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To See A World  by Nightwing 21 Review(s)
EldarielReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
Yay! Another chapter! I liked that you brought Alun back into the picture.

Author Reply: Me too. I like Alun.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
A real angst fest, Nightwing!

You do such a nice job of using sound to replace sight for Legolas. I imagine anything you write after this is going to be loaded with sound imagery.

But yes. It's time Aragorn woke up.

Author Reply: It's a real writing challenge to be in the POV of someone who is blind. I do think I need to work a bit more on incorporating the senses of smell and touch into the elf's perceptions. I tend to forget about them and concentrate on sound.

LamielReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
Yes, I think it is high time Aragorn woke up and made himself useful! Legolas' dream was absolutely heart-breaking -- and it was a master stroke, overlaying his love as friend and protector with Arwen's as Aragorn's betrothed. H'm. Aragorn and Arwen haven't actually bonded yet, have they? I've never been entirely clear what happened between them on that hill in Lothlorien, but if they aren't bonded, then Arwen probably wouldn't be able to tell if he's still alive. So Legolas' fear that she would fade from grief is entirely possible.

Oh, I am so glad that real life is being a bit kinder to you, and allowing you some freedom to continue your hobbies! It is a special treat to see TSAW updated again. You did a nice job laying out what we know and don't know at this stage, and why Legolas must keep his blindness a secret, and how the blindness played into his and Aragorn's vulnerability and capture.

Sauron really is motivating everything here, isn't he. Distract the Elves to the North, and then attack them from two fronts. Even if the Men are no match for them, they still cannot be ignored, and they'll take time and weaponry to deal with. It's clever, really, in a fiendishly evil way.

Now I must pause just a moment to admire this line about Malcovan: "He could feel the power of the old man; it coiled about him with the slow, dangerous movements of a viper." What fantastic imagery -- I can almost feel it. Brilliant.

It's good that Legolas still has some friends in the city. But now Alun has confirmed his fears about Aragorn -- and I wonder if that grief won't weaken hiim further. He's a warrior and I'm sure he's been trained to withstand physical torture, but with that anguish weighing upon him I fear that he might not resist with his full strength. He expects to die.

Aragorn had better get there soon! Once Legolas gets past the shock of learning that he's still alive, I expect that he'll show these Men what an Elf can really do.

Author Reply: Hello Lamiel! Boy, I'm glad you approve of the dream. I truly felt it important to demonstrate Legolas' devastation over the loss of Aragorn not only for reasons of love and friendship, but because of what the Ranger meant to the future of Middle-earth. In my version of things Legolas knows of Aragorn's heritage, and knows how terrible the loss will be to the world. A pretty good reason for utter horror on the elf's part.

The bit with Arwen "fading"... I never would have written it as truth that she would die if Aragorn were lost. That could be veering into tricky canon territory. I know that she and Aragorn had "pledged their troth" in Lothlorien, but just how deep the bond was at that stage of their relationship is foggy. When and how does "bonding" occur? Is it with the first time of actual sexual intercourse, or can it come from a deeply felt connection only, even if the act of physical union had not taken place yet?

But since this was the dream of someone terribly distraught and hurt, wracked with guilt and horror over the believed death of his friend, I figured I was safe in having images of Arwen dying running through Legolas' fevered little head.

I really had to lay all the facts of the matter out for my own benefit! This story is really not as well thought out as I'd like it to be (don't tell abyone I said that!), so I find myself needing to work on the cohesiveness now and then. I've got my reasons for the blindness being hidden from the enemy, but it's necessary to come up with plausible reasons for Legolas' continued desire to hide it.

The confirmation from Alun that Aragorn is dead (even though he's not) is a terrible blow Legolas, so I thought it important that he have a reason to fight on and not give in to weariness and grief. His duty and concern for Mirkwood gives him something to focus on, as will another matter that will come up before long.

Thanks again for all your input and encouragement, Lamiel!


TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
I'm so glad to hear that your little one has made progress. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Poor Legolas is almost overcome with guilt and sorrow. His dream about Elrond and Arwen fit perfectly and was a heartbreaking illustration of his feelings of failure, and yet does not allow him the luxury of escape. I think he might have slipped over the edge of utter despair if Alun had not appeared. He still seems to have little hope, but only his sense of duty and his love. Yes, it is time for Aragorn to show up. The poor elf needs a break--maybe some nice hot spiced wine, a good bath and some serious rest in a warm bed. *waving hand in the air, enthusiastically volunteering to provide same*

This chapter was well worth the wait. Thanks for bringing us this wonderful story! ~TF



Author Reply: Stay away from my elf, TF! When he is ready for a warm bath and wine, I will be the one to undress him and administer such comforts. No one else touches my elf.... myyyy elfffff.... my preciousssss.....

Ahem. Right, onto the business at hand. I'm glad you liked the dream. I've always had it stuck in my head that Legolas knows of Aragorn's heritage and destiny. The fact that the heirs of Isildur were raised in the house of Elrond indicates that these Men were of immense importance to the Elves, else why would Lord Elrond do this? The Elves must have cared greatly what sort of Man they passed Middle-earth on to, and saw to it that the future king was raised safely and well.

In my universe, if Legolas knows of Aragorn's position, he would have a fierce desire to keep the Man protected, even though Elrond knew that Aragorn had to go out into the world in order to prove himself and to gain the experience he would need to become a great king. Legolas would be devastated by Aragorn's death, for reasons of love and for the terrible loss to Middle-earth.

RDRReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
AHHH, Nightwing...how you have been missed. But as usual, it was worth the wait! I cannot believe you can write so well while at the same time dealing with so many real life issues. Hat's off to you, and prayers for you and your daughter.

Again, your descriptions of Legolas' plight tug at my heart without being overly mauldain (spelling!). Your plot is wonderful and I look forward to the next installment.

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours...

A real admirer!

Author Reply: Oh good. I am really pleased I'm not going too far with the emotion and angst. That sort of prose can get so... sticky. Exhausting. I try not to wallow too deeply and drag it out too much.

The holidays were a pleasure. Now I just need to fight for time alone to write!

MystwingReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
I'm glad to hear that your daughter is doing better. These things really take time and patience, have faith.

I really liked this chapter. It seems to have put some things in motion that should be interesting to read. I can't wait for the next update!

Author Reply: I do have faith. She's so much better than she was in September and October I could dance for joy. There are still some issues and the problems may wax and wane, but I feel like I have my child back. It's a great relief.

Next update... creeping along slowly. Still working things out.

RobinscatReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
I was thrilled to see an update. Thank you.

I am glad your daughter is better. I am keeping her in my preyers.

Well, Aragorn where are you? I tremble to think of what types of torture that evil man can think of. At least there is one friend who knows where Legolas is. Hopefully Alun does not get caught.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Robin

Author Reply: Darn that Ranger! (shakes him vigorously) Wake up, Aragorn!!! Fever and injury and unconsciousness just won't do here!

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
:(
Poor Legolas. He's just about given up, but he's still determined to do what he can to protect Mirkwood. I'm clinging to the fact that Koryon and Alun are on his side - they may not be able to do much, but they're there. And maybe Alun will encounter Aragorn again (fingers crossed!)


I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter, but glad that she's doing better now. It must be a terribly worrying time for you.

Hugs,
Jay

Author Reply: I did want to give Legolas a reason to hang on and keep up the fight. No "fading from grief" elf here. He's got to keep his wits about him and learn what he can about what surrounds him.

Alison HReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
Asusual,I'mreading this with my heart in my mouth! Poor Legolas, his hope has certainly left him but----yay, Alun arrives to bring it back, just a little.

Things are finally moving and Aragorn does really need to get a move on and do a bit of rescueing.Can't wait for him to make his move.

Great chapter and I can't wait for more.

Glad that your daughter is a little better.Send her my Best Wishes.

Ali.

Author Reply: Yes, Legolas' hope is about gone, but he feels he has to do what he can to thwart the big bad's plans to march on Mirkwood. That'll keep his fires going and give him a reason to fight on.

MelissaReviewed Chapter: 39 on 11/30/2005
Just rip my heart out and be done with it, it's easier that way! :)

Author Reply: I know, the poor elf! He is having a dreadful time of it here, but he'll be OK in the end. Hang in there with him. He needs company!

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