grumpy
· 29 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
Alright Legolas snatched Aragorn back from the evil shadows, who wanted to keep him for themselves. No can not have that, the man belongs in the light, where I can see him. Touch him, feel him. Ok I have maybe gone a little over the edge there.
Anyways loved the story, and enjoyed reading each and every chapter. Thanks for writing it, so I could read it.
Author's reply
You're welcome, Grumpy, and I'm glad to see you happy about Aragorn's return. You can take care of him now as he recovers. :-)
Thank you for your visit. See you in the final chapter!
legolass
Eilenach
· 27 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
A wonderful rescue chapter. I like the idea of all of Aragorn's memories being there in the darkness, but it takes Legolas to give them back to him. Near the end, I love this line: “And how shall I not know part of my soul, Legolas?” the man replied softly.
Once again, you have written a great story showing the nobility, purity, and intensity of the friendship between Aragorn and Legolas without making them seem maudlin or silly. I know that men would never speak such things in today's world, but in the world of Tolkien, it just seems right.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind review of this chapter, Eilenach, and even more so for your validation of the kind of tale I try to write: one that keeps true to the spirit and feel of the Tolkienian world, and that honors a great friendship that, in my humble opinion, could well have existed in that world. Thanks for appreciating the dialog. :-)
I don't believe I've had the privilege of 'meeting' you before, but I'm glad I got the chance even though it's near the end of the tale. (And if I have heard from you before - my apologies.)
Hope to see you next update,
Legolass
Eilenach
· 27 April 2007
· Chapter 24: Fulfillment
I'll stop reading right here to tell you that this is a great story! You have started with a great plot -- canon-friendly, and full of intriguing (and anguishing) twists and turns. You have done a great job with both descriptions and character development and dialogue, and I appreciate the time you've taken (and are taking) to write this fiction.
Author's reply
Hi, Eilenach,
Imagine my horror when I suddenly found (by chance) this review that had been sent in April and to which it seems I have never replied! My apologies for not having responded to such a kind review of my story (in case you've forgotten, it's In Shadow Realm :-) )
I'm glad you enjoyed the tale as much as I enjoyed writing it. I poured much of my heart and soul into it, and I don't know when I can write a new one. Glad I could share this one with you. :-)
Legolass
Silivren Tinu
· 26 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
*wet puddle crawls out of bucket, settles down with a splash and grabs keyboard*
*SIGH* I feel very much as if I had spent some hours battling the darkness inside the Shadow Realm myself. I'm so glad that both of them got out there in one piece - having to stay in such a place forever does not bear thinking about.
I loved how Legolas became aware of the Sound and was finally led to Aragorn's memories by it. The place and the happenings you describe here are entirely strange and fascinating, and both frightening (the darkness) and beautiful (the way you describe Legolas and the memories). As usual, you make me feel like being there right beside the two of them. I liked how you switched back and forth between the friends waiting outside of the gate, and the two being trapped inside, and allowed us to see all that happened from two perspectives.
I would have very much liked to read in Aragorn's memories right along with Legolas, there must be countless tales untold to be found there. ;-) But the most wonderful thing was the hope and the determination they inspired in Legolas. The moment when Aragorn finally began to react was so sweet - I think I was just as relieved as legolas was. I was really grateful that the elves outside were able to help Legolas fight the Darkness, or at least support him.
One of the moments I loved most in this chapter was the one when Aragorn finally said Legolas' name. *sighs and melts* Somehow it is more than fitting that he would remember his friend first, and use that memory to retrieve and reclaim all others. *purrs* It was wonderful to see him return to his usual self, I can only imagine how Legolas and Aragorn himself must have felt. I liked your use of Theoden's sentence, it was perfect.
