Whee! This is so good! But first - last chapter.
I was really touched by Legolas' reflection of Aragorn's last sight of his best friend alive. It is a fairly simple idea, but one I had not thought of. (Not that that is necessarily saying anything.) ;-) I also really like that moment with the tree...it really brings his sylvan characteristics to the fore.
Well, I guess hope springs eternal...for Estel at least! This "chase" is much more dramatic than TV chases with highways, police cars, and lots of shooting, explosions, and flying cars. ;-) And unfortuantely for me, my writing has a greater impact on me when the appropriate music is playing in the background. ;-)
I reread the letter to Thanduil, and I cried again! That is one masterful piece of writing!
I really like the memory that we get to see of Legolas and Estel. It's interesting how the littlest things can make us turn against those we love. But really, if we could just see how childish we are acting, we would be ashamed. Unfortunately, some times we just cannot seem to see it. Sometimes we don't see it until it's too late. Just another one of the consequences sin, I'm afraid.
And another cliff hanger of sorts...I really kind of hate them while I'm reading, but I actually don't, because they are one of the most powerful tools in writing, and they add so much and keep you on the edge of your seat and begging for more.
Post soon!
Author's reply
Sometimes I think of little details that please me, and sometimes I read something that another author has written and think, *I wish i had thought of that*. I wanted Legolas to have a nice tree moment on his journey, especially stressing that he may never get to do that again.
I'm thrilled that you liked the letter enough to go back and reread it. Thank yo for the compliment.
This story is so dramatic in nature that I find myself inserting a few humorous moments into it, though I try to fit them into the plot and not just leave them hanging out there with no reason for being. Some are flashbacks and some are just bits of conversation. I think there was a lot of humor between the two friends, not to mention those crazy twins.
I'm one of those hypocrites, who love writing cliffhangers but hate reading them.
*~SuGaR~*
· 15 January 2004
· Chapter 22
AAACCCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!!! no more waiting!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
well, we're at the cliffs. let's just hope Legolas DOES know how to foret from there instead of making a humongous detour which would most likely mean waiting abother week to get there. arghh...
next week's gonna be pretty hectic (three exams over four days!!!!!!! =O ) which makes this suck even more cuse even if yuo do updtae, i provavly won't have any time to read it =(....so if you don't see me around for a while, don't go thinking i abandoned you!!!!!
keep it coming, can't wait til we see Mordraug again!!!!! post soon!!!!!
*~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
When you get the chance to read the next chapter, some of your concerns will be addressed. I understand busy, so come back and read/review whenever you find the time.
Sivan
· 14 January 2004
· Chapter 22
More please... soon?
I still love what I read...
Keep up the perfect fic, and please do update soon,
Sivan
Author's reply
The perfect fic? Wow. What a compliment. After that, I have to update soon, don't I? And, I will.
Eruanna
· 13 January 2004
· Chapter 21
I don't have time to write a detailed review right now...I will be more thorough about it when I review the next chapter. For now, suffice it to say that I L-O-V-E this chapter, and Legolas' letter to Thranduil made me cry, despite my best efforts. As I said, I'll review this chapter next time.
Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
I made myself cry with this letter just like I did with the one to Aragorn. I also made Thranduil cry. Mercy, I must control myself. I don't own a hanky concession, though maybe I should get one. There will be more hanky moments ahead.
I'm looking forward to whatever else you have to say.
sofia
· 12 January 2004
· Chapter 21
AW! this is so sad!!!
Author's reply
That was my aim. I love for my readers to bring out the hankies occasionally. :o)
*~SuGaR~*
· 11 January 2004
· Chapter 21
...*sniff, sniff*...WAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*sniff*...ok...finally, Legolas' letter to his father!!!!!! even though he had accepted it already.....it's still so sad!!!!!!!!
hope they get to that forest soon, don't drag it out too long, please!!!!!!! i don't follow many stories, only one so far that turned out to be 50 chapters long!!!!!
still luv it and can't wait!!!!!!!!!! POST SOON!!!!!!
