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's 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!
Mystwing
· 30 November 2005
· Chapter 39: Hope Fades
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's 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.
Robinscat
· 30 November 2005
· Chapter 39: Hope Fades
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's reply
Darn that Ranger! (shakes him vigorously) Wake up, Aragorn!!! Fever and injury and unconsciousness just won't do here!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 30 November 2005
· Chapter 39: Hope Fades
:(
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's 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 H
· 30 November 2005
· Chapter 39: Hope Fades
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's 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.
Melissa
· 30 November 2005
· Chapter 39: Hope Fades
Just rip my heart out and be done with it, it's easier that way! :)
Author's 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!
French Pony
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 39: Hope Fades
Oh, I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is doing better. Anxiety disorders are scary things to have, especially when one is only eight years old. Take good care of her, and give her my best wishes.
Legolas, on the other hand, appears to have hit rock bottom. But, in the depths of despair, he still has friends, and that was a wonderful moment when Alun entered the cell. He's just the sort of person Legolas needs right now -- unconditionally caring and truthful, and also someone who will believe what Legolas has to say. They'll make a good team. Alun is smart and Legolas is resourceful.
And Aragorn may well be on his way, providing help unlooked-for and a big dose of cheer to our plucky heroes of the chapter.
Author's reply
Hello FP! Finally some time start these responses. Thatnks for your good wishes for my daughter. She is busy playing with her friend right now, and she had a fun Christmas.
Legolas is indeed in a bad way, but he does have friends, even one or two he has not met yet. Alun will return, and though the darned Ranger is not awake yet (sigh of impatience!) he will do so soon.
Ridleyfan
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Sorry this review is so late - my computer expired completely and had to be replaced. But I was so glad to see an update when I finally got back on line! I hope all is well with you and your daughter.
This story is so brilliant and I love the new developments - you've got several really intriguing plot threads going now and you weave them togther so deftly.
I thought this chapter was really excellently executed. The slow revelation of Legolas's situation as he returned to consciousness was so real, and your use of restricted narration here increased the tension of the scene.
It had a sort of poetic irony to it, that everything we learnt was through the senses of a blind elf. This was very nicely done with great attention to detail; smell, touch, feel, sound; all conveyed vividly.
And behind it all, I knew it had to be a plot or a coup or something to gain power - but several questions still remain, not the least of which is how Alun fits into all this.
Meanwhile, Aragorn is out of it, and unaware what has happened to Legolas - and Legolas thinks Aragorn is dead! Phew! I can't wait to see how you resolve all these dire situations.
I hope you are able to return to the story soon. In the meantime all good wishes to you and your daughter.
Author's reply
Hi Ridleyfan. Sorry I missed responding to this sooner.
I try hard to come up with good descriptions of what the elf is perceiving without his eyesight. Sometimes I cannot wait to write a new story where he has his eyes again, as the blind POV is so difficult sometimes.
Aragorn really needs to get with it again, and Alun needs to get the rebellion going, and Legolas needs to hang on until he learns that his friend is indeed alive. Which means I've got more writing to do!
ziggy
· 31 October 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
I know this is late and hope that things are well with you and your daughter. I found it difficut to write a review after reading your author note becasue it was so from the heart and in pain. And the relationship we readers have with you writers is somewhat personal online- from this side anyway. I have thought of you often and wished you well. It seemed inadequate to review the last chapter, so i have put it off. But that is also unfair becasue you have worked to give us this, and the least we can do is review.
I am lost in admiration for the twisting of this plot- and although i realsied what had happened momnets before Legolas, I have not been drugged etc. so it became even more effective. Tortuouisly slowly, you revealed the scene to us, like slowly pulling a veil aside to show us what had transpired. EEK! Legolas, get out of there! I love it that your Legolas never does stupid things that none of us would do- he TRIES to get out- but they have already thought of that. Oh and that Ramhar- he's clever, quick and ambititous, utteryl ruthless. We still have a lot to learn about him and his hatred for the elves.But not even he is as nasty as MAlcovan - he is scarey. He is not just ruthless, but cruel, and he is not fueled by some sort of revenge - this has always been lurking there at the edges of your description of him, and now we know. His Master.... shudder- I have a nasty feeling about all this!