"“You came for me,”he said unexpectedly, surprising Legolas. “Into this dark… you came.”" - I loved Aragorn beginning to worry about Legolas again! *happy purr* I really would have liked to jump in there and help them fight the Darkness, but I guess a terrified wet puddle running around like a headless chicken in the Shadow Realm and screaming on the top of her lungs would probably not have been that much help. *ahem*
I loved the two moments when Aragorn added his voice to Legolas' fight, and when he simply made his presence known after Legolas thought he had lost him. And of course I did a lot of purring and melting when they were finally reunited on the other side of the holding gate. ;-)
"“And how shall I not know part of my soul, Legolas?” the man replied softly." - *sighing wet puddle melts back into her bucket with a silly grin on her face, dragging the keyboard in after her* Do I need to mention that I LOVED that chapter?! *g* I would like to huggle an exhausted elf and ranger - well, king - now... *unobtrusively drags bucket into story and settles down comfortably right beside her elf and ranger* I think I'll just sit here and keep an eye on them until the last chapter. :D
*BIG HUG*
Duckie *currently transformed into a very wet, molten puddle*
Author's reply
Lol - you must be very, very, very wet, Duckie! I don't think there's a mop big enough in Middle-earth to swipe you up, so the bucket was an excellent idea. :-)
The Shadow Realm IS a horrid place, and it really did take an elf like Legolas to inject some kind of beauty into it, but it would have killed him to stay on there - and it would have been painful, with all that dark *shudder*
You know what - I would have liked to see Aragorn's memories of Legolas too, mm-hmmm! :-) Very tempted to put some of those in the final chapter...
Which reminds me, I still have to get it written *eeep!* You might want to empty your bucket before that! :-D See you then, Wet Puddle. Thank you for the review - somehow a chapter without one from you doesn't feel complete. :-)
Hugs,
Legolass
Linda Hoyland
· 25 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
A truly gripping chapter.The Shadow Realm is a very scary place.I love the way you show Legolas's devotion.This chapter has an almost Biblical feel to it.Very well written.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I know what you mean by the Biblical feel, though it wasn't intended - the deliverance from evil theme was there.
Thanks for the review. I think you get to see Faramir next chapter. ;-)
Legolass
eliza61
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
Didn't I tell you before you are going to have to have medical warnings at the beginning of your chapters. I think I needed some thing a lot stronger than coffee. What a great ride, even knowing that these two would make it out ok (only because I know you would not be so cruel as to send me into therapy by not having a happy ending) the emotional struggle between every one came across loud and clear. Great, great story.
I'll chat with during my "monthly" update.
Your fan & friend
Eliza
Author's reply
*stops roller coaster*
Lol - yes you did ask for medical warnings, Eliza! I'll keep you mind when and if that becomes necessary in future. But with one chapter left, and no other story started yet (though I've been mulling over something) - the warning may be quite a while in coming. :-)
Thank you for dropping in here, and I will wait for your monthly mail.
Your friend,
Legolass
Elflingimp
· 23 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
I bow down in awe of you,I think this whole chapter put me into shock!! I feel like I ran ten miles or something,that was awesome! Need I go on?(and I have tinnitus and I was thinking qbout it when the part about the sound came up.LOL)
Author's reply
You feel like you ran ten miles? I wouldn't mind all that exercise, lol. But I think this whole story has been one marathon race for me. :-) And it's people like you who make it worthwhile. Thank you for loving the story and the characters as much as I do.
Oh, and that ringing in your ears is me saying: see you next update!
Legolass (hugs for Jacob)
Alison H
· 23 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
Wow, Legolass, I'm utterly exhausted emotionally after reading this chapter!I just do not have the words to convey how incredible this story has been and I can imagine that you are drained emotionally, too!
'The Sound' was pure genius! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the battle of wills and the images from Aragorn's memory--but I wasn't quite sure whether Legolas had the strength to pull Aragorn away from The Shadow, but love prevailed in the end--as it always should.
This was wonderful, Legolass.I can't praise your writing highly enough.I'm looking forward to the final chapter but go and have a well deserved rest before you post again ;D.
Take care.
Ali.
