Friend Ship by shirebound
Lady Forlong · 31 January 2025 · Chapter 1
I just have to say one more thing -- I checked your math against the fourth age chronology and you got Frodo and Sam's ages right. Good attention to detail! I love the idea that they lived at least that long (and maybe even longer?) after they sailed West.
Author's reply
I love the idea as well. I enjoy imagining that the hobbits were welcomed, respected, and able to find peace.
Lady Forlong · 29 January 2025 · Chapter 1
This was a beautiful portrayal of the friendship between Legolas and Gimli, complete with a little of the banter they were so well known for. And I'm glad you included the author's note about how Frodo and Sam were still alive and well in some of your other stories, otherwise this one would have left me hanging, since I haven't read some of your other ones yet, including the ones you mentioned. Now I'll have to find them and read them because I want more of your stuff. Like you, I like to think that mortals who went to the "Undying Lands" lived long lives, even if not forever.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Over the years I've found such joy in extending my 'friendship' stories to continue into the West. Bless the Professor for leaving us so many lovely gaps to fill, each of us in our own way.
Itarille · 25 January 2025 · Chapter 1
I read this story before, and what a delight to read it again! Thank you for re-posting. I loved Gimli's conviction that 'stone is stone' whether in Middle-earth or Tol Eressea; the mutual love and care between Legolas and Gimli; their fondness for the hobbits; and their artistic skills, among many others things. And the kites--what a wonderful idea!
Author's reply
Thank you for rereading, my friend. Our beloved characters' friendship, joy, and caring are very important to me. This was such a fun story to write.
Lindelea · 25 January 2025 · Chapter 1
Oliphaunts for Sam! Reading this lovely story brought me to tears. I like the hopeful tone built upon the premise that Frodo and Sam are still dwelling in Elvenhome when Legolas and Gimli arrive. The relationship as described perfectly fits a lifelong friendship. (Gimli is indeed wiser than Legolas realises, it seems.) And I love Gimli's solution to helping the time pass during the long voyage. Beautiful! (((hugs))) Thanks for restoring this story to the archive.
Author's reply
Thank you, my friend, for everything you're doing. These tales bring back such wonderful memories. I loved writing this story!
Virtuella · 25 January 2025 · Chapter 1
This is very charming and touching. I like Gimli's thoughts. On a side note, how do you imagine this ship - are Legolas and Gimli alone on it? Can it sail itself? Or are there skilled sailors with them? I've never really thought about it before.
Author's reply
Thank you for commenting. For this story, I imagined the ship to be small, since Legolas built it himself, with only he and Gimli as sailors. But in the final chapter of my story "Starship", I imagined it differently! -- As the ship grew near, Sam realized that it was much larger than he had first thought; Legolas had built a vessel spacious enough to hold the several dozen Elves who had chosen to sail with him and Gimli.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 24 January 2025 · Chapter 1
Shirebound! This was lovely! The care and consideration that each show to each other is wonderful. You paint their long-time relationship with great thought and care that it rings true! I love it! (((hugs))) MM
Author's reply
Thank you for reading, and for the hugs (which are returned)! This was such a fun story to write. I want all of our beloved characters to enjoy happily-ever-afters.
PSW · 23 January 2025 · Chapter 1
Aw … I remember that I have read this, but not what it was about. Just love that ending - so great! ♥️ Thx for reposting - it’s fun to revisit these stories. :-)
Author's reply
Thanks for rereading! I enjoyed writing this story SO much. Dear Nob deserves a bit of recognition. :) Author Reply: LOL, sorry about that -- I mixed up this story with the one about Nob and Aragorn. It was a true delight to imagine this part of the voyage taken by Legolas and Gimli... and of course I'm always thinking about hobbits!