Author's reply
Hi Ziggy! Do not apologize for late reviews. Actually I rather like them. It's a treat to get one after they have stopped coming in. I appreciate your good wishes as well. My daughter is much improved, though still struggling with anxiety and OCD. It will probably be a long road, perhaps even into her adulthood, with ups and downs to be expected. It is essential that she get a great deal of my attention, and that sadly takes time away from the writing of this story. But the next chapter is in the works, and I do hope to post by Turkey Day.
e_vrouw
· 2 October 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Hi,
I'm still reading but I'm also very busy (like you).
I like how you picked up the pace.
Keep the momentum going.
e_vrouw
Author's reply
Hi e_vrouw. I'm slowly beginning to flesh out the next chapter. Hope to post next month. See you then.
WindSinger
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Oh, bad, nasty, evil Ramhar! Too bad he is also really very cleaver. It almost makes me feel physically ill when good people are the victims of well planned and executed evil. Well done!
And will Tarnan be swayed by the obvious or will he be open minded, in tune, or smart enough to take the time to delve deeper?
And what about Alun? I do so hope he can, somehow, escape. I really do not want to loose him and reading about what Ramhar might do to him, especially if he does not survive, would be VERY difficult.
And an old, evil, nasty sorcer to boot! This is a stacked deck, no question, and it does not look good for our friends.
Gad, this just keeps getting nastier and nastier (and better and better -- but only because I have faith you will not kill off Legolas or Aragorn and all will be well by the end (hopefully a long way off) of your story.
I just do not have the words to tell you how much I love this story!
I certainly hope your daughter is well by now and that life is good. Those who bring such pleasure to so many should only have good things in their life -- but I know that is not usually the case in 'real' life. Good, positive thoughts dancing, spinning and winging your way.
Thanks again for the wonderful chapter. I am looking forward to seeing the next development. Just how is this mess going to be resolved? And how about Aragorn? And -- poor Legolas!
Sigh-----
WindSinger
Author's reply
Nope, no elf or ranger death here. I'd take it too hard and start bawling or some darned thing. I couldn't handle it if I killed one of them... I love them too much!
Things are rather tense. Our friends are all going to have to scramble to get out of this one.
My daughter is better, enough so that I hope I can give this story some of my attention again. I have begun working on the next chapter, and hope to get it out by Thanksgiving. Thanks for your good wishes!
Muinthel
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
....hey....I just stumbled over this... Great that you are back!
Hope everything is ok at home again. E-mail still the same.....?
I was thinking about you this summer! Have news for you...;-))!!
Muinthel
Author's reply
Yes, the same email! I look forward to hearing from you.
Author Reply: Hello again! How are things?
anne
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
greate story
i hope your child wil be better soon
(sorry for my bad spelling but i am dutch)
Author's reply
Hello Anne! Your spelling is perfectly understandable, and I'm thrilled to have another international reader! Folks from other countries make writing that much more enjoyable.
My child is feeling better, and I have begun working on the next chapter. I hope to have it ready next month. Thank you for reviewing.
fliewatuet
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Urgh. So that's Ramhar's true purpose. Though right now, the old man is even more frightening than Ramhar himself. I dare not think about what Legolas is about to face.
This chapter was another great read and I am sorry to hear that you are forced to take a break. But I can fully understand that the well-being of your child has highest priority and that such events don't leave much room for letting the muses have their way. I hope that your child gets well again soon and wish you all the best,
fliewatuet
Author's reply
The old man is way scarier than Ramhar. Ramhar's just a arrogant dude. Malcovan is eeeviiilll....
Things have settled with my daughter somewhat, and the muses have been tickling me lately. I'm trying to give them their way as much as I can, and have started work at last on the next chapter. It'll be a few weeks yet, but I hope to keep rolling.
Thundera Tiger
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
You know, I think this might be one of the most on-time reviews I've given lately. I'm rather impressed with myself. Everybody, cheer!