Author's reply
I'm glad the chapter had you on the edge of your seat, Ali - it was intended that way. :-)
Thank you for your constant support and compliments. See you in the final chapter!
Legolass
Idril Celebrindal
· 23 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
Legolass,
I was very happy to receive notification of a new chapter, can't wait to read the next one. A much deserved rest is in store for all(yourself included).
How ironic that you would write about "the sound" and I had just watched a show about a place in Arizona(Sedona) where people are going to do that very thing, to listen and reach another plane where they can be aware of all things around them and inside of them.
Thank you for the wonderful story!
Idril
Author's reply
Wow - what a coincidence! I didn't know they actually get together to do such things, but I do know that the Eastern mystics have talked about that Sound for ages. It intrigues me. :-)
Thank you for the review, Idril. See you in the final chapter,
Legolass
harrowcat
· 23 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
Wow!
The quality of your story crafting is amazing. Just too much wonderful writing to comment much. Looking forward to the final bit and then to a re-read - when I can find a bit of leisure time!
BTW thanks for all the warnings at the beginning of this chapter.!
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat. I assume you did had to read it quickly.
See you next (much shorter) chapter.
Legolass
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 23 April 2007
· Chapter 31: In Shadow Realm: The End
My goodness, I was practically leaning out of my chair, so tense was I. I think I had tears in my eyes during one moment of the story.
This was truly a beautiful and touching story from the beginning to the end, mellon nin.
Awaiting the last chapter. :-)
~Calenlass
Author's reply
Glad the chapter had that effect on you, Calenlass. It makes the effort worthwhile. Thank you for the review, and see you next chapter.
Legolass
Silivren Tinu
· 16 April 2007
· Chapter 30: In Shadow Realm - Encounter
Here I am finally! I have to say I really like it to have a chapter from you waiting for me in my inbox, but reading said chapter is even more wonderful than looking forward to it - in spite of the fact that the ending is not exactly what I'd call reassuring. ;-)
I'm beginning to become more than a bit nervous about where this story's headed, but I guess I'll have to live with that, huh? *drills a hole into stone wall, squeezes through it, and wraps herself around Legolas and Aragorn determined to not lose sight of them whatever a certain author may have planned*
I do not even want to think about Legolas having to stay in such a place for all eternity or about Aragorn losing himself forever! *shudder* I was so relieved that the Lady's Lamp had somehow accompanied Legolas into the Shadow Realm, I do not know how he ever would have been able to find Aragorn without it. Your description of the Shadow Realm was fascinating, vivid, surreal, and eerie.
"He could only place his trust in a bond that would transcend all speech." *sigh* There were lots of melt-worthy moments in that chapter, and the moment when Legolas found Aragorn was heart-breaking. I had hoped so much that Aragorn would be able to remember him, or at least *want* to remember him, but the state he's already in is frightening. Poor Legolas - finding Aragorn like that must have been the worst shock of his life, even with the dream to warn him. Still, I can't believe that Aragorn won't react to his friend's presence given some time - the bond between them can't be lost already, not as long as Aragorn still lives. *sniff* Besides, no-one can't react to being hugged by Legolas (I couldn't *g*)!
I know exactly how the elves, hobbits, men and one dwarf waiting on the other side of the stone wall feel right now. *wonders if chewing fingernails would help her to calm down until the next chapter* Legolas' selfless love for Aragorn is incredibly touching, I only hope he won't have to go through with that vow. *big tearful puppy-eyes look pleadingly at author* I'm a bit torn between melting and worrying right now, I'll probably have to do both. ;-) A wonderful chapter, Legolass - if anything, the story keeps getting better, I only hope you don't plan to kill all of us with the ending. *g*
*hugs*
Duckie *waddling in circles, tearing her feathers, and racking her brains over how to best free her elf and ranger* :D
Author's reply
Aaah, how I've missed you, Duckie - feathers, pecking and all. *hugs* It's good to hear you sounding so cheerful - although this chapter did not end on such a good note. :-)
Well the ending is coming up soon, perhaps in less than a week. So - keep waddling in the meantime, and keep sending your best wishes and hopes to our poor Elf and Ranger. They need it. Let's hope their bond will not fail them - but what am I saying - I will determine whether it does, right? Or maybe this story has a life of its own...