*SuGaR~*
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the letter. It seemed to have had the desired effect. :o)
I don't think this story will end up being 50 chapters long, however, it will be a long one with many more chapters to come. I hope you stick around for all of it.
Sivan
· 10 January 2004
· Chapter 21
More please. You wrote the letter with full emotional that filled inside, and you did it well. I'm understood Thranduil for crying.
I still love what I read. You could at least gave a warning about the tissue.
Sivan
Author's reply
You knew Thranduil's letter was coming, but I didn't say which chapter it would be in. Sorry about that. Yes, after reading that letter plus thinking he was about to lose his youngest child, it is easy to see why Thranduil would cry. He may be a strong king, but he's also a loving father, and I've tried to portray him that way. I'm glad you liked the letter. I tried to get Legolas's feelings across without getting to bogged down in detail. You'll be happy to know there will be no more letters like that. But...
Eruanna
· 9 January 2004
· Chapter 20
WOW!!!! I really had hoped that Thranduil would have the sense to stay behind. But, as Blaise Pascal (I think) said, "The Heart has its reasons, which the Reason does not know what to make of." Such is the case now, I fear. Regarding Legolas' death...I have a guess at what might happen, but I think I'll keep it to myself. //Not a part of this// I really liked that part. I am also liking the way they are all going out to find my *takes deep breath* poor, poor, poor, poor, poor, poor, poor, poor baby! He he! Exactly fifteen minutes...man, those Elves are good!
Holy cow!! Your weather was in the 70s?!?!?!?!? I live in Minnesota, and let me tell you it is *cold* here!!!
Have I ever told you that I really like your pseudonym?
More please!
Author's reply
Despite the fact that Thranduil has to protect Mirkwood at all costs, he also thinks that if he is going to lose his youngest child, he's going to try to rid Middle-earth of Mordraug's evil in the process. I just could not imagine leaving him behind any more than I could leave Aragorn behind.
If you don't tell me what you think regarding Legolas's death, how will I know if you are right or not? Seriously, though, I'll trust you to tell me afterwords whether you got it right or not.
You really did add a bunch of 'poors' in front of baby. Just keep them coming. He'll need all that sympathy, I'm afraid. To save your fingers just type Poor x 100 or some such. :o)
I live in Louisiana. That should explain the warm weather. Right now, it's in the 50's but very windy, which of course, makes it feel colder.
No, you never mentioned liking my pen name. I'm glad you do. I rather like it myself. I just love wolves. I think they are the very essence of Nature: wild, beautiful and ethereal.
*~SuGaR~*
· 7 January 2004
· Chapter 20
ahh..so they all follow...
can't wait for more, but sorry no time to review =(
POST SOON!!!!!!
*SuGaR~*
Author's reply
Yes, they do all follow. More coming soon.
Sivan
· 7 January 2004
· Chapter 20
And so they ride... More is needed here, you know that, aren't you?
I still love what I read, just keep them coming,
Sivan
Author's reply
Yes, they ride. More in the next chapter.
I'm glad you are still with me. There's a long way to go yet.
Eruanna
· 6 January 2004
· Chapter 19
*sniff sniff* *Wahhhhh!!!!* Very touching letter and reactions, I must say! Poor Estel, if I were him I would have fallen apart the moment I first found Legolas and there wouldn't be a story 'cause Legolas would probably be dead. And the thought of never seeing *my* best friend again - well! Legolas' words ring so true... //do not despair, even in the darkest of hours, for the light will always return// This chapter is considerably shorter than your others. I should take a lesson from you, because I tend to drag out emotions and then my entire story is sappy. ;-)
Oh yeah! I'd *LOVE* to see my favorite Elf in the whole entire world die right in front of me on my computer screen....NOT!!! And if you meant to confuse me and drive me more insane than I already am, your explanation worked quite well.
Entertaining. Thank you for putting it so lightly.
More please!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the letter. I wanted Legolas not only tho tell Estel what his friendship meant to him but to give him hope for the future.