Err, right. On a more serious note, I was sorry to read the author's note about your daughter, and you have my wishes for her well being. Whatever the problem might be, I hope you find a solution for it. Best of luck, and don't even think of returning to the online world until the situation is resolved. She is far more important than any of us and I pray for the best.
In the meantime, though, I hope you won't begrudge me the chance to send off this review for an absolutely fabulous chapter. Pieces are falling together rapidly now, and though I don't have them all put together yet, I'm very excited nonetheless. When Legolas woke up, I guessed what had happened moments before he realized it, which made me happy, but it's a testament to your skill as a writer that the chapter lost none of its edge no matter how many right or wrong guesses I made. The writing carries itself with no reliance on the twists or the mystery, which makes the twists and the mystery that much stronger.
As usual, the plot unfolds itself with slow relish, and I love the methodical way Legolas has created to discover where he is and what is happening. It's becoming almost routine at this point, which both saddens me and gives me hope. He's definitely adjusting, but it's still difficult to see that the adjustments needed to be made. I have to applaud the men for the care and planning they've put into this. The string around the ankle was a great touch. And the ensuing commotion was brilliantly portrayed. I love the way you've so thoroughly integrated the world of sound and touch, and by tapping into some of the more perceptive senses of the elf (such as that warning bell that goes off whenever the old man draws near) you've made a very complete picture despite his sightlessness. I find I'm not lacking for any details and that I can conjure up the entire thing in my mind's eye.
The give and take between the men was fantastic. I think Ramhar might have been overplaying his part a little bit, but he's allowed. His big plans are coming to fruition, and I doubt anyone will notice the overacting except for Legolas, who knows the truth. And apparently there's not much he can do about that. I'm intrigued, though, by the fact that he continues to hide his blindness from the people. I understand hiding it from Ramhar in the beginning, but now...that's interesting. That's actually what has me stumped more than anything else right now. Why hasn't Legolas revealed the fact that he can't see?
And then comes the clincher that ties together a good portion of the first half of the story: the boy. When I realized that Legolas had been set up, my first thought was that they had killed Alun. But that didn't feel right and I didn't think Alun was a big enough target. Then you mentioned something about a boy and regency, and my thoughts immediately turned to Tarnan. I knew something like this was coming, but I didn't expect it to play out on such a grand scale as this. Brilliant twist, and I can't wait to see where you take it from here!
So now we're left with a VERY interesting situation. There's Aragorn, who apparently has found some allies but is out for the count, there's Legolas, who has found very few allies and is also out for the count, there's Ramhar, who has a strange grudge against the Mirkwood elves and Legolas's mother, and there's Malcovan, who serves Sauron in Dol Guldur and hopes to gain something from us. Malcovan is right up there on the intrigue scale with Legolas's refusal to reveal his blindness. Obviously Sauron would be pleased with the destruction of Mirkwood's prince, but he has to be after something more. Malcovan was there not to get Legolas but to help Ramhar stir the people against all the Mirkwood elves. What does he hope to accomplish here? That's something I'm still working out. I'm not sure what Sauron hopes a town of men could do against Thranduil's people, but perhaps I'm not seeing the bigger picture. Perhaps this is about sewing rifts and divides among the races. Sauron has the patience and the time to play a game like that, and it wouldn't have been the first time that he did it, either. Very interesting...
Anyway, update when you get the chance, but until then, know that we're waiting patiently and praying for the best. Thank you for a marvelous chapter!
Author's reply
Hello Thundera! At last I am catching up with these reviews. Thank you again for your support in earlier communications concerning my daughter. Her recovery is a work in progress, but she is doing much better, and I am daring to hope that I can put just a little bit of my attention back on this story now.
And thank you for such a fabulous review! Wow. I'm as amazed in re-reading it today as I was the day I got it. Long and detailed and full of nice compliments. Just what we fledgling writers love.
BUT, you scared me a bit. Yes, scared me! Do not think this is a bad thing. I've simply realized that with people like you and Ithilien and Lamiel reading this, I've got to stay on my toes and keep my plot in order. I'm embarrassed to confess this, but it is apparent from your review that you have thought about the plot of this tale more than I have! Oh yikes, I'd better get to it and nail this puppy down. The pressure's on.