See you again soon, Duckie, and take care of yourself!
Hugs
Legolass
Grumpy
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 30: In Shadow Realm - Encounter
Hmmmmm, Legolas seems to be having problems getting Aragorn to move along in the right direction. Maybe he should give Aragorn a hotfoot (are there matches in Middle Earth??), or shave off his beard, to get his attention.
Legolas's nightmare has come true, and with the light fading, he needs some help!
Author's reply
Lol - what's a "hotfoot" Grumpy? Anyway it would be really hard to give Aragorn a shave in the Shadow Realm don't you think? :-D
Yes Legolas' nightmare is materializing, and the elf has to find a solution - or perish with his friend. The next chapter will determine all, I suppose. See you then - and thank you for your very welcome visit.
Legolass
Tiari Clovis
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 30: In Shadow Realm - Encounter
Wow, I wouldn't want to visit the Shadow Realm! Certainly not. I loved the begining chapter's discribing the place. You really got the oppresive blackness across and the...well how easily one could dispair in there.
Great chapter! I loved it.
I can't imagine how Legolas is going to reach Aragorn. I hope he can.
Oh, I love the twists in your stories too. I read For the Love of the Lord of the White Tree too. I liked that one as well, but I thin I like this one even better. I do need to review that one too.
Okay here's what I noticed, keep in mind I'm just a beginer when it comes to critiqing and I hope I don't offend or anything like that
Pitch black ink, swirling and churning in thick waves – loaded with vicious desire to consume, to overwhelm. {Nothing with this one I just loved it, so descriptive!}
Terror grew in him and tried to release itself in a cry – and it was then that the elf realized he was not drawing breathing {Here I think you want breath too, instead of breathing. Or you could eliminate the drawing and Just have not breathing. Up to you} … no, no breath! No breath!
He no longer took stock of where he was in the Realm, or how far he had gone, but plodded on, seeking, suppressing the tension that simmered somewhere within him, and grimly holding on to hope. {This sentence here seems a little long to me,}
Well that's all I noticed.
Okay, this is long enough. Talk to you Later, Tiari
Author's reply
Tiari, I just re-read what I had written in response to your review for the last chapter (29) and horrified myself - I know I wrote it half-asleep and it showed, lol! Well I hope this one is a bit more coherent, although I can tell you I am stealing time between 'real-life' tasks again to do it. :-)
First, thanks so much for your observations about the SR. It's nice to know it comes across as a horrible place, which it is.
Second - THANK YOU for picking up that mistake (breathing)! I had actually used breathing first, then changed it to 'drawing breath,' but neglected to make the corresponding change for 'breathing' - I did say I wrote it half-asleep! So thank you for informing me - it's rectified now.
As for the long sentence, however, I'm afraid I'm going to leave it as it is. :-) You see, I want the stories to be in keeping with the discourse of that era, whereby tales were written in long sentences, with lots of embedded clauses. Tolkien did that, too, quite often. :-) It can sound cumbersome, I know, and if I were writing a contemporary story for commerical purposes, for today's readers of contemporary stories - that kind of sentence would be chucked out of the computer screen faster than an arrow from the elf prince's bow! But for my LOTR tales - I guess I will beg to adhere to that kind of discourse. :-) I DO appreciate your candour nevertheless, and you are not wrong; you'll just have to forgive me for that indulgence. :-)
Thanks again for your review, Tiari. I wish you'd been here in the earlier stages of the story, but better late than never. See you next update (and perhaps in the review pages of "For the Love...".)
Regards,
Legolass
harrowcat
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 30: In Shadow Realm - Encounter
How could we forget you Legolass? Sorry that RL is being difficult for you too.