Yes, I deliberately made the chapter short, because I felt that adding more to it would spoil the whole effect. I wanted a hit-and-run type of impact and leave the reader on an emotional high.
I meant to confuse you regarding Legolas's death. Aren't I evil? You'll understand later. :o)
I really was entertained by what you wrote. I give and, in return, expect honesty in reviews.
I hope to update Wednesday.
Sivan
· 6 January 2004
· Chapter 19
More please... You have to continue, you know that, aren't you?
I still love what I read, just keep them coming...
So Legolas left them...
Sivan
Author's reply
Don't worry, there will be much more.
Yes, Legolas left them, but an elf has to do what an elf has to do. :o)
tmelange
· 6 January 2004
· Chapter 19
Great continuation. More soon, please.
Author's reply
Thank you. More to come Wednesday.
*~SuGaR`*
· 5 January 2004
· Chapter 19
sorry...maybe i should have read your reply first...oops...
about the snow...yes it was snowing when i wrote the review...and it really has nothing to do with...ummm...anything!!! accept in your last reply you asked what the weather was like (probably in effort to avoid answering a certaim question, which i may add DID NOT WORK!!!)...just trying to play along, though =)...yes, my reviews are usually composed of 99.9999999% irrelevant rambling, just in case you were wondering ;)
ok, confirmed Mordraug will not kill Legolas, at least not on Legolas' new little endeavour of his. Not unless Thranduil comes too...
yeah i'm a softie...i wanted to cry at least six times while watching ROTK...but i thought the last chapter was more of a tearjerker for me *shrug*
my other two concerns...next chapter...ack!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG!!!!!! maybe if i was an elf...or an ent...or something with more patience!!!! but...*sigh*...not an elf, only a hasty mortal...=(
no, you don't need to go on about all of Legolas' admirable qualities...but i can!!!! he's also strong, protective, funny...*keeps rambling*
ok...i'll shut up now...POST SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!
*~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
I envy you the snow. Where I live, we rarely have snow. In fact, we haven't had any since New Year's Eve 1999, and it only lasted two days before melting. It was in the upper 70's this past week, and now it's near freezing and very windy, but no snow in sight. Of course, the weather question was to avoid answering your question. I like to tantalize, but I can't reveal any secrets, which I'm sure you know, so I'll have to skip comment on some of your remarks.
The next chapter will be tomorrow (Wednesday).
The patience of an ent? Yikes! I don't even have the patience of a hobbit at first breakfast.
*~SuGaR~*
· 5 January 2004
· Chapter 19
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! it's over?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!
i had been hoping we would at least get to Legolas, even if it was just one sentence and ended in a cliff hanger...argh!! i can't wait to see how Thranduil reacts to Legolas' letter...i hope he doesn't try to follow him, but that would be more expected from Estel.
hmmm... "...believing, at that moment, that he would never see his best friend again." it seems he's accepted Legolas' "inevitable" death more now, but with that it seems that Legolas isn't going to die after all (well, to the readers i mean)<
it didn't seem like Legolas would die going after Mordraug alone(maybe if Thranduil came too) after all, Mordraug isn't going to kill his bait when what he wants hasn't even come to him. Let's just hope Estel and Thranduil think the same thing =)
once again...POST SOON!!!!!!!!!!
*~SuGaR~*
Eruanna
· 4 January 2004
· Chapter 18
And here we go with the self-sacrifice!! My poor, poor, poor, poor, POOR baby!
*looks around hurriedly to make sure Johnny Depp isn't within earshot* Yes, of course! Of course CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow; who else?
Ahh yes. We *hope* Legolas doesn't die. But you can never tell with some of these people... *hint hint* ;-)
This is a very emotional chapter - I am especially fond of Aragorn's desperation. And poor, helpless Thranduil...hope he doesn't kill Aragorn for letting Legolas get away!
Of course I don't mind if you ramble - I do it all the time!