Scampers off to dig out old copy of The Silmarillion...
Ireth
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
This absolutely fabulous chapter has me shaking with fear for Legolas, Alun and Mirkwood. And what about Aragorn? Is he well?
I will wait for any update from you, I hope your daughter will be well soon, take your time in tending to her and I will be here waiting for more!!!
I still have to find another story that is better then this one!! Thank you so much for posting, lots of hugs and kisses!!!
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, our heroes are in big trouble at the moment. Aragorn will be fine. We need him on his feet soon, but first he'd better gather his strength. I have just begun work on the next chapter. Lord only knows when it will be done, but it's nice to at least be somewhat back with this story again.
Socket
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
First, I sincerely hope your daughter's health improves soon. She will be in my thoughts.
Well, the plots of the storie are starting to converge! I was wondering how you were going to get Alun and Tarnan back into the story. Great, suspenseful chapter! Poor Legolas -- his whole world is turning upside down.
Author's reply
Hi Socket. She is feeling better now, and I am trying to play catch up with my reviewers! And I have finally begun work on the next chapter. I hope to post next month. I hope!
Bev
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Wow! My heart is still pounding and my blood is still boiling after reading this chapter. I just knew it....they were going to use him as a scapegoat and frame him in order to gain control of the city. The slow awareness, that came over Legolas as he felt his way around, was pure genius. Hopefully, Tarnan will get a grip on what has happened and not let Ramhar lead him to believe that Legolas could have been deceiving him. Hang in there Tarnan...trust your instincts...remember what a good friend he had been. Oh..poor Alun...I am very afraid for him. I have a feeling he may never get a chance to speak to Tarnan...much less Legolas. Ok Aragorn...it's time to make an appearence here...I'm worried sick about Legolas. Again...FANTASTIC! Someone else said novel...I agree. This is more than just a story...it is a novel.
So sorry to hear about your daughters sickness. Hope she is up and about real soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace
Author's reply
Hi Bev. Yep, we could use that Ranger about now. But, though it seems like it has been ages since Legolas has been abducted (due to the long wait between chapters), it has really only been about two days. Aragorn is still rather out of it, but fear not. He will be on his feet and filled with righteous wrath soon enough!
My daughter improves, and life goes on. I'm trying to jump (well "wade knee-deep" might be a more accurate description) back into fanfic now.
LenaLove
· 10 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
And so it begins, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. Poor Legolas! The plot slowly unravels and the elf suffers for his innoccence and that of the boy.
Thank you for this eagerly awaited chapter, Lori. Again I am totally gripped by this wonderful fanfic, this exciting novel. I have read and re-read it many times while I wait. :)
Author's reply
Hello! The elf is in a bit of a pickle, that's sure. I am slowly trying once again to carve out some time to work on this story. I hope I can post the next chapter next month.
Mystwing
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
This is an absolutely enthralling story! I just wanted to let you know how very much I enjoy reading it and I look forward to reading more, whenever that may be.
I wish you all the best and I hope that your daughter is well again soon. The laughter of a child is one of the treasures that makes us truly blessed. Until then, may all stars shine upon your path.
Author's reply
Thank you. The prayers and well-wishes have been more helpful than you can know. She is better, and I have slowly started to pull just a tiny fraction of my attention from her and back to working on this story. I would hate to leave it unfinished, and I won't. It will be slow, but it will be completed.
Robinscat
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Thank you for another chapter. This chapter was very powerful, full of half understood images and strong emotions. It left the reader with a suspended feeling of despair. How can Legolas get free of this horrible city, full of auful men? And where is Aragorn, can he come to the rescue?
But as a mother of 5, I know the anguish when a child is sick. Tend to your little one, we shall be here when she is well. I prey to the One that she feels better soon, and fills your ears with her laughter.
Robin
Author's reply
Goodness, five children! How on Middle-earth do you find any time for fanfic?
I have just this one child, and she has become all-consuming with her current needs. How does one juggle the needs of many? I admire you!