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat, it's nice to know you remember me! I've missed hearing from all of you. See you next update - when 'real life' lets me. :-)
Legolass
Linda Hoyland
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 30: In Shadow Realm - Encounter
This is a truly chilling chapter and maybe I'm not very smart to read it just before going to bed !Legolas's devotion is very touching.
Gripping and well written as always.
Author's reply
Hope you didn't get nightmares from the chapter, Linda. :-) Thank you for dropping in - I've missed you and the others.
See you next update - which will determine the outcome of Legolas' efforts and Aragorn's fate.
Legolass
MMB
· 10 March 2007
· Chapter 30: In Shadow Realm - Encounter
I have only recently come to your stories - and before I started reading this one, I read For The Love of the Lord of the White Tree. I'm am in awe of your command of the characters and ability to weave a compelling and addictive story. This story is just as good as the one that it follows, and you can be assured that I will be checking out any other tales you have posted here.
I can understand the demands of Real Life getting in the way of writing - I too write fan fiction (another universe entirely for the time being, although I'm beginning to dip my toes into the LotR universe) and have a Real Life that tends to seriously get in the way. Please know that I will be anxiously and patiently waiting for your next update. You've left everyone very much in the thick of danger here.
Nicely done!
Author's reply
Welcome to this story, MMB, although it's drawing to a close very soon! Thank you for your compliments, and I hope my other tales will give you pleasure as well. And I hope the LOTR universe will see more than your dipped toes. :-)
Yes 'real' life (I consider LOTR my TRUE real life) is pretty demanding at this time, but I'll try to update as soon as I can. Legolas and Aragorn are really in danger as you say. The next chapter will find them out of it - or spell the end for them. *eeep*
See you then, I hope.
Legolass
Alison H
· 9 March 2007
· Chapter 30: In Shadow Realm - Encounter
Hi, Legolass! I was only thinking of you yesterday---I'm glad you're back.
Poor Legolas, he is trying so hard to bring his beloved Aragorn back but the Shadow Realms' hold on the King is strong.I do not doubt Legolas' determination to bring his friend home but I worry that the cost to Legolas will be too great.
Your writing was full of wonderful, but terrifying, images once again and I felt Legolas' panic when he couldn't find his friend.I love your way with words.
Your brilliant story is drawing to a close and I'll be sorry to see it end.Legolas will be known to Aragorn in the end, won't he? I hope real life lets you update soon!
Take care.
Ali.
Author's reply
Hi Ali,
It is obviously a VERY hard and painful time for our elf. I wonder whether the "cost... will be too great", as you say. Next chapter will tell, and yes the story is drawing to a close, so it has to be make or break for Legolas and Aragorn. See you then - and thank you for reviewing - I miss my online friends!
Legolass
Tiari Clovis
· 27 February 2007
· Chapter 29: Maelstrom
That was an intense chapter.
I've read all of the story now and you're very good at bringing the emotions out and your discriptions are excellant. I love the Strong bond of friendship between Aragorn and Legolas. It's too bad not everyone has a friendship of that sort.
I hope you get the next chapter out pretty soon anyway, I'll definately be on the look out for it no matter how long it may take.
Talk to you Later Tiari
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words, Tiari. I'm glad to have you as a reader, though there're only one or two chapter left. :-)
It's taken mre much longer than I expected to get the next chapter out, but I hope I will be able to do it within this week. Hope to see you again then.
Legolass
Nayru
· 15 January 2007
· Chapter 29: Maelstrom
Greetings Legolass,
I am so ...impressed by this chapter! You've left me speechless! No words could describe the beauty and the richness of this chapter! Legolass, I know I've said it a thousand times but I will say it again, your writing is wonderful! I felt the love between Elf and Man. A few tears escaped me as I read! I adore this chapter. Never have I seen such a magnificent chapter.
Continue to impress me,
Nayru
Author's reply
Nayru, thank you very much for your kind words. Nothing pleases me more than to know that some part of my story moves readers - thanks for letting me know it touched you. :-)
See you next update (which is already overdue, I know....)