I recently found a sentence I wrote a fairly long time ago. At the time it didn't strike me that it was a bit incongruent, but I'm keeping it around for laughs. I wrote: He [Aragorn] was the picture of a cunning, dishonest scamp. He signaled to the bartender and sat down at one of the tables. The tapster brought him a mug of beer and walked away sullenly. Apparently, he wasn't having the best day ever. Actually, Aragorn reflected, the guy looked like he wouldn't know joy if it walked up and punched him in the face.
It did not occur to me that that was a bit out of character for joy! ;-)
Write more!
Author's reply
Self-sacrifice is the order of the day, it appears.
Judging by the way you wrote the sentence, I'm not sure if you want Legolas to die or not. If so, don't give up hope. If not, don't give up hope. Now, wasn't that perfectly clear?
If you think this chapter was emotional, wait until you read the one I just posted. Are the hankies handy? Of course, you may not be a softy like I am. I sniffled, when I read it. And, I WROTE THE THING!
I like what you wrote. It was entertaining.
*~SuGaR~*
· 2 January 2004
· Chapter 18
hmmm...the weather?? SNOWING!!!!!! thaz a good thing for Legolas's "inevitable" death rite...???
going to find Mordraug alone is a pretty good plan...what's Legolas got to lose? Mordraug was expecting Thranduil to come along with Legolas and maybe some others(other ppl that he could then also kill with his little snake, not just one person that he could already kill) rite...??? The "he" that he was referring to in the uhh...second chapter i think...was Thranduil, yes? hmmm...someone will probably go follow Legolas though *cough, cough* Estel...that is when he wakes up. Hopefully a Legolas punch will keep him knocked out for a while...but what will the others do when they find out!?!?!
*sigh* what a brave elf!!! once again can't wait for another update!!! POST SOON!!!!!!
*~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
I must confess I don't understand the reference to snow. Is it snowing where you are?
Yes, it is Thranduil Mordraug wants.
The next chapter is a hanky alert, if you are prone to being a softy, like me. The chapter after that should answer two of your concerns.
Yes, he is a brave elf, as well as a loyal one, and honest, and trustworthy, and considerate, and smart, and gorgeous, and.... Need I go on? :o)
Sivan
· 2 January 2004
· Chapter 18
He does sacrifice himself.
I hope that they could find him before it'll be too late.
Nice little cliffy, more please.
I still love what I read,
Sivan
Author's reply
Sacrifices are often necessary. He feels his is.
I can't comment on your second statement one way or another.
More coming tomorrow (Monday).
sofia
· 2 January 2004
· Chapter 18
oh no! Has he gone crazy? I hope he doesnt die.
Author's reply
Crazy? Perhaps. But, he thunks he has to do it to save his family, friends and homeland.
Sometimes hopes come true and sometimes they don't. :o)
*~SuGaR~*
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 17
ahh...now comes the plan of action!!! *hero music playing in background* but of course no author would have it work out the way it's supposed to *glares* and most likely someone will get hurt along the way, namely Legolas yet again...*sigh* poor Legolas, every author wants to hurt him one way or another now...but of course it's always just hurt, never kill....right...???
can't wait to find out about that plan...argh, not patient enough for this stuff...POST SOON!!!!!!
*~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
Hey, I like the idea of hero music in the background.
Me hurt Legolas? Are you sure you are reading the right story? Would I do such a thing? *looks in the mirror* Oh yeah.
Me kill Legolas? Uh. How's the weather where you are?
The plan? Next chapter.
Eruanna
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 17
*gasp* *imitates Jack Sparrow* That's not very nice! A terribly excellent way to leave us hanging! I really love Legolas' confusion about being on fire... I can't imagine the weird thoughts that would be going through *my* head! And poor Thranduil, this is really tearing him apart. Good thing he has a strong constitution! And this is really hard for Elrond, Estel, and the twins as well. Sometimes I think it would have been better for their mental health if they'd never met Legolas. On the other hand, they wouldn't be the people they are, and probably the worse off for it.
As for the dining room door...... *blushed deep crimson* That was a misunderstanding on my part. Sorry!
