Author's reply
That makes me feel so good. Thank you, my friend!
lbilover · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
I love when even Elrond is surprised and even awed! Bet that doesn't happen often. *g* But dear Gimli surely deserves nothing less. And of course happy, laughing Frodo and Sam make my heart happy. Thank you!
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. When an elf entwines his life with mortals, he has to expect a few surprising -- and hopefully enjoyable -- experiences! The Undying Lands are my playground for happy hobbits; it's such a joy to write these tales.
Larner · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
Oh, but how perfect that Mahtan himself has come to greet Gimli and lead him down into the earth where this once floating island already is being mated to its proper place here on the borders of the Undying Lands! Excellent, and the meeting is most apt indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! As usual, the story seems to be evolving far beyond what I originally envisioned. I'm just delighted that you're enjoying it.
MikoNoNyte · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
:...Frodo and Sam’s voices singing loudly, interspersed with Elrond humming softly..." I think this dichotomy is what I'm liking about this story (and I think ultimately what I like as well in Tolkien's work) in dealing with the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. As Tolkien explored, Gimli and Legolas, two beings of two races that hated each other for thousands of years, yet they could find a meeting place, yet still remain themselves. Seeing two loud mouthed hobbits singing and a quiet elf humming is to find the gathering point, I think, in what is best (imho) about Tolkien's writing at a simple level, but one that works so well. *grins* At mention of Aulendur (Mahtan) I had a frisson run up my spine and my heart skipped a quick beat. Aule (or his servant) here?!? Oh this is indeed a nice suprise! I'm with Gimli here, following with all my heart to see this "Great Work of Healing". This has been a good chapter (not that the others were not!). I again remark the dichotomy of what Gimli sees, hopes, dreams and possibly receives vs what the Hobbits, Legolas and Elrond receive. Healing in kind I think. I found Legolas's remarks about the aroma of athelas interesting - no so much a smell but a memory. Odd that, but then the Nandor, the Sindar and Legolas specifically are very different elves than the Amandelli or Elrond. Thank you again, Shirebound, for such a delightful read. I'm enjoying the Hobbits much more than I thought (not being a hobbit person) and am intrigued with where you are going with this; a tale in the telling. :)
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely review. One of the Professor's great themes, I believe, is that disparate races can find common ground while still contributing the skills and wisdom of their own people. Each has something to learn from the other, and each has something to teach. I've touched before, in my writing, about the healing and experiences of hobbits and elves in the West, but decided to take a deep breath and attempt Gimli's possible experience. His arrival in the West (and the underlying approval by the Powers) is even more remarkable than the hobbits be allowed to sail, and no doubt be welcomed. I didn't have Mahtan in mind as a character when I first began writing this tale, but... then there he was, big as life, waiting to be included. I love it when that happens. :)
addie71 · 27 June 2016 · Chapter 3: An Elf Out of Legend
I love this chapter. It has such a magical and comforting feel to it. I'm really looking forward to learning more about Mahtan and what is in that tunnel.
Author's reply
Thank you, Addie. It took me quite awhile to get this chapter feeling 'just right' for me, and I'm just delighted that you like it.