Happy New Year!
Legolass
Vanadesse
· 3 January 2007
· Chapter 29: Maelstrom
La vérité sort de la bouche des enfants!
I don't know if this saying exists in english. It means : Truth comes from children's mouth. The little girl is so cute.
The friendship between Aragorn and Legolas is so full of sensibility. Heart-wrenching, true friendship. I didn't expect Legolas to take the place of Lord Celeborn. I should have! It makes sense.
Author's reply
(Truth comes) Out of the mouths of babes!
That's the English equivalent of what you said in French (is it French?). Yes, that describes the scene very well. :-)
And yes, Legolas had to go in after Aragorn - no way he would have allowed anyone else to do it. So let's see what happens.
Thank you for the review and see you next update - but only a couple of chapters left.
Legolass
Vanadesse
· 3 January 2007
· Chapter 20: Steps in Time
Hi there!
I'm Mara Angel from Fanfiction.net.
I didn't know that you have made a sequel to For the Love of the Lord of the WT and i am glad to have found it!
Your story is full of beautiful moments. Friendship at his best. I like to see the others Companions brought together to the places some of them didn't see during the Quest. It can do nothing else than increase their respect for each other.
I love to see Aragorn through the eyes of others, especially to illustrate the duality between the King and the Ranger.
Do your entire story came to you from that scene in the book where Aragorn see a skeleton by a door on the Paths of the Deads? Clever to use this mystery of Tolkien and resolve it.
Author's reply
Hello, Vanadesse/Mara Angel!
I'm glad you found this story too, and appreciate your compliments - thank you. :-) I'm delighted that you approve of my bringing the Companions to places they did not go during the Quest. As you put it: it could do nothing but increase their respect for each other.
To answer your question about the inspiration for the story: yes! that scene from the book with the skeleton by the door on the PoD has always intrigued me, and I've often wondered who that man was. There was something I read in the Silmarillion that suggested who he might have been, but I simply could not find that reference again - so I created my own story. :-) I'm glad you like it.
Legolass
Author Reply:
Hello, Vanadesse/Mara Angel!
I'm glad you found this story too, and appreciate your compliments - thank you. :-) I'm delighted that you approve of my bringing the Companions to places they did not go during the Quest. As you put it: it could do nothing but increase their respect for each other.
To answer your question about the inspiration for the story: yes! that scene from the book with the skeleton by the door on the PoD has always intrigued me, and I've often wondered who that man was. There was something I read in the Silmarillion that suggested who he might have been, but I simply could not find that reference again - so I created my own story. :-) I'm glad you like it.
Legolass
ziggy
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 29: Maelstrom
Oh wow! I have only just stumbled stupidly out of your writings having discovered them a couple of days ago-I had seen them posted here but never really read them and then read the first chapter and thought ..hm. Thsi looks promisng. Sooo- read the Love of the Lord of the white tree - becasue in your intor you wrote about that fic... and read avidly for two days - and nights! And have just finished reading up tot his. It is wonderful.
One of the things I notice most about the plots is that you always surprise. I think I know where you are going- and you do someting beautifully unexpected and utterly right.
I could ramble on for ages and feel I should, becasue I have enjoyed your hard work so much - but wont, becasue it becomes a witter.
I love the way you returned to the Paths of the Dead- one of the great things abot LOTR is the way Tolkien left things untold- and the skeleton scratching at the door is one of those haunting images. I love the ideas in this- they are complete and so well thought out. You must have the plot fully developed before you start writing becasue it feels that you always know where you are going.
I loved the dialogue between the dwarves in Orthanc- made me laugh!And Legolas was always going to do this- you set that up right at the beginnig.
I also think your wiritng in this fic is even better than in the first- it convinces and compels you to read on. I know I was so caught up in the stroy that ( shamefully admits) I skim read just t find out the next bit- I think that is what happens when you have a long or completed fic as opposed to waiting anxiously for an update, which you savour and treasure and hoard like some old dragon!