This is getting better and better! My poor, poor baby!!!!
Post soon!
Author's reply
Don't you mean CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow? :o)
I wanted to get into Legolas's head during his attack, so I had his mind sort of disconnected from his body, so we'd get more than just jumbled thoughts.
Thranduil is indeed strong. He'll need to be. Just wait. *evil laugh*
We fanfic writers have to have people around Legolas to take care of his owies. It may be emotionally hard on them, but you are right, they wouldn't be the same without his loyalty, his honesty, his courage, his humor and, of course, his incredible archery skills.
Whew. I'm glad the dining room door thing was your error, because I was beginning to think I was losing my mind. I didn't remember that at all.
I'm happy you think this tale is getting better. I think so, too, but then I'm very vain in that regard. You'd better add a few more 'poors' in front of the word baby. Things are going to get very bumpy.
Mercy, this reply is rambling on. Hope you don't mind. I love talking about LOTR and Legolas, in particular.
Sivan
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 17
O.k, now as I wrote before: He is going to sacrifice himself, right into Mordoug (I hope I spelling this right), right?
If I'm wrong feel free to wrote something.
I still love your story, please update soon.
Sivan
Author's reply
I know that you know I won't tell what will happen. :o) I hope that you will enjoy reading what I have planned.
I will update on Jan. 2, if I get the chance.
*~SuGaR~*
· 27 December 2003
· Chapter 16
ARGH!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! ack, when Mordruag finally activates the poison again you have to end the chapter!!!!! Poor Legolas, every story it seems he gets hurt. Poor, poor Leoglas!!!
luv your portrayal of Thranduil although it seems a lot of authors see him as enemies with Elrond...personally i luv the guy and i always wonder where people get this big mean king in their heads...ok, maybe a little from the Hobbit, but still!!! so nice to see him as a luving father, we never saw that in the Hobbit. and when he opens that door!!!!
luv the story, post soon(even though you alwayz do!!!) can't wait to see what happens next!!!
lotza luv,
*~SuGaR~*
Author's reply
Didn't you like my cliffy? :o) Yes, it seems that so many of us writers like to hurt the ones we love. Strange, isn't it?
I love Thranduil, too. I view him as a bit temperamental, stubborn, fierce, stern, and even cold,at times. But, I also think of him as honorable and fair-minded as a king and loving as a father. I never think of him as mean.
I'm so glad you love the story. I hope you continue to do so.
Eruanna
· 26 December 2003
· Chapter 16
What a terrible, wonderful place to end the chapter! I can just imagine Thranduil's shock when he opens that door... And speaking of Thranduil, I am in adoration of your portrayal of his emotions. To be a stern, resolute king who shows no emotion, a gentle, loving father who cries in his son's arms, and all at the same time. And to still come out of that touching conversation with as much pride as ever. ;-) I also like Aragorn's display of friendship and respect: the way he set aside his own concern and stepped back to let Legolas have his way. Anyway, an absolutely breathtaking cliffie! My poor, poor baby. I am dying for the next chapter, so kindly post again before I expire.
Well done!
Author's reply
When I was writing this chapter, I came to that point and just knew that's where it should end. It wasn't planned.
I'm glad you like my portrayal of Thranduil. I really love the guy. I wanted to balance his temperamental king side with his loving father side. It pleases me that you think I've succeeded.
I love the friendship between Legolas and Aragorn. They would do anything for each other, be it some physical task or just emotional support.
Poor, poor baby, indeed. Stay tuned.
JS
· 26 December 2003
· Chapter 16
Ack!!!! You're not going to leave it there, are you?? *jaw drops as she realizes the author is* Noo! Please please post the next bit soon!! This is such a great story, and you post so fast. I can't wait for the next part. Bravo
Author's reply
Sorry. I did leave it there. Nice cliffy, don't you think? Are you implying I'm an evil author? Who me?
Thank you for calling this story great. I appreciate that.
I usually do post fast, but the holidays have been causing unusual delays. I should have the next chapter up on Tuesday.