She is improved. She suffers from anxiety, and things got quite out of control. Now she sees a counselor who helps all of us (husband, child and me: our little family) with confronting her fears and learning coping skills. It's a constant battle, and it may be a protracted one. But slowly I am thinking she can fight her way out of this.
And so Mommy is trying to creep back into fanfic as circumstances allow. I have finally begun working on the next chapter.
Alisha B
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
I don't know when the last time was that I reviewed, but I thought now would be a good time. I never guessed that the story would take this direction, but I'm glad it did. I had been wondering what they would use Legolas for. Now all we have to do is wait for Aragorn to make an appearance... We haven’t seen him in a while, and I’ve been wondering what he’s up to. Plotting, I’m sure. :-)
I'm very sorry to hear about your child's illness, and I completely understand your need to take some time away. One year ago this month, I was diagnosed with a chronic disease. I was so focused on dealing with it that I didn't read or write anything for over 6 months. And although speaking as a grown child of 21yrs, when I was home I wanted nothing more then for my mother to be completely by my side. Take all the time you need, and I hope we'll see you around soon...
Author's reply
Thanks Alisha. I am sorry you are ill. I hope it is something that is under control and does not affect your daily life too strongly. My mother suffered decades from Crohn's disease, and it was a difficult road for her.
My little girl has anxiety, and she starves herself amongst other difficulties. It has been a very hard time for us, but she is much improved thanks to the help of a pediatric psychiatrist and a counselor. She will probably always have to do battle with her demons, but we are learning how to help her now. I am hoping that I will be able to reclaim some time for myself again and continue to make progress on this story.
Wantanelf
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
You made my day!! Thanks for the update.
Author's reply
No problem! I hope in November I can make your month. :)
Alison H
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
First of all, my best wishes go to your daughter.I hope she recovers from her illness soon.Give her a hug from me.
Poor Legolas, to be set up like that then be witness to Tarnan's devastation at the death of his sole parent.I wanted to give both Legolas and the boy a big hug.It was heartbreaking to read and I dread what is going to happen now.
Alun is in a lot of trouble! He should take Tarnan, find Aragorn, go to Mirkwood and get Thranduil---and then Ramhar and Malcoven get the biggest kicking of their lives.I *so* want Ramhar to get his comeuppence!
This story just gets better and better, if that is possible.I feel every emotion Legolas is feeling and you are doing a wonderful job.
Take care and update soon, but only when you are ready.
Ali.
Author's reply
Thank you for your wishes for my daughter. She is better, thank goodness, and Mommy is trying to reclaim some of her life again. I have begun working on the next chapter.
Yes, Alun is on the run, and things are looking grim indeed for our favorite elf. But Ramhar will get what he deserves, and perhaps even realize that he deserves it.
TithenFeredir
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
What a masterful reveal you did on this chapter. Other reviewers mentioned having visuals, but I was blind right along with Legolas, feeling first the slow awakening, the cool draft, the pain, on to finding the body and then the frantic search for an escape as it becomes apparent through sound alone that they are coming to discover him. To me the beauty of your method is the way it makes the reader also feel the terrible frustration, fear and vunerability that Legolas is feeling. I especially liked the bit where he refused to move for a time fearing that someone was there waiting for him to wake up. It was a kind of misdirection, and yet also chillingly authentic. Wouldn't anyone in Legolas' position have the same suspicion? The string on his ankle was another wonderful twist, since it solidified Legolas tactile clues into the certain knowledge that he had been perfectly set up. Then you twist the knife by having Tarnan discover the murder. The boy is doubly devastated, Alun is now in serious peril, and poor Legolas has been delivered yet another blow. You've ratcheded the angst almost to the unbearable point, but at the same time unless you plan to go right off the edge of AU, I now anticipate even more to be restored before the story is done. What goes down must come up...I hope. Thanks for giving us this incredibly gripping story!
I am so sorry to hear that your little one is not well, and hope that she is better soon. Blessings, ~TF
Author's reply
Goodness, thanks for all the praise! Writing from the POV of one who is blind still makes me nuts. It has gotten no easier. I do not plan to cross the line into A/U. I must keep some semblance of self-control here!
My daughter is better. For details, you can see my responses to others. Thank you for your well wishes.