I really do love the dwarves in this. And Merry and Pippin. And the way you wrote Sam going over that path again to Shelob's lair- really good. And oh- Hamille!!!! Isnt he to Legolas what legolas is to Aragorn?? Maybe not the same- but certainly the sacrifice he made for legoals is very great- in suffering the sea longing. I dont think Legolas really appreciates what he would do for Legolas though - but I also read the short fic about Beleg and loved Hamille in that. I hope Legolas realises this a bit more ...I am very anxious about how Legolas is going to get Aragorn out of there- a bit of a task really. I cant wait for the update. Thank you. Will now go and read everything else.
Author's reply
Hi, Ziggy, sorry for this late reply - I'm sure you know about the disruption to international links because of the Taiwan earthquake that destroyed cables, so i've been experiencing problems getting access to sites hosted in the U.S.
Anyway, thank you very much for the very complimentary review you sent. :-) I'm delighted that you appreciate the characters: the dwarves, Sam, etc. as well as my taking elements of Tolkien's work and weaving stories around them - yes I love doing that because I think it allows me to imagine while still honoring his work. But unlike what you think, I don't always have the whole plot in mind before I start. It's usually a big picture to begin with, but the whole process is very organic, and ideas develop as I write, so that the plot can actually change as it moves along. That is part of the fun, though, and as long as it comes across as a smooth plot to the readers, that's fine by me!
But you're right about readers hungrily awaiting and savoring chapters of works in progress. I find it a very interesting dynamic. However, there are readers who have read each of the stories thoroughy despite coming in late, because so much of the emotion and mood (especially the interaction between Aragorn and Legolas, my two central characters) are carefully conveyed through the words - I guess some are more patient than others. :-)
And re Hamille: yes he's become quite a favorite among readers. :-) And yes, he has great love for and loyalty to Legolas, and you can be sure the prince knows it VERY well. But it's the friendship between Elf and Man that fascinates me because it's so prevalent in Tolkien's writing and because it is the love between beings of two races - so I tend to focus on that.
How is Legolas going to get Aragorn out of the Realm, you ask? Ah, but you are assuming he will... :-) Well, the next chapter (or two) will tell, though goodness knows when I can post that, sigh...
In the meantime, I wish you Peace and Joy for the new year. May it be a great one for you! See you next upate,
Legolass
Author Reply:
Ziggy, I'm posting this on 28/4/07 in response to the review you left for Chap 31 at the ff.net site because I had no add to reply to there. Just want to thank you for the heartwarming reaction to the chapter and the tale as a whole. It pleases me greatly that you appreciate my taking elements from the original stories and weaving tales around them. I will keep doing that for as long as I can. :-)
Hope to see you at the end of the journey next chapter.
Legolass
Linda Hoyland
· 25 December 2006
· Chapter 29: Maelstrom
The depths of love and loyalty your characters(and Tolkien's) show for each other is truly moving and awe inspiring and I think why I love these stories so much.
A very moving chapter,thank you.
Wishing you every happiness for 2006.
Author's reply
I wish you Peace and Joy for 2007 too, Linda (I think that's the year you meant, lol!) - may your heart find the kind of love our Elf and Ranger and other beloved characters share.
Thanks much for the review.
Legolass
Mordaen
· 20 December 2006
· Chapter 29: Maelstrom
Please say they will get out of this. It's so sad that Legolas doesn't want to live without Aragorn, although we can't expect anything else. This is a great story so please update soon!
Author's reply
Hello, Mordaen,
Yes, it should not be any surprise that Legolas would wish to be with Aragorn. He would not want to leave his friend alone to face any kind of trouble, let alone a world of constant darkness. But... whether they remain there or not... I guess that will be answered in the final two chapters coming up. :-)
Thank you very much for the review, Mordaen. It was lovely to hear from you.
Legolass